Induction of ASCORBATE PEROXIDASE 2 expression in wounded Arabidopsis leaves does not involve known wound-signalling pathways but is associated with changes in photosynthesis

Physiological function and regulation of ascorbate peroxidase isoforms

Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) reduces H2O2 to H2O by utilizing ascorbate as a specific electron donor and constitutes the ascorbate-glutathione cycle in organelles of plants including chloroplasts, cytosol, mitochondria, and peroxisomes. It has been almost 40 years since APX was discovered as an important plant-specific H2O2-scavenging enzyme, during which time many research groups have conducted molecular physiological analyses. It is now clear that APX isoforms function not only just as antioxidant enzymes but also as important factors in intracellular redox regulation through the metabolism of reactive oxygen species. The function of APX isoforms is regulated at multiple steps, from the transcriptional level to post-translational modifications of enzymes, thereby allowing them to respond flexibly to ever-changing environmental factors and physiological phenomena such as cell growth and signal transduction. In this review, we summarize the physiological functions and regulation mechanisms of expression of each APX isoform.

Parallel repair mechanisms in plants and animals

All organisms have acquired mechanisms for repairing themselves after accidents or lucky escape from predators, but how analogous are these mechanisms across phyla? Plants and animals are distant relatives in the tree of life, but both need to be able to efficiently repair themselves, or they will perish. Both have an outer epidermal barrier layer and a circulatory system that they must protect from infection. However, plant cells are immotile with rigid cell walls, so they cannot raise an animal-like immune response or move away from the insult, as animals can. Here, we discuss the parallel strategies and signalling pathways used by plants and animals to heal their tissues, as well as key differences. A more comprehensive understanding of these parallels and differences could highlight potential avenues to enhance healing of patients' wounds in the clinic and, in a reciprocal way, for developing novel alternatives to agricultural pesticides.

The Role of Nanoparticles in Response of Plants to Abiotic Stress at Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Levels

In recent years, the global agricultural system has been unfavorably impacted by adverse environmental changes. These changes in the climate, in turn, have altered the abiotic conditions of plants, affecting plant growth, physiology and production. Abiotic stress in plants is one of the main obstacles to global agricultural production and food security. Therefore, there is a need for the development of novel approaches to overcome these problems and achieve sustainability. Nanotechnology has emerged as one such novel approach to improve crop production, through the utilization of nanoscale products, such as nanofertilizer, nanofungicides, nanoherbicides and nanopesticides. Their ability to cross cellular barriers makes nanoparticles suitable for their application in agriculture. Since they are easily soluble, smaller, and effective for uptake by plants, nanoparticles are widely used as a modern agricultural tool. The implementation of nanoparticles has been found to be effective in improving the qualitative and quantitative aspects of crop production under various biotic and abiotic stress conditions. This review discusses various abiotic stresses to which plants are susceptible and highlights the importance of the application of nanoparticles in combating abiotic stress, in addition to the major physiological, biochemical and molecular-induced changes that can help plants tolerate stress conditions. It also addresses the potential environmental and health impacts as a result of the extensive use of nanoparticles.

A systemic whole-plant change in redox levels accompanies the rapid systemic response to wounding

The wounding-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) wave is accompanied by a systemic whole-plant redox response in Arabidopsis.

Hormonal impact on photosynthesis and photoprotection in plants

Photosynthesis is not only essential for plants, but it also sustains life on Earth. Phytohormones play crucial roles in developmental processes, from organ initiation to senescence, due to their role as growth and developmental regulators, as well as their central role in the regulation of photosynthesis. Furthermore, phytohormones play a major role in photoprotection of the photosynthetic apparatus under stress conditions. Here, in addition to discussing our current knowledge on the role of the phytohormones auxin, cytokinins, gibberellins, and strigolactones in promoting photosynthesis, we will also highlight the role of abscisic acid beyond stomatal closure in modulating photosynthesis and photoprotection under various stress conditions through crosstalk with ethylene, salicylates, jasmonates, and brassinosteroids. Furthermore, the role of phytohormones in controlling the production and scavenging of photosynthesis-derived reactive oxygen species, the duration and extent of photo-oxidative stress and redox signaling under stress conditions will be discussed in detail. Hormones have a significant impact on the regulation of photosynthetic processes in plants under both optimal and stress conditions, with hormonal interactions, complementation, and crosstalk being important in the spatiotemporal and integrative regulation of photosynthetic processes during organ development at the whole-plant level.

Cytosolic Ascorbate Peroxidases Plays a Critical Role in Photosynthesis by Modulating Reactive Oxygen Species Level in Stomatal Guard Cell

Photosynthetic rate is one of the key factors limiting yield of cotton. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by abiotic stress imposes numerous detrimental effects and causes tremendous loss of yield. It is worth to study whether ROS scavenging enzymes could affect yield through regulating photosynthetic rate in cotton. In this study, we created transgenic cotton with changes of endogenous ROS by overexpressing or suppressing the expression of cytosolic ascorbate peroxidases (APXs), which are hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) scavenging enzymes in plants. The suppression of cytosolic APXs by RNAi brings about a great influence on plant growth and development. Plant height and leaf size declined, and yield-related traits including single boll weight, seed weight, seed size, and lint weight dropped significantly, in IAO lines (cytosolic APX-suppressed lines). The stunted plant growth was due to the decrease of plant photosynthetic rate. The evidences showed that increased ROS level in guard cells inhibited stomatal opening and suppressed the absorption of CO₂ and H₂O in IAO line. The decrease of water content and the increase of water loss rate in leaf exacerbated the decline of photosynthetic rate in cytosolic APX-suppressed lines. Based on these results, it implies that cytosolic APXs as a whole play an important role in maintaining REDOX balance to regulate photosynthetic rate and yield in cotton.

Photosystem II 22kDa protein level - a prerequisite for excess light-inducible memory, cross-tolerance to UV-C and regulation of electrical signalling

It is well known that PsbS is a key protein for the proper management of excessive energy in plants. Plants without PsbS cannot trigger non-photochemical quenching, which is crucial for optimal photosynthesis under variable conditions. Our studies showed wild-type plants had enhanced tolerance to UV-C-induced cell death (CD) upon induction of light memory by a blue or red light. However, npq4-1 plants, which lack PsbS, as well as plants overexpressing this protein (oePsbS), responded differently. Untreated oePsbS appeared more tolerant to UV-C exposure, whereas npq4-1 was unable to adequately induce cross-tolerance to UV-C. Similarly, light memory induced by episodic blue or red light was differently deregulated in npq-4 and oePsbS, as indicated by transcriptomic analyses, measurements of the trans-thylakoid pH gradient, chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters, and measurements of foliar surface electrical potential. The mechanism of the foliar CD development seemed to be unaffected in the analysed plants and is associated with chloroplast breakdown. Our results suggest a novel, substantial role for PsbS as a regulator of chloroplast retrograde signalling for light memory, light acclimation, CD, and cross-tolerance to UV radiation.

