Insights into the mechanism of membrane fusion induced by the plant defense element, plant-specific insert.

ABSTRACT: In plants, many natural defense mechanisms include cellular membrane fusion as a way to resist infection by external pathogens. Several plant proteins mediate membrane fusion, but the detailed mechanism by which they promote fusion is less clear. Understanding this process could provide valuable insights into these proteins' physiological functions and guide bioengineering applications (i.e. the design of antimicrobial proteins). The plant-specific insert (PSI) from Solanum tuberosum can help reduce certain pathogen attack via membrane fusion. To gain new insights into the process of PSI-induced membrane fusion, a combined approach of NMR, FRET, and in silico studies was used. Our results indicate that (i) under acidic conditions, the PSI experiences a monomer-dimer eq

SUBMITTER: Zhao X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7586215 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature