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Huang Y, Xia P. Biomolecular condensates in plant cells: mediating and integrating environmental signals and development. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 347:112178. [PMID: 38971467 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
In response to the spatiotemporal coordination of various biochemical reactions and membrane-encapsulated organelles, plants appear to provide another effective mechanism for cellular organization by phase separation that allows the internal compartmentalization of cells to form a variety of membrane-less organelles. Most of the research on phase separation has centralized in various non-plant systems, such as yeast and animal systems. Recent studies have shown a remarkable correlation between the formation of condensates in plant systems and the formation of condensates in these systems. Moreover, the last decade has made new advances in phase separation research in the context of plant biology. Here, we provide an overview of the physicochemical forces and molecular factors that drive liquid-liquid phase separation in plant cells and the biochemical characterization of condensates. We then explore new developments in phase separation research specific to plants, discussing examples of condensates found in green plants and detailing their role in plant growth and development. We propose that phase separation may be a conserved organizational mechanism in plant evolution to help plants respond rapidly and effectively to various environmental stresses as sessile organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Huang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Pengguo Xia
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
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2
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Yang X, Huang Y, Xia P. The property and function of proteins undergoing liquid-liquid phase separation in plants. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024. [PMID: 38808958 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
A wide variety of membrane-less organelles in cells play an essential role in regulating gene expression, RNA processing, plant growth and development, and helping organisms cope with changing external environments. In biology, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) usually refers to a reversible process in which one or more specific molecular components are spontaneously separated from the bulk environment, producing two distinct liquid phases: concentrated and dilute. LLPS may be a powerful cellular compartmentalisation mechanism whereby biocondensates formed via LLPS when biomolecules exceed critical or saturating concentrations in the environment where they are found will be generated. It has been widely used to explain the formation of membrane-less organelles in organisms. LLPS studies in the context of plant physiology are now widespread, but most of the research is still focused on non-plant systems; the study of phase separation in plants needs to be more thorough. Proteins and nucleic acids are the main components involved in LLPS. This review summarises the specific features and properties of biomolecules undergoing LLPS in plants. We describe in detail these biomolecules' structural characteristics, the mechanism of formation of condensates, and the functions of these condensates. Finally, We summarised the phase separation mechanisms in plant growth, development, and stress adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Yang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Huang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengguo Xia
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
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Eljebbawi A, Hutin S, Zubieta C, Stahl Y. Environmental signals driving liquid-liquid phase separation - a molecular memory in plants? FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1391043. [PMID: 38736449 PMCID: PMC11082374 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1391043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Eljebbawi
- Institute for Developmental Genetics, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hutin
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Commissariat à l’énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, Institut National de Recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement, Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire de Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Chloe Zubieta
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Commissariat à l’énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, Institut National de Recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement, Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire de Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Yvonne Stahl
- Institute for Developmental Genetics, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Guo D, Xiong Y, Fu B, Sha Z, Li B, Wu H. Liquid-Liquid phase separation in bacteria. Microbiol Res 2024; 281:127627. [PMID: 38262205 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Cells are the essential building blocks of living organisms, responsible for carrying out various biochemical reactions and performing specific functions. In eukaryotic cells, numerous membrane organelles have evolved to facilitate these processes by providing specific spatial locations. In recent years, it has also been discovered that membraneless organelles play a crucial role in the subcellular organization of bacteria, which are single-celled prokaryotic microorganisms characterized by their simple structure and small size. These membraneless organelles in bacteria have been found to undergo Liquid-Liquid phase separation (LLPS), a molecular mechanism that allows for their assembly. Through extensive research, the occurrence of LLPS and its role in the spatial organization of bacteria have been better understood. Various biomacromolecules have been identified to exhibit LLPS properties in different bacterial species. LLPS which is introduced into synthetic biology applies to bacteria has important implications, and three recent research reports have shed light on its potential applications in this field. Overall, this review investigates the molecular mechanisms of LLPS occurrence and its significance in bacteria while also considering the future prospects of implementing LLPS in synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Beibei Fu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Zhou Sha
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Bohao Li
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Haibo Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
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Han R, Ma L, Terzaghi W, Guo Y, Li J. Molecular mechanisms underlying coordinated responses of plants to shade and environmental stresses. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 117:1893-1913. [PMID: 38289877 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Shade avoidance syndrome (SAS) is triggered by a low ratio of red (R) to far-red (FR) light (R/FR ratio), which is caused by neighbor detection and/or canopy shade. In order to compete for the limited light, plants elongate hypocotyls and petioles by deactivating phytochrome B (phyB), a major R light photoreceptor, thus releasing its inhibition of the growth-promoting transcription factors PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTORs. Under natural conditions, plants must cope with abiotic stresses such as drought, soil salinity, and extreme temperatures, and biotic stresses such as pathogens and pests. Plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to simultaneously deal with multiple environmental stresses. In this review, we will summarize recent major advances in our understanding of how plants coordinately respond to shade and environmental stresses, and will also discuss the important questions for future research. A deep understanding of how plants synergistically respond to shade together with abiotic and biotic stresses will facilitate the design and breeding of new crop varieties with enhanced tolerance to high-density planting and environmental stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run Han
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Liang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - William Terzaghi
- Department of Biology, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 18766, USA
| | - Yan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jigang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
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Hutin S, Wigge PA, Zubieta C. In Vitro Determination of Temperature-Dependent DNA Binding of the Evening Complex Using Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2795:135-147. [PMID: 38594535 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3814-9_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) of DNA-binding proteins and labeled DNA allow the qualitative and quantitative characterization of protein-DNA complex formation using native (nondenaturing) polyacrylamide or agarose gel electrophoresis. By varying the incubation temperature of the protein-DNA binding reaction and maintaining this temperature during electrophoresis, temperature-dependent protein-DNA interactions can be investigated. Here, we provide examples of the binding of a transcriptional repressor complex called the Evening Complex, comprising the DNA-binding protein LUX ARRYTHMO (LUX), the scaffold protein EARLY FLOWERING 3 (ELF3), and the adapter protein ELF4, to its cognate DNA and demonstrate direct detection and visualization of thermoresponsive binding in vitro. As negative controls we use the LUX DNA-binding domain and LUX full length protein, which do not exhibit temperature-dependent DNA binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Hutin
- Laboratoire Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-DBSCI, Grenoble, France
| | - Philip A Wigge
- Leibniz-Institut für Gemüse- und Zierpflanzenbau, Großbeeren, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Chloe Zubieta
- Laboratoire Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-DBSCI, Grenoble, France.
