ZEA-MI, THE MAIZE HOMOLOG OF THE ALLERGEN-ENCODING LOL-PI GENE OF RYEGRASS

Sequence analysis of a pollen-specific cDNA from maize has identified a homolog (Zea mI) of the gene (Lol pI) encoding the major allergen of rye-grass pollen. The protein encoded by the partial cDNA sequence is 59.3% identical and 72.7% similar to the comparable region of the rep orted amino acid sequence of Lol pIA. Southern analysis indicates that this cDNA represents a member of a small multigene family in maize. N orthern analysis shows expression only in pollen, not in vegetative or female floral tissues. The timing of expression is developmentally re gulated, occuring at a low level prior to the first pollen mitosis and at a high level after this postmeiotic division. Western analysis det ects a protein in maize pollen lysates using polyclonal antiserum and monoclonal antibodies directed against purified Lolium perenne allerge n.