Functional Studies of Plant Latex as a Rich Source of Bioactive Compounds: Focus on Proteins and Alkaloids.

Joanna Gracz-Bernaciak, Oliwia Mazur, Robert Nawrot

Journal: International journal of molecular sciences 2021;22(22):12427

PMID: 34830309

Abstract

Latex, a sticky emulsion produced by specialized cells called laticifers, is a crucial part of a plant's defense system against herbivory and pathogens. It consists of a broad spectrum of active compounds, which are beneficial not only for plants, but for human health as well, enough to mention the use of morphine or codeine from poppy latex. Here, we reviewed latex's general role in plant physiology and the significance of particular compounds (alkaloids and proteins) to its defense system with the example of L. from the poppy family. We further attempt to present latex chemicals used so far in medicine and then focus on functional studies of proteins and other compounds with potential pharmacological activities using modern techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Despite the centuries-old tradition of using latex-bearing plants in therapies, there are still a lot of promising molecules waiting to be explored.

Address: Molecular Virology Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.

DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212427

Link outs

Free resources

Full Text Sources:

MeSH Terms: Anti-Infective Agents, Antineoplastic Agents, CRISPR-Cas Systems, Cell Line, Tumor, Chelidonium, Drug Discovery, Gene Editing, Herbivory, Humans, Immunologic Factors, Latex, Opiate Alkaloids, Papaver, Phytochemicals, Plant Proteins, Plants, Genetically Modified