Two members of the ERabp gene family are expressed differentially in reproductive organs but to similar levels in the coleoptile of maize.

A Zea mays cDNA clone, ZmERabp4, coding for a new member of the auxin-binding protein family was isolated. The primary amino acid sequence contains an N-terminal hydrophobic leader sequence, a potential glycosylation site (Asn136-Thr-Thr) and a C-terminal KDEL motif known to be responsible for retention of proteins within the lumen of the ER. The expression pattern of the ZmERabp4 gene in various organs of maize differs from the expression pattern previously observed for the ZmERabp1 gene. The ZmERabp4 gene is expressed highly in male flower organs, whereas the ZmERabp1 gene shows highest expression in female flower parts. In situ hybridization and analysis by laser scanning microscopy revealed enhanced levels of expression for both genes in the coleoptile when compared with the primary leaf of etiolated maize seedlings.