**25. Neutral PR-5protein**

A gene designated as *Glycine max* osmotin-like protein, b isoform (GmOLPb, accession no. AB370233) encodes a putative protein with striking resemblance (89% identity) to chickpea PR-5b. In contrast to the two acidic isoforms of soybean PR-5 protein (GmOLPa and P21), GmOLPb possesses a C-terminal extension for possible vacuolar targeting and after matura‐ tion displays a calculated molecular mass of 21.9kDa and a pI of 6.0. Under conditions of high-salt stress, GmOLPb was highly induced in the leaves 18-72h after onset of the stress. Gene expression of P21e (a homolog of P21) was transiently induced by high-salt stress, but this occurred prior to the gene expression of GmOLPa and GmOLPb. Differential expression also was noted in studies employing methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid. These results sug‐ gested that each soybean PR-5 might have a unique function in the defensive system to pro‐ tect the soybean plant from stress imposed by high salt, especially in the leaves [28].
