Phosphorylation of NtMAP65-1 by a MAP kinase down-regulates its activity of microtubule bundling and stimulates progression of cytokinesis of tobacco cells

AtCIPK20 regulates microtubule stability to mediate stomatal closure under drought stress in Arabidopsis

Drought stress is a common abiotic challenge that profoundly impacts plant growth and development. As sessile organisms, plants rely on various physiological and morphological adaptations to cope with drought conditions. The CIPK (calcineurin B-like protein-interacting protein kinase) family proteins play a pivotal role in mediating plant responses to abiotic stress through modulation of cellular membrane events via the CBL-CIPK complex. However, reports documenting the CIPKs' regulation of non-membrane events are scant. In this study, we discovered a novel subcellular localisation pattern of the AtCIPK20 protein of Arabidopsis, specifically to cortical microtubules (cMT), which is distinct from previously reported localisation patterns of plant CIPKs. AtCIPK20 regulates ABA-induced loss of cMT organisation in guard cells, thereby facilitating stomatal closure, mitigating leaf water loss, and protecting plants from drought stress in Arabidopsis. The C-terminal regulatory domain of AtCIPK20 governs its cMT targeting, whereas the interaction of AtCIPK20 with its CBL partners disrupts this localisation. Notably, the cMT targeting characteristic of AtCIPK20 is not exclusive, as several other CIPK members in Arabidopsis, maize, and rice exhibit similar localisation patterns. These findings broaden our current understanding of the role of plant CIPK members in abiotic stress resistance and suggest that future exploration of CIPK molecular functions should adopt a more comprehensive perspective.

Arabidopsis α-Aurora kinase plays a role in cytokinesis through regulating MAP65-3 association with microtubules at phragmoplast midzone

The α-Aurora kinase is a crucial regulator of spindle microtubule organization during mitosis in plants. Here, we report a post-mitotic role for α-Aurora in reorganizing the phragmoplast microtubule array. In Arabidopsis thaliana, α-Aurora relocated from spindle poles to the phragmoplast midzone, where it interacted with the microtubule cross-linker MAP65-3. In a hypomorphic α-Aurora mutant, MAP65-3 was detected on spindle microtubules, followed by a diffuse association pattern across the phragmoplast midzone. Simultaneously, phragmoplast microtubules remained belatedly in a solid disk array before transitioning to a ring shape. Microtubules at the leading edge of the matured phragmoplast were often disengaged, accompanied by conspicuous retentions of MAP65-3 at the phragmoplast interior edge. Specifically, α-Aurora phosphorylated two residues towards the C-terminus of MAP65-3. Mutation of these residues to alanines resulted in an increased association of MAP65-3 with microtubules within the phragmoplast. Consequently, the expansion of the phragmoplast was notably slower compared to wild-type cells or cells expressing a phospho-mimetic variant of MAP65-3. Moreover, mimicking phosphorylation reinstated disrupted MAP65-3 behaviors in plants with compromised α-Aurora function. Overall, our findings reveal a mechanism in which α-Aurora facilitates cytokinesis progression through phosphorylation-dependent restriction of MAP65-3 associating with microtubules at the phragmoplast midzone.

MAPK20-mediated ATG6 phosphorylation is critical for pollen development in Solanum lycopersicum L

In flowering plants, male gametogenesis is tightly regulated by numerous genes. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) plays a critical role in plant development and stress response, while its role in plant reproductive development is largely unclear. The present study demonstrated MAPK20 phosphorylation of ATG6 to mediate pollen development and germination in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). MAPK20 was preferentially expressed in the stamen of tomato, and mutation of MAPK20 resulted in abnormal pollen grains and inhibited pollen viability and germination. MAPK20 interaction with ATG6 mediated the formation of autophagosomes. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis showed that ATG6 was phosphorylated by MAPK20 at Ser-265. Mutation of ATG6 in wild-type (WT) or in MAPK20 overexpression plants resulted in malformed and inviable pollens. Meanwhile, the number of autophagosomes in mapk20 and atg6 mutants was significantly lower than that of WT plants. Our results suggest that MAPK20-mediated ATG6 phosphorylation and autophagosome formation are critical for pollen development and germination.

Defense signaling pathways in resistance to plant viruses: Crosstalk and finger pointing

Resistance to infection by plant viruses involves proteins encoded by plant resistance (R) genes, viz., nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeats (NLRs), immune receptors. These sensor NLRs are activated either directly or indirectly by viral protein effectors, in effector-triggered immunity, leading to induction of defense signaling pathways, resulting in the synthesis of numerous downstream plant effector molecules that inhibit different stages of the infection cycle, as well as the induction of cell death responses mediated by helper NLRs. Early events in this process involve recognition of the activation of the R gene response by various chaperones and the transport of these complexes to the sites of subsequent events. These events include activation of several kinase cascade pathways, and the syntheses of two master transcriptional regulators, EDS1 and NPR1, as well as the phytohormones salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene. The phytohormones, which transit from a primed, resting states to active states, regulate the remainder of the defense signaling pathways, both directly and by crosstalk with each other. This regulation results in the turnover of various suppressors of downstream events and the synthesis of various transcription factors that cooperate and/or compete to induce or suppress transcription of either other regulatory proteins, or plant effector molecules. This network of interactions results in the production of defense effectors acting alone or together with cell death in the infected region, with or without the further activation of non-specific, long-distance resistance. Here, we review the current state of knowledge regarding these processes and the components of the local responses, their interactions, regulation, and crosstalk.

The role of intrinsic disorder in binding of plant microtubule-associated proteins to the cytoskeleton

Microtubules (MTs) represent one of the main components of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton and support numerous critical cellular functions. MTs are in principle tube-like structures that can grow and shrink in a highly dynamic manner; a process largely controlled by microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). Plant MAPs are a phylogenetically diverse group of proteins that nonetheless share many common biophysical characteristics and often contain large stretches of intrinsic protein disorder. These intrinsically disordered regions are determinants of many MAP-MT interactions, in which structural flexibility enables low-affinity protein-protein interactions that enable a fine-tuned regulation of MT cytoskeleton dynamics. Notably, intrinsic disorder is one of the major obstacles in functional and structural studies of MAPs and represents the principal present-day challenge to decipher how MAPs interact with MTs. Here, we review plant MAPs from an intrinsic protein disorder perspective, by providing a complete and up-to-date summary of all currently known members, and address the current and future challenges in functional and structural characterization of MAPs.

Cortical microtubules contribute to division plane positioning during telophase in maize

Cell divisions are accurately positioned to generate cells of the correct size and shape. In plant cells, the new cell wall is built in the middle of the cell by vesicles trafficked along an antiparallel microtubule and a microfilament array called the phragmoplast. The phragmoplast expands toward a specific location at the cell cortex called the division site, but how it accurately reaches the division site is unclear. We observed microtubule arrays that accumulate at the cell cortex during the telophase transition in maize (Zea mays) leaf epidermal cells. Before the phragmoplast reaches the cell cortex, these cortical-telophase microtubules transiently interact with the division site. Increased microtubule plus end capture and pausing occur when microtubules contact the division site-localized protein TANGLED1 or other closely associated proteins. Microtubule capture and pausing align the cortical microtubules perpendicular to the division site during telophase. Once the phragmoplast reaches the cell cortex, cortical-telophase microtubules are incorporated into the phragmoplast primarily by parallel bundling. The addition of microtubules into the phragmoplast promotes fine-tuning of the positioning at the division site. Our hypothesis is that division site-localized proteins such as TANGLED1 organize cortical microtubules during telophase to mediate phragmoplast positioning at the final division plane.

