Plant proteomics update (2007-2008): Second-generation proteomic techniques, an appropriate experimental design, and...

This review is the continuation of three previously published articles [Jorrin JV, Maldonado AM, Castillejo MA. Plant proteome analysis: a 2006 update. Proteomics 2007; 7: 2947-2962; Rossignol M, Peltier JB, Mock HP, Matros A, Maldonado AM, Jorrin JV. Plant proteome analysis: a 2004-2006 update. Proteomics 2006; 6: 5529-5548; Canovas FM, Dumas-Gaudot E, Recorbet G, Jorrin J, Mock HP, Rossignol M. Plant proteome analysis. Proteomics 2004; 4: 285-298] and aims to update the contribution of Proteomics to plant research between 2007 and September 2008 by reviewing most of the papers, which number approximately 250, that appeared in the Plant Proteomics field during that period. Most of the papers published deal with the proteome of Arabidopsis thaliana and rice (Oryza sativa), and focus on profiling organs, tissues, cells or subcellular proteomes, and studying developmental processes and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses using a differential expression strategy. Although the platform based on 2-DE is still the most commonly used, the use of gel-free and second-generation Quantitative Proteomic techniques has increased. Proteomic data are beginning to be validated using complementary -omics or classical biochemical or cellular biology techniques. In addition, appropriate experimental design and statistical analysis are being carried out in accordance with the required Minimal Information about a Proteomic Experiment (MIAPE) standards. As a result, the coverage of the plant cell proteome and the plant biology knowledge is increasing. Compared to human and yeast systems, however, plant biology research has yet to exploit fully the potential of proteomics, in particular its applications to PTMs and Interactomics.