Soybean ATP sulfurylase, a homodimeric enzyme involved in sulfur assimilation, is abundantly expressed in roots and induced by cold treatment

The formation and function of plant metabolons

Metabolons are temporary structural-functional complexes of sequential enzymes of a metabolic pathway that are distinct from stable multi-enzyme complexes. Here we provide a brief history of the study of enzyme-enzyme assemblies with a particular focus on those that mediate substrate channeling in plants. Large numbers of protein complexes have been proposed for both primary and secondary metabolic pathways in plants. However, to date only four substrate channels have been demonstrated. We provide an overview of current knowledge concerning these four metabolons and explain the methodologies that are currently being applied to unravel their functions. Although the assembly of metabolons has been documented to arise through diverse mechanisms, the physical interaction within the characterized plant metabolons all appear to be driven by interaction with structural elements of the cell. We therefore pose the question as to what methodologies could be brought to bear to enhance our knowledge of plant metabolons that assemble via different mechanisms? In addressing this question, we review recent findings in non-plant systems concerning liquid droplet phase separation and enzyme chemotaxis and propose strategies via which such metabolons could be identified in plants. We additionally discuss the possibilities that could be opened up by novel approaches based on: (i) subcellular-level mass spectral imaging, (ii) proteomics, and (iii) emergent methods in structural and computational biology.

Overexpression of ATP sulfurylase improves the sulfur amino acid content, enhances the accumulation of Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor and suppresses the accumulation of the β-subunit of β-conglycinin in soybean seeds

ATP sulfurylase, an enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of sulfate to adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (APS), plays a significant role in controlling sulfur metabolism in plants. In this study, we have expressed soybean plastid ATP sulfurylase isoform 1 in transgenic soybean without its transit peptide under the control of the 35S CaMV promoter. Subcellular fractionation and immunoblot analysis revealed that ATP sulfurylase isoform 1 was predominantly expressed in the cell cytoplasm. Compared with that of untransformed plants, the ATP sulfurylase activity was about 2.5-fold higher in developing seeds. High-resolution 2-D gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analyses revealed that transgenic soybean seeds overexpressing ATP sulfurylase accumulated very low levels of the β-subunit of β-conglycinin. In contrast, the accumulation of the cysteine-rich Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor was several fold higher in transgenic soybean plants when compared to the non-transgenic wild-type seeds. The overall protein content of the transgenic seeds was lowered by about 3% when compared to the wild-type seeds. Metabolite profiling by LC-MS and GC-MS quantified 124 seed metabolites out of which 84 were present in higher amounts and 40 were present in lower amounts in ATP sulfurylase overexpressing seeds compared to the wild-type seeds. Sulfate, cysteine, and some sulfur-containing secondary metabolites accumulated in higher amounts in ATP sulfurylase transgenic seeds. Additionally, ATP sulfurylase overexpressing seeds contained significantly higher amounts of phospholipids, lysophospholipids, diacylglycerols, sterols, and sulfolipids. Importantly, over expression of ATP sulfurylase resulted in 37-52% and 15-19% increases in the protein-bound cysteine and methionine content of transgenic seeds, respectively. Our results demonstrate that manipulating the expression levels of key sulfur assimilatory enzymes could be exploited to improve the nutritive value of soybean seeds.

Evidence for the Involvement of Vernalization-related Genes in the Regulation of Cold-induced Ripening in 'D'Anjou' and 'Bartlett' Pear Fruit

European pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivars require a genetically pre-determined duration of cold-temperature exposure to induce autocatalytic system 2 ethylene biosynthesis and subsequent fruit ripening. The physiological responses of pear to cold-temperature-induced ripening have been well characterized, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon continue to be elucidated. This study employed previously established cold temperature conditioning treatments for ripening of two pear cultivars, 'D'Anjou' and 'Bartlett'. Using a time-course transcriptomics approach, global gene expression responses of each cultivar were assessed at four stages of developmental during the cold conditioning process. Differential expression, functional annotation, and gene ontology enrichment analyses were performed. Interestingly, evidence for the involvement of cold-induced, vernalization-related genes and repressors of endodormancy release was found. These genes have not previously been described to play a role in fruit during the ripening transition. The resulting data provide insight into cultivar-specific mechanisms of cold-induced transcriptional regulation of ripening in European pear, as well as a unique comparative analysis of the two cultivars with very different cold conditioning requirements.

ATP sulfurylase activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria from various ecotopes

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are widespread in various ecotopes despite their growth and enzymatic features not compared. In this study, the enzymatic parameters of ATP sulfurylase in cell-free extracts of sulfate-reducing bacteria isolated from various ecotopes such as soils, corrosion products and human large intestine were determined. Comparative analysis of both enzyme characteristics and growth parameters were carried out and similar research has not been reported yet. The initial and maximum rates of enzymatic reaction catalyzed by ATP sulfurylase were significantly different (p < 0.05) in the bacterial strains isolated from various environmental ecotopes. The specific activity of this enzyme in sulfate-reducing bacteria was determined for corrosive and intestinal strains 0.98-1.56 and 0.98-2.26 U × mg-1 protein, respectively. The Michaelis constants were 1.55-2.29 mM for corrosive and 2.93-3.13 mM for intestinal strains and the affinity range were demonstrated. Based on cluster analysis, the parameters of physiological and biochemical characteristics of sulfate-reducing bacteria from different ecotopes are divided into 3 clusters corresponding to the location of their isolation (soils, heating systems and human intestine). Understanding the enzymatic parameters of the initial stages of sulfate consumption in the process of dissimilatory sulfate reduction will allow the development of effective methods for controlling the production of toxic metabolites, including hydrogen sulfide.

Structural biology of plant sulfur metabolism: from sulfate to glutathione

Sulfur is an essential element for all organisms. Plants must assimilate this nutrient from the environment and convert it into metabolically useful forms for the biosynthesis of a wide range of compounds, including cysteine and glutathione. This review summarizes structural biology studies on the enzymes involved in plant sulfur assimilation [ATP sulfurylase, adenosine-5'-phosphate (APS) reductase, and sulfite reductase], cysteine biosynthesis (serine acetyltransferase and O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase), and glutathione biosynthesis (glutamate-cysteine ligase and glutathione synthetase) pathways. Overall, X-ray crystal structures of enzymes in these core pathways provide molecular-level information on the chemical events that allow plants to incorporate sulfur into essential metabolites and revealed new biochemical regulatory mechanisms, such as structural rearrangements, protein-protein interactions, and thiol-based redox switches, for controlling different steps in these pathways.

Physiological studies and genome-wide microRNA profiling of cold-stressed Brassica napus

Temperature extremes, including cold, adversely impact plant growth and development. Plant responses to cold stress (CS) are regulated at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs, are known to be involved in post-transcriptional regulation of various developmental processes and metal stress in Brassica napus L. (canola), however, their role in response to CS is largely unknown. In this study, changes in various physiological parameters and endogenous abundance of miRNAs were characterized in spring canola seedlings (DH12075) exposed to 4 °C for 0-48 h. Cold stress induced electrolyte leakage, increased the levels of malondialdheyde and antioxidant enzymes and reduced photosynthetic efficiency. Using small RNA sequencing, 70 known and 126 novel miRNAs were identified in CS leaf tissues and among these, 25 known and 104 novel miRNAs were differentially expressed. Quantitative real-time (qRT) PCR analysis of eight selected miRNAs confirmed their CS responsiveness. Furthermore, the expression of six out of eight miRNAs exhibited an opposite trend in a winter variety of canola, 'Mendel', when compared to 'DH12075'. This first study on the B. napus miRNAome provides a framework for further functional analysis of these miRNAs and their targets in response to CS which may contribute towards the future development of cold resilient crops.

Identification of Novel Genomic Loci Associated with Soybean Shoot Tissue Macro- and Micronutrient Concentrations

The mineral composition of crop shoot tissues is important for yield formation and nutrient remobilization to seeds. The natural diversity that exists within crop species can be used to investigate mechanisms that define plant mineral composition and to identify important genomic loci for these processes. The objective of this study was to determine shoot mineral nutrient concentrations in genetically diverse soybean [ (L.) Merr.] genotypes and to identify genomic regions associated with concentrations of different nutrients in shoot tissue. The genotypes were grown at two locations in 2 yr and characterized for macronutrient (Ca, Mg, P, K, and S) and micronutrient (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) concentrations in shoot tissues. Genome-wide association studies were conducted with 31,748 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) via a unified mixed model to identify SNPs associated with macro- and micronutrient concentrations. The number of putative loci identified for the macronutrients ranged from 11 for Ca to 20 for K. For the micronutrients, the number ranged from 10 for Mn to 24 for Fe. In addition to colocated loci for multiple nutrients, 22 individual SNPs were associated with more than one nutrient such that 11 different nutrient combinations were encompassed by these SNPs. Ultimately, the putative loci identified in this study will need to be confirmed and are expected to aid in the identification of new sources of variation for use in soybean breeding programs as well as for mechanistic studies aimed at understanding the regulation of mineral nutrient uptake, translocation, and shoot tissue concentrations.

Review: The promise and limits for enhancing sulfur-containing amino acid content of soybean seed

Soybeans are an excellent source of protein in monogastric diets and rations with ∼75% of soybeans produced worldwide used primarily for animal feed. Even though soybeans are protein-rich and have a well-balanced amino acid profile, the nutritive quality of this important crop could be further improved by elevating the concentrations of certain amino acids. The levels of the sulfur-containing amino acids cysteine and methionine in soybean seed proteins are inadequate for optimal growth and development of monogastric animals, which necessitates dietary supplementation. Subsequently, concerted efforts have been made to increase the concentrations of cysteine and methionine in soybean seeds by both classical breeding and genetic engineering; however, these efforts have met with only limited success. In this review, we discuss the strengths and weakness of different approaches in elevating the sulfur amino acid content of soybeans. Manipulation of enzymes involved in the sulfur assimilatory pathway appears to be a viable avenue for improving sulfur amino acid content. This approach requires a through biochemical characterization of sulfur assimilatory enzymes in soybean seeds. We highlight recent studies targeting key sulfur assimilatory enzymes and the manipulation of sulfur metabolism in transgenic soybeans to improve the nutritive value of soybean proteins.

Comparison of ATP sulfurylase 2 from selenium hyperaccumulator Stanleya pinnata and non-accumulator Stanleya elata reveals differential intracellular localization and enzyme activity levels

BACKGROUND

The plant Stanleya pinnata hyperaccumulates Se up to 0.5% of its dry weight in organic forms, whereas the closely related Stanleya elata does not hyperaccumulate Se. ATP sulfurylase (ATPS) can catalyze the formation of adenosine 5'-phosphoselenate (APSe) from ATP and selenate. We investigated the S. pinnata ATPS2 isoform (SpATPS2) to assess its possible role in Se hyperaccumulation.

METHODS

ATPS expression and activity was compared in the two Stanleya species. The ATPS2 protein sequences were modeled. Sub-cellular locations were analyzed using GFP fusions. Enzyme activity of purified recombinant SpATPS2 was measured.

RESULTS

ATPS2 transcript levels were six-fold higher in roots of S. pinnata relative to S. elata. Overall root ATPS enzyme activity was two-fold elevated in S. pinnata. Cloning and sequencing of SpATPS2 and S. elata ATPS2 (SeATPS2) showed the predicted SeATPS2 to be canonical, while SpATPS2, although very similar in its core structure, has unique features, including an interrupted plastid targeting signal due to a stop codon in the 5' region of the coding sequence. Indeed GFP fusions revealed that SpATPS2 had exclusive cytosolic localization, while SeATPS2 showed dual localization in plastids and cytosol. SpATPS2 activity was inhibited by both sulfate and selenate, indicating that the enzyme acts on both substrates.

CONCLUSIONS

The ATPS2 from S. pinnata differs from non-accumulator ATPS2 in its elevated expression and sub-cellular localization. It likely acts on both selente and sulfate substrates.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

These observations shed new light on the role of ATPS2 in the evolution of Se hyperaccumulation in plants. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Selenium research in biochemistry and biophysics - 200 year anniversary issue, edited by Dr. Elias Arnér and Dr. Regina Brigelius-Flohe.

