Efficient uptake of flavonoids into parsley (Petroselinum hortense) vacuoles requires acylated glycosides

Identification and analysis of BAHD superfamily related to malonyl ginsenoside biosynthesis in Panax ginseng

Introduction

The BAHD (benzylalcohol O-acetyl transferase, anthocyanin O-hydroxycinnamoyl transferase, N-hydroxycinnamoyl anthranilate benzoyl transferase and deacetylvindoline 4-O-acetyltransferase), has various biological functions in plants, including catalyzing the biosynthesis of terpenes, phenolics and esters, participating in plant stress response, affecting cell stability, and regulating fruit quality.

Methods

Bioinformatics methods, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR technology, and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with an Orbitrap mass spectrometer were used to explore the relationship between the BAHD gene family and malonyl ginsenosides in Panax ginseng.

Results

In this study, 103 BAHD genes were identified in P. ginseng, mainly distributed in three major clades. Most PgBAHDs contain cis-acting elements associated with abiotic stress response and plant hormone response. Among the 103 genes, 68 PgBAHDs are WGD (whole-genome duplication) genes. The significance of malonylation in biosynthesis has garnered considerable attention in the study of malonyltransferases. The phylogenetic tree results showed 34 PgBAHDs were clustered with genes that have malonyl characterization. Among them, seven PgBAHDs (PgBAHD4, 45, 65, 74, 90, 97, and 99) showed correlations > 0.9 with crucial enzyme genes involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis and > 0.8 with malonyl ginsenosides. These seven genes were considered potential candidates involved in the biosynthesis of malonyl ginsenosides.

Discussion

These results help elucidate the structure, evolution, and functions of the P. ginseng BAHD gene family, and establish the foundation for further research on the mechanism of BAHD genes in ginsenoside biosynthesis.

Transport of acylated anthocyanins by the Arabidopsis ATP-binding cassette transporters AtABCC1, AtABCC2, and AtABCC14

Anthocyanins are a group of pigments that have various roles in plants including attracting pollinators and seed dispersers and protecting against various types of stress. In vegetative tissue, these anthocyanins are sequestered in the vacuole following biosynthesis in the cytoplasm, though there remain questions as to the events leading to the vacuolar sequestration. In this study, we were able to show that the uptake of acylated anthocyanins by vacuolar membrane-enriched vesicles isolated from Arabidopsis was stimulated by the addition of MgATP and was inhibited by both vanadate and glybenclamide, but not by gramicidin D or bafilomycin A₁ , suggesting that uptake involves an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter and not an H⁺ -antiporter. Membrane vesicles isolated from yeast expressing the ABC transporters designated AtABCC1, AtABCC2, and AtABCC14 are capable of MgATP-dependent uptake of acylated anthocyanins. This uptake was not dependent on glutathione as seen previously for anthocyanidin 3-O-monoglucosides. Compared to the wild-type, the transport of acylated anthocyanins was lower in vacuolar membrane-enriched vesicles isolated from atabcc1 cell cultures providing evidence that AtABCC1 may be the predominant transporter of these compounds in vivo. In addition, the pattern of anthocyanin accumulation differed between the atabcc1, atabcc2, and atabcc14 mutants and the wild-type seedlings under anthocyanin inductive conditions. We suggest that AtABCC1, AtABCC2, and AtABCC14 are involved in the vacuolar transport of acylated anthocyanins produced in the vegetative tissue of Arabidopsis and that the pattern of anthocyanin accumulation can be altered depending on the presence or absence of a specific vacuolar ABC transporter.

UGT84F9 is the major flavonoid UDP-glucuronosyltransferase in Medicago truncatula

Mammalian phase II metabolism of dietary plant flavonoid compounds generally involves substitution with glucuronic acid. In contrast, flavonoids mainly exist as glucose conjugates in plants, and few plant UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes have been identified to date. In the model legume Medicago truncatula, the major flavonoid compounds in the aerial parts of the plant are glucuronides of the flavones apigenin and luteolin. Here we show that the M. truncatula glycosyltransferase UGT84F9 is a bi-functional glucosyl/glucuronosyl transferase in vitro, with activity against a wide range of flavonoid acceptor molecules including flavones. However, analysis of metabolite profiles in leaves and roots of M. truncatula ugt84f9 loss of function mutants revealed that the enzyme is essential for formation of flavonoid glucuronides, but not most flavonoid glucosides, in planta. We discuss the use of plant UGATs for the semi-synthesis of flavonoid phase II metabolites for clinical studies.

Effect of Acylation of Flavones with Hydroxycinnamic Acids on their Spectral Characteristics

The absorption spectra of twenty-one flavones including glycosides of apigenin, luteolin, chrysoeriol and tricin, nonacylated or acylated with coumaric, ferulic or sinapic acids, were examined to document the influence of acylation on their spectral characteristics. Acylation did not shift the absorption maximum of band II, but the molar absorption coefficients of this band increased 1.3–2.0 fold. Acylation of apigenin and chrysoeriol glycosides did not shift the absorption maximum of band I and the absorption maxima of nonacylated and acylated compounds were at 319–334 nm, but this increased their molar absorption coefficients 1.7–3.0 fold.

