CsNAM-like protein encodes a nuclear localized protein and responds to varied cues in tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze]

Abiotic stress possesses serious threat to plant distribution and production. In response to stress, plants induce the expression of many genes that function to protect the cellular machinery from stress-induced damages. These genes are largely regulated by specific transcription factors (TFs). NAC family proteins are plant specific TFs implicated in diverse processes including development, and biotic and abiotic stress responses. The present work described (i) cloning of CsNAM-like protein gene from a tree crop tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze], (ii) its cellular localization, and (iii) regulation of the gene by external cues. The gene had an open reading frame of 873 base pairs encoding 291 amino acids with calculated molecular weight of 33.4 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 6.72. Expression characterization showed the gene to be induced by drought, osmoticum, salt, heat and hydrogen peroxide. During the period of active growth, CsNAM-like protein showed ubiquitous expression in all the tissues analyzed, with higher level of transcripts in stem, flower bud and mature leaf as compared to the root, young leaf and fruit. The common response of CsNAM-like protein to various cues suggests its important role in imparting tolerance against abiotic stress.

► CsNAM-like protein, a transcription factor of NAC family was cloned from tea.
► The protein was found to be localized in nucleus.
► The gene expressed predominantly in stem, flower bud and mature leaf.
► The gene was induced by drought, osmoticum, salt, heat and hydrogen peroxide.
► The gene might play important role in imparting tolerance against abiotic stress.