Hormonal regulation of gene expression in barley aleurone layers : Induction and suppression of specific genes

Abstract

As part of our investigation of the mode of action of plant hormones in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) aleurone layers, we have studied the expression of five identified and three unidentified mRNA species in the presence of exogenous gibberellic acid (GA3) and abscisic acid. Three of the mRNAs are GA3-inducible, three are suppressed by GA3, and two are constitutive. The extent of the GA3 effect differs considerably for both inducible and suppressible mRNAs. For example, a ten-fold higher concentration of GA3 (10(-8) M) is required for full induction of the high-pl group α-amylase mRNA than is required for the low-pI α-amylase mRNA (10(-9) M). Temporal regulation of mRNA abundance also varies between the two α-amylase isoenzyme groups. The three GA3-suppressible mRNA species studied, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH1), a probable amylase and protease inhibitor, and an unidentified barley mRNA species also varied in response to GA3. The ADH1 mRNA decreased drastically within 8 h of GA3 treatment, whereas the other two began to decrease in abundance only after 12-16 h of GA3 treatment. Abscisic-acid treatment counteracted the GA3 effects for both the inducible and suppressible mRNA species. Comparison of α-amylase-mRNA levels and α-amylase-synthesis rates showed a strong correlation between the two parameters, the only exception being a lack of α-amylase synthesis in the presence of α-amylase mRNA at low GA3 concentrations. Therefore, the expression of α-amylase seems to be regulated primarily by its mRNA levels.