Chloroplast envelope localization of EDS5, an essential factor for salicylic acid biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana

Identification and analysis of MATE protein family in Gleditsia sinensis

Many studies have shown that multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) is a new secondary transporter family that plays a key role in secondary metabolite transport, the transport of plant hormones and disease resistance in plants. However, detailed information on this family in Gleditsia sinensis has not yet been reported. In the present study, a total of 45 GsMATE protein members were identified and analysed in detail, including with gene classification, phylogenetic evaluation and conserved motif determination. Phylogenetic analysis showed that GsMATE proteins were divided into six subfamilies. Additionally, in order to understand these members' regulatory roles in growth and development in G. sinensis , the GsMATEs expression profiles in different tissues and different developmental stages of thorn were examined in transcriptome data. The results of this study demonstrated that the expression of all MATE genes varies in roots, stems and leaves. Notably, the expression levels of GsMATE26 , GsMATE32 and GsMATE43 differ most in the early stages of thorn development, peaking at higher levels than in later stages. Our results provide a foundation for further functional characterisation of this important class of transporter family in G. sinensis .

Genome-wide mining and characterization of MATE transporters in Coriandrum sativum L

Multidrug and Toxic Compound Extrusion (MATE) proteins are responsible for the transport of a wide range of metabolites out of plant cells. This helps to protect the cells from toxins and other harmful compounds. MATE proteins also play a role in plant development, by regulating the transport of hormones and other signalling molecules. They transport a wide variety of substances, including organic acids, plant hormones, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes and other secondary metabolites. MATE proteins are thought to play similar roles in Coriander, in addition to stress responses. The MATE genes in the coriander genome have been identified and characterized. Detailed genome homology search and domain identification analysis have identified 91 MATE proteins in the genome assembly of coriander. A phylogenetic analysis of the identified proteins divided them into five major clades. The functions of the transporters in each cluster were predicted based on the clustering pattern of the functionally characterized proteins. The amino acid sequences, exon-intron structures and motif details of all the 91 proteins are identified and described. This is the first work on the MATE transporters in coriander and the results deliver clues for the molecular mechanisms behind the stress responses and secondary metabolite transport in coriander.

Genome-wide identification and expression pattern analysis of the MATE gene family in carmine radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Carmine radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is famousforcontaininganaturalredpigment(redradishpigment) that grown in Fuling, Chongqing City, China. MATE (multidrug and toxic compound extrusion), as an integral member of the multidrug efflux transporter family, has various functions in plants. However, noinformationhasbeenavailableaboutcharacteristicsoftheMATEgenefamily in carmine radish. In this study, total of 85 candidate MATE gene family members classifiedinto 4 groups were identified and foundtobewidelyandrandomlydistributedindifferent genome. Synteny analysis revealed that twenty-one segmental and ten tandem duplications acted as important regulators for the expansion of RsMATE genes. The Ka/Ks ratios of RsMATE indicated that RsMATE may have undergone intense purification in the radish genome. Cis-acting element analysis of RsMATE in the promoter region indicated that RsMATE were mainly related to the abiotic stress response and phytohormone. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) showed that RsMATE40-b, RsMATE16-b and RsMATE13-a genes were significantly expressed under ABA (abscisic acid) and NaCl stress treatments respectively. In addition, the expression patterns of fifteen key RsMATE genes were investigated in 'XCB' (Xichangbai) and 'HX' (Hongxin) roots under Cadmium (Cd) stress for different treatment times using qRT-PCR, of those, RsMATE49-b, RsMATE33 and RsMATE26 transcripts were strongly altered at different time points in XCB responsive to Cd stress,compared to HX. This study will provide valuable insights for studying the functional characterization of the MATE gene in carmine radish and other plants.

Arabidopsis cell suspension culture and RNA sequencing reveal regulatory networks underlying plant-programmed cell death

Programmed cell death (PCD) facilitates selective, genetically controlled elimination of redundant, damaged, or infected cells. In plants, PCD is often an essential component of normal development and can mediate responses to abiotic and biotic stress stimuli. However, studying the transcriptional regulation of PCD is hindered by difficulties in sampling small groups of dying cells that are often buried within the bulk of living plant tissue. We addressed this challenge by using RNA sequencing and Arabidopsis thaliana suspension cells, a model system that allows precise monitoring of PCD rates. The use of three PCD-inducing treatments (salicylic acid, heat, and critical dilution), in combination with three cell death modulators (3-methyladenine, lanthanum chloride, and conditioned medium), enabled isolation of candidate core- and stimuli-specific PCD genes, inference of underlying regulatory networks and identification of putative transcriptional regulators of PCD in plants. This analysis underscored a disturbance of the cell cycle and mitochondrial retrograde signaling, and repression of pro-survival stress responses, as key elements of the PCD-associated transcriptional signature. Further, phenotyping of Arabidopsis T-DNA insertion mutants in selected candidate genes validated the potential of generated resources to identify novel genes involved in plant PCD pathways and/or stress tolerance.

Pepper mild mottle virus coat protein interacts with pepper chloroplast outer envelope membrane protein OMP24 to inhibit antiviral immunity in plants

Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) is a devastating viral pathogen of pepper (Capsicum annuum) but it is unclear whether and how peppers protect against PMMoV infection. The expression of the chloroplast outer membrane protein 24 (OMP24) of C. annuum was upregulated under PMMoV infection and it interacted with PMMoV coat protein (CP). Silencing of OMP24 in either C. annuum or Nicotiana benthamiana facilitated PMMoV infection, whereas overexpression of N. benthamiana OMP24 in transgenic plants inhibited PMMoV infection. Both C. annuum OMP24 (CaOMP24) and N. benthamiana OMP24 (NbOMP24) localized to the chloroplast and have a moderately hydrophobic transmembrane domain that is necessary for their localization. Overexpression of CaOMP24 induced stromules, perinuclear chloroplast clustering, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the typical defense responses of chloroplasts transferring the retrograde signaling to the nucleus to regulate resistance genes. The expression of PR1 and PR2 was also upregulated significantly in plants overexpressing OMP24. Self-interaction of OMP24 was demonstrated and was required for OMP24-mediated plant defense. Interaction with PMMoV CP interfered with the self-interaction of OMP24 and impaired OMP24-induced stromules, perinuclear chloroplast clustering and ROS accumulation. The results demonstrate the defense function of OMP24 in pepper during viral infection and suggest a possible mechanism by which PMMoV CP modulates the plant defense to facilitate viral infection.

Plastids: diving into their diversity, their functions, and their role in plant development

Plastids are a group of essential, heterogenous semi-autonomous organelles characteristic of plants that perform photosynthesis and a diversity of metabolic pathways that impact growth and development. Plastids are remarkably dynamic and can interconvert in response to specific developmental and environmental cues, functioning as a central metabolic hub in plant cells. By far the best studied plastid is the chloroplast, but in recent years the combination of modern techniques and genetic analyses has expanded our current understanding of plastid morphological and functional diversity in both model and non-model plants. These studies have provided evidence of an unexpected diversity of plastid subtypes with specific characteristics. In this review, we describe recent findings that provide insights into the characteristics of these specialized plastids and their functions. We concentrate on the emerging evidence that supports the model that signals derived from particular plastid types play pivotal roles in plant development, environmental, and defense responses. Furthermore, we provide examples of how new technologies are illuminating the functions of these specialized plastids and the overall complexity of their differentiation processes. Finally, we discuss future research directions such as the use of ectopic plastid differentiation as a valuable tool to characterize factors involved in plastid differentiation. Collectively, we highlight important advances in the field that can also impact future agricultural and biotechnological improvement in plants.

