Executive Summary : | Natural proteins that self-assemble reversibly by entropic mechanisms might serve as models for functional artificial contractile polypeptides, but they are rare (Knoblauch, et al., 2003). P-proteins from cucurbits are of such category but they are unexplored in this context. Plants have evolved efficient mechanisms to perceive wounds depending on the severity of the damaged tissue. The main mechanism involved to close the damaged sieve tube is by oxidative cross linking of Phloem proteins (P-proteins). P-proteins serves as plug in the sieve element pores to protect the loss of nutrients from the wound part and inhibit the entry of pathogen in to the plant (Taiz et al., 2018). Phloem protein 1 and 2 (PP1 and PP2) are two abundant P-proteins in the phloem sap of cucurbits responsible for the wound sealing by forming filaments or gel through self-assembling and crosslinking to each other (Clark et al., 1997, Bobbili et al., 2018). Phloem proteins 2 (PP2) are among the most abundant proteins in the phloem sieve elements. PP2s show lectin activity and the ability to bind to proteins and RNAs and can move from cell to cell. PP2s have been also reported to participate in the wound sealing by forming a filaments and gel with PP1. The multiple functions of PP2 proteins make them interesting to study. By understanding the structure and function of P-proteins and other structural phloem proteins, we can develop a toolbox for biotechnological applications in material science and medicine. Furthermore, understanding the involvement of structural phloem proteins in plant defense mechanisms will allow phloem engineering as a new strategy for the development of crop varieties that are resistant to pests, pathogens and parasites (Noll et al., 2022). Global Research scenario: The main focus of this proposal is to have lessons from Nature to design and fabricate novel protein nanostructures for in vitro and in vivo uses. The aim is to understand the underlying factors that govern inter protein interaction leading to different assembled protein structures in nature like amyloids, microtubules, protein micro compartments, protein nano compartments. Next we manipulate these factors to design new structures or to alter the property or function of the existing ones. The proposed project will not only provide ample opportunity to publish high impact papers, but will also lead to patent applications. Gap area to be addressed or Hypothesis: Natural proteins from plant that deform reversibly by entropic mechanisms due to non-covalent protein-protein interactions might serve as models for artificial contractile polypeptides with useful functionality. PP2 family proteins may serve as such polypeptides to synthesize smart materials. Characterization of the gel and protein assembles formed through the interaction of PP1 and PP2. Articulation of interactions displayed by PP1 and PP2 to mitigate them to design biogels of various functionality. |