Differential circadian expression of genes fcp2 and fcp6 in Cyclotella cryptica

Authors

  • Andreas Oeltjen Geomicrobiology, ICBM, Carl-von-Ossietzky-University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
  • Jürgen Marquardt Geomicrobiology, ICBM, Carl-von-Ossietzky-University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
  • Erhard Rhiel Geomicrobiology, ICBM, Carl-von-Ossietzky-University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany

Keywords:

Cyclotella, Bacillariophyceae, fucoxanthin-chlorophyll a/c, steady-state mRNA concentrations, circadian/diurnal rhythms

Abstract

The steady-state mRNA concentrations of two fcp genes encoding fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c light-harvesting polypeptides of the centric diatom Cyclotella cryptica were investigated over a 4-day period by RNA dot-blotting experiments. Before and during the first day of the experiment, the cultures were grown under a 12-h light/12-h dark regime. On the following 3 days, the algae were kept in darkness. On the first day, the steady-state mRNA concentration of fcp2 followed a diurnal pattern, with a maximum occurring around noon, approximately 6 h after the onset of light. The gene fcp6 also had a diurnal pattern on the first day. Its maximum, however, occurred immediately after the onset of light. During the subsequent incubation period in darkness, the diurnal pattern of expression of both fcp genes continued, thus demonstrating that their steady-state mRNA concentrations oscillated in a circadian manner. [Int Microbiol 2004; 7(2):127–131]

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Published

2010-02-28

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Section

Research Articles