Characterization of a nitric oxide synthase from the plant kingdom: NO generation from the green alga Ostreococcus tauri is light irradiance and growth phase dependent

Nitric Oxide Signaling in Plants

Nitric oxide (NO) is an integral part of cell signaling mechanisms in animals and plants. In plants, its enzymatic generation is still controversial. Evidence points to nitrate reductase being important, but the presence of a nitric oxide synthase-like enzyme is still contested. Regardless, NO has been shown to mediate many developmental stages in plants, and to be involved in a range of physiological responses, from stress management to stomatal aperture closure. Downstream from its generation are alterations of the actions of many cell signaling components, with post-translational modifications of proteins often being key. Here, a collection of papers embraces the differing aspects of NO metabolism in plants.

Identification of nitric oxide (NO)-responsive genes under hypoxia in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) root

Flooding periods, as one probable consequence of climate change, will lead more frequently to plant hypoxic stress. Hypoxia sensing and signaling in the root, as the first organ encountering low oxygen, is therefore crucial for plant survival under flooding. Nitric oxide has been shown to be one of the main players involved in hypoxia signaling through the regulation of ERFVII transcription factors stability. Using SNP as NO donor, we investigated the NO-responsive genes, which showed a significant response to hypoxia. We identified 395 genes being differentially regulated under both hypoxia and SNP-treatment. Among them, 251 genes showed up- or down-regulation under both conditions which were used for further biological analysis. Functional classification of these genes showed that they belong to different biological categories such as primary carbon and nitrogen metabolism (e.g. glycolysis, fermentation, protein and amino acid metabolism), nutrient and metabolites transport, redox homeostasis, hormone metabolism, regulation of transcription as well as response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Our data shed light on the NO-mediated gene expression modulation under hypoxia and provides potential targets playing a role in hypoxia tolerance. These genes are interesting candidates for further investigating their role in hypoxia signaling and survival.

Differential modulation of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase and reactive nitrogen species in wild and cultivated tomato genotypes during development and powdery mildew infection

Nitric oxide plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Pseudoidium neolycopersici, the causative agent of tomato powdery mildew. S-nitrosoglutathione reductase, the key enzyme of S-nitrosothiol homeostasis, was investigated during plant development and following infection in three genotypes of Solanum spp. differing in their resistance to P. neolycopersici. Levels and localization of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) including NO, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and peroxynitrite were studied together with protein nitration and the activity of nitrate reductase (NR). GSNOR expression profiles and enzyme activities were modulated during plant development and important differences among Solanum spp. genotypes were observed, accompanied by modulation of NO, GSNO, peroxynitrite and nitrated proteins levels. GSNOR was down-regulated in infected plants, with exception of resistant S. habrochaites early after inoculation. Modulations of GSNOR activities in response to pathogen infection were found also on the systemic level in leaves above and below the inoculation site. Infection strongly increased NR activity and gene expression in resistant S. habrochaites in contrast to susceptible S. lycopersicum. Obtained data confirm the key role of GSNOR and modulations of RNS during plant development under normal conditions and point to their involvement in molecular mechanisms of tomato responses to biotrophic pathogens on local and systemic levels.

The outcomes of the functional interplay of nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide in metal stress tolerance in plants

Phytotoxicity of metals constraints plants health, metabolism and productivity. The sustainable approaches for minimizing major metals-accrued phytotoxicity have been least explored. The gasotransmitters signaling molecules such as nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) play a significant role in the mitigation of major consequences of metals stress. Versatile gaseous signaling molecules, NO and H₂S are involved in the regulation of various physiological processes in plants and their tolerance to abiotic stresses. However, literature available on NO or H₂S stand alone, and the major insights into the roles of NO and/or H₂S in plant tolerance, particularly to metals, remained unclear. Given above, this paper aimed to (a) briefly overview metals and highlight their major phytotoxicity; (b) appraises literature reporting potential mechanisms underlying the roles of NO and H₂S in plant-metal tolerance; (c) crosstalk on NO and H₂S in relation to plant metal tolerance. Additionally, major aspects so far unexplored in the current context have also been mentioned.

The role of NO in plant response to salt stress: interactions with polyamines

Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress that limits plant growth and productivity. High concentrations of sodium chloride can cause osmotic and ionic effects. This stress minimises a plant's ability to uptake water and minerals, and increases Na+ accumulation in the cytosol, thereby disturbing metabolic processes. Prolonged plant exposure to salt stress can lead to oxidative stress and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Higher plants developed some strategies to cope with salt stress. Among these, mechanisms involving nitric oxide (NO) and polyamines (PAs) are particularly important. NO is a key signalling molecule that mediates a variety of physiological functions and defence responses against abiotic stresses in plants. Under salinity conditions, NO donors increase growth parameters, reduce Na+ toxicity, maintain ionic homeostasis, stimulate osmolyte accumulation and prevent damages caused by ROS. NO enhances salt tolerance of plants via post-translational protein modifications through S-nitrosylation of thiol groups, nitration of tyrosine residues and modulation of multiple gene expression. Several reviews have reported on the role of polyamines in modulating salt stress plant response and the capacity to enhance PA synthesis upon salt stress exposure, and it is known that NO and PAs interact under salinity. In this review, we focus on the role of NO in plant response to salt stress, paying particular attention to the interaction between NO and PAs.

Effects of nitric oxide on the GABA, polyamines, and proline in tea (Camellia sinensis) roots under cold stress

Tea plant often suffers from low temperature induced damage during its growth. How to improve the cold resistance of tea plant is an urgent problem to be solved. Nitric oxide (NO), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and proline have been proved that can improve the cold resistance of tea plants, and signal transfer and biosynthesis link between them may enhance their function. NO is an important gas signal material in plant growth, but our understanding of the effects of NO on the GABA shunt, proline and NO biosynthesis are limited. In this study, the tea roots were treated with a NO donor (SNAP), NO scavenger (PTIO), and NO synthase inhibitor (L-NNA). SNAP could improve activities of arginine decarboxylase, ornithine decarboxylase, glutamate decarboxylase, GABA transaminase and Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase and the expression level of related genes during the treatments. The contents of putrescine and spermidine under SNAP treatment were 45.3% and 37.3% higher compared to control at 24 h, and the spermine content under PTIO treatment were 57.6% lower compare to control at 12 h. Accumulation of proline of SNAP and L-NNA treatments was 52.2% and 43.2% higher than control at 48 h, indicating other pathway of NO biosynthesis in tea roots. In addition, the NO accelerated the consumption of GABA during cold storage. These facts indicate that NO enhanced the cold tolerance of tea, which might regulate the metabolism of the GABA shunt and of proline, associated with NO biosynthesis.

