Protection from the Molecular Shredder

Heidelberg plant researchers discover cellular mechanism that extends the life of proteins. Plants are tied to one location and need to adjust to their environment, including adverse conditions. Adaptive responses include synthesising new proteins and breaking down those that are no longer needed. For this task, plants use a considerable amount of energy. Thus, regulation of protein turnover in the plant cell has to be appropriately thorough. Researchers at the Centre for Organismal Studies of Heidelberg University led by Dr Markus Wirtz and Rüdiger Hell have now identified a cellular mechanism that stabilises proteins by preventing their breakdown. Plants contain numerous proteins that are needed to adapt to environmental conditions like drought stress.