Study Demonstrates Evolutionary Link between Plants and Humans
February 19, 2010 |
By demonstrating that a human protein important in cancer development can revive dying plants, researchers at Purdue University have shown an evolutionary link between plants and humans. The aminopeptidase M1 protein, or APM1, is critical for root development in plants. Arabidopsis plants lacking the protein will die, but can be rescued if the protein is restored. The Purdue researchers found that inserting a similar protein found in humans, called insulin responsive aminopeptidase, or IRAP, also rescued the plants.
"APM1 and IRAP are in the same group," said Wendy Peer, leader of the study. "M1 aminopeptidase activity is such a fundamental process that it's been conserved evolutionarily. This protein has changed very little over time." Peer noted that the finding could advance the understanding of this class of proteins because it might make it possible to conduct studies with plants instead of animals, offering researchers more control and options. Humans with altered function of the equivalent proteins often have leukemia or other cancers.
The paper published by Plant Physiology is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1104/pp.109.148742 Read http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/research/2010/100215PeerProtein.html for more information.
|
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- First Global Conference on Agric Research for Development
- Experts Say "Radically ReThink Agriculture"
- New Public-Private Collaboration Aims to Develop High Yielding Maize for Africa
- Improved Maize Varieties Give West and Central African Farmers Hope
- African, Arab Ministers Meet on Action Plan to Improve Agricultural Productivity
- NEPAD Biosafety Network Approves 2010 Work Plan
- Arcadia Receives Fund to Continue Research on Wheat with Reduced Celiac Disease Potential
- Hongkong to Enact GMO Regulation
- Bangladeshi Agric Minister: Encourage Farmer to Adopt Modern Technology
- India's Minister of Agriculture Backs GM Crops for Food Security
- Switzerland Extends Moratorium on GM Crops
- Italian Farmers Lose USD 475 M Annually By Not Being Allowed to Grow GM Corn
- Biological Method to Control Pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum Strains
-
Research Highlights
- Study Demonstrates Evolutionary Link between Plants and Humans
- New Insights on the Molecular Basis of Plant Immune Response
- Researchers Pinpoint Genes that Control Growth of Root Hairs
-
Announcements
- Biosafety Scholarships
- International Conference on Agri-biotech in Developing Countries
-
Resources
- Book on Gene Flow Between Crops and Wild Relatives
- Workshop Report on ERA of GM Crops
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (October 30, 2024)
- Gene Editing Supplement (October 30, 2024)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet