Single-cell-type proteomics: toward a holistic understanding of plant function

Mol Cell Proteomics. 2012 Dec;11(12):1622-30. doi: 10.1074/mcp.R112.021550. Epub 2012 Sep 16.

Abstract

Multicellular organisms such as plants contain different types of cells with specialized functions. Analyzing the protein characteristics of each type of cell will not only reveal specific cell functions, but also enhance understanding of how an organism works. Most plant proteomics studies have focused on using tissues and organs containing a mixture of different cells. Recent single-cell-type proteomics efforts on pollen grains, guard cells, mesophyll cells, root hairs, and trichomes have shown utility. We expect that high resolution proteomic analyses will reveal novel functions in single cells. This review provides an overview of recent developments in plant single-cell-type proteomics. We discuss application of the approach for understanding important cell functions, and we consider the technical challenges of extending the approach to all plant cell types. Finally, we consider the integration of single-cell-type proteomics with transcriptomics and metabolomics with the goal of providing a holistic understanding of plant function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Mesophyll Cells / cytology
  • Metabolomics
  • Plant Cells
  • Plant Proteins / analysis*
  • Plant Roots / cytology
  • Plants
  • Pollen / cytology
  • Proteomics / methods*
  • Transcriptome

Substances

  • Plant Proteins