Salicylic acid-mediated innate immunity in Arabidopsis is regulated by SIZ1 SUMO E3 ligase

Genome-wide comparison of two poplar genotypes with different growth rates

The ecologically dominant and economically important genus Populus, with its available full genome sequence, has become an ideal woody species for genomic study. Rapid growth is one of the primary advantageous features of Populus, and extensive physiological research has been carried out on the growth of Populus throughout the growing period among different clones. However, the molecular information related to the mechanisms of rapid growth is rather limited. In this study, an Affymetrix poplar genome array was employed to analyze the transcriptomic changes from the pre-growth to the fast-growth phase in two poplar clones (P.deltoides × P.nigra, DN2, and P.nigra × (P.deltoides × P. nigra), NE19) with different growth rates. A total of 1,695 differently expressed genes were identified between two time points in NE19 and DN2 (two-way ANOVA, P < 0.01 and fold change ≥2). Except for genes changing in common for both clones, many transcripts were regulated specifically in one genotype. After functional analysis of the differentially expressed genes, distinct biological strategies seemed to be utilized by the two genotypes to accommodate their fast-growth phase. The faster-growing clone NE19, which has a higher photosynthetic rate and larger total leaf area, emphasized growth-related primary metabolism. However, the slower-growing DN2 tended to have more up-regulated genes involved in defense-related secondary metabolism and stress response. Emphasis of such divergent biological processes in two clones may explain their significant growth differences during the fast-growth phase.

The pepper E3 ubiquitin ligase RING1 gene, CaRING1, is required for cell death and the salicylic acid-dependent defense response

Ubiquitination is essential for ubiquitin/proteasome-mediated protein degradation in plant development and defense. Here, we identified a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase RING1 gene, CaRING1, from pepper (Capsicum annuum). In pepper, CaRING1 expression is induced by avirulent Xanthomonas campestris pv vesicatoria infection. CaRING1 contains an amino-terminal transmembrane domain and a carboxyl-terminal RING domain. In addition, it displays in vitro E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, and the RING domain is essential for E3 ubiquitin ligase activity in CaRING1. CaRING1 also localizes to the plasma membrane. In pepper plants, virus-induced gene silencing of CaRING1 confers enhanced susceptibility to avirulent X. campestris pv vesicatoria infection, which is accompanied by compromised hypersensitive cell death, reduced expression of PATHOGENESIS-RELATED1, and lowered salicylic acid levels in leaves. Transient expression of CaRING1 in pepper leaves induces cell death and the defense response that requires the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of CaRING1. By contrast, overexpression of CaRING1 in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) confers enhanced resistance to hemibiotrophic Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato and biotrophic Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis infections. Taken together, these results suggest that CaRING1 is involved in the induction of cell death and the regulation of ubiquitination during the defense response to microbial pathogens.

Identification and molecular properties of SUMO-binding proteins in Arabidopsis

Reversible conjugation of the small ubiquitin modifier (SUMO) peptide to proteins (SUMOylation) plays important roles in cellular processes in animals and yeasts. However, little is known about plant SUMO targets. To identify SUMO substrates in Arabidopsis and to probe for biological functions of SUMO proteins, we constructed 6xHis-3xFLAG fused AtSUMO1 (HFAtSUMO1) controlled by the CaMV35S promoter for transformation into Arabidopsis Col-0. After heat treatment, an increased sumoylation pattern was detected in the transgenic plants. SUMO1-modified proteins were selected after two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) image analysis and identified using matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). We identified 27 proteins involved in a variety of processes such as nucleic acid metabolism, signaling, metabolism, and including proteins of unknown functions. Binding and sumoylation patterns were confirmed independently. Surprisingly, MCM3 (At5G46280), a DNA replication licensing factor, only interacted with and became sumoylated by AtSUMO1, but not by SUMO1ΔGG or AtSUMO3. The results suggest specific interactions between sumoylation targets and particular sumoylation enzymes.

Arabidopsis SUMO E3 ligase SIZ1 is involved in excess copper tolerance

The reversible conjugation of the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) to protein substrates occurs as a posttranslational regulatory process in eukaryotic organisms. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), several stress-responsive SUMO conjugations are mediated mainly by the SUMO E3 ligase SIZ1. In this study, we observed a phenotype of hypersensitivity to excess copper in the siz1-2 and siz1-3 mutants. Excess copper can stimulate the accumulation of SUMO1 conjugates in wild-type plants but not in the siz1 mutant. Copper accumulated to a higher level in the aerial parts of soil-grown plants in the siz1 mutant than in the wild type. A dramatic difference in copper distribution was also observed between siz1 and wild-type Arabidopsis treated with excess copper. As a result, the shoot-to-root ratio of copper concentration in siz1 is nearly twice as high as that in the wild type. We have found that copper-induced Sumoylation is involved in the gene regulation of metal transporters YELLOW STRIPE-LIKE 1 (YSL1) and YSL3, as the siz1 mutant is unable to down-regulate the expression of YSL1 and YSL3 under excess copper stress. The hypersensitivity to excess copper and anomalous distribution of copper observed in the siz1 mutant are greatly diminished in the siz1ysl3 double mutant and slightly in the siz1ysl1 double mutant. These data suggest that SIZ1-mediated sumoylation is involved specifically in copper homeostasis and tolerance in planta.

Arabidopsis nitrate reductase activity is stimulated by the E3 SUMO ligase AtSIZ1

Small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) is a small polypeptide that modulates protein activity and regulates hormone signalling, abiotic and biotic responses in plants. Here we show that AtSIZ regulates nitrogen assimilation in Arabidopsis through its E3 SUMO ligase function. Dwarf plants of siz1-2 flower early, show abnormal seed development and have high salicylic acid content and enhanced resistance to bacterial pathogens. These mutant phenotypes are reverted to wild-type phenotypes by exogenous ammonium but not by nitrate, phosphate or potassium. Decreased nitrate reductase activity in siz1-2 plants resulted in low nitrogen concentrations, low nitric oxide production and high nitrate content in comparison with wild-type plants. The nitrate reductases, NIA1 and NIA2, are sumoylated by AtSIZ1, which dramatically increases their activity. Both sumoylated and non-sumoylated NIA1 and NIA2 can form dimers. Our results indicate that AtSIZ1 positively controls nitrogen assimilation by promoting sumoylation of NRs in Arabidopsis.