Nitrogen Depletion Blocks Growth Stimulation Driven by the Expression of Nitric Oxide Synthase in Tobacco

Nitric oxide (NO) is a messenger molecule widespread studied in plant physiology. Latter evidence supports the lack of a NO-producing system involving a NO synthase (NOS) activity in higher plants. However, a NOS gene from the unicellular marine alga Ostreococcus tauri (OtNOS) was characterized in recent years. OtNOS is a genuine NOS, with similar spectroscopic fingerprints to mammalian NOSs and high NO producing capacity. We are interested in investigating whether OtNOS activity alters nitrogen metabolism and nitrogen availability, thus improving growth promotion conditions in tobacco. Tobacco plants were transformed with OtNOS under the constitutive CaMV 35S promoter. Transgenic tobacco plants expressing OtNOS accumulated higher NO levels compared to siblings transformed with the empty vector, and displayed accelerated growth in different media containing sufficient nitrogen availability. Under conditions of nitrogen scarcity, the growth promoting effect of the OtNOS expression is diluted in terms of total leaf area, protein content and seed production. It is proposed that OtNOS might possess a plant growth promoting effect through facilitating N remobilization and nitrate assimilation with potential to improve crop plants performance.

Revealing on hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide signals co-ordination for plant growth under stress conditions

In the recent times, plants are facing certain types of environmental stresses, which give rise to formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxides, superoxide anions and so on. These are required by the plants at low concentrations for signal transduction and at high concentrations, they repress plant root growth. Apart from the ROS activities, hydrogen sulfide (H₂ S) and nitric oxide (NO) have major contributions in regulating growth and developmental processes in plants, as they also play key roles as signaling molecules and act as chief plant immune defense mechanisms against various biotic as well as abiotic stresses. H₂ S and NO are the two pivotal gaseous messengers involved in growth, germination and improved tolerance in plants under stressed and non-stress conditions. H₂ S and NO mediate cell signaling in plants as a response to several abiotic stresses like temperature, heavy metal exposure, water and salinity. They alter gene expression levels to induce the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes, osmolytes and also trigger their interactions with each other. However, research has been limited to only cross adaptations and signal transductions. Understanding the change and mechanism of H₂ S and NO mediated cell signaling will broaden our knowledge on the various biochemical changes that occur in plant cells related to different stresses. A clear understanding of these molecules in various environmental stresses would help to confer biotechnological applications to protect plants against abiotic stresses and to improve crop productivity.

Nitric oxide homeostasis is required for light-dependent regulation of conidiation in Aspergillus

Nitric oxide (NO) can be biologically synthesized from nitrite or from arginine. Although NO is involved as a signal in many biological processes in bacteria, plants, and mammals, still little is known about the role of NO in fungi. Here we show that NO levels are regulated by light as an environmental signal in Aspergillus nidulans. The flavohaemoglobin-encoding fhbB gene involved in NO oxidation to nitrate, and the arginine-regulated arginase encoded by agaA, which controls the intracellular concentration of arginine, are both up-regulated by light. The phytochrome fphA is required for the light-dependent induction of fhbB and agaA, while the white-collar gene lreA acts as a repressor when arginine is present in the media. The intracellular arginine pools increase upon induction of both developmental programs (conidiation and sexual development), and the increase is higher under conditions promoting sexual development. The presence of low concentrations of arginine does not affect the light-dependent regulation of conidiation, but high concentrations of arginine overrun the light signal. Deletion of fhbB results in the partial loss of the light regulation of conidiation on arginine and on nitrate media, while deletion of fhbA only affects the light regulation of conidiation on nitrate media. Our working model considers a cross-talk between environmental cues and intracellular signals to regulate fungal reproduction.

High Light-Induced Nitric Oxide Production Induces Autophagy and Cell Death in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Autophagy plays a role in regulating important cellular functions in response to stress conditions. The role of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of autophagy in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been not studied. Illumination of C. reinhardtii cells under a high light (HL, 1,600 μmol m^-2 s^-1) condition induced a NO burst through NO synthase- and nitrate reductase-independent routes, and cell death. The abundance of CrATG8 protein, an autophagy marker of C. reinhardtii, increased after HL illumination along with a linear increase in the transcript abundance of autophagy-associated genes (CrVPS34, CrATG1, CrATG3, CrATG4, CrATG6, CrATG7, CrATG8, and CrATG12), which were suppressed in the presence of an NO scavenger, 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO). The cells were treated with NO donors, S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine, and S-nitrosoglutathione, under a normal light (50 μmol m^-2 s^-1) condition to elucidate the role of NO in autophagy activation and cell death. Treatment with 0.05 mM or 0.1 mM NO donors increased the abundance of ATG8 protein and CrATG transcripts, which were suppressed in the presence of cPTIO. Moreover, treatment with 0.05 mM NO donors did not affect cell viability, while 0.1 mM NO donors elicited a transient decrease in cell growth and death that recovered after 12 h. The transient effect could be prevented by the presence of cPTIO. However, treatment with 1 mM H₂O₂ and 0.1 mM NO donors enhanced autophagy induction and resulted in cell death after 24 h. The interaction of H₂O₂ and NO can be prevented by cPTIO treatment. This implies that NO is critical for the interaction of H₂O₂ and NO that induces cell death and autophagy. Furthermore, exposure to 0.1 mM NO donors under a non-lethal HL condition (750 μmol m^-2 s^-1) evoked autophagy and cell death. In conclusion, the present findings demonstrated that the NO-mediated autophagy pathway is activated in C. reinhardtii under lethal high intensity illumination and may interact with H₂O₂ for HL-induced cell death. The relationships between autophagy and cell death are discussed.

Effect of Nitrogen Reactive Compounds on Aging in Seed

Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are universal compounds that are constantly present in plant cells. RNS function depends on their actual level (the "nitrosative door" concept), duration of plant exposure to RNS and the context of the exposure. RNS are involved in the nitration of nucleic acids and fatty acids, posttranslational protein modifications (nitration and S-nitrosylation), and modulation of reactive oxygen species metabolism. RNS are regulatory molecules of various physiological processes in plants, including seed formation, maturation, dormancy and germination. The free radical theory of aging, well documented for animals, indicated that RNS participate in the regulation of the life span. Some data point to RNS contribution in preservation of seed vigor and/or regulation of seed longevity. Seed aging is a problem for biologists and agriculture, which could be solved by application of RNS, as a factor that may potentially expand seed vitality resulting in increased germination rate. The review is focused on RNS, particularly nitric oxide contribution to regulation of seed aging.

Strigolactones Interact With Nitric Oxide in Regulating Root System Architecture of Arabidopsis thaliana

Both nitric oxide (NO) and strigolactone (SL) are growth regulating signal components in plants; however, regarding their possible interplay our knowledge is limited. Therefore, this study aims to provide new evidence for the signal interplay between NO and SL in the formation of root system architecture using complementary pharmacological and molecular biological approaches in the model Arabidopsis thaliana grown under stress-free conditions. Deficiency of SL synthesis or signaling (max1-1 and max2-1) resulted in elevated NO and S-nitrosothiol (SNO) levels due to decreased S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) reductase (GSNOR) protein abundance and activity indicating that there is a signal interaction between SLs and GSNOR-regulated levels of NO/SNO. This was further supported by the down-regulation of SL biosynthetic genes (CCD7, CCD8 and MAX1) in GSNOR-deficient gsnor1-3. Based on the more pronounced sensitivity of gsnor1-3 to exogenous SL (rac-GR24, 2 µM), we suspected that functional GSNOR is needed to control NO/SNO levels during SL-induced primary root (PR) elongation. Additionally, SLs may be involved in GSNO-regulated PR shortening as suggested by the relative insensitivity of max1-1 and max2-1 mutants to exogenous GSNO (250 µM). Collectively, our results indicate a connection between SL and GSNOR-regulated NO/SNO signals in roots of A. thaliana grown in stress-free environment. As this work used max2-1 mutant and rac-GR24 exerting unspecific effects to both SL and karrikin signaling, it cannot be ruled out that karrikins are partly responsible for the observed effects, and this issue needs further clarification in the future.

