The role of phospholipase D in plant stress responses

Changes in Membrane Lipid Metabolism Accompany Pitting in Blueberry During Refrigeration and Subsequent Storage at Room Temperature

Low-temperature storage is the primary postharvest method employed to maintain fruit quality and commercial value. However, pitting can develop during refrigeration, especially during the shelf life. In this study, a membrane lipidomic approach was employed to analyze the potential relationship between pitting and membrane lipid metabolism during post-cold-storage shelf life. We also determined the changes in ultrastructure and water distribution by low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and assessed the permeability of membrane, membrane lipid peroxidation, proline and malondialdehyde contents, and the activity and gene expression of phospholipase D and lipoxygenase, which are involved in membrane lipid metabolism. The results indicated that the changes in blueberry phospholipids during storage could be caused by cold stress. Furthermore, dehydration is a manifestation of chilling injury. Finally, the significant increase in electrolyte leakage, content of malondialdehyde and proline, and activity of phospholipase D and lipoxygenase in chilled blueberry also indicated that membrane lipid metabolism plays an important role in cold stress response.

Cucumber Phospholipase D alpha gene overexpression in tobacco enhanced drought stress tolerance by regulating stomatal closure and lipid peroxidation

BACKGROUND

Plant phospholipase D (PLD), which can hydrolyze membrane phospholipids to produce phosphatidic acid (PA), a secondary signaling molecule, has been proposed to function in diverse plant stress responses. Both PLD and PA play key roles in plant growth, development, and cellular processes. PLD was suggested to mediate the regulation of stomatal movements by abscisic acid (ABA) as a response to water deficit. In this research, we characterized the roles of the cucumber phospholipase D alpha gene (CsPLDα, GenBank accession number EF363796) in the growth and tolerance of transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) to drought stress.

RESULTS

The CsPLDα overexpression in tobacco lines correlated with the ABA synthesis and metabolism, regulated the rapid stomatal closure in drought stress, and reduced the water loss. The NtNCED1 expression levels in the transgenic lines and wild type (WT) were sharply up-regulated after 16 days of drought stress compared with those before treatment, and the expression level in the transgenic lines was significantly higher than that in the WT. The NtAOG expression level evidently improved after 8 and 16 days compared with that at 0 day of treatment and was significantly lower in the transgenic lines than in the WT. The ABA content in the transgenic lines was significantly higher than that in the WT. The CsPLDα overexpression could increase the osmolyte content and reduce the ion leakage. The proline, soluble sugar, and soluble protein contents significantly increased. By contrast, the electrolytic leakage and malondialdehyde accumulation in leaves significantly decreased. The shoot and root fresh and dry weights of the overexpression lines significantly increased. These results indicated that a significant correlation between CsPLDα overexpression and improved resistance to water deficit.

CONCLUSIONS

The plants with overexpressed CsPLDα exhibited lower water loss, higher leaf relative water content, and heavier fresh and dry matter accumulation than the WT. We proposed that CsPLDα was involved in the ABA-dependent pathway in mediating the stomatal closure and preventing the elevation of intracellular solute potential.

The Changes in Metabolisms of Membrane Lipids and Phenolics Induced by Phomopsis longanae Chi Infection in Association with Pericarp Browning and Disease Occurrence of Postharvest Longan Fruit

This study investigated the changes in metabolisms of membrane lipids and phenolics caused by Phomopsis longanae Chi infection in association with pericarp browning and fruit disease occurrence of postharvest longans. Compared with the uninoculated-longans, the longans inoculated by P. longanae exhibited higher cellular membrane permeability; higher PLD, lipase, and LOX activities; and higher levels of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and phosphatidic acid but lower levels of phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylcholine, and unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs). Additionally, the longans inoculated by P. longanae showed higher activities of POD and PPO but a lower amount of total phenolics. These findings suggested that infection of P. longanae enhanced activities of PLD-, lipase-, and LOX- stimulated degradations of membrane lipids and USFAs, which destroyed the integrity of the cell membrane structure, resulting in enzymatic browning by contact of phenolics with POD and PPO, and resulting in reduction of resistance to pathogen infection and accordingly accelerated disease occurrence of postharvest longan fruit.

Proteome profile analysis of boron-induced alleviation of aluminum-toxicity in Citrus grandis roots

Aluminum (Al)-toxicity and boron (B)-deficiency are two major factors limiting crop production in tropical and subtropical areas. Elevating B supply can alleviate the Al-induced inhibition of growth in Citrus grandis. Seedlings of C. grandis were irrigated for 18 weeks with nutrient solutions containing two B levels (2.5 and 20 μM H₃BO₃) and two Al levels (0 and 1.2 mM AlCl₃·6H₂O). By using 2-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) based MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS method, this study successfully identified and quantified sixty-one differentially abundant proteins in Citrus roots in response to B-Al interactions. The mechanisms underlying the B-induced alleviation of Al-toxicity unveiled by 2-DE technique could be summarized as follows: a) remodeling of cell wall by reducing the synthesis of lignin (sugar ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) transporter ATPase and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase) and increasing the modification of cell wall (UDP-forming); b) enhancing the abundances of proteasomes and turnover of dysfunctional proteins (proteasome or protease); c) increasing the abundance of stress response proteins, such as alcohol dehydrogenase, S-adenosylmethionine synthetase (SAMS) and glycosyl hydrolase; d) reinforcing cellular biological regulation and signal transduction (calreticulin-1). For the first time, some proteins, such as cell division protein 48 (CDC48), calreticulin and phospholipase, which might be involved in the downstream signaling of Al in Citrus plants, were successfully identified.

Single cell-type analysis of cellular lipid remodelling in response to salinity in the epidermal bladder cells of the model halophyte Mesembryanthemum crystallinum

Salt stress causes dramatic changes in the organization and dynamic properties of membranes, however, little is known about the underlying mechanisms involved. Modified trichomes, known as epidermal bladder cells (EBC), on the leaves and stems of the halophyte Mesembryanthemum crystallinum can be successfully exploited as a single-cell-type system to investigate salt-induced changes to cellular lipid composition. In this study, alterations in key molecular species from different lipid classes highlighted an increase in phospholipid species, particularly those from phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidic acid (PA), where the latter is central to the synthesis of membrane lipids. Triacylglycerol (TG) species decreased during salinity, while there was little change in plastidic galactolipids. EBC transcriptomic and proteomic data mining revealed changes in genes and proteins involved in lipid metabolism and the upregulation of transcripts for PIPKIB, PI5PII, PIPKIII, and phospholipase D delta suggested the induction of signalling processes mediated by phosphoinositides and PA. TEM and flow cytometry showed the dynamic nature of lipid droplets in these cells under salt stress. Altogether, this work indicates that the metabolism of TG might play an important role in EBC response to salinity as either an energy reserve for sodium accumulation and/or driving membrane biosynthesis for EBC expansion.

Study of the Involvement of Phosphatidic Acid Formation in the Expression of Wound-Responsive Genes in Cotton

Plants use phospholipase D (PLD, EC 3.1.4.4)/phosphatidic acid (PtdOH) for the transduction of environmental signals including those coming from wounding. Based on our previous findings suggesting that wound-induced PLDα-derived PtdOH can act as a local signaling molecule in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), we show that wounding immediately increases local NADPH oxidase (NADPHox) and cellulose synthase A (CeSA) gene expression. After developing a novel fluorimetric assay for the investigation of n-butanol inhibitory effect on PLD activity, we show that only NADPHox gene upregulation is reduced when n-butanol is applied prior to wounding. This suggests that NADPHox is a possible downstream target of PLD function, while a different CeSA-involving response system may exist in cotton. Overall, this study provides new knowledge on signal-transduction mechanisms following wounding of cotton leaves.

