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Huang S, Yamaji N, Ma JF. Metal Transport Systems in Plants. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 75:1-25. [PMID: 38382903 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-062923-021424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Plants take up metals, including essential micronutrients [iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn)] and the toxic heavy metal cadmium (Cd), from soil and accumulate these metals in their edible parts, which are direct and indirect intake sources for humans. Multiple transporters belonging to different families are required to transport a metal from the soil to different organs and tissues, but only a few of them have been fully functionally characterized. The transport systems (the transporters required for uptake, translocation, distribution, redistribution, and their regulation) differ with metals and plant species, depending on the physiological roles, requirements of each metal, and anatomies of different organs and tissues. To maintain metal homeostasis in response to spatiotemporal fluctuations of metals in soil, plants have developed sophisticated and tightly regulated mechanisms through the regulation of transporters at the transcriptional and/or posttranscriptional levels. The manipulation of some transporters has succeeded in generating crops rich in essential metals but low in Cd accumulation. A better understanding of metal transport systems will contribute to better and safer crop production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Huang
- Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Kurashiki, Japan; , ,
| | - Naoki Yamaji
- Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Kurashiki, Japan; , ,
| | - Jian Feng Ma
- Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Kurashiki, Japan; , ,
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Zhang Y, Liu Y, Li H, Sun T, Xu M, Xu P. Dynamic Expressions of Yellow Stripe-Like (YSL) Genes During Pod Development Shed Light on Associations with Iron Distribution in Phaseolus vulgaris. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-023-10658-5. [PMID: 38367128 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10658-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The global prevalence of iron deficiency-induced "hidden hunger" highlights a critical health concern, underscoring the pressing need to improve iron nutrition through safe and efficient means, such as increasing iron intake from plant-based foods. Yellow Stripe-Like (YSL) genes play a crucial role in long-distance iron transport between source and sink tissues in plants. Here, we report on the analysis of YSL family genes in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), an iron-rich legume crop. We identified 9 YSL genes in the common bean genome using BLAST and HMM methods. Gene duplication analysis revealed that PvYSL7a and PvYSL7b originated through tandem duplication events. Structural analysis noted an absence of conservative motifs in PvYSL3b and PvYSL7a, which led to distinct predicted 3D protein structures. Leveraging publicly available RNA-seq data from developing bean pods, the expression patterns of PvYSL genes alongside pod and seed development were analyzed. Notably, PvYSL7a and PvYSL7b, as well as PvYSL1a and PvYSL1b, exhibited diverged expression patterns in seeds, signifying their functional divergence in this tissue. Moreover, PvYSL3a and PvYSL3b exhibited divergent expression patterns in both pod walls and seeds during pod development, underscoring their distinct roles in facilitating iron transportation between pods and seeds. This study provides valuable insights into the gene regulatory basis of iron accumulation in bean pods and seeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-product Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxiu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-product Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailan Li
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-product Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Sun
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-product Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Xu
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-product Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-product Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China.
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Fuenzalida M, Gómez MI, Ferrada E, Díaz C, Escudero V, González-Guerrero M, Jordana X, Roschzttardtz H. Using an embryo specific promoter to modify iron distribution pattern in Arabidopsis. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 339:111931. [PMID: 38030036 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111931] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Iron is an essential micronutrient for life. During the development of the seed, iron accumulates during embryo maturation. In Arabidopsis thaliana, iron mainly accumulates in the vacuoles of only one cell type, the cell layer that surrounds provasculature in hypocotyl and cotyledons. Iron accumulation pattern in Arabidopsis is an exception in plant phylogeny, most part of the dicot embryos accumulate iron in several cell layers including cortex and, in some cases, even in protodermis. It remains unknown how does iron reach the internal cell layers of the embryo, and in particular, the molecular mechanisms responsible of this process. Here, we use transgenic approaches to modify the iron accumulation pattern in an Arabidopsis model. Using the SDH2-3 embryo-specific promoter, we were able to express VIT1 ectopically in both a wild type background and a mutant vit1 background lacking expression of this vacuolar iron transporter. These manipulations modify the iron distribution pattern in Arabidopsis from one cell layer to several cell layers, including protodermis, cortex cells, and the endodermis. Interestingly, total seed iron content was not modified compared with the wild type, suggesting that iron distribution in embryos is not involved in the control of the total iron amount accumulated in seeds. This experimental model can be used to study the processes involved in iron distribution patterning during embryo maturation and its evolution in dicot plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Fuenzalida
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - María Isabel Gómez
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - Evandro Ferrada
- CeMM-Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cristóbal Díaz
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - Viviana Escudero
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (UPM-INIA/CSIC), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel González-Guerrero
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (UPM-INIA/CSIC), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain; Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Jordana
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - Hannetz Roschzttardtz
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile.
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Cai J, Longo A, Dickstein R. Expression and mutagenesis studies in the Medicago truncatula iron transporter MtVTL8 confirm its role in symbiotic nitrogen fixation and reveal amino acids essential for transport. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 14:1306491. [PMID: 38239208 PMCID: PMC10794610 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1306491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The model legume Medicago truncatula establishes a symbiosis with soil bacteria (rhizobia) that carry out symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) in plant root nodules. SNF requires the exchange of nutrients between the plant and rhizobia in the nodule that occurs across a plant-derived symbiosome membrane. One iron transporter, belonging to the Vacuolar iron Transporter-Like (VTL) family, MtVTL8, has been identified as essential for bacteria survival and therefore SNF. In this work we investigated the spatial expression of MtVTL8 in nodules and addressed whether it could be functionally interchangeable with a similar nodule-expressed iron transporter, MtVTL4. Using a structural model for MtVTL8 and the previously hypothesized mechanism for iron transport in a phylogenetically-related Vacuolar Iron Transporter (VIT), EgVIT1 with known crystal structure, we identified critical amino acids and obtained their mutants. Mutants were tested in planta for complementation of an SNF defective line and in an iron sensitive mutant yeast strain. An extended phylogenetic assessment of VTLs and VITs showed that amino acids critical for function are conserved differently in VTLs vs. VITs. Our studies showed that some amino acids are essential for iron transport leading us to suggest a model for MtVTL8 function, one that is different for other iron transporters (VITs) studied so far. This study extends the understanding of iron transport mechanisms in VTLs as well as those used in SNF.