Circadian clock-regulated phosphate transporter PHT4;1 plays an important role in Arabidopsis defense

The Arabidopsis accelerated cell death 6-1 (acd6-1) mutant shows constitutive defense, cell death, and extreme dwarf phenotypes. In a screen for acd6-1 suppressors, we identified a mutant that was disrupted by a T-DNA in the PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER 4;1 (PHT4;1) gene. The suppressor mutant pht4;1-1 is dominant, expresses truncated PHT4;1 transcripts, and is more susceptible to virulent Pseudomonas syringae strains but not to several avirulent strains. Treatment with a salicylic acid (SA) agonist induced a similar level of resistance in Col-0 and pht4;1-1, suggesting that PHT4;1 acts upstream of the SA pathway. Genetic analysis further indicates that PHT4;1 contributes to SID2-dependent and -independent pathways. Transgenic expression of the DNA fragment containing the PHT4;1-1 region or the full-length PHT4;1 gene in wild-type conferred enhanced susceptibility to Pseudomonas infection. Interestingly, expression of PHT4;1 is regulated by the circadian clock. Together, these data suggest that the phosphate transporter PHT4;1 is critical for basal defense and also implicate a potential role of the circadian clock in regulating innate immunity of Arabidopsis.

Rice SIZ1, a SUMO E3 ligase, controls spikelet fertility through regulation of anther dehiscence

• Sumoylation, a post-translational modification, has important functions in both animals and plants. However, the biological function of the SUMO E3 ligase, SIZ1, in rice (Oryza sativa) is still under investigation. • In this study, we employed two different genetic approaches, the use of siz1 T-DNA mutant and SIZ1-RNAi transgenic plants, to characterize the function of rice SIZ1. • Genetic results revealed the co-segregation of single T-DNA insertional recessive mutation with the observed phenotypes in siz1. In addition to showing reduced plant height, tiller number and seed set percentage, both the siz1 mutant and SIZ1-RNAi transgenic plants showed obvious defects in anther dehiscence, but not pollen viability. The anther indehiscence in siz1 was probably a result of defects in endothecium development before anthesis. Interestingly, rice orthologs of AtIRX and ZmMADS2, which are essential for endothecium development during anther dehiscence, were significantly down-regulated in siz1. Compared with the wild-type, the sumoylation profile of high-molecular-weight proteins in mature spikelets was reduced significantly in siz1 and the SIZ1-RNAi line with notably reduced SIZ1 expression. The nuclear localization signal located in the SIZ1 C-terminus was sufficient for its nuclear targeting in bombarded onion epidermis. • The results suggest the functional role of SIZ1, a SUMO E3 ligase, in regulating rice anther dehiscence.

SIZ1 regulation of phosphate starvation-induced root architecture remodeling involves the control of auxin accumulation

Phosphate (Pi) limitation causes plants to modulate the architecture of their root systems to facilitate the acquisition of Pi. Previously, we reported that the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) SUMO E3 ligase SIZ1 regulates root architecture remodeling in response to Pi limitation; namely, the siz1 mutations cause the inhibition of primary root (PR) elongation and the promotion of lateral root (LR) formation. Here, we present evidence that SIZ1 is involved in the negative regulation of auxin patterning to modulate root system architecture in response to Pi starvation. The siz1 mutations caused greater PR growth inhibition and LR development of seedlings in response to Pi limitation. Similar root phenotypes occurred if Pi-deficient wild-type seedlings were supplemented with auxin. N-1-Naphthylphthalamic acid, an inhibitor of auxin efflux activity, reduced the Pi starvation-induced LR root formation of siz1 seedlings to a level equivalent to that seen in the wild type. Monitoring of the auxin-responsive reporter DR5::uidA indicated that auxin accumulates in PR tips at early stages of the Pi starvation response. Subsequently, DR5::uidA expression was observed in the LR primordia, which was associated with LR elongation. The time-sequential patterning of DR5::uidA expression occurred earlier in the roots of siz1 as compared with the wild type. In addition, microarray analysis revealed that several other auxin-responsive genes, including genes involved in cell wall loosening and biosynthesis, were up-regulated in siz1 relative to wild-type seedlings in response to Pi starvation. Together, these results suggest that SIZ1 negatively regulates Pi starvation-induced root architecture remodeling through the control of auxin patterning.

Distinct roles for Arabidopsis SUMO protease ESD4 and its closest homolog ELS1

SUMO conjugation affects a broad range of processes in Arabidopsis thaliana, including flower initiation, pathogen defense, and responses to cold, drought and salt stress. We investigated two sequence-related SUMO-specific proteases that are both widely expressed and show that they differ significantly in their properties. The closest homolog of SUMO protease ESD4, ESD4-LIKE SUMO PROTEASE 1 (ELS1, alternatively called AtULP1a) has SUMO-specific proteolytic activity, but is functionally distinct from ESD4, as shown by intracellular localization, mutant phenotype and heterologous expression in yeast mutants. Furthermore, we show that the growth defects caused by loss of ESD4 function are not due to increased synthesis of the stress signal salicylic acid, as was previously shown for a SUMO ligase, indicating that impairment of the SUMO system affects plant growth in different ways. Our results demonstrate that two A. thaliana SUMO proteases showing close sequence similarity have distinct in vivo functions.

SUMO-, MAPK-, and resistance protein-signaling converge at transcription complexes that regulate plant innate immunity

Upon pathogen perception plant innate immune receptors activate various signaling pathways that trigger host defenses. PAMP-triggered defense signaling requires mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, which modulate the activity of transcription factors through phosphorylation. Here, we highlight that the same transcription factors are also targets for conjugation by SUMO (Small ubiquitin-like modifier). SUMO conjugation determines recruitment and activity of chromatin-modifying enzymes, and thereby indirectly controls gene expression. SUMO conjugation is essential to suppress defense signaling in non-infected plants. Resistance protein signaling and SUMO conjugation also converge at transcription complexes. For example, the TIR-NB-LRR protein SNC1 interacts with histone deacetylase HDA19 and the transcriptional co-repressor Topless-related 1; both are SUMO targets. We present a model in which SUMO conjugation can transform transcription activators into repressors, thereby preventing defense induction in the absence of a pathogen.

