For years, scientists have faced the lofty challenge of confirming the evolutionary link between primates and humans, but with new research from Purdue University, scientists may turn their focus on evolutionary kinship between apes and plants.

While attempting to revive dying plants, researchers discovered that inserting a human protein as a substitute for a similar plant protein rescued a nearly lifeless Arabidopsis plant.  The plant protein, aminopeptidase M1 (APM1), plays a crucial role in root development and restoring this protein in a plant lacking APM1 restores life; however, inserting the similar human protein called “insulin responsive aminopeptidase (IRAP)” yielded identical results.

APM1’s function in plants is not fully understood, though it is clearly essential for survival.  Scientists speculate that M1 aminopeptidases may activate or deactivate proteins by removing amino acids, but so far, no APM1 target proteins have been identified.

IRAP, the human counterpart to the APM1 plant protein, is important for human health.  People with aberrant IRAP function can develop leukemia and other cancers.  Building a better understanding of APM1 and IRAP, both members of the same class of proteins, could support future studies in which established data on APM1 in plants could help scientists understand IRAP mechanisms and functionalities in humans.

Discussion Question: With more knowledge on this family of proteins, what other research developments/discoveries could take place concerning both plants and animals?

News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100216114030.htm

Paper Abstract: http://www.plantphysiol.org