Isolation and characterization of GoRAV, a novel gene encoding a RAV-type protein in Galegae orientalis

RAV is a unique transcription factor in higher plants with AM and B3-like two distinct DNA-binding domains, but its roles in plant growth and development remains unknown. We have isolated a novel RAV family gene from Galegae orientalis, called GoRAV, which responds to cold induction. Sequence alignment showed that it shares high identity with other RAV family members in AP2 and B3 domain. Transient expression analysis using onion epidermal cells indicated that GoRAV protein is localized in the nucleus. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR (S-Q RT-PCR) analysis indicated that GoRAV is induced by cold, dehydration, high-salinity and abscisic acid, with the strongest induction in G. orientalis leaves during the early response to abiotic elicitors. GoRAV is more abundant in leaf than in stem, but is not expressed in root. This work adds a new member to the RAV family.