Overview
- Kobe University researchers report that high-accumulating cucurbit varieties secrete specific major latex-like proteins into sap, while other variants are retained in cells.
- The export behavior is governed by a small amino‑acid variation that acts as a molecular tag directing secretion.
- Introducing the high‑accumulation protein into tobacco caused the unrelated plant to export it into sap, experimentally confirming the mechanism.
- These proteins bind hydrophobic, persistent pollutants such as dieldrin, dioxins, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, facilitating their movement to aboveground tissues.
- The peer‑reviewed study in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry outlines paths for breeding or genetic modification to reduce food contamination and suggests early-stage potential for phytoremediation.