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Rockwell NC, Lagarias JC. Cyanobacteriochromes from Gloeobacterales Provide New Insight into the Diversification of Cyanobacterial Photoreceptors. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168313. [PMID: 37839679 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The phytochrome superfamily comprises three groups of photoreceptors sharing a conserved GAF (cGMP-specific phosphodiesterases, cyanobacterial adenylate cyclases, and formate hydrogen lyase transcription activator FhlA) domain that uses a covalently attached linear tetrapyrrole (bilin) chromophore to sense light. Knotted red/far-red phytochromes are widespread in both bacteria and eukaryotes, but cyanobacteria also contain knotless red/far-red phytochromes and cyanobacteriochromes (CBCRs). Unlike typical phytochromes, CBCRs require only the GAF domain for bilin binding, chromophore ligation, and full, reversible photoconversion. CBCRs can sense a wide range of wavelengths (ca. 330-750 nm) and can regulate phototaxis, second messenger metabolism, and optimization of the cyanobacterial light-harvesting apparatus. However, the origins of CBCRs are not well understood: we do not know when or why CBCRs evolved, or what selective advantages led to retention of early CBCRs in cyanobacterial genomes. In the current work, we use the increasing availability of genomes and metagenome-assembled-genomes from early-branching cyanobacteria to explore the origins of CBCRs. We reaffirm the earliest branches in CBCR evolution. We also show that early-branching cyanobacteria contain late-branching CBCRs, implicating early appearance of CBCRs during cyanobacterial evolution. Moreover, we show that early-branching CBCRs behave as integrators of light and pH, providing a potential unique function for early CBCRs that led to their retention and subsequent diversification. Our results thus provide new insight into the origins of these diverse cyanobacterial photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan C Rockwell
- 31 Briggs Hall, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, One Shields Avenue, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - J Clark Lagarias
- 31 Briggs Hall, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, One Shields Avenue, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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2
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Hildebrandt P. Vibrational Spectroscopy of Phytochromes. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1007. [PMID: 37371587 DOI: 10.3390/biom13061007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytochromes are biological photoswitches that translate light into physiological functions. Spectroscopic techniques are essential tools for molecular research into these photoreceptors. This review is directed at summarizing how resonance Raman and IR spectroscopy contributed to an understanding of the structure, dynamics, and reaction mechanism of phytochromes, outlining the substantial experimental and theoretical challenges and describing the strategies to master them. It is shown that the potential of the various vibrational spectroscopic techniques can be most efficiently exploited using integral approaches via a combination of theoretical methods as well as other experimental techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hildebrandt
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Sekr. PC 14, Straße des 17. Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
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3
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Mphy gene reveals the involvement of light source in the regulation of pigment metabolism in Monascus ruber. FOOD BIOSCI 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2023.102390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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4
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Cerón-Bustamante M, Balducci E, Beccari G, Nicholson P, Covarelli L, Benincasa P. Effect of light spectra on cereal fungal pathogens, a review. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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5
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Böhm C, Gourinchas G, Zweytick S, Hujdur E, Reiter M, Trstenjak S, Sensen CW, Winkler A. Characterisation of sequence-structure-function space in sensor-effector integrators of phytochrome-regulated diguanylate cyclases. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2022; 21:1761-1779. [PMID: 35788917 PMCID: PMC9587094 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-022-00255-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the relationship between protein sequence, structure and function is one of the fundamental challenges in biochemistry. A direct correlation, however, is often not trivial since protein dynamics also play an important functional role-especially in signal transduction processes. In a subfamily of bacterial light sensors, phytochrome-activated diguanylate cyclases (PadCs), a characteristic coiled-coil linker element connects photoreceptor and output module, playing an essential role in signal integration. Combining phylogenetic analyses with biochemical characterisations, we were able to show that length and composition of this linker determine sensor-effector function and as such are under considerable evolutionary pressure. The linker length, together with the upstream PHY-specific domain, influences the dynamic range of effector activation and can even cause light-induced enzyme inhibition. We demonstrate phylogenetic clustering according to linker length, and the development of new linker lengths as well as new protein function within linker families. The biochemical characterisation of PadC homologs revealed that the functional coupling of PHY dimer interface and linker element defines signal integration and regulation of output functionality. A small subfamily of PadCs, characterised by a linker length breaking the coiled-coil pattern, shows a markedly different behaviour from other homologs. The effect of the central helical spine on PadC function highlights its essential role in signal integration as well as direct regulation of diguanylate cyclase activity. Appreciation of sensor-effector linkers as integrator elements and their coevolution with sensory modules is a further step towards the use of functionally diverse homologs as building blocks for rationally designed optogenetic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Böhm
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, 8010, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Geoffrey Gourinchas
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, 8010, Graz, Austria
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 67404, Illkirch, France
| | - Sophie Zweytick
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Elvira Hujdur
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Martina Reiter
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Sara Trstenjak
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Christoph Wilhelm Sensen
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine, Római körút 21, 6723, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Andreas Winkler
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, 8010, Graz, Austria.
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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6
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A light-sensing system in the common ancestor of the fungi. Curr Biol 2022; 32:3146-3153.e3. [PMID: 35675809 PMCID: PMC9616733 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Diverse light-sensing organs (i.e., eyes) have evolved across animals. Interestingly, several subcellular analogs have been found in eukaryotic microbes.1 All of these systems have a common “recipe”: a light occluding or refractory surface juxtaposed to a membrane-layer enriched in type I rhodopsins.1, 2, 3, 4 In the fungi, several lineages have been shown to detect light using a diversity of non-homologous photo-responsive proteins.5, 6, 7 However, these systems are not associated with an eyespot-like organelle with one exception found in the zoosporic fungus Blastocladiella emersonii (Be).8Be possesses both elements of this recipe: an eyespot composed of lipid-filled structures (often called the side-body complex [SBC]), co-localized with a membrane enriched with a gene-fusion protein composed of a type I (microbial) rhodopsin and guanylyl cyclase enzyme domain (CyclOp-fusion protein).8,9 Here, we identify homologous pathway components in four Chytridiomycota orders (Chytridiales, Synchytriales, Rhizophydiales, and Monoblepharidiales). To further explore the architecture of the fungal zoospore and its lipid organelles, we reviewed electron microscopy data (e.g., the works of Barr and Hartmann10 and Reichle and Fuller11) and performed fluorescence-microscopy imaging of four CyclOp-carrying zoosporic fungal species, showing the presence of a variety of candidate eyespot-cytoskeletal ultrastructure systems. We then assessed the presence of canonical photoreceptors across the fungi and inferred that the last common fungal ancestor was able to sense light across a range of wavelengths using a variety of systems, including blue-green-light detection. Our data imply, independently of how the fungal tree of life is rooted, that the apparatus for a CyclOp-organelle light perception system was an ancestral feature of the fungi. A wide diversity of flagellated fungi possess the CyclOp light response circuit The same fungi possess the subcellular equipment to build lipid-based eyespots The last common ancestor of fungi possessed the CyclOp eyespot system The ancestral fungus could see a rainbow of light wavelengths
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7
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Brancini GTP, Hallsworth JE, Corrochano LM, Braga GÚL. Photobiology of the keystone genus Metarhizium. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2022; 226:112374. [PMID: 34954528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2021.112374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Metarhizium fungi are soil-inhabiting ascomycetes which are saprotrophs, symbionts of plants, pathogens of insects, and participate in other trophic/ecological interactions, thereby performing multiple essential ecosystem services. Metarhizium species are used to control insect pests of crop plants and insects that act as vectors of human and animal diseases. To fulfil their functions in the environment and as biocontrol agents, these fungi must endure cellular stresses imposed by the environment, one of the most potent of which is solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Here, we examine the cellular stress biology of Metarhizium species in context of their photobiology, showing how photobiology facilitates key aspects of their ecology as keystone microbes and as mycoinsectides. The biophysical basis of UV-induced damage to Metarhizium, and mechanistic basis of molecular and cellular responses to effect damage repair, are discussed and interpreted in relation to the solar radiation received on Earth. We analyse the interplay between UV and visible light and how the latter increases cellular tolerance to the former via expression of a photolyase gene. By integrating current knowledge, we propose the mechanism through which Metarhizium species use the visible fraction of (low-UV) early-morning light to mitigate potentially lethal damage from intense UV radiation later in the day. We also show how this mechanism could increase Metarhizium environmental persistence and improve its bioinsecticide performance. We discuss the finding that visible light modulates stress biology in the context of further work needed on Metarhizium ecology in natural and agricultural ecosystems, and as keystone microbes that provide essential services within Earth's biosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme T P Brancini
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil.
| | - John E Hallsworth
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Luis M Corrochano
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Gilberto Ú L Braga
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil.
