The evolutionarily related beta-barrel polypeptide transporters from Pisum sativum and Nostoc PCC7120 contain two distinct functional domains

Chloroplast protein translocation pathways and ubiquitin-dependent regulation at a glance

Chloroplasts conduct photosynthesis and numerous metabolic and signalling processes that enable plant growth and development. Most of the ∼3000 proteins in chloroplasts are nucleus encoded and must be imported from the cytosol. Thus, the protein import machinery of the organelle (the TOC-TIC apparatus) is of fundamental importance for chloroplast biogenesis and operation. Cytosolic factors target chloroplast precursor proteins to the TOC-TIC apparatus, which drives protein import across the envelope membranes into the organelle, before various internal systems mediate downstream routing to different suborganellar compartments. The protein import system is proteolytically regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), enabling centralized control over the organellar proteome. In addition, the UPS targets a range of chloroplast proteins directly. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we present mechanistic details of these different chloroplast protein targeting and translocation events, and of the UPS systems that regulate chloroplast proteins.

The outer membrane Omp85-like protein P39 influences metabolic homeostasis in mature Arabidopsis thaliana

The Omp85 proteins form a large membrane protein family in bacteria and eukaryotes. Omp85 proteins are composed of a C-terminal β-barrel-shaped membrane domain and one or more N-terminal polypeptide transport-associated (POTRA) domains. However, Arabidopsis thaliana contains two genes coding for Omp85 proteins without a POTRA domain. One gene is designated P39, according to the molecular weight of the encoded protein. The protein is targeted to plastids and it was established that p39 has electrophysiological properties similar to other Omp85 family members, particularly to that designated as Toc75V/Oep80. We analysed expression of the gene and characterised two T-DNA insertion mutants, focusing on alterations in photosynthetic activity, plastid ultrastructure, global expression profile and metabolome. We observed pronounced expression of P39, especially in veins. Mutants of P39 show growth aberrations, reduced photosynthetic activity and changes in plastid ultrastructure, particularly in the leaf tip. Further, they display global alteration of gene expression and metabolite content in leaves of mature plants. We conclude that the function of the plastid-localised and vein-specific Omp85 family protein p39 is important, but not essential, for maintenance of metabolic homeostasis of full-grown A. thaliana plants. Further, the function of p39 in veins influences the functionality of other plant tissues. The link connecting p39 function with metabolic regulation in mature A. thaliana is discussed.

Structural components involved in plastid protein import

Import of preproteins into chloroplasts is an essential process, requiring two major multisubunit protein complexes that are embedded in the outer and inner chloroplast envelope membrane. Both the translocon of the outer chloroplast membrane (Toc), as well as the translocon of the inner chloroplast membrane (Tic) have been studied intensively with respect to their individual subunit compositions, functions and regulations. Recent advances in crystallography have increased our understanding of the operation of these proteins in terms of their interactions and regulation by conformational switching. Several subdomains of components of the Toc translocon have been studied at the structural level, among them the polypeptide transport-associated (POTRA) domain of the channel protein Toc75 and the GTPase domain of Toc34. In this review, we summarize and discuss the insight that has been gained from these structural analyses. In addition, we present the crystal structure of the Toc64 tetratrico-peptide repeat (TPR) domain in complex with the C-terminal domains of the heat-shock proteins (Hsp) Hsp90 and Hsp70.

Chloroplast outer envelope protein P39 in Arabidopsis thaliana belongs to the Omp85 protein family

Proteins of the Omp85 family chaperone the membrane insertion of β-barrel-shaped outer membrane proteins in bacteria, mitochondria, and probably chloroplasts and facilitate the transfer of nuclear-encoded cytosolically synthesized preproteins across the outer envelope of chloroplasts. This protein family is characterized by N-terminal polypeptide transport-associated (POTRA) domains and a C-terminal membrane-embedded β-barrel. We have investigated a recently identified Omp85 family member of Arabidopsis thaliana annotated as P39. We show by in vitro and in vivo experiments that P39 is localized in chloroplasts. The electrophysiological properties of P39 are consistent with those of other Omp85 family members confirming the sequence based assignment of P39 to this family. Bioinformatic analysis showed that P39 lacks any POTRA domain, while a complete 16 stranded β-barrel including the highly conserved L6 loop is proposed. The electrophysiological properties are most comparable to Toc75-V, which is consistent with the phylogenetic clustering of P39 in the Toc75-V rather than the Toc75-III branch of the Omp85 family tree. Taken together P39 forms a pore with Omp85 family protein characteristics. The bioinformatic comparison of the pore region of Toc75-III, Toc75-V, and P39 shows distinctions of the barrel region most likely related to function. Proteins 2017; 85:1391-1401. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Relative Orientation of POTRA Domains from Cyanobacterial Omp85 Studied by Pulsed EPR Spectroscopy

Many proteins of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and of the outer envelope of the endosymbiotically derived organelles mitochondria and plastids have a β-barrel fold. Their insertion is assisted by membrane proteins of the Omp85-TpsB superfamily. These proteins are composed of a C-terminal β-barrel and a different number of N-terminal POTRA domains, three in the case of cyanobacterial Omp85. Based on structural studies of Omp85 proteins, including the five POTRA-domain-containing BamA protein of Escherichia coli, it is predicted that anaP2 and anaP3 bear a fixed orientation, whereas anaP1 and anaP2 are connected via a flexible hinge. We challenged this proposal by investigating the conformational space of the N-terminal POTRA domains of Omp85 from the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 using pulsed electron-electron double resonance (PELDOR, or DEER) spectroscopy. The pronounced dipolar oscillations observed for most of the double spin-labeled positions indicate a rather rigid orientation of the POTRA domains in frozen liquid solution. Based on the PELDOR distance data, structure refinement of the POTRA domains was performed taking two different approaches: 1) treating the individual POTRA domains as rigid bodies; and 2) using an all-atom refinement of the structure. Both refinement approaches yielded ensembles of model structures that are more restricted compared to the conformational ensemble obtained by molecular dynamics simulations, with only a slightly different orientation of N-terminal POTRA domains anaP1 and anaP2 compared with the x-ray structure. The results are discussed in the context of the native environment of the POTRA domains in the periplasm.