Abiotic Stress Signaling in Wheat - An Inclusive Overview of Hormonal Interactions During Abiotic Stress Responses in Wheat

Rapid global warming directly impacts agricultural productivity and poses a major challenge to the present-day agriculture. Recent climate change models predict severe losses in crop production worldwide due to the changing environment, and in wheat, this can be as large as 42 Mt/°C rise in temperature. Although wheat occupies the largest total harvested area (38.8%) among the cereals including rice and maize, its total productivity remains the lowest. The major production losses in wheat are caused more by abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and high temperature than by biotic insults. Thus, understanding the effects of these stresses becomes indispensable for wheat improvement programs which have depended mainly on the genetic variations present in the wheat genome through conventional breeding. Notably, recent biotechnological breakthroughs in the understanding of gene functions and access to whole genome sequences have opened new avenues for crop improvement. Despite the availability of such resources in wheat, progress is still limited to the understanding of the stress signaling mechanisms using model plants such as Arabidopsis, rice and Brachypodium and not directly using wheat as the model organism. This review presents an inclusive overview of the phenotypic and physiological changes in wheat due to various abiotic stresses followed by the current state of knowledge on the identified mechanisms of perception and signal transduction in wheat. Specifically, this review provides an in-depth analysis of different hormonal interactions and signaling observed during abiotic stress signaling in wheat.

Proteomic and Biochemical Changes during Senescence of Phalaenopsis 'Red Dragon' Petals

Phalaenopsis flowers are some of the most popular ornamental flowers in the world. For most ornamental plants, petal longevity determines postharvest quality and garden performance. Therefore, it is important to have insight into the senescence mechanism of Phalaenopsis. In the present study, a proteomic approach combined with ultrastructural observation and activity analysis of antioxidant enzymes was used to profile the molecular and biochemical changes during pollination-induced petal senescence in Phalaenopsis “Red Dragon”. Petals appeared to be visibly wilting at 24 h after pollination, accompanied by the mass degradation of macromolecules and organelles during senescence. In addition, 48 protein spots with significant differences in abundance were found by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and subjected to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS). There were 42 protein spots successfully identified and homologous to known functional protein species involved in key biological processes, including antioxidant pathways, stress response, protein metabolism, cell wall component metabolism, energy metabolism, cell structure, and signal transduction. The activity of all reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging enzymes was increased, keeping the content of ROS at a low level at the early stage of senescence. These results suggest that two processes, a counteraction against increased levels of ROS and the degradation of cellular constituents for maintaining nutrient recycling, are activated during pollination-induced petal senescence in Phalaenopsis. The information provides a basis for understanding the mechanism regulating petal senescence and prolonging the florescence of Phalaenopsis.

Phospholipidase Dδ Negatively Regulates the Function of Resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. Maculicola 1 (RPM1)

RPM1 is a plant immune receptor that specially recognizes pathogen-released effectors to activate effector-triggered immunity (ETI) in Arabidopsis thaliana. RPM1 triggers ETI and hypersensitive response (HR) for disease resistance. Previous reports indicated that Phospholipase D (PLD) positively regulated RPM1-mediated HR. However, single, double, and triple pld knock-out mutants of 12 members of the PLD family in A. thaliana did not show suppressed RPM1-mediated HR, indicating the functional redundancy among PLD members. In this study, we revealed that PLD could negatively regulate the function of RPM1. We found that RPM1 interacted with PLDδ, but did not interact with PLDβ1, PLDβ2, and PLDγ3. Overexpression of PLDδ conducted to a reduction of protein level and corresponding activity of RPM1. We found that abscisic acid (ABA) reduced the protein level of RPM1, and the ABA-induced RPM1 reduction required PLD activity and PLD-derived phosphatidic acid (PA). Our study shows that PLD plays both negative and positive roles regulating the protein level and activity of RPM1 during stress responses in plants. PLD proteins are regulating points to integrate the abiotic and biotic responses of plants.

Gene Expression Pattern and Protein Localization of Arabidopsis Phospholipase D Alpha 1 Revealed by Advanced Light-Sheet and Super-Resolution Microscopy

Phospholipase D alpha 1 (PLDα1, At3g15730) and its product phosphatidic acid (PA) are involved in a variety of cellular and physiological processes, such as cytoskeletal remodeling, regulation of stomatal closure and opening, as well as biotic and abiotic stress signaling. Here we aimed to study developmental expression patterns and subcellular localization of PLDα1 in Arabidopsis using advanced microscopy methods such as light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) and structured illumination microscopy (SIM). We complemented two knockout pldα1 mutants with a YFP-tagged PLDα1 expressed under the PLDα1 native promoter in order to study developmental expression pattern and subcellular localization of PLDα1 in Arabidopsis thaliana under natural conditions. Imaging of tissue-specific and developmentally-regulated localization of YFP-tagged PLDα1 by LSFM in roots of growing seedlings showed accumulation of PLDα1-YFP in the root cap and the rhizodermis. Expression of PLDα1-YFP in the rhizodermis was considerably higher in trichoblasts before and during root hair formation and growth. Thus, PLDα1-YFP accumulated in emerging root hairs and in the tips of growing root hairs. PLDα1-YFP showed cytoplasmic subcellular localization in root cap cells and in cells of the root transition zone. In aerial parts of plants PLDα1-YFP was also localized in the cytoplasm showing enhanced accumulation in the cortical cytoplasmic layer of epidermal non-dividing cells of hypocotyls, leaves, and leaf petioles. However, in dividing cells of root apical meristem and leaf petiole epidermis PLDα1-YFP was enriched in mitotic spindles and phragmoplasts, as revealed by co-visualization with microtubules. Finally, super-resolution SIM imaging revealed association of PLDα1-YFP with both microtubules and clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs) and pits (CCPs). In conclusion, this study shows the developmentally-controlled expression and subcellular localization of PLDα1 in dividing and non-dividing Arabidopsis cells.

Transcriptome analysis of the salivary glands of the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae

Aphid saliva plays important roles in aphid-host interactions, such as assisting aphid digestion, detoxification, activating or suppressing plant defenses. The grain aphid, Sitobion avenae, is one of the most devastating pests of cereals worldwide. In this study, we performed the transcriptome analysis of salivary glands of S. avenae. A total of 33,079 assembled unigenes were identified in the salivary glands of aphids. Of the all obtained unigenes, 15,833(47.86%) and 10,829(32.73%) unigenes showed high similarity to known proteins in Nr and Swiss-Prot databases respectively. 526 unigenes were predicted to encode secretory proteins, including some digestive and detoxifying enzymes and potential effectors. The RT-PCR and RT-qPCR results showed that all of the 15 most highly expressed putative secretory proteins specifically expressed in salivary glands. Interestingly, 11 of the 15 most highly expressed putative secretory proteins were still not matched to function-known proteins. We also detected the expression of 9 interested putative secretory proteins in aphid different tissues, including some digestive and detoxifying enzymes, effectors and Ca2+ binding proteins. The results showed that only glutathione-S-transferase 1 was specifically expressed in salivary glands. These findings provide a further insight into the identification of potential effectors involving in aphid-cereals interactions.

