The functions of voltage-dependent anion channels in plants

Proteomic Analysis of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Roots in Response to Rhizobium Nodulation and Salt Stress

(1) Background: Alfalfa is an important legume forage throughout the world. Although alfalfa is considered moderately tolerant to salinity, its production and nitrogen-fixing activity are greatly limited by salt stress. (2) Methods: We examined the physiological changes and proteomic profiles of alfalfa with active nodules (NA) and without nodules (NN) under NaCl treatment. (3) Results: Our data suggested that NA roots showed upregulation of the pathways of abiotic and biotic stress responses (e.g., heat shock proteins and pathogenesis-related proteins), antioxidant enzyme synthesis, protein synthesis and degradation, cell wall degradation and modification, acid phosphatases, and porin transport when compared with NN plants under salt stress conditions. NA roots also upregulated the processes or proteins of lipid metabolism, heat shock proteins, protein degradation and folding, and cell cytoskeleton, downregulated the DNA and protein synthesis process, and vacuolar H⁺-ATPase proteins under salt stress. Besides, NA roots displayed a net H⁺ influx and low level of K⁺ efflux under salt stress, which may enhance the salt tolerance of NA plants. (4) Conclusions: The rhizobium symbiosis conferred the host plant salt tolerance by regulating a series of physiological processes to enhance stress response, improve antioxidant ability and energy use efficiency, and maintain ion homeostasis.

Voltage-dependent anion channel proteins associate with dynamic Bamboo mosaic virus-induced complexes

Infection cycles of viruses are highly dependent on membrane-associated host factors. To uncover the infection cycle of Bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV) in detail, we purified the membrane-associated viral complexes from infected Nicotiana benthamiana plants and analyzed the involved host factors. Four isoforms of voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) proteins on the outer membrane of mitochondria were identified due to their upregulated expression in the BaMV complex-enriched membranous fraction. Results from loss- and gain-of-function experiments indicated that NbVDAC2, -3, and -4 are essential for efficient BaMV accumulation. During BaMV infection, all NbVDACs concentrated into larger aggregates, which overlapped and trafficked with BaMV virions to the structure designated as the "dynamic BaMV-induced complex." Besides the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, BaMV replicase and double-stranded RNAs were also found in this complex, suggesting the dynamic BaMV-induced complex is a replication complex. Yeast two-hybrid and pull-down assays confirmed that BaMV triple gene block protein 1 (TGBp1) could interact with NbVDACs. Confocal microscopy revealed that TGBp1 is sufficient to induce NbVDAC aggregates, which suggests that TGBp1 may play a pivotal role in the NbVDAC-virion complex. Collectively, these findings indicate that NbVDACs may associate with the dynamic BaMV-induced complex via TGBp1 and NbVDAC2, -3, or -4 and can promote BaMV accumulation. This study reveals the involvement of mitochondrial proteins in a viral complex and virus infection.

Characterization of the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) gene family in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and its potential mechanism in response to drought and salinity stresses

Voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) are major transport proteins localized in the outer membrane of mitochondria and play critical roles in regulating plant growth and responding to stress. In this study, a total of 26 VDAC genes in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were identified. TaVDACs that contained β-barrel structures were classified into three groups with phylogenetic and sequence alignment. Additionally, the gene structure and protein conserved motif composition varied among diverse subfamilies but were relatively conserved within the same subfamily. The basic elements that were stress- and hormone-related, including TATA-box, CAAT-box, MBS, LTR, TC-rich repeats, ABRE, P-box and TATC-box, were predicted within the promoter region of TaVDAC genes. TaVDAC expression patterns differed among tissues, organs and abiotic stress conditions. Overexpression (OE) of TaVDAC1-B conferred high tolerance to salinity and less resistance to drought stress in Arabidopsis thaliana. TaVDAC1-B interacted with Nucleoredoxin-D1 (TaNRX-D1) protein. Furthermore, compared with WT lines, salinity stress further upregulated the level of AtNRX1 (homologous gene of TaNRX-D1 in Arabidopsis) expression and the activity of superoxide dismutase in TaVDAC1-B OE lines, which led to a decrease in superoxide radical accumulation; drought stress further downregulated AtNRX1 expression and superoxide dismutase activity in TaVDAC1-B OE lines, resulting in the accumulation of superoxide radicals. Our study not only presents comprehensive information for understanding the VDAC gene family in wheat but also proposes a potential mechanism in response to drought and salinity stress.

