Small but Mighty: Functional Peptides Encoded by Small ORFs in Plants

Proteomics. 2018 May;18(10):e1700038. doi: 10.1002/pmic.201700038. Epub 2017 Oct 12.

Abstract

Peptides encoded by small open reading frames (sORFs, usually <100 codons) play critical regulatory roles in plant development and environmental responses. Despite their importance, only a small number of these peptides have been identified and characterized. Genomic studies have revealed that many plant genomes contain thousands of possible sORFs, which could potentially encode small peptides. The challenge is to distinguish translated sORFs from nontranslated ones. Here, we highlight advances in methodologies for identifying these hidden sORFs in plant genomes, including ribosome profiling and proteomics. We also examine the evidence for new peptides arising from sORFs and discuss their functions in plant development, environmental responses, and translational control.

Keywords: Peptide; Ribosome profiling; Small ORF; Translation; Upstream ORF.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Genome, Plant*
  • Genomics
  • Open Reading Frames*
  • Peptide Fragments / genetics
  • Peptide Fragments / metabolism*
  • Plants / genetics*
  • Plants / metabolism*
  • Proteomics
  • Ribosomes

Substances

  • Peptide Fragments