Roles of intracellular hydrogen peroxide accumulation in abscisic acid signaling in Arabidopsis guard cells

A new method to measure aquaporin-facilitated membrane diffusion of hydrogen peroxide and cations in plant suspension cells

Plant aquaporins (AQPs) facilitate the membrane diffusion of water and small solutes, including hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) and, possibly, cations, essential signalling molecules in many physiological processes. While the determination of the channel activity generally depends on heterologous expression of AQPs in Xenopus oocytes or yeast cells, we established a genetic tool to determine whether they facilitate the diffusion of H2 O2 through the plasma membrane in living plant cells. We designed genetic constructs to co-express the fluorescent H2 O2 sensor HyPer and AQPs, with expression controlled by a heat shock-inducible promoter in Nicotiana tabacum BY-2 suspension cells. After induction of ZmPIP2;5 AQP expression, a HyPer signal was recorded when the cells were incubated with H2 O2 , suggesting that ZmPIP2;5 facilitates H2 O2 transmembrane diffusion; in contrast, the ZmPIP2;5W85A mutated protein was inactive as a water or H2 O2 channel. ZmPIP2;1, ZmPIP2;4 and AtPIP2;1 also facilitated H2 O2 diffusion. Incubation with abscisic acid and the elicitor flg22 peptide induced the intracellular H2 O2 accumulation in BY-2 cells expressing ZmPIP2;5. We also monitored cation channel activity of ZmPIP2;5 using a novel fluorescent photo-switchable Li+ sensor in BY-2 cells. BY-2 suspension cells engineered for inducible expression of AQPs as well as HyPer expression and the use of Li+ sensors constitute a powerful toolkit for evaluating the transport activity and the molecular determinants of PIPs in living plant cells.

OsSTS, a Novel Allele of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 4 (OsMKK4), Controls Grain Size and Salt Tolerance in Rice

Soil salinization is one of the most common abiotic stresses of rice, which seriously affects the normal growth of rice. Breeding salt-tolerant varieties have become one of the important ways to ensure food security and sustainable agricultural development. However, the mechanisms underlying salt tolerance control still need to be clarified. In this study, we identified a mutant, termed salt-tolerant and small grains(sts), with salt tolerance and small grains. Gene cloning and physiological and biochemical experiments reveal that sts is a novel mutant allele of Mitogen-activated protein Kinase Kinase 4 (OsMKK4), which controls the grain size, and has recently been found to be related to salt tolerance in rice. Functional analysis showed that OsSTS is constitutively expressed throughout the tissue, and its proteins are localized to the nucleus, cell membrane, and cytoplasm. It was found that the loss of OsSTS function enhanced the salt tolerance of rice seedlings, and further studies showed that the loss of OsSTS function increased the ROS clearance rate of rice seedlings, independent of ionic toxicity. In order to explore the salt tolerance mechanism of sts, we found that the salt tolerance of sts is also regulated by ABA through high-throughput mRNA sequencing. Salt and ABA treatment showed that ABA might alleviate the inhibitory effect of salt stress on root length in sts. These results revealed new functions of grain size gene OsMKK4, expanded new research ideas related to salt tolerance mechanism and hormone regulation network, and provided a theoretical basis for salt-tolerant rice breeding.

RBOHF activates stomatal immunity by modulating both reactive oxygen species and apoplastic pH dynamics in Arabidopsis

Stomatal defences are important for plants to prevent pathogen entry and further colonisation of leaves. Apoplastic reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by NADPH oxidases and apoplastic peroxidases play an important role in activating stomatal closure upon perception of bacteria. However, downstream events, particularly the factors influencing cytosolic hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) signatures in guard cells are poorly understood. We used the H2 O2 sensor roGFP2-Orp1 and a ROS-specific fluorescein probe to study intracellular oxidative events during stomatal immune response using Arabidopsis mutants involved in the apoplastic ROS burst. Surprisingly, the NADPH oxidase mutant rbohF showed over-oxidation of roGFP2-Orp1 by a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) in guard cells. However, stomatal closure was not tightly correlated with high roGFP2-Orp1 oxidation. In contrast, RBOHF was necessary for PAMP-mediated ROS production measured by a fluorescein-based probe in guard cells. Unlike previous reports, the rbohF mutant, but not rbohD, was impaired in PAMP-triggered stomatal closure resulting in defects in stomatal defences against bacteria. Interestingly, RBOHF also participated in PAMP-induced apoplastic alkalinisation. The rbohF mutants were also partly impaired in H2 O2 -mediated stomatal closure at 100 μm while higher H2 O2 concentration up to 1 mm did not promote stomatal closure in wild-type plants. Our results provide novel insights on the interplay between apoplastic and cytosolic ROS dynamics and highlight the importance of RBOHF in plant immunity.

Exogenous Application of Calcium Ameliorates Salinity Stress Tolerance of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and Enhances Fruit Quality

Tomato is affected by various biotic and abiotic stresses, especially salinity, which drastically hinders the growth and yield of tomato. Calcium (Ca) is a vital macronutrient which plays physiological and biochemical roles in plants. Hence, we studied the protective roles of Ca against salinity stress in tomato. There were eight treatments comprising control (nutrient solution), 5 mM Ca, 10 mM Ca, 15 mM Ca, 12 dS m−1 NaCl, 12 dS m−1 NaCl + 5 mM Ca, 12 dS m−1 NaCl + 10 mM Ca and 12 dS m−1 NaCl + 15 mM Ca, and two tomato varieties: BARI tomato-2 and Binatomato-5. Salinity significantly decreased the plant-growth and yield attributes, relative water content (RWC), photosynthetic pigments (SPAD value) and the uptake of K, Ca and Mg in leaves and roots. Salinity-induced oxidative stress was present in the form of increased Na+ ion concentration, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content and lipid peroxidation (MDA). Ca application reduced oxidative stress through the boosting of antioxidant enzymatic activity. Exogenous Ca application enhanced proline and glycine betaine content and reduced Na+ uptake, which resulted in the inhibition of ionic toxicity and osmotic stress, respectively. Hence, Ca application significantly increased the growth and yield attributes, RWC, SPAD value, and uptake of K, Ca and Mg. Calcium application also had a significant effect on the fruit quality of tomato and the highest total soluble solid, total sugar, reducing sugar, β-carotene, vitamin C and juice pH were found for the combined application of NaCl and Ca. Therefore, application of Ca reversed the salt-induced changes through increasing osmoprotectants, activation of antioxidants enzymes, and by optimizing mineral nutrient status.

Rice DST transcription factor negatively regulates heat tolerance through ROS-mediated stomatal movement and heat-responsive gene expression

Plants are frequently subjected to a broad spectrum of abiotic stresses including drought, salinity and extreme temperatures and have evolved both common and stress-specific responses to promote fitness and survival. Understanding the components and mechanisms that underlie both common and stress-specific responses can enable development of crop plants tolerant to different stresses. Here, we report a rice heat stress-tolerant 1 (hst1) mutant with increased heat tolerance. HST1 encodes the DST transcription factor, which also regulates drought and salinity tolerance. Increased heat tolerance of hst1 was associated with suppressed expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging peroxidases and increased ROS levels, which reduced water loss by decreasing stomatal aperture under heat stress. In addition, increased ROS levels enhanced expression of genes encoding heat shock protein (HSPs) including HSP80, HSP74, HSP58 and small HSPs. HSPs promote stabilization of proteins and protein refolding under heat stress and accordingly mutation of HST1 also improved reproductive traits including pollen viability and seed setting under high temperature. These results broaden the negative roles of DST in abiotic stress tolerance and provide important new insights into DST-regulated tolerance to diverse abiotic stresses through both shared and stress-specific mechanisms.

