Molecular characterization of pear 14-3-3b gene regulated during fruit development

Plant 14-3-3 proteins (14-3-3s) are known to function in protein-protein interactions that mediate signal transduction pathways regulating many biological processes. The cDNA encoding putative 14-3-3 protein was isolated from pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) and designated Pp14-3-3b. Using the PCR amplification technique, the genomic clone corresponding to Pp14-3-3b was isolated and shown to contain six introns. Phylogenetic analysis clearly demonstrated that Pp14-3-3b was classified into the non-e class of 14-3-3 superfamilies. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis indicated that the expression of the Pp14-3-3b gene was developmentally regulated in fruit. This study suggested that Pp14-3-3b might be involved in fruit ripening and the senescence of pear.