The transcriptional regulator LEUNIG_HOMOLOG regulates mucilage release from the Arabidopsis testa

Disruption of the Arabidopsis Acyl-Activating Enzyme 3 Impairs Seed Coat Mucilage Accumulation and Seed Germination

The Acyl-activating enzyme (AAE) 3 gene encodes an oxalyl-CoA synthetase that catalyzes the conversion of oxalate to oxalyl-CoA as the first step in the CoA-dependent pathway of oxalate catabolism. Although the role of this enzyme in oxalate catabolism has been established, its biological roles in plant growth and development are less understood. As a step toward gaining a better understanding of these biological roles, we report here a characterization of the Arabidopsis thaliana aae3 (Ataae3) seed mucilage phenotype. Ruthidium red (RR) staining of Ataae3 and wild type (WT) seeds suggested that the observed reduction in Ataae3 germination may be attributable, at least in part, to a decrease in seed mucilage accumulation. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression of selected mucilage regulatory transcription factors, as well as of biosynthetic and extrusion genes, was significantly down-regulated in the Ataae3 seeds. Mucilage accumulation in seeds from an engineered oxalate-accumulating Arabidopsis and Atoxc mutant, blocked in the second step of the CoA-dependent pathway of oxalate catabolism, were found to be similar to WT. These findings suggest that elevated tissue oxalate concentrations and loss of the oxalate catabolism pathway downstream of AAE3 were not responsible for the reduced Ataae3 seed germination and mucilage phenotypes. Overall, our findings unveil the presence of regulatory interplay between AAE3 and transcriptional control of mucilage gene expression.

Degeneration of oil bodies by rough endoplasmic reticulum -associated protein during seed germination in Cannabis sativa

Oil bodies serve as a vital energy source of embryos during germination and contribute to sustaining the initial growth of seedlings until photosynthesis initiation. Despite high stability in chemical properties, how oil bodies break down and go into the degradation process during germination is still unknown. This study provides a morphological understanding of the mobilization of stored compounds in the seed germination of Cannabis. The achenes of fibrous hemp cultivar (Cannabis sativa cv. 'Chungsam') were examined in this study using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Oil bodies in Cannabis seeds appeared spherical and sporadically distributed in the cotyledonary cells. Protein bodies contained electron-dense globoid and heterogeneous protein matrices. During seed germination, rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) and high electron-dense substances were present adjacent to the oil bodies. The border of the oil bodies became a dense cluster region and appeared as a sinuous outline. Later, irregular hyaline areas were distributed throughout oil bodies, showing the destabilized emulsification of oil bodies. Finally, the oil bodies lost their morphology and fused with each other. The storage proteins were concentrated in the centre of the protein body as a dense homogenous circular mass surrounded by a light heterogeneous area. Some storage proteins are considered emulsifying agents on the surface region of oil bodies, enabling them to remain stable and distinct within and outside cotyledon cells. At the early germination stage, rER appeared and dense substances aggregated adjacent to the oil bodies. Certain proteins were synthesized within the rER and then translocated into the oil bodies by crossing the half membrane of oil bodies. Our data suggest that rER-associated proteins function as enzymes to lyse the emulsifying proteins, thereby weakening the emulsifying agent on the surface of the oil bodies. This process plays a key role in the degeneration of oil bodies and induces coalescence during seed germination.

MYB-bHLH-TTG1 in a Multi-tiered Pathway Regulates Arabidopsis Seed Coat Mucilage Biosynthesis Genes Including PECTIN METHYLESTERASE INHIBITOR14 Required for Homogalacturonan Demethylesterification

MYB-bHLH-TTG1 (MBW) transcription factor (TF) complexes regulate Arabidopsis seed coat biosynthesis pathways via a multi-tiered regulatory mechanism. The MYB genes include MYB5, MYB23 and TRANSPARENT TESTA2 (TT2), which regulate GLABRA2 (GL2), HOMEODOMAIN GLABROUS2 (HDG2) and TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA2 (TTG2). Here, we examine the role of PECTIN METHYLESTERASE INHIBITOR14 (PMEI14) in seed coat mucilage pectin methylesterification and provide evidence in support of multi-tiered regulation of seed coat mucilage biosynthesis genes including PMEI14. The PMEI14 promoter was active in the seed coat and developing embryo. A pmei14 mutant exhibited stronger attachment of the outer layer of seed coat mucilage, increased mucilage homogalacturonan demethylesterification and reduced seed coat radial cell wall thickness, results consistent with decreased PMEI activity giving rise to increased PME activity. Reduced mucilage release from the seeds of myb5, myb23, tt2 and gl2, hdg2, ttg2 triple mutants indicated that HDG2 and MYB23 play minor roles in seed coat mucilage deposition. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis found that MYB5, TT8 and seven mucilage pathway structural genes are directly regulated by MYB5. Expression levels of GL2, HDG2, TTG2 and nine mucilage biosynthesis genes including PMEI14 in the combinatorial mutant seeds indicated that these genes are positively regulated by at least two of those six TFs and that TTG1 and TTG2 are major regulators of PMEI14 expression. Our results show that MYB-bHLH-TTG1 complexes regulate mucilage biosynthesis genes, including PMEI14, both directly and indirectly via a three-tiered mechanism involving GL2, HDG2 and TTG2.

Contrasting Cd accumulation of Arabidopsis halleri populations: a role for (1→4)-β-galactan in pectin

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation is highly variable among Arabidopsis halleri populations. To identify cell wall (CW) components that contribute to the contrasting Cd accumulation between PL22-H (Cd-hyperaccumulator) and I16-E (Cd-excluder), Cd absorption capacity of CW polysaccharides, CW mono- and poly- saccharides contents and CW glycan profiles were compared between these two populations. PL22-H pectin contained 3-fold higher Cd concentration than I16-E pectin in roots, and (1→4)-β-galactan pectic epitope showed the biggest difference between PL22-H and I16-E. CW-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PL22-H and I16-E were identified and corresponding A. thaliana mutants were phenotyped for Cd tolerance and accumulation. A higher Cd translocation was observed in GALACTAN SYNTHASE1 A. thaliana knockout and overexpressor mutants, which both showed a lengthening of the RG-I sidechains after Cd treatment, contrary to the wild-type. Overall, our results support an indirect role for (1→4)-β-galactan in Cd translocation, possibly by a joint effect of regulating the length of RG-I sidechains, the pectin structure and interactions between polysaccharides in the CW. The characterization of other CW-related DEGs between I16-E and PL22-H selected allowed to identify a possible role in Zn translocation for BIIDXI and LEUNIG-HOMOLOG genes, which are both involved in pectin modification.

Regulation of seed coat mucilage production and modification in Arabidopsis

The Arabidopsis seed coat mucilage is a polysaccharide-rich matrix synthesized by the seed coat epidermal cells. It is a specialized cell wall mainly composed of three types of polysaccharides (i. e. pectin, hemicellulose, and cellulose), and represents as an ideal model system for plant cell wall research. A large number of genes responsible for the synthesis and modification of cell wall polysaccharides have been identified using this model system. Moreover, a subset of regulators controlling mucilage production and modification have been characterized, and the underlying transcriptional regulatory mechanisms have been elucidated. This substantially contributes to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying mucilage synthesis and modification. In this review, we concisely summarize the various genes and regulators involved in seed coat cell differentiation, mucilage biosynthesis and modification, and secondary cell wall formation. In particular, we put emphasis on the latest knowledge gained regarding the transcriptional regulation of mucilage production, which is composed of a hierarchal cascade with three-layer transcriptional regulators. Collectively, we propose an updated schematic framework of the genetic regulatory network controlling mucilage production and modification in the Arabidopsis mucilage secretory cells.