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8
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Yu Z, Streng C, Seibeld RF, Igbalajobi OA, Leister K, Ingelfinger J, Fischer R. Genome-wide analyses of light-regulated genes in Aspergillus nidulans reveal a complex interplay between different photoreceptors and novel photoreceptor functions. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009845. [PMID: 34679095 PMCID: PMC8535378 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi sense light of different wavelengths using blue-, green-, and red-light photoreceptors. Blue light sensing requires the “white-collar” proteins with flavin as chromophore, and red light is sensed through phytochrome. Here we analyzed genome-wide gene expression changes caused by short-term, low-light intensity illumination with blue-, red- or far-red light in Aspergillus nidulans and found that more than 1100 genes were differentially regulated. The largest number of up- and downregulated genes depended on the phytochrome FphA and the attached HOG pathway. FphA and the white-collar orthologue LreA fulfill activating but also repressing functions under all light conditions and both appear to have roles in the dark. Additionally, we found about 100 genes, which are red-light induced in the absence of phytochrome, suggesting alternative red-light sensing systems. We also found blue-light induced genes in the absence of the blue-light receptor LreA. We present evidence that cryptochrome may be part of this regulatory cue, but that phytochrome is essential for the response. In addition to in vivo data showing that FphA is involved in blue-light sensing, we performed spectroscopy of purified phytochrome and show that it responds indeed to blue light. Fungi are microorganisms with important roles in the environment, as symbionts, as pathogens, or as workhorses in biotechnology. They constantly need to adapt to changing environmental conditions, often far away from their optima. One important environmental factor, fungi respond to is ambient light. The presence of light tells them if they are exposed to a surface and thus potentially to heat, harmful irradiation, or desiccation or other stressful conditions, or whether they are growing inside soil or litter with more constant conditions. Interestingly, many fungi harbor photosensors for blue-, green- and red light. We show here that in the model fungus Aspergillus nidulans a large proportion of the genome is under light control, and many genes are regulated through phytochrome and thus by red light. However, phytochrome is also used for blue-light sensing. Many genes are controlled by blue- and by red light signaling systems, but many also respond only to specific wavelengths. The study provides important groundwork for future research to unravel how different genes are regulated at the molecular level and to decipher the biological meaning for the complex light-regulatory systems found in fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhong Yu
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)—South Campus, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Department of Microbiology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Organic Solid Waste Utilization, National Engineering Research Center for Organic-based Fertilizers, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource Utilization, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (ZY); (RF)
| | - Christian Streng
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)—South Campus, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Department of Microbiology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ramon F. Seibeld
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)—South Campus, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Department of Microbiology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Olumuyiwa A. Igbalajobi
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)—South Campus, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Department of Microbiology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Kai Leister
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)—South Campus, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Department of Microbiology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Julian Ingelfinger
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)—South Campus, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Department of Microbiology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Reinhard Fischer
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)—South Campus, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Department of Microbiology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- * E-mail: (ZY); (RF)
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9
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Takala H, Edlund P, Ihalainen JA, Westenhoff S. Tips and turns of bacteriophytochrome photoactivation. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2021; 19:1488-1510. [PMID: 33107538 DOI: 10.1039/d0pp00117a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Phytochromes are ubiquitous photosensor proteins, which control the growth, reproduction and movement in plants, fungi and bacteria. Phytochromes switch between two photophysical states depending on the light conditions. In analogy to molecular machines, light absorption induces a series of structural changes that are transduced from the bilin chromophore, through the protein, and to the output domains. Recent progress towards understanding this structural mechanism of signal transduction has been manifold. We describe this progress with a focus on bacteriophytochromes. We describe the mechanism along three structural tiers, which are the chromophore-binding pocket, the photosensory module, and the output domains. We discuss possible interconnections between the tiers and conclude by presenting future directions and open questions. We hope that this review may serve as a compendium to guide future structural and spectroscopic studies designed to understand structural signaling in phytochromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heikki Takala
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyvaskyla, Box 35, 40014 Jyvaskyla, Finland. and Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Box 63, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petra Edlund
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Janne A Ihalainen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyvaskyla, Box 35, 40014 Jyvaskyla, Finland.
| | - Sebastian Westenhoff
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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10
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Brych A, Haas FB, Parzefall K, Panzer S, Schermuly J, Altmüller J, Engelsdorf T, Terpitz U, Rensing SA, Kiontke S, Batschauer A. Coregulation of gene expression by White collar 1 and phytochrome in Ustilago maydis. Fungal Genet Biol 2021; 152:103570. [PMID: 34004340 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2021.103570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ustilago maydis encodes ten predicted light-sensing proteins. The biological functions of only a few of them are elucidated. Among the characterized ones are two DNA-photolyases and two rhodopsins that act as DNA-repair enzymes or green light-driven proton pumps, respectively. Here we report on the role of two other photoreceptors in U. maydis, namely White collar 1 (Wco1) and Phytochrome 1 (Phy1). We show that they bind flavins or biliverdin as chromophores, respectively. Both photoreceptors undergo a photocycle in vitro. Wco1 is the dominant blue light receptor in the saprophytic phase, controlling all of the 324 differentially expressed genes in blue light. U. maydis also responds to red and far-red light. However, the number of red or far-red light-controlled genes is less compared to blue light-regulated ones. Moreover, most of the red and far-red light-controlled genes not only depend on Phy1 but also on Wco1, indicating partial coregulation of gene expression by both photoreceptors. GFP-fused Wco1 is preferentially located in the nucleus, Phy1 in the cytosol, thus providing no hint that these photoreceptors directly interact or operate within the same complex. This is the first report on a functional characterization and coaction of White collar 1 and phytochrome orthologs in basidiomycetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Brych
- University of Marburg, Department of Biology, Plant Physiology and Photobiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Fabian B Haas
- University of Marburg, Department of Biology, Plant Cell Biology, Marburg, Germany; BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps University of Marburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Parzefall
- University of Marburg, Department of Biology, Plant Physiology and Photobiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Panzer
- Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilian-University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jeanette Schermuly
- University of Marburg, Department of Biology, Plant Physiology and Photobiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Janine Altmüller
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Timo Engelsdorf
- University of Marburg, Department of Biology, Plant Physiology and Photobiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Terpitz
- Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilian-University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan A Rensing
- University of Marburg, Department of Biology, Plant Cell Biology, Marburg, Germany; BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps University of Marburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Kiontke
- University of Marburg, Department of Biology, Plant Physiology and Photobiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Alfred Batschauer
- University of Marburg, Department of Biology, Plant Physiology and Photobiology, Marburg, Germany.
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11
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Xiong X, Liu Y, Zhang J, Wang S, Li L, Gao M. Mutational analysis of MpPhy reveals magnetoreception and photosensitivity involvement in secondary metabolites biosynthesis in Monascus purpureus. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2021; 217:112164. [PMID: 33676287 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2021.112164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Light or low frequency magnetic field (LF-MF) as one of the cultivation environments affects secondary metabolites (SMs) production of M. purpureus. Phytochrome (Phy) is a hybrid histidine kinase possessing dual properties of photoreceptor and kinase to sense red and far-red light. The interaction effects of LF-MF and light on SMs of M. purpureus was investigated by knocking out the Phy-like gene in M. purpureus (MpPhy) by homologous recombination. A MpPhy-deletion (ΔMpPhy) strain produced less Monascus pigments (MPs) and monacolin K (mon K) than the wild-type (WT) strain and reduced citrinin production by 78.3% on 10th day but didn't affect the biomass. These results indicated that the MpPhy gene is involved in SMs biosynthesis of M. purpureus. MPs production in WT was decreased significantly when the inoculum was exposed to white/blue/green/red light (500 Lux). But it in ΔMpPhy was no significant difference when exposed to white/red light. The colony size of ΔMpPhy was smaller on potato dextrose agar media containing 0.01% SDS. These results indicated that the deletion of MpPhy gene affected the aerial hyphae and increased sensitivity to cell membrane stress but decreased sensitivity to red light. The inoculum of both WT and ΔMpPhy was exposure to the LF-MF (50 Hz). The accumulation of WT secondary metabolites was not changed, while SMs production of ΔMpPhy was significantly enhanced under exposed to 2.0 mT LF-MF. This indicated that the decrease of SMs caused by the deletion of MpPhy gene was restored by LF-MF. It revealed that there is a crosstalk between magnetoreception and photosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Xiong
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434025, China
| | - Yingbao Liu
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434025, China
| | - Jialan Zhang
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434025, China
| | - Shaojin Wang
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434025, China
| | - Li Li
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434025, China
| | - Mengxiang Gao
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434025, China.