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Ray S, Gaudet R. Structures and coordination chemistry of transporters involved in manganese and iron homeostasis. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:897-923. [PMID: 37283482 PMCID: PMC10330786 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A repertoire of transporters plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis of biologically essential transition metals, manganese, and iron, thus ensuring cell viability. Elucidating the structure and function of many of these transporters has provided substantial understanding into how these proteins help maintain the optimal cellular concentrations of these metals. In particular, recent high-resolution structures of several transporters bound to different metals enable an examination of how the coordination chemistry of metal ion-protein complexes can help us understand metal selectivity and specificity. In this review, we first provide a comprehensive list of both specific and broad-based transporters that contribute to cellular homeostasis of manganese (Mn2+) and iron (Fe2+ and Fe3+) in bacteria, plants, fungi, and animals. Furthermore, we explore the metal-binding sites of the available high-resolution metal-bound transporter structures (Nramps, ABC transporters, P-type ATPase) and provide a detailed analysis of their coordination spheres (ligands, bond lengths, bond angles, and overall geometry and coordination number). Combining this information with the measured binding affinity of the transporters towards different metals sheds light into the molecular basis of substrate selectivity and transport. Moreover, comparison of the transporters with some metal scavenging and storage proteins, which bind metal with high affinity, reveal how the coordination geometry and affinity trends reflect the biological role of individual proteins involved in the homeostasis of these essential transition metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamayeeta Ray
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, U.S.A
| | - Rachelle Gaudet
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, U.S.A
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Aghabi D, Sloan M, Gill G, Hartmann E, Antipova O, Dou Z, Guerra AJ, Carruthers VB, Harding CR. The vacuolar iron transporter mediates iron detoxification in Toxoplasma gondii. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3659. [PMID: 37339985 PMCID: PMC10281983 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39436-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is essential to cells as a cofactor in enzymes of respiration and replication, however without correct storage, iron leads to the formation of dangerous oxygen radicals. In yeast and plants, iron is transported into a membrane-bound vacuole by the vacuolar iron transporter (VIT). This transporter is conserved in the apicomplexan family of obligate intracellular parasites, including in Toxoplasma gondii. Here, we assess the role of VIT and iron storage in T. gondii. By deleting VIT, we find a slight growth defect in vitro, and iron hypersensitivity, confirming its essential role in parasite iron detoxification, which can be rescued by scavenging of oxygen radicals. We show VIT expression is regulated by iron at transcript and protein levels, and by altering VIT localization. In the absence of VIT, T. gondii responds by altering expression of iron metabolism genes and by increasing antioxidant protein catalase activity. We also show that iron detoxification has an important role both in parasite survival within macrophages and in virulence in a mouse model. Together, by demonstrating a critical role for VIT during iron detoxification in T. gondii, we reveal the importance of iron storage in the parasite and provide the first insight into the machinery involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Aghabi
- Wellcome Centre of Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Megan Sloan
- Wellcome Centre of Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Grace Gill
- Wellcome Centre of Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Elena Hartmann
- Wellcome Centre of Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Olga Antipova
- X-Ray Sciences Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, USA
| | - Zhicheng Dou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Alfredo J Guerra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Cayman Chemical Company, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vern B Carruthers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Clare R Harding
- Wellcome Centre of Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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Ajeesh Krishna TP, Maharajan T, Antony Ceasar S. Significance and genetic control of membrane transporters to improve phytoremediation and biofortification processes. Mol Biol Rep 2023:10.1007/s11033-023-08521-2. [PMID: 37212961 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08521-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Humans frequently consume plant-based foods in their daily life. Contamination of agricultural soils by heavy metals (HMs) is a major food and nutritional security issue. The crop plants grown in HM-contaminated agricultural soil may accumulate more HMs in their edible part, further transferring into the food chain. Consumption of HM-rich crops can cause severe health issues in humans. On the other hand, the low content of the essential HM in the edible part of the crop also causes health problems. Therefore, researchers must try to reduce the non-essential HM in the edible part of the crop plants and improve the essential HMs. Phytoremediation and biofortification are the two strategies for resolving this problem. The genetic component helps to improve the efficiency of phytoremediation and biofortification processes in plants. They help eliminate HMs from soil and improve essential HM content in crop plants. The membrane transporter genes (genetic components) are critical in these two strategies. Therefore, engineering membrane transporter genes may help reduce the non-essential HM content in the edible part of crop plants. Targeted gene editing by genome editing tools like CRISPR could help plants achieve efficient phytoremediation and biofortification. This article covers gene editing's scope, application, and implication to improve the phytoremediation and biofortification processes in non-crop and crop plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- T P Ajeesh Krishna
- Division of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, 683104, India
| | - Theivanayagam Maharajan
- Division of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, 683104, India
| | - S Antony Ceasar
- Division of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, 683104, India.
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Wang W, Yang Y, Ma X, He Y, Ren Q, Huang Y, Wang J, Xue Y, Yang R, Guo Y, Sun J, Yang L, Sun Z. New Insight into the Function of Dopamine (DA) during Cd Stress in Duckweed ( Lemna turionifera 5511). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1996. [PMID: 37653913 PMCID: PMC10221877 DOI: 10.3390/plants12101996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA), a kind of neurotransmitter in animals, has been proven to cause a positive influence on plants during abiotic stress. In the present study, the function of DA on plants under cadmium (Cd) stress was revealed. The yellowing of duckweed leaves under Cd stress could be alleviated by an exogenous DA (10/20/50/100/200 μM) supplement, and 50 μM was the optimal concentration to resist Cd stress by reducing root breakage, restoring photosynthesis and chlorophyll content. In addition, 24 h DA treatment increased Cd content by 1.3 times in duckweed under Cd stress through promoting the influx of Cd2+. Furthermore, the gene expression changes study showed that photosynthesis-related genes were up-regulated by DA addition under Cd stress. Additionally, the mechanisms of DA-induced Cd detoxification and accumulation were also investigated; some critical genes, such as vacuolar iron transporter 1 (VIT1), multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) and Rubisco, were significantly up-regulated with DA addition under Cd stress. An increase in intracellular Ca2+ content and a decrease in Ca2+ efflux induced by DA under Cd stress were observed, as well as synchrony with changes in the expression of cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel 2 (CNGC2), predicting that, in plants, CNGC2 may be an upstream target for DA action and trigger the change of intracellular Ca2+ signal. Our results demonstrate that DA supplementation can improve Cd resistance by enhancing duckweed photosynthesis, changing intracellular Ca2+ signaling, and enhancing Cd detoxification and accumulation. Interestingly, we found that exposure to Cd reduced endogenous DA content, which is the result of a blocked shikimate acid pathway and decreased expression of the tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) gene. The function of DA in Cd stress offers a new insight into the application and study of DA to Cd phytoremediation in aquatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiao Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China; (W.W.); (Y.Y.); (X.M.); (Y.H.); (Q.R.); (Y.H.); (J.W.); (Y.X.); (R.Y.); (J.S.)
| | - Yunwen Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China; (W.W.); (Y.Y.); (X.M.); (Y.H.); (Q.R.); (Y.H.); (J.W.); (Y.X.); (R.Y.); (J.S.)
| | - Xu Ma
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China; (W.W.); (Y.Y.); (X.M.); (Y.H.); (Q.R.); (Y.H.); (J.W.); (Y.X.); (R.Y.); (J.S.)
| | - Yuman He
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China; (W.W.); (Y.Y.); (X.M.); (Y.H.); (Q.R.); (Y.H.); (J.W.); (Y.X.); (R.Y.); (J.S.)
| | - Qiuting Ren
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China; (W.W.); (Y.Y.); (X.M.); (Y.H.); (Q.R.); (Y.H.); (J.W.); (Y.X.); (R.Y.); (J.S.)
| | - Yandi Huang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China; (W.W.); (Y.Y.); (X.M.); (Y.H.); (Q.R.); (Y.H.); (J.W.); (Y.X.); (R.Y.); (J.S.)
| | - Jing Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China; (W.W.); (Y.Y.); (X.M.); (Y.H.); (Q.R.); (Y.H.); (J.W.); (Y.X.); (R.Y.); (J.S.)
| | - Ying Xue
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China; (W.W.); (Y.Y.); (X.M.); (Y.H.); (Q.R.); (Y.H.); (J.W.); (Y.X.); (R.Y.); (J.S.)
| | - Rui Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China; (W.W.); (Y.Y.); (X.M.); (Y.H.); (Q.R.); (Y.H.); (J.W.); (Y.X.); (R.Y.); (J.S.)
| | - Yuhan Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 2002141, China;
| | - Jinge Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China; (W.W.); (Y.Y.); (X.M.); (Y.H.); (Q.R.); (Y.H.); (J.W.); (Y.X.); (R.Y.); (J.S.)
