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Rafińska K, Niedojadło K, Świdziński M, Bednarska-Kozakiewicz E. Distribution of exchangeable Ca 2+ during the process of Larix decidua Mill. pollination and germination. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5639. [PMID: 38454044 PMCID: PMC10920793 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54903-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The involvement of Ca2+ ions in angiosperms sexual processes is well established, while in gymnosperms, such knowledge remains limited and is still a topic of discussion. In this study, we focused on Larix decidua, using Alizarin-red S staining and the pyroantimonate method to examine the tissue and subcellular distribution of free and loosely bound Ca2+ ions at different stages of the male gametophyte's development and its interaction with the ovule. Our findings show that in larch, both the germination of pollen grains and the growth of pollen tubes occur in an environment rich in Ca2+. These ions play a crucial role in the adhesion of the pollen grain to the stigmatic tip and its subsequent movement to the micropylar canal. There is a significant presence of free and loosely bound Ca2+ ions in both the fluid of the micropylar canal and the extracellular matrix of the nucellus. As the pollen tube extends through the nucellus, we observed a notable accumulation of Ca2+ ions just above the entry to the mature archegonium, a region likely crucial for the male gametophyte's directional growth. Meanwhile, the localized presence of free and loosely bound Ca2+ ions within the egg cell cytoplasm may inhibit the pollen tubes growth and rupture, playing an important role in fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Rafińska
- Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalysis, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina 7, 87-100, Toruń, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Niedojadło
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Toruń, Poland.
| | - Michał Świdziński
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Toruń, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Bednarska-Kozakiewicz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Toruń, Poland
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Szymańska S, Deja-Sikora E, Sikora M, Niedojadło K, Mazur J, Hrynkiewicz K. Colonization of Raphanus sativus by human pathogenic microorganisms. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1296372. [PMID: 38426059 PMCID: PMC10902717 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1296372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Contamination of vegetables with human pathogenic microorganisms (HPMOs) is considered one of the most important problems in the food industry, as current nutritional guidelines include increased consumption of raw or minimally processed organic vegetables due to healthy lifestyle promotion. Vegetables are known to be potential vehicles for HPMOs and sources of disease outbreaks. In this study, we tested the susceptibility of radish (Raphanus sativus) to colonization by different HPMOs, including Escherichia coli PCM 2561, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica PCM 2565, Listeria monocytogenes PCM 2191 and Bacillus cereus PCM 1948. We hypothesized that host plant roots containing bactericidal compounds are less prone to HPMO colonization than shoots and leaves. We also determined the effect of selected pathogens on radish growth to check host plant-microbe interactions. We found that one-week-old radish is susceptible to colonization by selected HPMOs, as the presence of the tested HPMOs was demonstrated in all organs of R. sativus. The differences were noticed 2 weeks after inoculation because B. cereus was most abundant in roots (log10 CFU - 2.54), S. enterica was observed exclusively in stems (log10 CFU - 3.15), and L. monocytogenes and E. coli were most abundant in leaves (log10 CFU - 4.80 and 3.23, respectively). The results suggest that E. coli and L. monocytogenes show a higher ability to colonize and move across the plant than B. cereus and S. enterica. Based on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) approach HPMOs were detected in extracellular matrix and in some individual cells of all analyzed organs. The presence of pathogens adversely affected the growth parameters of one-week-old R. sativus, especially leaf and stem fresh weight (decreased by 47-66 and 17-57%, respectively). In two-week-old plants, no reduction in plant biomass development was noted. This observation may result from plant adaptation to biotic stress caused by the presence of HPMOs, but confirmation of this assumption is needed. Among the investigated HPMOs, L. monocytogenes turned out to be the pathogen that most intensively colonized the aboveground part of R. sativus and at the same time negatively affected the largest number of radish growth parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Szymańska
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Edyta Deja-Sikora
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Marcin Sikora
- Center for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Niedojadło
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Justyna Mazur
- Center for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Hrynkiewicz
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
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Cárdenas-Pérez S, Niedojadło K, Mierek-Adamska A, Dąbrowska GB, Piernik A. Maternal salinity influences anatomical parameters, pectin content, biochemical and genetic modifications of two Salicornia europaea populations under salt stress. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2968. [PMID: 35194050 PMCID: PMC8863803 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06385-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Salicornia europaea is among the most salt-tolerant of plants, and is widely distributed in non-tropical regions. Here, we investigated whether maternal habitats can influence different responses in physiology and anatomy depending on environmental conditions. We studied the influence of maternal habitat on S. europaea cell anatomy, pectin content, biochemical and enzymatic modifications under six different salinity treatments of a natural-high-saline habitat (~ 1000 mM) (Ciechocinek [Cie]) and an anthropogenic-lower-saline habitat (~ 550 mM) (Inowrocław [Inw]). The Inw population showed the highest cell area and roundness of stem water storing cells at high salinity and had the maximum proline, carotenoid, protein, catalase activity within salt treatments, and a maximum high and low methyl esterified homogalacturonan content. The Cie population had the highest hydrogen peroxide and peroxidase activity along with the salinity gradient. Gene expression analysis of SeSOS1 and SeNHX1 evidenced the differences between the studied populations and suggested the important role of Na+ sequestration into the vacuoles. Our results suggest that the higher salt tolerance of Inw may be derived from a less stressed maternal salinity that provides a better adaptive plasticity of S. europaea. Thus, the influence of the maternal environment may provide physiological and anatomical modifications of local populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cárdenas-Pérez
- Chair of Geobotany and Landscape Planning, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Toruń, Poland.
