Plant Proteins: functions, regulation, production and utility

Plants produce an enormous variety of proteins that have structural, enzymatic and storage roles. They regulate metabolism and control key processes such as cell growth, division and differentiation. These participate in inter-organism communication facilitating the optimisation of beneficial interactions and defence responses to herbivores and pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and insects. Proteomics studies have revealed that approximately 50% of plant proteins are found in more than one place at the same time. This dynamic distribution not only highlights the complex and often overlapping roles of proteins within plant cells but also challenges traditional views of protein function. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) regulate plant protein function by modulating activity, localization, and interaction with other molecules and proteins. Protein/protein interactions in biomolecular condensates, formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of proteins and RNA, provide a dynamic environment for concentrating and localizing molecules. Crucially, plant proteins supply all essential amino acids required in the human diet. They are environmentally friendly, high-quality sources for animals and humans with meat alternatives made from plant-based ingredients becoming increasingly popular in the human diet. However, we need to understand more about the diversity of plant-based proteins and develop methodologies for efficient production and functionalisation at scale. Featuring presentations from four Biochemical Society Award winners, this meeting will provide a platform to facilitate the open sharing of information on plant proteins, allowing participants from academia, industry and regulation to engage in meaningful debate to identify new avenues of research and knowledge gaps, as well as potential solutions for optimising plant protein production and utility through processing and functionalisation.

Topics: Plant biology, agricultural & industrial bioscience, molecular interactions, protein engineering, biophysics, molecular bases of health & disease, plant proteomics, plant-microbe interactions, plant proteins, biochemistry