Characterization and analysis of stone pine´s dehydrin gene family during water stress. Dehydrins from Pinus pinea

Pinus pinea is a circum-Mediterranean species, widely cultivated for its seeds as well as for soil protection and as ornamental species. The species represents a well-adapted conifer to the high temperatures and drought characteristic of Mediterranean climates. Recently, a remarkable transcriptional response has been observed in this species under water deficit stress. Among up regulated genes different members of dehydrin family were identified. These proteins are thought to play an essential role in the response, acclimation and tolerance to different abiotic stresses, such as cold and drought. These work aims to study of dehydrin family members from P. pinea, taking into account the high complexity observed in this gene family in other conifers. We have isolated and analysed 8 different dehydrin from Pinus pinea. We have obtained their cDNA and genomic sequences and identified their intron/exon structure. qRT-PCR analysis of their expression pattern in needles, stems and roots during a severe and prolonged drought stress is also reported.