1
|
Vaughan-Hirsch J, Li D, Roig Martinez A, Roden S, Pattyn J, Taira S, Shikano H, Miyama Y, Okano Y, Voet A, Van de Poel B. A 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic-acid (ACC) dipeptide elicits ethylene responses through ACC-oxidase mediated substrate promiscuity. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:995073. [PMID: 36172554 PMCID: PMC9510837 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.995073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plants produce the volatile hormone ethylene to regulate many developmental processes and to deal with (a)biotic stressors. In seed plants, ethylene is synthesized from 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) by the dedicated enzyme ACC oxidase (ACO). Ethylene biosynthesis is tightly regulated at the level of ACC through ACC synthesis, conjugation and transport. ACC is a non-proteinogenic amino acid, which also has signaling roles independent from ethylene. In this work, we investigated the biological function of an uncharacterized ACC dipeptide. The custom-synthesized di-ACC molecule can be taken up by Arabidopsis in a similar way as ACC, in part via Lysine Histidine Transporters (e.g., LHT1). Using Nano-Particle Assisted Laser Desoprtion/Ionization (Nano-PALDI) mass-spectrometry imaging, we revealed that externally fed di-ACC predominantly localizes to the vasculature tissue, despite it not being detectable in control hypocotyl segments. Once taken up, the ACC dimer can evoke a triple response phenotype in dark-grown seedlings, reminiscent of ethylene responses induced by ACC itself, albeit less efficiently compared to ACC. Di-ACC does not act via ACC-signaling, but operates via the known ethylene signaling pathway. In vitro ACO activity and molecular docking showed that di-ACC can be used as an alternative substrate by ACO to form ethylene. The promiscuous nature of ACO for the ACC dimer also explains the higher ethylene production rates observed in planta, although this reaction occurred less efficiently compared to ACC. Overall, the ACC dipeptide seems to be transported and converted into ethylene in a similar way as ACC, and is able to augment ethylene production levels and induce subsequent ethylene responses in Arabidopsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Vaughan-Hirsch
- Division of Crop Biotechnics, Department of Biosystems, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dongdong Li
- Division of Crop Biotechnics, Department of Biosystems, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Albert Roig Martinez
- Division of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Department of Chemistry, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stijn Roden
- Division of Crop Biotechnics, Department of Biosystems, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jolien Pattyn
- Division of Crop Biotechnics, Department of Biosystems, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Shu Taira
- Department of Agriculture, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hitomi Shikano
- Department of Agriculture, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yoko Miyama
- Department of Agriculture, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yukari Okano
- Department of Agriculture, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Arnout Voet
- Division of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Department of Chemistry, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bram Van de Poel
- Division of Crop Biotechnics, Department of Biosystems, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Plant Institute, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Samardzic K, Steele JR, Violi JP, Colville A, Mitrovic SM, Rodgers KJ. Toxicity and bioaccumulation of two non-protein amino acids synthesised by cyanobacteria, β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB), on a crop plant. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111515. [PMID: 33099142 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In order to study the toxicity of the cyanobacterial non-protein amino acids (NPAAs) L-β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and its structural isomer L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) in the forage crop plant alfalfa (Medicago sativa), seedlings were exposed to NPAA-containing media for four days. Root growth was significantly inhibited by both treatments. The content of derivatised free and protein-bound BMAA and DAB in seedlings was then analysed by LC-MS/MS. Both NPAAs were detected in free and protein-bound fractions with higher levels detected in free fractions. Compared to shoots, there was approximately tenfold more BMAA and DAB in alfalfa roots. These results suggest that NPAAs might be taken up into crop plants from contaminated irrigation water and enter the food chain. This may present an exposure pathway for NPAAs in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Samardzic
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia.
| | - Joel R Steele
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Jake P Violi
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Anne Colville
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Simon M Mitrovic
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Kenneth J Rodgers
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jander G, Kolukisaoglu U, Stahl M, Yoon GM. Editorial: Physiological Aspects of Non-proteinogenic Amino Acids in Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:519464. [PMID: 33391293 PMCID: PMC7773597 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.519464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Georg Jander
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Uener Kolukisaoglu
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Mark Stahl
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Gyeong Mee Yoon
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zou H, Li L, Zhang T, Shi M, Zhang N, Huang J, Xian M. Biosynthesis and biotechnological application of non-canonical amino acids: Complex and unclear. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:1917-1927. [PMID: 30063950 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Compared with the better-studied canonical amino acids, the distribution, metabolism and functions of natural non-canonical amino acids remain relatively obscure. Natural non-canonical amino acids have been mainly discovered in plants as secondary metabolites that perform diversified physiological functions. Due to their specific characteristics, a broader range of natural and artificial non-canonical amino acids have recently been applied in the development of functional materials and pharmaceutical products. With the rapid development of advanced methods in biotechnology, non-canonical amino acids can be incorporated into peptides, proteins and enzymes to improve the function and performance relative to their natural counterparts. Therefore, biotechnological application of non-canonical amino acids in artificial bio-macromolecules follows the central goal of synthetic biology to: create novel life forms and functions. However, many of the non-canonical amino acids are synthesized via chemo- or semi-synthetic methods, and few non-canonical amino acids can be synthesized using natural in vivo pathways. Therefore, further research is needed to clarify the metabolic pathways and key enzymes of the non-canonical amino acids. This will lead to the discovery of more candidate non-canonical amino acids, especially for those that are derived from microorganisms and are naturally bio-compatible with chassis strains for in vivo biosynthesis. In this review, we summarize representative natural and artificial non-canonical amino acids, their known information regarding associated metabolic pathways, their characteristics and their practical applications. Moreover, this review summarizes current barriers in developing in vivo pathways for the synthesis of non-canonical amino acids, as well as other considerations, future trends and potential applications of non-canonical amino acids in advanced biotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huibin Zou
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-based Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China.
