Abstract:

【Objective】To further study the function of calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) gene family in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), it is necessary to isolate CDPKs from tobacco and describe the sequence characteristics, evolutionary relationship and gene expression. 【Method】 RT-PCR, RACE and bioinformatics methods were used to isolate CDPKs from tobacco. A phylogenetic tree was created using the MEGA4.0 program and the expression patterns of the 3 full-length CDPK genes were studied by RT-PCR. 【Result】 Eight additional tobacco CDPK genes were obtained, of which 3 possessed complete ORFs. Phylogenetic analysis divided 11 full-length Nicotiana CDPK genes into 4 subfamilies, and 2 putative tobacco and Arabidopsis orthologous CDPK genes might correspond to well-conserved functions. Three full-length tobacco CDPK genes were detected in all tobacco organs tested, but the expression patterns of them were significantly different. 【Conclusion】 Eight non-redundant tobacco CDPK genes were isolated in this study. Along with the previously characterized CDPK genes, at least 15 members of the CDPK family are existing in tobacco. This work established a foundation for a genome-wide study of this important gene family in tobacco.

Key words: Nicotiana tabacum, CDPK, phylogenetic tree, gene expression