Structure requirement and identification of a cryptic cleavage site in the mitochondrial processing of a plant F1-ATPase beta-subunit presequence

We sought to determine the structural features involved in the processing of the mitochondrial F1-ATPase beta-subunit (F1beta) presequence (54 residues) from Nicotiana plumbaginifolia. The cleavage efficiency of F1beta presequence mutants linked to the green fluorescent protein (GFP) was evaluated in vivo in tobacco by in situ microscopy and Western blotting. The residue at position -1 (Tyr) was required to be an aromatic residue and the residue at position +2 (Thr) was found to be important for F1beta processing, while, unexpectedly, changing the distal (Arg-15) and proximal (Arg-5) arginine residues did not strongly reduce processing. In addition, results also supported the requirement of a helical structure around the cleavage position. Sequencing of the mature form of a precursor containing the first 30 residues of the F1beta presequence linked to GFP revealed the presence of a cryptic cleavage site between residues 26 and 27, which showed the features of a classical mitochondrial processing site, suggesting dual processing of the F1beta presequence. In vitro processing confirmed these data and showed that processing was sensitive to o-phenanthroline, thus catalyzed by mitochondrial processing peptidase.

Hydrophobic residues within the predicted N-terminal amphiphilic alpha-helix of a plant mitochondrial targeting presequence play a major role in in vivo import

A deletion and mutagenesis study was performed on the mitochondrial presequence of the beta-subunit of the F(1)-ATP synthase from Nicotiana plumbaginifolia linked to the green fluorescent protein (GFP). The various constructs were tested in vivo by transient expression in tobacco protoplasts. GFP distribution in transformed cells was analysed in situ by confocal microscopy, and in vitro in subcellular fractions by Western blotting. Despite its being highly conserved in different species, deletion of the C-terminal region (residues 48-54) of the presequence did not affect mitochondrial import. Deletion of the conserved residues 40-47 and the less conserved intermediate region (residues 18-39) resulted in 60% reduction in GFP import, whereas mutation of conserved residues within these regions had little effect. Further shortening of the presequence progressively reduced import, with the construct retaining the predicted N-terminal amphiphilic alpha-helix (residues 1-12) being unable to mediate mitochondrial import. However, point mutation showed that this last region plays an important role through its basic residues and amphiphilicity, but also through its hydrophobic residues. Replacing Arg4 and Arg5 by alanine residues and shifting the Arg5 and Leu6 (in order to disturb amphiphilicity) resulted in reduction of the presequence import efficiency. The most dramatic effects were seen with single or double mutations of the four Leu residues (positions 5, 6, 10 and 11), which resulted in marked reduction or abolition of GFP import, respectively. We conclude that the N-terminal helical structure of the presequence is necessary but not sufficient for efficient mitochondrial import, and that its hydrophobic residues play an essential role in in vivo mitochondrial targeting.

Analysis of the chromosome sequence of the legume symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti strain 1021

Sinorhizobium meliloti is an alpha-proteobacterium that forms agronomically important N(2)-fixing root nodules in legumes. We report here the complete sequence of the largest constituent of its genome, a 62.7% GC-rich 3,654,135-bp circular chromosome. Annotation allowed assignment of a function to 59% of the 3,341 predicted protein-coding ORFs, the rest exhibiting partial, weak, or no similarity with any known sequence. Unexpectedly, the level of reiteration within this replicon is low, with only two genes duplicated with more than 90% nucleotide sequence identity, transposon elements accounting for 2.2% of the sequence, and a few hundred short repeated palindromic motifs (RIME1, RIME2, and C) widespread over the chromosome. Three regions with a significantly lower GC content are most likely of external origin. Detailed annotation revealed that this replicon contains all housekeeping genes except two essential genes that are located on pSymB. Amino acid/peptide transport and degradation and sugar metabolism appear as two major features of the S. meliloti chromosome. The presence in this replicon of a large number of nucleotide cyclases with a peculiar structure, as well as of genes homologous to virulence determinants of animal and plant pathogens, opens perspectives in the study of this bacterium both as a free-living soil microorganism and as a plant symbiont.

The composite genome of the legume symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti

The scarcity of usable nitrogen frequently limits plant growth. A tight metabolic association with rhizobial bacteria allows legumes to obtain nitrogen compounds by bacterial reduction of dinitrogen (N2) to ammonium (NH4+). We present here the annotated DNA sequence of the alpha-proteobacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti, the symbiont of alfalfa. The tripartite 6.7-megabase (Mb) genome comprises a 3.65-Mb chromosome, and 1.35-Mb pSymA and 1.68-Mb pSymB megaplasmids. Genome sequence analysis indicates that all three elements contribute, in varying degrees, to symbiosis and reveals how this genome may have emerged during evolution. The genome sequence will be useful in understanding the dynamics of interkingdom associations and of life in soil environments.

