Molecular cloning of a cDNA encoding a (1-->4)-beta-mannan endohydrolase from the seeds of germinated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

Planta. 1997 Dec;203(4):454-9. doi: 10.1007/s004250050214.

Abstract

Mannose-containing polysaccharides are widely distributed in cell walls of higher plants. During endosperm mobilization in germinated tomato seeds (1-->4)-beta-mannan endohydrolases (EC 3.2.1.78) participate in the enzymic depolymerization of these cell wall polysaccharides. A cDNA encoding a (1-->4)-beta-mannanase from the endosperm of germinated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seeds has been isolated and characterized. The amino acid sequence deduced from the 5'-region of the cDNA exactly matches the sequence of the 65 NH2-terminal amino acids determined directly from the purified enzyme. The mature enzyme consists of 346 amino acid residues, it has a calculated M(r) of 38,950 and an isoelectric point of 5.3. Overall, the enzyme exhibits only 28-30% sequence identity with fungal (1-->4)-beta-mannanases, but more highly conserved regions, which may represent catalytic and substrate-binding domains, can be identified. Based on classification of the tomato (1-->4)-beta-mannanase as a member of the family 5 group of glycosyl hydrolases, Glu-148 and Glu-265 would be expected to be the catalytic acid and the catalytic nucleophile, respectively. Southern hybridization analyses indicate that the enzyme is derived from a family of about four genes. Expression of the genes, as determined by the presence of mRNA transcripts in Northern hybridization analyses, occurs in the endosperm of germinated seeds; no transcripts are detected in hypocotyls, cotyledons, roots or leaves.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • Blotting, Northern
  • Blotting, Southern
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA, Complementary
  • DNA, Plant
  • Germination
  • Mannosidases / chemistry
  • Mannosidases / genetics*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Seeds / enzymology
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Solanum lycopersicum / enzymology*
  • Solanum lycopersicum / genetics

Substances

  • DNA, Complementary
  • DNA, Plant
  • Mannosidases
  • endo-1,4-beta-D-mannanase

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AF017144