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Li D, Wang J, Chen R, Chen J, Zong J, Li L, Hao D, Guo H. Review: Nitrogen acquisition, assimilation, and seasonal cycling in perennial grasses. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 342:112054. [PMID: 38423392 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Perennial grasses seasonal nitrogen (N) cycle extends the residence and reuse time of N within the plant system, thereby enhancing N use efficiency. Currently, the mechanism of N metabolism has been extensively examined in model plants and annual grasses, and although perennial grasses exhibit similarities, they also possess distinct characteristics. Apart from assimilating and utilizing N throughout the growing season, perennial grasses also translocate N from aerial parts to perennial tissues, such as rhizomes, after autumn senescence. Subsequently, they remobilize the N from these perennial tissues to support new growth in the subsequent year, thereby ensuring their persistence. Previous studies indicate that the seasonal storage and remobilization of N in perennial grasses are not significantly associated with winter survival despite some amino acids and proteins associated with low temperature tolerance accumulating, but primarily with regrowth during the subsequent spring green-up stage. Further investigation can be conducted in perennial grasses to explore the correlation between stored N and dormant bud outgrowth in perennial tissues, such as rhizomes, during the spring green-up stage, building upon previous research on the relationship between N and axillary bud outgrowth in annual grasses. This exploration on seasonal N cycling in perennial grasses can offer valuable theoretical insights for new perennial grasses varieties with high N use efficiency through the application of gene editing and other advanced technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Li
- The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Research Center for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Warm-Season Turfgrasses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem, Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Research Center for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Warm-Season Turfgrasses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem, Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Rongrong Chen
- The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Research Center for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Warm-Season Turfgrasses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem, Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Jingbo Chen
- The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Research Center for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Warm-Season Turfgrasses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem, Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Junqin Zong
- The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Research Center for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Warm-Season Turfgrasses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem, Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Ling Li
- The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Research Center for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Warm-Season Turfgrasses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem, Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Dongli Hao
- The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Research Center for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Warm-Season Turfgrasses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem, Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Hailin Guo
- The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Research Center for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Warm-Season Turfgrasses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem, Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China.
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The SV, Santiago JP, Pappenberger C, Hammes UZ, Tegeder M. UMAMIT44 is a key player in glutamate export from Arabidopsis chloroplasts. THE PLANT CELL 2024; 36:1119-1139. [PMID: 38092462 PMCID: PMC10980354 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Selective partitioning of amino acids among organelles, cells, tissues, and organs is essential for cellular metabolism and plant growth. Nitrogen assimilation into glutamine and glutamate and de novo biosynthesis of most protein amino acids occur in chloroplasts; therefore, various transport mechanisms must exist to accommodate their directional efflux from the stroma to the cytosol and feed the amino acids into the extraplastidial metabolic and long-distance transport pathways. Yet, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) transporters functioning in plastidial export of amino acids remained undiscovered. Here, USUALLY MULTIPLE ACIDS MOVE IN AND OUT TRANSPORTER 44 (UMAMIT44) was identified and shown to function in glutamate export from Arabidopsis chloroplasts. UMAMIT44 controls glutamate homeostasis within and outside of chloroplasts and influences nitrogen partitioning from leaves to sinks. Glutamate imbalances in chloroplasts and leaves of umamit44 mutants impact cellular redox state, nitrogen and carbon metabolism, and amino acid (AA) and sucrose supply of growing sinks, leading to negative effects on plant growth. Nonetheless, the mutant lines adjust to some extent by upregulating alternative pathways for glutamate synthesis outside the plastids and by mitigating oxidative stress through the production of other amino acids and antioxidants. Overall, this study establishes that the role of UMAMIT44 in glutamate export from chloroplasts is vital for controlling nitrogen availability within source leaf cells and for sink nutrition, with an impact on growth and seed yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Vivia The
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - James P Santiago
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Clara Pappenberger
- Plant Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Ulrich Z Hammes
- Plant Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Mechthild Tegeder
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
