Soybean Lectin and Related Proteins in Seeds and Roots of Le+ and Le− Soybean Varieties

The localizations of soybean lectin (SBL) and antigenically related proteins in cotyledons and roots of lectin positive (Le(+)) and lectin negative (Le(-)) soybean cultivars were compared by light level immunocytochemistry using antibodies produced against the 120 kilodalton (kD) native seed lectin tetramer or its subunits. Lectin is present in the protein bodies of cotyledons cells as are two other seed proteins, the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor and the storage protein glycinin. Analysis of single seed extracts by immunoblotting of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels using the same antibodies, reveals up to 4 milligrams of the 30 kD seed lectin protein is present per seed in the Le(+) varieties. There is no detectable lectin in the protein bodies of Le(-) cotyledons as determined by immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed this result to a sensitivity of less than 20 nanograms per seed. In contrast, the roots of both Le(+) and Le(-) plants bind the seed lectin antibody during immunocytochemistry, with fluorescence mainly localized in vacuole-like bodies in the epidermis. Root extracts contain a 33 kD polypeptide that binds anti-SBL antibody at an estimated minimal level of 20 nanograms per 4-day seedling, or 2.0 nanograms per primary root tip. This polypeptide is also present in the embryo axis and in leaves. The latter also contain a 26 kD species that binds seed lectin antibody. The 30 kD seed lectin subunit, however, is not detectable in roots or leaves.