The lysine-ketoglutarate reductase-saccharopine dehydrogenase is involved in the osmo-induced synthesis of pipecolic acid in rapeseed leaf tissues

Proline, Cysteine and Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Abiotic Stress Response of Land Plants and Microalgae

Proteinogenic amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and plants synthesize all of them. In addition to their importance in plant growth and development, growing evidence underlines the central role played by amino acids and their derivatives in regulating several pathways involved in biotic and abiotic stress responses. In the present review, we illustrate (i) the role of amino acids as an energy source capable of replacing sugars as electron donors to the mitochondrial electron transport chain and (ii) the role of amino acids as precursors of osmolytes as well as (iii) precursors of secondary metabolites. Among the amino acids involved in drought stress response, proline and cysteine play a special role. Besides the large proline accumulation occurring in response to drought stress, proline can export reducing equivalents to sink tissues and organs, and the production of H2S deriving from the metabolism of cysteine can mediate post-translational modifications that target protein cysteines themselves. Although our general understanding of microalgae stress physiology is still fragmentary, a general overview of how unicellular photosynthetic organisms deal with salt stress is also provided because of the growing interest in microalgae in applied sciences.

Regulation of the regulators: Transcription factors controlling biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites during biotic stresses and their regulation by miRNAs

Biotic stresses threaten to destabilize global food security and cause major losses to crop yield worldwide. In response to pest and pathogen attacks, plants trigger many adaptive cellular, morphological, physiological, and metabolic changes. One of the crucial stress-induced adaptive responses is the synthesis and accumulation of plant secondary metabolites (PSMs). PSMs mitigate the adverse effects of stress by maintaining the normal physiological and metabolic functioning of the plants, thereby providing stress tolerance. This differential production of PSMs is tightly orchestrated by master regulatory elements, Transcription factors (TFs) express differentially or undergo transcriptional and translational modifications during stress conditions and influence the production of PSMs. Amongst others, microRNAs, a class of small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally, also play a vital role in controlling the expression of many such TFs. The present review summarizes the role of stress-inducible TFs in synthesizing and accumulating secondary metabolites and also highlights how miRNAs fine-tune the differential expression of various stress-responsive transcription factors during biotic stress.

Impacts of drought and elevated temperature on the seeds of malting barley

High seed quality is key to agricultural production, which is increasingly affected by climate change. We studied the effects of drought and elevated temperature during seed production on key seed quality traits of two genotypes of malting barley (Hordeum sativum L.). Plants of a "Hana-type" landrace (B1) were taller, flowered earlier and produced heavier, larger and more vigorous seeds that resisted ageing longer compared to a semi-dwarf breeding line (B2). Accordingly, a NAC domain-containing transcription factor (TF) associated with rapid response to environmental stimuli, and the TF ABI5, a key regulator of seed dormancy and vigour, were more abundant in B1 seeds. Drought significantly reduced seed yield in both genotypes, and elevated temperature reduced seed size. Genotype B2 showed partial thermodormancy that was alleviated by drought and elevated temperature. Metabolite profiling revealed clear differences between the embryos of B1 and B2. Drought, but not elevated temperature, affected the metabolism of amino acids, organic acids, osmolytes and nitrogen assimilation, in the seeds of both genotypes. Our study may support future breeding efforts to produce new lodging and drought resistant malting barleys without trade-offs that can occur in semi-dwarf varieties such as lower stress resistance and higher dormancy.

Deciphering the mechanism of anhydrobiosis in the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis indica through comparative transcriptomics

The entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis indica, is a popular biocontrol agent of high commercial significance. It possesses tremendous genetic architecture to survive desiccation stress by undergoing anhydrobiosis to increase its lifespan-an attribute exploited in the formulation technology. The comparative transcriptome of unstressed and anhydrobiotic H. indica revealed several previously concealed metabolic events crucial for adapting towards the moisture stress. During the induction of anhydrobiosis in the infective juveniles (IJ), 1584 transcripts were upregulated and 340 downregulated. As a strategy towards anhydrobiotic survival, the IJ showed activation of several genes critical to antioxidant defense, detoxification pathways, signal transduction, unfolded protein response and molecular chaperones and ubiquitin-proteasome system. Differential expression of several genes involved in gluconeogenesis - β-oxidation of fatty acids, glyoxylate pathway; glyceroneogenesis; fatty acid biosynthesis; amino-acid metabolism - shikimate pathway, sachharopine pathway, kyneurine pathway, lysine biosynthesis; one-carbon metabolism-polyamine pathway, transsulfuration pathway, folate cycle, methionine cycle, nucleotide biosynthesis; mevalonate pathway; and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase were also observed. We report the role of shikimate pathway, sachharopine pathway and glyceroneogenesis in anhydrobiotes, and seven classes of repeat proteins, specifically in H. indica for the first time. These results provide insights into anhydrobiotic survival strategies which can be utilized to strengthen the development of novel formulations with enhanced and sustained shelf-life.

Role of Promising Secondary Metabolites to Confer Resistance Against Environmental Stresses in Crop Plants: Current Scenario and Future Perspectives

Plants often face incompatible growing environments like drought, salinity, cold, frost, and elevated temperatures that affect plant growth and development leading to low yield and, in worse circumstances, plant death. The arsenal of versatile compounds for plant consumption and structure is called metabolites, which allows them to develop strategies to stop enemies, fight pathogens, replace their competitors and go beyond environmental restraints. These elements are formed under particular abiotic stresses like flooding, heat, drought, cold, etc., and biotic stress such as a pathogenic attack, thus associated with survival strategy of plants. Stress responses of plants are vigorous and include multifaceted crosstalk between different levels of regulation, including regulation of metabolism and expression of genes for morphological and physiological adaptation. To date, many of these compounds and their biosynthetic pathways have been found in the plant kingdom. Metabolites like amino acids, phenolics, hormones, polyamines, compatible solutes, antioxidants, pathogen related proteins (PR proteins), etc. are crucial for growth, stress tolerance, and plant defense. This review focuses on promising metabolites involved in stress tolerance under severe conditions and events signaling the mediation of stress-induced metabolic changes are presented.

Antioxidant Metabolism Underlies Different Metabolic Strategies for Primary Root Growth Maintenance under Water Stress in Cotton and Maize

The divergence of metabolic responses to water stress in the elongation zone of cotton and maize primary roots was investigated by establishing water-deficit conditions that generated steady root elongation at equivalent tissue water potentials. In water-stressed cotton roots, cell elongation was maintained in the apical 3 mm but was progressively inhibited with further displacement from the apex. These responses are similar to previous findings in maize, providing the foundation for comparisons of metabolic responses in regions of growth maintenance and inhibition between the species. Metabolomics analyses showed region-specific and species-specific changes in metabolite abundance in response to water stress, revealing both conserved responses including osmolyte accumulation, and key differences in antioxidative and sulfur metabolism. Quantitative assessment showed contrasting glutathione responses in the root elongation zone between the species, with glutathione levels declining in cotton as stress duration progressed, whereas in maize, glutathione levels remained elevated. Despite the lesser glutathione response in cotton, hydrogen peroxide levels were low in water-stressed cotton compared with maize roots and were associated with higher catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities in cotton. The results indicate alternative metabolic strategies underlying the responses of primary root growth to water stress between cotton and maize.

