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Luo C, Akhtar M, Min W, Bai X, Ma T, Liu C. Domain of unknown function (DUF) proteins in plants: function and perspective. PROTOPLASMA 2024; 261:397-410. [PMID: 38158398 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-023-01917-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Domains of unknown function (DUFs), which are deposited in the protein family database (Pfam), are protein domains with conserved amino acid sequences and uncharacterized functions. Proteins with the same DUF were classified as DUF families. Although DUF families are generally not essential for the survival of plants, they play roles in plant development and adaptation. Characterizing the functions of DUFs is important for deciphering biological puzzles. DUFs were generally studied through forward and reverse genetics. Some novelty approaches, especially the determination of crystal structures and interaction partners of the DUFs, should attract more attention. This review described the identification of DUF genes by genome-wide and transcriptome-wide analyses, summarized the function of DUF-containing proteins, and addressed the prospects for future studies in DUFs in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengke Luo
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Maryam Akhtar
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Weifang Min
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Xiaorong Bai
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Tianli Ma
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Caixia Liu
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China.
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Lv P, Wan J, Zhang C, Hina A, Al Amin GM, Begum N, Zhao T. Unraveling the Diverse Roles of Neglected Genes Containing Domains of Unknown Function (DUFs): Progress and Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044187. [PMID: 36835600 PMCID: PMC9966272 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Domain of unknown function (DUF) is a general term for many uncharacterized domains with two distinct features: relatively conservative amino acid sequence and unknown function of the domain. In the Pfam 35.0 database, 4795 (24%) gene families belong to the DUF type, yet, their functions remain to be explored. This review summarizes the characteristics of the DUF protein families and their functions in regulating plant growth and development, generating responses to biotic and abiotic stress, and other regulatory roles in plant life. Though very limited information is available about these proteins yet, by taking advantage of emerging omics and bioinformatic tools, functional studies of DUF proteins could be utilized in future molecular studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyun Lv
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics and Breeding for Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jinlu Wan
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics and Breeding for Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chunting Zhang
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics and Breeding for Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Aiman Hina
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics and Breeding for Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - G M Al Amin
- Department of Botany, Jagannath University, Dhaka 1100, Bangladesh
| | - Naheeda Begum
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics and Breeding for Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Correspondence: (N.B.); (T.Z.)
| | - Tuanjie Zhao
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics and Breeding for Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Correspondence: (N.B.); (T.Z.)
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Xiong E, Li Z, Zhang C, Zhang J, Liu Y, Peng T, Chen Z, Zhao Q. A study of leaf-senescence genes in rice based on a combination of genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics. Brief Bioinform 2020; 22:5998850. [PMID: 33257942 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaa305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Leaf senescence is a highly complex, genetically regulated and well-ordered process with multiple layers and pathways. Delaying leaf senescence would help increase grain yields in rice. Over the past 15 years, more than 100 rice leaf-senescence genes have been cloned, greatly improving the understanding of leaf senescence in rice. Systematically elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying leaf senescence will provide breeders with new tools/options for improving many important agronomic traits. In this study, we summarized recent reports on 125 rice leaf-senescence genes, providing an overview of the research progress in this field by analyzing the subcellular localizations, molecular functions and the relationship of them. These data showed that chlorophyll synthesis and degradation, chloroplast development, abscisic acid pathway, jasmonic acid pathway, nitrogen assimilation and ROS play an important role in regulating the leaf senescence in rice. Furthermore, we predicted and analyzed the proteins that interact with leaf-senescence proteins and achieved a more profound understanding of the molecular principles underlying the regulatory mechanisms by which leaf senescence occurs, thus providing new insights for future investigations of leaf senescence in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erhui Xiong
- College of Agriculture, Henan Agricultural University (HAU), China
| | - Zhiyong Li
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, South University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Ye Liu
- College of Agriculture, HAU
