1
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Kumar GNM, Kannangara CG, Knowles NR. Nucleases are upregulated in potato tubers afflicted with zebra chip disease. PLANTA 2022; 255:54. [PMID: 35103848 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-022-03832-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The defense response of potato tubers afflicted with zebra chip disease involves oxidatively mediated upregulation of nucleases that likely modulate localized programmed cell death to restrict the phloem-mobile, CLso bacterial pathogen to the vasculature. Zebra chip (ZC) is a bacterial disease of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) caused by Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso). Tubers from infected plants develop characteristic brown discoloration of the vasculature, a result of localized programmed cell death (PCD). We examined the potential contribution of nucleases in the response of tubers to CLso infection. Specific activities of the major isozymes of dsDNase, ssDNase, and RNase were substantially upregulated in tubers from CLso-infected plants, despite their significantly lower soluble protein content. However, ZC disease had no effect on nuclease isozyme profiles. Activities of the predominant nuclease isoforms from healthy and CLso-infected tubers had similar pH optima, thermotolerance, and responses to metallic co-factors. Nuclease activities were heat stable to 60 °C and resistant to precipitation with 70% (v/v) isopropanol, which constitute effective techniques for partial purification. DNase and RNase isozyme activities were highest at pH 7.2-8.5 and 6.8-7.2, respectively, and profiles were similar for tubers from CLso-infected and non-infected plants. RNase activities were mostly insensitive to inhibition by EDTA, except at pH 8.5 and above. DNase activities were inhibited by EDTA but less sensitive to inhibition at high pH than the RNases. The EDTA-mediated inhibition of DNase (ds/ss) activities was restored with ZnSO4, but not Ca+2 or Mg+2. By contrast, ZnSO4 inhibited the activities of RNases. DTT and CuSO4 inhibited the activities of all three nucleases. These results suggest that activation of tuber nucleases is dependent on the oxidation of sulfhydryl groups to disulfide and/or oxidation of Zn to Zn+2. In light of previous published results that established extensive CLso-induced upregulation of oxidative stress metabolism in tubers, we propose a model to show how increased nuclease activity could result from a glutathione-mediated oxidation of nuclease sulfhydryl groups in diseased tubers. DNases and RNases are likely an integral part of the hypersensitive response and may modulate PCD to isolate the pathogen to the vascular tissues of tubers.
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Affiliation(s)
- G N Mohan Kumar
- Department of Horticulture, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99163, USA.
| | - C G Kannangara
- Department of Crop and Soils, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99163, USA
- , 335/4A, 2nd Cross Street, Kotte Road, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - N Richard Knowles
- Department of Horticulture, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99163, USA
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2
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Díaz-Pontones DM, Corona-Carrillo JI, Herrera-Miranda C, González S. Excess Zinc Alters Cell Wall Class III Peroxidase Activity and Flavonoid Content in the Maize Scutellum. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:197. [PMID: 33494250 PMCID: PMC7909774 DOI: 10.3390/plants10020197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Maize is one of the most important cereal crop species due to its uses for human and cattle nourishment, as well as its industrial use as a raw material. The yield and grain quality of maize depend on plant establishment, which starts with germination. Germination is dependent on embryo vigor and the stored reserves in the scutellum and endosperm. During germination, the scutellum epidermis changes and secretes enzymes and hormones into the endosperm. As a result, the hydrolysis products of the reserves and the different soluble nutrients are translocated to the scutellum through epithelial cells. Then, the reserves are directed to the embryo axis to sustain its growth. Therefore, the microenvironment surrounding the scutellum modulates its function. Zinc (Zn) is a micronutrient stored in the maize scutellum and endosperm; during imbibition, Zn from the endosperm is solubilized and mobilized towards the scutellum. During this process, Zn first becomes concentrated and interacts with cell wall charges, after which excess Zn is internalized in the vacuole. Currently, the effect of high Zn concentrations on the scutellum function and germinative processes are not known. In this paper, we show that, as a function of the concentration and time of exposure, Zn causes decreases in the radicle and plumule lengths and promotes the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and flavonoids as well as changes in the activity of the cell wall Class III peroxidase (POD), which was quantified with guaiacol or catechin in the presence of H2O2. The relationship between the activity index or proportion of POD activity in the scutellum and the changes in the flavonoid concentration is proposed as a marker of stress and the state of vigor of the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Manuel Díaz-Pontones
- Laboratory for Tissue Biochemistry, Department of Health Sciences, Division of Biological and Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Avenida San Rafael Atlixco No 186, Col Vicentina Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México CP 09340, Mexico; (J.I.C.-C.); (C.H.-M.); (S.G.)
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Sui W, Guo K, Li L, Liu S, Takano T, Zhang X. Arabidopsis Ca 2+-dependent nuclease AtCaN2 plays a negative role in plant responses to salt stress. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 281:213-222. [PMID: 30824054 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic nucleases are involved in processes such as DNA restriction digestion, repair, recombination, transposition, and programmed cell death (PCD). Studies on the role of nucleases have mostly focused on PCD during plant development, while the information on nucleases involved in responses to different abiotic stress conditions remains limited. Here, we identified a Ca2+-dependent nuclease, AtCaN2, in Arabidopsis thaliana and characterized its activity, expression patterns, and involvement in plant responses to salt stress. AtCaN2 showed a dual endonuclease and exonuclease activity, being able to degrade circular plasmids, RNA, single-stranded DNA, and double-stranded DNA. Expression analysis showed that AtCaN2 was strongly induced in senescent siliques and by salt stress. Overexpression of AtCaN2 decreased the plant tolerance to salt stress conditions, leading to an excessive H2O2 accumulation. However, an atcan2 mutant showed better tolerance to salt stress and a lower level of H2O2 accumulation. Moreover, the expression of several genes (AtAPX1, AtGPX8, and AtSOD1), encoding reactive oxygen species-scavenging enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase 1, glutathione peroxidase 8, and superoxide dismutase 1, respectively), was highly induced in the atcan2 mutant under salt stress conditions. In addition, salt-stress-induced cell death was increased in the AtCaN2-overexpressing transgenic plant but decreased in the atcan2 mutant. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that AtCaN2 plays a negative role in plant tolerance to salt stress. A AtCaN2 knock out could reduce ROS accumulation, decrease ROS-induced PCD, and improve overall plant tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Sui
- Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (SAVER), Ministry of Education, Alkali Soil Natural Environmental Science Center (ASNESC), Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Kunyuan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (SAVER), Ministry of Education, Alkali Soil Natural Environmental Science Center (ASNESC), Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Li Li
- Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (SAVER), Ministry of Education, Alkali Soil Natural Environmental Science Center (ASNESC), Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Shenkui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Tetsuo Takano
- Asian Natural Environment Science Center (ANESC), The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Midori Cho, Nishitokyo-shi, Tokyo 188-0002, Japan
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (SAVER), Ministry of Education, Alkali Soil Natural Environmental Science Center (ASNESC), Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China.
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Ni XL, Gui MY, Tan LL, Zhu Q, Liu WZ, Li CX. Programmed Cell Death and Aerenchyma Formation in Water-Logged Sunflower Stems and Its Promotion by Ethylene and ROS. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 9:1928. [PMID: 30687344 PMCID: PMC6333753 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that waterlogging/ hypoxic conditions induce aerenchyma formation to facilitate gas exchange. Ethylene (ET) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), as regulatory signals, might also be involved in these adaptive responses. However, the interrelationships between these signals have seldom been reported. Herein, we showed that programmed cell death (PCD) was involved in aerenchyma formation in the stem of Helianthus annuus. Lysigenous aerenchyma formation in the stem was induced through waterlogging (WA), ethylene and ROS. Pre-treatment with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) partially suppressed aerenchyma formation in the seedlings after treatment with WA, ET and 3-amino-1, 2, 4-triazole (AT, catalase inhibitor). In addition, pre-treatment with the ethylene perception inhibitor 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) partially suppressed aerenchyma formation induced through WA and ET in the seedlings, but barely inhibited aerenchyma formation induced through ROS. These results revealed that ethylene-mediated ROS signaling plays a role in aerenchyma formation, and there is a causal and interdependent relationship during WA, ET and ROS in PCD, which regulates signal networks in the stem of H. annuus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Lu Ni
- Breeding Base for State Key Laboratory of Land Degradation and Ecological Restoration of North-western China, Key Lab for Restoration and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in North-western China of Ministry of Education, Yinchuan, China
- Key Laboratory for the Eco-Environment of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- School of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meng-Yuan Gui
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for Cell Differentiation Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Ling-Ling Tan
- College of Life Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qiang Zhu
- Breeding Base for State Key Laboratory of Land Degradation and Ecological Restoration of North-western China, Key Lab for Restoration and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in North-western China of Ministry of Education, Yinchuan, China
| | - Wen-Zhe Liu
- School of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chang-Xiao Li
- Key Laboratory for the Eco-Environment of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Fate of nuclear material during subsequent steps of the kinetin-induced PCD in apical parts of Vicia faba ssp. minor seedling roots. Micron 2018; 110:79-87. [PMID: 29772476 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In animals during apoptosis, the best examined type of programmed cell death (PCD), three main phases are distinguished: (i) specification (signaling), (ii) killing and (iii) execution one. It has bean postulated that plant PCD also involves three subsequent phases: (i) transmission of death signals to cells (signaling), (ii) initiation of killing processes and (iii) destruction of cells. One of the most important hallmarks of animal and plant PCD are those regarding nucleus, not thoroughly studied in plants so far. To study kinetin-induced PCD (Kin-PCD) in the context of nuclear material faith, 2-cm apical parts of Vicia faba ssp. minor seedling roots were used. Applied assays involving spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence and white light microscopy allowed to examine metabolic and cytomorphologic hallmarks such as changes in DNA content, ssDNA formation and activity of acidic and basic nucleases (DNases and RNases) as well as malformations and fragmentation of nucleoli and nuclei. The obtained results concerning the PCD hallmarks and influence of ZnSO4 on Kin-PCD allowed us to confirmed presence of specification/signaling, killing and execution/degradation phases of the process and broaden the knowledge about processes affecting nuclei during PCD.
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Guo G, Liu X, Sun F, Cao J, Huo N, Wuda B, Xin M, Hu Z, Du J, Xia R, Rossi V, Peng H, Ni Z, Sun Q, Yao Y. Wheat miR9678 Affects Seed Germination by Generating Phased siRNAs and Modulating Abscisic Acid/Gibberellin Signaling. THE PLANT CELL 2018; 30:796-814. [PMID: 29567662 PMCID: PMC5969276 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.17.00842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Seed germination is important for grain yield and quality and rapid, near-simultaneous germination helps in cultivation; however, cultivars that germinate too readily can undergo preharvest sprouting (PHS), which causes substantial losses in areas that tend to get rain around harvest time. Moreover, our knowledge of mechanisms regulating seed germination in wheat (Triticum aestivum) remains limited. In this study, we analyzed function of a wheat-specific microRNA 9678 (miR9678), which is specifically expressed in the scutellum of developing and germinating seeds. Overexpression of miR9678 delayed germination and improved resistance to PHS in wheat through reducing bioactive gibberellin (GA) levels; miR9678 silencing enhanced germination rates. We provide evidence that miR9678 targets a long noncoding RNA (WSGAR) and triggers the generation of phased small interfering RNAs that play a role in the delay of seed germination. Finally, we found that abscisic acid (ABA) signaling proteins bind the promoter of miR9678 precursor and activate its expression, indicating that miR9678 affects germination by modulating the GA/ABA signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology and Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Xinye Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology and Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Fenglong Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology and Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Jie Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology and Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Na Huo
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology and Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Bala Wuda
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology and Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Mingming Xin
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology and Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Zhaorong Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology and Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Jinkun Du
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology and Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Rui Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, P.R. China
| | - Vincenzo Rossi
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, I-24126 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Huiru Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology and Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Zhongfu Ni
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology and Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Qixin Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology and Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Yingyin Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology and Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
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Ni XL, Tan LL, Zhou YF, Liu WZ, Li CX. The involvement of programmed cell death in inflated leaf petiole morphogenesis in Trapa pseudoincisa. FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY : FPB 2018; 45:412-427. [PMID: 32290981 DOI: 10.1071/fp17203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Trapa plants (Trapaceae) have an inflated leaf petiole called a spongy airbag. The aims of this study were to assess the involvement of programmed cell death (PCD) in the process of inflated leaf petiole morphogenesis. In this paper, light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate cytological events and the development of inflated leaf petiole. During this process, the inflated leaf petiole of Trapa pseudoincisa L. undergoes a developmental process, changing from solid to hollow phase. Debris from the degraded cells was seldom observed in the transverse sections of leaf petioles, but some degraded cells with an abnormal morphology were observed in longitudinal sections. Cytoplasmic changes, such as disrupted vacuoles, degraded plastids, and the emergence of secondary vacuoles were observed during leaf petiole morphogenesis. In addition, gel electrophoresis and TUNEL assays were used to evaluate DNA cleavage during petiole morphogenesis. DNA internucleosomal cleavage and TUNEL-positive nuclei indicate that the typical PCD features of DNA cleavage occurred early in the process. These results revealed that PCD plays a critical role in inflated leaf petiole morphogenesis. Additionally, a trans-disciplinary systems approach is required that recognises the necessity for integration of cytological and molecular characteristics for identification of aerenchyma type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Lu Ni
