Molecular and functional analyses of aldolase and eukaryotic translation initiation factor genes in olive (Olea europaea L.)
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the molecular basis of stress tolerance and metabolic regulation in olive by characterizing two genes: fructose-1,6- bisphosphate aldolase (OeFBPA) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (OeEIF4E).
Material and Methods: The OeFBPA and OeEIF4E genes were analyzed using genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic approaches. Bioinformatic tools were employed to determine protein properties and promoter elements. Gene expression was assessed in different olive tissues by qRT-PCR. Recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and validated using SDS- PAGE, silver staining, and Western blotting.
Results: Both genes encoded soluble, cytoplasmic, and highly conserved proteins lacking transmembrane domains and signal peptides. OeFBPA retained the catalytic lysine typical of Class I aldolases, whereas OeEIF4E retained the canonical cap-binding domain. Promoter analysis revealed stress- and light-responsive cis-elements. OeFBPA showed the highest expression in flowers, followed by pedicels and on-year leaves, while OeEIF4E was strongly enriched in on-year leaves.
Conclusion: OeFBPA and OeEIF4E play complementary roles in carbon metabolism and translational regulation, thereby contributing to stress adaptation in olive trees. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of these genes in Olea europaea.
Keywords
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (EIF4E), Fructose-1.6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBPA), molecular characterization, Olea europaea L.
Supporting Institution
This study was supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) and Balıkesir University.
Ethical Statement
This study did not involve human participants or experimental animals; therefore, ethical approval was not required.
Thanks
The authors would like to thank TÜBİTAK and Balıkesir University for their financial support.
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