The Genetic Control of SEEDSTICK and LEUNIG-HOMOLOG in Seed and Fruit Development: New Insights into Cell Wall Control

Although much is known about seed and fruit development at the molecular level, many gaps remain in our understanding of how cell wall modifications can impact developmental processes in plants, as well as how biomechanical alterations influence seed and fruit growth. Mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana constitute an excellent tool to study the function of gene families devoted to cell wall biogenesis. We have characterized a collection of lines carrying mutations in representative cell wall-related genes for seed and fruit size developmental defects, as well as altered germination rates. We have linked these studies to cell wall composition and structure. Interestingly, we have found that disruption of genes involved in pectin maturation and hemicellulose deposition strongly influence germination dynamics. Finally, we focused on two transcriptional regulators, SEEDSTICK (STK) and LEUNIG-HOMOLOG (LUH), which positively regulate seed growth. Herein, we demonstrate that these factors regulate specific aspects of cell wall properties such as pectin distribution. We propose a model wherein changes in seed coat structure due to alterations in the xyloglucan-cellulose matrix deposition and pectin maturation are critical for organ growth and germination. The results demonstrate the importance of cell wall properties and remodeling of polysaccharides as major factors responsible for seed development.

The evolving views of the simplest pectic polysaccharides: homogalacturonan

Pectin is an important component of cell wall polysaccharides and is important for normal plant growth and development. As a major component of pectin in the primary cell wall, homogalacturonan (HG) is a long-chain macromolecular polysaccharide composed of repeated α-1,4-D-GalA sugar units. At the same time, HG is synthesized in the Golgi apparatus in the form of methyl esterification and acetylation. It is then secreted into the plasmodesmata, where it is usually demethylated by pectin methyl esterase (PME) and deacetylated by pectin acetylase (PAE). The synthesis and modification of HG are involved in polysaccharide metabolism in the cell wall, which affects the structure and function of the cell wall and plays an important role in plant growth and development. This paper mainly summarizes the recent research on the biosynthesis, modification and the roles of HG in plant cell wall.

ERF4 and MYB52 transcription factors play antagonistic roles in regulating homogalacturonan de-methylesterification in Arabidopsis seed coat mucilage

Homogalacturonan (HG), a component of pectin, is synthesized in the Golgi apparatus in its fully methylesterified form. It is then secreted into the apoplast where it is typically de-methylesterified by pectin methylesterases (PME). Secretion and de-esterification are critical for normal pectin function, yet the underlying transcriptional regulation mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we uncovered a mechanism that fine-tunes the degree of HG de-methylesterification (DM) in the mucilage that surrounds Arabidopsis thaliana seeds. We demonstrate that the APETALA2/ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR (AP2/ERF) transcription factor (TF) ERF4 is a transcriptional repressor that positively regulates HG DM. ERF4 expression is confined to epidermal cells in the early stages of seed coat development. The adhesiveness of the erf4 mutant mucilage was decreased as a result of an increased DM caused by a decrease in PME activity. Molecular and genetic analyses revealed that ERF4 positively regulates HG DM by suppressing the expression of three PME INHIBITOR genes (PMEIs) and SUBTILISIN-LIKE SERINE PROTEASE 1.7 (SBT1.7). ERF4 shares common targets with the TF MYB52, which also regulates pectin DM. Nevertheless, the erf4-2 myb52 double mutant seeds have a wild-type mucilage phenotype. We provide evidence that ERF4 and MYB52 regulate downstream gene expression in an opposite manner by antagonizing each other's DNA-binding ability through a physical interaction. Together, our findings reveal that pectin DM in the seed coat is fine-tuned by an ERF4-MYB52 transcriptional complex.

Seed coat mucilages: Structural, functional/bioactive properties, and genetic information

Seed coat mucilages are mainly polysaccharides covering the outer layer of the seeds to facilitate seed hydration and germination, thereby improving seedling emergence and reducing seedling mortality. Four types of polysaccharides are found in mucilages including xylan, pectin, glucomannan, and cellulose. Recently, mucilages from flaxseed, yellow mustard seed, chia seed, and so on, have been used extensively in the areas of food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics contributing to stability, texture, and appearance. This review, for the first time, addresses the similarities and differences in physicochemical properties, molecular structure, and functional/bioactive properties of mucilages among different sources; highlights their structure and function relationships; and systematically summarizes the related genetic information, aiming with the intent to explore the potential functions thereby extending their future industrial applications.

Transport of UDP-rhamnose by URGT2, URGT4, and URGT6 modulates rhamnogalacturonan-I length

Rhamnogalacturonan-I biosynthesis occurs in the lumen of the Golgi apparatus, a compartment where UDP-Rhamnose and UDP-Galacturonic Acid are the main substrates for synthesis of the backbone polymer of pectin. Recent studies showed that UDP-Rha is transported from the cytosol into the Golgi apparatus by a family of six UDP-rhamnose/UDP-galactose transporters (URGT1-6). In this study, analysis of adherent and soluble mucilage (SM) of Arabidopsis thaliana seeds revealed distinct roles of URGT2, URGT4, and URGT6 in mucilage biosynthesis. Characterization of SM polymer size showed shorter chains in the urgt2 urgt4 and urgt2 urgt4 urgt6 mutants, suggesting that URGT2 and URGT4 are mainly involved in Rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) elongation. Meanwhile, mutants in urgt6 exhibited changes only in adherent mucilage (AM). Surprisingly, the estimated number of RG-I polymer chains present in urgt2 urgt4 and urgt2 urgt4 urgt6 mutants was higher than in wild-type. Interestingly, the increased number of shorter RG-I chains was accompanied by an increased amount of xylan. In the urgt mutants, expression analysis of other genes involved in mucilage biosynthesis showed some compensation. Studies of mutants of transcription factors regulating mucilage formation indicated that URGT2, URGT4, and URGT6 are likely part of a gene network controlled by these regulators and involved in RG-I synthesis. These results suggest that URGT2, URGT4, and URGT6 play different roles in the biosynthesis of mucilage, and the lack of all three affects the production of shorter RG-I polymers and longer xylan domains.

The novel features of Plantago ovata seed mucilage accumulation, storage and release

Seed mucilage polysaccharide production, storage and release in Plantagoovata is strikingly different to that of the model plant Arabidopsis. We have used microscopy techniques to track the development of mucilage secretory cells and demonstrate that mature P.ovata seeds do not have an outer intact cell layer within which the polysaccharides surround internal columellae. Instead, dehydrated mucilage is spread in a thin homogenous layer over the entire seed surface and upon wetting expands directly outwards, away from the seed. Observing mucilage expansion in real time combined with compositional analysis allowed mucilage layer definition and the roles they play in mucilage release and architecture upon hydration to be explored. The first emergent layer of hydrated mucilage is rich in pectin, extremely hydrophilic, and forms an expansion front that functions to ‘jumpstart’ hydration and swelling of the second layer. This next layer, comprising the bulk of the expanded seed mucilage, is predominantly composed of heteroxylan and appears to provide much of the structural integrity. Our results indicate that the synthesis, deposition, desiccation, and final storage position of mucilage polysaccharides must be carefully orchestrated, although many of these processes are not yet fully defined and vary widely between myxospermous plant species.

MYB-bHLH-TTG1 Regulates Arabidopsis Seed Coat Biosynthesis Pathways Directly and Indirectly via Multiple Tiers of Transcription Factors

MYB-bHLH-WDR (MBW) transcription factor (TF) complexes regulate Arabidopsis seed coat development including mucilage and tannin biosynthesis. The R2R3 MYBs MYB5, MYB23 and TRANSPARENT TESTA2 (TT2) participate in the MBW complexes with the WD-repeat protein TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA1 (TTG1). These complexes regulate GLABRA2 (GL2) and TTG2 expression in developing seeds. Microarray transcriptome analysis of ttg1-1- and wild-type (Ler) developing seeds identified 246 TTG1-regulated genes, which include all known metabolic genes of the tannin biosynthetic pathway. The first detailed TTG1-dependent metabolic pathways could be proposed for the biosynthesis of mucilage, jasmonic acid (JA) and cuticle including wax ester in developing seeds. We also assigned many known and previously uncharacterized genes to the activation/inactivation of hormones, plant immunity and nutrient transport. The promoters of six cuticle pathway genes were active in developing seeds. Expression of 11 genes was determined in the developing seeds of the combinatorial mutants of MYB5, MYB23 and TT2, and in the combinatorial mutants of GL2, HOMEODOMAIN GLABROUS2 (HDG2) and TTG2. These six TFs positively co-regulated the expression of four repressor genes while three of the six TFs repressed the wax biosynthesis genes examined, suggesting that the three TFs upregulate the expression of these repressor genes, which, in turn, repress the wax biosynthesis genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis identified 21 genes directly regulated by MYB5 including GL2, HDG2, TTG2, four repressor genes and various metabolic genes. We propose a multi-tiered regulatory mechanism by which MBWs regulate tannin, mucilage, JA and cuticle biosynthetic pathways.

