Chemistry of wheat gluten proteins: Qualitative composition

TLDR

Wheat gluten proteins are among the most complex protein aggregates, with their qualitative and quantitative composition governed by genetics, environment, and processing, and stabilized by intrachain and interchain disulfide bonds that form oligomers and polymers. The review aims to provide an updated, detailed insight into the chemistry of wheat gluten proteins, focusing on their qualitative composition. The authors analyze gluten protein chemistry by reviewing the structural and compositional characteristics of gliadins and glutenins. Gluten proteins comprise ω5, ω1,2, α, and γ gliadins, high‑molecular‑weight and low‑molecular‑weight glutenin subunits, with about 50 % monomeric gliadins (28–55 kDa), 15 % oligomeric HMW‑gliadins (70–700 kDa), and 35 % polymeric glutenins (700 kDa–>10 MDa), and this detailed compositional knowledge can guide breeding of wheat with improved processing properties.

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives Wheat gluten proteins make up one of the most complex protein aggregates in nature. Their qualitative and quantitative composition is determined by genetic and environmental factors as well as technological processes. Findings Gluten proteins comprise ω5‐, ω1,2‐, α‐, and γ‐gliadins as well as high‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits (HMW‐GS) and low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) GS. About 50% of gluten proteins are monomeric gliadins with MWs from 28,000 to 55,000, while about 15% are present as disulfide‐linked oligomeric proteins with MWs between 70,000 and 700,000, called HMW‐gliadins. The remaining 35% are disulfide‐linked polymeric glutenins with MWs from 700,000 to more than 10 million. Intrachain disulfide bonds, present in all types except ω‐gliadins, stabilize the three‐dimensional structure, while interchain disulfide bonds, mainly linking HMW‐GS and LMW‐GS, generate oligomers and polymers. Conclusions In this review, we provide an updated and detailed insight into the chemistry of wheat gluten proteins with a focus on the qualitative composition. Significance and Novelty An enhanced understanding of gluten protein structure and how it is affected will be essential to select and breed more resilient wheat varieties with favorable processing properties to help ensure nutrition and food security worldwide.