Abstract
Lectins are proteins that specifically bind mono- and oligosaccharides. Lectins of leguminous plants have been implicated as playing an important role in Rhizobium-legume symbiosis. Recently, it has been reported that introduction of the soybean lectin gene Le1 to Lotus corniculatus, and those transformants are shown more broaden symbiotic limits such as nodulation by incompatible Rhizobia.
In this study, Lotus japonicus B-129 Gifu was transformed by Le1 gene or mutant lectin gene, Le1mut, driven by CaMV35S promoter via Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
In Le1 transformant, the growth was suppressed compared with control plants, and the number of nodule was clearly reduced 28 days after inoculation of Mesorhizobium loti MAFF303099. The result of transcriptome analysis of Le1 transformant using EST macroarray of Lotus japonicus will also discuss.
