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Molecular cloning and expression analysis of three omega-6 desaturase genes from purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.)

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Abstract

Two full-length cDNA clones of PoleFAD2 and one full-length cDNA clone of PoleFAD6, encoding ω-6 fatty acid desaturases, the key enzymes for the conversion of oleic into linoleic acid, were isolated from purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) leaves and seeds. The deduced amino acid sequence of both isoforms of PoleFAD2 showed higher similarities to other microsomal ω-6 desaturases then to PoleFAD6 or other plastidial orthologues, and vice versa. Expression analysis by RT-PCR showed that all genes are expressed in all tissues of purslane tested, but higher levels of mRNA accumulation were detected in reproductive organs and cells that proliferate rapidly or store lipids. Wounding affected the levels of mRNA accumulation of both, FAD2 and FAD6 genes in purslane leaves, while chilling stress affected only FAD2 transcript level. The expression patterns observed reflect the discrete roles of these genes in membrane synthesis for cell division, thylakoid development, and lipid storage or in the biosynthetic pathway for the production of signaling molecules that influence plant development or defense.

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Acknowledgement

This work was supported by a FCT PhD grant to Monica Teixeira. I also would like to acknowledge the School of Pure and Applied Natural Sciences, University of Kalmar, where these studies were conducted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal

    M. C. Teixeira, N. Coelho & I. S. Carvalho

  2. IBB/CGB—UTAD, Vila Real, 5001-801, Portugal

    M. C. Teixeira, N. Coelho & I. S. Carvalho

  3. School of Pure and Applied Natural Sciences, University of Kalmar, Kalmar, 39182, Sweden

    M. C. Teixeira, M. E. Olsson, P. E. Brodelius & M. Brodelius

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  1. M. C. Teixeira
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  2. N. Coelho
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  3. M. E. Olsson
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  4. P. E. Brodelius
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  5. I. S. Carvalho
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  6. M. Brodelius
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Correspondence to M. Brodelius.

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Teixeira, M.C., Coelho, N., Olsson, M.E. et al. Molecular cloning and expression analysis of three omega-6 desaturase genes from purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.). Biotechnol Lett 31, 1089–1101 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10529-009-9956-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10529-009-9956-x

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