Sensing sulfur conditions: simple to complex protein regulatory mechanisms in plant thiol metabolism

Cytokinin modulates the metabolic network of sulfur and glutathione

The phytohormone cytokinin is implicated in a range of growth, developmental, and defense processes. A growing body of evidence supports a crosstalk between cytokinin and nutrient signaling pathways, such as nitrate availability. Cytokinin signaling regulates sulfur-responsive gene expression, but the underlying molecular mechanisms and their impact on sulfur-containing metabolites have not been systematically explored. Using a combination of genetic and pharmacological tools, we investigated the interplay between cytokinin signaling and sulfur homeostasis. Exogenous cytokinin triggered sulfur starvation-like gene expression accompanied by a decrease in sulfate and glutathione content. This process was uncoupled from the activity of the major transcriptional regulator of sulfate starvation signaling SULFUR LIMITATION 1 and an important glutathione-degrading enzyme, γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase 2;1, expression of which was robustly up-regulated by cytokinin. Conversely, glutathione accumulation was observed in mutants lacking the cytokinin receptor ARABIDOPSIS HISTIDINE KINASE 3 and in cytokinin-deficient plants. Cytokinin-deficient plants displayed improved root growth upon exposure to glutathione-depleting chemicals which was attributed to a higher capacity to maintain glutathione levels. These results shed new light on the interplay between cytokinin signaling and sulfur homeostasis. They position cytokinin as an important modulator of sulfur uptake, assimilation, and remobilization in plant defense against xenobiotics and root growth.

Using tissue cysteine to predict the trophic transfer of methylmercury and selenium in lake food webs

The biomagnification of toxic methylmercury (MeHg) and selenium (Se) through aquatic food webs using nitrogen stable isotopes (δ¹⁵N) varies among ecosystems but underlying mechanisms are yet unexplained. Given the strong links between MeHg and thiol-containing amino acids and proteins containing selenocysteine, our hypothesis was that cysteine content is a better predictor of MeHg and Se transfer through lake food webs than δ¹⁵N. Food web samples were collected from six lakes in Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia, Canada, and the regression slopes of log MeHg or Se versus protein-bound cysteine or bulk δ¹⁵N were compared. Across all six lakes, MeHg varied by a factor of 10 among taxa and was significantly and positively related to both cysteine (R² = 0.65-0.80, p < 0.001) and δ¹⁵N (R² = 0.88-0.94, p < 0.001), with no among-system differences in these slopes. In contrast, total Se concentrations varied by less than a factor of 2 among taxa in four lakes and were significantly related to cysteine in only two food webs (R² = 0.20 & 0.37, p = 0.014 & < 0.001); however, δ¹⁵N was not a predictor of Se in any lake (p = 0.052-0.777). Overall, these novel results indicate that cysteine content predicts MeHg, and sometimes Se, across trophic levels, providing a potential mechanism for among-system differences in their biomagnification.

Identification and functional analysis of the mitochondrial cysteine synthase TtCsa2 from Tetrahymena thermophila

Cysteine is a crucial component for all organisms and plays a critical role in the structure, stability, and catalytic functions of many proteins. Tetrahymena has reverse transsulfuration and de novo pathways for cysteine biosynthesis. Cysteine synthase is involved in the de novo cysteine biosynthesis and catalyzes the production of cysteine from O-acetylserine. The novel cysteine synthase TtCSA2 was identified from Tetrahymena thermophila. The TtCSA2 showed high expression levels at the log-phase and the sexual development stage. The TtCsa2 was localized on the outer mitochondrial membrane throughout different developmental stages. However, the truncated N-terminal signal peptide mutant TtCsa2-ΔN23 was localized into the mitochondria. His-TtCsa2 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using affinity chromatography. The His-TtCsa2 showed O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase and serine sulfhydrylase activities. Cysteine and glutathione contents decreased in the csa2KD mutant. Furthermore, mutant cells were sensitive to cadmium and copper stresses. This study indicated that the TtCSA2 was involved in the cysteine synthesis in mitochondria and related to heavy metal stresses resistance in Tetrahymena.

Bioinformatics analysis of enzymes involved in cysteine biosynthesis: first evidence for the formation of cysteine synthase complex in cyanobacteria

The biosynthesis of cysteine is crucial and critically regulated by two enzymes. i.e., serine acetyl transferase (SAT) and O-acetyl serine (thiol) lyase (OAS-TL). A descriptive account on the activity and regulatory mechanism of the enzyme is available in bacteria and plants. But no such studies yet performed in cyanobacteria, to understand the evolutionary aspect of cysteine biosynthesis and its regulation. Therefore, in our study a detailed bioinformatic analysis has been performed to understand all the possible features of cyanobacterial SATs and OAS-TLs. The analysis of SAT and OAS-TL sequences from cyanobacteria depicted that the large genome and morphological complexities favoured acquisition of these genes. Besides, conserved function of these enzymes was presumed by their sequence similarity. Further, the phylogenetic tree consisted of distinct clusters for unicellular, filamentous, and heterocytous strains. Nevertheless, the specificity pocket, SVKDR for OAS-TL having K as catalytic residue was also identified. Additionally, in silico protein modelling of SAT (SrpG) and OAS-TL (SrpH) of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 was performed to gain insight into the structural attributes of the proteins. Finally, here we showed the possibility of hetero-oligomeric bi-enzyme cysteine synthase complex formation upon interaction of SAT and OAS-TL through protein-protein docking analysis thus provides a way to understand the regulation of cysteine biosynthesis in cyanobacteria.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-02899-1.

The Versatile Roles of Sulfur-Containing Biomolecules in Plant Defense-A Road to Disease Resistance

Sulfur (S) is an essential plant macronutrient and the pivotal role of sulfur compounds in plant disease resistance has become obvious in recent decades. This review attempts to recapitulate results on the various functions of sulfur-containing defense compounds (SDCs) in plant defense responses to pathogens. These compounds include sulfur containing amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, the tripeptide glutathione, thionins and defensins, glucosinolates and phytoalexins and, last but not least, reactive sulfur species and hydrogen sulfide. SDCs play versatile roles both in pathogen perception and initiating signal transduction pathways that are interconnected with various defense processes regulated by plant hormones (salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and ethylene) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Importantly, ROS-mediated reversible oxidation of cysteine residues on plant proteins have profound effects on protein functions like signal transduction of plant defense responses during pathogen infections. Indeed, the multifaceted plant defense responses initiated by SDCs should provide novel tools for plant breeding to endow crops with efficient defense responses to invading pathogens.

Coordinating Sulfur Pools under Sulfate Deprivation

Plants display manifold metabolic changes on sulfate deficiency (S deficiency) with all sulfur-containing pools of primary and secondary metabolism affected. O-Acetylserine (OAS), whose levels are rapidly altered on S deficiency, is correlated tightly with novel regulators of plant sulfur metabolism that have key roles in balancing plant sulfur pools, including the Sulfur Deficiency Induced genes (SDI1 and SDI2), More Sulfur Accumulation1 (MSA1), and GGCT2;1. Despite the importance of OAS in the coordination of S pools under stress, mechanisms of OAS perception and signaling have remained elusive. Here, we put particular focus on the general OAS-responsive genes but also elaborate on the specific roles of SDI1 and SDI2 genes, which downregulate the glucosinolate (GSL) pool size. We also highlight the key open questions in sulfur partitioning.

Transcriptome Analyses and Antioxidant Activity Profiling Reveal the Role of a Lignin-Derived Biostimulant Seed Treatment in Enhancing Heat Stress Tolerance in Soybean

Soybean (Glycine max Merr.) is a worldwide important legume crop, whose growth and yield are negatively affected by heat stress at germination time. Here, we tested the role of a biostimulant based on lignin derivatives, plant-derived amino acids, and molybdenum in enhancing soybean heat stress tolerance when applied on seeds. After treatment with the biostimulant at 35 °C, the seed biometric parameters were positively influenced after 24 h, meanwhile, germination percentage was increased after 72 h (+10%). RNA-Seq analyses revealed a modulation of 879 genes (51 upregulated and 828 downregulated) in biostimulant-treated seeds as compared with the control, at 24 h after incubation at 35 °C. Surprisingly, more than 33% of upregulated genes encoded for ribosomal RNA (rRNA) methyltransferases and proteins involved in the ribosome assembly, acting in a specific protein network. Conversely, the downregulated genes were involved in stress response, hormone signaling, and primary metabolism. Finally, from a biochemical point of view, the dramatic H₂O₂ reduction 40%) correlated to a strong increase in non-protein thiols (+150%), suggested a lower oxidative stress level in biostimulant-treated seeds, at 24 h after incubation at 35 °C. Our results provide insights on the biostimulant mechanism of action and on its application for seed treatments to improve heat stress tolerance during germination.

Thiol redox-regulation for efficient adjustment of sulfur metabolism in acclimation to abiotic stress

Sulfur assimilation and sulfur metabolism are tightly controlled at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels in order to meet the demand for reduced sulfur in growth and metabolism. These regulatory mechanisms coordinate the cellular sulfhydryl supply with carbon and nitrogen assimilation in particular. Redox homeostasis is an important cellular parameter intimately connected to sulfur by means of multiple thiol modifications. Post-translational thiol modifications such as disulfide formation, sulfenylation, S-nitrosylation, persulfidation, and S-glutathionylation allow for versatile switching and adjustment of protein functions. This review focuses on redox-regulation of enzymes involved in the sulfur assimilation pathway, namely adenosine 5´-phosphosulfate reductase (APR), adenosine 5´-phosphosulfate kinase (APSK), and γ-glutamylcysteine ligase (GCL). The activity of these enzymes is adjusted at the transcriptional and post-translational level depending on physiological requirements and the state of the redox and reactive oxygen species network, which are tightly linked to abiotic stress conditions. Hormone-dependent fine-tuning contributes to regulation of sulfur assimilation. Thus, the link between oxylipin signalling and sulfur assimilation has been substantiated by identification of the so-called COPS module in the chloroplast with its components cyclophilin 20-3, O-acetylserine thiol lyase, 2-cysteine peroxiredoxin, and serine acetyl transferase. We now have a detailed understanding of how regulation enables the fine-tuning of sulfur assimilation under both normal and abiotic stress conditions.

Structural biology of plant sulfur metabolism: from sulfate to glutathione

Sulfur is an essential element for all organisms. Plants must assimilate this nutrient from the environment and convert it into metabolically useful forms for the biosynthesis of a wide range of compounds, including cysteine and glutathione. This review summarizes structural biology studies on the enzymes involved in plant sulfur assimilation [ATP sulfurylase, adenosine-5'-phosphate (APS) reductase, and sulfite reductase], cysteine biosynthesis (serine acetyltransferase and O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase), and glutathione biosynthesis (glutamate-cysteine ligase and glutathione synthetase) pathways. Overall, X-ray crystal structures of enzymes in these core pathways provide molecular-level information on the chemical events that allow plants to incorporate sulfur into essential metabolites and revealed new biochemical regulatory mechanisms, such as structural rearrangements, protein-protein interactions, and thiol-based redox switches, for controlling different steps in these pathways.

Redox Balance-DDR-miRNA Triangle: Relevance in Genome Stability and Stress Responses in Plants

Plants are continuously faced with complex environmental conditions which can affect the oxidative metabolism and photosynthetic efficiency, thus leading to the over-production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Over a certain threshold, ROS can damage DNA. DNA damage, unless repaired, can affect genome stability, thus interfering with cell survival and severely reducing crop productivity. A complex network of pathways involved in DNA damage response (DDR) needs to be activated in order to maintain genome integrity. The expression of specific genes belonging to these pathways can be used as indicators of oxidative DNA damage and effective DNA repair in plants subjected to stress conditions. Managing ROS levels by modulating their production and scavenging systems shifts the role of these compounds from toxic molecules to key messengers involved in plant tolerance acquisition. Oxidative and anti-oxidative signals normally move among the different cell compartments, including the nucleus, cytosol, and organelles. Nuclei are dynamically equipped with different redox systems, such as glutathione (GSH), thiol reductases, and redox regulated transcription factors (TFs). The nuclear redox network participates in the regulation of the DNA metabolism, in terms of transcriptional events, replication, and repair mechanisms. This mainly occurs through redox-dependent regulatory mechanisms comprising redox buffering and post-translational modifications, such as the thiol-disulphide switch, glutathionylation, and S-nitrosylation. The regulatory role of microRNAs (miRNAs) is also emerging for the maintenance of genome stability and the modulation of antioxidative machinery under adverse environmental conditions. In fact, redox systems and DDR pathways can be controlled at a post-transcriptional level by miRNAs. This review reports on the interconnections between the DDR pathways and redox balancing systems. It presents a new dynamic picture by taking into account the shared regulatory mechanism mediated by miRNAs in plant defense responses to stress.

Review: The promise and limits for enhancing sulfur-containing amino acid content of soybean seed

Soybeans are an excellent source of protein in monogastric diets and rations with ∼75% of soybeans produced worldwide used primarily for animal feed. Even though soybeans are protein-rich and have a well-balanced amino acid profile, the nutritive quality of this important crop could be further improved by elevating the concentrations of certain amino acids. The levels of the sulfur-containing amino acids cysteine and methionine in soybean seed proteins are inadequate for optimal growth and development of monogastric animals, which necessitates dietary supplementation. Subsequently, concerted efforts have been made to increase the concentrations of cysteine and methionine in soybean seeds by both classical breeding and genetic engineering; however, these efforts have met with only limited success. In this review, we discuss the strengths and weakness of different approaches in elevating the sulfur amino acid content of soybeans. Manipulation of enzymes involved in the sulfur assimilatory pathway appears to be a viable avenue for improving sulfur amino acid content. This approach requires a through biochemical characterization of sulfur assimilatory enzymes in soybean seeds. We highlight recent studies targeting key sulfur assimilatory enzymes and the manipulation of sulfur metabolism in transgenic soybeans to improve the nutritive value of soybean proteins.

