Systemic control of legume susceptibility to rhizobial infection by a mobile microRNA

Nitrogen-fixing root nodules on legumes result from two developmental processes, bacterial infection and nodule organogenesis. To balance symbiosis and plant growth, legume hosts restrict nodule numbers through an inducible autoregulatory process. Here, we present a mechanism where repression of a negative regulator ensures symbiotic susceptibility of uninfected roots of the host Lotus japonicus We show that microRNA miR2111 undergoes shoot-to-root translocation to control rhizobial infection through posttranscriptional regulation of the symbiosis suppressor TOO MUCH LOVE in roots. miR2111 maintains a susceptible default status in uninfected hosts and functions as an activator of symbiosis downstream of LOTUS HISTIDINE KINASE1-mediated cytokinin perception in roots and HYPERNODULATION ABERRANT ROOT FORMATION1, a shoot factor in autoregulation. The miR2111-TML node ensures activation of feedback regulation to balance infection and nodulation events.

CYTOKININ OXIDASE/DEHYDROGENASE3 Maintains Cytokinin Homeostasis during Root and Nodule Development in Lotus japonicus

Cytokinins are required for symbiotic nodule development in legumes, and cytokinin signaling responses occur locally in nodule primordia and in developing nodules. Here, we show that the Lotus japonicus Ckx3 cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase gene is induced by Nod factor during the early phase of nodule initiation. At the cellular level, pCkx3::YFP reporter-gene studies revealed that the Ckx3 promoter is active during the first cortical cell divisions of the nodule primordium and in growing nodules. Cytokinin measurements in ckx3 mutants confirmed that CKX3 activity negatively regulates root cytokinin levels. Particularly, tZ and DHZ type cytokinins in both inoculated and uninoculated roots were elevated in ckx3 mutants, suggesting that these are targets for degradation by the CKX3 cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase. The effect of CKX3 on the positive and negative roles of cytokinin in nodule development, infection and regulation was further clarified using ckx3 insertion mutants. Phenotypic analysis indicated that ckx3 mutants have reduced nodulation, infection thread formation and root growth. We also identify a role for cytokinin in regulating nodulation and nitrogen fixation in response to nitrate as ckx3 phenotypes are exaggerated at increased nitrate levels. Together, these findings show that cytokinin accumulation is tightly regulated during nodulation in order to balance the requirement for cell divisions with negative regulatory effects of cytokinin on infection events and root development.

The soybean (Glycine max) nodulation-suppressive CLE peptide, GmRIC1, functions interspecifically in common white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), but not in a supernodulating line mutated in the receptor PvNARK

Legume plants regulate the number of nitrogen-fixing root nodules they form via a process called the Autoregulation of Nodulation (AON). Despite being one of the most economically important and abundantly consumed legumes, little is known about the AON pathway of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). We used comparative- and functional-genomic approaches to identify central components in the AON pathway of common bean. This includes identifying PvNARK, which encodes a LRR receptor kinase that acts to regulate root nodule numbers. A novel, truncated version of the gene was identified directly upstream of PvNARK, similar to Medicago truncatula, but not seen in Lotus japonicus or soybean. Two mutant alleles of PvNARK were identified that cause a classic shoot-controlled and nitrate-tolerant supernodulation phenotype. Homeologous over-expression of the nodulation-suppressive CLE peptide-encoding soybean gene, GmRIC1, abolished nodulation in wild-type bean, but had no discernible effect on PvNARK-mutant plants. This demonstrates that soybean GmRIC1 can function interspecifically in bean, acting in a PvNARK-dependent manner. Identification of bean PvRIC1, PvRIC2 and PvNIC1, orthologues of the soybean nodulation-suppressive CLE peptides, revealed a high degree of conservation, particularly in the CLE domain. Overall, our work identified four new components of bean nodulation control and a truncated copy of PvNARK, discovered the mutation responsible for two supernodulating bean mutants and demonstrated that soybean GmRIC1 can function in the AON pathway of bean.

