• Proceedings of the Botanical Society of Korea Conference
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• 1999.04a
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• pp.18-18
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• 1999

We characterized a cDNA clone for a low molecular weight heat-shock protein (LMW HSP) from tobacco named TLHS-l. Nucleotide sequence determination of TLHS-1 identified an open reading frame for 159 amino acids. To the upstream of the open reading frame, a sequence of 124 nucleotides was determined. To the 3' downstream of the open reading frame, 212 nucleotides were identified which carried poly(A)-tail. Comparison of the open reading frame and hydropathy plot of TLHS-1 with the previously reported class I LMW HSPs showed high identity which classified TLHS-1 as a class I LMW HSP cDNA clone. We proposed that there are six consensus regions in class I LMW HSPs. RNA blot hybridization for TLHS-1 showed a typical expression pattern of heat-shock-inducible gene from three common tobacco cultivars. The open reading frame of TLHS-1 was overexpressed in Escherichia coli. TLHS-1 protein confers thermal protection of other proteins in vitro and in vivo. Thermal induced aggregation of citrate synthase was reduced by purified TLHS-1 protein, and thermal death rate at $50^{\circ}C$ was reduced in E. coli expressing TLHS-l. From these data, we can expect that TLHS-1 acts as a molecular chaperone.perone.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.303-310
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• 1998

We studied expression patterns of thermotolerance gene (BcHSP17.6) in cabbages which was isolated from Chinese cabbage and we will attempt transformation of forage crops with the gene in order to increase thermotolerance of forage crops. Antiserum against a BcHSP17.6 protein was reacted with its antigen. With this antiserum, the accumulation of the 15- to 18-kD LMW HSPs under various heat shock (HS) conditions was quantified. The LMW HSPs began to be detectable at $35^{\circ}C$, and after 4 hours at $40^{\circ}C$ they were accumulated to a maximum level of 1.56 micrograms per 100 micrograms of total proteins in cabbage leaves and remained almost unchanged up to 24 hours after HS. Accumulation of the HSPs was reduced at temperatures higher than $40^{\circ}C$. We conclude that accumulation of these LMW HSPs are necessary for Chinese cabbages to survive at an otherwise lethal temperature.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2006

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are ubiquitously distributed and play important functions in diverse cellular signaling systems. The proteins are largely classified into three groups, such as typical 2-Cys Prx, atypical 2-Cys Prx, and 1-Cys Prx, that are distinguished by their catalytic mechanisms and number of Cys residues. From the three classes of Prxs, the typical 2-Cys Prx containing the two-conserved Cys residues at its N-terminus and C-terminus catalyzes $H_2O_2$ with the use of thioredoxin (Trx) as an electron donor. During the catalytic cycle, the N-terminal Cys residue undergoes a peroxide-dependent oxidation to sulfenic acid, which can be further oxidized to sulfinic acid at the presence of high concentrations of $H_2O_2$ and a Trx system containing Trx, Trx reductase, and NADPH. The sulfinic acid form of 2-Cys Prx is reduced by the action of sulfiredoxin which requires ATP as an energy source. Under the strong oxidative or heat shock stress conditions, 2-Cys Prx in eukaryotes rapidly switches its protein structure from low-molecular-weight species to high-molecular-weight protein structures. In accordance with its structural changes, the protein concomitantly triggers functional switching from a peroxidase to a molecular chaperone, which can protect its substrate denaturation from external stress. In addition to its N-terminal active site, the C-terminal domain including 'YF-motif' of 2-Cys Prx plays a critical role in the structural changes. Therefore, the C-terminal truncated 2-Cys Prxs are not able to regulate their protein structures and highly resistant to $H_2O_2$-dependent hyperoxidation, suggesting that the reaction is guided by the peroxidatic Cys residue. Based on the results, it may be concluded that the peroxidatic Cys of 2-Cys Prx acts as an '$H_2O_2$-sensor' in the cells. The oxidative stress-dependent regulation of 2-Cys Prx provides a means of defense systems in cells to adapt stress conditions by activating intracellular defense signaling pathways. Particularly, 2-Cys Prxs in plants are localized in chloroplasts with a dynamic protein structure. The protein undergoes conformational changes again oxidative stress. Depending on a redox-potential of the chloroplasts, the plant 2-Cys Prx forms super-molecular weight protein structures, which attach to the thylakoid membranes in a reversible manner.