Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
10:07
Identification of Post-translational Modifications of Plant Protein Complexes
Published on: February 22, 2014
23.8K
Comprehensive identification of ripening-related RNA-binding proteins in tomatoes using improved plant phase
1College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China.
The Plant Journal : for Cell and Molecular Biology
|May 14, 2025
Summary
Researchers identified 230 RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in tomatoes using a novel tfPPE method, revealing 66% are unconventional. Six RBPs, including metabolic enzymes, were validated, with SlER21 and SlFER1 highlighted for their roles in fruit ripening.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are crucial for posttranscriptional gene regulation.
- Their roles in fruit ripening are not fully understood due to challenges in fruit tissue analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply an optimized method for unbiased RNA-binding proteome (RBPome) excavation in tomato fruit.
- To identify RBPs involved in the fruit ripening process.
Main Methods:
- Optimization of a plant phase extraction method for tomato fruit, termed tfPPE.
- Comprehensive RBPome profiling and identification of candidate RBPs.
- Validation of RNA-binding activities and transcriptome analysis.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive tomato RBPome of 230 proteins was identified using tfPPE.
- Approximately 66% of identified RBPs were unconventional.
- Six candidate RBPs, including metabolic enzymes with moonlighting functions, were validated.
- 41 RBPs associated with fruit ripening were identified, with SlER21 and SlFER1 implicated in fruit coloring and ripening.
Conclusions:
- The tfPPE method is effective for unbiased RBP excavation in fruits.
- This study provides a foundation for investigating RBP functions in fruit ripening regulation.
