A blue-light-activated GTP-binding protein in the plasma membranes of etiolated peas

Characterization of the putative alpha subunit of a heterotrimeric G protein in rice

A recombinant protein with a cDNA that encodes the putative alpha subunit of a rice heterotrimeric G protein was synthesized in Escherichia coli and purified. The recombinant protein (rGrice alpha) with an apparent molecular mass of 45 kDa was bound with guanosine 5'-(3-O-thio)triphosphate with an apparent association constant (kapp) of 0.36. The protein also hydrolyzed GTP and its kcat was 0.44. rGrice alpha was ADP-ribosylated by activated cholera toxin. Monoclonal antibodies raised against rGrice alpha reacted with a 45 kDa polypeptide localized in the plasma membrane of rice seedlings. The peptide map of this polypeptide after digestion with V8 protease was identical to that of rGrice alpha. A 45 kDa polypeptide in the plasma membrane, as well as rGrice alpha, was ADP-ribosylated by activated cholera toxin. The GTPase activity of the plasma membrane was stimulated 2.5-fold by mastoparan 7 but not mastoparan 17. These properties were similar to those of the alpha subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins in animals, suggesting that the putative alpha subunit is truly the alpha subunit itself.

Biochemical characteristics of a rice (Oryza sativa L., IR36) G-protein alpha-subunit expressed in Escherichia coli

A cDNA encoding the alpha-subunit of the heterotrimeric G-protein in rice (RGA1) was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and then isolated by Ni2+-nitrilotriacetic acid affinity chromatography. The molecular mass of RGA1 bearing a His tag was approx. 49 kDa. Immunoblot analysis using anti-RGA1 revealed that the RGA1 protein is most abundant in seedling leaves and least abundant in mature roots. It exists at particularly high levels in the immature embryo after pellicle extrusion. In addition, the RGA1 antiserum exhibited a difference in binding affinity for Galpha proteins from monocots (maize and rice) and dicots (Arabidopsis, pea, soya bean and tomato); whereas it cross-reacted with Galpha proteins of monocots, it did not with those of dicot plants. When bound to guanosine 5'-(gamma-thio)triphosphate (GTP[S]), the RGA1 protein was partially protected from tryptic proteolysis. In the presence of GTP[S], trypsin cleaved the RGA1 protein into four fragments 24, 14, 11 and 5 kDa in size. When RGA1 was bound to GDP, only the 5 kDa polypeptide was seen on SDS/PAGE after trypsin digestion. Photoaffinity labelling with [alpha-32P]GTP and a GTP[S]-binding assay revealed that RGA1 incorporated 32P and showed specific binding to a guanine nucleotide. Guanidine binding of RGA1 was affected by the concentration of MgCl2 (maximum at 2 mM). The rate of guanine nucleotide binding of RGA1 (kon,GTP[S]=0.0141+/-0.0014 min-1) and, at steady state, the kcat value for GTP hydrolysis (0.0075+/-0.0001 min-1) were very low even at 2 mM MgCl2. The binding affinity for the nucleotides examined was in the order GTP-S- >/= GTP > GDP > CTP > ATP >/= dTTP.

Expression of human muscarinic cholinergic receptors in tobacco

We expressed human m1, m2 and chimeric muscarinic cholinergic receptors (MAChR) in tobacco plants and in cultured BY2 tobacco cells using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The membranes of most transgenic plants and calli bound muscarinic ligands with appropriate affinities, kinetics and pharmacologic specificity, as determined by direct and competitive binding measurements using the muscarinic ligand [3H]quinuclidinyl benzylate (QNB). Membranes of untransformed plants and calli or those transformed with vector alone did not bind [3H]QNB. Preliminary experiments did not suggest regulation of endogenous plant G protein signalling pathways by the recombinant receptors. Membranes from one callus clone expressed m1 MAChR at the level of 2.0-2.5 pmol [3H]QNB bound per mg membrane protein, more than the number of m1 MAChR in mammalian brain and comparable to that expressed in Sf9 insect cells using baculovirus vectors. This work demonstrates high level expression of active G protein-coupled receptors in plants, such that signaling might be genetically reconstituted by co-expression of appropriate G proteins and effectors.

