DER containing two consecutive GTP-binding domains plays an essential role in chloroplast ribosomal RNA processing and ribosome biogenesis in higher plants.

ABSTRACT: This study investigated protein characteristics and physiological functions of DER (Double Era-like GTPase) of higher plants. Nicotiana benthamiana DER (NbDER) contained two tandemly repeated GTP-binding domains (GD) and a C-terminal domain (CTD) that was similar to the K-homology domain involved in RNA binding. Both GDs possessed GTPase activity and contributed to the maximum GTPase activity of NbDER. NbDER fused to green fluorescent protein was localized primarily to chloroplast nucleoids. Arabidopsis der null mutants exhibited an embryonic lethal phenotype, indicating an essential function of DER during plant embryogenesis. Virus-induced gene silencing of NbDER resulted in a leaf-yellowing phenotype caused by disrupted chloroplast biogenesis. NbDER was associated primarily with the chlo

SUBMITTER: Jeon Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3883289 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature