Characterization of two Phaseolus vulgaris phytohemagglutinin genes closely linked on the chromosome.

A lambda 1059 library of Phaseolus vulgaris cv. 'Tendergreen' DNA was screened with a cloned lectin-like cDNA. Among the phages selected was clone lambda B10 containing two complete lectin genes in the same orientation approximately 4 kb apart. The DNA sequences of the lectin genes and their flanking regions have been determined and their transcriptional initiation sites were located by S1 nuclease mapping. On the basis of the deduced amino acid sequences and compositions and the mol. wts. of their encoded glycoproteins, the genes, dlec1 and dlec2, are predicted to encode erythro- and leucoagglutinating phytohemagglutinins (PHA-E and PHA-L), respectively. The mRNA coding regions of dlec1 and dlec2 are 90% homologous, suggesting an origin involving duplication of an ancestral gene. Both lectin genes are intronless and have at least two ATG codons in a short (11-14 bp) 5'-untranslated region. Most of their 5'-untranslated regions consist of alternating pyrimidines and purines (RY repeats). Upstream sequences are also highly conserved between dlec1 and dlec2, including stretches of nine or more alternating R and Y residues. RY repeats of such length are not found within the protein coding portion of dlec1, dlec2 or a Phaseolus lectinlike gene previously described. Overlapping double (dlec1) or triple (dlec2) polyadenylation addition signals are found and there is an unusually high degree of homology (84%) between their 3'-untranslated regions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)