Isolation and functional characterization of a stolon specific promoter from potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

In the search for time- and tissue-specific promoters an RNA fingerprinting technique called cDNA-AFLP was used. A transcript derived fragment (TDF511) was isolated which showed high similarity to alcohol dehydrogenases. The gene corresponding to this TDF, named Stgan, is likely to be involved in biosynthesis or breakdown of compounds affecting gibberellic acid (GA) levels in the plant [Plant J. 25(6) (2001) 595]. In this article the isolation and characterization of a Stgan promoter region is reported. The promoter region of this gene was fused to a reporter gene encoding beta-glucuronidase (GUS) and introduced in potato plants. GUS staining was detected uniquely in stolon tips and nodes. RNA in situ hybridization experiments revealed that this gene was specifically expressed in parenchyma cells, in the stolon cortex. Comparison of this promoter sequence with several promoter databases resulted in the identification of several potential binding sites for transcription factors. From the in vitro-culture experiments Stgan transcription appears to be induced by long days, sucrose and different hormones such as gibberellic acid, ancymidol, ethylene and cytokinins.