Lipid transfer proteins in Parietaria judaica L. pollen grains: immunocytochemical localization and function.
Parietariajudaica L. (Urticaceae) pollen is considered one of the most common causes of allergic respiratory symptoms in the Mediterranean area. The localization of lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) in P. judaica mature and hydrated-activated pollen grains was investigated applying a combination of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with immunocytochemical methods. Our results show that the content of LTPs in P. judaica pollen grains changes during the process of hydration. The localization of judaica LTPs in the cytoplasm and in the lipid bodies associated with vacuoles demonstrated that LTPs represent primarily intracellular proteins. On the other hand, exposure of the pollen grains to germination medium induced the release of LTPs from the pollen grain. Thus, LTPs are cytoplasmic proteins that are secreted to become available for pollen-stigma interactions and probably induce the IgE antibody responses in allergic patients.
Vega-Maray
Ana M
AM
Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of León, León, Spain.
Fernández-González
Delia
D
Valencia-Barrera
Rosa
R
Polo
Florentino
F
Seoane-Camba
Juan A
JA
Sudrez-Cervera
Maria
M
D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / Q000379:methods*; D032403:Parietaria; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D011058:Pollen / Q000737:chemistry*
D000485:Allergens; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D010940:Plant Proteins; C511920:lipid transfer proteins, plant