Diurnal Regulation of Water Transport and Aquaporin Gene Expression in Maize Roots: Contribution of PIP2 Proteins

Bark water uptake through lenticels increases stem hydration and contributes to stem swelling

Foliar water uptake can recharge water storage tissue and enable greater hydration than through access to soil water alone; however, few studies have explored the role of the bark in facilitating water uptake. We investigated pathways and dynamics of bark water uptake (BWU) in stems of the mangrove Avicennia marina. We provide novel evidence that specific entry points control dynamics of water uptake through the outer bark surface. Furthermore, using a fluorescent symplastic tracer dye we provide the first evidence that lenticels on the outer bark surface facilitate BWU, thus increasing stem water content by up to 3.7%. X-ray micro-computed tomography showed that BWU was sufficient to cause measurable swelling of stem tissue layers increasing whole stem cross-sectional area by 0.83 mm2 or 2.8%, implicating it as a contributor to the diel patterns of water storage recharge that buffer xylem water potential and maintain hydration of living tissue.

Additive effects of light and branching on fruit size and chemical fruit quality of greenhouse tomatoes

Introduction

Greenhouse tomato growers face the challenge of balancing fruit size and chemical quality traits. This study focused on elucidating the interplay between plant branching and light management on these traits, while maintaining consistent shoot density.

Methods

We evaluated one- and two-shoot plants under varying top light intensities using high-pressure sodium lamps and light-emitting diode (LED) inter-lighting.

Results

The reduced yield in the two-shoot plants was mainly due to smaller fruit size, but not due to source strength limitations, as evaluated through leaf weight ratio (LWR), chlorophyll index, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter percentage, and stem soluble carbohydrate accumulation. Enhanced lighting improved fruit weight and various fruit traits, such as dry matter content, total soluble carbohydrate content, and phenolic content, for both one- and two-shoot plant types. Despite lower mean fruit weight, two-shoot plants exhibited higher values for chemical fruit quality traits, indicating that the fruit growth of two-shoot plants is not limited by the available carbohydrates (source strength), but by the fruit sink strength. Diurnal analysis of fruit growth showed that two-shoot plants had reduced expansion during light transitions. This drop in fruit expansion was not related to changes in root pressure (measured as xylem sap exudation from decapitated plants), but might be related to diminished xylem area in the stem joint of the two-shoot plants. The concentration of several hormones, including cytokinins, was lower in two-shoot plants, suggesting a reduced fruit sink capacity.

Discussion

The predominant impact of branching to two-shoot plants on sink capacity suggests that the fruit growth is not limited by available carbohydrates (source strength). Alongside the observation that light supplementation and branching exert independent additive effects on fruit size and chemical traits, this illuminates the potential to independently regulate these aspects in greenhouse tomato production.

Unveiling resilience mechanisms of Quercus ilex seedlings to severe water stress: Changes in non-structural carbohydrates, xylem hydraulic functionality and wood anatomy

Over the last few decades, extensive dieback and mortality episodes of Quercus ilex L. have been documented after severe drought events in many Mediterranean forests. However, the underlying physiological, anatomical, and biochemical mechanisms remain poorly understood. We investigated the physiological and biochemical processes linked to embolism formation and non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) dynamics in Q. ilex seedlings exposed to severe water stress and rewatering. Measurements of leaf gas exchange, water relations, non-structural carbohydrates, drought-related gene expression, and anatomical changes in wood parenchyma were assessed. Under water stress, the midday stem water potential dropped below - 4.5 MPa corresponding to a ~ 50 % loss of hydraulic conductivity. A 70 % reduction in stomatal conductance led to a strong depletion of wood NSCs. Starch consumption, resulting from the upregulation of the β-amylase gene BAM3, together with the downregulation of glucose (GPT1) and sucrose (SUC27) transport genes, suggests glucose utilization to sustain cellular metabolism in the wood parenchyma. After rewatering, the presence of residual xylem embolism led to an incomplete recovery of leaf gas exchanges. However, the partial restoration of photosynthesis allowed the accumulation of new starch reserves in the wood parenchyma and the production of new narrower vessels. In addition, changes in the cell wall composition of the wood parenchyma fibers were observed. Our findings indicate that thirty days of rewatering were sufficient to restore the NSCs reserves and growth rates of Q. ilex seedlings and that the carryover effects of water stress were primarily caused by hydraulic dysfunction.

Changes in root hydraulic conductivity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in response to salt stress and day/night can best be explained through altered activity of aquaporins

Salt stress reduces plant water flow during day and night. It is not known to which extent root hydraulic properties change in parallel. To test this idea, hydroponically grown wheat plants were grown at four levels of salt stress (50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl) for 5-8d before harvest (d14-18) and subjected to a range of analyses to determine diurnal changes in hydraulic conductivity (Lp) at cell, root and plant level. Cell pressure probe analyses showed that the Lp of cortex cells was differentially affected by salt stress during day and night, and that the response to salt stress differed between the main axis of roots and lateral roots. The Aquaporin (AQP) inhibitor H₂ O₂ reduced Lp to a common, across treatments, level as observed in salt-stressed plants during the night. Analyses of transpiring plants and exuding root systems provided values of root Lp which were in the same range as values modeled based on cell-Lp. The results can best be explained through a change in root Lp in response to salt stress and day/night, which results from an altered activity of AQPs. qPCR gene expression analyses point to possible candidate AQP isoforms.

Plasma membrane aquaporins of the PIP1 and PIP2 subfamilies facilitate hydrogen peroxide diffusion into plant roots

BACKGROUND

The permeability of plasma membrane aquaporins (PIPs) to small solutes other than water greatly diversifies their potential functions in plant development and metabolic processes. One such process is stress signalling in which hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) plays a major role. Based on transport assays carried out in yeast, there are differences in the degree to which PIPs of Arabidopsis thaliana, are permeable to H₂O₂ and thus they may differentially facilitate transmembrane diffusion. Here, we test whether specific PIPs aid in the transmembrane diffusion of H₂O₂ to such an extent that knocking-out PIPs affects plant phenotype. We examined changes in growth and morphology, including biomass accumulation, root system architecture and relative water content, as well as gas exchange, across two H₂O₂ treatments in knockout mutants of A. thaliana.

RESULTS

We could infer that PIP-type aquaporins are permeable to H₂O₂ in planta and that this permeability is physiologically relevant in a plant's response to oxidative stress. In particular, the lack of functional PIP2;3 confers resistance to exogenously applied H₂O₂ indicating that it facilitates H₂O₂ entry into root cells. Additionally, PIP1;1 and PIP2;6 were found to facilitate H₂O₂ diffusion, while PIP2;2 is required for proper root growth under controlled conditions.

MAIN FINDINGS

We conclude that PIPs are physiologically relevant conduits for H₂O₂ diffusion in the A. thaliana roots and participate in the regulation of stress responses.

