ARS | Publication request: Removal of An Abundant Allergen From Soybean Seeds By RNA Interference (RNAi)Technology

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 24, 2010
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Soybeans are extensively used as a high-protein feed ingredient in livestock production. Because of its functional qualities and many health benefits, soy protein is widely used in a variety of food products. However, it is becoming evident that soy proteins can cause allergic reactions in livestock and a small percentage of sensitive individuals. Beta-conglycinin, an abundant storage protein, is composed of alpha’- (76 kD), alpha- (72 kD), and gamma- (53 kD) subunits. We have recently shown that some of these subunits may be potential food and feed allergens. Thus, the development of soybean cultivars lacking all three subunits of soybean could be a valuable source of hypoallergenic protein. In order to lower the accumulation of gamma-conglycinin in soybean, we have designed constructs in which two copies of the target sequence have been cloned in an inverted-repeat orientation to produce duplex RNA. Using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, we have introduced the RNAi construct into the soybean genome and have obtained several independent transgenic lines. Western blot analysis using gamma-conglycinin antibodies revealed a drastic reduction and in some cases the complete absence of all three subunits in several transgenic soybean lines. These transgenic soybeans lacking all three subunits of gamma-conglycinin could be a valuable source of hypoallergenic protein.