Challenges and strategies for early professional experience: Case Western Reserve University's Family Clinic Program

Through Case Western Reserve University's Family Clinic Program, students are introduced early in their education to the professional responsibilities, attributes, and interpersonal skills needed by a physician. While this is the longest running instructional program in the school's curriculum, until 1998 it had not been assessed for points of improvement. The authors used focus groups and qualitative surveys of students to identify program deficiencies and to create an educational intervention to alleviate these problems. Although the program has always been popular with students, those surveyed noted three key areas where improvements were needed: feedback from preceptors, clarification of the goals of the program, and certain aspects of dealing with patients in the clinic setting.

A plant plasma membrane ATP binding cassette-type transporter is involved in antifungal terpenoid secretion

ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which are found in all species, are known mainly for their ability to confer drug resistance. To date, most of the ABC transporters characterized in plants have been localized in the vacuolar membrane and are considered to be involved in the intracellular sequestration of cytotoxins. Working on the assumption that certain ABC transporters might be involved in defense metabolite secretion and their expression might be regulated by the concentration of these metabolites, we treated a Nicotiana plumbaginifolia cell culture with sclareolide, a close analog of sclareol, an antifungal diterpene produced at the leaf surface of Nicotiana spp; this resulted in the appearance of a 160-kD plasma membrane protein, which was partially sequenced. The corresponding cDNA (NpABC1) was cloned and shown to encode an ABC transporter. In vitro and in situ immunodetection showed NpABC1 to be localized in the plasma membrane. Under normal conditions, expression was found in the leaf epidermis. In cell culture and in leaf tissues, NpABC1 expression was strongly enhanced by sclareolide and sclareol. In parallel with NpABC1 induction, cells acquired the ability to excrete a labeled synthetic sclareolide derivative. These data suggest that NpABC1 is involved in the secretion of a secondary metabolite that plays a role in plant defense.

A plant plasma membrane ATP binding cassette-type transporter is involved in antifungal terpenoid secretion

ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which are found in all species, are known mainly for their ability to confer drug resistance. To date, most of the ABC transporters characterized in plants have been localized in the vacuolar membrane and are considered to be involved in the intracellular sequestration of cytotoxins. Working on the assumption that certain ABC transporters might be involved in defense metabolite secretion and their expression might be regulated by the concentration of these metabolites, we treated a Nicotiana plumbaginifolia cell culture with sclareolide, a close analog of sclareol, an antifungal diterpene produced at the leaf surface of Nicotiana spp; this resulted in the appearance of a 160-kD plasma membrane protein, which was partially sequenced. The corresponding cDNA (NpABC1) was cloned and shown to encode an ABC transporter. In vitro and in situ immunodetection showed NpABC1 to be localized in the plasma membrane. Under normal conditions, expression was found in the leaf epidermis. In cell culture and in leaf tissues, NpABC1 expression was strongly enhanced by sclareolide and sclareol. In parallel with NpABC1 induction, cells acquired the ability to excrete a labeled synthetic sclareolide derivative. These data suggest that NpABC1 is involved in the secretion of a secondary metabolite that plays a role in plant defense.

The male sterile G cytoplasm of wild beet displays modified mitochondrial respiratory complexes

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in higher plants has been mainly studied in cultivated species. In most cases, pollen abortion is linked to the presence of an additional mitochondrial polypeptide leading to organelle dysfunction in reproductive tissues. In wild beet, both CMS and hermaphrodite plants coexist in natural populations. The G cytoplasm is widely distributed along the Western European coast, and previous genetic studies have demonstrated that this cytoplasm confers male sterility in beet. In the present study, we have identified two mutations of G mitochondrial genes, each of which results in the production of a respiratory chain complex subunit with an altered molecular weight; the NAD9 subunit has a C-terminal extension while the COX2 subunit has a truncated C-terminus. NADH dehydrogenase activity was unchanged in leaves, but cytochrome c oxidase activity was reduced by 50%. Moreover, Western blot analyses revealed that alternative oxidase was more abundant in male sterile G plants than in a fertile control (Nv), suggesting that this alternative pathway might compensate for the cytochrome c oxidase deficiency. Implications of respiratory chain changes and a putative link with CMS are discussed.