LEUNIG_HOMOLOG Mediates MYC2-Dependent Transcriptional Activation in Cooperation with the Coactivators HAC1 and MED25

Groucho/Thymidine uptake 1 (Gro/Tup1) family proteins are evolutionarily conserved transcriptional coregulators in eukaryotic cells. Despite their prominent function in transcriptional repression, little is known about their role in transcriptional activation and the underlying mechanism. Here, we report that the plant Gro/Tup1 family protein LEUNIG_HOMOLOG (LUH) activates MYELOCYTOMATOSIS2 (MYC2)-directed transcription of JAZ2 and LOX2 via the Mediator complex coactivator and the histone acetyltransferase HAC1. We show that the Mediator subunit MED25 physically recruits LUH to MYC2 target promoters that then links MYC2 with HAC1-dependent acetylation of Lys-9 of histone H3 (H3K9ac) to activate JAZ2 and LOX2 Moreover, LUH promotes hormone-dependent enhancement of protein interactions between MYC2 and its coactivators MED25 and HAC1. Our results demonstrate that LUH interacts with MED25 and HAC1 through its distinct domains, thus imposing a selective advantage by acting as a scaffold for MYC2 activation. Therefore, the function of LUH in regulating jasmonate signaling is distinct from the function of TOPLESS, another member of the Gro/Tup1 family that represses MYC2-dependent gene expression in the resting stage.

Cytological Approaches Combined With Chemical Analysis Reveals the Layered Nature of Flax Mucilage

The external seed coat cell layer of certain species is specialized in the production and extrusion of a polysaccharide matrix called mucilage. Variations in the content of the released mucilage have been mainly associated with genetically regulated physiological modifications. Understanding the mucilage extrusion process in crop species is of importance to gain deeper insight into the complex cell wall biosynthesis and dynamics. In this study, we took advantage of the varying polysaccharide composition and the size of the flax mucilage secretory cells (MSCs) to study mucilage composition and extrusion in this species of agricultural interest. We demonstrate herein that flax MSCs are structured in four superimposed layers and that rhamnogalacturonans I (RG I) are firstly synthesized, in the upper face, preceding arabinoxylan and glucan synthesis in MSC lower layers. Our results also reveal that the flax mucilage release originates from inside MSC, between the upper and deeper layers, the latter collaborating to trigger polysaccharide expansion, radial cell wall breaking and mucilage extrusion in a peeling fashion. Here, we provide evidence that the layer organization and polysaccharide composition of the MSCs regulate the mucilage release efficiency like a peeling mechanism. Finally, we propose that flax MSCs may represent an excellent model for further investigations of mucilage biosynthesis and its release.

Tubby-like Protein 2 regulates homogalacturonan biosynthesis in Arabidopsis seed coat mucilage

A possible transcription factor TLP2 was identified to be involved in the regulation of HG biosynthesis in Arabidopsis seed mucilage. TLP2 can translocate into nucleus from plasma membrane by interacting with NF-YC3. The discovery of TLP2 gene function can further fulfill the regulatory network of pectin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana. Arabidopsis seed coat mucilage is an excellent model system to study the biosynthesis, function and regulation of pectin. Rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) and homogalacturonan (HG) are the major polysaccharides constituent of the Arabidopsis seed coat mucilage. Here, we identified a Tubby-like gene, Tubby-like protein 2 (TLP2), which was up-regulated in developing siliques when mucilage began to be produced. Ruthenium red (RR) staining of the seeds showed defective mucilage of tlp2-1 mutant after vigorous shaking compared to wild type (WT). Monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that the amount of total sugars and galacturonic acid (GalA) decreased significantly in the adherent mucilage (AM) of tlp2-1 mutant. Immunolabelling and dot immunoblotting analysis showed that unesterified HG decreased in the tlp2-1 mutant. Furthermore, TLP2 can translocate into nucleus by interacting with Nuclear Factor Y subunit C3 (NF-YC3) to function as a transcription factor. RNA-sequence and transactivation assays revealed that TLP2 could activate UDP-glucose 4-epimerase 1 (UGE1). In all, it is concluded that TLP2 could regulate the biosynthesis of HG possibly through the positive activation of UGE1.

MuSeeQ, a novel supervised image analysis tool for the simultaneous phenotyping of the soluble mucilage and seed morphometric parameters

BACKGROUND

The mucilage is a model to study the polysaccharide biosynthesis since it is produced in large amounts and composed of complex polymers. In addition, it is of great economic interest for its technical and nutritional value. A fast method for phenotyping the released mucilage and the seed morphometric parameters will be useful for fundamental, food, pharmaceutical and breeding researches. Current strategies to phenotype soluble mucilage are restricted to visual evaluations or are highly time-consuming.

RESULTS

Here, we developed a high-throughput phenotyping method for the simultaneous measurement of the soluble mucilage content released on a gel and the seed morphometric parameters. Within this context, we combined a biochemical assay and an open-source computer-aided image analysis tool, MuSeeQ. The biochemical assay consists in sowing seeds on an agarose medium containing the dye toluidine blue O, which specifically stains the mucilage once it is released on the gel. The second part of MuSeeQ is a macro developed in ImageJ allowing to quickly extract and analyse 11 morphometric data of seeds and their respective released mucilages. As an example, MuSeeQ was applied on a flax recombinant inbred lines population (previously screened for fatty acids content.) and revealed significant correlations between the soluble mucilage shape and the concentration of some fatty acids, e.g. C16:0 and C18:2. Other fatty acids were also found to correlate with the seed shape parameters, e.g. C18:0 and C18:2. MuSeeQ was then showed to be used for the analysis of other myxospermous species, including Arabidopsis thaliana and Camelina sativa.

CONCLUSIONS

MuSeeQ is a low-cost and user-friendly method which may be used by breeders and researchers for phenotyping simultaneously seeds of specific cultivars, natural variants or mutants and their respective soluble mucilage area released on a gel. The script of MuSeeQ and video tutorials are freely available at http://MuSeeQ.free.fr.

Genome-wide identification, phylogeny analysis, expression profiling, and determination of protein-protein interactions of the LEUNIG gene family members in tomato

Members of the LEUNIG gene family have recently emerged as key players in gene repression, affecting several developmental mechanisms in plants, especially flower development. LEUNIG proteins function via recruiting adaptor SEUSS proteins. Nevertheless, no systematic studies on the LEUNIG and SEUSS gene families have been undertaken in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum, a fleshy fruit-bearing model plant, belonging to the Solanaceae family). Here, we present the results of a genome-wide analysis of tomato LEUNIG and SEUSS genes. In our study, we identified three SlLUG and four SlSEU genes. All three SlLUG full-length proteins contained the LEUNIG canonical domains (LUFS and two WD40 repeats), and the four full-length SlSEU genes contained the Lim-binding domain. All the members of the SlLUG and SlSEU family proteins were localized to the nucleus. All the SlSEU and SlLUG genes were detected in the tomato tissues tested. Expression analysis showed that the SlLUGs and SlSEUs exhibited tissue-specific expression, and that they responded to exogenous plant hormone and stress treatment. Protein-protein interaction analysis showed that only SlLUGs, but not SlSEUs, interacted with SlYABBY. Only a weak interaction between SlLUG1 and SlSEU3 was observed among all the SlLUG and SlSEU proteins. Taken together, these findings may help elucidate the roles played by SlLUG and SlSEU family members in plant growth and development.

Layers of regulation - Insights into the role of transcription factors controlling mucilage production in the Arabidopsis seed coat

A polysaccharide-rich mucilage is released from the seed coat epidermis of numerous plant species and has been intensively studied in the model plant Arabidopsis. This has led to the identification of a large number of genes involved in the synthesis, secretion and modification of cell wall polysaccharides such as pectin, hemicellulose and cellulose being identified. These genes include a small network of transcription factors (TFs) and transcriptional co-regulators, that not only regulate mucilage production, but epidermal cell differentiation and in some cases flavonoid biosynthesis in the internal endothelial layer of the seed coat. Here we focus on the function of these regulators and propose a simplified model where they are assigned to a hierarchical gene network with three regulatory levels (tiers) as a means of assisting in the interpretation of the complexity. We discuss limitations of current methodologies and highlight some of the problems associated with defining the function of TFs, particularly those that perform different functions in adjacent layers of the seed coat. We suggest approaches that should provide a more accurate picture of the function of transcription factors involved with mucilage production and release.

MYB52 Negatively Regulates Pectin Demethylesterification in Seed Coat Mucilage

Pectin, which is a major component of the plant primary cell walls, is synthesized and methyl-esterified in the Golgi apparatus and then demethylesterified by pectin methylesterases (PMEs) located in the cell wall. The degree of methylesterification affects the functional properties of pectin, and thereby influences plant growth, development and defense. However, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate pectin demethylesterification. Here, we show that in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seed coat mucilage, the absence of the MYB52 transcription factor is correlated with an increase in PME activity and a decrease in the degree of pectin methylesterification. Decreased methylesterification in the myb52 mutant is also correlated with an increase in the calcium content of the seed mucilage. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis and molecular genetic studies suggest that MYB52 transcriptionally activates PECTIN METHYLESTERASE INHIBITOR6 (PMEI6), PMEI14, and SUBTILISIN-LIKE SER PROTEASE1.7 (SBT1.7) by binding to their promoters. PMEI6 and SBT1.7 have previously been shown to be involved in seed coat mucilage demethylesterification. Our characterization of two PMEI14 mutants suggests that PMEI14 has a role in seed coat mucilage demethylesterification, although its activity may be confined to the seed coat in contrast to PMEI6, which functions in the whole seed. Our demonstration that MYB52 negatively regulates pectin demethylesterification in seed coat mucilage, and the identification of components of the molecular network involved, provides new insight into the regulatory mechanism controlling pectin demethylesterification and increases our understanding of the transcriptional regulation network involved in seed coat mucilage formation.

Cell wall biomechanics: a tractable challenge in manipulating plant cell walls 'fit for purpose'!

The complexity and recalcitrance of plant cell walls has contributed to the success of plants colonising land. Conversely, these attributes have also impeded progress in understanding the roles of walls in controlling and directing developmental processes during plant growth and also in unlocking their potential for biotechnological innovation. Recent technological advances have enabled the probing of how primary wall structures and molecular interactions of polysaccharides define their biomechanical (and hence functional) properties. The outputs have led to a new paradigm that places greater emphasis on understanding how the wall, as a biomechanical construct and cell surface sensor, modulates both plant growth and material properties. Armed with this knowledge, we are gaining the capacity to design walls 'fit for (biotechnological) purpose'!

LEUNIG_HOMOLOG transcriptional co-repressor mediates aluminium sensitivity through PECTIN METHYLESTERASE46-modulated root cell wall pectin methylesterification in Arabidopsis

A major factor determining aluminium (Al) sensitivity in higher plants is the binding of Al to root cell walls. The Al binding capacity of cell walls is closely linked to the extent of pectin methylesterification, as the presence of methyl groups attached to the pectin backbone reduces the net negative charge of this polymer and hence limits Al binding. Despite recent progress in understanding the molecular basis of Al resistance in a wide range of plants, it is not well understood how the methylation status of pectin is mediated in response to Al stress. Here we show in Arabidopsis that mutants lacking the gene LEUNIG_HOMOLOG (LUH), a member of the Groucho-like family of transcriptional co-repressor, are less sensitive to Al-mediated repression of root growth. This phenotype is correlated with increased levels of methylated pectin in the cell walls of luh roots as well as altered expression of cell wall-related genes. Among the LUH-repressed genes, PECTIN METHYLESTERASE46 (PME46) was identified as reducing Al binding to cell walls and hence alleviating Al-induced root growth inhibition by decreasing PME enzyme activity. seuss-like2 (slk2) mutants responded to Al in a similar way as luh mutants suggesting that a LUH-SLK2 complex represses the expression of PME46. The data are integrated into a model in which it is proposed that PME46 is a major inhibitor of pectin methylesterase activity within root cell walls.

An Evolutionary Framework for Carpel Developmental Control Genes

Carpels are the female reproductive organs of flowering plants (angiosperms), enclose the ovules, and develop into fruits. The presence of carpels unites angiosperms, and they are suggested to be the most important autapomorphy of the angiosperms, e.g., they prevent inbreeding and allow efficient seed dispersal. Many transcriptional regulators and coregulators essential for carpel development are encoded by diverse gene families and well characterized in Arabidopsis thaliana. Among these regulators are AGAMOUS (AG), ETTIN (ETT), LEUNIG (LUG), SEUSS (SEU), SHORT INTERNODE/STYLISH (SHI/STY), and SEPALLATA1, 2, 3, 4 (SEP1, 2, 3, 4). However, the timing of the origin and their subsequent molecular evolution of these carpel developmental regulators are largely unknown. Here, we have sampled homologs of these carpel developmental regulators from the sequenced genomes of a wide taxonomic sampling of the land plants, such as Physcomitrella patens, Selaginella moellendorfii, Picea abies, and several angiosperms. Careful phylogenetic analyses were carried out that provide a phylogenetic background for the different gene families and provide minimal estimates for the ages of these developmental regulators. Our analyses and published work show that LUG-, SEU-, and SHI/STY-like genes were already present in the Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA) of all land plants, AG- and SEP-like genes were present in the MRCA of seed plants and their origin may coincide with the ξ Whole Genome Duplication. Our work shows that the carpel development regulatory network was, in part, recruited from preexisting network components that were present in the MRCA of angiosperms and modified to regulate gynoecium development.

Effective extraction of Arabidopsis adherent seed mucilage by ultrasonic treatment

The Arabidopsis seed coat is composed of two layers of mucilage, a water-soluble non-adherent outer layer and an adherent inner layer. The non-adherent mucilage can easily be extracted by gentle shaking. However, adherent mucilage is extremely difficult to dissociate from the seed coat. Despite various treatments to extract the adherent mucilage, including EDTA, ammonium oxalate, dilute alkali or acid washes, most of it remains on the seed coat. Here, we show for the first time the extraction of almost all of the adherent mucilage from the Arabidopsis seed coat. Our results demonstrate that ultrasonic treatment was able to extract the adherent mucilage effectively within 20 seconds. Adherent mucilage, like non-adherent mucilage, is mainly composed of rhamnogalacturonan I (RG I). The crystalline cellulose content in adherent mucilage was measured as 3.7 mg g⁻¹ of dry seed. Compared with non-adherent mucilage, the adherent mucilage exhibits relatively stable levels of sugar under various environmental conditions. In all cases, adherent mucilage showed higher levels of sugar than non-adherent mucilage. The cell wall remnant could associate with the adherent mucilage, which could prevent the extraction of the adherent mucilage. Our results show that ultrasonic treatment is an effective method for the quick extraction of Arabidopsis adherent mucilage with little effort.