Cationic penetrating antioxidants switch off Mn cluster of photosystem II in situ

Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants (also known as 'Skulachev Ions' electrophoretically accumulated by mitochondria) exert anti-ageing and ROS-protecting effects well documented in animal and human cells. However, their effects on chloroplast in photosynthetic cells and corresponding mechanisms are scarcely known. For the first time, we describe a dramatic quenching effect of (10-(6-plastoquinonyl)decyl triphenylphosphonium (SkQ1) on chlorophyll fluorescence, apparently mediated by redox interaction of SkQ1 with Mn cluster in Photosystem II (PSII) of chlorophyte microalga Chlorella vulgaris and disabling the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC). Microalgal cells displayed a vigorous uptake of SkQ1 which internal concentration built up to a very high level. Using optical and EPR spectroscopy, as well as electron donors and in silico molecular simulation techniques, we found that SkQ1 molecule can interact with Mn atoms of the OEC in PSII. This stops water splitting giving rise to potent quencher(s), e.g. oxidized reaction centre of PSII. Other components of the photosynthetic apparatus proved to be mostly intact. This effect of the Skulachev ions might help to develop in vivo models of photosynthetic cells with impaired OEC function but essentially intact otherwise. The observed phenomenon suggests that SkQ1 can be applied to study stress-induced damages to OEC in photosynthetic organisms.

Current approaches to measure nitric oxide in plants

Nitric oxide (NO) is now established as an important signalling molecule in plants where it influences growth, development, and responses to stress. Despite extensive research, the most appropriate methods to measure and localize these signalling radicals are debated and still need investigation. Many confounding factors such as the presence of other reactive intermediates, scavenging enzymes, and compartmentation influence how accurately each can be measured. Further, these signalling radicals have short half-lives ranging from seconds to minutes based on the cellular redox condition. Hence, it is necessary to use sensitive and specific methods in order to understand the contribution of each signalling molecule to various biological processes. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on NO measurement in plant samples, via various methods. We also discuss advantages, limitations, and wider applications of each method.

Considerations of the importance of redox state for reactive nitrogen species action

Nitric oxide (NO) and other reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are immensely important signalling molecules in plants, being involved in a range of physiological responses. However, the exact way in which NO fits into signal transduction pathways is not always easy to understand. Here, some of the issues that should be considered are discussed. This includes how NO may interact directly with other reactive signals, such as reactive oxygen and sulfur species, how NO metabolism is almost certainly compartmentalized, that threshold levels of RNS may need to be reached to have effects, and how the intracellular redox environment may impact on NO signalling. Until better tools are available to understand how NO is generated in cells, where it accumulates, and to what levels it reaches, it will be hard to get a full understanding of NO signalling. The interaction of RNS metabolism with the intracellular redox environment needs further investigation. A changing redox poise will impact on whether RNS species can thrive in or around cells. Such mechanisms will determine whether specific RNS can indeed control the responses needed by a cell.

The evolution of nitric oxide signalling diverges between animal and green lineages

Nitric oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous signalling molecule with widespread distribution in prokaryotes and eukaryotes where it is involved in countless physiological processes. While the mechanisms governing nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and signalling are well established in animals, the situation is less clear in the green lineage. Recent investigations have shown that NO synthase, the major enzymatic source for NO in animals, is absent in land plants but present in a limited number of algae. The first detailed analysis highlighted that these new NO synthases are functional but display specific structural features and probably original catalytic activities. Completing this picture, analyses were undertaken in order to investigate whether major components of the prototypic NO/cyclic GMP signalling cascades mediating many physiological effects of NO in animals were also present in plants. Only a few homologues of soluble guanylate cyclases, cGMP-dependent protein kinases, cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, and cGMP-regulated phosphodiesterases were identified in some algal species and their presence did not correlate with that of NO synthases. In contrast, S-nitrosoglutathione reductase, a critical regulator of S-nitrosothiols, was recurrently found. Overall, these findings highlight that plants do not mediate NO signalling through the classical NO/cGMP signalling module and support the concept that S-nitrosation is a ubiquitous NO-dependent signalling mechanism.

Sulfur: the heart of nitric oxide-dependent redox signalling

Nitric oxide (NO), more benign than its more reactive and damaging related molecules, reactive oxygen species (ROS), is perfectly suited for duties as a redox signalling molecule. A key route for NO bioactivity is through S-nitrosation, the addition of an NO moiety to a protein Cys thiol (-SH). This redox-based, post-translational modification (PTM) can modify protein function analogous to more well established PTMs such as phosphorylation, for example by modulating enzyme activity, localization, or protein-protein interactions. At the heart of the underpinning chemistry associated with this PTM is sulfur. The emerging evidence suggests that S-nitrosation is integral to a myriad of plant biological processes embedded in both development and environmental relations. However, a role for S-nitrosation is perhaps most well established in plant-pathogen interactions.

Hollow, Rough, and Nitric Oxide-Releasing Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles for Promoting Multiple Stages of Wound Healing

Wound healing is a complex and sequential biological process that involves multiple stages. Although various nanomaterials are applied to accelerate the wound healing process, only a single stage is promoted during the process, lacking hierarchical stimulation. Herein, hollow CeO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) with rough surface and l-arginine inside (_Ah CeO₂ NPs) are developed as a compact and programmable nanosystem for sequentially promoting the hemostasis, inflammation, and proliferation stages. The rough surface of _Ah CeO₂ NPs works as a nanobridge to rapidly closure the wounds, promoting the hemostasis stage. The hollow structure of _Ah CeO₂ NPs enables the multireflection of light inside particles, significantly enhancing the light harvest efficiency and electron-hole pair abundance. Simultaneously, the porous shell of _Ah CeO₂ NPs facilitates the electron-hole separation and reactive oxygen species production, preventing wound infection and promotion wound healing during the inflammation stage. The enzyme mimicking property of _Ah CeO₂ NPs can alleviate the oxidative injury in the wound, and the released l-arginine can be converted into nitric oxide (NO) under the catalysis of inducible NO synthase, both of which promote the proliferation stage. A series of in vitro and in vitro biological assessments corroborate the effectiveness of _Ah CeO₂ NPs in the wound healing process.

