About this Research Topic
Since about 20 years, proteomics has been used widely to evidence proteins and the protein networks that govern seed maturation, germination and vigor.
Besides the role of seed proteins for food/feed purposes, several studies have revealed the importance of seed stored proteins and mRNAs and of protein translation for germination and vigor, as well the implication of many PTMs (e.g., glycation, oxidation, lipoxidation, nitrosylation…) in seed vigor, aging and longevity. Thus, proteomics, which may be combined with other approaches (e.g., other omics), is crucial to characterize seed properties.
The goal of this Research Topic is to summarize/review these results and extend them to novel proteomic studies to document and discover novel seed proteins or PTMs affecting them, for physiological, ecological, nutritional, economical, methodological and agricultural purposes.
The scope of this Research topic is to address by proteomics the following issues:
- Achieve a better understanding of the mechanisms underlining seed physiology (embryogenesis, desiccation tolerance in orthodox vs recalcitrant seeds, seed filling/maturation, dormancy, germination).
- Characterize the specific PTMs (of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic origin) and protein targets involved in seed vigor, longevity and aging.
- Further characterize and develop through the use of protein markers the application of seed vigor enhancement treatments (e.g., priming).
- Describe novel mechanisms responsible for conservation/aging of seeds, their adaptation to the environment (dispersal).
- Describe the associated seed microbiota toward developing the concept of seed holobionte.
- Document proteins involved in seed-borne diseases.
- Analyze the impact of genetic diversity both in model and cultivated plants.
- Provide novel findings in terms of food quality and nutrition, notably for seeds of orphan plant species.
Keywords: maturation, dormancy, seed physiology, embryogenesis, germination, orthodox seed, recalcitrant seed, desiccation tolerance, proteomics methodology, protein isolation, proteome coverage issues, germination vigor, vigor enhancement, priming, seed aging, lipoxidation, aging, glycoxidation, Maillard reaction, adaptation to the environment, dispersal, maternal environment, seed microbiota, seed-borne diseases, genetic diversity, model and cultivated plants, food quality and nutrition
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