HSP70-16 and VDAC3 jointly inhibit seed germination under cold stress in Arabidopsis

Abscisic acid (ABA) transport plays a crucial role in seed germination under unfavourable conditions such as cold stress. Both heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) protein are involved in cold stress responses in Arabidopsis. However, their roles in seed germination with regard to ABA signaling remain unknown. Here we demonstrated that Arabidopsis HSP70-16 and VDAC3 jointly suppress seed germination under cold stress conditions. At 4°C, both HSP70-16 and VDAC3 facilitated the efflux of ABA from the endosperm to the embryo and thus inhibited seed germination. HSP70-16 interacted with VDAC3 on the plasma membrane and in the nucleus, and the interplay between HSP70-16 and VDAC3 activated the opening of the VDAC3 ion channel. Our work established a novel function of HSP70-16 in seed germination under cold stress and a possible association of VDAC3 activity with ABA transportation from endosperm to embryo under cold stress conditions. This study reveals that HSP70-16 interacts with VDAC3 and facilitates the opening of the VDAC3 ion channel, which influences ABA efflux from endosperm to embryo, thus negatively regulates seed germination under cold stress.

VDAC1 Negatively Regulates Floral Transition in Arabidopsis thaliana

Voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) are the most important proteins in mitochondria. They localize to the outer mitochondrial membrane and contribute to the metabolite transport between the mitochondria and cytoplasm, which aids plant growth regulation. Here, we report that Arabidopsis thaliana VDAC1 is involved in the floral transition, with the loss of AtVDAC1 function, resulting in an early-flowering phenotype. AtVDAC1 is expressed ubiquitously in Arabidopsis. To identify the flowering pathway integrators that may be responsible for AtVDAC1′s function during the floral transition, an RNA-seq analysis was performed. In total, 106 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between wild-type and atvdac1-5 mutant seedlings. However, none were involved in flowering-related pathways. In contrast, AtVDAC1 physically associated with FLOWERING LOCUS T. Thus, in the floral transition, AtVDAC1 may function partly through the FLOWERING LOCUS T protein.

A Qa-SNARE complex contributes to soybean cyst nematode resistance via regulation of mitochondria-mediated cell death

The resistance to Heterodera glycines 1 (Rhg1) locus is widely used by soybean breeders to reduce yield loss caused by soybean cyst nematode (SCN). α-SNAP (α-soluble NSF attachment protein) within Rhg1 locus contributes to SCN resistance by modulation of cell status at the SCN feeding site; however, the underlying mechanism is largely unclear. Here, we identified an α-SNAP-interacting protein, GmSYP31A, a Qa-SNARE (soluble NSF attachment protein receptor) protein from soybean. Expression of GmSYP31A significantly induced cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, and co-expression of α-SNAP and GmSYP31A could accelerate cell death. Overexpression of GmSYP31A increased SCN resistance, while silencing or overexpression of a dominant-negative form of GmSYP31A increased SCN sensitivity. GmSYP31A expression also disrupted endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi trafficking, and the exocytosis pathway. Moreover, α-SNAP was also found to interact with GmVDAC1D (voltage-dependent anion channel). The cytotoxicity induced by the expression of GmSYP31A could be relieved either with the addition of an inhibitor of VDAC protein, or by silencing the VDAC gene. Taken together, our data not only demonstrate that α-SNAP works together with GmSYP31A to increase SCN resistance through triggering cell death, but also highlight the unexplored link between the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and vesicle trafficking.