Reactive Carbonyl Species Inhibit Blue-Light-Dependent Activation of the Plasma Membrane H+-ATPase and Stomatal Opening

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a central role in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. ROS stimulate stomatal closure by inhibiting blue light (BL)-dependent stomatal opening under diverse stresses in the daytime. However, the stomatal opening inhibition mechanism by ROS remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to examine the impact of reactive carbonyl species (RCS), lipid peroxidation products generated by ROS, on BL signaling in guard cells. Application of RCS, such as acrolein and 4-hydroxy-(E)-2-nonenal (HNE), inhibited BL-dependent stomatal opening in the epidermis of Arabidopsis thaliana. Acrolein also inhibited H+ pumping and the plasma membrane H+-ATPase phosphorylation in response to BL. However, acrolein did not inhibit BL-dependent autophosphorylation of phototropins and the phosphorylation of BLUE LIGHT SIGNALING1 (BLUS1). Similarly, acrolein affected neither the kinase activity of BLUS1 nor the phosphatase activity of protein phosphatase 1, a positive regulator of BL signaling. However, acrolein inhibited fusicoccin-dependent phosphorylation of H+-ATPase and stomatal opening. Furthermore, carnosine, an RCS scavenger, partially alleviated the abscisic-acid- and hydrogen-peroxide-induced inhibition of BL-dependent stomatal opening. Altogether, these findings suggest that RCS inhibit BL signaling, especially H+-ATPase activation, and play a key role in the crosstalk between BL and ROS signaling pathways in guard cells.

Comparative transcriptome analysis provides insight into nitric oxide suppressing lignin accumulation of postharvest okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) during cold storage

In plants, NO has been proved the function of improving abiotic stress resistance. However, the role of NO in the lignin metabolism of okra under cold stress has not been clarified. Here, histochemical staining and lignin content analysis showed that cold stress promoted the lignin accumulation of cold stored okra pods, and NO inhibited the lignin accumulation and delayed lignification process. To better understand the roles of NO in okra cold stress resistance mechanism, the full-length transcriptome data of 'Hokkaido' was analyzed. The SNP-treated okra transcriptome and cPTIO-treated okra transcriptome were obtained. A total of 41957 unigenes were screened out from three groups at 10 d, among which, 33, 78 and 18 DEGs were found in ddH₂O-treat, SNP-treat and cPTIO-treat group, respectively. Transcriptomic data suggested that the genes involved in lignin biosynthesis showed downregulation under SNP treatment. Transcriptomic data and enzyme activity showed that exogenous NO significantly promoted the biosynthesis of endogenous NO by enhancing NOS activity. Transcriptomic data and plant hormone data showed that NO played an important role in the process of inhibiting the ethylene and ABA synthesis mechanism of okra and thereby reducing the endogenous ethylene and ABA content under chilling stress. Relevant physiological data showed that NO helped to the protection of ROS scavenging system and removed the MDA and H₂O₂ induced by cold stress. These results provided a reference for studying the molecular mechanism of nitric oxide delaying the lignification of okra, and also provided a theoretical basis for postharvest storage of vegetables.

Pathogen-Mediated Stomatal Opening: A Previously Overlooked Pathogenicity Strategy in the Oomycete Pathogen Phytophthora infestans

Phytophthora infestans, the most damaging oomycete pathogen of potato, is specialized to grow sporangiophore through opened stomata for secondary inoculum production. However, it is still unclear which metabolic pathways in potato are manipulated by P. infestans in the guard cell-pathogen interactions to open the stomata. Here microscopic observations and cell biology were used to investigate antagonistic interactions between guard cells and the oomycete pathogen. We observed that the antagonistic interactions started at the very beginning of infection. Stomatal movement is an important part of the immune response of potato to P. infestans infection and this occurs through guard cell death and stomatal closure. We observed that P. infestans appeared to manipulate metabolic processes in guard cells, such as triacylglycerol (TAG) breakdown, starch degradation, H₂O₂ scavenging, and NO catabolism, which are involved in stomatal movement, to evade these stomatal defense responses. The signal transduction pathway of P. infestans-induced stomatal opening likely starts from H₂O₂ and NO scavenging, along with TAG breakdown while the subsequent starch degradation reinforces the opening process by strengthening guard cell turgor and opening the stomata to their maximum aperture. These results suggest that stomata are a barrier stopping P. infestans from completing its life cycle, but this host defense system can be bypassed through the manipulation of diverse metabolic pathways that may be induced by P. infestans effector proteins.

The Cyclophilin ROC3 Regulates ABA-Induced Stomatal Closure and the Drought Stress Response of Arabidopsis thaliana

Drought causes a major constraint on plant growth, development, and crop productivity. Drought stress enhances the synthesis and mobilization of the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA). Enhanced cellular levels of ABA promote the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn induce anion channel activity in guard cells that consequently leads to stomatal closure. Although Cyclophilins (CYPs) are known to participate in the biotic stress response, their involvement in guard cell ABA signaling and the drought response remains to be established. The Arabidopsis thaliana gene ROC3 encodes a CYP. Arabidopsis roc3 T-DNA mutants showed a reduced level of ABA-activated S-type anion currents, and stomatal closure than wild type (WT). Also, roc3 mutants exhibited rapid loss of water in leaf than wild type. Two complementation lines of roc3 mutants showed similar stomatal response to ABA as observed for WT. Both complementation lines also showed similar water loss as WT by leaf detached assay. Biochemical assay suggested that ROC3 positively regulates ROS accumulation by inhibiting catalase activity. In response to ABA treatment or drought stress, roc3 mutant show down regulation of a number of stress responsive genes. All findings indicate that ROC3 positively regulates ABA-induced stomatal closure and the drought response by regulating ROS homeostasis and the expression of various stress-activated genes.

Smart glass impacts stomatal sensitivity of greenhouse Capsicum through altered light

Optical films that alter light transmittance may reduce energy consumption in high-tech greenhouses, but their impact on crop physiology remains unclear. We compared the stomatal responses of Capsicum plants grown hydroponically under control glass (70% diffuse light) or the smart glass (SG) film ULR-80, which blocked >50% of short-wave radiation and ~9% of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). SG had no significant effects on steady-state (gs) or maximal (gmax) stomatal conductance. In contrast, SG reduced stomatal pore size and sensitivity to exogenous abscisic acid (ABA), thereby increasing rates of leaf water loss, guard cell K+ and Cl- efflux, and Ca2+ influx. SG induced faster stomatal closing and opening rates on transition between low (100 µmol m-2 s-1) and high PAR (1500 µmol m-2 s-1), which compromised water use efficiency relative to control plants. The fraction of blue light (0% or 10%) did not affect gs in either treatment. Increased expression of stomatal closure and photoreceptor genes in epidermal peels of SG plants is consistent with fast stomatal responses to light changes. In conclusion, stomatal responses of Capsicum to SG were more affected by changes in light intensity than spectral quality, and re-engineering of the SG should maximize PAR transmission, and hence CO2 assimilation.

Ethylene and Sulfur Coordinately Modulate the Antioxidant System and ABA Accumulation in Mustard Plants under Salt Stress

This study explored the interactive effect of ethephon (2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid; an ethylene source) and sulfur (S) in regulating the antioxidant system and ABA content and in maintaining stomatal responses, chloroplast structure, and photosynthetic performance of mustard plants (Brassica juncea L. Czern.) grown under 100 mM NaCl stress. The treatment of ethephon (200 µL L⁻¹) and S (200 mg S kg⁻¹ soil) together markedly improved the activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic components of the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle, resulting in declined oxidative stress through lesser content of sodium (Na⁺) ion and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in salt-stressed plants_. These changes promoted the development of chloroplast thylakoids and photosynthetic performance under salt stress. Ethephon + S also reduced abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation in guard cell, leading to maximal stomatal conductance under salt stress. The inhibition of ethylene action by norbornadiene (NBD) in salt- plus non-stressed treated plants increased ABA and H₂O₂ contents, and reduced stomatal opening, suggesting the involvement of ethephon and S in regulating stomatal conductance. These findings suggest that ethephon and S modulate antioxidant system and ABA accumulation in guard cells, controlling stomatal conductance, and the structure and efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus in plants under salt stress.

A natriuretic peptide from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtPNP-A) can modulate catalase 2 activity

Analogues of vertebrate natriuretic peptides (NPs) present in plants, termed plant natriuretic peptides (PNPs), comprise a novel class of hormones that systemically affect salt and water balance and responses to plant pathogens. Several lines of evidence indicate that Arabidopsis thaliana PNP (AtPNP-A) affects cellular redox homeostasis, which is also typical for the signaling of its vertebrate analogues, but the molecular mechanism(s) of this effect remains elusive. Here we report identification of catalase 2 (CAT2), an antioxidant enzyme, as an interactor of AtPNP-A. The full-length AtPNP-A recombinant protein and the biologically active fragment of AtPNP-A bind specifically to CAT2 in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analyses, while a biologically inactive scrambled peptide does not. In vivo bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) showed that CAT2 interacts with AtPNP-A in chloroplasts. Furthermore, CAT2 activity is lower in homozygous atpnp-a knockdown compared with wild type plants, and atpnp-a knockdown plants phenocopy CAT2-deficient plants in their sensitivity to elevated H₂O₂, which is consistent with a direct modulatory effect of the PNP on the activity of CAT2 and hence H₂O₂ homeostasis. Our work underlines the critical role of AtPNP-A in modulating the activity of CAT2 and highlights a mechanism of fine-tuning plant responses to adverse conditions by PNPs.