Functional characterization of the SIZ/PIAS-type SUMO E3 ligases, OsSIZ1 and OsSIZ2 in rice

Sumoylation is a post-translational regulatory process in diverse cellular processes in eukaryotes, involving conjugation/deconjugation of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins to other proteins thus modifying their function. The PIAS [protein inhibitor of activated signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)] and SAP (scaffold attachment factor A/B/acinus/PIAS)/MIZ (SIZ) proteins exhibit SUMO E3-ligase activity that facilitates the conjugation of SUMO proteins to target substrates. Here, we report the isolation and molecular characterization of Oryza sativa SIZ1 (OsSIZ1) and SIZ2 (OsSIZ2), rice homologs of Arabidopsis SIZ1. The rice SIZ proteins are localized to the nucleus and showed sumoylation activities in a tobacco system. Our analysis showed increased amounts of SUMO conjugates associated with environmental stresses such as high and low temperature, NaCl and abscisic acid (ABA) in rice plants. The expression of OsSIZ1 and OsSIZ2 in siz1-2 Arabidopsis plants partially complemented the morphological mutant phenotype and enhanced levels of SUMO conjugates under heat shock conditions. In addition, ABA-hypersensitivity of siz1-2 seed germination was partially suppressed by OsSIZ1 and OsSIZ2. The results suggest that rice SIZ1 and SIZ2 are able to functionally complement Arabidopsis SIZ1 in the SUMO conjugation pathway. Their effects on the Arabidopsis mutant suggest a function for these genes related to stress responses and stress adaptation.

A gain-of-function mutation in the Arabidopsis disease resistance gene RPP4 confers sensitivity to low temperature

How plants adapt to low temperature is not well understood. To identify components involved in low-temperature signaling, we characterized the previously isolated chilling-sensitive2 mutant (chs2) of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). This mutant grew normally at 22°C but showed phenotypes similar to activation of defense responses when shifted to temperatures below 16°C. These phenotypes include yellowish and collapsed leaves, increased electrolyte leakage, up-regulation of PATHOGENESIS RELATED genes, and accumulation of excess hydrogen peroxide and salicylic acid (SA). Moreover, the chs2 mutant was seedling lethal when germinated at or shifted for more than 3 d to low temperatures of 4°C to 12°C. Map-based cloning revealed that a single amino acid substitution occurred in the TIR-NB-LRR (for Toll/Interleukin-1 receptor- nucleotide-binding Leucine-rich repeat)-type resistance (R) protein RPP4 (for Recognition of Peronospora parasitica4), which causes a deregulation of the R protein in a temperature-dependent manner. The chs2 mutation led to an increase in the mutated RPP4 mRNA transcript, activation of defense responses, and an induction of cell death at low temperatures. In addition, a chs2 intragenic suppressor, in which the mutation occurs in the conserved NB domain, abolished defense responses at lower temperatures. Genetic analyses of chs2 in combination with known SA pathway and immune signaling mutants indicate that the chs2-conferred temperature sensitivity requires ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY1, REQUIRED FOR Mla12 RESISTANCE, and SUPPRESSOR OF G2 ALLELE OF skp1 but does not require PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT4, NONEXPRESSOR OF PR GENES1, or SA. This study reveals that an activated TIR-NB-LRR protein has a large impact on temperature sensitivity in plant growth and survival.

Defining the phosphite-regulated transcriptome of the plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi

Phosphite, an analog of phosphate is used to control oomycete diseases on a wide range of horticultural crops and in native ecosystems. In this study, we investigated morphological and transcriptional changes induced in Phytophthora cinnamomi by phosphite. Cytological observations revealed that phosphite caused hyphal distortions and lysis of cell walls and had an adverse effect on hyphal growth. At the molecular level, the expression levels of 43 transcripts were changed. Many of these encoded proteins involved in cell wall synthesis, or cytoskeleton functioning. The results of both the microscopic and molecular investigations are consistent with phosphite inhibiting the function of the cytoskeleton and cell wall synthesis.

Generation of monoclonal antibodies against recombinant AtSIZ1

Post-translational modifications of target proteins by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins modulate many cellular processes in yeast and animals. Here we present the development of monoclonal antibodies (MAb) and polyclonal antibodies (PAb) against Arabidopsis SIZ1 (AtSIZ1) protein with high specificity. Mice were immunized with recombinant AtSIZ1 protein for generating monoclonal antibodies via the classic hybridoma production technique. Anti-AtSIZ1 MAb and PAb were able to detect endogenous AtSIZ1 in Arabidopsis wild type and its complementary line formed by transforming C-siz1-2 mutant with construct containing the AtSIZ1 gene under the control of the native promoter, but not the siz1-2 deletion mutant. These results show that these anti-AtSIZ MAbs are highly sensitive to detect endogenous AtSIZ1 and can be used for immunoblotting and other experimental methods. The new anti-AtSIZ1 MAbs will be essential tools used to investigate the role of AtSIZ1 in plant developmental biology.

Cold-responsive gene regulation during cold acclimation in plants

Regulation of the transcriptome is necessary for plants to acquire cold tolerance, and cold induces several genes via a cold signaling pathway. The transcription factors CBF/DREB1 (C-repeat binding factor/dehydration responsive element binding1) and ICE1 (inducer of CBF expression1) have important roles in the regulation of cold-responsive gene expression. ICE1 is post-translationally regulated by ubiquitylation-mediated proteolysis and sumoylation. This mini-review highlights some recent studies on plant cold signaling. The relationships among cold signaling, salicylic acid accumulation and stomatal development are also discussed.

Biochemical characterization of the small ubiquitin-like modifiers of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Dynamic modification of target proteins by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is known to modulate many important cellular processes and is required for cell viability and development in all eukaryotes. However, understanding of SUMO systems in plants, especially in unicellular green algae, remains elusive. In this study, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii CrSUMO96, CrSUMO97 and CrSUMO148 were characterized. We show that the formation of polymeric CrSUMO96 and CrSUMO97 chains can be catalyzed either by the human SAE1/SAE2 and Ubc9 SUMOylation system in vitro or by an Escherichia coli chimeric SUMOylation system in vivo. An exposed C-terminal di-glycine motif of CrSUMO96 or CrSUMO97 is essential for functional SUMOylation. The human SUMO-specific protease, SENP1, demonstrates more processing activity for CrSUMO97 than for CrSUMO96. The CrSUMO148 precursor notably has four repeated di-glycine motifs at the C-terminus. This unique feature is not found in other known SUMO proteins. Interestingly, only 83-residual CrSUMO148(1-83) with the first di-glycine motif can form SAE1/SAE2-SUMO complex and further form polymeric chains with the help of Ubc9. More surprisingly, CrSUMO148 precursor is digested by SENP1, solely at the peptide bond after the first di-glycine motif although there are four theoretically identical processing sites in the primary sequence. This process directly generates 83-residual CrSUMO148(1-83) mature protein, which is exactly the form suitable for activation and conjugation. We also show that SENP1 displays similar isopeptidase activity in the deconjugation of polymeric CrSUMO96, CrSUMO97 or CrSUMO148 chains, revealing that the catalytic mechanisms of processing and deconjugation of CrSUMOs by SENP1 may differ.