Identifying the genetic control of salinity tolerance in the bread wheat landrace Mocho de Espiga Branca

Salinity tolerance in bread wheat is frequently reported to be associated with low leaf sodium (Na+) concentrations. However, the Portuguese landrace, Mocho de Espiga Branca, accumulates significantly higher leaf Na+ but has comparable salinity tolerance to commercial bread wheat cultivars. To determine the genetic loci associated with the salinity tolerance of this landrace, an F2 mapping population was developed by crossing Mocho de Espiga Branca with the Australian cultivar Gladius. The population was phenotyped for 19 salinity tolerance subtraits using both non-destructive and destructive techniques. Genotyping was performed using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). Genomic regions associated with salinity tolerance were detected on chromosomes 1A, 1D, 4B and 5A for the subtraits of relative and absolute growth rate (RGR, AGR respectively), and on chromosome 2A, 2B, 4D and 5D for Na+, potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl-) accumulation. Candidate genes that encode proteins associated with salinity tolerance were identified within the loci including Na+/H+ antiporters, K+ channels, H+-ATPase, calcineurin B-like proteins (CBLs), CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs), calcium dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) and calcium-transporting ATPase. This study provides a new insight into the genetic control of salinity tolerance in a Na+ accumulating bread wheat to assist with the future development of salt tolerant cultivars.

Voltage-Dependent Anion-Selective Channels and Other Mitochondrial Membrane Proteins Form Diverse Complexes in Beetroots Subjected to Flood-Induced Programmed Cell Death

In plants, programmed cell death (PCD) is involved in both the development and the response to biotic and abiotic aggressions. In early stages of PCD, mitochondrial membranes are made permeable by the formation of permeability transition pores, whose protein composition is debated. Cytochrome c (cyt c) is then released from mitochondria, inducing the degradation of chromatin characteristic of PCD. Since flooding stress can produce PCD in several plant species, the first goal of this study was to know if flooding stress could be used to induce PCD in Beta vulgaris roots. To do this, 2-month-old beet plants were flood-stressed from 1 to 5 days, and the alterations indicating PCD in stressed beetroot cells were observed with a confocal fluorescence microscope. As expected, nuclei were deformed, and chromatin was condensed and fragmented in flooded beetroots. In addition, cyt c was released from mitochondria. After assessing that flood stress induced PCD in beetroots, the composition of mitochondrial protein complexes was observed in control and flood-stressed beetroots. Protein complexes from isolated mitochondria were separated by native gel electrophoresis, and their proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. The spectra count of three isoforms of voltage-dependent anion-selective channels (VDACs) increased after 1 day of flooding. In addition, the size of the complexes formed by VDAC was higher in flood-stressed beetroots for 1 day (∼200 kDa) compared with non-stressed ones (∼100 kDa). Other proteins, such as chaperonin CPN60-2, also formed complexes with different masses in control and flood-stressed beetroots. Finally, possible interactions of VDAC with other proteins were found performing a cluster analysis. These results indicate that mitochondrial protein complexes formed by VDAC could be involved in the process of PCD in flood-stressed beetroots. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD027781.

Plant mitochondria import DNA via alternative membrane complexes involving various VDAC isoforms

Mitochondria possess transport mechanisms for import of RNA and DNA. Based on import into isolated Solanum tuberosum mitochondria in the presence of competitors, inhibitors or effectors, we show that DNA fragments of different size classes are taken up into plant organelles through distinct channels. Alternative channels can also be activated according to the amount of DNA substrate of a given size class. Analyses of Arabidopsis thaliana knockout lines pointed out a differential involvement of individual voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) isoforms in the formation of alternative channels. We propose several outer and inner membrane proteins as VDAC partners in these pathways.

Functional Characterization of VDACs in Grape and Its Putative Role in Response to Pathogen Stress

Voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) are the most abundant proteins in the mitochondrial outer membranes of all eukaryotic cells. They participate in mitochondrial energy metabolism, mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, and cell growth and reproduction. Here, the chromosomal localizations, gene structure, conserved domains, and phylogenetic relationships were analyzed. The amino acid sequences of VDACs were found to be highly conserved. The tissue-specific transcript analysis from transcriptome data and qRT-PCR demonstrated that grapevine VDACs might play an important role in plant growth and development. It was also speculated that VDAC3 might be a regulator of modulated leaf and berry development as the expression patterns during these developmental stages are up-regulated. Further, we screened the role of all grape VDACs' response to pathogen stress and found that VDAC3 from downy mildew Plasmopara viticola-resistant Chinese wild grapevine species Vitis piasezkii "Liuba-8" had a higher expression than the downy mildew susceptible species Vitis vinifera cv. "Thompson Seedless" after inoculation with P. viticola. Overexpression of VpVDAC3 resulted in increased resistance to pathogens, which was found to prevent VpVDAC3 protein accumulation through protein post-transcriptional regulation. Taken together, these data indicate that VpVDAC3 plays a role in P. viticola defense and provides the evidence with which to understand the mechanism of grape response to pathogen stress.