Genome wide identification and characterization of MATE family genes in mangrove plants

Multidrug and Toxic Compound Extrusion (MATE) proteins are essential transporters that extrude metabolites and participate in plant development and cellular detoxification. MATE transporters, which play crucial roles in the survival of mangrove plants under highly challenged environments, by specialized salt extrusion mechanisms, are mined from their genomes and reported here for the first time. Through homology search and domain prediction in the genome assemblies of Avicennia marina, Bruguiera sexangula, Ceriops zippeliana, Kandelia obovata, Rhizophora apiculata and Ceriops tagal, 74, 68, 66, 66, 63 and 64 MATE proteins, respectively were identified. The phylogenetic analysis divided the identified proteins into five major clusters and following the clustering pattern of the functionally characterized proteins, functions of the transporters in each cluster were predicted. Amino acid sequences, exon-intron structure, motif details and subcellular localization pattern for all the 401 proteins are described. The custom designed repeat masking libraries generated for each of these genomes, which will be of extensive use for the researchers worldwide, are also provided in this paper. This is the first study on the MATE genes in mangroves and the results provide comprehensive information on the molecular mechanisms enabling the survival of mangroves under hostile conditions.

Chloroplast-inspired Scaffold for Infected Bone Defect Therapy: Towards Stable Photothermal Properties and Self-Defensive Functionality

Bone implant-associated infections induced by bacteria frequently result in repair failure and threaten the health of patients. Although black phosphorus (BP) material with superior photothermal conversion ability is booming in the treatment of bone disease, the development of BP-based bone scaffolds with excellent photothermal stability and antibacterial properties simultaneously remains a challenge. In nature, chloroplasts cannot only convert light into chemical energy, but also hold a protective and defensive envelope membrane. Inspired by this, a self-defensive bone scaffold with stable photothermal property is developed for infected bone defect therapy. Similar to thylakoid and stroma lamella in chloroplasts, BP is integrated with chitosan and polycaprolactone fiber networks. The mussel-inspired polydopamine multifunctional "envelope membrane" wrapped above not only strengthens the photothermal stability of BP-based scaffolds, but also realizes the in situ anchoring of silver nanoparticles. Bacteria-triggered infection of femur defects in vivo can be commendably inhibited at the early stage via these chloroplast-inspired implants, which then effectively promotes endogenous repair of the defect area under mild hyperthermia induced by near-infrared irradiation. This chloroplast-inspired strategy shows outstanding performance for infected bone defect therapy and provides a reference for the functionality of other biomedical materials.

Progress in Salicylic Acid-Dependent Signaling for Growth–Defense Trade-Off

One grand challenge for studying plant biotic and abiotic stress responses is to optimize plant growth and plasticity under variable environmental constraints, which in the long run benefits agricultural production. However, efforts in promoting plant immunity are often accompanied by compromised morphological “syndromes” such as growth retardation, sterility, and reduced yield. Such a trade-off is dictated by complex signaling driven by secondary messengers and phytohormones. Salicylic acid (SA) is a well-known phytohormone essential for basal immunity and systemic acquired resistance. Interestingly, recent updates suggest that external environmental cues, nutrient status, developmental stages, primary metabolism, and breeding strategies attribute an additional layer of control over SA-dependent signaling, and, hence, plant performance against pathogens. In this review, these external and internal factors are summarized, focusing on their specific roles on SA biosynthesis and downstream signaling leading to immunity. A few considerations and future opportunities are highlighted to improve plant fitness with minimal growth compensation.

Friend or foe: Hybrid proline-rich proteins determine how plants respond to beneficial and pathogenic microbes

Plant plastids generate signals, including some derived from lipids, that need to be mobilized to effect signaling. We used informatics to discover potential plastid membrane proteins involved in microbial responses in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Among these are proteins co-regulated with the systemic immunity component AZELAIC ACID INDUCED 1, a hybrid proline-rich protein (HyPRP), and HyPRP superfamily members. HyPRPs have a transmembrane domain, a proline-rich region (PRR), and a lipid transfer protein domain. The precise subcellular location(s) and function(s) are unknown for most HyPRP family members. As predicted by informatics, a subset of HyPRPs has a pool of proteins that target plastid outer envelope membranes via a mechanism that requires the PRR. Additionally, two HyPRPs may be associated with thylakoid membranes. Most of the plastid- and nonplastid-localized family members also have pools that localize to the endoplasmic reticulum, plasma membrane, or plasmodesmata. HyPRPs with plastid pools regulate, positively or negatively, systemic immunity against the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. HyPRPs also regulate the interaction with the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria Pseudomonas simiae WCS417 in the roots to influence colonization, root system architecture, and/or biomass. Thus, HyPRPs have broad and distinct roles in immunity, development, and growth responses to microbes and reside at sites that may facilitate signal molecule transport.

Emerging Roles of Motile Epidermal Chloroplasts in Plant Immunity

Plant epidermis contains atypical small chloroplasts. However, the physiological role of this organelle is unclear compared to that of large mesophyll chloroplasts, the well-known function of which is photosynthesis. Although knowledge of the involvement of chloroplasts in the plant immunity has been expanded to date, the differences between the epidermal and mesophyll chloroplasts are beyond the scope of this study. Given the role of the plant epidermis as a barrier to environmental stresses, including pathogen attacks, and the immune-related function of chloroplasts, plant defense research on epidermal chloroplasts is an emerging field. Recent studies have revealed the dynamic movements of epidermal chloroplasts in response to fungal and oomycete pathogens. Furthermore, epidermal chloroplast-associated proteins and cellular events that are tightly linked to epidermal resistance against pathogens have been reported. In this review, I have focused on the recent progress in epidermal chloroplast-mediated plant immunity.

The Pathogen-Induced MATE Gene TaPIMA1 Is Required for Defense Responses to Rhizoctonia cerealis in Wheat

The sharp eyespot, mainly caused by the soil-borne fungus Rhizoctonia cerealis, is a devastating disease endangering production of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Multi-Antimicrobial Extrusion (MATE) family genes are widely distributed in plant species, but little is known about MATE functions in wheat disease resistance. In this study, we identified TaPIMA1, a pathogen-induced MATE gene in wheat, from RNA-seq data. TaPIMA1 expression was induced by Rhizoctonia cerealis and was higher in sharp eyespot-resistant wheat genotypes than in susceptible wheat genotypes. Molecular biology assays showed that TaPIMA1 belonged to the MATE family, and the expressed protein could distribute in the cytoplasm and plasma membrane. Virus-Induced Gene Silencing plus disease assessment indicated that knock-down of TaPIMA1 impaired resistance of wheat to sharp eyespot and down-regulated the expression of defense genes (Defensin, PR10, PR1.2, and Chitinase3). Furthermore, TaPIMA1 was rapidly induced by exogenous H₂O₂ and jasmonate (JA) treatments, which also promoted the expression of pathogenesis-related genes. These results suggested that TaPIMA1 might positively regulate the defense against R. cerealis by up-regulating the expression of defense-associated genes in H₂O₂ and JA signal pathways. This study sheds light on the role of MATE transporter in wheat defense to Rhizoctonia cerealis and provides a potential gene for improving wheat resistance against sharp eyespot.