The two major plant plasma membrane H+-ATPases display different regulatory properties

The major plant plasma membrane H(+)-ATPases fall into two gene categories, subfamilies I and II. However, in many plant tissues, expression of the two subfamilies overlaps, thus precluding individual characterization. Yeast expression of PMA2 and PMA4, representatives of the two plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase subfamilies in Nicotiana plumbaginifolia, has previously shown that (i) the isoforms have distinct enzymatic properties and that (ii) PMA2 is regulated by phosphorylation of its penultimate residue (Thr) and binds regulatory 14-3-3 proteins, resulting in the displacement of the autoinhibitory C-terminal domain. To obtain insights into regulatory differences between the two subfamilies, we have constructed various chimeric proteins in which the 110-residue C-terminal-encoding region of PMA2 was progressively substituted by the corresponding sequence from PMA4. The PMA2 autoinhibitory domain was localized to a region between residues 851 and 915 and could not be substituted by the corresponding region of PMA4. In contrast to PMA2, PMA4 was poorly phosphorylated at its penultimate residue (Thr) and bound 14-3-3 proteins weakly. The only sequence difference around the phosphorylation site is located two residues upstream of the phosphorylated Thr. It is Ser in PMA2 (as in most members of subfamily I) and His in PMA4 (as in most members of subfamily II). Substitution of His by Ser in PMA4 resulted in an enzyme showing increased phosphorylation status, 14-13-3 binding, and ATPase activity, as well as improved yeast growth. The reverse substitution of Ser by His in PMA2 resulted in the failure of this enzyme to complement the absence of yeast H(+)-ATPases. These results show that the two plant H(+)-ATPase subfamilies differ functionally in their regulatory properties.

Problem-solving abilities among mothers of infants with failure to thrive

OBJECTIVE

Maternal problem-solving abilities, as they related to specific child-rearing situations, were examined and compared among mothers of infants with failure to thrive (FTT) and a matched group of comparison mothers.

METHODS

Participants were 37 mothers of children diagnosed with FTT and 37 mothers with normally growing children matched on three child variables and five maternal variables. Participants were administered a means-ends problem-solving measure specific to parents of young children and measures of language ability, depression, negative affect, and stressful life events.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis of covariance results supported our main study hypotheses that mothers of infants with FTT would generate fewer problem-solving strategies that would be judged of poorer quality (i.e., less likely to result in positive outcomes) than mothers of healthy, normally growing infants. There were no significant associations obtained among problem-solving variables and individual difference variables (e.g., depression, negative affect, and stressful life events).

CONCLUSIONS

Limited maternal problem-solving abilities may contribute to FTT by interfering directly with the quality of nurturance, feeling, and caloric intake the child receives. Recommendations are made for future research and interventions with mothers of children with FTT.

Sequence and analysis of chromosome 3 of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana

Arabidopsis thaliana is an important model system for plant biologists. In 1996 an international collaboration (the Arabidopsis Genome Initiative) was formed to sequence the whole genome of Arabidopsis and in 1999 the sequence of the first two chromosomes was reported. The sequence of the last three chromosomes and an analysis of the whole genome are reported in this issue. Here we present the sequence of chromosome 3, organized into four sequence segments (contigs). The two largest (13.5 and 9.2 Mb) correspond to the top (long) and the bottom (short) arms of chromosome 3, and the two small contigs are located in the genetically defined centromere. This chromosome encodes 5,220 of the roughly 25,500 predicted protein-coding genes in the genome. About 20% of the predicted proteins have significant homology to proteins in eukaryotic genomes for which the complete sequence is available, pointing to important conserved cellular functions among eukaryotes.

Tobacco VDL gene encodes a plastid DEAD box RNA helicase and is involved in chloroplast differentiation and plant morphogenesis

The recessive nuclear vdl (for variegated and distorted leaf) mutant of tobacco was obtained by T-DNA insertion and characterized by variegated leaves and abnormal roots and flowers. Affected leaf tissues were white and distorted, lacked palisadic cells, and contained undifferentiated plastids. The variegation was due to phenotypic, rather than genetic, instability. Genomic and cDNA clones were obtained for both the mutant and wild-type VDL alleles. Three transcripts, resulting from alternate intron splicing or polyadenylation, were found for the wild type. The transcripts potentially encode a set of proteins (53, 19, and 15 kD) sharing the same N-terminal region that contains a chloroplast transit peptide capable of importing the green fluorescent protein into chloroplasts. The predicted 53-kD product belongs to the DEAD box RNA helicase family. In the homozygous vdl mutant, T-DNA insertion resulted in accumulation of the shortest transcript and the absence of the RNA helicase-encoding transcript. Genetic transformation of the homozygous mutant by the 53-kD product-encoding cDNA fully restored the wild-type phenotype. These data suggest that a plastid RNA helicase controls early plastid differentiation and plant morphogenesis.

