Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1178113 Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics 2016 11 Pages PDF
Abstract

•Plant glandular trichomes are organs often dedicated to the production of specialized metabolites as defense strategies•Specialized metabolites differ a lot among plant species and many of them have pharmaceutical or industrial interest•Proteomics of trichomes detects low-abundant proteins involved in synthesis and transport of specialized metabolites

Among the specialized (secondary) plant metabolites, terpenoids represent the most diverse family and are often involved in the defense against pathogens and herbivores. Terpenoids can be produced both constitutively and in response to the environment. At the front line of this defense strategy are the glandular trichomes, which are organs dedicated primarily to the production of specialized metabolites. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics is a powerful tool, which is very useful to investigate enzymes involved in metabolic pathways, such as the synthesis and secretion of terpenoids in glandular trichomes. Here we review the strategies used to investigate the specific roles of these particular organs from non-model plant species, mainly belonging to the Lamiaceae, Solanaceae, and Cannabaceae families. We discuss how proteomics helps to accurately pinpoint candidate proteins to be functionally characterized, and how technological progresses create opportunities for studying low-abundance proteins, such as the ones related to the synthesis and transport of specialized metabolites. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Plant Proteomics — a bridge between fundamental processes and crop production, edited by Dr. Hans-Peter Mock.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (167 K)Download as PowerPoint slide

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Chemistry Analytical Chemistry
Authors
, ,