Induced net Ca(2+) uptake and callose biosynthesis in suspension-cultured plant cells

The multifarious role of callose and callose synthase in plant development and environment interactions

Callose is an important linear form of polysaccharide synthesized in plant cell walls. It is mainly composed of β-1,3-linked glucose residues with rare amount of β-1,6-linked branches. Callose can be detected in almost all plant tissues and are widely involved in various stages of plant growth and development. Callose is accumulated on plant cell plates, microspores, sieve plates, and plasmodesmata in cell walls and is inducible upon heavy metal treatment, pathogen invasion, and mechanical wounding. Callose in plant cells is synthesized by callose synthases located on the cell membrane. The chemical composition of callose and the components of callose synthases were once controversial until the application of molecular biology and genetics in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana that led to the cloning of genes encoding synthases responsible for callose biosynthesis. This minireview summarizes the research progress of plant callose and its synthetizing enzymes in recent years to illustrate the important and versatile role of callose in plant life activities.

A substrate of the ABC transporter PEN3 stimulates bacterial flagellin (flg22)-induced callose deposition in Arabidopsis thaliana

Nonhost resistance of Arabidopsis thaliana against Phytophthora infestans, a filamentous eukaryotic microbe and the causal agent of potato late blight, is based on a multilayered defense system. Arabidopsis thaliana controls pathogen entry through the penetration-resistance genes PEN2 and PEN3, encoding an atypical myrosinase and an ABC transporter, respectively, required for synthesis and export of unknown indole compounds. To identify pathogen-elicited leaf surface metabolites and further unravel nonhost resistance in Arabidopsis, we performed untargeted metabolite profiling by incubating a P. infestans zoospore suspension on leaves of WT or pen3 mutant Arabidopsis plants. Among the plant-secreted metabolites, 4-methoxyindol-3-yl-methanol and S-(4-methoxy-indol-3-yl-methyl) cysteine were detected in spore suspensions recollected from WT plants, but at reduced levels from the pen3 mutant plants. In both whole-cell and microsome-based assays, 4-methoxyindol-3-yl-methanol was transported in a PEN3-dependent manner, suggesting that this compound is a PEN3 substrate. The syntheses of both compounds were dependent on functional PEN2 and phytochelatin synthase 1. None of these compounds inhibited mycelial growth of P. infestans in vitro Of note, exogenous application of 4-methoxyindol-3-yl methanol slightly elevated cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels and enhanced callose deposition in hydathodes of seedlings treated with a bacterial pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), flagellin (flg22). Loss of flg22-induced callose deposition in leaves of pen3 seedlings was partially reverted by the addition of 4-methoxyindol-3-yl methanol. In conclusion, we have identified a specific indole compound that is a substrate for PEN3 and contributes to the plant defense response against microbial pathogens.

Embryogenic competence of microspores is associated with their ability to form a callosic, osmoprotective subintinal layer

Microspore embryogenesis is an experimental morphogenic pathway with important applications in basic research and applied plant breeding, but its genetic, cellular, and molecular bases are poorly understood. We applied a multidisciplinary approach using confocal and electron microscopy, detection of Ca2+, callose, and cellulose, treatments with caffeine, digitonin, and endosidin7, morphometry, qPCR, osmometry, and viability assays in order to study the dynamics of cell wall formation during embryogenesis induction in a high-response rapeseed (Brassica napus) line and two recalcitrant rapeseed and eggplant (Solanum melongena) lines. Formation of a callose-rich subintinal layer (SL) was common to microspore embryogenesis in the different genotypes. However, this process was directly related to embryogenic response, being greater in high-response genotypes. A link could be established between Ca2+ influx, abnormal callose/cellulose deposition, and the genotype-specific embryogenic competence. Callose deposition in inner walls and SLs are independent processes, regulated by different callose synthases. Viability and control of internal osmolality are also related to SL formation. In summary, we identified one of the causes of recalcitrance to embryogenesis induction: a reduced or absent protective SL. In responding genotypes, SLs are markers for changes in cell fate and serve as osmoprotective barriers to increase viability in imbalanced in vitro environments. Genotype-specific differences relate to different responses against abiotic (heat/osmotic) stresses.

