Skip to main content
Log in

Cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding a sulfur-rich coixin

  • Update Section
  • Short Communication
  • Published:
Plant Molecular Biology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A full-length cDNA clone encoding a sulfur-richCoix prolamin was isolated using a cDNA library constructed from polysomal mRNA prepared from immatureCoix endosperm. The deduced amino acid sequence of the cDNA clone predicted a polypeptide of 194 residues, which shared 64% homology with the 17 kDa β-zein. The mature protein contains the familiar composition of the prolamins and an unusually high content of the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine (11.6%) and cysteine (5.2%).In vitro transcription followed byin vitro translation of the coding region of the pBCX17.9S clone gave rise to a polypeptide with an apparent molecular weight corresponding to the C4 α-coixin. Hydropathy analysis showed that C4 α-coixin is slightly more hydrophobic than β-zein.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

References

  1. Esen A: Separation of alcohol-soluble proteins (zeins) from maize into three fractions by differential solubility. Plant Physiol 80: 623–627 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  2. Kyte J, Doolittle RF: A simple method for displaying the hydropathic character of a protein. J Mol Biol 157: 105–132 (1982).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Leite A, Ottoboni LMM, Targon MLPN, Silva MJ, Turcinelli SR, Arruda P: Phylogenetic relationship of zeins and coixins as determined by immunological crossreactivity and Southern blot analysis. Plant Mol Biol 14: 743–751 (1990).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Marks MD, Lindell JS, Larkins BA: Nucleotide sequence analysis of zein mRNAs from maize endosperm. J Biol Chem 30: 16451–16459 (1985).

    Google Scholar 

  5. Messing J, Geraghty D, Heidecker G, Hu NT, Kridl J, Rubestein I. In: Hollaender A, Kosuge T, Meredith CP (eds) Genetic Engineering of Plants, pp. 211–228. Plenum, New York.

  6. Ottoboni LMM, Leite A, Targon MLN, Crozier A, Arruda P: Characterization of the storage protein in seed ofCoix lacryma-jobi. J Agric Food Chem 38: 631–635 (1990).

    Google Scholar 

  7. Pedersen K, Argos P, Naravana SVL, Larkins BA: Sequence analysis and characterization of a maize gene encoding a high-sulfur zein protein ofM r 15 000. J Biol Chem 14: 6279–6284 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Leite, A., Yunes, J.A., Turcinelli, S.R. et al. Cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding a sulfur-rich coixin. Plant Mol Biol 18, 171–174 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00018475

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00018475

Key words

Navigation