| | - Lei Li
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Tongtong Zhang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Mengxun Shi
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Jingling Huang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Mo Xian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-based Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bessonov K, Vassall KA, Harauz G. Parameterization of the proline analogue Aze (azetidine-2-carboxylic acid) for molecular dynamics simulations and evaluation of its effect on homo-pentapeptide conformations. J Mol Graph Model 2012; 39:118-25. [PMID: 23261881 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2012.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Revised: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 11/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
We have parameterized and evaluated the proline homologue Aze (azetidine-2-carboxylic acid) for the gromos56a3 force-field for use in molecular dynamics simulations using GROMACS. Using bi-phasic cyclohexane/water simulation systems and homo-pentapeptides, we measured the Aze solute interaction potential energies, ability to hydrogen bond with water, and overall compaction, for comparison to Pro, Gly, and Lys. Compared to Pro, Aze has a slightly higher H-bonding potential, and stronger electrostatic but weaker non-electrostatic interactions with water. The 20-ns simulations revealed the preferential positioning of Aze and Pro at the interface of the water and cyclohexane layers, with Aze spending more time in the aqueous layer. We also demonstrated through simulations of the homo-pentapeptides that Aze has a greater propensity than Pro to undergo trans→cis peptide bond isomerization, which results in a severe 180° bend in the polypeptide chain. The results provide evidence for the hypothesis that the misincorporation of Aze within proline-rich regions of proteins could disrupt the formation of poly-proline type II structures and compromise events such as recognition and binding by SH3-domains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyrylo Bessonov
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Huang T, Jander G, de Vos M. Non-protein amino acids in plant defense against insect herbivores: representative cases and opportunities for further functional analysis. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2011; 72:1531-7. [PMID: 21529857 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2011.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Revised: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/23/2011] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Chemical defense against herbivores is of utmost importance for plants. Primary and secondary metabolites, including non-protein amino acids, have been implicated in plant defense against insect pests. High levels of non-protein amino acids have been identified in certain plant families, including legumes and grasses, where they have been associated with resistance to insect herbivory. Non-protein amino acids can have direct toxic effects via several mechanisms, including misincorporation into proteins, obstruction of primary metabolism, and mimicking and interfering with insect neurological processes. Additionally, certain non-protein amino acids allow nitrogen to be stored in a form that is metabolically inaccessible to herbivores and, in some cases, may act as signals for further plant defense responses. Specialized insect herbivores often possess specific mechanisms to avoid or detoxify non-protein amino acids from their host plants. Although hundreds of non-protein amino acids have been found in nature, biosynthetic pathways and defensive functions have been elucidated in only a few cases. Next-generation sequencing technologies and the development of additional plant and insect model species will facilitate further research on the production of non-protein amino acids, a widespread but relatively uninvestigated plant defense mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tengfang Huang
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, 1 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bessonov K, Bamm VV, Harauz G. Misincorporation of the proline homologue Aze (azetidine-2-carboxylic acid) into recombinant myelin basic protein. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2010; 71:502-507. [PMID: 20064647 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2009.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2009] [Revised: 12/09/2009] [Accepted: 12/15/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We have evaluated the effects of the proline homologue Aze (1) (azetidine-2-carboxylic acid) on growth of Escherichia coli strains used to over-express recombinant forms of murine myelin basic protein (rmMBP), and on the degree of misincorporation. Addition of Aze to minimal media resulted in severe diminution of growth rate, but rmMBP could still be produced and purified. Mass spectrometry indicated that a detectable proportion of the rmMBP produced had incorporated Aze instead of proline (Pro), to a maximum of three of eleven possible sites. Molecular modelling of a proline-rich region of rmMBP illustrated that the misincorporation of Aze at any site would cause a severe bend in the polypeptide chain, and that multiple Pro-->Aze substitutions would completely disrupt a poly-proline type II structure that has been conjectured to be functionally significant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyrylo Bessonov
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|