cDNA sequence analysis of the main olive allergen, Ole e I.

Olea europaea (Ole e) I-specific cDNA sequences were amplified by 3'-RACE-PCR, using specific primers based on the N-terminal sequence of the allergen, and cloned into appropriate vectors. The nucleotide sequence data obtained revealed the presence of isogenic variation in Ole e I gene(s). The molecular mass, pI, amino acid composition and sequence of the predicted polypeptides agree with data previously obtained by analysis of purified Ole e I from pollen. Furthermore, by treatment of purified Ole e I with specific glycopeptide hydrolases it has been demonstrated the presence of N-glycosylation in the allergen, and there is a unique concensus site for N-linked glycosylation at positions 111-113 of the deduced amino acid sequence. The Ole e I predicted sequence shows a significant homology with three putative proteins encoded respectively by the another-specific LAT52 gene from tomato and the pollen specific genes Zmc13 from maize and OSPSG from rice, suggesting that these proteins could have a role in one of the development processes unique to male gametophytes.