Ea. Miller et al., Identification of a novel four-domain member of the proteinase inhibitor II family from the stigmas of Nicotiana alata, PLANT MOL B, 42(2), 2000, pp. 329-333
Proteinase inhibitors (PIs) of the potato type II family have been identifi
ed in a number of solanaceous species. Most family members have two PI doma
ins which are specific for either chymotrypsin or trypsin. More recently fa
mily members have been described with three or six repeated PI domains. Her
e we describe a novel four-domain family member produced in the stigmas and
leaves of the ornamental tobacco, Nicotiana alata, which has high sequence
identity with a six-domain member from the same species. Both proteins are
produced as precursors that enter the secretory pathway and are subsequent
ly processed into a series of 6 kDa PIs. The four- and six-domain precursor
proteins were isolated from immature stigmas and characterised by mass spe
ctrometry which revealed that both proteins had been trimmed at the N-termi
nus, at a position corresponding to the predicted signal peptide cleavage s
ite. Furthermore, no post-translational modifications were apparent.