Why and How to Dig into Plant Metabolite–Protein Interactions. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Venegas-Molina, Jhon; Molina-Hidalgo, Francisco J.; Clicque, Elke; Goossens, Alain
• Is Part Of: Trends in plant science. Volume 26:Number 5(2021)
• Page Start: 472
• Page End: 483
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: specialized metabolites -- metabolite–protein interactions -- interactomics -- signal transduction pathways -- proteomes -- enzymes; Botany -- Periodicals; Botanique -- Périodiques; Botany; Periodicals; 580.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2020.12.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-1385

Abstract

Abstract : Interaction between metabolites and proteins drives cellular regulatory processes within and between organisms. Recent reports highlight that numerous plant metabolites embrace multiple biological activities, beyond a sole role as substrates, products, or cofactors of enzymes, or as defense or growth-regulatory compounds. Though several technologies have been developed to identify and characterize metabolite–protein interactions, the systematic implementation of such methods in the plant field remains limited. Here, we discuss the plant metabolic space, with a specific focus on specialized metabolites and their roles, and review the technologies to study their interaction with proteins. We approach it both from a plant's perspective, to increase our understanding of plant metabolite-dependent regulatory networks, and from a human perspective, to empower agrochemical and drug discoveries. Highlights: Plants are treasure troves of bioactive metabolites that not only regulate nearly all fundamental processes such as growth, reproduction, and environmental responses, but also nourish pharmaceutical and industrial applications for humankind. To date, however, we have only scratched the surface in the chemical characterization of plants. Recent studies reported unexpected roles of metabolites, highlighted by the observations that several compounds with a supposed specific plant defense function also act as plant growth regulators. A systematic in-depth mapping of interactions between metabolites and their target proteins would lift our understanding of cellular homeostasis and plant physiology to unprecedented levels. Comprehensive identification and characterization of the metabolite–protein interactome remains a major challenge. Only a handful of technologies are available, complementary, but each with specific shortcomings still. Further technological improvements are required to empower our analytical capacities to unravel the plant's metabolome and its roles.