Interaction of intracellular hydrogen peroxide accumulation with nitric oxide production in abscisic acid signaling in guard cells

Reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide (NO•) concomitantly play essential roles in guard cell signaling. Studies using catalase mutants have revealed that the inducible and constitutive elevations of intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) have different roles: only the inducible H₂O₂ production transduces the abscisic acid (ABA) signal leading stomatal closure. However, the involvement of inducible or constitutive NO• productions, if exists, in this process remains unknown. We studied H₂O₂ and NO• mobilization in guard cells of catalase mutants. Constitutive H₂O₂ level was higher in the mutants than that in wild type, but constitutive NO• level was not different among lines. Induced NO• and H₂O₂ levels elicited by ABA showed a high correlation with each other in all lines. Furthermore, NO• levels increased by exogenous H₂O₂ also showed a high correlation with stomatal aperture size. Our results demonstrate that ABA-induced intracellular H₂O₂ accumulation triggers NO• production leading stomatal closure.

ABBREVIATIONS

ABA: abscisic acid; CAT: catalase; cGMP: cyclic guanosine monophosphate; DAF-2DA: 4,5-diaminofluorescein-2 diacetate; H₂DCF-DA: 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate; MeJA: methyljasmonate; NOS: nitric oxide synthetase; NR: nitrate reductase; POX: peroxidase; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SNAP: S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine; SNP: sodium nitroprusside; NOX: NADP(H) oxidase.

The Role of ROS Homeostasis in ABA-Induced Guard Cell Signaling

The hormonal and environmental regulation of stomatal aperture is mediated by a complex signaling pathway found within the guard cells that surround stomata. Abscisic acid (ABA) induces stomatal closure in response to drought stress by binding to its guard cell localized receptor, initiating a signaling cascade that includes synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Genetic evidence in Arabidopsis indicates that ROS produced by plasma membrane respiratory burst oxidase homolog (RBOH) enzymes RBOHD and RBOHF modulate guard cell signaling and stomatal closure. However, ABA-induced ROS accumulates in many locations such as the cytoplasm, chloroplasts, nucleus, and endomembranes, some of which do not coincide with plasma membrane localized RBOHs. ABA-induced guard cell ROS accumulation has distinct spatial and temporal patterns that drive stomatal closure. Productive ROS signaling requires both rapid increases in ROS, as well as the ability of cells to prevent ROS from reaching damaging levels through synthesis of antioxidants, including flavonols. The relationship between locations of ROS accumulation and ABA signaling and the role of enzymatic and small molecule ROS scavengers in maintaining ROS homeostasis in guard cells are summarized in this review. Understanding the mechanisms of ROS production and homeostasis and the role of ROS in guard cell signaling can provide a better understanding of plant response to stress and could provide an avenue for the development of crop plants with increased stress tolerance.

Autophagy controls reactive oxygen species homeostasis in guard cells that is essential for stomatal opening

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) function as key signaling molecules to inhibit stomatal opening and promote stomatal closure in response to diverse environmental stresses. However, how guard cells maintain basal intracellular ROS levels is not yet known. This study aimed to determine the role of autophagy in the maintenance of basal ROS levels in guard cells. We isolated the Arabidopsis autophagy-related 2 (atg2) mutant, which is impaired in stomatal opening in response to light and low CO₂ concentrations. Disruption of other autophagy genes, including ATG5, ATG7, ATG10, and ATG12, also caused similar stomatal defects. The atg mutants constitutively accumulated high levels of ROS in guard cells, and antioxidants such as ascorbate and glutathione rescued ROS accumulation and stomatal opening. Furthermore, the atg mutations increased the number and aggregation of peroxisomes in guard cells, and these peroxisomes exhibited reduced activity of the ROS scavenger catalase and elevated hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as visualized using the peroxisome-targeted H₂O₂ sensor HyPer. Moreover, such ROS accumulation decreased by the application of 2-hydroxy-3-butynoate, an inhibitor of peroxisomal H₂O₂-producing glycolate oxidase. Our results showed that autophagy controls guard cell ROS homeostasis by eliminating oxidized peroxisomes, thereby allowing stomatal opening.

Hydrogen peroxide modulate photosynthesis and antioxidant systems in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants under copper stress

Plant growth and development could be modulated by minute concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) which serves as a signaling molecule for various processes. The present work was conducted with an aim that H₂O₂ could also modify root morphology, morphology and movement of stomata, photosynthetic responses, activity of carbonic anhydrase, and antioxidant systems in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants under copper stress (Cu; 10 or 100 mg kg^-1 soil). Roots of 20 d old plants were dipped in 0.1 or 0.5 mM of H₂O₂ solution for 4 h and then transplanted to the soil filled in earthen pots. High Cu stress (100 mg kg^-1 soil) altered root morphology, reduced chlorophyll content and photosynthetic capacity and also affected movement of stomata and generation of antioxidant species at 40 d after transplantation. Further, root dipping treatment of H₂O₂ to plants under stress and stress-free conditions enhanced accumulation of proline and activity of catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase, whereas production of superoxide radical (O₂^•¯) and H₂O₂ were decreased. Overall, H₂O₂ treatment improved growth, photosynthesis, metabolic state of the plants which provided tolerance and helped the plants to cope well under Cu stress.

A GmSIN1/GmNCED3s/GmRbohBs Feed-Forward Loop Acts as a Signal Amplifier That Regulates Root Growth in Soybean Exposed to Salt Stress

Abscisic acid (ABA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as key signaling molecules in the plant response to salt stress; however, how these signals are transduced and amplified remains unclear. Here, a soybean (Glycine max) salinity-induced NAM/ATAF1/2/CUC2 (NAC) transcription factor encoded by SALT INDUCED NAC1 (GmSIN1) was shown to be a key component of this process. Overexpression of GmSIN1 in soybean promoted root growth and salt tolerance and increased yield under salt stress; RNA interference-mediated knockdown of GmSIN1 had the opposite effect. The rapid induction of GmSIN1 in response to salinity required ABA and ROS, and the effect of GmSIN1 on root elongation and salt tolerance was achieved by boosting cellular ABA and ROS contents. GmSIN1 upregulated 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase coding genes in soybean (GmNCED3s, associated with ABA synthesis) and Respiratory burst oxidase homolog B genes in soybean (GmRbohBs, associated with ROS generation) by binding to their promoters at a site that has not been described to date. Together, GmSIN1, GmNCED3s, and GmRbohBs constitute a positive feed-forward system that enables the rapid accumulation of ABA and ROS, effectively amplifying the initial salt stress signal. These findings suggest that the combined modulation of ABA and ROS contents enhances soybean salt tolerance.

Hydrogen peroxide plays an important role in PERK4-mediated abscisic acid-regulated root growth in Arabidopsis

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a crucial factor that affects primary root tip growth in plants. Previous research suggests that reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially hydrogen peroxide, are important regulators of ABA signalling in root growth of Arabidopsis. PROLINE-RICH EXTENSIN-LIKE RECEPTOR KINASE 4 (PERK4) plays an important role in ABA responses. Arabidopsis perk4 mutants display attenuated sensitivity to ABA, especially in primary root growth. To gain insights into the mechanism(s) of PERK4-associated ABA inhibition of root growth, in this study we investigated the involvement of ROS in this process. Normal ROS accumulation in the primary root in response to exogenous ABA treatment was not observed in perk4 mutants. PERK4 deficiency prohibits ABA-induced expression of RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOGUE (RBOH) genes, therefore the perk4-1 mutant showed decreased production of ROS in the root. The perk4-1/rbohc double mutant displayed the same phenotype as the perk4 and rbohc single mutants in response to exogenous ABA treatment. The results suggest that PERK4-stimulated ROS accumulation during ABA-regulated primary root growth may be mediated by RBOHC.

Enhancing arsenic removal from arsenic-contaminated water by Echinodorus cordifolius-endophytic Arthrobacter creatinolyticus interactions

In this study, Echinodorus cordifolius was the best plant for arsenic removal compared to Cyperus alternifolius, Acrostichum aureum and Colocasia esculenta. Under arsenic stress, the combination of E. cordifolius with microbes (Bacillus subtilis and Arthrobacter creatinolyticus) was investigated. It was found that A. creatinolyticus, a native microbe, can endure arsenic toxicity, produce higher indole-3 acetic acid (IAA) and ammonium production better than B. subtilis. Interestingly, E. cordifolius-endophytic A. creatinolyticus interactions showed that dipping plant roots in A. creatinolyticus suspension for 5 min had the highest arsenic removal efficiency compared to dipping plant roots in A. creatinolyticus suspension for 2 h and inoculating A. creatinolyticus with E. cordifolius directly. Our findings indicated that under this inoculation condition, the inoculum could colonize from the roots to the shoots of the host tissues in order to avoid arsenic toxicity and favored arsenic removal by the host through plant growth-promoting traits, such as IAA production. Highest levels of IAA were found in plant tissues and the plants exhibited higher root elongation than other conditions. Moreover, low level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was related to low arsenic stress. In addition, dipping E. cordifolius roots in A. creatinolyticus for 5 min was applied in a constructed wetland, the result showed higher arsenic removal than conventional method. Therefore, this knowledge can be applied at a real site for improving plant tolerance stress, plant growth stimulation, and enhancing arsenic remediation.

Reactive oxygen species accumulation and homeostasis are involved in plant immunity to an opportunistic fungal pathogen

Alternaria blight is a major and destructive disease of potato worldwide. In recent years, A. tenuissima is recognized as the most prevalent species of this phytopathogenic fungus in potato fields of Asian countries, which causes high yield losses every year. Any potato cultivar with complete resistance to this disease is not recognized, so far. Therefore, screening resistance levels of potatoes and identification of plant defense mechanisms against this fungus might be important for designing novel and effective disease management strategies for controlling the disease. In this research, the role of reactive oxygen species, antioxidants, lignin and phenolics in potato basal resistance to A. tenuissima was compared in the partially resistant Ramus and susceptible Bamba cultivars. Priming O₂^- and H₂O₂ production and enhanced activity of peroxidase (POX) and catalase (CAT) during interaction with A. tenuissima were observed in Ramus cultivar. Application of ROS generating systems and scavengers revealed critical role of O₂^- and H₂O₂ in potato defense, which was associated with lignification and phenolics production. More OH^- and lipid peroxidation in the susceptible Bamba compared to Ramus cultivar showed their negative effects on resistance. Priming the POX and CAT activity, in correlation with upregulation of the corresponding genes was observed in Ramus. The POX and CAT inhibitors increased disease progress, which was related with decreased lignification. This assay demonstrated not only POX-dependency of lignification, but also its dependence on CAT. However, POX had more importance than CAT in potato defense and in lignification. These findings highlight the function of ROS accumulation and homeostasis in potato resistance against A. tenuissima.

ERF73/HRE1 is involved in H2O2 production via hypoxia-inducible Rboh gene expression in hypoxia signaling

Hypoxia deprives cells of energy and induces severe physical damage in embryophytes. Under hypoxia, the equilibrium between ethylene and H₂O₂ affects the response of the transcription factor AtERF73/HRE1. To evaluate the role of AtERF73/HRE1 during hypoxia signaling, we used three independent AtERF73/HRE1 knockout lines to detect H₂O₂ accumulation. The results revealed that under hypoxia, H₂O₂ accumulation in the AtERF73/HRE1 knockout lines decreased, indicating that AtERF73/HRE1 uses a negative feedback regulation mechanism to influence the production of H₂O₂ induced through hypoxia signal transduction. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses showed that oxygen deficiency had different effects on the expression of the hypoxia-induced genes Rboh B, D, G, and I in the AtERF73/HRE1 knockout lines. In particular, Rboh B and D expression were increased, whereas Rboh G expression was decreased. The expression of Rboh I was increased at 1 h but decreased at 3 h during hypoxia treatment in the AtERF73/HRE1 knockout lines. Similarly, the transcript levels of antioxidant and hypoxia-induced/ethylene response genes in the AtERF73/HRE1 knockout lines were affected by hypoxic stress, indicating that AtERF73/HRE1 is essential to hypoxia signal transduction in embryophytes. Additionally, in histochemical analysis, AtERF73/HRE1 promoter-induced GUS expression was detected in various plant parts throughout the plant growth process (e.g., leaves, inflorescences, siliques), particularly in the edges of mature leaves and guard cells. Taken together, our results confirm that AtERF73/HRE1 plays a role in H₂O₂ production by affecting the hypoxia-induced expression of Rboh genes in hypoxia signal transduction.

What are the evolutionary origins of stomatal responses to abscisic acid in land plants?

The evolution of active stomatal closure in response to leaf water deficit, mediated by the hormone abscisic acid (ABA), has been the subject of recent debate. Two different models for the timing of the evolution of this response recur in the literature. A single-step model for stomatal control suggests that stomata evolved active, ABA-mediated control of stomatal aperture, when these structures first appeared, prior to the divergence of bryophyte and vascular plant lineages. In contrast, a gradualistic model for stomatal control proposes that the most basal vascular plant stomata responded passively to changes in leaf water status. This model suggests that active ABA-driven mechanisms for stomatal responses to water status instead evolved after the divergence of seed plants, culminating in the complex, ABA-mediated responses observed in modern angiosperms. Here we review the findings that form the basis for these two models, including recent work that provides critical molecular insights into resolving this intriguing debate, and find strong evidence to support a gradualistic model for stomatal evolution.

Arabidopsis HY1-Modulated Stomatal Movement: An Integrative Hub Is Functionally Associated with ABI4 in Dehydration-Induced ABA Responsiveness

Heme oxygenase (HO; EC 1.14.99.3) has recently been proposed as a novel component in mediating wide ranges of the plant adaptive signaling processes. However, the physiological significance and molecular basis underlying Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) HO1 (HY1) functioning in drought tolerance remained unclear. Here, we report that mutation of HY1 promoted, but overexpression of this gene impaired, Arabidopsis drought tolerance. This was attributed to the abscisic acid (ABA)-hypersensitive or -hyposensitive phenotypes, with the regulation of stomatal closure in particular. However, comparative transcriptomic profile analysis showed that the induction of numerous ABA/stress-dependent genes in dehydrated wild-type plants was differentially impaired in the hy1 mutant. In agreement, ABA-induced ABSCISIC ACID-INSENSITIVE4 (ABI4) transcript accumulation was strengthened in the hy1 mutant. Genetic analysis further identified that the hy1-associated ABA hypersensitivity and drought tolerance were arrested in the abi4 background. Moreover, the promotion of ABA-triggered up-regulation of RbohD abundance and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the hy1 mutant was almost fully blocked by the mutation of ABI4, suggesting that the HY1-ABI4 signaling in the wild type involved in stomatal closure was dependent on the RbohD-derived ROS production. However, hy1-promoted stomatal closure was not affected by a nitric oxide scavenger. Correspondingly, ABA-insensitive behaviors in rbohD stomata were not affected by either the mutation of HY1 or its ectopic expression in the rbohD background, both of which responded significantly to exogenous ROS. These data indicate that HY1 functioned negatively and acted upstream of ABI4 in drought signaling, which was casually dependent on the RbohD-derived ROS in the regulation of stomatal closure.

Microbe Associated Molecular Pattern Signaling in Guard Cells

Stomata, formed by pairs of guard cells in the epidermis of terrestrial plants, regulate gas exchange, thus playing a critical role in plant growth and stress responses. As natural openings, stomata are exploited by microbes as an entry route. Recent studies reveal that plants close stomata upon guard cell perception of molecular signatures from microbes, microbe associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), to prevent microbe invasion. The perception of MAMPs induces signal transduction including recruitment of second messengers, such as Ca(2+) and H2O2, phosphorylation events, and change of transporter activity, leading to stomatal movement. In the present review, we summarize recent findings in signaling underlying MAMP-induced stomatal movement by comparing with other signalings.

The Thiol Reductase Activity of YUCCA6 Mediates Delayed Leaf Senescence by Regulating Genes Involved in Auxin Redistribution

Auxin, a phytohormone that affects almost every aspect of plant growth and development, is biosynthesized from tryptophan via the tryptamine, indole-3-acetamide, indole-3-pyruvic acid, and indole-3-acetaldoxime pathways. YUCCAs (YUCs), flavin monooxygenase enzymes, catalyze the conversion of indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPA) to the auxin (indole acetic acid). Arabidopsis thaliana YUC6 also exhibits thiol-reductase and chaperone activity in vitro; these activities require the highly conserved Cys-85 and are essential for scavenging of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the drought tolerance response. Here, we examined whether the YUC6 thiol reductase activity also participates in the delay in senescence observed in YUC6-overexpressing (YUC6-OX) plants. YUC6 overexpression delays leaf senescence in natural and dark-induced senescence conditions by reducing the expression of SENESCENCE-ASSOCIATED GENE 12 (SAG12). ROS accumulation normally occurs during senescence, but was not observed in the leaves of YUC6-OX plants; however, ROS accumulation was observed in YUC6-OX(C85S) plants, which overexpress a mutant YUC6 that lacks thiol reductase activity. We also found that YUC6-OX plants, but not YUC6-OX(C85S) plants, show upregulation of three genes encoding NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductases (NTRA, NTRB, and NTRC), and GAMMA-GLUTAMYLCYSTEINE SYNTHETASE 1 (GSH1), encoding an enzyme involved in redox signaling. We further determined that excess ROS accumulation caused by methyl viologen treatment or decreased glutathione levels caused by buthionine sulfoximine treatment can decrease the levels of auxin efflux proteins such as PIN2-4. The expression of PINs is also reduced in YUC6-OX plants. These findings suggest that the thiol reductase activity of YUC6 may play an essential role in delaying senescence via the activation of genes involved in redox signaling and auxin availability.

A novel thiol-reductase activity of Arabidopsis YUC6 confers drought tolerance independently of auxin biosynthesis

YUCCA (YUC) proteins constitute a family of flavin monooxygenases (FMOs), with an important role in auxin (IAA) biosynthesis. Here we report that Arabidopsis plants overexpressing YUC6 display enhanced IAA-related phenotypes and exhibit improved drought stress tolerance, low rate of water loss and controlled ROS accumulation under drought and oxidative stresses. Co-overexpression of an IAA-conjugating enzyme reduces IAA levels but drought stress tolerance is unaffected, indicating that the stress-related phenotype is not based on IAA overproduction. YUC6 contains a previously unrecognized FAD- and NADPH-dependent thiol-reductase activity (TR) that overlaps with the FMO domain involved in IAA biosynthesis. Mutation of a conserved cysteine residue (Cys-85) preserves FMO but suppresses TR activity and stress tolerance, whereas mutating the FAD- and NADPH-binding sites, that are common to TR and FMO domains, abolishes all outputs. We provide a paradigm for a single protein playing a dual role, regulating plant development and conveying stress defence responses.

Waterlogging and submergence stress: affects and acclimation

Submergence, whether partial or complete, imparts some serious consequences on plants grown in flood prone ecosystems. Some plants can endure these conditions by embracing various survival strategies, including morphological adaptations and physiological adjustments. This review summarizes recent progress made in understanding of the stress and the acclimation responses of plants under waterlogged or submerged conditions. Waterlogging and submergence are often associated with hypoxia development, which may trigger various morphological traits and cellular acclimation responses. Ethylene, abscisic acid, gibberellic acid and other hormones play a crucial role in the survival process which is controlled genetically. Effects at the cellular level, including ATP management, starch metabolism, elemental toxicity, role of transporters and redox status have been explained. Transcriptional and hormonal interplay during this stress may provide some key aspects in understanding waterlogging and submergence tolerance. The level and degree of tolerance may vary depending on species or climatic variations which need to be studied for a proper understanding of waterlogging stress at the global level. The exploration of regulatory pathways and interplay in model organisms such as Arabidopsis and rice would provide valuable resources for improvement of economically and agriculturally important plants in waterlogging affected areas.

Arabidopsis CALCIUM-DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASE8 and CATALASE3 Function in Abscisic Acid-Mediated Signaling and H2O2 Homeostasis in Stomatal Guard Cells under Drought Stress

Drought is a major threat to plant growth and crop productivity. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs, CPKs) are believed to play important roles in plant responses to drought stress. Here, we report that Arabidopsis thaliana CPK8 functions in abscisic acid (ABA)- and Ca(2+)-mediated plant responses to drought stress. The cpk8 mutant was more sensitive to drought stress than wild-type plants, while the transgenic plants overexpressing CPK8 showed enhanced tolerance to drought stress compared with wild-type plants. ABA-, H2O2-, and Ca(2+)-induced stomatal closing were impaired in cpk8 mutants. Arabidopsis CATALASE3 (CAT3) was identified as a CPK8-interacting protein, confirmed by yeast two-hybrid, coimmunoprecipitation, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. CPK8 can phosphorylate CAT3 at Ser-261 and regulate its activity. Both cpk8 and cat3 plants showed lower catalase activity and higher accumulation of H2O2 compared with wild-type plants. The cat3 mutant displayed a similar drought stress-sensitive phenotype as cpk8 mutant. Moreover, ABA and Ca(2+) inhibition of inward K(+) currents were diminished in guard cells of cpk8 and cat3 mutants. Together, these results demonstrated that CPK8 functions in ABA-mediated stomatal regulation in responses to drought stress through regulation of CAT3 activity.

Diverse stomatal signaling and the signal integration mechanism

Guard cells perceive a variety of chemicals produced metabolically in response to abiotic and biotic stresses, integrate the signals into reactive oxygen species and calcium signatures, and convert these signatures into stomatal movements by regulating turgor pressure. Guard cell behaviors in response to such complex signals are critical for plant growth and sustenance in stressful, ever-changing environments. The key open question is how guard cells achieve the signal integration to optimize stomatal aperture. Abscisic acid is responsible for stomatal closure in plants in response to drought, and its signal transduction has been well studied. Other plant hormones and low-molecular-weight compounds function as inducers of stomatal closure and mediators of signaling in guard cells. In this review, we summarize recent advances in research on the diverse stomatal signaling pathways, with specific emphasis on signal integration and signal interaction in guard cell movement.

H2O2 inhibits ABA-signaling protein phosphatase HAB1

Due to its ability to be rapidly generated and propagated over long distances, H₂O₂ is an important second messenger for biotic and abiotic stress signaling in plants. In response to low water potential and high salt concentrations sensed in the roots of plants, the stress hormone abscisic acid (ABA) activates NADPH oxidase to generate H₂O₂, which is propagated in guard cells in leaves to induce stomatal closure and prevent water loss from transpiration. Using a reconstituted system, we demonstrate that H₂O₂ reversibly prevents the protein phosphatase HAB1, a key component of the core ABA-signaling pathway, from inhibiting its main target in guard cells, SnRK2.6/OST1 kinase. We have identified HAB1 C186 and C274 as H₂O₂-sensitive thiols and demonstrate that their oxidation inhibits both HAB1 catalytic activity and its ability to physically associate with SnRK2.6 by formation of intermolecular dimers.

Abscisic acid and lateral root organ defective/NUMEROUS INFECTIONS AND POLYPHENOLICS modulate root elongation via reactive oxygen species in Medicago truncatula

Abscisic acid (ABA) modulates root growth in plants grown under normal and stress conditions and can rescue the root growth defects of the Medicago truncatula lateral root-organ defective (latd) mutant. Here, we demonstrate that reactive oxygen species (ROS) function downstream of ABA in the regulation of root growth by controlling cell elongation. We also show that the MtLATD/NUMEROUS INFECTIONS AND POLYPHENOLICS (NIP) nitrate transporter is required for ROS homeostasis and cell elongation in roots and that this balance is perturbed in latd mutants, leading to an excess of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide and a corresponding decrease in cell elongation. We found that expression of the superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase genes, MtRbohA and MtRbohC (for respiratory burst oxidase homologs), is increased in latd roots and that inhibition of NADPH oxidase activity pharmacologically can both reduce latd root ROS levels and increase cell length, implicating NADPH oxidase function in latd root growth defects. Finally, we demonstrate that ABA treatment alleviates ectopic ROS accumulation in latd roots, restores MtRbohC expression to wild-type levels, and promotes an increase in cell length. Reducing the expression of MtRbohC using RNA interference leads to increased root elongation in both wild-type and latd roots. These results reveal a mechanism by which the MtLATD/NIP nitrate transporter and ABA modulate root elongation via superoxide generation by the MtRbohC NADPH oxidase.

