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Boverio A, Jamil N, Mannucci B, Mascotti ML, Fraaije MW, Mattevi A. Structure, mechanism, and evolution of the last step in vitamin C biosynthesis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4158. [PMID: 38755143 PMCID: PMC11099136 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48410-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Photosynthetic organisms, fungi, and animals comprise distinct pathways for vitamin C biosynthesis. Besides this diversity, the final biosynthetic step consistently involves an oxidation reaction carried out by the aldonolactone oxidoreductases. Here, we study the origin and evolution of the diversified activities and substrate preferences featured by these flavoenzymes using molecular phylogeny, kinetics, mutagenesis, and crystallographic experiments. We find clear evidence that they share a common ancestor. A flavin-interacting amino acid modulates the reactivity with the electron acceptors, including oxygen, and determines whether an enzyme functions as an oxidase or a dehydrogenase. We show that a few side chains in the catalytic cavity impart the reaction stereoselectivity. Ancestral sequence reconstruction outlines how these critical positions were affixed to specific amino acids along the evolution of the major eukaryotic clades. During Eukarya evolution, the aldonolactone oxidoreductases adapted to the varying metabolic demands while retaining their overarching vitamin C-generating function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Boverio
- Molecular Enzymology group, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Neelam Jamil
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Barbara Mannucci
- Centro Grandi Strumenti, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Mascotti
- Molecular Enzymology group, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AG, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- IMIBIO-SL CONICET, Facultad de Química Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina.
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina.
| | - Marco W Fraaije
- Molecular Enzymology group, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AG, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Andrea Mattevi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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Vargas JA, Sculaccio SA, Pinto APA, Pereira HD, Mendes LFS, Flores JF, Cobos M, Castro JC, Garratt RC, Leonardo DA. Structural insights into the Smirnoff-Wheeler pathway for vitamin C production in the Amazon fruit camu-camu. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:2754-2771. [PMID: 38224521 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erae016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
l-Ascorbic acid (AsA, vitamin C) is a pivotal dietary nutrient with multifaceted importance in living organisms. In plants, the Smirnoff-Wheeler pathway is the primary route for AsA biosynthesis, and understanding the mechanistic details behind its component enzymes has implications for plant biology, nutritional science, and biotechnology. As part of an initiative to determine the structures of all six core enzymes of the pathway, the present study focuses on three of them in the model species Myrciaria dubia (camu-camu): GDP-d-mannose 3',5'-epimerase (GME), l-galactose dehydrogenase (l-GalDH), and l-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase (l-GalLDH). We provide insights into substrate and cofactor binding and the conformational changes they induce. The MdGME structure reveals a distorted substrate in the active site, pertinent to the catalytic mechanism. Mdl-GalDH shows that the way in which NAD+ association affects loop structure over the active site is not conserved when compared with its homologue in spinach. Finally, the structure of Mdl-GalLDH is described for the first time. This allows for the rationalization of previously identified residues which play important roles in the active site or in the formation of the covalent bond with FAD. In conclusion, this study enhances our understanding of AsA biosynthesis in plants, and the information provided should prove useful for biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhon A Vargas
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Susana A Sculaccio
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Andressa P A Pinto
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Humberto D'Muniz Pereira
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Luis F S Mendes
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Jhoao F Flores
- Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato 255, Campinas, SP 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Marianela Cobos
- Unidad Especializada del Laboratorio de Investigación en Biotecnología (UELIB), Centro de Investigaciones de Recursos Naturales de la UNAP (CIRNA), Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana (UNAP), Psje. Los Paujiles S/N, 1600, Iquitos, Peru
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas y Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana (UNAP), Zungarococha, Ciudad Universitaria. Iquitos, Perú
| | - Juan C Castro
- Unidad Especializada del Laboratorio de Investigación en Biotecnología (UELIB), Centro de Investigaciones de Recursos Naturales de la UNAP (CIRNA), Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana (UNAP), Psje. Los Paujiles S/N, 1600, Iquitos, Peru
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas y Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana (UNAP), Zungarococha, Ciudad Universitaria. Iquitos, Perú
| | - Richard C Garratt
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Diego A Leonardo
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-120, Brazil
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Quiñones CO, Gesto-Borroto R, Wilson RV, Hernández-Madrigal SV, Lorence A. Alternative pathways leading to ascorbate biosynthesis in plants: lessons from the last 25 years. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:2644-2663. [PMID: 38488689 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erae120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
l-Ascorbic acid (AsA) is an antioxidant with important roles in plant stress physiology, growth, and development. AsA also plays an essential role in human health, preventing scurvy. Humans do not synthesize AsA, which needs to be supplied via a diet rich in fresh produce. Research efforts have provided progress in the elucidation of a complex metabolic network with at least four routes leading to AsA formation in plants. In this review, three alternative pathways, namely the d-galacturonate, the l-gulose, and the myo-inositol pathways, are presented with the supporting evidence of their operation in multiple plant species. We critically discuss feeding studies using precursors and their conversion to AsA in plant organs, and research where the expression of key genes encoding enzymes involved in the alternative pathways showed >100% AsA content increase in the transgenics and in many cases accompanied by enhanced tolerance to multiple stresses. We propose that the alternative pathways are vital in AsA production in response to stressful conditions and to compensate in cases where the flux through the d-mannose/l-galactose pathway is reduced. The genes and enzymes that have been characterized so far in these alternative pathways represent important tools that are being used to develop more climate-tolerant crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherryl O Quiñones
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, PO Box 639, State University, AR 72467, USA
| | - Reinier Gesto-Borroto
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, PO Box 639, State University, AR 72467, USA
| | - Rachael V Wilson
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, PO Box 639, State University, AR 72467, USA
| | - Sara V Hernández-Madrigal
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, PO Box 639, State University, AR 72467, USA
| | - Argelia Lorence
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, PO Box 639, State University, AR 72467, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Arkansas State University, PO Box 419, State University, AR 72467, USA
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Luo K, Yu X, Wang J, Liu J, Li X, Pan M, Huang D, Mai K, Zhang W. Ascorbic acid biosynthesis in Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai Ino and L-gulonolactone oxidase gene loss as an independent event. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131733. [PMID: 38649080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Up to now, it has been believed that invertebrates are unable to synthesize ascorbic acid (AA) in vivo. However, in the present study, the full-length CDs (Coding sequence) of L-gulonolactone oxidase (GLO) from Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai Ino) were obtained through molecular cloning. The Pacific abalone GLO contained a FAD-binding domain in the N-termination, and ALO domain and conserved HWAK motif in the C-termination. The GLO gene possesses 12 exons and 11 introns. The Pacific abalone GLO was expressed in various tissues, including the kidney, digestive gland, gill, intestine, muscle and mantle. The GLO activity assay revealed that GLO activity was only detected in the kidney of Pacific abalone. After a 100-day feeding trial, dietary AA levels did not significantly affect the survival, weight gain, daily increment in shell length, and feed conversion ratio of Pacific abalone. The expression of GLO in the kidney was downregulated by dietary AA. These results implied that the ability to synthesize AA in abalone had not been lost. From the evolutionary perspective, the loss of GLO occurred independently as an independent event by matching with the genomes of various species. The positive selection analysis revealed that the GLO gene underwent purifying selective pressure during its evolution. In conclusion, the present study provided direct evidence to prove that the GLO activity and the ability to synthesize AA exist in abalone. The AA synthesis ability in vertebrates might have originated from invertebrates dating back 930.31 million years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Luo
- The Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Feeds (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs); Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ministry of Education); Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Waterlogging Disaster and Agricultural Use of Wetland, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, PR China
| | - Xiaojun Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Feeds (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs); Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ministry of Education); Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Jia Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Feeds (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs); Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ministry of Education); Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Jiahuan Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Feeds (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs); Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ministry of Education); Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Xinxin Li
