This article is missing information about subfamilies like dehydrin; Bray and Dure classification.(April 2020) |
Late embryogenesis abundant proteins (LEA proteins) are proteins in plants, and some bacteria and invertebrates, that protect against protein aggregation due to desiccation or osmotic stresses associated with low temperature.[1][2][3] LEA proteins were initially discovered accumulating late in embryogenesis of cotton seeds.[4] Although abundant in seeds and pollens, LEA proteins have been found to protect against desiccation, cold, or high salinity in a variety of organisms, including the bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans, nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, Artemia (brine shrimp), and rotifers.[5][6][2]
LEA proteins function by mechanisms which are distinct from those displayed by heat shock molecular chaperones.[1] Although the causes of LEA protein induction have not yet been determined, conformational changes in transcription factors or integral membrane proteins due to water loss have been suggested.[7] LEA proteins are particularly protective of mitochondrial membranes against dehydration damage.[8]
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