Irregular xylem 7 (IRX7) is required for anchoring seed coat mucilage in Arabidopsis

Large quantities of mucilage are synthesized in seed coat epidermis cells during seed coat differentiation. This process is an ideal model system for the study of plant cell wall biosynthesis and modifications. In this study, we show that mutation in Irregular Xylem 7 (IRX7) results in a defect in mucilage adherence due to reduced xylan biosynthesis. IRX7 was expressed in the seeds from 4 days post-anthesis (DPA) to 13 DPA, with the peak of expression at 13 DPA. The seed coat epidermis cells of irx7 displayed no aberrant morphology during differentiation, and these cells synthesized and deposited the same amount of mucilage as did wild type (WT) cells. However, the distribution of the water-soluble vs. adherent mucilage layers was significantly altered in irx7 compared to the WT. Both the amount of xylose and the extent of glycosyl linkages of xylan was dramatically decreased in irx7 water-soluble and adherent mucilage compared to the WT. The polymeric structure of water-soluble mucilage was altered in irx7, with a total loss of the higher molecular weight polymer components present in the WT. Correspondingly, whole-seed immunolabeling assays and dot-immunoassays of extracted mucilage indicated dramatic changes in rhamnogalacturonan I (RG I) and xylan epitopes in irx7 mucilage. Furthermore, the crystalline cellulose content was significantly reduced in irx7 mucilage. Taken together, these results indicate that xylan synthesized by IRX7 plays an essential role in maintaining the adhesive property of seed coat mucilage, and its structural role is potentially implemented through its interaction with cellulose.

Xylans Provide the Structural Driving Force for Mucilage Adhesion to the Arabidopsis Seed Coat

Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seed coat epidermal cells produce large amounts of mucilage that is released upon imbibition. This mucilage is structured into two domains: an outer diffuse layer that can be easily removed by agitation and an inner layer that remains attached to the outer seed coat. Both layers are composed primarily of pectic rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I), the inner layer also containing rays of cellulose that extend from the top of each columella. Perturbation in cellulosic ray formation has systematically been associated with a redistribution of pectic mucilage from the inner to the outer layer, in agreement with cellulose-pectin interactions, the nature of which remained unknown. Here, by analyzing the outer layer composition of a series of mutant alleles, a tight proportionality of xylose, galacturonic acid, and rhamnose was evidenced, except for mucilage modified5-1 (mum5-1; a mutant showing a redistribution of mucilage pectin from the inner adherent layer to the outer soluble one), for which the rhamnose-xylose ratio was increased drastically. Biochemical and in vitro binding assay data demonstrated that xylan chains are attached to RG-I chains and mediate the adsorption of mucilage to cellulose microfibrils. mum5-1 mucilage exhibited very weak adsorption to cellulose. MUM5 was identified as a putative xylosyl transferase recently characterized as MUCI21. Together, these findings suggest that the binding affinity of xylose ramifications on RG-I to a cellulose scaffold is one of the factors involved in the formation of the adherent mucilage layer.

Xylan synthesized by Irregular Xylem 14 (IRX14) maintains the structure of seed coat mucilage in Arabidopsis

During differentiation, the Arabidopsis seed coat epidermal cells synthesize and secrete large quantities of pectinaceous mucilage into the apoplast, which is then released to encapsulate the seed upon imbibition. In this study, we showed that mutation in Irregular Xylem 14 (IRX14) led to a mucilage cohesiveness defect due to a reduced xylan content. Expression of IRX14 was detected specifically in the seed coat epidermal cells, reaching peak expression at 13 days post-anthesis (DPA) when the accumulation of mucilage polysaccharides has ceased. Sectioning of the irx14-1 seed coat revealed no visible structural change in mucilage secretory cell morphology. Although the total amount of mucilage was comparable with the wild type (WT), the partition between water-soluble and adherent layers was significantly altered in irx14-1, with redistribution from the adherent layer to the water-soluble layer. The monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that xylose content was significantly reduced in irx14-1 water-soluble and adherent mucilage compared with the WT. The macromolecular characteristics of the water-soluble mucilage were modified in irx14-1 with a loss of the larger polymeric components. In accordance, glycome profiling and dot immunoblotting of seed mucilage using antibodies specific for rhamnogalacturonan I (RG I) and xylan confirmed the ultra-structural alterations in the irx14-1 mucilage. Meanwhile, the crystalline cellulose content was reduced in the irx14-1 mucilage. These results demonstrated that IRX14 was required for the biosynthesis of seed mucilage xylan, which plays an essential role in maintaining mucilage architecture potentially through altering the crystallization and organization of cellulose.

Highly Branched Xylan Made by IRREGULAR XYLEM14 and MUCILAGE-RELATED21 Links Mucilage to Arabidopsis Seeds

All cells of terrestrial plants are fortified by walls composed of crystalline cellulose microfibrils and a variety of matrix polymers. Xylans are the second most abundant type of polysaccharides on Earth. Previous studies of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) irregular xylem (irx) mutants, with collapsed xylem vessels and dwarfed stature, highlighted the importance of this cell wall component and revealed multiple players required for its synthesis. Nevertheless, xylan elongation and substitution are complex processes that remain poorly understood. Recently, seed coat epidermal cells were shown to provide an excellent system for deciphering hemicellulose production. Using a coexpression and sequence-based strategy, we predicted several MUCILAGE-RELATED (MUCI) genes that encode glycosyltransferases (GTs) involved in the production of xylan. We now show that MUCI21, a member of an uncharacterized clade of the GT61 family, and IRX14 (GT43 protein) are essential for the synthesis of highly branched xylan in seed coat epidermal cells. Our results reveal that xylan is the most abundant xylose-rich component in Arabidopsis seed mucilage and is required to maintain its architecture. Characterization of muci21 and irx14 single and double mutants indicates that MUCI21 is a Golgi-localized protein that likely facilitates the addition of xylose residues directly to the xylan backbone. These unique branches seem to be necessary for pectin attachment to the seed surface, while the xylan backbone maintains cellulose distribution. Evaluation of muci21 and irx14 alongside mutants that disrupt other wall components suggests that mucilage adherence is maintained by complex interactions between several polymers: cellulose, xylans, pectins, and glycoproteins.

The Transcriptional Coregulator LEUNIG_HOMOLOG Inhibits Light-Dependent Seed Germination in Arabidopsis

PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR1 (PIF1) is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that inhibits light-dependent seed germination in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, it remains unclear whether PIF1 requires other factors to regulate its direct targets. Here, we demonstrate that LEUNIG_HOMOLOG (LUH), a Groucho family transcriptional corepressor, binds to PIF1 and coregulates its targets. Not only are the transcriptional profiles of the luh and pif1 mutants remarkably similar, more than 80% of the seeds of both genotypes germinate in the dark. We show by chromatin immunoprecipitation that LUH binds a subset of PIF1 targets in a partially PIF1-dependent manner. Unexpectedly, we found LUH binds and coregulates not only PIF1-activated targets but also PIF1-repressed targets. Together, our results indicate LUH functions with PIF1 as a transcriptional coregulator to inhibit seed germination.

Arabidopsis seed mucilage secretory cells: regulation and dynamics

Seeds from various angiosperm species produce polysaccharide mucilage facilitating germination and, therefore, conferring major evolutionary advantages. The seed epidermal mucilage secretory cells (MSCs) undergo numerous tightly controlled changes of their extracellular matrixes (ECMs) throughout seed development. Recently, major progress based on the model species Arabidopsis thaliana was published, including the identification of 54 genes necessary for mucilage synthesis and release. Here, we review these genes that constitute the so-called 'MSC toolbox', within which transcription factors and proteins related to polysaccharide production, secretion, modification, and stabilization are the most abundant and belong to complex regulatory networks. We also discuss how seed coat 'omics data-mining, comparative genomics, and operon-like gene cluster studies will provide means to identify new members of the MSC toolbox.

Starting to gel: how Arabidopsis seed coat epidermal cells produce specialized secondary cell walls

For more than a decade, the Arabidopsis seed coat epidermis (SCE) has been used as a model system to study the synthesis, secretion and modification of cell wall polysaccharides, particularly pectin. Our detailed re-evaluation of available biochemical data highlights that Arabidopsis seed mucilage is more than just pectin. Typical secondary wall polymers such as xylans and heteromannans are also present in mucilage. Despite their low abundance, these components appear to play essential roles in controlling mucilage properties, and should be further investigated. We also provide a comprehensive community resource by re-assessing the mucilage phenotypes of almost 20 mutants using the same conditions. We conduct an in-depth functional evaluation of all the SCE genes described in the literature and propose a revised model for mucilage production. Further investigation of SCE cells will improve our understanding of plant cell walls.