Identification and characterization of the phosphatidic acid-binding A. thaliana phosphoprotein PLDrp1 that is regulated by PLDα1 in a stress-dependent manner

Phospholipase D (PLD) and its cleavage product phosphatidic acid (PA) are crucial in plant stress-signalling. Although some targets of PLD and PA have been identified, the signalling pathway is still enigmatic. This study demonstrates that the phosphoprotein At5g39570, now called PLD-regulated protein1 (PLDrp1), from Arabidopsis thaliana is directly regulated by PLDα1. The protein PLDrp1 can be divided into two regions with distinct properties. The conserved N-terminal region specifically binds PA, while the repeat-rich C-terminal domain suggests interactions with RNAs. The expression of PLDrp1 depends on PLDα1 and the plant water status. Water stress triggers a pldα1-like phenotype in PLDrp1 mutants and induces the expression of PLDrp1 in pldα1 mutants. The regulation of PLDrp1 by PLDα1 and environmental stressors contributes to the understanding of the complex PLD regulatory network and presents a new member of the PA-signalling chain in plants.

Phospholipases Dζ1 and Dζ2 have distinct roles in growth and antioxidant systems in Arabidopsis thaliana responding to salt stress

Phospholipases Dζ play different roles in Arabidopsis salt tolerance affecting the regulation of ion transport and antioxidant responses. Lipid signalling mediated by phospholipase D (PLD) plays essential roles in plant growth including stress and hormonal responses. Here we show that PLDζ1 and PLDζ2 have distinct effects on Arabidopsis responses to salinity. A transcriptome analysis of a double pldζ1pldζ2 mutant revealed a cluster of genes involved in abiotic and biotic stresses, such as the high salt-stress responsive genes DDF1 and RD29A. Another cluster of genes with a common expression pattern included ROS detoxification genes involved in electron transport and biotic and abiotic stress responses. Total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was induced early in the shoots and roots of all pldζ mutants exposed to mild or severe salinity with the highest SOD activity measured in pldζ2 at 14 days. Lipid peroxidation in shoots and roots was higher in the pldζ1 mutant upon salt treatment and pldζ1 accumulated H₂O₂ earlier than other genotypes in response to salt. Salinity caused less deleterious effects on K⁺ accumulation in shoots and roots of the pldζ2 mutant than of wild type, causing only a slight variation in Na⁺/K⁺ ratio. Relative growth rates of wild-type plants, pldζ1, pldζ2 and pldζ1pldζ2 mutants were similar in control conditions, but strongly affected by salt in WT and pldζ1. The efficiency of photosystem II, estimated by measuring the ratio of chlorophyll fluorescence (F _v/F _m ratio), was strongly decreased in pldζ1 under salt stress. In conclusion, PLDζ2 plays a key role in determining Arabidopsis sensitivity to salt stress allowing ion transport and antioxidant responses to be finely regulated.

Lipid remodelling: Unravelling the response to cold stress in Arabidopsis and its extremophile relative Eutrema salsugineum

Environmental constraints limit the geographic distribution of many economically important crops. Cold stress is an important abiotic stress that affects plant growth and development, resulting in loss of vigour and surface lesions. These symptoms are caused by, among other metabolic processes, the altered physical and chemical composition of cell membranes. As a major component of cell membranes lipids have been recognized as having a significant role in cold stress, both as a mechanical defence through leaf surface protection and plasma membrane remodelling, and as signal transduction molecules. We present an overview integrating gene expression and lipidomic data published so far in Arabidopsis and its relative the extremophile Eutrema salsugineum. This data enables a better understanding of the contribution of the lipidome in determining the ability to tolerate suboptimal temperature conditions. Collectively this information will allow us to identify the key lipids and pathways responsible for resilience, enabling the development of new approaches for crop tolerance to stress.

Environmental stress is the major cause of transcriptomic and proteomic changes in GM and non-GM plants

The approval of genetically modified (GM) crops is preceded by years of intensive research to demonstrate safety to humans and environment. We recently showed that in vitro culture stress is the major factor influencing proteomic differences of GM vs. non-GM plants. This made us question the number of generations needed to erase such "memory". We also wondered about the relevance of alterations promoted by transgenesis as compared to environment-induced ones. Here we followed three rice lines (1-control, 1-transgenic and 1-negative segregant) throughout eight generations after transgenesis combining proteomics and transcriptomics, and further analyzed their response to salinity stress on the F6 generation. Our results show that: (a) differences promoted during genetic modification are mainly short-term physiological changes, attenuating throughout generations, and (b) environmental stress may cause far more proteomic/transcriptomic alterations than transgenesis. Based on our data, we question what is really relevant in risk assessment design for GM food crops.

Lipoxygenase in singlet oxygen generation as a response to wounding: in vivo imaging in Arabidopsis thaliana

Wounding, one of the most intensive stresses influencing plants ontogeny and lifespan, can be induced by herbivory as well as by physical factors. Reactive oxygen species play indispensable role both in the local and systemic defense reactions which enable "reprogramming" of metabolic pathways to set new boundaries and physiological equilibrium suitable for survival. In our current study, we provide experimental evidence on the formation of singlet oxygen (¹O₂) after wounding of Arabidopsis leaves. It is shown that ¹O₂ is formed by triplet-triplet energy transfer from triplet carbonyls to molecular oxygen. Using lipoxygenase inhibitor catechol, it is demonstrated that lipid peroxidation is initiated by lipoxygenase. Suppression of ¹O₂ formation in lox2 mutant which lacks chloroplast lipoxygenase indicates that lipoxygenase localized in chloroplast is predominantly responsible for ¹O₂ formation. Interestingly, ¹O₂ formation is solely restricted to chloroplasts localized at the wounding site. Data presented in this study might provide novel insight into wound-induced signaling in the local defense reaction.

Fatty Acid- and Lipid-Mediated Signaling in Plant Defense

Fatty acids and lipids, which are major and essential constituents of all plant cells, not only provide structural integrity and energy for various metabolic processes but can also function as signal transduction mediators. Lipids and fatty acids can act as both intracellular and extracellular signals. In addition, cyclic and acyclic products generated during fatty acid metabolism can also function as important chemical signals. This review summarizes the biosynthesis of fatty acids and lipids and their involvement in pathogen defense.

Auxin Signaling in Regulation of Plant Translation Reinitiation

The mRNA translation machinery directs protein production, and thus cell growth, according to prevailing cellular and environmental conditions. The target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway-a major growth-related pathway-plays a pivotal role in optimizing protein synthesis in mammals, while its deregulation triggers uncontrolled cell proliferation and the development of severe diseases. In plants, several signaling pathways sensitive to environmental changes, hormones, and pathogens have been implicated in post-transcriptional control, and thus far phytohormones have attracted most attention as TOR upstream regulators in plants. Recent data have suggested that the coordinated actions of the phytohormone auxin, Rho-like small GTPases (ROPs) from plants, and TOR signaling contribute to translation regulation of mRNAs that harbor upstream open reading frames (uORFs) within their 5'-untranslated regions (5'-UTRs). This review will summarize recent advances in translational regulation of a specific set of uORF-containing mRNAs that encode regulatory proteins-transcription factors, protein kinases and other cellular controllers-and how their control can impact plant growth and development.

