Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase genes in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) -: differential expression during somatic embryogenesis

Defined changes in the cell wall directed by many proteins accompany every morphogenetic process in plants. Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase proteins (XTH; EC 2.4.1.207) have the potential to modify the hemicellulose matrix within the cell wall. Cs-XTH1 and Cs-XTH3 genes, which encode XTH proteins, were found among numerous genes that are differentially expressed after the induction of cucumber somatic embryogenesis. The expression of these genes increased during somatic embryogenesis. The Cs-XTH1 gene was localized on the second chromosome near the centromere region, whereas Cs-XTH3 was found in the middle of the fifth chromosome's longer arm. Northern blot hybridization showed that both genes were preferentially expressed in roots. We also observed higher accumulation of both transcripts in somatic embryos than in the proembryogenic mass. The localization of mRNA by in situ hybridization revealed that the Cs-XTH1 transcripts were largely accumulated in the presumptive cotyledon primordia of somatic embryos. The XTH gene family consists of a number of genes with a high degree of structural similarity. Screening a cucumber genomic library has identified other members of this gene family. The intron/exon structure, sequence similarities and the close chromosomal distance between some members suggest their common evolutionary origin. The involvement of XTH-related genes in somatic embryo formation is discussed.