gammahordein

Gamma-hordein is a seed storage protein found in barley (Hordeum vulgare). It belongs to the hordein family, a group of prolamins that accumulate in the endosperm during seed development. The hordein family in barley includes several classes such as B-hordein, C-hordein, D-hordein, and gamma-hordein; together these proteins form a major portion of the grain’s prolamin content and contribute to the gluten-like fraction of barley.

Gamma-hordein shares characteristics typical of prolamins: it is rich in proline and glutamine and has relatively low levels of lysine and other essential amino acids. Prolamins are poorly soluble in water and are typically extracted with alcohol-containing solvents; in the grain they assemble into protein bodies that store amino acids for germination.

In terms of health and nutrition, gamma-hordein is one of several barley prolamins implicated in gluten-related disorders. Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity may react to epitopes present in barley hordeins, including gamma-hordein. The immunogenic potential can vary with barley cultivar and processing.

Genetic and breeding aspects: gamma-hordein is encoded by a multigene family located in the barley genome; expression is developmentally regulated with peak accumulation during grain filling. Because hordeins influence malting quality and beer flavor, breeding programs consider hordein composition to balance processing traits with nutritional and health considerations. Some research aims to reduce specific hordeins to create barley lines with lower immunogenic potential, although such lines do not provide gluten-free barley.