Plant nucleoside N-ribohydrolases: riboside binding and role in nitrogen storage mobilization.

Cells save their energy during nitrogen starvation by selective autophagy of ribosomes and degradation of RNA to ribonucleotides and nucleosides. Nucleosides are hydrolyzed by nucleoside N-ribohydrolases (nucleosidases, NRHs). Subclass I of NRHs preferentially hydrolyzes the purine ribosides while subclass II is more active towards uridine and xanthosine.

Biochemical and structural basis of polyamine, lysine and ornithine acetylation catalyzed by spermine/spermidine N-acetyl transferase in moss and maize.

Polyamines such as spermidine and spermine are essential regulators of cell growth, differentiation, maintenance of ion balance and abiotic stress tolerance. Their levels are controlled by the spermidine/spermine N -acetyltransferase (SSAT) via acetylation to promote either their degradation or export outside the cell as shown in mammals. Plant genomes contain at least one gene coding for SSAT (also named NATA for N-AcetylTransferase Activity).

Long-Lasting Stable Expression of Human LL-37 Antimicrobial Peptide in Transgenic Barley Plants.

Antimicrobial peptides play a crucial role in the innate immune system of multicellular organisms. LL-37 is the only known member of the human cathelicidin family. As well as possessing antibacterial properties, it is actively involved in various physiological responses in eukaryotic cells.