Gene Structure Analysis of Rice ADP-ribosylation Factors (OsARFs) and Their mRNA Expression in Developing Rice Plants

ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs) have been widely identified as being involved in regulation of cell differentiation, intracellular vesicle transport, and cytoskeleton organization in animals and plants. To systematically clarify the ARF gene family in rice, eight putative rice ARF genes (OsARFs) were detected by searching the rice genome database. The OsARFs can be classified into class I (OsARFA1a-OsARFA1e) and class II (OsARFB1a-OsARFB1c) by comparing their deduced amino acid sequences with other known ARFs. Most OsARFs are composed of six exons and five introns, though OsARFB1b has three exons and two introns. The OsARFs are usually expressed in various developing organs, whereas OsARFA1a is predominantly expressed in young roots and in caryopses at early development stages. The histochemical localization of OsARFs in various developing organs was confirmed in young leaves, the pericycle of young roots, and the aleurone layer of developing caryopses. Furthermore, the expression of OsARFA1a was confirmed specifically in the aleurone layer and immature embryos of developing caryopses. The present work provides a foundation for further clarifying the physiological functions of OsARFs in rice growth and development.