Sequence analysis and expression pattern of AmZFPG encoding a GATA type zinc finger protein in Ammopiptanthus mongolicus.

We designed special primers according to the zinc finger protein gene sequence in expressed sequence tags from a cold and droughttreated Ammopiptanthus mongolicus cDNA library and amplified cDNA of AmZFPG by PCR. The cDNA of AmZFPG is comprised of 669 base pairs which encode a zinc finger protein with 273 amino acids and a molecular weight of 25 kD. Bioinformatic analysis indicates that AmZFPG belongs to GATAbinding protein family and shares higher homology with given zinc finger proteins which are involved in stress resistance in other plant species. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that AmZFPG is most closely related to Medicago sativa prolinerich cell wall protein.Semiquantitative RTPCR analysis shows that the expression of AmZFPG is constitutive and upregulated under cold and drought stresses and that AmZFPG is related to response to drought and chilling stresses.