Application of Fluorescence Spectroscopy in Studying the Protective Function of 11-Amino Acid Motif of Group3 Late Embryogenesis Abundant Protein

Late embryogenesis abundant protein (LEA) can enhance the tolerance of organisms under drought, low-temperature and other stress conditions. However, their protection mechanisms are still unclear. In the present paper, the peptides consisting of multi-copies of 11-amino acid motif, such as PM2D and PM2E are proved to protect the activity of the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from freeze-thaw by using ultroviolet spectrometry. Furthermore, the fluorescence spectroscopic results show that the peptide consisting of multi-copies of 11-amino acid can stabilize the structure of LDH through synergy and multi-sites binding. However, the peptides consisting of less copies of 11-amino acid, such as PM2F and PM2G bind to LDH through one site, and the binding is weak. They thus can not protect the activity of LDH. In addition, the peptides consisted of multi-copies of 11-amino acid protect LDH by acting with trehalose synergically, and the protection mechanisms of LEA and trehalose on LDH are different.