Molecular cloning and characterization of cold-regulated genes in barley.

Five different cDNA clones have been isolated which are homologous to cold-regulated mRNAs in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The analyses of their hybridizations indicate that the transcripts accumulate to different levels during cold-treatment. Hybridization experiments using RNAs isolated from different plant tissues indicate that several cold-regulated genes are expressed in a tissue-specific manner. The expression studies suggest that in barley several different genes are involved in the cold hardening process depending on developmental stages and tissues involved. Homology has been found between the isolated cDNAs and cold-induced transcripts of related cereals. DNA sequence analysis of the clones pT59 and pA086 reveals that the proteins deduced from the longest open reading frame contain arginine rich basic domains.