Proteomics-based sequence analysis of plant gene expression--the chloroplast transcription apparatus.

The chloroplast transcription apparatus has turned out to be more complex than anticipated, with core polypeptides surrounded by multiple accessory proteins of diverse, and in part unexpected, functions. At least two different RNA-binding proteins and several redox-responsive proteins are components of the major chloroplast RNA polymerase termed PEP-A. One of the key-regulatory factors has been identified as a Ser/Thr-specific protein kinase that is sensitive to SH group modification by glutathione and by this means is able to modulate transcription.

The plastid transcription kinase from mustard (Sinapis alba L.). A nuclear-encoded CK2-type chloroplast enzyme with redox-sensitive function.

The plastid transcription kinase (PTK), a component of the major RNA polymerase complex from mustard chloroplasts, has been implicated in redox-mediated regulation of plastid gene expression. A cloning strategy to define the PTK gene(s) resulted in the isolation of a full-length cDNA for a protein with overall high homology with the alpha subunit of cytosolic casein kinase (CK2) that contained an N-terminal extension for a putative plastid transit peptide. Using in organello chloroplast import studies, immunodetection and MS, we found that the corresponding protein, termed cpCK2alpha, is targeted to the chloroplast and is associated with the plastid RNA polymerase PEP-A.