A library for food security
A genetic library of cowpea varieties is being developed to improve crop resilience and yield. The library, which contains 6,000 samples, will help crop scientists make informed decisions using genetic information.
Plant Proteins
Articles tagged with Plant Proteins
To bloom or not to bloom: That is the question
Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science found a new epigenetic mechanism controlling flowering time in Arabidopsis thaliana. Plants lacking this protein complex bloom earlier, indicating compromised regulation of stem cells activity.
SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2016
An amino acid controls plants' breath
Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science discovered that amino acid L-methionine activates calcium channels in plant guard cells, regulating stomatal opening and closing. This process is crucial for maintaining adequate intracellular calcium levels in plants, essential for growth and breathing.
Highly efficient genome engineering in flowering plants
Plant biologists have developed a new CRISPR/Cas9 vector that efficiently knocks out genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, improving the method for genome engineering in various plant species. This breakthrough enables the study of genetic functions and potential applications in crops like Brassica napus.
SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·DateDec 4, 2016
Discovering what keeps cellular cargo on track
A team of Michigan State University researchers identified a crucial connection between the actin cytoskeleton and the endoplasmic reticulum's movement in plant cells. The discovery of SYP73 reveals how this protein keeps cellular cargo on track, enabling plants to maintain vital functions.
Scientists tweak photosynthesis to boost crop yield
Researchers developed a method to increase plant productivity by boosting levels of three proteins involved in photosynthesis. In field trials, modified tobacco plants showed increases of 14-20% in productivity. The study confirms that improving photosynthesis can lead to higher crop yields.
High-protein diets reduce liver fat
A new study found that high-protein diets reduced liver fat in individuals with type 2 diabetes, with significant reductions seen in half of the participants. The diets were based on either plant or animal protein sources, and all participants benefited from the high-protein diet.
How a fungus inhibits the immune system of plants
Researchers discovered a fungus, Piriformospora indica, that colonizes plant roots and suppresses their immune defense through the protein FGB1. This allows the fungus to avoid being attacked like disease-inducing fungi, facilitating a long-term symbiotic relationship.
Ancient proteins shown to control plant growth
A UCLA-led team reports the discovery of blue-light inhibitor of cryptochromes (BICs) that regulate plant growth, growing Arabidopsis plants at least twice as tall without cryptochromes. BICs likely have counterparts in human circadian clocks and other organisms.
Beyond genes: Protein atlas scores nitrogen fixing duet
A massive atlas of plant and bacterial proteins has been published, providing unprecedented detail on the molecular controls of nitrogen fixation symbiosis. The study, led by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers, reveals the interplay of proteins in rhizobia colonization of root nodules in the model legume Medicago truncatula.
Penn: Plant-made antimicrobial peptide targets dental plaque and gum tissues
Researchers at Penn Dental Medicine developed a plant-made antimicrobial peptide that rapidly kills tooth-decay-causing bacteria and thwarts biofilm formation. The peptide, combined with an enzyme, breaks down the oral biofilm matrix, promoting wound healing and bone regeneration.
New discoveries offer critical information for improving crop yield
Researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the role of Heterotrimeric G proteins in plant development, stress tolerance, and yield improvement. The study revealed that specific G protein subunits play a crucial role in regulating plant growth and abiotic stress response.
Overlooked plants defy drought
Scientists have discovered that certain plants resistant to a hormone called abscisic acid (ABA) can grow better than normal neighbors during droughts. ABA-resistant varieties may hold the key to breeding 'stay green' traits in crops, which could help them retain their leaves and continue to produce food and other essential resources.
Helpers for energy acquisition from plants
Scientists at Universität Bonn have discovered a lipid transfer process crucial for plant cell survival. This process enables the exchange of galactolipids between chloroplast membrane envelopes, facilitating photosynthesis and plant growth.
Molecular signature shows plants are adapting to increasing atmospheric CO2
Researchers found that plants from high-CO2 springs had differences in gene expression, leading to increased growth and photosynthesis, and potentially paving the way for 'planetary greening'. Stomatal pores on leaves also increased in number after exposure to future CO2 levels.