The Na+/H+ antiporter SALT OVERLY SENSITIVE 1 regulates salt compensation of circadian rhythms by stabilizing GIGANTEA in Arabidopsis

The circadian clock is a timekeeping, homeostatic system that temporally coordinates all major cellular processes. The function of the circadian clock is compensated in the face of variable environmental conditions ranging from normal to stress-inducing conditions. Salinity is a critical environmental factor affecting plant growth, and plants have evolved the SALT OVERLY SENSITIVE (SOS) pathway to acquire halotolerance. However, the regulatory systems for clock compensation under salinity are unclear. Here, we show that the plasma membrane Na+/H+ antiporter SOS1 specifically functions as a salt-specific circadian clock regulator via GIGANTEA (GI) in Arabidopsis thaliana. SOS1 directly interacts with GI in a salt-dependent manner and stabilizes this protein to sustain a proper clock period under salinity conditions. SOS1 function in circadian clock regulation requires the salt-mediated secondary messengers cytosolic free calcium and reactive oxygen species, pointing to a distinct regulatory role for SOS1 in addition to its function as a transporter to maintain Na+ homeostasis. Our results demonstrate that SOS1 maintains homeostasis of the salt response under high or daily fluctuating salt levels. These findings highlight the genetic capacity of the circadian clock to maintain timekeeping activity over a broad range of salinity levels.

Supplemental Light-Emitting Diode Inter-Lighting Increases Tomato Fruit Growth Through Enhanced Photosynthetic Light Use Efficiency and Modulated Root Activity

We investigated the effect of supplemental LED inter-lighting (80% red, 20% blue; 70 W m-2; light period 04:00-22:00) on the productivity and physiological traits of tomato plants (Flavance F1) grown in an industrial greenhouse with high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps (235 W m-2, 420 µmol m-2 s-1 at canopy). Physiological trait measurements included diurnal photosynthesis and fruit relative growth rates, fruit weight at specific positions in the truss, root pressure, xylem sap hormone and ion compositions, and fruit quality. In the control treatment with HPS lamps alone, the ratio of far-red to red light (FR:R) was 1.2 at the top of the canopy and increased to 5.4 at the bottom. The supplemental LED inter-lighting decreased the FR:R ratio at the middle and low positions in the canopy and was associated with greener leaves and higher photosynthetic light use efficiency (PLUE) in the leaves in the lower canopy. The use of LED inter-lighting increased the biomass and yield by increasing the fruit weight and enhancing plant growth. The PLUE of plants receiving supplemental LED light decreased at the end of the light period, indicating that photosynthesis of the supplemented plants at the end of the day might be limited by sink capacity. The supplemental LED lighting increased the size of fruits in the middle and distal positions of the truss, resulting in a more even size for each fruit in the truss. Diurnal analysis of fruit growth showed that fruits grew more quickly during the night on the plants receiving LED light than on unsupplemented control plants. This faster fruit growth during the night was related to an increased root pressure. The LED treatment also increased the xylem levels of the phytohormone jasmonate. Supplemental LED inter-lighting increased tomato fruit weight without affecting the total soluble solid contents in fruits by increasing the total assimilates available for fruit growth and by enhancing root activity through an increase in root pressure and water supply to support fruit growth during the night.

Element content and expression of genes of interest in guard cells are connected to spatiotemporal variations in stomatal conductance

Element content and expression of genes of interest on single cell types, such as stomata, provide valuable insights into their specific physiology, improving our understanding of leaf gas exchange regulation. We investigated how far differences in stomatal conductance (g_s ) can be ascribed to changes in guard cells functioning in amphistomateous leaves. g_s was measured during the day on both leaf sides, on well-watered and drought-stressed trees (two Populus euramericana Moench and two Populus nigra L. genotypes). In parallel, guard cells were dissected for element content and gene expressions analyses. Both were strongly arranged according to genotype, and drought had the lowest impact overall. Normalizing the data by genotype highlighted a structure on the basis of leaf sides and time of day both for element content and gene expression. Guard cells magnesium, phosphorus, and chlorine were the most abundant on the abaxial side in the morning, where g_s was at the highest. In contrast, genes encoding H⁺ -ATPase and aquaporins were usually more abundant in the afternoon, whereas genes encoding Ca²⁺ -vacuolar antiporters, K⁺ channels, and ABA-related genes were in general more abundant on the adaxial side. Our work highlights the unique physiology of each leaf side and their analogous rhythmicity through the day.

Plant Aquaporins: Diversity, Evolution and Biotechnological Applications

The plasma membrane forms a permeable barrier that separates the cytoplasm from the external environment, defining the physical and chemical limits in each cell in all organisms. The movement of molecules and ions into and out of cells is controlled by the plasma membrane as a critical process for cell stability and survival, maintaining essential differences between the composition of the extracellular fluid and the cytosol. In this process aquaporins (AQPs) figure as important actors, comprising highly conserved membrane proteins that carry water, glycerol and other hydrophilic molecules through biomembranes, including the cell wall and membranes of cytoplasmic organelles. While mammals have 15 types of AQPs described so far (displaying 18 paralogs), a single plant species can present more than 120 isoforms, providing transport of different types of solutes. Such aquaporins may be present in the whole plant or can be associated with different tissues or situations, including biotic and especially abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity or tolerance to soils rich in heavy metals, for instance. The present review addresses several aspects of plant aquaporins, from their structure, classification, and function, to in silico methodologies for their analysis and identification in transcriptomes and genomes. Aspects of evolution and diversification of AQPs (with a focus on plants) are approached for the first time with the aid of the LCA (Last Common Ancestor) analysis. Finally, the main practical applications involving the use of AQPs are discussed, including patents and future perspectives involving this important protein family.

Changes in 15NO3 - Availability and Transpiration Rate Are Associated With a Rapid Diurnal Adjustment of Anion Contents as Well as 15N and Water Fluxes Between the Roots and Shoots

Background and Aims: Understanding interactions between water and nitrate fluxes in response to nitrate availability and transpiration rate is crucial to select more efficient plants for the use of water and nitrate. Methods: Some of these interactions were investigated in intact Brassica napus plants by combining a non-destructive gravimetric device with ¹⁵NO₃ ^- labeling. The set-up allowed high-resolution measurement of the effects of a cross-combination of two concentrations of KNO₃ or KCl (0.5 and 5 mM) with two different rates of transpiration controlled by the relative humidity during a day-night cycle. Key Results: Results show that (1) high external nitrate concentrations increased root water uptake significantly whatever the transpiration rate, (2) nitrate translocation depended both on the rate of nitrate uptake and loading into xylem (3) dilution-concentration effect of nitrate in the xylem was mainly modulated by both external nitrate availability and transpiration rate, (4) dynamic changes in ¹⁵N translocation in the xylem modified shoot growth and capacitance, and (5) variations in tissue concentrations of NO₃ ^- induced by the experimental conditions were balanced by changes in concentrations of chloride and sulfate ions. These effects were even more amplified under low transpiration condition and 0.5 mM external nitrate concentration. Conclusion: Taken together, these results highlight the fine and rapid adjustment of anion contents, nitrate and water flows to changes in transpiration rate and nitrate availability during a day-night cycle. The use of this non-invasive gravimetric device is therefore a powerful tool to assess candidates genes involved in nitrogen and water use efficiency.

A Comparison of Petiole Hydraulics and Aquaporin Expression in an Anisohydric and Isohydric Cultivar of Grapevine in Response to Water-Stress Induced Cavitation

We report physiological, anatomical and molecular differences in two economically important grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars cv. Grenache (near-isohydric) and Chardonnay (anisohydric) in their response to water-stress induced cavitation. The aim of the study was to compare organ vulnerability (petiole and stem) to cavitation by measuring ultrasonic acoustic emissions (UAE) and percent loss of conductance of potted grapevines subject to the onset of water-stress. Leaf (ψL) and stem water potential (ψS), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration (E), petiole hydraulics (KPet), and xylem diameter were also measured. Chardonnay displayed hydraulic segmentation based on UAE, with cavitation occurring at a less negative ψL in the petiole than in the stem. Vulnerability segmentation was not observed in Grenache, with both petioles and stems equally vulnerable to cavitation. Leaf water potential that induced 50% of maximum UAE was significantly different between petioles and stems in Chardonnay (ψ50Petiole = -1.14 and ψ50Stem = -2.24 MPa) but not in Grenache (ψ50Petiole = -0.73 and ψ50Stem = -0.78 MPa). Grenache stems appeared more susceptible to water-stress induced cavitation than Chardonnay stems. Grenache displayed (on average) a higher KPet likely due to the presence of larger xylem vessels. A close relationship between petiole hydraulic properties and vine water status was observed in Chardonnay but not in Grenache. Transcriptional analysis of aquaporins in the petioles and leaves (VvPIP1;1, VvPIP2;1, VvPIP2;2 VvPIP2;3, VvTIP1;1, and VvTIP2;1) showed differential regulation diurnally and in response to water-stress. VvPIP2;1 showed strong diurnal regulation in the petioles and leaves of both cultivars with expression highest predawn. Expression of VvPIP2;1 and VvPIP2;2 responded to ψL and ψS in both cultivars indicating the expression of these two genes are closely linked to vine water status. Expression of several aquaporin genes correlated with gas exchange measurements, however, these genes differed between cultivars. In summary, the data shows two contrasting responses in petiole hydraulics and aquaporin expression between the near-isohydric cultivar, Grenache and anisohydric cultivar, Chardonnay.

Hydraulic redistribution: limitations for plants in saline soils

Hydraulic redistribution (HR), the movement of water from wet to dry patches in the soil via roots, occurs in different ecosystems and plant species. By extension of the principle that HR is driven by gradients in soil water potential, HR has been proposed to occur for plants in saline soils. Despite the inherent spatial patchiness and salinity gradients in these soils, the lack of direct evidence of HR in response to osmotic gradients prompted us to ask the question: are there physical or physiological constraints to HR for plants in saline environments? We propose that build-up of ions in the root xylem sap and in the leaf apoplast, with the latter resulting in a large predawn disequilibrium of water potential in shoots compared with roots and soil, would both impede HR. We present a conceptual model that illustrates how processes in root systems in heterogeneous salinity with water potential gradients, even if equal to those in non-saline soils, will experience a dampened magnitude of water potential gradients in the soil-plant continuum, minimizing or preventing HR. Finally, we provide an outlook for understanding the relevance of HR for plants in saline environments by addressing key research questions on plant salinity tolerance.

Plant and animal aquaporins crosstalk: what can be revealed from distinct perspectives

Aquaporins (AQPs) can be revisited from a distinct and complementary perspective: the outcome from analyzing them from both plant and animal studies. (1) The approach in the study. Diversity found in both kingdoms contrasts with the limited number of crystal structures determined within each group. While the structure of almost half of mammal AQPs was resolved, only a few were resolved in plants. Strikingly, the animal structures resolved are mainly derived from the AQP2-lineage, due to their important roles in water homeostasis regulation in humans. The difference could be attributed to the approach: relevance in animal research is emphasized on pathology and in consequence drug screening that can lead to potential inhibitors, enhancers and/or regulators. By contrast, studies on plants have been mainly focused on the physiological role that AQPs play in growth, development and stress tolerance. (2) The transport capacity. Besides the well-described AQPs with high water transport capacity, large amount of evidence confirms that certain plant AQPs can carry a large list of small solutes. So far, animal AQP list is more restricted. In both kingdoms, there is a great amount of evidence on gas transport, although there is still an unsolved controversy around gas translocation as well as the role of the central pore of the tetramer. (3) More roles than expected. We found it remarkable that the view of AQPs as specific channels has evolved first toward simple transporters to molecules that can experience conformational changes triggered by biochemical and/or mechanical signals, turning them also into signaling components and/or behave as osmosensor molecules.

Carbon dioxide and water transport through plant aquaporins

Aquaporins are channel proteins that function to increase the permeability of biological membranes. In plants, aquaporins are encoded by multigene families that have undergone substantial diversification in land plants. The plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs) subfamily of aquaporins is of particular interest given their potential to improve plant water relations and photosynthesis. Flowering plants have between 7 and 28 PIP genes. Their expression varies with tissue and cell type, through development and in response to a variety of factors, contributing to the dynamic and tissue specific control of permeability. There are a growing number of PIPs shown to act as water channels, but those altering membrane permeability to CO₂ are more limited. The structural basis for selective substrate specificities has not yet been resolved, although a few key amino acid positions have been identified. Several regions important for dimerization, gating and trafficking are also known. PIP aquaporins assemble as tetramers and their properties depend on the monomeric composition. PIPs control water flux into and out of veins and stomatal guard cells and also increase membrane permeability to CO₂ in mesophyll and stomatal guard cells. The latter increases the effectiveness of Rubisco and can potentially influence transpiration efficiency.

Major intrinsic proteins repertoire of Morus notabilis and their expression profiles in different species

Leaf moisture content in Morus is a significant trait regulating the yield of silk production. Studies have shown that fresh leaves or leaves with high water content are preferably eaten by silk worm. Water and certain other molecules transport in plants is known to be regulated by aquaporins or Major Intrinsic Proteins (MIPs). Members of the MIP gene family have also been implicated in plant development and stress responsiveness. To understand how members of MIP gene family are regulated and evolved, we carried out an extensive analysis of the gene family. We identified a total of 36 non redundant MIPs in Morus notabilis genome, belonging to five subfamilies PIPs, TIPs, NIPs, XIPs and SIPs) have been identified. We performed a Gene ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis and looked at distribution of cis elements in their 2K upstream regulatory region to reveal their putative roles in various stresses and developmental aspects. Expression analysis in developmental stages revealed their tissue preferential expression pattern in diverse vegetative and reproductive tissues. Comparison of expression profiles in the leaves of three species including Morus notabilis, Morus serrata and Morus laevigata led to identification of differential expression in these species. In all, this study elaborates a basic insight into the structure, function and evolutionary analysis of MIP gene family in Morus which is hitherto unavailable. Our analysis will provide a ready reference to the mulberry research community involved in the Morus improvement program.

Salinity-mediated transcriptional and post-translational regulation of the Arabidopsis aquaporin PIP2;7

Salt stress triggers a simultaneous transcriptional repression and aquaporin internalization to modify root cell water conductivity. Plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs) are involved in the adjustment of plant water balance in response to changing environmental conditions. In this study, Arabidopsis wild-type (Col-0) and transgenic lines overexpressing PIP2;7 were used to investigate and compare their response to salt stress. Hydraulic conductivity measurements using a high-pressure flowmeter (HPFM) revealed that overexpression of PIP2;7 induced a sixfold increase in root hydraulic conductivity of four week-old Arabidopsis thaliana plants compared to WT. Exposure to a high salt stress (150 mM NaCl) triggered a rapid repression of overall aquaporin activity in both genotypes. Response to salt stress was also investigated in 8 day-old seedlings. Exposure to salt led to a repression of PIP2;7 promoter activity and a significant decrease in PIP2;7 mRNA abundance within 2 h. Concomitantly, a rapid internalization of fluorescently-tagged PIP2;7 proteins was observed but removal from the cell membrane was not accompanied by further degradation of the protein within 4 h of exposure to salinity stress. These data suggest that PIP transcriptional repression and channel internalization act in concert during salt stress conditions to modulate aquaporin activity, thereby significantly altering the plant hydraulic parameters in the short term.