Redox Homeostasis in Photosynthetic Organisms: Novel and Established Thiol-Based Molecular Mechanisms

Significance: Redox homeostasis consists of an intricate network of reactions in which reactive molecular species, redox modifications, and redox proteins act in concert to allow both physiological responses and adaptation to stress conditions. Recent Advances: This review highlights established and novel thiol-based regulatory pathways underlying the functional facets and significance of redox biology in photosynthetic organisms. In the last decades, the field of redox regulation has largely expanded and this work is aimed at giving the right credit to the importance of thiol-based regulatory and signaling mechanisms in plants. Critical Issues: This cannot be all-encompassing, but is intended to provide a comprehensive overview on the structural/molecular mechanisms governing the most relevant thiol switching modifications with emphasis on the large genetic and functional diversity of redox controllers (i.e., redoxins). We also summarize the different proteomic-based approaches aimed at investigating the dynamics of redox modifications and the recent evidence that extends the possibility to monitor the cellular redox state in vivo. The physiological relevance of redox transitions is discussed based on reverse genetic studies confirming the importance of redox homeostasis in plant growth, development, and stress responses. Future Directions: In conclusion, we can firmly assume that redox biology has acquired an established significance that virtually infiltrates all aspects of plant physiology.

A nitric oxide synthase-like protein from Synechococcus produces NO/NO3- from l-arginine and NADPH in a tetrahydrobiopterin- and Ca2+-dependent manner

Nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) are heme-based monooxygenases that convert l-Arg to l-citrulline and nitric oxide (NO), a key signaling molecule and cytotoxic agent in mammals. Bacteria also contain NOS proteins, but the role of NO production within these organisms, where understood, differs considerably from that of mammals. For example, a NOS protein in the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7335 (syNOS) has recently been proposed to function in nitrogen assimilation from l-Arg. syNOS retains the oxygenase (NOSox) and reductase (NOSred) domains present in mammalian NOS enzymes (mNOSs), but also contains an N-terminal globin domain (NOSg) homologous to bacterial flavohemoglobin proteins. Herein, we show that syNOS functions as a dimer and produces NO from l-Arg and NADPH in a tetrahydrobiopterin (H4B)-dependent manner at levels similar to those produced by other NOSs but does not require Ca2+-calmodulin, which regulates NOSred-mediated NOSox reduction in mNOSs. Unlike other bacterial NOSs, syNOS cannot function with tetrahydrofolate and requires high Ca2+ levels (>200 μm) for its activation. NOSg converts NO to NO3- in the presence of O2 and NADPH; however, NOSg did not protect Escherichia coli strains against nitrosative stress, even in a mutant devoid of NO-protective flavohemoglobin. We also found that syNOS does not have NOS activity in E. coli (which lacks H4B) and that the recombinant protein does not confer growth advantages on l-Arg as a nitrogen source. Our findings indicate that syNOS has both NOS and NO oxygenase activities, requires H4B, and may play a role in Ca2+-mediated signaling.

The nitric oxide suppressed Arabidopsis mutants- Atnoa1 and Atnia1nia2noa1-2 produce nitric oxide in MS growth medium and on uranium exposure

The mutants Atnoa1 and Atnia1nia2noa1-2 having a defective chloroplast developmental process, showed enhanced chlorophyll levels when they were grown on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and on exposure with uranium (U) on Hoagland medium. Thus we hypothesized that these mutants probably produced NO in MS medium and on exposure with U. Wild-type Col-0, Atnoa1, Atnia1nia2noa1-2 plants were cultured on modified Hoagland and 1/10 MS media and NO generation in the roots of these mutants was monitored using NO selective fluorescent dyes, DAF-2DA and Fl2E. Both Atnoa1 and Atnia1nia2noa1-2 triple mutants produced NO as observed by increases in DAF-2T and Fl2E fluorescence when these mutants were grown on MS medium but not on Hoagland medium. In presence of NO scavenger, methylene blue (MB, 200 μM), DAF-2T and Fl2E fluorescence was completely abolished. On the other hand treatment of the plants with 25 μM U triggered NO generation. U-treated Atnoa1 and Atnia1nia2noa1-2 plants upregulated genes (POR B, POR D, CHL D) involved in the chlorophyll biosynthesis. From these results it was concluded that Atnoa1 and Atnia1nia2noa1-2 are conditional NO producers and it appears that NO generation in plants substantially depends on growth medium and NIA1, NIA2 or NOA1 does not appear to be really involved in NO generation in MS medium or after U exposure.

Inhibition of NO Biosynthetic Activities during Rehydration of Ramalina farinacea Lichen Thalli Provokes Increases in Lipid Peroxidation

Lichens are poikilohydrous symbiotic associations between a fungus, photosynthetic partners, and bacteria. They are tolerant to repeated desiccation/rehydration cycles and adapted to anhydrobiosis. Nitric oxide (NO) is a keystone for stress tolerance of lichens; during lichen rehydration, NO limits free radicals and lipid peroxidation but no data on the mechanisms of its synthesis exist. The aim of this work is to characterize the synthesis of NO in the lichen Ramalina farinacea using inhibitors of nitrate reductase (NR) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), tungstate, and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), respectively. Tungstate suppressed the NO level in the lichen and caused an increase in malondialdehyde during rehydration in the hyphae of cortex and in phycobionts, suggesting that a plant-like NR is involved in the NO production. Specific activity of NR in R. farinacea was 91 μU/mg protein, a level comparable to those in the bryophyte Physcomitrella patens and Arabidopsis thaliana. L-NAME treatment did not suppress the NO level in the lichens. On the other hand, NADPH-diaphorase activity cytochemistry showed a possible presence of a NOS-like activity in the microalgae where it is associated with cytoplasmatic vesicles. These data provide initial evidence that NO synthesis in R. farinacea involves NR.

Gasotransmitters in Action: Nitric Oxide-Ethylene Crosstalk during Plant Growth and Abiotic Stress Responses

Since their first description as atmospheric gases, it turned out that both nitric oxide (NO) and ethylene (ET) are multifunctional plant signals. ET and polyamines (PAs) use the same precursor for their synthesis, and NO can be produced from PA oxidation. Therefore, an indirect metabolic link between NO and ET synthesis can be considered. NO signal is perceived primarily through S-nitrosation without the involvement of a specific receptor, while ET signal is sensed by a well-characterized receptor complex. Both NO and ET are synthetized by plants at various developmental stages (e.g., seeds, fruits) and as a response to numerous environmental factors (e.g., heat, heavy metals) and they mutually regulate each other's levels. Most of the growth and developmental processes (e.g., fruit ripening, de-etiolation) are regulated by NO-ET antagonism, while in abiotic stress responses, both antagonistic (e.g., dark-induced stomatal opening, cadmium-induced cell death) and synergistic (e.g., UV-B-induced stomatal closure, iron deficiency-induced expression of iron acquisition genes) NO-ET interplays have been revealed. Despite the numerous pieces of experimental evidence revealing NO-ET relationships in plants, the picture is far from complete. Understanding the mechanisms of NO-ET interactions may contribute to the increment of yield and intensification of stress tolerance of crop plants in changing environments.

