A review: The role of barley seed pathogenesis-related proteins (PRs) in beer production

Abstract

Pathogenesis-related proteins (PRs) are involved in the protection of dormant and germinating cereal seeds against pathogenic microorganisms and pests. Moreover, barley grain PRs have considerable technological importance in the brewing of beer. The compact structure of PRs allows them to survive the hostile conditions of the extracellular compartments, where they are usually localized, and enables the endurance of certain classes of PRs during the harsh conditions of the technological steps of beer production. Beer proteome maps reveal a dominant presence of PRs and facilitate association between particular proteins and specific beer quality traits. Current knowledge on the influence of PRs on the various aspects of beer quality has been summarized in this review. © 2010 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling.