Phytocystatins and their target enzymes: From molecular biology to practical application: A review

Cystatins are protein inhibitors of cysteine proteinases. Oryzacystatin I (OC-I) has been cloned and is apparently the first well-defined cystatin of plant origin (phytocystatin). Besides OC-I, various other phytocystatins occur in rice, corn, wheat and soybean. Phytocystatins have endogenous target enzymes whose expression is induced by gibberellin, and also exogenous target enzymes from viruses and insects. It is thus likely that phytocystatins are involved in the regulation of intracellular protein catabolism as well as in the defense from infection. Better understanding of this phenomenon and cloning of appropriate genes will facilitate the creation of transgenic crops with enhanced resistance to viruses and insects.