Identification and Expression Analysis of MPK and MKK Gene Families in Pecan (Carya illinoinensis)

Mitogen-activated protein kinases consist of three kinase modules composed of MPKs, MKKs, and MPKKKs. As members of the protein kinase (PK) superfamily, they are involved in various processes, such as developmental programs, cell division, hormonal progression, and signaling responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, a total of 18 MPKs and 10 MKKs were annotated on the pecan genome, all of which could be classified into four subgroups, respectively. The gene structures and conserved sequences of family members in the same branch were relatively similar. All MPK proteins had a conserved motif TxY, and D(L/I/V)K and VGTxxYMSPER existed in all MKK proteins. Duplication events contributed largely to the expansion of the pecan MPK and MKK gene families. Phylogenetic analysis of protein sequences from six plants indicated that species evolution occurred in pecan. Organ-specific expression profiles of MPK and MKK showed functional diversity. Ka/Ks values indicated that all genes with duplicated events underwent strong negative selection. Seven CiPawMPK and four CiPawMKK genes with high expression levels were screened by transcriptomic data from different organs, and these candidates were validated by qRT-PCR analysis of hormone-treated and stressed samples.

Rice microtubule-associated protein OsMAP65-3.1, but not OsMAP65-3.2, plays a critical role in phragmoplast microtubule organization in cytokinesis

In plants, MAP65 preferentially cross-links the anti-parallel microtubules (MTs) and plays an important role for cytokinesis. However, the functions of MAP65 isoforms in rice (Oryza sativa. L) are largely unknown. Here, we identified two MAP65-3 homologs in rice, OsMAP65-3.1 and OsMAP65-3.2. We found that both OsMAP65-3.1 and OsMAP65-3.2 were similar in dimerization and location to AtMAP65-3, and the expression of either rice genes driven by the AtMAP65-3 promoter suppressed the cytokinesis failure and growth defect of atmap65-3. However, OsMAP65-3.1 with native promoter also recovered the atmap65-3, but OsMAP65-3.2 with its own promoter had no effects. OsMAP65-3.1 but not OsMAP65-3.2 was actively expressed in tissues enriched with dividing cells. R1R2R3-Myb (MYB3R) transcription factors directly bound to the OsMAP65-3.1 promoter but not that of OsMAP65-3.2. Furthermore, osmap65-3.2 had no obvious phenotype, while either osmap65-3.1 or osmap65-3.1(+/-) was lethal. The eminent MTs around the daughter nuclei and cytokinesis defects were frequently observed in OsMAP65-3.1-defective plants. Taken together, our findings suggest that OsMAP65-3.1, rather than OsMAP65-3.2, plays essential roles in rice cytokinesis resulting from their differential expression which were passably directly regulated by OsMYB3Rs.

Intracellular infection by symbiotic bacteria requires the mitotic kinase AURORA1

The subcellular events occurring in cells of legume plants as they form transcellular symbiotic-infection structures have been compared with those occurring in premitotic cells. Here, we demonstrate that Aurora kinase 1 (AUR1), a highly conserved mitotic regulator, is required for intracellular infection by rhizobia in Medicago truncatula. AUR1 interacts with microtubule-associated proteins of the TPXL and MAP65 families, which, respectively, activate and are phosphorylated by AUR1, and localizes with them within preinfection structures. MYB3R1, a rhizobia-induced mitotic transcription factor, directly regulates AUR1 through two closely spaced, mitosis-specific activator cis elements. Our data are consistent with a model in which the MYB3R1-AUR1 regulatory module serves to properly orient preinfection structures to direct the transcellular deposition of cell wall material for the growing infection thread, analogous to its role in cell plate formation. Our findings indicate that the eukaryotically conserved MYB3R1-TPXL-AUR1-MAP65 mitotic module was conscripted to support endosymbiotic infection in legumes.

TaMPK2B, a member of the MAPK family in T. aestivum, enhances plant low-Pi stress tolerance through modulating physiological processes associated with phosphorus starvation defensiveness

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are present in plant species and modulate plant growth and stress responses. This study characterizes TaMPK2B, a MAPK family gene in T. aestivum that regulates plant adaptation to low-Pi stress. TaMPK2B harbors the conserved domains involving protein phosphorylation and protein-protein interaction. A yeast two-hybrid assay reveals an interaction between TaMPK2B and TaMPKK2 and between the latter and TaMPKKK;A, suggesting that all comprise a MAPK signaling cascade TaMPKKK;A-TaMPKK2-TaMPK2B. TaMPK2B expression levels were elevated in roots and leaves under a Pi starvation (PS) condition. Additionally, the induced TaMPK2B transcripts under PS in tissues were gradually restored following the Pi normal recovery condition. TaMPK2B overexpression conferred on plants improved PS adaptation; the tobacco lines with TaMPK2B overexpression enhanced the plant's dry mass production, Pi uptake capacity, root system architecture (RSA) establishment, and ROS homeostasis relative to wild type under PS treatment. Moreover, the transcripts of genes in phosphate transporter (PT), PIN-FORMED, and antioxidant enzyme (AE) families, including NtPT3 and NtPT4, NtPIN9, and NtMnSOD1 and NtPOD1;7, were elevated in Pi-deprived lines overexpressing TaMPK2B. Transgene analyses validated their functions in regulating Pi uptake, RSA establishment, and AE activities of plants treated by PS. These results suggest that TaMPK2B-mediated plant PS adaptation is correlated with the modified transcription of distinct PT, PIN, and AE genes. Our investigation suggests that TaMPK2B is one of the crucial regulators in plant low-Pi adaptation by improving Pi uptake, RSA formation, and ROS homeostasis via transcriptionally regulating genes associated with the above physiological processes.

Functional analysis of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in potato under biotic and abiotic stress

Biotic and abiotic stresses are the main constrain of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production all over the world. To overcome these hurdles, many techniques and mechanisms have been used for increasing food demand for increasing population. One of such mechanism is mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, which is significance regulators of MAPK pathway under various biotic and abiotic stress conditions in plants. However, the acute role in potato for various biotic and abiotic resistance is not fully understood. In eukaryotes including plants, MAPK transfer information from sensors to responses. In potato, biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as a range of developmental responses including differentiation, proliferation, and cell death in plants, MAPK plays an essential role in transduction of diverse extracellular stimuli. Different biotic and abiotic stress stimuli such as pathogen (bacteria, virus, and fungi, etc.) infections, drought, high and low temperatures, high salinity, and high or low osmolarity are induced by several MAPK cascade and MAPK gene families in potato crop. The MAPK cascade is synchronized by numerous mechanisms, including not only transcriptional regulation but also through posttranscriptional regulation such as protein-protein interactions. In this review, we will discuss the recent detailed functional analysis of certain specific MAPK gene families which are involved in resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses in potato. This study will also provide new insights into functional analysis of various MAPK gene families in biotic and abiotic stress response as well as its possible mechanism.

MAP kinase cascades in plant development and immune signaling

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are important signaling modules regulating diverse biological processes. During the past 20 years, much progress has been made on the functions of MAPK cascades in plants. This review summarizes the roles of MAPKs, known MAPK substrates, and our current understanding of MAPK cascades in plant development and innate immunity. In addition, recent findings on the molecular links connecting surface receptors to MAPK cascades and the mechanisms underlying MAPK signaling specificity are also discussed.