Salicylic Acid and N-Hydroxypipecolic Acid at the Fulcrum of the Plant Immunity-Growth Equilibrium

Salicylic acid (SA) and N-hydroxypipecolic acid (NHP) are two central plant immune signals involved in both resistance at local sites of pathogen infection (basal resistance) and at distal uninfected sites after primary infection (systemic acquired resistance). Major discoveries and advances have led to deeper understanding of their biosynthesis and signaling during plant defense responses. In addition to their well-defined roles in immunity, recent research is emerging on their direct mechanistic impacts on plant growth and development. In this review, we will first provide an overview of how SA and NHP regulate local and systemic immune responses in plants. We will emphasize how these two signals are mutually potentiated and are convergent on multiple aspects-from biosynthesis to homeostasis, and from signaling to gene expression and phenotypic responses. We will then highlight how SA and NHP are emerging to be crucial regulators of the growth-defense balance, showcasing recent multi-faceted studies on their metabolism, receptor signaling and direct growth/development-related host targets. Overall, this article reflects current advances and provides future outlooks on SA/NHP biology and their functional significance as central signals for plant immunity and growth. Because global climate change will increasingly influence plant health and resilience, it is paramount to fundamentally understand how these two tightly linked plant signals are at the nexus of the growth-defense balance.

A Novel Role of Pipecolic Acid Biosynthetic Pathway in Drought Tolerance through the Antioxidant System in Tomato

With global warming and water shortage, drought stress is provoking an increasing impact on plant growth, development, and crop productivity worldwide. Pipecolic acid (Pip) is an emerging lysine catabolite in plants, acting as a critical element in disease resistance with a related signal pathway of phytohormone salicylic acid (SA). While SA plays a vital role in various abiotic stresses, the role of Pip in plant response to abiotic stresses, especially drought, remains largely unknown. To address this issue, Pip biosynthetic gene Slald1 mutants and hydroxylated modification gene Slfmo1 mutants were generated using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing approaches. Drought resistance dramatically increased in Slald1 mutants compared with wild-type, which was associated with increased CO₂ assimilation, photosystems activities, antioxidant enzymes activities, ascorbate and glutathione content, and reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation, lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. On the contrary, Slfmo1 mutants were more sensitive to drought, showing damaged photosystems and impaired antioxidant systems, which were significantly alleviated by exogenous ascorbate. Our results demonstrate that Pip biosynthesis and hydroxylated modification pathways play a critical role in drought tolerance through the antioxidant system in tomato. This knowledge can be helpful to breed improved crop cultivars that are better equipped with drought resistance.

Signals in systemic acquired resistance of plants against microbial pathogens

After a local infection by the microbial pathogens, plants will produce strong resistance in distal tissues to cope with the subsequent biotic attacks. This type of the resistance in the whole plant is termed as systemic acquired resistance (SAR). The priming of SAR can confer the robust defense responses and the broad-spectrum disease resistances in plants. In general, SAR is activated by the signal substances generated at the local sites of infection, and these small signaling molecules can be rapidly transported to the systemic tissues through the phloem. In the last two decades, numerous endogenous metabolites were proved to be the potential elicitors of SAR, including methyl salicylate (MeSA), azelaic acid (AzA), glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P), free radicals (NO and ROS), pipecolic acid (Pip), N-hydroxy-pipecolic acid (NHP), dehydroabietinal (DA), monoterpenes (α-pinene and β-pinene) and NAD(P). In the meantime, the proteins associated with the transport of these signaling molecules were also identified, such as DIR1 (DEFECTIVE IN INDUCED RESISTANCE 1) and AZI1 (AZELAIC ACID INDUCED 1). This review summarizes the recent findings related to synthesis, transport and interaction of the different signal substances in SAR.

Comprehensive dissection of primary metabolites in response to diverse abiotic stress in barley at seedling stage

Plants will meet various abiotic stresses during their growth and development. One of the important strategies for plants to deal with the stress is involved in metabolic regulation, causing the dramatic changes of metabolite profiles. Metabolomic studies have been intensively conducted to reveal the responses of plants to abiotic stress, but most of them were limited to one or at most two abiotic stresses in a single experiment. In this study, we compared the metabolite profiles of barley seedlings exposed to seven abiotic stresses, including drought, salt stress, aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), deficiency of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The results showed that metabolite profiles of barley under these stresses could be classified into three groups: osmotic stresses (drought and salt); metal stresses (Al and Cd) and nutrient deficiencies (N, P and K deficiencies). Compared with the control, some metabolites (including polyamines, raffinose and pipecolic acid) in plants exposed to all abiotic stresses changed significantly, while some other metabolites showed the specific change only under a certain abiotic stress, such as proline being largely increased by osmotic stress (drought and salinity), the P-containing metabolites being largely decreased under P deficiency, some amino acids (lysine, tyrosine, threonine, ornithine, glutamine and so on) showing the dramatic reduction in the plants exposed to N deficiencies, respectively. The current meta-analysis obtained a comprehensive view on the metabolic responses to various abiotic stress, and improved the understanding of the mechanisms for tolerance of barley to abiotic stress.

Integrative Physiological, Transcriptional, and Metabolic Analyses Provide Insights Into Response Mechanisms of Prunus persica to Autotoxicity Stress

Autotoxicity is known as a critical factor in replanting problem that reduces land utilization and creates economic losses. Benzoic acid (BA) is identified as a major autotoxin in peach replant problem, and causes stunted seedling growth or even death. However, the physiological and molecular mechanisms of peach response to BA stress remain elusive. Here, we comprehensively studied the morphophysiological, transcriptional, and metabolic responses of peach plants to BA toxicity. Results showed that BA stress inhibited peach seedlings growth, decreased chlorophyll contents and fluorescence levels, as well as disturbed mineral metabolism. The contents of hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, and malondialdehyde, as well as the total antioxidant capacity, were significantly increased under BA stress. A total of 6,319 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified after BA stress, of which the DEGs related to photosynthesis, redox, and ion metabolism were greatly changed; meanwhile, numerous stress-responsive genes (HSPs, GSTs, GR, and ABC transporters) and transcription factors (MYB, AP2/ERF, NAC, bHLH, and WRKY) were noticeably altered under BA stress. BA induced metabolic reprogramming, and 74 differentially accumulated metabolites, including amino acids and derivatives, fatty acids, organic acids, sugars, and sugar alcohols, were identified in BA-stressed roots. Furthermore, an integrated analysis of genes and metabolites indicated that most of the co-mapped KEGG pathways were enriched in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, which implied a disturbed carbon and nitrogen metabolism after BA stress. The findings would be insightful in elucidating the mechanisms of plant response to autotoxicity stress, and help guide crops in alleviating replant problem.

Comparative Transcriptome, Metabolome, and Ionome Analysis of Two Contrasting Common Bean Genotypes in Saline Conditions

Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress factor that limits agricultural productivity worldwide, and this problem is expected to grow in the future. Common bean is an important protein source in developing countries however highly susceptible to salt stress. To understand the underlying mechanism of salt stress responses, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and ion content analysis were performed on both salt-tolerant and susceptible common bean genotypes in saline conditions. Transcriptomics has demonstrated increased photosynthesis in saline conditions for tolerant genotype while the susceptible genotype acted in contrast. Transcriptome also displayed active carbon and amino-acid metabolism for the tolerant genotype. Analysis of metabolites with GC-MS demonstrated the boosted carbohydrate metabolism in the tolerant genotype with increased sugar content as well as better amino-acid metabolism. Accumulation of lysine, valine, and isoleucine in the roots of the susceptible genotype suggested a halted stress response. According to ion content comparison, the tolerant genotype managed to block accumulation of Na⁺ in the leaves while accumulating significantly less Na⁺ in the roots compared to susceptible genotype. K⁺ levels increased in the leaves of both genotype and the roots of the susceptible one but dropped in the roots of the tolerant genotype. Additionally, Zn⁺² and Mn⁺² levels were dropped in the tolerant roots, while Mo⁺² levels were significantly higher in all tissues in both control and saline conditions for tolerant genotype. The results of the presented study have demonstrated the differences in contrasting genotypes and thus provide valuable information on the pivotal molecular mechanisms underlying salt tolerance.

Lysine Catabolism Through the Saccharopine Pathway: Enzymes and Intermediates Involved in Plant Responses to Abiotic and Biotic Stress

The saccharopine pathway (SACPATH) involves the conversion of lysine into α-aminoadipate by three enzymatic reactions catalyzed by the bifunctional enzyme lysine-ketoglutarate reductase/saccharopine dehydrogenase (LKR/SDH) and the enzyme α-aminoadipate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (AASADH). The LKR domain condenses lysine and α-ketoglutarate into saccharopine, and the SDH domain hydrolyzes saccharopine to form glutamate and α-aminoadipate semialdehyde, the latter of which is oxidized to α-aminoadipate by AASADH. Glutamate can give rise to proline by the action of the enzymes Δ¹-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS) and Δ¹-pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (P5CR), while Δ¹-piperideine-6-carboxylate the cyclic form of α-aminoadipate semialdehyde can be used by P5CR to produce pipecolate. The production of proline and pipecolate by the SACPATH can help plants face the damage caused by osmotic, drought, and salt stress. AASADH is a versatile enzyme that converts an array of aldehydes into carboxylates, and thus, its induction within the SACPATH would help alleviate the toxic effects of these compounds produced under stressful conditions. Pipecolate is the priming agent of N-hydroxypipecolate (NHP), the effector of systemic acquired resistance (SAR). In this review, lysine catabolism through the SACPATH is discussed in the context of abiotic stress and its potential role in the induction of the biotic stress response.

Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling of drought-tolerant and susceptible sesame genotypes in response to drought stress

BACKGROUND

Sesame is an important oil crop due to its high oil, antioxidant, and protein content. Drought stress is a major abiotic stress that affects sesame production as well as the quality of sesame seed. To reveal the adaptive mechanism of sesame in response to water deficient conditions, transcriptomic and metabolomics were applied in drought-tolerant (DT) and drought-susceptible (DS) sesame genotypes.

RESULTS

Transcriptomic analysis reveals a set of core drought-responsive genes (684 up-regulated and 1346 down-regulated) in sesame that was robustly differently expressed in both genotypes. Most enriched drought-responsive genes are mainly involved in protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, plant hormone signal transduction photosynthesis, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Drought-susceptible genotype was more disturbed by drought stress at both transcriptional and metabolic levels, since more drought-responsive genes/metabolites were identified in DS. Drought-responsive genes associated with stress response, amino acid metabolism, and reactive oxygen species scavenging were more enriched or activated in DT. According to the partial least-squares discriminate analysis, the most important metabolites which were accumulated under drought stress in both genotypes includes ABA, amino acids, and organic acids. Especially, higher levels of ABA, proline, arginine, lysine, aromatic and branched chain amino acids, GABA, saccharopine, 2-aminoadipate, and allantoin were found in DT under stress condition. Combination of transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis highlights the important role of amino acid metabolism (especially saccharopine pathway) and ABA metabolism and signaling pathway for drought tolerance in sesame.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study provide valuable information for better understanding the molecular mechanism underlying drought tolerance of sesame, and also provide useful clues for the genetic improvement of drought tolerance in sesame.

Function of L-Pipecolic Acid as Compatible Solute in Corynebacterium glutamicum as Basis for Its Production Under Hyperosmolar Conditions

Pipecolic acid or L-PA is a cyclic amino acid derived from L-lysine which has gained interest in the recent years within the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. L-PA can be produced efficiently using recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum strains by expanding the natural L-lysine biosynthetic pathway. L-PA is a six-membered ring homolog of the five-membered ring amino acid L-proline, which serves as compatible solute in C. glutamicum.

Here, we show that de novo synthesized or externally added L-PA partially is beneficial for growth under hyper-osmotic stress conditions. C. glutamicum cells accumulated L-PA under elevated osmotic pressure and released it after an osmotic down shock. In the absence of the mechanosensitive channel YggB intracellular L-PA concentrations increased and its release after osmotic down shock was slower. The proline permease ProP was identified as a candidate L-PA uptake system since RNAseq analysis revealed increased proP RNA levels upon L-PA production. Under hyper-osmotic conditions, a ΔproP strain showed similar growth behavior than the parent strain when L-proline was added externally. By contrast, the growth impairment of the ΔproP strain under hyper-osmotic conditions could not be alleviated by addition of L-PA unless proP was expressed from a plasmid. This is commensurate with the view that L-proline can be imported into the C. glutamicum cell by ProP and other transporters such as EctP and PutP, while ProP appears of major importance for L-PA uptake under hyper-osmotic stress conditions.

Distribution of natural ingredients suggests a complex network of metabolic transport between source and sink tissues in the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus

MAIN CONCLUSION

Tight regulation of intra-thallus metabolite distribution in Fucus vesiculosus in late summer reveals the complex biochemical processes complying with reproduction and the preparation to the dark season. We used inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy to study the tissue-specific elemental composition, and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to study the distribution of small-molecular weight primary and secondary metabolites of the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus thalli in the reproductive phase. Beyond general physiological requirements, the observed distribution of the analysed nutrients was also found to depend on characteristics related to the season of harvesting, i.e., the reproductive period. However, a particular curious result was the high metabolic activity found in the stipe of the plant. In conclusion, our data not only provide valuable information for industrial use of fucoids targeting specific algal ingredients, but also give highly interesting insights in the multifaceted system of intra-thallus biochemical interactions during reproduction of the brown algae.

l-lysine metabolism to N-hydroxypipecolic acid: an integral immune-activating pathway in plants

l-lysine catabolic routes in plants include the saccharopine pathway to α-aminoadipate and decarboxylation of lysine to cadaverine. The current review will cover a third l-lysine metabolic pathway having a major role in plant systemic acquired resistance (SAR) to pathogen infection that was recently discovered in Arabidopsis thaliana. In this pathway, the aminotransferase AGD2-like defense response protein (ALD1) α-transaminates l-lysine and generates cyclic dehydropipecolic (DP) intermediates that are subsequently reduced to pipecolic acid (Pip) by the reductase SAR-deficient 4 (SARD4). l-pipecolic acid, which occurs ubiquitously in the plant kingdom, is further N-hydroxylated to the systemic acquired resistance (SAR)-activating metabolite N-hydroxypipecolic acid (NHP) by flavin-dependent monooxygenase1 (FMO1). N-hydroxypipecolic acid induces the expression of a set of major plant immune genes to enhance defense readiness, amplifies resistance responses, acts synergistically with the defense hormone salicylic acid, promotes the hypersensitive cell death response and primes plants for effective immune mobilization in cases of future pathogen challenge. This pathogen-inducible NHP biosynthetic pathway is activated at the transcriptional level and involves feedback amplification. Apart from FMO1, some cytochrome P450 monooxygenases involved in secondary metabolism catalyze N-hydroxylation reactions in plants. In specific taxa, pipecolic acid might also serve as a precursor in the biosynthesis of specialized natural products, leading to C-hydroxylated and otherwise modified piperidine derivatives, including indolizidine alkaloids. Finally, we show that NHP is glycosylated in Arabidopsis to form a hexose-conjugate, and then discuss open questions in Pip/NHP-related research.

Structural Basis for Recognition of L-lysine, L-ornithine, and L-2,4-diamino Butyric Acid by Lysine Cyclodeaminase

L-pipecolic acid is a non-protein amino acid commonly found in plants, animals, and microorganisms. It is a well-known precursor to numerous microbial secondary metabolites and pharmaceuticals, including anticancer agents, immunosuppressants, and several antibiotics. Lysine cyclodeaminase (LCD) catalyzes β-deamination of L-lysine into L-pipecolic acid using β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide as a cofactor. Expression of a human homolog of LCD, μ-crystallin, is elevated in prostate cancer patients. To understand the structural features and catalytic mechanisms of LCD, we determined the crystal structures of Streptomyces pristinaespiralis LCD (SpLCD) in (i) a binary complex with NAD+, (ii) a ternary complex with NAD+ and L-pipecolic acid, (iii) a ternary complex with NAD+ and L-proline, and (iv) a ternary complex with NAD+ and L-2,4-diamino butyric acid. The overall structure of SpLCD was similar to that of ornithine cyclodeaminase from Pseudomonas putida. In addition, SpLCD recognized L-lysine, L-ornithine, and L-2,4-diamino butyric acid despite differences in the active site, including differences in hydrogen bonding by Asp236, which corresponds with Asp228 from Pseudomonas putida ornithine cyclodeaminase. The substrate binding pocket of SpLCD allowed substrates smaller than lysine to bind, thus enabling binding to ornithine and L-2,4-diamino butyric acid. Our structural and biochemical data facilitate a detailed understanding of substrate and product recognition, thus providing evidence for a reaction mechanism for SpLCD. The proposed mechanism is unusual in that NAD+ is initially converted into NADH and then reverted back into NAD+ at a late stage of the reaction.

Metabolomics and proteomics reveal drought-stress responses of leaf tissues from spring-wheat

To reveal the integrative biochemical networks of wheat leaves in response to water deficient conditions, proteomics and metabolomics were applied to two spring-wheat cultivars (Bahar, drought-susceptible; Kavir, drought-tolerant). Drought stress induced detrimental effects on Bahar leaf proteome, resulting in a severe decrease of total protein content, with impairments mainly in photosynthetic proteins and in enzymes involved in sugar and nitrogen metabolism, as well as in the capacity of detoxifying harmful molecules. On the contrary, only minor perturbations were observed at the protein level in Kavir stressed leaves. Metabolome analysis indicated amino acids, organic acids, and sugars as the main metabolites changed in abundance upon water deficiency. In particular, Bahar cv showed increased levels in proline, methionine, arginine, lysine, aromatic and branched chain amino acids. Tryptophan accumulation via shikimate pathway seems to sustain auxin production (indoleacrylic acid), whereas glutamate reduction is reasonably linked to polyamine (spermine) synthesis. Kavir metabolome was affected by drought stress to a less extent with only two pathways significantly changed, one of them being purine metabolism. These results comprehensively provide a framework for better understanding the mechanisms that govern plant cell response to drought stress, with insights into molecules that can be used for crop improvement projects.

The genetic architecture of amino acids dissection by association and linkage analysis in maize

Amino acids are both constituents of proteins, providing the essential nutrition for humans and animals, and signalling molecules regulating the growth and development of plants. Most cultivars of maize are deficient in essential amino acids such as lysine and tryptophan. Here, we measured the levels of 17 different total amino acids, and created 48 derived traits in mature kernels from a maize diversity inbred collection and three recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations. By GWAS, 247 and 281 significant loci were identified in two different environments, 5.1 and 4.4 loci for each trait, explaining 7.44% and 7.90% phenotypic variation for each locus in average, respectively. By linkage mapping, 89, 150 and 165 QTLs were identified in B73/By804, Kui3/B77 and Zong3/Yu87-1 RIL populations, 2.0, 2.7 and 2.8 QTLs for each trait, explaining 13.6%, 16.4% and 21.4% phenotypic variation for each QTL in average, respectively. It implies that the genetic architecture of amino acids is relative simple and controlled by limited loci. About 43.2% of the loci identified by GWAS were verified by expression QTL, and 17 loci overlapped with mapped QTLs in the three RIL populations. GRMZM2G015534, GRMZM2G143008 and one QTL were further validated using molecular approaches. The amino acid biosynthetic and catabolic pathways were reconstructed on the basis of candidate genes proposed in this study. Our results provide insights into the genetic basis of amino acid biosynthesis in maize kernels and may facilitate marker-based breeding for quality protein maize.

Metabolomic analysis of primary metabolites in citrus leaf during defense responses

Mechanical damage is one of the unavoidable environmental stresses to plant growth and development. Plants induce a variety of reactions which defend against natural enemies and/or heal the wounded sites. Jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA), defense-related plant hormones, are well known to be involved in induction of defense reactions and play important roles as signal molecules. However, defense related metabolites are so numerous and diverse that roles of individual compounds are still to be elucidated. In this report, we carried out a comprehensive analysis of metabolic changes during wound response in citrus plants which are one of the most commercially important fruit tree families. Changes in amino acid, sugar, and organic acid profiles in leaves were surveyed after wounding, JA and SA treatments using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in seven citrus species, Citrus sinensis, Citrus limon, Citrus paradisi, Citrus unshiu, Citrus kinokuni, Citrus grandis, and Citrus hassaku. GC/MS data were applied to multivariate analyses including hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), primary component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to extract stress-related compounds. HCA showed the amino acid cluster including phenylalanine and tryptophan, suggesting that amino acids in this cluster are concertedly regulated during responses against treatments. OPLS-DA exhibited that tryptophan was accumulated after wounding and JA treatments in all species tested, while serine was down regulated. Our results suggest that tryptophan and serine are common biomarker candidates in citrus plants for wound stress.

The plant immunity inducer pipecolic acid accumulates in the xylem sap and leaves of soybean seedlings following Fusarium virguliforme infection

The causal agent of the soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS), Fusarium virguliforme, remains in infected roots and secretes toxins to cause foliar SDS. In this study we investigated the xylem sap, roots, and leaves of F. virguliforme-infected and -uninfected soybean seedlings for any changes in a set of over 3,000 metabolites following pathogen infection by conducting GC/MS and LC/MS/MS, and detected 273 biochemicals. Levels of many intermediates of the TCA cycle were reduced suggesting suppression of this metabolic pathway by the pathogen. There was an increased accumulation of peroxidated lipids in leaves of F. virguliforme-infected plants suggesting possible involvement of free radicals and lipoxygenases in foliar SDS development. Levels of both isoflavone conjugates and isoflavonoid phytoalexins were decreased in infected roots suggesting degradation of these metabolites by the pathogen to promote root necrosis. The levels of the plant immunity inducer pipecolic acid (Pip) and the plant hormone salicylic acid (SA) were significantly increased in xylem sap (in case of Pip) and leaves (in case of both Pip and SA) of F. virguliforme-infected soybean plants compared to the control plants. This suggests a major signaling role of Pip in inducing host defense responses in above ground parts of the F. virguliforme-infected soybean. Increased accumulation of pipecolic acid in foliar tissues was associated with the induction of GmALD1, the soybean homolog of Arabidopsis ALD1. This metabolomics study generated several novel hypotheses for studying the mechanisms of SDS development in soybean.

Identification of N(α)-acetyl-α-lysine as a probable thermolyte and its accumulation mechanism in Salinicoccus halodurans H3B36

Salinicoccus halodurans H3B36 is a moderate halophile that was isolated from a 3.2-m-deep sediment sample in Qaidam Basin, China. Our results suggest that N(α)-acetyl-α-lysine can accumulate and act as a probable thermolyte in this strain. The accumulation mechanism and biosynthetic pathway for this rare compatible solute were also elucidated. We confirmed that the de novo synthesis pathway of N(α)-acetyl-α-lysine in this strain starts from aspartate and passes through lysine. Through RNA sequencing, we also found an 8-gene cluster (orf_1582-1589) and another gene (orf_2472) that might encode the biosynthesis of N(α)-acetyl-α-lysine in S. halodurans H3B36. Orf_192, orf_193, and orf_1259 might participate in the transportation of precursors for generating N(α)-acetyl-α-lysine under the heat stress. The transcriptome reported here also generated a global view of heat-induced changes and yielded clues for studying the regulation of N(α)-acetyl-α-lysine accumulation. Heat stress triggered a global transcriptional disturbance and generated a series of actions to adapt the strain to heat stress. Furthermore, the transcriptomic results showed that the regulon of RpoN (orf_2534) may be critical to conferring heat stress tolerance and survival to S. halodurans.

The saccharopine pathway in seed development and stress response of maize

Lysine is catabolized in developing plant tissues through the saccharopine pathway. In this pathway, lysine is converted into α-aminoadipic semialdehyde (AASA) by the bifunctional enzyme lysine-ketoglutarate reductase/saccharopine dehydrogenase (LKR/SDH). AASA is then converted into aminoadipic acid (AAA) by aminoadipic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (AASADH). Here, we show that LKR/SDH and AASADH are co-expressed in the sub-aleurone cell layers of the developing endosperm; however, although AASADH protein is produced in reproductive and vegetative tissues, the LKR/SDH protein is detectable only in the developing endosperm. AASADH showed an optimum pH of 7.4 and Kms for AASA and NAD(+) in the micromolar range. In the developing endosperm, the saccharopine pathway is induced by exogenous lysine and repressed by salt stress, whereas proline and pipecolic acid synthesis are significantly repressed by lysine. In young coleoptiles, the LKR/SDH and AASADH transcriptions are induced by abiotic stress, but while the AASADH protein accumulates in the stressed tissues, the LKR/SDH protein is not produced. In the developing seeds, the saccharopine pathway is used for pipecolic acid synthesis although proline may play a major role in abiotic stress response. The results indicate that the saccharopine pathway in maize seed development and stress responses significantly differ from that observed for dicot plants.

Shifts in metabolomic profiles of the parasitoid Nasonia vitripennis associated with elevated cold tolerance induced by the parasitoid's diapause, host diapause and host diet augmented with proline

The ectoparasitoid wasp, Nasonia vitripennis can enhance its cold tolerance by exploiting a maternally-induced larval diapause. A simple manipulation of the fly host diapause status and supplementation of the host diet with proline also dramatically increase cold tolerance in the parasitoid. In this study, we used a metabolomics approach to define alterations in metabolite profiles of N. vitripennis caused by diapause in the parasitoid, diapause of the host, and augmentation of the host's diet with proline. Metabolic profiles of diapausing and nondiapausing parasitoid were significantly differentiated, with pronounced distinctions in levels of multiple cryoprotectants, amino acids, and carbohydrates. The dynamic nature of diapause was underscored by a shift in the wasp's metabolomic profile as the duration of diapause increased, a feature especially evident for increased concentrations of a suite of cryoprotectants. Metabolic pathways involved in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism were distinctly enriched during diapause in the parasitoid. Host diapause status also elicited a pronounced effect on metabolic signatures of the parasitoid, noted by higher cryoprotectants and elevated compounds derived from glycolysis. Proline supplementation of the host diet did not translate directly into elevated proline in the parasitoid but resulted in an alteration in the abundance of many other metabolites, including elevated concentrations of essential amino acids, and reduction in metabolites linked to energy utilization, lipid and amino acid metabolism. Thus, the enhanced cold tolerance of N. vitripennis associated with proline augmentation of the host diet appears to be an indirect effect caused by the metabolic perturbations associated with diet supplementation.

Pathways of Amino Acid Degradation in Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) with Special Reference to Lysine-Ketoglutarate Reductase/Saccharopine Dehydrogenase (LKR/SDH)

Nilaparvata lugens harbors yeast-like symbionts (YLSs). In present paper, a genome-wide analysis found 115 genes from Ni. lugens and 90 genes from YLSs that were involved in the metabolic degradation of 20 proteinogenic amino acids. These 205 genes encoded for 77 enzymes. Accordingly, the degradation pathways for the 20 amino acids were manually constructed. It is postulated that Ni. lugens can independently degrade fourteen amino acids (threonine, alanine, glycine, serine, aspartate, asparagine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, glutamate, glutamine, proline, histidine, leucine and lysine). Ni. lugens and YLSs enzymes may work collaboratively to break down tryptophan, cysteine, arginine, isoleucine, methionine and valine. We cloned a lysine-ketoglutarate reductase/saccharopine dehydrogenase gene (Nllkr/sdh) that encoded a bifunctional enzyme catalyzing the first two steps of lysine catabolism. Nllkr/sdh is widely expressed in the first through fifth instar nymphs and adults, and is highly expressed in the fat body, ovary and gut in adults. Ingestion of dsNllkr/sdh by nymphs successfully knocked down the target gene, and caused nymphal/adult mortality, shortened nymphal development stage and reduced adult fresh weight. Moreover, Nllkr/sdh knockdown resulted in three defects: wings were shortened and thickened; cuticles were stretched and thinned; and old nymphal cuticles remained on the tips of legs and abdomen and were not completely shed. These data indicate that impaired lysine degradation negatively affects the survival and development of Ni. lugens.

Signaling by small metabolites in systemic acquired resistance

Plants can retain the memory of a prior encounter with a pest. This memory confers upon a plant the ability to subsequently activate defenses more robustly when challenged by a pest. In plants that have retained the memory of a prior, localized, foliar infection by a pathogen, the pathogen-free distal organs develop immunity against subsequent infections by a broad-spectrum of pathogens. The long-term immunity conferred by this mechanism, which is termed systemic acquired resistance (SAR), is inheritable over a few generations. Signaling mediated by the phenolic metabolite salicylic acid (SA) is critical for the manifestation of SAR. Recent studies have described the involvement of additional small metabolites in SAR signaling, including methyl salicylate, the abietane diterpenoid dehydroabietinal, the lysine catabolite pipecolic acid, a glycerol-3-phosphate-dependent factor and the dicarboxylic acid azelaic acid. Many of these metabolites can be systemically transported through the plant and probably facilitate communication by the primary infected tissue with the distal tissues, which is essential for the activation of SAR. Some of these metabolites have been implicated in the SAR-associated rapid activation of defenses in response to subsequent exposure to the pathogen, a mechanism termed priming. Here, we summarize the role of these signaling metabolites in SAR, and the relationship between them and SA signaling in SAR.

Metabolic changes in Avena sativa crowns recovering from freezing

Extensive research has been conducted on cold acclimation and freezing tolerance of fall-sown cereal plants due to their economic importance; however, little has been reported on the biochemical changes occurring over time after the freezing conditions are replaced by conditions favorable for recovery and growth such as would occur during spring. In this study, GC-MS was used to detect metabolic changes in the overwintering crown tissue of oat (Avena sativa L.) during a fourteen day time-course after freezing. Metabolomic analysis revealed increases in most amino acids, particularly proline, 5-oxoproline and arginine, which increased greatly in crowns that were frozen compared to controls and correlated very significantly with days after freezing. In contrast, sugar and sugar related metabolites were little changed by freezing, except sucrose and fructose which decreased dramatically. In frozen tissue all TCA cycle metabolites, especially citrate and malate, decreased in relation to unfrozen tissue. Alterations in some amino acid pools after freezing were similar to those observed in cold acclimation whereas most changes in sugar pools after freezing were not. These similarities and differences suggest that there are common as well as unique genetic mechanisms between these two environmental conditions that are crucial to the winter survival of plants.

Genome-wide analysis of lysine catabolism in bacteria reveals new connections with osmotic stress resistance

Lysine is catabolized via the saccharopine pathway in plants and mammals. In this pathway, lysine is converted to α-aminoadipic-δ-semialdehyde (AASA) by lysine-ketoglutarate reductase/saccharopine dehydrogenase (LKR/SDH); thereafter, AASA is converted to aminoadipic acid (AAA) by α-aminoadipic-δ-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (AASADH). Here, we investigate the occurrence, genomic organization and functional role of lysine catabolic pathways among prokaryotes. Surprisingly, only 27 species of the 1478 analyzed contain the lkr and sdh genes, whereas 323 species contain aasadh orthologs. A sdh-related gene, identified in 159 organisms, was frequently found contiguously to an aasadh gene. This gene, annotated as lysine dehydrogenase (lysdh), encodes LYSDH an enzyme that directly converts lysine to AASA. Pipecolate oxidase (PIPOX) and lysine-6-aminotransferase (LAT), that converts lysine to AASA, were also found associated with aasadh. Interestingly, many lysdh-aasadh-containing organisms live under hyperosmotic stress. To test the role of the lysine-to-AASA pathways in the bacterial stress response, we subjected Silicibacter pomeroyi to salt stress. All but lkr, sdh, lysdh and aasadh were upregulated under salt stress conditions. In addition, lysine-supplemented culture medium increased the growth rate of S. pomeroyi under high-salt conditions and induced high-level expression of the lysdh-aasadh operon. Finally, transformation of Escherichia coli with the S. pomeroyi lysdh-aasadh operon resulted in increased salt tolerance. The transformed E. coli accumulated high levels of the compatible solute pipecolate, which may account for the salt resistance. These findings suggest that the lysine-to-AASA pathways identified in this work may have a broad evolutionary importance in osmotic stress resistance.

New insights into the regulation of plant immunity by amino acid metabolic pathways

Besides defence pathways regulated by classical stress hormones, distinct amino acid metabolic pathways constitute integral parts of the plant immune system. Mutations in several genes involved in Asp-derived amino acid biosynthetic pathways can have profound impact on plant resistance to specific pathogen types. For instance, amino acid imbalances associated with homoserine or threonine accumulation elevate plant immunity to oomycete pathogens but not to pathogenic fungi or bacteria. The catabolism of Lys produces the immune signal pipecolic acid (Pip), a cyclic, non-protein amino acid. Pip amplifies plant defence responses and acts as a critical regulator of plant systemic acquired resistance, defence priming and local resistance to bacterial pathogens. Asp-derived pyridine nucleotides influence both pre- and post-invasion immunity, and the catabolism of branched chain amino acids appears to affect plant resistance to distinct pathogen classes by modulating crosstalk of salicylic acid- and jasmonic acid-regulated defence pathways. It also emerges that, besides polyamine oxidation and NADPH oxidase, Pro metabolism is involved in the oxidative burst and the hypersensitive response associated with avirulent pathogen recognition. Moreover, the acylation of amino acids can control plant resistance to pathogens and pests by the formation of protective plant metabolites or by the modulation of plant hormone activity.

Pipecolic acid enhances resistance to bacterial infection and primes salicylic acid and nicotine accumulation in tobacco

Distinct amino acid metabolic pathways constitute integral parts of the plant immune system. We have recently identified pipecolic acid (Pip), a lysine-derived non-protein amino acid, as a critical regulator of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and basal immunity to bacterial infection in Arabidopsis thaliana. In Arabidopsis, Pip acts as an endogenous mediator of defense amplification and priming. For instance, Pip conditions plants for effective biosynthesis of the phenolic defense signal salicylic acid (SA), accumulation of the phytoalexin camalexin, and expression of defense-related genes. Here, we show that tobacco plants respond to leaf infection by the compatible bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv tabaci (Pstb) with a significant accumulation of several amino acids, including Lys, branched-chain, aromatic, and amide group amino acids. Moreover, Pstb strongly triggers, alongside the biosynthesis of SA and increases in the defensive alkaloid nicotine, the production of the Lys catabolites Pip and α-aminoadipic acid. Exogenous application of Pip to tobacco plants provides significant protection to infection by adapted Pstb or by non-adapted, hypersensitive cell death-inducing P. syringae pv maculicola. Pip thereby primes tobacco for rapid and strong accumulation of SA and nicotine following bacterial infection. Thus, our study indicates that the role of Pip as an amplifier of immune responses is conserved between members of the rosid and asterid groups of eudicot plants and suggests a broad practical applicability for Pip as a natural enhancer of plant disease resistance.

High-level expression of sugar inducible gene2 (HSI2) is a negative regulator of drought stress tolerance in Arabidopsis

BACKGROUND

HIGH-LEVEL EXPRESSION OF SUGAR INDUCIBLE GENE2 (HSI2), also known as VAL1, is a B3 domain transcriptional repressor that acts redundantly with its closest relative, HSI2-LIKE1 (HSL1), to suppress the seed maturation program following germination. Mutant hsi2 hsl1 seedlings are arrested early in development and differentially express a number of abiotic stress-related genes. To test the potential requirement for HSI2 during abiotic stress, hsi2 single mutants and plants overexpressing HSI2 were subjected to simulated drought stress by withholding watering, and characterized through physiological, metabolic and gene expression studies.

RESULTS

The hsi2 mutants demonstrated reduced wilting and maintained higher relative water content than wild-type after withholding watering, while the overexpressing lines displayed the opposite phenotype. The hsi2 mutant displayed lower constitutive and ABA-induced stomatal conductance than wild-type and accumulated lower levels of ABA metabolites and several osmolytes and osmoprotectants following water withdrawal. Microarray comparisons between wild-type and the hsi2 mutant revealed that steady-state levels of numerous stress-induced genes were up-regulated in the mutant in the absence of stress but down-regulated at visible wilting. Plants with altered levels of HSI2 responded to exogenous application of ABA and a long-lived ABA analog, but the hsi2 mutant did not show altered expression of several ABA-responsive or ABA signalling genes 4 hr after application.

CONCLUSIONS

These results implicate HSI2 as a negative regulator of drought stress response in Arabidopsis, acting, at least in part, by regulating transpirational water loss. Metabolic and global transcript profiling comparisons of the hsi2 mutant and wild-type plants do not support a model whereby the greater drought tolerance observed in the hsi2 mutant is conferred by the accumulation of known osmolytes and osmoprotectants. Instead, data are consistent with mutants experiencing a relatively milder dehydration stress following water withdrawal.

Cadaverine: a lysine catabolite involved in plant growth and development

The cadaverine (Cad) a diamine, imino compound produced as a lysine catabolite is also implicated in growth and development of plants depending on environmental condition. This lysine catabolism is catalyzed by lysine decarboxylase, which is developmentally regulated. However, the limited role of Cad in plants is reported, this review is tempted to focus the metabolism and its regulation, transport and responses, interaction and cross talks in higher plants. The Cad varied presence in plant parts/products suggests it as a potential candidate for taxonomic marker as well as for commercial exploitation along with growth and development.