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12
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Losi A, Gärtner W. A light life together: photosensing in the plant microbiota. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2021; 20:451-473. [PMID: 33721277 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-021-00029-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria and fungi of the plant microbiota can be phytopathogens, parasites or symbionts that establish mutually advantageous relationships with plants. They are often rich in photoreceptors for UVA-Visible light, and in many cases, they exhibit light regulation of growth patterns, infectivity or virulence, reproductive traits, and production of pigments and of metabolites. In addition to the light-driven effects, often demonstrated via the generation of photoreceptor gene knock-outs, microbial photoreceptors can exert effects also in the dark. Interestingly, some fungi switch their attitude towards plants in dependence of illumination or dark conditions in as much as they may be symbiotic or pathogenic. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the roles of light and photoreceptors in plant-associated bacteria and fungi aiming at the identification of common traits and general working ideas. Still, reports on light-driven infection of plants are often restricted to the description of macroscopically observable phenomena, whereas detailed information on the molecular level, e.g., protein-protein interaction during signal transduction or induction mechanisms of infectivity/virulence initiation remains sparse. As it becomes apparent from still only few molecular studies, photoreceptors, often from the red- and the blue light sensitive groups interact and mutually modulate their individual effects. The topic is of great relevance, even in economic terms, referring to plant-pathogen or plant-symbionts interactions, considering the increasing usage of artificial illumination in greenhouses, the possible light-regulation of the synthesis of plant-growth stimulating substances or herbicides by certain symbionts, and the biocontrol of pests by selected fungi and bacteria in a sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aba Losi
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 7/A, 43124, Parma, Italy.
| | - Wolfgang Gärtner
- Institute for Analytical Chemistry, University of Leipzig, Linnéstrasse 3, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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13
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Vanhaelewyn L, Van Der Straeten D, De Coninck B, Vandenbussche F. Ultraviolet Radiation From a Plant Perspective: The Plant-Microorganism Context. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:597642. [PMID: 33384704 PMCID: PMC7769811 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.597642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation directly affects plants and microorganisms, but also alters the species-specific interactions between them. The distinct bands of UV radiation, UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C have different effects on plants and their associated microorganisms. While UV-A and UV-B mainly affect morphogenesis and phototropism, UV-B and UV-C strongly trigger secondary metabolite production. Short wave (<350 nm) UV radiation negatively affects plant pathogens in direct and indirect ways. Direct effects can be ascribed to DNA damage, protein polymerization, enzyme inactivation and increased cell membrane permeability. UV-C is the most energetic radiation and is thus more effective at lower doses to kill microorganisms, but by consequence also often causes plant damage. Indirect effects can be ascribed to UV-B specific pathways such as the UVR8-dependent upregulated defense responses in plants, UV-B and UV-C upregulated ROS accumulation, and secondary metabolite production such as phenolic compounds. In this review, we summarize the physiological and molecular effects of UV radiation on plants, microorganisms and their interactions. Considerations for the use of UV radiation to control microorganisms, pathogenic as well as non-pathogenic, are listed. Effects can be indirect by increasing specialized metabolites with plant pre-treatment, or by directly affecting microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Vanhaelewyn
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Barbara De Coninck
- Plant Health and Protection Laboratory, Division of Crop Biotechnics, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Filip Vandenbussche
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Velazquez Escobar F, Kneip C, Michael N, Hildebrandt T, Tavraz N, Gärtner W, Hughes J, Friedrich T, Scheerer P, Mroginski MA, Hildebrandt P. The Lumi-R Intermediates of Prototypical Phytochromes. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:4044-4055. [PMID: 32330037 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c01059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Phytochromes are photoreceptors that upon light absorption initiate a physiological reaction cascade. The starting point is the photoisomerization of the tetrapyrrole cofactor in the parent Pr state, followed by thermal relaxation steps culminating in activation of the physiological signal. Here we have employed resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopy to study the chromophore structure in the primary photoproduct Lumi-R, trapped between 130 and 200 K. The investigations covered phytochromes from plants (phyA) and prokaryotes (Cph1, Agp1, CphB, and RpBphP2) including phytochromobilin (PΦB), phycocyanobilin (PCB), and biliverdin (BV). In PΦB- and PCB-binding phyA and Cph1, two Lumi-R states (Lumi-R1, Lumi-R2) were identified and discussed in terms of sequential and parallel reaction models. In Lumi-R1, the chromophore structural changes are restricted to the C-D methine bridge isomerization site but extended throughout the chromophore in Lumi-R2. Formation and decay kinetics as well as photochemical activity depend on the specific protein-chromophore interactions and thus account for the different distribution between Lumi-R1 and Lumi-R2 in the photostationary mixtures of the various PΦB(PCB)-binding phytochromes. For BV-binding bacteriophytochromes, only a single Lumi-R(BV) state was found. In this state, which is similar for Agp1, CphB, and RpBphP2, the chromophore structural changes comprise major torsions of the C-D methine bridge but also perturbations at the A-B methine bridge remote from the isomerization site. The different structures of the photoproducts in PΦB(PCB)-binding phytochromes and BV-binding bacteriophytochromes are attributed to the different disposition of ring D upon isomerization, which leads to distinct protein-chromophore interactions in the Lumi-R states of these two classes of phytochromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Velazquez Escobar
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie, Sekr. PC14, Straße des 17 Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christa Kneip
- Grünenthal GmbH, Zieglerstraße 6, D-52078 Aachen, Germany
| | - Norbert Michael
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie, Sekr. PC14, Straße des 17 Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Hildebrandt
- Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Klinik für Neurologie, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Neslihan Tavraz
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie, Sekr. PC14, Straße des 17 Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Gärtner
- Universität Leipzig, Institut für Analytische Chemie, Linnéstr. 3, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jon Hughes
- Plant Physiology, Justus-Liebig University Gießen, Senckenbergstrasse 3, D-35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Friedrich
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie, Sekr. PC14, Straße des 17 Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Scheerer
- Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Andrea Mroginski
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie, Sekr. PC14, Straße des 17 Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Hildebrandt
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie, Sekr. PC14, Straße des 17 Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
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15
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Villegas-Escobar N, Matute RA. The Keto-Enol Tautomerism of Biliverdin in Bacteriophytochrome: Could it Explain the Bathochromic Shift in the Pfr Form? †. Photochem Photobiol 2020; 97:99-109. [PMID: 33053203 DOI: 10.1111/php.13341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Phytochromes are ubiquitous photoreceptors found in plants, eukaryotic algae, bacteria and fungi. Particularly, when bacteriophytochrome is irradiated with light, a Z-to-E (photo)isomerization takes place in the biliverdin chromophore as part of the Pr-to-Pfr conversion. This photoisomerization is concomitant with a bathochromic shift in the Q-band. Based on experimental evidence, we studied a possible keto-enol tautomerization of BV, as an alternative reaction channel after its photoisomerization. In this contribution, the noncatalyzed and water-assisted reaction pathways for the lactam-lactim interconversion through consecutive keto-enol tautomerization of a model BV species were studied deeply. It was found that in the absence of water molecules, the proton transfer reaction is unable to take place at normal conditions, due to large activation energies, and the endothermic formation of lactim derivatives prevents its occurrence. However, when a water molecule assists the process by catalyzing the proton transfer reaction, the activation free energy lowers considerably. The drastic lowering in the activation energy for the keto-enol tautomerism is due to the stabilization of the water moiety through hydrogen bonds along the reaction coordinate. The absorption spectra were computed for all tautomers. It was found that the UV-visible absorption bands are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data. Our results suggest that although the keto-enol equilibrium is likely favoring the lactam tautomer, the equilibrium could eventually be shifted in favor of the lactim, as it has been reported to occur in the dark reversion mechanism of bathy phytochromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nery Villegas-Escobar
- Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo OHiggins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo A Matute
- Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo OHiggins, Santiago, Chile.,Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
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16
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Corrochano LM. Light in the Fungal World: From Photoreception to Gene Transcription and Beyond. Annu Rev Genet 2019; 53:149-170. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-120417-031415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Fungi see light of different colors by using photoreceptors such as the White Collar proteins and cryptochromes for blue light, opsins for green light, and phytochromes for red light. Light regulates fungal development, promotes the accumulation of protective pigments and proteins, and regulates tropic growth. The White Collar complex (WCC) is a photoreceptor and a transcription factor that is responsible for regulating transcription after exposure to blue light. In Neurospora crassa, light promotes the interaction of WCCs and their binding to the promoters to activate transcription. In Aspergillus nidulans, the WCC and the phytochrome interact to coordinate gene transcription and other responses, but the contribution of these photoreceptors to fungal photobiology varies across fungal species. Ultimately, the effect of light on fungal biology is the result of the coordinated transcriptional regulation and activation of signal transduction pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M. Corrochano
