Immunochemical analysis of heat-shock protein synthesis in maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Polyclonal antibodies to 18-kilodalton (kDa) heat-shock proteins (HSPs) and to the high molecular weight (73 000 – 89 000) HSPs from 5- day-old maize plumules have been produced in rabbits. The antisera to high molecular weight HSPs show minor cross-reactivity to proteins of similar molecular mass in not heat-shocked tissues, while antisera to 18-kDa HSPs react only with this 18-kDa HSP class. HSPs of similar molecular mass and isoelectric points in maize plumules, mesocotyls, radicles, and young leaves also have similar antigenic determinants based on positive reactions with antisera to plumule HSPs. Among 13 maize inbreds and genetic stocks tested, differences were noted in the amount of immunoprecipitable 18-kDa HSPs. Antisera to maize plumule HSPs also showed cross-reactivity with similar-sized HSPs from pea epicotyls and soybean hypocotyls but not with HSPs from several animal tissues.Key words: polyclonal antibodies, maize, heat-shock.