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

FASEB J. 2011 Oct;25(10):3290-305. doi: 10.1096/fj.11-184291. Epub 2011 Jul 11.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Drug Discovery
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Plant Diseases / immunology
  • Plant Diseases / microbiology*
  • Plant Proteins / chemistry*
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Plant Proteins