A G(beta)-like protein from soybean

A cDNA clone that encodes a G(beta)-like protein was isolated from germinat ing soybeans. The deduced amino acid sequence for this protein is similar t o other G(beta)-like proteins isolated from plants and animals and contains 7 copies of the WD-40 repeat. RNA blots and reverse transcriptase polymera se chain reaction (PCR) revealed that mRNA for the soybean G(beta)-like pro tein is present during seed development and germination, periods during see d ontogeny that are associated with high levels of biosynthetic activity. D NA blot analysis suggested there are only one or two copies of this gene in the soybean genome. Antibodies were raised against recombinant soybean G(b eta)-like protein expressed in bacteria. The antibodies reacted with a 35-k Da soybean protein that was present in minor amounts in developing seeds. T he precise functions of G(beta)-like proteins are unknown, but there are in dications that they are involved in signal transduction pathways and in thi s way participate in control of seed growth and development.