PECTIN METHYLESTERASE48 is involved in Arabidopsis pollen grain germination

Germination of pollen grains is a crucial step in plant reproduction. However, the molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. We investigated the role of PECTIN METHYLESTERASE48 (PME48), an enzyme implicated in the remodeling of pectins in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) pollen. A combination of functional genomics, gene expression, in vivo and in vitro pollen germination, immunolabeling, and biochemical analyses was used on wild-type and Atpme48 mutant plants. We showed that AtPME48 is specifically expressed in the male gametophyte and is the second most expressed PME in dry and imbibed pollen grains. Pollen grains from homozygous mutant lines displayed a significant delay in imbibition and germination in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, numerous pollen grains showed two tips emerging instead of one in the wild type. Immunolabeling and Fourier transform infrared analyses showed that the degree of methylesterification of the homogalacturonan was higher in pme48-/- pollen grains. In contrast, the PME activity was lower in pme48-/-, partly due to a reduction of PME48 activity revealed by zymogram. Interestingly, the wild-type phenotype was restored in pme48-/- with the optimum germination medium supplemented with 2.5 mm calcium chloride, suggesting that in the wild-type pollen, the weakly methylesterified homogalacturonan is a source of Ca(2+) necessary for pollen germination. Although pollen-specific PMEs are traditionally associated with pollen tube elongation, this study provides strong evidence that PME48 impacts the mechanical properties of the intine wall during maturation of the pollen grain, which, in turn, influences pollen grain germination.

Understanding polysaccharide production and properties using seed coat mutants: future perspectives for the exploitation of natural variants

BACKGROUND

The epidermal cells of the seed coat of certain species accumulate polysaccharides during seed development for cell wall reinforcement or release on imbibition to form mucilage. Seed-coat epidermal cells show natural variation in their structure and mucilage production, which could explain the diverse ecophysiological roles proposed for the latter. Arabidopsis mucilage mutants have proved to be an important tool for the identification of genes involved in the production of seed-coat polysaccharides.

SCOPE

This review documents genes that have been characterized as playing a role in the differentiation of the epidermal cells of the arabidopsis seed coat, the natural variability in polysaccharide features of these cells and the physiological roles attributed to seed mucilage.

CONCLUSIONS

Seed-coat epidermal cells are an excellent model for the study of polysaccharide metabolism and properties. Intra- and interspecies natural variation in the differentiation of these epidermal cells is an under-exploited resource for such studies and promises to play an important part in improving our knowledge of polysaccharide production and ecophysiological function.

CELLULOSE SYNTHASE-LIKE A2, a glucomannan synthase, is involved in maintaining adherent mucilage structure in Arabidopsis seed

Mannans are hemicellulosic polysaccharides that are considered to have both structural and storage functions in the plant cell wall. However, it is not yet known how mannans function in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seed mucilage. In this study, CELLULOSE SYNTHASE-LIKE A2 (CSLA2; At5g22740) expression was observed in several seed tissues, including the epidermal cells of developing seed coats. Disruption of CSLA2 resulted in thinner adherent mucilage halos, although the total amount of the adherent mucilage did not change compared with the wild type. This suggested that the adherent mucilage in the mutant was more compact compared with that of the wild type. In accordance with the role of CSLA2 in glucomannan synthesis, csla2-1 mucilage contained 30% less mannosyl and glucosyl content than did the wild type. No appreciable changes in the composition, structure, or macromolecular properties were observed for nonmannan polysaccharides in mutant mucilage. Biochemical analysis revealed that cellulose crystallinity was substantially reduced in csla2-1 mucilage; this was supported by the removal of most mucilage cellulose through treatment of csla2-1 seeds with endo-β-glucanase. Mutation in CSLA2 also resulted in altered spatial distribution of cellulose and an absence of birefringent cellulose microfibrils within the adherent mucilage. As with the observed changes in crystalline cellulose, the spatial distribution of pectin was also modified in csla2-1 mucilage. Taken together, our results demonstrate that glucomannans synthesized by CSLA2 are involved in modulating the structure of adherent mucilage, potentially through altering cellulose organization and crystallization.

Local evolution of seed flotation in Arabidopsis

Arabidopsis seeds rapidly release hydrophilic polysaccharides from the seed coat on imbibition. These form a heavy mucilage layer around the seed that makes it sink in water. Fourteen natural Arabidopsis variants from central Asia and Scandinavia were identified with seeds that have modified mucilage release and float. Four of these have a novel mucilage phenotype with almost none of the released mucilage adhering to the seed and the absence of cellulose microfibrils. Mucilage release was modified in the variants by ten independent causal mutations in four different loci. Seven distinct mutations affected one locus, coding the MUM2 β-D-galactosidase, and represent a striking example of allelic heterogeneity. The modification of mucilage release has thus evolved a number of times independently in two restricted geographical zones. All the natural mutants identified still accumulated mucilage polysaccharides in seed coat epidermal cells. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry their production and retention was shown to reduce water mobility into internal seed tissues during imbibition, which would help to maintain seed buoyancy. Surprisingly, despite released mucilage being an excellent hydrogel it did not increase the rate of water uptake by internal seed tissues and is more likely to play a role in retaining water around the seed.

Involvement of co-repressor LUH and the adapter proteins SLK1 and SLK2 in the regulation of abiotic stress response genes in Arabidopsis

BACKGROUND

During abiotic stress many genes that are important for growth and adaptation to stress are expressed at elevated levels. However, the mechanisms that keep the stress responsive genes from expressing under non stress conditions remain elusive. Recent genetic characterization of the co-repressor LEUNIG_HOMOLOG (LUH) and transcriptional adaptor proteins SEUSS-LIKE1 (SLK1) and SLK2 have been proposed to function redundantly in diverse developmental processes; however their function in the abiotic stress response is unknown. Moreover, the molecular functions of LUH, SLK1 and SLK2 remain obscure. Here, we show the molecular function of LUH, SLK1 and SLK2 and the role of this complex in the abiotic stress response.

RESULTS

The luh, slk1 and slk2 mutant plants shows enhanced tolerance to salt and osmotic stress conditions. SLK1 and SLK2 interact physically with the LUFS domain in LUH forming SLK1-LUH and SLK2-LUH co-repressor complexes to inhibit the transcription. LUH has repressor activity, whereas SLK1 and SLK2 function as adaptors to recruit LUH, which in turn recruits histone deacetylase to the target sequences to repress transcription. The stress response genes RD20, MYB2 and NAC019 are expressed at elevated levels in the luh, slk1 and slk2 mutant plants. Furthermore, these stress response genes are associated with decreased nucleosome density and increased acetylation levels at H3K9 and H3K14 in the luh, slk1 and slk2 mutant plants.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that SLK1, SLK2 and LUH form a co-repressor complex. LUH represses by means of an epigenetic process involving histone modification to facilitate the condensation of chromatin thus preventing transcription at the target genes.

Expression of PRX36, PMEI6 and SBT1.7 is controlled by complex transcription factor regulatory networks for proper seed coat mucilage extrusion

Mucilage secretory cells (MSC) form an intriguing cell layer important for seed germination. In Arabidopsis thaliana, several master transcription factors (TFs) and "actor" proteins have already been identified as key players for seed coat differentiation including epidermal cell formation, mucilage production and extrusion. The regulation of the genes coding for MSC cell wall "actor" proteins by TFs needs to be better established. Here, the expression and the regulation of 3 known actors (PRX36, PMEI6, SBT1.7) and 2 additional putative actors (PRX56, DIR12) have been analyzed in T-DNA mutants affected in master TFs (ap2, egl3/gl3, gl2, myb5, tt8, ttg1, ttg2 and luh1/mum1). Genes with somehow similar function are differentially regulated and conversely, genes with different functions are regulated in similar manner.

