In a previous work, a Cicer arietinum cDNA clone
(CaXTH1) encoding a xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/
hydrolase (XTH1) protein was isolated and characterized.
CaXTH1 showed an expression pattern
specific to growing tissue: mostly epicotyls and the
upper growing internodes of adult stems. CaXTH1
mRNA was not detected in any other organs of either
seedlings or adult plants, suggesting an involvement of
the putative XTH encoded by CaXTH1 in the chickpea
cell expansion process. After the generation of polyclonal
antibodies by using the XTH1 recombinant protein
and the analysis of the specificity of the antibodies
for XTH proteins, here the specific location of the
chickpea XTH1-cross-reacting protein in cell walls of
epicotyls, radicles, and stems is reported, evaluated by
western blot and immunocytochemical studies. The
results indicate a function for this protein in the elongation
of parenchyma cells of epicotyls and also in
developing vascular tissue, suggesting a role in the
elongation of vascular cells.