The POTRA domains of Toc75 exhibit chaperone-like function to facilitate import into chloroplasts

Protein trafficking across membranes is an essential function in cells; however, the exact mechanism for how this occurs is not well understood. In the endosymbionts, mitochondria and chloroplasts, the vast majority of proteins are synthesized in the cytoplasm as preproteins and then imported into the organelles via specialized machineries. In chloroplasts, protein import is accomplished by the TOC (translocon on the outer chloroplast membrane) and TIC (translocon on the inner chloroplast membrane) machineries in the outer and inner envelope membranes, respectively. TOC mediates initial recognition of preproteins at the outer membrane and includes a core membrane channel, Toc75, and two receptor proteins, Toc33/34 and Toc159, each containing GTPase domains that control preprotein binding and translocation. Toc75 is predicted to have a β-barrel fold consisting of an N-terminal intermembrane space (IMS) domain and a C-terminal 16-stranded β-barrel domain. Here we report the crystal structure of the N-terminal IMS domain of Toc75 from Arabidopsis thaliana, revealing three tandem polypeptide transport-associated (POTRA) domains, with POTRA2 containing an additional elongated helix not observed previously in other POTRA domains. Functional studies show an interaction with the preprotein, preSSU, which is mediated through POTRA2-3. POTRA2-3 also was found to have chaperone-like activity in an insulin aggregation assay, which we propose facilitates preprotein import. Our data suggest a model in which the POTRA domains serve as a binding site for the preprotein as it emerges from the Toc75 channel and provide a chaperone-like activity to prevent misfolding or aggregation as the preprotein traverses the intermembrane space.

Multi-functional roles for the polypeptide transport associated domains of Toc75 in chloroplast protein import

Toc75 plays a central role in chloroplast biogenesis in plants as the membrane channel of the protein import translocon at the outer envelope of chloroplasts (TOC). Toc75 is a member of the Omp85 family of bacterial and organellar membrane insertases, characterized by N-terminal POTRA (polypeptide-transport associated) domains and C-terminal membrane-integrated β-barrels. We demonstrate that the Toc75 POTRA domains are essential for protein import and contribute to interactions with TOC receptors, thereby coupling preprotein recognition at the chloroplast surface with membrane translocation. The POTRA domains also interact with preproteins and mediate the recruitment of molecular chaperones in the intermembrane space to facilitate membrane transport. Our studies are consistent with the multi-functional roles of POTRA domains observed in other Omp85 family members and demonstrate that the domains of Toc75 have evolved unique properties specific to the acquisition of protein import during endosymbiotic evolution of the TOC system in plastids.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.12631.001

Chloroplasts are a hallmark feature of plant cells and the sites of photosynthesis – the process in which plants harness the energy in sunlight for their own needs. The first chloroplasts arose when a photosynthetic bacterium was engulfed by another host cell, and most of the original bacterial genes have been transferred to the host cell’s nucleus during the evolution of land plants. As a result, modern chloroplasts need to import the thousands of proteins encoded by these genes from the rest of the cell.

The chloroplast protein import system relies on a protein transporter in the chloroplast membrane that evolved from a family of bacterial transporters. However, the bacterial transporters were initially involved in protein export, and it was not known how the activity of these transporters adapted to move proteins in the opposite direction.

Paila et al. set out to better understand the chloroplast protein import system and produced mutated forms of the transporter in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. These experiments revealed that a part of the transporter that is conserved in many other organisms, the “protein transport associated domains”, has been adapted for three key roles in protein import. First, this part of the transporter interacts with the other components of the import system that make the transporter more selective and control which direction the proteins are transported. Second, the domains interact with proteins during transport to help move them across the chloroplast membrane. Finally, the domains recruit other molecules called chaperones, which stop the protein from aggregating or misfolding during the transport process. These activities are similar to those for the bacterial export transporters, but clearly evolved to allow transport in the opposite direction – that is, to import proteins into chloroplasts.

The next challenges are to explain how proteins destined for chloroplasts are recognized and transported through the chloroplast’s membrane.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.12631.002

Functions of plastid protein import and the ubiquitin-proteasome system in plastid development

Plastids, such as chloroplasts, are widely distributed endosymbiotic organelles in plants and algae. Apart from their well-known functions in photosynthesis, they have roles in processes as diverse as signal sensing, fruit ripening, and seed development. As most plastid proteins are produced in the cytosol, plastids have developed dedicated translocon machineries for protein import, comprising the TOC (translocon at the outer envelope membrane of chloroplasts) and TIC (translocon at the inner envelope membrane of chloroplasts) complexes. Multiple lines of evidence reveal that protein import via the TOC complex is actively regulated, based on the specific interplay between distinct receptor isoforms and diverse client proteins. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of protein import regulation, particularly in relation to control by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), and how such regulation changes plastid development. The diversity of plastid import receptors (and of corresponding preprotein substrates) has a determining role in plastid differentiation and interconversion. The controllable turnover of TOC components by the UPS influences the developmental fate of plastids, which is fundamentally linked to plant development. Understanding the mechanisms by which plastid protein import is controlled is critical to the development of breakthrough approaches to increase the yield, quality and stress tolerance of important crop plants, which are highly dependent on plastid development. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Chloroplast Biogenesis.

Structure and function of POTRA domains of Omp85/TPS superfamily

The Omp85/TPS (outer-membrane protein of 85 kDa/two-partner secretion) superfamily is a ubiquitous and major class of β-barrel proteins. This superfamily is restricted to the outer membranes of gram-negative bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. The common architecture, with an N-terminus consisting of repeats of soluble polypeptide-transport-associated (POTRA) domains and a C-terminal β-barrel pore is highly conserved. The structures of multiple POTRA domains and one full-length TPS protein have been solved, yet discovering roles of individual POTRA domains has been difficult. This review focuses on similarities and differences between POTRA structures, emphasizing POTRA domains in autotrophic organisms including plants and cyanobacteria. Unique roles, specific for certain POTRA domains, are examined in the context of POTRA location with respect to their attachment to the β-barrel pore, and their degree of biological dispensability. Finally, because many POTRA domains may have the ability to interact with thousands of partner proteins, possible modes of these interactions are also explored.