Structure-function analysis of the GmRIC1 signal peptide and CLE domain required for nodulation control in soybean

Legumes control the nitrogen-fixing root nodule symbiosis in response to external and internal stimuli, such as nitrate, and via systemic autoregulation of nodulation (AON). Overexpression of the CLV3/ESR-related (CLE) pre-propeptide-encoding genes GmNIC1 (nitrate-induced and acting locally) and GmRIC1 (Bradyrhizobium-induced and acting systemically) suppresses soybean nodulation dependent on the activity of the nodulation autoregulation receptor kinase (GmNARK). This nodule inhibition response was used to assess the relative importance of key structural components within and around the CLE domain sequences of these genes. Using a site-directed mutagenesis approach, mutants were produced at each amino acid within the CLE domain (RLAPEGPDPHHN) of GmRIC1. This approach identified the Arg1, Ala3, Pro4, Gly6, Pro7, Asp8, His11, and Asn12 residues as critical to GmRIC1 nodulation suppression activity (NSA). In contrast, none of the mutations in conserved residues outside of the CLE domain showed compromised NSA. Chimeric genes derived from combinations of GmRIC1 and GmNIC1 domains were used to determine the role of each pre-propeptide domain in NSA differences that exist between the two peptides. It was found that the transit peptide and CLE peptide regions of GmRIC1 significantly enhanced activity of GmNIC1. In contrast, the comparable GmNIC1 domains reduced the NSA of GmRIC1. Identification of these critical residues and domains provides a better understanding of how these hormone-like peptides function in plant development and regulation.

Transient Nod factor-dependent gene expression in the nodulation-competent zone of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) roots

All lateral organ development in plants, such as nodulation in legumes, requires the temporal and spatial regulation of genes and gene networks. A total mRNA profiling approach using RNA-seq to target the specific soybean (Glycine max) root tissues responding to compatible rhizobia [i.e. the Zone Of Nodulation (ZON)] revealed a large number of novel, often transient, mRNA changes occurring during the early stages of nodulation. Focusing on the ZON enabled us to discard the majority of root tissues and their developmentally diverse gene transcripts, thereby highlighting the lowly and transiently expressed nodulation-specific genes. It also enabled us to concentrate on a precise moment in early nodule development at each sampling time. We focused on discovering genes regulated specifically by the Bradyrhizobium-produced Nod factor signal, by inoculating roots with either a competent wild-type or incompetent mutant (nodC(-) ) strain of Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Collectively, 2915 genes were identified as being differentially expressed, including many known soybean nodulation genes. A number of unknown nodulation gene candidates and soybean orthologues of nodulation genes previously reported in other legume species were also identified. The differential expression of several candidates was confirmed and further characterized via inoculation time-course studies and qRT-PCR. The expression of many genes, including an endo-1,4-β-glucanase, a cytochrome P450 and a TIR-LRR-NBS receptor kinase, was transient, peaking quickly during the initiation of nodule ontogeny. Additional genes were found to be down-regulated. Significantly, a set of differentially regulated genes acting in the gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis pathway was discovered, suggesting a novel role of GAs in nodulation.

Identification of systemic responses in soybean nodulation by xylem sap feeding and complete transcriptome sequencing reveal a novel component of the autoregulation pathway

Establishment of the nitrogen-fixing nodulation symbiosis between legumes and rhizobia requires plant-wide reprogramming to allow infection and development of nodules. Nodulation is regulated principally via a mechanism called autoregulation of nodulation (AON). AON is dependent on shoot and root factors and is maintained by the nodulation autoregulation receptor kinase (NARK) in soybean. We developed a bioassay to detect root-derived signalling molecules in xylem sap of soybean plants which may function in AON. The bioassay involves feeding of xylem extracts via the cut hypocotyl of soybean seedlings and monitoring of molecular markers of AON in the leaf. Transcript abundance changes occurring in the leaf in response to feeding were used to determine the biological activity of the extracts. To identify transcript abundance changes that occur during AON, which may also be used in the bioassay, we used an RNA-seq-based transcriptomics approach. We identified changes in the leaves of bioassay plants fed with xylem extracts derived from either Bradyrhizobium japonicum-inoculated or uninoculated plants. Differential expression responses were detected for genes involved in jasmonic acid metabolism, pathogenesis and receptor kinase signalling. We identified an inoculation- and NARK-dependent candidate gene (GmUFD1a) that responds in both the bioassay and intact, inoculated plants. GmUFD1a is a component of the ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation pathway and provides new insight into the molecular responses occurring during AON. It may now also be used in our feeding bioassay as a molecular marker to assist in identifying the factors contributing to the systemic regulation of nodulation.