GALACTURONOSYLTRANSFERASE-LIKE5 is involved in the production of Arabidopsis seed coat mucilage

The function of a putative galacturonosyltransferase from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana; At1g02720; GALACTURONOSYLTRANSFERASE-LIKE5 [AtGATL5]) was studied using a combination of molecular genetic, chemical, and immunological approaches. AtGATL5 is expressed in all plant tissues, with highest expression levels in siliques 7 DPA. Furthermore, its expression is positively regulated by several transcription factors that are known to regulate seed coat mucilage production. AtGATL5 is localized in both endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi, in comparison with marker proteins resident to these subcellular compartments. A transfer DNA insertion in the AtGATL5 gene generates seed coat epidermal cell defects both in mucilage synthesis and cell adhesion. Transformation of atgatl5-1 mutants with the wild-type AtGATL5 gene results in the complementation of all morphological phenotypes. Compositional analyses of the mucilage isolated from the atgatl5-1 mutant demonstrated that galacturonic acid and rhamnose contents are decreased significantly in atgatl5-1 compared with wild-type mucilage. No changes in structure were observed between soluble mucilage isolated from wild-type and mutant seeds, except that the molecular weight of the mutant mucilage increased 63% compared with that of the wild type. These data provide evidence that AtGATL5 might function in the regulation of the final size of the mucilage rhamnogalacturonan I.

In vitro grown pollen tubes of Nicotiana alata actively synthesise a fucosylated xyloglucan

Nicotiana alata pollen tubes are a widely used model for studies of polarized tip growth and cell wall synthesis in plants. To better understand these processes, RNA-Seq and de novo assembly methods were used to produce a transcriptome of N. alata pollen grains. Notable in the reconstructed transcriptome were sequences encoding proteins that are involved in the synthesis and remodelling of xyloglucan, a cell wall polysaccharide previously not thought to be deposited in Nicotiana pollen tube walls. Expression of several xyloglucan-related genes in actively growing pollen tubes was confirmed and xyloglucan epitopes were detected in the wall with carbohydrate-specific antibodies: the major xyloglucan oligosaccharides found in N. alata pollen grains and tubes were fucosylated, an unusual structure for the Solanaceae, the family to which Nicotiana belongs. Finally, carbohydrate linkages consistent with xyloglucan were identified chemically in the walls of N. alata pollen grains and pollen tubes grown in culture. The presence of a fucosylated xyloglucan in Nicotiana pollen tube walls was thus confirmed. The consequences of this discovery to models of pollen tube growth dynamics and more generally to polarised tip-growing cells in plants are discussed.

Spatiotemporal secretion of PEROXIDASE36 is required for seed coat mucilage extrusion in Arabidopsis

The epidermal cells of the Arabidopsis thaliana seed coat, which correspond to the second layer of the outer integument (oi2), contain large quantities of a pectic polysaccharide called mucilage within the apoplastic space beneath the outer periclinal cell wall. Immediately after seed imbibition, the mucilage is extruded and completely envelops the seed in a gel-like capsule. We found that a class III peroxidase family protein, PEROXIDASE36 (PER36), functions as a mucilage extrusion factor. Expression of PER36 occurred only in oi2 cells for a few days around the torpedo stage. A PER36-green fluorescent protein fusion was secreted into the outer cell wall in a polarized manner. per36 mutants were defective in mucilage extrusion after seed imbibition due to the failure of outer cell wall rupture, although the mutants exhibited normal monosaccharide composition of the mucilage. This abnormal phenotype of per36 was rescued by pectin solubilization, which promoted cell wall loosening. These results suggest that PER36 regulates the degradation of the outer cell wall. Taken together, this work indicates that polarized secretion of PER36 in a developmental stage-dependent manner plays a role in cell wall modification of oi2 cells.

Cell Wall Composition, Biosynthesis and Remodeling during Pollen Tube Growth

The pollen tube is a fast tip-growing cell carrying the two sperm cells to the ovule allowing the double fertilization process and seed setting. To succeed in this process, the spatial and temporal controls of pollen tube growth within the female organ are critical. It requires a massive cell wall deposition to promote fast pollen tube elongation and a tight control of the cell wall remodeling to modify the mechanical properties. In addition, during its journey, the pollen tube interacts with the pistil, which plays key roles in pollen tube nutrition, guidance and in the rejection of the self-incompatible pollen. This review focuses on our current knowledge in the biochemistry and localization of the main cell wall polymers including pectin, hemicellulose, cellulose and callose from several pollen tube species. Moreover, based on transcriptomic data and functional genomic studies, the possible enzymes involved in the cell wall remodeling during pollen tube growth and their impact on the cell wall mechanics are also described. Finally, mutant analyses have permitted to gain insight in the function of several genes involved in the pollen tube cell wall biosynthesis and their roles in pollen tube growth are further discussed.

LASSO modeling of the Arabidopsis thaliana seed/seedling transcriptome: a model case for detection of novel mucilage and pectin metabolism genes

Whole genome transcript correlation-based approaches have been shown to be enormously useful for candidate gene detection. Consequently, simple Pearson correlation has been widely applied in several web based tools. That said, several more sophisticated methods based on e.g. mutual information or Bayesian network inference have been developed and have been shown to be theoretically superior but are not yet commonly applied. Here, we propose the application of a recently developed statistical regression technique, the LASSO, to detect novel candidates from high throughput transcriptomic datasets. We apply the LASSO to a tissue specific dataset in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to identify novel players in Arabidopsis thaliana seed coat mucilage synthesis. We built LASSO models based on a list of genes known to be involved in a sub-pathway of Arabidopsis mucilage synthesis. After identifying a putative transcription factor, we verified its involvement in mucilage synthesis by obtaining knock-out mutants for this gene. We show that a loss of function of this putative transcription factor leads to a significant decrease in mucilage pectin.

PECTIN METHYLESTERASE INHIBITOR6 promotes Arabidopsis mucilage release by limiting methylesterification of homogalacturonan in seed coat epidermal cells

Imbibed seeds of the Arabidopsis thaliana accession Djarly are affected in mucilage release from seed coat epidermal cells. The impaired locus was identified as a pectin methylesterase inhibitor gene, PECTIN METHYLESTERASE INHIBITOR6 (PMEI6), specifically expressed in seed coat epidermal cells at the time when mucilage polysaccharides are accumulated. This spatio-temporal regulation appears to be modulated by GLABRA2 and LEUNIG HOMOLOG/MUCILAGE MODIFIED1, as expression of PMEI6 is reduced in mutants of these transcription regulators. In pmei6, mucilage release was delayed and outer cell walls of epidermal cells did not fragment. Pectin methylesterases (PMEs) demethylate homogalacturonan (HG), and the majority of HG found in wild-type mucilage was in fact derived from outer cell wall fragments. This correlated with the absence of methylesterified HG labeling in pmei6, whereas transgenic plants expressing the PMEI6 coding sequence under the control of the 35S promoter had increased labeling of cell wall fragments. Activity tests on seeds from pmei6 and 35S:PMEI6 transgenic plants showed that PMEI6 inhibits endogenous PME activities, in agreement with reduced overall methylesterification of mucilage fractions and demucilaged seeds. Another regulator of PME activity in seed coat epidermal cells, the subtilisin-like Ser protease SBT1.7, acts on different PMEs, as a pmei6 sbt1.7 mutant showed an additive phenotype.

Distinct cell wall architectures in seed endosperms in representatives of the Brassicaceae and Solanaceae

In some species, a crucial role has been demonstrated for the seed endosperm during germination. The endosperm has been shown to integrate environmental cues with hormonal networks that underpin dormancy and seed germination, a process that involves the action of cell wall remodeling enzymes (CWREs). Here, we examine the cell wall architectures of the endosperms of two related Brassicaceae, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and the close relative Lepidium (Lepidium sativum), and that of the Solanaceous species, tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). The Brassicaceae species have a similar cell wall architecture that is rich in pectic homogalacturonan, arabinan, and xyloglucan. Distinctive features of the tobacco endosperm that are absent in the Brassicaceae representatives are major tissue asymmetries in cell wall structural components that reflect the future site of radicle emergence and abundant heteromannan. Cell wall architecture of the micropylar endosperm of tobacco seeds has structural components similar to those seen in Arabidopsis and Lepidium endosperms. In situ and biomechanical analyses were used to study changes in endosperms during seed germination and suggest a role for mannan degradation in tobacco. In the case of the Brassicaceae representatives, the structurally homogeneous cell walls of the endosperm can be acted on by spatially regulated CWRE expression. Genetic manipulations of cell wall components present in the Arabidopsis seed endosperm demonstrate the impact of cell wall architectural changes on germination kinetics.

