Plant storage proteins with antimicrobial activity: novel insights into plant defense mechanisms

Abstract

Storage proteins perform essential roles in plant survival, acting as molecular reserves important for plant growth and maintenance, as well as being involved in defense mechanisms by virtue of their properties as insecticidal and antimicrobial proteins. These proteins accumulate in storage vacuoles inside plant cells, and, in response to determined signals, they may be used by the different plant tissues in response to pathogen attack. To shed some light on these remarkable proteins with dual functions, storage proteins found in germinative tissues, such as seeds and kernels, and in vegetative tissues, such as tubercles and leaves, are extensively discussed here, along with the related mechanisms of protein expression. Among these proteins, we focus on 2S albumins, Kunitz proteinase inhibitors, plant lectins, glycine-rich proteins, vicilins, patatins, tarins, and ocatins. Finally, the potential use of these molecules in development of drugs to combat human and plant pathogens, contributing to the development of new biotechnology-based medications and products for agribusiness, is also presented.

Structural aspects of legume proteins and nutraceutical properties

“…In the case of legume proteins, interactions with bioactive compounds, especially phenolics, are part of the endogenous defense mechanism of the plant towards external injury caused by herbivores or by physical and microbiological agents (De Souza Candido et al, 2011).…”

Proteome of Soybean Seed Exudates Contains Plant Defense-Related Proteins Active against the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita

“…Members of the trypsin inhibitor family inhibit various proteases from plant pathogenic microorganisms and phytophagous insects, suggesting the importance of exudates in the successful seed germination. 40 Other classes of proteins, such as chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase, and lectin, were also released by imbibed soybean seeds. These results agree with those described for legume seed exudates, confirming the complexity of legume proteomes.…”

Influence of Drought and Wounding Stress on Soluble Phenols and Proteins in Potato Tubers

“…Patatin is seen as a storage protein exhibiting lipid acyl hydrolase (LAH) activity (Anderson et al, 2002;Andrews et al, 1988;Racusen, 1984) and suggested to be associated with plant stress responses (Bárta et al, 2012;De Souza Candido et al, 2011;Strickland et al, 1995). This was the reason why the LAH was studied in this work.…”