A plant plasma membrane H+-ATPase expressed in yeast is activated by phosphorylation at its penultimate residue and binding of 14-3-3 regulatory proteins in the absence of fusicoccin

The Nicotiana plumbaginifolia plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase isoform PMA2, equipped with a His(6) tag, was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and purified. Unexpectedly, a fraction of the purified tagged PMA2 associated with the two yeast 14-3-3 regulatory proteins, BMH1 and BMH2. This complex was formed in vivo without treatment with fusicoccin, a fungal toxin known to stabilize the equivalent complex in plants. When gel filtration chromatography was used to separate the free ATPase from the 14-3-3.H(+)-ATPase complex, the complexed ATPase was twice as active as the free form. Trypsin treatment of the complex released a smaller complex, composed of a 14-3-3 dimer and a fragment from the PMA2 C-terminal region. The latter was identified by Edman degradation and mass spectrometry as the PMA2 C-terminal 57 residues, whose penultimate residue (Thr-955) was phosphorylated. In vitro dephosphorylation of this C-terminal fragment prevented binding of 14-3-3 proteins, even in the presence of fusicoccin. Mutation of Thr-955 to alanine, aspartate, or a stop codon prevented PMA2 from complementing the yeast H(+)-ATPase. These mutations were also introduced in an activated PMA2 mutant (Gln-14 --> Asp) characterized by a higher H(+) pumping activity. Each mutation directly modifying Thr-955 prevented 14-3-3 binding, decreased ATPase specific activity, and reduced yeast growth. We conclude that the phosphorylation of Thr-955 is required for 14-3-3 binding and that formation of the complex activates the enzyme.

In vivo evaluation of the context sequence of the translation initiation codon in plants

Statistical analysis of the AUG initiation codon context in several plant organisms identified a nucleotide preference in some positions around the AUG. Sixteen AUG contexts were studied using transient expression in tobacco, maize and Norway spruce. Besides the importance of A or G at position -3, we revealed the role of positions -2, -1 for which AA or CC were found to be the best for tobacco and maize, respectively. GC (positions +4, +5) were also found to be important in both tobacco and maize. Finally, we identified a variation in context efficiency according to cell type, since A was better than G at position -3 in tobacco leaf protoplasts, while both nucleotides were equally efficient in tobacco suspension cells.

The plant plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase: structure, function and regulation

The proton-pumping ATPase (H(+)-ATPase) of the plant plasma membrane generates the proton motive force across the plasma membrane that is necessary to activate most of the ion and metabolite transport. In recent years, important progress has been made concerning the identification and organization of H(+)-ATPase genes, their expression, and also the kinetics and regulation of individual H(+)-ATPase isoforms. At the gene level, it is now clear that H(+)-ATPase is encoded by a family of approximately 10 genes. Expression, monitored by in situ techniques, has revealed a specific distribution pattern for each gene; however, this seems to differ between species. In the near future, we can expect regulatory aspects of gene expression to be elucidated. Already the expression of individual plant H(+)-ATPases in yeast has shown them to have distinct enzymatic properties. It has also allowed regulatory aspects of this enzyme to be studied through random and site-directed mutagenesis, notably its carboxy-terminal region. Studies performed with both plant and yeast material have converged towards deciphering the way phosphorylation and binding of regulatory 14-3-3 proteins intervene in the modification of H(+)-ATPase activity. The production of high quantities of individual functional H(+)-ATPases in yeast constitutes an important step towards crystallization studies to derive structural information. Understanding the specific roles of H(+)-ATPase isoforms in whole plant physiology is another challenge that has been approached recently through the phenotypic analysis of the first transgenic plants in which the expression of single H(+)-ATPases has been up- or down-regulated. In conclusion, the progress made recently concerning the H(+)-ATPase family, at both the gene and protein level, has come to a point where we can now expect a more integrated investigation of the expression, function and regulation of individual H(+)-ATPases in the whole plant context.