Photoinhibition of Photosystem I Provides Oxidative Protection During Imbalanced Photosynthetic Electron Transport in Arabidopsis thaliana

Photosynthesis involves the conversion of sunlight energy into stored chemical energy, which is achieved through electron transport along a series of redox reactions. Excess photosynthetic electron transport might be dangerous due to the risk of molecular oxygen reduction, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) over-accumulation. Avoiding excess ROS production requires the rate of electron transport to be coordinated with the capacity of electron acceptors in the chloroplast stroma. Imbalance between the donor and acceptor sides of photosystem I (PSI) can lead to inactivation, which is called PSI photoinhibition. We used a light-inducible PSI photoinhibition system in Arabidopsis thaliana to resolve the time dynamics of inhibition and to investigate its impact on ROS production and turnover. The oxidation state of the PSI reaction center and rates of CO2 fixation both indicated strong and rapid PSI photoinhibition upon donor side/acceptor side imbalance, while the rate of inhibition eased during prolonged imbalance. PSI photoinhibition was not associated with any major changes in ROS accumulation or antioxidant activity; however, a lower level of lipid oxidation correlated with lower abundance of chloroplast lipoxygenase in PSI-inhibited leaves. The results of this study suggest that rapid activation of PSI photoinhibition under severe photosynthetic imbalance protects the chloroplast from over-reduction and excess ROS formation.

Autophagy contributes to regulate the ROS levels and PCD progress in TMV-infected tomatoes

Programmed cell death (PCD) and autophagy are both important means for plants to resist pathogen. It is also the main biological reaction of plant immunity. In previous studies, we found that TMV local-infection on tomato leaves not only caused the PCD process in the distal root tissues, but also induced autophagy in root-tip cells. However, the reasons for these biological phenomena are unclear. In order to get deeper insight, the role of a putative inducible factor reactive oxidative species (ROS) was investigated. The situ staining and subcellular localization analysis showed that the ROS level in the root tissue of TMV infected plants was significantly promoted. TEM observation showed that the intracellular ROS was excreted into the cell wall and intercellular layer. At the same time, the results of western blot and qRT-PCR showed that the expression of autophagy related protein Atg8 and genes (Atg5, Atg7 and Atg10) were increased. However, in the subsequent DPI inhibition experiments we found that the accumulation of ROS in infected plant root-tip tissues was inhibited and the autophagy in the root-tip cells also decreased. When 3-methyladenine (3-MA) was used to inhibit autophagy, there was no significant change in the ROS level in the apical tissue, while the systemic PCD process of the root-tip cells was elevated. Taken together, these results indicate that local TMV inoculation on the leaves induced the root-tip cells producing and releasing a lot of ROS into the extracellular matrix for defense against pathogen invasion. Meanwhile, ROS acted as a signaling substance and triggered autophagy in root-tip cells, in order to eliminate excessive intracellular ROS oxidative damage and maintain cell survival.

Mechanical wounding promotes local and long distance response in the halophyte Cakile maritima through the involvement of the ROS and RNS metabolism

Mechanical wounding in plants, which are capable of generating defense responses possibly associated with nitro-oxidative stress, can be caused by (a)biotic factors such as rain, wind, herbivores and insects. Sea rocket (Cakile maritima L.), a halophyte plant belonging to the mustard family Brassicaceae, is commonly found on sandy coasts throughout Europe. Using 7-day-old Cakile maritima L. seedlings, mechanical wounding was induced in hypocotyls by pinching with a striped-tip forceps; after 3 h, several biochemical parameters were analyzed in both the damaged and unwounded organs (green cotyledons and roots). We thus determined NO production, H₂O₂ content, lipid oxidation as well as protein nitration patterns; we also identified several antioxidant enzymes including catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) isozymes, peroxidases, ascorbate-glutathione cycle enzymes and NADP-dehydrogenases. All these parameters were differentially modulated in the damaged (hypocotyls) and unwounded organs, which clearly indicated an induction of CuZnSOD V in the three organs, an increase in protein nitration in green cotyledons and an induction of NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase activity in roots. On the whole, our results indicate that the wounding of hypocotyls, which showed an active ROS metabolism and oxidative stress, causes long-distance signals that also trigger responses in unwounded tissues with a more active RNS metabolism. These data therefore confirm the existence of local and long-distance responses which counteract negative effects and provide appropriate responses, enabling the wounded seedlings to survive.

Function of isoprenoid quinones and chromanols during oxidative stress in plants

Isoprenoid quinones and chromanols in plants fulfill both signaling and antioxidant functions under oxidative stress. The redox state of the plastoquinol pool (PQ-pool), which is modulated by interaction with reactive oxygen species (ROS) during oxidative stress, has a major regulatory function in both short- and long-term acclimatory responses. By contrast, the scavenging of ROS by prenyllipids affects signaling pathways where ROS play a role as signaling molecules. As the primary antioxidants, isoprenoid quinones and chromanols are synthesized under high-light stress in response to any increased production of ROS. During photo-oxidative stress, these prenyllipids are continuously synthesized and oxidized to other compounds. In turn, their oxidation products (hydroxy-plastochromanol, plastoquinol-C, plastoquinone-B) can still have an antioxidant function. The oxidation products of isoprenoid quinones and chromanols formed specifically in the face of singlet oxygen, can be indicators of singlet oxygen stress.

Roles of MPBQ-MT in Promoting α/γ-Tocopherol Production and Photosynthesis under High Light in Lettuce

2-methyl-6-phytyl-1, 4-benzoquinol methyltransferase (MPBQ-MT) is a vital enzyme catalyzing a key methylation step in both α/γ-tocopherol and plastoquinone biosynthetic pathway. In this study, the gene encoding MPBQ-MT was isolated from lettuce (Lactuca sativa) by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), named LsMT. Overexpression of LsMT in lettuce brought about a significant increase of α- and γ-tocopherol contents with a reduction of phylloquinone (vitamin K1) content, suggesting a competition for a common substrate phytyl diphosphate (PDP) between the two biosynthetic pathways. Besides, overexpression of LsMT significantly increased plastoquinone (PQ) level. The increase of tocopherol and plastoquinone levels by LsMT overexpression conduced to the improvement of plants' tolerance and photosynthesis under high light stress, by directing excessive light energy toward photosynthetic production rather than toward generation of more photooxidative damage. These findings suggest that the role and function of MPBQ-MT can be further explored for enhancing vitamin E value, strengthening photosynthesis and phototolerance under high light in plants.

