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Molecular, Structural, and Functional Diversity of Universal Stress Proteins (USPs) in Bacteria, Plants, and Their Biotechnological Applications

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Abstract

Universal stress proteins (USPs) are widely distributed and play crucial roles in cellular responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. These roles include regulating cell growth and development, cell motility, hypoxia responses, and ion sequestration. With the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change, pathogens have developed different strategies to withstand environmental stresses, in which USPs play a significant role in their survival and virulence. In this study, we analyzed the importance of USPs in various organisms, such as archaea, plants, and fungi, as a parameter that influences their survival. We discussed the different types Of USPs and their role, aiming to carry out fundamental research in this field to identify significant constraints for better understanding of USP functions at molecular level. Additionally, we discussed concepts and research techniques that could help overcome these hurdles and facilitate new molecular approaches to better understand and target USPs as important stress adaptation and survival regulators. Although the precise characteristics of USPs are still unclear, numerous innovative uses have already been developed, tested, and implemented. Complementary approaches to basic research and applications, as well as new technology and analytical techniques, may offer insights into the cryptic but crucial activities of USPs in various living systems.

Graphical Abstract

Shows the different environmental stresses faced by plants and microbes and how they respond by generating stress proteins, which are enhanced when stressors trigger organisms and help the organism in stress tolerance and resistance and the pathogenesis of microbes.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Dean JIBB and head of department Biochemistry & Biochemical Engineering, SHUATS for providing the necessary funds and facilities for the current study.

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  1. Bilkees Nabi and Manoj Kumawat contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry & Biochemical Engineering, SHUATS, Allahabad, 211007, India

    Bilkees Nabi & Sushma Ahlawat

  2. Department of Microbiology, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, 462030, India

    Manoj Kumawat

  3. Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, 462066, Madhya Pradesh, India

    Manoj Kumawat

  4. Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, SHUATS, Allahabad, 211007, India

    Neeraj Ahlawat

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BN and MK designed the review and carried out the writing work. All authors were involved in scientific discussion and analysis of the data. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Manoj Kumawat or Sushma Ahlawat.

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Nabi, B., Kumawat, M., Ahlawat, N. et al. Molecular, Structural, and Functional Diversity of Universal Stress Proteins (USPs) in Bacteria, Plants, and Their Biotechnological Applications. Protein J (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10930-024-10192-2

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