Molecular mechanisms controlling legume autoregulation of nodulation

BACKGROUND

High input costs and environmental pressures to reduce nitrogen use in agriculture have increased the competitive advantage of legume crops. The symbiotic relationship that legumes form with nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria in root nodules is central to this advantage.

SCOPE

Understanding how legume plants maintain control of nodulation to balance the nitrogen gains with their energy needs and developmental costs will assist in increasing their productivity and relative advantage. For this reason, the regulation of nodulation has been extensively studied since the first mutants exhibiting increased nodulation were isolated almost three decades ago.

CONCLUSIONS

Nodulation is regulated primarily via a systemic mechanism known as the autoregulation of nodulation (AON), which is controlled by a CLAVATA1-like receptor kinase. Multiple components sharing homology with the CLAVATA signalling pathway that maintains control of the shoot apical meristem in arabidopsis have now been identified in AON. This includes the recent identification of several CLE peptides capable of activating nodule inhibition responses, a low molecular weight shoot signal and a role for CLAVATA2 in AON. Efforts are now being focused on directly identifying the interactions of these components and to identify the form that long-distance transport molecules take.

Inoculation- and nitrate-induced CLE peptides of soybean control NARK-dependent nodule formation

Systemic autoregulation of nodulation in legumes involves a root-derived signal (Q) that is perceived by a CLAVATA1-like leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase (e.g. GmNARK). Perception of Q triggers the production of a shoot-derived inhibitor that prevents further nodule development. We have identified three candidate CLE peptide-encoding genes (GmRIC1, GmRIC2, and GmNIC1) in soybean (Glycine max) that respond to Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculation or nitrate treatment. Ectopic overexpression of all three CLE peptide genes in transgenic roots inhibited nodulation in a GmNARK-dependent manner. The peptides share a high degree of amino acid similarity in a 12-amino-acid C-terminal domain, deemed to represent the functional ligand of GmNARK. GmRIC1 was expressed early (12 h) in response to Bradyrhizobium-sp.-produced nodulation factor while GmRIC2 was induced later (48 to 72 h) but was more persistent during later nodule development. Neither GmRIC1 nor GmRIC2 were induced by nitrate. In contrast, GmNIC1 was strongly induced by nitrate (2 mM) treatment but not by Bradyrhizobium sp. inoculation and, unlike the other two GmCLE peptides, functioned locally to inhibit nodulation. Grafting demonstrated a requirement for root GmNARK activity for nitrate regulation of nodulation whereas Bradyrhizobium sp.-induced regulation was contingent on GmNARK function in the shoot.

Molecular analysis of legume nodule development and autoregulation

Legumes are highly important food, feed and biofuel crops. With few exceptions, they can enter into an intricate symbiotic relationship with specific soil bacteria called rhizobia. This interaction results in the formation of a new root organ called the nodule in which the rhizobia convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into forms of nitrogen that are useable by the plant. The plant tightly controls the number of nodules it forms, via a complex root-to-shoot-to-root signaling loop called autoregulation of nodulation (AON). This regulatory process involves peptide hormones, receptor kinases and small metabolites. Using modern genetic and genomic techniques, many of the components required for nodule formation and AON have now been isolated. This review addresses these recent findings, presents detailed models of the nodulation and AON processes, and identifies gaps in our understanding of these process that have yet to be fully explained.

Pseudomorphic growth of a single element quasiperiodic ultrathin film on a quasicrystal substrate

An ultrathin film with a periodic interlayer spacing was grown by the deposition of Cu atoms on the fivefold surface of the icosahedral Al70Pd21Mn9 quasicrystal. For coverages from 5 to 25 monolayers, a distinctive quasiperiodic low-energy electron diffraction pattern is observed. Scanning tunneling microscopy images show that the in-plane structure comprises rows having separations of S=4.5+/-0.2 A and L=7.3+/-0.3 A, whose ratio equals tau=1.618... within experimental error. The sequences of such row separations form segments of terms of the Fibonacci sequence, indicative of the formation of a pseudomorphic Cu film.