The Open State Selectivity of the Bean Seed VDAC Depends on Stigmasterol and Ion Concentration

The voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is the major pathway for metabolites and ions transport through the mitochondrial outer membrane. It can regulate the flow of solutes by switching to a low conductance state correlated with a selectivity reversal, or by a selectivity inversion of its open state. The later one was observed in non-plant VDACs and is poorly characterized. We aim at investigating the selectivity inversion of the open state using plant VDAC purified from Phaseolus coccineus (PcVDAC) to evaluate its physiological role. Our main findings are: (1) The VDAC selectivity inversion of the open state occurs in PcVDAC, (2) Ion concentration and stigmasterol affect the occurrence of the open state selectivity inversion and stigmasterol appears to interact directly with PcVDAC. Interestingly, electrophysiological data concerning the selectivity inversion of the PcVDAC open state suggests that the phenomenon probably does not have a significant physiological effect in vivo.

Channels and transporters for inorganic ions in plant mitochondria: Prediction and facts

Mitochondria are crucial bioenergetic organelles for providing different metabolites, including ATP, to sustain cell growth both in animals and in plants. These organelles, delimited by two membranes (outer and inner mitochondrial membrane), maintain their function by an intensive communication with other organelles as well as with the cytosol. Transport of metabolites across the two membranes, but also that of inorganic ions, takes place through specific ion channels and transporters and plays a crucial role in ensuring an adequate ionic milieu within the mitochondria. In the present review we briefly summarize the current knowledge about plant mitochondrial ion channels and transporters in comparison to those of animal mitochondria and examine the possible molecular identity of the so far unidentified transport systems taking into account subcellular targeting predictions and data from literature.

VDAC and its interacting partners in plant and animal systems: an overview

Molecular trafficking between different subcellular compartments is the key for normal cellular functioning. Voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) are small-sized proteins present in the outer mitochondrial membrane, which mediate molecular trafficking between mitochondria and cytoplasm. The conductivity of VDAC is dependent on the transmembrane voltage, its oligomeric state and membrane lipids. VDAC acts as a convergence point to a diverse variety of mitochondrial functions as well as cell survival. This functional diversity is attained due to their interaction with a plethora of proteins inside the cell. Although, there are hints toward functional conservation/divergence between animals and plants; knowledge about the functional role of the VDACs in plants is still limited. We present here a comparative overview to provide an integrative picture of the interactions of VDAC with different proteins in both animals and plants. Also discussed are their physiological functions from the perspective of cellular movements, signal transduction, cellular fate, disease and development. This in-depth knowledge of the biological importance of VDAC and its interacting partner(s) will assist us to explore their function in the applied context in both plant and animal.

Landscape of Eukaryotic Transmembrane Beta Barrel Proteins

Even though in the last few years several families of eukaryotic β-barrel outer membrane proteins have been discovered, their computational characterization and their annotation in public databases are far from complete. The PFAM database includes only very few characteristic profiles for these families, and in most cases, the profile hidden Markov models (pHMMs) have been trained using prokaryotic and eukaryotic proteins together. Here, we present for the first time a comprehensive computational analysis of eukaryotic transmembrane β-barrels. Twelve characteristic pHMMs were built, based on an extensive literature search, which can discriminate eukaryotic β-barrels from other classes of proteins (globular and bacterial β-barrel ones), as well as between mitochondrial and chloroplastic ones. We built eight novel profiles for the chloroplastic β-barrel families that are not present in the PFAM database and also updated the profile for the MDM10 family (PF12519) in the PFAM database and divide the porin family (PF01459) into two separate families, namely, VDAC and TOM40.

