Molecular Cloning of a Glycyrrhiza uralensis F.Aquaporin GuPIP1 Up-regulated in Response to Drought,Salt and ABA Stress

A PCR-based homologous cloning strategy was used to identify aquaporin genes from the roots of Chinese licorice(Glycyrrhiza uralensis F.). A 1236 bp cDNA with 870 bp open reading frame encoding a 290 amino acids aquaporin ortholog, GuPIP1, was successfully cloned and characterized. The deduced GuPIP1 protein contains six putative transmembrane domains; two conserved NPA motifs as well as the MIP and PIP family signature sequences. A rabbit polyclonal antibody against N-terminal peptide of GuPIP1 corresponded to a 31 kDa GuPIP1 protein on Western blot of plasma membrane preparation of root tissue. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis indicated the expression of GuPIP1 in the root, leaf, and stem tissues. Thus far, GuPIP1 is the first Glycyrrhiza uralensis F. aquaporin that has been {identified} at a molecular level. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression of GuPIP1 was up-re-{gulated} in response to drought, ABA, and salt stress.