Cosuppression of a plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase isoform impairs sucrose translocation, stomatal opening, plant growth, and male fertility

The plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase builds up a pH and potential gradient across the plasma membrane, thus activating a series of secondary ion and metabolite transporters. pma4 (for plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase 4), the most widely expressed H(+)-ATPase isogene in Nicotiana plumbaginifolia, was overexpressed in tobacco. Plants that overexpressed PMA4 showed no major changes in plant growth under normal conditions. However, two transformants were identified by their stunted growth, slow leaf initiation, delayed stem bolting and flowering, and male sterility. Protein gel blot analysis showed that expression of the endogenous and transgenic pma4 was cosuppressed. Cosuppression was developmentally regulated because PMA4 was still present in developing leaves but was not detected in mature leaves. The glucose and fructose content increased threefold, whereas the sucrose content remained unchanged. The rate of sucrose exudation from mature leaves was reduced threefold and the sugar content of apical buds was reduced twofold, suggesting failure of sucrose loading and translocation to the sink tissues. Cosuppression of PMA4 also affected the guard cells, stomatal opening, and photosynthesis in mature leaves. These results show that a single H(+)-ATPase isoform plays a major role in several transport-dependent physiological processes.

Identification and expression of three new Nicotiana plumbaginifolia genes which encode isoforms of a plasma-membrane H(+)-ATPase, and one of which is induced by mechanical stress

To analyze in detail the multigene family encoding the plasma-membrane H(+)-ATPase (pma) in Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv., five new pma genes (pma 5-9) were isolated. Three of these (pma 6, 8, 9) were fully characterized and classified into new and independent subfamilies. Their cell-type expression was followed by the beta-glucuronidase (gusA) reporter-gene method. While the pma8-gusA transgene was not expressed in transgenic tobacco, expression of the two other transgenes (pma6- and pma9-gusA) was found to be restricted to particular cell types. In the vegetative tissues, pma6-gusA expression was limited to the head cells of the leaf short trichomes, involved in secretion, and to the cortical parenchyma of the young nodes where the developing leaves and axillary flowering stalks join the stem. In the latter tissues, gene expression was enhanced by mechanical stress, suggesting that H(+)-ATPase might be involved in the strength of the tissues and their resistance to mechanical trauma. The pma9-gusA transgene was mainly expressed in the apical meristem of adventitious roots and axillary buds as well as in the phloem tissues of the stem, in which expression depended on the developmental stage. In flowers, pma9-gusA expression was limited to the mature pollen grains and the young fertilized ovules, while that of pma6-gusA was identified in most of the organs. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of leaf and stem RNA confirmed the expression of pma 6 and 9, while pma8 was found to be expressed in both organs at a lower level. In conclusion, although pma 6 and 9 had a more restricted expression pattern than the previously characterized pma genes, they were nevertheless expressed in cell types in which H(+)-ATPase had not been previously detected.

Cosuppression of a plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase isoform impairs sucrose translocation, stomatal opening, plant growth, and male fertility

The plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase builds up a pH and potential gradient across the plasma membrane, thus activating a series of secondary ion and metabolite transporters. pma4 (for plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase 4), the most widely expressed H(+)-ATPase isogene in Nicotiana plumbaginifolia, was overexpressed in tobacco. Plants that overexpressed PMA4 showed no major changes in plant growth under normal conditions. However, two transformants were identified by their stunted growth, slow leaf initiation, delayed stem bolting and flowering, and male sterility. Protein gel blot analysis showed that expression of the endogenous and transgenic pma4 was cosuppressed. Cosuppression was developmentally regulated because PMA4 was still present in developing leaves but was not detected in mature leaves. The glucose and fructose content increased threefold, whereas the sucrose content remained unchanged. The rate of sucrose exudation from mature leaves was reduced threefold and the sugar content of apical buds was reduced twofold, suggesting failure of sucrose loading and translocation to the sink tissues. Cosuppression of PMA4 also affected the guard cells, stomatal opening, and photosynthesis in mature leaves. These results show that a single H(+)-ATPase isoform plays a major role in several transport-dependent physiological processes.

Cryptic polyadenylation sites within the coding sequence of three yeast genes expressed in tobacco

Three yeast genes, MIP (mitochondrial DNA polymerase) and two genes, YCF1 (yeast cadmium factor 1) and PDR5 (pleiotropic drug resistance 5), conferring multidrug resistance, were provided with the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S transcription promoter and introduced into tobacco using an Agrobacterium tumefaciens T-DNA-derived vector. Transcripts of each gene much shorter than those expected were found in the transgenic plants. RT-PCR and S1 nuclease mapping of the PDR5 and MIP transcripts demonstrated the presence of one (PDR5), or several close (MIP), cryptic polyadenylation site(s) within the coding sequence of these yeast genes. Possible sequences involved in polyadenylation are discussed.