Characteristics of water and ion exchange of Elodea nuttallii cells at high concentrations of lanthanides

Changes of diffusive permeability of membranes of Elodea nuttallii cells following a short-term (60 min) treatment with high concentrations of lanthanides were recorded by the ¹H NMR-diffusometry and conductometry methods. The 1-h infiltration of segments of Elodea nuttallii internodes in 10 mM solutions of nitrates of La, Nd and Lu resulted in the increased leakage of electrolytes from cells, but has no effect on a water diffusive permeability of membranes. In samples subjected to a 30 min pretreatment with a water channel inhibitor HgCl₂ the water diffusive permeability of membranes (P_d) drops down under the influence of lanthanides, as well as an outcome of electrolytes. To explain the observed effects the change of spontaneous curvature of membrane lipid layer has been taken into consideration. The interaction of lanthanides with lipids of plasmalemma leads to the negative spontaneous curvature of lipid layer at which membrane channels are unclosed. Blocking of the ionic and water channels by mercury ions compensate the effect of change of spontaneous curvature of lipid layer.

Rapid changes in root hydraulic conductivity and aquaporin expression in rice (Oryza sativa L.) in response to shoot removal - xylem tension as a possible signal

Background and Aims It is not clear how plants adjust the rate of root water uptake to that of shoot water loss. The aim of this study on rice was to test the idea that root aquaporins (AQPs) and xylem tension play a role in this adjustment. Methods Three-week-old rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants, which were grown hydroponically, had their entire shoot system removed, and root hydraulic conductivity (exudation analyses) and gene expression (quantitative real-time PCR) of root plasma membrane intrinsic aquaporin proteins (PIPs) was followed within 60 min after shoot excision. Key Results All three PIP1 genes (OsPIP1;1, OsPIP1;2 and OsPIP1;3) and three of the six PIP2 genes tested (OsPIP2;1, OsPIP2;4 and OsPIP2;5) showed a rapid (5 min) and lasting (60 min) decrease in gene expression. Expression decreased by up to 85 % within 60 min. The other three PIP2 genes tested (OsPIP2;2, OsPIP2;3 and OsPIP2;6) showed a varied response, with expression decreasing either only initially (5 min) or after 60 min, or not changing at all. In a follow-up experiment, plants had their shoot system removed and the detached root system immediately connected to a vacuum pump through which some tension (80 kPa) was applied. This application of tension prevented any significant decrease in PIP expression. Conclusions Shoot removal leads to a rapid decrease in expression of all PIP1s and some PIP2s in roots of rice. Xylem tension plays some role in this process.

Changes in Air CO₂ Concentration Differentially Alter Transcript Levels of NtAQP1 and NtPIP2;1 Aquaporin Genes in Tobacco Leaves

The aquaporin specific control on water versus carbon pathways in leaves is pivotal in controlling gas exchange and leaf hydraulics. We investigated whether Nicotiana tabacum aquaporin 1 (NtAQP1) and Nicotiana tabacum plasma membrane intrinsic protein 2;1 (NtPIP2;1) gene expression varies in tobacco leaves subjected to treatments with different CO₂ concentrations (ranging from 0 to 800 ppm), inducing changes in photosynthesis, stomatal regulation and water evaporation from the leaf. Changes in air CO₂ concentration ([CO₂]) affected net photosynthesis (Pn) and leaf substomatal [CO₂] (Ci). Pn was slightly negative at 0 ppm air CO₂; it was one-third that of ambient controls at 200 ppm, and not different from controls at 800 ppm. Leaves fed with 800 ppm [CO₂] showed one-third reduced stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration (E), and their gs was in turn slightly lower than in 200 ppm- and in 0 ppm-treated leaves. The 800 ppm air [CO₂] strongly impaired both NtAQP1 and NtPIP2;1 gene expression, whereas 0 ppm air [CO₂], a concentration below any in vivo possible conditions and specifically chosen to maximize the gene expression alteration, increased only the NtAQP1 transcript level. We propose that NtAQP1 expression, an aquaporin devoted to CO₂ transport, positively responds to CO₂ scarcity in the air in the whole range 0-800 ppm. On the contrary, expression of NtPIP2;1, an aquaporin not devoted to CO₂ transport, is related to water balance in the leaf, and changes in parallel with gs. These observations fit in a model where upregulation of leaf aquaporins is activated at low Ci, while downregulation occurs when high Ci saturates photosynthesis and causes stomatal closure.

Genome-Wide Analysis of the Aquaporin Gene Family in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Aquaporins (AQPs) are essential membrane proteins that play critical role in the transport of water and many other solutes across cell membranes. In this study, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis identified 40 AQP genes in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). A complete overview of the chickpea AQP (CaAQP) gene family is presented, including their chromosomal locations, gene structure, phylogeny, gene duplication, conserved functional motifs, gene expression, and conserved promoter motifs. To understand AQP's evolution, a comparative analysis of chickpea AQPs with AQP orthologs from soybean, Medicago, common bean, and Arabidopsis was performed. The chickpea AQP genes were found on all of the chickpea chromosomes, except chromosome 7, with a maximum of six genes on chromosome 6, and a minimum of one gene on chromosome 5. Gene duplication analysis indicated that the expansion of chickpea AQP gene family might have been due to segmental and tandem duplications. CaAQPs were grouped into four subfamilies including 15 NOD26-like intrinsic proteins (NIPs), 13 tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs), eight plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs), and four small basic intrinsic proteins (SIPs) based on sequence similarities and phylogenetic position. Gene structure analysis revealed a highly conserved exon-intron pattern within CaAQP subfamilies supporting the CaAQP family classification. Functional prediction based on conserved Ar/R selectivity filters, Froger's residues, and specificity-determining positions suggested wide differences in substrate specificity among the subfamilies of CaAQPs. Expression analysis of the AQP genes indicated that some of the genes are tissue-specific, whereas few other AQP genes showed differential expression in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Promoter profiling of CaAQP genes for conserved cis-acting regulatory elements revealed enrichment of cis-elements involved in circadian control, light response, defense and stress responsiveness reflecting their varying pattern of gene expression and potential involvement in biotic and abiotic stress responses. The current study presents the first detailed genome-wide analysis of the AQP gene family in chickpea and provides valuable information for further functional analysis to infer the role of AQP in the adaptation of chickpea in diverse environmental conditions.

Molecular mechanisms of foliar water uptake in a desert tree

Water deficits severely affect growth, particularly for the plants in arid and semiarid regions of the world. In addition to precipitation, other subsidiary water, such as dew, fog, clouds and small rain showers, may also be absorbed by leaves in a process known as foliar water uptake. With the severe scarcity of water in desert regions, this process is increasingly becoming a necessity. Studies have reported on physical and physiological processes of foliar water uptake. However, the molecular mechanisms remain less understood. As major channels for water regulation and transport, aquaporins (AQPs) are involved in this process. However, due to the regulatory complexity and functional diversity of AQPs, their molecular mechanism for foliar water uptake remains unclear. In this study, Tamarix ramosissima, a tree species widely distributed in desert regions, was investigated for gene expression patterns of AQPs and for sap flow velocity. Our results suggest that the foliar water uptake of T. ramosissima occurs in natural fields at night when the humidity is over a threshold of 85 %. The diurnal gene expression pattern of AQPs suggests that most AQP gene expressions display a circadian rhythm, and this could affect both photosynthesis and transpiration. At night, the PIP2-1 gene is also upregulated with increased relative air humidity. This gene expression pattern may allow desert plants to regulate foliar water uptake to adapt to extreme drought. This study suggests a molecular basis of foliar water uptake in desert plants.