Metal ions and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate as interacting effectors of α-type plant phospholipase D

Plant phospholipases D (PLD) are typically characterized by a C2 domain with at least two Ca²⁺ binding sites. In vitro, the predominantly expressed α-type PLDs need 20-100 mM CaCl₂ for optimum activity, whereas the essential activator of β- or γ-type PLDs, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂), plays a secondary role. In the present paper, we have studied the interplay between PIP₂ and metal ion activation of the well-known α-type PLD from cabbage (PLDα). With mixed micelles containing phosphatidyl-p-nitrophenol as substrate, PIP₂-concentrations in the nanomolar range are able to activate the enzyme in addition to the essential Ca²⁺ activation. Mg²⁺ ions are able to replace Ca²⁺ ions but they do not activate PLDα. Rather, they abolish the activation of the enzyme by Ca²⁺ ions in the absence, but not in the presence, of PIP₂. The presence of PIP₂ causes a shift in the pH optimum of PLDα activity to the acidic range. Employing fluorescence measurements and replacing Ca²⁺ by Tb³⁺ ions, confirmed the presence of two metal ion-binding sites, in which the one of lower affinity proved crucial for PLD activation. Moreover, we have generated a homology model of the C2 domain of this enzyme, which was used for Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations and docking studies. As is common for C2 domains, it shows two antiparallel β-sheets consisting of four β-strands each and loop regions that harbor two Ca²⁺ binding sites. Based on the findings of the MD simulation, one of the bound Ca²⁺ ions is coordinated by five amino acid residues. The second Ca²⁺ ion induces a loop movement upon its binding to three amino acid residues. Docking studies with PIP₂ reveal, in addition to the previously postulated PIP₂-binding site in the middle of the β-sheet structure, another PIP₂-binding site near the two Ca²⁺ ions, which is in accordance with the experimental interplay of PIP₂, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions.

Gene expression profiling describes the genetic regulation of Meloidogyne arenaria resistance in Arachis hypogaea and reveals a candidate gene for resistance

Resistance to root-knot nematode was introgressed into cultivated peanut Arachis hypogaea from a wild peanut relative, A. cardenasii and previously mapped to chromosome A09. The highly resistant recombinant inbred RIL 46 and moderately resistant RIL 48 were selected from a population with cv. Gregory (susceptible) and Tifguard (resistant) as female and male parents, respectively. RNA-seq analysis was performed on these four genotypes using root tissue harvested from root-knot nematode infected plants at 0, 3, 7 days after inoculation. Differential gene expression analysis provides evidence that root-knot nematodes modulate biological pathways involved in plant hormone, defense, cell signaling, cytoskeleton and cell wall metabolism in a susceptible reaction. Corresponding to resistance reaction, an effector-induced-immune response mediated by an R-gene was identified in Tifguard. Mapping of the introgressed region indicated that 92% of linkage group A09 was of A. cardenasii origin in Tifguard. RIL46 and RIL 48 possessed 3.6% and 83.5% of the introgression on A09, respectively. Within the small introgressed region carried by RIL 46, a constitutively expressed TIR-NBS-LRR gene was identified as the candidate for nematode resistance. Potential defense responsive pathways include effector endocytosis through clathrin-coated vesicle trafficking, defense signaling through membrane lipid metabolism and mucilage production.

Salt stress induces changes in the proteomic profile of micropropagated sugarcane shoots

Salt stress is one of the most common stresses in agricultural regions worldwide. In particular, sugarcane is affected by salt stress conditions, and no sugarcane cultivar presently show high productivity accompanied by a tolerance to salt stress. Proteomic analysis allows elucidation of the important pathways involved in responses to various abiotic stresses at the biochemical and molecular levels. Thus, this study aimed to analyse the proteomic effects of salt stress in micropropagated shoots of two sugarcane cultivars (CB38-22 and RB855536) using a label-free proteomic approach. The mass spectrometry proteomics data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD006075. The RB855536 cultivar is more tolerant to salt stress than CB38-22. A quantitative label-free shotgun proteomic analysis identified 1172 non-redundant proteins, and 1160 of these were observed in both cultivars in the presence or absence of NaCl. Compared with CB38-22, the RB855536 cultivar showed a greater abundance of proteins involved in non-enzymatic antioxidant mechanisms, ion transport, and photosynthesis. Some proteins, such as calcium-dependent protein kinase, photosystem I, phospholipase D, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, were more abundant in the RB855536 cultivar under salt stress. Our results provide new insights into the response of sugarcane to salt stress, and the changes in the abundance of these proteins might be important for the acquisition of ionic and osmotic homeostasis during exposure to salt stress.

Cassava postharvest physiological deterioration: a complex phenomenon involving calcium signaling, reactive oxygen species and programmed cell death

Postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD) of cassava (Manihot esculenta) storage roots is a complex physiological and biochemical process which involve many regulatory networks linked with specific proteins modulation and signaling transduction pathways. However, it is poorly understood regarding biological regulation, and the interactions among protein groups and signals to determine PPD syndrome in cassava storage roots. This review sheds some light on the possible molecular mechanisms involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS), calcium signaling transduction, and programmed cell death (PCD) in cassava PPD syndrome. A model for predicting crosstalk among calcium signaling, ROS and PCD is suggested to fine-tune PPD syndrome. This would clues to cassava molecular breeding to alleviate the PPD effects on the shelf-life.

Cloning, Characterization, and Functional Expression of Phospholipase Dα cDNA from Banana (Musa acuminate L.)

Phospholipase D (PLD) plays a key role in adaptive responses of postharvest fruits. A cDNA clone of banana (Musa acuminate L.) PLDα (MaPLDα) was obtained by RT-PCR in this study. The MaPLDα gene contains a complete open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 92-kDa protein composed of 832 amino acid residues and possesses a characteristic C2 domain and two catalytic H×K×××D (abbr. HKD) motifs. The two HKD motifs are separated by 341 amino acid residues in the primary structure. Relatively higher PLD activity and expression of MaPLDα mRNA were detected in developing tissues compared to senescent or mature tissues in individual leaves, flower, stem, and fruit organs, respectively. The expression profile of PLDα mRNA in postharvest banana fruits at different temperatures was determined, and the MaPLDα mRNA reached the highest expression peak on day 5 at 25°C and on day 7 at 12°C. The results provide useful information for maintaining postharvest quality and extending the storage life of banana fruit.

Overexpression of Cucumber Phospholipase D alpha Gene (CsPLDα) in Tobacco Enhanced Salinity Stress Tolerance by Regulating Na+-K+ Balance and Lipid Peroxidation

Plant phospholipase D (PLD), which can hydrolyze membrane phospholipids to produce phosphatidic acid (PA), a secondary signaling molecule, has been proposed to function in diverse plant stress responses. In this research, we characterized the roles of the cucumber phospholipase D alpha gene (PLDα, GenBank accession number EF363796) in growth and tolerance to short- and long-term salt stress in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). Fresh and dry weights of roots, PLD activity and content, mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) gene expression, Na⁺-K⁺ homeostasis, expression of genes encoding ion exchange, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism and osmotic adjustment substances were investigated in wild type (WT) and CsPLDα-overexpression tobacco lines grown under short- and long-term high salt (250 mM) stress. Under short-term stress (5 h), in both overexpression lines, the PA content, and the expression levels of MAPK and several genes related to ion exchange (NtNHX1, NtNKT1, NtHAK1, NtNHA1, NtVAG1), were promoted by high PLD activity. Meanwhile, the Na⁺/K⁺ ratio decreased. Under long-term stress (16 days), ROS scavenging systems (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase activities) in leaves of transgenic lines were more active than those in WT plants. Meanwhile, the contents of proline, soluble sugar, and soluble protein significantly increased. In contrast, the contents of O₂^•- and H₂O₂, the electrolytic leakage and the accumulation of malondialdehyde in leaves significantly decreased. The root fresh and dry weights of the overexpression lines increased significantly. Na⁺-K⁺ homeostasis had the same trend as under the short-term treatment. These findings suggested that CsPLDα-produced PA can activate the downstream signals' adaptive response to alleviate the damage of salt stress, and the main strategies for adaptation to salt stress are the accumulation of osmoprotective compounds, maintaining Na⁺-K⁺ homeostasis and the scavenging of ROS, which function in the osmotic balancing and structural stabilization of membranes.

