Xyloglucan Endotransglycosylase/Hydrolase (XTH) is Encoded by a Multi-Gene Family in the Primitive Vascular Land Plant Selaginella kraussiana

V. S. T. Van Sandt; Y. Guisez; J.-P. Verbelen; K. Vissenberg

doi:10.1055/s-2006-924661

Plant Biology, Table of Contents

Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2007; 9(1): 142-146
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-924661

Short Research Paper

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart KG · New York

Xyloglucan Endotransglycosylase/Hydrolase (XTH) is Encoded by a Multi-Gene Family in the Primitive Vascular Land Plant Selaginella kraussiana

V. S. T. Van Sandt¹ , Y. Guisez² , J.-P. Verbelen¹ , K. Vissenberg¹

¹Biology Department, Plant Physiology and Morphology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
²Biology Department, Plant Physiology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium

Abstract

Xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolases (XTHs) are enzymes that cleave and rejoin xyloglucan chains. To trace the evolutionary origin of XTHs, we used Selaginella kraussiana, a representative of the most primitive land plants (Lycopodiophyta). A Southern blot with a digoxigenin-labeled probe, designed on the conserved catalytic site of XTHs, indicated nine genes. The presence of at least seven functional XTHs was detected by isoelectric focusing (IEF) followed by overlaying the gel with a XET-test paper. Together, these results indicate that XTHs are encoded by a multi-gene family that originated during or even before the colonization of land by plants.

Key words

Isoelectric focusing - Selaginella - Southern blot - XET - XTH

Full Text

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K. Vissenberg

Biology Department
Plant Physiology and Morphology
University of Antwerp

Groenenborgerlaan 171

2020 Antwerpen

Belgium

Email: kris.vissenberg@ua.ac.be

Editor: J. T. M. Elzenga