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
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17
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Yu Z, Ali A, Igbalajobi OA, Streng C, Leister K, Krauß N, Lamparter T, Fischer R. Two hybrid histidine kinases, TcsB and the phytochrome FphA, are involved in temperature sensing in
Aspergillus nidulans. Mol Microbiol 2019; 112:1814-1830. [DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhong Yu
- Institute for Applied Biosciences Department of Microbiology Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) ‐ South Campus Fritz‐Haber‐Weg 4 Karlsruhe D‐76131Germany
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Solid Waste Utilization College of Resources and Environmental Sciences Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing 210095China
| | - Arin Ali
- Institute for Applied Biosciences Department of Microbiology Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) ‐ South Campus Fritz‐Haber‐Weg 4 Karlsruhe D‐76131Germany
| | - Olumuyiwa Ayokunle Igbalajobi
- Institute for Applied Biosciences Department of Microbiology Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) ‐ South Campus Fritz‐Haber‐Weg 4 Karlsruhe D‐76131Germany
| | - Christian Streng
- Institute for Applied Biosciences Department of Microbiology Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) ‐ South Campus Fritz‐Haber‐Weg 4 Karlsruhe D‐76131Germany
| | - Kai Leister
- Institute for Applied Biosciences Department of Microbiology Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) ‐ South Campus Fritz‐Haber‐Weg 4 Karlsruhe D‐76131Germany
| | - Norbert Krauß
- Botanical Institute Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) ‐ South Campus Karlsruhe D‐76131Germany
| | - Tilman Lamparter
- Botanical Institute Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) ‐ South Campus Karlsruhe D‐76131Germany
| | - Reinhard Fischer
- Institute for Applied Biosciences Department of Microbiology Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) ‐ South Campus Fritz‐Haber‐Weg 4 Karlsruhe D‐76131Germany
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18
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Xue P, El Kurdi A, Kohler A, Ma H, Kaeser G, Ali A, Fischer R, Krauß N, Lamparter T. Evidence for weak interaction between phytochromes Agp1 and Agp2 from Agrobacterium fabrum. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:926-941. [PMID: 30941759 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
During bacterial conjugation, plasmid DNA is transferred from cell to cell. In Agrobacterium fabrum, conjugation is regulated by the phytochrome photoreceptors Agp1 and Agp2. Both contribute equally to this regulation. Agp1 and Agp2 are histidine kinases, but, for Agp2, we found no autophosphorylation activity. A clear autophosphorylation signal, however, was obtained with mutants in which the phosphoaccepting Asp of the C-terminal response regulator domain is replaced. Thus, the Agp2 histidine kinase differs from the classical transphosphorylation pattern. We performed size exclusion, photoconversion, dark reversion, autophosphorylation, chromophore assembly kinetics and fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurements on mixed Agp1/Agp2 samples. These assays pointed to an interaction between both proteins. This could partially explain the coaction of both phytochromes in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Xue
- Botanical Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
| | - Afaf El Kurdi
- Botanical Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
| | - Anja Kohler
- Botanical Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
| | - Hongju Ma
- Botanical Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
| | - Gero Kaeser
- Botanical Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
| | - Arin Ali
- Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
| | - Reinhard Fischer
- Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
| | - Norbert Krauß
- Botanical Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
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Panzer S, Brych A, Batschauer A, Terpitz U. Opsin 1 and Opsin 2 of the Corn Smut Fungus Ustilago maydis Are Green Light-Driven Proton Pumps. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:735. [PMID: 31024506 PMCID: PMC6467936 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In fungi, green light is absorbed by rhodopsins, opsin proteins carrying a retinal molecule as chromophore. The basidiomycete Ustilago maydis, a fungal pathogen that infects corn plants, encodes three putative photoactive opsins, called ops1 (UMAG_02629), ops2 (UMAG_00371), and ops3 (UMAG_04125). UmOps1 and UmOps2 are expressed during the whole life cycle, in axenic cultures as well as in planta, whereas UmOps3 was recently shown to be absent in axenic cultures but highly expressed during plant infection. Here we show that expression of UmOps1 and UmOps2 is induced by blue light under control of white collar 1 (Wco1). UmOps1 is mainly localized in the plasma membrane, both when expressed in HEK cells and U. maydis sporidia. In contrast, UmOps2 was mostly found intracellularly in the membranes of vacuoles. Patch-clamp studies demonstrated that both rhodopsins are green light-driven outward rectifying proton pumps. UmOps1 revealed an extraordinary pH dependency with increased activity in more acidic environment. Also, UmOps1 showed a pronounced, concentration-dependent enhancement of pump current caused by weak organic acids (WOAs), especially by acetic acid and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). In contrast, UmOps2 showed the typical behavior of light-driven, outwardly directed proton pumps, whereas UmOps3 did not exhibit any electrogenity. With this work, insights were gained into the localization and molecular function of two U. maydis rhodopsins, paving the way for further studies on the biological role of these rhodopsins in the life cycle of U. maydis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Panzer
- Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Annika Brych
- Department of Plant Physiology and Photobiology, Faculty of Biology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Alfred Batschauer
- Department of Plant Physiology and Photobiology, Faculty of Biology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Terpitz
- Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University, Würzburg, Germany
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Y. Takemoto
- Department of BiologyUtah State University, Logan Utah 84322-5305 U.S.A
| | - Cheng‐Wei T. Chang
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUtah State University Logan, Utah 84322-0300 U.S.A
| | - Dong Chen
- Department of Biological EngineeringUtah State University Logan, Utah 843122 U.S.A
| | - Garrett Hinton
- Department of BiologyUtah State University Logan, Utah 84322-5305 U.S.A
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21
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Consiglieri E, Gutt A, Gärtner W, Schubert L, Viappiani C, Abbruzzetti S, Losi A. Dynamics and efficiency of photoswitching in biliverdin-binding phytochromes. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2019; 18:2484-2496. [DOI: 10.1039/c9pp00264b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A full scale analysis of the kinetic processes in the μ-to-millisecond time scale for red-and far red-triggered processes in biliverdin-binding bacterial and fungal phytochromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Consiglieri
- Department of Mathematical
- Physical and Computer Sciences
- University of Parma
- 43124 Parma
- Italy
| | - Alexander Gutt
- Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion
- 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr
- Germany
| | - Wolfgang Gärtner
- Institute for Analytical Chemistry
- University of Leipzig
- 04103 Leipzig
- Germany
| | - Luiz Schubert
- Institute for Physical Chemistry
- Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf
- 40225 Düsseldorf
- Germany
| | - Cristiano Viappiani
- Department of Mathematical
- Physical and Computer Sciences
- University of Parma
- 43124 Parma
- Italy
| | - Stefania Abbruzzetti
- Department of Mathematical
- Physical and Computer Sciences
- University of Parma
- 43124 Parma
- Italy
| | - Aba Losi
- Department of Mathematical
- Physical and Computer Sciences
- University of Parma
- 43124 Parma
- Italy
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22
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PAS Domain Protein Pas3 Interacts with the Chromatin Modifier Bre1 in Regulating Cryptococcal Morphogenesis. mBio 2018; 9:mBio.02135-18. [PMID: 30425151 PMCID: PMC6234864 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02135-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
For the ubiquitous environmental pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, the morphological transition from yeast to filament confers resistance to natural predators like soil amoeba and is an integral differentiation event to produce infectious spores. Interestingly, filamentation is immuno-stimulatory and attenuates cryptococcal virulence in a mammalian host. Consistently, the morphogenesis transcription factor Znf2 profoundly shapes cryptococcal interaction with various hosts. Identifying the signaling pathways activating filamentation is thus, conductive to a better understanding of cryptococcal biology. In this study, we identified a PAS domain protein Pas3 that functions upstream of Znf2 in regulating cryptococcal filamentation. Interestingly, Pas3 interacts with the chromatin modifier Bre1 in the nucleus to regulate the transcript level of Znf2 and its prominent downstream targets. This is the first example of a PAS domain signaling regulator interacting with a chromatin modifier to control filamentation through their impact on cryptococcal transcriptome. Switching between different morphotypes is an adaptive cellular response in many microbes. In Cryptococcus neoformans, the yeast-to-hypha transition confers resistance to microbial predation in the soil and is an integral part of its life cycle. Morphogenesis is also known to be associated with virulence, with the filamentous form being immune-stimulatory and protective in mammalian models of cryptococcosis. Previous studies identified the transcription factor Znf2 as a master regulator of cryptococcal filamentation. However, the upstream regulators of Znf2 remain largely unknown. PAS domain proteins have long been recognized as transducers of diverse environmental signals. Here, we identified a PAS domain protein Pas3 as an upstream regulator of Znf2. Surprisingly, this small Pas3 protein lacks a nuclear localization signal but is enriched in the nucleus where it regulates the transcript level of ZNF2 and its prominent downstream targets. We discovered that the PAS domain is essential for Pas3’s nuclear enrichment and function. Intriguingly, Pas3 interacts with Bre1, which is required for Cryptococcus histone H2B monoubiquitination (H2Bub1) and H3 lysine 4 dimethylation (H3K4me2), two histone modifications known to be associated with active gene transcription. Indeed, Bre1 functions together with Pas3 in regulating cryptococcal filamentation based on loss-of-function, epistasis, and transcriptome analysis. These findings provide the first evidence of a signaling regulator acting with a chromatin modifier to control cryptococcal filamentation.