Significance of the natural occurrence of L- versus D-pipecolic acid: a review

Pipecolic acid naturally occurs in microorganisms, plants, and animals, where it plays many roles, including the interactions between these organisms, and is a key constituent of many natural and synthetic bioactive molecules. This article provides a review of current knowledge on the natural occurrence of pipecolic acid and the known and potential significance of its L- and D-enantiomers in different scientific disciplines. Knowledge gaps with perspectives for future research identified within this article include the roles of the L- versus the D-enantiomer of pipecolic acid in plant resistance, nutrient acquisition, and decontamination of polluted soils, as well as rhizosphere ecology and medical issues.

Long-distance communication and signal amplification in systemic acquired resistance

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is an inducible defense mechanism in plants that confers enhanced resistance against a variety of pathogens. SAR is activated in the uninfected systemic (distal) organs in response to a prior (primary) infection elsewhere in the plant. SAR is associated with the activation of salicylic acid (SA) signaling and the priming of defense responses for robust activation in response to subsequent infections. The activation of SAR requires communication by the primary infected tissues with the distal organs. The vasculature functions as a conduit for the translocation of factors that facilitate long-distance intra-plant communication. In recent years, several metabolites putatively involved in long-distance signaling have been identified. These include the methyl ester of SA (MeSA), the abietane diterpenoid dehydroabietinal (DA), the dicarboxylic acid azelaic acid (AzA), and a glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P)-dependent factor. Long-distance signaling by some of these metabolites also requires the lipid-transfer protein DIR1 (DEFECTIVE IN INDUCED RESISTANCE 1). The relative contribution of these factors in long-distance signaling is likely influenced by environmental conditions, for example light. In the systemic leaves, the AGD2-LIKE DEFENSE RESPONSE PROTEIN1 (ALD1)-dependent production of the lysine catabolite pipecolic acid (Pip), FLAVIN-DEPENDENT MONOOXYGENASE1 (FMO1) signaling, as well as SA synthesis and downstream signaling are required for the activation of SAR. This review summarizes the involvement and interaction between long-distance SAR signals and details the recently discovered role of Pip in defense amplification and priming that allows plants to acquire immunity at the systemic level. Recent advances in SA signaling and perception are also highlighted.

Long-distance communication and signal amplification in systemic acquired resistance

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is an inducible defense mechanism in plants that confers enhanced resistance against a variety of pathogens. SAR is activated in the uninfected systemic (distal) organs in response to a prior (primary) infection elsewhere in the plant. SAR is associated with the activation of salicylic acid (SA) signaling and the priming of defense responses for robust activation in response to subsequent infections. The activation of SAR requires communication by the primary infected tissues with the distal organs. The vasculature functions as a conduit for the translocation of factors that facilitate long-distance intra-plant communication. In recent years, several metabolites putatively involved in long-distance signaling have been identified. These include the methyl ester of SA (MeSA), the abietane diterpenoid dehydroabietinal (DA), the dicarboxylic acid azelaic acid (AzA), and a glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P)-dependent factor. Long-distance signaling by some of these metabolites also requires the lipid-transfer protein DIR1 (DEFECTIVE IN INDUCED RESISTANCE 1). The relative contribution of these factors in long-distance signaling is likely influenced by environmental conditions, for example light. In the systemic leaves, the AGD2-LIKE DEFENSE RESPONSE PROTEIN1 (ALD1)-dependent production of the lysine catabolite pipecolic acid (Pip), FLAVIN-DEPENDENT MONOOXYGENASE1 (FMO1) signaling, as well as SA synthesis and downstream signaling are required for the activation of SAR. This review summarizes the involvement and interaction between long-distance SAR signals and details the recently discovered role of Pip in defense amplification and priming that allows plants to acquire immunity at the systemic level. Recent advances in SA signaling and perception are also highlighted.

Pipecolic acid, an endogenous mediator of defense amplification and priming, is a critical regulator of inducible plant immunity

Metabolic signals orchestrate plant defenses against microbial pathogen invasion. Here, we report the identification of the non-protein amino acid pipecolic acid (Pip), a common Lys catabolite in plants and animals, as a critical regulator of inducible plant immunity. Following pathogen recognition, Pip accumulates in inoculated Arabidopsis thaliana leaves, in leaves distal from the site of inoculation, and, most specifically, in petiole exudates from inoculated leaves. Defects of mutants in AGD2-LIKE DEFENSE RESPONSE PROTEIN1 (ALD1) in systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and in basal, specific, and β-aminobutyric acid-induced resistance to bacterial infection are associated with a lack of Pip production. Exogenous Pip complements these resistance defects and increases pathogen resistance of wild-type plants. We conclude that Pip accumulation is critical for SAR and local resistance to bacterial pathogens. Our data indicate that biologically induced SAR conditions plants to more effectively synthesize the phytoalexin camalexin, Pip, and salicylic acid and primes plants for early defense gene expression. Biological priming is absent in the pipecolate-deficient ald1 mutants. Exogenous pipecolate induces SAR-related defense priming and partly restores priming responses in ald1. We conclude that Pip orchestrates defense amplification, positive regulation of salicylic acid biosynthesis, and priming to guarantee effective local resistance induction and the establishment of SAR.

Occurrence of pipecolic acid and pipecolic acid betaine (homostachydrine) in Citrus genus plants

The presence of pipecolic acid and pipecolic acid betaine, also known as homostachydrine, is herein reported for the first time in Citrus genus plants. Homostachydrine was found in fruits, seeds, and leaves of orange, lemon, and bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso et Poit). As homostachydrine was not commercially available, as a comparative source, extracts of alfalfa leaves ( Medicago sativa L.) were used, in which homostachydrine is present at high concentration. Then, the results where confirmed by comparison with an authentic standard synthesized and purified starting from pipecolic acid. The synthesized standard was characterized by a ESI-MS/MS study using a 3D ion-trap mass spectrometer. When subjected to MS/MS fragmentation in positive ion mode, homostachydrine, unlike its lower homologue proline betaine (also known as stachydrine), showed a pattern of numerous ionic fragments that allowed unambiguous identification of the compound. For the quantitation in the plant sources, high sensitivity and specificity were achieved by monitoring the transition (158 → 72), which is absent in the fragmentation patterns of other major osmolytes commonly used as markers for studies of abiotic stress. As for the metabolic origin of homostachydrine, the occurrence in citrus plants of pipecolic acid leads to the hypothesis that it could act as a homostachydrine precursor through direct methylation.

Coordinated gene networks regulating Arabidopsis plant metabolism in response to various stresses and nutritional cues

The expression pattern of any pair of genes may be negatively correlated, positively correlated, or not correlated at all in response to different stresses and even different progression stages of the stress. This makes it difficult to identify such relationships by classical statistical tools such as the Pearson correlation coefficient. Hence, dedicated bioinformatics approaches that are able to identify groups of cues in which there is a positive or negative expression correlation between pairs or groups of genes are called for. We herein introduce and discuss a bioinformatics approach, termed Gene Coordination, that is devoted to the identification of specific or multiple cues in which there is a positive or negative coordination between pairs of genes and can further incorporate additional coordinated genes to form large coordinated gene networks. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by providing a case study in which we were able to discover distinct expression behavior of the energy-associated gene network in response to distinct biotic and abiotic stresses. This bioinformatics approach is suitable to a broad range of studies that compare treatments versus controls, such as effects of various cues, or expression changes between a mutant and the control wild-type genotype.