The interaction between AtMT2b and AtVDAC3 affects the mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species generation under NaCl stress in Arabidopsis

AtMT2b interacts with AtVDAC3 in mitochondria in Arabidopsis. The overexpression of the AtMT2b and AtVDAC3 T-DNA insertion mutant confers tolerance to NaCl stress in Arabidopsis. Both AtMT2b and AtVDAC3 are involved in the regulation of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) under NaCl stress. Metallothioneins (MTs) are small, cysteine rich, metal-binding proteins that perform multiple functions, such as heavy metal detoxification and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. MTs have been reported to be involved in mitochondrial function in mammals. However, whether a direct relationship exists between MTs and mitochondrial proteins remains unclear. In the present study, we used yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays to demonstrate that AtMT2b, which is a type 2 MT in Arabidopsis, interacts with the outer mitochondrial membrane voltage-dependent anion channel AtVDAC3. AtMT2b bound AtVDAC3, leading to its co-localization in mitochondria. AtMT2b transgenic seedlings exhibited increased tolerance to salt stress, and the atvdac3 mutant showed a similar phenotype. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was maintained, and ROS generation was reduced following AtMT2b overexpression and AtVDAC3 knockout under NaCl stress. Both AtMT2b and AtVDAC3 were shown to be involved in MMP regulation and ROS production under NaCl stress but showed opposite effects. We conclude that AtMT2b might negatively interact with AtVDAC3 in mitochondria, and both proteins are involved in the regulation of MMP and ROS under NaCl stress.

Grapevine VpPR10.1 functions in resistance to Plasmopara viticola through triggering a cell death-like defence response by interacting with VpVDAC3

As one of the most serious diseases in grape, downy mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola is a worldwide grape disease. Much effort has been focused on improving susceptible grapevine resistance, and wild resistant grapevine species are important for germplasm improvement of commercial cultivars. Using yeast two-hybrid screen followed by a series of immunoprecipitation experiments, we identified voltage-dependent anion channel 3 (VDAC3) protein from Vitis piasezkii 'Liuba-8' as an interacting partner of VpPR10.1 cloned from Vitis pseudoreticulata 'Baihe-35-1', which is an important germplasm for its resistance to a range of pathogens. Co-expression of VpPR10.1/VpVDAC3 induced cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana, which accompanied by ROS accumulation. VpPR10.1 transgenic grapevine line showed resistance to P. viticola. We conclude that the VpPR10.1/VpVDAC3 complex is responsible for cell death-mediated defence response to P. viticola in grapevine.

Characterization of a novel β-barrel protein (AtOM47) from the mitochondrial outer membrane of Arabidopsis thaliana

In plant cells, mitochondria are major providers of energy and building blocks for growth and development as well as abiotic and biotic stress responses. They are encircled by two lipid membranes containing proteins that control mitochondrial function through the import of macromolecules and metabolites. Characterization of a novel β-barrel protein, OUTER MEMBRANE PROTEIN 47 (OM47), unique to the green lineage and related to the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) protein family, showed that OM47 can complement a VDAC mutant in yeast. Mutation of OM47 in Arabidopsis thaliana by T-DNA insertion had no effect on the import of proteins, such as the β-barrel proteins translocase of the outer membrane 40 (TOM40) or sorting and assembly machinery 50 (SAM50), into mitochondria. Molecular and physiological analyses revealed a delay in chlorophyll breakdown, higher levels of starch, and a delay in the induction of senescence marker genes in the mutant lines. While there was a reduction of >90% in OM47 protein in mitochondria isolated from 3-week-old om47 mutants, in mitochondria isolated from 8-week-old plants OM47 levels were similar to that of the wild type. This recovery was achieved by an up-regulation of OM47 transcript abundance in the mutants. Combined, these results highlight a role in leaf senescence for this plant-specific β-barrel protein, probably mediating the recovery and recycling of chloroplast breakdown products by transporting metabolic intermediates into and out of mitochondria.

