Functional Analysis of the Ricinosomes

The ricinosomes (synonymous with precursor protease vesicles) is a novel organelle that sprout from the endoplasmic reticulum of aging tissues. It is also called "Ricinosome" because it is a structure unique to castor seeds. Ricinosomes are round, about 0.9 μm in diameter, with a monolayer membrane structure, and the surface of the membrane is covered with ribosomes. The main component is the Papain cysteine endonuclease (Cys-EP), which can process the glyoxylate malate dehydrogenase precursor protein into mature protein in vitro.

Lifeasible provides functional analysis of the ricinosomes containing storing cys endonuclease and inducing programmed cell death to help our customers worldwide in the field of plant science. Our platform is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and professional experts to support research. Here, we provide various services according to customers' demands.

Ricinosomes Stores Cys Endonuclease

• Papain type cysteine endonucleases can process glyoxylate malate dehydrogenase precursor proteins. When synthesized in the ER, the N-terminus of these endonucleases has pre-pro-sequence, and most of them have ER resident signals-KDEL sequence at the C-terminus.

Fig.1. Identification of ricinosomes in developing Ricinus seeds in the collapsed cells by labeling with α-Cys-EP antibody. (Schmid M, et al., 1999)

• Lifeasible helps our customers study this process through the following methods, including cloning, expression, purification, and production of the specific antibody against the endopeptidase pro-peptide, electron microscopy, and immunocytochemistry, etc.
• We extract proteins from plant seeds at the developmental stage and detect Cys-EP by Western blot. After labeling with Cys-EP antibody, the distribution of ricin is observed by immunofluorescence microscopy.

Ricinosomes Induces Programmed Cell Death

• Programmed cell death (PCD) is a physiological process involving selective elimination of unwanted cells. Functionally, PCD in higher plants plays various roles in tissue differentiation or renewal. It occurs as part of normal development and in pathological processes associated with certain diseases.
• Lifeasible helps our customers study this process through the following methods, including light microscopy, immunocytochemistry, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, etc.
• We provide TUNEL in situ detection of nuclear DNA fragmentation during PCD. The assay involves end labeling of DNA fragments by using terminal deoxynucleotide transferase and dUTP conjugated with a fluorescent dye.

Lifeasible has long-term devoted to the development and application of plant science. We are pleased to use our extensive experience and advanced platform to offer satisfied service and qualified products to satisfy each demand from our customers. If you are interested in our services or have any questions, please feel free to contact us or make an online inquiry.