PIP1 aquaporins: Intrinsic water channels or PIP2 aquaporin modulators?

The highly conserved plant aquaporins, known as Plasma membrane Intrinsic Proteins (PIPs), are the main gateways for cell membrane water exchange. Years of research have described in detail the properties of the PIP2 subfamily. However, characterizing the PIP1 subfamily has been difficult due to the failure to localize to the plasma membrane. In addition, the discovery of the PIP1-PIP2 interaction suggested that PIP1 aquaporins could be regulated by a complex posttranslational mechanism that involves trafficking, heteromerization and fine-tuning of channel activity. This review not only considers the evidence and findings but also discusses the complexity of PIP aquaporins. To establish a new benchmark in PIP regulation, we propose to consider PIP1-PIP2 pairs as functional units for the purpose of future research into their physiological roles.

Aquaporins in Plants

Aquaporins are membrane channels that facilitate the transport of water and small neutral molecules across biological membranes of most living organisms. In plants, aquaporins occur as multiple isoforms reflecting a high diversity of cellular localizations, transport selectivity, and regulation properties. Plant aquaporins are localized in the plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles, plastids and, in some species, in membrane compartments interacting with symbiotic organisms. Plant aquaporins can transport various physiological substrates in addition to water. Of particular relevance for plants is the transport of dissolved gases such as carbon dioxide and ammonia or metalloids such as boron and silicon. Structure-function studies are developed to address the molecular and cellular mechanisms of plant aquaporin gating and subcellular trafficking. Phosphorylation plays a central role in these two processes. These mechanisms allow aquaporin regulation in response to signaling intermediates such as cytosolic pH and calcium, and reactive oxygen species. Combined genetic and physiological approaches are now integrating this knowledge, showing that aquaporins play key roles in hydraulic regulation in roots and leaves, during drought but also in response to stimuli as diverse as flooding, nutrient availability, temperature, or light. A general hydraulic control of plant tissue expansion by aquaporins is emerging, and their role in key developmental processes (seed germination, emergence of lateral roots) has been established. Plants with genetically altered aquaporin functions are now tested for their ability to improve plant tolerance to stresses. In conclusion, research on aquaporins delineates ever expanding fields in plant integrative biology thereby establishing their crucial role in plants.

Aquaporins in Coffea arabica L.: Identification, expression, and impacts on plant water relations and hydraulics

Plant aquaporins (AQPs) are involved in the transport of water and other small solutes across cell membranes, and thus play major roles in the regulation of plant water balance, as well as in growth regulation and response to abiotic stress factors. Limited information is currently available about the presence and role of AQPs in Coffea arabica L., despite the economic importance of the species and its vulnerability to drought stress. We identified candidate AQP genes by screening a proprietary C. arabica transcriptome database, resulting in the identification of nine putative aquaporins. A phylogenetic analysis based on previously characterized AQPs from Arabidopsis thaliana and Solanum tuberosum allowed to assign the putative coffee AQP sequences to the Tonoplast (TIP) and Plasma membrane (PIP) subfamilies. The possible functional role of coffee AQPs was explored by measuring hydraulic conductance and aquaporin gene expression on leaf and root tissues of two-year-old plants (C. arabica cv. Pacamara) subjected to different experimental conditions. In a first experiment, we tested plants for root and leaf hydraulic conductance both before dawn and at mid-day, to check the eventual impact of light on AQP activity and plant hydraulics. In a second experiment, we measured plant hydraulic responses to different water stress levels as eventually affected by changes in AQPs expression levels. Our results shed light on the possible roles of AQPs in the regulation of C. arabica hydraulics and water balance, opening promising research lines to improve the sustainability of coffee cultivation under global climate change scenarios.

Differential responses of grapevine rootstocks to water stress are associated with adjustments in fine root hydraulic physiology and suberization

Water deficits are known to alter fine root structure and function, but little is known about how these responses contribute to differences in drought resistance across grapevine rootstocks. The ways in which water deficit affects root anatomical and physiological characteristics were studied in two grapevine rootstocks considered as low-medium (101-14Mgt) and highly (110R) drought resistant. Rootstocks were grown under prolonged and repeated drying cycles or frequent watering ('dry' and 'wet' treatments, respectively), and the following parameters were evaluated: root osmotic and hydrostatic hydraulic conductivity (Lp os and Lp hyd, respectively), suberization, steady-state root pressure (P rs), sap exudation rates, sap osmotic potential, and exosmotic relaxation curves. For both rootstocks, the 'dry' treatment reduced fine root Lp, elicited earlier root suberization and higher sap osmotic potential, and generated greater P rs after rewatering, but the rootstocks responded differently under these conditions. Lp os, Lp hyd, and sap exudation rates were significantly higher in 110R than in 101-14Mgt, regardless of moisture treatment. Under 'dry' conditions, 110R maintained a similar Lp os and decreased the Lp hyd by 36% compared with 'wet' conditions, while both parameters were decreased by at least 50% for 101-14Mgt under 'dry' conditions. Interestingly, build-up of P rs in 110R was 34% lower on average than in 101-14Mgt, suggesting differences in the development of suberized apoplastic barriers between the rootstocks as visualized by analysis of suberization from fluorescence microscopy. Consistent with this pattern, 110R exhibited the greatest exosmotic Lp os (i.e. Lp os of water flowing from roots to the soil) as determined from relaxation curves under wet conditions, where backflow may have limited its capacity to generate positive xylem pressure. The traits studied here can be used in combination to provide new insights needed for screening drought resistance across grapevine rootstocks.

STRESSing the role of the plant circadian clock

The circadian clock is a timekeeper mechanism that is able to regulate biological activities with a period of 24h. Proper matching of the internal circadian time with the environment not only confers fitness advantages but also allows the clock to temporally gate the responses to environmental stresses. By restricting the time of maximal responsiveness, the circadian gating defines an efficient way to increase resistance to stress without substantially decreasing plant growth. Stress signaling in turn appears to influence the clock activity. The feedback regulation might be important to maximize metabolic efficiency under challenging environmental conditions. This review focuses on recent research advances exploring the intricate connection between the clock and osmotic stresses. The role of the circadian clock favoring the proper balance between immune responses and cellular metabolism is also discussed.

Physiological and genomic basis of mechanical-functional trade-off in plant vasculature

Some areas in plant abiotic stress research are not frequently addressed by genomic and molecular tools. One such area is the cross reaction of gravitational force with upward capillary pull of water and the mechanical-functional trade-off in plant vasculature. Although frost, drought and flooding stress greatly impact these physiological processes and consequently plant performance, the genomic and molecular basis of such trade-off is only sporadically addressed and so is its adaptive value. Embolism resistance is an important multiple stress- opposition trait and do offer scopes for critical insight to unravel and modify the input of living cells in the process and their biotechnological intervention may be of great importance. Vascular plants employ different physiological strategies to cope with embolism and variation is observed across the kingdom. The genomic resources in this area have started to emerge and open up possibilities of synthesis, validation and utilization of the new knowledge-base. This review article assesses the research till date on this issue and discusses new possibilities for bridging physiology and genomics of a plant, and foresees its implementation in crop science.