Distinct UV-B and UV-A/blue light signal transduction pathways induce chalcone synthase gene expression in Arabidopsis cells

UV and blue light control the expression of flavonoid biosynthesis genes in a range of higher plants. To investigate the signal transduction processes involved in the induction of chalcone synthase (CHS) gene expression by UV-B and UV-A/blue light, we examined the effects of specific agonists and inhibitors of known signaling components in mammalian systems in a photomixotrophic Arabidopsis cell suspension culture. CHS expression is induced specifically by these wavelengths in the cell culture, in a manner similar to that in mature Arabidopsis leaf tissue. Both the UV-B and UV-A/blue phototransduction processes involve calcium, although the elevation of cytosolic calcium is insufficient on its own to stimulate CHS expression. The UV-A/blue light induction of CHS expression does not appear to involve calmodulin, whereas the UV-B response does; this difference indicates that the signal transduction pathways are, at least in part, distinct. We provide evidence that both pathways involve reversible protein phosphorylation and require protein synthesis. The UV-B and UV-A/blue light signaling pathways are therefore different from the phytochrome signal transduction pathway regulating CHS expression in other species.

G Protein Activation Stimulates Phospholipase D Signaling in Plants

We provide direct evidence for phospholipase D (PLD) signaling in plants by showing that this enzyme is stimulated by the G protein activators mastoparan, ethanol, and cholera toxin. An in vivo assay for PLD activity in plant cells was developed based on the use of a "reporter alcohol" rather than water as a transphosphatidylation substrate. The product was a phosphatidyl alcohol, which, in contrast to the normal product phosphatidic acid, is a specific measure of PLD activity. When 32P-labeled cells were treated with 0.1% n-butanol, 32P-phosphatidyl butanol (32P-PtdBut) was formed in a time-dependent manner. In cells treated with any of the three G protein activators, the production of 32P-PtdBut was increased in a dose-dependent manner. The G protein involved was pertussis toxin insensitive. Ethanol could activate PLD but was itself consumed by PLD as transphosphatidylation substrate. In contrast, secondary alcohols (e.g., sec-butyl alcohol) activated PLD but did not function as substrate, whereas tertiary alcohols did neither. Although most of the experiments were performed with the green alga Chlamydomonas eugametos, the relevance for higher plants was demonstrated by showing that PLD in carnation petals could also be activated by mastoparan. The results indicate that PLD activation must be considered as a potential signal transduction mechanism in plants, just as in animals.

G Protein Activation Stimulates Phospholipase D Signaling in Plants

We provide direct evidence for phospholipase D (PLD) signaling in plants by showing that this enzyme is stimulated by the G protein activators mastoparan, ethanol, and cholera toxin. An in vivo assay for PLD activity in plant cells was developed based on the use of a "reporter alcohol" rather than water as a transphosphatidylation substrate. The product was a phosphatidyl alcohol, which, in contrast to the normal product phosphatidic acid, is a specific measure of PLD activity. When 32P-labeled cells were treated with 0.1% n-butanol, 32P-phosphatidyl butanol (32P-PtdBut) was formed in a time-dependent manner. In cells treated with any of the three G protein activators, the production of 32P-PtdBut was increased in a dose-dependent manner. The G protein involved was pertussis toxin insensitive. Ethanol could activate PLD but was itself consumed by PLD as transphosphatidylation substrate. In contrast, secondary alcohols (e.g., sec-butyl alcohol) activated PLD but did not function as substrate, whereas tertiary alcohols did neither. Although most of the experiments were performed with the green alga Chlamydomonas eugametos, the relevance for higher plants was demonstrated by showing that PLD in carnation petals could also be activated by mastoparan. The results indicate that PLD activation must be considered as a potential signal transduction mechanism in plants, just as in animals.

Isolation of a putative receptor from Zea mays microsomal membranes that interacts with the G-protein, GP alpha 1

The C-terminal region of a heterotrimeric G-protein alpha-subunit is known to be one of the principal determinants governing its interaction with its cognate receptor. Use of an oligopeptide corresponding to the fifteen C-terminal residues of the Arabidopsis G alpha-subunit (GP alpha 1), as an affinity ligand, led to the resolution of a tightly binding 37 kDa membrane polypeptide from detergent solubilised Zea microsomal fraction membranes. An identical polypeptide bound tightly to an affinity matrix containing recombinant GP alpha 1 protein as ligand: binding and release of this 37 kDa protein was dependent on the activation state of GP alpha 1 which was regulated by inclusion or omission of the G-protein activator AlF-4. Finally, the isolated 37 kDa protein was labelled with the lectin concanavalin A, indicating it to be glycosylated. These data are consistent with the identity of the 37 kDa membrane polypeptide as a receptor that interacts with the Zea homologue of GP alpha 1.

