Storage protein biosynthesis is affected by ionome composition in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) seeds

Abstract

Soybean seeds are a significant source of protein for human and animal nutrition, primarily due to seed storage proteins (SSPs) from the albumin and globulin families, which are predominantly located in protein storage vacuoles within cotyledon cells. This study characterised the dynamics of protein and mineral nutrient accumulation in four soybean genotypes with contrasting protein content--two transgenic (tg1 and tg2) and two conventional (ct1 and ct2)--from the beginning of seed filling (R5.5) through to maturity (R8) under field conditions. Profiles of globulin SSPs (glycinin and {beta}-conglycinin), as well as the protein and elemental distribution in mature seed cotyledons were examined. Results revealed that genotypes with higher protein content showed increased S and Zn concentrations and a higher glycinin:{beta}-conglycinin ratio. Subcellular analyses further indicated co-localisation of proteins and Zn within cotyledon cells. Our findings reveal a complex association between S and Zn accumulation and SSPs biosynthesis, indicating that their availability can limit the SSP content. HIGHLIGHTSoybean seed genotypes containing higher sulphur (S) and zinc (Zn) content in the cotyledonary cells exhibit a distinct storage proteins profile by increasing the abundance of sulphur-amino acids rich globulins.