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Liu J, Tong L, Zhang X, Zhang H, Tao B, Gong Q, Zeng R, Song Y. Dynamic nitrogen reallocation in rice plants upon insect herbivory by a generalist lepidopteran pest Spodoptera litura (Fabricius). PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024; 47:294-307. [PMID: 37843127 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is a limited nutrient for both plants and herbivores. How plants reallocate N upon herbivore attack is vital for plant tolerance to herbivores. Here we investigated N reallocation in rice during a 2-day herbivore attack by a generalist herbivore Spodoptera litura and 2 days after herbivore removal. Labeled 15 N was translocated during insect attack from feeding-damaged leaves to roots, particularly to young roots. The amounts of chlorophyll and Rubisco were significantly reduced in the attacked leaves. Both free amino acids and nitrate accumulated in the damaged leaves and young roots, while ammonium content was decreased. Activities of nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase were enhanced in feeding-damaged leaves but inhibited in young roots. The expression of amino acid transporters OsAAP6, OsAAT15, and jasmonate-responsive genes OsAOS, OsMAPK3, OsMAPK6 was induced in the damaged leaves. However, 2 days after herbivore removal, N uptake was increased and herbivory-induced 15 N transfer to roots was partially reverted back to the damaged leaves, resulting in N levels in the previously damaged leaves were even higher than that in control leaves. Collectively, our results indicate a dynamic N reallocation in rice responses to insect herbivory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lu Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huiying Zhang
- Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Biological Breeding for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Baoxiang Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiangbin Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Rensen Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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Maniero RA, Koltun A, Vitti M, Factor BG, de Setta N, Câmara AS, Lima JE, Figueira A. Identification and functional characterization of the sugarcane ( Saccharum spp.) AMT2-type ammonium transporter ScAMT3;3 revealed a presumed role in shoot ammonium remobilization. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1299025. [PMID: 38098795 PMCID: PMC10720369 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1299025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is an important crop for sugar and bioethanol production worldwide. To maintain and increase sugarcane yields in marginal areas, the use of nitrogen (N) fertilizers is essential, but N overuse may result in the leaching of reactive N to the natural environment. Despite the importance of N in sugarcane production, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in N homeostasis in this crop, particularly regarding ammonium (NH4 +), the sugarcane's preferred source of N. Here, using a sugarcane bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library and a series of in silico analyses, we identified an AMMONIUM TRANSPORTER (AMT) from the AMT2 subfamily, sugarcane AMMONIUM TRANSPORTER 3;3 (ScAMT3;3), which is constitutively and highly expressed in young and mature leaves. To characterize its biochemical function, we ectopically expressed ScAMT3;3 in heterologous systems (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Arabidopsis thaliana). The complementation of triple mep mutant yeast demonstrated that ScAMT3;3 is functional for NH3/H+ cotransport at high availability of NH4 + and under physiological pH conditions. The ectopic expression of ScAMT3;3 in the Arabidopsis quadruple AMT knockout mutant restored the transport capacity of 15N-NH4 + in roots and plant growth under specific N availability conditions, confirming the role of ScAMT3;3 in NH4 + transport in planta. Our results indicate that ScAMT3;3 belongs to the low-affinity transport system (Km 270.9 µM; Vmax 209.3 µmol g-1 root DW h-1). We were able to infer that ScAMT3;3 plays a presumed role in NH4 + source-sink remobilization in the shoots via phloem loading. These findings help to shed light on the functionality of a novel AMT2-type protein and provide bases for future research focusing on the improvement of sugarcane yield and N use efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo A. Maniero
- Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Koltun
- Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Marielle Vitti
- Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruna G. Factor
- Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Nathalia de Setta
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Amanda S. Câmara
- Genebank Department, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Seeland, Germany
| | - Joni E. Lima
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Antonio Figueira
- Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
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Kitashova A, Brodsky V, Chaturvedi P, Pierides I, Ghatak A, Weckwerth W, Nägele T. Quantifying the impact of dynamic plant-environment interactions on metabolic regulation. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 290:154116. [PMID: 37839392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2023.154116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
A plant's genome encodes enzymes, transporters and many other proteins which constitute metabolism. Interactions of plants with their environment shape their growth, development and resilience towards adverse conditions. Although genome sequencing technologies and applications have experienced triumphantly rapid development during the last decades, enabling nowadays a fast and cheap sequencing of full genomes, prediction of metabolic phenotypes from genotype × environment interactions remains, at best, very incomplete. The main reasons are a lack of understanding of how different levels of molecular organisation depend on each other, and how they are constituted and expressed within a setup of growth conditions. Phenotypic plasticity, e.g., of the genetic model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, has provided important insights into plant-environment interactions and the resulting genotype x phenotype relationships. Here, we summarize previous and current findings about plant development in a changing environment and how this might be shaped and reflected in metabolism and its regulation. We identify current challenges in the study of plant development and metabolic regulation and provide an outlook of how methodological workflows might support the application of findings made in model systems to crops and their cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Kitashova
- LMU Munich, Faculty of Biology, Plant Evolutionary Cell Biology, 82152, Planegg, Germany.
| | - Vladimir Brodsky
- LMU Munich, Faculty of Biology, Plant Evolutionary Cell Biology, 82152, Planegg, Germany.
| | - Palak Chaturvedi
- University of Vienna, Molecular Systems Biology Lab (MOSYS), Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Iro Pierides
- University of Vienna, Molecular Systems Biology Lab (MOSYS), Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Arindam Ghatak
- University of Vienna, Molecular Systems Biology Lab (MOSYS), Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Metabolomics Center, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Wolfram Weckwerth
- University of Vienna, Molecular Systems Biology Lab (MOSYS), Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Metabolomics Center, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Thomas Nägele
- LMU Munich, Faculty of Biology, Plant Evolutionary Cell Biology, 82152, Planegg, Germany.