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Peng M, Hutin S, Mironova A, Zubieta C, Wigge PA. Analysis of Phase Separation of EARLY FLOWERING 3. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2795:123-134. [PMID: 38594534 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3814-9_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Phase separation is an important mechanism for regulating various cellular functions. The EARLY FLOWERING 3 (ELF3) protein, an essential element of the EVENING COMPLEX (EC) involved in circadian clock regulation, has been shown to undergo phase separation. ELF3 is known to significantly influence elongation growth and flowering time regulation, and this is postulated to be due to whether the protein is in the dilute or phase-separated state. Here, we present a brief overview of methods for analyzing ELF3 phase separation in vitro, including the generation of phase diagrams as a function of pH and salt versus protein concentrations, optical microscopy, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), and turbidity assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maolin Peng
- Leibniz-Institut für Gemüse-und Zierpflanzenbau, Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, Großbeeren, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hutin
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire and Végétale, Univ. Grenoble Alpes/CNRS/CEA/INRA/IRIG, Grenoble, France
| | - Aleksandra Mironova
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire and Végétale, Univ. Grenoble Alpes/CNRS/CEA/INRA/IRIG, Grenoble, France
| | - Chloe Zubieta
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire and Végétale, Univ. Grenoble Alpes/CNRS/CEA/INRA/IRIG, Grenoble, France
| | - Philip A Wigge
- Leibniz-Institut für Gemüse-und Zierpflanzenbau, Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, Großbeeren, Germany.
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Eljebbawi A, Dolata A, Strotmann VI, Stahl Y. Unlocking nature's (sub)cellular symphony: Phase separation in plant meristems. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 76:102480. [PMID: 37862837 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2023.102480] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Plant development is based on the balance of stem cell maintenance and differentiation in the shoot and root meristems. The necessary cell fate decisions are regulated by intricate networks of proteins and biomolecules within plant cells and require robust and dynamic compartmentalization strategies, including liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), which allows the formation of membrane-less compartments. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the emerging field of LLPS in plant development, with a particular focus on the shoot and root meristems. LLPS regulates not only floral transition and flowering time while integrating environmental signals in the shoots but also influences auxin signalling and is putatively involved in maintaining the stem cell niche (SCN) in the roots. Therefore, LLPS has the potential to play a crucial role in the plasticity of plant development, necessitating further research for a comprehensive understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Eljebbawi
- Institute for Developmental Genetics, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Anika Dolata
- Institute for Developmental Genetics, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Vivien I Strotmann
- Institute for Developmental Genetics, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Yvonne Stahl
- Institute for Developmental Genetics, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Germany; Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Germany.
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Elena-Real CA, Mier P, Sibille N, Andrade-Navarro MA, Bernadó P. Structure-function relationships in protein homorepeats. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 83:102726. [PMID: 37924569 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Homorepeats (or polyX), protein segments containing repetitions of the same amino acid, are abundant in proteomes from all kingdoms of life and are involved in crucial biological functions as well as several neurodegenerative and developmental diseases. Mainly inserted in disordered segments of proteins, the structure/function relationships of homorepeats remain largely unexplored. In this review, we summarize present knowledge for the most abundant homorepeats, highlighting the role of the inherent structure and the conformational influence exerted by their flanking regions. Recent experimental and computational methods enable residue-specific investigations of these regions and promise novel structural and dynamic information for this elusive group of proteins. This information should increase our knowledge about the structural bases of phenomena such as liquid-liquid phase separation and trinucleotide repeat disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Elena-Real
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS), Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS. 29 rue de Navacelles, 34090 Montpellier, France. https://twitter.com/carloselenareal
| | - Pablo Mier
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. Hans-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 15, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Nathalie Sibille
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS), Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS. 29 rue de Navacelles, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Miguel A Andrade-Navarro
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. Hans-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 15, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Pau Bernadó
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS), Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS. 29 rue de Navacelles, 34090 Montpellier, France.
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Wu J, Liu P, Liu Y. Thermosensing and thermal responses in plants. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:923-926. [PMID: 37657995 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Thermosensors have been identified in plants in recent years. Understanding how plants sense and respond to rising temperatures is of utmost importance currently in terms of global warming and its actual and potential impact on us. This forum explores the recent understanding of plant thermosensing and thermal responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwen Wu
- College of Forestry, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, Yunnan, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Division of Biological Environmental Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yukun Liu
- College of Forestry, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, Yunnan, China.
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