Loss-of-function mutation of rice SLAC7 decreases chloroplast stability and induces a photoprotection mechanism in rice

Plants absorb sunlight to power the photochemical reactions of photosynthesis, which can potentially damage the photosynthetic machinery. However, the mechanism that protects chloroplasts from the damage remains unclear. In this work, we demonstrated that rice (Oryza sativa L.) SLAC7 is a generally expressed membrane protein. Loss-of-function of SLAC7 caused continuous damage to the chloroplasts of mutant leaves under normal light conditions. Ion leakage indicators related to leaf damage such as H2 O2 and abscisic acid levels were significantly higher in slac7-1 than in the wild type. Consistently, the photosynthesis efficiency and Fv/Fm ratio of slac7-1 were significantly decreased (similar to photoinhibition). In response to chloroplast damage, slac7-1 altered its leaf morphology (curled or fused leaf) by the synergy between plant hormones and transcriptional factors to decrease the absorption of light, suggesting that a photoprotection mechanism for chloroplast damage was activated in slac7-1. When grown in dark conditions, slac7-1 displayed a normal phenotype. SLAC7 under the control of the AtSLAC1 promoter could partially complement the phenotypes of Arabidopsis slac1 mutants, indicating a partial conservation of SLAC protein functions. These results suggest that SLAC7 is essential for maintaining the chloroplast stability in rice.

Fine genetic mapping of the white immature fruit color gene w to a 33.0-kb region in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

The white immature fruit color gene w was rapidly mapped to a 33.0-kb region to identify a valuable candidate gene that encodes peroxidase. The skin color of immature fruit is a crucial external trait of cucumbers, and white skin is shared by limited numbers of commercial cultivars. Herein, one BC1 population and two F2 segregating populations were constructed using four inbred parental lines (WD3 × B-2-2 and Q30 × Q24) to investigate the inheritance patterns and chromosomal locations of immature fruit color genes in cucumbers. Consequently, a single recessive gene, w, was identified that controls white immature fruit color. A total of 526 markers, which were derived from published genetic maps, two reference cucumber genomes ("9930" and GY14), and two parents (Q30 and Q24) for which whole-genome sequence information is available, were used to map the target gene w to a 33.0-kb region flanked by two SNP-based markers, ASPCR39262 and ASPCR39229, which are physically located at 39262450 and 39229482 of chromosome 3 ("9930" draft genome assembly), respectively. Gene prediction indicated that four potential genes were located in the target region. One gene that encodes peroxidase is likely to be a valuable candidate gene because quantitative real-time PCR revealed an eightfold difference in its transcriptional level, and several amino acid variations were found when the deduced amino acid sequence was aligned. A co-segregating marker was used synergistically to test its ability to predict the skin colors of 83 dark green/white germplasms, and the validity of its utility in marker-assisted selection was confirmed. Fine mapping of this locus will assist in cloning the gene and in marker-assisted breeding to develop dark green/white cucumber cultivars.

Mechano-stimulated modifications in the chloroplast antioxidant system and proteome changes are associated with cold response in wheat

BACKGROUND

Mechanical wounding can cause morphological and developmental changes in plants, which may affect the responses to abiotic stresses. However, the mechano-stimulation triggered regulation network remains elusive. Here, the mechano-stimulation was applied at two different times during the growth period of wheat before exposing the plants to cold stress (5.6 °C lower temperature than the ambient temperature, viz., 5.0 °C) at the jointing stage.

RESULTS

Results showed that mechano-stimulation at the Zadoks growth stage 26 activated the antioxidant system, and substantially, maintained the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species. In turn, the stimulation improved the electron transport and photosynthetic rate of wheat plants exposed to cold stress at the jointing stage. Proteomic and transcriptional analyses revealed that the oxidative stress defense, ATP synthesis, and photosynthesis-related proteins and genes were similarly modulated by mechano-stimulation and the cold stress.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that mechano-stimulated modifications of the chloroplast antioxidant system and proteome changes are related to cold tolerance in wheat. The findings might provide deeper insights into roles of reactive oxygen species in mechano-stimulated cold tolerance of photosynthetic apparatus, and be helpful to explore novel approaches to mitigate the impacts of low temperature occurring at critical developmental stages.

The immediate wound-induced oxidative burst of Saccharina latissima depends on light via photosynthetic electron transport

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by an oxidative burst are an important component of the wound response in algae, vascular plants, and animals. In all taxa, ROS production is usually attributed solely to a defense-related enzyme like NADPH-oxidase (Nox). However, here we show that the initial, wound-induced oxidative burst of the kelp Saccharina latissima depends on light and photosynthetic electron transport. We measured oxygen evolution and ROS production at different light levels and in the presence of a photosynthetic inhibitor, and we used spin trapping and electron paramagnetic resonance as an orthogonal method. Using an in vivo chemical probe, we provide data suggesting that wound-induced ROS production in two distantly related and geographically isolated species of Antarctic macroalgae may be light dependent as well. We propose that electron transport chains are an important and as yet unaddressed component of the wound response, not just for photosynthetic organisms, but for animals via mitochondria as well. This component may have been obscured by the historic use of diphenylene iodonium, which inhibits not only Noxes but also photosynthetic and respiratory electron transport as well. Finally, we anticipate physiological and/or ecological consequences of the light dependence of macroalgal wound-induced ROS since pathogens and grazers do not disappear in the dark.

Influence of heat stress on leaf ultrastructure, photosynthetic performance, and ascorbate peroxidase gene expression of two pear cultivars (Pyrus pyrifolia)

Plants encounter a variety of stresses in natural environments. One-year-old pot-grown trees of pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai cv. Cuiguan and Wonhwang) were exposed to two heat stress regimes. Under constant short-term heat stress, chloroplasts and mitochondria were visibly damaged. Relative chlorophyll content and maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II were significantly decreased, which indicated that the leaf photosynthetic capability declined. Under chronic heat stress, mesophyll cell ultrastructure was not obviously damaged, but leaf photosynthetic capability was still restrained. As chronic heat stress was a simulation of the natural environment in summer, further study of the responses under this stress regime was undertaken. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity was increased in 'Cuiguan', but not in 'Wonhwang'. Inducible expression of PpAPX genes in the cytoplasm, chloroplasts and peroxisomes was consistent with increased APX activity in 'Cuiguan', whereas only weak induction of PpAPX genes was observed in 'Wonhwang'. The isoenzymes cytosolic APX1 (cAPX1) and stromal APX (sAPX) were confirmed to be localized in the cytoplasm and chloroplasts, respectively.

