The ribosomal small-subunit protein S28 gene from Helianthus annuus (Asteraceae) is down-regulated in response to drought, high salinity, and abscisic acid.

A partial cDNA for the ribosomal S28 gene from sunflower was initially cloned and identified to be down-regulated by high salinity, using differential display reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Using this sequence, a 502-base pair (bp) full-length cDNA was cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends. This cDNA (designated Ha-RPS28) encodes a protein component of the small subunit of cytoplasmic ribosomes. The predicted 65 amino acid residue sequence of Ha-RPS28, with an estimated molecular mass of 7.5 kD, has 92, 89, and 86% identity with the S28 ribosomal proteins from peach, maize, and Arabidopsis, respectively. Ha-RPS28 was expressed in all organs examined, and the highest level was detected in fully expanded leaves. Furthermore, expression of Ha-RPS28 was down-regulated in both seedling roots and shoots in response to drought, high salinity, or abscisic acid.