Impact of overexpression of cytosolic isoform of O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase on soybean nodulation and nodule metabolome

Nitrogen-fixing nodules, which are also major sites of sulfur assimilation, contribute significantly to the sulfur needs of whole soybean plants. Nodules are the predominant sites for cysteine accumulation and the activity of O-acetylserine(thiol)lyase (OASS) is central to the sulfur assimilation process in plants. Here, we examined the impact of overexpressing OASS on soybean nodulation and nodule metabolome. Overexpression of OASS did not affect the nodule number, but negatively impacted plant growth. HPLC measurement of antioxidant metabolites demonstrated that levels of cysteine, glutathione, and homoglutathione nearly doubled in OASS overexpressing nodules when compared to control nodules. Metabolite profiling by LC-MS and GC-MS demonstrated that several metabolites related to serine, aspartate, glutamate, and branched-chain amino acid pathways were significantly elevated in OASS overexpressing nodules. Striking differences were also observed in the flavonoid levels between the OASS overexpressing and control soybean nodules. Our results suggest that OASS overexpressing plants compensate for the increase in carbon requirement for sulfur assimilation by reducing the biosynthesis of some amino acids, and by replenishing the TCA cycle through fatty acid hydrolysis. These data may indicate that in OASS overexpressing soybean nodules there is a moderate decease in the supply of energy metabolites to the nodule, which is then compensated by the degradation of cellular components to meet the needs of the nodule energy metabolism.

Sulphur alters chromium (VI) toxicity in Solanum melongena seedlings: Role of sulphur assimilation and sulphur-containing antioxidants

The present study investigates modulation in hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI) 25 μM] toxicity by sulphur (S; 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mM S as low (LS), medium (MS) and high sulphur (HS), respectively) in Solanum melongena (eggplant) seedlings. Biomass accumulation (fresh and dry weights), photosynthetic pigments, photosynthetic oxygen evolution and S content were declined by Cr(VI) toxicity. Furthermore, fluorescence characteristics (JIP-test) were also affected by Cr(VI), but Cr(VI) toxicity on photosystem II photochemistry was ameliorated by HS treatment via reducing damaging effect on PS II reaction centre and its reduction side. Enhanced respiration, Cr content and oxidative biomarkers: superoxide radical, hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation and membrane damage were observed under Cr(VI) stress. Though Cr(VI) enhanced adenosine triphasphate sulfurylase (ATPS) and o-acetylserine(thiol)lyase (OASTL), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity, and content of total glutathione, cysteine and NP-SH, however, their levels/activity were further enhanced by S being maximum with HS treatment. The results show that Cr(VI) toxicity does increase under LS treatment while HS protected Cr(VI)-induced damaging effects in brinjal seedlings. Under HS treatment, in mitigating Cr(VI) toxicity, S assimilation and its associated metabolites such as cysteine, glutathione and NP-SH play crucial role.

Biochemistry and Physiology of Heavy Metal Resistance and Accumulation in Euglena

Free-living microorganisms may become suitable models for removal of heavy metals from polluted water bodies, sediments, and soils by using and enhancing their metal accumulating abilities. The available research data indicate that protists of the genus Euglena are a highly promising group of microorganisms to be used in bio-remediation of heavy metal-polluted aerobic and anaerobic acidic aquatic environments. This chapter analyzes the variety of biochemical mechanisms evolved in E. gracilis to resist, accumulate and remove heavy metals from the environment, being the most relevant those involving (1) adsorption to the external cell pellicle; (2) intracellular binding by glutathione and glutathione polymers, and their further compartmentalization as heavy metal-complexes into chloroplasts and mitochondria; (3) polyphosphate biosynthesis; and (4) secretion of organic acids. The available data at the transcriptional, kinetic and metabolic levels on these metabolic/cellular processes are herein reviewed and analyzed to provide mechanistic basis for developing genetically engineered Euglena cells that may have a greater removal and accumulating capacity for bioremediation and recycling of heavy metals.

Sulfur decreases cadmium translocation and enhances cadmium tolerance by promoting sulfur assimilation and glutathione metabolism in Brassica chinensis L

We investigated the ameliorative role of sulfur (S) in protecting plants against cadmium (Cd) toxicity by using two pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) cultivars with different Cd tolerance levels. The exposure of pakchoi seedlings to 100μM Cd inhibited plant growth, increased superoxide content, enhanced membrane lipid peroxidation, and induced Cd accumulation in the roots and shoots. Application of S to Cd-stressed plants alleviated Cd-induced oxidative stress by promoting the capacity of the ascorbate (AsA)-glutathione (GSH) cycle, enhanced S assimilation by increasing the activity of ATP sulfurylase (ATPS) and o-acetylserine(thiol)lyase (OASTL), and decreased Cd translocation from the roots to the shoots by enhancing phytochelatins (PCs) biosynthesis. Results suggested that S reversed Cd-induced growth inhibition and oxidative stress by restraining Cd translocation from the roots to the shoots and upregulating S assimilation and GSH metabolism, including the AsA-GSH cycle and PCs synthesis.

Recapitulating the Structural Evolution of Redox Regulation in Adenosine 5'-Phosphosulfate Kinase from Cyanobacteria to Plants

In plants, adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (APS) kinase (APSK) is required for reproductive viability and the production of 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) as a sulfur donor in specialized metabolism. Previous studies of the APSK from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtAPSK) identified a regulatory disulfide bond formed between the N-terminal domain (NTD) and a cysteine on the core scaffold. This thiol switch is unique to mosses, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. To understand the structural evolution of redox control of APSK, we investigated the redox-insensitive APSK from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (SynAPSK). Crystallographic analysis of SynAPSK in complex with either APS and a non-hydrolyzable ATP analog or APS and sulfate revealed the overall structure of the enzyme, which lacks the NTD found in homologs from mosses and plants. A series of engineered SynAPSK variants reconstructed the structural evolution of the plant APSK. Biochemical analyses of SynAPSK, SynAPSK H23C mutant, SynAPSK fused to the AtAPSK NTD, and the fusion protein with the H23C mutation showed that the addition of the NTD and cysteines recapitulated thiol-based regulation. These results reveal the molecular basis for structural changes leading to the evolution of redox control of APSK in the green lineage from cyanobacteria to plants.