Impact of overexpression of cytosolic isoform of O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase on soybean nodulation and nodule metabolome

Nitrogen-fixing nodules, which are also major sites of sulfur assimilation, contribute significantly to the sulfur needs of whole soybean plants. Nodules are the predominant sites for cysteine accumulation and the activity of O-acetylserine(thiol)lyase (OASS) is central to the sulfur assimilation process in plants. Here, we examined the impact of overexpressing OASS on soybean nodulation and nodule metabolome. Overexpression of OASS did not affect the nodule number, but negatively impacted plant growth. HPLC measurement of antioxidant metabolites demonstrated that levels of cysteine, glutathione, and homoglutathione nearly doubled in OASS overexpressing nodules when compared to control nodules. Metabolite profiling by LC-MS and GC-MS demonstrated that several metabolites related to serine, aspartate, glutamate, and branched-chain amino acid pathways were significantly elevated in OASS overexpressing nodules. Striking differences were also observed in the flavonoid levels between the OASS overexpressing and control soybean nodules. Our results suggest that OASS overexpressing plants compensate for the increase in carbon requirement for sulfur assimilation by reducing the biosynthesis of some amino acids, and by replenishing the TCA cycle through fatty acid hydrolysis. These data may indicate that in OASS overexpressing soybean nodules there is a moderate decease in the supply of energy metabolites to the nodule, which is then compensated by the degradation of cellular components to meet the needs of the nodule energy metabolism.

β-N-Oxalyl-l-α,β-diaminopropionic Acid (β-ODAP) Content in Lathyrus sativus: The Integration of Nitrogen and Sulfur Metabolism through β-Cyanoalanine Synthase

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is an important legume crop grown mainly in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. This underutilized legume can withstand harsh environmental conditions including drought and flooding. During drought-induced famines, this protein-rich legume serves as a food source for poor farmers when other crops fail under harsh environmental conditions; however, its use is limited because of the presence of an endogenous neurotoxic nonprotein amino acid β-N-oxalyl-l-α,β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP). Long-term consumption of Lathyrus and β-ODAP is linked to lathyrism, which is a degenerative motor neuron syndrome. Pharmacological studies indicate that nutritional deficiencies in methionine and cysteine may aggravate the neurotoxicity of β-ODAP. The biosynthetic pathway leading to the production of β-ODAP is poorly understood, but is linked to sulfur metabolism. To date, only a limited number of studies have been conducted in grass pea on the sulfur assimilatory enzymes and how these enzymes regulate the biosynthesis of β-ODAP. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of sulfur metabolism in grass pea and its contribution to β-ODAP biosynthesis. Unraveling the fundamental steps and regulation of β-ODAP biosynthesis in grass pea will be vital for the development of improved varieties of this underutilized legume.

Nitric oxide improves S-assimilation and GSH production to prevent inhibitory effects of cadmium stress on photosynthesis in mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important gaseous signalling molecule that participates in many developmental and physiological processes, including defense responses against toxic metals in plants. The role of NO in cadmium (Cd)-induced toxic effects on photosynthesis was examined in mustard (Brassica juncea L.) plants. Exposure of plants to 50 μM Cd significantly enhanced oxidative stress (H₂O₂ content and lipid peroxidation) and impaired plant growth and photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence and reduced chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance. However, the exogenous application of 100 μM sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a donor of NO) reversed the effects of Cd through its stimulation of ROS-scavenging compounds (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase and reduced glutathione). Exogenous SNP significantly increased plant growth, photosynthesis and chlorophyll content and diminished the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (H₂O₂) and TBARS content. It also reduced the effects of Cd on thylakoid membrane of the chloroplasts. Application of SNP together with 1.0 mM SO₄^2- showed better responses than SNP alone. The protective effect of NO was achieved through enhanced production of reduced glutathione (GSH). GSH biosynthesis in plants treated with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), a GSH biosynthetic inhibitor, was not completely inhibited in presence of NO and S, suggesting that NO stimulated S-assimilation and GSH production of Cd exposed plants. This study concludes that NO counteracts Cd toxicity in B. juncea strongly by regulating S-assimilation and GSH production.

NPKS uptake, sensing, and signaling and miRNAs in plant nutrient stress

Sessile nature of higher plants consequently makes it highly adaptable for nutrient absorption and acquisition from soil. Plants require 17 essential elements for their growth and development which include 14 minerals (macronutrients: N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S; micronutrients: Cl, Fe, B, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mo) and 3 non-mineral (C, H, O) elements. The roots of higher plants must acquire these macronutrients and micronutrients from rhizosphere and further allocate to other plant parts for completing their life cycle. Plants evolved an intricate series of signaling and sensing cascades to maintain nutrient homeostasis and to cope with nutrient stress/availability. The specific receptors for nutrients in root, root system architecture, and internal signaling pathways help to develop plasticity in response to the nutrient starvation. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) are essential for various metabolic processes, and their deficiency negatively effects the plant growth and yield. Genes coding for transporters and receptors for nutrients as well as some small non-coding RNAs have been implicated in nutrient uptake and signaling. This review summarizes the N, P, K, and S uptake, sensing and signaling events in nutrient stress condition especially in model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and involvement of microRNAs in nutrient deficiency. This article also provides a framework of uptake, sensing, signaling and to highlight the microRNA as an emerging major players in nutrient stress condition. Nutrient-plant-miRNA cross talk may help plant to cope up nutrient stress, and understanding their precise mechanism(s) will be necessary to develop high yielding smart crop with low nutrient input.

Nitric Oxide Alleviates Salt Stress Inhibited Photosynthetic Performance by Interacting with Sulfur Assimilation in Mustard

The role of nitric oxide (NO) and sulfur (S) on stomatal responses and photosynthetic performance was studied in mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in presence or absence of salt stress. The combined application of 100 μM NO (as sodium nitroprusside) and 200 mg S kg(-1) soil (S) more prominently influenced stomatal behavior, photosynthetic and growth performance both in the absence and presence of salt stress. The chloroplasts from salt-stressed plants had disorganized chloroplast thylakoids, but combined application of NO and S resulted in well-developed chloroplast thylakoids and properly stacked grana. The leaves from plants receiving NO plus S exhibited lower superoxide ion accumulation under salt stress than the plants receiving NO or S. These plants also exhibited increased activity of ATP-sulfurylase (ATPS), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) and optimized NO generation that helped in minimizing oxidative stress. The enhanced S-assimilation of these plants receiving NO plus S resulted in increased production of cysteine (Cys) and reduced glutathione (GSH). These findings indicated that NO influenced photosynthesis under salt stress by regulating oxidative stress and its effects on S-assimilation, an antioxidant system and NO generation. The results suggest that NO improves photosynthetic performance of plants grown under salt stress more effectively when plants received S.

Sulfur mediated reduction of arsenic toxicity involves efficient thiol metabolism and the antioxidant defense system in rice

Arsenic (As) contamination is a global issue, with South Asia and South East Asia being worst affected. Rice is major crop in these regions and can potentially pose serious health risks due to its known As accumulation potential. Sulfur (S) is an essential macronutrient and a vital element to combat As toxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of S with regards to As toxicity in rice under different S regimes. To achieve this aim, plants were stressed with AsIII and AsV under three different S conditions (low sulfur (0.5mM), normal sulfur (3.5mM) and high sulfur (5.0mM)). High S treatment resulted in increased root As accumulation, likely due to As complexation through enhanced synthesis of thiolic ligands, such as non-protein thiols and phytochelatins, which restricted As translocation to the shoots. Enzymes of S assimilatory pathways and downstream thiolic metabolites were up-regulated with increased S supplementation; however, to maintain optimum concentrations of S, transcript levels of sulfate transporters were down-regulated at high S concentration. Oxidative stress generated due to As was counterbalanced in the high S treatment by reducing hydrogen peroxide concentration and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities. The high S concentration resulted in reduced transcript levels of Lsi2 (a known transporter of As). This reduction in Lsi2 expression level is a probable reason for low shoot As accumulation, which has potential implications in reducing the risk of As in the food chain.