| | - K Niedojadło
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Toruń, Poland
| | - A Mierek-Adamska
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Toruń, Poland.,Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Wileńska 4, 87-100, Toruń, Poland
| | - G B Dąbrowska
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Toruń, Poland
| | - A Piernik
- Chair of Geobotany and Landscape Planning, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Toruń, Poland
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Płachno BJ, Kapusta M, Stolarczyk P, Bogucka-Kocka A. Spatiotemporal Distribution of Homogalacturonans and Hemicelluloses in the Placentas, Ovules and Female Gametophytes of Utricularia nelumbifolia during Pollination. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030475. [PMID: 35159284 PMCID: PMC8834615 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Utricularia nelumbifolia is a large carnivorous plant that is endemic to Brazil. It forms an extra-ovular female gametophyte, which surpasses the entire micropylar canal and extends beyond the limit of the integument and invades the placenta tissues. Due to the atypical behavior of the female gametophyte, it is interesting to determine the interaction between the gametophyte and sporophytic tissue. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the placenta, the ovular tissues, the hypertrophied central cell and the integument in guiding the pollen tube in Utricularia nelumbifolia Gardner by studying the distribution of homogalacturonans and hemicelluloses. It was also determined whether the distribution of the homogalacturonans (HG) and hemicelluloses in Utricularia are dependent on pollination. The antibodies directed against the wall components (anti-pectin: JIM5, JIM7, LM19, LM20 and the anti-hemicelluloses: LM25, LM11, LM15, LM20, LM21) were used. Because both low- and high-esterified HG and xyloglucan were observed in the placenta, ovule (integument, chalaza) and female gametophyte of both pollinated and unpollinated flowers, the occurrence of these cell-wall components was not dependent on pollination. After fertilization, low methyl-esterified HGs were still observed in the cell walls of somatic cells and female gametophyte. However, in the case of high-esterified HG, the signal was weak and occurred only in the cell walls of the somatic cells. Because xyloglucans were observed in the cell walls of the synergids and egg cells, this suggests that they play a role in sexual reproduction. Utricularia nelumbifolia with an extra ovule-female gametophyte is presented as an attractive model for studying the male-female dialogue in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz J. Płachno
- Department of Plant Cytology and Embryology, Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, 9 Gronostajowa St., 30-387 Kraków, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-12-664-6039
| | - Małgorzata Kapusta
- Department of Plant Cytology and Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, 59 Wita Stwosza St., 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Piotr Stolarczyk
- Department of Botany, Physiology and Plant Protection, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture, University of Agriculture in Kraków, 29 Listopada 54 Ave., 31-425 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Anna Bogucka-Kocka
- Chair and Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
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Rafińska K, Niedojadło K, Świdziński M, Niedojadło J, Bednarska-Kozakiewicz E. Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Arabinogalactan Proteins during Larix decidua Mill. Male Gametophyte and Ovule Interaction. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094298. [PMID: 33919026 PMCID: PMC8122408 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of ArabinoGalactan Proteins (AGPs) in the sexual reproduction of gymnosperms is not as well documented as that of angiosperms. In earlier studies, we demonstrated that AGPs play important roles during ovule differentiation in Larix decidua Mill. The presented results encouraged us to carry out further studies focused on the functions of these unique glycoproteins during pollen/pollen tube and ovule interactions in Larix. We identified and analyzed the localization of AGPs epitopes by JIM4, JIM8, JIM13 and LM2 antibodies (Abs) in male gametophytes and ovule tissue during pollination, the progamic phase, and after fertilization and in vitro growing pollen tubes. Our results indicated that (1) AGPs recognized by JIM4 Abs play an essential role in the interaction of male gametophytes and ovules because their appearance in ovule cells is induced by physical contact between reproductive partners; (2) after pollination, AGPs are secreted from the pollen cytoplasm into the pollen wall and contact the extracellular matrix of stigmatic tip cells followed by micropylar canal cells; (3) AGPs synthesized in nucellus cells before pollen grain germination are secreted during pollen tube growth into the extracellular matrix, where they can directly interact with male gametophytes; (4) in vitro cultured pollen tube AGPs labeled with LM2 Abs participate in the germination of pollen grain, while AGPs recognized by JIM8 Abs are essential for pollen tube tip growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Rafińska
- Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina 7, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Niedojadło
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland; (M.Ś.); (J.N.); (E.B.-K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Michał Świdziński
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland; (M.Ś.); (J.N.); (E.B.-K.)
