Cloning of a cDNA encoding EIN3‐like protein (DC‐EIL1) and decrease in its mRNA level during senescence in carnation flower tissues

A cDNA clone encoding a putative EIN3‐like protein (DC‐EIL1) was obtained from total RNA isolated from senescing carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) petals using RT‐PCR and RACE techniques. The cDNA (2382 bp) contained an open reading frame of 1986 bp corresponding to 662 amino acids. The amino acid sequence of the N‐terminal half of the protein, ranging from 80–300 amino acid residues, had 84% identity with that of the corresponding regions of Arabidopsis EIN3 and tobacco TEIL, although the overall identity was 49% and 52%, respectively. Northern blot analysis revealed that the amount of mRNA corresponding to DC‐EIL1 decreased in flower tissues, especially in petals, during natural senescence and senescence induced by exogenously applied ethylene or ABA.