ASP53, a thermostable protein from Acacia erioloba seeds that protects target proteins against thermal denaturation

Genome-wide association study reveals that the cupin domain protein OsCDP3.10 regulates seed vigour in rice

Seed vigour is an imperative trait for the direct seeding of rice. In this study, we examined the genetic regulation of seedling percentage at the early germination using a genome-wide association study in rice. One major quantitative trait loci qSP3 for seedling percentage was identified, and the candidate gene was validated as qSP3, encoding a cupin domain protein OsCDP3.10 for the synthesis of 52 kDa globulin. Disruption of this gene in Oscdp3.10 mutants reduced the seed vigour, including the germination potential and seedling percentage, at the early germination in rice. The lacking accumulation of 52 kDa globulin was observed in the mature grains of the Oscdp3.10 mutants. The significantly lower amino acid contents were observed in the mature grains and the early germinating seeds of the Oscdp3.10 mutants compared with those of wild-type. Rice OsCDP3.10 regulated seed vigour mainly via modulating the amino acids e.g. Met, Glu, His, and Tyr that contribute to hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) accumulation in the germinating seeds. These results provide important insights into the application of seed priming with the amino acids and the selection of OsCDP3.10 to improve seed vigour in rice.

Mechanistic insights derived from re-establishment of desiccation tolerance in germinating xerophytic seeds: Caragana korshinskii as an example

Germplasm conservation strongly depends on the desiccation tolerance (DT) of seeds. Xerophytic seeds have strong desiccation resistance, which makes them excellent models to study DT. Although some experimental strategies have been applied previously, most methods are difficult to apply to xerophytic seeds. In this review, we attempted to synthesize current strategies for the study of seed DT and provide an in-depth look at Caragana korshinskii as an example. First, we analyze congenital advantages of xerophytes in the study of seed DT. Second, we summarize several strategies used to study DT and illustrate a suitable strategy for xerophytic species. Then, based on our previous studies work with C. korshinskii, a feasible technical strategy for DT re-establishment is provided and we provide illustrate some special molecular mechanisms seen in xerophytic seeds. Finally, several steps to unveil the DT mechanism of xerophytic seeds are suggested, and three scientific questions that the field should consider are listed. We hope to optimize and utilize this strategy for more xerophytic species to more systematically decipher the physiological and molecular processes of seed DT and provide more candidate genes for molecular breeding.

Proteomics in South Africa: current status, challenges and prospects

Proteomics is a biotechnology research area that is generally defined as the large-scale study of protein expression, structure and functions. Primarily, proteomics is used to study relative cellular, subcellular and extracellular abundances of proteins expressed at a defined physiological state on a large scale. In contrast to the analysis of mRNA expression studies, generally referred to as transcriptomics, proteomics approaches take into consideration the post-transcriptional, translational and post-translational modifications of polypeptides. Over the past 10 years, the proteomics field has been growing tremendously and contributing positively to biotechnology, particularly in North America, Europe and Asia. Research output in Africa is still very low in comparison. This article reviews proteomics capacity as well as research activities in South Africa. We highlight, with examples, the potential that this technology has in the acceleration of disease biomarker discovery and its role in drug design. Our ultimate objective is to promote further developments, research and applications of proteomics in South Africa, aiming for the generation of new scientific knowledge for our continent and for the rest of the world.