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. 1995 Apr 11;92(8):3086–3090. doi: 10.1073/pnas.92.8.3086

Pex1, a pollen-specific gene with an extensin-like domain.

A L Rubinstein 1, A H Broadwater 1, K B Lowrey 1, P A Bedinger 1
PMCID: PMC42109  PMID: 7724520

Abstract

We report here the identification of a pollen-specific gene from Zea mays that contains multiple Ser-(Pro)n repeats, the motif found in the cell wall-associated extensins. Sequence analysis reveals that the encoded protein has a putative globular domain at the N terminus and an extensin-like domain at the C terminus. The Pex1 (pollen extensin-like) gene is expressed exclusively in pollen, not in vegetative or female tissues, and is not induced in leaves upon wounding. We propose that the encoded protein may have a role in reproduction, either as a structural element deposited in the pollen tube wall during its rapid growth or as a sexual recognition molecule that interacts with partner molecules in the pistil.

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Selected References

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