Comparison of occlusal contacts in maximum intercuspation for two impression techniques

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

At the insertion of a fixed prosthesis, occlusal interferences in maximum intercuspation are often present.

PURPOSE

This study investigated and compared the accuracy of interocclusal relationships in maximum intercuspation for mounted casts obtained from a quadrant dual-arch impression technique and conventional full-arch impression techniques.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Comparisons were made between an intraoral interocclusal record and interocclusal records made on mounted casts. Irreversible hydrocolloid, reversible hydrocolloid, polysulfide, polyether, and polyvinyl siloxane were used for the full-arch impression technique. For the quadrant dual-arch impression technique, rigid polyvinyl siloxane and light-body polyvinyl siloxane injection materials were used.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis revealed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0017) in the median values among treatment groups. All pairwise multiple comparison procedures (Student-Newman-Keuls) indicated the average error of the quadrant dual-arch records was significantly different from the average error of each group of records produced with the full-arch techniques (p < 0.05). Comparison of the records of the full-arch impressions did not reveal any statistically significant differences. The average error of the full-arch records was 72 +/- 33 microns and the quadrant dual-arch average error was 5 +/- 5 microns.

CONCLUSION

The quadrant dual-arch impression technique produced mounted casts with significantly more accurate maximal intercuspal relationships than mounted casts from full-arch impressions.

Chemical and biological properties of a purified lymphoreticular-stimulating fraction of Corynebacterium parvum (Propionibacterium acnes type I)

A method is described in which washed whole cells of Corynebacterium parvum were chemically and enzymatically extracted to remove cytoplasm and cell-wall lipids. The resultant insoluble cell-wall residue possessed lympho-reticular stimulating properties as measured by their ability to increase spleen weight and protect against tumour-cell challenge. Analysis of the final product by chromatography and infrared spectroscopy has shown it to consist of carbohydrate and peptidoglycan, both of which appear to be necessary for the activities measured.

Hypernatremia from intravascular saline infusion during therapeutic abortion

In response to a question on how to avoid the rare, inadvertent intravascular or ip injection of hypertonic saline solution during therapeutic abortion, 3 consultants replied. According to Reid and Frigoletto, to avoid intravascular or ip infusion, place a small indwelling polyethylene catheter in the amniotic sac rather than a metal needle. This virtually precludes the possibility of inadvertent iv injection. When and if necessary, correct catheter placement may be confirmed by the use of fluoroscopy and amniography prior to the injection of hypertonic saline solution. The chemical imbalances associated with this accident are those encountered in severe hypernatremia with resultant brain edema and hemorrhagic softening. Bizarre paresthesia, pyrexia, altered consciousness, and, eventually, convulsions preceded the fatal cases. Peritoneal dialysis may be life saving in the event of ip injection. Naturiuretics, appropriate parenteral fluid administration, and possibly exchange transfusion might be indicated for intravascular accidents. In Goodlin's hospital there have been no cases of acute hypernatremia in the last 500 therapeutic abortions done with hypertonic saline solution. This is believed to be related to 2 changes in technique: 1) not losing the amniotic space by removing only as much amniotic fluid as can easily be obtained and 2) using a simple gravity infusion technique for the instillation of the hypertonic saline solution. During infusion it is essential that the patient be alert, for the first symptoms of intravascular injection are a slight pain, burning, or a feeling of warmth in the pelvis. If these minor symptoms are ignored and the procedure is continued, a sensation of flushing occurs throughout the body with tingling in the scalp and ringing in the ears followed finally by seizures, apnea, or coma or both. Late symptoms are those of hemolytic anemia and renal failure. From experience, serum sodium levels during these events are as high as 185 mEq/1. Along with occurrence of acute hypernatremia the contents of the amniotic cavity are sometimes extruded extraovularly through the fallopian tube into the peritoneal cavity when labor begins. Cases with serum sodium levels of 170 mEq/1 some 6-7 hours after saline instillation were observed, but by contrast these patients' only symptoms were extreme thirst and peritoneal discomfort (Lancet 1: 305, 1968). The treatment of hypernatremia is to force fluids either by mouth or iv. Since most commercial 5% dextrose in water solutions are actually 4.5% (regulations permit a 10% error), such hypotonic fluids are useful for treating hypernatremia.