Role of H2O2 dynamics in brassinosteroid-induced stomatal closure and opening in Solanum lycopersicum

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are essential for plant growth and development; however, their roles in the regulation of stomatal opening or closure remain obscure. Here, the mechanism underlying BR-induced stomatal movements is studied. The effects of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) on the stomatal apertures of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) were measured by light microscopy using epidermal strips of wild type (WT), the abscisic acid (ABA)-deficient notabilis (not) mutant, and plants silenced for SlBRI1, SlRBOH1 and SlGSH1. EBR induced stomatal opening within an appropriate range of concentrations, whereas high concentrations of EBR induced stomatal closure. EBR-induced stomatal movements were closely related to dynamic changes in H(2)O(2) and redox status in guard cells. The stomata of SlRBOH1-silenced plants showed a significant loss of sensitivity to EBR. However, ABA deficiency abolished EBR-induced stomatal closure but did not affect EBR-induced stomatal opening. Silencing of SlGSH1, the critical gene involved in glutathione biosynthesis, disrupted glutathione redox homeostasis and abolished EBR-induced stomatal opening. The results suggest that transient H(2)O(2) production is essential for poising the cellular redox status of glutathione, which plays an important role in BR-induced stomatal opening. However, a prolonged increase in H(2)O(2) facilitated ABA signalling and stomatal closure.

Spatial H2O2 signaling specificity: H2O2 from chloroplasts and peroxisomes modulates the plant transcriptome differentially

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) operates as a signaling molecule in eukaryotes, but the specificity of its signaling capacities remains largely unrevealed. Here, we analyzed whether a moderate production of H2O2 from two different plant cellular compartments has divergent effects on the plant transcriptome. Arabidopsis thaliana overexpressing glycolate oxidase in the chloroplast (Fahnenstich et al., 2008; Balazadeh et al., 2012) and plants deficient in peroxisomal catalase (Queval et al., 2007; Inzé et al., 2012) were grown under non-photorespiratory conditions and then transferred to photorespiratory conditions to foster the production of H2O2 in both organelles. We show that H2O2 originating in a specific organelle induces two types of responses: one that integrates signals independently from the subcellular site of H2O2 production and another that is dependent on the H2O2 production site. H2O2 produced in peroxisomes induces transcripts involved in protein repair responses, while H2O2 produced in chloroplasts induces early signaling responses, including transcription factors and biosynthetic genes involved in production of secondary signaling messengers. There is a significant bias towards the induction of genes involved in responses to wounding and pathogen attack by chloroplastic-produced H2O2, including indolic glucosinolates-, camalexin-, and stigmasterol-biosynthetic genes. These transcriptional responses were accompanied by the accumulation of 4-methoxy-indol-3-ylmethyl glucosinolate and stigmasterol.

Behind the scenes: the roles of reactive oxygen species in guard cells

Guard cells regulate stomatal pore size through integration of both endogenous and environmental signals; they are widely recognized as providing a key switching mechanism that maximizes both the efficient use of water and rates of CO₂ exchange for photosynthesis; this is essential for the adaptation of plants to water stress. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are widely considered to be an important player in guard cell signalling. In this review, we focus on recent progress concerning the role of ROS as signal molecules in controlling stomatal movement, the interaction between ROS and intrinsic and environmental response pathways, the specificity of ROS signalling, and how ROS signals are sensed and relayed. However, the picture of ROS-mediated signalling is still fragmented and the issues of ROS sensing and the specificity of ROS signalling remain unclear. Here, we review some recent advances in our understanding of ROS signalling in guard cells, with an emphasis on the main players known to interact with abscisic acid signalling.

Differential role of ethylene and hydrogen peroxide in dark-induced stomatal closure

Regulation of stomatal aperture is crucial in terrestrial plants for controlling water loss and gaseous exchange with environment. While much is known of signaling for stomatal opening induced by blue light and the role of hormones, little is known about the regulation of stomatal closing in darkness. The present study was aimed to verify their role in stomatal regulation in darkness. Epidermal peelings from the leaves of Commelina benghalensis were incubated in a defined medium in darkness for 1 h followed by a 1 h incubation in different test solutions [H2O2, propyl gallate, ethrel (ethylene), AgNO3, sodium orthovanadate, tetraethyl ammonium chloride, CaCl2, LaCl3, separately and in combination] before stomatal apertures were measured under the microscope. In the dark stomata remained closed under treatments with ethylene and propyl gallate but opened widely in the presence of H2O2 and AgNO3. The opening effect was largely unaffected by supplementing the treatment with Na-vanadate (PM H+ ATPase inhibitor) and tetraethyl ammonium chloride (K(+)-channel inhibitor) except that opening was significantly inhibited by the latter in presence of H2O2. On the other hand, H2O2 could not override the closing effect of ethylene at any concentrations while a marginal opening of stomata was found when Ag NO3 treatment was given together with propyl gallate. CaCl2 treatment opened stomata in the darkness while LaCl3 maintained stomata closed. A combination of LaCl3 and propyl gallate strongly promoted stomatal opening. A probable action of ethylene in closing stomata of Commelina benghalensis in dark has been proposed.

Two wheat glutathione peroxidase genes whose products are located in chloroplasts improve salt and H2O2 tolerances in Arabidopsis

Oxidative stress caused by accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is capable of damaging effects on numerous cellular components. Glutathione peroxidases (GPXs, EC 1.11.1.9) are key enzymes of the antioxidant network in plants. In this study, W69 and W106, two putative GPX genes, were obtained by de novo transcriptome sequencing of salt-treated wheat (Triticum aestivum) seedlings. The purified His-tag fusion proteins of W69 and W106 reduced H2O2 and t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) using glutathione (GSH) or thioredoxin (Trx) as an electron donor in vitro, showing their peroxidase activity toward H2O2 and toxic organic hydroperoxide. GFP fluorescence assays revealed that W69 and W106 are localized in chloroplasts. Quantitative real-time PCR (Q-RT-PCR) analysis showed that two GPXs were differentially responsive to salt, drought, H2O2, or ABA. Isolation of the W69 and W106 promoters revealed some cis-acting elements responding to abiotic stresses. Overexpression of W69 and W106 conferred strong tolerance to salt, H2O2, and ABA treatment in Arabidopsis. Moreover, the expression levels of key regulator genes (SOS1, RbohD and ABI1/ABI2) involved in salt, H2O2 and ABA signaling were altered in the transgenic plants. These findings suggest that W69 and W106 not only act as scavengers of H2O2 in controlling abiotic stress responses, but also play important roles in salt and ABA signaling.

Difference in abscisic acid perception mechanisms between closure induction and opening inhibition of stomata

Abscisic acid (ABA) induces stomatal closure and inhibits light-induced stomatal opening. The mechanisms in these two processes are not necessarily the same. It has been postulated that the ABA receptors involved in opening inhibition are different from those involved in closure induction. Here, we provide evidence that four recently identified ABA receptors (PYRABACTIN RESISTANCE1 [PYR1], PYRABACTIN RESISTANCE-LIKE1 [PYL1], PYL2, and PYL4) are not sufficient for opening inhibition in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). ABA-induced stomatal closure was impaired in the pyr1/pyl1/pyl2/pyl4 quadruple ABA receptor mutant. ABA inhibition of the opening of the mutant's stomata remained intact. ABA did not induce either the production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide or the alkalization of the cytosol in the quadruple mutant, in accordance with the closure phenotype. Whole cell patch-clamp analysis of inward-rectifying K(+) current in guard cells showed a partial inhibition by ABA, indicating that the ABA sensitivity of the mutant was not fully impaired. ABA substantially inhibited blue light-induced phosphorylation of H(+)-ATPase in guard cells in both the mutant and the wild type. On the other hand, in a knockout mutant of the SNF1-related protein kinase, srk2e, stomatal opening and closure, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide production, cytosolic alkalization, inward-rectifying K(+) current inactivation, and H(+)-ATPase phosphorylation were not sensitive to ABA.

