Isolation, Characterization and Partial Sequencing of Oil Body Associated Proteins from Moringa oleifera Lam. Mature Embryos

• Main Authors: Uy, A.L.T., Panes, Vivian A
• Format: text
• Published: Archīum Ateneo 2024
• Subjects: Horticulture; Life Sciences; Plant Sciences
• Online Access: https://archium.ateneo.edu/biology-faculty-pubs/160; https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2024.1394.7
• Institution: Ateneo De Manila University

Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds contain high levels of oleic acid, thus serving as a good source of polyunsaturated oils. Seed oils are made up of triacylglycerols (TAGs), stored in the oil bodies, with oil body associated proteins providing support for seed germination processes. Proteins associated with M. oleifera oil bodies have not been reported previously. This study aimed to identify oil body associated proteins from the mature embryos of M. oleifera. SDS-PAGE and 2DE analyses yielded three bands with molecular weights of 19, 24 and 33 kDa. N-terminal sequencing and BLAST alignment confirmed the identity of the 19 kDa protein as double band reductase. This protein, with the amino acid sequence of GLEQTDGTMK, functions in plant defense. It reduces toxic substrates and catalyzes phenylpropanol substrates via its reaction products, and possesses significant anticancer properties. The 24 kDa protein, with partial amino acid sequence, SPELYIDVM, is identified as glutaredoxin Grxs14. It protects the plant from oxidative stress during plant development. The 33 kDa protein with the partial amino acid sequence GPEATKFLMI is identified as G-alpha protein AtGPA1. It is involved in the G protein coupled pathway for sugar signaling in plants. This is an initial report on the identification and partial protein sequencing of the oil body associated proteins in M. oleifera. These findings suggest that M. oleifera oil bodies contain proteins which make M. oleifera seeds valuable for consumption. Consumption of M. oleifera seeds in countries where it is widely grown will augment the lack of food supply, thus combating malnutrition.