Role of Nitrate Reductase in NO Production in Photosynthetic Eukaryotes

Nitric oxide is a gaseous secondary messenger that is critical for proper cell signaling and plant survival when exposed to stress. Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in plants, under standard phototrophic oxygenic conditions, has long been a very controversial issue. A few algal strains contain NO synthase (NOS), which appears to be absent in all other algae and land plants. The experimental data have led to the hypothesis that molybdoenzyme nitrate reductase (NR) is the main enzyme responsible for NO production in most plants. Recently, NR was found to be a necessary partner in a dual system that also includes another molybdoenzyme, which was renamed NO-forming nitrite reductase (NOFNiR). This enzyme produces NO independently of the molybdenum center of NR and depends on the NR electron transport chain from NAD(P)H to heme. Under the circumstances in which NR is not present or active, the existence of another NO-forming system that is similar to the NOS system would account for NO production and NO effects. PII protein, which senses and integrates the signals of the C–N balance in the cell, likely has an important role in organizing cell responses. Here, we critically analyze these topics.

Strigolactone-nitric oxide interplay in plants: The story has just begun

Both strigolactones (SLs) and nitric oxide (NO) are regulatory signals with diverse roles during plant development and stress responses. This review aims to discuss the so far available data regarding SLs-NO interplay in plant systems. The majority of the few articles dealing with SL-NO interplay focuses on the root system and it seems that NO can be an upstream negative regulator of SL biosynthesis or an upstream positive regulator of SL signaling depending on the nutrient supply. From the so far published results it is clear that NO modifies the activity of target proteins involved in SL biosynthesis or signaling which may be a physiologically relevant interaction. Therefore, in silico analysis of NO-dependent posttranslational modifications in SL-related proteins was performed using computational prediction tools and putative NO-target proteins were specified. The picture is presumably more complicated, since also SL is able to modify NO levels. As a confirmation, author detected NO levels in different organs of max1-1 and max2-1 Arabidopsis and compared to the wild-type these mutants showed enhanced NO levels in their root tips indicating the negative effect of endogenous SLs on NO metabolism. Exogenous SL analogue-triggered NO production seems to contradict the results of the genetic study, which is an inconsistency should be taken into consideration in the future. In the coming years, the link between SL and NO signaling in further physiological processes should be examined and the possibilities of NO-dependent posttranslational modifications of SL biosynthetic and signaling proteins should be looked more closely.

S-Nitrosoglutathione Reductase-The Master Regulator of Protein S-Nitrosation in Plant NO Signaling

S-nitrosation has been recognized as an important mechanism of protein posttranslational regulations, based on the attachment of a nitroso group to cysteine thiols. Reversible S-nitrosation, similarly to other redox-base modifications of protein thiols, has a profound effect on protein structure and activity and is considered as a convergence of signaling pathways of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species. In plant, S-nitrosation is involved in a wide array of cellular processes during normal development and stress responses. This review summarizes current knowledge on S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), a key enzyme which regulates intracellular levels of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and indirectly also of protein S-nitrosothiols. GSNOR functions are mediated by its enzymatic activity, which catalyzes irreversible GSNO conversion to oxidized glutathione within the cellular catabolism of nitric oxide. GSNOR is involved in the maintenance of balanced levels of reactive nitrogen species and in the control of cellular redox state. Multiple functions of GSNOR in plant development via NO-dependent and -independent signaling mechanisms and in plant defense responses to abiotic and biotic stress conditions have been uncovered. Extensive studies of plants with down- and upregulated GSNOR, together with application of transcriptomics and proteomics approaches, seem promising for new insights into plant S-nitrosothiol metabolism and its regulation.

S-Nitrosoglutathione Reductase-The Master Regulator of Protein S-Nitrosation in Plant NO Signaling

S-nitrosation has been recognized as an important mechanism of protein posttranslational regulations, based on the attachment of a nitroso group to cysteine thiols. Reversible S-nitrosation, similarly to other redox-base modifications of protein thiols, has a profound effect on protein structure and activity and is considered as a convergence of signaling pathways of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species. In plant, S-nitrosation is involved in a wide array of cellular processes during normal development and stress responses. This review summarizes current knowledge on S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), a key enzyme which regulates intracellular levels of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and indirectly also of protein S-nitrosothiols. GSNOR functions are mediated by its enzymatic activity, which catalyzes irreversible GSNO conversion to oxidized glutathione within the cellular catabolism of nitric oxide. GSNOR is involved in the maintenance of balanced levels of reactive nitrogen species and in the control of cellular redox state. Multiple functions of GSNOR in plant development via NO-dependent and -independent signaling mechanisms and in plant defense responses to abiotic and biotic stress conditions have been uncovered. Extensive studies of plants with down- and upregulated GSNOR, together with application of transcriptomics and proteomics approaches, seem promising for new insights into plant S-nitrosothiol metabolism and its regulation.

Nitric Oxide: Its Generation and Interactions with Other Reactive Signaling Compounds

Nitric oxide (NO) is an immensely important signaling molecule in animals and plants. It is involved in plant reproduction, development, key physiological responses such as stomatal closure, and cell death. One of the controversies of NO metabolism in plants is the identification of enzymatic sources. Although there is little doubt that nitrate reductase (NR) is involved, the identification of a nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-like enzyme remains elusive, and it is becoming increasingly clear that such a protein does not exist in higher plants, even though homologues have been found in algae. Downstream from its production, NO can have several potential actions, but none of these will be in isolation from other reactive signaling molecules which have similar chemistry to NO. Therefore, NO metabolism will take place in an environment containing reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), glutathione, other antioxidants and within a reducing redox state. Direct reactions with NO are likely to produce new signaling molecules such as peroxynitrite and nitrosothiols, and it is probable that chemical competitions will exist which will determine the ultimate end result of signaling responses. How NO is generated in plants cells and how NO fits into this complex cellular environment needs to be understood.

Redox-Dependent Chromatin Remodeling: A New Function of Nitric Oxide as Architect of Chromatin Structure in Plants

Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signaling molecule in all kingdoms. In plants, NO is involved in the regulation of various processes of growth and development as well as biotic and abiotic stress response. It mainly acts by modifying protein cysteine or tyrosine residues or by interacting with protein bound transition metals. Thereby, the modification of cysteine residues known as protein S-nitrosation is the predominant mechanism for transduction of NO bioactivity. Histone acetylation on N-terminal lysine residues is a very important epigenetic regulatory mechanism. The transfer of acetyl groups from acetyl-coenzyme A on histone lysine residues is catalyzed by histone acetyltransferases. This modification neutralizes the positive charge of the lysine residue and results in a loose structure of the chromatin accessible for the transcriptional machinery. Histone deacetylases, in contrast, remove the acetyl group of histone tails resulting in condensed chromatin with reduced gene expression activity. In plants, the histone acetylation level is regulated by S-nitrosation. NO inhibits HDA complexes resulting in enhanced histone acetylation and promoting a supportive chromatin state for expression of genes. Moreover, methylation of histone tails and DNA are important epigenetic modifications, too. Interestingly, methyltransferases and demethylases are described as targets for redox molecules in several biological systems suggesting that these types of chromatin modifications are also regulated by NO. In this review article, we will focus on redox-regulation of histone acetylation/methylation and DNA methylation in plants, discuss the consequences on the structural level and give an overview where NO can act to modulate chromatin structure.