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24
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Wang Z, Wang J, Li N, Li J, Trail F, Dunlap JC, Townsend JP. Light sensing by opsins and fungal ecology: NOP-1 modulates entry into sexual reproduction in response to environmental cues. Mol Ecol 2017; 27:216-232. [PMID: 29134709 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the genetic basis of the switch from asexual to sexual lifestyles in response to sometimes rapid environmental changes is one of the major challenges in fungal ecology. Light appears to play a critical role in the asexual-sexual switch-but fungal genomes harbour diverse light sensors. Fungal opsins are homologous to bacterial green-light-sensory rhodopsins, and their organismal functions in fungi have not been well understood. Three of these opsin-like proteins were widely distributed across fungal genomes, but homologs of the Fusarium opsin-like protein CarO were present only in plant-associated fungi. Key amino acids, including potential retinal binding sites, functionally diverged on the phylogeny of opsins. This diversification of opsin-like proteins could be correlated with life history-associated differences among fungi in their expression and function during morphological development. In Neurospora crassa and related species, knockout of the opsin NOP-1 led to a phenotype in the regulation of the asexual-sexual switch, modulating response to both light and oxygen conditions. Sexual development commenced early in ∆nop-1 strains cultured in unsealed plates under constant blue and white light. Furthermore, comparative transcriptomics showed that the expression of nop-1 is light-dependent and that the ∆nop-1 strain abundantly expresses genes involved in oxidative stress response, genes enriched in NAD/NADP binding sites, genes with functions in proton transmembrane movement and catalase activity, and genes involved in the homeostasis of protons. Based on these observations, we contend that light and oxidative stress regulate the switch via light-responsive and ROS pathways in model fungus N. crassa and other fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Junrui Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jigang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Frances Trail
- Department of Plant Biology, Department of Plant Pathology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Jay C Dunlap
- Department of Genetics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Jeffrey P Townsend
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Program in Microbiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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25
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26
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Röhrig J, Yu Z, Chae KS, Kim JH, Han KH, Fischer R. TheAspergillus nidulansVelvet-interacting protein, VipA, is involved in light-stimulated heme biosynthesis. Mol Microbiol 2017; 105:825-838. [DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Julian Röhrig
- Institute for Applied Biosciences, Dept. of Microbiology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - South Campus; Fritz-Haber-Weg 4 Karlsruhe D-76131 Germany
| | - Zhenzhong Yu
- Institute for Applied Biosciences, Dept. of Microbiology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - South Campus; Fritz-Haber-Weg 4 Karlsruhe D-76131 Germany
| | - Keon-Sang Chae
- Department of Molecular Biology; Chonbuk National University; Jeonju South Korea
| | - Jong-Hwa Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering; Woosuk University; Wanju Jeonbuk 565-701 South Korea
| | - Kap-Hoon Han
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering; Woosuk University; Wanju Jeonbuk 565-701 South Korea
| | - Reinhard Fischer
- Institute for Applied Biosciences, Dept. of Microbiology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - South Campus; Fritz-Haber-Weg 4 Karlsruhe D-76131 Germany
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27
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Life, as we know it, would not be possible without light. Light is not only a primary source of energy, but also an important source of information for many organisms. To sense light, only a few photoreceptor systems have developed during evolution. They are all based on an organic molecule with conjugated double bonds that allows energy transfer from visible (or UV) light to its cognate protein to translate the primary physical photoresponse to cell-biological actions. The three main classes of receptors are flavin-based blue-light, retinal-based green-light (such as rhodopsin), and linear tetrapyrrole-based red-light sensors. Light not only controls the behavior of motile organisms, but is also important for many sessile microorganisms including fungi. In fungi, light controls developmental decisions and physiological adaptations as well as the circadian clock. Although all major classes of photoreceptors are found in fungi, a good level of understanding of the signaling processes at the molecular level is limited to some model fungi. However, current knowledge suggests a complex interplay between light perception systems, which goes far beyond the simple sensing of light and dark. In this article we focus on recent results in several fungi, which suggest a strong link between light-sensing and stress-activated mitogen-activated protein kinases.
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Fuller KK, Cramer RA, Zegans ME, Dunlap JC, Loros JJ. Aspergillus fumigatus Photobiology Illuminates the Marked Heterogeneity between Isolates. mBio 2016; 7:e01517-16. [PMID: 27651362 PMCID: PMC5030361 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01517-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The given strain of Aspergillus fumigatus under study varies across laboratories, ranging from a few widely used "standards," e.g., Af293 or CEA10, to locally acquired isolates that may be unique to one investigator. Since experiments concerning physiology or gene function are seldom replicated by others, i.e., in a different A. fumigatus background, the extent to which behavioral heterogeneity exists within the species is poorly understood. As a proxy for assessing such intraspecies variability, we analyzed the light response of 15 A. fumigatus isolates and observed striking quantitative and qualitative heterogeneity among them. The majority of the isolates fell into one of two seemingly mutually exclusive groups: (i) "photopigmenters" that robustly accumulate hyphal melanin in the light and (ii) "photoconidiators" that induce sporulation in the light. These two distinct responses were both governed by the same upstream blue light receptor, LreA, indicating that a specific protein's contribution can vary in a strain-dependent manner. Indeed, while LreA played no apparent role in regulating cell wall homeostasis in strain Af293, it was essential in that regard in strain CEA10. The manifest heterogeneity in the photoresponses led us to compare the virulence levels of selected isolates in a murine model; remarkably, the virulence did vary greatly, although not in a manner that correlated with their overt light response. Taken together, these data highlight the extent to which isolates of A. fumigatus can vary, with respect to both broad physiological characteristics (e.g., virulence and photoresponse) and specific protein functionality (e.g., LreA-dependent phenotypes). IMPORTANCE The current picture of Aspergillus fumigatus biology is akin to a collage, patched together from data obtained from disparate "wild-type" strains. In a systematic assessment of 15 A. fumigatus isolates, we show that the species is highly heterogeneous with respect to its light response and virulence. Whereas some isolates accumulate pigments in light as previously reported with strain Af293, most induce sporulation which had not been previously observed. Other photoresponsive behaviors are also nonuniform, and phenotypes of identical gene deletants vary in a background-dependent manner. Moreover, the virulence of several selected isolates is highly variable in a mouse model and apparently does not track with any observed light response. Cumulatively, this work illuminates the fact that data obtained with a single A. fumigatus isolate are not necessarily predictive of the species as whole. Accordingly, researchers should be vigilant when making conclusions about their own work or when interpreting data from the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K Fuller
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Robert A Cramer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Michael E Zegans
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Jay C Dunlap
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Jennifer J Loros
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
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Assessing the relevance of light for fungi: Implications and insights into the network of signal transmission. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2016; 76:27-78. [PMID: 21924971 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-387048-3.00002-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Light represents an important environmental cue, which provides information enabling fungi to prepare and react to the different ambient conditions between day and night. This adaptation requires both anticipation of the changing conditions, which is accomplished by daily rhythmicity of gene expression brought about by the circadian clock, and reaction to sudden illumination. Besides perception of the light signal, also integration of this signal with other environmental cues, most importantly nutrient availability, necessitates light-dependent regulation of signal transduction pathways and metabolic pathways. An influence of light and/or the circadian clock is known for the cAMP pathway, heterotrimeric G-protein signaling, mitogen-activated protein kinases, two-component phosphorelays, and Ca(2+) signaling. Moreover, also the target of rapamycin signaling pathway and reactive oxygen species as signal transducing elements are assumed to be connected to the light-response pathway. The interplay of the light-response pathway with signaling cascades results in light-dependent regulation of primary and secondary metabolism, morphology, development, biocontrol activity, and virulence. The frequent use of fungi in biotechnology as well as analysis of fungi in the artificial environment of a laboratory therefore requires careful consideration of still operative evolutionary heritage of these organisms. This review summarizes the diverse effects of light on fungi and the mechanisms they apply to deal both with the information content and with the harmful properties of light. Additionally, the implications of the reaction of fungi to light in a laboratory environment for experimental work and industrial applications are discussed.