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Méndez T, Fuentes A, Cofre D, Moenne A, Laporte D. Oligo-Carrageenan Kappa Increases Expression of Genes Encoding Proteins Involved in Photosynthesis, C, N, and S Assimilation, and Growth in Arabidopsis thaliana. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11894. [PMID: 37569270 PMCID: PMC10418774 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
To analyze the effect of oligo-carrageenan (OC) kappa in the stimulation of growth in Arabidopsis thaliana, plants were sprayed on leaves with an aqueous solution of OC kappa at 1 mg mL-1, 5 times every 2 days and cultivated for 5 or 15 additional days. Plants treated with OC kappa showed an increase in rosette diameter, fresh and dry weight, and primary root length. Plants treated with OC kappa once and cultivated for 0 to 24 h after treatment were subjected to transcriptomic analyses to identify differentially expressed genes, mainly at 12 h after treatment. Transcripts encoding proteins involved in growth and development and photosynthesis were upregulated as well as enzymes involved in primary metabolism. In addition, plants treated with OC kappa once and cultivated for 0 to 96 h showed increased levels of transcripts encoding enzymes involved in C, N, and S assimilation at 6 and 12 h after treatment that remain increased until 96 h. Therefore, OC kappa increased the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in photosynthesis, C, N, and S assimilation, and growth in A. thaliana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Méndez
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3467987, Chile; (T.M.); (A.F.); (D.C.)
| | - Alejandra Fuentes
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3467987, Chile; (T.M.); (A.F.); (D.C.)
| | - Diego Cofre
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3467987, Chile; (T.M.); (A.F.); (D.C.)
| | - Alejandra Moenne
- Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, University of Santiago of Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | - Daniel Laporte
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3467987, Chile; (T.M.); (A.F.); (D.C.)
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Ninkuu V, Liu Z, Sun X. Genetic regulation of nitrogen use efficiency in Gossypium spp. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2023; 46:1749-1773. [PMID: 36942358 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is the most important fibre crop, with desirable characteristics preferred for textile production. Cotton fibre output relies heavily on nitrate as the most important source of inorganic nitrogen (N). However, nitrogen dynamics in extreme environments limit plant growth and lead to yield loss and pollution. Therefore, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), which involves the utilisation of the 'right rate', 'right source', 'right time', and 'right place' (4Rs), is key for efficient N management. Recent omics techniques have genetically improved NUE in crops. We herein highlight the mechanisms of N uptake and assimilation in the vegetative and reproductive branches of the cotton plant while considering the known and unknown regulatory factors. The phylogenetic relationships among N transporters in four Gossypium spp. have been reviewed. Further, the N regulatory genes that participate in xylem transport and phloem loading are also discussed. In addition, the functions of microRNAs and transcription factors in modulating the expression of target N regulatory genes are highlighted. Overall, this review provides a detailed perspective on the complex N regulatory mechanism in cotton, which would accelerate the research toward improving NUE in crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Ninkuu
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Zhixin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xuwu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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8
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Rosado-Souza L, Yokoyama R, Sonnewald U, Fernie AR. Understanding source-sink interactions: Progress in model plants and translational research to crops. MOLECULAR PLANT 2023; 16:96-121. [PMID: 36447435 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2022.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Agriculture is facing a massive increase in demand per hectare as a result of an ever-expanding population and environmental deterioration. While we have learned much about how environmental conditions and diseases impact crop yield, until recently considerably less was known concerning endogenous factors, including within-plant nutrient allocation. In this review, we discuss studies of source-sink interactions covering both fundamental research in model systems under controlled growth conditions and how the findings are being translated to crop plants in the field. In this respect we detail efforts aimed at improving and/or combining C3, C4, and CAM modes of photosynthesis, altering the chloroplastic electron transport chain, modulating photorespiration, adopting bacterial/algal carbon-concentrating mechanisms, and enhancing nitrogen- and water-use efficiencies. Moreover, we discuss how modulating TCA cycle activities and primary metabolism can result in increased rates of photosynthesis and outline the opportunities that evaluating natural variation in photosynthesis may afford. Although source, transport, and sink functions are all covered in this review, we focus on discussing source functions because the majority of research has been conducted in this field. Nevertheless, considerable recent evidence, alongside the evidence from classical studies, demonstrates that both transport and sink functions are also incredibly important determinants of yield. We thus describe recent evidence supporting this notion and suggest that future strategies for yield improvement should focus on combining improvements in each of these steps to approach yield optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laise Rosado-Souza
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
| | - Ryo Yokoyama
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Uwe Sonnewald
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Staudtstrasse 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
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Sartori K, Violle C, Vile D, Vasseur F, de Villemereuil P, Bresson J, Gillespie L, Fletcher LR, Sack L, Kazakou E. Do leaf nitrogen resorption dynamics align with the slow‐fast continuum? A test at the intraspecific level. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Sartori
- CEFE Univ Montpellier CNRS EPHE, IRD Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 Montpellier France
| | - Cyrille Violle
- CEFE Univ Montpellier CNRS EPHE, IRD Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 Montpellier France
| | - Denis Vile
- LEPSE Univ Montpellier INRAE, Institut Agro Montpellier France
| | - François Vasseur
- CEFE Univ Montpellier CNRS EPHE, IRD Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 Montpellier France
- LEPSE Univ Montpellier INRAE, Institut Agro Montpellier France
| | - Pierre de Villemereuil
- Institut de Systématique Évolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), École Pratique des Hautes Études PSL, MNHN, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université des Antilles Paris France
| | - Justine Bresson
- CEFE Univ Montpellier CNRS EPHE, IRD Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 Montpellier France
| | - Lauren Gillespie
- CEFE Univ Montpellier CNRS EPHE, IRD Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 Montpellier France
| | | | | | - Elena Kazakou
- CEFE Univ Montpellier CNRS EPHE, IRD Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 Montpellier France
- Univ Montpellier Institut Agro, Montpellier SupAgro, Montpellier France
