DYNAMICS OF mRNA OF GLYCINE-RICH RNA-BINDING PROTEIN DURING WOUNDING, COLD AND SALT STRESSES IN NICOTIANA TABACUM

Glycine-rich RNA-binding proteins (GRPs) are RNA-binding proteins that contain one or more RNA recognition motif (RRM) or consensus RNA-binding domains at their N-terminus and a glycine-rich domain at their C-terminus. Their function is not well characterized but GRPs are implicated in plant stress responses, owing to the fact that their mRNA level increases under these conditions. In order to gain an insight into the role at molecular level, the study was designed to observe the dynamics of NtGRP1 during exposure to stresses i.e. wounding, cold and salt stress by real-time PCR. Expression was found to be modulated by wounding in five months old plants. For cold stress, plants were transferred to 4 C for 24 hours at different developmental stages, wherein expression of mRNA was found to be up-regulated. Variation in transcript level was also seen in response to treatment with various concentrations of NaCl. The detailed characterization of GRPs is expected to enhance our understanding about role of GRPs in plant stress metabolism.