Elevated CO2-induced production of nitric oxide differentially modulates nitrate assimilation and root growth of wheat seedlings in a nitrate dose-dependent manner

Wheat is a major staple food crop worldwide contributing approximately 20% of total protein consumed by mankind. The nitrogen and protein concentration of wheat crop and grain often decline as a result of exposure of the crop to elevated CO₂ (EC). The changes in nitrogen (N) assimilation, root system architecture, and nitric oxide (NO)-mediated N signaling and expression of genes involved in N assimilation and high affinity nitrate uptake were examined in response to different nitrate levels and EC in wheat. Activity of enzyme nitrate reductase (NRA) was downregulated under EC both in leaf and root tissues. Plants grown under EC displayed enhanced production of NO and more so when nitrate supply was high. Based on exogenous supply of NO, inhibitors of NO production, and NO scavenger, regulatory role of NO on EC mediated changes in root morphology and NRA was revealed. The enhanced NO production under EC and high N levels negatively regulated the transcript abundance of NR and high affinity nitrate transporters (HATS).

From the Eukaryotic Molybdenum Cofactor Biosynthesis to the Moonlighting Enzyme mARC

All eukaryotic molybdenum (Mo) enzymes contain in their active site a Mo Cofactor (Moco), which is formed by a tricyclic pyranopterin with a dithiolene chelating the Mo atom. Here, the eukaryotic Moco biosynthetic pathway and the eukaryotic Moco enzymes are overviewed, including nitrate reductase (NR), sulfite oxidase, xanthine oxidoreductase, aldehyde oxidase, and the last one discovered, the moonlighting enzyme mitochondrial Amidoxime Reducing Component (mARC). The mARC enzymes catalyze the reduction of hydroxylated compounds, mostly N-hydroxylated (NHC), but as well of nitrite to nitric oxide, a second messenger. mARC shows a broad spectrum of NHC as substrates, some are prodrugs containing an amidoxime structure, some are mutagens, such as 6-hydroxylaminepurine and some others, which most probably will be discovered soon. Interestingly, all known mARC need the reducing power supplied by different partners. For the NHC reduction, mARC uses cytochrome b5 and cytochrome b5 reductase, however for the nitrite reduction, plant mARC uses NR. Despite the functional importance of mARC enzymatic reactions, the structural mechanism of its Moco-mediated catalysis is starting to be revealed. We propose and compare the mARC catalytic mechanism of nitrite versus NHC reduction. By using the recently resolved structure of a prokaryotic MOSC enzyme, from the mARC protein family, we have modeled an in silico three-dimensional structure of a eukaryotic homologue.

A singular nitric oxide synthase with a globin domain found in Synechococcus PCC 7335 mobilizes N from arginine to nitrate

The enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) oxidizes L-arginine to NO and citrulline. In this work, we characterise the NOS from the cyanobacteria Synechococcus PCC 7335 (SyNOS). SyNOS possesses a canonical mammalian NOS architecture consisting of oxygenase and reductase domains. In addition, SyNOS possesses an unusual globin domain at the N-terminus. Recombinant SyNOS expressed in bacteria is active, and its activity is suppressed by the NOS inhibitor L-NAME. SyNOS allows E. coli to grow in minimum media containing L-arginine as the sole N source, and has a higher growth rate during N deficiency. SyNOS is expressed in Synechococcus PCC 7335 where NO generation is dependent on L-arginine concentration. The growth of Synechococcus is dramatically inhibited by L-NAME, suggesting that SyNOS is essential for this cyanobacterium. Addition of arginine in Synechococcus increases the phycoerythrin content, an N reservoir. The role of the novel globin domain in SyNOS is discussed as an evolutionary advantage, conferring new functional capabilities for N metabolism.

Specificity in nitric oxide signalling

Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and their cognate redox signalling networks pervade almost all facets of plant growth, development, immunity, and environmental interactions. The emerging evidence implies that specificity in redox signalling is achieved by a multilayered molecular framework. This encompasses the production of redox cues in the locale of the given protein target and protein tertiary structures that convey the appropriate local chemical environment to support redox-based, post-translational modifications (PTMs). Nascent nitrosylases have also recently emerged that mediate the formation of redox-based PTMs. Reversal of these redox-based PTMs, rather than their formation, is also a major contributor of signalling specificity. In this context, the activities of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) reductase and thioredoxin h5 (Trxh5) are a key feature. Redox signalling specificity is also conveyed by the unique chemistries of individual RNS which is overlaid on the structural constraints imposed by tertiary protein structure in gating access to given redox switches. Finally, the interactions between RNS and ROS (reactive oxygen species) can also indirectly establish signalling specificity through shaping the formation of appropriate redox cues. It is anticipated that some of these insights might function as primers to initiate their future translation into agricultural, horticultural, and industrial biological applications.

Nitric oxide production in plants: an update

Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signaling molecule in plant physiology. However, its production in photosynthetic organisms remains partially unresolved. The best characterized NO production route involves the reduction of nitrite to NO via different non-enzymatic or enzymatic mechanisms. Nitrate reductases (NRs), the mitochondrial electron transport chain, and the new complex between NR and NOFNiR (nitric oxide-forming nitrite reductase) described in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii are the main enzymatic systems that perform this reductive NO production in plants. Apart from this reductive route, several reports acknowledge the possible existence of an oxidative NO production in an arginine-dependent pathway, similar to the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity present in animals. However, no NOS homologs have been found in the genome of embryophytes and, despite an increasing amount of evidence attesting to the existence of NOS-like activity in plants, the involved proteins remain to be identified. Here we review NO production in plants with emphasis on the presentation and discussion of recent data obtained in this field.

S-nitrosocysteine-responsive genes modulate diverse regulatory pathways in Oryza sativa: a transcriptome profiling study

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a major food crop and also a well-established genetic model. Nitric oxide (NO) and its derivatives are important signalling molecules that actively participate in various signalling pathways in response to different stresses. In this study, we performed RNA-seq mediated transcriptomic analysis of rice after treatment with the nitric oxide donor, S-nitroso-L-cysteine (CySNO), generating an average of 37.5 and 41.5 million reads from control and treated leaf samples respectively. More than 95% of the reads were successfully mapped to the O. sativa reference genome yielding a total of 33539 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, P < 0.05). Further analyses identified 825 genes with at least 2-fold change in the expression following treatment with CySNO (P < 0.01). The DEGs identified were involved in diverse molecular functions such as catalytic activity, binding, transport, and receptor activity and were mostly located in the membrane, organelles such as nucleus, Golgi apparatus and mitochondria. DEGs also contained several genes that regulate responses to abiotic stresses such as drought, heat, cold and salt stress and biotic stresses. We also found significantly similar expression patterns of CySNO-responsive DEGs of rice with the CySNO-responsive DEGs of Arabidopsis in a previous study. Expression patterns of genes involved in key biological functions were verified using quantitative real time (qRT)-PCR. The findings of this study suggest that NO regulates the transcriptional control of genes involved in a wide variety of physiological functions in rice, and that NO-mediated transcriptional networks are highly conserved across the plant kingdom. This study provides useful information regarding the transcriptional response of plants to nitrosative stress.

