Subcellular localization and membrane topology of the melon ethylene receptor CmERS1

Ethylene Signaling under Stressful Environments: Analyzing Collaborative Knowledge

Ethylene is a gaseous plant growth hormone that regulates various plant developmental processes, ranging from seed germination to senescence. The mechanisms underlying ethylene biosynthesis and signaling involve multistep mechanisms representing different control levels to regulate its production and response. Ethylene is an established phytohormone that displays various signaling processes under environmental stress in plants. Such environmental stresses trigger ethylene biosynthesis/action, which influences the growth and development of plants and opens new windows for future crop improvement. This review summarizes the current understanding of how environmental stress influences plants’ ethylene biosynthesis, signaling, and response. The review focuses on (a) ethylene biosynthesis and signaling in plants, (b) the influence of environmental stress on ethylene biosynthesis, (c) regulation of ethylene signaling for stress acclimation, (d) potential mechanisms underlying the ethylene-mediated stress tolerance in plants, and (e) summarizing ethylene formation under stress and its mechanism of action.

Isolation of the ZmERS4 Gene From Maize and Its Functional Analysis in Transgenic Plants

A gene encoding a protein similar to ethylene receptor was isolated from maize (Zea mays L.), which was named as ZmERS4.The gene was 1,905 bp in length with an open reading frame that encoded a protein consisting of 634 amino acids. The homologous analysis showed that ZmERS4 shared high similarity with the ethylene receptor protein, OsERS1, from rice (Oryza sativa L.). ZmERS4 grouped into the ETR1 subfamily of ethylene receptors based on its conserved domain and phylogenetic status. Tissue-specific and induced expression analyses indicated that ZmERS4 was differentially expressed in maize tissues, predominantly in the stems and leaves, and was induced by salicylic acid (SA). Overexpression of ZmERS4 in Arabidopsis improved resistance against the bacterial pathogen, PstDC3000, by inducing the expression of SA signaling-related genes. Moreover, treatment with flg22 induced the expression of the defense-related gene, PR1, in maize protoplasts that transiently expressed ZmERS4. Furthermore, the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) analysis showed that the SA contents in ZmERS4-overexpressing Arabidopsis lines were significantly higher than the control lines. Additionally, the improved resistance of ZmERS4-overexpressing Arabidopsis against PstDC3000 was blocked after pretreatment with the SA biosynthetic inhibitor, ABT. Based on the collective findings, we hypothesize that ZmERS4 plays an important role in disease resistance through SA-mediated signaling pathways.

Ethylene signaling in rice and Arabidopsis: New regulators and mechanisms

Ethylene is a gaseous hormone which plays important roles in both plant growth and development and stress responses. Based on studies in the dicot model plant species Arabidopsis, a linear ethylene signaling pathway has been established, according to which ethylene is perceived by ethylene receptors and transduced through CONSTITUTIVE TRIPLE RESPONSE 1 (CTR1) and ETHYLENE-INSENSITIVE 2 (EIN2) to activate transcriptional reprogramming. In addition to this canonical signaling pathway, an alternative ethylene receptor-mediated phosphor-relay pathway has also been proposed to participate in ethylene signaling. In contrast to Arabidopsis, rice, a monocot, grows in semiaquatic environments and has a distinct plant structure. Several novel regulators and/or mechanisms of the rice ethylene signaling pathway have recently been identified, indicating that the ethylene signaling pathway in rice has its own unique features. In this review, we summarize the latest progress and compare the conserved and divergent aspects of the ethylene signaling pathway between Arabidopsis and rice. The crosstalk between ethylene and other plant hormones is also reviewed. Finally, we discuss how ethylene regulates plant growth, stress responses and agronomic traits. These analyses should help expand our knowledge of the ethylene signaling mechanism and could further be applied for agricultural purposes.

Comparative genomics of muskmelon reveals a potential role for retrotransposons in the modification of gene expression

Melon exhibits substantial natural variation especially in fruit ripening physiology, including both climacteric (ethylene-producing) and non-climacteric types. However, genomic mechanisms underlying such variation are not yet fully understood. Here, we report an Oxford Nanopore-based high-grade genome reference in the semi-climacteric cultivar Harukei-3 (378 Mb + 33,829 protein-coding genes), with an update of tissue-wide RNA-seq atlas in the Melonet-DB database. Comparison between Harukei-3 and DHL92, the first published melon genome, enabled identification of 24,758 one-to-one orthologue gene pairs, whereas others were candidates of copy number variation or presence/absence polymorphisms (PAPs). Further comparison based on 10 melon genome assemblies identified genome-wide PAPs of 415 retrotransposon Gag-like sequences. Of these, 160 showed fruit ripening-inducible expression, with 59.4% of the neighboring genes showing similar expression patterns (r > 0.8). Our results suggest that retrotransposons contributed to the modification of gene expression during diversification of melon genomes, and may affect fruit ripening-inducible gene expression.

Ethylene signaling in plants

Ethylene is a gaseous phytohormone and the first of this hormone class to be discovered. It is the simplest olefin gas and is biosynthesized by plants to regulate plant development, growth, and stress responses via a well-studied signaling pathway. One of the earliest reported responses to ethylene is the triple response. This response is common in eudicot seedlings grown in the dark and is characterized by reduced growth of the root and hypocotyl, an exaggerated apical hook, and a thickening of the hypocotyl. This proved a useful assay for genetic screens and enabled the identification of many components of the ethylene-signaling pathway. These components include a family of ethylene receptors in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER); a protein kinase, called constitutive triple response 1 (CTR1); an ER-localized transmembrane protein of unknown biochemical activity, called ethylene-insensitive 2 (EIN2); and transcription factors such as EIN3, EIN3-like (EIL), and ethylene response factors (ERFs). These studies led to a linear model, according to which in the absence of ethylene, its cognate receptors signal to CTR1, which inhibits EIN2 and prevents downstream signaling. Ethylene acts as an inverse agonist by inhibiting its receptors, resulting in lower CTR1 activity, which releases EIN2 inhibition. EIN2 alters transcription and translation, leading to most ethylene responses. Although this canonical pathway is the predominant signaling cascade, alternative pathways also affect ethylene responses. This review summarizes our current understanding of ethylene signaling, including these alternative pathways, and discusses how ethylene signaling has been manipulated for agricultural and horticultural applications.

Structural Model of the ETR1 Ethylene Receptor Transmembrane Sensor Domain

The structure, mechanism of action and copper stoichiometry of the transmembrane sensor domain of the plant ethylene receptor ETR1 and homologs have remained elusive, hampering the understanding on how the perception of the plant hormone ethylene is transformed into a downstream signal. We generated the first structural model of the transmembrane sensor domain of ETR1 by integrating ab initio structure prediction and coevolutionary information. To refine and independently validate the model, we determined protein-related copper stoichiometries on purified receptor preparations and explored the helix arrangement by tryptophan scanning mutagenesis. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations of the dimeric model reveal how ethylene can bind proximal to the copper ions in the receptor, illustrating the initial stages of the ethylene perception process.

