Vicilin and the basic subunit of legumin are putative chickpea allergens

Chickpea Proteome Analysis Reveals Genotype-Dependent Variations Associated with Seed Traits

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the second most widely grown legume crop after soybean. Here, we measured the macronutrients and performed proteome profiling of eight chickpea cultivars using two complementary protein extraction solvents. The total protein, starch, and soluble sugar contents significantly differ between cultivars, and we quantified 2434 and 1809 proteins, respectively, from urea- and water-based extraction solvents using a data-independent acquisition approach. The proteome-level differences can vary from 9-25% for the urea-extracted proteins, and the storage protein abundances significantly differed between the cultivars, where legumin content was detected as the highest, followed by vicilin and albumin. Fifty common allergens were detected from two extraction solvents, primarily overrepresented in chromosomes 3, 4, and 5. Integrated analysis revealed distinct subclusters of proteins and their associated pathways for total protein, lipids, and starch content. Overall, we established chickpea pan-proteome resources and provided insights into the key pathways that define the genotypes.

Motif mapping during chickpea germination reveals a complex sequential activation of different proteolytic activities

Despite the importance of grains and legumes in the human diet, little is known regarding peptide release and the temporal changes of protease activities during seed germination. LC/MS-MS peptidomic analysis of two cultivars of germinating chickpea followed by computational analyses indicated cleavage dominated by proteases with a single position preference (mainly before (P1) or after cleavage (P1'): L at P2 (cysEP-like); R or K at P1 (vignain-like), N or Q at P1 (legumain-like); and previously unidentified K, R, A and S at P1'; A at P2'). While P1 N cleavages were relatively constant, P1' K/R preferences were high in soaked garbanzo (kabuli) seeds, declined by four days, and returned at six days, but were much rarer in the brown (desi) cultivar. Late Embryogenesis Associated (LEA) peptides were markedly released during early germination. Vicilin peptides rich in glutamic acid near their N-termini markedly increased with germination, consistent with strong proteolytic resistance, even to human digestion, as indicated by analyses of separate datasets. Thus, this first peptidomics study of seed germination proteolytic profiles unveils a complex cultivar-specific programme of sequential activation and inactivation of a series of proteases, associated with the differential release of peptides from different protein groups.

Legume Allergens Pea, Chickpea, Lentil, Lupine and Beyond

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

In the last decade, an increasing trend towards a supposedly healthier vegan diet could be observed. However, recently, more cases of allergic reactions to plants and plant-based products such as meat-substitution products, which are often prepared with legumes, were reported. Here, we provide the current knowledge on legume allergen sources and the respective single allergens. We answer the question of which legumes beside the well-known food allergen sources peanut and soybean should be considered for diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

RECENT FINDINGS

These "non-priority" legumes, including beans, pea, lentils, chickpea, lupine, cowpea, pigeon pea, and fenugreek, are potentially new important allergen sources, causing mild-to-severe allergic reactions. Severe reactions have been described particularly for peas and lupine. An interesting aspect is the connection between anaphylactic reactions and exercise (food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis), which has only recently been highlighted for legumes such as soybean, lentils and chickpea. Most allergic reactions derive from IgE cross-reactions to homologous proteins, for example between peanut and lupine, which is of particular importance for peanut-allergic individuals ignorant to these cross-reactions. From our findings we conclude that there is a need for large-scale studies that are geographically distinctive because most studies are case reports, and geographic differences of allergic diseases towards these legumes have already been discovered for well-known "Big 9" allergen sources such as peanut and soybean. Furthermore, the review illustrates the need for a better molecular diagnostic for these emerging non-priority allergen sources to evaluate IgE cross-reactivities to known allergens and identify true allergic reactions.

