Resolution of pea legumin subunits by high-performance liquid chromatography

Pea legumin was dissociated into its component subunits by 6 M urea: these were subsequently fractionated by FPLC using a combination of Mono P, Mono Q, and Mono S columns. The resolution and speed of separation were greatly improved in comparison with previous fractionations. Twelve discrete fractions were obtained and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Six "normal" legumin subunits (Mr 60,000) were identified as well as some "large" (Mr 66,000) and "small" (Mr 44,000) subunits. A few polypeptides of unknown origin were also observed. Four subunits were purified to homogeneity as adjudged by electrophoresis and HPLC and in sufficient yields to permit further studies. Anomalous electrophoretic behavior of the legumin subunits was also observed.