Plant genomes cDNA sequences

The combined genomics and chemical approaches to plant terpenoid research are not restricted to the few plant species for which more or less complete genome sequences are now available. The discovery of many of the genes and enzymes for the formation of terpenoids such as menthol and related monoter-penes in peppermint Mentha x piperita) (15), artemisinin in Artemisia annua (16), Taxol in the yew tree (Taxus) (17), or conifer diterpene resin acids in species of spmce (Picea ) and pine (Pinus) (18) have been possible on the foundation of highly specialized efforts of EST and full-length cDNA sequencing combined with characterization of recombinant enzymes and analysis of the terpenoid metabolome of the target plant species. 

Gottschalk TE, Mikkelsen JD, Nielsen JE, Nielsen KK, Brunstedt J. Immunolocal-ization and characterization of a P-1.3-glucanase in sugar beet, deduction of its primary structure and nucleotide sequence by cDNA and genomic cloning. Plant Sci 1998 132 153-167. 

Considering the apparent functional and structural (immunological crossreactivity) conservation between plant and vertebrate NPs, it should be possible to identify Arabidopsis sequences related to preproANP in databases upon completion of the Arabidopsis genome project which is expected within the current year. While still unpublished, such a sequence may have already been identified [5]. The molecular characterization of the cDNA-encoded polypeptide will eliminate all doubts as to whether or not NPs rank among plant peptide hormones. 

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