The expression of mRNAs for light-stress proteins in barley: inverse relationship of mRNA levels of individual genes within the leaf gradient.

Two cDNAs coding for putative light-stress proteins of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were cloned and the expression of the corresponding mRNAs analyzed in the barley leaf and compared to that of the well-studied ELIP (early-inducible protein) mRNA. During greening the mRNA for clone HL No. 2, which shows homology to two rice proteins of as yet unknown function, was transiently induced; its level rose more slowly and remained elevated for a longer time than was described for ELIP mRNAs. The mRNA corresponding to clone HL No. 13 was recognized as homologous to subunit P of pea glycine decarboxylase, a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein involved in photorespiration. Its mRNA level rose more slowly with cellular development than that of the mRNA for LHC II, the apoprotein of the chlorophyll-a/b-binding protein of PSII. The mRNAs of both novel proteins were induced by high light up to an irradiance of 2000 W.m-2. Their levels remained elevated under high light for up to 9 h, the longest time span examined, while after return to culture light conditions the mRNAs rapidly decayed, each with an individual time course. In green barley leaves the mRNA for clone HL No. 2 was expressed to the highest level in the most basal segment, similar to that of ELIPs, while in contrast the mRNA for subunit P of glycine decarboxylase accumulated to the highest level in the leaf apex where the fully developed cells and mitochondria reside. The latter finding strongly indicates that photorespiration is regulated by high light also at the level of mRNA transcription or mRNA accumulation. In addition, we show that perception of light stress is under the control of cellular development and differentiation.