Responses of Phospholipase D and Antioxidant System to Mechanical Wounding in Postharvest Banana Fruits

Banana fruits are susceptible to mechanical damage. The present study was to investigate the responses of phospholipase D (PLD) and antioxidant system to mechanical wounding in postharvest banana fruits. During 16 d storage at 25°C and 90% relative humidity, PLD activity in wounded fruits was significantly higher than that in control (without artificial wounding fruits). The higher value of PLD mRNA was found in wounded fruits than in control. PLD mRNA expression reached the highest peak on day 4 in both groups, but it was 2.67 times in wounded fruits compared to control at that time, indicating that PLD gene expression was activated in response to wounding stress. In response to wounding stress, the higher lipoxygenase (LOX) activity was observed and malondialdehyde (MDA) production was accelerated. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in wounded fruits were significantly higher than those in control. The concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide anion (O2•-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in fruits increased under mechanical wounding. The above results provided a basis for further investigating the mechanism of postharvest banana fruits adapting to environmental stress.

Phospholipases Dα and δ are involved in local and systemic wound responses of cotton (G. hirsutum)

Phospholipases D (PLDs) catabolize structural phospholipids to produce phosphatidic acid (PtdOH), a lipid playing central role in signalling pathways in animal, yeast and plant cells. In animal cells two PLD genes have been studied while in model plant Arabidopsis twelve genes exist, classified in six classes (α-ζ). This underlines the role of these enzymes in plant responses to environmental stresses. However, information concerning the PLD involvement in the widely cultivated and economically important cotton plant responses is very limited. The aim of this report was to study the activity of conventional cotton PLD and its participation in plant responses to mechanical wounding, which resembles both biotic and abiotic stresses. PLDα activity was identified and further characterized by transphosphatidylation reaction. Upon wounding, cotton leaf responses consist of an acute in vitro increase of PLDα activity in both wounded and systemic tissue. However, determination of the in vivo PtdOH levels under the same wounding conditions revealed a rapid PtdOH formation only in wounded leaves and a late response of a PtdOH increase in both tissues. Εxpression analysis of PLDα and PLDδ isoforms showed mRNA accumulation of both isoforms in the wounded tissue, but only PLDδ exerts a high and sustainable expression in systemic leaves, indicating that this isoform is mainly responsible for the systemic wound-induced PtdOH production. Therefore, our data suggest that PLDα and PLDδ isoforms are involved in different steps in cotton wound signalling.

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PLDα activity and PtdOH levels rapidly increase in wounded cotton leaves.

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PLDα is also activated rapidly in systemic tissue.

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Doubling of PtdOH levels occurs as a late response in both wounded and systemic tissue.

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PLDδ (but not PLDα) exerts a high and sustainable expression in systemic leaves.

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PLDα and PLDδ are involved in different steps in cotton wound signalling.

High-Performing Windowfarm Hydroponic System: Transcriptomes of Fresh Produce and Microbial Communities in Response to Beneficial Bacterial Treatment

Beneficial microorganisms play an important role in enhancing plant health, especially by promoting resistance to plant pathogen infection. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of such protection by i) examining the responses of fresh produce (lettuce) to beneficial treatments in their transcriptomes, ii) comparing biological (bacteria, fungi, and oomycete) communities and their diversity when treated with Pseudomonas chlororaphis (beneficial bacterium) in windowfarm hydroponic systems, and iii) identifying the microorganisms in root areas and water. P. chlororaphis treatment was for increasing plant growth and fighting for Pythium ultimum infection. In addition, two more treatments were conducted: i) adding supporting media for increasing bacterial colonizing areas around roots and ii) UV irradiation in water for controlling nuisance biofilm buildup. Changes in gene regulation and expression in lettuce in response to these treatments were investigated. Comparisons of microbial profiles among the treatments and microbial identification were conducted using samples of supporting media (around roots) and water. The results demonstrated that i) P. chlororaphis enhanced lettuce growth, ii) P. chlororaphis-treated lettuce showed dominantly expressed genes for membrane, catalytic activity, cellular process, and metabolic process categories, iii) P. chlororaphis treatment induced genes related to growth promotion and defense pathways, and iv) the microbial community of the root area was affected significantly by P. chlororaphis treatment and microbial diversity in water was significantly changed by UV irradiation. This study provided insight into how beneficial treatments affects the fresh produce growth in root areas and water in a vertical hydroponic system.

Cold stress affects H+-ATPase and phospholipase D activity in Arabidopsis

Low temperature is an environmental stress that greatly influences plant performance and distribution. Plants exposed to cold stress exhibit modifications of plasma membrane physical properties that can affect their functionality. Here it is reported the effect of low temperature exposure of Arabidopsis plants on the activity of phospholipase D and H⁺-ATPase, the master enzyme located at the plasma membrane. The H⁺-ATPase activity was differently affected, depending on the length of cold stress imposed. In particular, an exposure to 4 °C for 6 h determined the strong inhibition of the H⁺-ATPase activity, that correlates with a reduced association with the regulatory 14-3-3 proteins. A longer exposure first caused the full recovery of the enzymatic activity followed by a significant activation, in accordance with both the increased association with 14-3-3 proteins and induction of H⁺-ATPase gene transcription. Different time lengths of cold stress treatment were also shown to strongly stimulate the phospholipase D activity and affect the phosphatidic acid levels of the plasma membranes. Our results suggest a functional correlation between the activity of phospholipase D and H⁺-ATPase mediated by phosphatidic acid release during the cold stress response.

Identification of Biochemical Pathways Associated with Lead Tolerance and Detoxification in Chrysopogon zizanioides L. Nash (Vetiver) by Metabolic Profiling

Lead (Pb) is a major urban pollutant, due to deteriorating lead-based paint in houses built before 1978. Phytoremediation is an inexpensive and effective technique for remediation of Pb-contaminated homes. Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides), a noninvasive, fast-growing grass with high biomass, can tolerate and accumulate large quantities of Pb in its tissues. Lead is known to induce phytochelatins and antioxidative enzymes in vetiver; however, the overall impact of Pb stress on metabolic pathways of vetiver is unknown. In the current study, vetiver plants were treated with different concentrations of Pb in a hydroponic setup. Metabolites were extracted and analyzed using LC/MS/MS. Multivariate analysis of metabolites in both root and shoot tissue showed tremendous induction in key metabolic pathways including sugar metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and an increase in production of osmoprotectants, such as betaine and polyols, and metal-chelating organic acids. The data obtained provide a comprehensive insight into the overall stress response mechanisms in vetiver.