- The Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Feeds (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs); Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ministry of Education); Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Mingzhu Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Feeds (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs); Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ministry of Education); Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Dong Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Feeds (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs); Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ministry of Education); Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Kangsen Mai
- The Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Feeds (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs); Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ministry of Education); Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Wenbing Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Feeds (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs); Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ministry of Education); Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
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Murgia I, Midali A, Cimini S, De Gara L, Manasherova E, Cohen H, Paucelle A, Morandini P. The Arabidopsis thaliana Gulono-1,4 γ-lactone oxidase 2 (GULLO2) facilitates iron transport from endosperm into developing embryos and affects seed coat suberization. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 196:712-723. [PMID: 36809732 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.01.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plants synthesize ascorbate (ASC) via the D-mannose/L-galactose pathway whereas animals produce ASC and H2O2via the UDP-glucose pathway, with Gulono-1,4 γ-lactone oxidases (GULLO) as the last step. A. thaliana has seven isoforms, GULLO1-7; previous in silico analysis suggested that GULLO2, mostly expressed in developing seeds, might be involved in iron (Fe) nutrition. We isolated atgullo2-1 and atgullo2-2 mutants, quantified ASC and H2O2 in developing siliques, Fe(III) reduction in immature embryos and seed coats. Surfaces of mature seed coats were analysed via atomic force and electron microscopies; suberin monomer and elemental compositions of mature seeds, including Fe, were profiled via chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Lower levels of ASC and H2O2 in atgullo2 immature siliques are accompanied by an impaired Fe(III) reduction in seed coats and lower Fe content in embryos and seeds; atgullo2 seeds displayed reduced permeability and higher levels of C18:2 and C18:3 ω-hydroxyacids, the two predominant suberin monomers in A. thaliana seeds. We propose that GULLO2 contributes to ASC synthesis, for Fe(III) reduction into Fe(II). This step is critical for Fe transport from endosperm into developing embryos. We also show that alterations in GULLO2 activity affect suberin biosynthesis and accumulation in the seed coat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Murgia
- Environmental Science and Policy Dept., University of Milano, via Celoria 26, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Alessia Midali
- Environmental Science and Policy Dept., University of Milano, via Celoria 26, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Cimini
- Department of Science and Technology for Humans and the Environment, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Roma, Italy
| | - Laura De Gara
- Department of Science and Technology for Humans and the Environment, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Roma, Italy
| | - Ekaterina Manasherova
- Department of Vegetable and Field Crops, Institute of Plant Sciences ARO, Volcani Center, 68 HaMaccabim Rd., Rishon LeZion, 7505101, Israel
| | - Hagai Cohen
- Department of Vegetable and Field Crops, Institute of Plant Sciences ARO, Volcani Center, 68 HaMaccabim Rd., Rishon LeZion, 7505101, Israel
| | - Alexis Paucelle
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, INRA Centre de Versailles-Grignon, 78026, Versailles, Route de Saint-Cyr Cedex, France
| | - Piero Morandini
- Environmental Science and Policy Dept., University of Milano, via Celoria 26, 20133, Milano, Italy
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Advances in Novel Animal Vitamin C Biosynthesis Pathways and the Role of Prokaryote-Based Inferences to Understand Their Origin. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13101917. [PMID: 36292802 PMCID: PMC9602106 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (VC) is an essential nutrient required for the optimal function and development of many organisms. VC has been studied for many decades, and still today, the characterization of its functions is a dynamic scientific field, mainly because of its commercial and therapeutic applications. In this review, we discuss, in a comparative way, the increasing evidence for alternative VC synthesis pathways in insects and nematodes, and the potential of myo-inositol as a possible substrate for this metabolic process in metazoans. Methodological approaches that may be useful for the future characterization of the VC synthesis pathways of Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster are here discussed. We also summarize the current distribution of the eukaryote aldonolactone oxidoreductases gene lineages, while highlighting the added value of studies on prokaryote species that are likely able to synthesize VC for both the characterization of novel VC synthesis pathways and inferences on the complex evolutionary history of such pathways. Such work may help improve the industrial production of VC.
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Savino S, Fraaije MW. The vast repertoire of carbohydrate oxidases: An overview. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 51:107634. [PMID: 32961251 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Carbohydrates are widely abundant molecules present in a variety of forms. For their biosynthesis and modification, nature has evolved a plethora of carbohydrate-acting enzymes. Many of these enzymes are of particular interest for biotechnological applications, where they can be used as biocatalysts or biosensors. Among the enzymes catalysing conversions of carbohydrates are the carbohydrate oxidases. These oxidative enzymes belong to different structural families and use different cofactors to perform the oxidation reaction of CH-OH bonds in carbohydrates. The variety of carbohydrate oxidases available in nature reflects their specificity towards different sugars and selectivity of the oxidation site. Thanks to their properties, carbohydrate oxidases have received a lot of attention in basic and applied research, such that nowadays their role in biotechnological processes is of paramount importance. In this review we provide an overview of the available knowledge concerning the known carbohydrate oxidases. The oxidases are first classified according to their structural features. After a description on their mechanism of action, substrate acceptance and characterisation, we report on the engineering of the different carbohydrate oxidases to enhance their employment in biocatalysis and biotechnology. In the last part of the review we highlight some practical applications for which such enzymes have been exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Savino
- Molecular Enzymology Group, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marco W Fraaije
- Molecular Enzymology Group, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AG Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Henriques SF, Duque P, López-Fernández H, Vázquez N, Fdez-Riverola F, Reboiro-Jato M, Vieira CP, Vieira J. Multiple independent L-gulonolactone oxidase (GULO) gene losses and vitamin C synthesis reacquisition events in non-Deuterostomian animal species. BMC Evol Biol 2019; 19:126. [PMID: 31215418 PMCID: PMC6582580 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-019-1454-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND L-ascorbate (Vitamin C) is an important antioxidant and co-factor in eukaryotic cells, and in mammals it is indispensable for brain development and cognitive function. Vertebrates usually become L-ascorbate auxothrophs when the last enzyme of the synthetic pathway, an L-gulonolactone oxidase (GULO), is lost. Since Protostomes were until recently thought not to have a GULO gene, they were considered to be auxothrophs for Vitamin C. RESULTS By performing phylogenetic analyses with tens of non-Bilateria and Protostomian genomes, it is shown, that a GULO gene is present in the non-Bilateria Placozoa, Myxozoa (here reported for the first time) and Anthozoa groups, and in Protostomians, in the Araneae family, the Gastropoda class, the Acari subclass (here reported for the first time), and the Priapulida, Annelida (here reported for the first time) and Brachiopoda phyla lineages. GULO is an old gene that predates the separation of Animals and Fungi, although it could be much older. We also show that within Protostomes, GULO has been lost multiple times in large taxonomic groups, namely the Pancrustacea, Nematoda, Platyhelminthes and Bivalvia groups, a pattern similar to that reported for Vertebrate species. Nevertheless, we show that Drosophila melanogaster seems to be capable of synthesizing L-ascorbate, likely through an alternative pathway, as recently reported for Caenorhabditis elegans. CONCLUSIONS Non-Bilaterian and Protostomians seem to be able to synthesize Vitamin C either through the conventional animal pathway or an alternative pathway, but in this animal group, not being able to synthesize L-ascorbate seems to be the exception rather than the rule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia F. Henriques
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC – Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Duque
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC – Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal
| | - Hugo López-Fernández
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC – Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal
- ESEI – Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Informática, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
- CINBIO - Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
- SING Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS - Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (Centro Singular de Investigación de Galicia), Vigo, Spain
| | - Noé Vázquez
- ESEI – Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Informática, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
- CINBIO - Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (Centro Singular de Investigación de Galicia), Vigo, Spain
| | - Florentino Fdez-Riverola
- ESEI – Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Informática, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
- CINBIO - Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
- SING Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS - Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (Centro Singular de Investigación de Galicia), Vigo, Spain
| | - Miguel Reboiro-Jato
- ESEI – Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Informática, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
- CINBIO - Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
- SING Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS - Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (Centro Singular de Investigación de Galicia), Vigo, Spain
| | - Cristina P. Vieira
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC – Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Vieira
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC – Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal
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Zhou HX, Milne RI, Ma XL, Song YQ, Fang JY, Sun H, Zha HG. Characterization of a L-Gulono-1,4-Lactone Oxidase Like Protein in the Floral Nectar of Mucuna sempervirens, Fabaceae. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:1109. [PMID: 30105046 PMCID: PMC6077269 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Floral nectar plays important roles in the interaction between animal-pollinated plants and pollinators. Its components include water, sugars, amino acids, vitamins, and proteins. Growing empirical evidence shows that most of the proteins secreted in nectar (nectarines) are enzymes that can tailor nectar chemistry for their animal mutualists or reduce the growth of microorganisms in nectar. However, to date, the function of many nectarines remains unknown, and very few plant species have had their nectar proteome thoroughly investigated. Mucuna sempervirens (Fabaceae) is a perennial woody vine native to China. Nectarines from this species were separated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and analyzed using mass spectrometry. A L-gulonolactone oxidase like protein (MsGulLO) was detected, and the full length cDNA was cloned: it codes for a protein of 573 amino acids with a predicted signal peptide. MsGulLO has high similarity to L-gulonolactone oxidase 5 (AtGulLO5) in Arabidopsis thaliana, which was suggested to be involved in the pathway of ascorbate biosynthesis; however, both MsGulLO and AtGulLO5 are divergent from animal L-gulonolactone oxidases. MsGulLO was expressed mainly in flowers, and especially in nectary before blooming. However, cloning and gene expression analysis showed that L-galactonolactone dehydrogenase (MsGLDH), a vital enzyme in plant ascorbate biosynthesis, was expressed in all of flowers, roots, stems, and especially leaves. MsGulLO was purified to near homogeneity from raw MS nectar by gel filtration chromatography. The enzyme was determined to be a neutral monomeric protein with an apparent molecular mass of 70 kDa. MsGulLO is not a flavin-containing protein, and has neither L-galactonolactone dehydrogenase activity, nor the L-gulonolactone activity that is usual in animal GulLOs. However, it has weak oxidase activity with the following substrates: L-gulono-1,4-lactone, L -galactono-1,4-lactone, D-gluconic acid-δ-lactone, glucose, and fructose. MsGulLO is suggested to function in hydrogen peroxide generation in nectar but not in plant ascorbate biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xia Zhou
- College of Life and Environment Sciences, Huangshan University, Huangshan, China
| | - Richard I. Milne
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Xue-Long Ma
- College of Life and Environment Sciences, Huangshan University, Huangshan, China
| | - Yue-Qin Song
- College of Life and Environment Sciences, Huangshan University, Huangshan, China
| | - Jian-Yu Fang
- College of Life and Environment Sciences, Huangshan University, Huangshan, China
| | - Hang Sun
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Hong-Guang Zha
- College of Life and Environment Sciences, Huangshan University, Huangshan, China
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Aboobucker SI, Suza WP, Lorence A. Characterization of Two Arabidopsis L-Gulono-1,4-lactone Oxidases, AtGulLO3 and AtGulLO5, Involved in Ascorbate Biosynthesis. REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES (APEX, N.C.) 2017; 4:389-417. [PMID: 30112455 PMCID: PMC6088757 DOI: 10.20455/ros.2017.861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
L-Ascorbic acid (AsA, vitamin C) is an essential antioxidant for plants and animals. There are four known ascorbate biosynthetic pathways in plants: the L-galactose, L-gulose, D-galacturonate, and myo-inositol routes. These pathways converge into two AsA precursors: L-galactono-1,4-lactone and L-gulono-1,4-lactone (L-GulL). This work focuses on the study of L-gulono-1,4-lactone oxidase (GulLO), the enzyme that works at the intersect of the gulose and inositol pathways. Previous studies have shown that feeding L-gulono-1,4-lactone to multiple plants leads to increased AsA. There are also reports showing GulLO activity in plants. We describe the first detailed characterization of a plant enzyme specific to oxidize L-GulL to AsA. We successfully purified a recombinant Arabidopsis GulLO enzyme (called AtGulLO5) in a transient expression system. The biochemical properties of this enzyme are similar to the ones of bacterial isozymes in terms of substrate specificity, subcellular localization, use of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as electron acceptor, and specific activity. AtGulLO5 is an exclusive dehydrogenase with an absolute specificity for L-GulL as substrate thus differing from the existing plant L-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenases and mammalian GulLOs. Feeding L-GulL to N. benthamiana leaves expressing AtGulLO5 constructs led to increased foliar AsA content, but it was not different from that of controls, most likely due to the observed low catalytic efficiency of AtGulLO5. Similar results were also obtained with another member of the AtGulLO family (AtGulLO3) that appears to have a rapid protein turnover. We propose that AsA synthesis through L-GulL in plants is regulated at the post-transcriptional level by limiting GulLO enzyme availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddique I Aboobucker
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, P.O. Box 639, State University, AR 72467, USA
- Current address: 2104 Agronomy Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Walter P Suza
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, P.O. Box 639, State University, AR 72467, USA
- Current address: 2104 Agronomy Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Argelia Lorence
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, P.O. Box 639, State University, AR 72467, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Arkansas State University, P.O. Box 419, State University, AR 72467, USA
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Ewing TA, Fraaije MW, Mattevi A, van Berkel WJ. The VAO/PCMH flavoprotein family. Arch Biochem Biophys 2017; 632:104-117. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2017.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Rodríguez-Ruiz M, Mateos RM, Codesido V, Corpas FJ, Palma JM. Characterization of the galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase from pepper fruits and its modulation in the ascorbate biosynthesis. Role of nitric oxide. Redox Biol 2017; 12:171-181. [PMID: 28242561 PMCID: PMC5328913 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pepper fruit is one of the highest vitamin C sources of plant origin for our diet. In plants, ascorbic acid is mainly synthesized through the L-galactose pathway, being the L-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase (GalLDH) the last step. Using pepper fruits, the full GalLDH gene was cloned and the protein molecular characterization accomplished. GalLDH protein sequence (586 residues) showed a 37 amino acids signal peptide at the N-terminus, characteristic of mitochondria. The hydrophobic analysis of the mature protein displayed one transmembrane helix comprising 20 amino acids at the N-terminus. By using a polyclonal antibody raised against a GalLDH internal sequence and immunoblotting analysis, a 56kDa polypeptide cross-reacted with pepper fruit samples. Using leaves, flowers, stems and fruits, the expression of GalLDH by qRT-PCR and the enzyme activity were analyzed, and results indicate that GalLDH is a key player in the physiology of pepper plants, being possibly involved in the processes which undertake the transport of ascorbate among different organs. We also report that an NO (nitric oxide)-enriched atmosphere enhanced ascorbate content in pepper fruits about 40% parallel to increased GalLDH gene expression and enzyme activity. This is the first report on the stimulating effect of NO treatment on the vitamin C concentration in plants. Accordingly, the modulation by NO of GalLDH was addressed. In vitro enzymatic assays of GalLDH were performed in the presence of SIN-1 (peroxynitrite donor) and S-nitrosoglutahione (NO donor). Combined results of in vivo NO treatment and in vitro assays showed that NO provoked the regulation of GalLDH at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, but not post-translational modifications through nitration or S-nitrosylation events promoted by reactive nitrogen species (RNS) took place. These results suggest that this modulation point of the ascorbate biosynthesis could be potentially used for biotechnological purposes to increase the vitamin C levels in pepper fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rodríguez-Ruiz
- Group of Antioxidants, Free Radicals and Nitric Oxide in Biotechnology, Food and Agriculture, Dept. Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology of Plants, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, C/ Profesor Albareda, 1, 18008 Granada, Spain.
| | - Rosa M Mateos
- University Hospital Puerta del Mar, Avenida Ana de Viya, 21, Cádiz 11009, Spain.
| | - Verónica Codesido
- Phytoplant Research S.L, Rabanales 21 - The Science and Technology Park of Córdoba, C/ Astrónoma Cecilia Payne, Edificio Centauro, módulo B-1, 14014 Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Francisco J Corpas
- Group of Antioxidants, Free Radicals and Nitric Oxide in Biotechnology, Food and Agriculture, Dept. Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology of Plants, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, C/ Profesor Albareda, 1, 18008 Granada, Spain.
| | - José M Palma
- Group of Antioxidants, Free Radicals and Nitric Oxide in Biotechnology, Food and Agriculture, Dept. Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology of Plants, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, C/ Profesor Albareda, 1, 18008 Granada, Spain.
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