The soybean NRAMP homologue, GmDMT1, is a symbiotic divalent metal transporter capable of ferrous iron transport

Iron distribution through the developmental stages of Medicago truncatula nodules

Paramount to symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) is the synthesis of a number of metalloenzymes that use iron as a critical component of their catalytical core. Since this process is carried out by endosymbiotic rhizobia living in legume root nodules, the mechanisms involved in iron delivery to the rhizobia-containing cells are critical for SNF. In order to gain insight into iron transport to the nodule, we have used synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence to determine the spatio-temporal distribution of this metal in nodules of the legume Medicago truncatula with hitherto unattained sensitivity and resolution. The data support a model in which iron is released from the vasculature into the apoplast of the infection/differentiation zone of the nodule (zone II). The infected cell subsequently takes up this apoplastic iron and delivers it to the symbiosome and the secretory system to synthesize ferroproteins. Upon senescence, iron is relocated to the vasculature to be reused by the shoot. These observations highlight the important role of yet to be discovered metal transporters in iron compartmentalization in the nodule and in the recovery of an essential and scarce nutrient for flowering and seed production.

Fixating on metals: new insights into the role of metals in nodulation and symbiotic nitrogen fixation

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation is one of the most promising and immediate alternatives to the overuse of polluting nitrogen fertilizers for improving plant nutrition. At the core of this process are a number of metalloproteins that catalyze and provide energy for the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia, eliminate free radicals produced by this process, and create the microaerobic conditions required by these reactions. In legumes, metal cofactors are provided to endosymbiotic rhizobia within root nodule cortical cells. However, low metal bioavailability is prevalent in most soils types, resulting in widespread plant metal deficiency and decreased nitrogen fixation capabilities. As a result, renewed efforts have been undertaken to identify the mechanisms governing metal delivery from soil to the rhizobia, and to determine how metals are used in the nodule and how they are recycled once the nodule is no longer functional. This effort is being aided by improved legume molecular biology tools (genome projects, mutant collections, and transformation methods), in addition to state-of-the-art metal visualization systems.

Mn-euvering manganese: the role of transporter gene family members in manganese uptake and mobilization in plants

Manganese (Mn), an essential trace element, is important for plant health. In plants, Mn serves as a cofactor in essential processes such as photosynthesis, lipid biosynthesis and oxidative stress. Mn deficient plants exhibit decreased growth and yield and are more susceptible to pathogens and damage at freezing temperatures. Mn deficiency is most prominent on alkaline soils with approximately one third of the world's soils being too alkaline for optimal crop production. Despite the importance of Mn in plant development, relatively little is known about how it traffics between plant tissues and into and out of organelles. Several gene transporter families have been implicated in Mn transport in plants. These transporter families include NRAMP (natural resistance associated macrophage protein), YSL (yellow stripe-like), ZIP (zinc regulated transporter/iron-regulated transporter [ZRT/IRT1]-related protein), CAX (cation exchanger), CCX (calcium cation exchangers), CDF/MTP (cation diffusion facilitator/metal tolerance protein), P-type ATPases and VIT (vacuolar iron transporter). A combination of techniques including mutant analysis and Synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy can assist in identifying essential transporters of Mn. Such knowledge would vastly improve our understanding of plant Mn homeostasis.

The FtsZ-like protein FtsZm of Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense likely interacts with its generic homolog and is required for biomineralization under nitrate deprivation

Midcell selection, septum formation, and cytokinesis in most bacteria are orchestrated by the eukaryotic tubulin homolog FtsZ. The alphaproteobacterium Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense (MSR-1) septates asymmetrically, and cytokinesis is linked to splitting and segregation of an intracellular chain of membrane-enveloped magnetite crystals (magnetosomes). In addition to a generic, full-length ftsZ gene, MSR-1 contains a truncated ftsZ homolog (ftsZm) which is located adjacent to genes controlling biomineralization and magnetosome chain formation. We analyzed the role of FtsZm in cell division and biomineralization together with the full-length MSR-1 FtsZ protein. Our results indicate that loss of FtsZm has a strong effect on microoxic magnetite biomineralization which, however, could be rescued by the presence of nitrate in the medium. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that FtsZm-mCherry does not colocalize with the magnetosome-related proteins MamC and MamK but is confined to asymmetric spots at midcell and at the cell pole, coinciding with the FtsZ protein position. In Escherichia coli, both FtsZ homologs form distinct structures but colocalize when coexpressed, suggesting an FtsZ-dependent recruitment of FtsZm. In vitro analyses indicate that FtsZm is able to interact with the FtsZ protein. Together, our data suggest that FtsZm shares key features with its full-length homolog but is involved in redox control for magnetite crystallization.

Iron: an essential micronutrient for the legume-rhizobium symbiosis

Legumes, which develop a symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, have an increased demand for iron. Iron is required for the synthesis of iron-containing proteins in the host, including the highly abundant leghemoglobin, and in bacteroids for nitrogenase and cytochromes of the electron transport chain. Deficiencies in iron can affect initiation and development of the nodule. Within root cells, iron is chelated with organic acids such as citrate and nicotianamine and distributed to other parts of the plant. Transport to the nitrogen-fixing bacteroids in infected cells of nodules is more complicated. Formation of the symbiosis results in bacteroids internalized within root cortical cells of the legume where they are surrounded by a plant-derived membrane termed the symbiosome membrane (SM). This membrane forms an interface that regulates nutrient supply to the bacteroid. Consequently, iron must cross this membrane before being supplied to the bacteroid. Iron is transported across the SM as both ferric and ferrous iron. However, uptake of Fe(II) by both the symbiosome and bacteroid is faster than Fe(III) uptake. Members of more than one protein family may be responsible for Fe(II) transport across the SM. The only Fe(II) transporter in nodules characterized to date is GmDMT1 (Glycine max divalent metal transporter 1), which is located on the SM in soybean. Like the root plasma membrane, the SM has ferric iron reductase activity. The protein responsible has not been identified but is predicted to reduce ferric iron accumulated in the symbiosome space prior to uptake by the bacteroid. With the recent publication of a number of legume genomes including Medicago truncatula and G. max, a large number of additional candidate transport proteins have been identified. Members of the NRAMP (natural resistance-associated macrophage protein), YSL (yellow stripe-like), VIT (vacuolar iron transporter), and ZIP (Zrt-, Irt-like protein) transport families show enhanced expression in nodules and are expected to play a role in the transport of iron and other metals across symbiotic membranes.

Bicarbonate blocks iron translocation from cotyledons inducing iron stress responses in Citrus roots

The effect of bicarbonate ion (HCO3(-)) on the mobilization of iron (Fe) reserves from cotyledons to roots during early growth of citrus seedlings and its influence on the components of the iron acquisition system were studied. Monoembryonic seeds of Citrus limon (L.) were germinated "in vitro" on two iron-deprived media, supplemented or not with 10mM HCO3(-) (-Fe+Bic and -Fe, respectively). After 21d of culture, Fe concentration in seedling organs was measured, as well as gene expression and enzymatic activities. Finally, the effect of Fe resupply on the above responses was tested in the presence and absence of HCO3(-) (+Fe+Bic or +Fe, respectively). -Fe+Bic seedlings exhibited lower Fe concentration in shoots and roots than -Fe ones but higher in cotyledons, associated to a significative inhibition of NRAMP3 expression. HCO3(-) upregulated Strategy I related genes (FRO1, FRO2, HA1 and IRT1) and FC-R and H(+)-ATPase activities in roots of Fe-starved seedlings. PEPC1 expression and PEPCase activity were also increased. When -Fe+Bic pre-treated seedlings were transferred to Fe-containing media for 15d, Fe content in shoots and roots increased, although to a lower extent in the +Fe+Bic medium. Consequently, the above-described root responses became markedly repressed, however, this effect was less pronounced in +Fe+Bic seedlings. In conclusion, it appears that HCO3(-) prevents Fe translocation from cotyledons to shoot and root, therefore reducing their Fe levels. This triggers Fe-stress responses in the root, enhancing the expression of genes related with Fe uptake and the corresponding enzymatic activities.

Transport and metabolism in legume-rhizobia symbioses

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation by rhizobia in legume root nodules injects approximately 40 million tonnes of nitrogen into agricultural systems each year. In exchange for reduced nitrogen from the bacteria, the plant provides rhizobia with reduced carbon and all the essential nutrients required for bacterial metabolism. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation requires exquisite integration of plant and bacterial metabolism. Central to this integration are transporters of both the plant and the rhizobia, which transfer elements and compounds across various plant membranes and the two bacterial membranes. Here we review current knowledge of legume and rhizobial transport and metabolism as they relate to symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Although all legume-rhizobia symbioses have many metabolic features in common, there are also interesting differences between them, which show that evolution has solved metabolic problems in different ways to achieve effective symbiosis in different systems.

The ins and outs of algal metal transport

Metal transporters are a central component in the interaction of algae with their environment. They represent the first line of defense to cellular perturbations in metal concentration, and by analyzing algal metal transporter repertoires, we gain insight into a fundamental aspect of algal biology. The ability of individual algae to thrive in environments with unique geochemistry, compared to non-algal species commonly used as reference organisms for metal homeostasis, provides an opportunity to broaden our understanding of biological metal requirements, preferences and trafficking. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is the best developed reference organism for the study of algal biology, especially with respect to metal metabolism; however, the diversity of algal niches necessitates a comparative genomic analysis of all sequenced algal genomes. A comparison between known and putative proteins in animals, plants, fungi and algae using protein similarity networks has revealed the presence of novel metal metabolism components in Chlamydomonas including new iron and copper transporters. This analysis also supports the concept that, in terms of metal metabolism, algae from similar niches are more related to one another than to algae from the same phylogenetic clade. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cell Biology of Metals.

AhNRAMP1 iron transporter is involved in iron acquisition in peanut

Peanut/maize intercropping is a sustainable and effective agroecosystem to alleviate iron-deficiency chlorosis. Using suppression subtractive hybridization from the roots of intercropped and monocropped peanut which show different iron nutrition levels, a peanut gene, AhNRAMP1, which belongs to divalent metal transporters of the natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP) gene family was isolated. Yeast complementation assays suggested that AhNRAMP1 encodes a functional iron transporter. Moreover, the mRNA level of AhNRAMP1 was obviously induced by iron deficiency in both roots and leaves. Transient expression, laser microdissection, and in situ hybridization analyses revealed that AhNRAMP1 was mainly localized on the plasma membrane of the epidermis of peanut roots. Induced expression of AhNRAMP1 in tobacco conferred enhanced tolerance to iron deprivation. These results suggest that the AhNRAMP1 is possibly involved in iron acquisition in peanut plants.

Immunolocalization of H(+)-ATPase and IRT1 enzymes in N(2)-fixing common bean nodules subjected to iron deficiency

The demand for iron in leguminous plants increases during symbiosis, as the metal is utilised for the synthesis of various Fe-containing proteins in both plant and bacteroids. However, the acquisition of this micronutrient is problematic due to its low bioavailability at physiological pH under aerobic conditions. Induction of root Fe(III)-reductase activity is necessary for Fe uptake and can be coupled to the rhizosphere acidification capacity linked to the H(+)-ATPase activity. Fe uptake is related to the expression of a Fe(2+) transporter (IRT1). In order to verify the possible role of nodules in the acquisition of Fe directly from the soil solution, the localization of H(+)-ATPase and IRT1 was carried out in common bean nodules by immuno-histochemical analysis. The results showed that these proteins were particularly abundant in the central nitrogen-fixing zone of nodules, around the periphery of infected and uninfected cells as well as in the vascular bundle of control nodules. Under Fe deficiency an over-accumulation of H(+)-ATPase and IRT1 proteins was observed especially around the cortex cells of nodules. The results obtained in this study suggest that the increase in these proteins is differentially localized in nodules of Fe-deficient plants when compared to the Fe-sufficient condition and cast new light on the possible involvement of nodules in the direct acquisition of Fe from the nutrient solution.

Metal ion-mediated DNA-protein interactions

The dramatic changes in the environmental conditions that organisms encountered during evolution and adaptation to life in specific niches, have influenced intracellular and extracellular metal ion contents and, as a consequence, the cellular ability to sense and utilize different metal ions. This metal-driven differentiation is reflected in the specific panels of metal-responsive transcriptional regulators found in different organisms, which finely tune the intracellular metal ion content and all metal-dependent processes. In order to understand the processes underlying this complex metal homeostasis network, the study of the molecular processes that determine the protein-metal ion recognition, as well as how this event is transduced into a transcriptional output, is necessary. This chapter describes how metal ion binding to specific proteins influences protein interaction with DNA and how this event can influence the fate of genetic expression, leading to specific transcriptional outputs. The features of representative metal-responsive transcriptional regulators, as well as the molecular basis of metal-protein and protein-DNA interactions, are discussed on the basis of the structural information available. An overview of the recent advances in the understanding of how these proteins choose specific metal ions among the intracellular metal ion pool, as well as how they allosterically respond to their effector binding, is given.

Bacteroid development in legume nodules: evolution of mutual benefit or of sacrificial victims?

Symbiosomes are organelle-like structures in the cytoplasm of legume nodule cells which are composed of the special, nitrogen-fixing forms of rhizobia called bacteroids, the peribacteroid space and the enveloping peribacteroid membrane of plant origin. The formation of these symbiosomes requires a complex and coordinated interaction between the two partners during all stages of nodule development as any failure in the differentiation of either symbiotic partner, the bacterium or the plant cell prevents the subsequent transcriptional and developmental steps resulting in early senescence of the nodules. Certain legume hosts impose irreversible terminal differentiation onto bacteria. In the inverted repeat-lacking clade (IRLC) of legumes, host dominance is achieved by nodule-specific cysteine-rich peptides that resemble defensin-like antimicrobial peptides, the known effector molecules of animal and plant innate immunity. This article provides an overview on the bacteroid and symbiosome development including the terminal differentiation of bacteria in IRLC legumes as well as the bacterial and plant genes and proteins participating in these processes.

Role of the iron transporter OsNRAMP1 in cadmium uptake and accumulation in rice

The heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is toxic to humans, and its accumulation in rice grains is a major agricultural problem. Rice has seven putative metal transporter NRAMP genes, but microarray analysis showed that only OsNRAMP1 is highly up-regulated by iron (Fe) deficiency. OsNRAMP1 localized to the plasma membrane and transported Cd as well as Fe. OsNRAMP1 expression was observed mainly in roots and was higher in the roots of a high-Cd-accumulating cultivar (Habataki) than in those of a low-Cd-accumulating cultivar (Sasanishiki). The amino acid sequence of OsNRAMP1 in the Sasanishiki and Habataki cultivars was found to be 100% identical. These results suggest that OsNRAMP1 participates in cellular Cd uptake and that the differences observed in Cd accumulation among cultivars are because of differences in OsNRAMP1 expression levels in roots.

Expression and localization of a Rhizobium-derived cambialistic superoxide dismutase in pea (Pisum sativum) nodules subjected to oxidative stress

Two phylogenetically unrelated superoxide dismutase (SOD) families, i.e., CuZnSOD (copper and zinc SOD) and FeMn-CamSOD (iron, manganese, or cambialistic SOD), eliminate superoxide radicals in different locations within the plant cell. CuZnSOD are located within the cytosol and plastids, while the second family of SOD, which are considered to be of bacterial origin, are usually located within organelles, such as mitochondria. We have used the reactive oxygen species-producer methylviologen (MV) to study SOD isozymes in the indeterminate nodules on pea (Pisum sativum). MV caused severe effects on nodule physiology and structure and also resulted in an increase in SOD activity. Purification and N-terminal analysis identified CamSOD from the Rhizobium leguminosarum endosymbiont as one of the most active SOD in response to the oxidative stress. Fractionation of cell extracts and immunogold labeling confirmed that the CamSOD was present in both the bacteroids and the cytosol (including the nuclei, plastids, and mitochondria) of the N-fixing cells, and also within the uninfected cortical and interstitial cells. These findings, together with previous reports of the occurrence of FeSOD in determinate nodules, indicate that FeMnCamSOD have specific functions in legumes, some of which may be related to signaling between plant and bacterial symbionts, but the occurrence of one or more particular isozymes depends upon the nodule type.

The OsNRAMP1 iron transporter is involved in Cd accumulation in rice

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal toxic to humans and the accumulation of Cd in the rice grain is a major agricultural problem, particularly in Asia. The role of the iron transporter OsNRAMP1 in Cd uptake and transport in rice was investigated here. An OsNRAMP1:GFP fusion protein was localized to the plasma membrane in onion epidermal cells. The growth of yeast expressing OsNRAMP1 was impaired in the presence of Cd compared with yeast transformed with an empty vector. Moreover, the Cd content of OsNRAMP1-expressing yeast exceeded that of the vector control. The expression of OsNRAMP1 in the roots was higher in a high Cd-accumulating cultivar (Habataki) than a low Cd-accumulating cultivar (Sasanishiki) regardless of the presence of Cd, and the amino acid sequence of OsNRAMP1 showed 100% identity between Sasanishiki and Habataki. Over-expression of OsNRAMP1 in rice increased Cd accumulation in the leaves. These results suggest that OsNRAMP1 participates in cellular Cd uptake and Cd transport within plants, and the higher expression of OsNRAMP1 in the roots could lead to an increase in Cd accumulation in the shoots. Our results indicated that OsNRAMP1 is an important protein in high-level Cd accumulation in rice.

The rules of engagement in the legume-rhizobial symbiosis

Rhizobial bacteria enter a symbiotic association with leguminous plants, resulting in differentiated bacteria enclosed in intracellular compartments called symbiosomes within nodules on the root. The nodules and associated symbiosomes are structured for efficient nitrogen fixation. Although the interaction is beneficial to both partners, it comes with rigid rules that are strictly enforced by the plant. Entry into root cells requires appropriate recognition of the rhizobial Nod factor signaling molecule, and this recognition activates a series of events, including polarized root-hair tip growth, invagination associated with bacterial infection, and the promotion of cell division in the cortex leading to the nodule meristem. The plant's command of the infection process has been highlighted by its enforcement of terminal differentiation upon the bacteria within nodules of some legumes, and this can result in a loss of bacterial viability while permitting effective nitrogen fixation. Here, we review the mechanisms by which the plant allows bacterial infection and promotes the formation of the nodule, as well as the details of how this intimate association plays out inside the cells of the nodule where a complex interchange of metabolites and regulatory peptides force the bacteria into a nitrogen-fixing organelle-like state.

Isolation and expression analysis of partial sequences of heavy metal transporters from Brassica juncea by coupling high throughput cloning with a molecular fingerprinting technique

Heavy metal transporters play a key role in regulating metal accumulation and transport in plants. These are important candidate genes to study in metal tolerant and accumulator plants for their potential use in environmental clean up. We coupled a degenerate primer-based RT-PCR approach with a molecular fingerprinting technique based on amplified rDNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) to identify novel ESTs corresponding to heavy metal transporters from metal accumulator Brassica juncea. We utilized this technique to clone several family members of natural resistance-associated macrophage proteins (NRAMP) and yellow stripe-like proteins (YSL) in a high throughput manner to distinguish between closely related isoforms and/or allelic variants from the allopolyploid B. juncea. Partial clones of 23 Brassica juncea NRAMPs and 27 YSLs were obtained with similarity to known Arabidopsis thaliana and Noccaea (Thlaspi) caerulescens NRAMP and YSL genes. The cloned transporters showed Brassica-specific changes in domains, which can have important functional consequences. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR-based expression analysis of chosen members indicated that even closely related isoforms/allelic variants of BjNRAMP and BjYSL have distinct tissue-specific and metal-dependent expressions which might be essential for adaptive fitness and heavy metal tolerance. Consistent to this, BjYSL6.1 and BjYSL5.8 were found to show elevated expressions specifically in cadmium-treated shoots and lead-treated roots of B. juncea, respectively.

The natural resistance-associated macrophage protein from the protozoan parasite Perkinsus marinus mediates iron uptake

Microbial pathogens succeed in acquiring essential metals such as iron and manganese despite their limited availability because of the host's immune response. The eukaryotic natural resistance-associated macrophage proteins mediate uptake of divalent metals and, during infection, may compete directly for metal acquisition with the pathogens' transporters. In this study, we characterize the Nramp gene family of Perkinsus marinus, an intracellular parasite of the eastern oyster, and through yeast complementation, we demonstrate for the first time for a protozoan parasite that Nramp imports environmental Fe. Three PmNramp isogenes differ in their exon-intron structures and encode transcripts that display a trans splicing leader at the 5' end. The protein sequences share conserved properties predicted for the Nramp/Solute carrier 11 (Slc11) family, such as 12-transmembrane segment (TMS) topology (N- and C-termini cytoplasmic) and preferential conservation of four TMS predicted to form a pseudosymmetric proton/metal symport pathway. Yeast fet3fet4 mutant complementation assays showed iron transport activity for PmNramp1 and a fusion chimera of the PmNramp3 hydrophobic core and PmNramp1 N- and C-termini. PmNramp1 site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that Slc11 invariant and predicted pseudosymmetric motifs (TMS1 Asp-Pro-Gly and TMS6 Met-Pro-His) are key for transport function. PmNramp1 TMS1 mutants D76E, G78A, and D76E/G78A prevented membrane protein expression, while TMS6 M250A, H252Y, and M250A/H252Y specifically abrogated Fe uptake; the TMS6 H252Y mutation also correlates with divergence from Nramp specificity for divalent metals.

Genome-wide analysis of plant metal transporters, with an emphasis on poplar

The specific transport of metal ions, mediated by membrane-localized metal transporters, is of fundamental importance in all eukaryotes. Genome-wide analysis of metal transporters was undertaken, making use of whole genome sequences of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, the moss Physcomitrella patens, the lycophyte Selaginella moellendorffii, the monocots rice and sorghum, and the dicots Arabidopsis thaliana, poplar, grapevine, as well as of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A repertoire of 430 metal transporters was found in total across eight photosynthetic plants, as well as in S. cerevisiae. Seventy-two full-length metal transporter genes were identified in the Populus genome alone, which is the largest number of metal transporters genes identified in any single species to date. Diversification of some transporter family gene clusters appears to have occurred in a lineage-specific manner. Expression analysis of Populus metal transporters indicates that some family members show tissue-specific transcript abundance. Taken together, the data provide a picture into the diversification of these important gene families.

Genomic inventory and transcriptional analysis of Medicago truncatula transporters

Transporters move hydrophilic substrates across hydrophobic biological membranes and play key roles in plant nutrition, metabolism, and signaling and, consequently, in plant growth, development, and responses to the environment. To initiate and support systematic characterization of transporters in the model legume Medicago truncatula, we identified 3,830 transporters and classified 2,673 of these into 113 families and 146 subfamilies. Analysis of gene expression data for 2,611 of these transporters identified 129 that are expressed in an organ-specific manner, including 50 that are nodule specific and 36 specific to mycorrhizal roots. Further analysis uncovered 196 transporters that are induced at least 5-fold during nodule development and 44 in roots during arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. Among the nodule- and mycorrhiza-induced transporter genes are many candidates for known transport activities in these beneficial symbioses. The data presented here are a unique resource for the selection and functional characterization of legume transporters.

High-affinity manganese uptake by the metal transporter NRAMP1 is essential for Arabidopsis growth in low manganese conditions

In contrast with many other essential metals, the mechanisms of Mn acquisition in higher eukaryotes are seldom studied and poorly understood. We show here that Arabidopsis thaliana relies on a high-affinity uptake system to acquire Mn from the soil in conditions of low Mn availability and that this activity is catalyzed by the divalent metal transporter NRAMP1 (for Natural Resistance Associated Macrophage Protein 1). The nramp1-1 loss-of-function mutant grows poorly, contains less Mn than the wild type, and fails to take up Mn in conditions of Mn limitation, thus demonstrating that NRAMP1 is the major high-affinity Mn transporter in Arabidopsis. Based on confocal microscopy observation of an NRAMP1-green fluorescent protein fusion, we established that NRAMP1 is localized to the plasma membrane. Consistent with its function in Mn acquisition from the soil, NRAMP1 expression is restricted to the root and stimulated by Mn deficiency. Finally, we show that NRAMP1 restores the capacity of the iron-regulated transporter1 mutant to take up iron and cobalt, indicating that NRAMP1 has a broad selectivity in vivo. The role of transporters of the NRAMP family is well established in higher eukaryotes for iron but has been controversial for Mn. This study demonstrates that NRAMP1 is a physiological manganese transporter in Arabidopsis.

The NRAMP6 metal transporter contributes to cadmium toxicity

NRAMP (natural resistance-associated macrophage protein) homologues are evolutionarily conserved bivalent metal transporters. In Arabidopsis, AtNRAMP3 and AtNRAMP4 play a key role in iron nutrition of the germinating plantlet by remobilizing vacuolar iron stores. In the present paper we describe the molecular and physiological characterization of AtNRAMP6. AtNRAMP6 is predominantly expressed in the dry seed embryo and to a lesser extent in aerial parts. Its promoter activity is found diffusely distributed in cotyledons and hypocotyl, as well as in the vascular tissue region of leaf and flower. We show that the AtNRAMP6 transcript coexists with a partially spliced isoform in all shoot cell types tested. When expressed in yeast, AtNRAMP6, but not its misspliced derivative, increased sensitivity to cadmium without affecting cadmium content in the cell. Likewise, Arabidopsis transgenic plants overexpressing AtNRAMP6 were hypersensitive to cadmium, although plant cadmium content remained unchanged. Consistently, a null allele of AtNRAMP6, named nramp6-1, was more tolerant to cadmium toxicity, a phenotype that was reverted by expressing AtNRAMP6 in the mutant background. We used an AtNRAMP6::HA (where HA is haemagglutinin) fusion, shown to be functional in yeast, to demonstrate through immunoblot analysis of membrane fractions and immunofluorescence localization that, in yeast cells, AtNRAMP6 is targeted to a vesicular-shaped endomembrane compartment distinct from the vacuole or mitochondria. We therefore propose that AtNRAMP6 functions as an intracellular metal transporter, whose presence, when modified, is likely to affect distribution/availability of cadmium within the cell.

Nicotianamine synthase specifically expressed in root nodules of Lotus japonicus

In dicotyledonous plants, nicotianamine synthase (NAS) is thought to play a role in the intercellular transport of iron (Fe). Fe is an essential metal for nitrogen-fixing root nodules of legumes, prompting us to characterize the role of the NAS gene in detail. We previously compared gene-expression profiles in ineffective nodules formed on a Lotus japonicus Fix(-) mutant, sen1, with those in wild-type-effective nodules, and showed that expression of an expressed sequence tag (EST) clone encoding an NAS (EC 2.5.1.43) homologue was repressed in the ineffective nodules. In the present study, two EST clones encoding NAS homologues were found in the EST database. We named them LjNAS1 and LjNAS2. Both were detected as single-copy genes in the L. japonicus genome, and conferred NAS activities in transformed Saccharomyces cerevisiae. LjNAS2 was expressed only in nodules, but LjNAS1 was expressed mainly in leaves, stems, and cotyledons. The level of LjNAS2 transcripts was highest in the nodules 24 days after inoculation with Mesorhizobium loti, and was localized in vascular bundles within the nodules. Expression of LjNAS2 was suppressed in ineffective nodules formed on Fix(-) mutants other than sen1. By contrast, nitrogenase activities of nodules were not influenced in LjNAS2-suppressed plants. We discuss the role of LjNAS2 from the aspect of Fe translocation in nodules.

Copper in plants: acquisition, transport and interactions

Copper is an essential metal for plants. It plays key roles in photosynthetic and respiratory electron transport chains, in ethylene sensing, cell wall metabolism, oxidative stress protection and biogenesis of molybdenum cofactor. Thus, a deficiency in the copper supply can alter essential functions in plant metabolism. However, copper has traditionally been used in agriculture as an antifungal agent, and it is also extensively released into the environment by human activities that often cause environmental pollution. Accordingly, excess copper is present in certain regions and environments, and exposure to such can be potentially toxic to plants, causing phytotoxicity by the formation of reactive oxygen radicals that damage cells, or by the interaction with proteins impairing key cellular processes, inactivating enzymes and disturbing protein structure. Plants have a complex network of metal trafficking pathways in order to appropriately regulate copper homeostasis in response to environmental copper level variations. Such strategies must prevent accumulation of the metal in the freely reactive form (metal detoxification pathways) and ensure proper delivery of this element to target metalloproteins. The mechanisms involved in the acquisition and the distribution of copper have not been clearly defined, although emerging data in last decade, mainly obtained on copper uptake, and both intra- and intercellular distribution, as well as on long-distance transport, are contributing to the understanding of copper homeostasis in plants and the response to copper stress. This review gives an overview of the current understanding of main features concerning copper function, acquisition and trafficking network as well as interactions between copper and other elements.

NRAMP genes function in Arabidopsis thaliana resistance to Erwinia chrysanthemi infection

AtNRAMP3 and AtNRAMP4 are two Arabidopsis metal transporters sharing about 50% sequence identity with mouse NRAMP1. The NRAMP1/Slc11A1 metal ion transporter plays a crucial role in the innate immunity of animal macrophages targeted by intracellular bacterial pathogens. AtNRAMP3 and AtNRAMP4 localize to the vacuolar membrane. We found that AtNRAMP3 is upregulated in leaves challenged with the bacterial pathogens Pseudomonas syringae and Erwinia chrysanthemi, whereas AtNRAMP4 expression is not modified. Using single and double nramp3 and nramp4 mutants, as well as lines ectopically expressing either of these genes, we show that AtNRAMP3 and, to a lesser extent, AtNRAMP4 are involved in Arabidopsis thaliana resistance against the bacterial pathogen E. chrysanthemi. The susceptibility of the double nramp3 nramp4 mutant is associated with the reduced accumulation of reactive oxygen species and ferritin (AtFER1), an iron storage protein known to participate in A. thaliana defense. Interestingly, roots from infected plants accumulated transcripts of AtNRAMP3 as well as the iron-deficiency markers IRT1 and FRO2. This finding suggests the existence of a shoot-to-root signal reminiscent of an iron-deficiency signal activated by pathogen infection. Our data indicate that the functions of NRAMP proteins in innate immunity have been conserved between animals and plants.

The Thlaspi caerulescens NRAMP homologue TcNRAMP3 is capable of divalent cation transport

The NRAMP gene family encodes integral membrane protein and mediates the transport of Fe, however, its function in transport of toxic metal ions is not very clear in plants. TcNRAMP3 was isolated from Thlaspi caerulescens, and encoded a metal transporter member of the NRAMP family. TcNRAMP3 was predominantly expressed in roots of T. caerulescens by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The expression of TcNRAMP3 was induced by iron starvation and by the heavy metals Cd and Ni in roots. TcNRAMP3 was able to rescue growth of an iron uptake fet3fet4 mutant yeast strain, suggesting a possible role in iron transport. Expression of TcNRAMP3 in yeast increased Cd sensitivity and Cd content, while it enhanced the Ni resistance and reduced Ni accumulation, indicating that TcNRAMP3 could accumulate Cd and exclude Ni in yeast. Furthermore, overexpression of TcNRAMP3 in tobacco resulted in slight Cd sensitivity of root growth and did not influence Ni resistance. These results suggested that TcNRAMP3 played a role in metal cation homeostasis in plant.

Functional characterization of NRAMP3 and NRAMP4 from the metal hyperaccumulator Thlaspi caerulescens

The ability of metal hyperaccumulating plants to tolerate and accumulate heavy metals results from adaptations of metal homeostasis. NRAMP metal transporters were found to be highly expressed in some hyperaccumulating plant species. Here, we identified TcNRAMP3 and TcNRAMP4, the closest homologues to AtNRAMP3 and AtNRAMP4 in Thlaspi caerulescens and characterized them by expression analysis, confocal imaging and heterologous expression in yeast and Arabidopsis thaliana. TcNRAMP3 and TcNRAMP4 are expressed at higher levels than their A. thaliana homologues. When expressed in yeast TcNRAMP3 and TcNRAMP4 transport the same metals as their respective A. thaliana orthologues: iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and cadmium (Cd) but not zinc (Zn) for NRAMP3; Fe, Mn, Cd and Zn for NRAMP4. They also localize at the vacuolar membrane in A. thaliana protoplasts. Inactivation of AtNRAMP3 and AtNRAMP4 in A. thaliana results in strong Cd and Zn hypersensitivity, which is fully rescued by TcNRAMP3 or TcNRAMP4 expression. However, metal tolerance conferred by TcNRAMP expression in nramp3nramp4 mutant does not exceed that of wild-type A. thaliana. Our data indicate that the difference between TcNRAMP3 and TcNRAMP4 and their A. thaliana orthologues does not lie in a different protein function, but probably resides in a different expression level or expression pattern.

The iron-regulated transporter, MbNRAMP1, isolated from Malus baccata is involved in Fe, Mn and Cd trafficking

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional disorders in plants, especially in fruit trees grown in calcareous soil. Malus baccata is widely used as an apple rootstock in north China and is highly resistant to low temperatures. There are few studies on iron absorption by this species at the molecular level. It is very important to understand the mechanism of iron uptake and transport in such woody plants. As a helpful tool, the aim of the present study was the cloning and functional analysis of NRAMP (natural resistance-associated macrophage protein) genes from the apple tree in relation to trafficking of micronutrients (Fe, Mn and Cd).

METHODS

Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) combined with RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) was adopted to isolate the full-length NRAMP1 cDNA. Southern blotting was used to test gene copy information, and northern blot was used to detect the gene's expression level. Complementation experiments using the yeast mutant strains DEY1453 and SLY8 were employed to confirm the iron- and manganese-transporting ability of NRAMP1 from apple, and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry was used to measure Cd accumulation in yeast. NRAMP1-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein was used to determine the cellular localization in yeast.

KEY RESULTS

A 2090 bp cDNA was isolated and named MbNRAMP1. It encodes a predicted polypeptide of 551 amino acids. MbNRAMP1 exists in the M. baccata genome as a single copy and was expressed mainly in roots. MbNRAMP1 rescued the phenotype of yeast mutant strains DEY1453 and SLY8, and also increased Cd2+ sensitivity and accumulation. MbNRAMP1 expression in yeast was largely influenced by iron status, and the expression pattern of MbNRAMP1-GFP varied with the environmental iron nutrition status.

CONCLUSIONS

MbNRAMP1 encodes a functional metal transporter capable of mediating the distribution of ions as well as transport of the micronutrients, Fe and Mn, and the toxic metal, Cd.

Mutation in nicotianamine aminotransferase stimulated the Fe(II) acquisition system and led to iron accumulation in rice

Higher plants acquire iron (Fe) from the rhizosphere through two strategies. Strategy II, employed by graminaceous plants, involves secretion of phytosiderophores (e.g. deoxymugineic acid in rice [Oryza sativa]) by roots to solubilize Fe(III) in soil. In addition to taking up Fe in the form of Fe(III)-phytosiderophore, rice also possesses the strategy I-like system that may absorb Fe(II) directly. Through mutant screening, we isolated a rice mutant that could not grow with Fe(III)-citrate as the sole Fe source, but was able to grow when Fe(II)-EDTA was supplied. Surprisingly, the mutant accumulated more Fe and other divalent metals in roots and shoots than the wild type when both were supplied with EDTA-Fe(II) or grown under water-logged field conditions. Furthermore, the mutant had a significantly higher concentration of Fe in both unpolished and polished grains than the wild type. Using the map-based cloning method, we identified a point mutation in a gene encoding nicotianamine aminotransferase (NAAT1), which was responsible for the mutant phenotype. Because of the loss of function of NAAT1, the mutant failed to produce deoxymugineic acid and could not absorb Fe(III) efficiently. In contrast, nicotianamine, the substrate for NAAT1, accumulated markedly in roots and shoots of the mutant. Microarray analysis showed that the expression of a number of the genes involved in Fe(II) acquisition was greatly stimulated in the naat1 mutant. Our results demonstrate that disruption of deoxymugineic acid biosynthesis can stimulate Fe(II) acquisition and increase iron accumulation in rice.

AtMTM1, a novel mitochondrial protein, may be involved in activation of the manganese-containing superoxide dismutase in Arabidopsis

Mtm1p is essential for the posttranslational activation of manganese-containing superoxide dismutase (SOD2) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae; however, whether the same holds true for Arabidopsis thaliana is unknown. In this study, by using the yeast mtm1 mutant complementation method, we identified a putative MTM gene (AtMTM1, At4g27940) that is necessary for SOD2 activation. Further, analysis of SOD activity revealed that an SOD2 defect is rescued in the yeast mutant Y07288 harboring the AtMTM1 gene. Related mRNA-level analysis showed the AtMTM1 gene is induced by paraquat but not by hydrogen peroxide, which indicates that this gene is related to the superoxide scavenger SOD. In addition, an AtMTM1::GFP fusion construct was transiently expressed in the protoplasts, and it was localized to the mitochondria. Furthermore, sequence deletion analysis of AtMTM1 revealed that the code region (amino acid (aa) 60-198) of Mtm1p plays an important role in localization of the protein to the mitochondria. Regulation of AtMTM1 gene expression was analyzed using a fusion construct of the 1,766 bp AtMTM1 promoter and the GUS (beta-glucuronidase) reporter gene. The screen identified GUS reporter gene expression in the developing cotyledons, leaves, roots, stems, and flowers but not in the siliques. Our results suggest that AtMTM1 encodes a mitochondrial protein that may be playing an important role in activation of MnSOD1 in Arabidopsis.

The expression of iron homeostasis-related genes during rice germination

To characterize Fe homeostasis during the early stages of seed germination, a microarray analysis was performed. mRNAs extracted from fully mature seeds or seeds harvested 1-3 days after sowing were hybridized to a rice microarray containing approximately 22,000 cDNA oligo probes. Many Fe deficiency-inducible genes were strongly expressed throughout early seed germination. These results suggest that the demand for Fe is extremely high during germination. Under Fe-deficient conditions, rice produces and secretes a metal-cation chelator called deoxymugineic acid (DMA) to acquire Fe from the soil. In addition, DMA and its intermediate nicotianamine (NA) are thought to be involved in long distance Fe transport in rice. Using promoter-beta-glucuronidase (GUS) analysis, we investigated the expression patterns during seed germination of the Fe deficiency-inducible genes OsNAS1, OsNAS2, OsNAS3, OsNAAT1, and OsDMAS1, which encode enzymes that participate in the biosynthesis of DMA, and the transporter genes OsYSL2 and OsIRT1, which are involved in Fe transport. All of these genes were expressed in germinating seeds prior to protrusion of the radicle. These results suggest that DMA and NA are produced and involved in Fe transport during germination.

Expression profiling of Oryza sativa metal homeostasis genes in different rice cultivars using a cDNA macroarray

Rice is an important food crop, but it is a poor source of essential micronutrients such as iron and zinc. In order to improve the metal ion content of rice grains through breeding or biotechnology, more information is needed on the molecular players that help mobilize metals from leaves to developing seeds. To profile several genes simultaneously, a cDNA macroarray was developed using 36 metal-related genes from rice, including ZIPs, NRAMPs, and YSLs (coding for known or potential metal transporters), as well as NAS, FER, FRO, NAAT, FDH, GSTU, and PDR (involved in metal homeostasis). Because flag leaves are the major source of phloem-delivered photoassimilates and remobilized metals for developing seeds, we analyzed the expression of these metal-related genes in flag and non-flag leaves of four different rice cultivars (Cocodrie, Taipei 309, IR58, and IR68144) during the period of mid-grain fill. Genes (24 of 36) exhibited low to non-detectable signals in the macroarray, while 12 genes (OsIRT1, OsZIP1, OsZIP5, OsZIP8, OsYSL5, OsYSL6, OsYSL7, OsYSL8, OsYSL18, OsNRAMP2, OsNRAMP4 and OsNRAMP7) were found to be highly expressed in both flag and non-flag leaves of all four cultivars. Additional expression analysis using semi-quantitative or quantitative PCR provided results that were generally consistent with the macroarray, but semi-quantitative PCR confirmed that OsFDH, OsFER1, OsNAAT, OsNAS1, OsPDR9, OsYSL12, OsYSL13, OsZIP7, and OsZIP10 were also expressed in leaves. This specialized macroarray has provided a short list of potential candidate genes, expressed in leaves, which might contribute to the process of metal transport to distant sinks, such as seeds.

PIC1, an ancient permease in Arabidopsis chloroplasts, mediates iron transport

In chloroplasts, the transition metals iron and copper play an essential role in photosynthetic electron transport and act as cofactors for superoxide dismutases. Iron is essential for chlorophyll biosynthesis, and ferritin clusters in plastids store iron during germination, development, and iron stress. Thus, plastidic homeostasis of transition metals, in particular of iron, is crucial for chloroplast as well as plant development. However, very little is known about iron uptake by chloroplasts. Arabidopsis thaliana PERMEASE IN CHLOROPLASTS1 (PIC1), identified in a screen for metal transporters in plastids, contains four predicted alpha-helices, is targeted to the inner envelope, and displays homology with cyanobacterial permease-like proteins. Knockout mutants of PIC1 grew only heterotrophically and were characterized by a chlorotic and dwarfish phenotype reminiscent of iron-deficient plants. Ultrastructural analysis of plastids revealed severely impaired chloroplast development and a striking increase in ferritin clusters. Besides upregulation of ferritin, pic1 mutants showed differential regulation of genes and proteins related to iron stress or transport, photosynthesis, and Fe-S cluster biogenesis. Furthermore, PIC1 and its cyanobacterial homolog mediated iron accumulation in an iron uptake-defective yeast mutant. These observations suggest that PIC1 functions in iron transport across the inner envelope of chloroplasts and hence in cellular metal homeostasis.

The structure, function and regulation of the nodulin 26-like intrinsic protein family of plant aquaglyceroporins

The nodulin 26-like intrinsic protein family is a group of highly conserved multifunctional major intrinsic proteins that are unique to plants, and which transport a variety of uncharged solutes ranging from water to ammonia to glycerol. Based on structure-function studies, the NIP family can be subdivided into two subgroups (I and II) based on the identity of the amino acids in the selectivity-determining filter (ar/R region) of the transport pore. Both subgroups appear to contain multifunctional transporters with low to no water permeability and the ability to flux multiple uncharged solutes of varying sizes depending upon the composition of the residues of the ar/R filter. NIPs are subject to posttranslational phosphorylation by calcium-dependent protein kinases. In the case of the family archetype, soybean nodulin 26, phosphorylation has been shown to stimulate its transport activity and to be regulated in response to developmental as well as environmental cues, including osmotic stresses. NIPs tend to be expressed at low levels in the plant compared to other MIPs, and several exhibit cell or tissue specific expression that is subject to spatial and temporal regulation during development.

Functional genomics of plant transporters in legume nodules

Over the past few decades, a combination of physiology, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and genetics has given us a basic understanding of some of the key transport processes at work in nitrogen-fixing legume nodules, especially those involved in nutrient exchange between infected plant cells and their endosymbiotic rhizobia. However, our knowledge in this area remains patchy and dispersed over numerous legume species. Recent progress in the areas of genomics and functional genomics of the two model legumes, Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus is rapidly filling the gap in knowledge about which plant transporter genes are expressed constitutively in nodules and other organs, and which are induced or expressed specifically in nodules. The latter class in particular is the focus of current efforts to understand specialised, nodule-specific roles of transporters. This article briefly reviews past work on the biochemistry and molecular biology of plant transporters in nodules, before describing recent work in the areas of transcriptomics and bioinformatics. Finally, we consider where functional genomics together with more classical approaches are likely to lead us in this area of research in the future.

Put the metal to the petal: metal uptake and transport throughout plants

Compared to other organisms, plants have expanded families of transporters that are involved in the uptake and efflux of metals. Fortunately, in many cases, the examination of double mutants has been sufficient to overcome the challenge of studying functionally redundant gene families. Plants that lack two heavy-metal-transporting P-type ATPase family members (HMA2 and HMA4) reveal a function for these transporters in Zn translocation from roots to shoots. Likewise, the phenotype of plants that lack two natural resistance associated macrophage protein (NRAMP) homologs (NRAMP3 and NRAMP4) implicate these metal uptake proteins in the mobilization of vacuolar Fe stores during seed germination. Most families of metal transporters are ubiquitous but the Yellow Stripe1-Like (YSL) family is plant specific and YSL family members have been implicated in the transport of metals that are complexed with a plant specific chelator called nicotianamine (NA).

Mobilization of vacuolar iron by AtNRAMP3 and AtNRAMP4 is essential for seed germination on low iron

Iron (Fe) is necessary for all living cells, but its bioavailability is often limited. Fe deficiency limits agriculture in many areas and affects over a billion human beings worldwide. In mammals, NRAMP2/DMT1/DCT1 was identified as a major pathway for Fe acquisition and recycling. In plants, AtNRAMP3 and AtNRAMP4 are induced under Fe deficiency. The similitude of AtNRAMP3 and AtNRAMP4 expression patterns and their common targeting to the vacuole, together with the lack of obvious phenotype in nramp3-1 and nramp4-1 single knockout mutants, suggested a functional redundancy. Indeed, the germination of nramp3 nramp4 double mutants is arrested under low Fe nutrition and fully rescued by high Fe supply. Mutant seeds have wild type Fe content, but fail to retrieve Fe from the vacuolar globoids. Our work thus identifies for the first time the vacuole as an essential compartment for Fe storage in seeds. Our data indicate that mobilization of vacuolar Fe stores by AtNRAMP3 and AtNRAMP4 is crucial to support Arabidopsis early development until efficient systems for Fe acquisition from the soil take over.

Two isoforms of a divalent metal transporter (DMT1) in Schistosoma mansoni suggest a surface-associated pathway for iron absorption in schistosomes

We describe two homologues of the mammalian divalent metal transporter (DMT1) for Schistosoma mansoni, a pathogenic intravascular parasite of humans. Schistosomes have a high nutritional and metabolic demand for iron. Nucleotide sequences of the parasite homologues, designated SmDMT1A and -B, are identical in all but the 5'-regions. The predicted amino acid sequences share at least 60% identity with DMT1 (=Nramp2) of humans, mice, and rats, and at least 55% identity with Nramp1 from mice, humans and Caenorhabditis elegans. SmDMT1A is expressed in differentiating eggs, miracidia, cercariae, schistosomula, and adults, whereas SmDMT1B is expressed in all but the miracidium and occurs at lower levels than SmDMT1A in differentiating eggs and cercariae. An iron-responsive element, present at the 3'-untranslated region of many DMT1 molecules, is not present in schistosome mRNAs studied here. A Western blot analysis of adult worm preparations using a homologous rabbit serum raised against a schistosome DMT1 peptide and a heterologous serum raised against mammalian DMT1, revealed a band approximating 115 kDa. By immunofluorescence microscopy, the schistosome DMT1s localize primarily to the tegument. Iron uptake assays demonstrated that SmDMT1s were able to rescue yeast growth in ferrous iron-transport deficient yeast (fet3fet4). The results suggest that schistosomes express molecules for ferrous iron transport in their tegument, suggesting trans-tegumental transport as one means of iron acquisition for these parasites.

Managing the manganese: molecular mechanisms of manganese transport and homeostasis

Manganese (Mn) is an essential metal nutrient for plants. Recently, some of the genes responsible for transition metal transport in plants have been identified; however, only relatively recently have Mn2+ transport pathways begun to be identified at the molecular level. These include transporters responsible for Mn accumulation into the cell and release from various organelles, and for active sequestration into endomembrane compartments, particularly the vacuole and the endoplasmic reticulum. Several transporter gene families have been implicated in Mn2+ transport, including cation/H+ antiporters, natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (Nramp) transporters, zinc-regulated transporter/iron-regulated transporter (ZRT/IRT1)-related protein (ZIP) transporters, the cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) transporter family, and P-type ATPases. The identification of mutants with altered Mn phenotypes can allow the identification of novel components in Mn homeostasis. In addition, the characterization of Mn hyperaccumulator plants can increase our understanding of how plants can adapt to excess Mn, and ultimately allow the identification of genes that confer this stress tolerance. The identification of genes responsible for Mn2+ transport has substantially improved our understanding of plant Mn homeostasis.