A hydraulic model is compatible with rapid changes in leaf elongation under fluctuating evaporative demand and soil water status

Plants are constantly facing rapid changes in evaporative demand and soil water content, which affect their water status and growth. In apparent contradiction to a hydraulic hypothesis, leaf elongation rate (LER) declined in the morning and recovered upon soil rehydration considerably quicker than transpiration rate and leaf water potential (typical half-times of 30 min versus 1-2 h). The morning decline of LER began at very low light and transpiration and closely followed the stomatal opening of leaves receiving direct light, which represent a small fraction of leaf area. A simulation model in maize (Zea mays) suggests that these findings are still compatible with a hydraulic hypothesis. The small water flux linked to stomatal aperture would be sufficient to decrease water potentials of the xylem and growing tissues, thereby causing a rapid decline of simulated LER, while the simulated water potential of mature tissues declines more slowly due to a high hydraulic capacitance. The model also captured growth patterns in the evening or upon soil rehydration. Changes in plant hydraulic conductance partly counteracted those of transpiration. Root hydraulic conductivity increased continuously in the morning, consistent with the transcript abundance of Zea maize Plasma Membrane Intrinsic Protein aquaporins. Transgenic lines underproducing abscisic acid, with lower hydraulic conductivity and higher stomatal conductance, had a LER declining more rapidly than wild-type plants. Whole-genome transcriptome and phosphoproteome analyses suggested that the hydraulic processes proposed here might be associated with other rapidly occurring mechanisms. Overall, the mechanisms and model presented here may be an essential component of drought tolerance in naturally fluctuating evaporative demand and soil moisture.

Aquaporins: highly regulated channels controlling plant water relations

Plant growth and development are dependent on tight regulation of water movement. Water diffusion across cell membranes is facilitated by aquaporins that provide plants with the means to rapidly and reversibly modify water permeability. This is done by changing aquaporin density and activity in the membrane, including posttranslational modifications and protein interaction that act on their trafficking and gating. At the whole organ level aquaporins modify water conductance and gradients at key "gatekeeper" cell layers that impact on whole plant water flow and plant water potential. In this way they may act in concert with stomatal regulation to determine the degree of isohydry/anisohydry. Molecular, physiological, and biophysical approaches have demonstrated that variations in root and leaf hydraulic conductivity can be accounted for by aquaporins but this must be integrated with anatomical considerations. This Update integrates these data and emphasizes the central role played by aquaporins in regulating plant water relations.

TRANSLUCENT GREEN, an ERF family transcription factor, controls water balance in Arabidopsis by activating the expression of aquaporin genes

Water is the most abundant molecule in almost all living organisms. Aquaporins are channel proteins that play critical roles in controlling the water content of cells. Here, we report the identification of an AP2/EREBP family transcription factor in Arabidopsis thaliana, TRANSLUCENT GREEN (TG), whose overexpression in transgenic plants gave enhanced drought tolerance and vitrified leaves. TG protein is localized in the nucleus, binds DRE and GCC elements in vitro, and acts as a transcriptional activator in yeast cells. Microarray analysis revealed a total of 330 genes regulated by TG, among which five genes encode aquaporins. A transient expression assay showed that TG directly binds to the promoters of three aquaporin genes, such as AtTIP1;1, AtTIP2;3, and AtPIP2;2, indicating that TG directly regulates the expression of these genes. Moreover, overexpression of AtTIP1;1 resulted in vitrified phenotypes in transgenic Arabidopsis plants, similar to those observed in TG overexpression lines. Water injection into wild-type leaves recapitulated the vitrified leaf phenotypes, which was reversed by cutting off the water supply from vascular bundles. Taken together, our data support that TG controls water balance in Arabidopsis through directly activating the expression of aquaporin genes.

Root proteome of rice studied by iTRAQ provides integrated insight into aluminum stress tolerance mechanisms in plants

One of the major limitations to crop growth on acid soils is the prevalence of soluble aluminum ions (Al(3+)). Rice (Oryza sativa L.) has been reported to be highly Al tolerant; however, large-scale proteomic data of rice in response to Al(3+) are still very scanty. Here, we used an iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics approach for comparative analysis of the expression profiles of proteins in rice roots in response to Al(3+) at an early phase. A total of 700 distinct proteins (homologous proteins grouped together) with >95% confidence were identified. Among them, 106 proteins were differentially expressed upon Al(3+) toxicity in sensitive and tolerant cultivars. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that glycolysis/gluconeogenesis was the most significantly up-regulated biochemical process in response to excess Al(3+). The mRNA levels of eight proteins mapped in the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis were further analyzed by qPCR and the expression levels of all the eight genes were higher in tolerant cultivar than in sensitive cultivar, suggesting that these compounds may promote Al tolerance by modulating the production of available energy. Although the exact roles of these putative tolerance proteins remain to be examined, our data lead to a better understanding of the Al tolerance mechanisms in rice plants through the proteomics approach.

BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Aluminum (mainly Al(3+)) is one of the major limitations to the agricultural productivity on acid soils and causes heavy yield loss every year. Rice has been reported to be highly Al tolerant; however, the mechanisms of rice Al tolerance are still not fully understood. Here, a combined proteomics, bioinformatics and qPCR analysis revealed that Al(3+) invasion caused complex proteomic changes in rice roots involving energy, stress and defense, protein turnover, metabolism, signal transduction, transport and intracellular traffic, cell structure, cell growth/division, and transcription. Promotion of the glycolytic/gluconeogenetic pathway in roots appeared crucially important for Al tolerance. These results lead to a better understanding of the Al tolerance mechanisms in rice and help to improve plant performance on acid soils, eventually to increase the crop production.

Root pressure and beyond: energetically uphill water transport into xylem vessels?

The thermodynamics of root pressure remains an enigma up to the present day. Water is transported radially into xylem vessels, under some conditions even when the xylem sap is more dilute than the ambient medium (soil solution). It is suggested here that water secretion across the plasma membrane of xylem parenchyma cells is driven by a co-transport of water and solutes as previously shown for mammalian epithelia (Zeuthen T. 2010. Water-transporting proteins. Journal of Membrane Biology 234, 57-73.). This process could drive volume flow 'energetically uphill', against the free energy gradient of water. According to the model, solutes released by xylem parenchyma cells are subsequently retrieved from the sap at the expense of metabolic energy to maintain the concentration gradient that drives the water secretion. Transporters of the CCC type known to mediate water secretion in mammalian cells have also been found in Arabidopsis and in rice. The mechanism proposed here for root pressure could also explain refilling of embolized vessels. Moreover, it could contribute to long-distance water transport in trees when the cohesion-tension mechanism of water ascent fails. This is discussed with respect to the old and the more recent literature on these subjects.