- Key Laboratory for the Eco-Environment of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Ling-Ling Tan
- College of Life Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Ya-Fu Zhou
- Xi'an Botanical Garden of Shaanxi Province, Institute of Botany of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Wen-Zhe Liu
- School of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Chang-Xiao Li
- Key Laboratory for the Eco-Environment of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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Markers of Developmentally Regulated Programmed Cell Death and Their Analysis in Cereal Seeds. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1743:21-37. [PMID: 29332283 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7668-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Programmed cell death (PCD) is a key process for the development and differentiation of multicellular organisms, which is characterized by well-defined morphological and biochemical features. These include chromatin condensation, DNA degradation and nuclear fragmentation, with nucleases and proteases playing a relevant function in these processes. In this chapter we describe methods routinely used for the analysis of hallmarks of developmentally regulated PCD in cereal seed tissues, which are based on agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, in situ staining of DNA fragmentation, and cell-free assays of relevant enzymatic activities.
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Gerna D, Roach T, Stöggl W, Wagner J, Vaccino P, Limonta M, Kranner I. Changes in low-molecular-weight thiol-disulphide redox couples are part of bread wheat seed germination and early seedling growth. Free Radic Res 2017; 51:568-581. [PMID: 28580817 DOI: 10.1080/10715762.2017.1338344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The tripeptide antioxidant glutathione (γ-l-glutamyl-l-cysteinyl-glycine; GSH) essentially contributes to thiol-disulphide conversions, which are involved in the control of seed development, germination, and seedling establishment. However, the relative contribution of GSH metabolism in different seed structures is not fully understood. We studied the GSH/glutathione disulphide (GSSG) redox couple and associated low-molecular-weight (LMW) thiols and disulphides related to GSH metabolism in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds, focussing on redox changes in the embryo and endosperm during germination. In dry seeds, GSH was the predominant LMW thiol and, 15 h after the onset of imbibition, embryos of non-germinated seeds contained 12 times more LMW thiols than the endosperm. In germinated seeds, the embryo contained 17 and 11 times more LMW thiols than the endosperm after 15 and 48 h, respectively. This resulted in the embryo having significantly more reducing half-cell reduction potentials of GSH/GSSG and cysteine (Cys)/cystine (CySS) redox couples (EGSSG/2GSH and ECySS/2Cys, respectively). Upon seed germination and early seedling growth, Cys and CySS concentrations significantly increased in both embryo and endosperm, progressively contributing to the cellular LMW thiol-disulphide redox environment (Ethiol-disulphide). The changes in ECySS/2Cys could be related to the mobilisation of storage proteins in the endosperm during early seedling growth. We suggest that EGSSG/2GSH and ECySS/2Cys can be used as markers of the physiological and developmental stage of embryo and endosperm. We also present a model of interaction between LMW thiols and disulphides with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in redox regulation of bread wheat germination and early seedling growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Gerna
- a Department of Botany , Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Thomas Roach
- a Department of Botany , Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Wolfgang Stöggl
- a Department of Botany , Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Johanna Wagner
- a Department of Botany , Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Patrizia Vaccino
- b Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l'Analisi dell'Economia Agraria , Research Unit for Cereal Selection in Continental Areas, S . Angelo Lodigiano , Italy
| | - Margherita Limonta
- b Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l'Analisi dell'Economia Agraria , Research Unit for Cereal Selection in Continental Areas, S . Angelo Lodigiano , Italy
| | - Ilse Kranner
- a Department of Botany , Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
