Abstract: An EST related to the gene PCD was isolated from SSH (suppression subtractive hybridization) library of callus tissues of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Primers were designed to obtain its complete cDNA encoding putative apoptosis-related protein from Shanyou 63 (Oryza sativa L.). Sequencing indicated that the gene contained a 387 bp open reading frame, which encodes a protein containing 128 aa. Sequence alignment showed that the deduced protein is highly homologous to the known PDCD5. Real time quantitative PCR was performed to reveal that rPDCD5 was up-regulated in abiotic stress (low temperature and NaCl treatment).