For luteolin and tricin glycosides, nonacylated compound maxima of absorption of band I were in the range of 342–349 nm. Acylation shifted band I absorption maxima to 329–340 nm and increased their molar absorption coefficient 1.6–1.8 fold. These data document that acylation of flavones leads to significant increase of their absorption in the 280–320 nm region and can be an effective mechanism of protecting plants against UV-B radiation.

Identification and functional application of a new malonyltransferase NbMaT1 towards diverse aromatic glycosides from Nicotiana benthamiana

A new malonyltransferase NbMaT1 from Nicotiana benthamiana with significant substrate tolerance was identified and used in the chemo-enzymatic synthesis of diverse bioactive malonylated glycosides derivatives in this article.

Transgenic rice seed expressing flavonoid biosynthetic genes accumulate glycosylated and/or acylated flavonoids in protein bodies

Plant-specialized (or secondary) metabolites represent an important source of high-value chemicals. In order to generate a new production platform for these metabolites, an attempt was made to produce flavonoids in rice seeds. Metabolome analysis of these transgenic rice seeds using liquid chromatography-photodiode array-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was performed. A total of 4392 peaks were detected in both transgenic and non-transgenic rice, 20-40% of which were only detected in transgenic rice. Among these, 82 flavonoids, including 37 flavonols, 11 isoflavones, and 34 flavones, were chemically assigned. Most of the flavonols and isoflavones were O-glycosylated, while many flavones were O-glycosylated and/or C-glycosylated. Several flavonoids were acylated with malonyl, feruloyl, acetyl, and coumaroyl groups. These glycosylated/acylated flavonoids are thought to have been biosynthesized by endogenous rice enzymes using newly synthesized flavonoids whose biosynthesis was catalysed by exogenous enzymes. The subcellular localization of the flavonoids differed depending on the class of aglycone and the glycosylation/acylation pattern. Therefore, flavonoids with the intended aglycones were efficiently produced in rice seeds via the exogenous enzymes introduced, while the flavonoids were variously glycosylated/acylated by endogenous enzymes. The results suggest that rice seeds are useful not only as a production platform for plant-specialized metabolites such as flavonoids but also as a tool for expanding the diversity of flavonoid structures, providing novel, physiologically active substances.

Multiple evolution of flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase

Multiple F3'5'H evolution from F3'H has occurred in dicotyledonous plants. Efficient pollinator attraction is probably the driving force behind, as this allowed for the synthesis of delphinidin-based blue anthocyanins. The cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase (F3'H) and flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase (F3'5'H) hydroxylate the B-ring of flavonoids at the 3'- and 3'- and 5'-position, respectively. Their divergence took place early in plant evolution. While F3'H is ubiquitously present in higher plants, the distribution of F3'5'H is scattered. Here, we report that F3'5'H has repeatedly evolved from F3'H precursors at least four times in dicotyledonous plants: In the Asteraceae, we identified F3'5'Hs specific for the subfamilies Cichorioideae and Asteroideae, and additionally an F3'5'H that seems to be specific for the genus Echinops of the subfamily Carduoideae; moreover, characterisation of a sequence from Billardiera heterophylla (formerly Sollya heterophylla) (Pittosporaceae) showed that the independent evolution of an F3'5'H has occurred at least once also in another family. The evolution of F3'5'H from an F3'H precursor represents a gain of enzymatic function, probably triggered by an amino acid change at one position of substrate recognition site 6. The gain of F3'5'H activity allows for the synthesis of delphinidin-based anthocyanins which usually provide the basis for lilac to blue flower colours. Therefore, the need for an efficient pollinator attraction is probably the driving force behind the multiple F3'5'H evolution.

Latent and active aurone synthase from petals of C. grandiflora: a polyphenol oxidase with unique characteristics

Aurone synthase belongs to the novel group 2 polyphenol oxidases and the presented kinetic characterization suggests a differing aurone biosynthesis in Asteraceae species compared to snapdragon. Aurone synthases (AUS) are polyphenol oxidases (PPO) physiologically involved in the formation of yellow aurone pigments in petals of various Asteraceae species. They catalyze the oxidative conversion of chalcones into aurones. Latent (58.9 kDa) and active (41.6 kDa) aurone synthase from petals of C. grandiflora was purified by a quantitative removal of pigments using aqueous two-phase separation and several subsequent chromatographic steps. The purified enzymes were identified as cgAUS1 (A0A075DN54) and sequence analysis revealed that cgAUS1 is a member of a new group of plant PPOs. Mass determination experiments of intact cgAUS1 gave evidence that the C-terminal domain, usually shielding the active site of latent polyphenol oxidases, is linked to the main core by a disulfide bond. This is a novel and unique structural feature of plant PPOs. Proteolytic activation in vivo leads to active aurone synthase possessing a residual peptide of the C-terminal domain. Kinetic characterization of purified cgAUS1 strongly suggests a specific involvement in 4-deoxyaurone biosynthesis in Coreopsis grandiflora (Asteraceae) that differs in various aspects compared to the 4-hydroxyaurone formation in Antirrhinum majus (Plantaginaceae): cgAUS1 is predicted to be localized in the thylakoid lumen, it possesses exclusively diphenolase activity and the results suggest that aurone formation occurs at the level of chalcone aglycones. The latent enzyme exhibits allosteric activation which changes at a specific product concentration to a constant reaction rate. The presented novel structural and functional properties of aurone synthase provide further insights in the diversity and role of plant PPOs.

