A versatile promoter for the expression of proteins in glandular and non-glandular trichomes from a variety of plants

Glandular trichome specificity of menthol biosynthesis pathway gene promoters from Mentha × piperita

Several cis-elements including Myb-binding motifs together confer glandular trichome specificity as revealed from heterologous expression and analysis of menthol biosynthesis pathway gene promoters. Glandular Trichomes (GTs) are result of division of epidermal cells that produce diverse metabolites. Species of mint family are important for their essential oil containing many high-value terpenoids, biosynthesized and stored in these GTs. Hence, GTs constitute attractive targets for metabolic engineering and GT-specific promoters are important. In this investigation, the upstream regions of the Mentha × piperita menthol biosynthetic pathway genes (-)-limonene synthase, (-)-P450 limonene-3- hydroxylase, (-)-trans-isopiperitenol dehydrogenase, (-)-Isopiperitenone reductase, ( +)-Pulegone reductase, (-)-Menthone reductase/ (-)-Menthol dehydrogenase and a branched pathway gene ( +)-menthofuran synthase were isolated and characterized. These fragments, fused to β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene of pBI101 binary vector, are able to drive high level gene expression in transgenic tobacco trichomes with strong signals in GTs, except for (-)-Isopiperitenone reductase. The GT-enriched tissue from transformed plants were analysed for GUS enzyme activity and RNA expression which correlates the GUS staining. To characterize the cis-elements responsible for GT-specific expression, a series of 5' deletion constructs for MpPLS and MpPMFS were cloned and analysed in stable transgenic tobacco lines. The specificity of trichome expression was located to -  797 to-  598 bp sequence for (-)-limonene synthase and-  629 to -   530 bp for ( +)-menthofuran synthase promoters containing specific Myb-binding motifs in addition to other unique motifs described for developmental regulation without any defined pattern. All other pathway promoters also recruits specific but different Myb factors as indicated by this analysis.

Identification of the Core Pollen-Specific Regulation in the Rice OsSUT3 Promoter

The regulatory mechanisms of pollen development have potential value for applications in agriculture, such as better understanding plant reproductive regularity. Pollen-specific promoters are of vital importance for the ectopic expression of functional genes associated with pollen development in plants. However, there is a limited number of successful applications using pollen-specific promoters in genetic engineering for crop breeding and hybrid generation. Our previous work led to the identification and isolation of the OsSUT3 promoter from rice. In this study, to analyze the effects of different putative regulatory motifs in the OsSUT3 promoter, a series of promoter deletions were fused to a GUS reporter gene and then stably introduced into rice and Arabidopsis. Histochemical GUS analysis of transgenic plants revealed that p385 (from -385 to -1) specifically mediated maximal GUS expression in pollen tissues. The S region (from -385 to -203) was the key region for controlling the pollen-specific expression of a downstream gene. The E1 (-967 to -606), E2 (-202 to -120), and E3 (-119 to -1) regions enhanced ectopic promoter activity to different degrees. Moreover, the p385 promoter could alter the expression pattern of the 35S promoter and improve its activity when they were fused together. In summary, the p385 promoter, a short and high-activity promoter, can function to drive pollen-specific expression of transgenes in monocotyledon and dicotyledon transformation experiments.

ß-Cyanoalanine Synthase Action in Root Hair Elongation is Exerted at Early Steps of the Root Hair Elongation Pathway and is Independent of Direct Cyanide Inactivation of NADPH Oxidase