Regulation of mitochondrial calcium in plants versus animals

Ca(2+) acts as an important cellular second messenger in eukaryotes. In both plants and animals, a wide variety of environmental and developmental stimuli trigger Ca(2+) transients of a specific signature that can modulate gene expression and metabolism. In animals, mitochondrial energy metabolism has long been considered a hotspot of Ca(2+) regulation, with a range of pathophysiology linked to altered Ca(2+) control. Recently, several molecular players involved in mitochondrial Ca(2+) signalling have been identified, including those of the mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter. Despite strong evidence for sophisticated Ca(2+) regulation in plant mitochondria, the picture has remained much less clear. This is currently changing aided by live imaging and genetic approaches which allow dissection of subcellular Ca(2+) dynamics and identification of the proteins involved. We provide an update on our current understanding in the regulation of mitochondrial Ca(2+) and signalling by comparing work in plants and animals. The significance of mitochondrial Ca(2+) control is discussed in the light of the specific metabolic and energetic needs of plant and animal cells.

Calcium Flux across Plant Mitochondrial Membranes: Possible Molecular Players

Plants, being sessile organisms, have evolved the ability to integrate external stimuli into metabolic and developmental signals. A wide variety of signals, including abiotic, biotic, and developmental stimuli, were observed to evoke specific spatio-temporal Ca(2+) transients which are further transduced by Ca(2+) sensor proteins into a transcriptional and metabolic response. Most of the research on Ca(2+) signaling in plants has been focused on the transport mechanisms for Ca(2+) across the plasma- and the vacuolar membranes as well as on the components involved in decoding of cytoplasmic Ca(2+) signals, but how intracellular organelles such as mitochondria are involved in the process of Ca(2+) signaling is just emerging. The combination of the molecular players and the elicitors of Ca(2+) signaling in mitochondria together with newly generated detection systems for measuring organellar Ca(2+) concentrations in plants has started to provide fruitful grounds for further discoveries. In the present review we give an updated overview of the currently identified/hypothesized pathways, such as voltage-dependent anion channels, homologs of the mammalian mitochondrial uniporter (MCU), LETM1, a plant glutamate receptor family member, adenine nucleotide/phosphate carriers and the permeability transition pore (PTP), that may contribute to the transport of Ca(2+) across the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes in plants. We briefly discuss the relevance of the mitochondrial Ca(2+) homeostasis for ensuring optimal bioenergetic performance of this organelle.

Ion Channels in Plant Bioenergetic Organelles, Chloroplasts and Mitochondria: From Molecular Identification to Function

Recent technical advances in electrophysiological measurements, organelle-targeted fluorescence imaging, and organelle proteomics have pushed the research of ion transport a step forward in the case of the plant bioenergetic organelles, chloroplasts and mitochondria, leading to the molecular identification and functional characterization of several ion transport systems in recent years. Here we focus on channels that mediate relatively high-rate ion and water flux and summarize the current knowledge in this field, focusing on targeting mechanisms, proteomics, electrophysiology, and physiological function. In addition, since chloroplasts evolved from a cyanobacterial ancestor, we give an overview of the information available about cyanobacterial ion channels and discuss the evolutionary origin of chloroplast channels. The recent molecular identification of some of these ion channels allowed their physiological functions to be studied using genetically modified Arabidopsis plants and cyanobacteria. The view is emerging that alteration of chloroplast and mitochondrial ion homeostasis leads to organelle dysfunction, which in turn significantly affects the energy metabolism of the whole organism. Clear-cut identification of genes encoding for channels in these organelles, however, remains a major challenge in this rapidly developing field. Multiple strategies including bioinformatics, cell biology, electrophysiology, use of organelle-targeted ion-sensitive probes, genetics, and identification of signals eliciting specific ion fluxes across organelle membranes should provide a better understanding of the physiological role of organellar channels and their contribution to signaling pathways in plants in the future.