The diversity of algal phospholipase D homologs revealed by biocomputational analysis

Phospholipase D (PLD) participates in the formation of phosphatidic acid, a precursor in glycerolipid biosynthesis and a second messenger. PLDs are part of a superfamily of proteins that hydrolyze phosphodiesters and share a catalytic motif, HxKxxxxD, and hence a mechanism of action. Although HKD-PLDs have been thoroughly characterized in plants, animals and bacteria, very little is known about these enzymes in algae. To fill this gap in knowledge, we performed a biocomputational analysis by means of HMMER iterative profiling, using most eukaryotic algae genomes available. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that algae exhibit very few eukaryotic-type PLDs but possess, instead, many bacteria-like PLDs. Among algae eukaryotic-type PLDs, we identified C2-PLDs and PXPH-like PLDs. In addition, the dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense features several proteins phylogenetically related to oomycete PLDs. Our phylogenetic analysis also showed that algae bacteria-like PLDs (proteins with putative PLD activity) fall into five clades, three of which are novel lineages in eukaryotes, composed almost entirely of algae. Specifically, Clade II is almost exclusive to diatoms, whereas Clade I and IV are mainly represented by proteins from prasinophytes. The other two clades are composed of mitochondrial PLDs (Clade V or Mito-PLDs), previously found in mammals, and a subfamily of potentially secreted proteins (Clade III or SP-PLDs), which includes a homolog formerly characterized in rice. In addition, our phylogenetic analysis shows that algae have non-PLD members within the bacteria-like HKD superfamily with putative cardiolipin synthase and phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylglycerophosphate synthase activities. Altogether, our results show that eukaryotic algae possess a moderate number of PLDs that belong to very diverse phylogenetic groups.

Purification, sequencing and characterization of phospholipase D from Indian mustard seeds

Phospholipase D (PLD; E.C. 3.1.4.4) is widespread in plants where it fulfills diverse functions in growth and in the response to stresses. The enzyme occurs in multiple forms that differ in their biochemical properties. In the present paper PLD from medicinally relevant Indian mustard seeds was purified by Ca(2+)-mediated hydrophobic interaction and anion exchange chromatography to electrophoretic homogeneity. Based on mass-spectrometric sequence analysis of tryptic protein fragments, oligonucleotide primers for cloning genomic DNA fragments that encoded the enzyme were designed and used to derive the complete amino acid sequence of this PLD. The sequence data, as well as the molecular properties (molecular mass of 92.0 kDa, pI 5.39, maximum activity at pH 5.5-6.0 and Ca(2+) ion concentrations ⩾60 mM), allowed the assignment of this enzyme to the class of α-type PLDs. The apparent kinetic parameters Vmax and Km, determined for the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) in an aqueous mixed-micellar system were 356±15 μmol min(-1) mg(-1) and 1.84±0.17 mM, respectively. Phosphate analogs such as NaAlF4 and Na3VO4 displayed strong inhibition of the enzyme. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate had a strong activating effect at 2-10 mM CaCl2. PLD was inactivated at temperatures >45 °C. The enzyme exhibited the highest activity toward PC followed by phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. PCs with short-chain fatty acids were better substrates than PCs with long fatty acid chains. Lyso-PC was not accepted as substrate.

New Insight into the Mechanism and Function of Autophagy in Plant Cells

Autophagy is a degradation pathway that is conserved throughout eukaryotic organisms and plays important roles in the tolerance of abiotic and biotic stresses. It functions as a housekeeping process to remove unwanted cell components under normal conditions, and is induced during stress and senescence to break down damaged cellular contents and to recycle materials. The target components are engulfed into specialized transport structures termed autophagosomes and are subsequently delivered to the vacuole for degradation. Here, we review milestones in the study of autophagy in plants, discuss recent advances in our understanding of the mechanism and physiological roles of plant autophagy, and highlight potential future directions of research.

Oat (Avena sativa L.): Oil and Nutriment Compounds Valorization for Potential Use in Industrial Applications

Oat is a promising plant for the future. It is edible and beneficial thanks to its nutritional, medicinal and pharmaceutical uses and, hence, recognized to be useful for a healthier world. The assessment of the vital functions of oat components is important for industries requiring correct health labelling, valid during the shelf life of any product. Oil, enzymes and other biomolecules of nutraceutic or dietary usage from oats would be valorized for this purpose. Although oats have a unique and versatile composition including antioxidants and biomolecules indispensable for health, they are undervalued in comparison with other staple cereals such as wheat, barley and rice. Furthermore, oats, apart from maize, comprise a high oil content used for a wide range of beneficial purposes. In addition, they contain beta glucan that has proven to be very helpful in reducing blood cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular diseases risks. In fact, there is diversity in the composition and content of the beneficial oat components within their genotypes and the different environmental conditions and, thus, oats are amenable to be enhanced by agronomic practices and genetic approaches.

Heat stress effects on livestock: molecular, cellular and metabolic aspects, a review

Elevated ambient temperatures affect animal production and welfare. Animal's reduced production performances during heat stress were traditionally thought to result from the decreased feed intake. However, it has recently been shown that heat stress disturbs the steady state concentrations of free radicals, resulting in both cellular and mitochondrial oxidative damage. Indeed, heat stress reorganizes the use of the body resources including fat, protein and energy. Heat stress reduces the metabolic rates and alters post-absorptive metabolism, regardless of the decreased feed intake. Consequently, growth, production, reproduction and health are not priorities any more in the metabolism of heat-stressed animals. The drastic effects of heat stress depend on its duration and severity. This review clearly describes about biochemical, cellular and metabolic changes that occur during thermal stress in farm animals.

TILLING by sequencing to identify induced mutations in stress resistance genes of peanut (Arachis hypogaea)

Background

Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes (TILLING) is a powerful reverse genetics approach for functional genomics studies. We used high-throughput sequencing, combined with a two-dimensional pooling strategy, with either minimum read percentage with non-reference nucleotide or minimum variance multiplier as mutation prediction parameters, to detect genes related to abiotic and biotic stress resistances. In peanut, lipoxygenase genes were reported to be highly induced in mature seeds infected with Aspergillus spp., indicating their importance in plant-fungus interactions. Recent studies showed that phospholipase D (PLD) expression was elevated more quickly in drought sensitive lines than in drought tolerant lines of peanut. A newly discovered lipoxygenase (LOX) gene in peanut, along with two peanut PLD genes from previous publications were selected for TILLING. Additionally, two major allergen genes Ara h 1 and Ara h 2, and fatty acid desaturase AhFAD2, a gene which controls the ratio of oleic to linoleic acid in the seed, were also used in our study. The objectives of this research were to develop a suitable TILLING by sequencing method for this allotetraploid, and use this method to identify mutations induced in stress related genes.

Results

We screened a peanut root cDNA library and identified three candidate LOX genes. The gene AhLOX7 was selected for TILLING due to its high expression in seeds and roots. By screening 768 M2 lines from the TILLING population, four missense mutations were identified for AhLOX7, three missense mutations were identified for AhPLD, one missense and two silent mutations were identified for Ara h 1.01, three silent and five missense mutations were identified for Ara h 1.02, one missense mutation was identified for AhFAD2B, and one silent mutation was identified for Ara h 2.02. The overall mutation frequency was 1 SNP/1,066 kb. The SNP detection frequency for single copy genes was 1 SNP/344 kb and 1 SNP/3,028 kb for multiple copy genes.

