Peptide aptamers: The versatile role of specific protein function inhibitors in plant biotechnology

Abstract

In recent years, peptide aptamers have emerged as novel molecular tools that have attracted the attention of researchers in various fields of basic and applied science, ranging from medicine to analytical chemistry. These artificial short peptides are able to specifically bind, track, and inhibit a given target molecule with high affinity, even molecules with poor immunogenicity or high toxicity, and represent a remarkable alternative to antibodies in many different applications. Their use is on the rise, driven mainly by the medical and pharmaceutical sector. Here we discuss the enormous potential of peptide aptamers in both basic and applied aspects of plant biotechnology and food safety.The different peptide aptamer selection methods available both in vivo and in vitro are introduced, and the most important possible applications in plant biotechnology are illustrated. In particular, we discuss the generation of broadbased virus resistance in crops, "reverse genetics" and aptasensors in bioassays for detecting contaminations in food and feed. Furthermore, we suggest an alternative to the transfer of peptide aptamers into plant cells via genetic transformation, based on the use of cell-penetrating peptides that overcome the limits imposed by both crop transformation and Genetically Modified Organism commercialization.

Nanoscale Drug Delivery Systems: From Medicine to Agriculture

“…As a result of the interaction between ligands and receptors, the drug delivery specificity and nanoparticle up-take is enhanced (Felice et al, 2014). Different types of ligands have been successfully tested in vitro such as engineered antibodies, growth factors , vitamins (Chen et al, 2010), and aptamers (Colombo et al, 2015). Describing the complete pathway which had to take the controlled drug delivery systems from their very origins to their current state is not within the scope of this review.…”

Synthetic biology and biomimetic chemistry as converging technologies fostering a new generation of smart biosensors

“…Aptamers are short nucleic acid-or peptide-based artificial molecules, often termed as chemical antibodies, with specific binding affinity towards their target analytes (Colombo et al 2015).…”

Translational plant biology

“…The authors also present new genomic information and genetic tools on the translational research from the models to crops including wheat ( Triticum spp ) and barley ( Hordeum vulgare ). Colombo et al () summarized the potential use of peptide aptamers, artificial short peptides with the capability of specifically binding, detecting and inhibiting target molecules, in basic and applied research of agricultural biotechnology and crop improvement. Lignin, a complex aromatic polymer consisting of monomeric subunits such as p ‐hydroxyphenyl, guaiacyl, and syringyl molecules, is important for agricultural production.…”