New discovery increases understanding of how plants and bacteria see light
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg discovered the inner workings of phytochrome proteins, which inform plant cells whether it's day or night. The findings enable modification of these proteins to increase crop yield and engineer light-sensitive proteins for controlling organisms by light.
New tool enables researchers to rapidly manipulate protein levels in mammalian cells
Researchers developed a 'dual molecular tuner' to rapidly manipulate two proteins in mammalian cells, offering an easy way to perform in-depth analyses. The tool uses plant hormones to target specific proteins for degradation, allowing for reversible and controllable manipulation of protein levels.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 2016
High animal protein intake associated with higher, plant protein with lower mortality rate
A large study found that high animal protein intake, particularly from red meats, was associated with a higher mortality rate. In contrast, high plant protein intake was linked to a lower risk of death. The study analyzed data from over 170,000 participants and found that the association disappeared in those with a healthy lifestyle.
Eating more plant protein associated with lower risk of death
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that consuming more plant-based protein was associated with a lower risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease. The researchers observed significant health benefits when substituting animal protein with plant protein, particularly from processed red meat.
Novel 'repair system' discovered in algae may yield new tools for biotechnology
Researchers have discovered a novel repair system in algae that can cut out interrupting sequences from proteins, potentially leading to new biotechnological applications such as producing pharmaceuticals or protein products. The study found that chloroplast extracts and light can restore RNA-cutting activity to inactive proteins.
A step closer to understanding the 'switch' that triggers flowering in plants
Researchers at the John Innes Centre have identified a previously unidentified step in plant flowering initiation, linking an important gene to protein regulators. This breakthrough uncovers how plants 'remember' low-temperature conditions to control flowering timing.
Penn-led team develops plant-based Polio booster vaccine
A Penn-led team developed an oral vaccine booster that confers immunity against all three serotypes of polio, using a plant-based system to express a protein found in the polio virus. The vaccine induces mucosal and systemic immunity, neutralizing all three serotypes and offering a potential solution to global eradication efforts.
LobeFinder technology quantifies changes in shape-shifting plant cells
LobeFinder algorithm quantifies and analyzes shape changes in puzzle piece-shaped plant cells, providing insights into leaf size and crop yield. The technology could also be adapted to measure boundary shifts in other complex geometric forms.
How do plants protect themselves against sunburn?
Researchers discovered a UV-B receptor that activates proteins to build defense mechanisms, allowing plants to tolerate harmful UV-B rays. Plants also use UV-B rays to influence growth and development, making them essential for survival.
The discovery of a totally new kind of 'mark' in human cell nucleus
Researchers at Osaka University have identified H4K20ac, a novel histone modification associated with gene repression. This finding has significant implications for understanding the development of metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
Thousands on one chip: New method to study proteins
Researchers at TUM developed a new molecular method to investigate the function of thousands of proteins in parallel. They identified hundreds of previously unknown interactions among proteins using DNA-printed protein arrays, which enabled them to study protein functions more efficiently. The new method has the potential to accelerate...
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2016
New understanding of plant growth brings promise of tailored products for industry
Researchers have discovered essential proteins controlling cellulose assembly, enabling improved biomass production and guiding plant breeding for wood and ethanol applications. The findings aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% compared to fossil fuel sources, providing a sustainable alternative for the industry.
John Innes Centre scientists identify protein which boosts rice yield by 50 percent
Researchers at the John Innes Centre have identified a protein in rice plants that can increase yields by up to 54% and improve nitrogen efficiency. The 'b' protein, OsNRT2.3b, allows rice plants to buffer themselves against pH changes, enabling them to take up more nutrients.
American Society of Plant Biologists 2016 summer undergraduate research fellows (SURF)
The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) has selected a group of exceptional undergraduate researchers to participate in its Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. These talented students will work under the guidance of renowned mentors to explore various aspects of plant biology, including gene regulation, pla...
Hijacked cell division helped fuel rise of fungi
Researchers found that fungi acquired a protein from a virus that hijacked their cell division control machinery, allowing them to grow and divide uncontrollably. This discovery could lead to the development of new antifungal drugs that target only fungal cells, not plant or animal hosts.
