Characterization of two, desiccation linked, Group 1 LEA proteins from the resurrection plant Xerophyta humilis

Studies on resurrection plants and other anhydrobiotic organisms show expression of Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins associated with desiccation tolerance. However, the precise role of these proteins has not been described. This study was undertaken to investigate expression, structure and function of XhLEA1-4S1 and XhLEA1-1S2, Group 1 LEA proteins from Xerophyta humilis, in order to shed light on their role in desiccation tolerance. Complementary DNA (cDNA) of these XhLEAs were cloned into bacterial expression vectors and the recombinant proteins expressed in E. coli. Antibodies were generated and used in determination of expression conditions and immunolocalization studies