Abstract
Glycinin and $\beta$-conglycinin are the most abundant storage protein in soybean. These proteins are known to be synthesized predominantly during germination and cell expansion phase of seed development for short period, and synthesized not in other tissues. Genes encoding these storage proteins are useful system to study the mechanism of development stage and tissue specific gene expression in eukaryotes, especially plants, at the molecular level. The cDNA and genomic clones coding for glycinin have been isolated and regulation mechanism of the gene expression has been studied. Initially, development and tissue-specific expression of the glycinin gene is regulated at the level of transcription. Post-transcriptional processing is also responsible for delayed accumulation of the mRNA. Translational control of the storage protein gene has not been reported. Post-translational modification is another strategic point to regulate the expression of the gene. It is possible to identify positive and/or negative reguratory clements in vivo by producing transgenic plants agter gene manipulation. Elucidation of activation and repression mechanism of soybean storage protein genes will contribute to the understanding of the other plant and eukaryotic genes at molecular level.
