Proteomic Analysis of Theobroma cacao Pod Husk

Abstract

We performed two dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) coupled with MS analysis on Theobroma cacao pod husk (fruit pericarp) to explore the proteome of this recalcitrant tissue. Using a phenol extraction/methanol-ammonium acetate precipitation method, we have obtained 2-DE images with approximately 700 protein spots detected after colloidal CBB staining. Two hundred and forty-four protein spots were analyzed by de novo sequencing of SPITC-derivatized tryptic peptides by MALDI-TOF/TOF MS. Applying this technique, 144 protein spots from cocoa pod husk were identified. The majority of the identified proteins were involved in metabolism and energy. Several of these proteins could be linked to pod growth and development processes.