The Junior Research Group is headed by Dr. Nico Dissmeyer and is located in an external laboratory building at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB). The working group investigates basic molecular mechanisms of the recognition and degradation of plant proteins. Proteins are among the most important components of living cells and undertake various essential functions, ranging from structural proteins and biological messengers to energy storage and biochemical catalysts (enzymes). Very important for the respective functions, are amount and concentration of the proteins as well as their three dimensional structure, the so-called protein folding. The cellular metabolic pathways and all further functions can only work correctly, if both parameters are strictly controlled and regulated. However, up to 30 percent of all newly formed proteins are misfolded from the beginning. Abiotic stress, to which plants can be exposed, mostly initiated by drought, heat, exposure to ultraviolet light and high salt concentrations, are the main reasons for protein misfolding in plants. Recent studies demonstrate that the worldwide yield of crops is reduced by more than 50 percent due to these environmental stresses. This poses a particular threat for agriculture and biotechnological production of utilizable proteins.
Therefore, the laboratory investigates the molecular pathways that ensure the recognition and degradation of misfolded proteins and proteins that need to be destructed due to physiological reasons. The questions are examined in the genetic model plant Arabidopsis thaliana by biochemical, genetic, cell and molecular biological methods. Arabidopsis is related to rape and other brassicas and belongs to the family of cruciferous plants (Brassicaceae or Cruciferae).
The research projects of the junior research group aim to detailed description and functional (molecular) analysis of the complex plant protein quality control networks. Thus, among other things the „biological integration“ of the control mechanism will be investigated, that means, which biological functions does it have and which problems can occur in case of mutations.
The central questions concerning protein recognition, (de)stabilization and degradation are separated in three main projects and long-term objectives. Project I deals with the molecular components of plant quality control, project II with substrates of the molecular networks and project III comprises the biotechnological application of a directed protein expression in plants.
Currently, only little is known about function and importance of the plant protein quality control. In addition to a biochemical, cell and developmental significance, correct protein folding and function is also a main criterion for a successful genetic engineering. The efforts on the (plant) production of therapeutically relevant proteins and as resources for biotechnological applications are intensifying and the control of protein stabilizing factors could be the key for a successful protein production in the future.
A detailed understanding contributes to the use of a generic and efficient production system in biotechnology.
Plants or plant produced proteins are usable as energy sources and carriers of active compounds as well as molecular tools for the establishment of biochemical reaction cascades and the recovery of resources independent of crude oil. The economic production of stable, functional folded and marketable proteins is a biotechnological aim of highest priority. Thus, a basic comprehension of the underlying factors for protein stability has wide-ranging molecular biological and biotechnological significance. Furthermore, plants as producers of renewable and sustainable resources may serve as a biotechnological production platform, which guarantee high yields and functional necessary cellular modifications as part of a plant-based protein production.
Plant proteins are one of the basic storage units for regenerative foods and feeds as well as energy and raw materials (food, feed, fuel and fibre). The integrative research project has a bio-economic potential with regard to an improvement of the production of plant and recombinant (non-plant) proteins in technical standards as well as the plant tolerance against environmental stress. It shows a way to change from expensive, biotechnological production and chemical synthesis to an inexpensive plant breeding and harvest.
This page was last modified on 27 Jan 2025 27 Jan 2025 .