Characterization of DNA sequences encoding a novel isoform of the 55 kDa B regulatory subunit of the type 2A protein serine/threonine phosphatase of Arabidopsis thaliana

We have identified a novel gene (AtB beta) encoding a previously uncharacterized isoform of the B regulatory subunit of the type 2A serine/threonine protein phosphatase (PP2A) of Arabidopsis, and show that mRNA derived from the AtB beta gene accumulates in all Arabidopsis organs. In addition, we examined the expression of the three genes encoding the A regulatory subunit of Arabidopsis PP2A and show these genes are expressed in all organs as well. Taken together, our results suggest a myriad of PP2A subunit combinations, possibly with distinct substrate specificities, may occur within each Arabidopsis cell.