Metabolic profiling of chickpea-Fusarium interaction identifies differential modulation of disease resistance pathways

Chickpea is the third most widely grown legume in the world and mainly used as a vegetarian source of human dietary protein. Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri (Foc), is one of the major threats to global chickpea production. Host resistance is the best way to protect crops from diseases; however, in spite of using various approaches, the mechanism of Foc resistance in chickpea remains largely obscure. In the present study, non-targeted metabolic profiling at several time points of resistant and susceptible chickpea cultivars using high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was applied to better understand the mechanistic basis of wilt resistance or susceptibility. Multivariate analysis of the data (OPLS-DA) revealed discriminating metabolites in chickpea root tissue after Foc inoculation such as flavonoids, isoflavonoids, alkaloids, amino acids and sugars. Foc inoculated resistant plants had more flavonoids and isoflavonoids along with their malonyl conjugates. Many antifungal metabolites that were induced after Foc infection viz., aurantion-obstine β-glucosides and querecitin were elevated in resistant cultivar. Overall, diverse genetic and biochemical mechanisms were operational in the resistant cultivar for Foc defense as compared to the susceptible plant. The resistant chickpea plants employed the above-mentioned metabolic pathways as potential defense strategy against Foc.

MATE2 mediates vacuolar sequestration of flavonoid glycosides and glycoside malonates in Medicago truncatula

The majority of flavonoids, such as anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and isoflavones, are stored in the central vacuole, but the molecular basis of flavonoid transport is still poorly understood. Here, we report the functional characterization of a multidrug and toxin extrusion transporter (MATE2), from Medicago truncatula. MATE 2 is expressed primarily in leaves and flowers. Despite its high similarity to the epicatechin 3'-O-glucoside transporter MATE1, MATE2 cannot efficiently transport proanthocyanidin precursors. In contrast, MATE2 shows higher transport capacity for anthocyanins and lower efficiency for other flavonoid glycosides. Three malonyltransferases that are coexpressed with MATE2 were identified. The malonylated flavonoid glucosides generated by these malonyltransferases are more efficiently taken up into MATE2-containing membrane vesicles than are the parent glycosides. Malonylation increases both the affinity and transport efficiency of flavonoid glucosides for uptake by MATE2. Genetic loss of MATE2 function leads to the disappearance of leaf anthocyanin pigmentation and pale flower color as a result of drastic decreases in the levels of various flavonoids. However, some flavonoid glycoside malonates accumulate to higher levels in MATE2 knockouts than in wild-type controls. Deletion of MATE2 increases seed proanthocyanidin biosynthesis, presumably via redirection of metabolic flux from anthocyanin storage.

The creation and physiological relevance of divergent hydroxylation patterns in the flavonoid pathway

Flavonoids and biochemically-related chalcones are important secondary metabolites, which are ubiquitously present in plants and therefore also in human food. They fulfill a broad range of physiological functions in planta and there are numerous reports about their physiological relevance for humans. Flavonoids have in common a basic C(6)-C(3)-C(6) skeleton structure consisting of two aromatic rings (A and B) and a heterocyclic ring (C) containing one oxygen atom, whereas chalcones, as the intermediates in the formation of flavonoids, have not yet established the heterocyclic C-ring. Flavonoids are grouped into eight different classes, according to the oxidative status of the C-ring. The large number of divergent chalcones and flavonoid structures is from the extensive modification of the basic molecules. The hydroxylation pattern influences physiological properties such as light absorption and antioxidative activity, which is the base for many beneficial health effects of flavonoids. In some cases antiinfective properties are also effected.

Jasmonate and ppHsystemin regulate key Malonylation steps in the biosynthesis of 17-Hydroxygeranyllinalool Diterpene Glycosides, an abundant and effective direct defense against herbivores in Nicotiana attenuata

We identified 11 17-hydroxygeranyllinalool diterpene glycosides (HGL-DTGs) that occur in concentrations equivalent to starch (mg/g fresh mass) in aboveground tissues of coyote tobacco (Nicotiana attenuata) and differ in their sugar moieties and malonyl sugar esters (0-2). Concentrations of HGL-DTGs, particularly malonylated compounds, are highest in young and reproductive tissues. Within a tissue, herbivore elicitation changes concentrations and biosynthetic kinetics of individual compounds. Using stably transformed N. attenuata plants silenced in jasmonate production and perception, or production of N. attenuata Hyp-rich glycopeptide systemin precursor by RNA interference, we identified malonylation as the key biosynthetic step regulated by herbivory and jasmonate signaling. We stably silenced N. attenuata geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (ggpps) to reduce precursors for the HGL-DTG skeleton, resulting in reduced total HGL-DTGs and greater vulnerability to native herbivores in the field. Larvae of the specialist tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta) grew up to 10 times as large on ggpps silenced plants, and silenced plants suffered significantly more damage from herbivores in N. attenuata's native habitat than did wild-type plants. We propose that high concentrations of HGL-DTGs effectively defend valuable tissues against herbivores and that malonylation may play an important role in regulating the distribution and storage of HGL-DTGs in plants.

Grapevine MATE-type proteins act as vacuolar H+-dependent acylated anthocyanin transporters

In grapevine (Vitis vinifera), anthocyanins are responsible for most of the red, blue, and purple pigmentation found in the skin of berries. In cells, anthocyanins are synthesized in the cytoplasm and accumulated into the vacuole. However, little is known about the transport of these compounds through the tonoplast. Recently, the sequencing of the grapevine genome allowed us to identify genes encoding proteins with high sequence similarity to the Multidrug And Toxic Extrusion (MATE) family. Among them, we selected two genes as anthocyanin transporter candidates and named them anthoMATE1 (AM1) and AM3. The expression of both genes was mainly fruit specific and concomitant with the accumulation of anthocyanin pigment. Subcellular localization assays in grapevine hairy roots stably transformed with AM1 or AM3green fluorescent protein fusion protein revealed that AM1 and AM3 are primarily localized to the tonoplast. Yeast vesicles expressing anthoMATEs transported acylated anthocyanins in the presence of MgATP. Inhibitor studies demonstrated that AM1 and AM3 proteins act in vitro as vacuolar H(+)-dependent acylated anthocyanin transporters. By contrast, under our experimental conditions, anthoMATEs could not transport malvidin 3-O-glucoside or cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, suggesting that the acyl conjugation was essential for the uptake. Taken together, these results provide evidence that in vitro the two grapevine AM1 and AM3 proteins mediate specifically acylated anthocyanin transport.

Transport and accumulation of flavonoids in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)

Flavonoids are a group of secondary metabolites widely distributed in plants that represent a huge portion of the soluble phenolics present in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). These compounds play different physiological roles and are often involved in protection against biotic and abiotic stress. Even if the flavonoid biosynthetic pathways have been largely characterized, the mechanisms of their transport and accumulation in cell wall and vacuole are still not completely understood. This review analyses the known mechanisms of flavonoid uptake and accumulation in grapevine, with reference to the transport models and membrane carrier proteins described in other plant species. The effect of different environmental factors on flavonoid biosynthesis and transporters is also discussed.

Sad3 and sad4 are required for saponin biosynthesis and root development in oat

Avenacins are antimicrobial triterpene glycosides that are produced by oat (Avena) roots. These compounds confer broad-spectrum resistance to soil pathogens. Avenacin A-1, the major avenacin produced by oats, is strongly UV fluorescent and accumulates in root epidermal cells. We previously defined nine loci required for avenacin synthesis, eight of which are clustered. Mutants affected at seven of these (including Saponin-deficient1 [Sad1], the gene for the first committed enzyme in the pathway) have normal root morphology but reduced root fluorescence. In this study, we focus on mutations at the other two loci, Sad3 (also within the gene cluster) and Sad4 (unlinked), which result in stunted root growth, membrane trafficking defects in the root epidermis, and root hair deficiency. While sad3 and sad4 mutants both accumulate the same intermediate, monodeglucosyl avenacin A-1, the effect on avenacin A-1 glucosylation in sad4 mutants is only partial. sad1/sad1 sad3/sad3 and sad1/sad1 sad4/sad4 double mutants have normal root morphology, implying that the accumulation of incompletely glucosylated avenacin A-1 disrupts membrane trafficking and causes degeneration of the epidermis, with consequential effects on root hair formation. Various lines of evidence indicate that these effects are dosage-dependent. The significance of these data for the evolution and maintenance of the avenacin gene cluster is discussed.

The formation, vacuolar localization, and tonoplast transport of salicylic acid glucose conjugates in tobacco cell suspension cultures

The metabolism of salicylic acid (SA) in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. KY 14) cell suspension cultures was examined by adding [7-14C]SA to the cell cultures for 24 h and identifying the metabolites through high performance liquid chromatography analysis. The three major metabolites of SA were SA 2-O-beta-D: -glucose (SAG), methylsalicylate 2-O-beta-D: -glucose (MeSAG) and methylsalicylate. Studies on the intracellular localization of the metabolites revealed that all of the SAG associated with tobacco protoplasts was localized in the vacuole. However, the majority of the MeSAG was located outside the vacuole. The tobacco cells contained an SA inducible SA glucosyltransferase (SAGT) enzyme that formed SAG. The SAGT enzyme was not associated with the vacuole and appeared to be a cytoplasmic enzyme. The vacuolar transport of SAG was characterized by measuring the uptake of [14C]SAG into tonoplast vesicles isolated from tobacco cell cultures. SAG uptake was stimulated eightfold by the addition of MgATP. The ATP-dependent uptake of SAG was inhibited by bafilomycin A1 (a specific inhibitor of the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase) and dissipation of the transtonoplast H(+)-electrochemical gradient. Vanadate was not an inhibitor of SAG uptake. Several beta-glucose conjugates were strong inhibitors of SAG uptake, whereas glutathione and glucuronide conjugates were only marginally inhibitory. The SAG uptake exhibited Michaelis-Menten type saturation kinetics with a K(m) and V(max) value of 11 microM and 205 pmol min-1 mg-1, respectively, for SAG. Based on the transport characteristics it appears as if the vacuolar uptake of SAG in tobacco cells occurs through an H(+)-antiport-type mechanism.

Uptake of salicylic acid 2-O-beta-D-glucose into soybean tonoplast vesicles by an ATP-binding cassette transporter-type mechanism

In soybean (Glycine max L.), salicylic acid (SA) is converted primarily to SA 2-O-beta-d-glucose (SAG) in the cytoplasm and then accumulates exclusively in the vacuole. However, the mechanism involved in the vacuolar transport of SAG has not been investigated. The vacuolar transport of SAG was characterized by measuring the uptake of [(14)C]SAG into tonoplast vesicles isolated from etiolated soybean hypocotyls. The uptake of SAG was stimulated about six-fold when MgATP was included in the assay media. In contrast, the uptake of SA was only stimulated 1.25-fold by the addition of MgATP and was 2.2-fold less than the uptake of SAG providing an indication that the vacuolar uptake of SA is promoted by glucosylation. The ATP-dependent uptake of SAG was inhibited by increasing concentrations of vanadate (64% inhibition in the presence of 500 microM) but was not very sensitive to inhibition by bafilomycin A(1) (a specific inhibitor of vacuolar H(+)-ATPase; EC 3.6.1.3), and dissipation of the transtonoplast H(+)-electrochemical gradient. The SAG uptake exhibited Michaelis-Menten-type saturation kinetics with a K(m) value of 90 microM for SAG. SAG uptake was inhibited 60% by beta-estradiol 17-(beta-d-glucuronide), but glutathione conjugates and uncharged glucose conjugates were only slightly inhibitory. Based on the characteristics of SAG uptake into soybean tonoplast vesicles it is likely that this uptake occurs through an ATP-binding cassette transporter-type mechanism. However, this vacuolar uptake mechanism is not universal since the uptake of SAG by red beet (Beta vulgaris L) tonoplast vesicles appears to involve an H(+)-antiport mechanism.

Alternate energy-dependent pathways for the vacuolar uptake of glucose and glutathione conjugates

Through the development and application of a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based procedure for measuring the transport of complex organic molecules by vacuolar membrane vesicles in vitro, it is shown that the mechanism of uptake of sulfonylurea herbicides is determined by the ligand, glucose, or glutathione, to which the herbicide is conjugated. ATP-dependent accumulation of glucosylated chlorsulfuron by vacuolar membrane vesicles purified from red beet (Beta vulgaris) storage root approximates Michaelis-Menten kinetics and is strongly inhibited by agents that collapse or prevent the formation of a transmembrane H(+) gradient, but is completely insensitive to the phosphoryl transition state analog, vanadate. In contrast, ATP-dependent accumulation of the glutathione conjugate of a chlorsulfuron analog, chlorimuron-ethyl, is incompletely inhibited by agents that dissipate the transmembrane H(+) gradient but completely abolished by vanadate. In both cases, however, conjugation is essential for net uptake because neither of the unconjugated parent compounds are accumulated under energized or nonenergized conditions. That the attachment of glucose to two naturally occurring phenylpropanoids, p-hydroxycinnamic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid via aromatic hydroxyl groups, targets these compounds to the functional equivalent of the transporter responsible for chlorsulfuron-glucoside transport, confirms the general applicability of the H(+) gradient dependence of glucoside uptake. It is concluded that H(+) gradient-dependent, vanadate-insensitive glucoside uptake is mediated by an H(+) antiporter, whereas vanadate-sensitive glutathione conjugate uptake is mediated by an ATP-binding cassette transporter. In so doing, it is established that liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry affords a versatile high-sensitivity, high-fidelity technique for studies of the transport of complex organic molecules whose synthesis as radiolabeled derivatives is laborious and/or prohibitively expensive.