Calcium-dependent protein kinase CPK6 positively functions in induction by yeast elicitor of stomatal closure and inhibition by yeast elicitor of light-induced stomatal opening in Arabidopsis

Yeast elicitor (YEL) induces stomatal closure that is mediated by a Ca(2+)-dependent signaling pathway. A Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinase, CPK6, positively regulates activation of ion channels in abscisic acid and methyl jasmonate signaling, leading to stomatal closure in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). YEL also inhibits light-induced stomatal opening. However, it remains unknown whether CPK6 is involved in induction by YEL of stomatal closure or in inhibition by YEL of light-induced stomatal opening. In this study, we investigated the roles of CPK6 in induction by YEL of stomatal closure and inhibition by YEL of light-induced stomatal opening in Arabidopsis. Disruption of CPK6 gene impaired induction by YEL of stomatal closure and inhibition by YEL of light-induced stomatal opening. Activation by YEL of nonselective Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels was impaired in cpk6-2 guard cells, and transient elevations elicited by YEL in cytosolic-free Ca(2+) concentration were suppressed in cpk6-2 and cpk6-1 guard cells. YEL activated slow anion channels in wild-type guard cells but not in cpk6-2 or cpk6-1 and inhibited inward-rectifying K(+) channels in wild-type guard cells but not in cpk6-2 or cpk6-1. The cpk6-2 and cpk6-1 mutations inhibited YEL-induced hydrogen peroxide accumulation in guard cells and apoplast of rosette leaves but did not affect YEL-induced hydrogen peroxide production in the apoplast of rosette leaves. These results suggest that CPK6 positively functions in induction by YEL of stomatal closure and inhibition by YEL of light-induced stomatal opening in Arabidopsis and is a convergent point of signaling pathways for stomatal closure in response to abiotic and biotic stress.

Oxidative stress in pea seedling leaves in response to Acyrthosiphon pisum infestation

In this study we examined whether and to what extent oxidative stress is induced in seedling leaves of Pisum sativum L. cv. Cysterski in response to pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris) infestation. A. pisum caused oxidative stress conditions in pea leaves through enhanced production of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion radical (O2(·-)). Early, strong generation of H2O2 was observed at 24h in aphid-infested leaves. The highest level of H2O2 at this time point may be related to the functioning of H2O2 as a signaling molecule, triggering defense mechanisms in pea leaves against A. pisum. Additionally, the strong generation and continuous increase of O2(·-) production in aphid-infested leaves from 0 to 96 h enhanced the defense potential to protect against aphid herbivory. Also in the study cytochemical localization of H2O2 and O2(·-) in pea leaves after aphid infestation was determined using the confocal microscope. Relative release of H2O2 and O2(·-) was estimated by staining leaves with specific fluorochromes, i.e. dichlorodihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and dihydroethidium (DHE), respectively. DCFH-DA and DHE derived fluorescence was observed to cover a much larger tissue area in aphid-infested leaves, whereas little or no fluorescence was observed in the control leaves. Enhanced activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD, 1.15.1.1) and catalase (CAT, 1.11.1.6) is one of the most essential elements of defense responses in pea seedling leaves to oxidative stress. Additionally, generation of semiquinones, stable free radicals with g-values of 2.0020 and 2.0035, detected by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR), was suggested as a protective action of pea that may contribute to build-up of a defensive barrier or activate other defense mechanisms. Concentrations of semiquinone radicals in aphid-infested seedling leaves not only were generally higher than in the control plants but also significantly increased with cultivation time. On the other hand, the small increase in content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), a product of lipid peroxidation, and the percentage of injury (3-8%) indicated that the cellular damage was caused by oxidative stress. The induced changes in levels of H2O2, O2(·-) and semiquinone radicals as well as activities of antioxidant enzymes in the pea defense responses were proportional to the population size of A. pisum. These findings indicate that the defensive strategies against A. pisum infestation were stimulated in seedling leaves of P. sativum L. cv. Cysterski. Our observations of the enhanced defense responses of P. sativum to infestation by A. pisum reveal some aspects and contribute to current knowledge of regulatory mechanisms in plant-aphid interactions.

Gold nanoparticle exposure induces growth and yield enhancement in Arabidopsis thaliana

Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize agriculture field. Towards this effort, carbon nanotubes have recently been reported to induce growth enhancement of tobacco cells. In this study, exposure to 24 nm size gold nanoparticles (GNPs) at 10 μg/ml concentration was found to enhance the total seed yield of Arabidopsis thaliana by 3 times over the control. In addition, 24 nm size GNP exposure at both 10 and 80 μg/ml concentrations has significantly improved seed germination rate, vegetative growth and free radical scavenging activity. A considerable correlation was found between expression of key plant regulatory molecules, microRNAs (miRs) and seed germination, growth and antioxidant potential of A. thaliana on GNP exposure. This is the first report showing GNPs as a promising tool to enhance seed yield of plants.

Abscisic acid induced changes in production of primary and secondary metabolites, photosynthetic capacity, antioxidant capability, antioxidant enzymes and lipoxygenase inhibitory activity of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth

An experiment was conducted to investigate and distinguish the relationships in the production of total phenolics, total flavonoids, soluble sugars, H2O2, O2-, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity, leaf gas exchange, antioxidant activity, antioxidant enzyme activity [ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Lipoxygenase inhibitory activity (LOX)] under four levels of foliar abscisic acid (ABA) application (0, 2, 4, 6 µM) for 15 weeks in Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. It was found that the production of plant secondary metabolites, soluble sugars, antioxidant activity, PAL activity and LOX inhibitory activity was influenced by foliar application of ABA. As the concentration of ABA was increased from 0 to 6 µM the production of total phenolics, flavonoids, sucrose, H2O2, O2-, PAL activity and LOX inhibitory activity was enhanced. It was also observed that the antioxidant capabilities (DPPH and ORAC) were increased. This was followed by increases in production of antioxidant enzymes APX, CAT and SOD. Under high application rates of ABA the net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance was found to be reduced. The production of primary and secondary metabolites displayed a significant positive relationship with H2O2 (total phenolics, r2 = 0.877; total flavonoids, r2 = 0.812; p ≤ 0.05) and O2- (total phenolics, r2 = 0.778; total flavonoids, r2 = 0.912; p ≤ 0.05). This indicated that increased oxidative stress at high application rates of ABA, improved the production of phytochemicals.

RAP2.6L overexpression delays waterlogging induced premature senescence by increasing stomatal closure more than antioxidant enzyme activity

Waterlogging usually results from overuse or poor management of irrigation water and is a serious constraint due to its damaging effects. RAP2.6L (At5g13330) overexpression enhances plant resistance to jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, it is not known whether RAP2.6L overexpression in vivo improves plant tolerance to waterlogging stress. In this study, the RAP2.6L transcript was induced by waterlogging or an ABA treatment, which was reduced after pretreatment with an ABA biosynthesis inhibitor tungstate. Water loss and membrane leakage were reduced in RAP2.6L overexpression plants under waterlogging stress. Time course analyses of ABA content and production of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) showed that increased ABA precedes the increase of H(2)O(2). It is also followed by a marked increase in the antioxidant enzyme activities. Increased ABA promoted stomatal closure and made leaves exhibit a delayed waterlogging induced premature senescence. Furthermore, RAP2.6L overexpression caused significant increases in the transcripts of antioxidant enzyme genes APX1 (ascorbate peroxidase 1) and FSD1 (Fe-superoxide dismutase 1), the ABA biosynthesis gene ABA1 (ABA deficient 1) and signaling gene ABH1 (ABA-hypersensitive 1) and the waterlogging responsive gene ADH1 (alcohol dehydrogenase 1), while the transcript of ABI1 (ABA insensitive 1) was decreased. ABA inhibits seed germination and seedling growth and phenotype analysis showed that the integration of abi1-1 mutation into the RAP2.6L overexpression lines reduces ABA sensitivity. These suggest that RAP2.6L overexpression delays waterlogging induced premature senescence and might function through ABI1-mediated ABA signaling pathway.

