Light-dependent expression of the cold-regulated gene HvMC1 in barley (Hordeum vulgare l.)

Genes induced in barley leaves during a combined cold and light stress were identified by RFDD-PCR. One gene, HvMC1, exhibits three conserved domains typical for mitochondrial carrier proteins. HvMC1 is transiently expressed during the combined cold and light stress. Drought stress and methylviologen treatment result in only very weak induction. In contrast, light intensity greatly affects the cold-dependent expression of HvMC1. A possible regulatory pathway involving chloroplast-derived signals for the expression of HvMC1 is discussed.