Insight of the Functional and Biological Activities of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Protein by Proteomics Analysis and Protein-Based Bioinformatics

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is one of the most critical economic crops in the tropics and sub-tropics. Although coconut protein has attracted more and more attention due to its nutritional potential, the lack of proteomic information has limited its practical application. The present study aimed to investigate the coconut meat proteome by shotgun proteomics and protein-based bioinformatic analysis. A grand total of 1686 proteins were identified by searching the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) protein database and self-constructed C. nucifera transcriptome repository. Among them, 17 and 9 proteins were identified as antioxidant proteins and globulins, respectively. Network analysis of the globulins referred to the sub-works of Cupin and Oleosin, and the antioxidant proteins were related to the sub-networks of glutathione metabolism and peroxisome. The bioactive peptides acquired by in-silico digestion of the targeted proteins have the potential to be applied as antioxidants and emulsifiers for both healthcare and food stabilization.

Automated summary

This study investigated the proteome of coconut meat using shotgun proteomics and protein-based bioinformatic analysis. A total of 1686 proteins were identified, including antioxidant proteins and globulins. Network analysis revealed the associations of globulins with Cupin and Oleosin sub-networks, and antioxidant proteins with glutathione metabolism and peroxisome sub-networks. The study also discovered that bioactive peptides, with antioxidant and emulsifying properties, can be obtained through in-silico digestion.