Biosynthesis and Roles of Salicylic Acid in Balancing Stress Response and Growth in Plants

Salicylic acid (SA) is an important plant hormone with a critical role in plant defense against pathogen infection. Despite extensive research over the past 30 year or so, SA biosynthesis and its complex roles in plant defense are still not fully understood. Even though earlier biochemical studies suggested that plants synthesize SA from cinnamate produced by phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), genetic analysis has indicated that in Arabidopsis, the bulk of SA is synthesized from isochorismate (IC) produced by IC synthase (ICS). Recent studies have further established the enzymes responsible for the conversion of IC to SA in Arabidopsis. However, it remains unclear whether other plants also rely on the ICS pathway for SA biosynthesis. SA induces defense genes against biotrophic pathogens, but represses genes involved in growth for balancing defense and growth to a great extent through crosstalk with the growth-promoting plant hormone auxin. Important progress has been made recently in understanding how SA attenuates plant growth by regulating the biosynthesis, transport, and signaling of auxin. In this review, we summarize recent progress in the biosynthesis and the broad roles of SA in regulating plant growth during defense responses. Further understanding of SA production and its regulation of both defense and growth will be critical for developing better knowledge to improve the disease resistance and fitness of crops.

Analysis of Phytohormone Signal Transduction in Sophora alopecuroides under Salt Stress

Salt stress seriously restricts crop yield and quality, leading to an urgent need to understand its effects on plants and the mechanism of plant responses. Although phytohormones are crucial for plant responses to salt stress, the role of phytohormone signal transduction in the salt stress responses of stress-resistant species such as Sophora alopecuroides has not been reported. Herein, we combined transcriptome and metabolome analyses to evaluate expression changes of key genes and metabolites associated with plant hormone signal transduction in S. alopecuroides roots under salt stress for 0 h to 72 h. Auxin, cytokinin, brassinosteroid, and gibberellin signals were predominantly involved in regulating S. alopecuroides growth and recovery under salt stress. Ethylene and jasmonic acid signals may negatively regulate the response of S. alopecuroides to salt stress. Abscisic acid and salicylic acid are significantly upregulated under salt stress, and their signals may positively regulate the plant response to salt stress. Additionally, salicylic acid (SA) might regulate the balance between plant growth and resistance by preventing reduction in growth-promoting hormones and maintaining high levels of abscisic acid (ABA). This study provides insight into the mechanism of salt stress response in S. alopecuroides and the corresponding role of plant hormones, which is beneficial for crop resistance breeding.

Epidermal chloroplasts are defense-related motile organelles equipped with plant immune components

In addition to conspicuous large mesophyll chloroplasts, where most photosynthesis occurs, small epidermal chloroplasts have also been observed in plant leaves. However, the functional significance of this small organelle remains unclear. Here, we present evidence that Arabidopsis epidermal chloroplasts control the entry of fungal pathogens. In entry trials, specialized fungal cells called appressoria triggered dynamic movement of epidermal chloroplasts. This movement is controlled by common regulators of mesophyll chloroplast photorelocation movement, designated as the epidermal chloroplast response (ECR). The ECR occurs when the PEN2 myrosinase-related higher-layer antifungal system becomes ineffective, and blockage of the distinct steps of the ECR commonly decreases preinvasive nonhost resistance against fungi. Furthermore, immune components were preferentially localized to epidermal chloroplasts, contributing to antifungal nonhost resistance in the pen2 background. Our findings reveal that atypical small chloroplasts act as defense-related motile organelles by specifically positioning immune components in the plant epidermis, which is the first site of contact between the plant and pathogens. Thus, this work deepens our understanding of the functions of epidermal chloroplasts.

Leaf epidermal cells contain small chloroplasts which likely contribute little to photosynthesis and whose function is unclear. Here the authors show that these chloroplasts move toward the leaf surface in response to invasion trials by non-adapted fungal pathogens and contribute to non-host resistance.

Salicylic Acid Biosynthesis and Metabolism: A Divergent Pathway for Plants and Bacteria

Salicylic acid (SA) is an active secondary metabolite that occurs in bacteria, fungi, and plants. SA and its derivatives (collectively called salicylates) are synthesized from chorismate (derived from shikimate pathway). SA is considered an important phytohormone that regulates various aspects of plant growth, environmental stress, and defense responses against pathogens. Besides plants, a large number of bacterial species, such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Azospirillum, Salmonella, Achromobacter, Vibrio, Yersinia, and Mycobacteria, have been reported to synthesize salicylates through the NRPS/PKS biosynthetic gene clusters. This bacterial salicylate production is often linked to the biosynthesis of small ferric-ion-chelating molecules, salicyl-derived siderophores (known as catecholate) under iron-limited conditions. Although bacteria possess entirely different biosynthetic pathways from plants, they share one common biosynthetic enzyme, isochorismate synthase, which converts chorismate to isochorismate, a common precursor for synthesizing SA. Additionally, SA in plants and bacteria can undergo several modifications to carry out their specific functions. In this review, we will systematically focus on the plant and bacterial salicylate biosynthesis and its metabolism.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of detoxification efflux carriers (DTX) genes family under abiotic stresses in flax

The detoxification efflux carriers (DTX)/multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) transporters encompass an ancient gene family of secondary transporters involved in the process of plant detoxification. A genome-wide analysis of these transporters was carried out in order to better understand the transport of secondary metabolites in flaxseed genome (Linum usitassimum). A total of 73 genes coding for DTX/MATE transporters were identified. Gene structure, protein domain and motif organization were found to be notably conserved over the distinct phylogenetic groups, showing the evolutionary significant role of each class. Gene ontology (GO) annotation revealed a link to transporter activities, response to stimulus and localizations. The presence of various hormone and stress-responsive cis-regulatory elements in promoter regions could be directly correlated with the alteration of their transcripts. Tertiary structure showed conservation for pore size and constrains in the pore, which indicate their involvement in the exclusion of toxic substances from the cell. MicroRNA target analysis revealed that LuDTXs genes were targeted by different classes of miRNA families. Twelve LuDTX genes were chosen for further quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis in response to cold, salinity and cadmium stress at 0, 6, 12 and 24 hours after treatment. Altogether, the identified members of the DTX gene family, their expression profile, phylogenetic and miRNAs analysis might provide opportunities for future functional validation of this important gene family in flax.