A stress-inducible sulphotransferase sulphonates salicylic acid and confers pathogen resistance in Arabidopsis

Sulphonation of small molecules by cytosolic sulphotransferases in mammals is an important process in which endogenous molecules are modified for inactivation/activation of their biological effects. Plants possess large numbers of sulphotransferase genes, but their biological functions are largely unknown. Here, we present a functional analysis of the Arabidopsis sulphotransferase AtSOT12 (At2g03760). AtSOT12 gene expression is strongly induced by salt, and osmotic stress and hormone treatments. The T-DNA knock-out mutant sot12 exhibited hypersensitivity to NaCl and ABA in seed germination, and to salicylic acid (SA) in seedling growth. In vitro enzyme activity assay revealed that AtSOT12 sulphonates SA, and endogenous SA levels suggested that sulphonation of SA positively regulates SA production. Upon challenging with the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, sot12 mutant and AtSOT12 over-expressing lines accumulate less and more SA, respectively, when compared with wild type. Consistent with the changes in SA levels, the sot12 mutant was more susceptible, while AtSOT12 over-expressing plants are more resistant to pathogen infection. Moreover, pathogen-induced PR gene expression in systemic leaves was significantly enhanced in AtSOT12 over-expressing plants. The role of sulphonation of SA in SA production, mobile signalling and acquired systemic resistance is discussed.

A mutant CHS3 protein with TIR-NB-LRR-LIM domains modulates growth, cell death and freezing tolerance in a temperature-dependent manner in Arabidopsis

Low temperature is one of environmental factors that restrict plant growth homeostasis and plant-pathogen interactions. Recent studies suggest a link between temperature responses and defense responses; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the chilling sensitive 3 (chs3-1) mutant in Arabidopsis was characterized. chs3-1 plants showed arrested growth and chlorosis when grown at 16 degrees C or when shifted from 22 to 4 degrees C. chs3-1 plants also exhibited constitutively activated defense responses at 16 degrees C, which were alleviated at a higher temperature (22 degrees C). Map-based cloning of CHS3 revealed that it encodes an unconventional disease resistance (R) protein belonging to the TIR-NB-LRR class with a zinc-binding LIM domain (Lin-11, Isl-1 and Mec-3 domains) at the carboxyl terminus. The chs3-1 mutation in the conserved LIM-containing domain led to the constitutive activation of the TIR-NB-LRR domain. Consistently, the growth and defense phenotypes of chs3-1 plants were completely suppressed by eds1, sgt1b and rar1, partially by pad4 and nahG, but not by npr1 and ndr1. Intriguingly, chs3-1 plants grown at 16 degrees C showed enhanced tolerance to freezing temperatures. This tolerance was correlated with growth defect and cell death phenotypes caused by activated defense responses. Other mutants with activated defense responses, including cpr1, cpr5 and slh1 also displayed enhanced freezing tolerance. These findings revealed a role of an unconventional mutant R gene in plant growth, defense response and cold stress, suggesting a mutual interaction between cold signaling and defense responses.

The SUMO conjugation pathway in Populus: genomic analysis, tissue-specific and inducible SUMOylation and in vitro de-SUMOylation

Covalent attachment of the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) to proteins in eukaryotic cells can regulate an assortment of cellular processes including transcription, and DNA-protein and protein-protein interactions. We identified gene models and found evidence for expression of genes involved in SUMOylation and SUMO deconjugation in Populus. We detected SUMOylated proteins in diverse organ and tissue types. SUMOylation was altered during responses to heat shock, desiccation, peroxide and irrigation of roots with high salt solution. SUMO deconjugation from substrates was sensitive to cysteine protease inhibitors. Product sizes and sensitivity to inhibitors are consistent with poly-SUMO chain formation as an intermediate step in SUMO redistribution to substrates in plant cells responding to treatments. The SUMOylation pathway is active in Populus and substrate conjugation to SUMO is a rapid response to multiple inducers.

Arabidopsis small ubiquitin-like modifier paralogs have distinct functions in development and defense

Posttranslational modifications allow dynamic and reversible changes to protein function. In Arabidopsis thaliana, a small gene family encodes paralogs of the small ubiquitin-like posttranslational modifier. We studied the function of these paralogs. Single mutants of the SUM1 and SUM2 paralogs do not exhibit a clear phenotype. However, the corresponding double knockdown mutant revealed that SUM1 and SUM2 are essential for plant development, floral transition, and suppression of salicylic acid (SA)-dependent defense responses. The SUM1 and SUM2 genes are constitutively expressed, but their spatial expression patterns do not overlap. Tight transcriptional regulation of these two SUM genes appears to be important, as overexpression of either wild-type or conjugation-deficient mutants resulted in activation of SA-dependent defense responses, as did the sum1 sum2 knockdown mutant. Interestingly, expression of the paralog SUM3 is strongly and widely induced by SA and by the defense elicitor Flg22, whereas its expression is otherwise low and restricted to a few specific cell types. Loss of SUM3 does not result in an aberrant developmental phenotype except for late flowering, while SUM3 overexpression causes early flowering and activates plant defense. Apparently, SUM3 promotes plant defense downstream of SA, while SUM1 and SUM2 together prevent SA accumulation in noninfected plants.

SIZ1, a small ubiquitin-related modifier ligase, controls cold signaling through regulation of salicylic acid accumulation

Low temperature induces several genes to acquire plant cold tolerance. Here, we demonstrate that accumulation of salicylic acid (SA) is involved in the regulation of the DREB1A/CBF3 regulon and plant tolerance to cold stresses. The SA-accumulating mutant siz1 exhibits sensitivity to chilling and freezing conditions and decreased expression of DREB1A/CBF3 and its regulon genes. Reduction of SA levels in siz1 by nahG restored cold sensitivity and down-regulation of these genes. Database analyses and RT-PCR analysis revealed that the ice1 mutation also increased expression of SA-responsive genes. As well as siz1, another SA-accumulating mutant acd6 exhibited freezing sensitivity and the sensitivity was suppressed in acd6 nahG plants. Taken together, these data indicate that SA is involved in regulation of cold signaling.

Diversity of the SUMOylation machinery in plants

In the last decade, SUMOylation has emerged as an essential post-translational modification in eukaryotes. In plants, the biological role of SUMO (small ubiquitin-related modifier) has been studied through genetic approaches that together with recent biochemical studies suggest that the plant SUMOylation system has a high degree of complexity. The present review summarizes our current knowledge on the SUMOylation system in Arabidopsis, focusing on the mechanistic properties of the machinery components identified.

