Cloning and characterization of phytochelatin synthase from a Nickel hyperaccumulatorThlaspi japonicumand its expression in yeast

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Abstract
Phytochelatin {γ-(EC) n G} is a group of peptides that chelate and detoxify heavy metals in plants. However, the relationship between the phytochelatin function and metal-hyperaccumulating plants has not been elucidated. In the current study, we cloned the phytochelatin synthase (PCS) gene, designated as TjPCS, from a Ni-hyperaccumulator plant Thlaspi japonicum, and examined its ability to detoxify Cd2+. The RT-PCR product of 1,745 bp, which contained the open reading frame of the TjPCS was isolated, and cloned. The deduced amino acid sequence of TjPCS (475 amino acid length) showed a 90% identity with the sequence of PCS from Arabidopsis thaliana. The yeast transformed with the TjPCS produced PCS and showed an obvious Cd2+ tolerance after the induction of gene expression by galactose.