Peptides derived from dolicholin, a phaseolin-like protein in country beans (Dolichos lablab), potently stimulate cholecystokinin secretion from enteroendocrine STC-1 cells.

Peptides derived from soybean beta-conglycinin and pork protein stimulate cholecystokinin (CCK) secretion from the enteroendocrine cells (EECs) and suppress food intake. Here we examined CCK-releasing activities from the enteroendocrine cell line STC-1, in peptides derived from underutilized legumes, and found much higher activity in the peptic hydrolysate of Country beans (CBP) compared to that from other legume-derived peptides including beta-conglycinin peptone. Active components in CBP were separated into acetonitrile-soluble fractions, but the activities were abolished after pronase treatment. To identify the Country bean protein containing the active peptides, Country bean protein extracts in an alkaline solution (CBE) were fractionated based on isoelectric point or molecular weight. Peptones prepared from CBE fractions containing a 51 kDa major protein stimulated CCK release, but other fractions did not. N-Terminal sequence analysis indicated that the 51 kDa protein is a phaseolin-like globular protein, and we designated this protein dolicholin. These results indicate that Country bean-derived peptides are very potent legume peptides in stimulating CCK secretion from EECs and that the stimulant peptides originate from dolicholin, a newly identified phaseolin-like globular protein in Country beans.