Sumoylation and other ubiquitin-like post-translational modifications in plants

Post-translational modifications diversify proteome activity to mediate complex hierarchical regulatory processes that are crucial to eukaryotic cell function. Protein modification by Ub (ubiquitin) and Ubls (ubiquitin-like proteins) in plants, as in yeast and metazoans, is necessary for numerous cellular and developmental processes and for the genetic reprogramming that occurs in response to hormonal stimuli, host-pathogen interaction-related stimuli and environmental stimuli. Ub and Ubl modifications, such as sumoylation, facilitate molecular interaction with specific substrates. Recent evidence has permitted inference of the mechanisms by which Ubl modifications regulate physiological processes such as cell-cycle progression, abscisic acid signaling, development, and biotic and abiotic stress responses. This review presents our current understanding of sumoylation and other Ubl conjugation processes in plant biology.

SIZ1 controls cell growth and plant development in Arabidopsis through salicylic acid

The post-translational conjugation of small ubiquitin-related modifiers (SUMOs) to other proteins is involved in regulation of many processes in eukaryotic development; although its role in plant development is beginning to be dissected. Previously, we demonstrated that the siz1 mutant, which is impaired in SUMO E3 ligase, showed a dwarf-like shoot phenotype with accumulation of salicylic acid (SA), and the expression of nahG, a bacterial salicylate hydroxylase that catabolizes SA, in siz1 reduced the SA level and suppressed dwarfism. Herein, we provide evidence that the SIZ1 gene controls cell division and elongation through regulation of the SA level. Mature siz1-2 and siz1-3 plants exhibited a dwarf-like shoot phenotype that is attributable to decreased leaf cell volume and number relative to the wild type. Cell division and expansion defects caused by siz1 were also suppressed by the expression of nahG. Expression of XTH8 and XTH31, encoding xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolase, which are thought to facilitate leaf cell expansion, was down-regulated in siz1 leaves. However, reduced XTH8 and XTH31 expression in siz1 plants was restored in nahG siz1-2 plants. These results indicate that SIZ1 regulates cell growth and plant development with regulation of SA accumulation. Also, XTH8 and XTH31 genes may be responsible for reduced leaf cell expansion.

Arabidopsis SUMO E3 ligase AtMMS21 regulates root meristem development

The small ubiquitin modifier (SUMO) conjugation/deconjugation is an important regulatory progress in plant development and responses to abiotic stresses. However, much less is known about the roles of sumoylation in plant root development. Cytokinin and auxin play crucial roles in determining the balance between cell proliferation and cell differentiation in Arabidopsis roots. The SUMO E3 ligase AtMMS21 is a homologue of human NSE2/MMS21, which modulates DNA damage and DNA repair in human cells. This addendum summarizes our recent paper on the AtMMS21 mediating cytokinin signaling to regulate the root meristem cell proliferation. The mms21-1 roots had reduced responses to exogenous cytokinins and decreased expression of the cytokinin-induced genes ARR3, ARR4, ARR5 and ARR7, compared with the wild type. Furthermore, the expression of CRE1 and ARR1, which are both the receptor and positive regulator of cytokinin signaling, was also reduced in the mms21-1 mutant plants.

Sumoylation and abscisic acid signaling

The conjugation of small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) to substrates (sumoylation) is one of posttranslational modification systems in eukaryotes. Sumoylation plays an important role in the regulation of environmental stress response, biotic stress response, and flowering control in plants. Covalent SUMO conjugation requires an E1/E2/E3 enzyme, and SUMO E3 ligase SIZ1 is essential for these regulations. This addendum summarizes our recent study in which it has been established that in Arabidopsis, SUMO E3 ligase SIZ1 negatively controls abscisic acid (ABA) signaling through the sumoylation of ABI5. The conjugation of SUMO to ABI5 represses its activity and also prevents ABI5 from undergoing degradation.

An F-box gene, CPR30, functions as a negative regulator of the defense response in Arabidopsis

Arabidopsis gain-of-resistance mutants, which show HR-like lesion formation and SAR-like constitutive defense responses, were used well as tools to unravel the plant defense mechanisms. We have identified a novel mutant, designated constitutive expresser of PR genes 30 (cpr30), that exhibited dwarf morphology, constitutive resistance to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae and the dramatic induction of defense-response gene expression. The cpr30-conferred growth defect morphology and defense responses are dependent on ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 1 (EDS1), PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT 4 (PAD4), and NONRACE-SPECIFIC DISEASE RESISTANCE 1 (NDR1). Further studies demonstrated that salicylic acid (SA) could partially account for the cpr30-conferred constitutive PR1 gene expression, but not for the growth defect, and that the cpr30-conferred defense responses were NPR1 independent. We observed a widespread expression of CPR30 throughout the plant, and a localization of CPR30-GFP fusion protein in the cytoplasm and nucleus. As an F-box protein, CPR30 could interact with multiple Arabidopsis-SKP1-like (ASK) proteins in vivo. Co-localization of CPR30 and ASK1 or ASK2 was observed in Arabidopsis protoplasts. Based on these results, we conclude that CPR30, a novel negative regulator, regulates both SA-dependent and SA-independent defense signaling, most likely through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in Arabidopsis.

The Arabidopsis SUMO E3 ligase AtMMS21, a homologue of NSE2/MMS21, regulates cell proliferation in the root

hMMS21 is a SUMO E3 ligase required for the prevention of DNA damage-induced apoptosis, and acts by facilitating DNA repair in human cells. The Arabidopsis genome contains a putative MMS21 homologue capable of interacting with the SUMO E2 conjugating enzyme AtSCE1a, as indicated by a yeast two-hybrid screen and bimolecular fluorescence complementation experiments. In vitro and in vivo data demonstrated that AtMMS21 was a SUMO E3 ligase. We identified the Arabidopsis AtMMS21 null T-DNA insertion mutant mms21-1, which had a short-root phenotype, and affected cell proliferation in the apical root meristem, as indicated by impaired expression of the cell division marker CYCB1:GUS in mms21-1 roots. The mms21-1 roots had reduced responses to exogenous cytokinins, and decreased expression of the cytokinin-induced genes ARR3, ARR4, ARR5 and ARR7, compared with the wild type. Thus, our findings suggest that the AtMMS21 gene is involved in root development via cell-cycle regulation and cytokinin signalling.

