AT108

Summary

AT108 Encodes an Arabidopsis Homolog of The Yeast and Human SKP1 Genes

AT108 (for Arabidopsis thaliana 108) is an Arabidopsis cDNA named after its Phalaenopsis O108 homolog. The AT108 cDNA sequence consists of 656 bp with an open reading frame of 387 bp. The AT108 gene encodes a putative protein of ~ 15 kD and a pI of 4.49. Recently, we found that AT108 is homologous to the yeast and human SKP1 genes that encode a novel kinetochore protein required for cell cycle progression throughout the DNA synthesis and the mitosis phases of the cell cycle. For further details, please see our publication by (Porat, Lu, and O'Neill, 1997).

Analysis of Gene Expression

The expression of the AT108 gene is highly correlated with meristem activity and its mRNA accumulates in all of the plant meristems including the vegetative shoot meristem, inflorescence and floral meristems (Panel A), root meristem, and in the leaf and floral organ primordia. In addition, the AT108 gene is also highly expressed in the dividing cells of the developing embryo, and in other cells that become multinucleate or undergo endoreplication such as the endosperm free nuclei, the tapetum and the endothelium. Based on its sequence homology to SKP1 and its spatial pattern of expression, we suggest that AT108 is a novel plant cell cycle regulator gene required for meristem activity and cell proliferation.