Cell biology of primary cell wall synthesis in plants

Building a complex structure such as the cell wall, with many individual parts that need to be assembled correctly from distinct sources within the cell, is a well-orchestrated process. Additional complexity is required to mediate dynamic responses to environmental and developmental cues. Enzymes, sugars, and other cell wall components are constantly and actively transported to and from the plasma membrane during diffuse growth. Cell wall components are transported in vesicles on cytoskeletal tracks composed of microtubules and actin filaments. Many of these components, and additional proteins, vesicles, and lipids are trafficked to and from the cell plate during cytokinesis. In this review, we first discuss how the cytoskeleton is initially organized to add new cell wall material or to build a new cell wall, focusing on similarities during these processes. Next, we discuss how polysaccharides and enzymes that build the cell wall are trafficked to the correct location by motor proteins and through other interactions with the cytoskeleton. Finally, we discuss some of the special features of newly formed cell walls generated during cytokinesis.

Comparative transcriptome and DNA methylation analysis in temperature-sensitive genic male sterile wheat BS366

Background

Known as the prerequisite component for the heterosis breeding system, the male sterile line determines the hybrid yield and seed purity. Therefore, a deep understanding of the mechanism and gene network that leads to male sterility is crucial. BS366, a temperature-sensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) line, is male sterile under cold conditions (12 °C with 12 h of daylight) but fertile under normal temperature (20 °C with 12 h of daylight).

Results

During meiosis, BS366 was defective in forming tetrads and dyads due to the abnormal cell plate. During pollen development, unusual vacuolated pollen that could not accumulate starch grains at the binucleate stage was also observed. Transcriptome analysis revealed that genes involved in the meiotic process, such as sister chromatid segregation and microtubule-based movement, were repressed, while genes involved in DNA and histone methylation were induced in BS366 under cold conditions. MethylRAD was used for reduced DNA methylation sequencing of BS366 spikes under both cold and control conditions. The differentially methylated sites (DMSs) located in the gene region were mainly involved in carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and transport. Differentially expressed and methylated genes were mainly involved in cell division.

Conclusions

These results indicated that the methylation of genes involved in carbon metabolism or fatty acid metabolism might contribute to male sterility in BS366 spikes, providing novel insight into the molecular mechanism of wheat male sterility.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-08163-3.

MS1 is essential for male fertility by regulating the microsporocyte cell plate expansion in soybean

Male sterility is an essential trait in hybrid seed production, especially for monoclinous and autogamous food crops. Soybean male-sterile ms1 mutant has been known for more than 50 years and could be instrumental in making hybrid seeds. However, the gene responsible for the male-sterile phenotype has remained unknown. Here, we report the map-based cloning and characterization of the MS1 gene in soybean. MS1 encodes a kinesin protein and localizes to the nucleus, where it is required for the male meiotic cytokinesis after telophase II. We further substantiated that MS1 colocalizes with microtubules and is essential for cell plate formation in soybean male gametogenesis through immunostaining. Both ms1 and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout mutants show complete male sterility but are otherwise phenotypically normal, making them perfect tools for producing hybrid seeds. The identification of MS1 has the practical potential for assembling the sterility system and speeding up hybrid soybean breeding.

The Protein Phosphatase PP2A Plays Multiple Roles in Plant Development by Regulation of Vesicle Traffic-Facts and Questions

The protein phosphatase PP2A is essential for the control of integrated eukaryotic cell functioning. Several cellular and developmental events, e.g., plant growth regulator (PGR) mediated signaling pathways are regulated by reversible phosphorylation of vesicle traffic proteins. Reviewing present knowledge on the relevant role of PP2A is timely. We discuss three aspects: (1) PP2A regulates microtubule-mediated vesicle delivery during cell plate assembly. PP2A dephosphorylates members of the microtubule associated protein family MAP65, promoting their binding to microtubules. Regulation of phosphatase activity leads to changes in microtubule organization, which affects vesicle traffic towards cell plate and vesicle fusion to build the new cell wall between dividing cells. (2) PP2A-mediated inhibition of target of rapamycin complex (TORC) dependent signaling pathways contributes to autophagy and this has possible connections to the brassinosteroid signaling pathway. (3) Transcytosis of vesicles transporting PIN auxin efflux carriers. PP2A regulates vesicle localization and recycling of PINs related to GNOM (a GTP-GDP exchange factor) mediated pathways. The proper intracellular traffic of PINs is essential for auxin distribution in the plant body, thus in whole plant development. Overall, PP2A has essential roles in membrane interactions of plant cell and it is crucial for plant development and stress responses.

Regulation of cytoskeleton-associated protein activities: Linking cellular signals to plant cytoskeletal function

The plant cytoskeleton undergoes dynamic remodeling in response to diverse developmental and environmental cues. Remodeling of the cytoskeleton coordinates growth in plant cells, including trafficking and exocytosis of membrane and wall components during cell expansion, and regulation of hypocotyl elongation in response to light. Cytoskeletal remodeling also has key functions in disease resistance and abiotic stress responses. Many stimuli result in altered activity of cytoskeleton-associated proteins, microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) and actin-binding proteins (ABPs). MAPs and ABPs are the main players determining the spatiotemporally dynamic nature of the cytoskeleton, functioning in a sensory hub that decodes signals to modulate plant cytoskeletal behavior. Moreover, MAP and ABP activities and levels are precisely regulated during development and environmental responses, but our understanding of this process remains limited. In this review, we summarize the evidence linking multiple signaling pathways, MAP and ABP activities and levels, and cytoskeletal rearrangements in plant cells. We highlight advances in elucidating the multiple mechanisms that regulate MAP and ABP activities and levels, including calcium and calmodulin signaling, ROP GTPase activity, phospholipid signaling, and post-translational modifications.

AtMPK6-induced phosphorylation of AtERF72 enhances its DNA binding activity and interaction with TGA4/OBF4 in Arabidopsis

The ethylene-responsive element binding factor (ERF) family is a large family of transcription factors involved in plant development and environmental stress responses. We previously reported the identification of 29 putative substrates of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase3 (AtMPK3), AtMPK4 and AtMPK6, based on a solid-phase phosphorylation screening using a lambda phage expression library in Arabidopsis thaliana. In this study, a putative MPK substrate, AtERF72 (At3g16770), was strongly phosphorylated by AtMPK6 on the serine residue at position 151 (Ser151). AtERF72 binds to the GCC box (AGCCGCC) in the promoters of several pathogenesis-related (PR) genes and activates their transcription. We also show that the DNA-binding activity of AtERF72 is enhanced upon phosphorylation by AtMPK6 in vitro. In addition, transient co-expression experiments in Arabidopsis protoplasts revealed that effector constructs expressing a mutant variant of AtERF72, AtERF72^S151D (carrying a Ser to aspartic acid [Asp] substitution at amino acid position 151) showed higher expression of the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene driven by the GCC box element than effector constructs expressing the wild-type AtERF72. Furthermore, yeast two-hybrid assays revealed that the interaction between AtERF72^S151D and TGA4/OBF4 was stronger than that between wild-type AtERF72 and TGA4/OBF4. Since AtERF72^S151D is equivalent to AtERF72 phosphorylated by AtMPK6 at Ser151, these results suggest that the phosphorylation of AtERF72 by AtMPK6 triggers an event of transcriptional regulation from defence signalling in Arabidopsis.

Plant cell cycle regulators: Mitogen-activated protein kinase, a new regulating switch?