| | - Lin Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China; (W.W.); (Y.Y.); (X.M.); (Y.H.); (Q.R.); (Y.H.); (J.W.); (Y.X.); (R.Y.); (J.S.)
| | - Zhanpeng Sun
- Faculty of Education, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
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Andersen CG, Bavnhøj L, Pedersen BP. May the proton motive force be with you: A plant transporter review. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 79:102535. [PMID: 36796226 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
As our ecosystems experience challenges associated with climate change, an improved understanding of the fundamental biochemical processes governing plant physiology is needed. Strikingly, current structural information on plant membrane transporters is severely limited compared to other kingdoms of life, with only 18 unique structures in total. To advance future breakthroughs and insight in plant cell molecular biology, structural knowledge of membrane transporters is indispensable. This review summarizes the current status of structural knowledge in the plant membrane transporter field. Plants utilize the proton motive force (PMF) to drive secondary active transport. We discuss the PMF, how it relates to secondary active transport and provide a classification of PMF driven secondary active transport, discussing recently published structures of symporters, antiporters, and uniporters from plants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laust Bavnhøj
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark. https://twitter.com/laustbavnhoej
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Krishna TPA, Ceasar SA, Maharajan T. Biofortification of Crops to Fight Anemia: Role of Vacuolar Iron Transporters. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:3583-3598. [PMID: 36802625 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c07727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plant-based foods provide all the crucial nutrients for human health. Among these, iron (Fe) is one of the essential micronutrients for plants and humans. A lack of Fe is a major limiting factor affecting crop quality, production, and human health. There are people who suffer from various health problems due to the low intake of Fe in their plant-based foods. Anemia has become a serious public health issue due to Fe deficiency. Enhancing Fe content in the edible part of food crops is a major thrust area for scientists worldwide. Recent progress in nutrient transporters has provided an opportunity to resolve Fe deficiency or nutritional problems in plants and humans. Understanding the structure, function, and regulation of Fe transporters is essential to address Fe deficiency in plants and to improve Fe content in staple food crops. In this review, we summarized the role of Fe transporter family members in the uptake, cellular and intercellular movement, and long-distance transport of Fe in plants. We draw insights into the role of vacuolar membrane transporters in the crop for Fe biofortification. We also provide structural and functional insights into cereal crops' vacuolar iron transporters (VITs). This review will help highlight the importance of VITs for improving the Fe biofortification of crops and alleviating Fe deficiency in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stanislaus Antony Ceasar
- Division of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi 683104, Kerala, India
| | - Theivanayagam Maharajan
- Division of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi 683104, Kerala, India
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Ali O, Ramsubhag A, Jayaraman J. Transcriptome-wide modulation by Sargassum vulgare and Acanthophora spicifera extracts results in a prime-triggered plant signalling cascade in tomato and sweet pepper. AOB PLANTS 2022; 14:plac046. [PMID: 36483312 PMCID: PMC9724562 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plac046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Seaweed extracts (SWEs) are becoming integrated into crop production systems due to their multiple beneficial effects including growth promotion and induction of defence mechanisms. However, the comprehensive molecular mechanisms of these effects are yet to be elucidated. The current study investigated the transcriptomic changes induced by SWEs derived from Sargassum vulgare and Acanthophora spicifera on tomato and sweet pepper plants. Tomato and sweet pepper plants were subjected to foliar treatment with alkaline extracts prepared from the above seaweeds. Transcriptome changes in the plants were assessed 72 h after treatments using RNA sequencing. The treated plants were also analysed for defence enzyme activities, nutrient composition and phytohormonal profiles. The results showed the significant enrichment of genes associated with several growth and defence processes including photosynthesis, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, plant-pathogen interaction, secondary metabolite metabolism, MAPK signalling and amino acid biosynthesis. Activities of defence enzymes were also significantly increased in SWE-treated plants. Plant nutrient profiling showed significant increases in calcium, potassium, nitrogen, sulphur, boron, copper, iron, manganese, zinc and phosphorous levels in SWE-treated plants. Furthermore, the levels of auxins, cytokinins and gibberellins were also significantly increased in the treated plants. The severity of bacterial leaf spot and early blight incidence in plants treated with SWE was significantly reduced, in addition to other effects like an increase in chlorophyll content, plant growth, and fruit yield. The results demonstrated the complex effect of S. vulgare and A. spicifera extracts on the plants' transcriptome and provided evidence of a strong role of these extracts in increasing plant growth responses while priming the plants against pathogenic attack simultaneously. The current study contributes to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of SWEs in plants and helps their usage as a viable organic input for sustainable crop production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Ali
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine TTO, 00000, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Adesh Ramsubhag
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine TTO, 00000, Trinidad and Tobago
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Yang Z, Yang F, Liu JL, Wu HT, Yang H, Shi Y, Liu J, Zhang YF, Luo YR, Chen KM. Heavy metal transporters: Functional mechanisms, regulation, and application in phytoremediation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 809:151099. [PMID: 34688763 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution in soil is a global problem with serious impacts on human health and ecological security. Phytoextraction in phytoremediation, in which plants uptake and transport heavy metals (HMs) to the tissues of aerial parts, is the most environmentally friendly method to reduce the total amount of HMs in soil and has wide application prospects. However, the molecular mechanism of phytoextraction is still under investigation. The uptake, translocation, and retention of HMs in plants are mainly mediated by a variety of transporter proteins. A better understanding of the accumulation strategy of HMs via transporters in plants is a prerequisite for the improvement of phytoextraction. In this review, the biochemical structure and functions of HM transporter families in plants are systematically summarized, with emphasis on their roles in phytoremediation. The accumulation mechanism and regulatory pathways related to hormones, regulators, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) of HMs concerning these transporters are described in detail. Scientific efforts and practices for phytoremediation carried out in recent years suggest that creation of hyperaccumulators by transgenic or gene editing techniques targeted to these transporters and their regulators is the ultimate powerful path for the phytoremediation of HM contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jia-Lan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hai-Tao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Guangdong Kaiyuan Environmental Technology Co., Ltd, Dongguan 523000, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Guangdong Kaiyuan Environmental Technology Co., Ltd, Dongguan 523000, China
| | - Yan-Feng Zhang
- Hybrid Rapeseed Research Center of Shaanxi Province, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan-Rong Luo
- Guangdong Kaiyuan Environmental Technology Co., Ltd, Dongguan 523000, China.