Transcriptome profile of NO-induced Arabidopsis transcription factor genes suggests their putative regulatory role in multiple biological processes

TFs are important proteins regulating plant responses during environmental stresses. These insults typically induce changes in cellular redox tone driven in part by promoting the production of reactive nitrogen species (RNS). The main source of these RNS is nitric oxide (NO), which serves as a signalling molecule, eliciting defence and resistance responses. To understand how these signalling molecules regulate key biological processes, we performed a large scale S-nitrosocysteine (CySNO)-mediated RNA-seq analysis. The DEGs were analysed to identify potential regulatory TFs. We found a total of 673 (up- and down-regulated) TFs representing a broad range of TF families. GO-enrichment and MapMan analysis suggests that more than 98% of TFs were mapped to the Arabidopsis thaliana genome and classified into pathways like hormone signalling, protein degradation, development, biotic and abiotic stress, etc. A functional analysis of three randomly selected TFs, DDF1, RAP2.6, and AtMYB48 identified a regulatory role in plant growth and immunity. Loss-of-function mutations within DDF1 and RAP2.6 showed compromised basal defence and effector triggered immunity, suggesting their positive role in two major plant defence systems. Together, these results imply an important data representing NO-responsive TFs that will help in exploring the core mechanisms involved in biological processes in plants.

A Role for RNS in the Communication of Plant Peroxisomes with Other Cell Organelles?

Plant peroxisomes are organelles with a very active participation in the cellular regulation of the metabolism of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, during the last two decades peroxisomes have been shown to be also a relevant source of nitric oxide (NO) and other related molecules designated as reactive nitrogen species (RNS). ROS and RNS have been mainly associated to nitro-oxidative processes; however, some members of these two families of molecules such as H₂O₂, NO or S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) are also involved in the mechanism of signaling processes mainly through post-translational modifications. Peroxisomes interact metabolically with other cell compartments such as chloroplasts, mitochondria or oil bodies in different pathways including photorespiration, glyoxylate cycle or β-oxidation, but peroxisomes are also involved in the biosynthesis of phytohormones including auxins and jasmonic acid (JA). This review will provide a comprehensive overview of peroxisomal RNS metabolism with special emphasis in the identified protein targets of RNS inside and outside these organelles. Moreover, the potential interconnectivity between peroxisomes and other plant organelles, such as mitochondria or chloroplasts, which could have a regulatory function will be explored, with special emphasis on photorespiration.

Climate Change and the Impact of Greenhouse Gasses: CO2 and NO, Friends and Foes of Plant Oxidative Stress

Here, we review information on how plants face redox imbalance caused by climate change, and focus on the role of nitric oxide (NO) in this response. Life on Earth is possible thanks to greenhouse effect. Without it, temperature on Earth's surface would be around -19°C, instead of the current average of 14°C. Greenhouse effect is produced by greenhouse gasses (GHG) like water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxides (N_xO) and ozone (O₃). GHG have natural and anthropogenic origin. However, increasing GHG provokes extreme climate changes such as floods, droughts and heat, which induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress in plants. The main sources of ROS in stress conditions are: augmented photorespiration, NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity, β-oxidation of fatty acids and disorders in the electron transport chains of mitochondria and chloroplasts. Plants have developed an antioxidant machinery that includes the activity of ROS detoxifying enzymes [e.g., superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and peroxiredoxin (PRX)], as well as antioxidant molecules such as ascorbic acid (ASC) and glutathione (GSH) that are present in almost all subcellular compartments. CO₂ and NO help to maintain the redox equilibrium. Higher CO₂ concentrations increase the photosynthesis through the CO₂-unsaturated Rubisco activity. But Rubisco photorespiration and NOX activities could also augment ROS production. NO regulate the ROS concentration preserving balance among ROS, GSH, GSNO, and ASC. When ROS are in huge concentration, NO induces transcription and activity of SOD, APX, and CAT. However, when ROS are necessary (e.g., for pathogen resistance), NO may inhibit APX, CAT, and NOX activity by the S-nitrosylation of cysteine residues, favoring cell death. NO also regulates GSH concentration in several ways. NO may react with GSH to form GSNO, the NO cell reservoir and main source of S-nitrosylation. GSNO could be decomposed by the GSNO reductase (GSNOR) to GSSG which, in turn, is reduced to GSH by glutathione reductase (GR). GSNOR may be also inhibited by S-nitrosylation and GR activated by NO. In conclusion, NO plays a central role in the tolerance of plants to climate change.

The NOS-like protein from the microalgae Ostreococcus tauri is a genuine and ultrafast NO-producing enzyme

The exponential increase of genomes' sequencing has revealed the presence of NO-Synthases (NOS) throughout the tree of life, uncovering an extraordinary diversity of genetic structure and biological functions. Although NO has been shown to be a crucial mediator in plant physiology, NOS sequences seem present solely in green algae genomes, with a first identification in the picoplankton species Ostreococcus tauri. There is no rationale so far to account for the presence of NOS in this early-diverging branch of the green lineage and its absence in land plants. To address the biological function of algae NOS, we cloned, expressed and characterized the NOS oxygenase domain from Ostreococcus tauri (OtNOSoxy). We launched a phylogenetic and structural analysis of algae NOS, and achieved a 3D model of OtNOSoxy by homology modeling. We used a combination of various spectroscopies to characterize the structural and electronic fingerprints of some OtNOSoxy reaction intermediates. The analysis of OtNOSoxy catalytic activity and kinetic efficiency was achieved by stoichiometric stopped-flow. Our results highlight the conserved and particular features of OtNOSoxy structure that might explain its ultrafast NO-producing capacity. This integrative Structure-Catalysis-Function approach could be extended to the whole NOS superfamily and used for predicting potential biological activity for any new NOS.

Citrulline metabolism in plants

Citrulline was chemically isolated more than 100 years ago and is ubiquitous in animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi. Most of the research on plant citrulline metabolism and transport has been carried out in Arabidopsis thaliana and the Cucurbitaceae family, particularly in watermelon which accumulates this non-proteinogenic amino acid to very high levels. Industrially, citrulline is produced via specially optimized microbial strains; however, the amounts present in watermelon render it an economically viable source providing that other high-value compounds can be co-extracted. In this review, we provide an overview of our current understanding of citrulline biosynthesis, transport, and catabolism in plants additionally pointing out significant gaps in our knowledge which need to be closed by future experimentation. This includes the identification of further potential enzymes of citrulline metabolism as well as obtaining a far better spatial resolution of both sub-cellular and long-distance partitioning of citrulline. We further discuss what is known concerning the biological function of citrulline in plants paying particular attention to the proposed roles in scavenging of excess NH₄⁺ and as a compatible solute.