Integrating Hormone- and Micromolecule-Mediated Signaling with Plasmodesmal Communication

Intercellular and supracellular communications through plasmodesmata are involved in vital processes for plant development and physiological responses. Micro- and macromolecules, including hormones, RNA, and proteins, serve as biological information vectors that traffic through the plasmodesmata between cells. Previous studies demonstrated that the plasmodesmata are elaborately regulated, whereby a long queue of multiple signaling molecules forms. However, the mechanism by which these signals are coupled or coordinated in terms of simultaneous transport in a single channel remains a puzzle. In the last few years, several phytohormones that could function as both non-cell-autonomous signals and plasmodesmal regulators have been disclosed. Plasmodesmal regulators such as auxin, salicylic acid, reactive oxygen species, gibberellic acids, chitin, and jasmonic acid could regulate intercellular trafficking by adjusting plasmodesmal permeability. Here, callose, along with β-glucan synthase and β-glucanase, plays a critical role in regulating plasmodesmal permeability. Interestingly, most of the previously identified regulators are capable of diffusing through the plasmodesmata. Given the small sizes of these molecules, the plasmodesmata are prominent intercellular channels that allow diffusion-based movement of those signaling molecules. Obviously, intercellular communication is under the control of a major mechanism, named a feedback loop, at the plasmodesmata, which mediates complicated biological behaviors. Prospective research on the mechanism of coupling micromolecules at the plasmodesmata for developmental signaling and nutrient provision will help us to understand how plants coordinate their development and photosynthetic assimilation, which is important for agriculture.

Auxin-callose-mediated plasmodesmal gating is essential for tropic auxin gradient formation and signaling

In plants, auxin functions as a master controller of development, pattern formation, morphogenesis, and tropic responses. A sophisticated transport system has evolved to allow the establishment of precise spatiotemporal auxin gradients that regulate specific developmental programs. A critical unresolved question relates to how these gradients can be maintained in the presence of open plasmodesmata that allow for symplasmic exchange of essential nutrients and signaling macromolecules. Here we addressed this conundrum using genetic, physiological, and cell biological approaches and identified the operation of an auxin-GSL8 feedback circuit that regulates the level of plasmodesmal-localized callose in order to locally downregulate symplasmic permeability during hypocotyl tropic response. This system likely involves a plasmodesmal switch that would prevent the dissipation of a forming gradient by auxin diffusion through the symplasm. This regulatory system may represent a mechanism by which auxin could also regulate symplasmic delivery of a wide range of signaling agents.

Spinning of a gigantic bundle of hollow fibrils by a spirally moving higher plant protoplast

A unique fiber spinning was found in protoplasts from white birch (Betula platyphylla) leaves under an acidic medium containing high concentration of Ca(2+). After expanding from 10 to 100 microm in diameter under the culture condition, the protoplast started secreting a gigantic fiber while moving in a spiral way. Real time video analyses elucidated that the orientation, rate and pattern of the motion were directed due to the inverse force of the fiber spinning. Moreover, observation using several microscopic methods accompanied with histochemical staining and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis indicated that the fiber was composed of 400-500 nm wide (1-->3)-beta-glucan hollow sub-fibrils. This entire phenomenon may be a response against the stress imposed. The observation presented provides an understanding of the unique relationship between fiber spinning and the bottom-up fiber fabrication from nano to micro scales.

Effect of boron on the expression of aluminium toxicity in Phaseolus vulgaris

The interaction of boron (B) and aluminium (Al) was investigated in 5-day-old seedlings of soybean cv. Maple Arrow. Al treatment inhibited root elongation and callose formation in root tips particularly after 4-h Al treatment. After 10 and 24 h, both parameters indicated increasing recovery from Al stress. B deficiency aggravated Al toxicity compared with B sufficiency. B deficiency did lead to an increase in unmethylated pectin in the first 3 mm of the root tip. This increase in potential binding sites is reflected in generally higher Al contents in root tips of B-deficient plants. A fractionated extraction of Al from the root tips showed that citrate-exchangeable and non-exchangeable Al steeply increased up to 4 h, but then decreased after 10- and 24-h Al treatment faster in B-sufficient than in B-deficient plants. This decrease of Al contents can be explained by an Al-enhanced release of citrate from the root tips after 10-h Al treatment. However, the citrate exudation rate was the same (after 10 h) or even lower (after 24 h) in B-sufficient plants and thus cannot explain the faster decrease in Al contents of the root tips compared with the B-deficient plants. We, therefore, propose that under B deficiency, Al is more strongly bound by the pectic network of the cell wall of the root tips, which delays or prevents the recovery from initial Al stress through exudation of citrate, and thus explains the greater Al sensitivity of B-deficient common bean roots.