Cytological and proteomic analyses of horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.) spore germination

Spermatophyte pollen tubes and root hairs have been used as single-cell-type model systems to understand the molecular processes underlying polar growth of plant cells. Horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.) is a perennial herb species in Equisetopsida, which creates separately growing spring and summer stems in its life cycle. The mature chlorophyllous spores produced from spring stems can germinate without dormancy. Here we report the cellular features and protein expression patterns in five stages of horsetail spore germination (mature spores, rehydrated spores, double-celled spores, germinated spores, and spores with protonemal cells). Using 2-DE combined with mass spectrometry, 80 proteins were found to be abundance changed upon spore germination. Among them, proteins involved in photosynthesis, protein turnover, and energy supply were over-represented. Thirteen proteins appeared as proteoforms on the gels, indicating the potential importance of post-translational modification. In addition, the dynamic changes of ascorbate peroxidase, peroxiredoxin, and dehydroascorbate reductase implied that reactive oxygen species homeostasis is critical in regulating cell division and tip-growth. The time course of germination and diverse expression patterns of proteins in photosynthesis, energy supply, lipid and amino acid metabolism indicated that heterotrophic and autotrophic metabolism were necessary in light-dependent germination of the spores. Twenty-six proteins were involved in protein synthesis, folding, and degradation, indicating that protein turnover is vital to spore germination and rhizoid tip-growth. Furthermore, the altered abundance of 14-3-3 protein, small G protein Ran, actin, and caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase revealed that signaling transduction, vesicle trafficking, cytoskeleton dynamics, and cell wall modulation were critical to cell division and polar growth. These findings lay a foundation toward understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying fern spore asymmetric division and rhizoid polar growth.

ATP-sulfurylase, sulfur-compounds, and plant stress tolerance

Sulfur (S) stands fourth in the list of major plant nutrients after N, P, and K. Sulfate (SO4 (2-)), a form of soil-S taken up by plant roots is metabolically inert. As the first committed step of S-assimilation, ATP-sulfurylase (ATP-S) catalyzes SO4 (2-)-activation and yields activated high-energy compound adenosine-5(')-phosphosulfate that is reduced to sulfide (S(2-)) and incorporated into cysteine (Cys). In turn, Cys acts as a precursor or donor of reduced S for a range of S-compounds such as methionine (Met), glutathione (GSH), homo-GSH (h-GSH), and phytochelatins (PCs). Among S-compounds, GSH, h-GSH, and PCs are known for their involvement in plant tolerance to varied abiotic stresses, Cys is a major component of GSH, h-GSH, and PCs; whereas, several key stress-metabolites such as ethylene, are controlled by Met through its first metabolite S-adenosylmethionine. With the major aim of briefly highlighting S-compound-mediated role of ATP-S in plant stress tolerance, this paper: (a) overviews ATP-S structure/chemistry and occurrence, (b) appraises recent literature available on ATP-S roles and regulations, and underlying mechanisms in plant abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, (c) summarizes ATP-S-intrinsic regulation by major S-compounds, and (d) highlights major open-questions in the present context. Future research in the current direction can be devised based on the discussion outcomes.

Drought stress provokes the down-regulation of methionine and ethylene biosynthesis pathways in Medicago truncatula roots and nodules

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation is one of the first physiological processes inhibited in legume plants under water-deficit conditions. Despite the progress made in the last decades, the molecular mechanisms behind this regulation are not fully understood yet. Recent proteomic work carried out in the model legume Medicago truncatula provided the first indications of a possible involvement of nodule methionine (Met) biosynthesis and related pathways in response to water-deficit conditions. To better understand this involvement, the drought-induced changes in expression and content of enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of Met, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) and ethylene in M. truncatula root and nodules were analyzed using targeted approaches. Nitrogen-fixing plants were subjected to a progressive water deficit and a subsequent recovery period. Besides the physiological characterization of the plants, the content of total sulphur, sulphate and main S-containing metabolites was measured. Results presented here show that S availability is not a limiting factor in the drought-induced decline of nitrogen fixation rates in M. truncatula plants and provide evidences for a down-regulation of the Met and ethylene biosynthesis pathways in roots and nodules in response to water-deficit conditions.

Structure and mechanism of soybean ATP sulfurylase and the committed step in plant sulfur assimilation

Enzymes of the sulfur assimilation pathway are potential targets for improving nutrient content and environmental stress responses in plants. The committed step in this pathway is catalyzed by ATP sulfurylase, which synthesizes adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (APS) from sulfate and ATP. To better understand the molecular basis of this energetically unfavorable reaction, the x-ray crystal structure of ATP sulfurylase isoform 1 from soybean (Glycine max ATP sulfurylase) in complex with APS was determined. This structure revealed several highly conserved substrate-binding motifs in the active site and a distinct dimerization interface compared with other ATP sulfurylases but was similar to mammalian 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate synthetase. Steady-state kinetic analysis of 20 G. max ATP sulfurylase point mutants suggests a reaction mechanism in which nucleophilic attack by sulfate on the α-phosphate of ATP involves transition state stabilization by Arg-248, Asn-249, His-255, and Arg-349. The structure and kinetic analysis suggest that ATP sulfurylase overcomes the energetic barrier of APS synthesis by distorting nucleotide structure and identifies critical residues for catalysis. Mutations that alter sulfate assimilation in Arabidopsis were mapped to the structure, which provides a molecular basis for understanding their effects on the sulfur assimilation pathway.

