StBEL5, a transcription factor in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.): sequence analysis, amplicon profile and expression pattern

Abstract

StBEL5 is a long distance travelling RNA transcript which acts as a mobile signal. It is transported from leaves to the stolon tip during the early stage of tuber formation. STBEL5, a transcription factor, is dimeric in nature (Mr ~ 76459.1 kDa) with pI value of 6.97. It is important member of TALE superfamily which contacts with KNOTTED 1-type genes to regulate tuber formation. Considerable progress has been made on BEL5. However, with regard to the Indian potato cultivars there is no report on BEL5 till date. Sequence analysis and comparison were made using the available BEL5 sequences. Apart from sequence relatedness, conserved amino acids were found and some important protein motifs were predicted which are presented in a comprehensive manner in this report. Hydropathy character of StBEL5 was presented. Good quality genomic DNA was isolated and purified from different potato cultivars. Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were carried out using StBEL5 cDNA-specific oligonucleotide primers and different potato genomic DNAs as template. Amplicon profile was noted and analyzed for each cultivar. RT-PCR approach was adopted to see the expression pattern of StBEL5 in different tissues of potato. This study would be useful for further research on BEL5 in potato and other Solanaceae family members.