An overview of the APA locus and arcelin proteins and their biotechnological potential in the control of bruchids

As an important legume, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is widely utilized as a staple crop and as a source of protein, minerals and vitamins for resource-poor populations in the tropics and in subtropical regions. However, substantial amounts of common beans may be lost due to infestations by bruchids and nematodes, among other pests. With the discovery of arcelins, a class of seed proteins, a biotechnological approach to addressing attacks by bruchids may be developed. Arcelins are components of a multigene family encoded by the APA locus [arcelin (Arc)/Phytohemagglutinin (PHA)/α-Amylase Inhibitor (αAI)] and have been shown to confer resistance to bruchids. Here we present an overview of the APA locus and briefly discuss the function of the components that make up this gene family, while linking this to the biocidal effects of the arcelin proteins and their biotechnological potential in the control of bruchids in common bean and other leguminous crops.