MicroRNA1917 targets CTR4 splice variants to regulate ethylene responses in tomato

Ethylene perception is regulated by receptors, and the downstream protein CONSTITUTIVE TRIPLE RESPONSE1 is a key suppressor of ethylene signalling. The non-conserved tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) microRNA1917 (Sly-miR1917) mediates degradation of SlCTR4 splice variants (SlCTR4sv) but the molecular details of this pathway remain unknown. Sly-miR1917 and the targeted SlCTR4sv are ubiquitously expressed in all tomato organs. Overexpression of Sly-miR1917 enhances ethylene responses, including the triple response in etiolated seedlings, in the absence of ethylene, as well as epinastic petiole growth, accelerated pedicel abscission, and fruit ripening. Enhanced ethylene signalling in Sly-miR1917-overexpressing plants (1917-OE) is accompanied by up-regulation of ethylene biosynthesis and signalling genes, and increased ethylene emission. These phenotypes were recovered by repressing the positive ethylene regulator EIN2. Moreover, the Sly-miR1917-targeted SlCTR4 splice variant SlCTR4sv3, expressed specifically in the abscission zone, exhibited the opposite expression pattern to Sly-miR1917. Complementation of the Arabidopsis thaliana ctr-1 mutant and yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays suggested that SlCTR4sv3 functions in ethylene signalling. Co-expression of Sly-miR1917 and SlCTR4sv3 in Nicotiana benthamiana further suggested that Sly-miR1917 cleaves SlCTR4sv3 in vivo. Database homology searching revealed a Solanum tuberosum CTR-like splice variant containing a Sly-miR1917 binding sequence, and a homologue of mature Sly-miR1917 in potato, indicating a conserved function for miR1917 and the regulatory miRNA-mediated ethylene network in solanaceous species.

Membrane protein MHZ3 stabilizes OsEIN2 in rice by interacting with its Nramp-like domain

The ethylene signaling pathway has been extensively investigated in Arabidopsis, and EIN2 is the central component. Rice is a monocotyledonous model plant that exhibits different features in many aspects compared with the dicotyledonous Arabidopsis. Thus, rice provides an alternative system for identification of novel components of ethylene signaling. In this study, we identified a stabilizer of OsEIN2 through analysis of the rice ethylene-insensitive mutant mhz3. We found that MHZ3 stabilizes OsEIN2 likely by binding to its Nramp-like transmembrane domain and impeding protein ubiquitination, blocking proteasome-mediated protein degradation. This study reveals that MHZ3 is required for ethylene signaling and identifies how MHZ3 binds to OsEIN2 via the OsEIN2 N-terminal Nramp-like domain.

The phytohormone ethylene regulates many aspects of plant growth and development. EIN2 is the central regulator of ethylene signaling, and its turnover is crucial for triggering ethylene responses. Here, we identified a stabilizer of OsEIN2 through analysis of the rice ethylene-response mutant mhz3. Loss-of-function mutations lead to ethylene insensitivity in etiolated rice seedlings. MHZ3 encodes a previously uncharacterized membrane protein localized to the endoplasmic reticulum. Ethylene induces MHZ3 gene and protein expression. Genetically, MHZ3 acts at the OsEIN2 level in the signaling pathway. MHZ3 physically interacts with OsEIN2, and both the N- and C-termini of MHZ3 specifically associate with the OsEIN2 Nramp-like domain. Loss of mhz3 function reduces OsEIN2 abundance and attenuates ethylene-induced OsEIN2 accumulation, whereas MHZ3 overexpression elevates the abundance of both wild-type and mutated OsEIN2 proteins, suggesting that MHZ3 is required for proper accumulation of OsEIN2 protein. The association of MHZ3 with the Nramp-like domain is crucial for OsEIN2 accumulation, demonstrating the significance of the OsEIN2 transmembrane domains in ethylene signaling. Moreover, MHZ3 negatively modulates OsEIN2 ubiquitination, protecting OsEIN2 from proteasome-mediated degradation. Together, these results suggest that ethylene-induced MHZ3 stabilizes OsEIN2 likely by binding to its Nramp-like domain and impeding protein ubiquitination to facilitate ethylene signal transduction. Our findings provide insight into the mechanisms of ethylene signaling.

Ethylene Receptors Signal via a Noncanonical Pathway to Regulate Abscisic Acid Responses

Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone perceived by a family of receptors in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) including ETHYLENE RESPONSE1 (ETR1) and ETR2. Previously we showed that etr1-6 loss-of-function plants germinate better and etr2-3 loss-of-function plants germinate worse than wild-type under NaCl stress and in response to abscisic acid (ABA). In this study, we expanded these results by showing that ETR1 and ETR2 have contrasting roles in the control of germination under a variety of inhibitory conditions for seed germination such as treatment with KCl, CuSO₄, ZnSO₄, and ethanol. Pharmacological and molecular biology results support a model where ETR1 and ETR2 are indirectly affecting the expression of genes encoding ABA signaling proteins to affect ABA sensitivity. The receiver domain of ETR1 is involved in this function in germination under these conditions and controlling the expression of genes encoding ABA signaling proteins. Epistasis analysis demonstrated that these contrasting roles of ETR1 and ETR2 do not require the canonical ethylene signaling pathway. To explore the importance of receptor-protein interactions, we conducted yeast two-hybrid screens using the cytosolic domains of ETR1 and ETR2 as bait. Unique interacting partners with either ETR1 or ETR2 were identified. We focused on three of these proteins and confirmed the interactions with receptors. Loss of these proteins led to faster germination in response to ABA, showing that they are involved in ABA responses. Thus, ETR1 and ETR2 have both ethylene-dependent and -independent roles in plant cells that affect responses to ABA.

Studies of cytokinin receptor-phosphotransmitter interaction provide evidences for the initiation of cytokinin signalling in the endoplasmic reticulum

Cytokinin receptors were shown recently to be localised mainly to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER); however, the activity of ER-located receptors was not proven. We have therefore tested the functionality of ER-located Arabidopsis receptors. The first step of cytokinin signal transduction is the transfer of a phosphoryl group from the activated receptor to a phosphotransfer protein. To determine the subcellular localisation of receptor-phosphotransmitter interaction in planta, BiFC experiments were performed. Receptors ARABIDOPSIS HISTIDINE KINASE 2 (AHK2), AHK3 and AHK4 (CRE1) and phosphotransmitters ARABIDOPSIS HISTIDINE-CONTAINING PHOSPHOTRANSMITTER 1 (AHP1), AHP2 and AHP3 fused to split-eYFP were transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Receptor-phosphotransmitter pairs were shown to interact in every possible combination in a pattern reflecting the ER. Receptor dimers, an active form of the receptors, were also detected in the ER. According to BiFC and protease protection data, the catalytic part of AHK3 was located in the cytoplasm whereas the hormone binding module faced the ER lumen. This topology is consistent with receptor signalling from the ER membrane. Finally, the functionality of receptors in different membrane fractions was tested using an in vitro kinase assay visualising the phosphorylation of phosphotransfer proteins. The detected cytokinin-dependent phosphotransfer activity was confined mainly to the ER-enriched fraction. Collectively, our data demonstrate that ER-located cytokinin receptors are active in cytokinin signal transduction. Hence, intracellular cytokinins appear to play an essential role in cytokinin signalling. An updated model for the spatial organisation of cytokinin transport form activation, intracellular trafficking and signalling from the ER is proposed.

Differentially localized rice ethylene receptors OsERS1 and OsETR2 and their potential role during submergence

Ethylene is gaseous plant hormone that controls a variety of physiologic activities. OsERS1 and OsETR2 are major ethylene receptors in rice that have been reported to have different regulatory functions. The GFP fused N-terminus of OsERS1 and OsETR2 showed differentially localization patterns when transiently expressed in onion epidermal cells. Base on these results, we suggested that OsERS1 could be localized to plasma membranes, whereas OsETR2 could be localized to the endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, instead of the constitutive expression profile of OsERS1, OsETR2 is differentially expressed in seedlings of light/dark-grown conditions, submergence or exogenous ethylene treatments. Our results and others support the notion that OsERS1 and OsETR2 could have different roles during rice plant submergence.

Dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA): interaction between DCA methods and 1-methylcyclopropene on 'Fuji Suprema' apple quality

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the appropriate respiratory quotient (RQ) value to achieve a safe lowest oxygen limit (LOL), during storage of 'Fuji Suprema' apples, in dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA), treated with or without 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). The apples were stored in DCA-RQ, a new technology for storing fruits, and were compared with the HarvestWatch™, a system based on chlorophyll fluorescence DCA (DCA-CF), and static controlled atmosphere. DCA-RQ1.5 is the most suited for the storage of 'Fuji Suprema' apples. In this condition fermentative products were induced, which reduced ethylene production and respiration rate; however, it did not increase physiological disorders, and the concentration of ethyl acetate was below the odour threshold. 1-MCP application maintained higher flesh firmness and reduced the anaerobic metabolism, although it decreased fruit quality due to the occurrence of cavities, therefore its application is not recommended for 'Fuji Suprema' apple stored in DCA conditions.