In Arabidopsis thaliana, cyanide is produced concomitantly with ethylene biosynthesis and is mainly detoxified by the ß-cyanoalanine synthase CAS-C1. In roots, CAS-C1 activity is essential to maintain a low level of cyanide for proper root hair development. Root hair elongation relies on polarized cell expansion at the growing tip, and we have observed that CAS-C1 locates in mitochondria and accumulates in root hair tips during root hair elongation, as shown by observing the fluorescence in plants transformed with the translational construct ProC1:CASC1-GFP, containing the complete CAS-C1 gene fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP). Mutants in the SUPERCENTIPEDE (SCN1) gene, that regulate the NADPH oxidase gene ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE 2 (RHD2)/AtrbohC, are affected at the very early steps of the development of root hair that do not elongate and do not show a preferential localization of the GFP accumulation in the tips of the root hair primordia. Root hairs of mutants in CAS-C1 or RHD2/AtrbohC, whose protein product catalyzes the generation of ROS and the Ca2+ gradient, start to grow out correctly, but they do not elongate. Genetic crosses between the cas-c1 mutant and scn1 or rhd2 mutants were performed, and the detailed phenotypic and molecular characterization of the double mutants demonstrates that scn1 mutation is epistatic to cas-c1 and cas-c1 is epistatic to rhd2 mutation, indicating that CAS-C1 acts in early steps of the root hair development process. Moreover, our results show that the role of CAS-C1 in root hair elongation is independent of H2O2 production and of a direct NADPH oxidase inhibition by cyanide.

A part of the upstream promoter region of SHN2 gene directs trichome specific expression in Arabidopsis thaliana and heterologous plants

A promoter trap mutant line of Arabidopsis carrying a promoterless β-glucuronidase (uidA) gene exhibited GUS expression predominantly in all the trichomes. In this mutant, the T-DNA insertion was localized at 147bp upstream of the putative start codon, ATG, of the At5g11190 (SHN2) gene. Transcript profiling of the SHN2 suggested a constitutive expression of the gene in all the tissues. Deletion analysis of the upstream sequences established that a 565bp (-594/-30) region confers trichome-specific gene expression. The trichomes isolated from young, mature and senesced leaf tissues also showed the presence of SHN2 transcript. The occurrence of multiple TSSs on the SHN2 gene sequence, presence of the SHN2 transcript in the homozygous trip mutant, despite an insertional mutation event, and diverse reporter gene expression pattern driven by 5' and 3' promoter deletion fragments, suggest a complex transcriptional regulation of SHN2 gene in Arabidopsis. The promoter sequence -594/-30 showed a conserved functional role in conferring non-glandular trichome-specific expression in other heterologous systems like Brassica juncea and Solanum lycopersicon. Thus, in the present study T-DNA tagging has led to the identification of a trichome-specific regulatory sequence in the upstream region of a constitutively expressed SHN2 gene. The study also suggests a complex regulation of SHN2 gene. Isolated trichome specific region retains its functions in other systems like Brassica and tomato, hence could be effectively exploited in engineering trichome cells in heterologous crop plants to manipulate traits like biopharming and insect herbivory.

Hydrogen Sulfide Regulates the Cytosolic/Nuclear Partitioning of Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase by Enhancing its Nuclear Localization

Hydrogen sulfide is an important signaling molecule comparable with nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide in plants. The underlying mechanism of its action is unknown, although it has been proposed to be S-sulfhydration. This post-translational modification converts the thiol groups of cysteines within proteins to persulfides, resulting in functional changes of the proteins. In Arabidopsis thaliana, S-sulfhydrated proteins have been identified, including the cytosolic isoforms of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase GapC1 and GapC2. In this work, we studied the regulation of sulfide on the subcellular localization of these proteins using two different approaches. We generated GapC1-green fluorescent protein (GFP) and GapC2-GFP transgenic plants in both the wild type and the des1 mutant defective in the l-cysteine desulfhydrase DES1, responsible for the generation of sulfide in the cytosol. The GFP signal was detected in the cytoplasm and the nucleus of epidermal cells, although with reduced nuclear localization in des1 compared with the wild type, and exogenous sulfide treatment resulted in similar signals in nuclei in both backgrounds. The second approach consisted of the immunoblot analysis of the GapC endogenous proteins in enriched nuclear and cytosolic protein extracts, and similar results were obtained. A significant reduction in the total amount of GapC in des1 in comparison with the wild type was determined and exogenous sulfide significantly increased the protein levels in the nuclei in both plants, with a stronger response in the wild type. Moreover, the presence of an S-sulfhydrated cysteine residue on GapC1 was demonstrated by mass spectrometry. We conclude that sulfide enhances the nuclear localization of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Fossil Carder Bee's Nest from the Hominin Locality of Taung, South Africa