Evaluation of Processing Conditions and Hydrocolloid Addition on Functional Properties of Aquafaba

Aquafaba, the cooking water from chickpeas, could replace animal-derived ingredients such as egg whites in systems that require the stabilization of an oil or gas phase. However, little is known about how processing methods and additives affect its functional properties. In this study, aquafaba was prepared via boiling or pressure-cooking at water-to-seed (WSR) ratios of 5:1, 4:1 and 3:1. The effects of preparation method and pH adjustment on viscosity, protein content, solubility and profile were evaluated. Samples were further analyzed for foaming capacity/stability (FC/FS) and emulsifying activity/stability index (EAI/ESI). Foams were also prepared in combination with xanthan gum or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). Solubility was lowest near pH 4 and not affected by cooking method and protein profile was not affected by method or ratio. Samples with pH 3 had high EAI and FS, but low ESI and FC. WSR did not significantly affect interfacial properties. Xanthan gum had a greater effect than HPMC on viscosity and prevented foam liquid drainage for 24 h. While the preparation method affects aquafaba properties, subsequent pH adjustment is of greater relevance for interfacial properties. Foam volumes can be maximized and foam drainage limited by appropriate choice of hydrocolloids and addition levels.

Legume Seed Protein Digestibility as Influenced by Traditional and Emerging Physical Processing Technologies

The increased consumption of legume seeds as a strategy for enhancing food security, reducing malnutrition, and improving health outcomes on a global scale remains an ongoing subject of profound research interest. Legume seed proteins are rich in their dietary protein contents. However, coexisting with these proteins in the seed matrix are other components that inhibit protein digestibility. Thus, improving access to legume proteins often depends on the neutralisation of these inhibitors, which are collectively described as antinutrients or antinutritional factors. The determination of protein quality, which typically involves evaluating protein digestibility and essential amino acid content, is assessed using various methods, such as in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestibility, protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (IV-PDCAAS), and digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS). Since most edible legumes are mainly available in their processed forms, an interrogation of these processing methods, which could be traditional (e.g., cooking, milling, extrusion, germination, and fermentation) or based on emerging technologies (e.g., high-pressure processing (HPP), ultrasound, irradiation, pulsed electric field (PEF), and microwave), is not only critical but also necessary given the capacity of processing methods to influence protein digestibility. Therefore, this timely and important review discusses how each of these processing methods affects legume seed digestibility, examines the potential for improvements, highlights the challenges posed by antinutritional factors, and suggests areas of focus for future research.

Novel alimentary pasta made of chickpeas has an important allergenic content that is altered by boiling in a different manner than chickpea seeds

Alimentary pasta made of chickpeas has been recently introduced in the market. The novelty and presentation of this food can have a confounding effect on chickpea allergic patients and can pose a risk to them. The allergenic content of novel alimentary chickpea pasta in comparison with regular chickpea seeds has not been analyzed so far. Protein extracts were obtained, and the allergenic content was analyzed with sera from chickpea allergic patients and antibodies against major allergens by western blot, ELISA, dot blot, and cellular assays. Alimentary chickpea pasta showed an important content in IgE-binding proteins and chickpea allergens: 7S globulin, 2S albumin, LTP, and PR-10, similar to hydrated and boiled chickpea seeds. During boiling, more allergens from alimentary chickpea pasta were transferred to the boiling water than chickpea seeds. Novel alimentary chickpea pasta retains an important allergenic content which is affected by boiling by transferring allergens to the cooking water.

The realm of plant proteins with focus on their application in developing new bakery products

Plant proteins are spreading due to growing environmental, health and ethical concerns related to animal proteins. Proteins deriving from cereals, oilseeds, and pulses are witnessing a sharp growth showing a wide spectrum of applications from meat and fish analogues to infant formulations. Bakery products are one of the biggest markets of alternative protein applications for functional and nutritional motives. Fortifying bakery products with proteins can secure a better amino-acids profile and a higher protein intake. Conventional plant proteins (i.e., wheat and soy) dominate the bakery industry, but emerging sources (i.e., pea, chickpea, and faba) are also gaining traction. Each protein brings specific functional properties and nutritional value. Therefore, this chapter gives an overview of the main features of plant proteins and discusses their impact on the quality of bakery products.

IgE mediated legume allergy in east Mediterranean children: A reflection of multiple food allergies

BACKGROUND

Legumes are nutritionally valuable as an inexpensive protein source, but may cause severe allergic reactions. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of legume allergies (LAs) in Turkish children.

METHODS

A total of 87 children (4.9 (3.1-7.0) years) with LAs confirmed by either oral food challenge (OFC) or consistent history were reviewed.