Investigating the roles of ascorbate-glutathione cycle and thiol metabolism in arsenate tolerance in ridged Luffa seedlings

The present study is aimed to investigate whether ascorbate-glutathione cycle (AsA-GSH cycle) or thiol metabolism is involved in the regulation of arsenate (As(V))-induced oxidative stress and tolerance in ridged Luffa seedlings. As(V) significantly (p < 0.05) declined the growth of Luffa seedlings which was accompanied by the enhanced accumulation of As. The enhanced accumulation of As in tissues declined total protein and nitrogen contents and photosynthesis, and increased the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The enhanced levels of ROS cause damage to lipids and proteins as indicated by the increased contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive carbonyl groups (RCG). The components of AsA-GSH cycle such as ascorbate peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase, and reduced ascorbate were downregulated, while glutathione reductase and glutathione were upregulated by As(V) stress. Thiol metabolic enzymes such as cysteine synthase, γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, and glutathione synthetase, and compounds such as cysteine, glutathione, and non-protein thiols were stimulated by As(V) stress. These results suggest that thiol metabolism plays a key role in mitigating As(V)-mediated further damage to Luffa seedlings, while AsA-GSH cycle components had a little role in imparting As(V) tolerance. The present study provides information regarding the involvement of AsA-GSH cycle and thiol metabolism in imparting As(V) tolerance in Luffa. The results of this study can be utilized for As(V) toxicity management in Luffa while keeping these biochemical components into consideration.

Recapitulating the Structural Evolution of Redox Regulation in Adenosine 5'-Phosphosulfate Kinase from Cyanobacteria to Plants

In plants, adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (APS) kinase (APSK) is required for reproductive viability and the production of 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) as a sulfur donor in specialized metabolism. Previous studies of the APSK from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtAPSK) identified a regulatory disulfide bond formed between the N-terminal domain (NTD) and a cysteine on the core scaffold. This thiol switch is unique to mosses, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. To understand the structural evolution of redox control of APSK, we investigated the redox-insensitive APSK from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (SynAPSK). Crystallographic analysis of SynAPSK in complex with either APS and a non-hydrolyzable ATP analog or APS and sulfate revealed the overall structure of the enzyme, which lacks the NTD found in homologs from mosses and plants. A series of engineered SynAPSK variants reconstructed the structural evolution of the plant APSK. Biochemical analyses of SynAPSK, SynAPSK H23C mutant, SynAPSK fused to the AtAPSK NTD, and the fusion protein with the H23C mutation showed that the addition of the NTD and cysteines recapitulated thiol-based regulation. These results reveal the molecular basis for structural changes leading to the evolution of redox control of APSK in the green lineage from cyanobacteria to plants.

RNA-Seq analysis identifies genes associated with differential reproductive success under drought-stress in accessions of wild barley Hordeum spontaneum

BACKGROUND

The evolutionary basis of reproductive success in different environments is of major interest in the study of plant adaptation. Since the reproductive stage is particularly sensitive to drought, genes affecting reproductive success during this stage are key players in the evolution of adaptive mechanisms. We used an ecological genomics approach to investigate the reproductive response of drought-tolerant and sensitive wild barley accessions originating from different habitats in the Levant.

RESULTS

We sequenced mRNA extracted from spikelets at the flowering stage in drought-treated and control plants. The barley genome was used for a reference-guided assembly and differential expression analysis. Our approach enabled to detect biological processes affecting grain production under drought stress. We detected novel candidate genes and differentially expressed alleles associated with drought tolerance. Drought associated genes were shown to be more conserved than non-associated genes, and drought-tolerance genes were found to evolve more rapidly than other drought associated genes.

CONCLUSIONS

We show that reproductive success under drought stress is not a habitat-specific trait but a shared physiological adaptation that appeared to evolve recently in the evolutionary history of wild barley. Exploring the genomic basis of reproductive success under stress in crop wild progenitors is expected to have considerable ecological and economical applications.

Adaptive Engineering of Phytochelatin-based Heavy Metal Tolerance

Metabolic engineering approaches are increasingly employed for environmental applications. Because phytochelatins (PC) protect plants from heavy metal toxicity, strategies directed at manipulating the biosynthesis of these peptides hold promise for the remediation of soils and groundwaters contaminated with heavy metals. Directed evolution of Arabidopsis thaliana phytochelatin synthase (AtPCS1) yields mutants that confer levels of cadmium tolerance and accumulation greater than expression of the wild-type enzyme in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Arabidopsis, or Brassica juncea. Surprisingly, the AtPCS1 mutants that enhance cadmium tolerance and accumulation are catalytically less efficient than wild-type enzyme. Metabolite analyses indicate that transformation with AtPCS1, but not with the mutant variants, decreases the levels of the PC precursors, glutathione and γ-glutamylcysteine, upon exposure to cadmium. Selection of AtPCS1 variants with diminished catalytic activity alleviates depletion of these metabolites, which maintains redox homeostasis while supporting PC synthesis during cadmium exposure. These results emphasize the importance of metabolic context for pathway engineering and broaden the range of tools available for environmental remediation.

Contribution of glutathione to the control of cellular redox homeostasis under toxic metal and metalloid stress

The accumulation of toxic metals and metalloids, such as cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), or arsenic (As), as a consequence of various anthropogenic activities, poses a serious threat to the environment and human health. The ability of plants to take up mineral nutrients from the soil can be exploited to develop phytoremediation technologies able to alleviate the negative impact of toxic elements in terrestrial ecosystems. However, we must select plant species or populations capable of tolerating exposure to hazardous elements. The tolerance of plant cells to toxic elements is highly dependent on glutathione (GSH) metabolism. GSH is a biothiol tripeptide that plays a fundamental dual role: first, as an antioxidant to mitigate the redox imbalance caused by toxic metal(loid) accumulation, and second as a precursor of phytochelatins (PCs), ligand peptides that limit the free ion cellular concentration of those pollutants. The sulphur assimilation pathway, synthesis of GSH, and production of PCs are tightly regulated in order to alleviate the phytotoxicity of different hazardous elements, which might induce specific stress signatures. This review provides an update on mechanisms of tolerance that depend on biothiols in plant cells exposed to toxic elements, with a particular emphasis on the Hg-triggered responses, and considering the contribution of hormones to their regulation.

Exogenous salicylic acid improves photosynthesis and growth through increase in ascorbate-glutathione metabolism and S assimilation in mustard under salt stress

Ascorbate (AsA)-glutathione (GSH) cycle metabolism has been regarded as the most important defense mechanism for the resistance of plants under stress. In this study the influence of salicylic acid (SA) was studied on ascorbate-glutathione pathway, S-assimilation, photosynthesis and growth of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) plants subjected to 100 mM NaCl. Treatment of SA (0.5 mM) alleviated the negative effects of salt stress and improved photosynthesis and growth through increase in enzymes of ascorbate-glutathione pathway which suggest that SA may participate in the redox balance under salt stress. The increase in leaf sulfur content through higher activity of ATP sulfurylase (ATPS) and serine acetyl transferase (SAT) by SA application was associated with the increased accumulation of glutathione (GSH) and lower levels of oxidative stress. These effects of SA were substantiated by the findings that application of SA-analog, 2,6, dichloro-isonicotinic acid (INA) and 1 mM GSH treatment produced similar results on rubisco, photosynthesis and growth of plants establishing that SA application alleviates the salt-induced decrease in photosynthesis mainly through inducing the enzyme activity of ascorbate-glutathione pathway and increased GSH production. Thus, SA/GSH could be a promising tool for alleviation of salt stress in mustard plants.

