Mass spectrometric identification of in vivo phosphorylation sites of differentially expressed proteins in elongating cotton fiber cells

Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping for Plant Height and Branch Number in CCRI70 Recombinant Inbred Line Population of Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

Upland cotton accounts for a high percentage (95%) of the world's cotton production. Plant height (PH) and branch number (BN) are two important agronomic traits that have an impact on improving the level of cotton mechanical harvesting and cotton yield. In this research, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population with 250 lines developed from the variety CCRI70 was used for constructing a high-density genetic map and identification of quantitative trait locus (QTL). The results showed that the map harbored 8298 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, spanning a total distance of 4876.70 centimorgans (cMs). A total of 69 QTLs for PH (9 stable) and 63 for BN (11 stable) were identified and only one for PH was reported in previous studies. The QTLs for PH and BN harbored 495 and 446 genes, respectively. Combining the annotation information, expression patterns and previous studies of these genes, six genes could be considered as potential candidate genes for PH and BN. The results could be helpful for cotton researchers to better understand the genetic mechanism of PH and BN development, as well as provide valuable genetic resources for cotton breeders to manipulate cotton plant architecture to meet future demands.

Comparative phosphoproteomic analysis of BR-defective mutant reveals a key role of GhSK13 in regulating cotton fiber development

Brassinosteroid (BR), a steroid phytohormone, whose signaling transduction pathways include a series of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation events, and GSK3s are the main negative regulator kinases. BRs have been shown to play vital roles in cotton fiber elongation. However, the underlying mechanism is still elusive. In this study, fibers of a BR-defective mutant Pagoda 1 (pag1), and its corresponding wild-type (ZM24) were selected for a comparative global phosphoproteome analysis at critical developmental time points: fast-growing stage (10 days after pollination (DPA)) and secondary cell wall synthesis stage (20 DPA). Based on the substrate characteristics of GSK3, 900 potential substrates were identified. Their GO and KEGG annotation results suggest that BR functions in fiber development by regulating GhSKs (GSK3s of Gossypium hirsutum L.) involved microtubule cytoskeleton organization, and pathways of glucose, sucrose and lipid metabolism. Further experimental results revealed that among the GhSK members identified, GhSK13 not only plays a role in BR signaling pathway, but also functions in developing fiber by respectively interacting with an AP2-like ethylene-responsive factor GhAP2L, a nuclear transcription factor Gh_DNF_YB19, and a homeodomain zipper member GhHDZ5. Overall, our phosphoproteomic research advances the understanding of fiber development controlled by BR signal pathways especially through GhSKs, and also offers numbers of target proteins for improving cotton fiber quality.

A systems genetics analysis in Eucalyptus reveals coordination of metabolic pathways associated with xylan modification in wood-forming tissues

Acetyl- and methylglucuronic acid decorations of xylan, the dominant hemicellulose in secondary cell walls (SCWs) of woody dicots, affect its interaction with cellulose and lignin to determine SCW structure and extractability. Genes and pathways involved in these modifications may be targets for genetic engineering; however, little is known about the regulation of xylan modifications in woody plants. To address this, we assessed genetic and gene expression variation associated with xylan modification in developing xylem of Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla interspecific hybrids. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping identified potential regulatory polymorphisms affecting gene expression modules associated with xylan modification. We identified 14 putative xylan modification genes that are members of five expression modules sharing seven trans-eQTL hotspots. The xylan modification genes are prevalent in two expression modules. The first comprises nucleotide sugar interconversion pathways supplying the essential precursors for cellulose and xylan biosynthesis. The second contains genes responsible for phenylalanine biosynthesis and S-adenosylmethionine biosynthesis required for glucuronic acid and monolignol methylation. Co-expression and co-regulation analyses also identified four metabolic sources of acetyl coenxyme A that appear to be transcriptionally coordinated with xylan modification. Our systems genetics analysis may provide new avenues for metabolic engineering to alter wood SCW biology for enhanced biomass processability.