Flavone glucoside uptake into barley mesophyll and Arabidopsis cell culture vacuoles. Energization occurs by H(+)-antiport and ATP-binding cassette-type mechanisms

In many cases, secondary plant products accumulate in the large central vacuole of plant cells. However, the mechanisms involved in the transport of secondary compounds are only poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the transport mechanisms for the major barley (Hordeum vulgare) flavonoid saponarin (apigenin 6-C-glucosyl-7-O-glucoside) are different in various plant species: Uptake into barley vacuoles occurs via a proton antiport and is competitively inhibited by isovitexin (apigenin 6-C-glucoside), suggesting that both flavone glucosides are recognized by the same transporter. In contrast, the transport into vacuoles from Arabidopsis, which does not synthesize flavone glucosides, displays typical characteristics of ATP-binding cassette transporters. Transport of saponarin into vacuoles of both the species is saturable with a K(m) of 50 to 100 microM. Furthermore, the uptake of saponarin into vacuoles from a barley mutant exhibiting a strongly reduced flavone glucoside biosynthesis is drastically decreased when compared with the parent variety. Thus, the barley vacuolar flavone glucoside/H(+) antiporter could be modulated by the availability of the substrate. We propose that different vacuolar transporters may be responsible for the sequestration of species-specific/endogenous and nonspecific/xenobiotic secondary compounds in planta.

The ABC-like vacuolar transporter for rye mesophyll flavone glucuronides is not species-specific

In many cases, the vacuolar uptake of secondary metabolites has been demonstrated to be strictly specific for a given compound and plant species. While most plants contain glycosylated secondary substances, few cases are known where flavonoids may also carry negative charges, e.g. as glucuronide conjugates. Vacuolar transport of glucosylated phenylpropanoid derivatives has been shown to occur by proton substrate antiport mechanisms (Klein, M., Weissenböck. G., Dufaud, A., Gaillard, C., Kreuz, K., Martinoia, E., 1996. Different energization mechanisms drive the vacuolar uptake of a flavonoid glucoside and a herbicide glucoside. J. Biol. Chem. 271, 29,666-29,671). In contrast, flavone glucuronides appearing specifically in rye mesophyll vacuoles are taken up by direct energisation utilising MgATP, strongly arguing for the presence of an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter belonging to the subfamily of multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRP) on the rye vacuolar membrane (Klein, M., Martinoia, E., Hoffmann-Thoma, G., Weissenböck, G., 2000. A membrane-potential dependent, ubiquitous ABC-like transporter mediates the vacuolar uptake of rye flavone glucuronides regulation of glucturonide uptake by glutathione and its conjugates. Plant Journal 21, 289-304). MRPs are known to transport negatively charged organic anions. Results presented here suggest that the vacuolar directly energised MRP-like glucuronate pump for plant-specific flavone glucuronides is ubiquitously present in diverse plant species since rye flavone glucuronides are taken up into vacuoles isolated from the barley mesophyll or from the broccoli stalk parenchyma representing two species which do not synthesise glucuronidated secondary compounds. According to the transport characteristics and inhibition profile observed we propose the existence of a high-capacity, uncoupler-insensitive vacuolar ABC transporter for flavone glucuronides and possibly other negatively charged organic compounds -- plant-born or xenobiotic -- irrespective of the plant's capability to endogenously produce glucuronidated compounds.

Cell wall sited flavonoids in lisianthus flower petals

Flavonoids are considered to be located predominantly in the vacuoles of epidermal cells and in the cuticular wax of terrestrial plants. However, recent reports have suggested that flavonoids may also reside elsewhere in the cells of green leaves. In the present study of lisianthus flower petals, it is demonstrated that ca. 30% of the whole petal flavonol glycosides are located in the cell wall. These flavonol glycosides are distinguished from the vacuolar glycosides in that they lack acylation. Evidence from light and confocal microscopy studies is corroborated by HPLC analyses of isolated protoplasts and cell wall digests, these having been produced by enzymic treatment of epidermal peels. This is the first report of the occurrence of flavonoids in petal cell walls, and it describes novel methodology for such studies.

AN9, a petunia glutathione S-transferase required for anthocyanin sequestration, is a flavonoid-binding protein

AN9 is a glutathione S-transferase from petunia (Petunia hybrida) required for efficient anthocyanin export from the site of synthesis in the cytoplasm into permanent storage in the vacuole. For many xenobiotics it is well established that a covalent glutathione (GSH) tag mediates recognition of molecules destined for vacuolar sequestration by a tonoplast-localized ATP-binding cassette pump. Here we inquired whether AN9 catalyzes the formation of GSH conjugates with flavonoid substrates. Using high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of reaction mixtures containing enzyme, GSH, and flavonoids, including anthocyanins, we could detect neither conjugates nor a decrease in the free thiol concentration. These results suggest that no conjugate is formed in vitro. However, AN9 was shown to bind flavonoids using three assays: inhibition of the glutathione S-transferase activity of AN9 toward the common substrate 1-chloro 2,4-dinitrobenzene, equilibrium dialysis, and tryptophan quenching. We conclude that AN9 is a flavonoid-binding protein, and propose that in vivo it serves as a cytoplasmic flavonoid carrier protein.