Nitric oxide associated protein 1 is associated with chloroplast perturbation and disease symptoms in Nicotiana benthamiana infected with South African cassava mosaic virus

Nitric oxide associated 1 (NOA1) in plants is a cyclic GTPase involved in protein translation in the chloroplast and has been indirectly linked to nitric oxide (NO) accumulation and response to biotic stress. The association between NOA1 and NO accumulation in Arabidopsis noa1 mutants has been linked to the inability of noa1 mutants to accumulate carbon reserves such as fumarate, leading to chloroplast dysfunction and a pale green leaf phenotype. To understand the role played by NOA1 in response to South African cassava mosaic virus infection in Nicotiana benthamiana, the expression of NbNOA1 and the accumulation of NO in leaf samples was compared between south african cassava mosaic (SACMV)-infected and mock-infected plants at 14 and 28 dpi. Real-time qPCR was used to measure SACMV viral load which increased significantly by 20% from 14 to 28 dpi as chlorosis and symptom severity progressed. At 14 and 28 dpi, NbNOA1 expression was significantly lower than mock inoculated plants (2-fold lower at 14 dpi, p-value=0.01 and 5-fold lower at 28, p-value=0.00). At 14 dpi, NO accumulation remained unchanged in infected leaf tissue compared to mock inoculated, while at 28 dpi, NO accumulation was 40% lower (p-value=0.01). At 28 dpi, the decrease in NbNOA1 expression and NO accumulation was accompanied by chloroplast dysfunction, evident from the significant reduction in chlorophylls a and b and carotenoids in SACMV-infected leaves. Furthermore, the expression of chloroplast translation factors (chloroplast RNA binding, chloroplast elongation factor G, translation elongation factor Tu, translation initiation factor 3-2, plastid-specific ribosomal protein 6 and plastid ribosome recycling factor) were found to be repressed in infected N. benthamiana. GC-MS analysis showed a decrease in fumarate and an increase in glucose in SACMV-infected N. benthamiana in comparison to mock samples suggesting a decrease in carbon stores. Collectively, these results provide evidence that in response to SACMV infection, a decrease in photopigments and carbon stores, accompanied by an increase in glucose and decrease in fumarate, leads to a decline in NbNOA1expression and NO levels. This is manifested by suppressed translation factors and disruption of chloroplast function, thereby contributing to chlorotic disease symptoms.

Evidence towards the involvement of nitric oxide in drought tolerance of sugarcane

Exogenous supply of nitric oxide (NO) increases drought tolerance in sugarcane plants. However, little is known about the role of NO produced by plants under water deficit. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that drought-tolerance in sugarcane is associated with NO production and metabolism, with the more drought-tolerant genotype presenting higher NO accumulation in plant tissues. The sugarcane genotypes IACSP95-5000 (drought-tolerant) and IACSP97-7065 (drought-sensitive) were submitted to water deficit by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG-8000) in nutrient solution to reduce the osmotic potential to -0.4 MPa. To evaluate short-time responses to water deficit, leaf and root samples were taken after 24 h under water deficit. The drought-tolerant genotype presented higher root extracellular NO content, which was accompanied by higher root nitrate reductase (NR) activity as compared to the drought-sensitive genotype under water deficit. In addition, the drought-tolerant genotype had higher leaf intracellular NO content than the drought-sensitive one. IACSP95-5000 exhibited decreases in root S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) activity under water deficit, suggesting that S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) is less degraded and that the drought-tolerant genotype has a higher natural reservoir of NO than the drought-sensitive one. Those differences in intracellular and extracellular NO contents and enzymatic activities were associated with higher leaf hydration in the drought-tolerant genotype as compared to the sensitive one under water deficit.

Surface sensing and stress-signalling in Ulva and fouling diatoms - potential targets for antifouling: a review

Understanding the underlying signalling pathways that enable fouling algae to sense and respond to surfaces is essential in the design of environmentally friendly coatings. Both the green alga Ulva and diverse diatoms are important ecologically and economically as they are persistent biofoulers. Ulva spores exhibit rapid secretion, allowing them to adhere quickly and permanently to a ship, whilst diatoms secrete an abundance of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which are highly adaptable to different environmental conditions. There is evidence, now supported by molecular data, for complex calcium and nitric oxide (NO) signalling pathways in both Ulva and diatoms being involved in surface sensing and/or adhesion. Moreover, adaptation to stress has profound effects on the biofouling capability of both types of organism. Targets for future antifouling coatings based on surface sensing are discussed, with an emphasis on pursuing NO-releasing coatings as a potentially universal antifouling strategy.

How Chlamydomonas handles nitrate and the nitric oxide cycle

The green alga Chlamydomonas is a valuable model system capable of assimilating different forms of nitrogen (N). Nitrate (NO3-) has a relevant role in plant-like organisms, first as a nitrogen source for growth and second as a signalling molecule. Several modules are necessary for Chlamydomonas to handle nitrate, including transporters, nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), GS/GOGAT enzymes for ammonium assimilation, and regulatory protein(s). Transporters provide a first step for influx/efflux, homeostasis, and sensing of nitrate; and NIT2 is the key transcription factor (RWP-RK) for mediating the nitrate-dependent activation of a number of genes. Here, we review how NR participates in the cycle NO3- →NO2- →NO →NO3-. NR uses the partner protein amidoxime-reducing component/nitric oxide-forming nitrite reductase (ARC/NOFNiR) for the conversion of nitrite (NO2-) into nitric oxide (NO). It also uses the truncated haemoglobin THB1 in the conversion of nitric oxide to nitrate. Nitric oxide is a negative signal for nitrate assimilation; it inhibits the activity and expression of high-affinity nitrate/nitrite transporters and NR. During this cycle, the positive signal of nitrate is transformed into the negative signal of nitric oxide, which can then be converted back into nitrate. Thus, NR is back in the spotlight as a strategic regulator of the nitric oxide cycle and the nitrate assimilation pathway.

Copper amine oxidase 8 regulates arginine-dependent nitric oxide production in Arabidopsis thaliana

Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signaling molecule in plants, regulating a wide range of physiological processes. However, its origin in plants remains unclear. It can be generated from nitrite through a reductive pathway, notably via the action of the nitrate reductase (NR), and evidence suggests an additional oxidative pathway, involving arginine. From an initial screen of potential Arabidopsis thaliana mutants impaired in NO production, we identified copper amine oxidase 8 (CuAO8). Two cuao8 mutant lines displayed a decreased NO production in seedlings after elicitor treatment and salt stress. The NR-dependent pathway was not responsible for the impaired NO production as no change in NR activity was found in the mutants. However, total arginase activity was strongly increased in cuao8 knockout mutants after salt stress. Moreover, NO production could be restored in the mutants by arginase inhibition or arginine addition. Furthermore, arginine supplementation reversed the root growth phenotype observed in the mutants. These results demonstrate that CuAO8 participates in NO production by influencing arginine availability through the modulation of arginase activity. The influence of CuAO8 on arginine-dependent NO synthesis suggests a new regulatory pathway for NO production in plants.