Sulphate fertilization ameliorates long-term aluminum toxicity symptoms in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)

Effects of the oxanion sulphate on plant aluminum (Al(3+)) detoxification mechanisms are not well understood. Therefore, holistic physiological and biochemical modifications induced by progressively increased doses of sulphate fertilization in the presence of long-term Al(3+) stress were investigated in the aluminum sensitive perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. cvJumbo). Plant growth inhibition induced by Al(3+) was decreased in response to increasing doses of sulphate supply. Aluminum concentrations measured in roots of perennial ryegrass by atomic absorption spectrometry declined significantly with increasing sulphate concentrations. In parallel, we determined a rise of sulphur in shoots and roots of perennial ryegrass. Inclusion of up to 360 μM of sulphate enhanced cysteine and glutathione biosynthesis in Al(3+) (1.07 μM) treated plants. This increase of thiol-containing compounds favored all modifications in the glutathione redox balance, declining lipid peroxidation, decreasing the activity of superoxide dismutase, and modifying the expression of proteins involved in the diminution of Al(3+) toxicity in roots. In particular, proteome analysis by 1D-SDS-PAGE and LC-MS/MS allowed to identify up (e.g. vacuolar proton ATPase, proteosome β subunit, etc) and down (Glyoxilase I, Ascorbate peroxidase, etc.) regulated proteins induced by Al(3+) toxicity symptoms in roots. Although, sulphate supply up to 480 μM caused a reduction in Al(3+) toxicity symptoms, it was not as efficient as compared to 360 μM sulphate fertilization. These results suggest that sulphate fertilization ameliorates Al(3+) toxicity responses in an intracellular specific manner within Lolium perenne.

Involvement of ethylene in reversal of salt-inhibited photosynthesis by sulfur in mustard

Sulfur (S) assimilation results in the synthesis of cysteine (Cys), a common metabolite for the formation of both reduced glutathione (GSH) and ethylene. Thus, ethylene may have regulatory interaction with GSH in the alleviation of salt stress. The involvement of ethylene in the alleviation of salt stress by S application was studied in mustard (Brassica juncea cv. Pusa Jai Kisan). First, the effects of 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mM SO4 (2) (-) were studied on photosynthetic and growth parameters to ascertain the S requirement as sufficient-S and excess-S for the plant. In further experiments, the effects of sufficient-S (1 mM SO4 (2) (-) ) and excess-S (2 mM SO4 (2) (-) ) were studied on the alleviation of salt stress-induced by 100 mM NaCl, and ethylene involvement in the alleviation of salt stress by S. Under non-saline condition, excess-S increased ethylene with less content of Cys and GSH and adversely affected photosynthesis and growth. In contrast, excess-S maximally alleviated salt stress due to high demand for S and optimal ethylene formation, which maximally increased GSH and promoted photosynthesis and growth. The involvement of ethylene in S-mediated alleviation of salt stress was further substantiated by the reversal of the effects of excess-S on photosynthesis by aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor. The studies suggest that plants respond differentially to the S availability under non-saline and salt stress and excess-S was more potential in the alleviation of salt stress. Further, ethylene regulates plants' response and excess S-induced alleviation of salt stress and promotion of photosynthesis.

Structural evolution of differential amino acid effector regulation in plant chorismate mutases

Chorismate mutase converts chorismate into prephenate for aromatic amino acid biosynthesis. To understand the molecular basis of allosteric regulation in the plant chorismate mutases, we analyzed the three Arabidopsis thaliana chorismate mutase isoforms (AtCM1-3) and determined the x-ray crystal structures of AtCM1 in complex with phenylalanine and tyrosine. Functional analyses show a wider range of effector control in the Arabidopsis chorismate mutases than previously reported. AtCM1 is activated by tryptophan with phenylalanine and tyrosine acting as negative effectors; however, tryptophan, cysteine, and histidine activate AtCM3. AtCM2 is a nonallosteric form. The crystal structure of AtCM1 in complex with tyrosine and phenylalanine identifies differences in the effector sites of the allosterically regulated yeast enzyme and the other two Arabidopsis isoforms. Site-directed mutagenesis of residues in the effector site reveals key features leading to differential effector regulation in these enzymes. In AtCM1, mutations of Gly-213 abolish allosteric regulation, as observed in AtCM2. A second effector site position, Gly-149 in AtCM1 and Asp-132 in AtCM3, controls amino acid effector specificity in AtCM1 and AtCM3. Comparisons of chorismate mutases from multiple plants suggest that subtle differences in the effector site are conserved in different lineages and may lead to specialized regulation of this branch point enzyme.

Impairment in Sulfite Reductase Leads to Early Leaf Senescence in Tomato Plants

Sulfite reductase (SiR) is an essential enzyme of the sulfate assimilation reductive pathway, which catalyzes the reduction of sulfite to sulfide. Here, we show that tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants with impaired SiR expression due to RNA interference (SIR Ri) developed early leaf senescence. The visual chlorophyll degradation in leaves of SIR Ri mutants was accompanied by a reduction of maximal quantum yield, as well as accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation. Interestingly, messenger RNA transcripts and proteins involved in chlorophyll breakdown in the chloroplasts were found to be enhanced in the mutants, while transcripts and their plastidic proteins, functioning in photosystem II, were reduced in these mutants compared with wild-type leaves. As a consequence of SiR impairment, the levels of sulfite, sulfate, and thiosulfate were higher and glutathione levels were lower compared with the wild type. Unexpectedly, in a futile attempt to compensate for the low glutathione, the activity of adenosine-5'-phosphosulfate reductase was enhanced, leading to further sulfite accumulation in SIR Ri plants. Increased sulfite oxidation to sulfate and incorporation of sulfite into sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerols were not sufficient to maintain low basal sulfite levels, resulting in accumulative leaf damage in mutant leaves. Our results indicate that, in addition to its biosynthetic role, SiR plays an important role in prevention of premature senescence. The higher sulfite is likely the main reason for the initiation of chlorophyll degradation, while the lower glutathione as well as the higher hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde additionally contribute to premature senescence in mutant leaves.