The Buxton-Norlim Limeworks southwest of Taung, South Africa, is renowned for the discovery of the first Australopithecus africanus fossil, the 'Taung Child'. The hominin was recovered from a distinctive pink calcrete that contains an abundance of invertebrate ichnofauna belonging to the Coprinisphaera ichnofacies. Here we describe the first fossil bee's nest, attributed to the ichnogenus Celliforma, from the Plio-Pleistocene of Africa. Petrographic examination of a cell lining revealed the preservation of an intricate organic matrix lined with the calcitic casts of numerous plant trichomes-a nesting behaviour unique to the modern-day carder bees (Anthidiini). The presence of Celliforma considered alongside several other recorded ichnofossils can be indicative of a dry, savannah environment, in agreement with recent work on the palaeoenvironment of Plio-Pleistocene southern Africa. Moreover, the occurrence of ground-nesting bees provides further evidence that the pink calcrete deposits are of pedogenic origin, rather than speleogenic origin as has previously been assumed. This study demonstrates the potential value of insect trace fossils as palaeoenvironmental indicators.

Accumulation of cynaropicrin in globe artichoke and localization of enzymes involved in its biosynthesis

Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) belongs to the Asteraceae family, in which one of the most biologically significant class of secondary metabolites are sesquiterpene lactones (STLs). In globe artichoke the principal STL is the cynaropicrin, which contributes to approximately 80% of its characteristic bitter taste. Cynaropicrin content was assessed in globe artichoke tissues and was observed to accumulate in leaves of different developmental stages. In the receptacle, a progressive decrease was observed during inflorescence development, while the STL could not be detected in the inflorescence bracts. Almost undetectable amounts were found in the roots and inflorescence stems at the commercial stage. Cynaropicrin content was found to correlate with expression of genes encoding CcGAS, CcGAO and CcCOS, which are involved in the STL biosynthesis. A more detailed study of leaf material revealed that cynaropicrin predominantly accumulates in the trichomes, and not in the apoplastic cavity fluids. Analysis of the promoter regions of CcGAO and CcCOS revealed the presence of L1-box motifs, which confers trichome-specific expression in Arabidopsis, suggesting that cynaropicrin is not only stored but also synthesized in trichomes. A transient expression of GFP fusion proteins was performed in Nicotiana benthamiana plants: the CcGAS fluorescence signal was located in the cytoplasm while the CcGAO and CcCOS localized to the endoplasmatic reticulum.

Promoters of AaGL2 and AaMIXTA-Like1 genes of Artemisia annua direct reporter gene expression in glandular and non-glandular trichomes

Herein, we report cloning and analysis of promoters of GLABRA2 (AaGL2) homolog and a MIXTA-Like (AaMIXTA-Like1) gene from Artemisia annua. The upstream regulatory regions of AaGL2 and AaMIXTA-Like1 showed the presence of several crucial cis-acting elements. Arabidopsis and A. annua seedlings were transiently transfected with the promoter-GUS constructs using a robust agro-infiltration method. Both AaGL2 and AaMIXTA-Like1 promoters showed GUS expression preferentially in Arabidopsis single-celled trichomes and glandular as well as T-shaped trichomes of A. annua. Transgenic Arabidopsis harboring constructs in which AaGL2 or AaMIXTA-Like1 promoters would control GFP expression, showed fluorescence emanating specifically from trichome cells. Our study provides a fast and efficient method to study trichome-specific expression, and 2 promoters that have potential for targeted metabolic engineering in plants.

Assessing the transcriptional regulation of L-cysteine desulfhydrase 1 in Arabidopsis thaliana