Sequence and analysis of chromosome 4 of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana

The higher plant Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) is an important model for identifying plant genes and determining their function. To assist biological investigations and to define chromosome structure, a coordinated effort to sequence the Arabidopsis genome was initiated in late 1996. Here we report one of the first milestones of this project, the sequence of chromosome 4. Analysis of 17.38 megabases of unique sequence, representing about 17% of the genome, reveals 3,744 protein coding genes, 81 transfer RNAs and numerous repeat elements. Heterochromatic regions surrounding the putative centromere, which has not yet been completely sequenced, are characterized by an increased frequency of a variety of repeats, new repeats, reduced recombination, lowered gene density and lowered gene expression. Roughly 60% of the predicted protein-coding genes have been functionally characterized on the basis of their homology to known genes. Many genes encode predicted proteins that are homologous to human and Caenorhabditis elegans proteins.

Expression analysis of two gene subfamilies encoding the plasma membrane H+-ATPase in Nicotiana plumbaginifolia reveals the major transport functions of this enzyme

The plasma membrane H+-ATPase couples ATP hydrolysis to proton transport, thereby establishing the driving force for solute transport across the plasma membrane. In Nicotiana plumbaginifolia, this enzyme is encoded by at least nine pma (plasma membrane H+-ATPase) genes. Four of these are classified into two gene subfamilies, pma1-2-3 and pma4, which are the most highly expressed in plant species. We have isolated genomic clones for pma2 and pma4. Mapping of their transcript 5' end revealed the presence of a long leader that contained small open reading frames, regulatory features typical of other pma genes. The gusA reporter gene was then used to determine the expression of pma2, pma3 and pma4 in N. tabacum. These data, together with those obtained previously for pma1, led to the following conclusions. (i) The four pma-gusA genes were all expressed in root, stem, leaf and flower organs, but each in a cell-type specific manner. Expression in these organs was confirmed at the protein level, using subfamily-specific antibodies. (ii) pma4-gusA was expressed in many cell types and notably in root hair and epidermis, in companion cells, and in guard cells, indicating that in N. plumbaginifolia the same H+-ATPase isoform might be involved in mineral nutrition, phloem loading and control of stomata aperture. (iii) The second gene subfamily is composed, in N. plumbaginifolia, of a single gene (pma4) with a wide expression pattern and, in Arabidopsis thaliana, of three genes (aha1, aha2, aha3), at least two of them having a more restrictive expression pattern. (iv) Some cell types expressed pma2 and pma4 at the same time, which encode H+-ATPases with different enzymatic properties.

The two major types of plant plasma membrane H+-ATPases show different enzymatic properties and confer differential pH sensitivity of yeast growth

The proton-pumping ATPase (H+-ATPase) of the plant plasma membrane is encoded by two major gene subfamilies. To characterize individual H+-ATPases, PMA2, an H+-ATPase isoform of tobacco (Nicotiana plumbaginifolia), was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and found to functionally replace the yeast H+-ATPase if the external pH was kept above 5.0 (A. de Kerchove d'Exaerde, P. Supply, J.P. Dufour, P. Bogaerts, D. Thinès, A. Goffeau, M. Boutry [1995] J Biol Chem 270: 23828-23837). In the present study we replaced the yeast H+-ATPase with PMA4, an H+-ATPase isoform from the second subfamily. Yeast expressing PMA4 grew at a pH as low as 4.0. This was correlated with a higher acidification of the external medium and an approximately 50% increase of ATPase activity compared with PMA2. Although both PMA2 and PMA4 had a similar pH optimum (6.6-6.8), the profile was different on the alkaline side. At pH 7.2 PMA2 kept more than 80% of the maximal activity, whereas that of PMA4 decreased to less than 40%. Both enzymes were stimulated up to 3-fold by 100 microgram/mL lysophosphatidylcholine, but this stimulation vanished at a higher concentration in PMA4. These data demonstrate functional differences between two plant H+-ATPases expressed in the same heterologous host. Characterization of two PMA4 mutants selected to allow yeast growth at pH 3.0 revealed that mutations within the carboxy-terminal region of PMA4 could still improve the enzyme, resulting in better growth of yeast cells.

