The Role of Proteases in the Seed Storage Protein Metabolism in Response to External and Internal Stimuli
A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Physiology and Metabolism".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 21
Special Issue Editors
Interests: plant cysteine proteinases activity regulation; phytocystatins; plant respons to biotic stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: abiotic stress; biotic stress; heavy metals; nitric oxide; oxidative stress; phytopathology; reactive nitrogen species; reactive oxygen species; salinity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Protein hydrolysis, along with protein synthesis, is a fundamental component of cellular metabolism. In seeds, irrespective of the type of storage tissue, the accumulation of proteins and their subsequent breakdown during the heterotrophic phase of plant development are intricately dependent on the activity of proteolytic enzymes. While often regarded as a background process that merely sustains homeostasis, proteolysis is, in fact, essential for efficient protein turnover. It facilitates the mobilization and recycling of amino acids, which serve as the primary nutrient source during the heterotrophic stage and are crucial for the synthesis of new proteins. Moreover, proteolysis is integral to plant responses to various stress conditions. By selectively degrading damaged, misfolded, or regulatory proteins, proteolytic activity not only helps maintain cellular integrity but also supports the dynamic reprogramming of stress-related signaling pathways. Proteolytic enzymes—such as proteasomes and specific proteases—play a significant role in modulating hormone signaling, regulating programmed cell death, and removing oxidatively modified proteins. Through these mechanisms, they enhance plant resilience against both abiotic and biotic stress factors.
We invite you to publish original and review articles about the role of proteolytic enzymes in the regulation of metabolic processes during seed development and germination, including the effects of external factors on these processes.
Dr. Beata Prabucka
Dr. Mateusz Labudda
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- protein hydrolysis
- proteinase activity regulation
- seed development
- seed germination
- abiotic stress
- biotic stress
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