Split-second imaging reveals molecular changes involved in vision
Researchers used a world-class camera to observe the atomic structure of proteins as they reacted to light in real-time. This breakthrough could lead to understanding how proteins function and ultimately inform treatment of diseases.
Damage-signalling protein shows parallels between plant and human immune systems
A novel plant protein, HMGB3, signals tissue damage and activates an immune response in plants, similar to its human counterpart HMGB1. This discovery sheds light on the parallels between plant and human immune systems.
Plant's morning calls to prepare for the night
A study published in The Plant Cell reveals that clock genes produced during the evening are regulated by clock proteins produced in the morning. This discovery sheds light on how plants adapt to their environment through a complex biological clock system.
SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 22, 2016
How sweet can you get?
Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully made thaumatin, a widely used plant-derived sweetener, even sweeter by substituting acidic amino acids with basic ones. This breakthrough confirms the complex interaction between thaumatin and the sweetness receptor of the tongue.
Anarchistic proteins could hide secret to develop crops with high stress resistance
Researchers aim to uncover mechanisms that regulate plants' defence against stress factors, leading to the development of new crop species. Fluctuating protein structures may be essential for carrying out specific functions.
Transgenic plants' 'die and let live' strategy dramatically increases drought resistance
Purdue University researchers engineered rice and Arabidopsis plants to overexpress PYL9 protein, which dramatically increased drought tolerance. The study found that the transgenic plants triggered the death of old leaves, conserving resources for seeds and buds, a survival strategy known as 'die and let live.'
How plants interact with beneficial microbes in the soil
A team of molecular biologists has found a gene that encodes a protein recognizing cell membranes surrounding symbiotic bacteria, directing other proteins to harvest nutrients. This discovery reveals the fundamental mechanisms behind plant-microbe interactions, with implications for future agricultural advances.
'Smoke detector' enables fungal partnership that allowed plants to first survive on land
A new study reveals a plant protein's role in detecting molecular signals from beneficial fungi, allowing plants to harness essential nutrients and sugars. This symbiotic relationship, prevalent across the plant kingdom, is believed to be crucial to early terrestrial survival and the evolution of life on Earth.
Penn biologists characterize new form of mRNA regulation
Biologists at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a new way that messenger RNA is regulated, which affects the production of proteins. The study found that modified mRNAs are more likely to be involved in stress responses and cell cycle control, suggesting a mechanism for dynamic regulation.
Plant metabolic protein tailored for nighttime growth
A team of researchers found that ferredoxin-5 is necessary for nighttime growth and proper membrane organization in photosynthetic organisms. The protein's electron-donating abilities drive biochemical reactions that alter fatty acid saturation, leading to aberrant membrane structure and impaired metabolic processes.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2015
How plant cell compartments 'chat' with each other
Researchers have discovered a central relay station in plant cell communication, controlled by the MICU protein. This protein regulates calcium ion concentration in cellular power stations, enabling plants to respond to environmental stimuli such as water stress and pathogen attacks.
Scientists produce beneficial natural compounds in tomato -- industrial scale-up potential
Researchers at the John Innes Centre have developed a method to produce large quantities of useful natural compounds efficiently by growing them in tomatoes. The study found that one tomato can produce the same amount of Resveratrol as exists in 50 bottles of red wine, and Genistein equivalent to 2.5kg of tofu.
Protein helps plants avoid accumulation of damaged chloroplasts
A new protein has been identified that selectively clears damaged chloroplasts from plant cells, reducing oxidative stress and maintaining photosynthesis efficiency. The discovery reveals a complex quality control mechanism in plants.
Study finds key molecular mechanism regulating plant translational activity
Plant researchers have identified a key molecular mechanism regulating plant translational activity in response to ethylene, a major gaseous stress hormone. The study shows that transcription of certain genes is triggered, but protein production is restricted until ethylene levels drop, allowing plants to quickly respond and recover.
Structure revealed: Plant sugar transporter involved in carbon sequestration
Researchers have elucidated the molecular structure of a plant sugar transporter called SWEET2, which plays a critical role in limiting the sugar supply to beneficial microbes while preventing pathogens from thriving. This discovery provides insights into how plants control carbon sequestration and energy homeostasis.