GTP-binding proteins in plants: new members of an old family

Regulatory guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) have been studied extensively in animal and microbial organisms, and they are divided into the heterotrimeric and the small (monomeric) classes. Heterotrimeric G proteins are known to mediate signal responses in a variety of pathways in animals and simple eukaryotes, while small G proteins perform diverse functions including signal transduction, secretion, and regulation of cytoskeleton. In recent years, biochemical analyses have produced a large amount of information on the presence and possible functions of G proteins in plants. Further, molecular cloning has clearly demonstrated that plants have both heterotrimeric and small G proteins. Although the functions of the plant heterotrimeric G proteins are yet to be determined, expression analysis of an Arabidopsis G alpha protein suggests that it may be involved in the regulation of cell division and differentiation. In contrast to the very few genes cloned thus far that encode heterotrimeric G proteins in plants, a large number of small G proteins have been identified by molecular cloning from various plants. In addition, several plant small G proteins have been shown to be functional homologues of their counterparts in animals and yeasts. Future studies using a number of approaches are likely to yield insights into the role plant G proteins play.

Overexpression of Arabidopsis COP1 results in partial suppression of light-mediated development: evidence for a light-inactivable repressor of photomorphogenesis

Arabidopsis seedlings are genetically endowed with the capability to follow two distinct developmental programs: photomorphogenesis in the light and skotomorphogenesis in darkness. The regulatory protein CONSTITUTIVE PHOTO-MORPHOGENIC1 (COP1) has been postulated to act as a repressor of photomorphogenesis in the dark because loss-of-function mutations of COP1 result in dark-grown seedlings phenocopying the light-grown wild-type seedlings. In this study, we tested this working model by overexpressing COP1 in the plant and examining its inhibitory effects on photomorphogenic development. Stable transgenic Arabidopsis lines overexpressing COP1 were generated through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Overexpression was achieved using either the strong cauliflower mosaic virus 35S RNA promoter or additional copies of the wild-type gene. Analysis of these transgenic lines demonstrated that higher levels of COP1 can inhibit aspects of photomorphogenic seedling development mediated by either phytochromes or a blue light receptor, and the extent of inhibition correlated quantitatively with the vivo COP1 levels. This result provides direct evidence that COP1 acts as a molecular repressor of photomorphogenic development and that multiple photoreceptors can independently mediate the light inactivation of COP1. It also suggests that a controlled inactivation of COP1 may provide a basis for the ability of plants to respond quantitatively to changing light signals, such as fluence rate and photoperiod.

Overexpression of Arabidopsis COP1 results in partial suppression of light-mediated development: evidence for a light-inactivable repressor of photomorphogenesis

Arabidopsis seedlings are genetically endowed with the capability to follow two distinct developmental programs: photomorphogenesis in the light and skotomorphogenesis in darkness. The regulatory protein CONSTITUTIVE PHOTO-MORPHOGENIC1 (COP1) has been postulated to act as a repressor of photomorphogenesis in the dark because loss-of-function mutations of COP1 result in dark-grown seedlings phenocopying the light-grown wild-type seedlings. In this study, we tested this working model by overexpressing COP1 in the plant and examining its inhibitory effects on photomorphogenic development. Stable transgenic Arabidopsis lines overexpressing COP1 were generated through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Overexpression was achieved using either the strong cauliflower mosaic virus 35S RNA promoter or additional copies of the wild-type gene. Analysis of these transgenic lines demonstrated that higher levels of COP1 can inhibit aspects of photomorphogenic seedling development mediated by either phytochromes or a blue light receptor, and the extent of inhibition correlated quantitatively with the vivo COP1 levels. This result provides direct evidence that COP1 acts as a molecular repressor of photomorphogenic development and that multiple photoreceptors can independently mediate the light inactivation of COP1. It also suggests that a controlled inactivation of COP1 may provide a basis for the ability of plants to respond quantitatively to changing light signals, such as fluence rate and photoperiod.

Isolation of cDNAs encoding guanine nucleotide-binding protein beta-subunit homologues from maize (ZGB1) and Arabidopsis (AGB1)

We have isolated cDNAs from maize (ZGB1) and Arabidopsis (AGB1) encoding proteins homologous to beta subunits of guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein). The predicted ZGB1 and AGB1 gene products are 76% identical to each other and 41% or more identical to animal G protein beta subunits. Both predicted proteins contain seven repeats of the so-called "WD-40" motif, where WD is Trp-Asp. RNA blot analysis indicates that ZGB1 mRNA is present in the root, leaf, and tassel and that AGB1 mRNA is expressed in the root, leaf, and flower. DNA blot hybridizations indicate that maize and Arabidopsis genomes contain no other genes that are highly similar to ZGB1 and AGB1, respectively, suggesting that the newly isolated G protein beta-subunit homologues are likely to have unique functions. Furthermore, these G protein beta-subunit homologues are conserved among other plant species and may play important role(s) in plant signaling.

A membrane-delimited pathway of G-protein regulation of the guard-cell inward K+ channel

GTP-binding protein (G-protein) regulation of inward rectifying K+ channels in the plasma membrane of Vicia (Vicia faba L.) guard cells has previously been demonstrated at the whole-cell level. However, whether a cytosolic signal transduction chain is required for G-protein regulation of K+ channels in Vicia guard cells, or in any plant cell type, remains unknown. In the present study, we assayed effects of several G-protein regulators on inward K+ channels in isolated inside-out membrane patches from Vicia guard cell protoplasts. Guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate, a nonhydrolyzable GTP analog that locks G proteins into their activated state, decreased the open state probability (Po) of single inward K+ channels. This decrease in Po was accompanied by an increase in one of the closed time constants of the K+ channel. Guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate, a GDP analog that locks G proteins into their inactivated state, slightly increased the Po of the inward K+ channel and shortened the closed time constants. Pertussis toxin and cholera toxin, which ADP-ribosylate G proteins at different sites, decreased the Po of the inward K+ channel. Our data indicate that G proteins can act via a membrane-delimited pathway to regulate inward K+ channels in the guard-cell plasma membrane.

Light induces rapid changes of the phosphorylation pattern in the cytosol of evacuolated parsley protoplasts

The fractionation of cells of a parsley suspension culture [Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) A. Hill] by protoplasting and subsequent removal of the vacuoles led to physiologically intact evacuolated protoplasts retaining light inducibility of chalcone synthase expression. Lysis of the evacuolated protoplasts permitted the isolation of a pure, highly concentrated cytosolic fraction containing major cytosolic membranes but only minor contamination by proplastids, mitochondria, and nuclei. Short-time irradiations of the cytosol with red or UV-containing white light resulted in very fast changes of the phosphorylation pattern of 18-, 40-, 48-, 55- to 70-, and 120-kDa proteins. Major differences were observed between the phosphorylation patterns obtained by red or UV-containing white light treatment, indicating a different primary action of the excited photoreceptors in vitro. Separation of the microsomal fraction from the cytosolic matrix established the localization of these proteins. Chase and photoreversibility experiments revealed that phytochrome in vitro regulates the phosphorylation of the 40-kDa protein by modifying a soluble cytosolic kinase/phosphatase system.

Separate photosensory pathways co-regulate blue light/ultraviolet-A-activated psbD-psbC transcription and light-induced D2 and CP43 degradation in barley (Hordeum vulgare) chloroplasts

We studied the effects of spectral quality and fluence on the expression of several chloroplast-encoded photosynthesis genes and on the stability of their protein products in barley (Hordeum vulgare). During light-dependent chloroplast maturation, mRNA levels for psbD-psbC and psbA were maintained at higher levels compared with mRNAs encoding proteins for other photosynthesis functions (atpB, rbcL). Maintenance of psbD-psbC mRNA levels was accounted for by differential activation of the psbD-psbC light-responsive promoter by high-irradiance blue light and, secondarily, ultraviolet A (UV-A) radiation. Promoter activation was fluence dependent and required continuous illumination for 2 h at threshold fluences of 1.3 (blue light), 7.5 (white light), or 10 (UV-A) mumol m-2 s-1. From immunoblot analysis experiments, we showed that the psbD-psbC gene products D2 and CP43 undergo light-mediated turnover similar to light-labile D1. Other photosynthesis proteins such as the beta subunit of ATP synthase and the large subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase were relatively stable. In the absence of protein synthesis, D2 degradation paralleled the degradation of D1 (relative half-lives, 9.5-10 h). CP43 decay was about half of D2 and D1 decay. In contrast with activation of the light-responsive promoter, the fluence-dependent degradation of D1, D2, and CP43 required 50- to 100-fold higher fluences of photosynthetically active white, red, blue, or UV-A irradiation. We interpret the different fluence and wavelength requirements to indicate that separate photosensory systems regulate activation of psbD-psbC transcription and turnover of D1, D2, and CP43. We propose that a blue light/UV-A photosensory pathway activates the psbD-psbC light-responsive promoter, differentially maintaining the capacity of mature chloroplasts to synthesize D2 and CP43, which are damaged and turned over in illuminated plants.

Genetic and molecular analysis of an allelic series of cop1 mutants suggests functional roles for the multiple protein domains

The Arabidopsis protein COP1, encoded by the constitutive photomorphogenic locus 1, is an essential regulatory molecule that plays a role in the repression of photomorphogenic development in darkness and in the ability of light-grown plants to respond to photoperiod, end-of-day far-red treatment, and ratio of red/far-red light. The COP1 protein contains three recognizable structural domains: starting from the N terminus, they are the zinc binding motif, the putative coiled-coil region, and the domain with multiple WD-40 repeats homologous to the beta subunit of trimeric G-proteins (G beta). To understand the functional implications of these structural motifs, 17 recessive mutations of the COP1 gene have been isolated based on their constitutive photomorphogenic seedling development in darkness. These mutations define three phenotypic classes: weak, strong, and lethal. The mutations that fall into the lethal class are possible null mutations of COP1. Molecular analysis of the nine mutant alleles that accumulated mutated forms of COP1 protein revealed that disruption of the G beta-protein homology domain or removal of the very C-terminal 56 amino acids are both deleterious to COP1 function. In-frame deletions or insertions of short amino acid stretches between the putative coiled-coil and G beta-protein homology domains strongly compromised COP1 function. However, a mutation resulting in a COP1 protein with only the N-terminal 282 amino acids, including both the zinc binding and the coiled-coil domains, produced a weak phenotypic defect. These results indicated that the N-terminal half of COP1 alone retains some activity and a disrupted C-terminal domain masks this remaining activity.

Light-regulated modification and nuclear translocation of cytosolic G-box binding factors in parsley

Functional cell-free systems may be excellent tools with which to investigate light-dependent signal transduction mechanisms in plants. By evacuolation of parsley protoplasts and subsequent silicon oil gradient centrifugation of lysed evacuolated protoplasts, we obtained a highly pure and concentrated plasma membrane-containing cytosol. Using GT- and G-box DNA elements, we were able to demonstrate a specific localization of a pool of G-box binding activity and factors (GBFs) but not one of GT-box binding activity in this cytosolic fraction. The DNA binding activity of the cytosolic GBFs is modulated in vivo as well as in vitro by light and phosphorylation/dephosphorylation activities. The regulation of cytosolic G-box binding activity by irradiation with continuous white light and phosphorylation correlates with a light-modulated transport of GBFs to the nucleus. This was shown by a GBF-antibody cotranslocation assay in permeabilized, cell-free evacuolated parsley protoplasts. We propose that a light-regulated subcellular displacement of cytosolic GBFs to the nucleus may be an important step in the signal transduction pathway coupling photoreception to light-dependent gene expression.

Affinity purification of GTPase proteins from oat root plasma membranes using biotinylated GTP

Biotinylated GTP was synthesized and it was demonstrated that this ligand was bi-functional: it competed with [3H]Gpp(NH)p for binding to membrane proteins and it bound to immobilized avidin. Peripheral plasma membrane proteins were solubilized in a low-salt wash, incubated with GTP-biotin and biotinylated proteins were coupled to an avidin column. Elution with excess biotin yielded 10 polypeptides as seen with a silver stained SDS-PAGE gel. Antisera raised against Ras, a small GTPase, strongly interacted with three proteins with MW of 38, 27 and 25 kDa and also with 6 other proteins. G alpha-common antibodies interacted with proteins of MW = 66 and 38 kDa. This method enables the rapid purification of GTP-binding proteins and opens the possibility to assign a role to specific GTPases in signal transduction pathways.

Plant Defense Response to Fungal Pathogens (Activation of Host-Plasma Membrane H+-ATPase by Elicitor-Induced Enzyme Dephosphorylation)

Elicitor preparations containing the avr5 gene products from race 4 of Cladosporium fulvum and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) cells near isogenic for the resistance gene Cf5 were used to investigate events following the treatment of host plasma membranes with elicitor. A 4-fold increase in H+-ATPase activity, coincident with the acidification of the extracellular medium, was detected immediately after elicitor treatment. The elicitor-induced stimulation of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase was inhibited by okadaic acid but not by staurosporine, suggesting that protein dephosphorylation was required for increased H+-ATPase activity. This observation was confirmed by [gamma]-32P labeling and immunodetection of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase. Effects of guanidine nucleotide analogs and mastoparan on the ATPase activity suggested the role of GTP-binding proteins in mediating the putative elicitor-receptor binding, resulting in activation of a phosphatase(s), which in turn stimulates the plasma membrane H+-ATPase by dephosphorylation.

Immunolocalization of the G protein alpha subunit encoded by the GPA1 gene in Arabidopsis

Heterotrimeric GTP binding proteins (G proteins) are important signal transducers in lower eukaryotes and in animal cells. In plants, the occurrence of GTP binding proteins has been reported, but their biological function remains unclear. Two genes coding for G protein alpha subunits have been cloned: GPA1 in Arabidopsis and TGA1 in tomato. To gain some insights into the function of GPA1, we describe an extensive immunolocalization of GPalpha1, the gene product of GPA1, during Arabidopsis development. Our results show that the GPalpha1 is present through all stages of development and in all organs examined, with the exception of mature seeds. It is expressed in roots, floral stem, rosette leaves, cauline leaves, flowers, and seed pods. Interestingly, the level of GPalpha1 protein is higher in immature organs than in mature organs. GPalpha1 is present at a high level in the root meristem and elongation zone, in the shoot and floral meristems, and in the leaf primordium and floral organ (sepal, petal, stamen, and gynoecium) primordia. During flower development, dividing microspores, but not mature pollen, show high levels of GPalpha1. During pollination, GPalpha1 is present in the growing pollen tubes. The protein is also present in nectaries and developing ovules and, after fertilization, in developing embryos. In mature tissue, GPalpha1 is preferentially found in the vascular system but is also present in other cell types. The complexity of the GPalpha1 localization pattern suggests that GPalpha1 might be involved in different signaling pathways depending on the developmental stage.

Detection of GTP-binding proteins in barley aleurone protoplasts

We report the existence of several families of GTP-binding proteins in barley aleurone protoplasts. Partial purified plasma membrane proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE, transferred to a nitrocellulose filter and incubated with either antisera raised against a highly conserved animal G protein alpha subunit peptide/or Ras protein, or with [alpha-32P]GTP. Two sets of proteins of M(r) = 32-36 kDa and 22-24 kDa were strongly recognized by the antisera. Binding of [alpha-32P]GTP was detected on Western blots with proteins of M(r) = 22-24 kDa and 16 kDa. Binding was inhibited by 10(-7)-10(-6) M GTP gamma S, GTP or GDP; binding was not affected by 10(-6)-10(-5) M ATP gamma S or ADP. The kinetics, specificity and the effects of phytohormones in a [35S]GTP gamma S binding assay were also studied in isolated plasma membranes of barley aleurone protoplasts.

Chlamydomonas mutants affected in the light-dependent step of sexual differentiation

Sexual differentiation of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is induced by the consecutive action of two extrinsic cues--nitrogen deprivation and blue light. The definition of a blue light-dependent step in gamete formation provided a basis for the isolation of mutants altered in the signal transduction pathway by which light controls sexual differentiation. In one mutant (lrg1), gamete formation has become light independent. In the other mutant (lrg2), perception or transduction of the light signal appears to be partially impaired. In both mutants, the expression of genes activated by light in the late phase of gamete formation is affected. Genetic analyses showed that genes LRG1 and LRG2 are linked. The recessive nature of the lrg1-1 mutation implies that the gene encodes a negative factor or a protein that controls the activity of a negative factor. In the case of lrg2-1, neither wild-type nor mutant allele was dominant. Rather, two copies of the lrg2-1 gene simulate a wild-type phenotype. The identification of genetic loci in the pathway for blue light-mediated differentiation provides a basis for the isolation of signal transduction genes in Chlamydomonas.

Evidence against a direct role for inositol phosphate metabolism in the circadian oscillator and the blue-light signal transduction pathway in Neurospora crassa

The inositol-depletion hypothesis proposes that the effects of Li+ on cellular functions are the result of inhibition by Li+ of the inositol monophosphate phosphatase and subsequent depletion of inositol lipids. This mechanism has been proposed to account for the effects of Li+ on the period of the circadian oscillator. Inositol phosphate metabolism has also been proposed as part of the blue-light signal-transduction pathway through which the phase of the circadian oscillator can be reset by light pulses. Four predictions of these two hypotheses have been tested in the fungus Neurospora crassa and all have been found to fail: (1) inositol supplementation does not reverse the effects of Li+ on the period of the circadian rhythm; (2) inositol depletion of an inositol-requiring mutant does not mimic the effects of Li+; (3) depletion of inositol lipids does not inhibit the response to light; and (4) a phase-resetting pulse of light does not increase the levels of inositol phosphates, including Ins(1,4,5)P3.

NADH Oxidase Activity of Plasma Membranes of Soybean Hypocotyls Is Activated by Guanine Nucleotides

The activity of an auxin-stimulated NADH oxidase of the plasma membrane of hypocotyls of etiolated soybean (Glycine max Merr.) seedlings responded to guanine and other nucleotides, but in a manner that differed from that of enzymes coupled to the classic trimeric and low molecular weight monomeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins). In the presence and absence of either auxin or divalent ions, both GTP and GDP as well as guanosine-5[prime]-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP-[gamma]-S) and other nucleoside di- and triphosphates stimulated the oxidase activity over the range 10 [mu]M to 1 mM. GTP and GTP-[gamma]-S stimulated the activity at 10 nM in the absence of added magnesium and at 1 nM in the presence of added magnesium ions. Other nucleotides stimulated at 100 nM and above. The NADH oxidase was stimulated by 10 [mu]M mastoparan and by 40 [mu]M aluminum fluoride. Neither cholera nor pertussis toxins, tested at a concentration sufficient to block mammalian G protein function, inhibited the activity. Guanosine 5[prime]-O-(2-thiodi-phosphate) (GDP-[beta]-S) did not stimulate activity, suggesting that the stimulation in response to GDP may be mediated by a plasma membrane nucleoside diphosphate kinase through conversion of GDP to GTP. Auxin stimulation of the NADH oxidase was unaffected by nucleotides at either high or low nucleotide concentrations in the absence of added divalent ions. However, pretreatment of plasma membranes with auxin increased the apparent affinity for nucleotide binding. This increased affinity, however, appeared not to be the mechanism of auxin stimulation of the oxidase, since auxin stimulation was similar with or without low concentrations of guanine nucleotides. The stimulation by nucleotides was observed after incubating the membranes with 0.1% Triton X-100 prior to assay. The results suggest a role of guanine (and other) nucleotides in the regulation of plasma membrane NADH oxidase that differs from the interactions with G proteins commonly described for animal models.

Pertussis toxin sensitive photoaggregation of pigment in isolated Xenopus tail-fin melanophores

Direct illumination of Xenopus laevis tail-fin melanophores results in rapid, reversible translocation of intracellular pigment granules to a perinuclear location, an effect distinct from and opposite to the photodispersion of pigment found in melanophores isolated from Xenopus embryos. In this report we show that both pertussis toxin and dibutyryl-adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate block the ability of light to cause photoaggregation of pigment in cultured tail-fin melanophores, whereas dibutyryl-guanosine-3',5'-monophosphate is without effect.

Stomatal Opening Is Induced in Epidermal Peels of Commelina communis L. by GTP Analogs or Pertussis Toxin

Pretreatment with pertussis toxin or microinjection of guanosine- 5[prime]-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP-[gamma]-S) into guard cells in peeled epidermis of Commelina communis L. promoted stomatal opening under subsaturating white light. Guanosine-5[prime]-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP-[beta]-S) and adenosine-5[prime]-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATP-[gamma]-S) did not change stomatal aperture under identical conditions. These results indicate that G proteins may be involved in the regulation of stomatal opening.

G-protein from Medicago sativa: functional association to photoreceptors

G-protein subunits were characterized from Medicago sativa (alfalfa) seedlings. Crude membranes and GTP-Sepharose-purified fractions were electrophoresed on SDS/polyacrylamide gels and analysed by Western blotting with 9193 (anti-alpha common) and AS/7 (anti-alpha t, anti-alpha i1 and anti-alpha i2) polyclonal antibodies. These procedures led to the identification of a specific polypeptide band of about 43 kDa. Another polypeptide reacting with the SW/1 (anti-beta) antibody, of about 37 kDa, was also detected. The 43 kDa polypeptide bound specifically [alpha-32P]GTP by a photoaffinity reaction and was ADP-ribosylated by activated cholera toxin, but not by pertussis toxin. Irradiation of etiolated Medicago sativa protoplast preparations at 660 nm for 1 min produced a maximal increase in the guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[35S])-binding rate. After this period of irradiation, the binding rate tended to decrease. The effect of a red-light (660 nm) pulse on the binding rate was reversed when it was immediately followed by a period of far-red (> 730 nm) illumination. These results may suggest that activation of GTP[S]-binding rate was a consequence of conversion of phytochrome Pr into the Ptr form.

Guanine nucleotide binding protein involvement in early steps of phytochrome-regulated gene expression

The transmission process of light signals from plant photoreceptors to target cellular events is largely unknown. In the present work, we show that treatment of dark-adapted soybean cells (SB-P) with cholera toxin or pertussis toxin uncouples phytochrome-dependent gene expression. Addition of as little as 10 ng of toxin per ml is sufficient to activate expression of genes encoding the major chlorophyll a/b-binding protein (cab) in the dark. Significant levels of cab transcript accumulation are detected within 0.5 h after addition of the toxins and expression of these genes is desensitized to further light treatments. Treatment of SB-P cells with the calmodulin antagonist N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphtha-lenesulfonamide hydrochloride (W-7) prevents induction of the photoregulated gene by phytochrome or bacterial toxins. These results indicate the involvement of guanine nucleotide binding protein(s) in phytochrome-mediated cab gene activation. A likely site of action for this step is between the photoreceptor and a downstream W-7-sensitive effector.

Characterization of a G-protein-regulated outward K+ current in mesophyll cells of vicia faba L

Whole-cell voltage-dependent currents in isolated mesophyll protoplasts of Vicia faba were investigated by patch-clamp techniques. With 104 mM K+ in the cytosol and 13 mM K+ in the external solution, depolarization of the plasma membrane from -47 mV to potentials between -15 and +85 mV activated a voltage- and time-dependent outward current (Iout). The average magnitude of Iout at +85 mV was 28.5 +/- 3.3 pA.pF-1. No inward voltage-dependent current was observed upon hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane from -55 mV to potentials as negative as -175 mV. Time-activated outward current was blocked by Ba2+ (1 mM BaCl2) and was not observed when K+ was eliminated from the external and internal solutions, indicating that this outward current was carried primarily by K+ ions. The voltage dependency of outward K+ current revealed a possible mechanism for K+ efflux from mesophyll cells. A GDP analogue guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate (500 microM) significantly enhanced outward K+ current. The outward K+ current was inhibited by the GTP analogue guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (500 microM) and by an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentrations. Cholera toxin, which ADP-ribosylates guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins, also inhibited outward K+ current. These findings illustrate the presence in mesophyll cells of outward-rectifying K+ channels that are regulated by GTP-binding proteins and calcium.

Polyphosphoinositide Phospholipase C in Plasma Membranes of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) : Orientation of Active Site and Activation by Ca and Mg

Polyphosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C activity was present in plasma membranes isolated from different tissues of several higher plants. Phospholipase C activities against added phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PIP) and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)) were further characterized in plasma membrane fractions isolated from shoots and roots of dark-grown wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv Drabant) seedlings. In right-side-out (70-80% apoplastic side out) plasma membrane vesicles, the activities were increased 3 to 5 times upon addition of 0.01 to 0.025% (w/v) sodium deoxycholate, whereas in fractions enriched in inside-out (70-80% cytoplasmic side out) vesicles, the activities were only slightly increased by detergent. Furthermore, the activities of inside-out vesicles in the absence of detergent were very close to those of right-side-out vesicles in the presence of optimal detergent concentration. This verifies the general assumption that polyphosphoinositide phospholipase C activity is located at the cytoplasmic surface of the plasma membrane. PIP and PIP(2) phospholipase C was dependent on Ca(2+) with maximum activity at 10 to 100 mum free Ca(2+) and half-maximal activation at 0.1 to 1 mum free Ca(2+). In the presence of 10 mum Ca(2+), 1 to 2 mm MgCl(2) or MgSO(4) further stimulated the enzyme activity. The other divalent chloride salts tested (1.5 mm Ba(2+), Co(2+), Cu(2+), Mn(2+), Ni(2+), and Zn(2+)) inhibited the enzyme activity. The stimulatory effect by Mg(2+) was observed also when 35 mm NaCl was included. Thus, the PIP and PIP(2) phospholipase C exhibited maximum in vitro activity at physiologically relevant ion concentrations. The plant plasma membrane also possessed a phospholipase C activity against phosphatidylinositol that was 40 times lower than that observed with PIP or PIP(2) as substrate. The phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C activity was dependent on Ca(2+), with maximum activity at 1 mm CaCl(2), and could not be further stimulated by Mg(2+).

Effects of Light on the Membrane Potential of Protoplasts from Samanea saman Pulvini : Involvement of K Channels and the H -ATPase

Rhythmic light-sensitive movements of the leaflets of Samanea saman depend upon ion fluxes across the plasma membrane of extensor and flexor cells in opposing regions of the leaf-movement organ (pulvinus). We have isolated protoplasts from the extensor and flexor regions of S. saman pulvini and have examined the effects of brief 30-second exposures to white, blue, or red light on the relative membrane potential using the fluorescent dye, 3,3'-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide. White and blue light induced transient membrane hyperpolarization of both extensor and flexor protoplasts; red light had no effect. Following white or blue light-induced hyperpolarization, the addition of 200 millimolar K(+) resulted in a rapid depolarization of extensor, but not of flexor protoplasts. In contrast, addition of K(+) following red light or in darkness resulted in a rapid depolarization of flexor, but not of extensor protoplasts. In both flexor and extensor protoplasts, depolarization was completely inhibited by tetraethylammonium, implicating channel-mediated movement of K(+) ions. These results suggest that K(+) channels are closed in extensor plasma membranes and open in flexor plasma membranes in darkness and that white and blue light, but not red light, close the channels in flexor plasma membranes and open them in extensor plasma membranes. Vanadate treatment inhibited hyperpolarization in response to blue or white light, but did not affect K(+) -induced depolarization. This suggests that white or blue light-induced hyperpolarization results from activation of the H(+) -ATPase, but this hyperpolarization is not the sole factor controlling the opening of K(+) channels.