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Proline metabolism and transport in plant development

Lehmann, Silke ; Funck, Dietmar ; Szabados, László ; Rentsch, Doris

In: Amino Acids, 2010, vol. 39, no. 4, p. 949-962

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    Title
    • Proline metabolism and transport in plant development
    Author
    • Lehmann, Silke. Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Altenbergrain 21, 3013, Bern, Switzerland
    • Funck, Dietmar. Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Konstanz University, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464, Konstanz, Germany
    • Szabados, László. Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Center, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
    • Rentsch, Doris. Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Altenbergrain 21, 3013, Bern, Switzerland
    Document Type
    • Postprint
    OAI-PMH Identifier
    • oai:doc.rero.ch:315524
    Summary
    Proline fulfils diverse functions in plants. As amino acid it is a structural component of proteins, but it also plays a role as compatible solute under environmental stress conditions. Proline metabolism involves several subcellular compartments and contributes to the redox balance of the cell. Proline synthesis has been associated with tissues undergoing rapid cell divisions, such as shoot apical meristems, and appears to be involved in floral transition and embryo development. High levels of proline can be found in pollen and seeds, where it serves as compatible solute, protecting cellular structures during dehydration. The proline concentrations of cells, tissues and plant organs are regulated by the interplay of biosynthesis, degradation and intra- as well as intercellular transport processes. Among the proline transport proteins characterized so far, both general amino acid permeases and selective compatible solute transporters were identified, reflecting the versatile role of proline under stress and non-stress situations. The review summarizes our current knowledge on proline metabolism and transport in view of plant development, discussing regulatory aspects such as the influence of metabolites and hormones. Additional information from animals, fungi and bacteria is included, showing similarities and differences to proline metabolism and transport in plants