A full-length cDNA encoding late embriogenesis abundant protein (LEA) named Gp-LEA,was cloned from Grimmia pilifera through the method of rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE).The full length of this gene was 814 bp,and contained a 456 bp open reading frame which encoded a protein containing 151 amino acids.The result of bioinformatics showed that this protein was a stable protein with a function domain-LEA_2,which molecular weight was 16.612 kD and theoretical pI was 5.06,and it was not a transmembrane protein and had no signal peptide.Phylogenetic analysis indicated that this gene had the closest genetic relationship with that of Pseudotsuga menziesii.The quantitative RT-PCR results suggested that the expression of Gp-LEA gene was induced in both rehydration and dehydration,and this gene might play an important role in the two processes.