Anion Channel Inhibitor NPPB-Inhibited Fluoride Accumulation in Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis) Is Related to the Regulation of Ca²⁺, CaM and Depolarization of Plasma Membrane Potential

Tea plant is known to be a hyper-accumulator of fluoride (F). Over-intake of F has been shown to have adverse effects on human health, e.g., dental fluorosis. Thus, understanding the mechanisms fluoride accumulation and developing potential approaches to decrease F uptake in tea plants might be beneficial for human health. In the present study, we found that pretreatment with the anion channel inhibitor NPPB reduced F accumulation in tea plants. Simultaneously, we observed that NPPB triggered Ca(2+) efflux from mature zone of tea root and significantly increased relative CaM in tea roots. Besides, pretreatment with the Ca(2+) chelator (EGTA) and CaM antagonists (CPZ and TFP) suppressed NPPB-elevated cytosolic Ca(2+) fluorescence intensity and CaM concentration in tea roots, respectively. Interestingly, NPPB-inhibited F accumulation was found to be significantly alleviated in tea plants pretreated with either Ca(2+) chelator (EGTA) or CaM antagonists (CPZ and TFP). In addition, NPPB significantly depolarized membrane potential transiently and we argue that the net Ca(2+) and H⁺ efflux across the plasma membrane contributed to the restoration of membrane potential. Overall, our results suggest that regulation of Ca(2+)-CaM and plasma membrane potential depolarization are involved in NPPB-inhibited F accumulation in tea plants.

Licensed to Kill: Mitochondria, Chloroplasts, and Cell Death

Programmed cell death (PCD) is crucial in plant organogenesis and survival. In this review the involvement of mitochondria and chloroplasts in PCD execution is critically assessed. Recent findings support a central role for mitochondria in PCD, with newly identified components of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC), FOF1 ATP synthase, cardiolipins, and ATPase AtOM66. While chloroplasts received less attention, their contribution to PCD is well supported, suggesting that they possibly contribute by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the presence of light or even contribute through cytochrome f release. Finally we discuss two working models where mitochondria and chloroplasts could cooperatively execute PCD: mitochondria initiate the commitment steps and recruit chloroplasts for swift execution or, alternatively, mitochondria and chloroplasts could operate in parallel.

Overexpression of Hexokinase 1 as a poor prognosticator in human colorectal cancer

It has been suggested that hexokinase 1 (HK1) is involved in tumorigenesis. However, the expression dynamics of HK1 and its prognostic significance in human colorectal cancer (CRC) still remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of HK1 and its prognostic significance in CRC. In this study, immunohistochemical analysis was used to examine the expression dynamics of HK1 in CRC tissues from two independent cohorts. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, Kaplan-Meier curves, and Cox regression analysis were utilized to investigate the prognostic significance. Results showed that a high expression of HK1 was observed in 106 of 393 (27.0 %) and 69 of 229 (30.1 %) of CRC in the training cohort and validation cohort, respectively. Further correlation analyses indicated that the increased HK1 expression was strongly correlated with the pN classification and TNM stage. Both cohorts showed a close association between the overexpression of HK1 and poorer overall survival. Importantly, multivariate analysis identified HK1 expression in CRC as an independent prognostic factor. Overexpression of HK1 may act as a significant biomarker of poor prognosis for patients with CRC.

Arabidopsis thaliana defense response to the ochratoxin A-producing strain (Aspergillus ochraceus 3.4412)

OTA-producing strain Aspergillus ochraceus induced necrotic lesions, ROS accumulation and defense responses in Arabidopsis . Primary metabolic and defense-related proteins changed in proteomics. Ascorbate-glutathione cycle and voltage-dependent anion-selective channel proteins fluctuated. Mycotoxigenic fungi, as widespread contaminants by synthesizing mycotoxins in pre-/post-harvest infected plants and even stored commercial cereals, could usually induce plant-fungi defense responses. Notably, ochratoxin A (OTA) is a nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, teratogenic, immunotoxic and phytotoxic mycotoxin. Herein, defense responses of model system Arabidopsis thaliana detached leaves to infection of Aspergillus ochraceus 3.4412, an OTA high-producing strain, were studied from physiological, proteomic and transcriptional perspectives. During the first 72 h after inoculation (hai), the newly formed hypersensitive responses-like lesions, decreased chlorophyll content, accumulated reactive oxygen species and upregulated defense genes expressions indicated the defense response was induced in the leaves with the possible earlier motivated jasmonic acid/ethylene signaling pathways and the later salicylic acid-related pathway. Moreover, proteomics using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis 72 hai showed 16 spots with significantly changed abundance and 13 spots corresponding to 12 unique proteins were successfully identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF MS/MS. Of these, six proteins were involved in basic metabolism and four in defense-related processes, which included glutathione-S-transferase F7, voltage-dependent anion-selective channel protein 3 (VDAC-3), osmotin-like protein OSM34 and blue copper-binding protein. Verified from proteomic and/or transcriptional perspectives, it is concluded that the primary metabolic pathways were suppressed with the ascorbate-glutathione cycle fluctuated in response to A. ochraceus and the modulation of VDACs suggested the possibility of structural damage and dysfunction of mitochondria in the process. Taken together, these findings exhibited a dynamic overview of the defense responses of A. thaliana to A. ochraceus and provided a better insight into the pathogen-resistance mechanisms in plants.