Cell envelope components influencing filament length in the heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120

Heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria grow as chains of cells (known as trichomes or filaments) that can be hundreds of cells long. The filament consists of individual cells surrounded by a cytoplasmic membrane and peptidoglycan layers. The cells, however, share a continuous outer membrane, and septal proteins, such as SepJ, are important for cell-cell contact and filament formation. Here, we addressed a possible role of cell envelope components in filamentation, the process of producing and maintaining filaments, in the model cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120. We studied filament length and the response of the filaments to mechanical fragmentation in a number of strains with mutations in genes encoding cell envelope components. Previously published peptidoglycan- and outer membrane-related gene mutants and strains with mutations in two genes (all5045 and alr0718) encoding class B penicillin-binding proteins isolated in this work were used. Our results show that filament length is affected in most cell envelope mutants, but the filaments of alr5045 and alr2270 gene mutants were particularly fragmented. All5045 is a dd-transpeptidase involved in peptidoglycan elongation during cell growth, and Alr2270 is an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of lipid A, a key component of lipopolysaccharide. These results indicate that both components of the cell envelope, the murein sacculus and the outer membrane, influence filamentation. As deduced from the filament fragmentation phenotypes of their mutants, however, none of these elements is as important for filamentation as the septal protein SepJ.

New insights into the mechanism of chloroplast protein import and its integration with protein quality control, organelle biogenesis and development

The translocons at the outer (TOC) and the inner (TIC) envelope membranes of chloroplasts mediate the targeting and import of several thousand nucleus-encoded preproteins that are required for organelle biogenesis and homeostasis. The cytosolic events in preprotein targeting remain largely unknown, although cytoplasmic chaperones have been proposed to facilitate delivery to the TOC complex. Preprotein recognition is mediated by the TOC GTPase receptors Toc159 and Toc34. The receptors constitute a GTP-regulated switch, which initiates membrane translocation via Toc75, a member of the Omp85 (outer membrane protein 85)/TpsB (two-partner secretion system B) family of bacterial, plastid and mitochondrial β-barrel outer membrane proteins. The TOC receptor systems have diversified to recognize distinct sets of preproteins, thereby maximizing the efficiency of targeting in response to changes in gene expression during developmental and physiological events that impact organelle function. The TOC complex interacts with the TIC translocon to allow simultaneous translocation of preproteins across the envelope. Both the two inner membrane complexes, the Tic110 and 1 MDa complexes, have been implicated as constituents of the TIC translocon, and it remains to be determined how they interact to form the TIC channel and assemble the import-associated chaperone network in the stroma that drives import across the envelope membranes. This review will focus on recent developments in our understanding of the mechanisms and diversity of the TOC-TIC systems. Our goal is to incorporate these recent studies with previous work and present updated or revised models for the function of TOC-TIC in protein import.

How protein targeting to primary plastids via the endomembrane system could have evolved? A new hypothesis based on phylogenetic studies

Background

It is commonly assumed that a heterotrophic ancestor of the supergroup Archaeplastida/Plantae engulfed a cyanobacterium that was transformed into a primary plastid; however, it is still unclear how nuclear-encoded proteins initially were imported into the new organelle. Most proteins targeted to primary plastids carry a transit peptide and are transported post-translationally using Toc and Tic translocons. There are, however, several proteins with N-terminal signal peptides that are directed to higher plant plastids in vesicles derived from the endomembrane system (ES). The existence of these proteins inspired a hypothesis that all nuclear-encoded, plastid-targeted proteins initially carried signal peptides and were targeted to the ancestral primary plastid via the host ES.

Results

We present the first phylogenetic analyses of Arabidopsis thaliana α-carbonic anhydrase (CAH1), Oryza sativa nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (NPP1), and two O. sativa α-amylases (αAmy3, αAmy7), proteins that are directed to higher plant primary plastids via the ES. We also investigated protein disulfide isomerase (RB60) from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii because of its peculiar dual post- and co-translational targeting to both the plastid and ES. Our analyses show that these proteins all are of eukaryotic rather than cyanobacterial origin, and that their non-plastid homologs are equipped with signal peptides responsible for co-translational import into the host ES. Our results indicate that vesicular trafficking of proteins to primary plastids evolved long after the cyanobacterial endosymbiosis (possibly only in higher plants) to permit their glycosylation and/or transport to more than one cellular compartment.

Conclusions

The proteins we analyzed are not relics of ES-mediated protein targeting to the ancestral primary plastid. Available data indicate that Toc- and Tic-based translocation dominated protein import into primary plastids from the beginning. Only a handful of host proteins, which already were targeted through the ES, later were adapted to reach the plastid via the vesicular trafficking. They represent a derived class of higher plant plastid-targeted proteins with an unusual evolutionary history.

Reviewers

This article was reviewed by Prof. William Martin, Dr. Philippe Deschamps (nominated by Dr. Purificacion Lopez-Garcia) and Dr Simonetta Gribaldo.

The TolC-like protein HgdD of the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 is involved in secondary metabolite export and antibiotic resistance

The role of TolC has largely been explored in proteobacteria, where it functions as a metabolite and protein exporter. In contrast, little research has been carried out on the function of cyanobacterial homologues, and as a consequence, not much is known about the mechanism of cyanobacterial antibiotic uptake and metabolite secretion in general. It has been suggested that the TolC-like homologue of the filamentous, heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, termed heterocyst glycolipid deposition protein D (HgdD), is involved in both protein and lipid secretion. To describe its function in secondary metabolite secretion, we established a system to measure the uptake of antibiotics based on the fluorescent molecule ethidium bromide. We analyzed the rate of porin-dependent metabolite uptake and confirmed the functional relation between detoxification and the action of HgdD. Moreover, we identified two major facilitator superfamily proteins that are involved in this process. It appears that anaOmp85 (Alr2269) is not required for insertion or assembly of HgdD, because an alr2269 mutant does not exhibit a phenotype similar to the hgdD mutant. Thus, we could assign components of the metabolite efflux system and describe parameters of detoxification by Anabaena sp. PCC 7120.