| | - Kun-Ming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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13
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McDonald TR, Rizvi MF, Ruiter BL, Roy R, Reinders A, Ward JM. Posttranslational regulation of transporters important for symbiotic interactions. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 188:941-954. [PMID: 34850211 PMCID: PMC8825328 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Coordinated sharing of nutritional resources is a central feature of symbiotic interactions, and, despite the importance of this topic, many questions remain concerning the identification, activity, and regulation of transporter proteins involved. Recent progress in obtaining genome and transcriptome sequences for symbiotic organisms provides a wealth of information on plant, fungal, and bacterial transporters that can be applied to these questions. In this update, we focus on legume-rhizobia and mycorrhizal symbioses and how transporters at the symbiotic interfaces can be regulated at the protein level. We point out areas where more research is needed and ways that an understanding of transporter mechanism and energetics can focus hypotheses. Protein phosphorylation is a predominant mechanism of posttranslational regulation of transporters in general and at the symbiotic interface specifically. Other mechanisms of transporter regulation, such as protein-protein interaction, including transporter multimerization, polar localization, and regulation by pH and membrane potential are also important at the symbiotic interface. Most of the transporters that function in the symbiotic interface are members of transporter families; we bring in relevant information on posttranslational regulation within transporter families to help generate hypotheses for transporter regulation at the symbiotic interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tami R McDonald
- Department of Biology, St Catherine University, St Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Madeeha F Rizvi
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Bretton L Ruiter
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rahul Roy
- Department of Biology, St Catherine University, St Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anke Reinders
- College of Continuing and Professional Studies, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - John M Ward
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
- Author for communication:
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14
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Neira G, Vergara E, Cortez D, Holmes DS. A Large-Scale Multiple Genome Comparison of Acidophilic Archaea (pH ≤ 5.0) Extends Our Understanding of Oxidative Stress Responses in Polyextreme Environments. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 11:antiox11010059. [PMID: 35052563 PMCID: PMC8773360 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acidophilic archaea thrive in anaerobic and aerobic low pH environments (pH < 5) rich in dissolved heavy metals that exacerbate stress caused by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radical (OH) and superoxide (O2−). ROS react with lipids, proteins and nucleic acids causing oxidative stress and damage that can lead to cell death. Herein, genes and mechanisms potentially involved in ROS mitigation are predicted in over 200 genomes of acidophilic archaea with sequenced genomes. These organisms are often be subjected to simultaneous multiple stresses such as high temperature, high salinity, low pH and high heavy metal loads. Some of the topics addressed include: (1) the phylogenomic distribution of these genes and what this can tell us about the evolution of these mechanisms in acidophilic archaea; (2) key differences in genes and mechanisms used by acidophilic versus non-acidophilic archaea and between acidophilic archaea and acidophilic bacteria and (3) how comparative genomic analysis predicts novel genes or pathways involved in oxidative stress responses in archaea and likely horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Neira
- Center for Bioinformatics and Genome Biology, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago 7780272, Chile; (G.N.); (E.V.); (D.C.)
| | - Eva Vergara
- Center for Bioinformatics and Genome Biology, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago 7780272, Chile; (G.N.); (E.V.); (D.C.)
| | - Diego Cortez
- Center for Bioinformatics and Genome Biology, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago 7780272, Chile; (G.N.); (E.V.); (D.C.)
| | - David S. Holmes
- Center for Bioinformatics and Genome Biology, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago 7780272, Chile; (G.N.); (E.V.); (D.C.)
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 8420524, Chile
- Correspondence:
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15
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Sloan MA, Aghabi D, Harding CR. Orchestrating a heist: uptake and storage of metals by apicomplexan parasites. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2021; 167. [PMID: 34898419 PMCID: PMC7612242 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Sloan
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Dana Aghabi
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK
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16
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Basak AK, Mirzaei M, Strzałka K, Yamada K. Texture feature extraction from microscope images enables a robust estimation of ER body phenotype in Arabidopsis. PLANT METHODS 2021; 17:109. [PMID: 34702318 PMCID: PMC8549183 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-021-00810-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cellular components are controlled by genetic and physiological factors that define their shape and size. However, quantitively capturing the morphological characteristics and movement of cellular organelles from micrograph images is challenging, because the analysis deals with complexities of images that frequently lead to inaccuracy in the estimation of the features. Here we show a unique quantitative method to overcome biases and inaccuracy of biological samples from confocal micrographs. RESULTS We generated 2D images of cell walls and spindle-shaped cellular organelles, namely ER bodies, with a maximum contrast projection of 3D confocal fluorescent microscope images. The projected images were further processed and segmented by adaptive thresholding of the fluorescent levels in the cell walls. Micrographs are composed of pixels, which have information on position and intensity. From the pixel information we calculated three types of features (spatial, intensity and Haralick) in ER bodies corresponding to segmented cells. The spatial features include basic information on shape, e.g., surface area and perimeter. The intensity features include information on mean, standard deviation and quantile of fluorescence intensities within an ER body. Haralick features describe the texture features, which can be calculated mathematically from the interrelationship between the pixel information. Together these parameters were subjected to multivariate analysis to estimate the morphological diversity. Additionally, we calculated the displacement of the ER bodies using the positional information in time-lapse images. We captured similar morphological diversity and movement within ER body phenotypes in several microscopy experiments performed in different settings and scanned under different objectives. We then described differences in morphology and movement of ER bodies between A. thaliana wild type and mutants deficient in ER body-related genes. CONCLUSIONS The findings unexpectedly revealed multiple genetic factors that are involved in the shape and size of ER bodies in A. thaliana. This is the first report showing morphological characteristics in addition to the movement of cellular components and it quantitatively summarises plant phenotypic differences even in plants that show similar cellular components. The estimation of morphological diversity was independent of the cell staining method and the objective lens used in the microscopy. Hence, our study enables a robust estimation of plant phenotypes by recognizing small differences in complex cell organelle shapes and their movement, which is beneficial in a comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanism for cell organelle formation that is independent of technical variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpan Kumar Basak
- Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Kazimierz Strzałka
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kenji Yamada
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
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17
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Sharma G, Merz KM. Formation of the Metal-Binding Core of the ZRT/IRT-like Protein (ZIP) Family Zinc Transporter. Biochemistry 2021; 60:2727-2738. [PMID: 34455776 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Zinc homeostasis in mammals is constantly and precisely maintained by sophisticated regulatory proteins. Among them, the Zrt/Irt-like protein (ZIP) regulates the influx of zinc into the cytoplasm. In this work, we have employed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the Zn2+ transport mechanism in prokaryotic ZIP obtained from Bordetella bronchiseptica (BbZIP) in a membrane bilayer. Additionally, the structural and dynamical transformations of BbZIP during this process have been analyzed. This study allowed us to develop a hypothesis for the zinc influx mechanism and formation of the metal-binding site. We have created a model for the outward-facing form of BbZIP (experimentally only the inward-facing form has been characterized) that has allowed us, for the first time, to observe the Zn2+ ion entering the channel and binding to the negatively charged M2 site. It is thought that the M2 site is less favored than the M1 site, which then leads to metal ion egress; however, we have not observed the M1 site being occupied in our simulations. Furthermore, removing both Zn2+ ions from this complex resulted in the collapse of the metal-binding site, illustrating the "structural role" of metal ions in maintaining the binding site and holding the proteins together. Finally, due to the long Cd2+-residue bond distances observed in the X-ray structures, we have proposed the existence of an H3O+ ion at the M2 site that plays an important role in protein stability in the absence of the metal ion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Kenneth M Merz
