Characterization of cDNAs expressed in the early stages of microspore embryogenesis in barley (Hordeum vulgare) L.

To gain insight into the molecular events occurring in the very early stages of barley microspore embryogenesis, cDNA clones corresponding to genes differentially expressed during the early stages of microspore culture were isolated and characterized. A cDNA library established from barley microspores cultured for three days was differentially screened against probes generated from freshly isolated microspores. Three cDNAs representing genes not previously identified in barley were isolated. ECA1 (early culture abundant 1) lacked significant homology to known genes or proteins, and the transcript was only expressed during the early stages of culture. Expression was also reduced in low-density control cultures, therefore this gene may play a role in the early stages of barley microspore embryogenesis. ECGST (early culture glutathione S-transferase) had homology to parA-like genes, which are members of a newly discovered group of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). The protein corresponding to ECGST may be important in protecting cells from oxidative stress during the culture process. ECLTP (early culture lipid transfer protein) had homology to lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), and had an expression pattern similar to that of an LTP known to be a marker of the early stages of embryogenesis in the carrot somatic embryogenesis system. The identification and characterization of the clones isolated in this study provides new information on the events involved in barley microspore embryogenesis.