InterPro domain: IPR005513

This entry represents Pfam LEA_1, or D-113 from Dure, or group 4 from Bray. Proteins in this entry include LEA6, LEA18 and LEA46 from Arabidopsis. They may play roles in the adaptive process to water deficit in higher plants [ 1 ].

LEA (late embryogenesis abundant) proteins were first identified in land plants. Plant LEA proteins have been found to accumulate to high levels during the last stage of seed formation (when a natural desiccation of the seed tissues takes place) and during periods of water deficit in vegetative organs. Later, LEA homologues have also been found in various species [ 2 , 3 ]. They have been classified into several subgroups in Pfam and according to Bray and Dure [ 4 ].

1. Functional analysis of the group 4 late embryogenesis abundant proteins reveals their relevance in the adaptive response during water deficit in Arabidopsis. Plant Physiol. 154, 373-90
2. LEA proteins during water stress: not just for plants anymore. Annu. Rev. Physiol. 73, 115-34
3. Highly hydrophilic proteins in prokaryotes and eukaryotes are common during conditions of water deficit. J. Biol. Chem. 275, 5668-74
4. LEA (late embryogenesis abundant) proteins and their encoding genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. BMC Genomics 9, 118