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Ahmed Z, Yang H, Fu YB. The Associative Changes in Scutellum Nuclear Content and Morphology with Viability Loss of Naturally Aged and Accelerated Aging Wheat ( Triticum aestivum) Seeds. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2016; 7:1474. [PMID: 27729925 PMCID: PMC5037135 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.01474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Timely prediction of seed viability loss over long-term storage represents a challenge in management and conservation of ex situ plant genetic resources. However, little attention has been paid to study the process of seed deterioration and seed aging signals under storage. An attempt was made here to investigate morphological and molecular changes in the scutellum and aleurone sections of naturally or artificially aged wheat seeds using TUNEL assay and DAPI staining. Twelve wheat genotypes or samples exposed to natural ageing (NA) or accelerated ageing (AA) were assayed and these samples had germination rates ranging from 11 to 93%. The assayed samples showed substantial changes in scutellum, but not aleurone. The nuclei observed in the majority of the scutellum cells of the NA seed samples of lower germination rates were longer in size and less visible, while the scutellum cell morphology or arrangement remained unchanged. In contrast, longer AA treatments resulted in the loss of scutellum cell structure, collapse of cell layers, and disappearance of honey comb arrangements. These nuclei and structural changes were consistent with the DNA assessments of nuclear alternations for the selected wheat samples. Interestingly, the sample seed germination loss was found to be associated with the reductions in the scutellum nuclear content and with the increases in the scutellum nuclei length to width ratio. These findings are significant for understanding the process of wheat seed deterioration and are also useful for searching for sensitive seed aging signals for developing tools to monitor seed viability under storage.
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López-Fernández MP, Maldonado S. Programmed cell death in seeds of angiosperms. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2015; 57:996-1002. [PMID: 25953251 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.12367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
During the diversification of angiosperms, seeds have evolved structural, chemical, molecular and physiologically developing changes that specially affect the nucellus and endosperm. All through seed evolution, programmed cell death (PCD) has played a fundamental role. However, examples of PCD during seed development are limited. The present review examines PCD in integuments, nucellus, suspensor and endosperm in those representative examples of seeds studied to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Paula López-Fernández
- Laboratory of Plant Development, Department of Biodiversity and Experimental Biology, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Research Council of Argentine (CONICET)
| | - Sara Maldonado
- Laboratory of Plant Development, Department of Biodiversity and Experimental Biology, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Research Council of Argentine (CONICET)
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12
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Cembrowska-Lech D, Koprowski M, Kępczyński J. Germination induction of dormant Avena fatua caryopses by KAR(1) and GA(3) involving the control of reactive oxygen species (H2O2 and O2(·-)) and enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase and catalase) both in the embryo and the aleurone layers. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 176:169-79. [PMID: 25618514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2014.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Avena fatua L. caryopses did not germinate at 20 °C in darkness because they were dormant. However, they were able to germinate in the presence of karrikinolide (KAR1), a key bioactive compound present in smoke, and also in the presence of gibberellin A3 (GA3), a commonly known stimulator of seed germination. The aim of this study was to collect information on a possible relationship between the above regulators and abscisic acid (ABA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ROS scavenging antioxidants in the regulation of dormant caryopses germination. KAR1 and GA3 caused complete germination of dormant A. fatua caryopses. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), compounds generating the superoxide (O2(·-)), i.e. menadione (MN), methylviologen (MV) and an inhibitor of catalase activity, aminotriazole (AT), induced germination of dormant caryopses. KAR1, GA3, H2O2 and AT decreased ABA content in embryos. Furthermore, KAR1, GA3, H2O2, MN, MV and AT increased α-amylase activity in caryopses. The effect of KAR1 and GA3 on ROS (H2O2, O2(·-)) and activities of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were determined in caryopses, embryos and aleurone layers. SOD was represented by four isoforms and catalase by one. In situ localization of ROS showed that the effect of KAR1 and GA3 was associated with the localization of hydrogen peroxide mainly on the coleorhiza. However, the superoxide was mainly localized on the surface of the scutellum. Superoxide was also detected in the protruding radicle. Germination induction of dormant caryopses by KAR1 and GA3 was related to an increasing content of H2O2, O2(·-)and activities of SOD and CAT in embryos, thus ROS homeostasis was probably required for the germination of dormant caryopses. The above regulators increased the content of ROS in aleurone layers and decreased the activities of SOD and CAT, probably leading to the programmed cell death. The presented data provide new insights into the germination induction of A. fatua dormant caryopses by KAR1 and also by GA3. In A. fatua, KAR1 or GA3 is included in the induction germination of dormant caryopses through regulation level of ABA in embryos and ROS-antioxidant status both in embryos and aleurone layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Cembrowska-Lech
- Department of Plant Physiology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biology, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Marek Koprowski
- Department of Heteroorganic Chemistry, Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Łódź, Poland
| | - Jan Kępczyński
- Department of Plant Physiology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biology, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland.