Wounding stress causes rapid increase in concentration of the naturally occurring 2',3'-isomers of cyclic guanosine- and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cGMP and cAMP) in plant tissues

3',5'-Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) are well reported second messenger molecules involved in cellular signal transduction, in physiological functions such as neurotransmission in animals and in the modulation of cell growth and differentiation. In plants, 3',5'-cyclic nucleotides have been implicated in the regulation of ion homeostasis, hormone and stress responses. The behavior of the 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide variants is also known in animal tissue but no quantitative information is available about 2',3'-cAMP and 2',3'-cGMP in plant material. A recently developed HILIC-SPE/LC-MS/MS method for the analysis of cyclic nucleotides in blood and animal tissue was therefore adapted to measure 2',3'-cAMP and 2',3'-cGMP concentrations in plant material. Cyclic nucleotide concentrations were measured in Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0) leaves before and after the application of wounding stress. A significant (∼5-fold) up-regulation of 2',3'-cAMP and 2',3'-cGMP was measured in Arabidopsis leaves compared to the control samples. The results indicate a thus far unreported strong correlation between plant stress and both 2',3'-cAMP and 2',3'-cGMP levels in plant material, and may open new avenues towards understanding the role of cyclic nucleotides in plants.

Activity levels and expression of antioxidant enzymes in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle in artificially aged rice seed

Reactive oxygen species are the main contributors to seed deterioration. In order to study scavenging systems for reactive oxygen species in aged seed, we performed analyses using western blotting, real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, high-performance liquid chromatography, and antioxidant enzyme activity analyses in artificially aged rice seeds (Oryza sativa L. cv. wanhua no.11). Aging seeds by storing them at 50 °C for 1, 9, or 17 months increased the superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide levels and reduced the germination percentage from 99% to 92%, 55%, and 2%, respectively. The activity levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) did not change in aged seeds. In contrast, the activity levels of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) were significantly decreased in aged seeds, as were the expression of catalase and cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase protein. Transcript accumulation analysis showed that specific expression patterns were complex for each of the antioxidant enzyme types in the rice embryos. Overall, the expression of most genes was down-regulated, along with their protein expression. In addition, the reduction in the amount of ascorbate and glutathione was associated with the reduction in scavenging enzymes activity in aged rice embryos. Our data suggest that the depression of the antioxidant system, especially the reduction in the expression of CAT1, APX1 and MDHAR1, may be responsible for the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in artificially aged seed embryos, leading to a loss of seed vigor.

Transcript residency on ribosomes reveals a key role for the Arabidopsis thaliana bundle sheath in sulfur and glucosinolate metabolism

Leaves of angiosperms are made up of multiple distinct cell types. While the function of mesophyll cells, guard cells, phloem companion cells and sieve elements are clearly described, this is not the case for the bundle sheath (BS). To provide insight into the role of the BS in the C3 species Arabidopsis thaliana, we labelled ribosomes in this cell type with a FLAG tag. We then used immunocapture to isolate these ribosomes, followed by sequencing of resident mRNAs. This showed that 5% of genes showed specific splice forms in the BS, and that 15% of genes were preferentially expressed in these cells. The BS translatome strongly implies that the BS plays specific roles in sulfur transport and metabolism, glucosinolate biosynthesis and trehalose metabolism. Much of the C4 cycle is differentially expressed between the C3 BS and the rest of the leaf. Furthermore, the global patterns of transcript residency on BS ribosomes overlap to a greater extent with cells of the root pericycle than any other cell type. This analysis provides the first insight into the molecular function of this cell type in C3 species, and also identifies characteristics of BS cells that are probably ancestral to both C3 and C4 plants.

OnPLS integration of transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic data shows multi-level oxidative stress responses in the cambium of transgenic hipI- superoxide dismutase Populus plants

BACKGROUND

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the regulation of diverse physiological processes in plants, including various biotic and abiotic stress responses. Thus, oxidative stress tolerance mechanisms in plants are complex, and diverse responses at multiple levels need to be characterized in order to understand them. Here we present system responses to oxidative stress in Populus by integrating data from analyses of the cambial region of wild-type controls and plants expressing high-isoelectric-point superoxide dismutase (hipI-SOD) transcripts in antisense orientation showing a higher production of superoxide. The cambium, a thin cell layer, generates cells that differentiate to form either phloem or xylem and is hypothesized to be a major reason for phenotypic perturbations in the transgenic plants. Data from multiple platforms including transcriptomics (microarray analysis), proteomics (UPLC/QTOF-MS), and metabolomics (GC-TOF/MS, UPLC/MS, and UHPLC-LTQ/MS) were integrated using the most recent development of orthogonal projections to latent structures called OnPLS. OnPLS is a symmetrical multi-block method that does not depend on the order of analysis when more than two blocks are analysed. Significantly affected genes, proteins and metabolites were then visualized in painted pathway diagrams.

RESULTS

The main categories that appear to be significantly influenced in the transgenic plants were pathways related to redox regulation, carbon metabolism and protein degradation, e.g. the glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathways (PPP). The results provide system-level information on ROS metabolism and responses to oxidative stress, and indicate that some initial responses to oxidative stress may share common pathways.

CONCLUSION

The proposed data evaluation strategy shows an efficient way of compiling complex, multi-platform datasets to obtain significant biological information.

Light acclimation, retrograde signalling, cell death and immune defences in plants

This review confronts the classical view of plant immune defence and light acclimation with recently published data. Earlier findings have linked plant immune defences to nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR)-dependent recognition of pathogen effectors and to the role of plasma membrane-localized NADPH-dependent oxidoreductase (AtRbohD), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and salicylic acid (SA). However, recent results suggest that plant immune defence also depends on the absorption of excessive light energy and photorespiration. Rapid changes in light intensity and quality often cause the absorption of energy, which is in excess of that required for photosynthesis. Such excessive light energy is considered to be a factor triggering photoinhibition and disturbance in ROS/hormonal homeostasis, which leads to cell death in foliar tissues. We highlight here the tight crosstalk between ROS- and SA-dependent pathways leading to light acclimation, and defence responses leading to pathogen resistance. We also show that LESION SIMULATING DISEASE 1 (LSD1) regulates and integrates these processes. Moreover, we discuss the role of plastid-nucleus signal transduction, photorespiration, photoelectrochemical signalling and 'light memory' in the regulation of acclimation and immune defence responses. All of these results suggest that plants have evolved a genetic system that simultaneously regulates systemic acquired resistance (SAR), cell death and systemic acquired acclimation (SAA).