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
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18
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Khoudi H. Significance of vacuolar proton pumps and metal/H + antiporters in plant heavy metal tolerance. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2021; 173:384-393. [PMID: 33937997 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Soil and water are among the most valuable resources on earth. Unfortunately, their contamination with heavy metals has become a global problem. Heavy metals are not biodegradable and cannot be chemically degraded; therefore, they tend to accumulate in soils or to be transported by streaming water and contaminate both surface and groundwater. Cadmium (Cd) has no known biological function but is one of the most toxic metals. It represents a serious environmental concern since its accumulation in soils is associated with health risks to plants, animals and humans. On the other hand, copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are heavy metals that are indispensable to plants but become toxic when their concentration in soils exceeds a certain optimal level. Plants have evolved many mechanisms to cope with heavy metal toxicity; vacuolar sequestration is one of them. Vacuolar sequestration can be achieved through either phytochelatin-dependent or phytochelatin-independent pathways. Most of the transgenic plants meant for phytoremediation described in the literature result from the manipulation of genes involved in the phytochelatin-dependent pathway. However, recent evidence has emerged to support the importance of the phytochelatin-independent pathway in heavy metal sequestration into the vacuole, with metal/H+ antiporters and proton pumps playing an important role. In this review, the importance of vacuolar proton pumps and metal/H+ antiporters transporting Cd, Cu, and Zn is discussed. In addition, the recent advances in the production of transgenic plants with potential application in phytoremediation and food safety through the manipulation of genes encoding V-PPase proton pumps is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habib Khoudi
- Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology and Improvement, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax (CBS), University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
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19
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Sorribes-Dauden R, Martínez-Pastor MT, Puig S. Expression of a Truncated Yeast Ccc1 Vacuolar Transporter Increases the Accumulation of Endogenous Iron. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081120. [PMID: 34440294 PMCID: PMC8391176 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is an essential micronutrient for all eukaryotic organisms because it participates as a redox cofactor in multiple metabolic processes. Iron bioavailability is highly restricted due to the low solubility of its oxidized form, frequently leading to iron deficiency anemia. The baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is used as a model organism for iron homeostasis studies, but also as a food supplement and fermentative microorganism in the food industry. Yeast cells use the vacuolar Ccc1 transporter to detoxify and store excess iron in the vacuoles. Here, we modulate CCC1 expression and properties to increase iron extraction from the environment. We show that constitutive expression of full-length CCC1 is toxic, whereas deletion of its cytosolic amino-terminal (Nt) domain (NtΔCCC1) rescues this phenotype. Toxicity is exacerbated in cells lacking AFT1 transcription factor. Further characterization of NtΔCcc1 protein suggests that it is a partially functional protein. Western blot analyses indicate that deletion of Ccc1 Nt domain does not significantly alter GFP-Ccc1 protein stability. A functional full-length GFP-Ccc1 protein localized to particular regions of the vacuolar membrane, whereas GFP-NtΔCcc1 protein was evenly distributed throughout this endogenous membrane. Interestingly, expression of NtΔCCC1 increased the accumulation of endogenous iron in cells cultivated under iron-sufficient conditions, a strategy that could be used to extract iron from media that are not rich in iron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Sorribes-Dauden
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universitat de València, Doctor Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain;
| | - María Teresa Martínez-Pastor
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universitat de València, Doctor Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.T.M.-P.); (S.P.)
| | - Sergi Puig
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Agustín Escardino 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.T.M.-P.); (S.P.)
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20
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Sharma P, Tóth V, Hyland EM, Law CJ. Characterization of the substrate binding site of an iron detoxifying membrane transporter from Plasmodium falciparum. Malar J 2021; 20:295. [PMID: 34193175 PMCID: PMC8247066 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03827-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium species are entirely dependent upon their host as a source of essential iron. Although it is an indispensable micronutrient, oxidation of excess ferrous iron to the ferric state in the cell cytoplasm can produce reactive oxygen species that are cytotoxic. The malaria parasite must therefore carefully regulate the processes involved in iron acquisition and storage. A 273 amino acid membrane transporter that is a member of the vacuolar iron transporter (VIT) family and an orthologue of the yeast Ca2+-sensitive cross complementer (CCC1) protein plays a major role in cytosolic iron detoxification of Plasmodium species and functions in transport of ferrous iron ions into the endoplasmic reticulum for storage. While this transporter, termed PfVIT, is not critical for viability of the parasite evidence from studies of mice infected with VIT-deficient Plasmodium suggests it could still provide an efficient target for chemoprophylactic treatment of malaria. Individual amino acid residues that constitute the Fe2+ binding site of the protein were identified to better understand the structural basis of substrate recognition and binding by PfVIT. Methods Using the crystal structure of a recently published plant VIT as a template, a high-quality homology model of PfVIT was constructed to identify the amino acid composition of the transporter’s substrate binding site and to act as a guide for subsequent mutagenesis studies. To test the effect of mutation of the substrate binding-site residues on PfVIT function a yeast complementation assay assessed the ability of overexpressed, recombinant wild type and mutant PfVIT to rescue an iron-sensitive deletion strain (ccc1∆) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast from the toxic effects of a high concentration of extracellular iron. Results The combined in silico and mutagenesis approach identified a methionine residue located within the cytoplasmic metal binding domain of the transporter as essential for PfVIT function and provided insight into the structural basis for the Fe2+-selectivity of the protein. Conclusion The structural model of the metal binding site of PfVIT opens the door for rational design of therapeutics to interfere with iron homeostasis within the malaria parasite. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-03827-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragya Sharma
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Veronika Tóth
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Edel M Hyland
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Christopher J Law
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK.
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21
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An Internal Promoter Drives the Expression of a Truncated Form of CCC1 Capable of Protecting Yeast from Iron Toxicity. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9061337. [PMID: 34203091 PMCID: PMC8235630 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061337] [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: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In yeast, iron storage and detoxification depend on the Ccc1 transporter that mediates iron accumulation in vacuoles. While deletion of the CCC1 gene renders cells unable to survive under iron overload conditions, the deletion of its previously identified regulators only partially affects survival, indicating that the mechanisms controlling iron storage and detoxification in yeast are still far from well understood. This work reveals that CCC1 is equipped with a complex transcriptional structure comprising several regulatory regions. One of these is located inside the coding sequence of the gene and drives the expression of a short transcript encoding an N-terminally truncated protein, designated as s-Ccc1. s-Ccc1, though less efficiently than Ccc1, is able to promote metal accumulation in the vacuole, protecting cells against iron toxicity. While the expression of the s-Ccc1 appears to be repressed in the normal genomic context, our current data clearly demonstrates that it is functional and has the capacity to play a role under iron overload conditions.