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Hagiwara D, Sakamoto K, Abe K, Gomi K. Signaling pathways for stress responses and adaptation in Aspergillus species: stress biology in the post-genomic era. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2016; 80:1667-80. [PMID: 27007956 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2016.1162085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus species are among the most important filamentous fungi in terms of industrial use and because of their pathogenic or toxin-producing features. The genomes of several Aspergillus species have become publicly available in this decade, and genomic analyses have contributed to an integrated understanding of fungal biology. Stress responses and adaptation mechanisms have been intensively investigated using the accessible genome infrastructure. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades have been highlighted as being fundamentally important in fungal adaptation to a wide range of stress conditions. Reverse genetics analyses have uncovered the roles of MAPK pathways in osmotic stress, cell wall stress, development, secondary metabolite production, and conidia stress resistance. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the stress biology of Aspergillus species, illuminating what we have learned from the genomic data in this "post-genomic era."
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Hagiwara
- a Medical Mycology Research Center , Chiba University , Chiba , Japan
| | | | - Keietsu Abe
- c Graduate School of Agricultural Science , Tohoku University , Sendai , Japan
| | - Katsuya Gomi
- c Graduate School of Agricultural Science , Tohoku University , Sendai , Japan
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The Fast-Evolving phy-2 Gene Modulates Sexual Development in Response to Light in the Model Fungus Neurospora crassa. mBio 2016; 7:e02148. [PMID: 26956589 PMCID: PMC4810495 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02148-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapid responses to changes in incident light are critical to the guidance of behavior and development in most species. Phytochrome light receptors in particular play key roles in bacterial physiology and plant development, but their functions and regulation are less well understood in fungi. Nevertheless, genome-wide expression measurements provide key information that can guide experiments that reveal how genes respond to environmental signals and clarify their role in development. We performed functional genomic and phenotypic analyses of the two phytochromes in Neurospora crassa, a fungal model adapted to a postfire environment that experiences dramatically variable light conditions. Expression of phy-1 and phy-2 was low in early sexual development and in the case of phy-2 increased in late sexual development. Under light stimulation, strains with the phytochromes deleted exhibited increased expression of sexual development-related genes. Moreover, under red light, the phy-2 knockout strain commenced sexual development early. In the evolution of phytochromes within ascomycetes, at least two duplications have occurred, and the faster-evolving phy-2 gene has frequently been lost. Additionally, the three key cysteine sites that are critical for bacterial and plant phytochrome function are not conserved within fungal phy-2 homologs. Through the action of phytochromes, transitions between asexual and sexual reproduction are modulated by light level and light quality, presumably as an adaptation for fast asexual growth and initiation of sexual reproduction of N. crassa in exposed postfire ecosystems. Environmental signals, including light, play critical roles in regulating fungal growth and pathogenicity, and balance of asexual and sexual reproduction is critical in fungal pathogens’ incidence, virulence, and distribution. Red light sensing by phytochromes is well known to play critical roles in bacterial physiology and plant development. Homologs of phytochromes were first discovered in the fungal model Neurospora crassa and then subsequently in diverse other fungi, including many plant pathogens. Our study investigated the evolution of red light sensors in ascomycetes and confirmed—using the model fungus Neurospora crassa—their roles in modulating the asexual-sexual reproduction balance in fungi. Our findings also provide a key insight into one of the most poorly understood aspects of fungal biology, suggesting that further study of the function of phytochromes in fungi is critical to reveal the genetic basis of the asexual-sexual switch responsible for fungal growth and distribution, including diverse and destructive plant pathogens.
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Fungi use the SakA (HogA) pathway for phytochrome-dependent light signalling. Nat Microbiol 2016; 1:16019. [PMID: 27572639 DOI: 10.1038/nmicrobiol.2016.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Stress-sensing in fungi depends on a signalling cascade comprised of a two-component phosphorylation relay plus a subsequent MAP kinase cascade to trigger gene expression. Besides osmotic or oxidative stress, fungi sense many other environmental factors, one of which is light(1,2). Light controls morphogenetic pathways but also the production of secondary metabolites such as penicillin. Here we show that phytochrome-dependent light signalling in Aspergillus nidulans involves the stress-sensing and osmosensing signalling pathway. In a screening for 'blind' mutants, the MAP kinase SakA (also known as HogA) was identified by whole-genome sequencing. The phytochrome FphA physically interacted with the histidine-containing phosphotransfer protein YpdA and caused light-dependent phosphorylation of the MAP kinase SakA and its shuttling into nuclei. In the absence of phytochrome, SakA still responded to osmotic stress but not to light. The SakA pathway thus integrates several stress factors and can be considered to be a hub for environmental signals.
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Fuller K, Dunlap J, Loros J. Fungal Light Sensing at the Bench and Beyond. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2016; 96:1-51. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Brych A, Mascarenhas J, Jaeger E, Charkiewicz E, Pokorny R, Bölker M, Doehlemann G, Batschauer A. White collar 1-induced photolyase expression contributes to UV-tolerance of Ustilago maydis. Microbiologyopen 2015; 5:224-43. [PMID: 26687452 PMCID: PMC4831468 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ustilago maydis is a phytopathogenic fungus causing corn smut disease. It also is known for its extreme tolerance to UV‐ and ionizing radiation. It has not been elucidated whether light‐sensing proteins, and in particular photolyases play a role in its UV‐tolerance. Based on homology analysis, U. maydis has 10 genes encoding putative light‐responsive proteins. Four amongst these belong to the cryptochrome/photolyase family (CPF) and one represents a white collar 1 ortholog (wco1). Deletion mutants in the predicted cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer CPD‐ and (6–4)‐photolyase were impaired in photoreactivation. In line with this, in vitro studies with recombinant CPF proteins demonstrated binding of the catalytic FAD cofactor, its photoreduction to fully reduced FADH− and repair activity for cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) or (6–4)‐photoproducts, respectively. We also investigated the role of Wco1. Strikingly, transcriptional profiling showed 61 genes differentially expressed upon blue light exposure of wild‐type, but only eight genes in the Δwco1 mutant. These results demonstrate that Wco1 is a functional blue light photoreceptor in U. maydis regulating expression of several genes including both photolyases. Finally, we show that the Δwco1 mutant is less tolerant against UV‐B due to its incapability to induce photolyase expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Brych
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Plant Physiology and Photobiology, Philipps-University, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, Marburg, 35032, Germany
| | - Judita Mascarenhas
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Plant Physiology and Photobiology, Philipps-University, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, Marburg, 35032, Germany
| | - Elaine Jaeger
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Genetics, Philipps-University, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, Marburg, 35032, Germany
| | - Elzbieta Charkiewicz
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Plant Physiology and Photobiology, Philipps-University, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, Marburg, 35032, Germany
| | - Richard Pokorny
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Plant Physiology and Photobiology, Philipps-University, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, Marburg, 35032, Germany
| | - Michael Bölker
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Genetics, Philipps-University, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, Marburg, 35032, Germany
| | - Gunther Doehlemann
- Department of Organismic Interactions, Max-Planck-Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, Marburg, 35043, Germany
| | - Alfred Batschauer
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Plant Physiology and Photobiology, Philipps-University, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, Marburg, 35032, Germany
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Rauscher S, Pacher S, Hedtke M, Kniemeyer O, Fischer R. A phosphorylation code of theAspergillus nidulansglobal regulator VelvetA (VeA) determines specific functions. Mol Microbiol 2015; 99:909-24. [DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Rauscher
- Institute for Applied Biosciences; Department of Microbiology; Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; Hertzstrasse 16 D-76187 Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Sylvia Pacher
- Institute for Applied Biosciences; Department of Microbiology; Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; Hertzstrasse 16 D-76187 Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Maren Hedtke
- Institute for Applied Biosciences; Department of Microbiology; Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; Hertzstrasse 16 D-76187 Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology; Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI); Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 23 07745 Jena Germany
| | - Reinhard Fischer
- Institute for Applied Biosciences; Department of Microbiology; Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; Hertzstrasse 16 D-76187 Karlsruhe Germany
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Dasgupta A, Fuller KK, Dunlap JC, Loros JJ. Seeing the world differently: variability in the photosensory mechanisms of two model fungi. Environ Microbiol 2015; 18:5-20. [PMID: 26373782 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Light plays an important role for most organisms on this planet, serving either as a source of energy or information for the adaptation of biological processes to specific times of day. The fungal kingdom is estimated to contain well over a million species, possibly 10-fold more, and it is estimated that a majority of the fungi respond to light, eliciting changes in several physiological characteristics including pathogenesis, development and secondary metabolism. Two model organisms for photobiological studies have taken centre-stage over the last few decades--Neurospora crassa and Aspergillus nidulans. In this review, we will first discuss our understanding of the light response in N. crassa, about which the most is known, and will then juxtapose N. crassa with A. nidulans, which, as will be described below, provides an excellent template for understanding photosensory cross-talk. Finally, we will end with a commentary on the variability of the light response among other relevant fungi, and how our molecular understanding in the aforementioned model organisms still provides a strong base for dissecting light responses in such species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arko Dasgupta