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Granot G, Morgenstern Y, Khan A, Rapp YG, Pesok A, Nevo E, Grafi G. Internucleosomal DNA fragmentation in wild emmer wheat is catalyzed by S1-type endonucleases translocated to the nucleus upon induction of cell death. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2015; 1849:239-46. [PMID: 25497371 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Leaves of cereal plants display nucleosomal fragmentation of DNA attributed to the action of nucleases induced during program cell death (PCD). Yet, the specific nuclease activity responsible for generating double strand DNA breaks (DSBs) that lead to DNA fragmentation has not been fully described. Here, we characterized a Ca2+/Mg2+-dependent S1-type endonuclease activity in leaves of wild emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccoides Köern.) capable of introducing DSBs as demonstrated by the conversion of supercoiled plasmid DNA into a linear duplex DNA. In-gel nuclease assay revealed a nuclease of about 35 kDa capable of degrading both single stranded DNA and RNA. We further showed that the endonuclease activity can be purified on Concanavalin A and treatment with peptide-N-glycosidase F (PNGase F) did not abolish its activity. Furthermore, ConA-associated endonuclease was capable of generating nucleosomal DNA fragmentation in tobacco nuclei. Since S1-type endonucleases lack canonical nuclear localization signal it was necessary to determine their subcellular localization. To this end, a cDNA encoding for a putative 34 kDa S1-type nuclease, designated TaS1-like (TaS1L) was synthesized based on available sequence data of Triticum aestivum and fused with RFP. Introduction into protoplasts showed that TaS1L-RFP is cytoplasmic 24h post transformation but gradually turn nuclear at 48 h concomitantly with induction of cell death. Our results suggest that DNA fragmentation occurring in leaves of wild emmer wheat may be attributed to S1-type endonuclease(s) that reside in the cytoplasm but translocate to the nucleus upon induction of cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gila Granot
- French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Yaakov Morgenstern
- French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Asif Khan
- French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Yemima Givaty Rapp
- French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Anat Pesok
- French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Eviatar Nevo
- Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, 199 Aba-Hushi Avenue Mount Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Gideon Grafi
- French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel.
