Three cytosolic NAD-malate dehydrogenase isoforms of Arabidopsis thaliana: on the crossroad between energy fluxes and redox signaling

Acetylation, ADP-ribosylation and methylation of malate dehydrogenase

Metabolism within an organism is regulated by various processes, including post-translational modifications (PTMs). These types of chemical modifications alter the molecular, biochemical, and cellular properties of proteins and allow the organism to respond quickly to different environments, energy states, and stresses. Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) is a metabolic enzyme that is conserved in all domains of life and is extensively modified post-translationally. Due to the central role of MDH, its modification can alter metabolic flux, including the Krebs cycle, glycolysis, and lipid and amino acid metabolism. Despite the importance of both MDH and its extensively post-translationally modified landscape, comprehensive characterization of MDH PTMs, and their effects on MDH structure, function, and metabolic flux remains underexplored. Here, we review three types of MDH PTMs - acetylation, ADP-ribosylation, and methylation - and explore what is known in the literature and how these PTMs potentially affect the 3D structure, enzymatic activity, and interactome of MDH. Finally, we briefly discuss the potential involvement of PTMs in the dynamics of metabolons that include MDH.

SpCTP3 from the hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola positively regulates cadmium tolerance by interacting with SpMDH1

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal pollutant mainly originating from the discharge of industrial sewage, irrigation with contaminated water, and the use of fertilizers. The phytoremediation of Cd polluted soil depends on the identification of the associated genes in hyperaccumulators. Here, a novel Cd tolerance gene (SpCTP3) was identified in hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola. The results of Cd2+ binding and thermodynamic analyses, revealed the CXXC motif in SpCTP3 functions is a Cd2+ binding site. A mutated CXXC motif decreased binding to Cd by 59.93%. The subcellular localization analysis suggested that SpCTP3 is primarily a cytoplasmic protein. Additionally, the SpCTP3-overexpressing (OE) plants were more tolerant to Cd and accumulated more Cd than wild-type Sedum alfredii (NHE-WT). The Cd concentrations in the cytoplasm of root and leaf cells were significantly higher (53.75% and 71.87%, respectively) in SpCTP3-OE plants than in NHE-WT. Furthermore, malic acid levels increased and decreased in SpCTP3-OE and SpCTP3-RNAi plants, respectively. Moreover, SpCTP3 interacted with malate dehydrogenase 1 (MDH1). Thus, SpCTP3 helps regulate the subcellular distribution of Cd and increases Cd accumulation when it is overexpressed in plants, ultimately Cd tolerance through its interaction with SpMDH1. This study provides new insights relevant to improving the Cd uptake by Sedum plumbizincicola.

Specificity and dynamics of H2O2 detoxification by the cytosolic redox regulatory network as revealed by in vitro reconstitution

The thiol redox state is a decisive functional characteristic of proteins in cell biology. Plasmatic cell compartments maintain a thiol-based redox regulatory network linked to the glutathione/glutathione disulfide couple (GSH/GSSG) and the NAD(P)H system. The basic network constituents are known and in vivo cell imaging with gene-encoded probes have revealed insight into the dynamics of the [GSH]2/[GSSG] redox potential, cellular H2O2 and NAD(P)H+H+ amounts in dependence on metabolic and environmental cues. Less understood is the contribution and interaction of the network components, also because of compensatory reactions in genetic approaches. Reconstituting the cytosolic network of Arabidopsis thaliana in vitro from fifteen recombinant proteins at in vivo concentrations, namely glutathione peroxidase-like (GPXL), peroxiredoxins (PRX), glutaredoxins (GRX), thioredoxins, NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase A and glutathione reductase and applying Grx1-roGFP2 or roGFP2-Orp1 as dynamic sensors, allowed for monitoring the response to a single H2O2 pulse. The major change in thiol oxidation as quantified by mass spectrometry-based proteomics occurred in relevant peptides of GPXL, and to a lesser extent of PRX, while other Cys-containing peptides only showed small changes in their redox state and protection. Titration of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) into the system together with dehydroascorbate reductase lowered the oxidation of the fluorescent sensors in the network but was unable to suppress it. The results demonstrate the power of the network to detoxify H2O2, the partially independent branches of electron flow with significance for specific cell signaling and the importance of APX to modulate the signaling without suppressing it and shifting the burden to glutathione oxidation.

Cysteine oxidation as a regulatory mechanism of Arabidopsis plastidial NAD-dependent malate dehydrogenase

Malate dehydrogenases (MDHs) catalyze a reversible NAD(P)-dependent-oxidoreductase reaction that plays an important role in central metabolism and redox homeostasis of plant cells. Recent studies suggest a moonlighting function of plastidial NAD-dependent MDH (plNAD-MDH; EC 1.1.1.37) in plastid biogenesis, independent of its enzyme activity. In this study, redox effects on activity and conformation of recombinant plNAD-MDH from Arabidopsis thaliana were investigated. We show that reduced plNAD-MDH is active while it is inhibited upon oxidation. Interestingly, the presence of its cofactors NAD+ and NADH could prevent oxidative inhibition of plNAD-MDH. In addition, a conformational change upon oxidation could be observed via non-reducing SDS-PAGE. Both effects, its inhibition and conformational change, were reversible by re-reduction. Further investigation of single cysteine substitutions and mass spectrometry revealed that oxidation of plNAD-MDH leads to oxidation of all four cysteine residues. However, cysteine oxidation of C129 leads to inhibition of plNAD-MDH activity and oxidation of C147 induces its conformational change. In contrast, oxidation of C190 and C333 does not affect plNAD-MDH activity or structure. Our results demonstrate that plNAD-MDH activity can be reversibly inhibited, but not inactivated, by cysteine oxidation and might be co-regulated by the availability of its cofactors in vivo.

The role of promoter methylation of the genes encoding the enzymes metabolizing di- and tricarboxylic acids in the regulation of plant respiration by light

We discuss the role of epigenetic changes at the level of promoter methylation of the key enzymes of carbon metabolism in the regulation of respiration by light. While the direct regulation of enzymes via modulation of their activity and post-translational modifications is fast and readily reversible, the role of cytosine methylation is important for providing a prolonged response to environmental changes. In addition, adenine methylation can play a role in the regulation of transcription of genes. The mitochondrial and extramitochondrial forms of several enzymes participating in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and associated reactions are regulated via promoter methylation in opposite ways. The mitochondrial forms of citrate synthase, aconitase, fumarase, NAD-malate dehydrogenase are inhibited while the cytosolic forms of aconitase, fumarase, NAD-malate dehydrogenase, and the peroxisomal form of citrate synthase are activated. It is concluded that promoter methylation represents a universal mechanism of the regulation of activity of respiratory enzymes in plant cells by light. The role of the regulation of the mitochondrial and cytosolic forms of respiratory enzymes in the operation of malate and citrate valves and in controlling the redox state and balancing the energy level of photosynthesizing plant cells is discussed.

Microfluidic Single-Cell Study on Arabidopsis thaliana Protoplast Fusion-New Insights on Timescales and Reversibilities

Plant cells are omnipotent and breeding of new varieties can be achieved by protoplast fusion. Such fusions can be achieved by treatment with poly(ethylene glycol) or by applying an electric field. Microfluidic devices allow for controlled conditions and targeted manipulation of small batches of cells down to single-cell analysis. To provide controlled conditions for protoplast fusions and achieve high reproducibility, we developed and characterized a microfluidic device to reliably trap some Arabidopsis thaliana protoplasts and induced cell fusion by controlled addition of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG, with a molecular weight of 6000). Experiments were conducted to determine the survival rate of isolated protoplasts in our microfluidic system. Afterward, PEG-induced fusion was studied. Our results indicate that the following fusion parameters had a significant impact on the fusion efficiency and duration: PEG concentration, osmolality of solution and flow velocity. A PEG concentration below 10% led to only partial fusion. The osmolality of the PEG fusion solution was found to strongly impact the fusion process; complete fusion of two source cells sufficiently took part in slightly hyper-osmotic solutions, whereas iso-osmotic solutions led to only partial fusion at a 20% PEG concentration. We observed accelerated fusion for higher fluid velocities. Until this study, it was common sense that fusion is one-directional, i.e., once two cells are fused into one cell, they stay fused. Here, we present for the first time the reversible fusion of protoplasts. Our microfluidic device paves the way to a deeper understanding of the kinetics and processes of cell fusion.