Reactive oxygen species-dependent wound responses in animals and plants

Animals and plants evolved sophisticated mechanisms that regulate their responses to mechanical injury. Wound response in animals mainly promotes wound healing processes, nerve cell regeneration, and immune system responses at the vicinity of the wound site. In contrast, wound response in plants is primarily directed at sealing the wound site via deposition of various compounds and generating systemic signals that activate multiple defense mechanisms in remote tissues. Despite these differences between animals and plants, recent studies have shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play very common signaling and coordination roles in the wound responses of both systems. This review provides an update on recent findings related to ROS-regulated coordination of intercellular communications and signal transduction during wound response in plants and animals. In particular, differences and similarities in H2O2-dependent long-distance signaling between zebrafish and Arabidopsis thaliana are discussed.

The chloroplast division mutant caa33 of Arabidopsis thaliana reveals the crucial impact of chloroplast homeostasis on stress acclimation and retrograde plastid-to-nucleus signaling

Retrograde plastid-to-nucleus signaling tightly controls and coordinates the nuclear and plastid gene expression that is required for plastid biogenesis and chloroplast activity. As chloroplasts act as sensors of environmental changes, plastid-derived signaling also modulates stress responses of plants by transferring stress-related signals and altering nuclear gene expression. Various mutant screens have been undertaken to identify constituents of plastid signaling pathways. Almost all mutations identified in these screens target plastid-specific but not extraplastidic functions. They have been suggested to define either genuine constituents of retrograde signaling pathways or components required for the synthesis of plastid signals. Here we report the characterization of the constitutive activator of AAA-ATPase (caa33) mutant, which reveals another way of how mutations that affect plastid functions may modulate retrograde plastid signaling. caa33 disturbs a plastid-specific function by impeding plastid division, and thereby perturbing plastid homeostasis. This results in preconditioning plants by activating the expression of stress genes, enhancing pathogen resistance and attenuating the capacity of the plant to respond to plastid signals. Our study reveals an intimate link between chloroplast activity and the susceptibility of the plant to stress, and emphasizes the need to consider the possible impact of preconditioning on retrograde plastid-to-nucleus signaling.

Transcriptome analysis of H2O2-treated wheat seedlings reveals a H2O2-responsive fatty acid desaturase gene participating in powdery mildew resistance

Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) plays important roles in plant biotic and abiotic stress responses. However, the effect of H(2)O(2) stress on the bread wheat transcriptome is still lacking. To investigate the cellular and metabolic responses triggered by H(2)O(2), we performed an mRNA tag analysis of wheat seedlings under 10 mM H(2)O(2) treatment for 6 hour in one powdery mildew (PM) resistant (PmA) and two susceptible (Cha and Han) lines. In total, 6,156, 6,875 and 3,276 transcripts were found to be differentially expressed in PmA, Han and Cha respectively. Among them, 260 genes exhibited consistent expression patterns in all three wheat lines and may represent a subset of basal H(2)O(2) responsive genes that were associated with cell defense, signal transduction, photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, redox homeostasis, and transport. Among genes specific to PmA, 'transport' activity was significantly enriched in Gene Ontology analysis. MapMan classification showed that, while both up- and down- regulations were observed for auxin, abscisic acid, and brassinolides signaling genes, the jasmonic acid and ethylene signaling pathway genes were all up-regulated, suggesting H(2)O(2)-enhanced JA/Et functions in PmA. To further study whether any of these genes were involved in wheat PM response, 19 H(2)O(2)-responsive putative defense related genes were assayed in wheat seedlings infected with Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt). Eight of these genes were found to be co-regulated by H(2)O(2) and Bgt, among which a fatty acid desaturase gene TaFAD was then confirmed by virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) to be required for the PM resistance. Together, our data presents the first global picture of the wheat transcriptome under H(2)O(2) stress and uncovers potential links between H(2)O(2) and Bgt responses, hence providing important candidate genes for the PM resistance in wheat.

Neutral invertase, hexokinase and mitochondrial ROS homeostasis: emerging links between sugar metabolism, sugar signaling and ascorbate synthesis

Alkaline/neutral invertases (A/N-Invs) are unique to plants and photosynthetic bacteria. Although considerable advances have been made in our understanding of sucrose metabolic enzymes in plants, the function of A/N-Invs remained puzzling. In a recent study, we have analyzed the subcellullar localization of a cytosolic (At-A/N-InvG, At1g35580) and a mitochondrial (At-A/N-InvA, At1g56560) Arabidopsis A/N-Inv. Unexpectedly, At-A/N-InvA knockout plants showed a more severe growth defect than At-A/N-InvG knockout plants and a link between the two A/N-Invs and oxidative stress defence was found. Overexpression of At-A/N-InvA and At-A/N-InvG in leaf mesophyll protoplasts reduced the activity of the ascorbate peroxidase 2 (APX2) promoter, that was stimulated by hydrogen peroxide and abscisic acid. It is discussed here how sugars and ascorbate might contribute to mitochondrial reactive oxygen species homeostasis. We hypothesize that both mitochondrial and cytosolic A/N-Invs and mitochondria-associated hexokinases are key mediators, integrating metabolic and sugar signalling processes. 

Light as both an input and an output of wound-induced reactive oxygen formation in Arabidopsis leaves

The wound response of plants is characterised by rapid changes in gene expression, biochemistry and physiology, and is important both in its own right and as a model for studying events elicited by herbivory. We have recently identified links between light and the wound response in Arabidopsis leaves. This includes an influence of the external light environment on the molecular and biochemical response to wounding, and the observation that endogenous bioluminescence (light emission) is a consequence of tissue damage. Here, we show that this link extends to the production of reactive oxygen species. We show that wounding causes rapid, light-dependent production of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide in chloroplasts via disruption of photosynthesis, and that wound-induced bioluminescence is a consequence of the generation of singlet oxygen.

Exploring the neutral invertase-oxidative stress defence connection in Arabidopsis thaliana

Over the past decades, considerable advances have been made in understanding the crucial role and the regulation of sucrose metabolism in plants. Among the various sucrose-catabolizing enzymes, alkaline/neutral invertases (A/N-Invs) have long remained poorly studied. However, recent findings have demonstrated the presence of A/N-Invs in various organelles in addition to the cytosol, and their importance for plant development and stress tolerance. A cytosolic (At-A/N-InvG, At1g35580) and a mitochondrial (At-A/N-InvA, At1g56560) member of the A/N-Invs have been analysed in more detail in Arabidopsis and it was found that At-A/N-InvA knockout plants show an even more severe growth phenotype than At-A/N-InvG knockout plants. The absence of either A/N-Inv was associated with higher oxidative stress defence gene expression, while transient overexpression of At-A/N-InvA and At-A/N-InvG in leaf mesophyll protoplasts down-regulated the oxidative stress-responsive ascorbate peroxidase 2 (APX2) promoter. Moreover, up-regulation of the APX2 promoter by hydrogen peroxide or abscisic acid could be blocked by adding metabolizable sugars or ascorbate. A hypothetical model is proposed in which both mitochondrial and cytosolic A/N-Invs can generate glucose as a substrate for mitochondria-associated hexokinase, contributing to mitochondrial reactive oxygen species homeostasis.

