Apoplastic Proteomics in Plant-Pathogen Interactions
Summary
The apoplast, encompassing the cell-wall matrix and extracellular space, serves as the primary arena for plant–pathogen interactions. Apoplastic proteomics employs mass spectrometry and advanced protein-separation methodologies to characterise the repertoire of extracellular proteins deployed during infection. Quantitative profiling of enzyme classes such as hydrolases, protease inhibitors, oxidoreductases and signalling peptides has elucidated mechanisms of pathogen perception, reactive oxygen species modulation and cell-wall reinforcement. Integration of proteomic data with functional annotation and pathway analysis has revealed networks of differentially accumulated proteins that underpin basal immunity and specific resistance phenotypes. These insights inform the breeding of disease-resistant cultivars and the design of sustainable disease-management strategies, emphasising the global significance of mapping the apoplastic proteome under biotic stress.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Apoplastic Proteomics in Plant-Pathogen Interactions publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in apoplastic proteomics in plant-pathogen interactions across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Apoplast: The extracellular compartment comprising the cell-wall matrix and intercellular spaces where initial plant–pathogen interactions occur.
Proteomics: The large-scale study of the identity, abundance and function of proteins within a biological sample.
Secretome: The subset of proteins secreted by cells into the extracellular space, including the apoplast.
Differentially accumulated proteins: Proteins whose abundance significantly increases or decreases in response to pathogen infection.
References
- Proteomic analysis of pathogen-responsive proteins from maize stem apoplast triggered by Fusarium verticillioides. Journal of Integrative Agriculture (2022).
- Uncovering plant-pathogen crosstalk through apoplastic proteomic studies. Frontiers in Plant Science (2014).
- Uncovering the mechanisms underlying pear leaf apoplast protein-mediated resistance against Colletotrichum fructicola through transcriptome and proteome profiling. Phytopathology Research (2024).
About these summaries
This Nature Research Intelligence Topic summary is created with the cited references and a large language model. We take care to ground generated text with facts, and have systems in place to gain human feedback on the overall quality of the process in line with our AI principles. We strive to create accurate and useful summaries for people unfamiliar with the research topic and that supports this goal. These pages are a beta release and will be updated as we learn how best to help people gain value from a research topic summary.
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.