Fiber Quality Improvement in Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.): Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping and Marker Assisted Selection Application

Genetic improvement in fiber quality is one of the main challenges for cotton breeders. Fiber quality traits are controlled by multiple genes and are classified as complex quantitative traits, with a negative relationship with yield potential, so the genetic gain is low in traditional genetic improvement by phenotypic selection. The availability of Gossypium genomic sequences facilitates the development of high-throughput molecular markers, quantitative trait loci (QTL) fine mapping and gene identification, which helps us to validate candidate genes and to use marker assisted selection (MAS) on fiber quality in breeding programs. Based on developments of high density linkage maps, QTLs fine mapping, marker selection and omics, we have performed trait dissection on fiber quality traits in diverse populations of upland cotton. QTL mapping combined with multi-omics approaches such as, RNA sequencing datasets to identify differentially expressed genes have benefited the improvement of fiber quality. In this review, we discuss the application of molecular markers, QTL mapping and MAS for fiber quality improvement in upland cotton.

Identification of novel Ack1-interacting proteins and Ack1 phosphorylated sites in mouse brain by mass spectrometry

Ack1 (activated Cdc42-associated tyrosine kinase) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that is highly expressed in brain. This kinase contains several protein-protein interaction domains and its action is partially regulated by phosphorylation. As a first step to address the neuronal functions of Ack1, here we screened mouse brain samples to identify proteins that interact with this kinase. Using mass spectrometry analysis, we identified new putative partners for Ack1 including cytoskeletal proteins such as Drebrin or MAP4; adhesion regulators such as NCAM1 and neurabin-2; and synapse mediators such as SynGAP, GRIN1 and GRIN3. In addition, we confirmed that Ack1 and CAMKII both co-immunoprecipitate and co-localize in neurons. We also identified that adult and P5 samples contained the phosphorylated residues Thr 104 and Ser 825, and only P5 samples contained phosphorylated Ser 722, a site linked to cancer and interleukin signaling when phosphorylated. All these findings support the notion that Ack1 could be involved in neuronal plasticity.

Serine phosphorylation of the cotton cytosolic pyruvate kinase GhPK6 decreases its stability and activity

Pyruvate kinase (PK, EC 2.7.1.40) is an important glycolytic enzyme involved in multiple physiological and developmental processes. In this study, we demonstrated that cotton cytosolic pyruvate kinase 6 (GhPK6) was phosphorylated at serines 215 and 402. Phosphorylation of GhPK6 at serine 215 inhibited its enzyme activity, whereas phosphorylation at both serine sites could promote its degradation. The phosphorylation-mediated ubiquitination of GhPK6 was gradually attenuated during the cotton fiber elongation process, which sufficiently explained the increase in the protein/mRNA ratios. These results collectively provided experimental evidence that cotton fiber elongation might be regulated at the post-translational level.

Serine phosphorylation of the cotton cytosolic pyruvate kinase GhPK6 decreases its stability and activity

Pyruvate kinase (PK, EC 2.7.1.40) is an important glycolytic enzyme involved in multiple physiological and developmental processes. In this study, we demonstrated that cotton cytosolic pyruvate kinase 6 (GhPK6) was phosphorylated at serines 215 and 402. Phosphorylation of GhPK6 at serine 215 inhibited its enzyme activity, whereas phosphorylation at both serine sites could promote its degradation. The phosphorylation-mediated ubiquitination of GhPK6 was gradually attenuated during the cotton fiber elongation process, which sufficiently explained the increase in the protein/mRNA ratios. These results collectively provided experimental evidence that cotton fiber elongation might be regulated at the post-translational level.