Mitochondrial Dihydrolipoamide Dehydrogenase (mtLPD1): Expression, Purification, Activity, and Redox Regulation

Mitochondrial dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (mtLPD1) is a central enzyme in primary carbon metabolism, since its function is required to drive four multienzymes involved in photorespiration, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and the degradation of branched-chain amino acids. However, in illuminated, photosynthesizing tissue a vast amount of mtLPD1 is necessary for glycine decarboxylase (GDC), the key enzyme of photorespiration. In light of the shared role, the functional characterization of mtLPD1 is necessary to understand how the three pathways might interact under different environmental scenarios. This includes the determination of the biochemical properties and all potential regulatory mechanisms, respectively. With regards to the latter, regulation can occur through multiple levels including effector molecules, cofactor availability, or posttranslational modifications (PTM), which in turn decrease or increase the activity of each enzymatic reaction. Gaining a comprehensive overview on all these aspects would ultimately facilitate the interpretation of the metabolic interplay of the pathways within the whole subcellular network or even function as a proof of concept for genetic engineering approaches. Here, we describe the typical workflow how to clone, express, and purify plant mtLPD1 for biochemical characterization and how to analyze potential redox regulatory mechanisms in vitro and in planta.

Nitric oxide (NO) modulates low temperature-stress signaling via S-nitrosation, a NO PTM, inducing ethylene biosynthesis inhibition leading to enhanced post-harvest shelf-life of agricultural produce

Low temperature (cold) stress is one of the major abiotic stress conditions affecting crop productivity worldwide. Nitric oxide (NO) is a dynamic signaling molecule that interacts with various stress regulators and provides abiotic stress tolerance. Stress enhanced NO contributes to S-nitrosothiol accumulation which causes oxidation of the -SH group in proteins leading to S-nitrosation, a post-translational modification. Cold stress induced in vivo S-nitrosation of > 240 proteins majorly belonging to stress/signaling/redox (myrosinase, SOD, GST, CS, DHAR), photosynthesis (RuBisCO, PRK), metabolism (FBA, GAPDH, TPI, SBPase), and cell wall modification (Beta-xylosidases, alpha-l-arabinogalactan) in different crop plants indicated role of NO in these important cellular and metabolic pathways. NO mediated regulation of a transcription factor CBF (C-repeat Binding Factor, a transcription factor) at transcriptional and post-translational level was shown in Solanum lycopersicum seedlings. NO donor priming enhances seed germination, breaks dormancy and provides tolerance to stress in crops. Its role in averting stress, promoting seed germination, and delaying senescence paved the way for use of NO and NO releasing compounds to prevent crop loss and increase the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables. An alternative to energy consuming and expensive cold storage led to development of a storage device called "shelf-life enhancer" that delays senescence and increases shelf-life at ambient temperature (25-27 °C) using NO donor. The present review summarizes NO research in plants and exploration of NO for its translational potential to improve agricultural yield and post-harvest crop loss.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01371-z.

Genome-Wide Identification of AhMDHs and Analysis of Gene Expression under Manganese Toxicity Stress in Arachis hypogaea

Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) is one kind of oxidation-reduction enzyme that catalyzes the reversible conversion of oxaloacetic acid to malic acid. It has vital functions in plant development, photosynthesis, abiotic stress responses, and so on. However, there are no reports on the genome-wide identification and gene expression of the MDH gene family in Arachis hypogaea. In this study, the MDH gene family of A. hypogaea was comprehensively analyzed for the first time, and 15 AhMDH sequences were identified. According to the phylogenetic tree analysis, AhMDHs are mainly separated into three subfamilies with similar gene structures. Based on previously reported transcriptome sequencing results, the AhMDH expression quantity of roots and leaves exposed to manganese (Mn) toxicity were explored in A. hypogaea. Results revealed that many AhMDHs were upregulated when exposed to Mn toxicity, suggesting that those AhMDHs might play an important regulatory role in A. hypogaea's response to Mn toxicity stress. This study lays foundations for the functional study of AhMDHs and further reveals the mechanism of the A. hypogaea signaling pathway responding to high Mn stress.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Malate Dehydrogenase Gene Family in Sweet Potato and Its Two Diploid Relatives

Malate dehydrogenase (MDH; EC 1.1.1.37) plays a vital role in plant growth and development as well as abiotic stress responses, and it is widely present in plants. However, the MDH family genes have not been explored in sweet potato. In this study, nine, ten, and ten MDH genes in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and its two diploid wild relatives, Ipomoea trifida and Ipomoea triloba, respectively, were identified. These MDH genes were unevenly distributed on seven different chromosomes among the three species. The gene duplications and nucleotide substitution analysis (Ka/Ks) revealed that the MDH genes went through segmental duplications during their evolution under purifying selection. A phylogenetic and conserved structure divided these MDH genes into five subgroups. An expression analysis indicated that the MDH genes were omni-presently expressed in distinct tissues and responded to various abiotic stresses. A transcription factor prediction analysis proved that Dof, MADS-box, and MYB were the main transcription factors of sweet potato MDH genes. These findings provide molecular features of the MDH family in sweet potato and its two diploid wild relatives, which further supports functional characterizations.