Preparation of plant cells for transmission electron microscopy to optimize immunogold labeling of carbohydrate and protein epitopes

Despite the remarkable advances in electron microscopy, the difficulty in preserving the ultrastructural details of many plant cells is the major limitation to exploiting the full potential of this technology. The very nature of plant cells, including their hydrophobic surfaces, rigid cell walls and large vacuoles, make them recalcitrant to the efficient exchange of reagents that are crucial to preserving their fine structure. Achieving ultrastructural preservation while protecting the antigenicity of molecular epitopes has proven difficult. Here we describe two methods that provide good ultrastructural detail in plant cells while preserving the binding capacity of carbohydrate and protein epitopes. The first is a traditional, chemical-based protocol used to prepare developing grass (cereal) grain for electron microscopy and to locate carbohydrates as they are deposited using immunogold labeling. The second uses cryofixation techniques, including high-pressure freezing and freeze substitution, to prepare delicate, tip-growing pollen tubes and to locate the intracellular site of a polysaccharide synthase. Both procedures can take as long as 2 weeks to achieve results, but there is scope to fast-track some steps depending on the physical characteristics of the material being processed.

TOPLESS co-repressor interactions and their evolutionary conservation in plants

Large-scale protein-protein interaction studies recently demonstrated that the Arabidopsis TPL/TPR family of transcriptional co-repressors is involved in a broad range of developmental processes. TPL/TPRs predominantly interact with transcription factors that contain repression domain (RD) sequences. Interestingly, RDs reported in the literature are quite diverse in sequence, yet TPL/TPRs interact with proteins containing all of the known motifs. These data lead us to conclude that the TPL/TPRs act as general repressors of gene transcription in plants. To investigate this further, we examined interactions between TPL/TPR proteins encoded by the moss Physcomitrella patens genome and components of the auxin signaling pathway. As in Arabidopsis, moss TPL proteins interact with AUX/IAA and ARF proteins, suggesting that they act in both forms of ARF-mediated transcriptional repression. These data suggest that the involvement of TPL in auxin signaling has been conserved across evolution, since mosses and angiosperms diverged approximately 450 million years ago.

Arabidopsis Seed Coat Mucilage is a Specialized Cell Wall that Can be Used as a Model for Genetic Analysis of Plant Cell Wall Structure and Function

Arabidopsis seed coat epidermal cells produce a large quantity of mucilage that is extruded upon exposure to water. Chemical analyses and cell biological techniques suggest that this mucilage represents a specialized type of secondary cell wall composed primarily of pectin with lesser amounts of cellulose and xyloglucan. Once extruded, the mucilage capsule has a distinctive structure with an outer non-adherent layer that is easily removed by shaking in water, and an inner adherent layer that can only be removed with strong acid or base. Most of the cellulose in the mucilage is present in the inner layer and is responsible at least in part for its adherence to the seed. There are also differences in the pectin composition between the two layers that could contribute to the difference in adherence. The Arabidopsis seed coat epidermis and its mucilage are not essential for seed viability or germination. This dispensability, combined with the fact that the epidermal cells synthesize an accessible pectin-rich cell wall at a specific time in development, makes them well suited as a genetic model for studying cell wall biogenesis, function, and regulation. Mutants defective in seed mucilage identified by both forward and reverse genetic analyses are proving useful in establishing connections between carbohydrate structure and cell wall properties in vivo. In the future, genetic engineering of seed coat mucilage carbohydrates should prove useful for testing hypotheses concerning cell wall structure and function.

Diverse roles of Groucho/Tup1 co-repressors in plant growth and development

Transcriptional regulation involves coordinated and often complex interactions between activators and repressors that together dictate the temporal and spatial activity of target genes. While the study of developmental regulation has often focused on positively acting transcription factors, it is becoming increasingly clear that transcriptional repression is a key regulatory mechanism underpinning many developmental processes in both plants and animals. In this review, we focus on the plant Groucho (Gro)/Tup1-like co-repressors and discuss their roles in establishing the apical-basal axis of the developing embryo, maintaining the stem cell population in the shoot apex and determining floral organ identity.  As well as being developmental regulators, recent studies have shown that these co-repressors play a central role in regulating auxin and jasmonate signalling pathways and are also linked to the regulation of pectin structure in the seed coat. These latest findings point to the Gro/Tup1-like co-repressors playing a much broad role in plant growth and development than previously thought; an observation that underlines the central importance of transcriptional repression in plant gene regulation.

Growth control and cell wall signaling in plants

Plant cell walls have the remarkable property of combining extreme tensile strength with extensibility. The maintenance of such an exoskeleton creates nontrivial challenges for the plant cell: How can it control cell wall assembly and remodeling during growth while maintaining mechanical integrity? How can it deal with cell wall damage inflicted by herbivores, pathogens, or abiotic stresses? These processes likely require mechanisms to keep the cell informed about the status of the cell wall. In yeast, a cell wall integrity (CWI) signaling pathway has been described in great detail; in plants, the existence of CWI signaling has been demonstrated, but little is known about the signaling pathways involved. In this review, we first describe cell wall-related processes that may require or can be targets of CWI signaling and then discuss our current understanding of CWI signaling pathways and future prospects in this emerging field of plant biology.

Cellulose synthesis via the FEI2 RLK/SOS5 pathway and cellulose synthase 5 is required for the structure of seed coat mucilage in Arabidopsis

The seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana and many other plants are surrounded by a pectinaceous mucilage that aids in seed hydration and germination. Mucilage is synthesized during seed development within maternally derived seed coat mucilage secretory cells (MSCs), and is released to surround the seed upon imbibition. The FEI1/FEI2 receptor-like kinases and the SOS5 extracellular GPI-anchored protein were shown previously to act on a pathway that regulates the synthesis of cellulose in Arabidopsis roots. Here, we demonstrate that both FEI2 and SOS5 also play a role in the synthesis of seed mucilage. Disruption of FEI2 or SOS5 leads to a reduction in the rays of cellulose observed across the seed mucilage inner layer, which alters the structure of the mucilage in response to hydration. Mutations in CESA5, which disrupts an isoform of cellulose synthase involved in primary cell wall synthesis, result in a similar seed mucilage phenotype. The data indicate that CESA5-derived cellulose plays an important role in the synthesis and structure of seed coat mucilage and that the FEI2/SOS5 pathway plays a role in the regulation of cellulose synthesis in MSCs. Moreover, these results establish a novel structural role for cellulose in anchoring the pectic component of seed coat mucilage to the seed surface.

CESA5 is required for the synthesis of cellulose with a role in structuring the adherent mucilage of Arabidopsis seeds

Imbibed Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seeds are encapsulated by mucilage that is formed of hydrated polysaccharides released from seed coat epidermal cells. The mucilage is structured with water-soluble and adherent layers, with cellulose present uniquely in an inner domain of the latter. Using a reverse-genetic approach to identify the cellulose synthases (CESAs) that produce mucilage cellulose, cesa5 mutants were shown to be required for the correct formation of these layers. Expression of CESA5 in the seed coat was specific to epidermal cells and coincided with the accumulation of mucilage polysaccharides in their apoplast. Analysis of sugar composition showed that although total sugar composition or amounts were unchanged, their partition between layers was different in the mutant, with redistribution from adherent to water-soluble mucilage. The macromolecular characteristics of the water-soluble mucilage were also modified. In accordance with a role for CESA5 in mucilage cellulose synthesis, crystalline cellulose contents were reduced in mutant seeds and birefringent microfibrils were absent from adherent mucilage. Although the mucilage-modified5 mutant showed similar defects to cesa5 in the distribution of sugar components between water-soluble and adherent mucilage, labeling of residual adherent mucilage indicated that cesa5 contained less cellulose and less pectin methyl esterification. Together, the results demonstrate that CESA5 plays a major and essential role in cellulose production in seed mucilage, which is critical for the establishment of mucilage structured in layers and domains.