Voltage-dependent anion channels: the wizard of the mitochondrial outer membrane

Voltage dependent anion channels (VDACs) are the most abundant proteins in the outer mitochondrial membrane. Although they are essential in metabolite exchange, cell defense and apoptosis, the molecular mechanism of these VDAC-mediated processes remains elusive. Here we review recent progress in terms of VDACs’ structure and regulation, with a special focus on the molecular aspects of gating and the interaction with effector proteins.

Arabidopsis voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (AtVDAC1) is required for female development and maintenance of mitochondrial functions related to energy-transaction

The voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs), prominently localized in the outer mitochondrial membrane, play important roles in the metabolite exchange, energy metabolism and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis process in mammalian cells. However, relatively little is known about the functions of VDACs in plants. To further investigate the function of AtVDAC1 in Arabidopsis, we analyzed a T-DNA insertion line for the AtVDAC1 gene. The knock-out mutant atvdac1 showed reduced seed set due to a large number of undeveloped ovules in siliques. Genetic analyses indicated that the mutation of AtVDAC1 affected female fertility and belonged to a sporophytic mutation. Abnormal ovules in the process of female gametogenesis were observed using a confocal laser scanning microscope. Interestingly, both mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨ) and ATP synthesis rate were obviously reduced in the mitochondria isolated from atvdac1 plants.

Differential targeting of VDAC3 mRNA isoforms influences mitochondria morphology

Intracellular targeting of mRNAs has recently emerged as a prevalent mechanism to control protein localization. For mitochondria, a cotranslational model of protein import is now proposed in parallel to the conventional posttranslational model, and mitochondrial targeting of mRNAs has been demonstrated in various organisms. Voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) are the most abundant proteins in the outer mitochondrial membrane and the major transport pathway for numerous metabolites. Four nucleus-encoded VDACs have been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana. Alternative cleavage and polyadenylation generate two VDAC3 mRNA isoforms differing by their 3' UTR. By using quantitative RT-PCR and in vivo mRNA visualization approaches, the two mRNA variants were shown differentially associated with mitochondria. The longest mRNA presents a 3' extension named alternative UTR (aUTR) that is necessary and sufficient to target VDAC3 mRNA to the mitochondrial surface. Moreover, aUTR is sufficient for the mitochondrial targeting of a reporter transcript, and can be used as a tool to target an unrelated mRNA to the mitochondrial surface. Finally, VDAC3-aUTR mRNA variant impacts mitochondria morphology and size, demonstrating the role of mRNA targeting in mitochondria biogenesis.

Origin of ion selectivity in Phaseolus coccineus mitochondrial VDAC

The mitochondrial voltage-dependent a nion-selective channel (VDAC) is the major permeation pathway for small ions and metabolites. Although a wealth of electrophysiological data has been obtained on different VDAC species, the physical mechanisms of their ionic selectivity are still elusive. We addressed this issue using electrophysiological experiments performed on plant VDAC. A simple macroscopic electrodiffusion model accounting for ion diffusion and for an effective fixed charge of the channel describes well its selectivity. Brownian Dynamics simulations of ion permeation performed on plant and mammalian VDACs point to the role of specific charged residues located at about the middle of the pore.