Pollen-Specific Expression of the Gene for an Allergen, Cry j 1, in Cryptomeria japonica

Abstract

A cDNA fragment for an allergen, Cry j 1 in sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) was generated by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Using this cDNA fragment, we determined the number of copies of theCry j 1 gene in the sugi genome and the organ-specific expression of theCry j 1 gene in sugi trees. TheCry j 1 genes formed a small multigene family within the sugi genome, with a stoichiometry of approximately five to eight copies of theCry j 1 gene per diploid genome. TheCry j 1 gene was expressed exclusively in male reproductive tissues, particularly in mature pollen.

Key words:

• a small multigene family
• allergen
• Cry j 1 gene
• pollen-specific expression
• sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don)