Expression Analysis of Sugarcane Aquaporin Genes under Water Deficit

The present work is a pioneer study specifically addressing the aquaporin transcripts in sugarcane transcriptomes. Representatives of the four aquaporin subfamilies (PIP, TIP, SIP, and NIP), already described for higher plants, were identified. Forty-two distinct aquaporin isoforms were expressed in four HT-SuperSAGE libraries from sugarcane roots of drought-tolerant and -sensitive genotypes, respectively. At least 10 different potential aquaporin isoform targets and their respective unitags were considered to be promising for future studies and especially for the development of molecular markers for plant breeding. From those 10 isoforms, four (SoPIP2-4, SoPIP2-6, OsPIP2-4, and SsPIP1-1) showed distinct responses towards drought, with divergent expressions between the bulks from tolerant and sensitive genotypes, when they were compared under normal and stress conditions. Two targets (SsPIP1-1 and SoPIP1-3/PIP1-4) were selected for validation via RT-qPCR and their expression patterns as detected by HT-SuperSAGE were confirmed. The employed validation strategy revealed that different genotypes share the same tolerant or sensitive phenotype, respectively, but may use different routes for stress acclimation, indicating the aquaporin transcription in sugarcane to be potentially genotype-specific.

Aquaporins and leaf hydraulics: poplar sheds new light

To help understand leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) modulation under high irradiance, well-watered poplars (Populus trichocarpa Torr. & Gray ex Hook and Populus nigra L.) were studied diurnally at molecular and ecophysiological scales. Transcriptional and translational modulations of plasma membrane intrinsic protein (PIP) aquaporins were evaluated in leaf samples during diurnal time courses. Among the 15 poplar PIP genes, a subset of two PIP1s and seven PIP2s are precociously induced within the first hour of the photoperiod concomitantly with a Kleaf increase. Since expression patterns were cyclic and reproducible over several days, we hypothesized that endogenous signals could be involved in PIP transcriptional regulation. To address this question, plants were submitted to forced darkness during their subjective photoperiod and compared with their control counterparts, which showed that some PIP1s and PIP2s have circadian regulation while others did not. Promoter analysis revealed that a large number of hormone, light, stress response and circadian elements are present. Finally, involvement of aquaporins is supported by the reduction of Kleaf by HgCl2 treatment.

Involvement of rose aquaporin RhPIP1;1 in ethylene-regulated petal expansion through interaction with RhPIP2;1

Aquaporins (AQPs) are multifunctional membrane channels and facilitate the transport of water across plant cell membranes. Among the plant AQPs, plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs), which cluster in two phylogenetic groups (PIP1 and PIP2), play a key role in plant growth. Our previous work has indicated that RhPIP2;1, a member of PIP2, is involved in ethylene-regulated cell expansion of rose petals. However, whether PIP1s also play a role in petal expansion is still unclear. Here, we identified RhPIP1;1, a PIP1 subfamily member, from 18 PIPs assemble transcripts in rose microarray database responsive to ethylene. RhPIP1;1 was rapidly and significantly down-regulated by ethylene treatment. RhETRs-silencing also clearly decreased the expression of RhPIP1;1 in rose petals. The activity of the RhPIP1;1 promoter was repressed by ethylene in rosettes and roots of Arabidopsis. RhPIP1;1 is mainly localized on endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane. We demonstrated that RhPIP1;1-silencing significantly inhibited the expansion of petals with decreased petal size and cell area, as well as reduced fresh weight when compared to controls. Expression of RhPIP1;1 in Xenopus oocytes indicated that RhPIP1;1 was inactive in terms of water transport, while coexpression of RhPIP1;1 with the functional RhPIP2;1 led to a significant increase in plasma membrane permeability. Yeast growth, β-Galactosidase activity, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and colocalization assay proved existence of the interaction between RhPIP1;1 and RhPIP2;1. We argue that RhPIP1;1 plays an important role in ethylene-regulated petal cell expansion, at least partially through the interaction with RhPIP2;1.

Expression of Fragaria vesca PIP aquaporins in response to drought stress: PIP down-regulation correlates with the decline in substrate moisture content

PIP aquaporin responses to drought stress can vary considerably depending on the isoform, tissue, species or level of stress; however, a general down-regulation of these genes is thought to help reduce water loss and prevent backflow of water to the drying soil. It has been suggested therefore, that it may be necessary for the plant to limit aquaporin production during drought stress, but it is unknown whether aquaporin down-regulation is gradual or triggered by a particular intensity of the stress. In this study, ten Fragaria PIP genes were identified from the woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) genome sequence and characterised at the sequence level. The water relations of F. vesca were investigated and the effect of different intensities of drought stress on the expression of four PIP genes, as well as how drought stress influences their diurnal transcription was determined. PIP down-regulation in the root corresponded to the level of drought stress. Moreover, transcript abundance of two genes highly expressed in the root (FvPIP1;1 and FvPIP2;1) was strongly correlated to the decline in substrate moisture content. The amplitude of diurnal aquaporin expression in the leaves was down-regulated by drought without altering the pattern, but showing an intensity-dependent effect. The results show that transcription of PIP aquaporins can be fine-tuned with the environment in response to declining water availability.

The root cortex cell hydraulic conductivity is enhanced with increasing chromosome ploidy in wheat

Wheat (Triticum spp.) root water uptake is enhanced with increasing chromosome ploidy, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. The leaf transpiration rate (E), individual root (Lp(r)) and cortical cell (Lp(c)) hydraulic conductivity, cortical cell volume (V(c)) and transcription levels of two putative plasma intrinsic aquaporin genes (PIPs) were investigated in wheat seedlings with different chromosome ploidy (Triticum monococcum (2X, AA); Triticum dicoccum (4X, BB); Triticum aestivum (6X, AABBDD)). The E, Lp(r) and Lp(c) of wheat increased with increasing ploidy, but the Vc was reduced. Osmotic stress significantly reduced the E, Lp(c), Lp(r), and the relative mRNA content of TaPIP1;2 and TaPIP2;5 in wheat. Under both well-watered and osmotic stress conditions, the Lp(r) was significantly and positively correlated with the E and Lp(c), and the relative mRNA content of TaPIP1;2 and TaPIP2;5 was significantly and positively correlated with Lp(c) and Lp(r), respectively. For well-watered or osmotically stressed wheat plants, the Lp(c) was reduced, but the L(p)(c)/Lp(r) increased with increasing V(c), suggesting that Vc affects root radical water transport. Thus, the increased Lp(c) and transcription levels of TaPIP1;2 and TaPIP2;5 in wheat roots provides insight into the mechanisms underlying enhanced root water uptake with increasing chromosome ploidy during wheat evolution.

Transpirational demand affects aquaporin expression in poplar roots

Isohydric plants tend to maintain a water potential homeostasis primarily by controlling water loss via stomatal conductance. However, there is accumulating evidence that plants can also modulate water uptake in a dynamic manner. The dynamics of water uptake are influenced by aquaporin-mediated changes in root hydraulics. Most studies in this area have been conducted on herbaceous plants, and less is known about responses of woody plants. Here a study was conducted to determine how roots of hybrid poplar plants (Populus trichocarpa×deltoides) respond to a step change in transpirational demand. The main objective was to measure the expression of selected aquaporin genes and to assess how transcriptional responses correspond to changes in root water flow (Q R) and other parameters of water relations. A subset of plants was grown in shade and was subsequently exposed to a 5-fold increase in light level. Another group of plants was grown at ~95% relative humidity (RH) and was then subjected to lower RH while the light level remained unchanged. Both plant groups experienced a transient drop in stem water potentials. At 28h after the increase in transpirational demand, water potentials recovered. This recovery was associated with changes in the expression of PIP1 and PIP2 subfamily genes and an increase in Q R. Stomata of plants growing at high RH were larger and showed incomplete closure after application of abscisic acid. Since stomatal conductance remained high and unchanged in these plants, it is suggested that the recovery in water potential in these plants was largely driven by the increase in Q R.