Characterization of in vivo phosphorylation modification of differentially accumulated proteins in cotton fiber-initiation process

Initiation of cotton fiber from ovule epidermal cells determines the ultimate number of fibers per cotton ovule, making it one of the restriction factors of cotton fiber yield. Previous comparative proteomics studies have collectively revealed 162 important differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) in cotton fiber-initiation process, however, whether and how post-translational modifications, especially phosphorylation modification, regulate the expression and function of the DAPs are still unclear. Here we reported the successful identification of 17 phosphopeptides from 16 phosphoproteins out of the 162 DAPs using the integrated bioinformatics analyses of peptide mass fingerprinting data and targeted MS/MS identification method. In-depth analyses indicated that 15 of the 17 phosphorylation sites were novel phosphorylation sites first identified in plants, whereas 6 of the 16 phosphoproteins were found to be the phosphorylated isoforms of 6 proteins. The phosphorylation-regulated dynamic protein network derived from this study not only expanded our understanding of the cotton fiber-initiation process, but also provided a valuable resource for future functional studies of the phosphoproteins.

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Cotton Fiber Development and Protein Extraction Method Comparison in Late Stage Fibers

The distinct stages of cotton fiber development and maturation serve as a single-celled model for studying the molecular mechanisms of plant cell elongation, cell wall development and cellulose biosynthesis. However, this model system of plant cell development is compromised for proteomic studies due to a lack of an efficient protein extraction method during the later stages of fiber development, because of a recalcitrant cell wall and the presence of abundant phenolic compounds. Here, we compared the quality and quantities of proteins extracted from 25 dpa (days post anthesis) fiber with multiple protein extraction methods and present a comprehensive quantitative proteomic study of fiber development from 10 dpa to 25 dpa. Comparative analysis using a label-free quantification method revealed 287 differentially-expressed proteins in the 10 dpa to 25 dpa fiber developmental period. Proteins involved in cell wall metabolism and regulation, cytoskeleton development and carbohydrate metabolism among other functional categories in four fiber developmental stages were identified. Our studies provide protocols for protein extraction from maturing fiber tissues for mass spectrometry analysis and expand knowledge of the proteomic profile of cotton fiber development.

Human TNF-α induces differential protein phosphorylation in Schistosoma mansoni adult male worms

Schistosoma mansoni and its vertebrate host have a complex and intimate connection in which several molecular stimuli are exchanged and affect both organisms. Human tumor necrosis factor alpha (hTNF-α), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is known to induce large-scale gene expression changes in the parasite and to affect several parasite biological processes such as metabolism, egg laying, and worm development. Until now, the molecular mechanisms for TNF-α activity in worms are not completely understood. Here, we aimed at exploring the effect of hTNF-α on S. mansoni protein phosphorylation by 2D gel electrophoresis followed by a quantitative analysis of phosphoprotein staining and protein identification by mass spectrometry. We analyzed three biological replicates of adult male worms exposed to hTNF-α and successfully identified 32 protein spots with a statistically significant increase in phosphorylation upon in vitro exposure to hTNF-α. Among the differentially phosphorylated proteins, we found proteins involved in metabolism, such as glycolysis, galactose metabolism, urea cycle, and aldehyde metabolism, as well as proteins related to muscle contraction and to cytoskeleton remodeling. The most differentially phosphorylated protein (30-fold increase in phosphorylation) was 14-3-3, whose function is known to be modulated by phosphorylation, belonging to a signal transduction protein family that regulates a variety of processes in all eukaryotic cells. Further, 75% of the identified proteins are known in mammals to be related to TNF-α signaling, thus suggesting that TNF-α response may be conserved in the parasite. We propose that this work opens new perspectives to be explored in the study of the molecular crosstalk between host and pathogen.

Proteomic analysis of a nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line and a nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line

BACKGROUND

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy exhibiting a strong geographic preference and a close association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The aim of this study was to investigate the precise mechanism of nasopharyngeal epithelial-to-NPC tumorigenesis and to identify possible biomarkers and targets for therapy.

METHODS

Proteomic analysis was performed on the immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line NP69 and the NPC cell line C666.