Cell cycle is essential for the maintenance of genetic material and continuity of a species. Its regulation involves a complex interplay between multiple proteins with diverse molecular functions such as the kinases, transcription factors, proteases and phosphatases. Every step of this cycle requires a certain combination of these protein regulators which paves the way for the next stage. It is now evident that plants have their own unique features in the context of cell cycle regulation. Cell cycle in plants is not only necessary for maintenance of its physio-morphological parameter but it also regulates traits important for mankind like grain or fruit size. This makes it even more important to understand how plants regulate its cell cycle amidst various a/biotic stresses it is subjected to during its lifetime. The association of MAPK signaling pathways with every major developmental and stress response pathways in plants raises the question of its potential role in cell cycle regulation. There are number of cell cycle regulating proteins with putative sites for MAPK phosphorylation. The MAPK signaling pathway may directly or in a parallel pathway regulate the plant cell cycle. Unraveling the role of MAPK in cell cycle will open up new arenas to explore.

Actin Filament Disruption Alters Phragmoplast Microtubule Dynamics during the Initial Phase of Plant Cytokinesis

Plant growth and development relies on the accurate positioning of the cell plate between dividing cells during cytokinesis. The cell plate is synthetized by a specialized structure called the phragmoplast, which contains bipolar microtubules that polymerize to form a framework with the plus ends at or near the division site. This allows the transport of Golgi-derived vesicles toward the plus ends to form and expand the cell plate. Actin filaments play important roles in cell plate expansion and guidance in plant cytokinesis at the late phase, but whether they are involved at the early phase is unknown. To investigate this further, we disrupted the actin filaments in cell cycle-synchronized tobacco BY-2 cells with latrunculin B (LatB), an actin polymerization inhibitor. We observed the cells under a transmission electron microscope or a spinning-disk confocal laser scanning microscope. We found that disruption of actin filaments by LatB caused the membrane vesicles at the equatorial plane of the cell plate to be dispersed rather than form clusters as they did in the untreated cells. The midzone constriction of phragmoplast microtubules also was perturbed in LatB-treated cells. The live cell imaging and kymograph analysis showed that disruption of actin filaments also changed the accumulation timing of NACK1 kinesin, which plays a crucial role in cell plate expansion. This suggests that there are two functionally different types of microtubules in the phragmoplast. Together, our results show that actin filaments regulate phragmoplast microtubules at the initial phase of plant cytokinesis.

Mapping proteome-wide targets of protein kinases in plant stress responses

Protein kinases are major regulatory components in almost all cellular processes in eukaryotic cells. By adding phosphate groups, protein kinases regulate the activity, localization, protein-protein interactions, and other features of their target proteins. It is known that protein kinases are central components in plant responses to environmental stresses such as drought, high salinity, cold, and pathogen attack. However, only a few targets of these protein kinases have been identified. Moreover, how these protein kinases regulate downstream biological processes and mediate stress responses is still largely unknown. In this study, we introduce a strategy based on isotope-labeled in vitro phosphorylation reactions using in vivo phosphorylated peptides as substrate pools and apply this strategy to identify putative substrates of nine protein kinases that function in plant abiotic and biotic stress responses. As a result, we identified more than 5,000 putative target sites of osmotic stress-activated SnRK2.4 and SnRK2.6, abscisic acid-activated protein kinases SnRK2.6 and casein kinase 1-like 2 (CKL2), elicitor-activated protein kinase CDPK11 and MPK6, cold-activated protein kinase MPK6, H₂O₂-activated protein kinase OXI1 and MPK6, and salt-induced protein kinase SOS1 and MPK6, as well as the low-potassium-activated protein kinase CIPK23. These results provide comprehensive information on the role of these protein kinases in the control of cellular activities and could be a valuable resource for further studies on the mechanisms underlying plant responses to environmental stresses.

Mechanisms of the Ase1/PRC1/MAP65 family in central spindle assembly

During cytokinesis, the organization of the spindle midzone and chromosome segregation is controlled by the central spindle, a microtubule cytoskeleton containing kinesin motors and non-motor microtubule-associated proteins. The anaphase spindle elongation 1/protein regulator of cytokinesis 1/microtubule associated protein 65 (Ase1/PRC1/MAP65) family of microtubule-bundling proteins are key regulators of central spindle assembly, mediating microtubule crosslinking and spindle elongation in the midzone. Ase1/PRC1/MAP65 serves as a complex regulatory platform for the recruitment of other midzone proteins at the spindle midzone. Herein, we summarize recent advances in understanding of the structural domains and molecular kinetics of the Ase1/PRC1/MAP65 family. We summarize the regulatory network involved in post-translational modifications of Ase1/PRC1 by cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1), cell division cycle 14 (Cdc14) and Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) and also highlight multiple functions of Ase1/PRC1 in central spindle organization, spindle elongation and cytokinesis during cell division.

Tomato locule number and fruit size controlled by natural alleles of lc and fas

Improving yield by increasing the size of produce is an important selection criterion during the domestication of fruit and vegetable crops. Genes controlling meristem organization and organ formation work in concert to regulate the size of reproductive organs. In tomato, lc and fas control locule number, which often leads to enlarged fruits compared to the wild progenitors. LC is encoded by the tomato ortholog of WUSCHEL (WUS), whereas FAS is encoded by the tomato ortholog of CLAVATA3 (CLV3). The critical role of the WUS-CLV3 feedback loop in meristem organization has been demonstrated in several plant species. We show that mutant alleles for both loci in tomato led to an expansion of the SlWUS expression domain in young floral buds 2-3 days after initiation. Single and double mutant alleles of lc and fas maintain higher SlWUS expression during the development of the carpel primordia in the floral bud. This augmentation and altered spatial expression of SlWUS provided a mechanistic basis for the formation of multilocular and large fruits. Our results indicated that lc and fas are gain-of-function and partially loss-of-function alleles, respectively, while both mutations positively affect the size of tomato floral meristems. In addition, expression profiling showed that lc and fas affected the expression of several genes in biological processes including those involved in meristem/flower development, patterning, microtubule binding activity, and sterol biosynthesis. Several differentially expressed genes co-expressed with SlWUS have been identified, and they are enriched for functions in meristem regulation. Our results provide new insights into the transcriptional regulation of genes that modulate meristem maintenance and floral organ determinacy in tomato.

The Solanum chacoense Fertilization-Related Kinase 3 (ScFRK3) is involved in male and female gametophyte development

BACKGROUND

The Fertilization-related kinases (FRK) form a class that belongs to the MEKK subfamily of plant MAPKKKs. It was recently shown that FRK class kinases expanded during angiosperm evolution, reaching their maximum numbers in the lineage leading to solanaceous species and culminating in the Solanum genus where they account for more than 40% of the total MEKKs. The first members studied, ScFRK1 and ScFRK2 were shown to play a pivotal role in gametophyte development in the wild potato species Solanum chacoense.