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Garneau MG, Lu MZ, Grant J, Tegeder M. Role of source-to-sink transport of methionine in establishing seed protein quantity and quality in legumes. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 187:2134-2155. [PMID: 34618032 PMCID: PMC8644406 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Grain legumes such as pea (Pisum sativum L.) are highly valued as a staple source of protein for human and animal nutrition. However, their seeds often contain limited amounts of high-quality, sulfur (S) rich proteins, caused by a shortage of the S-amino acids cysteine and methionine. It was hypothesized that legume seed quality is directly linked to the amount of organic S transported from leaves to seeds, and imported into the growing embryo. We expressed a high-affinity yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) methionine/cysteine transporter (Methionine UPtake 1) in both the pea leaf phloem and seed cotyledons and found source-to-sink transport of methionine but not cysteine increased. Changes in methionine phloem loading triggered improvements in S uptake and assimilation and long-distance transport of the S compounds, S-methylmethionine and glutathione. In addition, nitrogen and carbon assimilation and source-to-sink allocation were upregulated, together resulting in increased plant biomass and seed yield. Further, methionine and amino acid delivery to individual seeds and uptake by the cotyledons improved, leading to increased accumulation of storage proteins by up to 23%, due to both higher levels of S-poor and, most importantly, S-rich proteins. Sulfate delivery to the embryo and S assimilation in the cotyledons were also upregulated, further contributing to the improved S-rich storage protein pools and seed quality. Overall, this work demonstrates that methionine transporter function in source and sink tissues presents a bottleneck in S allocation to seeds and that its targeted manipulation is essential for overcoming limitations in the accumulation of high-quality seed storage proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Garneau
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
| | - Ming-Zhu Lu
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
| | - Jan Grant
- New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Mechthild Tegeder
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
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Halder NK, Fuentes D, Possell M, Bradshaw B, Ingram L, Merchant A. Phloem sap metabolites vary according to the interactive effects of nutrient supply and seasonal conditions in Eucalyptus globulus (Labill). TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 41:1439-1449. [PMID: 33517450 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpab009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Improving the efficiency of fertilizer application is paramount to both the sustainability and profitability of forest plantations. Therefore, developing reliable, cost-effective tools to assess tree nutritional status is of great interest. This investigation sought to assess the use of phloem sap-derived metabolites as an indicator of nutritional status on a background of seasonal water availability of Eucalyptus globulus (Labill) trees grown under field conditions. Phloem is a central conduit for long-distance transport and signaling in plants and offers great promise in reflecting plant-scale resource limitations. Changes in the abundance of solutes and isotopes in phloem sap are sensitive to environmental cues. With a focus on both water and nutrient availability, we characterize patterns in phloem sugars, amino acids and the abundance of carbon isotopes in phloem sap obtained from E. globulus among different seasons and fertilizer treatments. Phloem-derived total amino acid concentration was found to increase with an increasing nitrogen (N) supply; however, this response was lost with the concurrent addition of phosphorus and at the highest level of N supply. Significant seasonal variation in all measured parameters was also detected, highlighting the need for caution in making quantitative relationships with growth. Broader implications of the interactive effects of both water supply and multi-nutrient additions and relationships with growth are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmol Kumar Halder
- Faculty of Science, Centre for Carbon, Water and Food, The University of Sydney, 380 Werombi Road, Brownlow Hill, NSW 2570, Australia
- Ministry of Planning. Government of the People Republic of Bangladesh, Dhakar, Dhakar District, 1207 Bangladesh
| | - David Fuentes
- Sydney Mass Spectrometry, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Malcolm Possell
- Faculty of Science, Centre for Carbon, Water and Food, The University of Sydney, 380 Werombi Road, Brownlow Hill, NSW 2570, Australia
| | - Ben Bradshaw
- Australian Blue Gum Plantations, 3/191 Chesterpass Road, Albany, WA 6330, Australia
| | - Lachlan Ingram
- Faculty of Science, Centre for Carbon, Water and Food, The University of Sydney, 380 Werombi Road, Brownlow Hill, NSW 2570, Australia
| | - Andrew Merchant
- Faculty of Science, Centre for Carbon, Water and Food, The University of Sydney, 380 Werombi Road, Brownlow Hill, NSW 2570, Australia
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12
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Santiago JP, Soltani A, Bresson MM, Preiser AL, Lowry DB, Sharkey TD. Contrasting anther glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities between two bean varieties suggest an important role in reproductive heat tolerance. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2021; 44:2185-2199. [PMID: 33783858 PMCID: PMC8360076 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are highly sensitive to elevated temperatures, and rising global temperatures threaten bean production. Plants at the reproductive stage are especially susceptible to heat stress due to damage to male (anthers) and female (ovary) reproductive tissues, with anthers being more sensitive to heat. Heat damage promotes early tapetal cell degradation, and in beans this was shown to cause male infertility. In this study, we focus on understanding how changes in leaf carbon export in response to elevated temperature stress contribute to heat-induced infertility. We hypothesize that anther glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity plays an important role at elevated temperature and promotes thermotolerance. To test this hypothesis, we compared heat-tolerant and susceptible common bean genotypes using a combination of phenotypic, biochemical, and physiological approaches. Our results identified changes in leaf sucrose export, anther sugar accumulation and G6PDH activity and anther H2 O2 levels and antioxidant-related enzymes between genotypes at elevated temperature. Further, anther respiration rate was found to be lower at high temperature in both bean varieties. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that enhanced male reproductive heat tolerance involves changes in the anther oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, which supplies reductants to critical H2 O2 scavenging enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P. Santiago
- Michigan State University‐Department of Energy Plant Research LaboratoryMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
- Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Ali Soltani
- Department of Plant BiologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
- Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Madeline M. Bresson
- Michigan State University‐Department of Energy Plant Research LaboratoryMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Alyssa L. Preiser
- Michigan State University‐Department of Energy Plant Research LaboratoryMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - David B. Lowry
- Department of Plant BiologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
- Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Thomas D. Sharkey
- Michigan State University‐Department of Energy Plant Research LaboratoryMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
- Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
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13
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The SV, Snyder R, Tegeder M. Targeting Nitrogen Metabolism and Transport Processes to Improve Plant Nitrogen Use Efficiency. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 11:628366. [PMID: 33732269 PMCID: PMC7957077 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.628366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In agricultural cropping systems, relatively large amounts of nitrogen (N) are applied for plant growth and development, and to achieve high yields. However, with increasing N application, plant N use efficiency generally decreases, which results in losses of N into the environment and subsequently detrimental consequences for both ecosystems and human health. A strategy for reducing N input and environmental losses while maintaining or increasing plant performance is the development of crops that effectively obtain, distribute, and utilize the available N. Generally, N is acquired from the soil in the inorganic forms of nitrate or ammonium and assimilated in roots or leaves as amino acids. The amino acids may be used within the source organs, but they are also the principal N compounds transported from source to sink in support of metabolism and growth. N uptake, synthesis of amino acids, and their partitioning within sources and toward sinks, as well as N utilization within sinks represent potential bottlenecks in the effective use of N for vegetative and reproductive growth. This review addresses recent discoveries in N metabolism and transport and their relevance for improving N use efficiency under high and low N conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mechthild Tegeder
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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14
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Sandhu N, Sethi M, Kumar A, Dang D, Singh J, Chhuneja P. Biochemical and Genetic Approaches Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Cereal Crops: A Review. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:657629. [PMID: 34149755 PMCID: PMC8213353 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.657629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen is an essential nutrient required in large quantities for the proper growth and development of plants. Nitrogen is the most limiting macronutrient for crop production in most of the world's agricultural areas. The dynamic nature of nitrogen and its tendency to lose soil and environment systems create a unique and challenging environment for its proper management. Exploiting genetic diversity, developing nutrient efficient novel varieties with better agronomy and crop management practices combined with improved crop genetics have been significant factors behind increased crop production. In this review, we highlight the various biochemical, genetic factors and the regulatory mechanisms controlling the plant nitrogen economy necessary for reducing fertilizer cost and improving nitrogen use efficiency while maintaining an acceptable grain yield.
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15
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Liu S, Wang D, Mei Y, Xia T, Xu W, Zhang Y, You X, Zhang X, Li L, Wang NN. Overexpression of GmAAP6a enhances tolerance to low nitrogen and improves seed nitrogen status by optimizing amino acid partitioning in soybean. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2020; 18:1749-1762. [PMID: 31945255 PMCID: PMC7336375 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Amino acid transport via phloem is one of the major source-to-sink nitrogen translocation pathways in most plant species. Amino acid permeases (AAPs) play essential roles in amino acid transport between plant cells and subsequent phloem or seed loading. In this study, a soybean AAP gene, annotated as GmAAP6a, was cloned and demonstrated to be significantly induced by nitrogen starvation. Histochemical staining of GmAAP6a:GmAAP6a-GUS transgenic soybean revealed that GmAAP6a is predominantly expressed in phloem and xylem parenchyma cells. Growth and transport studies using toxic amino acid analogs or single amino acids as a sole nitrogen source suggest that GmAAP6a can selectively absorb and transport neutral and acidic amino acids. Overexpression of GmAAP6a in Arabidopsis and soybean resulted in elevated tolerance to nitrogen limitation. Furthermore, the source-to-sink transfer of amino acids in the transgenic soybean was markedly improved under low nitrogen conditions. At the vegetative stage, GmAAP6a-overexpressing soybean showed significantly increased nitrogen export from source cotyledons and simultaneously enhanced nitrogen import into sink primary leaves. At the reproductive stage, nitrogen import into seeds was greatly enhanced under both sufficient and limited nitrogen conditions. Collectively, our results imply that overexpression of GmAAP6a enhances nitrogen stress tolerance and source-to-sink transport and improves seed quality in soybean. Co-expression of GmAAP6a with genes specialized in source nitrogen recycling and seed loading may represent an interesting application potential in breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein SciencesDepartment of Plant Biology and EcologyCollege of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Dan Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein SciencesDepartment of Plant Biology and EcologyCollege of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Yuanyuan Mei
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein SciencesDepartment of Plant Biology and EcologyCollege of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Tongmei Xia
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein SciencesDepartment of Plant Biology and EcologyCollege of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Wei Xu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein SciencesDepartment of Plant Biology and EcologyCollege of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein SciencesDepartment of Plant Biology and EcologyCollege of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Xiang You
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein SciencesDepartment of Plant Biology and EcologyCollege of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Xiyu Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein SciencesDepartment of Plant Biology and EcologyCollege of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Lei Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein SciencesDepartment of Plant Biology and EcologyCollege of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Ning Ning Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein SciencesDepartment of Plant Biology and EcologyCollege of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
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16
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Yao X, Nie J, Bai R, Sui X. Amino Acid Transporters in Plants: Identification and Function. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9080972. [PMID: 32751984 PMCID: PMC7466100 DOI: 10.3390/plants9080972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Amino acid transporters are the main mediators of nitrogen distribution throughout the plant body, and are essential for sustaining growth and development. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on the identity and biological functions of amino acid transporters in plants, and discuss the regulation of amino acid transporters in response to environmental stimuli. We focus on transporter function in amino acid assimilation and phloem loading and unloading, as well as on the molecular identity of amino acid exporters. Moreover, we discuss the effects of amino acid transport on carbon assimilation, as well as their cross-regulation, which is at the heart of sustainable agricultural production.