Dissection of salicylic acid-mediated defense signaling networks

The small phenolic molecule salicylic acid (SA) plays a key role in plant defense. Significant progress has been made recently in understanding SA-mediated defense signaling networks. Functional analysis of a large number of genes involved in SA biosynthesis and regulation of SA accumulation and signal transduction has revealed distinct but interconnecting pathways that orchestrate the control of plant defense. Further studies utilizing combinatorial approaches in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and genomics will uncover finer details of SA-mediated defense networks as well as further insights into the crosstalk of SA with other defense signaling pathways. The complexity of defense networks illustrates the capacity of plants to integrate multiple developmental and environmental signals into a tight control of the costly defense responses.

Solution structures and DNA binding properties of the N-terminal SAP domains of SUMO E3 ligases from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Oryza sativa

SUMO E3 ligase of the Siz/PIAS family that promotes sumoylation of target proteins contains SAP motif in its N-terminal region. The SAP motif with a consensus sequence of 35 residues was first proposed to be as a new DNA binding motif found in diverse nuclear proteins involved in chromosomal organization. We have determined solution structures of the SAP domains of SUMO ligases Siz1 from yeast and rice by NMR spectroscopy, showing that the structure of the SAP domain (residues 2-105) of rice Siz1 is a four-helix bundle with an up-down-extended loop-down-up topology, whereas the SAP domain (residues 1-111) of yeast Siz1 is comprised of five helices where the fifth helix alpha5 causes a significant change in the alignment of the four-helix bundle characteristic to the SAP domains of the Siz/PIAS family. We have also demonstrated that both SAP domains have binding ability to an A/T-rich DNA, but that binding affinity of yeast Siz1 SAP is at least by an order of magnitude higher than that of rice Siz1 SAP. Our NMR titration experiments clearly showed that yeast Siz1 SAP uses alpha2-helix for DNA binding more effectively than rice Siz1 SAP, which would result from the dislocation of this helix due to the existence of the extra helix alpha5. In addition, based on the structures of the SAP domains determined here and registered in Protein Data Bank, general features of structures of the SAP domains are discussed in conjunction with equivocal nature of their DNA binding.

Does chromatin remodeling mark systemic acquired resistance?

The recognition of plant pathogens activates local defense responses and triggers a long-lasting systemic acquired resistance (SAR) response. Activation of SAR requires the hormone salicylic acid (SA), which induces SA-responsive gene expression. Recent data link changes in gene expression to chromatin remodeling, such as histone modifications and histone replacement. Here, we propose a model in which recruitment of chromatin-modifying complexes to SA-responsive loci controls their basal and SA-induced expression. Basal repression of these loci requires the post-translational modifier SUMO (SMALL UBIQUITIN-LIKE MODIFIER). This is of particular relevance because SUMO conjugation has been shown to control the activity, assembly and disassembly of chromatin-modifying complexes to transcription complexes. Chromatin remodeling could be instrumental for priming of SA-responsive loci to enable their enhanced reactivation upon subsequent pathogen attack.

Sumoylation of ABI5 by the Arabidopsis SUMO E3 ligase SIZ1 negatively regulates abscisic acid signaling

SUMO (small ubiquitin-related modifier) conjugation (i.e., sumoylation) to protein substrates is a reversible posttranslational modification that regulates signaling by modulating transcription factor activity. This paper presents evidence that the SUMO E3 ligase SIZ1 negatively regulates abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, which is dependent on the bZIP transcripton factor ABI5. Loss-of-function T-DNA insertion siz1-2 and siz1-3 mutations caused ABA hypersensitivity for seed germination arrest and seedling primary root growth inhibition. Furthermore, expression of genes that are ABA-responsive through ABI5-dependent signaling (e.g., RD29A, Rd29B, AtEm6, RAB18, ADH1) was hyperinduced by the hormone in siz1 seedlings. abi5-4 suppressed ABA hypersensitivity caused by siz1 (siz1-2 abi5-4), demonstrating an epistatic genetic interaction between SIZ1 and ABI5. A K391R substitution in ABI5 [ABI5(K391R)] blocked SIZ1-mediated sumoylation of the transcription factor in vitro and in Arabidopsis protoplasts, indicating that ABI5 is sumoylated through SIZ1 and that K391 is the principal site for SUMO conjugation. In abi5-4 plants, ABI5(K391R) expression caused greater ABA hypersensitivity (gene expression, seed germination arrest and primary root growth inhibition) compared with ABI5 expression. Together, these results establish that SIZ1-dependent sumoylation of ABI5 attenuates ABA signaling. The double mutant siz1-2 afp-1 exhibited even greater ABA sensitivity than the single mutant siz1, suggesting that SIZ1 represses ABI5 signaling function independent of AFP1.

OTS1 and OTS2 SUMO proteases link plant development and survival under salt stress

High salinity is an important factor limiting agriculture as major crops are salt sensitive. Understanding salt stress signalling is key to producing salt tolerant crops. The small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is a crucial regulator of signalling proteins in eukaryotes. Attachment of SUMO onto substrates is reversible and SUMO-proteases which specifically cleave the SUMO-substrate linkages play a vital regulatory role during SUMOylation. We have identified two SUMO proteases OTS1 and OTS2 that act redundantly to regulate salt stress responses in Arabidopsis. ots1 ots2 double mutants show extreme sensitivity to salt. However during non-salt conditions, ots1 ots2 double mutants are phenotypically similar to wild-type plants in terms of growth and development. Overexpressing SUMO1 in the ots1 ots2 double mutants severally diminishes plant size as quantified by rosette diameter even under non-stressed conditions. This reduction in plant growth is reminiscent of ots1 ots2 double mutants under salt stress. Our data indicates that overSUMOylation of target proteins can have severe effects on plant growth and that SUMO proteases like OTS1/2 are key to maintaining cellular balance of SUMOylation. We propose that upon environmental stress the hyperSUMOylation of key target proteins act to retard growth to survive stress periods.

Salicylic Acid, a multifaceted hormone to combat disease

For more than 200 years, the plant hormone salicylic acid (SA) has been studied for its medicinal use in humans. However, its extensive signaling role in plants, particularly in defense against pathogens, has only become evident during the past 20 years. This review surveys how SA in plants regulates both local disease resistance mechanisms, including host cell death and defense gene expression, and systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Genetic studies reveal an increasingly complex network of proteins required for SA-mediated defense signaling, and this process is amplified by several regulatory feedback loops. The interaction between the SA signaling pathway and those regulated by other plant hormones and/or defense signals is also discussed.

