OBJECTIVE

To study the function of the chalcone synthese gene introns in Scutellaria baicalensis, and clarify preliminarily their role in abiotic stress.

METHODS

The CHS introns with specific primers were cloned and bioinformatic method was applied to predict the cis-elements in the intron of CHS. The introns were subcloned into binary vector, pCAMBIA-1301 before being transferred to tobacco. Then the activity of GUS of the transgenic tobacco seeds was analyzed.

RESULTS

Seven cis-elements were found in the introns. Under the dark and high temperature GUS expression rose at the first (3 h), but then declined (9 h). ABA and MeJA regulated insignificantly the GUS activity in normal temperature; treatment of 10% PEG induced GUS expression.

CONCLUSIONS

CHS introns could be play a role in the regulation of S. baicalensis phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway.