Modes of antifungal action and in planta functions of plant defensins and defensin-like peptides

Publication date: January 2013 Source:Fungal Biology Reviews, Volume 26, Issue 4 Author(s): Barbara De Coninck , Bruno P.A. Cammue , Karin Thevissen Plant defensins are small basic peptides that are inhibitory against a range of plant and human pathogens. Their in vitro antimicrobial activity and structural similarity with human and insect defensins indicated an important role for plant defensins in the innate immune system of plants. Regarding their mode of antimicrobial action, most plant defensins interact with a specific microbial surface receptor, resulting in microbial cell death via e.g. induction of apoptosis. However, accumulating evidence suggests additional in vivo functions of these plant defensins, and by extension of the more recently discovered defensin-like peptides, in general plant development. In this review we will discuss both, the functional roles of defensins in the plant and their modes of antimicrobial action. Highlights ► Plant defensins are small peptides reportedly with mainly antifungal activity. ► Antifungal plant defensins interact with fungal-specific membrane components. ► Plant defensins play a role in the plant defense response. ► A high number of defensin-like peptides are present in various plant species. ► Plant defensins acquired additional functions in the plant (protein promiscuity).

Source: Fungal Biology Reviews - October 13, 2014 Category: Biology Source Type: research