The chloroplast protein import system: from algae to trees

Chloroplasts are essential organelles in the cells of plants and algae. The functions of these specialized plastids are largely dependent on the ~3000 proteins residing in the organelle. Although chloroplasts are capable of a limited amount of semiautonomous protein synthesis - their genomes encode ~100 proteins - they must import more than 95% of their proteins after synthesis in the cytosol. Imported proteins generally possess an N-terminal extension termed a transit peptide. The importing translocons are made up of two complexes in the outer and inner envelope membranes, the so-called Toc and Tic machineries, respectively. The Toc complex contains two precursor receptors, Toc159 and Toc34, a protein channel, Toc75, and a peripheral component, Toc64/OEP64. The Tic complex consists of as many as eight components, namely Tic22, Tic110, Tic40, Tic20, Tic21 Tic62, Tic55 and Tic32. This general Toc/Tic import pathway, worked out largely in pea chloroplasts, appears to operate in chloroplasts in all green plants, albeit with significant modifications. Sub-complexes of the Toc and Tic machineries are proposed to exist to satisfy different substrate-, tissue-, cell- and developmental requirements. In this review, we summarize our understanding of the functions of Toc and Tic components, comparing these components of the import machinery in green algae through trees. We emphasize recent findings that point to growing complexities of chloroplast protein import process, and use the evolutionary relationships between proteins of different species in an attempt to define the essential core translocon components and those more likely to be responsible for regulation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Protein Import and Quality Control in Mitochondria and Plastids.

Bacterial origin of a mitochondrial outer membrane protein translocase: new perspectives from comparative single channel electrophysiology

Mitochondria are of bacterial ancestry and have to import most of their proteins from the cytosol. This process is mediated by Tom40, an essential protein that forms the protein-translocating pore in the outer mitochondrial membrane. Tom40 is conserved in virtually all eukaryotes, but its evolutionary origin is unclear because bacterial orthologues have not been identified so far. Recently, it was shown that the parasitic protozoon Trypanosoma brucei lacks a conventional Tom40 and instead employs the archaic translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane (ATOM), a protein that shows similarities to both eukaryotic Tom40 and bacterial protein translocases of the Omp85 family. Here we present electrophysiological single channel data showing that ATOM forms a hydrophilic pore of large conductance and high open probability. Moreover, ATOM channels exhibit a preference for the passage of cationic molecules consistent with the idea that it may translocate unfolded proteins targeted by positively charged N-terminal presequences. This is further supported by the fact that the addition of a presequence peptide induces transient pore closure. An in-depth comparison of these single channel properties with those of other protein translocases reveals that ATOM closely resembles bacterial-type protein export channels rather than eukaryotic Tom40. Our results support the idea that ATOM represents an evolutionary intermediate between a bacterial Omp85-like protein export machinery and the conventional Tom40 that is found in mitochondria of other eukaryotes.

Structure and conservation of the periplasmic targeting factor Tic22 protein from plants and cyanobacteria

Mitochondria and chloroplasts are of endosymbiotic origin. Their integration into cells entailed the development of protein translocons, partially by recycling bacterial proteins. We demonstrate the evolutionary conservation of the translocon component Tic22 between cyanobacteria and chloroplasts. Tic22 in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 is essential. The protein is localized in the thylakoids and in the periplasm and can be functionally replaced by a plant orthologue. Tic22 physically interacts with the outer envelope biogenesis factor Omp85 in vitro and in vivo, the latter exemplified by immunoprecipitation after chemical cross-linking. The physical interaction together with the phenotype of a tic22 mutant comparable with the one of the omp85 mutant indicates a concerted function of both proteins. The three-dimensional structure allows the definition of conserved hydrophobic pockets comparable with those of ClpS or BamB. The results presented suggest a function of Tic22 in outer membrane biogenesis.

Specific lipids influence the import capacity of the chloroplast outer envelope precursor protein translocon

Recent studies demonstrated that lipids influence the assembly and efficiency of membrane-embedded macromolecular complexes. Similarly, lipids have been found to influence chloroplast precursor protein binding to the membrane surface and to be associated with the Translocon of the Outer membrane of Chloroplasts (TOC). We used a system based on chloroplast outer envelope vesicles from Pisum sativum to obtain an initial understanding of the influence of lipids on precursor protein translocation across the outer envelope. The ability of the model precursor proteins p(OE33)titin and pSSU to be recognized and translocated in this simplified system was investigated. We demonstrate that transport across the outer membrane can be observed in the absence of the inner envelope translocon. The translocation, however, was significantly slower than that observed for chloroplasts. Enrichment of outer envelope vesicles with different lipids natively found in chloroplast membranes altered the binding and transport behavior. Further, the results obtained using outer envelope vesicles were consistent with the results observed for the reconstituted isolated TOC complex. Based on both approaches we concluded that the lipids sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) increased TOC-mediated binding and import for both precursor proteins. In contrast, enrichment in digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) improved TOC-mediated binding for pSSU, but decreased import for both precursor proteins. Optimal import occurred only in a narrow concentration range of DGDG.

Genome-based reconstruction of the protein import machinery in the secondary plastid of a chlorarachniophyte alga

Most plastid proteins are encoded by their nuclear genomes and need to be targeted across multiple envelope membranes. In vascular plants, the translocons at the outer and inner envelope membranes of chloroplasts (TOC and TIC, respectively) facilitate transport across the two plastid membranes. In contrast, several algal groups harbor more complex plastids, the so-called secondary plastids, which are surrounded by three or four membranes, but the plastid protein import machinery (in particular, how proteins cross the membrane corresponding to the secondary endosymbiont plasma membrane) remains unexplored in many of these algae. To reconstruct the putative protein import machinery of a secondary plastid, we used the chlorarachniophyte alga Bigelowiella natans, whose plastid is bounded by four membranes and still possesses a relict nucleus of a green algal endosymbiont (the nucleomorph) in the intermembrane space. We identified nine homologs of plant-like TOC/TIC components in the recently sequenced B. natans nuclear genome, adding to the two that remain in the nucleomorph genome (B. natans TOC75 [BnTOC75] and BnTIC20). All of these proteins were predicted to be localized to the plastid and might function in the inner two membranes. We also show that the homologs of a protein, Der1, that is known to mediate transport across the second membrane in the several lineages with secondary plastids of red algal origin is not associated with plastid protein targeting in B. natans. How plastid proteins cross this membrane remains a mystery, but it is clear that the protein transport machinery of chlorarachniophyte plastids differs from that of red algal secondary plastids.

Tic20 forms a channel independent of Tic110 in chloroplasts

BACKGROUND

The Tic complex (Translocon at the inner envelope membrane of chloroplasts) mediates the translocation of nuclear encoded chloroplast proteins across the inner envelope membrane. Tic110 forms one prominent protein translocation channel. Additionally, Tic20, another subunit of the complex, was proposed to form a protein import channel - either together with or independent of Tic110. However, no experimental evidence for Tic20 channel activity has been provided so far.

