AnnBj3 Provides Arabidopsis Protection from Oxidative Stress

Plant annexins function as either calcium-dependent or -independent phospholipid binding proteins. They make up about 0.1% of total cellular proteins. In the past, there were reports made about annexins alleviating oxidative stress and protecting plant cells. However, these multifunctional proteins are still insufficiently characterized in vivo.

The recently discovered Brassica juncea annexin-3 (AnnBj3) was investigated through Arabidopsis thaliana plants expressing AnnBj3 to study its possible function in oxidative stress response. Results suggested that AnnBj3 relieved oxidative stress by protecting the photosynthesis and plasma membrane from methyl viologen-mediated damage. AnnBj3 detoxifies hydrogen peroxide and also exhibited antioxidative properties in vitro.

The protein also increased total peroxidase activity in transgenics and interfered with other cellular antioxidants. This interaction between the protein and the antioxidants gave an overall cellular protection against methyl viologen-induced cytotoxicity.

For more on this breakthrough, visit: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168945213002896.