- Department of Genetics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Kevin K Fuller
- Department of Genetics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Jay C Dunlap
- Department of Genetics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Jennifer J Loros
- Department of Biochemistry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
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Hedtke M, Rauscher S, Röhrig J, Rodríguez-Romero J, Yu Z, Fischer R. Light-dependent gene activation inAspergillus nidulansis strictly dependent on phytochrome and involves the interplay of phytochrome and white collar-regulated histone H3 acetylation. Mol Microbiol 2015; 97:733-45. [DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maren Hedtke
- Department of Microbiology; Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; Institute for Applied Biosciences; Hertzstrasse 16 D-76187 Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Stefan Rauscher
- Department of Microbiology; Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; Institute for Applied Biosciences; Hertzstrasse 16 D-76187 Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Julian Röhrig
- Department of Microbiology; Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; Institute for Applied Biosciences; Hertzstrasse 16 D-76187 Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Julio Rodríguez-Romero
- Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Genomics (CBGP) U.P.M. - I.N.I.A.; Campus de Montegancedo; Autopista M-40 (Km 38) 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid Spain
| | - Zhenzhong Yu
- Department of Microbiology; Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; Institute for Applied Biosciences; Hertzstrasse 16 D-76187 Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Reinhard Fischer
- Department of Microbiology; Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; Institute for Applied Biosciences; Hertzstrasse 16 D-76187 Karlsruhe Germany
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38
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Rockwell NC, Martin SS, Lim S, Lagarias JC, Ames JB. Characterization of Red/Green Cyanobacteriochrome NpR6012g4 by Solution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A Protonated Bilin Ring System in Both Photostates. Biochemistry 2015; 54:2581-600. [DOI: 10.1021/bi501548t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan C. Rockwell
- Department of Molecular
and Cellular Biology and ‡Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Shelley S. Martin
- Department of Molecular
and Cellular Biology and ‡Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Sunghyuk Lim
- Department of Molecular
and Cellular Biology and ‡Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - J. Clark Lagarias
- Department of Molecular
and Cellular Biology and ‡Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - James B. Ames
- Department of Molecular
and Cellular Biology and ‡Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
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Lavín JL, Ramírez L, Pisabarro AG, Oguiza JA. Genomewide analysis of phytochrome proteins in the phylum Basidiomycota. J Basic Microbiol 2015; 55:1141-7. [PMID: 25847700 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201500078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Phytochromes are photoreceptor proteins involved in the detection of the red and far-red regions of the visible light spectrum. Fungal phytochromes are hybrid histidine kinases with a conserved domain architecture composed of an N-terminal photosensory module and a C-terminal regulatory output module that includes the histidine kinase and response regulator receiver domains. In this study, we have analyzed the distribution, domain architecture, and phylogenetic analysis of phytochrome proteins in 47 published genome sequences among the phylum Basidiomycota. Genome analysis revealed that almost every genome of basidiomycetes contained at least one gene encoding a phytochrome protein. Domain architecture of fungal phytochromes was completely conserved in the identified phytochromes of basidiomycetes, and phylogenetic analysis clustered these proteins into clades related with the phylogenetic classification of this fungal phylum.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L Lavín
- Genome Analysis Platform, Functional Genomics Unit, CIC bioGUNE & CIBERehd, Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain
| | - Lucía Ramírez
- Genetics and Microbiology Research Group, Department of Agrarian Production, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Antonio G Pisabarro
- Genetics and Microbiology Research Group, Department of Agrarian Production, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
| | - José A Oguiza
- Genetics and Microbiology Research Group, Department of Agrarian Production, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
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40
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Gottlieb SM, Kim PW, Chang CW, Hanke SJ, Hayer RJ, Rockwell NC, Martin SS, Lagarias JC, Larsen DS. Conservation and Diversity in the Primary Forward Photodynamics of Red/Green Cyanobacteriochromes. Biochemistry 2015; 54:1028-42. [DOI: 10.1021/bi5012755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. Gottlieb
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Peter W. Kim
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Che-Wei Chang
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Samuel J. Hanke
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Randeep J. Hayer
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Nathan C. Rockwell
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Shelley S. Martin
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - J. Clark Lagarias
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Delmar S. Larsen
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
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Fuller KK, Loros JJ, Dunlap JC. Fungal photobiology: visible light as a signal for stress, space and time. Curr Genet 2014; 61:275-88. [PMID: 25323429 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-014-0451-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Visible light is an important source of energy and information for much of life on this planet. Though fungi are neither photosynthetic nor capable of observing adjacent objects, it is estimated that the majority of fungal species display some form of light response, ranging from developmental decision-making to metabolic reprogramming to pathogenesis. As such, advances in our understanding of fungal photobiology will likely reach the broad fields impacted by these organisms, including agriculture, industry and medicine. In this review, we will first describe the mechanisms by which fungi sense light and then discuss the selective advantages likely imparted by their ability to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K Fuller
- Department of Genetics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA,
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42
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Rockwell NC, Lagarias JC, Bhattacharya D. Primary endosymbiosis and the evolution of light and oxygen sensing in photosynthetic eukaryotes. Front Ecol Evol 2014; 2. [PMID: 25729749 DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2014.00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The origin of the photosynthetic organelle in eukaryotes, the plastid, changed forever the evolutionary trajectory of life on our planet. Plastids are highly specialized compartments derived from a putative single cyanobacterial primary endosymbiosis that occurred in the common ancestor of the supergroup Archaeplastida that comprises the Viridiplantae (green algae and plants), red algae, and glaucophyte algae. These lineages include critical primary producers of freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems, progenitors of which provided plastids through secondary endosymbiosis to other algae such as diatoms and dinoflagellates that are critical to marine ecosystems. Despite its broad importance and the success of algal and plant lineages, the phagotrophic origin of the plastid imposed an interesting challenge on the predatory eukaryotic ancestor of the Archaeplastida. By engulfing an oxygenic photosynthetic cell, the host lineage imposed an oxidative stress upon itself in the presence of light. Adaptations to meet this challenge were thus likely to have occurred early on during the transition from a predatory phagotroph to an obligate phototroph (or mixotroph). Modern algae have recently been shown to employ linear tetrapyrroles (bilins) to respond to oxidative stress under high light. Here we explore the early events in plastid evolution and the possible ancient roles of bilins in responding to light and oxygen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan C Rockwell
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - J Clark Lagarias
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Debashish Bhattacharya
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources; Institute of Marine and Coastal Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08903
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43
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Roles of the His-Asp Phosphorelay Signal Transduction System in Controlling Cell Growth and Development inAspergillus nidulans. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2014; 75:1-6. [DOI: 10.1271/bbb.100551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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44
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Evolution of PAS domains and PAS-containing genes in eukaryotes. Chromosoma 2014; 123:385-405. [PMID: 24699836 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-014-0457-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Revised: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The PAS domains are signal modules, which are widely distributed in proteins across all kingdoms of life. They are common in photoreceptors and transcriptional regulators of eukaryotic circadian clocks q(bHLH-PAS proteins and PER in animals; PHY and ZTL in plants; and WC-1, 2, and VVD in fungi) and possess mainly protein-protein interaction and light-sensing functions. We conducted several evolutionary analyses of the PAS superfamily. Although the whole superfamily evolved primarily under strong purifying selection (average ω ranges from 0.0030 to 0.1164), some lineages apparently experienced strong episodic positive selection at some periods of the evolution. Although the PAS domains from different proteins vary in sequence and length, but they maintain a fairly conserved 3D structure, which is determined by only eight residues. The WC-1 and WC- 2, bHLH-PAS, and P er genes probably originated in the Neoproterozoic Era (1000-542 Mya), plant P hy and ZTL evolved in the Paleozoic (541-252 Mya), which might be a result of adaptation to the major climate and global light regime changes having occurred in those eras.
