Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel beta-1,3-glucanase gene from rice.

Beta-1,3-glucanases are referred to as pathogenesis-related proteins and they are also involved in several developmental processes. We isolated a cDNA for beta-1,3-glucanase from rice anther and named it Oryza sativa glucanase 1 (Osg1). Phylogenetic analysis showed that Osg1 belonged to monocotyledonous endo-beta-1,3-glucanase subgroup A. RT-PCR analysis revealed that Osg1 transcripts were present in leaves, roots, and anthers.