Bitter rapeseed
Researchers at TUM identified kaempferol 3-O-(2'''-O-sinapoyl-β-sophoroside) as the bitter compound causing rapeseed protein's unpleasant taste. This discovery paves the way for developing tasty, protein-rich foods from rapeseed.
Plant Proteins
Articles tagged with Plant Proteins
Weather at key growth stages predicts Midwest corn yield and grain quality, study says
A University of Illinois study developed an algorithm to predict both end-of-season yield and grain composition by analyzing weather patterns during three critical periods in corn development. The predictions apply to the entire Midwest corn crop and could influence global markets for animal feed applications.
New insight into unique sugar transport in plants
Researchers from Aarhus University have solved the structure of a Sugar Transport Protein (STP) and discovered a novel domain that plays a crucial role in the transport mechanism. The discovery provides valuable insights into how plants develop correctly and respond to fungal attacks.
A new way to transfer energy between cells
Researchers have found a way to transfer electrons between proteins without direct contact, contradicting existing evidence and enabling better understanding of protein behavior and energy dysfunctions in diseases.
Forget-me-not: Scientists pinpoint memory mechanism in plants
Researchers have discovered a mechanism that enables flowering plants to 'remember' changes in their environment, triggering flowering in response to stress or seasonal changes. The PRC2 complex, containing the VRN2 protein, detects environmental signals and becomes stable under challenging conditions.
Researchers develop a new houseplant that can clean your home's air
Researchers have genetically modified a common houseplant to remove chloroform and benzene from the air, two hazardous compounds linked to cancer. The modified pothos ivy plants express a protein that converts these pollutants into harmless molecules, which can support plant growth.
Plants as antifungal factories
Researchers have created a biotechnological tool to produce antifungal proteins in plants, offering a sustainable solution to combat fungal infections. The new compounds have shown potential in protecting crops and humans from pathogens, improving food security and human health.
Light-induced changes in photosensory proteins
The study reveals the molecular mechanisms of phytochromes, which convert light into cellular information, and their potential applications in oncology and genetic disease treatment. Understanding these proteins can help develop non-invasive imaging techniques and light-controlled tools for medical applications.
Oxygen could have been available to life as early as 3.5 billion years ago
Research suggests that oxygenic photosynthesis could have occurred at least one billion years before the emergence of cyanobacteria, a key factor in increasing atmospheric oxygen levels. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the origins of complex life and its potential evolution on other planets.
Urgent need to reduce meat and dairy consumption to meet climate targets, says expert
A new study proposes a three-step strategy to replace animal proteins with plant-sourced proteins to meet climate targets. The approach aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the risk of overshooting temperature goals.
Arizona State professor wins grants to elucidate the magic of proteins
Dmitry Matyushov's research focuses on trapping electrons by protein water, allowing unidirectional electron flow. This work may lead to improved human-made catalysts and better understanding of biological energy production machinery.
Researchers discover novel 'to divide or to differentiate' switch in plants
Researchers identified a scaffolding protein POLAR that regulates GSK3-like kinase activity, driving asymmetric cell division and promoting stomatal formation. The study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of plant development, suggesting potential targets for crop improvement.
Scientists discover gene regulator that allows plant rehydration after drought
A team of scientists at RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science in Japan has discovered a gene regulator called NGA1 that allows plants to rehydrate after drought. The study found that NGA1 controls the transcription of a key gene NCED3, ultimately enabling plants to survive dehydration stress.
How plants cope with stress
Researchers found that a specific mark on RNA molecules protects them from degradation under stressful conditions, enabling plants to more effectively respond to drought and salt stress. This mechanism could be manipulated to develop more resilient crop varieties.
Large cells for tiny leaves
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research have discovered a protein called LMI1 that regulates leaf growth and shape. The study found that LMI1 limits cell division, preventing cells from developing into other types and reducing the size of organs.