A rapid biosensor-based method for quantification of free and glucose-conjugated salicylic acid

BACKGROUND

Salicylic acid (SA) is an important signalling molecule in plant defenses against biotrophic pathogens. It is also involved in several other processes such as heat production, flowering, and germination. SA exists in the plant as free SA and as an inert glucose conjugate (salicylic acid 2-O-beta-D-glucoside or SAG). Recently, Huang et al. developed a bacterial biosensor that responds to free SA but not SAG, designated as Acinetobacter sp. ADPWH_lux. In this paper we describe an improved methodology for Acinetobacter sp. ADPWH_lux-based free SA quantification, enabling high-throughput analysis, and present an approach for the quantification of SAG from crude plant extracts.

RESULTS

On the basis of the original biosensor-based method, we optimized extraction and quantification. SAG content was determined by treating crude extracts with beta-glucosidase, then measuring the released free SA with the biosensor. beta-glucosidase treatment released more SA in acetate buffer extract than in Luria-Bertani (LB) extract, while enzymatic hydrolysis in either solution released more free SA than acid hydrolysis. The biosensor-based method detected higher amounts of SA in pathogen-infected plants than did a GC/MS-based method. SA quantification of control and pathogen-treated wild-type and sid2 (SA induction-deficient) plants demonstrated the efficacy of the method described. Using the methods detailed here, we were able to detect as little as 0.28 mug SA/g FW. Samples typically had a standard deviation of up to 25% of the mean.

CONCLUSION

The ability of Acinetobacter sp. ADPWH_lux to detect SA in a complex mixture, combined with the enzymatic hydrolysis of SAG in crude extract, allowed the development of a simple, rapid, and inexpensive method to simultaneously measure free and glucose-conjugated SA. This approach is amenable to a high-throughput format, which would further reduce the cost and time required for biosensor-based SA quantification. Possible applications of this approach include characterization of enzymes involved in SA metabolism, analysis of temporal changes in SA levels, and isolation of mutants with aberrant SA accumulation.

Flowering time regulation by the SUMO E3 ligase SIZ1

Flowering is a developmental process, which is influenced by chemical and environmental stimuli. Recently, our research established that the Arabidopsis SUMO E3 ligase, AtSIZ1, is a negative regulator of transition to flowering through mechanisms that reduce salicylic acid (SA) accumulation and involve SUMO modification of FLOWERING LOCUS D (FLD). FLD is an autonomous pathway determinant that represses the expression of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), a floral repressor. This addendum postulates mechanisms by which SIZ1-mediated SUMO conjugation regulates SA accumulation and FLD activity.

Post-translational modification of host proteins in pathogen-triggered defence signalling in plants

Microbial plant pathogens impose a continuous threat to global food production. Similar to animals, an innate immune system allows plants to recognize pathogens and swiftly activate defence. To activate a rapid response, receptor-mediated pathogen perception and subsequent downstream signalling depends on post-translational modification (PTM) of components essential for defence signalling. We discuss different types of PTMs that play a role in mounting plant immunity, which include phosphorylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, nitrosylation, myristoylation, palmitoylation and glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchoring. PTMs are rapid, reversible, controlled and highly specific, and provide a tool to regulate protein stability, activity and localization. Here, we give an overview of PTMs that modify components essential for defence signalling at the site of signal perception, during secondary messenger production and during signalling in the cytoplasm. In addition, we discuss effectors from pathogens that suppress plant defence responses by interfering with host PTMs.

The small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) and SUMO-conjugating system of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

The availability of the complete DNA sequence of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii genome and advanced computational biology tools has allowed elucidation and study of the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) system in this unicellular photosynthetic alga and model eukaryotic cell system. SUMO is a member of a ubiquitin-like protein superfamily that is covalently attached to target proteins as a post-translational modification to alter the localization, stability, and/or function of the target protein in response to changes in the cellular environment. Three SUMO homologs (CrSUMO96, CrSUMO97, and CrSUMO148) and three novel SUMO-related proteins (CrSUMO-like89A, CrSUMO-like89B, and CrSUMO-like90) were found by diverse gene predictions, hidden Markov models, and database search tools inferring from Homo sapiens, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Arabidopsis thaliana SUMOs. Among them, CrSUMO96, which can be recognized by the A. thaliana anti-SUMO1 antibody, was studied in detail. Free CrSUMO96 was purified by immunoprecipitation and identified by mass spectrometry analysis. A SUMO-conjugating enzyme (SCE) (E2, Ubc9) in C. reinhardtii was shown to be functional in an Escherichia coli-based in vivo chimeric SUMOylation system. Antibodies to CrSUMO96 recognized free and conjugated forms of CrSUMO96 in Western blot analysis of whole-cell extracts and nuclear localized SUMOylated proteins with in situ immunofluorescence. Western blot analysis showed a marked increase in SUMO conjugated proteins when the cells were subjected to environmental stresses, such as heat shock and osmotic stress. Related analyses revealed multiple potential ubiquitin genes along with two Rub1 genes and one Ufm1 gene in the C. reinhardtii genome.

Root branching responses to phosphate and nitrate

Plant roots favour colonization of nutrient-rich zones in soil. Molecular genetic evidences demonstrate that roots sense and respond to local and global concentrations of inorganic phosphate and nitrate, in a fashion that depends on the shoot nutrient status. Recent investigations in Arabidopsis highlighted the role of the root tip in phosphate sensing and attributed to already known proteins (multicopper oxidases and nitrate transporters) new and unexpected functions in the root growth response to phosphate or nitrate.

Histone H2A.Z and homologues of components of the SWR1 complex are required to control immunity in Arabidopsis

One of the mechanisms involved in chromatin remodelling is so-called 'histone replacement'. An example of such a mechanism is the substitution of canonical H2A histone by the histone variant H2A.Z. The ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling complex SWR1 is responsible for this action in yeast. We have previously proposed the existence of an SWR1-like complex in Arabidopsis by demonstrating genetic and physical interaction of the components SEF, ARP6 and PIE1, which are homologues of the yeast Swc6 and Arp6 proteins and the core ATPase Swr1, respectively. Here we show that histone variant H2A.Z, but not canonical H2A histone, interacts with PIE1. Plants mutated at loci HTA9 and HTA11 (two of the three Arabidopsis H2A.Z-coding genes) displayed developmental abnormalities similar to those found in pie1, sef and arp6 plants, exemplified by an early-flowering phenotype. Comparison of gene expression profiles revealed that 65% of the genes differentially regulated in hta9 hta11 plants were also mis-regulated in pie1 plants. Detailed examination of the expression data indicated that the majority of mis-regulated genes were related to salicylic acid-dependent immunity. RT-PCR and immunoblotting experiments confirmed constitutive expression of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) marker genes in pie1, hta9 hta11 and sef plants. Variations observed at the molecular level resulted in phenotypic alterations such as spontaneous cell death and enhanced resistance to the phytopathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. Thus, our results support the existence in Arabidopsis of an SWR1-like chromatin remodelling complex that is functionally related to that described in yeast and human, and attribute to this complex a role in maintaining a repressive state of the SAR response.

