Identification and expression analysis of a novel phytocystatin in developing and germinating seeds of triticale (x Triticosecale Wittm.)

In this paper the complete cDNA sequence of a newly identified triticale phytocystatin, TrcC-7, was analyzed. Because TrcC-7 transcripts were present in seeds, we hypothesized that it may regulate storage protein accumulation and degradation. Therefore, changes in mRNA and protein levels during the entire period of seed development and germination were examined. Expression of TrcC-7 increased during development and decreased at the end of maturation and subsequently increased during seed germination. Based on these results, TrcC-7 likely regulates cysteine proteinase activity during the accumulation and mobilization of storage proteins.