Analysis of Ethylene Receptor Interactions by Co-immunoprecipitation Assays

Ethylene receptors are predominantly localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, and coordinate ethylene signal output through protein-protein interactions with each other and additional signaling components. Here, we describe a co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay based on the use of the Tandem Affinity Purification (TAP) tag to examine the interactions of ethylene receptors in plant extracts. Human IgG-agarose beads are used to pull down TAP-tagged versions of the protein of interest from detergent extracts of Arabidopsis membranes, and the precipitate then is analyzed immunologically for co-purification of the ethylene receptors. This method has been successfully used to examine interactions of the receptors with each other as well as with the Raf-like kinase CTR1.

Expression and interaction of the mango ethylene receptor MiETR1 and different receptor versions of MiERS1

Different versions of the mango ethylene receptor MiERS1 were identified and the analysis indicates that, in addition to MiERS1, two short versions of this receptor (MiERS1m, MiERS1s), representing truncated proteins with central deletions of functional domains, are present in mango. The short receptor versions reveal a different expression pattern compared to MiERS1, and they are highly variably transcribed. With transient expression assays using fluorescent fusion proteins, the localisation and the interaction of the receptors were determined in leaf cells of the tobacco model. MiERS1, MiETR1, and the short MiERS1 receptor versions are anchored in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and co-localise with each other and with an ER-marker. Furthermore, ectopic expression of the mango receptors appears to induce a re-organisation of the ER resulting in accumulation of ER bodies. Interaction assays suggest that both short MiERS1 receptor versions can bind to proteins located in the ER. Bi-molecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays indicate, that MiERS1m may dimerise with itself and can also interact with MiERS1, but not with MiETR1. Further, it as found that MiETR1 can interact with MiERS1. Interaction of MiERS1s with the other ethylene receptors could not be detected, although it was located in the ER membrane system.

Mechanistic Insights in Ethylene Perception and Signal Transduction

The gaseous hormone ethylene profoundly affects plant growth, development, and stress responses. Ethylene perception occurs at the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, and signal transduction leads to a transcriptional cascade that initiates diverse responses, often in conjunction with other signals. Recent findings provide a more complete picture of the components and mechanisms in ethylene signaling, now rendering a more dynamic view of this conserved pathway. This includes newly identified protein-protein interactions at the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, as well as the major discoveries that the central regulator ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE2 (EIN2) is the long-sought phosphorylation substrate for the CONSTITUTIVE RESPONSE1 protein kinase, and that cleavage of EIN2 transmits the signal to the nucleus. In the nucleus, hundreds of potential gene targets of the EIN3 master transcription factor have been identified and found to be induced in transcriptional waves, and transcriptional coregulation has been shown to be a mechanism of ethylene cross talk.

Identification of Regions in the Receiver Domain of the ETHYLENE RESPONSE1 Ethylene Receptor of Arabidopsis Important for Functional Divergence

Ethylene influences the growth and development of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) via five receptor isoforms. However, the ETHYLENE RESPONSE1 (ETR1) ethylene receptor has unique, and sometimes contrasting, roles from the other receptor isoforms. Prior research indicates that the receiver domain of ETR1 is important for some of these noncanonical roles. We determined that the ETR1 receiver domain is not needed for ETR1's predominant role in mediating responses to the ethylene antagonist, silver. To understand the structure-function relationship underlying the unique roles of the ETR1 receiver domain in the control of specific traits, we performed alanine-scanning mutagenesis. We chose amino acids that are poorly conserved and are in regions predicted to have altered tertiary structure compared with the receiver domains of the other two receptors that contain a receiver domain, ETR2 and ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE4. The effects of these mutants on various phenotypes were examined in transgenic, receptor-deficient Arabidopsis plants. Some traits, such as growth in air and growth recovery after the removal of ethylene, were unaffected by these mutations. By contrast, three mutations on one surface of the receiver domain rendered the transgene unable to rescue ethylene-stimulated nutations. Additionally, several mutations on another surface altered germination on salt. Some of these mutations conferred hyperfunctionality to ETR1 in the context of seed germination on salt, but not for other traits, that correlated with increased responsiveness to abscisic acid. Thus, the ETR1 receiver domain has multiple functions where different surfaces are involved in the control of different traits. Models are discussed for these observations.

NnSR1, a class III non-S-RNase specifically induced in Nicotiana alata under phosphate deficiency, is localized in endoplasmic reticulum compartments

A combined strategy of phosphate (Pi) remobilization from internal and external RNA sources seems to be conserved in plants exposed to Pi starvation. Thus far, the only ribonucleases (RNases) reported to be induced in Nicotiana alata undergoing Pi deprivation are extracellular S-like RNase NE and NnSR1. NnSR1 is a class III non S-RNase of unknown subcellular location. Here, we examine the hypothesis that NnSR1 is an intracellular RNase derived from the self-incompatibility system with specific expression in self-incompatible Nicotiana alata. NnSR1 was not induced in self-compatible Nicotiana species exposed to Pi deprivation. NnSR1 conjugated with a fluorescent protein and transiently expressed in Arabidopsis protoplasts and Nicotiana leaves showed that the fusion protein co-localized with an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) marker. Subcellular fractionation by ultracentrifugation of roots exposed to Pi deprivation revealed that the native NnSR1 migrated in parallel with the BiP protein, a typical ER marker. To our knowledge, NnSR1 is the first class III RNase reported to be localized in ER compartments. The induction of NnSR1 was detected earlier than the extracellular RNase NE, suggesting that intracellular RNA may be the first source of Pi used by the cell under Pi stress.

Determination of the topology of endoplasmic reticulum membrane proteins using redox-sensitive green-fluorescence protein fusions

Membrane proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are involved in a wide array of essential cellular functions. Identification of the topology of membrane proteins can provide significant insight into their mechanisms of action and biological roles. This is particularly important for membrane enzymes, since their topology determines the subcellular site where a biochemical reaction takes place and the dependence on luminal or cytosolic co-factor pools and substrates. The methods currently available for the determination of topology of proteins are rather laborious and require post-lysis or post-fixation manipulation of cells. In this work, we have developed a simple method for defining intracellular localization and topology of ER membrane proteins in living cells, based on the fusion of the respective protein with redox-sensitive green-fluorescent protein (roGFP). We validated the method and demonstrated that roGFP fusion proteins constitute a reliable tool for the study of ER membrane protein topology, using as control microsomal 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) proteins whose topology has been resolved, and comparing with an independent approach. We then implemented this method to determine the membrane topology of six microsomal members of the 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) family. The results revealed a luminal orientation of the catalytic site for three enzymes, i.e. 17β-HSD6, 7 and 12. Knowledge of the intracellular location of the catalytic site of these enzymes will enable future studies on their biological functions and on the role of the luminal co-factor pool.

Ethylene-induced inhibition of root growth requires abscisic acid function in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings

Ethylene and abscisic acid (ABA) have a complicated interplay in many developmental processes. Their interaction in rice is largely unclear. Here, we characterized a rice ethylene-response mutant mhz4, which exhibited reduced ethylene-response in roots but enhanced ethylene-response in coleoptiles of etiolated seedlings. MHZ4 was identified through map-based cloning and encoded a chloroplast-localized membrane protein homologous to Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) ABA4, which is responsible for a branch of ABA biosynthesis. MHZ4 mutation reduced ABA level, but promoted ethylene production. Ethylene induced MHZ4 expression and promoted ABA accumulation in roots. MHZ4 overexpression resulted in enhanced and reduced ethylene response in roots and coleoptiles, respectively. In root, MHZ4-dependent ABA pathway acts at or downstream of ethylene receptors and positively regulates root ethylene response. This ethylene-ABA interaction mode is different from that reported in Arabidopsis, where ethylene-mediated root inhibition is independent of ABA function. In coleoptile, MHZ4-dependent ABA pathway acts at or upstream of OsEIN2 to negatively regulate coleoptile ethylene response, possibly by affecting OsEIN2 expression. At mature stage, mhz4 mutation affects branching and adventitious root formation on stem nodes of higher positions, as well as yield-related traits. Together, our findings reveal a novel mode of interplay between ethylene and ABA in control of rice growth and development.