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Stepanenko OV, Bublikov GS, Stepanenko OV, Shcherbakova DM, Verkhusha VV, Turoverov KK, Kuznetsova IM. A knot in the protein structure - probing the near-infrared fluorescent protein iRFP designed from a bacterial phytochrome. FEBS J 2014; 281:2284-98. [PMID: 24628916 DOI: 10.1111/febs.12781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The possibility of engineering near-infrared fluorescent proteins and biosensors from bacterial phytochrome photoreceptors (BphPs) has led to substantial interest in this family of proteins. The near-infrared fluorescent proteins have allowed non-invasive bio-imaging of deep tissues and whole organs in living animals. BphPs and derived near-infrared fluorescent proteins contain a structural element, called a knot, in their polypeptide chains. The formation of knot structures in proteins was refuted for a long time. Here, we studied the denaturation and renaturation processes of the near-infrared fluorescent probe iRFP, engineered from RpBphP2, which utilizes a heme-derived tetrapyrrole compound biliverdin as a chromophore. iRFP contains a unique figure-of-eight knot. The denaturation and renaturation curves of the iRFP apoform coincided well, suggesting efficient refolding. However, the iRFP holoform exhibited irreversible unfolding and aggregation associated with the bound chromophore. The knot structure in the apoform did not prevent subsequent binding of biliverdin, resulting in the functional iRFP holoform. We suggest that the irreversibility of protein unfolding is caused by post-translational protein modifications, such as chromophore binding, rather than the presence of the knot. These results are essential for future design of BphP-based near-infrared probes, and add important features to our knowledge of protein folding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olesya V Stepanenko
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St Petersburg, Russia
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Fraikin GY, Strakhovskaya MG, Rubin AB. Biological photoreceptors of light-dependent regulatory processes. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2013; 78:1238-53. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006297913110047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Salewski J, Escobar FV, Kaminski S, von Stetten D, Keidel A, Rippers Y, Michael N, Scheerer P, Piwowarski P, Bartl F, Frankenberg-Dinkel N, Ringsdorf S, Gärtner W, Lamparter T, Mroginski MA, Hildebrandt P. Structure of the biliverdin cofactor in the Pfr state of bathy and prototypical phytochromes. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:16800-16814. [PMID: 23603902 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.457531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytochromes act as photoswitches between the red- and far-red absorbing parent states of phytochromes (Pr and Pfr). Plant phytochromes display an additional thermal conversion route from the physiologically active Pfr to Pr. The same reaction pattern is found in prototypical biliverdin-binding bacteriophytochromes in contrast to the reverse thermal transformation in bathy bacteriophytochromes. However, the molecular origin of the different thermal stabilities of the Pfr states in prototypical and bathy bacteriophytochromes is not known. We analyzed the structures of the chromophore binding pockets in the Pfr states of various bathy and prototypical biliverdin-binding phytochromes using a combined spectroscopic-theoretical approach. For the Pfr state of the bathy phytochrome from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the very good agreement between calculated and experimental Raman spectra of the biliverdin cofactor is in line with important conclusions of previous crystallographic analyses, particularly the ZZEssa configuration of the chromophore and its mode of covalent attachment to the protein. The highly homogeneous chromophore conformation seems to be a unique property of the Pfr states of bathy phytochromes. This is in sharp contrast to the Pfr states of prototypical phytochromes that display conformational equilibria between two sub-states exhibiting small structural differences at the terminal methine bridges A-B and C-D. These differences may mainly root in the interactions of the cofactor with the highly conserved Asp-194 that occur via its carboxylate function in bathy phytochromes. The weaker interactions via the carbonyl function in prototypical phytochromes may lead to a higher structural flexibility of the chromophore pocket opening a reaction channel for the thermal (ZZE → ZZZ) Pfr to Pr back-conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Salewski
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Sekr. PC 14, Strasse des 17. Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Francisco Velazquez Escobar
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Sekr. PC 14, Strasse des 17. Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Steve Kaminski
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Sekr. PC 14, Strasse des 17. Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - David von Stetten
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Sekr. PC 14, Strasse des 17. Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany; Structural Biology Group, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Anke Keidel
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Sekr. PC 14, Strasse des 17. Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Yvonne Rippers
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Sekr. PC 14, Strasse des 17. Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Norbert Michael
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Sekr. PC 14, Strasse des 17. Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Scheerer
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics (CCO), D-10117 Berlin, Germany; AG Protein X-ray Crystallography, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Piwowarski
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics (CCO), D-10117 Berlin, Germany; AG Spectroscopy, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Franz Bartl
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics (CCO), D-10117 Berlin, Germany; AG Spectroscopy, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicole Frankenberg-Dinkel
- AG Physiologie der Mikroorganismen, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstrasse 150, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Simone Ringsdorf
- Max-Planck-Institut für Chemische Energiekonversion, Stiftstrasse 34-36, D-45470 Mülheim, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Gärtner
- Max-Planck-Institut für Chemische Energiekonversion, Stiftstrasse 34-36, D-45470 Mülheim, Germany
| | - Tilman Lamparter
- Institut für Allgemeine Botanik, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, Kaiserstrasse 2, D-76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Maria Andrea Mroginski
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Sekr. PC 14, Strasse des 17. Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Peter Hildebrandt
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Sekr. PC 14, Strasse des 17. Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany.
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Krijgsheld P, Bleichrodt R, van Veluw G, Wang F, Müller W, Dijksterhuis J, Wösten H. Development in Aspergillus. Stud Mycol 2013; 74:1-29. [PMID: 23450714 PMCID: PMC3563288 DOI: 10.3114/sim0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Aspergillus represents a diverse group of fungi that are among the most abundant fungi in the world. Germination of a spore can lead to a vegetative mycelium that colonizes a substrate. The hyphae within the mycelium are highly heterogeneous with respect to gene expression, growth, and secretion. Aspergilli can reproduce both asexually and sexually. To this end, conidiophores and ascocarps are produced that form conidia and ascospores, respectively. This review describes the molecular mechanisms underlying growth and development of Aspergillus.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Krijgsheld
- Microbiology and Kluyver Centre for Genomics of Industrial Fermentations, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R. Bleichrodt
- Microbiology and Kluyver Centre for Genomics of Industrial Fermentations, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - G.J. van Veluw
- Microbiology and Kluyver Centre for Genomics of Industrial Fermentations, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F. Wang
- Microbiology and Kluyver Centre for Genomics of Industrial Fermentations, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - W.H. Müller
- Biomolecular Imaging, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J. Dijksterhuis
- Applied and Industrial Mycology, CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - H.A.B. Wösten
- Microbiology and Kluyver Centre for Genomics of Industrial Fermentations, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Röhrig J, Kastner C, Fischer R. Light inhibits spore germination through phytochrome in Aspergillus nidulans. Curr Genet 2013; 59:55-62. [PMID: 23385948 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-013-0387-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Revised: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus nidulans responds to light in several aspects. The balance between sexual and asexual development as well as the amount of secondary metabolites produced is controlled by light. Here, we show that germination is largely delayed by blue (450 nm), red (700 nm), and far-red light (740 nm). The largest effect was observed with far-red light. Whereas 60 % of the conidia produced a germ tube after 20 h in the dark, less than 5 % of the conidia germinated under far-red light conditions. Because swelling of conidia was not affected, light appears to act at the stage of germ-tube formation. In the absence of nutrients, far-red light even inhibited swelling of conidia, whereas in the dark, conidia did swell and germinated after prolonged incubation. The blue-light signaling components, LreA (WC-1) and LreB (WC-2), and also the cryptochrome/photolyase CryA were not required for germination inhibition. However, in the phytochrome mutant, ∆fphA, the germination delay was released, but germination was delayed in the dark in comparison to wild type. This suggests a novel function of phytochrome as far-red light sensor and as activator of polarized growth in the dark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Röhrig
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hertzstrasse 16, 76187 Karlsruhe, Germany
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Abstract
Abstract
The genus Monascus, comprising nine species, can reproduce either vegetatively with filaments and conidia or sexually by the formation of ascospores. The most well-known species of genus Monascus, namely, M. purpureus, M. ruber and M. pilosus, are often used for rice fermentation to produce red yeast rice, a special product used either for food coloring or as a food supplement with positive effects on human health. The colored appearance (red, orange or yellow) of Monascus-fermented substrates is produced by a mixture of oligoketide pigments that are synthesized by a combination of polyketide and fatty acid synthases. The major pigments consist of pairs of yellow (ankaflavin and monascin), orange (rubropunctatin and monascorubrin) and red (rubropunctamine and monascorubramine) compounds; however, more than 20 other colored products have recently been isolated from fermented rice or culture media. In addition to pigments, a group of monacolin substances and the mycotoxin citrinin can be produced by Monascus. Various non-specific biological activities (antimicrobial, antitumor, immunomodulative and others) of these pigmented compounds are, at least partly, ascribed to their reaction with amino group-containing compounds, i.e. amino acids, proteins or nucleic acids. Monacolins, in the form of β-hydroxy acids, inhibit hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, a key enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis in animals and humans.
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