The Dolichos biflorus plant contains a family of lectin genes, some of which are differentially expressed, both spatially and temporally. This laboratory has shown that the genes for two of these lectins, the seed lectin and DB58, are highly homologous and have limited differences in their flanking regions. In the proposed continuation of this work, the tissue specific regulation and developmental expression of these two genes will be examined. Initial studies will focus on transgenic analyses of cis elements of these genes. Transgenic studies coupled with site directed mutagenesis will also be employed in an effort to identify the signals by which these two lectins are targeted to their different subcellular destinations. Basic information gained in this research should contribute to the eventual elucidation of the physiological role of plant lectins and to our understanding of the regulation of expression and intracellular targeting of lectins and other plant proteins.