Long-term sulphur starvation of Arabidopsis thaliana modifies mitochondrial ultrastructure and activity and changes tissue energy and redox status

Sulphur, as a constituent of amino acids (cysteine and methionine), iron-sulphur clusters, proteins, membrane sulpholipids, glutathione, glucosinolates, coenzymes, and auxin precursors, is essential for plant growth and development. Absence or low sulphur concentration in the soil results in severe growth retardation. Arabidopsis thaliana plants grown hydroponically for nine weeks on Knop nutrient medium without sulphur showed morphological symptoms of sulphur deficiency. The purpose of our study was to investigate changes that mitochondria undergo and the role of the highly branched respiratory chain in survival during sulphur deficiency stress. Ultrastructure analysis of leaf mesophyll cells of sulphur-deficient Arabidopsis showed heterogeneity of mitochondria; some of them were not altered, but the majority had swollen morphology. Dilated mitochondria displayed a lower matrix density and fewer cristae compared to control mitochondria. Disintegration of the inner and outer membranes of some mitochondria from the leaves of sulphur-deficient plants was observed. On the contrary, chloroplast ultrastructure was not affected. Sulphur deficiency changed the respiratory activity of tissues and isolated mitochondria; Complex I and IV capacities and phosphorylation rates were lower, but external NAD(P)H dehydrogenase activity increased. Higher external NAD(P)H dehydrogenase activity corresponded to increased cell redox level with doubled NADH/NAD ratio in the leaf and root tissues. Sulphur deficiency modified energy status in the tissues of Arabidopsis plants. The total concentration of adenylates (expressed as ATP+ADP), measured in the light, was lower in the leaves and roots of sulphur-deficient plants than in the controls, which was mainly due to the severely decreased ATP levels. We show that the changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure are compensated by the modifications in respiratory chain activity. Although mitochondria of Arabidopsis tissues are affected by sulphur deficiency, their metabolic and structural features, which readily reach new homeostasis, make these organelles crucial for adaptation of plants to survive sulphur deficiency.

Structure and mechanism of soybean ATP sulfurylase and the committed step in plant sulfur assimilation

Enzymes of the sulfur assimilation pathway are potential targets for improving nutrient content and environmental stress responses in plants. The committed step in this pathway is catalyzed by ATP sulfurylase, which synthesizes adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (APS) from sulfate and ATP. To better understand the molecular basis of this energetically unfavorable reaction, the x-ray crystal structure of ATP sulfurylase isoform 1 from soybean (Glycine max ATP sulfurylase) in complex with APS was determined. This structure revealed several highly conserved substrate-binding motifs in the active site and a distinct dimerization interface compared with other ATP sulfurylases but was similar to mammalian 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate synthetase. Steady-state kinetic analysis of 20 G. max ATP sulfurylase point mutants suggests a reaction mechanism in which nucleophilic attack by sulfate on the α-phosphate of ATP involves transition state stabilization by Arg-248, Asn-249, His-255, and Arg-349. The structure and kinetic analysis suggest that ATP sulfurylase overcomes the energetic barrier of APS synthesis by distorting nucleotide structure and identifies critical residues for catalysis. Mutations that alter sulfate assimilation in Arabidopsis were mapped to the structure, which provides a molecular basis for understanding their effects on the sulfur assimilation pathway.

Immunolocalization of glutathione biosynthesis enzymes in Arabidopsis thaliana

In plants, glutathione serves as a versatile redox buffer and cellular protective compound against a range of biotic and abiotic stresses. Glutathione production involves glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL), the redox-regulated limiting enzyme of the pathway, and glutathione synthetase (GS). Because the sub-cellular and sub-organellar localization of these enzymes will have an impact on metabolism, here we examine the localization of GCL and GS in the leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana. Immuno-electron microscopy of leaf cells indicates localization of GCL primarily to the chloroplast with GS found in both the chloroplast and cytosol. Detailed examination of the localization of both enzymes within chloroplasts was performed using fractionation followed by immunoblot analysis and indicates that GCL and GS are found in the stroma. The localization of these enzymes to the stroma of chloroplasts has implications for the redox-regulation of GCL and plant glutathione biosynthesis.

Cysteine and cysteine-related signaling pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana

Cysteine occupies a central position in plant metabolism because it is a reduced sulfur donor molecule involved in the synthesis of essential biomolecules and defense compounds. Moreover, cysteine per se and its derivative molecules play roles in the redox signaling of processes occurring in various cellular compartments. Cysteine is synthesized during the sulfate assimilation pathway via the incorporation of sulfide to O-acetylserine, catalyzed by O-acetylserine(thiol)lyase (OASTL). Plant cells contain OASTLs in the mitochondria, chloroplasts, and cytosol, resulting in a complex array of isoforms and subcellular cysteine pools. In recent years, significant progress has been made in Arabidopsis, in determining the specific roles of the OASTLs and the metabolites produced by them. Thus, the discovery of novel enzymatic activities of the less-abundant, like DES1 with L-cysteine desulfhydrase activity and SCS with S-sulfocysteine synthase activity, has provided new perspectives on their roles, besides their metabolic functions. Thereby, the research has been demonstrated that cytosolic sulfide and chloroplastic S-sulfocysteine act as signaling molecules regulating autophagy and protecting the photosystems, respectively. In the cytosol, cysteine plays an essential role in plant immunity; in the mitochondria, this molecule plays a central role in the detoxification of cyanide, which is essential for root hair development and plant responses to pathogens.

Aberrant gene expression in the Arabidopsis SULTR1;2 mutants suggests a possible regulatory role for this sulfate transporter in response to sulfur nutrient status

Sulfur is required for the biosynthesis of cysteine, methionine and numerous other metabolites, and thus is critical for cellular metabolism and various growth and developmental processes. Plants are able to sense their physiological state with respect to sulfur availability, but the sensor remains to be identified. Here we report the isolation and characterization of two novel allelic mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana, sel1-15 and sel1-16, which show increased expression of a sulfur deficiency-activated gene β-glucosidase 28 (BGLU28). The mutants, which represent two different missense alleles of SULTR1;2, which encodes a high-affinity sulfate transporter, are defective in sulfate transport and as a result have a lower cellular sulfate level. However, when treated with a very high dose of sulfate, sel1-15 and sel1-16 accumulated similar amounts of internal sulfate and its metabolite glutathione (GSH) to wild-type, but showed higher expression of BGLU28 and other sulfur deficiency-activated genes than wild-type. Reduced sensitivity to inhibition of gene expression was also observed in the sel1 mutants when fed with the sulfate metabolites Cys and GSH. In addition, a SULTR1;2 knockout allele also exhibits reduced inhibition in response to sulfate, Cys and GSH, consistent with the phenotype of sel1-15 and sel1-16. Taken together, the genetic evidence suggests that, in addition to its known function as a high-affinity sulfate transporter, SULTR1;2 may have a regulatory role in response to sulfur nutrient status. The possibility that SULTR1;2 may function as a sensor of sulfur status or a component of a sulfur sensory mechanism is discussed.

Transceptors at the boundary of nutrient transporters and receptors: a new role for Arabidopsis SULTR1;2 in sulfur sensing

Plants have evolved a sophisticated mechanism to sense the extracellular sulfur (S) status so that sulfate transport and S assimilation/metabolism can be coordinated. Genetic, biochemical, and molecular studies in Arabidopsis over the past 10 years have started to shed some light on the regulatory mechanism of the S response. Key advances in transcriptional regulation (SLIM1, MYB, and miR395), involvement of hormones (auxin, cytokinin, and abscisic acid) and identification of putative sensors (OASTL and SULTR1;2) are highlighted here. Although our current view of S nutrient sensing and signaling remains fragmented, it is anticipated that through further studies a sensing and signaling network will be revealed in the near future.

