Genes encoding seed maturation proteins, late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins, are highly expressed in seeds at a late stage of development.During this stage, the newly synthesized protein profile of seeds changes greatly and is usually associated with desiccation tolerance, ABA content, or subsequent seed germination.In addition, most LEA proteins accumulate in immature seeds, seedlings or vegetative tissues with exogenous ABA, drought, salinity or temperature stress.During the last two decades, LEA genes have been studied from many species, including angiosperms, gymnosperms, Chlorella vulgaris, and even in the animal kingdom.Here I present our recent research on the LEA protein/genes in soybean and rice seeds.