Hydrogen sulfide is an important signaling molecule that functions as a physiological gasotransmitter of comparable importance to NO and CO in mammalian systems. In plants, numerous studies have shown that sulfide increases tolerance/resistance to stress conditions and regulates essential processes. The endogenous production of hydrogen sulfide in the cytosol of Arabidopsis thaliana occurs by the enzymatic desulfuration of L-cysteine, which is catalyzed by the L-cysteine desulfhydrase enzyme DES1. To define the functional role of DES1 and the role that the sulfide molecule may play in the regulation of physiological processes in plants, we studied the localization of the expression of this gene at the tissue level. Transcriptional data reveal that DES1 is expressed at all developmental stages and is more abundant at the seedling stage and in mature plants. At the tissue level, we analyzed the expression of a GFP reporter gene fused to promoter of DES1. The GFP fluorescent signal was detected in the cytosol of both epidermal and mesophyll cells, including the guard cells. GFP fluorescence was highly abundant around the hydathode pores and inside the trichomes. In mature plants, fluorescence was detected in floral tissues; a strong GFP signal was detected in sepals, petals, and pistils. When siliques were examined, the highest GFP fluorescence was observed at the bases of the siliques and the seeds. The location of GFP expression, together with the identification of regulatory elements within the DES1 promoter, suggests that DES1 is hormonally regulated. An increase in DES1 expression in response to ABA was recently demonstrated; in the present work, we observe that in vitro auxin treatment significantly repressed the expression of DES1.

Tobacco NtLTP1, a glandular-specific lipid transfer protein, is required for lipid secretion from glandular trichomes

Glandular trichomes are the phytochemical factories of plants, and they secrete a wide range of commercially important natural products such as lipids, terpenes and flavonoids. Herein, we report that the Nicotiana tabacum LTP1 (NtLTP1) gene, which is specifically expressed in long glandular trichomes, plays a role in lipid secretion from trichome heads. NtLTP1 mRNA is abundantly transcribed in trichomes, but NtLTP3, NtLTP4 and NtLTP5 are not. In situ hybridization revealed that NtLTP1 mRNAs accumulate specifically in long trichomes and not in short trichomes or epidermal cells. X-gluc staining of leaves from a transgenic plant expressing the NtLTP1 promoter fused to a GUS gene revealed that NtLTP1 protein accumulated preferentially on the tops of long glandular trichomes. GFP fluorescence from transgenic tobacco plants expressing an NtLTP1-GFP fusion protein was localized at the periphery of cells and in the excreted liquid droplets from the glandular trichome heads. In vitro assays using a fluorescent 2-p-toluidinonaphthalene-6-sulfonate probe indicated that recombinant NtLTP1 had lipid-binding activity. The overexpression of NtLTP1 in transgenic tobacco plants resulted in the increased secretion of trichome exudates, including epicuticular wax. In transgenic NtLTP1-RNAi lines, liquid secretion from trichomes was strongly reduced, but epicuticular wax secretion was not altered. Moreover, transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing NtLTP1 showed increased protection against aphids. Taken together, these data suggest that NtLTP1 is abundantly expressed in long glandular trichomes, and may play a role in lipid secretion from long glandular trichomes.

Functional analysis of the DAT gene promoter using transient Catharanthus roseus and stable Nicotiana tabacum transformation systems

The Catharanthus roseus DAT gene encodes the enzyme acetyl-CoA:deacetylvindoline-4-O-acetyltransferase involved in the last step of the indole alkaloid pathway leading to vindoline. This gene is characterized by specific cell type expression in idioblasts and laticifers. To understand the specific transcriptional regulation mechanism(s) of DAT, several DAT promoter GUS constructs were cloned into pCAMBIA1305.1. Agroinfiltration of different explant types of C. roseus resulted in organ-specific accumulation of GUS, albeit at various levels. Heterologous accumulation of GUS in transgenic tobacco revealed both general and non-specific expression with the exception of a stomata-specific expression when 2.3 kb of the DAT promoter was coupled with a portion of the DAT ORF. These results suggest that in addition to the 2.3 kb upstream of the DAT transcriptional start site, additional cis-acting elements may be responsible for the specific spatial expression of DAT in vivo. Furthermore, hairy roots transformed with DAT promoter GUS constructs demonstrated GUS expression in root tissues (visualized through GUS enzyme activity), even though DAT is repressed in non-transformed roots.