RESULTS

ScFRK3 is also involved in gametophyte development. ScFRK3 is expressed in developing pollen and young ovules, reaching its highest level immediately after meiosis and during the mitosis steps in both gametophytes. Hence, three independent lines of ScFRK3 RNAi mutant plants showed decreased number of seeds per fruit. We also observed an important number of degenerated embryo sac in mature ovary. Analysis of ovule development showed that most embryo sac did not enter mitosis I in ScFRK3 RNAi mutant plants. Severe lethality was also observed during male gametophyte development, pollen being arrested before mitosis I, as observed in the female gametophyte. Obvious defects in vegetative organs were not observed, emphasizing the reproductive roles of the FRK class kinases. To isolate MAP kinases acting downstream of ScFRK3, a de novo S. chacoense transcriptome from male and female reproductive organs was assembled. Of the five ScMKKs and 16 ScMPKs retrieved, only the ScMKK3 interacted with ScFRK3, while only the ScMPK13 interacted with ScMKK3, leading to an apparent single three-tiered canonical MAP kinase cascade combination involving ScFRK3-ScMKK3-ScMPK13.

CONCLUSIONS

The ScFRK3 MAPKKK is involved in a signaling cascade that regulates both male and female gamete development, and most probably act upstream of ScMKK3 and ScMPK13.

CoPhosK: A method for comprehensive kinase substrate annotation using co-phosphorylation analysis

We present CoPhosK to predict kinase-substrate associations for phosphopeptide substrates detected by mass spectrometry (MS). The tool utilizes a Naïve Bayes framework with priors of known kinase-substrate associations (KSAs) to generate its predictions. Through the mining of MS data for the collective dynamic signatures of the kinases' substrates revealed by correlation analysis of phosphopeptide intensity data, the tool infers KSAs in the data for the considerable body of substrates lacking such annotations. We benchmarked the tool against existing approaches for predicting KSAs that rely on static information (e.g. sequences, structures and interactions) using publically available MS data, including breast, colon, and ovarian cancer models. The benchmarking reveals that co-phosphorylation analysis can significantly improve prediction performance when static information is available (about 35% of sites) while providing reliable predictions for the remainder, thus tripling the KSAs available from the experimental MS data providing to a comprehensive and reliable characterization of the landscape of kinase-substrate interactions well beyond current limitations.

A dual role for cell plate-associated PI4Kβ in endocytosis and phragmoplast dynamics during plant somatic cytokinesis

Plant cytokinesis involves membrane trafficking and cytoskeletal rearrangements. Here, we report that the phosphoinositide kinases PI4Kβ1 and PI4Kβ2 integrate these processes in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) roots. Cytokinetic defects of an Arabidopsis pi4kβ1 pi4kβ2 double mutant are accompanied by defects in membrane trafficking. Specifically, we show that trafficking of the proteins KNOLLE and PIN2 at the cell plate, clathrin recruitment, and endocytosis is impaired in pi4kβ1 pi4kβ2 double mutants, accompanied by unfused vesicles at the nascent cell plate and around cell wall stubs. Interestingly, pi4kβ1 pi4kβ2 plants also display ectopic overstabilization of phragmoplast microtubules, which guide membrane trafficking at the cell plate. The overstabilization of phragmoplasts in the double mutant coincides with mislocalization of the microtubule-associated protein 65-3 (MAP65-3), which cross-links microtubules and is a downstream target for inhibition by the MAP kinase MPK4. Based on similar cytokinetic defects of the pi4kβ1 pi4kβ2 and mpk4-2 mutants and genetic and physical interaction of PI4Kβ1 and MPK4, we propose that PI4Kβ and MPK4 influence localization and activity of MAP65-3, respectively, acting synergistically to control phragmoplast dynamics.

Phragmoplast expansion: the four-stroke engine that powers plant cytokinesis

The phragmoplast is a plant-specific secretory module that partitions daughter cells during cytokinesis by constructing a cell plate from membranes and oligosaccharides. The cell plate is typically a long structure, which requires the phragmoplast to expand to complete cytokinesis. The phragmoplast expands by coordinating microtubule dynamics with membrane trafficking. Each step in phragmoplast expansion involves the establishment of anti-parallel microtubule overlaps that are enriched with the protein MAP65, which recruits cytokinetic vesicles through interaction with the tethering factor, TRAPPII. Cell plate assembly triggers dissolution of the anti-parallel overlaps and stabilization of microtubule plus ends through association with the cell plate assembly machinery. This opinion article discusses processes that drive phragmoplast expansion as well as highlights key questions that remain for better understanding its role in plant cell division.

Cell polarity: compassing cell division and differentiation in plants

Protein polarization underlies directional cell growth, cell morphogenesis, cell division, fate specification and differentiation in plant development. Analysis of in vivo protein dynamics reveals differential mobility of polarized proteins in plant cells, which may arise from lateral diffusion, local protein-protein interactions, and is restricted by protein-membrane-cell wall connections. The asymmetric protein dynamics may provide a mechanism for the regulation of asymmetric cell division and cell differentiation. In light of recent evidence for preprophase band (PPB)-independent mechanisms for orienting division planes, polarity proteins and their dynamics might provide regulation on the PPB at the cell cortex to directly influence phragmoplast positioning or alternatively, impinge on cytoplasmic microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs) for spindle alignment. Differentiation of specialized cell types is often associated with the spatial regulation of cell wall architecture. Here we discuss the mechanisms of polarized signaling underlying regional cell wall biosynthesis, degradation, and modification during the differentiation of root endodermal cells and leaf epidermal guard cells.

Conveying endogenous and exogenous signals: MAPK cascades in plant growth and defense

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are key signaling modules downstream of receptors/sensors that perceive endogenous and exogenous stimuli such as hormones, peptide ligands, and pathogen-derived patterns/effectors. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the establishment of MAPK cascades as unified signaling modules downstream of receptor-like kinases (RLKs) and receptor-like proteins (RLPs) in plant growth and defense, the identification of components connecting the RLK/RLP receptor complexes to the MAPK cascades, and the interactions between MAPK and hormone signaling pathways. We also propose a set of criteria for defining the physiological substrates of plant MAPKs. With only a limited number of MAPK components, multiple functional pathways often share the same MAPK cascade. As a result, understanding the signaling specificity, which requires detailed information about the spatiotemporal expression of the components involved, their complex formation, and the consequence of substrate phosphorylation, is central to our study of MAPK functions.

The Quest for MAP Kinase Substrates: Gaining Momentum

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are versatile signaling mechanisms in all eukaryotes. Their signaling outputs are defined by the protein substrates phosphorylated by MAPKs. An expanding list of substrates has been identified by high-throughput screens and targeted approaches in plants. The majority of these are phosphorylated by MPK3/6, and a few by MPK4, which are the best-characterized plant MAPKs, participating in the regulation of numerous biological processes. The identified substrates clearly represent the functional diversity of MAPKs: they are associated with pathogen defense, abiotic stress responses, ethylene signaling, and various developmental functions. Understanding their outputs is integral to unraveling the complex regulatory mechanisms of MAPK cascades. We review here methodological approaches and provide an overview of known MAPK substrates.

Dual localized kinesin-12 POK2 plays multiple roles during cell division and interacts with MAP65-3

Kinesins are versatile nano-machines that utilize variable non-motor domains to tune specific motor microtubule encounters. During plant cytokinesis, the kinesin-12 orthologs, PHRAGMOPLAST ORIENTING KINESIN (POK)1 and POK2, are essential for rapid centrifugal expansion of the cytokinetic apparatus, the phragmoplast, toward a pre-selected cell plate fusion site at the cell cortex. Here, we report on the spatio-temporal localization pattern of POK2, mediated by distinct protein domains. Functional dissection of POK2 domains revealed the association of POK2 with the site of the future cell division plane and with the phragmoplast during cytokinesis. Accumulation of POK2 at the phragmoplast midzone depends on its functional POK2 motor domain and is fine-tuned by its carboxy-terminal region that also directs POK2 to the division site. Furthermore, POK2 likely stabilizes the phragmoplast midzone via interaction with the conserved microtubule-associated protein MAP65-3/PLEIADE, a well-established microtubule cross-linker. Collectively, our results suggest that dual localized POK2 plays multiple roles during plant cell division.

