ABSTRACT
Previously, we identified three proteins in blueberry floral buds of 65, 60, and 14 kD that increase dramatically in abundance during chill-unit accumulation and cold acclimation and decrease during deacclimation and resumption of growth. These proteins are related immunologically to a group of proteins called dehydrins. Here we report results from immunoblot experiments using antiserum raised against molecular chaperones, CAP 79 from spinach and a cyclophilin from Arabidopsis, in addition to dehydrin antiserum. Using these antisera, two new chilling-responsive polypeptides have been identified in blueberry floral buds. One is a 22 kD polypeptide immunologically related to dehydrins and the other is a 17.5 kD polypeptide immunologically related to cyclophilins. The 17.5 kD polypeptide was purified and partially sequenced. Sequence information confirmed the 17.5 kD polypeptide is, indeed, cyclophilin and is very similar in sequence to cyclophilins identified in other plants. [Article copies available from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678.]