Not enough fruits, vegetables grown to feed the planet, U of G study reveals
A University of Guelph study found that global agriculture is overproducing grains, fats, and sugars while insufficiently producing fruits and vegetables. Adopting a more nutritious diet would require significant changes to the food system, including reducing meat consumption and increasing plant-based protein production.
Overspending on defense arsenal bankrupts a plant's economy
A recent study found that plants with strong defense capabilities against insects exhibit slower growth rates and compromised reproductive success. The research suggests a trade-off between defense and growth in plant biology, where investing more energy in defense reduces resources available for growth and reproduction.
Heredity matters: Ancestral protease functions as protein import motor in chloroplasts
Researchers at Osaka University have discovered a huge novel transport channel and its associated protein transport motor that is essential for chloroplast formation. The motor complex functions as an import motor in a close association with the transport channel, utilizing an ancient enzyme to extract proteins from the membrane.
How plants bind their green pigment chlorophyll
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have made progress in understanding the binding of chlorophyll to plant proteins. By studying a water-soluble chlorophyll protein from cauliflower and Virginia pepperweed, they found that amino acid variations can alter the preference for one chlorophyll over the other.
Revealed: a central signal sorting hub in plants
Researchers have discovered a central signal sorting hub in plants that fine tunes growth and immunity in line with key seasonal cues, revealing the existence of DET1 and COP1 proteins in plant defense.
'Turbocharging' photosynthesis in corn hikes yield
Researchers from Cornell University and the Boyce Thompson Institute found a way to overexpress a key chaperone enzyme called RuBisCO Assembly Factor 1 to increase RuBisCO content in corn. This discovery has the potential to improve photosynthetic efficiency, leading to increased biomass production and reduced environmental footprint.
A protein prevents plants from premature flowering
Researchers at UNIGE have identified a protein called RUP2 that blocks the effect of UV-B radiation on plant flowering, allowing plants to regulate their growth in response to seasonal changes. This discovery has significant implications for agriculture and our understanding of plant development.
Hsp90: More than just a chaperone
Researchers found that Hsp90 stimulates exosome release, a process linked to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. This novel function could inform drug development for these conditions.
UBC researchers unlock secrets of plant development
UBC researchers have discovered an internal messaging system in plants that regulates cell growth and division, enabling them to survive harsh conditions and compete successfully under favorable conditions. The system is driven by a protein called CLASP, which plays a crucial role in cell growth and division.
Plant protein complex plays large role in important growth and development process
A newly discovered plant protein complex is crucial for a biological process called vacuole fusion, which is critical to plant growth and development. The study revealed that the curvature of vacuolar membranes plays an important role in their fusion.
A novel synthetic antibody enables conditional 'protein knockdown' in vertebrates
Researchers developed a novel synthetic antibody that allows for controlled degradation of fluorescent proteins in living cells and tissues, enabling functional analysis. This technology can be used to study essential protein functions in complex vertebrate models.
How do plants rest photosynthetic activity at night?
Researchers have identified a protein complex that helps plants 'switch off' photosynthesis at night and 'switch on' when light is available again. This complex, involving thioredoxin-like2 (TrxL2)/2-Cys peroxiredoxin (2CP), allows plants to conserve energy and restore photosynthetic activity when necessary.
The Lancet Public Health: Moderate carbohydrate intake may be best for health
A new study published in The Lancet Public Health journal found that moderate carbohydrate intake is associated with the lowest risk of mortality. Diets low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fats from animal sources were linked to a higher risk of death, while those with moderate carbohydrate intake had the longest lifespan.
Research reveals molecular details of sperm-egg fusion
Scientists have described the detailed structure of proteins enabling sperm-egg fusion in two species: Arabidopsis thaliana and Trypanosoma cruzi. The study reveals similarities and differences between the proteins, shedding light on how they work and potentially leading to new insights into human fertilization.
Combining on and off switches, one protein can control flowering in plants
A University of Wisconsin-Madison research team discovered a previously unknown mechanism for controlling cellular decisions, combining an on-and-off switch in a single protein. The protein EBS binds to two different chemical modifications on histones, promoting or preventing the transition to flowering.
