Detection of Embryogenesis- and Organogenesis-Specific Glycoproteins in Rice Calli

Differential expression of glycoproteins during somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis (formation of adventitious shoots) in rice calli was investigated by lectin staining after twodimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE). Several embryogenesis-specific and organogenesis-specific glycoproteins were detected by staining with Concanavalin A (Con A). Affinity chromatography on Con Aagarose was performed to concentrate embryogenesis-specific glycoproteins, and 18 glycoproteins specific to embryogenesis were detected. Based on their pl values and MWs, 13 glycoproteins were newly detected after concentration by affinfty chromatography on Con Aagarose. It is suggested that affinity chromatography on a lectin-conjugated support enables to concentrate regeneration-related glycoproteins that are present at low levels.