Biology subjects

Perez, L. C.

Publications and source records attributed to Perez, L. C..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Storage protein biosynthesis is affected by ionome composition in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) seeds

Soybean seeds are a significant source of protein for human and animal nutrition, primarily due to seed storage proteins (SSPs) from the albumin and globulin families, which are predominantly located in protein storage vacuoles within cotyledon cells. This study characterised the dynamics of protein and mineral nutrient accumulation in four soybean genotypes with contrasting protein content--two transgenic (tg1 and tg2) and two conventional (ct1 and ct2)--from the beginning of seed filling (R5.5) through to maturity (R8) under field conditions. Profiles of globulin SSPs (glycinin and {beta}-conglycinin), as well as the protein and elemental distribution in mature seed cotyledons were examined. Results revealed that genotypes with higher protein content showed increased S and Zn concentrations and a higher glycinin:{beta}-conglycinin ratio. Subcellular analyses further indicated co-localisation of proteins and Zn within cotyledon cells. Our findings reveal a complex association between S and Zn accumulation and SSPs biosynthesis, indicating that their availability can limit the SSP content. HIGHLIGHTSoybean seed genotypes containing higher sulphur (S) and zinc (Zn) content in the cotyledonary cells exhibit a distinct storage proteins profile by increasing the abundance of sulphur-amino acids rich globulins.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2024

Confounding factors in targeted degradation of short-lived proteins

Targeted protein degradation has recently emerged as a novel option in drug discovery. Natural protein half-life is expected to affect the efficacy of degrading agents, but to what extent it influences target protein degradation has not been systematically explored. Using mathematical modelling of protein degradation, we demonstrate that the natural half-life of a target protein has a dramatic effect on the level of protein degradation induced by a degrader agent which can pose significant hurdles to screening efforts. Moreover, we show that upon screening for degraders of short-lived proteins, agents that stall protein synthesis, such as GSPT1 degraders and generally cytotoxic compounds, deceptively appear as protein degrading agents. This is exemplified by the disappearance of short-lived proteins such as MCL1 and MDM2 upon GSPT1 degradation and upon treatment with cytotoxic agents such as doxorubicin. These findings have implications for target selection as well as for the type of control experiments required to conclude that a novel agent works as a bona fide targeted protein degrader.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2022

May mineral composition trigger or limit the protein content in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) seeds? Insights from a survey on 95 varieties cultivated in Brazil

Background and AimsSoybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) stands out as the major source of protein and oil for human and animal nutrition. Nevertheless, the increase in soybean yield has been accompanied by a reduction in its protein content in the last few decades. Since this might be influenced by the elemental composition of the seeds, we herein aimed at determining the profile of mineral nutrients and protein of 95 soybean varieties broadly cultivated in Brazil, the worlds biggest soybean producer and exporter, to identify possible nutritional triggers for the protein content. MethodsEnergy dispersive fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF) was employed to determine the concentration of macro, i.e., (K), phosphorus (P), sulphur (S), calcium (Ca), and micronutrients, i.e., iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu). The protein content was evaluated in soybean seeds by the Dumas method. The correlational and clustering assessment between nutrients and protein were determined through both univariate and multivariate non-parametric tests. ResultsBoth protein and nutrient concentrations are not homogeneous across soybean seed varieties, and a clear positive association between protein and sulphur (S), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) concentrations were observed. ConclusionThe recorded results suggest that sulphur (S), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) are the limiting nutrients for higher protein content in soybean seeds.

plant biology↗