1
|
Su Y, Ngea GLN, Wang K, Lu Y, Godana EA, Ackah M, Yang Q, Zhang H. Deciphering the mechanism of E3 ubiquitin ligases in plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses and perspectives on PROTACs for crop resistance. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024. [PMID: 38864414 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
With global climate change, it is essential to find strategies to make crops more resistant to different stresses and guarantee food security worldwide. E3 ubiquitin ligases are critical regulatory elements that are gaining importance due to their role in selecting proteins for degradation in the ubiquitin-proteasome proteolysis pathway. The role of E3 Ub ligases has been demonstrated in numerous cellular processes in plants responding to biotic and abiotic stresses. E3 Ub ligases are considered a class of proteins that are difficult to control by conventional inhibitors, as they lack a standard active site with pocket, and their biological activity is mainly due to protein-protein interactions with transient conformational changes. Proteolysis-targeted chimeras (PROTACs) are a new class of heterobifunctional molecules that have emerged in recent years as relevant alternatives for incurable human diseases like cancer because they can target recalcitrant proteins for destruction. PROTACs interact with the ubiquitin-proteasome system, principally the E3 Ub ligase in the cell, and facilitate proteasome turnover of the proteins of interest. PROTAC strategies harness the essential functions of E3 Ub ligases for proteasomal degradation of proteins involved in dysfunction. This review examines critical advances in E3 Ub ligase research in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. It highlights how PROTACs can be applied to target proteins involved in plant stress response to mitigate pathogenic agents and environmental adversities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Su
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Guillaume Legrand Ngolong Ngea
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Institute of Fisheries Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Kaili Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yuchun Lu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Esa Abiso Godana
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Michael Ackah
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Qiya Yang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Hongyin Zhang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sun D, Xu J, Wang H, Guo H, Chen Y, Zhang L, Li J, Hao D, Yao X, Li X. Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the PUB Gene Family in Zoysia japonica under Salt Stress. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:788. [PMID: 38592813 PMCID: PMC10974829 DOI: 10.3390/plants13060788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The U-box protein family of ubiquitin ligases is important in the biological processes of plant growth, development, and biotic and abiotic stress responses. Plants in the genus Zoysia are recognized as excellent warm-season turfgrass species with drought, wear and salt tolerance. In this study, we conducted the genome-wide identification of plant U-box (PUB) genes in Zoysia japonica based on U-box domain searching. In total, 71 ZjPUB genes were identified, and a protein tree was constructed of AtPUBs, OsPUBs, and ZjPUBs, clustered into five groups. The gene structures, characteristics, cis-elements and protein interaction prediction network were analyzed. There were mainly ABRE, ERE, MYB and MYC cis-elements distributed in the promoter regions of ZjPUBs. ZjPUBs were predicted to interact with PDR1 and EXO70B1, related to the abscisic acid signaling pathway. To better understand the roles of ZjPUBs under salt stress, the expression levels of 18 ZjPUBs under salt stress were detected using transcriptome data and qRT-PCR analysis, revealing that 16 ZjPUBs were upregulated in the roots under salt treatment. This indicates that ZjPUBs might participate in the Z. japonica salt stress response. This research provides insight into the Z. japonica PUB gene family and may support the genetic improvement in the molecular breeding of salt-tolerant zoysiagrass varieties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daojin Sun
- The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Research Center for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Warm-Season Turfgrasses, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China; (D.S.); (H.G.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Jingya Xu
- The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Research Center for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Warm-Season Turfgrasses, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China; (D.S.); (H.G.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Haoran Wang
- The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Research Center for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Warm-Season Turfgrasses, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China; (D.S.); (H.G.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Hailin Guo
- The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Research Center for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Warm-Season Turfgrasses, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China; (D.S.); (H.G.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Yu Chen
- College of Agro-Grassland Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Research Center for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Warm-Season Turfgrasses, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China; (D.S.); (H.G.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Jianjian Li
- The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Research Center for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Warm-Season Turfgrasses, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China; (D.S.); (H.G.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Dongli Hao
- The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Research Center for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Warm-Season Turfgrasses, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China; (D.S.); (H.G.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Xiang Yao