RESULTS

We performed a comprehensive biochemical and electrophysiological study to characterize Tic20 in more detail and to gain a deeper insight into its potential role in protein import into chloroplasts. Firstly, we compared transcript and protein levels of Tic20 and Tic110 in both Pisum sativum and Arabidopsis thaliana. We found the Tic20 protein to be generally less abundant, which was particularly pronounced in Arabidopsis. Secondly, we demonstrated that Tic20 forms a complex larger than 700 kilodalton in the inner envelope membrane, which is clearly separate from Tic110, migrating as a dimer at about 250 kilodalton. Thirdly, we defined the topology of Tic20 in the inner envelope, and found its N- and C-termini to be oriented towards the stromal side. Finally, we successfully reconstituted overexpressed and purified full-length Tic20 into liposomes. Using these Tic20-proteoliposomes, we could demonstrate for the first time that Tic20 can independently form a cation selective channel in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented data provide first biochemical evidence to the notion that Tic20 can act as a channel protein within the chloroplast import translocon complex. However, the very low abundance of Tic20 in the inner envelope membranes indicates that it cannot form a major protein translocation channel. Furthermore, the independent complex formation of Tic20 and Tic110 argues against a joint channel formation. Thus, based on the observed channel activity of Tic20 in proteoliposomes, we speculate that the chloroplast inner envelope contains multiple (at least two) translocation channels: Tic110 as the general translocation pore, whereas Tic20 could be responsible for translocation of a special subset of proteins.

In vivo analyses of the roles of essential Omp85-related proteins in the chloroplast outer envelope membrane

Two different, essential Omp85 (Outer membrane protein, 85 kD)-related proteins exist in the outer envelope membrane of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) chloroplasts: Toc75 (Translocon at the outer envelope membrane of chloroplasts, 75 kD), encoded by atTOC75-III; and OEP80 (Outer Envelope Protein, 80 kD), encoded by AtOEP80/atTOC75-V. The atToc75-III protein is closely related to the originally identified pea (Pisum sativum) Toc75 protein, and it forms a preprotein translocation channel during chloroplast import; the AtOEP80 protein is considerably more divergent from pea Toc75, and its role is unknown. As knockout mutations for atTOC75-III and AtOEP80 are embryo lethal, we employed a dexamethasone-inducible RNA interference strategy (using the pOpOff2 vector) to conduct in vivo studies on the roles of these two proteins in older, postembryonic plants. We conducted comparative studies on plants silenced for atToc75-III (atToc75-III↓) or AtOEP80 (AtOEP80↓), as well as additional studies on a stable, atToc75-III missense allele (toc75-III-3/modifier of altered response to gravity1), and our results indicated that both proteins are important for chloroplast biogenesis at postembryonic stages of development. Moreover, both are important for photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic development, albeit to different degrees: atToc75-III↓ phenotypes were considerably more severe than those of AtOEP80↓. Qualitative similarity between the atToc75-III↓ and AtOEP80↓ phenotypes may be linked to deficiencies in atToc75-III and other TOC proteins in AtOEP80↓ plants. Detailed analysis of atToc75-III↓ plants, by electron microscopy, immunoblotting, quantitative proteomics, and protein import assays, indicated that these plants are defective in relation to the biogenesis of both photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic plastids and preproteins, confirming the earlier hypothesis that atToc75-III functions promiscuously in different substrate-specific import pathways.

Chloroplast Omp85 proteins change orientation during evolution

The majority of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) from gram-negative bacteria and many of mitochondria and chloroplasts are β-barrels. Insertion and assembly of these proteins are catalyzed by the Omp85 protein family in a seemingly conserved process. All members of this family exhibit a characteristic N-terminal polypeptide-transport-associated (POTRA) and a C-terminal 16-stranded β-barrel domain. In plants, two phylogenetically distinct and essential Omp85's exist in the chloroplast outer membrane, namely Toc75-III and Toc75-V. Whereas Toc75-V, similar to the mitochondrial Sam50, is thought to possess the original bacterial function, its homolog, Toc75-III, evolved to the pore-forming unit of the TOC translocon for preprotein import. In all current models of OMP biogenesis and preprotein translocation, a topology of Omp85 with the POTRA domain in the periplasm or intermembrane space is assumed. Using self-assembly GFP-based in vivo experiments and in situ topology studies by electron cryotomography, we show that the POTRA domains of both Toc75-III and Toc75-V are exposed to the cytoplasm. This unexpected finding explains many experimental observations and requires a reevaluation of current models of OMP biogenesis and TOC complex function.

A high-definition native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis system for the analysis of membrane complexes

Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) is an important technique for the analysis of membrane protein complexes. A major breakthrough was the development of blue native (BN-) and high resolution clear native (hrCN-) PAGE techniques. Although these techniques are very powerful, they could not be applied to all systems with the same resolution. We have developed an alternative protocol for the analysis of membrane protein complexes of plant chloroplasts and cyanobacteria, which we termed histidine- and deoxycholate-based native (HDN-) PAGE. We compared the capacity of HDN-, BN- and hrCN-PAGE to resolve the well-studied respiratory chain complexes in mitochondria of bovine heart muscle and Yarrowia lipolytica, as well as thylakoid localized complexes of Medicago sativa, Pisum sativum and Anabaena sp. PCC7120. Moreover, we determined the assembly/composition of the Anabaena sp. PCC7120 thylakoids and envelope membranes by HDN-PAGE. The analysis of isolated chloroplast envelope complexes by HDN-PAGE permitted us to resolve complexes such as the translocon of the outer envelope migrating at approximately 700 kDa or of the inner envelope of about 230 and 400 kDa with high resolution. By immunodecoration and mass spectrometry of these complexes we present new insights into the assembly/composition of these translocation machineries. The HDN-PAGE technique thus provides an important tool for future analyses of membrane complexes such as protein translocons.