RESULTS

The median age of onset was 19 (12-38) months. The most frequent LA was lentil (n = 57, 66%), followed by peanut (n = 53, 61%), chickpea (n = 24, 28%), pea (n = 21, 24%), bean (n = 7, 8%), and soybean (n = 1, 1%). From these, it was observed that 60% had multilegume (≥2) allergies and the age of onset occurred earlier compared with the single LA subgroup (18 (11-30) vs. 28 (17-42) months, p = .042). Single LA was present in peanut (51%) and lentil (16%) allergies, but not chickpea, pea, and bean. Fifteen patients had tolerated lentils before their first allergic reaction. The majority of children with LA (91.9%) were allergic to multiple foods including tree nuts (71%), hen's egg (66%), and cow's milk (49%). Seventy-eight patients (89.7%) also presented with atopic comorbidities concerning atopic dermatitis (70%), asthma (40%), and allergic rhinitis (30%). Patients with anaphylactic type of reaction (20%) had higher frequency of aeroallergen sensitization (p = .001). Lip dose challenge with legume paste predicted the result of OFC with a diagnostic accuracy of 81.82% and a positive likelihood ratio of 10.8.

CONCLUSION

In Turkey, LA is a reflection of multiple food allergies and the presence of allergy to a least frequently encountered legume is a sign of multiple LA.

β-Barrels and Amyloids: Structural Transitions, Biological Functions, and Pathogenesis

Insoluble protein aggregates with fibrillar morphology called amyloids and β-barrel proteins both share a β-sheet-rich structure. Correctly folded β-barrel proteins can not only function in monomeric (dimeric) form, but also tend to interact with one another-followed, in several cases, by formation of higher order oligomers or even aggregates. In recent years, findings proving that β-barrel proteins can adopt cross-β amyloid folds have emerged. Different β-barrel proteins were shown to form amyloid fibrils in vitro. The formation of functional amyloids in vivo by β-barrel proteins for which the amyloid state is native was also discovered. In particular, several prokaryotic and eukaryotic proteins with β-barrel domains were demonstrated to form amyloids in vivo, where they participate in interspecies interactions and nutrient storage, respectively. According to recent observations, despite the variety of primary structures of amyloid-forming proteins, most of them can adopt a conformational state with the β-barrel topology. This state can be intermediate on the pathway of fibrillogenesis ("on-pathway state"), or can be formed as a result of an alternative assembly of partially unfolded monomers ("off-pathway state"). The β-barrel oligomers formed by amyloid proteins possess toxicity, and are likely to be involved in the development of amyloidoses, thus representing promising targets for potential therapy of these incurable diseases. Considering rapidly growing discoveries of the amyloid-forming β-barrels, we may suggest that their real number and diversity of functions are significantly higher than identified to date, and represent only "the tip of the iceberg". Here, we summarize the data on the amyloid-forming β-barrel proteins, their physicochemical properties, and their biological functions, and discuss probable means and consequences of the amyloidogenesis of these proteins, along with structural relationships between these two widespread types of β-folds.

Shotgun proteomics of Brassica rapa seed proteins identifies vicilin as a major seed storage protein in the mature seed

Proteins make up a large percentage of the Brassica seed and are second only to the oil in economic importance with uses for both animal and human nutrition. The most abundant proteins reported in the seeds of Brassica are the seed storage proteins cruciferin and napin, belonging to the 12S globulin and 2S albumin families of proteins, respectively. To gain insight into the Brassica rapa seed proteome and to confirm the presence and relative quantity of proteins encoded by candidate seed storage genes in the mature seed, shotgun proteomics was carried out on protein extracts from seeds of B. rapa inbred line R-o-18. Following liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, a total of 34016 spectra were mapped to 323 proteins, where 233 proteins were identified in 3 out of 4 biological replicates by at least 2 unique peptides. 2S albumin like napin seed storage proteins (SSPs), 11/12S globulin like cruciferin SSPs and 7S globulin like vicilin SSPs were identified in the samples, along with other notable proteins including oil body proteins, namely ten oleosins and two oil body-associated proteins. The identification of vicilin like proteins in the mature B. rapa seed represents the first account of these proteins in the Brassicaceae and analysis indicates high conservation of sequence motifs to other 7S vicilin-like allergenic proteins as well as conservation of major allergenic epitopes in the proteins. This study enriches our existing knowledge on rapeseed seed proteins and provides a robust foundation and rational basis for plant bioengineering of seed storage proteins.