Conclusions

Our TILLING by sequencing approach is efficient to identify mutations in single and multi-copy genes. The mutations identified in our study can be used to further study gene function and have potential usefulness in breeding programs.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1348-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Identification and functional characterization of the Arabidopsis Snf1-related protein kinase SnRK2.4 phosphatidic acid-binding domain

Phosphatidic acid (PA) is an important signalling lipid involved in various stress-induced signalling cascades. Two SnRK2 protein kinases (SnRK2.4 and SnRK2.10), previously identified as PA-binding proteins, are shown here to prefer binding to PA over other anionic phospholipids and to associate with cellular membranes in response to salt stress in Arabidopsis roots. A 42 amino acid sequence was identified as the primary PA-binding domain (PABD) of SnRK2.4. Unlike the full-length SnRK2.4, neither the PABD-YFP fusion protein nor the SnRK2.10 re-localized into punctate structures upon salt stress treatment, showing that additional domains of the SnRK2.4 protein are required for its re-localization during salt stress. Within the PABD, five basic amino acids, conserved in class 1 SnRK2s, were found to be necessary for PA binding. Remarkably, plants overexpressing the PABD, but not a non-PA-binding mutant version, showed a severe reduction in root growth. Together, this study biochemically characterizes the PA-SnRK2.4 interaction and shows that functionality of the SnRK2.4 PABD affects root development.

Lipids in salicylic acid-mediated defense in plants: focusing on the roles of phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate

Plants have evolved effective defense strategies to protect themselves from various pathogens. Salicylic acid (SA) is an essential signaling molecule that mediates pathogen-triggered signals perceived by different immune receptors to induce downstream defense responses. While many proteins play essential roles in regulating SA signaling, increasing evidence also supports important roles for signaling phospholipids in this process. In this review, we collate the experimental evidence in support of the regulatory roles of two phospholipids, phosphatidic acid (PA), and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P), and their metabolizing enzymes in plant defense, and examine the possible mechanistic interaction between phospholipid signaling and SA-dependent immunity with a particular focus on the immunity-stimulated biphasic PA production that is reminiscent of and perhaps mechanistically connected to the biphasic reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and SA accumulation during defense activation.

Signaling to actin stochastic dynamics

Advances in microscopy techniques applied to living cells have dramatically transformed our view of the actin cytoskeleton as a framework for cellular processes. Conventional fluorescence imaging and static analyses are useful for quantifying cellular architecture and the network of filaments that support vesicle trafficking, organelle movement, and response to biotic stress. However, new imaging techniques have revealed remarkably dynamic features of individual actin filaments and the mechanisms that underpin their construction and turnover. In this review, we briefly summarize knowledge about actin and actin-binding proteins in plant systems. We focus on the quantitative properties of the turnover of individual actin filaments, highlight actin-binding proteins that participate in actin dynamics, and summarize the current genetic evidence that has been used to dissect specific aspects of the stochastic dynamics model. Finally, we describe some signaling pathways in which recent data implicate changes in actin filament dynamics and the associated cytoplasmic responses.

Phospholipase D δ knock-out mutants are tolerant to severe drought stress

Phospholipase D (PLD) is involved in different plant processes, ranging from responses to abiotic and biotic stress to plant development. Phospholipase Dδ (PLDδ) is activated in dehydration and salt stress, producing the lipid second messenger phosphatidic acid. In this work we show that pldδ Arabidopsis mutants were more tolerant to severe drought than wild-type plants. PLDδ has been shown to be required for ABA regulation of stomatal closure of isolated epidermal peels. However, there was no significant difference in stomatal conductance at the whole plant level between wild-type and pldδ mutants. Since PLD hydrolyses structural phospholipids, then we looked at membrane integrity. Ion leakage measurements showed that during dehydration of leaf discs pldδ mutant has less membrane degradation compared to the wild-type. We further analyzed the mutants and showed that pldδ have higher mRNA levels of RAB18 and RD29A compared to wild-type plants under normal growth conditions. Transient expression of AtPLDδ in Nicotiana benthamiana plants induced a wilting phenotype. These findings suggest that, in wt plants PLDδ disrupt membranes in severe drought stress and, in the absence of the protein (PLDδ knock-out) might drought-prime the plants, making them more tolerant to severe drought stress. The results are discussed in relation to PLDδ role in guard cell signaling and drought tolerance.

Transcriptional responses of Medicago truncatula upon sulfur deficiency stress and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis

Sulfur plays an essential role in plants' growth and development and in their response to various abiotic and biotic stresses despite its leachability and its very low abundance in the only form that plant roots can uptake (sulfate). It is part of amino acids, glutathione (GSH), thiols of proteins and peptides, membrane sulfolipids, cell walls and secondary products, so reduced availability can drastically alter plant growth and development. The nutritional benefits of symbiotic interactions can help the plant in case of S deficiency. In particular the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) interaction improves N, P, and S plant nutrition, but the mechanisms behind these exchanges are not fully known yet. Although the transcriptional changes in the leguminous model plant Medicago truncatula have been already assessed in several biotic and/or abiotic conditions, S deficiency has not been considered so far. The aim of this work is to get a first overview on S-deficiency responses in the leaf and root tissues of plants interacting with the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis. Several hundred genes displayed significantly different transcript accumulation levels. Annotation and GO ID association were used to identify biological processes and molecular functions affected by sulfur starvation. Beside the beneficial effects of AM interaction, plants were greatly affected by the nutritional status, showing various differences in their transcriptomic footprints. Several pathways in which S plays an important role appeared to be differentially affected according to mycorrhizal status, with a generally reduced responsiveness to S deficiency in mycorrhized plants.

Copper amine oxidase and phospholipase D act independently in abscisic acid (ABA)-induced stomatal closure in Vicia faba and Arabidopsis

Recent evidence has demonstrated that both copper amine oxidase (CuAO; EC 1.4.3.6) and phospholipase D (PLD; EC 3.1.4.4) are involved in abscisic acid (ABA)-induced stomatal closure. In this study, we investigated the interaction between CuAO and PLD in the ABA response. Pretreatment with either CuAO or PLD inhibitors alone or that with both additively led to impairment of ABA-induced H2O2 production and stomatal closure in Vicia faba. ABA-stimulated PLD activation could not be inhibited by the CuAO inhibitor, and CuAO activity was not affected by the PLD inhibitor. These data suggest that CuAO and PLD act independently in the ABA response. To further examine PLD and CuAO activities in ABA responses, we used the Arabidopsis mutants cuaoζ and pldα1. Ablation of guard cell-expressed CuAOζ or PLDα1 gene retarded ABA-induced H2O2 generation and stomatal closure. As a product of PLD, phosphatidic acid (PA) substantially enhanced H2O2 production and stomatal closure in wide type, pldα1, and cuaoζ. Moreover, putrescine (Put), a substrate of CuAO as well as an activator of PLD, induced H2O2 production and stomatal closure in WT but not in both mutants. These results suggest that CuAO and PLD act independently in ABA-induced stomatal closure.