Biogenesis of mitochondrial β-barrel proteins: the POTRA domain is involved in precursor release from the SAM complex

The mitochondrial outer membrane contains proteinaceous machineries for the translocation of precursor proteins. The sorting and assembly machinery (SAM) is required for the insertion of β-barrel proteins into the outer membrane. Sam50 is the channel-forming core subunit of the SAM complex and belongs to the BamA/Sam50/Toc75 family of proteins that have been conserved from Gram-negative bacteria to mitochondria and chloroplasts. These proteins contain one or more N-terminal polypeptide transport-associated (POTRA) domains. POTRA domains can bind precursor proteins, however, different views exist on the role of POTRA domains in the biogenesis of β-barrel proteins. It has been suggested that the single POTRA domain of mitochondrial Sam50 plays a receptor-like function at the SAM complex. We established a system to monitor the interaction of chemical amounts of β-barrel precursor proteins with the SAM complex of wild-type and mutant yeast in organello. We report that the SAM complex lacking the POTRA domain of Sam50 efficiently binds β-barrel precursors, but is impaired in the release of the precursors. These results indicate the POTRA domain of Sam50 is not essential for recognition of β-barrel precursors but functions in a subsequent step to promote the release of precursor proteins from the SAM complex.

Omp85 in eukaryotic systems: one protein family with distinct functions

Omp85-like proteins are evolutionary ancient components of bacterial outer membranes and their evolutionary offspring. As a consequence, proteins of this family can be found in the outer membrane systems of Gram-negative bacteria and endosymbiotically derived organelles. In the different membranes, they perform distinct functions such as catalyzing protein insertion into or protein transport across the bilayer. Here, the knowledge on the Omp85-like proteins in the eukaryotic system with regard to structural properties and physiological behavior is summarized.

The properties of the outer membrane localized Lipid A transporter LptD

Gram-negative bacteria are surrounded by a cell wall including the outer membrane. The outer membrane is composed of two distinct monolayers where the outer layer contains lipopolysaccharides (LPS) with the non-phospholipid Lipid A as the core. The synthesis of Lipid A is initiated in the cytosol and thereby the molecule has to be transported across the inner and outer membranes. The β-barrel lipopolysaccharide-assembly protein D (LptD) was discovered to be involved in the transfer of Lipid A into the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. At present the molecular procedure of lipid transfer across the outer membrane remains unknown. Here we approached the functionality of the transfer system by an electrophysiological analysis of the outer membrane protein from Escherichia coli named ecLptD. In vitro the protein shows cation selectivity and has an estimated pore diameter of about 1.8 nm. Addition of Lipid A induces a transition of the open state to a sub-conductance state with two independent off-rates, which might suggest that LptD is able to bind and transport the molecule in vitro. To generalize our findings with respect to the Lipid A transport system of other gram-negative bacteria we have explored the existence of the proteins involved in this pathway by bioinformatic means. We were able to identify the membrane-inserted components of the Lipid A transport system in all gram-negative bacteria, whereas the periplasmic components appear to be species-specific. The LptD proteins of different bacteria are characterized by their periplasmic N-terminal domain and a C-terminal barrel region. The latter shows distinct sequence properties, particularly in LptD proteins of cyanobacteria, and this specific domain can be found in plant proteins as well. By electrophysiological experiments on LptD from Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 we are able to confirm the functional relation of anaLptD to Lipid A transport.

Protein conducting nanopores

About 50% of the cellular proteins have to be transported into or across cellular membranes. This transport is an essential step in the protein biosynthesis. In eukaryotic cells secretory proteins are transported into the endoplasmic reticulum before they are transported in vesicles to the plasma membrane. Almost all proteins of the endosymbiotic organelles chloroplasts and mitochondria are synthesized on cytosolic ribosomes and posttranslationally imported. Genetic, biochemical and biophysical approaches led to rather detailed knowledge on the composition of the translocon-complexes which catalyze the membrane transport of the preproteins. Comprehensive concepts on the targeting and membrane transport of polypeptides emerged, however little detail on the molecular nature and mechanisms of the protein translocation channels comprising nanopores has been achieved. In this paper we will highlight recent developments of the diverse protein translocation systems and focus particularly on the common biophysical properties and functions of the protein conducting nanopores. We also provide a first analysis of the interaction between the genuine protein conducting nanopore Tom40(SC) as well as a mutant Tom40(SC) (S(54 --> E) containing an additional negative charge at the channel vestibule and one of its native substrates, CoxIV, a mitochondrial targeting peptide. The polypeptide induced a voltage-dependent increase in the frequency of channel closure of Tom40(SC) corresponding to a voltage-dependent association rate, which was even more pronounced for the Tom40(SC) S54E mutant. The corresponding dwelltime reflecting association/transport of the peptide could be determined with t(off) approximately = 1.1 ms for the wildtype, whereas the mutant Tom40(SC) S54E displayed a biphasic dwelltime distribution (t(off)(-1) approximately = 0.4 ms; t(off)(-2) approximately = 4.6 ms).

Functional importance of a conserved sequence motif in FhaC, a prototypic member of the TpsB/Omp85 superfamily

In Gram-negative bacteria, the two-partner secretion pathway mediates the secretion of TpsA proteins with various functions. TpsB transporters specifically recognize their TpsA partners in the periplasm and mediate their transport through a hydrophilic channel. The filamentous haemagglutinin adhesin (FHA)/FhaC pair represents a model two-partner secretion system, with the structure of the TpsB transporter FhaC providing the bases to decipher the mechanism of action of these proteins. FhaC is composed of a β-barrel preceded by two periplasmic polypeptide-transport-associated (POTRA) domains in tandem. The barrel is occluded by an N-terminal helix and an extracellular loop, L6, folded back into the FhaC channel. In this article, we describe a functionally important motif of FhaC. The VRGY tetrad is highly conserved in the TpsB family and, in FhaC, it is located at the tip of L6 reaching the periplasm. Replacement by Ala of the invariant Arg dramatically affects the secretion efficiency, although the structure of FhaC and its channel properties remain unaffected. This substitution affects the secretion mechanism at a step beyond the initial TpsA-TpsB interaction. Replacement of the conserved Tyr affects the channel properties, but not the secretion activity, suggesting that this residue stabilizes the loop in the resting conformation of FhaC. Thus, the conserved motif at the tip of L6 represents an important piece of two-partner secretion machinery. This motif is conserved in a predicted loop between two β-barrel strands in more distant relatives of FhaC involved in protein transport across or assembly into the outer membranes of bacteria and organelles, suggesting a conserved function in the molecular mechanism of transport.

