Cloning, expression and characterization of novel avenin-like genes in wheat and related species

B-Type avenin-like genes and proteins were characterized in 23 species of Triticeae. Southern blot analysis showed that the avenin-like genes belong to a multigene family. RT-PCR showed expression only in developing endosperms of wheat and related species, between 3 and 22 DPA (days post anthesis) with a peak between 11 and 15 DPA in wheat. The encoded proteins are cysteine-rich, containing 18–19 cysteine residues. An avenin-like protein from wheat was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and used to raise polyclonal antibodies. These antibodies were used to detect b-type avenin-like proteins in endosperms of wheat and related species by western blotting.