Molecular physiology of legume seed development

Legume seed development is characterized by progressive differentiation of organs and tissues resulting in developmental gradients. The whole process is prone to metabolic control, and distinct metabolite profiles specify the differentiation state. Whereas early embryo growth is mainly maternally controlled, the transition into maturation implies a switch to filial control. A signaling network involving sugars, ABA, and SnRK1 kinases governs maturation. Processes of maturation are activated by changing oxygen/energy levels and/or a changing nutrient state, which trigger responses at the level of transcription and protein phosphorylation. This way seed metabolism becomes adapted to altering conditions. In maturing cotyledons photoheterotrophic metabolism improves internal oxygen supply and biosynthetic fluxes and influences assimilate partitioning. Transgenic legumes with changed metabolic pathways and seed composition provide suitable models to study pathway regulation and metabolic control. At the same time, desirable improvements of seed quality and yield may be achieved.