A cupin domain is involved in α-amylase inhibitory activity

Proteinaceous α-amylase inhibitors have specialized activities that make some strong inhibition of α-amylases. New α-amylase inhibitors continue to be discovered so far. A proteinaceous α-amylase inhibitor CL-AI was isolated and identified from chickpea seeds. CL-AI, encoded by Q9SMJ4, was a storage legumin precursor containing one α-chain and one β-chain, and each chain possessed a same conserved cupin domain. Amino acid mutation and deficiency of cupin domain would lead to loss of α-amylase inhibitory activity, indicating that it was essential for inhibitory activity. CL-AI(α + β) in its single stranded state in vivo had inhibitory activity. After it was processed into one α-chain and one β-chain, the two chains were connected to each other via disulfide bond, which would cover the cupin domains and lead to the loss of inhibitory activity. The CL-AI(α + β), α-chain and β-chain could inhibit various α-amylases and delay the seed germination of wheat, rice and maize as well as the growth and development of potato beetle larva. Two cupin proteins, Glycinin G1 in soybean and Glutelinin in rice were also found to have inhibitory activity. Our results indicated that the cupin domain is involved in α-amylase inhibitory activity and the proteins with a cupin domain may be a new kind of proteinaceous α-amylase inhibitor.

IgE Cross-Reactivity of Cashew Nut Allergens

BACKGROUND

Allergic sensitisation towards cashew nut often happens without a clear history of eating cashew nut. IgE cross-reactivity between cashew and pistachio nut is well described; however, the ability of cashew nut-specific IgE to cross-react to common tree nut species and other Anacardiaceae, like mango, pink peppercorn, or sumac is largely unknown.

OBJECTIVES

Cashew nut allergic individuals may cross-react to foods that are phylogenetically related to cashew. We aimed to determine IgE cross-sensitisation and cross-reactivity profiles in cashew nut-sensitised subjects, towards botanically related proteins of other Anacardiaceae family members and related tree nut species.

METHOD

Sera from children with a suspected cashew nut allergy (n = 56) were assessed for IgE sensitisation to common tree nuts, mango, pink peppercorn, and sumac using dot blot technique. Allergen cross-reactivity patterns between Anacardiaceae species were subsequently examined by SDS-PAGE and immunoblot inhibition, and IgE-reactive allergens were identified by LC-MS/MS.

RESULTS

From the 56 subjects analysed, 36 were positive on dot blot for cashew nut (63%). Of these, 50% were mono-sensitised to cashew nuts, 19% were co-sensitised to Anacardiaceae species, and 31% were co-sensitised to tree nuts. Subjects co-sensitised to Anacardiaceae species displayed a different allergen recognition pattern than subjects sensitised to common tree nuts. In pink peppercorn, putative albumin- and legumin-type seed storage proteins were found to cross-react with serum of cashew nut-sensitised subjects in vitro. In addition, a putative luminal binding protein was identified, which, among others, may be involved in cross-reactivity between several Anacardiaceae species.

CONCLUSIONS

Results demonstrate the in vitro presence of IgE cross-sensitisation in children towards multiple Anacardiaceae species. In this study, putative novel allergens were identified in cashew, pistachio, and pink peppercorn, which may pose factors that underlie the observed cross-sensitivity to these species. The clinical relevance of this widespread cross-sensitisation is unknown.

Allergy to Peanut, Soybean, and Other Legumes: Recent Advances in Allergen Characterization, Stability to Processing and IgE Cross-Reactivity

Peanut and soybean are members of the Leguminosae family. They are two of the eight foods that account for the most significant food allergies in the United States and Europe. Allergic reactions to other legume species can be of importance in other regions of the world. The major allergens from peanut and soybean have been extensively analyzed and members of new protein families identified as potential marker allergens for symptom severity. Important recent advances concerning their molecular properties or clinical relevance have been made. Therefore, there is increasing interest in the characterization of allergens from other legume species such as lupine, lentil, chickpea, green bean, or pea. As legumes are mainly consumed after thermal processing, knowledge about the effect of such processing on the allergenicity of legumes has increased during the last years. In the present review, recent advances in the identification of allergens from peanut, soybean, lupine, and other legume species are summarized and discussed. An overview of the most recently described effects of thermal processing on the allergenic properties of legumes is provided and the potential IgE cross-reactivity among members of the Leguminosae family is discussed.

