Phaseolin: Structure and Evolution

Abstract

Phaseolin is the salt-soluble glycoprotein or the group of polypeptides of the French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) that account for some 50% of the total protein in mature bean seeds. It was one of the first plant proteins to be translated in vitro from mRNA and one of the first plant genes isolated. It was also the first developmentally regulated plant gene to be expressed in a heterologous plant species through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Studies on phaseolin have provided insight to many aspects of plant protein synthesis, from fundamental molecular mechanisms to practical goals such as the improvement of the French bean's nutritional quality. The present review is a comprehensive account of the structural and functional features of phaseolin that have implications regarding its evolution. Additionally, future directions in phaseolin evolutionary studies and suggestions regarding effective and safe biotechnological approaches for the nutritional improvement of French bean seed are outlined.