Expression of sulfur uptake assimilation-related genes in response to cadmium, bensulfuron-methyl and their co-contamination in rice roots

The responses of sulfur (S) uptake assimilation-related genes' expression in roots of two rice cultivars to cadmium (Cd), bensulfuron-methyl (BSM) and their co-contamination (Cd+BSM) were investigated by gene-chip microarray analysis and quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) technology. Treatments of Cd and Cd+BSM induced expression of sulfate transporter and permease genes, and promoted sulfate uptake in rice roots. Cd+BSM could alleviate Cd toxicity to cv. Fengmeizhan seedlings, probably due to Cd+BSM promoting greater S absorption by seedlings. Cd and Cd+BSM induced expression of sulfate assimilation-related genes, and thus activated the sulfur assimilation pathway. Cd and Cd+BSM induced expression of phytochelatin synthase and metallothionein genes, and induced expression of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), glutathione synthase (GS) and S-containing antioxidation enzyme genes, which detoxified Cd(2+). It is suggested that (to cope with the toxicity of Cd, BSM and their co-contamination) the S uptake and assimilation pathway was activated in rice roots by increased expression of related genes, thus enhancing the supply of organic S for synthesis of Cd or BSM resistance-related substances.

Alternative translational initiation of ATP sulfurylase underlying dual localization of sulfate assimilation pathways in plastids and cytosol in Arabidopsis thaliana

Plants assimilate inorganic sulfate into sulfur-containing vital metabolites. ATP sulfurylase (ATPS) is the enzyme catalyzing the key entry step of the sulfate assimilation pathway in both plastids and cytosol in plants. Arabidopsis thaliana has four ATPS genes (ATPS1, -2, -3, and -4) encoding ATPS pre-proteins containing N-terminal transit peptide sequences for plastid targeting, however, the genetic identity of the cytosolic ATPS has remained unverified. Here we show that Arabidopsis ATPS2 dually encodes plastidic and cytosolic ATPS isoforms, differentiating their subcellular localizations by initiating translation at AUG(Met1) to produce plastid-targeted ATPS2 pre-proteins or at AUG(Met52) or AUG(Met58) within the transit peptide to have ATPS2 stay in cytosol. Translational initiation of ATPS2 at AUG(Met52) or AUG(Met58) was verified by expressing a tandem-fused synthetic gene, ATPS2 (5'UTR-His12) :Renilla luciferase:ATPS2 (Ile13-Val77) :firefly luciferase, under a single constitutively active CaMV 35S promoter in Arabidopsis protoplasts and examining the activities of two different luciferases translated in-frame with split N-terminal portions of ATPS2. Introducing missense mutations at AUG(Met52) and AUG(Met58) significantly reduced the firefly luciferase activity, while AUG(Met52) was a relatively preferred site for the alternative translational initiation. The activity of luciferase fusion protein starting at AUG(Met52) or AUG(Met58) was not modulated by changes in sulfate conditions. The dual localizations of ATPS2 in plastids and cytosol were further evidenced by expression of ATPS2-GFP fusion proteins in Arabidopsis protoplasts and transgenic lines, while they were also under control of tissue-specific ATPS2 promoter activity found predominantly in leaf epidermal cells, guard cells, vascular tissues and roots.

Diversity and regulation of ATP sulfurylase in photosynthetic organisms

ATP sulfurylase (ATPS) catalyzes the first committed step in the sulfate assimilation pathway, the activation of sulfate prior to its reduction. ATPS has been studied in only a few model organisms and even in these cases to a much smaller extent than the sulfate reduction and cysteine synthesis enzymes. This is possibly because the latter were considered of greater regulatory importance for sulfate assimilation. Recent evidences (reported in this paper) challenge this view and suggest that ATPS may have a crucial regulatory role in sulfate assimilation, at least in algae. In the ensuing text, we summarize the current knowledge on ATPS, with special attention to the processes that control its activity and gene(s) expression in algae. Special attention is given to algae ATPS proteins. The focus on algae is the consequence of the fact that a comprehensive investigation of ATPS revealed that the algal enzymes, especially those that are most likely involved in the pathway of sulfate reduction to cysteine, possess features that are not present in other organisms. Remarkably, algal ATPS proteins show a great diversity of isoforms and a high content of cysteine residues, whose positions are often conserved. According to the occurrence of cysteine residues, the ATPS of eukaryotic algae is closer to that of marine cyanobacteria of the genera Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus and is more distant from that of freshwater cyanobacteria. These characteristics might have evolved in parallel with the radiation of algae in the oceans and the increase of sulfate concentration in seawater.

Structure of soybean serine acetyltransferase and formation of the cysteine regulatory complex as a molecular chaperone

Serine acetyltransferase (SAT) catalyzes the limiting reaction in plant and microbial biosynthesis of cysteine. In addition to its enzymatic function, SAT forms a macromolecular complex with O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase. Formation of the cysteine regulatory complex (CRC) is a critical biochemical control feature in plant sulfur metabolism. Here we present the 1.75-3.0 Å resolution x-ray crystal structures of soybean (Glycine max) SAT (GmSAT) in apoenzyme, serine-bound, and CoA-bound forms. The GmSAT-serine and GmSAT-CoA structures provide new details on substrate interactions in the active site. The crystal structures and analysis of site-directed mutants suggest that His(169) and Asp(154) form a catalytic dyad for general base catalysis and that His(189) may stabilize the oxyanion reaction intermediate. Glu(177) helps to position Arg(203) and His(204) and the β1c-β2c loop for serine binding. A similar role for ionic interactions formed by Lys(230) is required for CoA binding. The GmSAT structures also identify Arg(253) as important for the enhanced catalytic efficiency of SAT in the CRC and suggest that movement of the residue may stabilize CoA binding in the macromolecular complex. Differences in the effect of cold on GmSAT activity in the isolated enzyme versus the enzyme in the CRC were also observed. A role for CRC formation as a molecular chaperone to maintain SAT activity in response to an environmental stress is proposed for this multienzyme complex in plants.

