A germination-related gene encoding a serine carboxypeptidase is expressed during the differentiation of the vascular tissue in wheat grains and seedlings

Carboxypeptidases expressed in the aleurone layer participate in the mobilization of endosperm storage proteins during cereal grain germination. The genes encoding these proteins are also expressed in the scutellum of germinating grains, but their function in this organ is not yet clear. We have analyzed the expression of a carboxypeptidase III (CPIII) gene in germinating wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grains. CPIII transcripts accumulated transiently in the scutellum showing a maximum at 2-3 days after imbibition and were exclusively localized to the scutellar vascular tissue. The analysis of CPIII expression in developing shoots and roots from growing seedlings confirmed the localization of CPIII transcripts to differentiating vascular tissue. The TUNEL assay detected in situ nuclear DNA fragmentation in cells showing CPIII expression, indicating that they undergo programmed cell death. Relative RT-PCR analysis showed that the CPIII gene expressed at high level in aleurone cells is the one expressed in vegetative tissues, and allowed the use of this gene as a molecular marker of tracheary element differentiation in wheat seedlings. These results are indicative of the involvement of serine carboxypeptidases in programmed cell death during the development of the vascular tissue in wheat, a new role for these enzymes, besides the mobilization of starchy-endosperm proteins during germination.