Association of cytochrome b5 with ETR1 ethylene receptor signaling through RTE1 in Arabidopsis

Ethylene plays important roles in plant growth, development and stress responses, and is perceived by a family of receptors that repress ethylene responses when ethylene is absent. Repression by the ethylene receptor ETR1 depends on an integral membrane protein, REVERSION TO ETHYLENE SENSITIVITY1 (RTE1), which acts upstream of ETR1 in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and Golgi apparatus. To investigate RTE1 function, we screened for RTE1-interacting proteins using the yeast split-ubiquitin assay, which yielded the ER-localized cytochrome b(5) (Cb5) isoform D. Cb5s are small hemoproteins that perform electron transfer reactions in all eukaryotes, but their roles in plants are relatively uncharacterized. Using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC), we found that all four ER-localized Arabidopsis Cb5 isoforms (AtCb5–B, -C, -D and -E) interact with RTE1 in plant cells. In support of this interaction, atcb5 mutants exhibited phenotypic parallels with rte1 mutants in Arabidopsis. Phenotypes included partial suppression of etr1–2 ethylene insensitivity, and no suppression of RTE1-independent ethylene receptor isoforms. The single loss-of-function mutants atcb5–b, -c and -d appeared similar to the wild-type, but double mutant combinations displayed slight ethylene hypersensitivity. Over-expression of AtCb5–D conferred reduced ethylene sensitivity similar to that conferred by RTE1 over-expression, and genetic analyses suggested that AtCb5–D acts upstream of RTE1 in the ethylene response. These findings suggest an unexpected role for Cb5, in which Cb5 and RTE1 are functional partners in promoting ETR1-mediated repression of ethylene signaling.

How plants sense ethylene gas--the ethylene receptors

Ethylene is a hormone that affects many processes important for plant growth, development, and responses to stresses. The first step in ethylene signal transduction is when ethylene binds to its receptors. Numerous studies have examined how these receptors function. In this review we summarize many of these studies and present our current understanding about how ethylene binds to the receptors. The biochemical output of the receptors is not known but current models predict that when ethylene binds to the receptors, the activity of the associated protein kinase, CTR1 (constitutive triple response1), is reduced. This results in downstream transcriptional changes leading to ethylene responses. We present a model where a copper cofactor is required and the binding of ethylene causes the receptor to pass through a transition state to become non-signaling leading to lower CTR1 activity.

Current understanding on ethylene signaling in plants: the influence of nutrient availability

The plant hormone ethylene is involved in many physiological processes, including plant growth, development and senescence. Ethylene also plays a pivotal role in plant response or adaptation under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. In plants, ethylene production often enhances the tolerance to sub-optimal environmental conditions. This role is particularly important from both ecological and agricultural point of views. Among the abiotic stresses, the role of ethylene in plants under nutrient stress conditions has not been completely investigated. In literature few reports are available on the interaction among ethylene and macro- or micro-nutrients. However, the published works clearly demonstrated that several mineral nutrients largely affect ethylene biosynthesis and perception with a strong influence on plant physiology. The aim of this review is to revisit the old findings and recent advances of knowledge regarding the sub-optimal nutrient conditions on the effect of ethylene biosynthesis and perception in plants. The effect of deficiency or excess of the single macronutrient or micronutrient on the ethylene pathway and plant responses are reviewed and discussed. The synergistic and antagonist effect of the different mineral nutrients on ethylene plant responses is critically analyzed. Moreover, this review highlights the status of information between nutritional stresses and plant response, emphasizing the topics that should be further investigated.

Ethylene signaling and regulation in plant growth and stress responses

Gaseous phytohormone ethylene affects many aspects of plant growth and development. The ethylene signaling pathway starts when ethylene binds to its receptors. Since the cloning of the first ethylene receptor ETR1 from Arabidopsis, a large number of studies have steadily improved our understanding of the receptors and downstream components in ethylene signal transduction pathway. This article reviews the regulation of ethylene receptors, signal transduction, and the posttranscriptional modulation of downstream components. Functional roles and importance of the ethylene signaling components in plant growth and stress responses are also discussed. Cross-reactions of ethylene with auxin and other phytohormones in plant organ growth will be analyzed. The studies of ethylene signaling in plant growth, development, and stress responses in the past decade greatly advanced our knowledge of how plants respond to endogenous signals and environmental factors.

Mechanisms of signal transduction by ethylene: overlapping and non-overlapping signalling roles in a receptor family

The plant hormone ethylene regulates growth and development as well as responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Over the last few decades, key elements involved in ethylene signal transduction have been identified through genetic approaches, these elements defining a pathway that extends from initial ethylene perception at the endoplasmic reticulum to changes in transcriptional regulation within the nucleus. Here, we present our current understanding of ethylene signal transduction, focusing on recent developments that support a model with overlapping and non-overlapping roles for members of the ethylene receptor family. We consider the evidence supporting this model for sub-functionalization within the receptor family, and then discuss mechanisms by which such a sub-functionalization may occur. To this end, we consider the importance of receptor interactions in modulating their signal output and how such interactions vary in the receptor family. In addition, we consider evidence indicating that ethylene signal output by the receptors involves both phosphorylation-dependent and phosphorylation-independent mechanisms. We conclude with a current model for signalling by the ethylene receptors placed within the overall context of ethylene signal transduction.

Mechanisms of signal transduction by ethylene: overlapping and non-overlapping signalling roles in a receptor family

The plant hormone ethylene regulates growth and development as well as responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Over the last few decades, key elements involved in ethylene signal transduction have been identified through genetic approaches, these elements defining a pathway that extends from initial ethylene perception at the endoplasmic reticulum to changes in transcriptional regulation within the nucleus. Here, we present our current understanding of ethylene signal transduction, focusing on recent developments that support a model with overlapping and non-overlapping roles for members of the ethylene receptor family. We consider the evidence supporting this model for sub-functionalization within the receptor family, and then discuss mechanisms by which such a sub-functionalization may occur. To this end, we consider the importance of receptor interactions in modulating their signal output and how such interactions vary in the receptor family. In addition, we consider evidence indicating that ethylene signal output by the receptors involves both phosphorylation-dependent and phosphorylation-independent mechanisms. We conclude with a current model for signalling by the ethylene receptors placed within the overall context of ethylene signal transduction.

Mechanisms of signal transduction by ethylene: overlapping and non-overlapping signalling roles in a receptor family

The plant hormone ethylene regulates growth and development as well as responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Over the last few decades, key elements involved in ethylene signal transduction have been identified through genetic approaches, these elements defining a pathway that extends from initial ethylene perception at the endoplasmic reticulum to changes in transcriptional regulation within the nucleus. Here, we present our current understanding of ethylene signal transduction, focusing on recent developments that support a model with overlapping and non-overlapping roles for members of the ethylene receptor family. We consider the evidence supporting this model for sub-functionalization within the receptor family, and then discuss mechanisms by which such a sub-functionalization may occur. To this end, we consider the importance of receptor interactions in modulating their signal output and how such interactions vary in the receptor family. In addition, we consider evidence indicating that ethylene signal output by the receptors involves both phosphorylation-dependent and phosphorylation-independent mechanisms. We conclude with a current model for signalling by the ethylene receptors placed within the overall context of ethylene signal transduction.

