Plant proteases: From molecular mechanisms to functions in development and immunity

Abstract

Plant proteases are important but enigmatic players in almost all aspects of plant life. Plant genomes encode hundreds of proteases that act in development, homeostasis, biotic and abiotic stress, symbiosis, and growth. Even though they act in all subcellular compartments and in all plant organs, their regulation and downstream actions are still poorly understood. Activities of proteases are tightly regulated because their action on proteins is irreversible. Moreover, as most proteases cleave multiple substrates, their modes of action are challenging to predict. The reviews and original papers in this issue highlight the latest findings in the field of plant protease research related to these enzymes in organisms ranging from Chlorophyta to angiosperms.