ALD1 accumulation in Arabidopsis epidermal plastids confers local and non-autonomous disease resistance

The Arabidopsis plastid-localized ALD1 protein acts in the lysine catabolic pathway that produces infection-induced pipecolic acid (Pip), Pip derivatives, and basal non-Pip metabolite(s). ALD1 is indispensable for disease resistance associated with Pseudomonas syringae infections of naïve plants as well as those previously immunized by a local infection, a phenomenon called systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Pseudomonas syringae is known to associate with mesophyll as well as epidermal cells. To probe the importance of epidermal cells in conferring bacterial disease resistance, we studied plants in which ALD1 was only detectable in the epidermal cells of specific leaves. Local disease resistance and many features of SAR were restored when ALD1 preferentially accumulated in the epidermal plastids at immunization sites. Interestingly, SAR restoration occurred without appreciable accumulation of Pip or known Pip derivatives in secondary distal leaves. Our findings establish that ALD1 has a non-autonomous effect on pathogen growth and defense activation. We propose that ALD1 is sufficient in the epidermis of the immunized leaves to activate SAR, but basal ALD1 and possibly a non-Pip metabolite(s) are also needed at all infection sites to fully suppress bacterial growth. Thus, epidermal plastids that contain ALD1 play a key role in local and whole-plant immune signaling.

Lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine primes the plant immune system and promotes basal resistance against hemibiotrophic pathogens

Background

Lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) is a natural phospholipid that functions in the early stages of plant senescence. Plant innate immunity and early leaf senescence share molecular components. To reveal conserved mechanisms that link-up both processes, we tried to unravel to what extent LPE coordinates defense response and by what mode of action.

Result

We found that LPE-treatment induces signaling and biosynthesis gene expression of the defensive hormone salicylic acid (SA). However, jasmonic acid and ethylene triggered gene induction levels are indistinguishable from the control. In accordance with gene induction for SA, oxidative stress, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, we detected raised in-situ hydrogen peroxide levels following LPE-application. Yet, ROS-burst assays of LPE-pretreated plants revealed a reduced release of ROS after PAMP-administration suggesting that LPE interferes with an oxidative burst. Our data refer to a priming effect of LPE on SA/ROS-associated genomic loci that encode pivotal factors in early senescence and considerably improve plant basal immunity. Thus, we challenged Arabidopsis thaliana with the hemibiotrophic pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. Consistently, we found an increased resistance in the LPE-pretreated Arabidopsis plants compared to the mock-pretreated control.

Conclusions

Our results underscore a beneficial effect of LPE on plant innate immunity against hemibiotrophs. Given the resistance-promoting effect of exogenously applied LPE, this bio-agent bears the potential of being applied as a valuable tool for the genetic activation of defense-associated traits.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12896-020-00661-8.

Comprehensive characterization of the ALMT and MATE families on Populus trichocarpa and gene co-expression network analysis of its members during aluminium toxicity and phosphate starvation stresses

Aluminium (Al) toxicity and phosphate deficit on soils are some of the main problems of modern agriculture and are usually associated. Some plants are able to overcome these stresses through exuding organic acids on the rhizosphere, such as citrate and malate, which are exported by MATE (Multi drug and toxin extrusion) and ALMT (Aluminium-activated malate transporter) transporters, respectively. Despite its co-action on acidic soils, few studies explore these two families' correlation, especially on tree crops, therefore we performed a comprehensive description of MATE and ALMT families on Populus trichocarpa as a model species for arboreal plants. We found 20 and 56 putative members of ALMT and MATE families, respectively. Then, a gene co-expression network analysis was performed using broad transcriptomic data to analyze which members of each family were transcriptionally associated. Four independent networks were generated, one of which is composed of members putatively related to phosphate starvation and aluminum toxicity stresses. The PoptrALMT10 and PoptrMATE54 genes were selected from this network for a deeper analysis, which revealed that in roots under phosphate starvation stress the two genes have independent transcriptional profiles, however, on the aluminum toxicity stress they share some common correlations with other genes. The data presented here help on the description of these gene families, of which some members are potentially involved in plant responses to acid soil-related stresses and its exploration is an important step towards using this knowledge on breeding programs for P. trichocarpa and other tree crops.

Identification and Expression of the Multidrug and Toxic Compound Extrusion (MATE) Gene Family in Capsicum annuum and Solanum tuberosum

Multidrug and Toxic Compound Extrusion (MATE) proteins are essential transporters that extrude metabolites and participate in plant development and the detoxification of toxins. Little is known about the MATE gene family in the Solanaceae, which includes species that produce a broad range of specialized metabolites. Here, we identified and analyzed the complement of MATE genes in pepper (Capsicum annuum) and potato (Solanum tuberosum). We classified all MATE genes into five groups based on their phylogenetic relationships and their gene and protein structures. Moreover, we discovered that tandem duplication contributed significantly to the expansion of the pepper MATE family, while both tandem and segmental duplications contributed to the expansion of the potato MATE family, indicating that MATEs took distinct evolutionary paths in these two Solanaceous species. Analysis of ω values showed that all potato and pepper MATE genes experienced purifying selection during evolution. In addition, collinearity analysis showed that MATE genes were highly conserved between pepper and potato. Analysis of cis-elements in MATE promoters and MATE expression patterns revealed that MATE proteins likely function in many stages of plant development, especially during fruit ripening, and when exposed to multiple stresses, consistent with the existence of functional differentiation between duplicated MATE genes. Together, our results lay the foundation for further characterization of pepper and potato MATE gene family members.

A Genome-Wide Survey of MATE Transporters in Brassicaceae and Unveiling Their Expression Profiles under Abiotic Stress in Rapeseed

The multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) protein family is important in the export of toxins and other substrates, but detailed information on this family in the Brassicaceae has not yet been reported compared to Arabidopsis thaliana. In this study, we identified 57, 124, 81, 85, 130, and 79 MATE genes in A. thaliana, Brassica napus, Brassica oleracea, Brassica rapa, Brassica juncea, and Brassica nigra, respectively, which were unevenly distributed on chromosomes owing to both tandem and segmental duplication events. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these genes could be classified into four subgroups, shared high similarity and conservation within each group, and have evolved mainly through purifying selection. Furthermore, numerous B. napusMATE genes showed differential expression between tissues and developmental stages and between plants treated with heavy metals or hormones and untreated control plants. This differential expression was especially pronounced for the Group 2 and 3 BnaMATE genes, indicating that they may play important roles in stress tolerance and hormone induction. Our results provide a valuable foundation for the functional dissection of the different BnaMATE homologs in B. napus and its parental lines, as well as for the breeding of more stress-tolerant B. napus genotypes.

Stories of Salicylic Acid: A Plant Defense Hormone

Salicylic acid (SA) is a key plant hormone required for establishing resistance to many pathogens. SA biosynthesis involves two main metabolic pathways with multiple steps: the isochorismate and the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase pathways. Transcriptional regulations of SA biosynthesis are important for fine-tuning SA level in plants. We highlight here recent discoveries on SA biosynthesis and transcriptional regulations of SA biosynthesis. In addition, SA perception by NPR proteins is important to fulfil its function as a defense hormone. We highlight recent work to give a full picture of how NPR proteins support the role of SA in plant immunity. We also discuss challenges and potential opportunities for future research and application related to the functions of SA in plants.

Transcriptome analysis of responses in Brachypodium distachyon overexpressing the BdbZIP26 transcription factor

BACKGROUND

Biotic and abiotic stresses are the major cause of reduced growth, persistence, and yield in agriculture. Over the past decade, RNA-Sequencing and the use of transgenics with altered expression of stress related genes have been utilized to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to salt tolerance in a variety of species. Identification of transcription factors that, when overexpressed in plants, improve multiple stress tolerance may be valuable for crop improvement, but sometimes overexpression leads to deleterious effects during normal plant growth.