Cloning of three ZIP/Nramp transporter genes from a Ni hyperaccumulator plant Thlaspi japonicum and their Ni2+-transport abilities

Ni homeostasis is essential for plant cell activity, but the mechanisms of Ni-transport and delivery are unknown. To elucidate the role of ZIP and NRAMP metal-transporters for Ni2+-transport and homeostasis, we cloned their homologous genes from the Ni hyperaccumulator Thlaspi japonicum, and investigated their Ni-transporting abilities by expression in yeast. The deduced amino acid sequences of the two Zip transporter genes (TjZnt1, TjZnt2) and one Nramp transporter gene cloned had high homologies with TcZNT1 and TcZNT2 of Thlaspi caerulescens and AtNRAMP4 of Arabidopsis thaliana, respectively, and were predicted as integral membrane proteins with 6 or 12 transmembrane domains. TjZNT1 and TjZNT2 had two long histidine-rich domains in the putative cytoplasmic domain between transmembrane domains III and IV. TjNRAMP4 conserved a consensus transporter motif between transmembrane domains VIII and IX. The yeast transformed with TjZNT1 or TjZNT2 showed a marked increase in Ni2+ tolerance with the gene expression. In contrast, the expression of TjNramp4 caused elevation of Ni2+ sensitivity and Ni2+ concentration. These data suggest that ZIP/NRAMP transporters participate in Ni2+ homeostasis of Ni hyperaccumulator plants. TjZNT1 had Zn2+-, Cd2+- and Mn2+-transporting abilities and TjZNT2 also had Zn2+- and Mn2+-transporting abilities, but TjNRAMP4 could transport Ni2+ but not Zn2+, Cd2+ or Mn2+.

GmN70 and LjN70. Anion transporters of the symbiosome membrane of nodules with a transport preference for nitrate

A cDNA was isolated from soybean (Glycine max) nodules that encodes a putative transporter (GmN70) of the major facilitator superfamily. GmN70 is expressed predominantly in mature nitrogen-fixing root nodules. By western-blot and immunocytochemical analyses, GmN70 was localized to the symbiosome membrane of infected root nodule cells, suggesting a transport role in symbiosis. To investigate its transport function, cRNA encoding GmN70 was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and two-electrode voltage clamp analysis was performed. Ooctyes expressing GmN70 showed outward currents that are carried by anions with a selectivity of nitrate > nitrite > > chloride. These currents showed little sensitivity to pH or the nature of the counter cation in the oocyte bath solution. One-half maximal currents were induced by nitrate concentrations between 1 to 3 mm. No apparent transport of organic anions was observed. Voltage clamp records of an ortholog of GmN70 from Lotus japonicus (LjN70; K. Szczyglowski, P. Kapranov, D. Hamburger, F.J. de Bruijn [1998] Plant Mol Biol 37: 651-661) also showed anion currents with a similar selectivity profile. Overall, these findings suggest that GmN70 and LjN70 are inorganic anion transporters of the symbiosome membrane with enhanced preference for nitrate. These transport activities may aid in regulation of ion and membrane potential homeostasis, possibly in response to external nitrate concentrations that are known to regulate the symbiosis.

Copper in plants

Copper is an essential metal for normal plant growth and development, although it is also potentially toxic. Copper participates in numerous physiological processes and is an essential cofactor for many metalloproteins, however, problems arise when excess copper is present in cells. Excess copper inhibits plant growth and impairs important cellular processes (i.e., photosynthetic electron transport). Since copper is both an essential cofactor and a toxic element, involving a complex network of metal trafficking pathways, different strategies have evolved in plants to appropriately regulate its homeostasis as a function of the environmental copper level. Such strategies must prevent accumulation of the metal in the freely reactive form (metal detoxification pathways) and ensure proper delivery of this element to target metalloproteins. The mechanisms involved in the acquisition of this essential micronutrient have not been clearly defined although a number of genes have recently been identified which encode potential copper transporters. This review gives a briefly overview of the current understanding of the more important features concerning copper toxicity and tolerance in plants, and brings information of recent findings on copper trafficking including copper detoxification factors, copper transporters and copper chaperones.

Iron, ferritin, and nutrition

Ferritin, a major form of endogenous iron in food legumes such as soybeans, is a novel and natural alternative for iron supplementation strategies where effectiveness is limited by acceptability, cost, or undesirable side effects. A member of the nonheme iron group of dietary iron sources, ferritin is a complex with Fe3+ iron in a mineral (thousands of iron atoms inside a protein cage) protected from complexation. Ferritin illustrates the wide range of chemical and biological properties among nonheme iron sources. The wide range of nonheme iron receptors matched to the structure of the iron complexes that occurs in microorganisms may, by analogy, exist in humans. An understanding of the chemistry and biology of each type of dietary iron source (ferritin, heme, Fe2+ ion, etc.), and of the interactions dependent on food sources, genes, and gender, is required to design diets that will eradicate global iron deficiency in the twenty-first century.

Transcriptome profiling in root nodules and arbuscular mycorrhiza identifies a collection of novel genes induced during Medicago truncatula root endosymbioses

Transcriptome profiling based on cDNA array hybridizations and in silico screening was used to identify Medicago truncatula genes induced in both root nodules and arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM). By array hybridizations, we detected several hundred genes that were upregulated in the root nodule and the AM symbiosis, respectively, with a total of 75 genes being induced during both interactions. The second approach based on in silico data mining yielded several hundred additional candidate genes with a predicted symbiosis-enhanced expression. A subset of the genes identified by either expression profiling tool was subjected to quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction for a verification of their symbiosis-induced expression. That way, induction in root nodules and AM was confirmed for 26 genes, most of them being reported as symbiosis-induced for the first time. In addition to delivering a number of novel symbiosis-induced genes, our approach identified several genes that were induced in only one of the two root endosymbioses. The spatial expression patterns of two symbiosis-induced genes encoding an annexin and a beta-tubulin were characterized in transgenic roots using promoter-reporter gene fusions.

Lotus japonicus LjKUP is induced late during nodule development and encodes a potassium transporter of the plasma membrane

The KUP family of potassium transporters in plants is large but poorly characterized. We isolated and characterized the first KUP transporter from a legume, LjKUP of Lotus japonicus. Although expressed throughout plants, LjKUP transcript levels were highest in nodules. Induction of LjKUP expression occurred late during nodule development, at a time of rapid organ expansion. A high level of LjKUP expression was maintained in mature, full-sized nodules. However, induction of LjKUP expression was independent of symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF), and occurred in ineffective nodules resulting from mutations in either the plant or its microsymbiont, Mesorhizobium loti. Heterologous expression of LjKUP in Escherichia coli showed that the protein is able to transport potassium. Transient expression of a GFP-LjKUP fusion protein in Arabidopsis cells indicated a plasma membrane location for the transporter. Taken together, the results indicate that LjKUP is a potassium transporter of the plasma membrane, which may play roles in cell expansion during nodule development and in ion homeostasis during SNF.