Light exerts multiple levels of influence on the Arabidopsis wound response

Light plays important roles in modulating plant responses to attack by pests and pathogens. Here, we test the hypothesis that darkness modifies the response to wounding, and examine possible mechanisms for such an effect. We investigated changes in the Arabidopsis transcriptome following a light-dark transition and the response to wounding either in the light or in the dark. The transcriptional response to the light-dark transition strongly resembles responses associated with carbon depletion. The dark shift and wound responses acted largely independently, but more complex interactions were identified at a number of levels. Darkness attenuates the overall transcriptional response to wounding, and we identified genes and physiological processes, such as anthocyanin accumulation, that exhibit light-dependent wound responses. Transcriptional activation of light-dependent wound-induced genes requires a chloroplast-derived signal originating from photosynthetic electron transport. We also present evidence of a role for the circadian clock in modifying wound responses. Our results show that darkness impacts on the wound response at a number of levels, which may imply differences in induced herbivore defences during the day and night.

Mechanical wounding induces a nitrosative stress by down-regulation of GSNO reductase and an increase in S-nitrosothiols in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seedlings

Nitric oxide (NO) and related molecules such as peroxynitrite, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), and nitrotyrosine, among others, are involved in physiological processes as well in the mechanisms of response to stress conditions. In sunflower seedlings exposed to five different adverse environmental conditions (low temperature, mechanical wounding, high light intensity, continuous light, and continuous darkness), key components of the metabolism of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), including the enzyme activities L-arginine-dependent nitric oxide synthase (NOS), S-nitrosogluthathione reductase (GSNOR), nitrate reductase (NR), catalase, and superoxide dismutase, the content of lipid hydroperoxide, hydrogen peroxide, S-nitrosothiols (SNOs), the cellular level of NO, GSNO, and GSNOR, and protein tyrosine nitration [nitrotyrosine (NO(2)-Tyr)] were analysed. Among the stress conditions studied, mechanical wounding was the only one that caused a down-regulation of NOS and GSNOR activities, which in turn provoked an accumulation of SNOs. The analyses of the cellular content of NO, GSNO, GSNOR, and NO(2)-Tyr by confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed these biochemical data. Therefore, it is proposed that mechanical wounding triggers the accumulation of SNOs, specifically GSNO, due to a down-regulation of GSNOR activity, while NO(2)-Tyr increases. Consequently a process of nitrosative stress is induced in sunflower seedlings and SNOs constitute a new wound signal in plants.

Production and diffusion of chloroplastic H2O2 and its implication to signalling

Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) is recognized as an important signalling molecule. There are two important aspects to this function: H(2)O(2) production and its diffusion to its sites of action. The production of H(2)O(2) by photosynthetic electron transport and its ability to diffuse through the chloroplast envelope membranes has been investigated using spin trapping electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and H(2)O(2)-sensitive fluorescence dyes. It was found that, even at low light intensity, a portion of H(2)O(2) produced inside the chloroplasts can leave the chloroplasts thus escaping the effective antioxidant systems located inside the chloroplast. The production of H(2)O(2) by chloroplasts and the appearance of H(2)O(2) outside chloroplasts increased with increasing light intensity and time of illumination. The amount of H(2)O(2) that can be detected outside the chloroplasts has been shown to be up to 5% of the total H(2)O(2) produced inside the chloroplasts at high light intensities. The fact that H(2)O(2) produced by chloroplasts can be detected outside these organelles is an important finding in terms of understanding how chloroplastic H(2)O(2) can serve as a signal molecule.

Evidence for light wavelength-specific photoelectrophysiological signaling and memory of excess light episodes in Arabidopsis

Although light is essential for photosynthesis, excess light can damage the photosynthetic apparatus and deregulate other cellular processes. Thus, protective integrated regulatory responses that can dissipate excess of absorbed light energy and simultaneously optimize photosynthesis and other cellular processes under variable light conditions can prove highly adaptive. Here, we show that the local and systemic responses to an excess light episode are associated with photoelectrophysiological signaling (PEPS) as well as with changes in nonphotochemical quenching and reactive oxygen species levels. During an excess light incident, PEPS is induced by quantum redox changes in photosystem II and in its proximity and/or by changes in glutathione metabolism in chloroplasts. PEPS is transduced, at least in part, by bundle sheath cells and is light wavelength specific. PEPS systemic propagation speed and action potential are dependent on ASCORBATE PEROXIDASE2 function. Excess light episodes are physiologically memorized in leaves, and the cellular light memory effect is specific for an excess of blue (450 nm) and red (650 nm) light of similar energy. It is concluded that plants possess a complex and dynamic light training and memory system that involves quantum redox, reactive oxygen species, hormonal, and PEPS signaling and is used to optimize light acclimation and immune defenses.

Occurrence, biosynthesis and function of isoprenoid quinones

Isoprenoid quinones are one of the most important groups of compounds occurring in membranes of living organisms. These compounds are composed of a hydrophilic head group and an apolar isoprenoid side chain, giving the molecules a lipid-soluble character. Isoprenoid quinones function mainly as electron and proton carriers in photosynthetic and respiratory electron transport chains and these compounds show also additional functions, such as antioxidant function. Most of naturally occurring isoprenoid quinones belong to naphthoquinones or evolutionary younger benzoquinones. Among benzoquinones, the most widespread and important are ubiquinones and plastoquinones. Menaquinones, belonging to naphthoquinones, function in respiratory and photosynthetic electron transport chains of bacteria. Phylloquinone K(1), a phytyl naphthoquinone, functions in the photosynthetic electron transport in photosystem I. Ubiquinones participate in respiratory chains of eukaryotic mitochondria and some bacteria. Plastoquinones are components of photosynthetic electron transport chains of cyanobacteria and plant chloroplasts. Biosynthetic pathway of isoprenoid quinones has been described, as well as their additional, recently recognized, diverse functions in bacterial, plant and animal metabolism.