Single point mutations distributed in 10 soluble and membrane regions of the Nicotiana plumbaginifolia plasma membrane PMA2 H+-ATPase activate the enzyme and modify the structure of the C-terminal region

The Nicotiana plumbaginifolia pma2 (plasma membrane H+-ATPase) gene is capable of functionally replacing the H+-ATPase genes of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, provided that the external pH is kept above 5.0. Single point mutations within the pma2 gene were previously identified that improved H+-ATPase activity and allowed yeast growth at pH 4.0. The aim of the present study was to identify most of the PMA2 positions, the mutation of which would lead to improved growth and to determine whether all these mutations result in similar enzymatic and structural modifications. We selected additional mutants in total 42 distinct point mutations localized in 30 codons. They were distributed in 10 soluble and membrane regions of the enzyme. Most mutant PMA2 H+-ATPases were characterized by a higher specific activity, lower inhibition by ADP, and lower stimulation by lysophosphatidylcholine than wild-type PMA2. The mutants thus seem to be constitutively activated. Partial tryptic digestion and immunodetection showed that the PMA2 mutants had a conformational change making the C-terminal region more accessible. These data therefore support the hypothesis that point mutations in various H+-ATPase parts displace the inhibitory C-terminal region, resulting in enzyme activation. The high density of mutations within the first half of the C-terminal region suggests that this part is involved in the interaction between the inhibitory C-terminal region and the rest of the enzyme.

Use of a proteome strategy for tagging proteins present at the plasma membrane

A plasma membrane (PM) fraction was purified from Arabidopsis thaliana using a standard procedure and analyzed by two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis. The proteins were classified according to their relative abundance in PM or cell membrane supernatant fractions. Eighty-two of the 700 spots detected on the PM 2D gels were microsequenced. More than half showed sequence similarity to proteins of known function. Of these, all the spots in the PM-specific and PM-enriched fractions, together with half of the spots with similar abundance in PM fraction and supernatant, have previously been found at the PM, supporting the validity of this approach. Extrapolation from this analysis indicates that (i) approximately 550 polypeptides found at the PM could be resolved on 2D gels; (ii) that numerous proteins with multiple locations are found at the PM; and (iii) that approximately 80% of PM-specific spots correspond to proteins with unknown function. Among the later, half are represented by ESTs or cDNAs in databases. In this way, several unknown gene products were potentially localized to the PM. These data are discussed with respect to the efficiency of organelle proteome approaches to link systematically genomic data to genome expression. It is concluded that generalized proteomes can constitute a powerful resource, with future completion of Arabidopsis genome sequencing, for genome-wide exploration of plant function.

Complementation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae plasma membrane H+-ATPase by a plant H+-ATPase generates a highly abundant fusicoccin binding site

Accumulating evidence suggests that the H+-ATPase of the plant plasma membrane is activated by a direct, reversible interaction with 14-3-3 proteins involving the displacement of the C-terminal autoinhibitory domain of the enzyme. The fungal phytotoxin fusicoccin (FC) appears to stabilize this H+-ATPase.14-3-3 complex, thus leading to a persistent activation of the H+-ATPase in vivo. In this study we show that functional replacement of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae H+-ATPase genes by a Nicotiana plumbaginifolia H+-ATPase (pma2) results in the generation of a high affinity fusicoccin binding site that is exceptionally abundant. Acquisition of FC binding capacity is accompanied by a significant increase in the amount of plasma membrane-associated yeast 14-3-3 homologs. The existence of a (plant) PMA2.(yeast)14-3-3 complex was demonstrated using two-dimensional gel systems (native/denaturing). After expression of PMA2 lacking most of its C-terminal region, neither H+-ATPase.14-3-3 complex formation nor FC binding activity could be observed. Furthermore, we obtained direct biochemical evidence for a minimal FC binding complex consisting of the C-terminal PMA2 domain and yeast 14-3-3 homologs. Thus we demonstrated unambiguously the relevance of this regulatory ATPase domain for 14-3-3 interaction as well as its requirement for FC binding.

Modulation of plant plasma membrane H+-ATPase by phytotoxic lipodepsipeptides produced by the plant pathogen Pseudomonas fuscovaginae