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22
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Che J, Yamaji N, Ma JF. Role of a vacuolar iron transporter OsVIT2 in the distribution of iron to rice grains. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 230:1049-1062. [PMID: 33474769 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Iron (Fe) from rice grains is an important source of dietary intake; however, the molecular mechanisms responsible for loading of Fe to the grains are poorly understood. We functionally characterized a vacuolar iron transporter gene, OsVIT2 in terms of expression pattern, cellular localization, and mutant phenotypes. OsVIT2 was expressed in the parenchyma cell bridges of nodes, in the mestome sheath of leaf sheath and aleurone of the caryopsis. Mutation of OsVIT2 resulted in decreased Fe distribution to the leaf sheath, nodes, and aleurone, but increased Fe to the leaf blade and grains. Furthermore, Fe was heavily deposited in the parenchyma cell bridges, mestome sheath and aleurone in the wild-type rice, but this accumulation was decreased in the knockout lines. Conversely, heavier deposition of Fe was observed in the embryo and endosperm of the grains of knockout lines compared with the wild-type rice, resulting in increased Fe accumulation in the polished rice without yield penalty. These results indicate that OsVIT2 is involved in the distribution of Fe to the grains through sequestering Fe into vacuoles in mestome sheath, nodes, and aleurone layer and that knockout of this gene provides a potential way for Fe biofortification without yield penalty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Che
- Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Chuo 2-20-1, Kurashiki, 710-0046, Japan
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210008, China
| | - Naoki Yamaji
- Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Chuo 2-20-1, Kurashiki, 710-0046, Japan
| | - Jian Feng Ma
- Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Chuo 2-20-1, Kurashiki, 710-0046, Japan
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23
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Ram H, Sardar S, Gandass N. Vacuolar Iron Transporter (Like) proteins: Regulators of cellular iron accumulation in plants. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2021; 171:823-832. [PMID: 33580885 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Iron is not only important for plant physiology, but also a very important micronutrient in human diets. The vacuole is the main site for accumulation of excess amounts of various nutrients and toxic substances in plant cells. During the past decade, many Vacuolar Iron Transporter (VIT) and VIT-Like (VTL) genes have been identified and shown to play important roles in iron homeostasis in different plants. Furthermore, recent reports identified novel roles of these transporter genes in symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) in legume crops as well as in the blue coloration of petals in flowers. The literature indicates their universal role in Fe transport across different tissues (grains, nodules, flowers) to different biological processes (cellular iron homeostasis, SNF, petal coloration) in different plants. Here, we have systematically reviewed different aspects, such as structure, molecular evolution, expression, and function of VIT/VTL proteins. This will help future studies aimed at functional analysis of VIT/VTL genes in other plant species, vacuolar transportation mechanisms, and iron biofortification at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasthi Ram
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, India
| | | | - Nishu Gandass
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, India
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24
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Bandyopadhyay T, Prasad M. IRONing out stress problems in crops: a homeostatic perspective. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2021; 171:559-577. [PMID: 32770754 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Iron (Fe) is essential for plant growth and therefore plays a key role in influencing crop productivity worldwide. Apart from its central role in chlorophyll biosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation (electron transfer), it is an important constituent of many enzymes involved in primary metabolism. Fe has different accessibilities to the roots in the rhizosphere depending upon whether it is ferrous (soluble) or ferric (insoluble) oxidation stages, which in turn, determine two kinds of Fe uptake strategies employed by the plants. The reduction strategy is exclusively found in non-graminaceous plants wherein the ferrous Fe2+ is absorbed and translocated from the soil through specialized transporters. In contrast, the chelation strategy (widespread in graminaceous plants) relies on the formation of Fe (III)-chelate complex as the necessary requirement of Fe uptake. Once inside the cell, Fe is translocated, compartmentalized and stored through a common set of physiological processes involving many transporters and enzymes whose functions are controlled by underlying genetic components, so that a fine balance of Fe homeostasis is maintained. Recently, molecular and mechanistic aspects of the process involving the role of transcription factors, signaling components, and cis-acting elements have been obtained, which has enabled a much better understanding of its ecophysiology. This mini-review summarizes recent developments in our understanding of Fe transport in higher plants with particular emphasis on crops in the context of major agronomically important abiotic stresses. It also highlights outstanding questions on the regulation of Fe homeostasis and lists potentially useful genes/regulatory pathways that may be useful for subsequent crop improvement under the stresses discussed through either conventional or transgenic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manoj Prasad
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
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25
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Przybyla-Toscano J, Boussardon C, Law SR, Rouhier N, Keech O. Gene atlas of iron-containing proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 106:258-274. [PMID: 33423341 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Iron (Fe) is an essential element for the development and physiology of plants, owing to its presence in numerous proteins involved in central biological processes. Here, we established an exhaustive, manually curated inventory of genes encoding Fe-containing proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana, and summarized their subcellular localization, spatiotemporal expression and evolutionary age. We have currently identified 1068 genes encoding potential Fe-containing proteins, including 204 iron-sulfur (Fe-S) proteins, 446 haem proteins and 330 non-Fe-S/non-haem Fe proteins (updates of this atlas are available at https://conf.arabidopsis.org/display/COM/Atlas+of+Fe+containing+proteins). A fourth class, containing 88 genes for which iron binding is uncertain, is indexed as 'unclear'. The proteins are distributed in diverse subcellular compartments with strong differences per category. Interestingly, analysis of the gene age index showed that most genes were acquired early in plant evolutionary history and have progressively gained regulatory elements, to support the complex organ-specific and development-specific functions necessitated by the emergence of terrestrial plants. With this gene atlas, we provide a valuable and updateable tool for the research community that supports the characterization of the molecular actors and mechanisms important for Fe metabolism in plants. This will also help in selecting relevant targets for breeding or biotechnological approaches aiming at Fe biofortification in crops.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clément Boussardon
- Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå Plant Science Centre, Umeå University, Umeå, S-90187, Sweden
| | - Simon R Law
- Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå Plant Science Centre, Umeå University, Umeå, S-90187, Sweden
| | | | - Olivier Keech
- Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå Plant Science Centre, Umeå University, Umeå, S-90187, Sweden
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Bashir K, Ahmad Z, Kobayashi T, Seki M, Nishizawa NK. Roles of subcellular metal homeostasis in crop improvement. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:2083-2098. [PMID: 33502492 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Improvement of crop production in response to rapidly changing environmental conditions is a serious challenge facing plant breeders and biotechnologists. Iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) are essential micronutrients for plant growth and reproduction. These minerals are critical to several cellular processes including metabolism, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration. Regulating the uptake and distribution of these minerals could significantly improve plant growth and development, ultimately leading to increased crop production. Plant growth is limited by mineral deficiency, but on the other hand, excess Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn can be toxic to plants; therefore, their uptake and distribution must be strictly regulated. Moreover, the distribution of these metals among subcellular organelles is extremely important for maintaining optimal cellular metabolism. Understanding the mechanisms controlling subcellular metal distribution and availability would enable development of crop plants that are better adapted to challenging and rapidly changing environmental conditions. Here, we describe advances in understanding of subcellular metal homeostasis, with a particular emphasis on cellular Fe homeostasis in Arabidopsis and rice, and discuss strategies for regulating cellular metabolism to improve plant production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khurram Bashir
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore, Pakistan
- Plant Genomics Network Research Team, Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Suehiro, Tsurumi Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Zarnab Ahmad
- Plant Genomics Network Research Team, Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Suehiro, Tsurumi Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takanori Kobayashi
- Research Institute for Bioresources and Biotechnology, Ishikawa Prefectural University, Nonoichi, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Motoaki Seki
- Plant Genomics Network Research Team, Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Suehiro, Tsurumi Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Kihara Institute for Biological Research, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
- Plant Epigenome Regulation Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Naoko K Nishizawa
- Research Institute for Bioresources and Biotechnology, Ishikawa Prefectural University, Nonoichi, Ishikawa, Japan
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Hu J. Toward unzipping the ZIP metal transporters: structure, evolution, and implications on drug discovery against cancer. FEBS J 2020; 288:5805-5825. [PMID: 33296542 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Zrt-/Irt-like protein (ZIP) family consists of divalent metal transporters, ubiquitous in all kingdoms of life. Since the discovery of the first ZIPs in the 1990s, the ZIP family has been expanding to contain tens of thousands of members playing key roles in uptake and homeostasis of life-essential trace elements, primarily zinc, iron and manganese. Some family members are also responsible for toxic metal (particularly cadmium) absorption and distribution. Their central roles in trace element biology, and implications in many human diseases, including cancers, have elicited interest across multiple disciplines for potential applications in biomedicine, agriculture and environmental protection. In this review and perspective, selected areas under rapid progress in the last several years, including structural biology, evolution, and drug discovery against cancers, are summarised and commented. Future research to address the most prominent issues associated with transport and regulation mechanisms are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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28
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Shitan N, Yazaki K. Dynamism of vacuoles toward survival strategy in plants. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183127. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.183127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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29
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Sorribes-Dauden R, Peris D, Martínez-Pastor MT, Puig S. Structure and function of the vacuolar Ccc1/VIT1 family of iron transporters and its regulation in fungi. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:3712-3722. [PMID: 33304466 PMCID: PMC7714665 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is an essential micronutrient for most living beings since it participates as a redox active cofactor in many biological processes including cellular respiration, lipid biosynthesis, DNA replication and repair, and ribosome biogenesis and recycling. However, when present in excess, iron can participate in Fenton reactions and generate reactive oxygen species that damage cells at the level of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Organisms have developed different molecular strategies to protect themselves against the harmful effects of high concentrations of iron. In the case of fungi and plants, detoxification mainly occurs by importing cytosolic iron into the vacuole through the Ccc1/VIT1 iron transporter. New sequenced genomes and bioinformatic tools are facilitating the functional characterization, evolution and ecological relevance of metabolic pathways and homeostatic networks across the Tree of Life. Sequence analysis shows that Ccc1/VIT1 homologs are widely distributed among organisms with the exception of animals. The recent elucidation of the crystal structure of a Ccc1/VIT1 plant ortholog has enabled the identification of both conserved and species-specific motifs required for its metal transport mechanism. Moreover, recent studies in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have also revealed that multiple transcription factors including Yap5 and Msn2/Msn4 contribute to the expression of CCC1 in high-iron conditions. Interestingly, Malaysian S. cerevisiae strains express a partially functional Ccc1 protein that renders them sensitive to iron. Different regulatory mechanisms have been described for non-Saccharomycetaceae Ccc1 homologs. The characterization of Ccc1/VIT1 proteins is of high interest in the development of biofortified crops and the protection against microbial-derived diseases.