A membrane-potential dependent ABC-like transporter mediates the vacuolar uptake of rye flavone glucuronides: regulation of glucuronide uptake by glutathione and its conjugates

In this paper we present results on the vacuolar uptake mechanism for two flavone glucuronides present in rye mesophyll vacuoles. In contrast to barley flavone glucosides (Klein et al. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 29666-29671), the flavones luteolin 7-O-diglucuronyl-4'-O-glucuronide (R1) and luteolin 7-O-diglucuronide (R2) were taken up into vacuoles isolated from rye via a directly energized mechanism. Kinetic studies suggested that the vacuolar glucuronide transport system is constitutively expressed throughout rye primary leaf development. Competition experiments argued for the existence of a plant MRP-like transporter for plant-specific and non-plant glucuronides such as beta-estradiol 17-(beta-D-glucuronide) (E217G). The interaction of ATP-dependent vacuolar glucuronide uptake with glutathione and its conjugates turned out to be complex: R1 transport was stimulated by dinitrobenzene-GS and reduced glutathione but was inhibited by oxidized glutathione in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, R2 uptake was not increased in the presence of reduced glutathione. Thus, the transport system for plant-derived glucuronides differed from the characteristic stimulation of vacuolar E217G uptake by glutathione conjugates but not by reduced glutathione (Klein et al. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 262-270). Using tonoplast vesicles isolated with an artificial K+ gradient, we demonstrate for the first time for plant MRPs that the ATP-dependent uptake of R1 is membrane-potential dependent. We discuss the kinetic capacity of the ABC-type glucuronide transporter to explain net vacuolar flavone glucuronide accumulation in planta during rye primary leaf development and the possibility of an interaction of potential substrates at both the substrate binding and allosteric sites of the MRP transporter regulating the activity towards a certain substrate.

Flavonoid transport by mammalian endothelial cells

Despite the ever-growing body of literature reporting the effects of flavonoids on animals at both the cellular and systemic levels, one of the most basic questions-"Are the effects of flavonoids on animal cells initiated through their interaction with extracellular targets or intracellular targets?"-has yet to be addressed. Because many effects of flavonoids on cells can be detected within minutes of flavonoid application and because flavonoids diffuse across lipid membranes slowly or not at all, intracellular mechanisms would necessitate a flavonoid transport system for rapid flavonoid uptake. The specific aims of this investigation were (1) to determine if endothelial cells contain a mechanism that mediates rapid flavonoid uptake and (2) to provide evidence for or against the hypothesis that rapid flavonoid effects on endothelial cell synthesis of prostacyclin and endothelin are initiated through the interaction of flavonoids with intracellular targets. Data show that bovine and human aortic endothelial cells possess a transport system that mediates rapid uptake of the flavonoid morin and suggest that the flavonoid uptake system utilizes a variety of oxygenated phenolic compounds as substrates. Further investigation into flavonoid transport should expedite future investigation into the mechanisms of flavonoid actions, because it may allow research to focus on the cellular locations where flavonoids are concentrated. Although endothelial cells contain a mechanism for the rapid uptake of morin, data reported herein suggest that morin initiates its rapid effects on endothelial cell synthesis of prostacyclin and endothelin through an interaction with extracellular targets.

Different energization mechanisms drive the vacuolar uptake of a flavonoid glucoside and a herbicide glucoside

Glycosylation of endogenous secondary plant products and abiotic substances such as herbicides increases their water solubility and enables vacuolar deposition of these potentially toxic substances. We characterized and compared the transport mechanisms of two glucosides, isovitexin, a native barley flavonoid C-glucoside and hydroxyprimisulfuron-glucoside, a herbicide glucoside, into barley vacuoles. Uptake of isovitexin is saturable (Km = 82 microM) and stimulated by MgATP 1.3-1.5-fold. ATP-dependent uptake was inhibited by bafilomycin A1, a specific inhibitor of vacuolar H+-ATPase, but not by vanadate. Transport of isovitexin is strongly inhibited after dissipation of the DeltapH or the DeltaPsi across the vacuolar membrane. Uptake experiments with the heterologue flavonoid orientin and competition experiments with other phenolic compounds suggest that transport of flavonoid glucosides into barley vacuoles is specific for apigenin derivatives. In contrast, transport of hydroxyprimisulfuron-glucoside is strongly stimulated by MgATP (2.5-3 fold), not sensitive toward bafilomycin, and much less sensitive to dissipation of the DeltapH, but strongly inhibited by vanadate. Uptake of hydroxyprimisulfuron-glucoside is also stimulated by MgGTP or MgUTP by about 2-fold. Transport of both substrates is not stimulated by ATP or Mg2+ alone, ADP, or the nonhydrolyzable ATP analogue 5'-adenylyl-beta,gamma-imidodiphosphate. Our results suggest that different uptake mechanisms exist in the vacuolar membrane, a DeltapH-dependent uptake mechanism for specific endogenous flavonoid-glucosides, and a directly energized mechanism for abiotic glucosides, which appears to be the main transport system for these substrates. The herbicide glucoside may therefore be transported by an additional member of the ABC transporters.