Cloning and expression of ethylene receptor ERS1 at various developmental and ripening stages of mango fruit

Ethylene induces characteristic ripening reactions in climacteric fruits through its binding to histidine-kinase (HK) receptors, activating the expression of ripening genes. Ethylene receptors have been found in Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae) and some fruits; number and expression patterns differ among species. In mango, only ethylene receptor ETR1 was known. We cloned ERS1 cDNA from mango, and evaluated the expression of Mi-ERS1 and Mi-ETR1 by qPCR in developmental and ripening stages of this fruit. The Mi-ERS1 coding sequence is 1890 bp long and encodes 629 amino acids, similar to ERS1 from other fruits. Also, the amino acid sequence of ERS1 C-terminal HK domain shows the cognate fold after molecular modeling. Mi-ERS1 expression levels increased as mangoes ripened, showing the highest levels at the climacteric stage, while Mi-ETR1 levels did not change during development and ripening. We conclude that the patterns of expression of Mi-ERS1 and Mi-ETR1 differ in mango fruit.

Ligand-induced alterations in the phosphorylation state of ethylene receptors in tomato fruit

Perception of the plant hormone ethylene is essential to initiate and advance ripening of climacteric fruits. Since ethylene receptors negatively regulate signaling, the suppression is canceled upon ethylene binding, permitting responses including fruit ripening. Although receptors have autophosphorylation activity, the mechanism whereby signal transduction occurs has not been fully determined. Here we demonstrate that LeETR4, a critical receptor for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit ripening, is multiply phosphorylated in vivo and the phosphorylation level is dependent on ripening stage and ethylene action. Treatment of preclimacteric fruits with ethylene resulted in accumulation of LeETR4 with reduced phosphorylation whereas treatments of ripening fruits with ethylene antagonists, 1-methylcyclopropene and 2,5-norbornadiene, induced accumulation of the phosphorylated isotypes. A similar phosphorylation pattern was also observed for Never ripe, another ripening-related receptor. Alteration in the phosphorylation state of receptors is likely to be an initial response upon ethylene binding since treatments with ethylene and 1-methylcyclopropene rapidly influenced the LeETR4 phosphorylation state rather than protein abundance. The LeETR4 phosphorylation state closely paralleled ripening progress, suggesting that the phosphorylation state of receptors is implicated in ethylene signal output in tomato fruits. We provide insights into the nature of receptor on and off states.

Advances in ethylene signalling: protein complexes at the endoplasmic reticulum membrane

The gaseous plant hormone ethylene plays critical roles in plant responses to environmental and endogenous signals that modulate growth and development. Over the past 25 years, great progress has been made in elucidating the ethylene signalling pathway. Genetic studies in Arabidopsis thaliana have identified key components of the pathway, and subcellular localization studies have shown that most of these components, other than transcription factors and protein turnover machinery, are associated with or lie within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. The ethylene receptors are found in high-molecular-mass protein complexes and interact with the CTR1 serine/threonine protein kinase and the genetically downstream EIN2 Nramp-like protein. To more fully understand the ethylene signalling pathway, recent research has focused on examining the molecular connections between these components and how they are regulated. Here, we review recent advances and remaining gaps in our understanding of the early steps in the ethylene signalling pathway taking place at the ER.

Tomato TILLING technology: development of a reverse genetics tool for the efficient isolation of mutants from Micro-Tom mutant libraries

To accelerate functional genomic research in tomato, we developed a Micro-Tom TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions In Genomes) platform. DNA pools were constructed from 3,052 ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutant lines treated with 0.5 or 1.0% EMS. The mutation frequency was calculated by screening 10 genes. The 0.5% EMS population had a mild mutation frequency of one mutation per 1,710 kb, whereas the 1.0% EMS population had a frequency of one mutation per 737 kb, a frequency suitable for producing an allelic series of mutations in the target genes. The overall mutation frequency was one mutation per 1,237 kb, which affected an average of three alleles per kilobase screened. To assess whether a Micro-Tom TILLING platform could be used for efficient mutant isolation, six ethylene receptor genes in tomato (SlETR1-SlETR6) were screened. Two allelic mutants of SlETR1 (Sletr1-1 and Sletr1-2) that resulted in reduced ethylene responses were identified, indicating that our Micro-Tom TILLING platform provides a powerful tool for the rapid detection of mutations in an EMS mutant library. This work provides a practical and publicly accessible tool for the study of fruit biology and for obtaining novel genetic material that can be used to improve important agronomic traits in tomato.

Ethylene receptor ETHYLENE RECEPTOR1 domain requirements for ethylene responses in Arabidopsis seedlings

Ethylene influences many processes in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) through the action of five receptor isoforms. We used high-resolution, time-lapse imaging of dark-grown Arabidopsis seedlings to better understand the roles of each isoform in the regulation of growth in air, ethylene-stimulated nutations, and growth recovery after ethylene removal. We found that ETHYLENE RECEPTOR1 (ETR1) is both necessary and sufficient for nutations. Transgene constructs in which the ETR1 promoter was used to drive expression of cDNAs for each of the five receptor isoforms were transferred into etr1-6;etr2-3;ein4-4 triple loss-of-function mutants that have constitutive growth inhibition in air, fail to nutate in ethylene, and take longer to recover a normal growth rate when ethylene is removed. The patterns of rescue show that ETR1, ETR2, and ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE4 (EIN4) have the prominent roles in rapid growth recovery after removal of ethylene whereas ETR1 was the sole isoform that rescued nutations. ETR1 histidine kinase activity and phosphotransfer through the receiver domain are not required to rescue nutations. However, REVERSION TO SENSITIVITY1 modulates ethylene-stimulated nutations but does not modulate the rate of growth recovery after ethylene removal. Several chimeric receptor transgene constructs where domains of EIN4 were swapped into ETR1 were also introduced into the triple mutant. The pattern of phenotype rescue by the chimeric receptors used in this study supports a model where a receptor with a receiver domain is required for normal growth recovery and that nutations specifically require the full-length ETR1 receptor.

A TSPO-related protein localizes to the early secretory pathway in Arabidopsis, but is targeted to mitochondria when expressed in yeast

AtTSPO is a TspO/MBR domain-protein potentially involved in multiple stress regulation in Arabidopsis. As in most angiosperms, AtTSPO is encoded by a single, intronless gene. Expression of AtTSPO is tightly regulated both at the transcriptional and post-translational levels. It has been shown previously that overexpression of AtTSPO in plant cell can be detrimental, and the protein was detected in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi stacks, contrasting with previous findings and suggesting a mitochondrial subcellular localization for this protein. To ascertain these findings, immunocytochemistry and ABA induction were used to demonstrate that, in plant cells, physiological levels of AtTSPO colocalized with AtArf1, a mainly Golgi-localized protein in plant cells. In addition, fluorescent protein-tagged AtTSPO was targeted to the secretory pathway and did not colocalize with MitoTracker-labelled mitochondria. These results suggest that the polytopic membrane protein AtTSPO is cotranslationally targeted to the ER in plant cells and accumulates in the Trans-Golgi Network. Heterologous expression of AtTSPO in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, yeast devoid of TSPO-related protein, resulted in growth defects. However, subcellular fractionation and immunoprecipitation experiments showed that AtTSPO was targeted to mitochondria where it colocalized and interacted with the outer mitochondrial membrane porin VDAC1p, reminiscent of the subcellular localization and activity of mammalian translocator protein 18 kDa TSPO. The evolutionarily divergent AtTSPO appears therefore to be switching its sorting mode in a species-dependent manner, an uncommon peculiarity for a polytopic membrane protein in eukaryotic cells. These results are discussed in relation to the recognition and organelle targeting mechanisms of polytopic membrane proteins in eukaryotic cells.