RESULTS

Brachypodium constitutively expressing the BdbZIP26:GFP gene showed reduced stature compared to wild type plants (WT). RNA-Seq analysis comparing WT and bZIP26 transgenic plants revealed 7772 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Of these DEGs, 987 of the DEGs were differentially expressed in all three transgenic lines. Many of these DEGs are similar to those often observed in response to abiotic and biotic stress, including signaling proteins such as kinases/phosphatases, calcium/calmodulin related proteins, oxidases/reductases, hormone production and signaling, transcription factors, as well as disease responsive proteins. Interestingly, there were many DEGs associated with protein turnover including ubiquitin-related proteins, F-Box and U-box related proteins, membrane proteins, and ribosomal synthesis proteins. Transgenic and control plants were exposed to salinity stress. Many of the DEGs between the WT and transgenic lines under control conditions were also found to be differentially expressed in WT in response to salinity stress. This suggests that the over-expression of the transcription factor is placing the plant in a state of stress, which may contribute to the plants diminished stature.

CONCLUSION

The constitutive expression of BdbZIP26:GFP had an overall negative effect on plant growth and resulted in stunted plants compared to WT plants under control conditions, and a similar response to WT plants under salt stress conditions. The results of gene expression analysis suggest that the transgenic plants are in a constant state of stress, and that they are trying to allocate resources to survive.

Exploiting MATE efflux proteins to improve flavonoid accumulation in Camellia sinensis in silico

Flavonoids in tea plant are the important bioactive compounds for both human health and taste quality. Multidrug and Toxic compound Extrusion (MATE) proteins could improve flavonoid accumulations by transporting and sequestering the flavonoid in vacuoles. We identified 41 putative MATE genes in tea plants. The similar intron-exon structures of tea MATEs clustered within the same gene clade. The correlation analysis of tea flavonoid and transcriptome data showed that TEA006173 might be involve in the tea flavonoid accumulation. The RT-PCR results confirmed that TEA006173 showed high expression in the young leaf tissues. Tertiary structure prediction has shown that TEA006173 contained the 12 helices with three active pockets, comprising 13 critical residues. The present study provided the structural variations and expression patterns of tea MATEs and it would be helpful for taste and nutrient quality improvement in tea plant.

Intra and Extracellular Journey of the Phytohormone Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid (SA) is a plant hormone that has been described to play an essential role in the activation and regulation of multiple responses to biotic and to abiotic stresses. In particular, during plant-microbe interactions, as part of the defense mechanisms, SA is initially accumulated at the local infected tissue and then spread all over the plant to induce systemic acquired resistance at non-infected distal parts of the plant. SA can be produced by either the phenylalanine or isochorismate biosynthetic pathways. The first, takes place in the cytosol, while the second occurs in the chloroplasts. Once synthesized, free SA levels are regulated by a number of chemical modifications that produce inactive forms, including glycosylation, methylation and hydroxylation to dihydroxybenzoic acids. Glycosylated SA is stored in the vacuole, until required to activate SA-triggered responses. All this information suggests that SA levels are under a strict control, including its intra and extracellular movement that should be coordinated by the action of transporters. However, our knowledge on this matter is still very limited. In this review, we describe the most significant efforts made to date to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in SA transport throughout the plant. Additionally, we propose new alternatives that might help to understand the journey of this important phytohormone in the future.

Intra and Extracellular Journey of the Phytohormone Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid (SA) is a plant hormone that has been described to play an essential role in the activation and regulation of multiple responses to biotic and to abiotic stresses. In particular, during plant-microbe interactions, as part of the defense mechanisms, SA is initially accumulated at the local infected tissue and then spread all over the plant to induce systemic acquired resistance at non-infected distal parts of the plant. SA can be produced by either the phenylalanine or isochorismate biosynthetic pathways. The first, takes place in the cytosol, while the second occurs in the chloroplasts. Once synthesized, free SA levels are regulated by a number of chemical modifications that produce inactive forms, including glycosylation, methylation and hydroxylation to dihydroxybenzoic acids. Glycosylated SA is stored in the vacuole, until required to activate SA-triggered responses. All this information suggests that SA levels are under a strict control, including its intra and extracellular movement that should be coordinated by the action of transporters. However, our knowledge on this matter is still very limited. In this review, we describe the most significant efforts made to date to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in SA transport throughout the plant. Additionally, we propose new alternatives that might help to understand the journey of this important phytohormone in the future.

Network Analysis Reveals a Role for Salicylic Acid Pathway Components in Shade Avoidance

Plants have sophisticated mechanisms for sensing neighbor shade. To maximize their ability to compete for light, plants respond to shade through enhanced elongation and physiological changes. The shade avoidance response affects many different organs and growth stages, yet the signaling pathways underlying this response have mostly been studied in seedlings. We assayed transcriptome changes in response to shade across a 2-d time course in the wild type and 12 Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutants. The resulting temporal map of transcriptional responses to shade defines early and late responses in adult plants, enabling us to determine connections between key signaling genes and downstream responses. We found a pervasive and unexpectedly strong connection between shade avoidance and genes related to salicylic acid, suggesting salicylic acid signaling to be an important shade avoidance growth regulator. We tested this connection and found that several mutants disrupting salicylic acid levels or signaling were defective in shade avoidance. The effect of these mutations on shade avoidance was specific to petiole elongation; neither hypocotyl nor flowering time responses were altered, thereby defining important stage-specific differences in the downstream shade avoidance signaling pathway. Shade treatment did not change salicylic acid levels, indicating that the mediation of shade avoidance by salicylic acid is not dependent on the modulation of salicylic acid levels. These results demonstrate that salicylic acid pathway genes also are key components of petiole shade avoidance.

An E. coli biosensor for screening of cDNA libraries for isochorismate pyruvate lyase-encoding cDNAs

Salicylic acid (SA) is an essential hormone for development and induced defense against biotrophic pathogens in plants. The formation of SA mainly derives from chorismate via demonstrated isochorismate synthase (ICS) and presumed isochorismate pyruvate lyase (IPL)-mediated steps in Arabidopsis thaliana, but so far no plant enzyme displaying IPL activity has been identified. Here, we developed an E. coli SA biosensor to screen for IPL activity based on the SalR regulator/salA promoter combination from Acinetobacter sp ADP1, to control the expression of the reporter luxCDABE. The biosensor was responsive to micromolar concentrations of exogenous SA, and to endogenous SA produced after transformation with a plasmid permitting IPTG-inducible expression of bacterial IPL in this biosensor strain. After screening a cDNA library constructed from turnip crinkle virus (TCV)-infected Arabidopsis ecotype Di-17, we identified an enzyme, PRXR1, as a putative IPL that converts isochorismate into SA. Our results provide a new experimental approach to identify IPL and new insights into the SA biosynthesis pathway in Arabidopsis.

