The Broad Bean Gene VfNOD32 Encodes a Nodulin with Sequence Similarities to Chitinases That Is Homologous to ([alpha]/[beta])8-Barrel-Type Seed Proteins

Nodulin gene transcripts isolated from a broad bean (Vicia faba L.) root nodule cDNA library and designated VfNOD32 are detectable in the nitrogen-fixing zone III of nodules and in much smaller amounts in flowers. In nodules, these transcripts are detectable for the first time 7 d after inoculation, at least 1 d before leghemoglobin gene transcription starts. Two putative full-length cDNAs representing different transcript sequences of 92.5% identity were sequenced. The corresponding broad bean genes were termed VfNOD32-A1 and VfNOD32-A2, and the encoded proteins were termed Nvf32-A1 and Nvf32-A2. The derived amino acid sequences of the Nvf32 proteins are highly homologous to the Vicia narbonensis ([alpha]/[beta])8-barrel seed protein narbonin. Considering this homology, Nvf32 is assumed to have a similar structure consisting of [beta]-sheets forming a central barrel surrounded by [alpha]-helices. The two Nvf32 sequences also contain two conserved amino acid motifs that are characteristic of class-III chitinases. Several amino acids demonstrated to be essential for chitinase activity are conserved in both regions, whereas one essential glutamic acid was changed to glycine in the Nvf32-A1 isoform but not in the Nvf32-A2 isoform.