Kinetic mechanism of the dimeric ATP sulfurylase from plants

In plants, sulfur must be obtained from the environment and assimilated into usable forms for metabolism. ATP sulfurylase catalyses the thermodynamically unfavourable formation of a mixed phosphosulfate anhydride in APS (adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate) from ATP and sulfate as the first committed step of sulfur assimilation in plants. In contrast to the multi-functional, allosterically regulated ATP sulfurylases from bacteria, fungi and mammals, the plant enzyme functions as a mono-functional, non-allosteric homodimer. Owing to these differences, here we examine the kinetic mechanism of soybean ATP sulfurylase [GmATPS1 (Glycine max (soybean) ATP sulfurylase isoform 1)]. For the forward reaction (APS synthesis), initial velocity methods indicate a single-displacement mechanism. Dead-end inhibition studies with chlorate showed competitive inhibition versus sulfate and non-competitive inhibition versus APS. Initial velocity studies of the reverse reaction (ATP synthesis) demonstrate a sequential mechanism with global fitting analysis suggesting an ordered binding of substrates. ITC (isothermal titration calorimetry) showed tight binding of APS to GmATPS1. In contrast, binding of PPi (pyrophosphate) to GmATPS1 was not detected, although titration of the E•APS complex with PPi in the absence of magnesium displayed ternary complex formation. These results suggest a kinetic mechanism in which ATP and APS are the first substrates bound in the forward and reverse reactions, respectively.

Proteomic analysis of response to long-term continuous stress in roots of germinating soybean seeds

Germination is a complex process, highly dependent on various environmental factors, including temperature and water availability. Germinating soybean seeds are especially vulnerable to unfavorable environmental conditions and exposure to long-term abiotic stresses may result in diminishing much of the yield and most importantly - restrained germination. In the present study, a proteomic approach was employed to analyze influence of cold and osmotic stress on roots of germinated soybean (Glycine max, L.) seeds. Seeds were germinating under continuous conditions of cold stress (+10°C/H2O), osmotic stress (+25°C/-0.2MPa) as well as cold and osmotic stress combined (+10°C/-0.2MPa). Proteome maps established for control samples and stress-treated samples displayed 1272 CBB-stained spots. A total of 59 proteins, present in both control and stress-treated samples and showing significant differences in volume, were identified with LC/nanoESI-MS. Identified proteins divided into functional categories, revealed 9 proteins involved in plant defense, 8 proteins responsible for plant destination and storage and 10 proteins involved in various tracks of carbohydrate metabolism. Furthermore, a number of proteins were assigned to electron transport, range of metabolic pathways, secondary metabolism, protein synthesis, embryogenesis and development, signal transduction, cellular transport, translocation and storage. By analyzing differences in expression patterns, it was possible to trace the soybean response to long-term abiotic stress as well as to distinguish similarities and differences between response to cold and osmotic stress.

Redox-linked gating of nucleotide binding by the N-terminal domain of adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate kinase

Adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate kinase (APSK) catalyzes the phosphorylation of adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (APS) to 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS). Crystallographic studies of APSK from Arabidopsis thaliana revealed the presence of a regulatory intersubunit disulfide bond (Cys(86)-Cys(119)). The reduced enzyme displayed improved catalytic efficiency and decreased effectiveness of substrate inhibition by APS compared with the oxidized form. Here we examine the effect of disulfide formation and the role of the N-terminal domain on nucleotide binding using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and steady-state kinetics. Formation of the disulfide bond in A. thaliana APSK (AtAPSK) inverts the binding affinities at the ATP/ADP and APS/PAPS sites from those observed in the reduced enzyme, consistent with initial binding of APS as inhibitory, and suggests a role for the N-terminal domain in guiding nucleotide binding order. To test this, an N-terminal truncation variant (AtAPSKΔ96) was generated. The resulting protein was completely insensitive to substrate inhibition by APS. ITC analysis of AtAPSKΔ96 showed decreased affinity for APS binding, although the N-terminal domain does not directly interact with this ligand. Moreover, AtAPSKΔ96 displayed reduced affinity for ADP, which corresponds to a loss of substrate inhibition by formation of an E·ADP·APS dead end complex. Examination of the AtAPSK crystal structure suggested Arg(93) as important for positioning of the N-terminal domain. ITC and kinetic analysis of the R93A mutant also showed a complete loss of substrate inhibition and altered nucleotide binding affinities, which mimics the effect of the N-terminal deletion. These results show how thiol-linked changes in AtAPSK alter the energetics of binding equilibria to control its activity.

Assessing functional diversity in the soybean β-substituted alanine synthase enzyme family

In plants, proteins of the β-substituted alanine synthase (BSAS) enzyme family perform a diverse range of reactions, including formation of cysteine from O-acetylserine and sulfide, detoxification of cyanide by its addition to cysteine, the breakdown of cysteine into pyruvate, ammonia, and sulfide, and the synthesis of S-sulfocysteine. With the completed genome sequence of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Williams 82), the functional diversity of the BSAS in this highly duplicated plant species was examined to determine whether soybean BSAS enzymes catalyze the various reactions connected to cysteine metabolism. The 16 soybean BSAS can be grouped into clades that are similar to those observed in Arabidopsis. Biochemical analysis of soybean BSAS proteins demonstrate that enzymes of clades I and III function as O-acetylserine sulfhydrylases for cysteine synthesis, clade II encodes cysteine desulfhydrase activity, and that clade V proteins function as β-cyanoalanine synthase for cyanide detoxification. Although clade IV is similar to Arabidopsis S-sulfocysteine synthase, this activity was not detected in the soybean homolog. Overall, our results show that bioinformatics approach provides a useful method to assess the biochemical properties of BSAS enzymes in plant species.

Nucleotide binding site communication in Arabidopsis thaliana adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate kinase

Adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate kinase (APSK) catalyzes the ATP-dependent synthesis of adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS), which is an essential metabolite for sulfur assimilation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Using APSK from Arabidopsis thaliana, we examine the energetics of nucleotide binary and ternary complex formation and probe active site features that coordinate the order of ligand addition. Calorimetric analysis shows that binding can occur first at either nucleotide site, but that initial interaction at the ATP/ADP site was favored and enhanced affinity for APS in the second site by 50-fold. The thermodynamics of the two possible binding models (i.e. ATP first versus APS first) differs and implies that active site structural changes guide the order of nucleotide addition. The ligand binding analysis also supports an earlier suggestion of intermolecular interactions in the dimeric APSK structure. Crystallographic, site-directed mutagenesis, and energetic analyses of oxyanion recognition by the P-loop in the ATP/ADP binding site and the role of Asp(136), which bridges the ATP/ADP and APS/PAPS binding sites, suggest how the ordered nucleotide binding sequence and structural changes are dynamically coordinated for catalysis.

