Abstract
The expression of the thiamin-binding protein gene in sesame was found only in seeds during maturation, not in seeds during germination, or in roots, stems and leaves. The amount of mRNA of the thiamin-binding protein increased with the development of sesame seeds. The level of mRNA was maximum in the mature seeds. Also, the thiamin-binding activity from seed proteins increased along with seed development. On the other hand, immunohistochemical analysis using an antibody against the protein and an immunogold-silver enhancement kit detected the thiamin-binding protein only in the albumen cells of seeds. These results suggest that in sesame, the thiamin-binding protein is synthesized in developing seeds and accumulated in the albumen of the seeds.
