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Plant storage proteins with antimicrobial activity: novel insights into plant defense mechanisms
Author(s) -
Souza Cândido Elizabete,
Pinto Michelle Flaviane Soares,
Pelegrini Patrícia Barbosa,
Lima Thais Bergamin,
Silva Osmar Nascimento,
Pogue Robert,
GrossideSá Maria Fátima,
Franco Octavio Luiz
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fj.11-184291
Subject(s) - storage protein , plant defense against herbivory , biology , antimicrobial , vacuole , plant protein , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , gene , cytoplasm , food science
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.—De Souza Cândido, E., Pinto, M. F. S., Pelegrini, P. B., Lima, T. B., Silva, O. N., Pogue, R., Grossi‐de‐Sá, M. F., Franco, O. L. Plant storage proteins with antimicrobial activity: novel insights into plant defense mechanisms. FASEB J. 25, 3290–3305 (2011). www.fasebj.org