Regulation of a plant-based synergistic toxicity between triterpene saponins and ribosome-inactivating proteins

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Alexander Weng
• Subject Area: Pharmacy
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 465247546

The proposed project is based on the observation that plants of the carnation family synthesize a toxic two component-system (TTS). The TTS consist of type I ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs), hydrolyzing ribosomal RNA and particular low molecular weight triterpene saponins. Both components are stored together in the same organ. It can be assumed that this system was developed against herbivores and pathogens. Once internalized into a foreign cell, the type I RIPs need to be transported to the ribosomes. Otherwise, they will be degraded. The transport process to the ribosome occurs not efficiently and is thus the toxicity-limiting step of type I RIPs. The plant specific triterpene saponins modulate the transport of the RIPs in such a way that the RIPs are efficiently delivered to the ribosomes.Nothing is known about the factors that modulate the regulation of the TTS. Therefore, this cooperative Polish-German research project aims at investigating factors that modulate the in vitro biosynthesis of the toxic two component system.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Poland
• Partner Organisation: Narodowe Centrum Nauki (NCN)
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Adam Matkowski