Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of environmental stress responsive SAP gene family encoding A20/AN1 zinc-finger proteins in tomato

Abstract

Characterization of genes responsive to stress is important for eVorts on improving stress tolerance of plants. To address components involved in stress tolerance of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), a stress-responsive gene family encoding A20/AN1 zinc Wnger proteins was characterized. In the present study, 13 members of this gene family were cloned from tomato cultivar Pusa Ruby and named as Stress Associated Protein (SAP) genes. Out of 13 genes, 12 have been mapped on their respective chromo- somes. Expression of these genes in response to cold, heat, salt, desiccation, wounding, abscisic acid, oxidative and submergence stresses was analysed. All tomato SAP genes were found to be responsive to one or other type of environ- mental stress. The phylogenetic analysis of these genes, along with their orthologs from Solanaceae species sug- gests the presence of a common set of SAP genes in the studied Solanaceae species. The present study characterizes a SAP gene family, which encodes A20/AN1 zinc Wnger containing proteins from tomato for the Wrst time. Genes showing high expression in response to a particular stress can be exploited for improving stress tolerance of tomato and other Solanaceae members.