The SUMO E3 ligase, AtSIZ1, regulates flowering by controlling a salicylic acid-mediated floral promotion pathway and through affects on FLC chromatin structure

Loss-of-function siz1 mutations caused early flowering under short days. siz1 plants have elevated salicylic acid (SA) levels, which are restored to wild-type levels by expressing nahG, bacterial salicylate hydroxylase. The early flowering of siz1 was suppressed by expressing nahG, indicating that SIZ1 represses the transition to flowering mainly through suppressing SA-dependent floral promotion signaling under short days. Previous results have shown that exogenous SA treatment does not suppress late flowering of autonomous pathway mutants. However, the siz1 mutation accelerated flowering time of an autonomous pathway mutant, luminidependens, by reducing the expression of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), a floral repressor. This result suggests that SIZ1 promotes FLC expression, possibly through an SA-independent pathway. Evidence indicates that SIZ1 is required for the full activation of FLC expression in the late-flowering FRIGIDA background. Interestingly, increased FLC expression and late flowering of an autonomous pathway mutant, flowering locus d (fld), was not suppressed by siz1, suggesting that SIZ1 promotes FLC expression by repressing FLD. Consistent with this, SIZ1 facilitates sumoylation of FLD that can be suppressed by mutations in three predicted sumoylation motifs in FLD (i.e. FLDK3R). Furthermore, expression of FLDK3R in fld protoplasts strongly reduced FLC transcription compared with expression of FLD, and this affect was linked to reduced acetylation of histone 4 in FLC chromatin. Taken together, the results suggest that SIZ1 is a floral repressor that not only represses the SA-dependent pathway, but also promotes FLC expression by repressing FLD activity through sumoylation, which is required for full FLC expression in a FRIGIDA background.

Regulation of cold signaling by sumoylation of ICE1

The small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) E3 ligase SIZ1 is an ortholog of yeast and animal SIZ (SAP and Miz)/PIAS (protein inhibition of activated STAT) proteins, which function as transcriptional coregulators either by facilitating SUMO conjugation to substrate proteins (sumoylation) or through other mechanisms that are sumoylation independent. SIZ/PIAS-type E3 ligases function in numerous eukaryotic biological processes, including regulation of organismal responses to environmental changes. This addendum summarizes our recent paper in which it is established that the Arabidopsis E3 ligase SIZ1 mediates sumoylation of ICE1. SUMO conjugation to ICE1 facilitates ICE1 activity and stability that positively regulates CBF3/DREB1A-dependent cold signaling and freezing tolerance. Furthermore, sumoylated ICE1 represses MYB15, which is a negative regulator of CBF3/DREB1A and freezing tolerance.

Hormone- and light-regulated nucleocytoplasmic transport in plants: current status

The gene regulation mechanisms underlying hormone- and light-induced signal transduction in plants rely not only on post-translational modification and protein degradation, but also on selective inclusion and exclusion of proteins from the nucleus. For example, plant cells treated with light or hormones actively transport many signalling regulatory proteins, transcription factors, and even photoreceptors and hormone receptors into the nucleus, while actively excluding other proteins. The nuclear envelope (NE) is the physical and functional barrier that mediates this selective partitioning, and nuclear transport regulators transduce hormone- or light-initiated signalling pathways across the membrane to mediate nuclear activities. Recent reports revealed that mutating the proteins regulating nuclear transport through the pores, such as nucleoporins, alters the plant's response to a stimulus. In this review, recent works are introduced that have revealed the importance of regulated nucleocytoplasmic partitioning. These important findings deepen our understanding about how co-ordinated plant hormone and light signal transduction pathways facilitate communication between the cytoplasm and the nucleus. The roles of nucleoporin components within the nuclear pore complex (NPC) are also emphasized, as well as nuclear transport cargo, such as Ran/TC4 and its binding proteins (RanBPs), in this process. Recent findings concerning these proteins may provide a possible direction by which to characterize the regulatory potential of hormone- or light-triggered nuclear transport.

The Arabidopsis E3 SUMO ligase SIZ1 regulates plant growth and drought responses

Posttranslational modifications of proteins by small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs) regulate protein degradation and localization, protein-protein interaction, and transcriptional activity. SUMO E3 ligase functions are executed by SIZ1/SIZ2 and Mms21 in yeast, the PIAS family members RanBP2, and Pc2 in human. The Arabidopsis thaliana genome contains only one gene, SIZ1, that is orthologous to the yeast SIZ1/SIZ2. Here, we show that Arabidopsis SIZ1 is expressed in all plant tissues. Compared with the wild type, the null mutant siz1-3 is smaller in stature because of reduced expression of genes involved in brassinosteroid biosynthesis and signaling. Drought stress induces the accumulation of SUMO-protein conjugates, which is in part dependent on SIZ1 but not on abscisic acid (ABA). Mutant plants of siz1-3 have significantly lower tolerance to drought stress. A genome-wide expression analysis identified approximately 1700 Arabidopsis genes that are induced by drought, with SIZ1 mediating the expression of 300 of them by a pathway independent of DREB2A and ABA. SIZ1-dependent, drought-responsive genes include those encoding enzymes of the anthocyanin synthesis pathway and jasmonate response. From these results, we conclude that SIZ1 regulates Arabidopsis growth and that this SUMO E3 ligase plays a role in drought stress response likely through the regulation of gene expression.

Regulation of Plant Innate Immunity by SUMO E3 Ligase

Reversible posttranslational modification of proteins by the action of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) peptide (sumoylation) has been known to participate in various biological processes in eukaryotes. However, much less is known about the role of sumoylation in plants. In our recent paper to which we write this Addendum, we show that loss of SIZ1, a SUMO E3 ligase, results in a highly increased SA-mediated defense signaling through a PAD4-dependent pathway. This signaling leads to constitutively expressed pathogen related (PR) genes and to increased disease resistance to a virulent bacterial pathogen. These findings significantly increase our understanding of the role of sumoylation in the plant defense system.