Cell and Developmental Biology of Plant Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases

Plant mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) constitute a network of signaling cascades responsible for transducing extracellular stimuli and decoding them to dedicated cellular and developmental responses that shape the plant body. Over the last decade, we have accumulated information about how MAPK modules control the development of reproductive tissues and gametes and the embryogenic and postembryonic development of vegetative organs such as roots, root nodules, shoots, and leaves. Of key importance to understanding how MAPKs participate in developmental and environmental signaling is the characterization of their subcellular localization, their interactions with upstream signal perception mechanisms, and the means by which they target their substrates. In this review, we summarize the roles of MAPK signaling in the regulation of key plant developmental processes, and we survey what is known about the mechanisms guiding the subcellular compartmentalization of MAPK modules.

Phragmoplast microtubule dynamics - a game of zones

Plant morphogenesis relies on the accurate positioning of the partition (cell plate) between dividing cells during cytokinesis. The cell plate is synthetized by a specialized structure called the phragmoplast, which consists of microtubules, actin filaments, membrane compartments and associated proteins. The phragmoplast forms between daughter nuclei during the transition from anaphase to telophase. As cells are commonly larger than the originally formed phragmoplast, the construction of the cell plate requires phragmoplast expansion. This expansion depends on microtubule polymerization at the phragmoplast forefront (leading zone) and loss at the back (lagging zone). Leading and lagging zones sandwich the 'transition' zone. A population of stable microtubules in the transition zone facilitates transport of building materials to the midzone where the cell plate assembly takes place. Whereas microtubules undergo dynamic instability in all zones, the overall balance appears to be shifted towards depolymerization in the lagging zone. Polymerization of microtubules behind the lagging zone has not been reported to date, suggesting that microtubule loss there is irreversible. In this Review, we discuss: (1) the regulation of microtubule dynamics in the phragmoplast zones during expansion; (2) mechanisms of the midzone establishment and initiation of cell plate biogenesis; and (3) signaling in the phragmoplast.

Myosin XI localizes at the mitotic spindle and along the cell plate during plant cell division in Physcomitrella patens

Cell division is a fundamental biological process that has been extensively investigated in different systems. Similar to most eukaryotic cells, plant cells assemble a mitotic spindle to separate replicated chromosomes. In contrast, to complete cell division, plant cells assemble a phragmoplast, which is composed of aligned microtubules and actin filaments. This structure helps transport vesicles containing new cell wall material, which then fuse to form the cell plate; the cell plate will expand to create the new dividing cell wall. Because vesicles are known to be transported by myosin motors during interphase, we hypothesized this could also be the case during cell division and we investigated the localization of the plant homologue of myosin V - myosin XI, in cell division. In this work, we used the protonemal cells of the moss Physcomitrella patens as a model, because of its simple cellular morphology and ease to generate transgenic cell lines expressing fluorescent tagged proteins. Using a fluorescent protein fusion of myosin XI, we found that, during mitosis, this molecule appears to associate with the kinetochores immediately after nuclear envelope breakdown. Following metaphase, myosin XI stays associated with the spindle's midzone during the rest of mitosis, and when the phragmoplast is formed, it concentrates at the cell plate. Using an actin polymerization inhibitor, latrunculin B, we found that the association of myosin XI with the mitotic spindle and the phragmoplast are only partially dependent on the presence of filamentous actin. We also showed that myosin XI on the spindle partially overlaps with a v-SNARE vesicle marker but is not co-localized with the endoplasmic reticulum and a RabA vesicle marker. These observations suggest an actin-dependent and an actin-independent behavior of myosin XI during cell division, and provide novel insights to our understanding of the function of myosin XI during plant cell division.

Nuclear Signaling of Plant MAPKs

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are conserved protein kinases in eukaryotes that establish signaling modules where MAPK kinase kinases (MAPKKKs) activate MAPK kinases (MAPKKs) which in turn activate MAPKs. In plants, they are involved in the signaling of multiple environmental stresses and developmental programs. MAPKs phosphorylate their substrates and this post-translational modification (PTM) contributes to the regulation of proteins. PTMs may indeed modify the activity, subcellular localization, stability or trans-interactions of modified proteins. Plant MAPKs usually localize to the cytosol and/or nucleus, and in some instances they may also translocate from the cytosol to the nucleus. Upon the detection of environmental changes at the cell surface, MAPKs participate in the signal transduction to the nucleus, allowing an adequate transcriptional reprogramming. The identification of plant MAPK substrates largely contributed to a better understanding of the underlying signaling mechanisms. In this review, we highlight the nuclear signaling of plant MAPKs. We discuss the activation, regulation and activity of plant MAPKs, as well as their nuclear re-localization. We also describe and discuss known nuclear substrates of plant MAPKs in the context of biotic stress, abiotic stress and development and consider future research directions in the field of plant MAPKs.

Multisubunit tethering complexes in higher plants

Tethering complexes mediate the initial, specific contact between donor and acceptor membranes. This review focuses on the modularity and function of multisubunit tethering complexes (MTCs) in higher plants. One emphasis is on molecular interactions of plant MTCs. Here, a number of insights have been gained concerning interactions between different tethering complexes, and between tethers and microtubule-associated proteins. The roles of tethering complexes in abiotic stress responses appear indirect, but in the context of biotic stress responses it has been suggested that some tethers are direct targets of pathogen effectors or virulence factors. In light of the central roles tethering complexes play in plant development, an emerging concept is that tethers may be co-opted for plant adaptive responses.

MAP65-1 is required for the depolymerization and reorganization of cortical microtubules in the response to salt stress in Arabidopsis

Microtubules (MTs) are highly dynamical structures that play crucial roles in plant development and in response to environmental signals and stress conditions. MT-associated proteins (MAPs) play important roles in regulating the organization of MT arrays. MAP65 is a family of plant MT-bundling proteins. Here, we determined the role of MAP65-1 in the response to salt stress. MAP65-1 is involved not only in regulating the depolymerization, but also in the following reorganization of cortical MTs in salt stress responses. In addition, the depolymerization of the cortical MTs affected the survival of seedlings during salt stress, and map65-1 mutants had enhanced salt hypersensitivity levels. MAP65-1 interacted with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MPK) 3 and 6; however, only the mpk6 mutant exhibited hypersensitivity to salt stress, and MPK6 was involved in regulating the salt stress-induced depolymerization of cortical MTs. Thus, MAP65-1 plays a critical role in the response to salt stress and is required for regulating the rapid depolymerization and reorganization of cortical MTs. MAP65-1 interacts with MPK6, not MPK3, affecting the MT's dynamic instability which is critical for plant salt-stress tolerance.