Functional analysis of Gossypium hirsutum cellulose synthase catalytic subunit 4 promoter in transgenic Arabidopsis and cotton tissues

Gossypium hirsutum cellulose synthase catalytic subunit 4 (GhCesA4) plays an important role in cellulose biosynthesis during cotton fiber development. The transcript levels of GhCesA4 are significantly up-regulated as secondary cell wall cellulose is produced in developing cotton fibers. To understand the molecular mechanisms involved in transcriptional regulation of GhCesA4, β-glucuronidase (GUS) activity regulated by a GhCesA4 promoter (-2574/+56) or progressively deleted promoters were determined in both cotton tissues and transgenic Arabidopsis. The spatial regulation of GhCesA4 expression was similar between cotton tissues and transgenic Arabidopsis. GUS activity regulated by the GhCesA4 promoter (-2574/+56) was found in trichomes and root vascular tissues in both cotton and transgenic Arabidopsis. The -2574/-1824 region was responsible for up-regulation of GhCesA4 expression in trichomes and root vascular tissues in transgenic Arabidopsis. The -1824/-1355 region negatively regulated GhCesA4 expression in most Arabidopsis vascular tissues. For vascular expression in stems and leaves, the -898/-693 region was required. The -693/-320 region of the GhCesA4 promoter was necessary for basal expression of GhCesA4 in cotton roots as well as Arabidopsis roots. Exogenous phytohormonal treatments on transgenic Arabidopsis revealed that phytohormones may be involved in the differential regulation of GhCesA4 during cotton fiber development.

Trichome specific expression of the tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris) cembratrien-ol synthase genes is controlled by both activating and repressing cis-regions

Tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris) glandular trichomes make an attractive target for isoprenoid metabolic engineering because they produce large amounts of one type of diterpenoids, alpha- and beta-cembratrien-diols. This article describes the establishment of tools for metabolic engineering of tobacco trichomes, namely a transgenic line with strongly reduced levels of diterpenoids in the exudate and the characterization of a trichome specific promoter. The diterpene-free tobacco line was generated by silencing the major tobacco diterpene synthases, which were found to be encoded by a family of four highly similar genes (NsCBTS-2a, NsCBTS-2b, NsCBTS-3 and NsCBTS-4), one of which is a pseudogene. The promoter regions of all four CBTS genes were sequenced and found to share over 95% identity between them. Transgenic plants expressing uidA under the control of the NsCBTS-2a promoter displayed a specific pattern of GUS expression restricted exclusively to the glandular cells of the tall secretory trichomes. A series of sequential and internal deletions of the NsCBTS-2a promoter led to the identification of two cis-acting regions. The first, located between positions -589 to -479 from the transcription initiation site, conferred a broad transcriptional activation, not only in the glandular cells, but also in cells of the trichome stalk, as well as in the leaf epidermis and the root. The second region, located between positions -279 to -119, had broad repressor activity except in trichome glandular cells and is mainly responsible for the specific expression pattern of the NsCBTS-2a gene. These results establish the basis for the identification of trans-regulators required for the expression of the CBTS genes restricted to the secretory cells of the glandular trichomes.

Promoter of a cotton fibre MYB gene functional in trichomes of Arabidopsis and glandular trichomes of tobacco

Cotton fibres are unicellular seed trichomes. Our previous study suggested that the cotton R2R3 MYB transcript factor GaMYB2 is a functional homologue of the Arabidopsis trichome regulator GLABRA1 (GL1). Here, the GaMYB2 promoter activity is reported in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), and Arabidopsis plants. A 2062 bp promoter of GaMYB2 was isolated from G. arboreum, and fused to a beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene. In cotton, the GaMYB2 promoter exhibited activities in developing fibre cells and trichomes of other aerial organs, including leaves, stems and bracts. In Arabidopsis the promoter was specific to trichomes. Different from Arabidopsis and cotton that have unicellular non-glandular simple trichomes, tobacco plants contain more than one type of trichome, including multicellular simple and glandular secreting trichomes (GSTs). Interestingly, in tobacco plants the GaMYB2 promoter directed GUS expression exclusively in glandular cells of GSTs. A series of 5'-deletions revealed that a 360 bp fragment upstream to the translation initiation codon was sufficient to drive gene expression. A putative cis-element of the T/G-box was located at -233 to -214; a yeast one-hybrid assay showed that Arabidopsis bHLH protein GLABRA3 (GL3), also a trichome regulator, and GhDEL65, a GL3-like cotton protein, had high binding activities to the T/G-box motif. Overexpression of GL3 or GhDEL65 enhanced the GaMYB2 promoter activity in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. A comparison of GaMYB2 promoter specificities in trichomes of different plant species with different types of trichomes provides a tool for further dissection of plant trichome structure and development.