Exploring the impact of wounding and jasmonates on ascorbate metabolism

Vitamin C (ascorbate, AsA) is the most abundant water-soluble antioxidant in plants. Ascorbate provides the first line of defense against damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS), and helps protect plant cells from many factors that induce oxidative stress, including wounding, ozone, high salinity, and pathogen attack. Plant defenses against these stresses are also dependent upon jasmonates (JAs), a class of plant hormones that promote ROS accumulation. Here, we review evidence showing that wounding and JAs influence AsA accumulation in various plant species, and we report new data from Arabidopsis and tomato testing the influence of JAs on AsA levels in wounded and unwounded plants. In both species, certain mutations that impair JA metabolism and signaling influence foliar AsA levels, suggesting that endogenous JAs may regulate steady-state AsA. However, the impact of wounding on AsA accumulation was similar in JA mutants and wild type controls, indicating that this wound response does not require JAs. Our findings also indicate that the effects of wounding and JAs on AsA accumulation differ between species; these factors both enhanced AsA accumulation in Arabidopsis, but depressed AsA levels in tomato. These results underscore the importance of obtaining data from more than one model species, and demonstrate the complexity of AsA regulation.

Multi-sensor plant imaging: Towards the development of a stress-catalogue

Agricultural production is limited by a wide range of abiotic (e.g. drought, waterlogging) and biotic (pests, diseases and weeds) stresses. The impact of these stresses can be minimized by appropriate management actions such as irrigation or chemical pesticide application. However, further optimization requires the ability to diagnose and quantify the different stresses at an early stage. Particularly valuable information of plant stress responses is provided by plant imaging, i.e. non-contact sensing with spatial resolving power: (i) thermal imaging, detecting changes in transpiration rate and (ii) fluorescence imaging monitoring alterations in photosynthesis and other physiological processes. These can be supplemented by conventional video imagery for study of growth. An efficient early warning system would need to discriminate between different stressors. Given the wide range of sensors, and the association of specific plant physiological responses with changes at particular wavelengths, this goal seems within reach. This is based on the organization of the individual sensor results in a matrix that identifies specific signatures for multiple stress types. In this report, we first review the diagnostic effectiveness of different individual imaging techniques and then extend this to the multi-sensor stress-identification approach.

Ectopic over-expression of BhHsf1, a heat shock factor from the resurrection plant Boea hygrometrica, leads to increased thermotolerance and retarded growth in transgenic Arabidopsis and tobacco

Plant heat shock transcription factors (Hsfs) are commonly found to be involved in various stress responses. Several Hsfs displayed dwarf phenotype while conferred stress tolerance when over-expressed. However, the underlying mechanisms were not fully understood. Here we report the cloning and characterization of an Hsf (BhHsf1) from the resurrection plant Boea hygrometrica. Drought, heat and wound can induce BhHsf1 expression. The over-expression of BhHsf1 conferred growth retardation and stress tolerance in both Arabidopsis and tobacco. Evidence was presented to show that the growth retardation of aerial organs in the transgenic plants was resulted from the reduction of cell proliferation. Gene expression profiling using microarray hybridization and pathway analysis showed that Hsps and stress-associated genes were induced whereas the genes related to DNA replication and mitotic cell cycle were down-regulated in BhHsf1 over-expression Arabidopsis, which was in consistence with the observation of the impaired nuclear endoreduplication. Taking together, our results suggest that BhHsf1 may play dual roles in mediating the processes in heat stress tolerance and growth retardation via regulation of target genes related to stress protection and mitotic cell cycle.

A mutation in the Arabidopsis mTERF-related plastid protein SOLDAT10 activates retrograde signaling and suppresses (1)O(2)-induced cell death

The conditional flu mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana generates singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) in plastids during a dark-to-light shift. Seedlings of flu bleach and die, whereas mature plants stop growing and develop macroscopic necrotic lesions. Several suppressor mutants, dubbed singlet oxygen-linked death activator (soldat), were identified that abrogate (1)O(2)-mediated cell death of flu seedlings. One of the soldat mutations, soldat10, affects a gene encoding a plastid-localized protein related to the human mitochondrial transcription termination factor mTERF. As a consequence of this mutation, plastid-specific rRNA levels decrease and protein synthesis in plastids of soldat10 is attenuated. This disruption of chloroplast homeostasis in soldat10 seedlings affects communication between chloroplasts and the nucleus and leads to changes in the steady-state concentration of nuclear gene transcripts. The soldat10 seedlings suffer from mild photo-oxidative stress, as indicated by the constitutive up-regulation of stress-related genes. Even though soldat10/flu seedlings overaccumulate the photosensitizer protochlorophyllide in the dark and activate the expression of (1)O(2)-responsive genes after a dark-to-light shift they do not show a (1)O(2)-dependent cell death response. Disturbance of chloroplast homeostasis in emerging soldat10/flu seedlings seems to antagonize a subsequent (1)O(2)-mediated cell death response without suppressing (1)O(2)-dependent retrograde signaling. The results of this work reveal the unexpected complexity of what is commonly referred to as 'plastid signaling'.

Cell-specific mechanisms and systemic signalling as emerging themes in light acclimation of C3 plants

Chloroplasts perform essential signalling functions in light acclimation and various stress responses in plants. Research on chloroplast signalling has provided fundamental information concerning the diversity of cellular responses to changing environmental conditions. Evidence has also accumulated indicating that different cell types possess specialized roles in regulation of leaf development and stress acclimation when challenged by environmental cues. Leaf veins are flanked by a layer of elongated chloroplast-containing bundle sheath cells, which due to their central position hold the potential to control the flux of information inside the leaves. Indeed, a specific role for bundle sheath cells in plant acclimation to various light regimes is currently emerging. Moreover, perception of light stress initiates systemic signals that spread through the vasculature to confer stress resistance in non-exposed parts of the plant. Such long-distance signalling functions are related to unique characteristics of reactive oxygen species and their detoxification in bundle sheath cells. Novel techniques for analysis of distinct tissue types, together with Arabidopsis thaliana mutants with vasculature-specific phenotypes, have proven instrumental in dissection of structural hierarchy among regulatory processes in leaves. This review emphasizes the current knowledge concerning the role of vascular bundle sheath cells in light-dependent acclimation processes of C3 plants.