Arabidopsis MAP65-4 plays a role in phragmoplast microtubule organization and marks the cortical cell division site

The evolutionarily conserved MAP65 family proteins bundle anti-parallel microtubules (MTs). In Arabidopsis thaliana, mutations in the MAP65-3 gene lead to serious defects in MT organization in the phragmoplast and cause failures in cytokinesis. However, the functions of other ArabidopsisMAP65 isoforms are largely unknown. MAP65 functions were analyzed based on genetic interactions among different map65 mutations. Live-cell imaging and immunolocalization experiments revealed dynamic activities of two closely related MAP65 proteins in dividing cells. The map65-4 mutation caused synthetic lethality with map65-3 although map65-4 alone did not cause a noticeable phenotype. Furthermore, the introduction of an extra copy of the MAP65-4 gene significantly suppressed defects in cytokinesis and seedling growth caused by map65-3 because of restoring MT engagement in the spindle midzone. During mitosis, MAP65-4 first appeared at the preprophase band and persisted at the cortical division site afterwards. It was also concentrated on MTs in the spindle midzone and the phragmoplast. In the absence of MAP65-3, MAP65-4 exhibited greatly enhanced localization in the midzone of developing phragmoplast. Therefore, we have uncovered redundant but differential contributions of MAP65-3 and MAP65-4 to engaging and bundling anti-parallel MTs in the phragmoplast and disclosed a novel action of MAP65-4 at the cortical cell division site.

Cytoskeletal mechanisms in positioning of the second-division spindles and meiotic restitution in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) microsporogenesis

Microsporogenesis patterns of the polyploid (2n = 4x = 96) and diploid (2n = 2x = 48) Nicotiana tabacum L. (cv. Havana Petit line SR1) plants have been analyzed and compared. Four types of abnormal positions of the second-division spindles-tripolar, parallel, proximal, and fused-have been observed. Of these abnormalities, only tripolar (2.4%) and parallel (1.4%) spindles are observable in diploid plants. As for polyploids, the increased ploidy is accompanied by an increase in the incidence of tripolar (22.8%) and parallel (8.1%) spindle orientations and emergence of two remaining abnormalities (proximal and fused spindles, 3.3%). As has been shown, the spindle position abnormalities in diploid plants have no effect on the meiotic products, whereas both dyads and triads are detectable among the tetrads in polyploid plants. Analysis of cytoskeletal remodeling has allowed for the insight into the role of interzonal radial microtubule system in spindle positioning during the second division. The reason underlying the change in spindle positioning is disturbed polymerization-depolymerization processes and interdigitation of microtubule plus ends within the interzonal cytoskeleton system in late telophase I-interkinesis and prophase II. As has been demonstrated, fused second-division spindles are formed as a result of fused cytoskeletal structures in prophase-prometaphase II in the case when the nuclei are drawn abnormally close to one another.

Mitotic Spindle Assembly in Land Plants: Molecules and Mechanisms

In textbooks, the mitotic spindles of plants are often described separately from those of animals. How do they differ at the molecular and mechanistic levels? In this chapter, we first outline the process of mitotic spindle assembly in animals and land plants. We next discuss the conservation of spindle assembly factors based on database searches. Searches of >100 animal spindle assembly factors showed that the genes involved in this process are well conserved in plants, with the exception of two major missing elements: centrosomal components and subunits/regulators of the cytoplasmic dynein complex. We then describe the spindle and phragmoplast assembly mechanisms based on the data obtained from robust gene loss-of-function analyses using RNA interference (RNAi) or mutant plants. Finally, we discuss future research prospects of plant spindles.

Phosphorylation of MAP65-1 by Arabidopsis Aurora Kinases Is Required for Efficient Cell Cycle Progression

Aurora kinases are key effectors of mitosis. Plant Auroras are functionally divided into two clades. The alpha Auroras (Aurora1 and Aurora2) associate with the spindle and the cell plate and are implicated in controlling formative divisions throughout plant development. The beta Aurora (Aurora3) localizes to centromeres and likely functions in chromosome separation. In contrast to the wealth of data available on the role of Aurora in other kingdoms, knowledge on their function in plants is merely emerging. This is exemplified by the fact that only histone H3 and the plant homolog of TPX2 have been identified as Aurora substrates in plants. Here we provide biochemical, genetic, and cell biological evidence that the microtubule-bundling protein MAP65-1-a member of the MAP65/Ase1/PRC1 protein family, implicated in central spindle formation and cytokinesis in animals, yeasts, and plants-is a genuine substrate of alpha Aurora kinases. MAP65-1 interacts with Aurora1 in vivo and is phosphorylated on two residues at its unfolded tail domain. Its overexpression and down-regulation antagonistically affect the alpha Aurora double mutant phenotypes. Phospho-mutant analysis shows that Aurora contributes to the microtubule bundling capacity of MAP65-1 in concert with other mitotic kinases.

Isolation of Microtubules and Microtubule-Associated Proteins

Microtubules are essential cellular structures in plant cells. They are polymerized from tubulin dimers and are regulated by microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). Here, we describe a protocol for purifying tubulin dimers and MAPs from plant cells. The protocol involves preparing vacuole-free mini-protoplasts, a high quality cytoplasmic extract, cycles of microtubule polymerization and depolymerization to increase tubulin and MAP concentration, separation of tubulin and MAPs by column chromatography. We also present tubulin purification methods for biochemical assays.

Divergent evolutionary patterns of the MAPK cascade genes in Brassica rapa and plant phylogenetics

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade signal transduction modules play crucial roles in regulating many biological processes in plants. These cascades are composed of three classes of hierarchically organized protein kinases, MAPKKKs, MAPKKs and MAPKs. Here, we analyzed gene retention, phylogenetic, evolution and expression patterns of MAPK cascade genes in Brassica rapa. We further found that the MAPK branches, classes III and IV, appeared after the split of bryophytes and green algae after analyzing the MAPK cascade genes in 8 species, and their rapid expansion led to the great size of the families of MAPKs. In contrast, the ancestral class I subfamily of MAPKK gene families have been highly conserved from algae to angiosperms. For the MAPKKK family, the MEKK and Raf subfamily share a common evolutionary origin, and Raf plays a major role in the expansion of the MAPKKK gene family. The cis-elements and interaction network analyses showed the important function of MAPK cascade genes in development and stress responses in B. rapa. This study provides a solid foundation for molecular evolution analyses of MAPK cascade genes.

The Arabidopsis Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase 20 (MKKK20) Acts Upstream of MKK3 and MPK18 in Two Separate Signaling Pathways Involved in Root Microtubule Functions

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling networks represent important means of signal transduction in plants and other eukaryotes, controlling intracellular signaling by linking perception of environmental or developmental cues to downstream targets. In the Arabidopsis MEKK subfamily, the MKKK19, 20, and 21 form a highly supported clade with the Solanaceous Fertilization-Related Kinases. In Arabidopsis, little is known about this group, except for MKKK20, which is involved in osmotic stress. Using a directed MKKK-MKK yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screen, MKKK20 was found to interact only with MKK3, while a MKKK20 large-scale Y2H screen retrieved MPK18 as a direct interactant. In vitro phosphorylation assays showed that MKKK20 phosphorylates both MKK3 and MPK18. However, when all three kinases are combined, no synergistic effect is observed on MPK18 phosphorylation, suggesting a direct access to MPK18, consistent with the absence of interaction between MKK3 and MPK18 in protein-protein interaction assays. Since mpk18 mutant plants were previously shown to be defective in microtubule-related functions, phenotypes of mkkk20 single and mkkk20/mpk18 double mutants were investigated to determine if MKKK20 acts upstream of MPK18. This was the case, as mkkk20 root length was shorter than WT in media containing microtubule-disrupting drugs as previously observed for mpk18 plants. Surprisingly, mkk3 plants were also similarly affected, suggesting the presence of two non-complementary pathways involved in Arabidopsis cortical microtubule function, the first including MKKK20, MKK3 and an unknown MPK; the second, a non-canonical MAPK cascade made of MKKK20 and MPK18 that bypasses the need for an MKK intermediate.