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Tran V, Weier D, Radchuk R, Thiel J, Radchuk V. Caspase-like activities accompany programmed cell death events in developing barley grains. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109426. [PMID: 25286287 PMCID: PMC4186829 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death is essential part of development and cell homeostasis of any multicellular organism. We have analyzed programmed cell death in developing barley caryopsis at histological, biochemical and molecular level. Caspase-1, -3, -4, -6 and -8-like activities increased with aging of pericarp coinciding with abundance of TUNEL positive nuclei and expression of HvVPE4 and HvPhS2 genes in the tissue. TUNEL-positive nuclei were also detected in nucellus and nucellar projection as well as in embryo surrounding region during early caryopsis development. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of micro-dissected grain tissues revealed the expression of HvVPE2a, HvVPE2b, HvVPE2d, HvPhS2 and HvPhS3 genes exclusively in the nucellus/nucellar projection. The first increase in cascade of caspase-1, -3, -4, -6 and -8-like activities in the endosperm fraction may be related to programmed cell death in the nucellus and nucellar projection. The second increase of all above caspase-like activities including of caspase-9-like was detected in the maturating endosperm and coincided with expression of HvVPE1 and HvPhS1 genes as well as with degeneration of nuclei in starchy endosperm and transfer cells. The distribution of the TUNEL-positive nuclei, tissues-specific expression of genes encoding proteases with potential caspase activities and cascades of caspase-like activities suggest that each seed tissue follows individual pattern of development and disintegration, which however harmonizes with growth of the other tissues in order to achieve proper caryopsis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Tran
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Diana Weier
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Ruslana Radchuk
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Johannes Thiel
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Volodymyr Radchuk
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany
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15
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Lambert R, Quiles FA, Cabello-Díaz JM, Piedras P. Purification and identification of a nuclease activity in embryo axes from French bean. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2014; 224:137-143. [PMID: 24908514 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2014.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Plant nucleases are involved in nucleic acid degradation associated to programmed cell death processes as well as in DNA restriction, repair and recombination processes. However, the knowledge about the function of plant nucleases is limited. A major nuclease activity was detected by in-gel assay with whole embryonic axes of common bean by using ssDNA or RNA as substrate, whereas this activity was minimal in cotyledons. The enzyme has been purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from embryonic axes. The main biochemical properties of the purified enzyme indicate that it belongs to the S1/P1 family of nucleases. This was corroborated when this protein, after SDS-electrophoresis, was excised from the gel and further analysis by MALDI TOF/TOF allowed identification of the gene (PVN1) that codes this protein. The gene that codes the purified protein was identified. The expression of PVN1 gene was induced at the specific moment of radicle protrusion. The inclusion of inorganic phosphate to the imbibition media reduced the level of expression of this gene and the nuclease activity suggesting a relationship with the phosphorous status in French bean seedlings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Lambert
- Departamento de Botánica, Ecología y Fisiología Vegetal, Grupo de Fisiología Molecular y Biotecnología de Plantas, Campus Rabanales, Edif. Severo Ochoa, 1ª Planta, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Francisco Antonio Quiles
- Departamento de Botánica, Ecología y Fisiología Vegetal, Grupo de Fisiología Molecular y Biotecnología de Plantas, Campus Rabanales, Edif. Severo Ochoa, 1ª Planta, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan Miguel Cabello-Díaz
- Departamento de Botánica, Ecología y Fisiología Vegetal, Grupo de Fisiología Molecular y Biotecnología de Plantas, Campus Rabanales, Edif. Severo Ochoa, 1ª Planta, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Pedro Piedras
- Departamento de Botánica, Ecología y Fisiología Vegetal, Grupo de Fisiología Molecular y Biotecnología de Plantas, Campus Rabanales, Edif. Severo Ochoa, 1ª Planta, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain.
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16
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Domínguez F, Cejudo FJ. Programmed cell death (PCD): an essential process of cereal seed development and germination. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2014; 5:366. [PMID: 25120551 PMCID: PMC4112785 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2014.00366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The life cycle of cereal seeds can be divided into two phases, development and germination, separated by a quiescent period. Seed development and germination require the growth and differentiation of new tissues, but also the ordered disappearance of cells, which takes place by a process of programmed cell death (PCD). For this reason, cereal seeds have become excellent model systems for the study of developmental PCD in plants. At early stages of seed development, maternal tissues such as the nucellus, the pericarp, and the nucellar projections undergo a progressive degeneration by PCD, which allows the remobilization of their cellular contents for nourishing new filial tissues such as the embryo and the endosperm. At a later stage, during seed maturation, the endosperm undergoes PCD, but these cells remain intact in the mature grain and their contents will not be remobilized until germination. Thus, the only tissues that remain alive when seed development is completed are the embryo axis, the scutellum and the aleurone layer. In germinating seeds, both the scutellum and the aleurone layer play essential roles in producing the hydrolytic enzymes for the mobilization of the storage compounds of the starchy endosperm, which serve to support early seedling growth. Once this function is completed, scutellum and aleurone cells undergo PCD; their contents being used to support the growth of the germinated embryo. PCD occurs with tightly controlled spatial-temporal patterns allowing coordinated fluxes of nutrients between the different seed tissues. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge of the tissues undergoing PCD in developing and germinating cereal seeds, focussing on the biochemical features of the process. The effect of hormones and redox regulation on PCD control will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francisco J. Cejudo