The high light response in Arabidopsis involves ABA signaling between vascular and bundle sheath cells

Previously, it has been shown that Arabidopsis thaliana leaves exposed to high light accumulate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in bundle sheath cell (BSC) chloroplasts as part of a retrograde signaling network that induces ASCORBATE PEROXIDASE2 (APX2). Abscisic acid (ABA) signaling has been postulated to be involved in this network. To investigate the proposed role of ABA, a combination of physiological, pharmacological, bioinformatic, and molecular genetic approaches was used. ABA biosynthesis is initiated in vascular parenchyma and activates a signaling network in neighboring BSCs. This signaling network includes the Galpha subunit of the heterotrimeric G protein complex, the OPEN STOMATA1 protein kinase, and extracellular H2O2, which together coordinate with a redox-retrograde signal from BSC chloroplasts to activate APX2 expression. High light-responsive genes expressed in other leaf tissues are subject to a coordination of chloroplast retrograde signaling and transcellular signaling activated by ABA synthesized in vascular cells. ABA is necessary for the successful adjustment of the leaf to repeated episodes of high light. This process involves maintenance of photochemical quenching, which is required for dissipation of excess excitation energy.

Arabidopsis chloroplastic glutathione peroxidases play a role in cross talk between photooxidative stress and immune responses

Glutathione peroxidases (GPXs; EC 1.11.1.9) are key enzymes of the antioxidant network in plants and animals. In order to investigate the role of antioxidant systems in plant chloroplasts, we generated Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) transgenic lines that are depleted specifically in chloroplastic (cp) forms of GPX1 and GPX7. We show that reduced cpGPX expression, either in transgenic lines with lower total cpGPX expression (GPX1 and GPX7) or in a gpx7 insertion mutant, leads to compromised photooxidative stress tolerance but increased basal resistance to virulent bacteria. Depletion of both GPX1 and GPX7 expression also caused alterations in leaf cell and chloroplast morphology. Leaf tissues were characterized by shorter and more rounded palisade cells, irregular spongy mesophyll cells, and larger intercellular air spaces compared with the wild type. Chloroplasts had larger and more abundant starch grains than in wild-type and gpx7 mutant plants. Constitutively reduced cpGPX expression also led to higher foliar ascorbic acid, glutathione, and salicylic acid levels in plants exposed to higher light intensities. Our results suggest partially overlapping functions of GPX1 and GPX7. The data further point to specific changes in the chloroplast ascorbate-glutathione cycle due to reduced cpGPX expression, initiating reactive oxygen species and salicylic acid pathways that affect leaf development, light acclimation, basal defense, and cell death programs. Thus, cpGPXs regulate cellular photooxidative tolerance and immune responses.

Redox regulation in photosynthetic organisms: signaling, acclimation, and practical implications

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have multifaceted roles in the orchestration of plant gene expression and gene-product regulation. Cellular redox homeostasis is considered to be an "integrator" of information from metabolism and the environment controlling plant growth and acclimation responses, as well as cell suicide events. The different ROS forms influence gene expression in specific and sometimes antagonistic ways. Low molecular antioxidants (e.g., ascorbate, glutathione) serve not only to limit the lifetime of the ROS signals but also to participate in an extensive range of other redox signaling and regulatory functions. In contrast to the low molecular weight antioxidants, the "redox" states of components involved in photosynthesis such as plastoquinone show rapid and often transient shifts in response to changes in light and other environmental signals. Whereas both types of "redox regulation" are intimately linked through the thioredoxin, peroxiredoxin, and pyridine nucleotide pools, they also act independently of each other to achieve overall energy balance between energy-producing and energy-utilizing pathways. This review focuses on current knowledge of the pathways of redox regulation, with discussion of the somewhat juxtaposed hypotheses of "oxidative damage" versus "oxidative signaling," within the wider context of physiological function, from plant cell biology to potential applications.

Characterization of soldat8, a suppressor of singlet oxygen-induced cell death in Arabidopsis seedlings

The flu mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana overaccumulates in the dark the immediate precursor of chlorophyllide, protochlorophyllide (Pchlide), a potent photosensitizer, that upon illumination generates singlet oxygen ((1)O2). Once (1)O2 has been released in plastids of the flu mutant, mature plants stop growing, while seedlings die. Several suppressor mutations, dubbed singlet oxygen-linked death activator (soldat), were identified that specifically abrogate (1)O2-mediated stress responses in young flu seedlings without grossly affecting (1)O2-mediated stress responses of mature flu plants. One of the soldat mutations, soldat8, was shown to impair a gene encoding the SIGMA6 factor of the plastid RNA polymerase. Reintroduction of a wild-type copy of the SOLDAT8 gene into the soldat8/flu mutant restored the phenotype of the flu parental line. In contrast to flu, seedlings of soldat8/flu did not bleach when grown under non-permissive dark/light conditions, despite their continuous overaccumulation of the photosensitizer Pchlide in the dark. The activity of SIGMA6 is confined primarily to the very early stage of seedling development. Inactivation of SIGMA6 in soldat8 mutants disturbed plastid homeostasis, drastically reduced the non-photochemical quenching capacity and enhanced the light sensitivity of young soldat8 seedlings. Surprisingly, after being grown under very low light, soldat8 seedlings showed an enhanced resistance against a subsequent severe light stress that was significantly higher than in wild-type seedlings. In order to reach a similar enhanced stress resistance, wild-type seedlings had to be exposed to a brief higher light treatment that triggered an acclimatory response. Such a mild pre-stress treatment did not further enhance the stress resistance of soldat8 seedlings. Suppression of (1)O2-mediated cell death in young flu/soldat8 seedlings seems to be due to a transiently enhanced acclimation at the beginning of seedling development caused by the initial disturbance of plastid homeostasis.

Enhanced sensitivity to oxidative stress in transgenic tobacco plants with decreased glutathione reductase activity leads to a decrease in ascorbate pool and ascorbate redox state

To investigate the possible mechanisms of glutathione reductase (GR) in protecting against oxidative stress, we obtained transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants with 30-70% decreased GR activity by using a gene encoding tobacco chloroplastic GR for the RNAi construct. We investigated the responses of wild type and transgenic plants to oxidative stress induced by application of methyl viologen in vivo. Analyses of CO(2) assimilation, maximal efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry, leaf bleaching, and oxidative damage to lipids demonstrated that transgenic plants exhibited enhanced sensitivity to oxidative stress. Under oxidative stress, there was a greater decrease in reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio but a greater increase in reduced glutathione in transgenic plants than in wild type plants. In addition, transgenic plants showed a greater decrease in reduced ascorbate and reduced to oxidized ascorbate ratio than wild type plants. However, there were neither differences in the levels of NADP and NADPH and in the total foliar activities of monodehydroascorbate reductase and dehydroascorbate reductase between wild type and transgenic plant. MV treatment induced an increase in the activities of GR, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Furthermore, accumulation of H(2)O(2) in chloroplasts was observed in transgenic plants but not in wild type plants. Our results suggest that capacity for regeneration of glutathione by GR plays an important role in protecting against oxidative stress by maintaining ascorbate pool and ascorbate redox state.