Key gene to accelerate sugarcane growth is identified
Brazilian researchers have identified a key gene, ScGAI, that accelerates sugarcane growth by regulating developmental hormones such as ethylene and gibberellins. Silencing the gene in transgenic sugarcane lines resulted in increased culm volume and rapid internode elongation.
How plant-rotting bacteria steal iron to survive
A new study reveals how plant-rotting bacteria obtain essential iron for survival by pirating it from host plants' iron-bearing proteins. The bacterium Pectobacterium uses a membrane channel to import the protein ferredoxin, which is then processed to release iron.
Plant defense mechanisms
Researchers have identified multiple enzymes and channel proteins involved in plant defense mechanisms, including a reserve system that acts as backup for immune responses. The findings have practical utility for agriculture, such as cultivating crops that can resist different stresses more effectively.
New insights into plants' conquest of land
Researchers at the University of Bristol have revealed insights into how plants evolved from simple aquatic algae to complex, upright forms. The study found that CLAVATA peptides control cell growth and division at plant tips, enabling 3D shapes and multiple directional growth.
Ohio Professor Hua earns prestigious NSF grant
Professor Hua's five-year $1.09 million grant will focus on F-box-mediated protein degradation in seed development, aiming to develop precision agriculture through manipulating the ubiquitin-26S proteasome system. The project also aims to promote computational thinking skills among underrepresented students.
Taking the lead toward witchweed control
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have developed the first specific inhibitor for uncontrollable plant pest Striga hermonthica, a parasitic plant affecting global food security. The breakthrough discovery uses a binding molecule to inhibit seed germination.
Shedding light on the energy-efficiency of photosynthesis
Researchers at UC Davis discover that photorespiration, thought to waste energy, actually enhances nitrate assimilation, a critical process for sustaining food quality under climate change. The study suggests a new biochemical pathway that generates energy for protein synthesis and promotes plant resilience.
Blue gene regulation helps plants respond properly to light
Scientists at RIKEN have identified a key mechanism by which plant genes are regulated in response to light. The research found that blue light triggers a shift in the start site of gene expression, allowing plants to carry out photosynthesis and grow.
Network biology reveals pathogen targets in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana
Researchers identify previously unknown protein targets of plant pathogens in Arabidopsis thaliana using systems biology and network analysis. The study's framework can help analyze other interactions between species to reveal pathogen contact points.
New research reveals benefits of a vegetarian diet
A vegetarian diet has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, coronary heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. High-quality plant-based foods are also linked to reduced weight gain, lower cholesterol levels, and a lower risk of death.
How plants work on the inside
Researchers at Technical University of Munich discovered a new regulator called PAX that helps cells determine their respective cell types in vascular tissue. The discovery sheds light on how plants develop new leaves, branches, and roots over weeks, months, and years.
New study finds plant protein, fiber, nuts lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure
A new meta-analysis finds that following the Portfolio Diet reduces LDL-cholesterol by 17% and lowers cardiovascular disease risk by 13%. The diet emphasizes a portfolio of four proven cholesterol-lowering foods: nuts, plant protein, viscous soluble fiber, and plant sterols.
Scientists boost crop production by 47 percent by speeding up photorespiration
A new study led by the University of Essex engineers a model crop to overexpress a protein involved in recycling toxic chemicals, increasing yields by 27-47%. The approach may help farmers produce more food despite increasing temperature stress.
High protein diet slightly increases heart failure risk in middle-aged men
Researchers found that higher protein intake from most sources was associated with a slightly higher risk of heart failure, with the greatest increase seen for animal-based proteins. The study suggests that moderating protein intake may be beneficial in preventing heart failure, but further research is needed.
A photosynthetic engine for artificial cells
Researchers have engineered a cell-like structure that harnesses photosynthesis to perform metabolic reactions, including energy harvesting and cytoskeleton formation. This innovation opens up new possibilities for building artificial cells that can mimic complex biological behaviors.
