Molecular Cloning of a Glycyrrhiza uralensis F. Aquaporin GuPIP1 Up-regulated in Response to Drought, Salt and ABA Stress*

A PCR-based homologous cloning strategy was used to identify aquaporin genes from the roots of Chinese licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis F.). A 1236 bp cDNA with 870 bp open reading frame encoding a 290 amino acids aquaporin ortholog, GuPIP1, was successfully cloned and characterized. The deduced GuPIP1 protein contains six putative transmembrane domains; two conserved NPA motifs as well as the MIP and PIP family signature sequences. A rabbit polyclonal antibody against N-terminal peptide of GuPIP1 corresponded to a 31 kDa GuPIP1 protein on Western blot of plasma membrane preparation of root tissue. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis indicated the expression of GuPIP1 in the root, leaf, and stem tissues. Thus far, GuPIP1 is the first Glycyrrhiza uralensis F. aquaporin that has been identified at a molecular level. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression of GuPIP1 was up-regulated in response to drought, ABA, and salt stress.