Structural basis and evolution of redox regulation in plant adenosine-5'-phosphosulfate kinase

Adenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (APS) kinase (APSK) catalyzes the phosphorylation of APS to 3'-phospho-APS (PAPS). In Arabidopsis thaliana, APSK is essential for reproductive viability and competes with APS reductase to partition sulfate between the primary and secondary branches of the sulfur assimilatory pathway; however, the biochemical regulation of APSK is poorly understood. The 1.8-Å resolution crystal structure of APSR from A. thaliana (AtAPSK) in complex with β,γ-imidoadenosine-5'-triphosphate, Mg(2+), and APS provides a view of the Michaelis complex for this enzyme and reveals the presence of an intersubunit disulfide bond between Cys86 and Cys119. Functional analysis of AtAPSK demonstrates that reduction of Cys86-Cys119 resulted in a 17-fold higher k(cat)/K(m) and a 15-fold increase in K(i) for substrate inhibition by APS compared with the oxidized enzyme. The C86A/C119A mutant was kinetically similar to the reduced WT enzyme. Gel- and activity-based titrations indicate that the midpoint potential of the disulfide in AtAPSK is comparable to that observed in APS reductase. Both cysteines are invariant among the APSK from plants, but not other organisms, which suggests redox-control as a unique regulatory feature of the plant APSK. Based on structural, functional, and sequence analyses, we propose that the redox-sensitive APSK evolved after bifurcation of the sulfur assimilatory pathway in the green plant lineage and that changes in redox environment resulting from oxidative stresses may affect partitioning of APS into the primary and secondary thiol metabolic routes by having opposing effects on APSK and APS reductase in plants.

From sulfur to homoglutathione: thiol metabolism in soybean

Sulfur is an essential plant nutrient and is metabolized into the sulfur-containing amino acids (cysteine and methionine) and into molecules that protect plants against oxidative and environmental stresses. Although studies of thiol metabolism in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress) have expanded our understanding of these dynamic processes, our knowledge of how sulfur is assimilated and metabolized in crop plants, such as soybean (Glycine max), remains limited in comparison. Soybean is a major crop used worldwide for food and animal feed. Although soybeans are protein-rich, they do not contain high levels of the sulfur-containing amino acids, cysteine and methionine. Ultimately, unraveling the fundamental steps and regulation of thiol metabolism in soybean is important for optimizing crop yield and quality. Here we review the pathways from sulfur uptake to glutathione and homoglutathione synthesis in soybean, the potential biotechnology benefits of understanding and modifying these pathways, and how information from the soybean genome may guide the next steps in exploring this biochemical system.

Sensing sulfur conditions: simple to complex protein regulatory mechanisms in plant thiol metabolism

Sulfur is essential for plant growth and development, and the molecular systems for maintaining sulfur and thiol metabolism are tightly controlled. From a biochemical perspective, the regulation of plant thiol metabolism highlights nature's ability to engineer pathways that respond to multiple inputs and cellular demands under a range of conditions. In this review, we focus on the regulatory mechanisms that form the molecular basis of biochemical sulfur sensing in plants by translating the intracellular concentration of sulfur-containing compounds into control of key metabolic steps. These mechanisms range from the simple (substrate availability, thermodynamic properties of reactions, feedback inhibition, and organelle localization) to the elaborate (formation of multienzyme complexes and thiol-based redox switches). Ultimately, the dynamic interplay of these regulatory systems is critical for sensing and maintaining sulfur assimilation and thiol metabolism in plants.

Threonine-insensitive homoserine dehydrogenase from soybean: genomic organization, kinetic mechanism, and in vivo activity

Aspartate kinase (AK) and homoserine dehydrogenase (HSD) function as key regulatory enzymes at branch points in the aspartate amino acid pathway and are feedback-inhibited by threonine. In plants the biochemical features of AK and bifunctional AK-HSD enzymes have been characterized, but the molecular properties of the monofunctional HSD remain unexamined. To investigate the role of HSD, we have cloned the cDNA and gene encoding the monofunctional HSD (GmHSD) from soybean. Using heterologously expressed and purified GmHSD, initial velocity and product inhibition studies support an ordered bi bi kinetic mechanism in which nicotinamide cofactor binds first and leaves last in the reaction sequence. Threonine inhibition of GmHSD occurs at concentrations (K(i) = 160-240 mM) more than 1000-fold above physiological levels. This is in contrast to the two AK-HSD isoforms in soybean that are sensitive to threonine inhibition (K(i) approximately 150 microM). In addition, GmHSD is not inhibited by other aspartate-derived amino acids. The ratio of threonine-resistant to threonine-sensitive HSD activity in soybean tissues varies and likely reflects different demands for amino acid biosynthesis. This is the first cloning and detailed biochemical characterization of a monofunctional feedback-insensitive HSD from any plant. Threonine-resistant HSD offers a useful biotechnology tool for manipulating the aspartate amino acid pathway to increase threonine and methionine production in plants for improved nutritional content.

