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Efficient Agroinfiltration of Plants for High-level Transient Expression of Recombinant Proteins
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Understanding and overcoming protein production bottlenecks in plants
Ryan J Coates1, Troy K Miller1, A Harvey Millar1
1ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space and School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
Trends in Plant Science
|December 6, 2025
Summary
Plant protein production systems offer scalable and sustainable solutions for functional proteins. Integrating metabolic and genetic engineering with in silico design can optimize yields and stability for diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Plant biotechnology
- Metabolic engineering
- Protein science
Background:
- Plant protein production systems are scalable and sustainable platforms for functional proteins.
- Advances in essential amino acid (EAA) biosynthesis, gene regulation, and subcellular targeting have improved yields and stability.
- These advances require integration into holistic engineering approaches for optimal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the integration of metabolic engineering, genetic engineering, and in silico tools for enhanced plant protein production.
- To optimize amino acid metabolism, energy efficiency, and protein expression in plant systems.
- To develop novel proteins with enhanced stability and functionality through integrated engineering strategies.
Main Methods:
- Metabolic engineering to improve amino acid metabolism and energy efficiency.
- Genetic engineering for fine-tuned, spatiotemporal expression of target proteins.
- In silico tools for rational protein design and optimization.
Main Results:
- Potential for enhanced protein yields and stability through integrated engineering.
- Improved amino acid metabolism and cellular energy efficiency.
- Development of novel proteins with tailored functionality and stability.
Conclusions:
- Integrating metabolic engineering, genetic engineering, and in silico design offers a holistic approach to advance plant protein production.
- This integrated strategy allows for fine-tuning protein synthesis while balancing cellular energy costs.
- Context-dependent opportunities exist to significantly enhance protein production in plant systems for various applications.
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