Proteomics in plant-fungi interactions: Fundamental concepts to emerging innovations

Plant-fungi interactions play a critical role in shaping agricultural productivity, with plant disease alone responsible for nearly 40 % of global crop losses annually. These interactions involve complex molecular dialogues between plants and pathogens, influencing disease progression and plant defense mechanisms. While genomics and transcriptomics have provided significant insights into these interactions, proteomics offers a dynamic perspective by capturing protein-level changes, post-translational modifications, and protein-protein interactions that directly mediate plant immunity and pathogen virulence. Recent breakthroughs in mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, and high-throughput proteomic techniques have significantly enhanced the resolution and accuracy of protein identification and functional characterization. The integration of proteomics with other omics approaches, such as genomics and metabolomics, has further enriched our understanding of plant defense responses, aiding in the development of disease-resistant crops. However, challenges such as proteome complexity, low-abundance protein detection, and data reproducibility remain obstacles in proteomic research. This review highlights the latest advancements in proteomic technologies, their application in deciphering host-pathogen interactions, and the potential future directions for integrating proteomics into sustainable disease management strategies. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms will facilitate the development of innovative crop protection strategies, ultimately contributing to global food security.