| | - Janusz Niedojadło
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland; (M.Ś.); (J.N.); (E.B.-K.)
| | - Elżbieta Bednarska-Kozakiewicz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland; (M.Ś.); (J.N.); (E.B.-K.)
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Francin-Allami M, Alvarado C, Daniel S, Geairon A, Saulnier L, Guillon F. Spatial and temporal distribution of cell wall polysaccharides during grain development of Brachypodium distachyon. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 280:367-382. [PMID: 30824016 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2018.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Brachypodium distachyon (Brachypodium) is now well considered as being a suitable plant model for studying temperate cereal crops. Its cell walls are phylogenetically intermediate between rice and poaceae, with a greater proximity to these latter. By microscopic and biochemical approaches, this work gives an overview of the temporal and spatial distribution of cell wall polysaccharides in the grain of Brachypodium from the end of the cellularization step to the maturation of grain. Variation in arabinoxylan chemical structure and distribution were demonstrated according to development and different grain tissues. In particular, the kinetic of arabinoxylan feruloylation was shown occuring later in the aleurone layers compared to storage endosperm. Mixed linked β-glucan was detected in whole the tissues of Brachypodium grain even at late stage of development. Cellulose was found in both the storage endosperm and the outer layers. Homogalacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan I epitopes were differentially distributed within the grain tissues. LM5 galactan epitope was restricted to the aleurone layers contrary to LM6 arabinan epitope which was detected in the whole endosperm. A massive deposition of highly methylated homogalacturonans in vesicular bodies was observed underneath the cell wall of the testa t2 layer at early stage of development. At maturity, low-methylated homogalacturonans totally fulfilled the lumen of the t2 cell layer, suggesting pectin remodeling during grain development. Xyloglucans were only detected in the cuticle above the testa early in the development of the grain while feruloylated arabinoxylans were preferentially deposited into the cell wall of t1 layer. Indeed, the circumscribed distribution of some of the cell wall polysaccharides raises questions about their role in grain development and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camille Alvarado
- INRA, UR 1268 Biopolymères Interactions Assemblages, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Sylviane Daniel
- INRA, UR 1268 Biopolymères Interactions Assemblages, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Audrey Geairon
- INRA, UR 1268 Biopolymères Interactions Assemblages, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Luc Saulnier
- INRA, UR 1268 Biopolymères Interactions Assemblages, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Fabienne Guillon
- INRA, UR 1268 Biopolymères Interactions Assemblages, 44000, Nantes, France
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Lora J, Laux T, Hormaza JI. The role of the integuments in pollen tube guidance in flowering plants. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 221:1074-1089. [PMID: 30169910 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In angiosperms, pollen tube entry into the ovule generally takes place through the micropyle, but the exact role of the micropyle in pollen tube guidance remains unclear. A limited number of studies have examined eudicots with bitegmic micropyles, but information is lacking in ovules of basal/early-divergent angiosperms with unitegmic micropyles. We have evaluated the role of the micropyle in pollen tube guidance in an early-divergent angiosperm (Annona cherimola) and the evolutionarily derived Arabidopsis thaliana by studying γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) in wild-type plants and integument-defective mutants. A conserved inhibitory role of GABA in pollen tube growth was shown in A. cherimola, in which AGPs surround the egg apparatus. In Arabidopsis, the micropyle formed only by the outer integument in wuschel-7 mutants caused a partial defect in pollen tube guidance. Moreover, pollen tubes were not observed in the micropyle of an inner no outer (ino) mutant in Arabidopsis, but were observed in homologous ino mutants in Annona. The similar distribution of GABA and AGPs observed in the micropyle of Arabidopsis and Annona, together with the anomalies from specific integument mutants, support the role of the inner integument in preventing multiple tube entrance (polytubey) in these two phylogenetically distant genera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Lora
- Department of Subtropical Fruit Crops, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea 'La Mayora' (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), 29750, Algarrobo-Costa, Málaga, Spain
| | - Thomas Laux
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - José I Hormaza
- Department of Subtropical Fruit Crops, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea 'La Mayora' (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), 29750, Algarrobo-Costa, Málaga, Spain