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17
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Thu SW, Lu MZ, Carter AM, Collier R, Gandin A, Sitton CC, Tegeder M. Role of ureides in source-to-sink transport of photoassimilates in non-fixing soybean. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2020; 71:4495-4511. [PMID: 32188989 PMCID: PMC7475099 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N)-fixing soybean plants use the ureides allantoin and allantoic acid as major long-distance transport forms of N, but in non-fixing, non-nodulated plants amino acids mainly serve in source-to-sink N allocation. However, some ureides are still synthesized in roots of non-fixing soybean, and our study addresses the role of ureide transport processes in those plants. In previous work, legume ureide permeases (UPSs) were identified that are involved in cellular import of allantoin and allantoic acid. Here, UPS1 from common bean was expressed in the soybean phloem, which resulted in enhanced source-to-sink transport of ureides in the transgenic plants. This was accompanied by increased ureide synthesis and elevated allantoin and allantoic acid root-to-sink transport. Interestingly, amino acid assimilation, xylem transport, and phloem partitioning to sinks were also strongly up-regulated. In addition, photosynthesis and sucrose phloem transport were improved in the transgenic plants. These combined changes in source physiology and assimilate partitioning resulted in increased vegetative growth and improved seed numbers. Overall, the results support that ureide transport processes in non-fixing plants affect source N and carbon acquisition and assimilation as well as source-to-sink translocation of N and carbon assimilates with consequences for plant growth and seed development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandi Win Thu
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Ming-Zhu Lu
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Amanda M Carter
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Ray Collier
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Anthony Gandin
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Ciera Chenoa Sitton
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Mechthild Tegeder
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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18
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Lu MZ, Snyder R, Grant J, Tegeder M. Manipulation of sucrose phloem and embryo loading affects pea leaf metabolism, carbon and nitrogen partitioning to sinks as well as seed storage pools. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 101:217-236. [PMID: 31520495 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Seed development largely depends on the long-distance transport of sucrose from photosynthetically active source leaves to seed sinks. This source-to-sink carbon allocation occurs in the phloem and requires the loading of sucrose into the leaf phloem and, at the sink end, its import into the growing embryo. Both tasks are achieved through the function of SUT sucrose transporters. In this study, we used vegetable peas (Pisum sativum L.), harvested for human consumption as immature seeds, as our model crop and simultaneously overexpressed the endogenous SUT1 transporter in the leaf phloem and in cotyledon epidermal cells where import into the embryo occurs. Using this 'Push-and-Pull' approach, the transgenic SUT1 plants displayed increased sucrose phloem loading and carbon movement from source to sink causing higher sucrose levels in developing pea seeds. The enhanced sucrose partitioning further led to improved photosynthesis rates, increased leaf nitrogen assimilation, and enhanced source-to-sink transport of amino acids. Embryo loading with amino acids was also increased in SUT1-overexpressors resulting in higher protein levels in immature seeds. Further, transgenic plants grown until desiccation produced more seed protein and starch, as well as higher seed yields than the wild-type plants. Together, the results demonstrate that the SUT1-overexpressing plants with enhanced sucrose allocation to sinks adjust leaf carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and amino acid partitioning in order to accommodate the increased assimilate demand of growing seeds. We further provide evidence that the combined Push-and-Pull approach for enhancing carbon transport is a successful strategy for improving seed yields and nutritional quality in legumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Zhu Lu
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Rachel Snyder
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Jan Grant
- New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Mechthild Tegeder
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
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19
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Dellero Y. Manipulating Amino Acid Metabolism to Improve Crop Nitrogen Use Efficiency for a Sustainable Agriculture. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:602548. [PMID: 33329673 PMCID: PMC7733991 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.602548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In a context of a growing worldwide food demand coupled to the need to develop a sustainable agriculture, it is crucial to improve crop nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) while reducing field N inputs. Classical genetic approaches based on natural allelic variations existing within crops have led to the discovery of quantitative trait loci controlling NUE under low nitrogen conditions; however, the identification of candidate genes from mapping studies is still challenging. Amino acid metabolism is the cornerstone of plant N management, which involves N uptake, assimilation, and remobilization efficiencies, and it is finely regulated during acclimation to low N conditions and other abiotic stresses. Over the last two decades, biotechnological engineering of amino acid metabolism has led to promising results for the improvement of crop NUE, and more recently under low N conditions. This review summarizes current work carried out in crops and provides perspectives on the identification of new candidate genes and future strategies for crop improvement.