Insight into plant annexin function: from shoot to root signaling

The multifunctionality of plant annexins and their importance for coordinating development and responses to biotic and abiotic environment have been largely reviewed. We recently described a tobacco annexin, named Ntann12, which is mainly localized in the nucleus of root cells when the plant is grown under light conditions. We also found that auxin and polar auxin transport are essential for Ntann12 accumulation in root cells. Under dark condition, Ntann12 is no longer detected in the root system. In the present addendum, light, regulating auxin signaling, is evidenced as an essential determinant for the synchronization of growth and development between the shoot and the root during light/dark cycle. A speculative model for Ntann12 is described and discussed with regards to relevant literature data.

Day/night regulation of aquaporins during the CAM cycle in Mesembryanthemum crystallinum

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum exhibits induction of Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) after a threshold stage of development, by exposure to long days with high light intensities or by water and salt stress. During the CAM cycle, fluctuations in carbon partitioning within the cell lead to transient drops in osmotic potential, which are likely stabilized/balanced by passive movement of water via aquaporins (AQPs). Protoplast swelling assays were used to detect changes in water permeability during the day/night cycle of CAM. To assess the role of AQPs during the same period, we followed transcript accumulation and protein abundance of four plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs) and one tonoplast intrinsic protein (TIP). CAM plants showed a persistent rhythm of specific AQP protein abundance changes throughout the day/night cycle, including changes in amount of McPIP2;1, McTIP1;2, McPIP1;4 and McPIP1;5, while the abundance of McPIP1;2 was unchanged. These protein changes did not appear to be coordinated with transcript levels for any of the AQPs analysed; however, they did occur in parrallel to alterations in water permeability, as well as variations in cell osmolarity, pinitol, glucose, fructose and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPc) levels measured throughout the day/night CAM cycle. Results suggest a role for AQPs in maintaining water balance during CAM and highlight the complexity of protein expression during the CAM cycle.

Short-term control of maize cell and root water permeability through plasma membrane aquaporin isoforms

Although it is widely accepted that aquaporins are involved in the regulation of root water uptake, the role of specific isoforms in this process is poorly understood. The mRNA expression and protein level of specific plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs) were analysed in Zea mays in relation to cell and root hydraulic conductivity. Plants were analysed during the day/night period, under different growth conditions (aeroponics/hydroponics) and in response to short-term osmotic stress applied through polyethylene glycol (PEG). Higher protein levels of ZmPIP1;2, ZmPIP2;1/2;2, ZmPIP2;5 and ZmPIP2;6 during the day coincided with a higher water permeability of root cortex cells during the day compared with night period. Similarly, plants which were grown under aeroponic conditions and which developed a hypodermis ('exodermis') with Casparian bands, effectively forcing more water along a membranous uptake path across roots, showed increased levels of ZmPIP2;5 and ZmPIP1;2 in the rhizodermis and exodermis. When PEG was added to the root medium (2-8 h), expression of PIPs and cell water permeability in roots increased. These data support a role of specific PIP isoforms, in particular ZmPIP1;2 and ZmPIP2;5, in regulating root water uptake and cortex cell hydraulic conductivity in maize.

Transpiration from shoots triggers diurnal changes in root aquaporin expression

Root hydraulic conductivity (Lp(r)) and aquaporin amounts change diurnally. Previously, these changes were considered to be spontaneously driven by a circadian rhythm. Here, we evaluated the new hypothesis that diurnal changes could be triggered and enhanced by transpirational demand from shoots. When rice plants were grown under a 12h light/12h dark regime, Lp(r) was low in the dark and high in the light period. Root aquaporin mRNA levels also changed diurnally, but the amplitudes differed among aquaporin isoforms. Aquaporins, such as OsPIP2;1, showed moderate changes, whereas root-specific aquaporins, such as OsPIP2;5, showed temporal and dramatic induction around 2h after light initiation. When darkness was extended for 12h after the usual dark period, no such induction was observed. Furthermore, plants under 100% relative humidity (RH) showed no induction even in the presence of light. These results suggest that transpirational demand triggers a dramatic increase in gene expressions such as OsPIP2;5. Immunocytochemistry showed that OsPIP2;5 accumulated on the proximal end of the endodermis and of the cell surface around xylem. The strong induction by transpirational demand and the polar localization suggest that OsPIP2;5 contributes to fine adjustment of radial water transport in roots to sustain high Lp(r) during the day.

Proteomic identification of rhythmic proteins in rice seedlings

Many aspects of plant metabolism that are involved in plant growth and development are influenced by light-regulated diurnal rhythms as well as endogenous clock-regulated circadian rhythms. To identify the rhythmic proteins in rice, periodically grown (12h light/12h dark cycle) seedlings were harvested for three days at six-hour intervals. Continuous dark-adapted plants were also harvested for two days. Among approximately 3000 reproducible protein spots on each gel, proteomic analysis ascertained 354 spots (~12%) as light-regulated rhythmic proteins, in which 53 spots showed prolonged rhythm under continuous dark conditions. Of these 354 ascertained rhythmic protein spots, 74 diurnal spots and 10 prolonged rhythmic spots under continuous dark were identified by MALDI-TOF MS analysis. The rhythmic proteins were functionally classified into photosynthesis, central metabolism, protein synthesis, nitrogen metabolism, stress resistance, signal transduction and unknown. Comparative analysis of our proteomic data with the public microarray database (the Plant DIURNAL Project) and RT-PCR analysis of rhythmic proteins showed differences in rhythmic expression phases between mRNA and protein, suggesting that the clock-regulated proteins in rice are modulated by not only transcriptional but also post-transcriptional, translational, and/or post-translational processes.

Involvement of root ABA and hydraulic conductivity in the control of water relations in wheat plants exposed to increased evaporative demand

We studied the possible involvement of ABA in the control of water relations under conditions of increased evaporative demand. Warming the air by 3°C increased stomatal conductance and raised transpiration rates of hydroponically grown Triticum durum plants while bringing about a temporary loss of relative water content (RWC) and immediate cessation of leaf extension. However, both RWC and extension growth recovered within 30 min although transpiration remained high. The restoration of leaf hydration and growth were enabled by increased root hydraulic conductivity after increasing the air temperature. The use of mercuric chloride (an inhibitor of water channels) to interfere with the rise on root hydraulic conductivity hindered the restoration of extension growth. Air warming increased ABA content in roots and decreased it in shoots. We propose this redistribution of ABA in favour of the roots which increased the root hydraulic conductivity sufficiently to permit rapid recovery of shoot hydration and leaf elongation rates without the involvement of stomatal closure. This proposal is based on known ability of ABA to increase hydraulic conductivity confirmed in these experiments by measuring the effect of exogenous ABA on osmotically driven flow of xylem sap from the roots. Accumulation of root ABA was mainly the outcome of increased export from the shoots. When phloem transport in air-warmed plants was inhibited by cooling the shoot base this prevented ABA enrichment of the roots and favoured an accumulation of ABA in the shoot. As a consequence, stomata closed.