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Gong P, Luo Y, Huang F, Chen Y, Zhao C, Wu X, Li K, Yang X, Cheng F, Xiang X, Wu C, Pan G. Disruption of a Upf1-like helicase-encoding gene OsPLS2 triggers light-dependent premature leaf senescence in rice. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 100:133-149. [PMID: 30843130 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-019-00848-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The OsPLS2 locus was isolated and cloned by map-based cloning that encodes a Upf1-like helicase. Disruption of OsPLS2 accelerated light-dependent leaf senescence in the rice mutant of ospls2. Leaf senescence is a very complex physiological process controlled by both genetic and environmental factors, however its underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we report a novel Oryza sativa premature leaf senescence mutant (ospls2). Through map-based cloning, a G-to-A substitution was determined at the 1st nucleotide of the 13th intron in the OsPLS2 gene that encodes a Upf1-like helicase. This mutation prompts aberrant splicing of OsPLS2 messenger and consequent disruption of its full-length protein translation, suggesting a negative role of OsPLS2 in regulating leaf senescence. Wild-type rice accordingly displayed a progressive drop of OsPSL2 protein levels with age-dependent leaf senescence. Shading and light filtration studies showed that the ospls2 phenotype, which was characteristic of photo-oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, was an effect of irritation by light. When continuously exposed to far-red light, exogenous H2O2 and/or abscisic acid (ABA), the ospls2 mutant sustained hypersensitive leaf senescence. In consistence, light and ROS signal pathways in ospls2 were activated by down-regulation of phytochrome genes, and up-regulation of PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTORS (PIFs) and WRKY genes, all promoting leaf senescence. Together, these data indicated that OsPLS2 played an essential role in leaf senescence and its disruption triggered light-dependent leaf senescence in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Gong
- Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanmin Luo
- Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Fudeng Huang
- Institute of Crop and Nuclear Technology Utilization, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaodong Chen
- Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaoyue Zhao
- Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Kunyu Li
- Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangmin Cheng
- Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Xiang
- Experimental Teaching Center, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- Environmental Resources and Soil Fertilizer Institute, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Pan
- Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China.
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Ke S, Liu S, Luan X, Xie XM, Hsieh TF, Zhang XQ. Mutation in a putative glycosyltransferase-like gene causes programmed cell death and early leaf senescence in rice. RICE (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 12:7. [PMID: 30758674 PMCID: PMC6374497 DOI: 10.1186/s12284-019-0266-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Leaf senescence is a genetically regulated, highly complex and ordered process. Although it has been extensively studied, the mechanism of leaf senescence is not well understood. In this study, we isolated a rice mutant, designated as premature senescence leaf (psl), which exhibits early senescence and spontaneous lesion mimic phenotype after flowering. The psl mutant displays programmed cell death with elevated accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Molecular and genetic analyses revealed that the phenotypes were caused by a phenylalanine deletion in the OsPSL (LOC_Os12g42420) that encode a putative core 2/I branching beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase predicted to be involved in protein glycosylation modification. OsPSL mRNA levels increased as senescence progressed, with maximum accumulation of transcripts at late senescence stages in WT plants. Moreover, remarkedly down-regulated transcriptional levels of O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) transferases (OGTs) genes were observed in psl mutant, supporting the occurrence of impaired O-glycosylation modification. Proteomic analysis showed that ethylene-related metabolic enzymes including S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) synthetase (SAMS) were significantly upregulated in the psl mutant compared with WT. Consistent with the proteomic results, ethylene concentration is higher in psl mutant than in wild-type plants, and transcript levels of ethylene synthesis and signal transduction genes were induced in psl mutant. The early leaf senescence of psl can be partially rescued by ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor aminoethoxyvinylglycine treatment. These results highlight the importance of protein O-glycosylation in PCD and leaf senescence, and suggest a possible role of OsPSL in ethylene signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanwen Ke
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Grassland Science, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 China
| | - Shuchun Liu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Grassland Science, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 China
| | - Xin Luan
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Grassland Science, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 China
| | - Xin-Ming Xie
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Grassland Science, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 China
| | - Tzung-Fu Hsieh
- Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, NC 28081 USA
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695 USA
| | - Xiang-Qian Zhang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Grassland Science, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 China
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