Comparative genomic studies suggest that the cyanobacterial endosymbionts of the amoeba Paulinella chromatophora possess an import apparatus for nuclear-encoded proteins

Plastids evolved from free-living cyanobacteria through a process of primary endosymbiosis. The most widely accepted hypothesis derives three ancient lineages of primary plastids, i.e. those of glaucophytes, red algae and green plants, from a single cyanobacterial endosymbiosis. This hypothesis was originally predicated on the assumption that transformations of endosymbionts into organelles must be exceptionally rare because of the difficulty in establishing efficient protein trafficking between a host cell and incipient organelle. It turns out, however, that highly integrated endosymbiotic associations are more common than once thought. Among them is the amoeba Paulinella chromatophora, which harbours independently acquired cyanobacterial endosymbionts functioning as plastids. Sequencing of the Paulinella endosymbiont genome revealed an absence of essential genes for protein trafficking, suggesting their residence in the host nucleus and import of protein products back into the endosymbiont. To investigate this hypothesis, we searched the Paulinella endosymbiont genome for homologues of higher plant translocon proteins that form the import apparatus in two-membrane envelopes of primary plastids. We found homologues of Toc12, Tic21 and Tic32, but genes for other key translocon proteins (e.g. Omp85/Toc75 and Tic20) were missing. We propose that these missing genes were transferred to the Paulinella nucleus and their products are imported and integrated into the endosymbiont envelope membranes, thereby creating an effective protein import apparatus. We further suggest that other bacterial/cyanobacterial endosymbionts found in protists, plants and animals could have evolved efficient protein import systems independently and, therefore, reached the status of true cellular organelles.

Omp85 from the thermophilic cyanobacterium Thermosynechococcus elongatus differs from proteobacterial Omp85 in structure and domain composition

Omp85 proteins are essential proteins located in the bacterial outer membrane. They are involved in outer membrane biogenesis and assist outer membrane protein insertion and folding by an unknown mechanism. Homologous proteins exist in eukaryotes, where they mediate outer membrane assembly in organelles of endosymbiotic origin, the mitochondria and chloroplasts. We set out to explore the homologous relationship between cyanobacteria and chloroplasts, studying the Omp85 protein from the thermophilic cyanobacterium Thermosynechococcus elongatus. Using state-of-the art sequence analysis and clustering methods, we show how this protein is more closely related to its chloroplast homologue Toc75 than to proteobacterial Omp85, a finding supported by single channel conductance measurements. We have solved the structure of the periplasmic part of the protein to 1.97 A resolution, and we demonstrate that in contrast to Omp85 from Escherichia coli the protein has only three, not five, polypeptide transport-associated (POTRA) domains, which recognize substrates and generally interact with other proteins in bigger complexes. We model how these POTRA domains are attached to the outer membrane, based on the relationship of Omp85 to two-partner secretion system proteins, which we show and analyze. Finally, we discuss how Omp85 proteins with different numbers of POTRA domains evolved, and evolve to this day, to accomplish an increasing number of interactions with substrates and helper proteins.

Conserved properties of polypeptide transport-associated (POTRA) domains derived from cyanobacterial Omp85

Proteins of the Omp85 family are conserved in all kingdoms of life. They mediate protein transport across or protein insertion into membranes and reside in the outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. Omp85 proteins contain a C-terminal transmembrane beta-barrel and a soluble N terminus with a varying number of polypeptide-transport-associated or POTRA domains. Here we investigate Omp85 from the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. The crystallographic three-dimensional structure of the N-terminal region shows three POTRA domains, here named P1 to P3 from the N terminus. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed a hinge between P1 and P2 but in contrast show that P2 and P3 are fixed in orientation. The P2-P3 arrangement is identical as seen for the POTRA domains from proteobacterial FhaC, suggesting this orientation is a conserved feature. Furthermore, we define interfaces for protein-protein interaction in P1 and P2. P3 possesses an extended loop unique to cyanobacteria and plantae, which influences pore properties as shown by deletion. It now becomes clear how variations in structure of individual POTRA domains, as well as the different number of POTRA domains with both rigid and flexible connections make the N termini of Omp85 proteins versatile adaptors for a plentitude of functions.

The TOC complex: preprotein gateway to the chloroplast

Photosynthetic eukaryotes strongly depend on chloroplast metabolic pathways. Most if not all involve nuclear encoded proteins. These are synthesized as cytosolic preproteins with N-terminal, cleavable targeting sequences (transit peptide). Preproteins are imported by a major pathway composed of two proteins complexes: TOC and TIC (Translocon of the Outer and Inner membranes of the Chloroplasts, respectively). These selectively recognize the preproteins and facilitate their transport across the chloroplast envelope. The TOC core complex consists of three types of components, each belonging to a small family: Toc34, Toc75 and Toc159. Toc34 and Toc159 isoforms represent a subfamily of the GTPase superfamily. The members of the Toc34 and Toc159 subfamily act as GTP-dependent receptors at the chloroplast surface and distinct members of each occur in defined, substrate-specific TOC complexes. Toc75, a member of the Omp85 family, is conserved from prokaryotes and functions as the unique protein-conducting channel at the outer membrane. In this review we will describe the current state of knowledge regarding the composition and function of the TOC complex.

Protein transport into chloroplasts

Most proteins in chloroplasts are encoded by the nuclear genome and synthesized as precursors with N-terminal targeting signals called transit peptides. Novel machinery has evolved to specifically import these proteins from the cytosol into chloroplasts. This machinery consists of more than a dozen components located in and around the chloroplast envelope, including a pair of GTPase receptors, a beta-barrel-type channel across the outer membrane, and an AAA(+)-type motor in the stroma. How individual components assemble into functional subcomplexes and the sequential steps of the translocation process are being mapped out. An increasing number of noncanonical import pathways, including a pathway with initial transport through the endomembrane system, is being revealed. Multiple levels of control on protein transport into chloroplasts have evolved, including the development of two receptor subfamilies, one for photosynthetic proteins and one for housekeeping proteins. The functions or expression levels of some translocon components are further adjusted according to plastid type, developmental stage, and metabolic conditions.