Regeneration of cytosolic thiol peroxidases

Three soluble type two peroxiredoxins (PRXIIB, C, D) and two glutathione peroxidase-like enzymes (GPXL2, 8) reside in the cytosol of Arabidopsis thaliana cells and function both as thiol-dependent antioxidants and redox sensors. Their primary substrate is H2 O2 , but they also accept other peroxides with a distinct preference between PRXII and GPXL. Less known is their regeneration specificity in the light of the large set of thiol reductases, namely eight annotated thioredoxin h isoforms (TRXh1-5, 7-9), a few TRX-like proteins, including CxxS1 (formerly TRXh6) and several glutaredoxins (GRX) associated with the cytosol. This study addressed this open question by in vitro enzyme tests using recombinant protein. GPXL2 and 8 exclusively accepted electrons from the TRX system, namely TRXh1-5 and TDX, while PRXIIB/C/D were efficiently regenerated with GRXC1 and C2 but not the TRX-like protein Picot1. They showed significant but low activity (<3% of GRXC2) with TRXh1-5 and TDX. A similar reduction efficiency with TRX was seen in the insulin assay, only TDX was less active. Finally, the reduction of oxidized cytosolic malate dehydrogenase 1, as measured by regained activity, showed an extremely broad ability to accept electrons from different TRXs and GRXs. The results demonstrate redundancy and specificity in the redox regulatory network of the cytosol.

The self-association of cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase 1 promotes malate biosynthesis and confers disease resistance in cassava

Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) as an essential metabolic enzyme is widely involved in plant developmental processes. However, the direct relationship between its structural basis and in vivo roles especially in plant immunity remains elusive. In this study, we found that cytoplasmic cassava (Manihot esculenta, Me) MDH1 was essential for plant disease resistance against cassava bacterial blight (CBB). Further investigation revealed that MeMDH1 positively modulated cassava disease resistance, accompanying the regulation of salicylic acid (SA) accumulation and pathogensis-related protein 1 (MePR1) expression. Notably, the metabolic product of MeMDH1 (malate) also improved disease resistance in cassava, and its application rescued the disease susceptibility and decreased immune responses of MeMDH1-silenced plants, indicating that malate was responsible for MeMDH1-mediated disease resistance. Interestingly, MeMDH1 relied on Cys330 residues to form homodimer, which was directly related with MeMDH1 enzyme activity and the corresponding malate biosynthesis. The crucial role of Cys330 residue in MeMDH1 was further confirmed by in vivo functional comparison between overexpression of MeMDH1 and MeMDH1C330A in cassava disease resistance. Taken together, this study highlights that MeMDH1 confers improved plant disease resistance through protein self-association to promote malate biosynthesis, extending the knowledge of the relationship between its structure and cassava disease resistance.

Mitochondria in photosynthetic cells: Coordinating redox control and energy balance

In photosynthetic tissues in the light, the function of energy production is associated primarily with chloroplasts, while mitochondrial metabolism adjusts to balance ATP supply, regulate the reduction level of pyridine nucleotides, and optimize major metabolic fluxes. The tricarboxylic acid cycle in the light transforms into a noncyclic open structure (hemicycle) maintained primarily by the influx of malate and the export of citrate to the cytosol. The exchange of malate and citrate forms the basis of feeding redox energy from the chloroplast into the cytosolic pathways. This supports the level of NADPH in different compartments, contributes to the biosynthesis of amino acids, and drives secondary metabolism via a supply of substrates for 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase and for cytochrome P450-catalyzed monooxygenase reactions. This results in the maintenance of redox and energy balance in photosynthetic plant cells and in the formation of numerous bioactive compounds specific to any particular plant species. The noncoupled mitochondrial respiration operates in coordination with the malate and citrate valves and supports intensive fluxes of respiration and photorespiration. The metabolic system of plants has features associated with the remarkable metabolic plasticity of mitochondria that permit the use of energy accumulated during photosynthesis in a way that all anabolic and catabolic pathways become optimized and coordinated.

Physiological functions of malate shuttles in plants and algae

Subcellular compartmentalization confers evolutionary advantage to eukaryotic cells but entails the need for efficient interorganelle communication. Malate functions as redox carrier and metabolic intermediate. It can be shuttled across membranes through translocators. The interconversion of malate and oxaloacetate mediated by malate dehydrogenases requires oxidation/reduction of NAD(P)H/NAD(P)⁺; therefore, malate trafficking serves to transport reducing equivalents and this is termed the 'malate shuttle'. Although the term 'malate shuttle' was coined more than 50 years ago, novel functions are still emerging. This review highlights recent findings on the functions of malate shuttles in photorespiration, fatty acid β-oxidation, interorganelle signaling and its putative role in CO₂-concentrating mechanisms. We compare and contrast knowledge in plants and algae, thereby providing an evolutionary perspective on redox trafficking in photosynthetic eukaryotes.