Harpin-inducible defense signaling components impair infection by the ascomycete Macrophomina phaseolina

Soybean (Glycine max) infection by the charcoal rot (CR) ascomycete Macrophomina phaseolina is enhanced by the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) Heterodera glycines. We hypothesized that G. max genetic lines impairing infection by M. phaseolina would also limit H. glycines parasitism, leading to resistance. As a part of this M. phaseolina resistance process, the genetic line would express defense genes already proven to impair nematode parasitism. Using G. max[DT97-4290/PI 642055], exhibiting partial resistance to M. phaseolina, experiments show the genetic line also impairs H. glycines parasitism. Furthermore, comparative studies show G. max[DT97-4290/PI 642055] exhibits induced expression of the effector triggered immunity (ETI) gene NON-RACE SPECIFIC DISEASE RESISTANCE 1/HARPIN INDUCED1 (NDR1/HIN1) that functions in defense to H. glycines as compared to the H. glycines and M. phaseolina susceptible line G. max[Williams 82/PI 518671]. Other defense genes that are induced in G. max[DT97-4290/PI 642055] include the pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMP) triggered immunity (PTI) genes ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY1 (EDS1), NONEXPRESSOR OF PR1 (NPR1) and TGA2. These observations link G. max defense processes that impede H. glycines parasitism to also potentially function toward impairing M. phaseolina pathogenicity. Testing this hypothesis, G. max[Williams 82/PI 518671] genetically engineered to experimentally induce GmNDR1-1, EDS1-2, NPR1-2 and TGA2-1 expression leads to impaired M. phaseolina pathogenicity. In contrast, G. max[DT97-4290/PI 642055] engineered to experimentally suppress the expression of GmNDR1-1, EDS1-2, NPR1-2 and TGA2-1 by RNA interference (RNAi) enhances M. phaseolina pathogenicity. The results show components of PTI and ETI impair both nematode and M. phaseolina pathogenicity.

Signalling requirements for Erwinia amylovora-induced disease resistance, callose deposition and cell growth in the non-host Arabidopsis thaliana

Erwinia amylovora is the causal agent of the fire blight disease in some plants of the Rosaceae family. The non-host plant Arabidopsis serves as a powerful system for the dissection of mechanisms of resistance to E. amylovora. Although not yet known to mount gene-for-gene resistance to E. amylovora, we found that Arabidopsis activated strong defence signalling mediated by salicylic acid (SA), with kinetics and amplitude similar to that induced by the recognition of the bacterial effector avrRpm1 by the resistance protein RPM1. Genetic analysis further revealed that SA signalling, but not signalling mediated by ethylene (ET) and jasmonic acid (JA), is required for E. amylovora resistance. Erwinia amylovora induces massive callose deposition on infected leaves, which is independent of SA, ET and JA signalling and is necessary for E. amylovora resistance in Arabidopsis. We also observed tumour-like growths on E. amylovora-infected Arabidopsis leaves, which contain enlarged mesophyll cells with increased DNA content and are probably a result of endoreplication. The formation of such growths is largely independent of SA signalling and some E. amylovora effectors. Together, our data reveal signalling requirements for E. amylovora-induced disease resistance, callose deposition and cell fate change in the non-host plant Arabidopsis. Knowledge from this study could facilitate a better understanding of the mechanisms of host defence against E. amylovora and eventually improve host resistance to the pathogen.

PROHIBITIN3 Forms Complexes with ISOCHORISMATE SYNTHASE1 to Regulate Stress-Induced Salicylic Acid Biosynthesis in Arabidopsis

Salicylic acid (SA) is a major defense signal in plants. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the chloroplast-localized isochorismate pathway is the main source of SA biosynthesis during abiotic stress or pathogen infections. In the first step of the pathway, the enzyme ISOCHORISMATE SYNTHASE1 (ICS1) converts chorismate to isochorismate. An unknown enzyme subsequently converts isochorismate to SA. Here, we show that ICS1 protein levels increase during UV-C stress. To identify proteins that may play roles in SA production by regulating ICS1, we analyzed proteins that coimmunoprecipitated with ICS1 via mass spectrometry. The ICS1 complexes contained a large number of peptides from the PROHIBITIN (PHB) protein family, with PHB3 the most abundant. PHB proteins have diverse biological functions that include acting as scaffolds for protein complex formation and stabilization. PHB3 was reported previously to localize to mitochondria. Using fractionation, protease protection, and live imaging, we show that PHB3 also localizes to chloroplasts, where ICS1 resides. Notably, loss of PHB3 function led to decreased ICS1 protein levels in response to UV-C stress. However, ICS1 transcript levels remain unchanged, indicating that ICS1 is regulated posttranscriptionally. The phb3 mutant displayed reduced levels of SA, the SA-regulated protein PR1, and hypersensitive cell death in response to UV-C and avirulent strains of Pseudomonas syringae and, correspondingly, supported increased growth of P. syringae The expression of a PHB3 transgene in the phb3 mutant complemented all of these phenotypes. We suggest a model in which the formation of PHB3-ICS1 complexes stabilizes ICS1 to promote SA production in response to stress.

Global analysis of the MATE gene family of metabolite transporters in tomato

BACKGROUND

Species in the Solanaceae family are known for producing plethora of specialized metabolites. In addition to biosynthesis pathways, a full comprehension of secondary metabolism must also take into account the transport and subcellular compartmentalization of substances. Here, we examined the MATE (Multidrug and Toxic Compound Extrusion, or Multi-Antimicrobial Extrusion) gene family in the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) genome with the objective of better understanding the transport of secondary metabolites in this model species. MATE membrane effluxers encompass an ancient gene family of secondary transporters present in all kingdoms of life, but with a remarkable expansion in plants. They mediate the transport of primary and secondary metabolites using the proton motive force through several membrane systems of the cell.

RESULTS

We identified 67 genes coding for MATE transporters in the tomato genome, 33 of which are expressed constitutively whereas 34 are expressed in specific cell types or environmental conditions. Synteny analyses revealed bona fide paralogs and Arabidopsis orthologs. Co-expression analysis between MATE and regulatory genes revealed 78 positive and 8 negative strong associations (ρ≥|0.8|). We found no evidence of MATE transporters belonging to known metabolic gene clusters in tomato.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, our expression data, phylogenetic analyses, and synteny study provide strong evidence of functional homologies between MATE genes of tomato and Arabidopsis thaliana. Our co-expression study revealed potential transcriptional regulators of MATE genes that warrant further investigation. This work sets the stage for genome-wide functional analyses of MATE transporters in tomato and other Solanaceae species of economic relevance.

Tick Tock: Circadian Regulation of Plant Innate Immunity

Many living organisms on Earth have evolved the ability to integrate environmental and internal signals to determine time and thereafter adjust appropriately their metabolism, physiology, and behavior. The circadian clock is the endogenous timekeeper critical for multiple biological processes in many organisms. A growing body of evidence supports the importance of the circadian clock for plant health. Plants activate timed defense with various strategies to anticipate daily attacks of pathogens and pests and to modulate responses to specific invaders in a time-of-day-dependent manner (gating). Pathogen infection is also known to reciprocally modulate clock activity. Such a cross talk likely reflects the adaptive nature of plants to coordinate limited resources for growth, development, and defense. This review summarizes recent progress in circadian regulation of plant innate immunity with a focus on the molecular events linking the circadian clock and defense. More and better knowledge of clock-defense cross talk could help to improve disease resistance and productivity in economically important crops.

