Germination-specific lipid transfer protein cDNAs in Brassica napus L.

Three cDNA clones encoding lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) were isolated by applying the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) protocol to imbibed seeds and germinating seedlings Brassica napus. The deduced amino-acid sequences show a great degree of homology and they exhibit the common features shared by all LTPs. Their expression pattern indicates a strong developmental, hormonal, and environmental regulation. They are expressed only in cotyledons and hypocotyls of germinating seedlings and their levels of expression increase upon treatment with cis-abscisic acid and NaCl. Their distribution in the cotyledons of young seedlings is suggestive of a role related to the mobilization of lipid reserves.