THE FUNCTIONS AND REGULATION OF GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASES IN PLANTS

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play roles in both normal cellular metabolism as well as in the detoxification of a wide variety of xenobiotic compounds, and they have been intensively studied with regard to herbicide detoxification in plants. A newly discovered plant GST subclass has been implicated in numerous stress responses, including those arising from pathogen attack, oxidative stress, and heavy-metal toxicity. In addition, plant GSTs play a role in the cellular response to auxins and during the normal metabolism of plant secondary products like anthocyanins and cinnamic acid. This review presents the current knowledge about the functions of GSTs in regard to both herbicides and endogenous substrates. The catalytic mechanism of GST activity as well as the fate of glutathione S-conjugates are reviewed. Finally, a summary of what is known about the gene structure and regulation of plant GSTs is presented.

Formation of trans-caffeoyl-CoA from trans-4-coumaroyl-CoA by Zn2+-dependent enzymes in cultured plant cells and its activation by an elicitor-induced pH shift

A novel hydroxylase activity catalyzing the formation of trans-caffeoyl-CoA from trans-4-coumaroyl-CoA was identified in crude extracts from cultured parsley cells. The extracts were less active (Vmax/Km) in converting trans-4-coumaric to trans-caffeic acid. Optimal hydroxylase activity was found at pH 6.5 with a steep decline toward both pH 7.4 and pH 5.0. The enzyme activity requires ascorbate and Zn2+ at optimal concentrations of 50 and 0.5 mM, respectively. No other reductant could replace ascorbate, whereas high concentrations of Ca2+ partially substituted for Zn2+. The enzyme is soluble and appears to be located in the cytoplasm. The unusual pH optimum suggests that the hydroxylase is inactive at the normal cytoplasmic pH. Upon treatment of parsley cells with an elicitor derived from Phytophthora megasperma f. sp. glycinea, the cytoplasmic pH dropped by approximately 0.25 pH unit within 55 min as determined by 31P NMR spectroscopy. Our results suggest that this shift in the cytoplasmic pH is sufficient for the activation of the hydroxylase, eventually leading to the formation of caffeoyl and feruloyl esters. Such esters may be a part of a very rapid resistance response of the plant cells, which would leave no time for de novo enzyme synthesis.

Biosynthesis of phenolic compounds inVitis vinifera cell suspension cultures: Study on hydroxycinnamoyl CoA:ligase

In cell suspensions cultures from grape berry pulp (Vitis vinifera cv. Gamay fréaux)hydroxycinnamoyl CoA ligase (CoAL) displayed maximum activity (100 %) forp-coumaric acid and then, in decreasing order, for ferulic acid (81.3 %) and caffeic acid (60.4 %). No activity was detected with sinapic and cinnamic acids. The changes in CoAL activity during the growth cycle of the culture displayed two peaks : the highest (6 h after subculturing) was linked with a strong increase in protein caused by dilution ; the second was weaker and occurred on the 7th day of culture.Grape cell suspension accumulated mainly peonidin (Pn) and cyanidin (Cy) glucosides (Pn 3-glucoside, Cy 3-glucoside, Pn 3-acetylglucoside, Pn 3-caffeylglucoside, Pn 3-p-coumarylglucoside, and Cy 3-p-coumarylglucoside). Maximum accumulation of anthocyanins was associated with the exponential growth phase of the culture and might be the result of the substantial increase in CoAL activity resulting from the effect of dilution. The second enzyme activity peak was probably oriented towards the acylation of anthocyanins since the percentage of acylated forms increased with time after subculturing.

Chalcone synthases from spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) : II. Immunofluorescence and immunogold localization

The distribution of the two chalcone synthases in leaves ofSpinacia oleracea L. was studied at both the tissue and the subcellular level using immunofluorescence and immunogold techniques. Neither technique differentiated between the two enzyme forms. The chalcone synthases are located in the upper and the lower epidermis and to a minor extent in the subepidermal layers. Traces of the two enzyme forms may be present in the residual mesophyll. This distribution is independent of leaf age. A similar distribution of chalcone synthase among tissues was observed in parsley, pea, and bean. Chalcone synthase is also present in guard cells. The spinach chalcone synthases are cytosolic enzymes, and are not associated with tonoplast or endoplasmic reticulum. A small fraction of the chalcone synthases is located in the stroma of the chloroplasts.

The uptake of acylated anthocyanin into isolated vacuoles from a cell suspension culture of Daucus carota

Anthocyanin-containing vacuoles were isolated from protoplasts of a cell suspension culture of Daucus carota. The vacuoles were stable for at least 2 h as demonstrated by the fact that they showed no efflux of anthocyanin. The uptake of radioactively labelled anthocyanin was time-dependent with a pH optimum at 7.5, and could be inhibited by the protonophore carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone. Furthermore, the transport was specific, since vacuoles from other plant species showed no uptake of labelled anthocyanin, and strongly depended on acylation with sinapic acid, as deacylated glycosides were not taken up by isolated vacuoles. Hence, it is suggested that the acylation of anthocyanin, which is also required for the stabilization of colour in vacuoles, is important for transport, and that acylated anthocyanin is transported by a selective carrier and might be trapped by a pH-dependent conformational change of the molecule inside the acid vacuolar sap.