A cDNA encoding a plant homologue to animal HMG box proteins involved in structure-specific recognition of DNA (SSRP family).

We report a cDNA encoding a 71-kDa protein with a single high-mobility group (HMG) box and two nuclear localization signals from the higher plant Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle). The protein had 40% amino acid identity with animal DNA-binding proteins of the SSRP (structure-specific recognition protein) family that recognize bent, unwound DNA structures. Genomic Southern analysis suggested the presence of two genes.