RESULTS

A comparative analysis of total lysates from the cell lines using 2-D gel electrophoresis-mass spectrometry resulted in the identification of 87 different protein spots. The different proteins were grouped into 5 main categories: (i) energy production and general metabolism, (ii) adaptation/stress tolerance, (iii) cell proliferation, (iv) cell structure and (v) epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The detection of metabolism-related proteins indicated that the NPC cells relied on aerobic glycolysis, with reduced use of the citric acid cycle. Glucose uptake and lactate secretion increased in the medium of C666 compared with NP69.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study revealed that glycolysis was up-regulated in the NPC cell lines compared with nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. A number of molecules involved in metabolism were identified, and further investigations will be needed to validate these potential biomarkers or targets.

Comparative proteomic and biochemical analyses reveal different molecular events occurring in the process of fiber initiation between wild-type allotetraploid cotton and its fuzzless-lintless mutant

To explore lint fiber initiation-related proteins in allotetraploid cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), a comparative proteomic analysis was performed between wild-type cotton (Xu-142) and its fuzzless-lintless mutant (Xu-142-fl) at five developmental time points for lint fiber initiation from -3 to +3 days post-anthesis (dpa). Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) combined with mass spectrometry (MS) analyses, 91 differentially accumulated protein (DAP) species that are related to fiber initiation were successfully identified, of which 58 preferentially accumulated in the wild-type and 33 species in the fl mutant. These DAPs are involved in various cellular and metabolic processes, mainly including important energy/carbohydrate metabolism, redox homeostasis, amino acid and fatty acid biosynthesis, protein quality control, cytoskeleton dynamics, and anthocyanidin metabolism. Further physiological and biochemical experiments revealed dynamic changes in the carbohydrate flux and H₂O₂ levels in the cotton fiber initiation process. Compared with those in the fl mutant, the contents of glucose and fructose in wild-type ovules sharply increased after anthesis with a relatively higher rate of amino acid biosynthesis. The relative sugar starvation and lower rate of amino acid biosynthesis in the fl mutant ovules may impede the carbohydrate/energy supply and cell wall synthesis, which is consistent with the proteomic results. However, the H₂O₂ burst was only observed in the wild-type ovules on the day of anthesis. Cotton boll injection experiments in combination with electron microscope observation collectively indicated that H₂O₂ burst, which is negatively regulated by ascorbate peroxidases (APx), plays an important role in the fiber initiation process. Taken together, our study demonstrates a putative network of DAP species related to fiber initiation in cotton ovules and provides a foundation for future studies on the specific functions of these proteins in fiber development.

Quantitative proteomics and transcriptomics reveal key metabolic processes associated with cotton fiber initiation

An iTRAQ-based proteomics of ovules from the upland cotton species Gossypium hirsutum and its fuzzless-lintless mutant was performed, and finally 2729 proteins that preferentially accumulated at anthesis in wild-type ovules were identified. We confirmed that the gene expression levels of 2005 among these proteins also increased by performing an RNA sequencing transcriptomics. Expression of proteins involved in carboxylic acid metabolism, small-molecule metabolic processes, hormone regulation, and lipid metabolism was significantly enhanced in wild-type ovules. Quantitative real-time PCR verified the increased expression of 26 genes involved in these processes. Cotton 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase (GhPAS2) catalyzing the third reaction of very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) biosynthesis, accumulated at anthesis in wild-type ovules. Heterogeneous expression of GhPAS2 restored viability to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae haploid psh1-deletion strain deficient in PAS2 activity. Application of VLCFA biosynthesis inhibitor acetochlor (2-chloro-N-[ethoxymethyl]-N-[2-ethyl-6-methyl-phenyl]-acetamide; ACE) and gibberellic acid to the unfertilized cotton ovules significantly suppressed fiber cell protrusion. In this study, the profiling of gene expression at both transcriptome and proteome levels provides new insights into cotton fiber cell initiation.

BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Cotton fiber initiation determines the ultimate number of fibers per ovule, thereby determining fiber yield. In total, 2729 proteins were preferentially accumulated in wild-type ovules at anthesis. The most up-regulated proteins were assigned to carboxylic acid metabolism, small-molecule metabolic processes, hormone regulation, and lipid metabolism. In consistence with these findings, we characterized GhPAS2 gene coding for the enzyme that catalyzes VLCFA production. VLCFA biosynthesis inhibitor, acetochlor, was shown to significantly suppress fiber initiation. This study provides a genome-scale transcriptomic and proteomic characterization of fiber initial cells, laying a solid basis for further investigation of the molecular processes governing fiber cell development.

Cotton proteomics for deciphering the mechanism of environment stress response and fiber development

Cotton fiber is considered as the backbone of the textile industry. The productivity of cotton crop is severely hampered by the occurrence of pathogens, pests, and various environmental factors. Nevertheless, cotton plant has developed sophisticated mechanisms to respond to environment stresses to avoid detrimental effects on its growth and development. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of cotton fiber development and environment stress response is of considerable interest for designing agriculture breeding strategies to ensure sustainable productivity. The application of proteomics technologies to advance our knowledge in cotton fiber development and abiotic/biotic stress tolerance has increased dramatically in the last 5years as evidenced by the large amount of publications in this area. This review summarizes the work which has been reported for cotton proteomics and evaluates the findings in context of the approaches that are widely employed with the aim to generate novel insight useful for cotton improvement.

BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is considered as the foremost commercially important fiber crop grown all over the world and is deemed as the backbone of the textile industry. Cotton is also an important source of edible oil seed and a nutrient-rich food crop as cottonseed contains high-quality protein and oil. The growth and productivity of cotton crop are often hampered by various biotic stress factors, such as insect pests and pathogens. In addition, cotton plants are frequently subjected to unavoidable environmental factors that cause abiotic stress, such as salt, heat and drought. Proteomic techniques provide one of the best options for understanding the gene function and phenotypic changes during cotton fiber development and stress response. This review first summarizes the work which has been reported for cotton proteomics about cotton fiber development and abiotic/biotic stress tolerance, and also evaluates the findings in context of the approaches that are widely employed during last 5years, with the aim to generate novel insight useful for cotton improvement. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Proteomics of non-model organisms.

Stress-related genes distinctly expressed in unfertilized wheat ovaries under both normal and water deficit conditions whereas differed in fertilized ovaries

In this study, a proteomic approach was utilized to identify differentially accumulated proteins in developing wheat ovaries before and after fertilization and in response to water deficit. Proteins were extracted, quantified, and resolved by 2-DE at pH4-7. Statistical analysis of spot intensity was performed by using principal component analysis and samples were clustered by using Euclidean distance. In total, 136 differentially accumulated protein spots representing 88 unique proteins were successfully identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF MS. Under normal conditions, stress-related proteins were abundant in unfertilized ovaries while proteins involved in the metabolism of energy and matter were enriched in fertilized ovaries just 48h after fertilization. Similar trends were observed in unfertilized and fertilized wheat ovaries under water deficit conditions, except for increased accumulation of stress-related proteins in fertilized ovaries. Some proteins required for normal development were not present in ovaries subjected to water deficit. Our comprehensive results provide new insights into the biochemical mechanisms involved in ovary development before and after fertilization and in tolerance to water deficit.

BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Fertilization initiates the most dramatic changes that occur in the life cycle of higher plants; research into differences in gene expression before and after ovary pollination can make a substantial contribution to understanding the physiological and biochemical processes associated with fertilization. To date, a small number of studies have examined changes in transcriptional activity of the developing plant embryo sac before and after fertilization. However, comparative proteomic analysis of wheat ovary development before and after fertilization, and in response to water deficit, has not yet been reported. Our comprehensive results provide new insights into the biochemical mechanisms involved in ovary development before and after fertilization and in tolerance to water deficit.