Osdof28: A New Member of the DOF Transcription Factor Family from Rice

DOF is a novel family of plant-specific proteins that share a unique and highly conserved DNA binding domain with one CX₂CX₂₁CX₂C zinc finger motif. In this study, the Osdof28 gene, which codes a characteristic amino acid sequence of the DOF transcription factor family, was screened from rice (Oryza sativa japonica) using a yeast one-hybrid assay. Great amounts of the Osdof28 transcripts were found to accumulate in stems and leaves, with less in the roots, and no detectable transcription found in the germs. Osdof28 can be induced by salicylic acid and INA, which suggests that it may be related to the plant systemic acquired resistance (SAR). The relationship was confirmed through biological induction of SAR using Xanthomonascampestrispv. oryzae, with more expression of Osdof28 observed in the systemic tissues after infection.