- The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Research Center for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Warm-Season Turfgrasses, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China; (D.S.); (H.G.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Research Center for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Warm-Season Turfgrasses, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China; (D.S.); (H.G.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang Z, Zhang A, Zhang Y, Zhao J, Wang Y, Zhang L, Zhang S. Ectopic expression of HaPEPC1 from the desert shrub Haloxylon ammodendron confers drought stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 208:108536. [PMID: 38507839 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) plays a crucial role in the initial carbon fixation process in C4 plants. However, its nonphotosynthetic functions in Haloxylon ammodendron, a C4 perennial xerohalophytic shrub, are still poorly understood. Previous studies have reported the involvement of PEPC in plant responses to abiotic stresses such as drought and salt stress. However, the underlying mechanism of PEPC tolerance to drought stress has not been determined. In this study, we cloned the C4-type PEPC gene HaPEPC1 from H. ammodendron and investigated its biological function by generating transgenic Arabidopsis plants with ectopic expression of HaPEPC1. Our results showed that, compared with WT (wild-type) plants, ectopic expression of HaPEPC1 plants exhibited significantly greater germination rates and chlorophyll contents. Furthermore, under drought stress, the transgenic plants presented increased root length, fresh weight, photosynthetic capacity, and antioxidant enzyme activities, particularly ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase. Additionally, the transgenic plants exhibited reduced levels of malondialdehyde, H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), and O2- (superoxide radical). Transcriptome analysis indicated that ectopic expression of HaPEPC1 primarily regulated the expression of genes associated with the stress defence response, glutathione metabolism, and abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis and signalling pathways in response to drought stress. Taken together, these findings suggest that the ectopic expression of HaPEPC1 enhances the reduction of H2O2 and O2- in transgenic plants, thereby improving reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity and enhancing drought tolerance. Therefore, the HaPEPC1 gene holds promise as a candidate gene for crop selection aimed at enhancing drought tolerance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhilong Zhang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Anna Zhang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yaru Zhang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang H, Li N, Li H, Zhang S, Zhang X, Yan X, Wang Z, Yang Y, Zhang S. Overexpression of NtGCN2 improves drought tolerance in tobacco by regulating proline accumulation, ROS scavenging ability, and stomatal closure. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 198:107665. [PMID: 37018865 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.107665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Drought stress is a severe threat to plants. Genes that respond to drought stress are essential for plant growth and development. General control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) encodes a protein kinase that responds to various biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the mechanism of GCN2 in plant drought tolerance remains unclear. In the present study, the promoters of NtGCN2 from Nicotiana tabacum K326, which contained a drought-responsive Cis-acting element MYB that can be activated by drought stress, were cloned. Furthermore, the drought tolerance function of NtGCN2 was investigated using NtGCN2-overexpressed transgenic tobacco plants. NtGCN2-overexpressed transgenic plants were more tolerant to drought stress than wild-type (WT) plants. The transgenic tobacco plants exhibited higher proline and abscisic acid (ABA) contents, antioxidant enzyme activities, leaf relative water content, and expression levels of genes encoding key antioxidant enzymes and proline synthase, but lower levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species, and reduced stomatal apertures, stomatal densities, and stomatal opening rates compared to WT plants under drought stress. These results indicated that overexpression of NtGCN2 conferred drought tolerance in transgenic tobacco plants. RNA-seq analysis showed that overexpression of NtGCN2 responded to drought stress by regulating the expression of genes related to proline synthesis and catabolism, abscisic acid synthesis and catabolism, antioxidant enzymes, and ion channels in guard cells. These results showed that NtGCN2 might regulate drought tolerance by regulating proline accumulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, and stomatal closure in tobacco and may have the potential for application in the genetic modification of crop drought tolerance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Centre, College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
| | - Ning Li
- National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Centre, College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
| | - Hang Li
- National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Centre, College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
| | - Songjie Zhang
- National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Centre, College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoquan Zhang
- National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Centre, College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yan
- National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Centre, College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
| | - Zhaojun Wang
- National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Centre, College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
| | - Yongxia Yang
- National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Centre, College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
| | - Songtao Zhang
- National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Centre, College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China.
| |
Collapse
|