The aspartate-family pathway of plants: linking production of essential amino acids with energy and stress regulation

The Asp family pathway of plants is highly important from a nutritional standpoint because it leads to the synthesis of the four essential amino acids Lys, Thr, Met and Ile. These amino acids are not synthesized by human and its monogastric livestock and should be supplemented in their diets. Among the Asp-family amino acids, Lys is considered as the nutritionally most important essential amino acid because its level is most limiting in cereal grains, representing the largest source of plant foods and feeds worldwide. Metabolic engineering approaches led to significant increase in Lys level in seeds by enhancing its synthesis and reducing its catabolism. However, results from the model plant Arabidopsis showed that this approach may retard seed germination due to a major negative effect on the levels of a number of TCA cycle metabolites that associate with cellular energy. In the present review, we discuss the regulatory metabolic link of the Asp-family pathway with the TCA cycle and its biological significance upon exposure to stress conditions that cause energy deprivation. In addition, we also discuss how deep understanding of the regulatory metabolic link of the Asp-family pathway with energy and stress regulation can be used to improve Lys level in seeds of important crop species, minimizing the interference with the cellular energy status and plant-stress interaction. This review thus provides an example showing how deep understanding the inter-regulation of metabolism with plant stress physiology can lead to successful nutritional improvements with minimal negative effect on plant growth and response to stressful environments.

Structural and transcriptional analysis of plant genes encoding the bifunctional lysine ketoglutarate reductase saccharopine dehydrogenase enzyme

BACKGROUND

Among the dietary essential amino acids, the most severely limiting in the cereals is lysine. Since cereals make up half of the human diet, lysine limitation has quality/nutritional consequences. The breakdown of lysine is controlled mainly by the catabolic bifunctional enzyme lysine ketoglutarate reductase - saccharopine dehydrogenase (LKR/SDH). The LKR/SDH gene has been reported to produce transcripts for the bifunctional enzyme and separate monofunctional transcripts. In addition to lysine metabolism, this gene has been implicated in a number of metabolic and developmental pathways, which along with its production of multiple transcript types and complex exon/intron structure suggest an important node in plant metabolism. Understanding more about the LKR/SDH gene is thus interesting both from applied standpoint and for basic plant metabolism.

RESULTS

The current report describes a wheat genomic fragment containing an LKR/SDH gene and adjacent genes. The wheat LKR/SDH genomic segment was found to originate from the A-genome of wheat, and EST analysis indicates all three LKR/SDH genes in hexaploid wheat are transcriptionally active. A comparison of a set of plant LKR/SDH genes suggests regions of greater sequence conservation likely related to critical enzymatic functions and metabolic controls. Although most plants contain only a single LKR/SDH gene per genome, poplar contains at least two functional bifunctional genes in addition to a monofunctional LKR gene. Analysis of ESTs finds evidence for monofunctional LKR transcripts in switchgrass, and monofunctional SDH transcripts in wheat, Brachypodium, and poplar.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis of a wheat LKR/SDH gene and comparative structural and functional analyses among available plant genes provides new information on this important gene. Both the structure of the LKR/SDH gene and the immediately adjacent genes show lineage-specific differences between monocots and dicots, and findings suggest variation in activity of LKR/SDH genes among plants. Although most plant genomes seem to contain a single conserved LKR/SDH gene per genome, poplar possesses multiple contiguous genes. A preponderance of SDH transcripts suggests the LKR region may be more rate-limiting. Only switchgrass has EST evidence for LKR monofunctional transcripts. Evidence for monofunctional SDH transcripts shows a novel intron in wheat, Brachypodium, and poplar.

Impact of genetics and environment on the metabolite composition of maize grain

This study sought to assess genetic and environmental impacts on the metabolite composition of maize grain. Gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) measured 119 identified metabolites including free amino acids, free fatty acids, sugars, organic acids, and other small molecules in a range of hybrids derived from 48 inbred lines crossed against two different tester lines (from the C103 and Iodent heterotic groups) and grown at three locations in Iowa. It was reasoned that expanded metabolite coverage would contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of the grain metabolome, its degree of variability, and, in principle, its relationship to other compositional and agronomic features. The metabolic profiling results established that the small molecule metabolite pool is highly dependent on genotypic variation and that levels of certain metabolite classes may have an inverse genotypic relationship to each other. Different metabolic phenotypes were clearly associated with the two distinct tester populations. Overall, grain from the C103 lines contained higher levels of free fatty acids and organic acids, whereas grain from the Iodent lines were associated with higher levels of amino acids and carbohydrates. In addition, the fold-range of genotype mean values [composed of six samples each (two tester crosses per inbred x three field sites)] for identified metabolites ranged from approximately 1.5- to 93-fold. Interestingly, some grain metabolites showed a non-normal distribution over the entire corn population, which could, at least in part, be attributed to large differences in metabolite values within specific inbred crosses relative to other inbred sets. This study suggests a potential role for metabolic profiling in assisting the process of selecting elite germplasm in biotechnology development, or marker-assisted breeding.

Is antiquitin a mitochondrial Enzyme?

Antiquitin is an aldehyde dehydrogenase involved in the catabolism of lysine. Mutations of antiquitin have been linked with the disease pyridoxine-dependent seizures. While it is well established that lysine metabolism takes place in the mitochondrial matrix, evidence for the mitochondrial localization of antiquitin has been lacking. In the present study, the subcellular localization of antiquitin was investigated using human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells. Three different approaches were used. First, confocal microscopic analysis was carried out on cells transiently transfected with fusion constructs containing enhanced green fluorescent protein with different lengths of antiquitin based on the different potential start codons of translation. Second, immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the localization of antiquitin directly in the cells. Third, subcellular fractionation was carried out and the individual fraction was analyzed for the presence of antiquitin by Western blot and flow cytometric analyses. All the results showed that antiquitin was present not only in the cytosol but also in the mitochondria.

LKR/SDH plays important roles throughout the tick life cycle including a long starvation period

BACKGROUND

Lysine-ketoglutarate reductase/saccharopine dehydrogenase (LKR/SDH) is a bifunctional enzyme catalyzing the first two steps of lysine catabolism in plants and mammals. However, to date, the properties of the lysine degradation pathway and biological functions of LKR/SDH have been very little described in arthropods such as ticks.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We isolated and characterized the gene encoding lysine-ketoglutarate reductase (LKR, EC 1.5.1.8) and saccharopine dehydrogenase (SDH, EC 1.5.1.9) from a tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, cDNA library that encodes a bifunctional polypeptide bearing domains similar to the plant and mammalian LKR/SDH enzymes. Expression of LKR/SDH was detected in all developmental stages, indicating an important role throughout the tick life cycle, including a long period of starvation after detachment from the host. The LKR/SDH mRNA transcripts were more abundant in unfed and starved ticks than in fed and engorged ticks, suggesting that tick LKR/SDH are important for the starved tick. Gene silencing of LKR/SDH by RNAi indicated that the tick LKR/SDH plays an integral role in the osmotic regulation of water balance and development of eggs in ovary of engorged females.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Transcription analysis and gene silencing of LKR/SDH indicated that tick LKR/SDH enzyme plays not only important roles in egg production, reproduction and development of the tick, but also in carbon, nitrogen and water balance, crucial physiological processes for the survival of ticks. This is the first report on the role of LKR/SDH in osmotic regulation in animals including vertebrate and arthropods.