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Updated: May 12, 2026
08:09
Annotation of Plant Gene Function via Combined Genomics, Metabolomics and Informatics
Published on: June 17, 2012
Plant secretome - from cellular process to biological activity
Cornelia Krause1, Sandra Richter, Christian Knöll
1Center for Plant Molecular Biology (ZMBP), University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|April 6, 2013
Summary
Plants secrete numerous proteins and peptides, vital for stress response and development. This review explores both classical and unconventional secretion pathways in various plant species.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Plants secrete a significant number of proteins and peptides into the extracellular space.
- Secreted proteins are integral to plant stress responses, intercellular communication, and developmental processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on plant secretomes across diverse species under natural and stress conditions.
- To consolidate findings on both classical and unconventional protein secretion pathways in plants.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on plant secretomes.
- Analysis of classical secretion via endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi and unconventional secretion of leaderless proteins.
- Inclusion of data from studies under natural and abiotic/biotic stress conditions.
Main Results:
- Over ten plant species' secretomes have been studied, revealing diverse secreted proteins and peptides.
- Both classical (signal peptide-dependent) and unconventional (leaderless) secretion routes are active in plants.
- Alternative pathways, including the EXPO compartment, and secreted peptides acting as ligands are highlighted.
Conclusions:
- The plant secretome is a complex and functionally significant component of plant biology.
- Understanding diverse secretion mechanisms is crucial for deciphering plant responses and interactions.
- Further research into unconventional secretion pathways and their biological roles is warranted.
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