High protein diet associated with small increased heart failure risk in middle-aged men
A new study by the American Heart Association found that high protein diets may be associated with a small increased risk of heart failure in middle-aged men. The study followed 2,441 men over an average of 22 years and found that those who consumed more protein had a slightly higher risk of developing heart failure.
A new model for communication in plant cells
Researchers have discovered that plant cells use glutamate receptor-like proteins to build complex communication networks, with cornichon proteins regulating calcium ion concentrations. This finding opens new avenues for understanding cell-to-cell communication in plants and animals.
Synchrotron science could give soybeans a boost
Scientists have gained insight into how soil bacteria sense oxygen levels, which could help develop new treatments for promoting crop growth and tackling disease. The findings focus on the FixL/FixJ protein system in soybean nodule bacteria, essential for nitrogen supply.
Researchers identify the cells that trigger flowering
A new study identifies the cells responsible for producing the small protein Flowering Locus T (FT), which triggers the flowering process in plants. The research reveals an extensive intercellular signaling system that regulates FT production, shedding light on how plants control their flowering times.
The plant hormone auxin coordinates wood formation
Researchers found that auxin hormone controls stem cell division and WOX4 gene expression, essential for wood formation. The study revealed a direct regulation of WOX4 by auxin signaling factors, shedding light on the complex mechanism behind plant growth.
Study says meat protein is unhealthy, but protein from nuts and seeds is heart smart
A study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that consuming large amounts of meat protein increases cardiovascular disease risk by 60%, while nuts and seeds reduce CVD risk by 40%. The research suggests that proteins from these sources have distinct effects on heart health.
Food waste: The biggest loss could be what you choose to put in your mouth
A new study suggests that adopting plant-based diets could increase global food production by 50-200 times, making it a game-changer for addressing hunger and food waste. By replacing animal-based foods with edible crops, researchers estimate that 350 million more people could be fed with the same land resources.
Molecular motor mystery solved: Novel protein rounds out plant cells' machinery
A research team led by Weihong Qiu has discovered a novel kinesin-14 motor that expands current understanding of the evolution and design principle of motor proteins. The discovery was made in land plants, which lack dynein but have many kinesin-14 motors.
Keeping plant-cell motors on track
Researchers found a key regulator, importin IMB4, that holds kinesins in check until their cargo is needed. This process is crucial for building the plant cell wall and preventing waste.
Plants overcome hunger with the aid of autophagy
Researchers at Tohoku University discovered that plants activate autophagy in leaf cells to derive essential amino acids during periods of low sunlight. This process allows plants to survive and grow under conditions of energy scarcity, enabling them to adapt to environmental challenges.
UGA researchers develop new method to improve crops
Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a new technique called epimutagenesis that allows them to selectively activate silenced genes in plants, resulting in increased resistance to drought and disease. This method has the potential to create crop varieties with improved yield and adaptability.
Scientists engineer crops to conserve water, resist drought
Researchers have improved crop water-use-efficiency by 25% without compromising yield, using a single gene. The team increased photosynthetic protein PsbS levels to conserve water, allowing plants to grow faster and yield more during dry spells.
Plants share defensive proteins in evolutionary pick 'n' mix
A recent study has found that plants share defensive proteins through evolutionary pick 'n' mix, allowing them to respond effectively to emerging diseases. The research identified diverse groups of genes in various wild and domestic grasses, including wheat and barley, which can be used to engineer resistant crops.
Study suggests evolutionary change in protein function respects biophysical principles
Researchers investigated the evolution of small heat shock proteins (HSPs) that regulate cell operations. They found that changes in protein structure and assembly affect their ability to assemble into dodecamers, revealing fundamental principles governing protein function and evolution.
How bacteria manipulate plants
Researchers have discovered how Xanthomonas bacteria manipulate nutrient supply and hormonal balance in plants. The study found that a specific protein, XopH, targets phosphorus supplies inside plant cells, weakening plant defences and allowing bacteria to multiply.