Assembly of the cysteine synthase complex and the regulatory role of protein-protein interactions

Macromolecular assemblies play critical roles in regulating cellular functions. The cysteine synthase complex (CSC), which is formed by association of serine O-acetyltransferase (SAT) and O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase (OASS), acts as a sensor and modulator of thiol metabolism by responding to changes in nutrient conditions. Here we examine the oligomerization and energetics of formation of the soybean CSC. Biophysical examination of the CSC by size exclusion chromatography and sedimentation ultracentrifugation indicates that this assembly (complex M(r) approximately 330,000) consists of a single SAT trimer (trimer M(r) approximately 110,000) and three OASS dimers (dimer M(r) approximately 70,000). Analysis of the SAT-OASS interaction by isothermal titration calorimetry reveals negative cooperativity with three distinct binding events during CSC formation with K(d) values of 0.3, 7.5, and 78 nm. The three binding events are also observed using surface plasmon resonance with comparable affinities. The stability of the CSC derives from rapid association and extremely slow dissociation of OASS with SAT and requires the C terminus of SAT for the interaction. Steady-state kinetic analysis shows that CSC formation enhances SAT activity and releases SAT from substrate inhibition and feedback inhibition by cysteine, the final product of the biosynthesis pathway. Cysteine inhibits SAT and the CSC with K(i) values of 2 and 70 microm, respectively. These results suggest a new model for the architecture of this regulatory complex and additional control mechanisms for biochemically controlling plant cysteine biosynthesis. Based on previous work and our results, we suggest that OASS acts as an enzyme chaperone of SAT in the CSC.

The role of 5'-adenylylsulfate reductase in the sulfur assimilation pathway of soybean: molecular cloning, kinetic characterization, and gene expression

Soybean seeds are a major source of protein, but contain low levels of sulfur-containing amino acids. With the objective of studying the sulfur assimilation pathway of soybean, a full-length cDNA clone for 5'-adenylylsulfate reductase (APS reductase) was isolated and characterized. The cDNA clone contained an open reading frame of 1414 bp encoding a 52 kDa protein with a N-terminal chloroplast/plastid transit peptide. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA indicated that the APS reductase in soybean is encoded by a small multigene family. Biochemical characterization of the heterologously expressed and purified protein shows that the clone encoded a functional APS reductase. Although expressed in tissues throughout the plant, these analyses established an abundant expression of the gene and activity of the encoded protein in the early developmental stages of soybean seed, which declined with seed maturity. Sulfur and phosphorus deprivation increased this expression level, while nitrogen starvation repressed APS reductase mRNA transcript and protein levels. Cold-treatment increased expression and the total activity of APS reductase in root tissues. This study provides insight into the sulfur assimilation pathway of this nutritionally important legume.

Cloning and functional characterization of an O-acetylserine(thiol)lyase-encoding gene in wild soybean (Glycine soja)

The terminal step of soybean cysteine synthesis is catalyzed by O-acetylserine(thiol)lyase (OAS-TL, EC 2.5.1.47). In this study, we isolated and characterized an OAS-TL gene from a wild soybean material (designated as GsOAS-TL1). GsOAS-TL1 cDNA sequence showed strict conservation at both nucleotide and amino acid levels compared with that from cultivated soybean. Genomic structure analysis of GsOAS-TL1 indicated that it contained 10 exons and 9 introns in the coding region with conserved exon sizes and intron locations compared with Arabidopsis thaliana OAS-TL-like genes. Among the complete GsOAS-TL1 cDNA and three part-deletion fragments, only expression of the full-length cDNA could rescue the NK3 cys(-) Escherichia coli auxotroph, which was coherent with the assayed enzyme activity of purified fusion proteins. For RT-PCR analysis in different wild soybean tissues, GsOAS-TL1 showed lower expression in roots and developing seeds, whereas total OAS-TL activity of corresponding tissues showed significantly higher level in seeds than other tissues. To our knowledge, this is the first report on cloning and characterization of an OAS-TL gene from wild soybean. Our results are informative to further elucidate the function and evolution of OAS-TL in soybean.

Medicago truncatula root nodule proteome analysis reveals differential plant and bacteroid responses to drought stress

Drought is one of the environmental factors most affecting crop production. Under drought, symbiotic nitrogen fixation is one of the physiological processes to first show stress responses in nodulated legumes. This inhibition process involves a number of factors whose interactions are not yet understood. This work aims to further understand changes occurring in nodules under drought stress from a proteomic perspective. Drought was imposed on Medicago truncatula 'Jemalong A17' plants grown in symbiosis with Sinorhizobium meliloti strain 2011. Changes at the protein level were analyzed using a nongel approach based on liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Due to the complexity of nodule tissue, the separation of plant and bacteroid fractions in M. truncatula root nodules was first checked with the aim of minimizing cross contamination between the fractions. Second, the protein plant fraction of M. truncatula nodules was profiled, leading to the identification of 377 plant proteins, the largest description of the plant nodule proteome so far. Third, both symbiotic partners were independently analyzed for quantitative differences at the protein level during drought stress. Multivariate data mining allowed for the classification of proteins sets that were involved in drought stress responses. The isolation of the nodule plant and bacteroid protein fractions enabled the independent analysis of the response of both counterparts, gaining further understanding of how each symbiotic member is distinctly affected at the protein level under a water-deficit situation.

Thermodynamics of the Interaction between O-Acetylserine Sulfhydrylase and the C-Terminus of Serine Acetyltransferase

Cysteine biosynthesis in plants is partly regulated by the physical association of O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase (OASS) and serine acetyltransferase (SAT). Interaction of OASS and SAT requires only the 10 C-terminal residues of SAT. Here we analyze the thermodynamics of formation of a complex of Arabidopsis thaliana OASS (AtOASS) and the C-terminal ligand of AtSAT (C10 peptide) as a function of temperature and salt concentration using fluorescence spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Our results suggest that the C-terminus of AtSAT provides the major contribution to the total binding energy in the plant cysteine synthase complex. The C10 peptide binds to the AtOASS homodimer in a 2:1 complex. Interaction between AtOASS and the C10 peptide is tight (Kd = 5-100 nM) over a range of temperatures (10-35 degrees C) and NaCl concentrations (0.02-1.3 M). AtOASS binding of the C10 peptide displays negative cooperativity at higher temperatures. ITC studies reveal compensating changes in the enthalpy and entropy of binding that also depend on temperature. The enthalpy of interaction has a significant temperature dependence (DeltaCp = -401 cal mol-1 K-1). The heat capacity change and salt dependence studies suggest that hydrophobic interactions drive formation of the AtOASS.C10 peptide complex. The potential regulatory effect of temperature on the plant cysteine synthase complex is discussed.