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20
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Anwar A, Li Y, He C, Yu X. 24-Epibrassinolide promotes NO 3- and NH 4+ ion flux rate and NRT1 gene expression in cucumber under suboptimal root zone temperature. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 19:225. [PMID: 31146677 PMCID: PMC6543628 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-019-1838-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suboptimal root zone temperature (RZT) causes a remarkable reduction in growth of horticultural crops during winter cultivation under greenhouse production. However, limited information is available on the effects of suboptimal RZT on nitrogen (N) metabolism in cucumber seedlings. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of 24-Epibrassinolide (EBR) on nitrate and ammonium flux rate, N metabolism, and transcript levels of NRT1 family genes under suboptimal RZT in cucumber seedlings. RESULTS Suboptimal RZT (LT) negatively affected on cucumber growth and proportionately decreased EBR contents, bleeding rate, root activity, enzyme activities of nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), glutamine synthetase (GS), and glutamate synthase (GOGAT), nitrate (NO3-) influx rate, ammonium (NH4+) efflux rate, and transcript levels of nitrate transporter (NRT1) encoding genes. However, exogenous EBR reduced the harmful effects of suboptimal RZT and increased endogenous EBR contents, bleeding rate, root activity, enzyme activities of NR, NiR, GS, and GOGAT, NH4+ and NO3- flux rates and contents, and N accumulation. EBR-treated seedlings also upregulated the transcript levels of nitrate transporters CsNRT1.1, CsNRT1.2A, CsNRT1.2B, CsNRT1.2C, CsNRT1.3, CsNRT1.4A, CsNRT1.5B, CsNRT1.5C, CsNRT1.9, and CsNRT1.10, and downregulated CsNRT1.5A and CsNRT1.8. LT treatment upregulated the expression level of CsNRT1.5A, while exogenous BZR application downregulated the expression level of NRT1 genes. CONCLUSION These results indicate that exogenous application of EBR alleviated the harmful effects of suboptimal RZT through changes in N metabolism, NH4+ and NO3- flux rates, and NRT1 gene expression, leading to improved cucumber seedlings growth. Our study provides the first evidence of the role of EBR in the response to suboptimal RZT in cucumber, and can be used to improve vegetable production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Anwar
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Scieces, Beijing, China
| | - Yansu Li
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Scieces, Beijing, China
| | - Chaoxing He
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Scieces, Beijing, China
| | - Xianchang Yu
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Scieces, Beijing, China
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21
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Besnard J, Zhao C, Avice JC, Vitha S, Hyodo A, Pilot G, Okumoto S. Arabidopsis UMAMIT24 and 25 are amino acid exporters involved in seed loading. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2018; 69:5221-5232. [PMID: 30312461 PMCID: PMC6184519 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/ery302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Phloem-derived amino acids are the major source of nitrogen supplied to developing seeds. Amino acid transfer from the maternal to the filial tissue requires at least one cellular export step from the maternal tissue prior to the import into the symplasmically isolated embryo. Some members of UMAMIT (usually multiple acids move in an out transporter) family (UMAMIT11, 14, 18, 28, and 29) have previously been implicated in this process. Here we show that additional members of the UMAMIT family, UMAMIT24 and UMAMIT25, also function in amino acid transfer in developing seeds. Using a recently published yeast-based assay allowing detection of amino acid secretion, we showed that UMAMIT24 and UMAMIT25 promote export of a broad range of amino acids in yeast. In plants, UMAMIT24 and UMAMIT25 are expressed in distinct tissues within developing seeds; UMAMIT24 is mainly expressed in the chalazal seed coat and localized on the tonoplast, whereas the plasma membrane-localized UMAMIT25 is expressed in endosperm cells. Seed amino acid contents of umamit24 and umamit25 knockout lines were both decreased during embryogenesis compared with the wild type, but recovered in the mature seeds without any deleterious effect on yield. The results suggest that UMAMIT24 and 25 play different roles in amino acid translocation from the maternal to filial tissue; UMAMIT24 could have a role in temporary storage of amino acids in the chalaza, while UMAMIT25 would mediate amino acid export from the endosperm, the last step before amino acids are taken up by the developing embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Besnard
- Department of Soil and Crop, Texas A&M, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Chengsong Zhao
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Jean-Christophe Avice
- UMR INRA - UCBN 950 EVA, UFR des Sciences, Département de Biologie, Université de Caen Normandie, Esplanade de la Paix, Caen cedex, France
| | - Stanislav Vitha
- Microscopy and Imaging Center, Texas A&M, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ayumi Hyodo
- Stable Isotopes for Biosphere Science Laboratory, Texas A&M, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Guillaume Pilot
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Sakiko Okumoto
- Department of Soil and Crop, Texas A&M, College Station, TX, USA
- Correspondence: or
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22
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Tegeder M, Hammes UZ. The way out and in: phloem loading and unloading of amino acids. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2018; 43:16-21. [PMID: 29278790 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Amino acids represent the major transport form of reduced nitrogen in plants. Long-distance transport of amino acids occurs in the xylem and the phloem. However, the phloem is the main transport route for bulk flow of the organic nitrogen from source leaves to sink tissues. Phloem loading in leaves of most annual plant species follows an apoplasmic transport path and requires the coordinated activity of transport protein mediating cellular export or import of amino acids. Phloem unloading of amino acids is generally a symplasmic process but apoplasmic transport is additionally required for efficient post-phloem nitrogen transport. In this review we summarize the current data on the physiology of amino acid phloem loading and unloading, and the molecular players involved. We discuss the implications of amino acid transporters in nitrogen signaling and highlight the necessity to investigate the coordination of symplasmic and apoplasmic transport processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mechthild Tegeder