Structure of soybean serine acetyltransferase and formation of the cysteine regulatory complex as a molecular chaperone

Serine acetyltransferase (SAT) catalyzes the limiting reaction in plant and microbial biosynthesis of cysteine. In addition to its enzymatic function, SAT forms a macromolecular complex with O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase. Formation of the cysteine regulatory complex (CRC) is a critical biochemical control feature in plant sulfur metabolism. Here we present the 1.75-3.0 Å resolution x-ray crystal structures of soybean (Glycine max) SAT (GmSAT) in apoenzyme, serine-bound, and CoA-bound forms. The GmSAT-serine and GmSAT-CoA structures provide new details on substrate interactions in the active site. The crystal structures and analysis of site-directed mutants suggest that His(169) and Asp(154) form a catalytic dyad for general base catalysis and that His(189) may stabilize the oxyanion reaction intermediate. Glu(177) helps to position Arg(203) and His(204) and the β1c-β2c loop for serine binding. A similar role for ionic interactions formed by Lys(230) is required for CoA binding. The GmSAT structures also identify Arg(253) as important for the enhanced catalytic efficiency of SAT in the CRC and suggest that movement of the residue may stabilize CoA binding in the macromolecular complex. Differences in the effect of cold on GmSAT activity in the isolated enzyme versus the enzyme in the CRC were also observed. A role for CRC formation as a molecular chaperone to maintain SAT activity in response to an environmental stress is proposed for this multienzyme complex in plants.

Genetic signatures of natural selection in response to air pollution in red spruce (Picea rubens, Pinaceae)

One of the most important drivers of local adaptation for forest trees is climate. Coupled to these patterns, however, are human-induced disturbances through habitat modification and pollution. The confounded effects of climate and disturbance have rarely been investigated with regard to selective pressure on forest trees. Here, we have developed and used a population genetic approach to search for signals of selection within a set of 36 candidate genes chosen for their putative effects on adaptation to climate and human-induced air pollution within five populations of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.), distributed across its natural range and air pollution gradient in eastern North America. Specifically, we used FST outlier and environmental correlation analyses to highlight a set of seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were overly correlated with climate and levels of sulphate pollution after correcting for the confounding effects of population history. Use of three age cohorts within each population allowed the effects of climate and pollution to be separated temporally, as climate-related SNPs (n = 7) showed the strongest signals in the oldest cohort, while pollution-related SNPs (n = 3) showed the strongest signals in the youngest cohorts. These results highlight the usefulness of population genetic scans for the identification of putatively nonneutral evolution within genomes of nonmodel forest tree species, but also highlight the need for the development and application of robust methodologies to deal with the inherent multivariate nature of the genetic and ecological data used in these types of analyses.

Exposure to elevated ozone levels differentially affects the antioxidant capacity and the redox homeostasis of two subtropical Phaseolus vulgaris L. varieties

Ozone (O3) has become one of the most toxic air pollutants to plants worldwide. However, investigations on O3 impacts on crops health and productivity in South America countries are still scarce. The present study analyzed the differences on the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant system in foliar tissue of two subtropical Phaseolus vulgaris varieties exposed to high O3 concentration. Both varieties were negatively impacted by the pollutant, but the responses between each variety were quite distinct. Results revealed that Irai has higher constitutive levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ascorbate (AsA) concentration, but lower total thiol levels and catalase immunocontent. In this variety catalase protein concentration was increased after O3 exposure, indicating a better cellular capacity to reduce hydrogen peroxide. On the opposite, Fepagro 26-exposed plants increased ROS generation and AsA concentration, but had the levels of total thiol content and catalase protein unchanged. Furthermore, O3 treatment reduced the levels of chlorophylls a and b, and the relationship analysis between the chlorophyll ratio (a/b) and protein concentration were positively correlated indicating that photosynthetic apparatus is compromised, and thus probably is the biomass acquisition on Fepagro 26. Differently, O3 treatment of Irai did not affect chlorophylls a and b content, and loss on the protein content was lower. Altogether, these data suggest that early accumulation of ROS on Fepagro 26 are associated with an insufficient leaf antioxidant capacity, which leads to cell structure disruption and impairs the photosynthesis. Irai seems to be more tolerant to O3 toxic effects than Fepagro 26, and the observed differences on O3 sensitivity between the two varieties are apparently based on constitutive differences involved in the maintenance of intracellular redox homeostasis.

Kinetic mechanism of the dimeric ATP sulfurylase from plants

In plants, sulfur must be obtained from the environment and assimilated into usable forms for metabolism. ATP sulfurylase catalyses the thermodynamically unfavourable formation of a mixed phosphosulfate anhydride in APS (adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate) from ATP and sulfate as the first committed step of sulfur assimilation in plants. In contrast to the multi-functional, allosterically regulated ATP sulfurylases from bacteria, fungi and mammals, the plant enzyme functions as a mono-functional, non-allosteric homodimer. Owing to these differences, here we examine the kinetic mechanism of soybean ATP sulfurylase [GmATPS1 (Glycine max (soybean) ATP sulfurylase isoform 1)]. For the forward reaction (APS synthesis), initial velocity methods indicate a single-displacement mechanism. Dead-end inhibition studies with chlorate showed competitive inhibition versus sulfate and non-competitive inhibition versus APS. Initial velocity studies of the reverse reaction (ATP synthesis) demonstrate a sequential mechanism with global fitting analysis suggesting an ordered binding of substrates. ITC (isothermal titration calorimetry) showed tight binding of APS to GmATPS1. In contrast, binding of PPi (pyrophosphate) to GmATPS1 was not detected, although titration of the E•APS complex with PPi in the absence of magnesium displayed ternary complex formation. These results suggest a kinetic mechanism in which ATP and APS are the first substrates bound in the forward and reverse reactions, respectively.

Direct targeting of Arabidopsis cysteine synthase complexes with synthetic polypeptides to selectively deregulate cysteine synthesis

Biosynthesis of cysteine is one of the fundamental processes in plants providing the reduced sulfur for cell metabolism. It is accomplished by the sequential action of two enzymes, serine acetyltransferase (SAT) and O-acetylserine (thiol) lyase (OAS-TL). Together they constitute the hetero-oligomeric cysteine synthase (CS) complex through specific protein-protein interactions influencing the rate of cysteine production. The aim of our studies was to deregulate the CS complex formation in order to investigate its function in the control of sulfur homeostasis and optimize cysteine synthesis. Computational modeling was used to build a model of the Arabidopsis thaliana mitochondrial CS complex. Several polypeptides based on OAS-TL C amino-acid sequence found at SAT-OASTL interaction sites were designed as probable competitors for SAT3 binding. After verification of the binding in a yeast two-hybrid assay, the most strongly interacting polypeptide was introduced to different cellular compartments of Arabidopsis cell via genetic transformation. Moderate increase in total SAT and OAS-TL activities, but not thiols content, was observed dependent on the transgenic line and sulfur availability in the hydroponic medium. Though our studies demonstrate the proof of principle, they also suggest more complex interaction of both enzymes underlying the mechanism of their reciprocal regulation.