Cell cycle-regulated PLEIADE/AtMAP65-3 links membrane and microtubule dynamics during plant cytokinesis

Cytokinesis, the partitioning of the cytoplasm following nuclear division, requires extensive coordination between cell cycle cues, membrane trafficking and microtubule dynamics. Plant cytokinesis occurs within a transient membrane compartment known as the cell plate, to which vesicles are delivered by a plant-specific microtubule array, the phragmoplast. While membrane proteins required for cytokinesis are known, how these are coordinated with microtubule dynamics and regulated by cell cycle cues remains unclear. Here, we document physical and genetic interactions between Transport Protein Particle II (TRAPPII) tethering factors and microtubule-associated proteins of the PLEIADE/AtMAP65 family. These interactions do not specifically affect the recruitment of either TRAPPII or MAP65 proteins to the cell plate or midzone. Rather, and based on single versus double mutant phenotypes, it appears that they are required to coordinate cytokinesis with the nuclear division cycle. As MAP65 family members are known to be targets of cell cycle-regulated kinases, our results provide a conceptual framework for how membrane and microtubule dynamics may be coordinated with each other and with the nuclear cycle during plant cytokinesis.

Identification of Phosphoinositide-Binding Protein PATELLIN2 as a Substrate of Arabidopsis MPK4 MAP Kinase during Septum Formation in Cytokinesis

The phosphorylation of proteins by protein kinases controls many cellular and physiological processes, which include intracellular signal transduction. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of such controls and numerous substrates of protein kinases remain to be characterized. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is of particular importance in a variety of extracellular and intracellular signaling processes. In plant cells, the progression of cytokinesis is an excellent example of an intracellular phenomenon that requires the MAPK cascade. However, the way in which MAPKs control downstream processes during cytokinesis in plant cells remains to be fully determined. We show here that comparisons, by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis, of phosphorylated proteins from wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana and mutant plants defective in a MAPK cascade allow identification of substrates of a specific MAPK. Using this method, we identified the PATELLIN2 (PATL2) protein, which has a SEC14 domain, as a substrate of MPK4 MAP kinase. PATL2 was concentrated at the cell division plane, as is MPK4, and had binding affinity for phosphoinositides. This binding affinity was altered after phosphorylation of PATL2 by MPK4, suggesting a role for the MAPK cascade in the formation of cell plates via regeneration of membranes during cytokinesis.

Microcystin-LR induces mitotic spindle assembly disorders in Vicia faba by protein phosphatase inhibition and not reactive oxygen species induction

We aimed to reveal the mechanisms of mitotic spindle anomalies induced by microcystin-LR (MCY-LR), a cyanobacterial toxin in Vicia faba, a well-known model in plant cell and molecular biology. MCY-LR inhibits type 1 and 2A phosphoserine/threonine specific protein phosphatases (PP1 and PP2A) and induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. The cytoskeleton is one of the main targets of the cyanotoxin during cytopathogenesis. Histochemical-immunohistochemical and biochemical methods were used. A significant number of MCY-LR induced spindle alterations are described for the first time. Disrupted, multipolar spindles and missing kinetochore fibers were detected both in metaphase and anaphase cells. Additional polar microtubule (MT) bundles, hyperbundling of spindle MTs, monopolar spindles, C-S- shaped, additional and asymmetric spindles were detected in metaphase, while midplane kinetochore fibers were detected in anaphase cells only. Several spindle anomalies induced mitotic disorders, i.e. they occurred concomitantly with altered sister chromatid separation. Alterations were dependent on the MCY-LR dose and exposure time. Under long-term (2 and mainly 6 days') exposure they were detected in the concentration range of 0.1-20μgmL(-1) MCY-LR that inhibited PP1 and PP2A significantly without significant ROS induction. Elevated peroxidase/catalase activities indicated that MCY-LR treated V. faba plants showed efficient defense against oxidative stress. Thus, although the elevation of ROS is known to induce cytoskeletal aberrations in general, this study shows that long-term protein phosphatase inhibition is the primary cause of MCY-LR induced spindle disorders.

Haspin has Multiple Functions in the Plant Cell Division Regulatory Network

Progression of cell division is controlled by various mitotic kinases. In animal cells, phosphorylation of histone H3 at Thr3 by the kinase Haspin (haploid germ cell-specific nuclear protein kinase) promotes centromeric Aurora B localization to regulate chromosome segregation. However, less is known about the function of Haspin in regulatory networks in plant cells. Here, we show that inhibition of Haspin with 5-iodotubercidin (5-ITu) in Bright Yellow-2 (BY-2) cells delayed chromosome alignment. Haspin inhibition also prevented the centromeric localization of Aurora3 kinase (AUR3) and disrupted its function. This suggested that Haspin plays a role in the specific positioning of AUR3 on chromosomes in plant cells, a function conserved in animals. The results also indicated that Haspin and AUR3 are involved in the same pathway, which regulates chromosome alignment during prometaphase/metaphase. Remarkably, Haspin inhibition by 5-ITu also led to a severe cytokinesis defect, resulting in binuclear cells with a partially formed cell plate. The 5-ITu treatment did not affect microtubules, AUR1/2 or the NACK-PQR pathway; however, it did alter the distribution of actin filaments on the cell plate. Together, these results suggested that Haspin has several functions in regulating cell division in plant cells: in the localization of AUR3 on centromeres and in regulating late cell plate expansion during cytokinesis.

Regulation of developmental and environmental signaling by interaction between microtubules and membranes in plant cells

Cell division and expansion require the ordered arrangement of microtubules, which are subject to spatial and temporal modifications by developmental and environmental factors. Understanding how signals translate to changes in cortical microtubule organization is of fundamental importance. A defining feature of the cortical microtubule array is its association with the plasma membrane; modules of the plasma membrane are thought to play important roles in the mediation of microtubule organization. In this review, we highlight advances in research on the regulation of cortical microtubule organization by membrane-associated and membrane-tethered proteins and lipids in response to phytohormones and stress. The transmembrane kinase receptor Rho-like guanosine triphosphatase, phospholipase D, phosphatidic acid, and phosphoinositides are discussed with a focus on their roles in microtubule organization.

A Genetic Screen for Mutations Affecting Cell Division in the Arabidopsis thaliana Embryo Identifies Seven Loci Required for Cytokinesis

Cytokinesis in plants involves the formation of unique cellular structures such as the phragmoplast and the cell plate, both of which are required to divide the cell after nuclear division. In order to isolate genes that are involved in de novo cell wall formation, we performed a large-scale, microscope-based screen for Arabidopsis mutants that severely impair cytokinesis in the embryo. We recovered 35 mutations that form abnormally enlarged cells with multiple, often polyploid nuclei and incomplete cell walls. These mutants represent seven genes, four of which have previously been implicated in phragmoplast or cell plate function. Mutations in two loci show strongly reduced transmission through the haploid gametophytic generation. Molecular cloning of both corresponding genes reveals that one is represented by hypomorphic alleles of the kinesin-5 gene RADIALLY SWOLLEN 7 (homologous to tobacco kinesin-related protein TKRP125), and that the other gene corresponds to the Arabidopsis FUSED ortholog TWO-IN-ONE (originally identified based on its function in pollen development). No mutations that completely abolish the formation of cross walls in diploid cells were found. Our results support the idea that cytokinesis in the diploid and haploid generations involve similar mechanisms.