Proteomics Readjustment of the Yarrowia lipolytica Yeast in Response to Increased Temperature and Alkaline Stress

Yeasts cope with a wide range of environmental challenges using different adaptive mechanisms. They can prosper at extreme ambient pH and high temperatures; however, their adaptation mechanisms have not been entirely investigated. Previously, we showed the pivotal role and flexibility of the sugar and lipid composition of Yarrowia lipolytica W 29 upon adaptation to unfavorable conditions. In this study, we showed that extreme pH provoked significant changes in the cell wall proteins expression, with an increase in both the chaperones of heat shock protein HSP60 and some other proteins with chaperone functions. The mitochondria activity changes inducing the VDAC and malate dehydrogenase played an essential role in the adaptation, as did the altered carbohydrate metabolism, promoting its shift towards the pyruvate formation rather than gluconeogenesis. The elevated temperature led to changes in the cell wall proteins and chaperones, the induced expression of the proteins involved in the cell structural organization, ribosomal proteins, and the enzymes of formaldehyde degradation. Moreover, the readjustment of the protein composition and amount under combined stress indicated the promotion of catabolic processes related to scavenging the damaged proteins and lipids. Under all of the stress conditions studied, the process of folding, stress resistance, redox adaptation, and oxidative phosphorylation were the dominant pathways. The combined chronic alkaline and heat stress (pH 9.0, 38 °C) led to cross-adaptation, which caused "switching" over the traditional metabolism to the adaptation to the most damaging stress factor, namely the increased temperature.

Indirect Export of Reducing Equivalents From the Chloroplast to Resupply NADP for C3 Photosynthesis-Growing Importance for Stromal NAD(H)?

Plant productivity greatly relies on a flawless concerted function of the two photosystems (PS) in the chloroplast thylakoid membrane. While damage to PSII can be rapidly resolved, PSI repair is complex and time-consuming. A major threat to PSI integrity is acceptor side limitation e.g., through a lack of stromal NADP ready to accept electrons from PSI. This situation can occur when oscillations in growth light and temperature result in a drop of CO2 fixation and concomitant NADPH consumption. Plants have evolved a plethora of pathways at the thylakoid membrane but also in the chloroplast stroma to avoid acceptor side limitation. For instance, reduced ferredoxin can be recycled in cyclic electron flow or reducing equivalents can be indirectly exported from the organelle via the malate valve, a coordinated effort of stromal malate dehydrogenases and envelope membrane transporters. For a long time, the NADP(H) was assumed to be the only nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide coenzyme to participate in diurnal chloroplast metabolism and the export of reductants via this route. However, over the last years several independent studies have indicated an underappreciated role for NAD(H) in illuminated leaf plastids. In part, it explains the existence of the light-independent NAD-specific malate dehydrogenase in the stroma. We review the history of the malate valve and discuss the potential role of stromal NAD(H) for the plant survival under adverse growth conditions as well as the option to utilize the stromal NAD(H) pool to mitigate PSI damage.

Glutathione Metabolism in Plants under Stress: Beyond Reactive Oxygen Species Detoxification

Glutathione is an essential metabolite for plant life best known for its role in the control of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Glutathione is also involved in the detoxification of methylglyoxal (MG) which, much like ROS, is produced at low levels by aerobic metabolism under normal conditions. While several physiological processes depend on ROS and MG, a variety of stresses can dramatically increase their concentration leading to potentially deleterious effects. In this review, we examine the structure and the stress regulation of the pathways involved in glutathione synthesis and degradation. We provide a synthesis of the current knowledge on the glutathione-dependent glyoxalase pathway responsible for MG detoxification. We present recent developments on the organization of the glyoxalase pathway in which alternative splicing generate a number of isoforms targeted to various subcellular compartments. Stress regulation of enzymes involved in MG detoxification occurs at multiple levels. A growing number of studies show that oxidative stress promotes the covalent modification of proteins by glutathione. This post-translational modification is called S-glutathionylation. It affects the function of several target proteins and is relevant to stress adaptation. We address this regulatory function in an analysis of the enzymes and pathways targeted by S-glutathionylation.