Molecular association of the Arabidopsis ETR1 ethylene receptor and a regulator of ethylene signaling, RTE1

The plant hormone ethylene plays important roles in growth and development. Ethylene is perceived by a family of membrane-bound receptors that actively repress ethylene responses. When the receptors bind ethylene, their signaling is shut off, activating responses. REVERSION-TO-ETHYLENE SENSITIVITY (RTE1) encodes a novel membrane protein conserved in plants and metazoans. Genetic analyses in Arabidopsis thaliana suggest that RTE1 promotes the signaling state of the ethylene receptor ETR1 through the ETR1 N-terminal domain. RTE1 and ETR1 have been shown to co-localize to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus in Arabidopsis. Here, we demonstrate a physical association of RTE1 and ETR1 using in vivo and in vitro methods. Interaction of RTE1 and ETR1 was revealed in vivo by bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) in a tobacco cell transient assay and in stably transformed Arabidopsis. The association was also observed using a truncated version of ETR1 comprising the N terminus (amino acids 1-349). Interaction of RTE1 and ETR1 was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation from Arabidopsis. The interaction occurs with high affinity (K(d), 117 nM) based on tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopy using purified recombinant RTE1 and a tryptophan-less version of purified recombinant ETR1. An amino acid substitution (C161Y) in RTE1 that is known to confer an ETR1 loss-of-function phenotype correspondingly gives a nearly 12-fold increase in the dissociation constant (K(d), 1.38 μM). These findings indicate that a high affinity association of RTE1 and ETR1 is important in the regulation of ETR1.

The copper transporter RAN1 is essential for biogenesis of ethylene receptors in Arabidopsis

Plants utilize ethylene as a hormone to regulate multiple developmental processes and to coordinate responses to biotic and abiotic stress. In Arabidopsis thaliana, a small family of five receptor proteins typified by ETR1 mediates ethylene perception. Our previous work suggested that copper ions likely play a role in ethylene binding. An independent study indicated that the ran1 mutants, which display ethylene-like responses to the ethylene antagonist trans-cyclooctene, have mutations in the RAN1 copper-transporting P-type ATPase, once again linking copper ions to the ethylene-response pathway. The results presented herein indicate that genetically engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing ETR1 but lacking the RAN1 homolog Ccc2p (Δccc2) lacks ethylene-binding activity. Ethylene-binding activity was restored when copper ions were added to the Δccc2 mutants, showing that it is the delivery of copper that is important. Additionally, transformation of the Δccc2 mutant yeast with RAN1 rescued ethylene-binding activity. Analysis of plants carrying loss-of-function mutations in ran1 showed that they lacked ethylene-binding activity, whereas seedlings carrying weak alleles of ran1 had normal ethylene-binding activity but were hypersensitive to copper-chelating agents. Altogether, the results show an essential role for RAN1 in the biogenesis of the ethylene receptors and copper homeostasis in Arabidopsis seedlings. Furthermore, the results indicate cross-talk between the ethylene-response pathway and copper homeostasis in Arabidopsis seedling development.

Five Arabidopsis reticulon isoforms share endoplasmic reticulum location, topology, and membrane-shaping properties

The cortical endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) epidermal cells is a network of tubules and cisternae undergoing dramatic rearrangements. Reticulons are integral membrane proteins involved in shaping ER tubules. Here, we characterized the localization, topology, effect, and interactions of five Arabidopsis thaliana reticulons (RTNs), isoforms 1-4 and 13, in the cortical ER. Our results indicate that RTNLB13 and RTNLB1-4 colocate to and constrict the tubular ER membrane. All five RTNs preferentially accumulate on ER tubules and are excluded from ER cisternae. All isoforms share the same transmembrane topology, with N and C termini facing the cytosol and four transmembrane domains. We show by Förster resonance energy transfer and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy that several RTNs have the capacity to interact with themselves and each other, and we suggest that oligomerization is responsible for their residence in the ER membrane. We also show that a complete reticulon homology domain is required for both RTN residence in high-curvature ER membranes and ER tubule constriction, yet it is not necessary for homotypic interactions.

Effects of tobacco ethylene receptor mutations on receptor kinase activity, plant growth and stress responses

Ethylene receptor is the first component of ethylene signaling that regulates plant growth, development and stress responses. Previously, we have demonstrated that tobacco subfamily 2 ethylene receptor NTHK1 had Ser/Thr kinase activity, and overexpression of NTHK1 caused large rosette, reduced ethylene sensitivity, and increased salt sensitivity in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Here we found that N-box mutation in the NTHK1 kinase domain abolished the kinase activity and led to disruption of NTHK1 roles in conferring reduced ethylene sensitivity and salt sensitive response in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. However, N-box mutation had partial effects on NTHK1 regulation of rosette growth and expression of salt- and ethylene-responsive genes AtNAC2, AtERF1 and AtCor6.6. Mutation of conserved residues in the H box did not affect kinase activity, seedling growth, ethylene sensitivity or salt-induced epinasty in transgenic plants but did influence NTHK1 function in control of specific salt- and ethylene-responsive gene expression. Compared with NTHK1, the tobacco subfamily 1 ethylene receptor NtETR1 had His kinase activity and played a weak role in regulation of rosette growth, triple response and salt response. Mutation of the conserved His residue in the NtETR1 H box eliminated phosphorylation and altered the effect of Ntetr1-1 on reporter gene activity. These results imply that the Ser/Thr kinase activity of NTHK1 is differentially required for various responses, and NTHK1 plays a larger role than NtETR1.

Apple ethylene receptor protein concentrations are affected by ethylene, and differ in cultivars that have different storage life

Ethylene plays a crucial role in apple fruit ripening. Ethylene receptors have been identified and are known to be negative regulators of ethylene signalling. We examined ethylene receptors MdERS1 and MdERS2 in 1-MCP-treated and untreated fruit and leaves of cultivar 'Orin' and 'Fuji' apples. MdERS1 and MdERS2 transcription increased rapidly after harvest in control fruit, but in 1-MCP-treated fruit, increases were delayed for 30 days. However, MdERS1 and MdERS2 protein levels behaved differently. MdERS1 decreased gradually in both the control and 1-MCP treatments. MdERS2, however, increased gradually in control 'Fuji' and remained steady in 1-MCP-treated 'Fuji' but remained low in 'Orin'. Exogenous ethylene treatment of fruit increased MdERS1 and MdERS2 expression with slightly decreased protein levels. The ratios of proteins to mRNAs were much lower in 'Orin' fruit, and they decreased with ethylene treatment in both cultivars. However, protein to transcript ratio was higher in 'Fuji' ethylene treated fruit than in air- and ethylene-treated 'Orin' fruit. MdERS1 and MdERS2 transcript levels were increased by exogenous ethylene treatment in air pre-treated leaves, but MdERS1 and MdERS2 protein levels did not change or decrease with ethylene treatment, and the ratio of protein to mRNA was lower in ethylene-treated leaves. Differences between transcription and protein levels may be due to receptor turnover differences in the presence or absence of ethylene. Furthermore, MdERS1 and MdERS2 protein stabilities in the presence of ethylene were different in the two cvs. 'Orin' and 'Fuji'.

The ethylene receptor ETR2 delays floral transition and affects starch accumulation in rice

Ethylene regulates multiple aspects of plant growth and development in dicotyledonous plants; however, its roles in monocotyledonous plants are poorly known. Here, we characterized a subfamily II ethylene receptor, ETHYLENE RESPONSE2 (ETR2), in rice (Oryza sativa). The ETR2 receptor with a diverged His kinase domain is a Ser/Thr kinase, but not a His kinase, and can phosphorylate its receiver domain. Mutation of the N box of the kinase domain abolished the kinase activity of ETR2. Overexpression of ETR2 in transgenic rice plants reduced ethylene sensitivity and delayed floral transition. Conversely, RNA interference (RNAi) plants exhibited early flowering and the ETR2 T-DNA insertion mutant etr2 showed enhanced ethylene sensitivity and early flowering. The effective panicles and seed-setting rate were reduced in the ETR2-overexpressing plants, while thousand-seed weight was substantially enhanced in both the ETR2-RNAi plants and the etr2 mutant compared with controls. Starch granules accumulated in the internodes of the ETR2-overexpressing plants, but not in the etr2 mutant. The GIGANTEA and TERMINAL FLOWER1/CENTRORADIALIS homolog (RCN1) that cause delayed flowering were upregulated in ETR2-overexpressing plants but downregulated in the etr2 mutant. Conversely, the alpha-amylase gene RAmy3D was suppressed in ETR2-overexpressing plants but enhanced in the etr2 mutant. Thus, ETR2 may delay flowering and cause starch accumulation in stems by regulating downstream genes.

