Prediction of 3-dimensional structure of EMV1, a group 1 late embryogenesis abundant protein of Vigna radiata Wilczek.

Late embryogenesis abundant proteins (LEA) are associated with desiccation tolerance among photosynthetic organisms and have been reported in mono and dicot plants as well as in nematodes, yeast, bacteria and cyanobacteria. Although the functional role of LEA proteins remains speculative, there is evidence supporting their participation in acclimation and/or in the adaptive response to stress. EMV1 is a Group 1 LEA protein isolated from Vigna radiata, which is speculated to impart desiccation tolerance in plants. The homology model of this protein was generated by using the LOOPP software based on available structural homologues in protein databases. The final model obtained by molecular mechanics and dynamics method was refined and assessed by PROCHECK and shown to be reliable. The generated model could be helpful in understanding functional characteristics of this important class of desiccation tolerant protein.