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Key Words
- BLOSUM, BLOcks SUbstitution Matrix
- CBC, CCAAT-binding core complex
- CRD, Cysteine-rich domain
- CS, Consistency score
- Ccc1
- Cg, Candida glabrata
- Eg, Eucalyptus grandis
- Fe, Iron
- Fungi
- H, Helix
- Hap, Heme activator protein
- ISC, Iron-sulfur luster
- Iron detoxification
- Iron regulation
- Iron transport
- MAFFT, Multiple Alignment using Fast Fourier Transform
- MBD, Metal-binding domain
- ML, Maximum-likelihood
- NRAMP, Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein
- Plants
- ROS, Reactive oxygen species
- TMD, Transmembrane domain
- VIT, Vacuolar iron transporter
- VIT1
- VTL, Vacuolar iron transporter-like
- Vacuole
- YRE, Yap response elements
- Yeast
- bZIP, basic leucine-zipper
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Sorribes-Dauden
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - David Peris
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Sergi Puig
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Paterna, Valencia, Spain
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30
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Structural basis of ion transport and inhibition in ferroportin. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5686. [PMID: 33173040 PMCID: PMC7655804 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19458-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroportin is an iron exporter essential for releasing cellular iron into circulation. Ferroportin is inhibited by a peptide hormone, hepcidin. In humans, mutations in ferroportin lead to ferroportin diseases that are often associated with accumulation of iron in macrophages and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. Here we present the structures of the ferroportin from the primate Philippine tarsier (TsFpn) in the presence and absence of hepcidin solved by cryo-electron microscopy. TsFpn is composed of two domains resembling a clamshell and the structure defines two metal ion binding sites, one in each domain. Both structures are in an outward-facing conformation, and hepcidin binds between the two domains and reaches one of the ion binding sites. Functional studies show that TsFpn is an electroneutral H+/Fe2+ antiporter so that transport of each Fe2+ is coupled to transport of two H+ in the opposite direction. Perturbing either of the ion binding sites compromises the coupled transport of H+ and Fe2+. These results establish the structural basis of metal ion binding, transport and inhibition in ferroportin and provide a blueprint for targeting ferroportin in pharmacological intervention of ferroportin diseases. Ferroportin is an iron exporter essential for releasing cellular iron into circulation and is inhibited by a peptide hormone, hepcidin. Here authors present cryo-EM structures of the ferroportin from the primate Philippine tarsier (TsFpn) with and without hepcidin and show that TsFpn is an electroneutral H+ /Fe2+ antiporter.
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31
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Walton JH, Kontra‐Kováts G, Green RT, Domonkos Á, Horváth B, Brear EM, Franceschetti M, Kaló P, Balk J. The Medicago truncatula Vacuolar iron Transporter-Like proteins VTL4 and VTL8 deliver iron to symbiotic bacteria at different stages of the infection process. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 228:651-666. [PMID: 32521047 PMCID: PMC7540006 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The symbiotic relationship between legumes and rhizobium bacteria in root nodules has a high demand for iron, and questions remain regarding which transporters are involved. Here, we characterize two nodule-specific Vacuolar iron Transporter-Like (VTL) proteins in Medicago truncatula. Localization of fluorescent fusion proteins and mutant studies were carried out to correlate with existing RNA-seq data showing differential expression of VTL4 and VTL8 during early and late infection, respectively. The vtl4 insertion lines showed decreased nitrogen fixation capacity associated with more immature nodules and less elongated bacteroids. A mutant line lacking the tandemly-arranged VTL4-VTL8 genes, named 13U, was unable to develop functional nodules and failed to fix nitrogen, which was almost fully restored by expression of VTL8 alone. Using a newly developed lux reporter to monitor iron status of the bacteroids, a moderate decrease in luminescence signal was observed in vtl4 mutant nodules and a strong decrease in 13U nodules. Iron transport capability of VTL4 and VTL8 was shown by yeast complementation. These data indicate that VTL8, the closest homologue of SEN1 in Lotus japonicus, is the main route for delivering iron to symbiotic rhizobia. We propose that a failure in iron protein maturation leads to early senescence of the bacteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H. Walton
- Department of Biological ChemistryJohn Innes CentreNorwichNR4 7UHUK
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwichNR4 7TJUK
| | | | - Robert T. Green
- Department of Biological ChemistryJohn Innes CentreNorwichNR4 7UHUK
| | - Ágota Domonkos
- Agricultural Biotechnology InstituteNARICGödöllő2100Hungary
| | | | - Ella M. Brear
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNSW2006Australia
| | | | - Péter Kaló
- Agricultural Biotechnology InstituteNARICGödöllő2100Hungary
- Institute of Plant BiologyBiological Research CentreSzeged6726Hungary
| | - Janneke Balk
- Department of Biological ChemistryJohn Innes CentreNorwichNR4 7UHUK
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwichNR4 7TJUK
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32
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Brear EM, Bedon F, Gavrin A, Kryvoruchko IS, Torres-Jerez I, Udvardi MK, Day DA, Smith PMC. GmVTL1a is an iron transporter on the symbiosome membrane of soybean with an important role in nitrogen fixation. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 228:667-681. [PMID: 32533710 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Legumes establish symbiotic relationships with soil bacteria (rhizobia), housed in nodules on roots. The plant supplies carbon substrates and other nutrients to the bacteria in exchange for fixed nitrogen. The exchange occurs across a plant-derived symbiosome membrane (SM), which encloses rhizobia to form a symbiosome. Iron supplied by the plant is crucial for rhizobial enzyme nitrogenase that catalyses nitrogen fixation, but the SM iron transporter has not been identified. We use yeast complementation, real-time PCR and proteomics to study putative soybean (Glycine max) iron transporters GmVTL1a and GmVTL1b and have characterized the role of GmVTL1a using complementation in plant mutants, hairy root transformation and microscopy. GmVTL1a and GmVTL1b are members of the vacuolar iron transporter family and homologous to Lotus japonicus SEN1 (LjSEN1), which is essential for nitrogen fixation. GmVTL1a expression is enhanced in nodule infected cells and both proteins are localized to the SM. GmVTL1a transports iron in yeast and restores nitrogen fixation when expressed in the Ljsen1 mutant. Three GmVTL1a amino acid substitutions that block nitrogen fixation in Ljsen1 plants reduce iron transport in yeast. We conclude GmVTL1a is responsible for transport of iron across the SM to bacteroids and plays a crucial role in the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella M Brear
- School of Life and Environmental Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Frank Bedon
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Aleksandr Gavrin
- School of Life and Environmental Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1LR, UK
| | - Igor S Kryvoruchko
- Noble Research Institute, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
- Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | | | - David A Day
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Penelope M C Smith
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
