Predicting the peroxisome proteome in the legume Vigna radiata: exploring peroxisomal roles in abiotic stress tolerance

Peroxisomes are single membrane-bound organelles present in almost all eukaryotic organisms and are vital for metabolism and abiotic stress tolerance, however little is known about the proteome of plant peroxisome. The peroxisome proteome for Arabidopsis thaliana has been studied in detail but is still inadequate. It is vital to translate this proteome information to other economically significant crops. Here, we have made efforts to predict the peroxisome proteome of Vigna radiata, a nutrient-rich leguminous crop mostly grown in Asia and contributing significantly to the reduction of malnutrition, thereby fulfilling the United Nations’s sustainable developmental goals. This crop is largely affected by various abiotic stress conditions. The putative peroxisome proteome of V. radiata retains the traditional peroxisome proteome repertoire, where majority of proteins are imported via peroxisome targeting signal type 1. We have also attempted to understand the involvement of peroxisome in abiotic stress tolerance, highlighting the involvement of many peroxisomal proteins. We also propose that during abiotic stress conditions, the peroxisome acts as a backup center for energy production and a bypass for the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The study could enhance the understanding of peroxisome proteomes and aid in developing climate-resistant V. radiata varieties in future in addition to adding up to existing knowledge of peroxisome proteome repertoire.