Identification of a 20-bp regulatory element of the Arabidopsis pyrophosphate:fructose-6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferase alpha2 gene that is essential for expression

Arabidopsis harbors two alpha and two beta genes of pyrophosphate:fructose-6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferase (PFP). The spatial expression patterns of the two AtPFPalpha genes were analyzed using transgenic plants containing a promoter::ss-glucuronidase (GUS) fusion construct. Whereas the AtPFPalpha1 promoter was found to be ubiquitously active in all tissues, the AtPFPalpha2 promoter is preferentially expressed in specific heterotrophic regions of the Arabidopsis plant such as the trichomes of leaves, cotyledon veins, roots, and the stamen and gynoecium of the flowers. Serial deletion analysis of the AtPFPalpha2 promoter identified a key regulatory element from nucleotides -194 to -175, CGAAAAAGGTAAGGGTATAT, which we have termed PFPalpha2 and which is essential for AtPFPalpha2 gene expression. Using a GUS fusion construct driven by this 20-bp sequence in conjunction with a -46 CaMV35S minimal promoter, we also demonstrate that PFPalpha2 is sufficient for normal AtPFPalpha2 expression. Hence, this element can not only be used to isolate essential DNA-binding protein(s) that control the expression of the carbon metabolic enzyme AtPFPalpha2, but has also the potential to be utilized in the production of useful compounds in a specific organ such as the leaf trichomes.

Phylloplane proteins: emerging defenses at the aerial frontline?

The phylloplane, or leaf surface, is an interkingdom crossroads between plants and microorganisms, and secretion of antimicrobial biochemicals to aerial surfaces is thought to be one defensive strategy by which plants deter potential pathogens. Secondary metabolites on leaf surfaces are well documented but antimicrobial phylloplane proteins have only recently been identified. In this review, we describe the physical structures and biochemicals of the phylloplane and briefly discuss protein-based surface defenses of animals. We also review the emerging evidence pertaining to antimicrobial phylloplane proteins and mechanisms by which proteins can be released to the phylloplane, including biosynthesis (e.g. phylloplanins) by specific trichomes and delivery in guttation fluid from hydathodes. Future research should lead to exciting advances in our understanding of the phylloplane and to useful biotechnological interventions.

The nightshade proteinase inhibitor IIb gene is constitutively expressed in glandular trichomes

The best known property of plant proteinase inhibitor II (PIN2) genes is their wound-inducible expression in leaves and constitutive expression in flowers. Here we show by promoter analysis in transgenic plants and in situ reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) analysis that SaPIN2b, a member of the PIN2 gene family of nightshade (Solanum americanum), is also constitutively expressed in glandular trichomes. SaPIN2b promoter and its deletions were cloned and fused upstream of beta-glucuronidase (GUS) to transform the nightshade and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants. Histochemical staining assays indicated that SaPIN2b:GUS was expressed constitutively in glandular trichomes, predominantly in the gland cells, of both transgenic nightshade and tobacco plants. Constitutive expression of SaPIN2b in glandular trichomes was further confirmed by liquid phase in situ RT-PCR analysis of nightshade leaves. Deletion analysis from the 5' end of the SaPIN2b promoter revealed that separate regulatory elements control SaPIN2b expression in gland cells and stalk cells of glandular trichomes. Fluorometric GUS assays showed that SaPIN2b:GUS expression was significantly increased in transgenic plant leaves after mechanical wounding or methyl jasmonate treatment. The SaPIN2b promoter sequence contains six MYB-binding motifs and an L1 box that are involved in trichome differentiation and development. Overexpression of SaPIN2b in tobacco resulted in a significant increase in glandular trichome density and promotion of trichome branching. These results suggest that, as well as being an induced defensive protein of the well-known PIN2 family, SaPIN2b could also play roles in trichome-based defense by functioning as a constitutive component of trichome chemical defense and/or by regulating the development of glandular trichomes.