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Liu S, Liao LL, Nie MM, Peng WT, Zhang MS, Lei JN, Zhong YJ, Liao H, Chen ZC. A VIT-like transporter facilitates iron transport into nodule symbiosomes for nitrogen fixation in soybean. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 226:1413-1428. [PMID: 32119117 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Effective legume-rhizobia symbiosis depends on efficient nutrient exchange. Rhizobia need to synthesize iron-containing proteins for symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) in nodules, which depends on host plant-mediated iron uptake into the symbiosome. We functionally investigated a pair of vacuolar iron transporter like (VTL) genes, GmVTL1a/b, in soybean (Glycine max) and evaluated their contributions to SNF, including investigations of gene expression patterns, subcellular localization, and mutant phenotypes. Though both GmVTL1a/b genes were specifically expressed in the fixation zone of the nodule, GmVTL1a was the lone member to be localized at the tonoplast of tobacco protoplasts, and shown to facilitate ferrous iron transport in yeast. GmVTL1a targets the symbiosome in infected cells, as verified by in situ immunostaining. Two vtl1 knockout mutants had lower iron concentrations in nodule cell sap and peribacteroid units than in wild-type plants, suggesting that GmVTL1 knockout inhibited iron import into symbiosomes. Furthermore, GmVTL1 knockout minimally affected soybean growth under nonsymbiotic conditions, but dramatically impaired nodule development and SNF activity under nitrogen-limited and rhizobia-inoculation conditions, which eventually led to growth retardation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that GmVTL1a is indispensable for SNF in nodules as a transporter of ferrous iron from the infected root cell cytosol to the symbiosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Liu
- Root Biology Center, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Li Li Liao
- Root Biology Center, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Miao Miao Nie
- Root Biology Center, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Wen Ting Peng
- Root Biology Center, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Meng Shi Zhang
- Root Biology Center, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Jia Ning Lei
- Vector-borne Virus Research Center, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Yong Jia Zhong
- Root Biology Center, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Hong Liao
- Root Biology Center, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Zhi Chang Chen
- Root Biology Center, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
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34
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Roy R, Reinders A, Ward JM, McDonald TR. Understanding transport processes in lichen, Azolla-cyanobacteria, ectomycorrhiza, endomycorrhiza, and rhizobia-legume symbiotic interactions. F1000Res 2020; 9. [PMID: 32047609 PMCID: PMC6979478 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.19740.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Intimate interactions between photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic organisms require the orchestrated transfer of ions and metabolites between species. We review recent progress in identifying and characterizing the transport proteins involved in five mutualistic symbiotic interactions: lichens,
Azolla–cyanobacteria, ectomycorrhiza, endomycorrhiza, and rhizobia–legumes. This review focuses on transporters for nitrogen and carbon and other solutes exchanged in the interactions. Their predicted functions are evaluated on the basis of their transport mechanism and prevailing transmembrane gradients of H
+ and transported substrates. The symbiotic interactions are presented in the assumed order from oldest to most recently evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Roy
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anke Reinders
- College of Continuing and Professional Studies, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA
| | - John M Ward
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA
| | - Tami R McDonald
- Biology Department, St. Catherine University, Minnesota, USA
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Sharma S, Kaur G, Kumar A, Meena V, Ram H, Kaur J, Pandey AK. Gene Expression Pattern of Vacuolar-Iron Transporter-Like (VTL) Genes in Hexaploid Wheat during Metal Stress. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 9:E229. [PMID: 32053953 PMCID: PMC7076494 DOI: 10.3390/plants9020229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Iron is one of the important micronutrients that is required for crop productivity and yield-related traits. To address the Fe homeostasis in crop plants, multiple transporters belonging to the category of major facilitator superfamily are being explored. In this direction, earlier vacuolar iron transporters (VITs) have been reported and characterized functionally to address biofortification in cereal crops. In the present study, the identification and characterization of new members of vacuolar iron transporter-like proteins (VTL) was performed in wheat. Phylogenetic distribution demonstrated distinct clustering of the identified VTL genes from the previously known VIT genes. Our analysis identifies multiple VTL genes from hexaploid wheat with the highest number genes localized on chromosome 2. Quantitative expression analysis suggests that most of the VTL genes are induced mostly during the Fe surplus condition, thereby reinforcing their role in metal homeostasis. Interestingly, most of the wheat VTL genes were also significantly up-regulated in a tissue-specific manner under Zn, Mn and Cu deficiency. Although, no significant changes in expression of wheat VTL genes were observed in roots under heavy metals, but TaVTL2, TaVTL3 and TaVTL5 were upregulated in the presence of cobalt stress. Overall, this work deals with the detailed characterization of wheat VTL genes that could provide an important genetic framework for addressing metal homeostasis in bread wheat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Sector 81, Knowledge City, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India; (S.S.); (G.K.); (A.K.); (V.M.); (H.R.)
- University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sector 25, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Punjab 160015, India;
| | - Gazaldeep Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Sector 81, Knowledge City, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India; (S.S.); (G.K.); (A.K.); (V.M.); (H.R.)
| | - Anil Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Sector 81, Knowledge City, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India; (S.S.); (G.K.); (A.K.); (V.M.); (H.R.)
| | - Varsha Meena
- Department of Biotechnology, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Sector 81, Knowledge City, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India; (S.S.); (G.K.); (A.K.); (V.M.); (H.R.)
| | - Hasthi Ram
- Department of Biotechnology, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Sector 81, Knowledge City, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India; (S.S.); (G.K.); (A.K.); (V.M.); (H.R.)
| | - Jaspreet Kaur
- University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sector 25, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Punjab 160015, India;
| | - Ajay Kumar Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Sector 81, Knowledge City, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India; (S.S.); (G.K.); (A.K.); (V.M.); (H.R.)
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36
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Zhang T, Sui D, Zhang C, Cole L, Hu J. Asymmetric functions of a binuclear metal center within the transport pathway of a human zinc transporter ZIP4. FASEB J 2019; 34:237-247. [PMID: 31914589 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902043r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Metal clusters are exploited by numerous metalloenzymes for catalysis, but it is not common to utilize a metal cluster for substrate transport across membrane. The recent crystal structure of a prototypic Zrt-/Irt-like protein (ZIP) metal transporter from Bordetella bronchiseptica (BbZIP) revealed an unprecedented binuclear metal center (BMC) within the transport pathway. Here, through a combination of bioinformatics, biochemical and structural approaches, we concluded that the two physically associated metal-binding sites in the BMC of human ZIP4 (hZIP4) zinc transporter exert different functions: one conserved transition metal-binding site acts as the transport site essential for activity, whereas the variable metal-binding site is required for hZIP4's optimal activity presumably by serving as a secondary transport site and modulating the properties of the primary transport site. Sequential soaking experiments on BbZIP crystals clarified the process of metal release from the BMC to the bulky solvent. This work provides important insights into the transport mechanism of the ZIPs broadly involved in transition metal homeostasis and signaling, and also a paradigm on a novel function of metal cluster in metalloproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuo Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Dexin Sui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Logan Cole
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Jian Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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