The gene encoding a calcium-dependent protein kinase located near the sbe1 gene encoding starch branching enzyme I is specifically expressed in developing rice seeds

A gene (spk) encoding a Ca2+-dependent protein kinase (SPK) is located in the region immediately upstream of the sbe1 gene encoding a starch branching enzyme. The spk gene is specifically expressed in developing seeds and its expression pattern is very similar to those of genes encoding starch-synthesizing enzymes such as sbe1 and waxy, seed lipid-synthesizing enzymes, as well as genes encoding seed storage proteins. A full-length spk cDNA was isolated from a cDNA library constructed from developing seeds. The deduced amino acid sequence showed that SPK has a high degree of homology to soybean and carrot Ca2+-dependent protein kinase, both of which contain calmodulin domains. The calmodulin domain, as well as the catalytic subdomain consensus regions of protein kinases are highly conserved in SPK. These results suggest that a tissue- and stage-specific protein kinase, SPK, is involved in the synthesis of seed storage compounds during seed development. They also strongly suggest that Ca2+ is required for seed development.