Diverse functions of multidrug and toxin extrusion (MATE) transporters in citric acid efflux and metal homeostasis in Medicago truncatula

The multidrug and toxin extrusion (MATE) transporter family comprises 70 members in the Medicago truncatula genome, and they play seemingly important, yet mostly uncharacterized, physiological functions. Here, we employed bioinformatics and molecular genetics to identify and characterize MATE transporters involved in citric acid export, Al³⁺ tolerance and Fe translocation. MtMATE69 is a citric acid transporter induced by Fe-deficiency. Overexpression of MtMATE69 in hairy roots altered Fe homeostasis and hormone levels under Fe-deficient or Fe-oversupplied conditions. MtMATE66 is a plasma membrane citric acid transporter primarily expressed in root epidermal cells. The mtmate66 mutant had less root growth than the wild type under Al³⁺ stress, and seedlings were chlorotic under Fe-deficient conditions. Overexpression of MtMATE66 rendered hairy roots more tolerant to Al³⁺ toxicity. MtMATE55 is involved in seedling development and iron homeostasis, as well as hormone signaling. The mtmate55 mutant had delayed development and chlorotic leaves in mature plants. Both knock-out and overexpression mutants of MtMATE55 showed altered Fe accumulation and abnormal hormone levels compared with the wild type. We demonstrate that the zinc-finger transcription factor MtSTOP is essentially required for MtMATE66 expression and plant resistance to H⁺ and Al³⁺ toxicity. The proper expression of two previously characterized MATE flavonoid transporters MtMATE1 and MtMATE2 also depends on several transcription factors. This study reveals not only functional diversity of MATE transporters and regulatory mechanisms in legumes against H⁺ and Al³⁺ stresses, but also casts light on their role in metal nutrition and hormone signaling under various stresses.

How does the multifaceted plant hormone salicylic acid combat disease in plants and are similar mechanisms utilized in humans?

Salicylic acid (SA) is an important plant hormone that regulates many aspects of plant growth and development, as well as resistance to (a)biotic stress. Efforts to identify SA effector proteins have revealed that SA binds to and alters the activity of multiple plant proteins—this represents a shift from the paradigm that hormones mediate their functions via one or a few receptors. SA and its derivatives also have multiple targets in animals; some of these proteins, like their plant counterparts, are associated with pathological processes. Together, these findings suggest that SA exerts its defense-associated effects in both kingdoms via a large number of targets.

Regulation of Stomatal Defense by Air Relative Humidity

It has long been observed that environmental conditions play crucial roles in modulating immunity and disease in plants and animals. For instance, many bacterial plant disease outbreaks occur after periods of high humidity and rain. A critical step in bacterial infection is entry into the plant interior through wounds and natural openings, such as stomata, which are adjustable microscopic pores in the epidermal tissue. Several studies have shown that stomatal closure is an integral part of the plant immune response to reduce pathogen invasion. In this study, we found that high humidity can effectively compromise Pseudomonas syringae-triggered stomatal closure in both Phaseolus vulgaris and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), which is accompanied by early up-regulation of the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway and simultaneous down-regulation of salicylic acid (SA) pathway in guard cells. Furthermore, SA-dependent response, but not JA-dependent response, is faster in guard cells than in whole leaves, suggesting that the SA signaling in guard cells may be independent from other cell types. Thus, we conclude that high humidity, a well-known disease-promoting environmental condition, acts in part by suppressing stomatal defense and is linked to hormone signaling in guard cells.

The similar and different evolutionary trends of MATE family occurred between rice and Arabidopsis thaliana

BACKGROUND

Multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) transporter proteins are present in all organisms. Although the functions of some MATE gene family members have been studied in plants, few studies have investigated the gene expansion patterns, functional divergence, or the effects of positive selection.

RESULTS

Forty-five MATE genes from rice and 56 from Arabidopsis were identified and grouped into four subfamilies. MATE family genes have similar exon-intron structures in rice and Arabidopsis; MATE gene structures are conserved in each subfamily but differ among subfamilies. In both species, the MATE gene family has expanded mainly through tandem and segmental duplications. A transcriptome atlas showed considerable differences in expression among the genes, in terms of transcript abundance and expression patterns under normal growth conditions, indicating wide functional divergence in this family. In both rice and Arabidopsis, the MATE genes showed consistent functional divergence trends, with highly significant Type-I divergence in each subfamily, while Type-II divergence mainly occurred in subfamily III. The Type-II coefficients between rice subfamilies I/III, II/III, and IV/III were all significantly greater than zero, while only the Type-II coefficient between Arabidopsis IV/III subfamilies was significantly greater than zero. A site-specific model analysis indicated that MATE genes have relatively conserved evolutionary trends. A branch-site model suggested that the extent of positive selection on each subfamily of rice and Arabidopsis was different: subfamily II of Arabidopsis showed higher positive selection than other subfamilies, whereas in rice, positive selection was highest in subfamily III. In addition, the analyses identified 18 rice sites and 7 Arabidopsis sites that were responsible for positive selection and for Type-I and Type-II functional divergence; there were no common sites between rice and Arabidopsis. Five coevolving amino acid sites were identified in rice and three in Arabidopsis; these sites might have important roles in maintaining local structural stability and protein functional domains.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate that the MATE gene family expanded through tandem and segmental duplication in both rice and Arabidopsis. Overall, the results of our analyses contribute to improved understanding of the molecular evolution and functions of the MATE gene family in plants.

MATE Transporter-Dependent Export of Hydroxycinnamic Acid Amides

The ability of Arabidopsis thaliana to successfully prevent colonization by Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of late blight disease of potato (Solanum tuberosum), depends on multilayered defense responses. To address the role of surface-localized secondary metabolites for entry control, droplets of a P. infestans zoospore suspension, incubated on Arabidopsis leaves, were subjected to untargeted metabolite profiling. The hydroxycinnamic acid amide coumaroylagmatine was among the metabolites secreted into the inoculum. In vitro assays revealed an inhibitory activity of coumaroylagmatine on P. infestans spore germination. Mutant analyses suggested a requirement of the p-coumaroyl-CoA:agmatine N4-p-coumaroyl transferase ACT for the biosynthesis and of the MATE transporter DTX18 for the extracellular accumulation of coumaroylagmatine. The host plant potato is not able to efficiently secrete coumaroylagmatine. This inability is overcome in transgenic potato plants expressing the two Arabidopsis genes ACT and DTX18. These plants secrete agmatine and putrescine conjugates to high levels, indicating that DTX18 is a hydroxycinnamic acid amide transporter with a distinct specificity. The export of hydroxycinnamic acid amides correlates with a decreased ability of P. infestans spores to germinate, suggesting a contribution of secreted antimicrobial compounds to pathogen defense at the leaf surface.

Localization and expression of EDS5H a homologue of the SA transporter EDS5

BACKGROUND

An important signal transduction pathway in plant defence depends on the accumulation of salicylic acid (SA). SA is produced in chloroplasts and the multidrug and toxin extrusion transporter ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY5 (EDS5; At4g39030) is necessary for the accumulation of SA after pathogen and abiotic stress. EDS5 is localized at the chloroplast and functions in transporting SA from the chloroplast to the cytoplasm. EDS5 has a homologue called EDS5H (EDS5 HOMOLOGUE; At2g21340) but its relationship to EDS5 has not been described and its function is not known.

