Proteomic analysis of anti-nutritional factors (ANF’s) in soybean seeds as affected by environmental and genetic factors

•Anti-nutritional factors (ANF’s) of soybean proteins were considered as food allergens.•27 Genotypes (G) grown at 3 different locations & two sown seasons (E) were compared.•7 differentially expressed ANF’s were identified based on 2-d-PAGE and MALDI-TOF.•Irrespective to genotypes and locations, early sowing reduces the total ANF’s content.

The genotype (G), environment (E), and the relationship between G and E on soybean seed anti-nutritional factors (ANF’s) were examined under three different agro-climatic conditions. The field trials were conducted at Maryland, South Carolina and South Dakota using nine region specific genotypes. At each location, the nine genotypes were grown with two planting/sowing dates. Differentially expressed protein spots from the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis were analyzed using mass spectrometry. Seven ANF’s corresponding to soybean agglutinin and Kunitz trypsin inhibitor were identified based on the statistical significance levels at p < 0.005. The G and E conditions (planting/sowing season) influences the ANF’s content. This initial study suggests that early sowing reduces the total ANF’s content irrespective of genotypes and their growing locations.