The protein kinase inhibitor, K-252a, decreases elicitor-induced Ca2+ uptake and K+ release, and increases coumarin synthesis in parsley cells

An elicitor preparation from fungal cell walls known to induce coumarin synthesis in suspension-cultured parsley cells also elicits a rapid and transient Ca2+ uptake, K+ release and external alkalinization, and increases uptake of 45Ca2+ into the cells. The latter three responses were inhibited by the protein kinase inhibitor K-252a at 0.2 microM. Elicitor-induced coumarin synthesis, a process which requires gene activation, was greatly enhanced by K-252a. These results suggest that protein phosphorylation might be involved in the initial steps of signal transduction as well as in the long-term induction of coumarin synthesis.

Effects of nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem on tip growth inFunaria hygrometrica

Protonemata ofFunaria hygrometrica Sibth. were treated with nifedipine, verapamil, or diltiazem. Responses to each of the drugs were, on the one hand, reduction of growth rate and tip cell length and, on the other hand, formation of apical swellings in caulonema tip cells and of anomalously oriented separation walls between main filaments and young side branches. The first effect is regarded as a more general expression of inhibition while the second complex of effects is attributed to perturbations in directed vesicle transport. Replacement of drug-containing media by normal Knop agar demonstrated the reversibility of inhibitor action: growth parameters were comparable to those of control protonemata within a few hours. A fast reaction, the formation of subapical vacoules, occurred within minutes of drug application and was only observed with verapamil and diltiazem. In connection with this process, rapid migrations of chloroplasts took place, but examination of the microtubule cytoskeleton in such cells by indirect immunofluorescence with a monoclonal antibody against tubulin showed an intact microtubule network. callose deposits in tip cells treated with verapamil. They were polarly distributed and started to appear in cell apices about 2h after the beginning of verapamil application. Two mechanisms of action for the tested inhibitors are discussed: (i) perturbations of membrane permeability by interference with one or more of the cell's Ca(2+)-transport systems, and (ii) a more indirect mechanism affecting vesicle transport via the microfilament system.

The degrees of polymerization and N-acetylation of chitosan determine its ability to elicit callose formation in suspension cells and protoplasts of Catharanthus roseus

Partially and fully deacetylated chitosan fragments and oligomers were compared for their potency to elicit formation of the 1.3-β-glucan callose in suspension-cultured cells and protoplasts of Catharanthus roseus (line 385). Chitosan oligomers induced little callose formation, while callose synthesis increased with the degree of polymerization of chitosan up to several thousand corresponding to a molecular mass near 10(6) Da. At a comparable degree of polymerization, partially N-acetylated chitosan fragments were less effective. Colloidal chitin and chitin oligomers induced only trace callose synthesis in protoplasts. These results indicate that the primary interaction involved the amino groups of chitosan and numerous negative charges at the surface of the plasma membrane with spacing in the nanometer range and occurring regularly over micrometer stretches. Charged phospholipid head-groups may fulfill these requirements. The resulting alteration of membrane fluidity may lead to the changes in ion transport known to be associated with the induction of callose formation.

Chitosan-elicited synthesis of callose and of coumarin derivatives in parsley cell suspension cultures

In suspension cultured cells of parsley (Petroselinum crispum), chitosan elicited a rapid deposition of the 1,3-ß-glucan callose on the cell wall and a slower formation of coumarins. With cells remaining in conditioned growth medium, fully N-deacetylated chitosans and partially N-acetylated chitosans were about equally active, the potency increased with the degree of polymerization up to several thousand and addition of reduced glutathione increased the sensitivity of the cells. These results indicate common initial events in the induction of callose and coumarin synthesis although two fully independent metabolic pathways are involved. When the cells were suspended in fresh growth medium, less chitosan was required, and fully N-deacetylated chitosan became the best callose elicitor.

Calcium ion involvement in growth inhibition of mechanically stressed soybean (Glycine max) seedlings

A 40-50% reduction in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Century 84] hypocotyl elongation occurred 24 h after application of mechanical stress. Exogenous Ca2+ at 10 mM inhibited growth by 28% if applied with the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 to the zone of maximum hypocotyl elongation. La3+ was even more inhibitory than Ca2+, especially above 5 mM. Treatment with ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethylether)-N, N, N', N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) alone had no effect on growth of non-stressed seedlings at the concentrations used but negated stress-induced growth reduction by 36% at 4 mM when compared to non-treated, stressed controls. Treatment with EDTA was ineffective in negating stress-induced growth inhibition. Calmodulin antagonists calmidazolium, chlorpromazine, and 48/80 also negated stress-induced growth reduction by 23, 50, and 35%, respectively.