AtIQM1, a novel calmodulin-binding protein, is involved in stomatal movement in Arabidopsis

We recently identified a novel IQ motif-containing protein family, IQM, which shares sequence homology with a pea heavy metal-induced protein 6 and a ribosome inactivating protein, trichosanthin. Distinct expression patterns for each gene suggest that each IQM family member may play a different role in plant development and response to environmental cues. However functions of the IQM family members remain to be analyzed. IQM1 bound with calmodulin 5 (CaM5) in yeast two-hybrid assay via its IQ-motif. The CaM binding was Ca(2+)-independent in vitro, and was also observed in bimolecular fluorescence complementation analyses in onion epidermal cells. IQM1 was found to express strongly in guard cells and the cortex of roots. The T-DNA insertion mutants of IQM1 displayed a smaller stomatal aperture, a decreased water loss rate and a shorter primary root. Moreover, iqm1 did not change its stomatal aperture when treated with light, dark, ABA and chitin obviously. Microarray analyses showed that 243 and 28 genes were up- and down-regulated by more than twofold in iqm1-1, respectively. Interesting, 34 of 117 and 7 of 30 chitin-responsive transcriptional factor and ubiquitin ligase genes were up-regulated, respectively. Stomatal guard cells of iqm1-1 also showed enhanced expression of genes involved in production and signaling of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Consistently, increased ROS level was observed in the iqm1 guard cells.

Circadian clock-dependent gating in ABA signalling networks

Plant growth and development are intimately attuned to fluctuations in environmental variables such as light, temperature and water availability. A broad range of signalling and dynamic response mechanisms allows them to adjust their physiology so that growth and reproductive capacity are optimised for the prevailing conditions. Many of the response mechanisms are mediated by the plant hormones. The hormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays a dominant role in fundamental processes such as seed dormancy and germination, regulation of stomatal movements and enhancing drought tolerance in response to the osmotic stresses that result from water deficit, salinity and freezing. Whereas plants maintain a constant vigilance, there is emerging evidence that the capacity to respond is gated by the circadian clock so that it varies with diurnal fluctuations in light, temperature and water status. Clock regulation enables plants to anticipate regular diurnal fluctuations and thereby presumably to maximise metabolic efficiency. Circadian clock-dependent gating appears to regulate the ABA signalling network at numerous points, including metabolism, transport, perception and activity of the hormone. In this review, we summarise the basic principles and recent progress in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of circadian gating of the ABA response network and how it can affect fundamental processes in plant growth and development.

Catalases negatively regulate methyl jasmonate signaling in guard cells

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-induced stomatal closure is accompanied by the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in guard cells. In this study, we investigated the roles of catalases (CATs) in MeJA-induced stomatal closure using cat mutants cat2, cat3-1 and cat1 cat3, and the CAT inhibitor, 3-aminotriazole (AT). When assessed with 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein, the reduction of catalase activity by means of mutations and the inhibitor accumulated higher basal levels of H₂O₂ in guard cells whereas they did not affect stomatal aperture in the absence of MeJA. In contrast, the cat mutations and the treatment with AT potentiated MeJA-induced stomatal closure and MeJA-induced H₂O₂ production. These results indicate that CATs negatively regulate H₂O₂ accumulation in guard cells and suggest that inducible H₂O₂ production rather than constitutive elevation modulates stomatal apertures in Arabidopsis.

Cooperative function of PLDδ and PLDα1 in abscisic acid-induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis

Phospholipase D (PLD) is involved in responses to abiotic stress and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. To investigate the roles of two Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) PLDs, PLDα1 and PLDδ, in ABA signaling in guard cells, we analyzed ABA responses in guard cells using Arabidopsis wild type, pldα1 and pldδ single mutants, and a pldα1 pldδ double mutant. ABA-induced stomatal closure was suppressed in the pldα1 pldδ double mutant but not in the pld single mutants. The pldα1 and pldδ mutations reduced ABA-induced phosphatidic acid production in epidermal tissues. Expression of either PLDα1 or PLDδ complemented the double mutant stomatal phenotype. ABA-induced stomatal closure in both pldα1 and pldδ single mutants was inhibited by a PLD inhibitor (1-butanol ), suggesting that both PLDα1 and PLDδ function in ABA-induced stomatal closure. During ABA-induced stomatal closure, wild-type guard cells accumulate reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide and undergo cytosolic alkalization, but these changes are reduced in guard cells of the pldα1 pldδ double mutant. Inward-rectifying K(+) channel currents of guard cells were inhibited by ABA in the wild type but not in the pldα1 pldδ double mutant. ABA inhibited stomatal opening in the wild type and the pldδ mutant but not in the pldα1 mutant. In wild-type rosette leaves, ABA significantly increased PLDδ transcript levels but did not change PLDα1 transcript levels. Furthermore, the pldα1 and pldδ mutations mitigated ABA inhibition of seed germination. These results suggest that PLDα1 and PLDδ cooperate in ABA signaling in guard cells but that their functions do not completely overlap.

Reactive Oxygen Species, Oxidative Damage, and Antioxidative Defense Mechanism in Plants under Stressful Conditions

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced as a normal product of plant cellular metabolism. Various environmental stresses lead to excessive production of ROS causing progressive oxidative damage and ultimately cell death. Despite their destructive activity, they are well-described second messengers in a variety of cellular processes, including conferment of tolerance to various environmental stresses. Whether ROS would serve as signaling molecules or could cause oxidative damage to the tissues depends on the delicate equilibrium between ROS production, and their scavenging. Efficient scavenging of ROS produced during various environmental stresses requires the action of several nonenzymatic as well as enzymatic antioxidants present in the tissues. In this paper, we describe the generation, sites of production and role of ROS as messenger molecules as well as inducers of oxidative damage. Further, the antioxidative defense mechanisms operating in the cells for scavenging of ROS overproduced under various stressful conditions of the environment have been discussed in detail.

The Arabidopsis lectin receptor kinase LecRK-V.5 represses stomatal immunity induced by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000

Stomata play an important role in plant innate immunity by limiting pathogen entry into leaves but molecular mechanisms regulating stomatal closure upon pathogen perception are not well understood. Here we show that the Arabidopsis thaliana L-type lectin receptor kinase-V.5 (LecRK-V.5) negatively regulates stomatal immunity. Loss of LecRK-V.5 function increased resistance to surface inoculation with virulent bacteria Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000. Levels of resistance were not affected after infiltration-inoculation, suggesting that LecRK-V.5 functions at an early defense stage. By contrast, lines overexpressing LecRK-V.5 were more susceptible to Pst DC3000. Enhanced resistance in lecrk-V.5 mutants was correlated with constitutive stomatal closure, while increased susceptibility phenotypes in overexpression lines were associated with early stomatal reopening. Lines overexpressing LecRK-V.5 also demonstrated a defective stomatal closure after pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) treatments. LecRK-V.5 is rapidly expressed in stomatal guard cells after bacterial inoculation or treatment with the bacterial PAMP flagellin. In addition, lecrk-V.5 mutants guard cells exhibited constitutive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of ROS production opened stomata of lecrk-V.5. LecRK-V.5 is also shown to interfere with abscisic acid-mediated stomatal closure signaling upstream of ROS production. These results provide genetic evidences that LecRK-V.5 negatively regulates stomatal immunity upstream of ROS biosynthesis. Our data reveal that plants have evolved mechanisms to reverse bacteria-mediated stomatal closure to prevent long-term effect on CO₂ uptake and photosynthesis.

During their lifetime, plants face numerous pathogenic microbes. Plants recognize microbial pathogens via plant receptors and recognition leads to the activation of a general defense response. Some foliar pathogens such as bacteria enter plant leaves through natural surface openings such as stomata. To restrict bacterial entry, plants close stomata upon contact with bacteria. A better understanding of stomatal immunity may lead to development of crops with improved disease resistance. Here, we used the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to study activation of defense responses after infection by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000 bacteria. We found that a gene not previously known to function in the defense response, LecRK-V.5, is modulating Arabidopsis resistance. By studying plants with mutations in or overexpressing this gene, we show that LecRK-V.5 negatively regulates plant stomatal immunity to Pst DC3000. In addition, LecRK-V.5 is rapidly expressed at stomata upon activation of the general defense response. Plants with mutations in LecRK-V.5 also demonstrated constitutive accumulation of reactive oxygen species in stomatal guard cells. We conclude that LecRK-V.5 is a protein that negatively regulates closure of stomata upon bacterial infection.