Structure of the gene encoding concanavalin A from Canavalia gladiata and its expression in Escherichia coli cells

We have cloned and sequenced the gene encoding concanavalin A (Con A) from Canavalia gladiata. The sequence covers the whole transcribed region as well as the 5'- and 3'-untranscribed sequences. The coding sequence lacks introns. Con A expressed in Escherichia coli cells was purified by Sephadex G-50 affinity chromatography. The precursor of Con A expressed in E. coli undergoes a peptide cleavage and ligation in the same way as that synthesized during seed maturation.