InterPro domain: IPR018930

This is a family of late embryogenesis-abundant proteins There is high accumulation of this protein in dry seeds, and in the roots of full-grown plants in response to dehydration and ABA (abscisic acid application) treatments [ 1 ]. This LEA protein disappears after germination. It accumulates in growing regions of well irrigated hypocotyls and meristems suggesting a role in seedling growth resumption on rehydration [ 2 ]. As a group the LEA proteins are highly hydrophilic, contain a high percentage of glycine residues, lack Cys and Trp residues and do not coagulate upon exposure to high temperature, and for these reasons are considered to be members of a group of proteins called hydrophilins [ 3 ]. Expression of the protein is negatively regulated during etiolating growth, particularly in roots, in contrast to its expression patterns during normal growth [ 4 ].

1. Characterization of Phaseolus vulgaris cDNA clones responsive to water deficit: identification of a novel late embryogenesis abundant-like protein. Plant Mol. Biol. 35, 393-405
2. Pvlea-18, a member of a new late-embryogenesis-abundant protein family that accumulates during water stress and in the growing regions of well-irrigated bean seedlings. Plant Physiol. 120, 93-104
3. Highly hydrophilic proteins in prokaryotes and eukaryotes are common during conditions of water deficit. J. Biol. Chem. 275, 5668-74
4. Downstream DNA sequences are required to modulate Pvlea-18 gene expression in response to dehydration. Plant Mol. Biol. 45, 501-15