- *Correspondence: Francisco J. Cejudo, Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Universidad de Sevilla – Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda Américo Vespucio 49, Sevilla 41092, Spain e-mail:
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17
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Sánchez-Pons N, Vicient CM. Identification of a type I Ca2+/Mg2+-dependent endonuclease induced in maize cells exposed to camptothecin. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2013; 13:186. [PMID: 24256432 PMCID: PMC4225560 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2229-13-186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 11/16/2013] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Camptothecin is a plant alkaloid that specifically binds topoisomerase I, inhibiting its activity and inducing double stranded breaks in DNA and activating the cell responses to DNA damage. RESULTS Maize cultured cells were incubated in the presence of different concentrations of camptothecin. Camptothecin inhibits cultured cell growth, induces genomic DNA degradation, and induces a 32 kDa Ca2+/Mg2+-dependent nuclease activity. This nuclease, we called CaMNUC32, is inhibited by Zn2+ and by acid pH, it is mainly localized in the nucleus and it cleaves single- and double-stranded DNA, with a higher activity against single-stranded DNA. Two-dimensional electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry suggests that CaMNUC32 is a member of the type I S1/P1 nuclease family. This type of nucleases are usually Zn2+-dependent but our results support previous indications that S1-type nucleases have a wide variety of enzyme activities, including Ca2+/Mg2+-dependent. CONCLUSIONS We have identified and characterized CaMNUC32, a 32 kDa Ca2+/Mg2+-dependent nuclease of the S1/P1 family induced by the topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin in maize cultured cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Sánchez-Pons
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics CRAG (CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), Campus UAB, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos M Vicient
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics CRAG (CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), Campus UAB, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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18
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López-Fernández MP, Maldonado S. Programmed cell death during quinoa perisperm development. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2013; 64:3313-25. [PMID: 23833197 PMCID: PMC3733152 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/ert170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
At seed maturity, quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) perisperm consists of uniform, non-living, thin-walled cells full of starch grains. The objective of the present study was to study quinoa perisperm development and describe the programme of cell death that affects the entire tissue. A number of parameters typically measured during programmed cell death (PCD), such as cellular morphological changes in nuclei and cytoplasm, endoreduplication, DNA fragmentation, and the participation of nucleases and caspase-like proteases in nucleus dismantling, were evaluated; morphological changes in cytoplasm included subcellular aspects related to starch accumulation. This study proved that, following fertilization, the perisperm of quinoa simultaneously accumulates storage reserves and degenerates, both processes mediated by a programme of developmentally controlled cell death. The novel findings regarding perisperm development provide a starting point for further research in the Amaranthaceae genera, such as comparing seeds with and without perisperm, and specifying phylogeny and evolution within this taxon. Wherever possible and appropriate, differences between quinoa perisperm and grass starchy endosperm--a morphologically and functionally similar, although genetically different tissue--were highlighted and discussed.
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19
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Domínguez F, Cejudo FJ. A comparison between nuclear dismantling during plant and animal programmed cell death. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2012; 197:114-121. [PMID: 23116678 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2012.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2012] [Revised: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Programmed cell death (PCD) is a process of organized destruction of cells, essential for the development and maintenance of cellular homeostasis of multicellular organisms. Cells undergoing PCD begin a degenerative process in response to internal or external signals, whereby the nucleus becomes one of the targets. The process of nuclear dismantling includes events affecting the nuclear envelope, such as formation of lobes at the nuclear surface, selective proteolysis of nucleoporins and nuclear pore complex clustering. In addition, chromatin condensation increases in coordination with DNA fragmentation. These processes have been largely studied in animals, but remain poorly understood in plants. The overall process of cell death has different morphological and biochemical features in plants and animals. However, recent advances suggest that nuclear dismantling in plant cells progresses with morphological and biochemical characteristics similar to those in apoptotic animal cells. In this review, we summarize nuclear dismantling in plant PCD, focusing on the similarities and differences with their animal counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Domínguez
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Universidad de Sevilla and CSIC, Avda Américo Vespucio 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
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