Genomic sequences of the soybean 24 kDa oleosin genes and initial analysis of their promoter sequences

The soybean 24 kDa oleosins, seed-specific oilbody-bound proteins, exist in two isoforms. These very homologous oleosin isoforms were compared to see how their respective 5'-untranslated regions are conserved. The genomic clones for these isoforms were screened and sequenced. Comparisons of their transcription controlling regions with very similar isoforms will provide some important clues in identifying DNA elements important for the transcription of these oleosins and for seed specific expression in general. Our initial analyses imply that the known DNA elements important for seed-specific controls are present in these clones. These include TATA box, CAAT box, RY repeats, CATC box, CACA consensus sequence, and abscisic acid (ABA)-responsive element. These DNA elements are frequently present in most seed storage protein genes. The sequence comparisons of the 5'-untranslated regions of the two almost identical oleosins may help us to identify additional DNA elements which are important for the transcription of oleosin and other seed proteins.