RESULTS

EDS5H exhibits about 72% similarity and 59% identity to EDS5. In contrast to EDS5 that is induced after pathogen inoculation, EDS5H was constitutively expressed in all green tissues, independently of pathogen infection. Both transporters are located at the envelope of the chloroplast, the compartment of SA biosynthesis. EDS5H is not involved with the accumulation of SA after inoculation with a pathogen or exposure to UV stress. A phylogenetic analysis supports the hypothesis that EDS5H may be an H(+)/organic acid antiporter like EDS5.

CONCLUSIONS

The data based on genetic and molecular studies indicate that EDS5H despite its homology to EDS5 does not contribute to pathogen-induced SA accumulation like EDS5. EDS5H most likely transports related substances such as for example phenolic acids, but unlikely SA.

Beyond cellular detoxification: a plethora of physiological roles for MDR transporter homologs in plants

Higher plants possess a multitude of Multiple Drug Resistance (MDR) transporter homologs that group into three distinct and ubiquitous families—the ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) superfamily, the Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS), and the Multidrug And Toxic compound Extrusion (MATE) family. As in other organisms, such as fungi, mammals, and bacteria, MDR transporters make a primary contribution to cellular detoxification processes in plants, mainly through the extrusion of toxic compounds from the cell or their sequestration in the central vacuole. This review aims at summarizing the currently available information on the in vivo roles of MDR transporters in plant systems. Taken together, these data clearly indicate that the biological functions of ABC, MFS, and MATE carriers are not restricted to xenobiotic and metal detoxification. Importantly, the activity of plant MDR transporters also mediates biotic stress resistance and is instrumental in numerous physiological processes essential for optimal plant growth and development, including the regulation of ion homeostasis and polar transport of the phytohormone auxin.

Investigation of intercellular salicylic acid accumulation during compatible and incompatible Arabidopsis-pseudomonas syringae interactions using a fast neutron-generated mutant allele of EDS5 identified by genetic mapping and whole-genome sequencing

A whole-genome sequencing technique developed to identify fast neutron-induced deletion mutations revealed that iap1-1 is a new allele of EDS5 (eds5-5). RPS2-AvrRpt2-initiated effector-triggered immunity (ETI) was compromised in iap1-1/eds5-5 with respect to in planta bacterial levels and the hypersensitive response, while intra- and intercellular free salicylic acid (SA) accumulation was greatly reduced, suggesting that SA contributes as both an intracellular signaling molecule and an antimicrobial agent in the intercellular space during ETI. During the compatible interaction between wild-type Col-0 and virulent Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst), little intercellular free SA accumulated, which led to the hypothesis that Pst suppresses intercellular SA accumulation. When Col-0 was inoculated with a coronatine-deficient strain of Pst, high levels of intercellular SA accumulation were observed, suggesting that Pst suppresses intercellular SA accumulation using its phytotoxin coronatine. This work suggests that accumulation of SA in the intercellular space is an important component of basal/PAMP-triggered immunity as well as ETI to pathogens that colonize the intercellular space.

Expression of OsMATE1 and OsMATE2 alters development, stress responses and pathogen susceptibility in Arabidopsis

Multidrug and Toxic compound Extrusion proteins (MATE) are a group of secondary active transporters with ubiquitous occurrences in all domains of life. This is a newly characterized transporter family with limited functional knowledge in plants. In this study, we functionally characterised two members of rice MATE gene family, OsMATE1 and OsMATE2 through expression in heterologous system, Arabidopsis. Expression of OsMATEs in Arabidopsis altered growth and morphology of transgenic plants. Genome-wide expression analysis revealed modulation of genes involved in plant growth, development and biotic stress in transgenic lines. Transgenic plants displayed sensitivity for biotic and abiotic stresses. Elevated pathogen susceptibility of transgenic lines was correlated with reduced expressions of defence related genes. Promoter and cellular localization studies suggest that both MATEs express in developing and reproductive organs and are plasma-membrane localised. Our results reveal that OsMATE1 and OsMATE2 regulate plant growth and development as well as negatively affect disease resistance.

The phosphate transporter PHT4;1 is a salicylic acid regulator likely controlled by the circadian clock protein CCA1

The small phenolic compound salicylic acid (SA) plays a critical role in plant defense against broad-spectrum of pathogens. The phosphate transporter gene PHT4;1 was previously shown to affect SA-mediated defense and its expression is regulated by the circadian clock. To further understand how PHT4;1 affects SA accumulation, here we analyzed the genetic interactions between the gain-of-function mutant pht4;1-1 and several known SA mutants, including sid2-1, ald1-1, eds5-3, and pad4-1. The genetic analysis was conducted in the acd6-1 background since the change of acd6-1 dwarfism can be used as a convenient readout for the change of defense levels caused by impairments in some SA genes. We found that compared with the corresponding double mutants, the triple mutants acd6-1pht4;1-1ald1-1, acd6-1pht4;1-1eds5-3, and acd6-1pht4;1-1pad4-1 accumulated lower levels of SA and PR1 transcripts, suggesting that PHT4;1 contributes to acd6-1-conferred defense phenotypes independently of these known SA regulators. Although some triple mutants had wild type (wt)-like levels of SA and PR1 transcripts, these plants were smaller than wt and displayed minor cell death, suggesting that additional regulatory pathways contribute to acd6-1-conferred dwarfism and cell death. Our data further showed that circadian expression of PHT4;1 was dependent on CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1 (CCA1), a central oscillator component of Arabidopsis circadian clock. Recombinant CCA1 protein was demonstrated to bind to the PHT4;1 promoter in electrophoretic mobility shift assays, suggesting a direct transcriptional regulation of PHT4;1 by CCA1. Together these results indicate that PHT4;1 is a SA regulator acting independently of several known SA genes and they also implicate a role of the circadian clock mediated by CCA1 in regulating phosphate transport and/or innate immunity in Arabidopsis.

A mutation in the FZL gene of Arabidopsis causing alteration in chloroplast morphology results in a lesion mimic phenotype

Lesion mimic mutants (LMMs) are a class of mutants in which hypersensitive cell death and defence responses are constitutively activated in the absence of pathogen attack. Various signalling molecules, such as salicylic acid (SA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), Ca(2+), ethylene, and jasmonate, are involved in the regulation of multiple pathways controlling hypersensitive response (HR) activation, and LMMs are considered useful tools to understand the role played by the key elements of the HR cell death signalling cascade. Here the characterization of an Arabidopsis LMM lacking the function of the FZL gene is reported. This gene encodes a membrane-remodelling GTPase playing an essential role in the determination of thylakoid and chloroplast morphology. The mutant displayed alteration in chloroplast number, size, and shape, and the typical characteristics of an LMM, namely development of chlorotic lesions on rosette leaves and constitutive expression of genetic and biochemical markers associated with defence responses. The chloroplasts are a major source of ROS, and the characterization of this mutant suggests that their accumulation, triggered by damage to the chloroplast membranes, is a signal sufficient to start the HR signalling cascade, thus confirming the central role of the chloroplast in HR activation.