Identification of chickpea seed proteins resistant to simulated in vitro human digestion

Proteins and peptides able to resist gastrointestinal digestion and reach the intestinal mucosa have the potential to influence human health. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seed proteins are able to resist cooking (86.9% total protein) and/or in vitro simulated human digestion (15.9% total protein resists soaking, cooking and digestion with pepsin and pancreatin). To identify and characterize proteins resisting digestion we made use of different MS methodologies. The efficiency of several proteases (trypsin, AspN, chymotrypsin and LysC) was tested, and two technologies were employed (MALDI-MS/MS and LC-nESI-MS/MS). Digestion with trypsin and AspN were most successful for the identification of seed proteins. When analyzed by MALDI- MS/MS, trypsin allowed the identification of at least one protein in 60% of the polypeptide bands, while AspN allows the identification in 48%. The use of LC-nESI-MS/MS, allowed the identification of much more proteins/polypeptides from digested seeds (232 vs 17 using trypsin). The majority of the proteins found to be able to resist simulated digestion were members of the 7S vicilin and 11S legumin seed storage protein classes, which are reported to contain bio-active functions. In addition, we have found proteins that had not yet been described as potentially able to cause an impact on human health.

SIGNIFICANCE

This is the first proteomic study to analyze the effect of processing and simulated human gastrointestinal digestion on the proteome of chickpea seed. Chickpea is reported to have anti-nutritional effects as well as nutraceutical properties, so the identification and characterization of the proteins able to resist digestion is crucial to understand the targets underlying such properties.

Health Risks and Benefits of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) Consumption

Chickpeas (CPs) are one of the most commonly consumed legumes, especially in the Mediterranean area as well as in the Western world. Being one of the most nutritional elements of the human diet, CP toxicity and allergy have raised health concerns. CPs may contain various antinutritional compounds, including protease inhibitors, phytic acid, lectins, oligosaccharides, and some phenolic compounds that may impair the utilization of the nutrients by people. Also, high consumption rates of CPs have enhanced the allergic problems in sensitive individuals as they contain many allergens. On the other hand, beneficial health aspects of CP consumption have received attention from researchers recently. Phytic acid, lectins, sterols, saponins, dietary fibers, resistant starch, oligosaccharides, unsaturated fatty acids, amylase inhibitors, and certain bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and isoflavones have shown the capability of lowering the clinical complications associated with various human diseases. The aim of this paper is to unravel the health risks as well as health-promoting aspects of CP consumption and to try to fill the gaps that currently exist. The present review also focuses on various prevention strategies to avoid health risks of CP consumption using simple but promising ways.

Food allergy and cross-reactivity-chickpea as a test case

Chickpea has become one of the most abundant crops consumed in the Mediterranean and also in western world. Chickpea allergy is reported in specific geographic areas and is associated with lentil and/or pea allergy. We investigated cross-reactivity between chickpea and pea/lentil/soybean/hazelnut. The IgE-binding profiles of chickpea globulin and pea/lentil/soybean/hazelnut extracts were analyzed by immunoblotting and immunoblot-inhibition studies. Inhibition-assay with pea/lentil completely suppressed IgE-binding to chickpea globulin allergens, while not so in the reciprocal inhibition. Pre-absorption of sera with chickpea globulin caused the disappearance of IgE-binding to protein on an immunoblot of soybean/hazelnut protein extract. These results suggest that cross-reactivity exists between chickpea and pea/lentil/soybean/hazelnut. Chickpea allergy is associated with lentil and/or pea allergy, but evidently may not present independently. This, together with the described asymmetric cross-reactivity and phylogenetic aspects, suggest that chickpea allergy is merely an expression of cross-reactivity, caused by pea and/or lentil as the "primary" allergen.