Filling the gap, evolutionarily conserved Omp85 in plastids of chromalveolates

Chromalveolates are a diverse group of protists that include many ecologically and medically relevant organisms such as diatoms and apicomplexan parasites. They possess plastids generally surrounded by four membranes, which evolved by engulfment of a red alga. Today, most plastid proteins must be imported, but many aspects of protein import into complex plastids are still cryptic. In particular, how proteins cross the third outermost membrane has remained unexplained. We identified a protein in the third outermost membrane of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum with properties comparable to those of the Omp85 family. We demonstrate that the targeting route of P. tricornutum Omp85 parallels that of the translocation channel of the outer envelope membrane of chloroplasts, Toc75. In addition, the electrophysiological properties are similar to those of the Omp85 proteins involved in protein translocation. This supports the hypothesis that P. tricornutum Omp85 is involved in precursor protein translocation, which would close a gap in the fundamental understanding of the evolutionary origin and function of protein import in secondary plastids.

The outer membrane of a heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium is a permeability barrier for uptake of metabolites that are exchanged between cells

The multicellular Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 is a filamentous cyanobacterium that can fix N(2) in differentiated cells called heterocysts, which exchange nutritional and regulatory compounds with the neighbour photosynthetic vegetative cells. The outer membrane of this bacterium is continuous along the filament defining a continuous periplasmic space. The Anabaena alr0075, alr2269 and alr4893 gene products were characterized as Omp85-like proteins, which are generally involved in outer membrane protein biogenesis. Open reading frame alr2269 is the first gene of an operon that also carries genes for lipopolysaccharide lipid A biosynthesis including alr2270 (an lpxC homologue). Strains carrying inactivating alr2269 or alr2270 constructs showed enhanced sensitivity to erythromycin, SDS, lysozyme and proteinase K suggesting that they produce an outer membrane with increased permeability. These strains further exhibited increased uptake of sucrose, glutamate and, to a lesser extent, a few other amino acids. Increased uptake of the same metabolites was obtained by mechanical fragmentation of wild-type Anabaena filaments. These results document that the outer membrane is a permeability barrier for metabolites such as sucrose and glutamate, which are subjected to intercellular exchange in the diazotrophic filament of heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria.

First structural insights into the TpsB/Omp85 superfamily

Proteins of the TpsB/Omp85 superfamily are involved in protein transport across, or assembly into, the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, and their distant eukaryotic relatives exert similar functions in chloroplasts and mitochondria. The X-ray structure of one TpsB transporter, FhaC, provides the bases to decipher the mechanisms of action of these proteins. With two POTRA domains in the periplasm, a transmembrane β barrel and a large loop harboring a functionally important motif, FhaC epitomizes the conserved features of the super-family.

Molecular interactions within the plant TOC complex

Protein transport, especially into different cellular compartments, is a highly coordinated and regulated process. The molecular machineries which carry out these transport processes are highly complex in structure, function, and regulation. In the case of chloroplasts, thousands of protein molecules have been estimated to be transported across the double-membrane bound envelope per minute. In this brief review, we summarize current knowledge about the molecular interplay during precursor protein import into chloroplasts, focusing on the initial events at the outer envelope.

It takes two to tango: regulation of G proteins by dimerization

Guanine nucleotide-binding (G) proteins, which cycle between a GDP- and a GTP-bound conformation, are conventionally regulated by GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) and guanine nucleotide-exchange factors (GEFs), and function by interacting with effector proteins in the GTP-bound 'on' state. Here we present another class of G proteins that are regulated by homodimerization, which we would categorize as G proteins activated by nucleotide-dependent dimerization (GADs). This class includes proteins such as signal recognition particle (SRP), dynamin, septins and the newly discovered Roco protein Leu-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2). We propose that the juxtaposition of the G domains of two monomers across the GTP-binding sites activates the biological function of these proteins and the GTPase reaction.

Protein transport in organelles: The Toc complex way of preprotein import

Most of the estimated 1000 or so chloroplast proteins are synthesized as cytosolic preproteins with N-terminal cleavable targeting sequences (transit peptide). Translocon complexes at the outer (Toc) and inner chloroplast envelope membrane (Tic) concertedly facilitate post-translational import of preproteins into the chloroplast. Three components, the Toc34 and Toc159 GTPases together with the Toc75 channel, form the core of the Toc complex. The two GTPases act as GTP-dependent receptors at the chloroplast surface and promote insertion of the preprotein across the Toc75 channel. Additional factors guide preproteins to the Toc complex or support their stable ATP-dependent binding to the chloroplast. This minireview describes the components of the Toc complex and their function during the initial steps of preprotein translocation across the chloroplast envelope.

Revaluating the evolution of the Toc and Tic protein translocons

The origin of the plastid from a cyanobacterial endosymbiont necessitated the establishment of specialized molecular machines (translocons) to facilitate the import of nuclear-encoded proteins into the organelle. To improve our understanding of the evolution of the translocons at the outer and inner envelope membrane of chloroplasts (Toc and Tic, respectively), we critically reassess the prevalent notion that their subunits have a function exclusive to protein import. We propose that many translocon components are multifunctional, conserving ancestral pre-endosymbiotic properties that predate their recruitment into the primitive translocon (putatively composed of subunits Toc34, Toc75 and Tic110 and associated chaperones). Multifunctionality seems to be a hallmark of the Tic complex, in which protein import is integrated with a broad array of plastid processes.

Lotus japonicus CASTOR and POLLUX are ion channels essential for perinuclear calcium spiking in legume root endosymbiosis

The mechanism underlying perinuclear calcium spiking induced during legume root endosymbioses is largely unknown. Lotus japonicus symbiosis-defective castor and pollux mutants are impaired in perinuclear calcium spiking. Homology modeling suggested that the related proteins CASTOR and POLLUX might be ion channels. Here, we show that CASTOR and POLLUX form two independent homocomplexes in planta. CASTOR reconstituted in planar lipid bilayers exhibited ion channel activity, and the channel characteristics were altered in a symbiosis-defective mutant carrying an amino acid replacement close to the selectivity filter. Permeability ratio determination and competition experiments reveled a weak preference of CASTOR for cations such as potassium over anions. POLLUX has an identical selectivity filter region and complemented a potassium transport-deficient yeast mutant, suggesting that POLLUX is also a potassium-permeable channel. Immunogold labeling localized the endogenous CASTOR protein to the nuclear envelope of Lotus root cells. Our data are consistent with a role of CASTOR and POLLUX in modulating the nuclear envelope membrane potential. They could either trigger the opening of calcium release channels or compensate the charge release during the calcium efflux as counter ion channels.