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8
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Gawecki R, Sala K, Kurczyńska EU, Świątek P, Płachno BJ. Immunodetection of some pectic, arabinogalactan proteins and hemicellulose epitopes in the micropylar transmitting tissue of apomictic dandelions (Taraxacum, Asteraceae, Lactuceae). PROTOPLASMA 2017; 254:657-668. [PMID: 27154759 PMCID: PMC5309284 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-016-0980-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
In apomictic Taraxacum species, the development of both the embryo and the endosperm does not require double fertilisation. However, a structural reduction of ovular transmitting tissue was not observed in apomictic dandelions. The aim of this study was to analyse the chemical composition of the cell walls to describe the presence of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs), hemicellulose and some pectic epitopes in the micropylar transmitting tissue of apomictic Taraxacum. The results point to (1) the similar distribution of AGPs in different developmental stages, (2) the absence of highly methyl-esterified homogalacturonan (HG) in transmitting tissue of ovule containing a mature embryo sac and the appearance of this pectin domain in the young seed containing the embryo and endosperm, (3) the similar pattern of low methyl-esterified pectin occurrence in both an ovule and a young seed with an embryo and endosperm in apomictic Taraxacum and (4) the presence of hemicelluloses recognised by LM25 and LM21 antibodies in the reproductive structure of Taraxacum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Gawecki
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, 28 Jagiellońska St., 40-032, Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sala
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, 28 Jagiellońska St., 40-032, Katowice, Poland
| | - Ewa U Kurczyńska
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, 28 Jagiellońska St., 40-032, Katowice, Poland
| | - Piotr Świątek
- Department of Animal Histology and Embryology, University of Silesia, 9 Bankowa St., 40-007, Katowice, Poland
| | - Bartosz J Płachno
- Department of Plant Cytology and Embryology, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, 9 Gronostajowa St., 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
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Niedojadło K, Lenartowski R, Lenartowska M, Bednarska-Kozakiewicz E. Late progamic phase and fertilization affect calreticulin expression in the Hyacinthus orientalis female gametophyte. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2015; 34:2201-15. [PMID: 26354004 PMCID: PMC4636998 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-015-1863-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Calreticulin expression is upregulated during sexual reproduction of Hyacinthus orientalis, and the protein is localized both in the cytoplasm and a highly specialized cell wall within the female gametophyte. Several evidences indicate calreticulin (CRT) as an important calcium (Ca(2+))-binding protein that is involved in the generative reproduction of higher plants, including both pre-fertilization and post-fertilization events. Because CRT is able to bind and sequester exchangeable Ca(2+), it can serve as a mobile intracellular store of easily releasable Ca(2+) and control its local cytosolic concentrations in the embryo sac. This phenomenon seems to be essential during the late progamic phase, gamete fusion, and early embryogenesis. In this report, we demonstrate the differential expression of CRT within Hyacinthus female gametophyte cells before and during anthesis, during the late progamic phase when the pollen tube enters the embryo sac, and at the moment of fertilization and zygote/early endosperm activation. CRT mRNA and the protein localize mainly to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi compartments of the cells, which are involved in sexual reproduction events, such as those in sister synergids, the egg cell, the central cell, zygote and the developing endosperm. Additionally, immunogold research demonstrates selective CRT distribution in the filiform apparatus (FA), a highly specific component of the synergid cell wall. In the light of our previous data showing the total transcriptional activity of the Hyacinthus female gametophyte and the results presented here, we discuss the possible functions of CRT with respect to the critical role of Ca(2+) homeostasis during key events of sexual plant reproduction. Moreover, we propose that the elevated expression of CRT within the female gametophyte is a universal phenomenon in the cells involved in double fertilization in higher plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Niedojadło
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland.
| | - Robert Lenartowski
- Laboratory of Isotope and Instrumental Analysis, Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Marta Lenartowska
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Bednarska-Kozakiewicz
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
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