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Title: Assessment of the natural variation of low abundant metabolic proteins in soybean seeds using proteomics

Author
item Natarajan, Savithiry - Savi
item XU, CHENPING - Rutgers University
item Garrett, Wesley
item Lakshman, Dilip
item BAE, HANHONG - Yeungnam University

Submitted to: Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/24/2011
Publication Date: 7/9/2011
Citation: Natarajan, S.S., Xu, C., Garrett, W.M., Lakshman, D.K., Bae, H. 2011. Assessment of the natural variation of low abundant metabolic proteins in soybean seeds using proteomics. Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology. 21:30-37.

Interpretive Summary: Soybean is a rich and inexpensive source of proteins for humans and animals. A substantial amount of information has been reported on the proteins that are coded for by the genes in different types of soybeans. Knowing the protein composition and variation that occurs naturally can help us understand what makes each type different and is necessary for understanding the consequences of using biotechnology to enhance soybean quality by changing the genes. Therefore, we used a proteomics approach to determine and compare the composition of proteins that are present in low amounts but are involved in seed metabolism in wild and cultivated types of soybean. We found variation in the amount of proteins in 16 different soybean types tested. This investigation will be useful for scientists who wish to make genetic alterations to soybean for producing beans with better quality, while providing consumers with a greater understanding about the soy proteins available in the market.

Technical Abstract: Using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, we investigated the distribution of the low abundant proteins that are involved in soybean seed development in four wild and twelve cultivated soybean genotypes. We found proteomic variation of these proteins within and between the two groups. The majority of the variation among these sixteen genotypes was observed in the seed maturation proteins, which consisted of 4-6 protein spots. All genotypes showed 3 spots of sucrose-binding protein except one wild genotype which had 2 spots. Two protein spots were detected for a triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation factor protein in thirteen genotypes, while one spot was detected in one ancestral and one wild genotype, and no spot was detected in one of the wild genotypes. All genotypes showed 3 spots of alcohol dehydrogenase except one Asian landrace and one wild genotype that had only one spot. Minor proteomic variation was detected in sixteen genotypes for an elongation factor (EF2) and formate dehydrogenase, with apparent absence of this protein in one wild genotype. No differences in the proteomic distribution of dehydrin-like protein, seed biotin-containing protein, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and fructose bisphosphate aldolase were detected.