Abstract:

Correct, efficient targeting and translocation of the precursor proteins synthesized in the nucleus into chloroplast is vital for the chloroplast function. The yeast two-hybrid system was employed to screen a pea cDNA expression library, and investigate the factors involved in interacting with preSSU (precursor of small subunit of Rubisco). The protein product of six different kinds of genes were putative partners of preSSU: the candidate histidine protein kinase gene, the translocation protein complex, transcriptional and translocation related genes and proteins, plant defensin proteins, the gibberrellin regulation factor and EREB transcriptional factor, and photosynthesis related genes. The preSSU probably participates in different processes involved in plant responses to stress and pathogen infection, and plays an important role in plant growth, maturity and senescence. However, further research is needed to determine how these factors interact with preSSU and regulate its import.

Key words: Pea, preSSU, Yeast two-hybrid system, Chloroplast, Import