Plant lipid binding proteins: properties and applications.

Lipid transfer proteins (LTP) and puroindolines are abundant lipid binding proteins of plant seeds. While LTP are ubiquitous plant proteins, puroindolines are only found in the seeds of plants from the Triticae and Avenae tribes. These proteins display a similar overall folding pattern but different lipid binding properties. The unique and diverse biological and technological functions of LTPs and puroindolines are closely related to their structural and lipid binding properties. These proteins are attractive to improve the agronomic performances and food quality of crops. Heterologous expression and genetic engineering should allow industrial production and enlarge applications of these lipid binding proteins.