How plants turn into zombies
Scientists at Jena University have discovered how bacteria infect plants by hijacking the regulation of flower development, preventing normal growth and sexual reproduction. The study sheds light on the molecular reasons behind this phenomenon, where infected plants 'become the living dead'.
Plant hormone 'switch' unravels chromatin to form flowers, penn biologists find
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a hormone-mediated 'chromatin switch' that directs plants to form flowers in response to auxin. This finding could lead to increased flower formation and potentially boost agricultural yields.
Building a biofuel-boosting Swiss Army knife
A team of researchers at Michigan State University has created a synthetic protein that improves the assembly of carbon-fixing factories in cyanobacteria, enabling more efficient biofuel production. The new protein also provides a proof of concept for improving plant photosynthesis or installing new metabolic pathways in bacteria.
Beef vs. bean meals: Both provide similar feeling of fullness
A study published by the Institute of Food Technologists found that a bean-based meal provided a similar feeling of fullness compared to a beef-based meal. The researchers discovered that plant-based proteins with high fiber content may offer similar appetite regulation as animal protein.
High protein diets, from both animal and plant sources, improve blood sugar control in diabetic patients
A new study published in Diabetologia shows that high protein diets from both animal and plant sources improve blood sugar control and reduce liver fat in patients with type 2 diabetes. Insulin sensitivity improved only in the animal protein group, while the plant protein group showed significant reductions in kidney function parameters.
Increased memory with a flash of light
Researchers created a plant-human hybrid protein OptoSTIM1 to modulate calcium channels, leading to improved memory in mice. The study showed a nearly twofold increase in fear stimulus response memory compared to non-light-stimulated mice.
Stanford scientists produce cancer drug from rare plant in lab
Researchers isolated machinery for producing cancer-fighting drug etoposide from endangered Himalayan plant and applied it to a common laboratory plant, producing the chemical. The technique could lead to less expensive and more stable sources of drugs.
Plants also suffer from stress
A team of researchers has identified a protein family that helps plants grow on salt, revealing a mechanism for improving plant growth under salt stress conditions. The study found that these proteins support the cellulose synthase machinery during cellulose synthesis, helping plants maintain biomass production under salt.
Inntags: new tools for innocuous protein tagging
A new approach to tag proteins has been developed using plant protein epitopes, inntags, which are stable and do not compromise native function. The smallest protein domains with strong structural determinants were selected for tagging purposes.
UEA research shows high protein foods boost cardiovascular health
A new study from UEA reveals that high protein intake from plant-based sources is associated with lower blood pressure, while animal-derived amino acids are linked to reduced arterial stiffness. Increasing protein-rich food consumption could be a valuable way to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Green light of hope to overcome Striga-triggered food insecurity in Africa
Researchers have identified the 'wake-up protein' responsible for germination of Striga seeds using a fluorescent probe, accelerating research to control Striga growth and prevent crop losses worth billions of dollars annually. The study reveals that Striga detects host crops through strigolactone receptors, leading to a devastating im...
SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalScience·DateAug 21, 2015
How plants cope with stress, at the molecular level
Researchers aim to understand how plants cope with stress at the molecular level, focusing on the regulatory protein GSNOR and its role in nitric oxide regulation. The study has potential to uncover plant adaptation mechanisms and inform efforts to improve plant fertility.
Key protein drives 'power plants' that fuel cells in heart and other key body systems
Researchers discovered KLF4's pivotal role in controlling mitochondrial biology, which produces energy for cells. The study found that a lack of KLF4 leads to reduced energy production, particularly problematic in the heart, leading to heart failure and death.
Plant light sensors came from ancient algae
A new study from Duke University found that plant light-sensing molecules were inherited from ancient algae, contradicting the prevailing idea of bacterial origins. The researchers analyzed 300 DNA and RNA sequences from phytochrome proteins in a wide range of algae and land plants.
Rice disease-resistance discovery closes the loop for scientific integrity
A research team at the University of California, Davis, has identified a tiny protein called RaxX that helps plants fight off bacterial infections. The discovery could lead to more disease-resistant crop varieties and new treatments for microbial infections in both plants and animals.