Probing the origins of glutathione biosynthesis through biochemical analysis of glutamate-cysteine ligase and glutathione synthetase from a model photosynthetic prokaryote

Glutathione biosynthesis catalysed by GCL (glutamate-cysteine ligase) and GS (glutathione synthetase) is essential for maintaining redox homoeostasis and protection against oxidative damage in diverse eukaroytes and bacteria. This biosynthetic pathway probably evolved in cyanobacteria with the advent of oxygenic photosynthesis, but the biochemical characteristics of progenitor GCLs and GSs in these organisms are largely unexplored. In the present study we examined SynGCL and SynGS from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 using steady-state kinetics. Although SynGCL shares ~15% sequence identity with the enzyme from plants and α-proteobacteria, sequence comparison suggests that these enzymes share similar active site residues. Biochemically, SynGCL lacks the redox regulation associated with the plant enzymes and functions as a monomeric protein, indicating that evolution of redox regulation occurred later in the green lineage. Site-directed mutagenesis of SynGCL establishes this enzyme as part of the plant-like GCL family and identifies a catalytically essential arginine residue, which is structurally conserved across all forms of GCLs, including those from non-plant eukaryotes and γ-proteobacteria. A reaction mechanism for the synthesis of γ-glutamylcysteine by GCLs is proposed. Biochemical and kinetic analysis of SynGS reveals that this enzyme shares properties with other prokaryotic GSs. Initial velocity and product inhibition studies used to examine the kinetic mechanism of SynGS suggest that it and other prokaryotic GSs uses a random ter-reactant mechanism for the synthesis of glutathione. The present study provides new insight on the molecular mechanisms and evolution of glutathione biosynthesis; a key process required for enhancing bioenergy production in photosynthetic organisms.

Redox-linked gating of nucleotide binding by the N-terminal domain of adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate kinase

Adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate kinase (APSK) catalyzes the phosphorylation of adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (APS) to 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS). Crystallographic studies of APSK from Arabidopsis thaliana revealed the presence of a regulatory intersubunit disulfide bond (Cys(86)-Cys(119)). The reduced enzyme displayed improved catalytic efficiency and decreased effectiveness of substrate inhibition by APS compared with the oxidized form. Here we examine the effect of disulfide formation and the role of the N-terminal domain on nucleotide binding using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and steady-state kinetics. Formation of the disulfide bond in A. thaliana APSK (AtAPSK) inverts the binding affinities at the ATP/ADP and APS/PAPS sites from those observed in the reduced enzyme, consistent with initial binding of APS as inhibitory, and suggests a role for the N-terminal domain in guiding nucleotide binding order. To test this, an N-terminal truncation variant (AtAPSKΔ96) was generated. The resulting protein was completely insensitive to substrate inhibition by APS. ITC analysis of AtAPSKΔ96 showed decreased affinity for APS binding, although the N-terminal domain does not directly interact with this ligand. Moreover, AtAPSKΔ96 displayed reduced affinity for ADP, which corresponds to a loss of substrate inhibition by formation of an E·ADP·APS dead end complex. Examination of the AtAPSK crystal structure suggested Arg(93) as important for positioning of the N-terminal domain. ITC and kinetic analysis of the R93A mutant also showed a complete loss of substrate inhibition and altered nucleotide binding affinities, which mimics the effect of the N-terminal deletion. These results show how thiol-linked changes in AtAPSK alter the energetics of binding equilibria to control its activity.

Cross-talk between sulfur assimilation and ethylene signaling in plants

Sulfur (S) deficiency is prevailing all over the world and becoming an important issue for crop improvement through maximising its utilization efficiency by plants for sustainable agriculture. Its interaction with other regulatory molecules in plants is necessary to improve our understanding on its role under changing environment. Our knowledge on the influence of S on ethylene signaling is meagre although it is a constituent of cysteine (Cys) required for the synthesis of reduced glutathione (GSH) and S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), a precursor of ethylene biosynthesis. Thus, there may be an interaction between S assimilation, ethylene signaling and plant responses under optimal and stressful environmental conditions. The present review emphasizes that responses of plants to S involve ethylene action. This evaluation will provide an insight into the details of interactive role of S and ethylene signaling in regulating plant processes and prove profitable for developing sustainability under changing environmental conditions.

Hibiscus chlorotic ringspot virus coat protein upregulates sulfur metabolism genes for enhanced pathogen defense

In both Hibiscus chlorotic ringspot virus (HCRSV)-infected and HCRSV coat protein (CP) agroinfiltrated plant leaves, we showed that sulfur metabolism pathway related genes-namely, sulfite oxidase (SO), sulfite reductase, and adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate kinase-were upregulated. It led us to examine a plausible relationship between sulfur-enhanced resistance (SED) and HCRSV infection. We broadened an established method to include different concentrations of sulfur (0S, 1S, 2S, and 3S) to correlate them to symptom development of HCRSV-infected plants. We treated plants with glutathione and its inhibitor to verify the SED effect. Disease resistance was induced through elevated glutathione contents during HCRSV infection. The upregulation of SO was related to suppression of symptom development induced by sulfur treatment. In this study, we established that HCRSV-CP interacts with SO which, in turn, triggers SED and leads to enhanced plant resistance. Thus, we have discovered a new function of SO in the SED pathway. This is the first report to demonstrate that the interaction of a viral protein and host protein trigger SED in plants. It will be interesting if such interaction applies generally to other host-pathogen interactions that will lead to enhanced pathogen defense.

Assessing functional diversity in the soybean β-substituted alanine synthase enzyme family

In plants, proteins of the β-substituted alanine synthase (BSAS) enzyme family perform a diverse range of reactions, including formation of cysteine from O-acetylserine and sulfide, detoxification of cyanide by its addition to cysteine, the breakdown of cysteine into pyruvate, ammonia, and sulfide, and the synthesis of S-sulfocysteine. With the completed genome sequence of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Williams 82), the functional diversity of the BSAS in this highly duplicated plant species was examined to determine whether soybean BSAS enzymes catalyze the various reactions connected to cysteine metabolism. The 16 soybean BSAS can be grouped into clades that are similar to those observed in Arabidopsis. Biochemical analysis of soybean BSAS proteins demonstrate that enzymes of clades I and III function as O-acetylserine sulfhydrylases for cysteine synthesis, clade II encodes cysteine desulfhydrase activity, and that clade V proteins function as β-cyanoalanine synthase for cyanide detoxification. Although clade IV is similar to Arabidopsis S-sulfocysteine synthase, this activity was not detected in the soybean homolog. Overall, our results show that bioinformatics approach provides a useful method to assess the biochemical properties of BSAS enzymes in plant species.

Nucleotide binding site communication in Arabidopsis thaliana adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate kinase

Adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate kinase (APSK) catalyzes the ATP-dependent synthesis of adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS), which is an essential metabolite for sulfur assimilation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Using APSK from Arabidopsis thaliana, we examine the energetics of nucleotide binary and ternary complex formation and probe active site features that coordinate the order of ligand addition. Calorimetric analysis shows that binding can occur first at either nucleotide site, but that initial interaction at the ATP/ADP site was favored and enhanced affinity for APS in the second site by 50-fold. The thermodynamics of the two possible binding models (i.e. ATP first versus APS first) differs and implies that active site structural changes guide the order of nucleotide addition. The ligand binding analysis also supports an earlier suggestion of intermolecular interactions in the dimeric APSK structure. Crystallographic, site-directed mutagenesis, and energetic analyses of oxyanion recognition by the P-loop in the ATP/ADP binding site and the role of Asp(136), which bridges the ATP/ADP and APS/PAPS binding sites, suggest how the ordered nucleotide binding sequence and structural changes are dynamically coordinated for catalysis.