Ubiquitous aspartic proteinase as an actor in the stress response in buckwheat

The aspartic protease (FeAP9) gene from buckwheat resembles the exon–intron structure characteristic for typical aspartic proteinases, including the presence of the leader intron in the 5′-UTR. RT PCR experiments and gel protein blot analysis indicated that FeAP9 was present in all analyzed organs: developing seeds, seedlings, flowers, leaves, roots and stems. Using Real-time PCR, we found that FeAP9 expression is upregulated in buckwheat leaves under the influence of different abiotic stresses, including dark, drought and UV-B light, as well as wounding and salicylic acid.