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Ulrich Z Hammes
- Plant Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Germany
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23
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Zhang C, Turgeon R. Mechanisms of phloem loading. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2018; 43:71-75. [PMID: 29448176 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The complex form of higher plants requires continuous, balanced transport of nutrients in the phloem. The initial step of transferring sugars, amino acids, and other materials from photosynthetic cells to the conducting sieve tubes is known as phloem loading. Three phloem loading mechanisms have been described. The first involves release of sucrose into the apoplast and subsequent retrieval by the phloem. The initial release step in this process is now known to be mediated by a new class of transporters, the SWEET proteins. In the other two loading mechanisms, polymer trapping and diffusion, sucrose passes into the phloem through cytoplasmic channels, the plasmodesmata. Recent models have shed additional light on these mechanisms and their ability to sustain the growth of even the tallest trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cankui Zhang
- Department of Agronomy and Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 49707, USA
| | - Robert Turgeon
- Plant Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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24
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Wang Z, Huai D, Zhang Z, Cheng K, Kang Y, Wan L, Yan L, Jiang H, Lei Y, Liao B. Development of a High-Density Genetic Map Based on Specific Length Amplified Fragment Sequencing and Its Application in Quantitative Trait Loci Analysis for Yield-Related Traits in Cultivated Peanut. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:827. [PMID: 29997635 PMCID: PMC6028809 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.00827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
High-density genetic maps (HDGMs) are very useful for genomic studies and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping. However, the low frequency of DNA polymorphisms in peanut has limited the quantity of available markers and hindered the construction of a HDGM. This study generated a peanut genetic map with the highest number of high-quality SNPs based on specific locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology and a newly constructed RIL population ("ZH16" × "sd-H1"). The constructed HDGM included 3,630 SNP markers belonging to 2,636 bins on 20 linkage groups (LGs), and it covers 2,098.14 cM in length, with an average marker distance of 0.58 cM. This HDGM was applied for the following collinear comparison, scaffold anchoring and analysis of genomic characterization including recombination rates and segregation distortion in peanut. For QTL mapping of investigated 14 yield-related traits, a total of 62 QTLs were detected on 12 chromosomes across 3 environments, and the co-localization of QTLs was observed for these traits which were significantly correlated on phenotype. Two stable co-located QTLs for seed- and pod-related traits were significantly identified in the chromosomal end of B06 and B07, respectively. The construction of HDGM and QTL analysis for yield-related traits in this study provide useful information for fine mapping and functional analysis of genes as well as molecular marker-assisted breeding.
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Tegeder M, Masclaux-Daubresse C. Source and sink mechanisms of nitrogen transport and use. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2018; 217:35-53. [PMID: 29120059 DOI: 10.1111/nph.14876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 302] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Contents Summary 35 I. Introduction 35 II. Nitrogen acquisition and assimilation 36 III. Root-to-shoot transport of nitrogen 38 IV. Nitrogen storage pools in vegetative tissues 39 V. Nitrogen transport from source leaf to sink 40 VI. Nitrogen import into sinks 42 VII. Relationship between source and sink nitrogen transport processes and metabolism 43 VIII. Regulation of nitrogen transport 43 IX. Strategies for crop improvement 44 X. Conclusions 46 Acknowledgements 47 References 47 SUMMARY: Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth. World-wide, large quantities of nitrogenous fertilizer are applied to ensure maximum crop productivity. However, nitrogen fertilizer application is expensive and negatively affects the environment, and subsequently human health. A strategy to address this problem is the development of crops that are efficient in acquiring and using nitrogen and that can achieve high seed yields with reduced nitrogen input. This review integrates the current knowledge regarding inorganic and organic nitrogen management at the whole-plant level, spanning from nitrogen uptake to remobilization and utilization in source and sink organs. Plant partitioning and transient storage of inorganic and organic nitrogen forms are evaluated, as is how they affect nitrogen availability, metabolism and mobilization. Essential functions of nitrogen transporters in source and sink organs and their importance in regulating nitrogen movement in support of metabolism, and vegetative and reproductive growth are assessed. Finally, we discuss recent advances in plant engineering, demonstrating that nitrogen transporters are effective targets to improve crop productivity and nitrogen use efficiency. While inorganic and organic nitrogen transporters were examined separately in these studies, they provide valuable clues about how to successfully combine approaches for future crop engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mechthild Tegeder
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
| | - Céline Masclaux-Daubresse
- INRA-AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, UMR1318, ERL CNRS 3559, Saclay Plant Sciences, Versailles, France
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Lucas WJ, Liu CM. The plant vascular system II: From resource allocation, inter-organ communication and defense, to evolution of the monocot cambium. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2017; 59:354-355. [PMID: 28466534 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.12551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- William J Lucas
- Department of Plant Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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