AtTRP1 encodes a novel TPR protein that interacts with the ethylene receptor ERS1 and modulates development in Arabidopsis

Arabidopsis AtTRP1 is an orthologue of SlTPR1, a tomato tetratricopeptide repeat protein that interacts with the tomato ethylene receptors LeETR1 and NR in yeast 2-hybrid assays and in vitro, and modulates plant development. AtTRP1 is encoded by a single copy gene in the Arabidopsis genome, and is related to TCC1, a human protein that competes with Raf-1 for Ras binding, and distantly related to the immunophilin-like FK-binding proteins TWD1 and PAS1. The former is involved in auxin transport and the latter is translocated to the nucleus in response to auxin. AtTRP1 interacted preferentially with the Arabidopsis ethylene receptor ERS1 in yeast two-hybrid assays. This association was confirmed by in vivo co-immunoprecipitation. AtTRP1 promoter-GUS was highly expressed in vascular tissue, mature anthers, the abscission zone, and was induced by ACC. Overexpression of AtTRP1 in wild-type Arabidopsis resulted in dwarf plants with reduced fertility, altered leaf/silique morphology, and enhanced expression of the ethylene responsive gene AtChitB. Exogenous GA did not reverse the dwarf habit. Etiolated transgenic seedlings overexpressing AtTRP1 displayed enhanced sensitivity to low ACC and this was correlated with the transgene expression. Seedlings overexpressing AtTRP1 at high levels exhibited shortened and swollen hypocotyls, inhibited root growth, and an altered apical hook. Plants overexpressing AtTRP1 also showed a reduced response to exogenous IAA and altered expression of a subset of auxin early responsive genes. These results indicated that overexpression of AtTRP1 affects cross-talk between ethylene and auxin signalling and enhances some ethylene responses and alters some auxin responses. A model for AtTRP1 action is proposed.

Recent advances in ethylene research

Ethylene regulates many aspects of the plant life cycle, including seed germination, root initiation, flower development, fruit ripening, senescence, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. It thus plays a key role in responses to the environment that have a direct bearing on a plant's fitness for adaptation and reproduction. In recent years, there have been major advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating ethylene synthesis and action. Screening for mutants of the triple response phenotype of etiolated Arabidopsis seedlings, together with map-based cloning and candidate gene characterization of natural mutants from other plant species, has led to the identification of many new genes for ethylene biosynthesis, signal transduction, and response pathways. The simple chemical nature of ethylene contrasts with its regulatory complexity. This is illustrated by the multiplicity of genes encoding the key ethylene biosynthesis enzymes 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase and ACC oxidase, multiple ethylene receptors and signal transduction components, and the complexity of regulatory steps involving signalling relays and control of mRNA and protein synthesis and turnover. In addition, there are extensive interactions with other hormones. This review integrates knowledge from the model plant Arabidopsis and other plant species and focuses on key aspects of recent research on regulatory networks controlling ethylene synthesis and its role in flower development and fruit ripening.

Ethylene signaling: new levels of complexity and regulation

The gaseous plant hormone ethylene plays important roles in plant growth and development. Recent discoveries have expanded our linear view of ethylene signaling by revealing an elaborate signaling network with multiple regulatory circuits. At the membrane, the ethylene receptors form heteromeric and higher order complexes providing enhanced sensitivity and fine-tuning of signaling. Ethylene sensitivity is further enhanced by the rapid degradation of ethylene receptors upon ethylene binding and by dependence on a novel protein REVERSION-TO-ETHYLENE SENSITIVITY1 (RTE1)/GREEN-RIPE (GR). In the nucleus, EIN3-BINDING F-BOX1 and 2 (EBF1/2) coordinately control 26S proteasome degradation of the critical transcription factors EIN3 and EIL1. EBF1/2 expression is repressed by ETHYLENE-INSENSITIVE5 (EIN5), which encodes the exoribonuclease XRN4. Additionally, EIN3 possesses two mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation sites that have opposing effects on EIN3 stability.

Melon fruits: genetic diversity, physiology, and biotechnology features

Among Cucurbitaceae, Cucumis melo is one of the most important cultivated cucurbits. They are grown primarily for their fruit, which generally have a sweet aromatic flavor, with great diversity and size (50 g to 15 kg), flesh color (orange, green, white, and pink), rind color (green, yellow, white, orange, red, and gray), form (round, flat, and elongated), and dimension (4 to 200 cm). C. melo can be broken down into seven distinct types based on the previously discussed variations in the species. The melon fruits can be either climacteric or nonclimacteric, and as such, fruit can adhere to the stem or have an abscission layer where they will fall from the plant naturally at maturity. Traditional plant breeding of melons has been done for 100 years wherein plants were primarily developed as open-pollinated cultivars. More recently, in the past 30 years, melon improvement has been done by more traditional hybridization techniques. An improvement in germplasm is relatively slow and is limited by a restricted gene pool. Strong sexual incompatibility at the interspecific and intergeneric levels has restricted rapid development of new cultivars with high levels of disease resistance, insect resistance, flavor, and sweetness. In order to increase the rate and diversity of new traits in melon it would be advantageous to introduce new genes needed to enhance both melon productivity and melon fruit quality. This requires plant tissue and plant transformation techniques to introduce new or foreign genes into C. melo germplasm. In order to achieve a successful commercial application from biotechnology, a competent plant regeneration system of in vitro cultures for melon is required. More than 40 in vitro melon regeneration programs have been reported; however, regeneration of the various melon types has been highly variable and in some cases impossible. The reasons for this are still unknown, but this plays a heavy negative role on trying to use plant transformation technology to improve melon germplasm. In vitro manipulation of melon is difficult; genotypic responses to the culture method (i.e., organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, etc.) as well as conditions for environmental and hormonal requirements for plant growth and regeneration continue to be poorly understood for developing simple in vitro procedures to culture and transform all C. melo genotypes. In many cases, this has to be done on an individual line basis. The present paper describes the various research findings related to successful approaches to plant regeneration and transgenic transformation of C. melo. It also describes potential improvement of melon to improve fruit quality characteristics and postharvest handling. Despite more than 140 transgenic melon field trials in the United States in 1996, there are still no commercial transgenic melon cultivars on the market. This may be a combination of technical or performance factors, intellectual property rights concerns, and, most likely, a lack of public acceptance. Regardless, the future for improvement of melon germplasm is bright when considering the knowledge base for both techniques and gene pools potentially useable for melon improvement.

Subcellular localization and in vivo interactions of the Arabidopsis thaliana ethylene receptor family members

The gaseous phytohormone ethylene regulates many developmental processes and responses to environmental conditions in higher plants. In Arabidopsis thaliana, ethylene perception and initiation of signaling are mediated by a family of five receptors which are related to prokaryotic two-component sensor histidine kinases. The transient expression of fluorescence-tagged receptors in tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) epidermal leaf cells demonstrated that all ethylene receptors are targeted to the ER endomembrane network and do not localize to the plasmalemma. In support of in planta overlay studies, the ethylene receptors form homomeric and heteromeric protein complexes at the ER in living plant cells, as shown by membrane recruitment assays. A comparable in vivo interaction pattern was found in the yeast mating-based split-ubiquitin system. The overlapping but distinct expression pattern of the ethylene receptor genes suggests a differential composition of the ethylene receptor complexes in different plant tissues. Our findings may have crucial functional implications on the ethylene receptor-mediated efficiency of hormone perception, induction of signaling, signal attenuation and output.