Overexpression of a wheat phospholipase D gene, TaPLDα, enhances tolerance to drought and osmotic stress in Arabidopsis thaliana

Phospholipase D (PLD) is crucial for plant responses to stress and signal transduction, however, the regulatory mechanism of PLD in abiotic stress is not completely understood; especially, in crops. In this study, we isolated a gene, TaPLDα, from common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Analysis of the amino acid sequence of TaPLDα revealed a highly conserved C2 domain and two characteristic HKD motifs, which is similar to other known PLD family genes. Further characterization revealed that TaPLDα expressed differentially in various organs, such as roots, stems, leaves and spikelets of wheat. After treatment with abscisic acid (ABA), methyl jasmonate, dehydration, polyethylene glycol and NaCl, the expression of TaPLDα was up-regulated in shoots. Subsequently, we generated TaPLDα-overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis lines under the control of the dexamethasone-inducible 35S promoter. The overexpression of TaPLDα in Arabidopsis resulted in significantly enhanced tolerance to drought, as shown by reduced chlorosis and leaf water loss, higher relative water content and lower relative electrolyte leakage than the wild type. Moreover, the TaPLDα-overexpressing plants exhibited longer roots in response to mannitol treatment. In addition, the seeds of TaPLDα-overexpressing plants showed hypersensitivity to ABA and osmotic stress. Under dehydration, the expression of several stress-related genes, RD29A, RD29B, KIN1 and RAB18, was up-regulated to a higher level in TaPLDα-overexpressing plants than in wild type. Taken together, our results indicated that TaPLDα can enhance tolerance to drought and osmotic stress in Arabidopsis and represents a potential candidate gene to enhance stress tolerance in crops.

Phosphatidic acid integrates calcium signaling and microtubule dynamics into regulating ABA-induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis

Specific cellular components have been identified to function in abscisic acid (ABA) regulation of stomatal apertures, including calcium, the cytoskeleton, and phosphatidic acid. In this study, the regulation and dynamic organization of microtubules during ABA-induced stomatal closure by phospholipase D (PLD) and its product PA were investigated. ABA induced microtubule depolymerization and stomatal closure in wide-type (WT) Arabidopsis, whereas these processes were impaired in PLD mutant (pldα1). The microtubule-disrupting drugs oryzalin or propyzamide induced microtubule depolymerization, but did not affect the stomatal aperture, whereas their co-treatment with ABA resulted in stomatal closure in both WT and pldα1. In contrast, the microtubule-stabilizing drug paclitaxel arrested ABA-induced microtubule depolymerization and inhibited ABA-induced stomatal closure in both WT and pldα1. In pldα1, ABA-induced cytoplasmic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]cyt) elevation was partially blocked, and exogenous Ca(2+)-induced microtubule depolymerization and stomatal closure were impaired. These results suggested that PLDα1 and PA regulate microtubular organization and Ca(2+) increases during ABA-induced stomatal closing and that crosstalk among signaling lipid, Ca(2+), and microtubules are essential for ABA signaling.

The pepper patatin-like phospholipase CaPLP1 functions in plant cell death and defense signaling

Phospholipases hydrolyze phospholipids into fatty acids and other lipophilic substances. Phospholipid signaling is crucial for diverse cellular processes in plants. However, the precise role of phospholipases in plant cell death and defense signaling is not fully understood. Here, we identified a pepper (Capsicum annuum) patatin-like phospholipase (CaPLP1) gene that is transcriptionally induced in pepper leaves by avirulent Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv) infection. CaPLP1 containing an N-terminal signal peptide localized to the cytoplasm and plasma membrane, leading to the secretion into the apoplastic regions. Silencing of CaPLP1 in pepper conferred enhanced susceptibility to Xcv infection. Defense responses to Xcv, including the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), hypersensitive cell death and the expression of the salicylic acid (SA)-dependent marker gene CaPR1, were compromised in the CaPLP1-silenced pepper plants. Transient expression of CaPLP1 in pepper leaves induced the accumulation of fluorescent phenolics, expression of the defense marker genes CaPR1 and CaSAR82A, and generation of ROS, ultimately leading to the hypersensitive cell death response. Overexpression (OX) of CaPLP1 in Arabidopsis also conferred enhanced resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) and Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis infection. CaPLP1-OX leaves showed reduced Pst growth, enhanced ROS burst and electrolyte leakage, induction of the defense response genes AtPR1, AtRbohD and AtGST, as well as constitutive activation of both the SA-dependent gene AtPR1 and the JA-dependent gene AtPDF1.2. Together, these results suggest that CaPLP1 is involved in plant defense and cell death signaling in response to microbial pathogens.

Redundancy among phospholipase D isoforms in resistance triggered by recognition of the Pseudomonas syringae effector AvrRpm1 in Arabidopsis thaliana

Plants possess a highly sophisticated system for defense against microorganisms. So called MAMP (microbe-associated molecular patterns) triggered immunity (MTI) prevents the majority of non-adapted pathogens from causing disease. Adapted plant pathogens use secreted effector proteins to interfere with such signaling. Recognition of microbial effectors or their activity by plant resistance (R)-proteins triggers a second line of defense resulting in effector triggered immunity (ETI). The latter usually comprises the hypersensitive response (HR) which includes programmed cell death at the site of infection. Phospholipase D (PLD) mediated production of phosphatidic acid (PA) has been linked to both MTI and ETI in plants. Inhibition of PLD activity has been shown to attenuate MTI as well as ETI. In this study, we systematically tested single and double knockouts in all 12 genes encoding PLDs in Arabidopsis thaliana for effects on ETI and MTI. No single PLD could be linked to ETI triggered by recognition of effectors secreted by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. However, repression of PLD dependent PA production by n-butanol strongly inhibited the HR following Pseudomonas syringae effector recognition. In addition some pld mutants were more sensitive to n-butanol than wild type. Thus, the effect of mutations of PLDs could become detectable, and the corresponding genes can be proposed to be involved in the HR. Only knockout of PLDδ caused a loss of MTI-induced cell wall based defense against the non-host powdery mildew Erysiphe pisi. This is thus in stark contrast to the involvement of a multitude of PLD isoforms in the HR triggered by AvrRpm1 recognition.

The acid phosphatase-encoding gene GmACP1 contributes to soybean tolerance to low-phosphorus stress

Phosphorus (P) is essential for all living cells and organisms, and low-P stress is a major factor constraining plant growth and yield worldwide. In plants, P efficiency is a complex quantitative trait involving multiple genes, and the mechanisms underlying P efficiency are largely unknown. Combining linkage analysis, genome-wide and candidate-gene association analyses, and plant transformation, we identified a soybean gene related to P efficiency, determined its favorable haplotypes and developed valuable functional markers. First, six major genomic regions associated with P efficiency were detected by performing genome-wide associations (GWAs) in various environments. A highly significant region located on chromosome 8, qPE8, was identified by both GWAs and linkage mapping and explained 41% of the phenotypic variation. Then, a regional mapping study was performed with 40 surrounding markers in 192 diverse soybean accessions. A strongly associated haplotype (P = 10(-7)) consisting of the markers Sat_233 and BARC-039899-07603 was identified, and qPE8 was located in a region of approximately 250 kb, which contained a candidate gene GmACP1 that encoded an acid phosphatase. GmACP1 overexpression in soybean hairy roots increased P efficiency by 11-20% relative to the control. A candidate-gene association analysis indicated that six natural GmACP1 polymorphisms explained 33% of the phenotypic variation. The favorable alleles and haplotypes of GmACP1 associated with increased transcript expression correlated with higher enzyme activity. The discovery of the optimal haplotype of GmACP1 will now enable the accurate selection of soybeans with higher P efficiencies and improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying P efficiency in plants.