Tomato ethylene receptor-CTR interactions: visualization of NEVER-RIPE interactions with multiple CTRs at the endoplasmic reticulum

In the model plant Arabidopsis, members of a family of two-component system His kinase-like ethylene receptors have direct protein-protein interactions with a single downstream Ser/Thr kinase CTR1. These components of the ethylene signalling network found in Arabidopsis are conserved in the climacteric fruit tomato, but both the ethylene receptors and CTR1-like proteins (LeCTRs) in tomato are encoded by multigene families. Here, using a yeast two-hybrid interaction assay, it is shown that the tomato receptors LeETR1, LeETR2, and NEVER-RIPE (NR) can interact with multiple LeCTRs. In vivo protein localization studies with fluorescent tagged proteins revealed that the ethylene receptor NR was targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) when transiently expressed in onion epidermal cells, whereas the four LeCTR proteins were found in the cytoplasm and nucleus. When co-expressed with NR, three LeCTRs (1, 3, and 4), but not LeCTR2, also adopted the same ER localization pattern in an NR receptor-dependent manner but not in the absence of NR. The receptor-CTR interactions were confirmed by biomolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) showing that NR could form a protein complex with LeCTR1, 3, and 4. This suggested that ethylene receptors recruit these LeCTR proteins to the ER membrane through direct protein-protein interaction. The receptor-CTR interactions and localization observed in the study reinforce the idea that ethylene receptors transmit the signal to the downstream CTRs and show that a single receptor can interact with multiple CTR proteins. It remains unclear whether the different LeCTRs are functionally redundant or have unique roles in ethylene signalling.

Subcellular co-localization of Arabidopsis RTE1 and ETR1 supports a regulatory role for RTE1 in ETR1 ethylene signaling

Ethylene is an important plant growth regulator perceived by membrane-bound ethylene receptors. The ETR1 ethylene receptor is positively regulated by a predicted membrane protein, RTE1, based on genetic studies in Arabidopsis. RTE1 homologs exist in plants, animals and protists, but the molecular function of RTE1 is unknown. Here, we examine RTE1 expression and subcellular protein localization in order to gain a better understanding of RTE1 and its function in relation to ETR1. Arabidopsis plants transformed with the RTE1 promoter fused to the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene revealed that RTE1 expression partly correlates with previously described sites of ETR1 expression or sites of ethylene response, such as the seedling root, root hairs and apical hook. RTE1 transcript levels are also enhanced by ethylene treatment, and reduced by the inhibition of ethylene signaling. For subcellular localization of RTE1, a functional RTE1 fusion to red fluorescent protein (RFP) was expressed under the control of the native RTE1 promoter. Using fluorescence microscopy, RTE1 was observed primarily at the Golgi apparatus and partially at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in stably transformed Arabidopsis protoplasts, roots and root hairs. Next, a functional ETR1 fusion to a 5xMyc epitope tag was expressed under the control of the native ETR1 promoter. Immunohistochemistry of root hairs not only showed ETR1 residing at the ER as previously reported, but revealed substantial localization of ETR1 at the Golgi apparatus. Lastly, we demonstrated the subcellular co-localization of RTE1 and ETR1. These findings support and enhance the genetic model that RTE1 plays a role in regulating ETR1.

SlTPR1, a tomato tetratricopeptide repeat protein, interacts with the ethylene receptors NR and LeETR1, modulating ethylene and auxin responses and development

The gaseous hormone ethylene is perceived by a family of ethylene receptors which interact with the Raf-like kinase CTR1. SlTPR1 encodes a novel TPR (tetratricopeptide repeat) protein from tomato that interacts with the ethylene receptors NR and LeETR1 in yeast two-hybrid and in vitro protein interaction assays. SlTPR1 protein with a GFP fluorescent tag was localized in the plasmalemma and nuclear membrane in Arabidopsis, and SlTPR1-CFP and NR-YFP fusion proteins were co-localized in the plasmalemma and nuclear membrane following co-bombardment of onion cells. Overexpression of SlTPR1 in tomato resulted in ethylene-related pleiotropic effects including reduced stature, delayed and reduced production of inflorescences, abnormal and infertile flowers with degenerate styles and pollen, epinasty, reduced apical dominance, inhibition of abscission, altered leaf morphology, and parthenocarpic fruit. Similar phenotypes were seen in Arabidopsis overexpressing SlTPR1. SlTPR1 overexpression did not increase ethylene production but caused enhanced accumulation of mRNA from the ethylene responsive gene ChitB and the auxin-responsive gene SlSAUR1-like, and reduced expression of the auxin early responsive gene LeIAA9, which is known to be inhibited by ethylene and to be associated with parthenocarpy. Cuttings from the SlTPR1-overexpressors produced fewer adventitious roots and were less responsive to indole butyric acid. It is suggested that SlTPR1 overexpression enhances a subset of ethylene and auxin responses by interacting with specific ethylene receptors. SlTPR1 shares features with human TTC1, which interacts with heterotrimeric G-proteins and Ras, and competes with Raf-1 for Ras binding. Models for SlTPR1 action are proposed involving modulation of ethylene signalling or receptor levels.

RTE1 is a Golgi-associated and ETR1-dependent negative regulator of ethylene responses

Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) RTE1 encodes a membrane protein and negatively regulates ethylene responses. Genetic and transformation studies suggest that the function of the wild-type RTE1 is primarily dependent on ETR1 and can be independent on the other receptors. Ethylene insensitivity caused by the overexpression of RTE1 is largely masked by the etr1-7 mutation, but not by any other receptor mutations. The wild-type ETR1 N terminus is sufficient to the activation of the RTE1 function and the ectopic expression of etr1(1-349) restored ethylene insensitivity conferred by 35SgRTE1 in etr1-7. The RTE1 N terminus is not essential to the etr1-2 function and the expression of rte1(NDelta49), which has an N-terminal deletion of 49 amino acid residues, restored ethylene insensitivity in etr1-2 rte1-2. The ectopic expression of GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN (GFP)-RTE1 conferred ethylene insensitivity in wild type and the GFP fusion displayed fast movement within the cytoplasm. The GFP-RTE1 and EYFP-NAG proteins colocalized and the Brefeldin A treatment caused aggregation of GFP-RTE1, suggesting RTE1 is a Golgi-associated protein. Our results suggest specificity of the RTE1 function to ETR1 and that endomembranes may play a role in the ethylene signal transduction.

Heterologous expression of the mutated melon ethylene receptor gene Cm-ERS1/H70A produces stable sterility in transgenic lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

The mutated melon ethylene receptor gene Cm-ERS1/H70A was introduced into tobacco and induced stable sterility in transgenic lines. This gene contains a missense mutation that converts the His(70) residue to Ala in the melon ethylene receptor gene Cm-ERS1. To test the applicability of this inducible sterility system to other plants, lettuce (Lactuca sativa) was transformed with the gene using Agrobacterium, and putative transformants containing Cm-ERS1/H70A were obtained. Thirteen randomly selected putative transformants were grown in a growth room under constant conditions, and seven of the lines showed sterility or significantly reduced fertility. DNA gel blot analysis confirmed the integration of the Cm-ERS1/H70A gene into the genomes of the putative transformants, and RT-PCR and protein gel blot analysis confirmed the expression of Cm-ERS1/H70A mRNA and protein in all of the transformants. Five transformants showing sterility or reduced fertility when grown in a growth room under constant conditions were randomly selected to be grown in an open-air greenhouse under various environmental conditions. All five showed stable sterility under the various conditions. These results suggest that Cm-ERS1/H70A can induce sterility in heterologous transgenic plants.