Pseudomonas fuscovaginae produces the lipodepsipeptides syringotoxin, fuscopeptin A and fuscopeptin B concurrently. These phytotoxins inhibit acidification of the external medium by fusicoccin-treated rice leaf sheath discs. When tested in vitro on H+-ATPase of rice shoot plasma membranes, syringotoxin and its structural analogue syringomycin, produced by P. syringae pv. syringae, displayed a double effect. At low concentrations they stimulated the ATPase activity of native right-side-out membrane vesicles in a detergent-like manner. At higher concentrations, however, this stimulation was reversed. With membranes treated with the detergent Brij 58, inhibition of ATPase activity was observed at low concentrations of the nonapeptides. The latter effect required the presence of an intact lactone ring formed by the nonapeptide head of these molecules. In contrast, fuscopeptins A and B inhibited enzyme activity regardless of the orientation of the vesicles. These observations were confirmed using plasma membranes from a yeast strain whose own H+-ATPase had been replaced by a single plant H+-ATPase isoform, PMA2, from Nicotiana plumbaginifolia. The kinetics of inhibition induced by the most active compound fuscopeptin B, showed a non-competitive pattern, with a Ki of about 1 microM. The combination of syringotoxin (or syringomycin) with the more hydrophobic fuscopeptins, in amounts with little or no effect, resulted in strong inhibition of the enzyme activity of rice membranes, suggesting a synergistic effect for the two types of toxins.

Signs of translational regulation within the transcript leader of a plant plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase gene

Transcripts of most plant plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase genes possess a leader (5' untranslated region) that is unusually long and that contains a short upstream open reading frame (uORF), two features which suggest post-transcriptional regulation. To investigate the putative role of the transcript leader, we have placed the leader of pma3, one of the Nicotiana plumbaginifolia H(+)-ATPase genes, between the CaMV 35S promoter and the sequence coding for the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene. Transient expression of this chimeric gene and of derived mutants was analysed in electroporated tobacco protoplasts. The whole leader had a positive effect on translation, since deletion of most of its sequence reduced GUS activity. Suppression of the uORF by point mutation of its initiating AUG increased GUS activity by about 55%. Analysis of various deletions and mutations suggested that the uORF is translated by at least two-thirds of scanning ribosomes, half of which subsequently reinitiate downstream translation under our experimental conditions. Reinitiation did not depend on the nucleotide sequence of the uORF, nor on that separating the uORF and the main open reading frame. We conclude that the pma3 transcript possesses features of translational regulation, whose mode of functioning has yet to be discovered.

Different in vitro and in vivo targeting properties of the transit peptide of a chloroplast envelope inner membrane protein

The triose phosphate 3-phosphoglycerate phosphate translocator (TPT) is a chloroplast envelope inner membrane protein whose transit peptide has structural properties typical of a mitochondrial presequence. To study the TPT transit peptide in more detail, we constructed two chimeric genes encompassing the TPT transit peptide and either 5 or 23 amino-terminal residues of the mature TPT, both linked to the reporter chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (cat) gene. The precursors were synthesized in vitro and translocated to and processed in purified plant mitochondria. However, this import was not specific since both precursors were also imported into isolated chloroplasts. To extend this analysis in vivo, the chimeric genes were introduced into tobacco by genetic transformation. Analysis of CAT distribution in subcellular fractions of transgenic plants did not confirm the data obtained in vitro. With the construct retaining only 5 residues of the mature TPT, CAT was found in the cytosolic fraction. Extension of the TPT transit peptide to 23 residues of the mature TPT allowed specific import and processing of CAT into chloroplasts. These results indicate that, despite its unusual structure, the TPT transit peptide is able to target a passenger protein specifically into chloroplasts, provided that NH2-terminal residues of the mature TPT are still present. The discrepancy between the in vitro and in vivo data suggests that the translocation machinery is more stringent in the latter case and that sorting of proteins might not be addressed adequately by in vitro experiments.

Partial purification of mitochondrial ribosomes from broad bean and identification of proteins encoded by the mitochondrial genome

An approach towards the identification at the protein level of the ribosomal proteins encoded by the mitochondrial genome of broad bean (Vicia faba) has been developed. After Triton X-100 treatment of isolated mitochondria, a fraction enriched in mitochondrial ribosomes was obtained by successive centrifugation, first onto a sucrose cushion, and then in a sucrose gradient. Mitochondrial translation products were labelled in isolated mitochondria with [35S]methionine and added to the enriched mitochondrial ribosomal proteins before separation by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Six spots, identified both by Coomassie blue staining and autoradiography, were analysed by protein micro-sequencing. Two of these were shown to correspond to ribosomal proteins S10 and S12. We conclude that these two proteins are encoded by the mitochondrial genome of broad bean and that the method described here can be used to identify other proteins encoded by the mitochondrial genome.

Lack of mitochondrial and nuclear-encoded subunits of complex I and alteration of the respiratory chain in Nicotiana sylvestris mitochondrial deletion mutants

We previously have shown that Nicotiana sylvestris cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) mutants I and II present large mtDNA deletions and that the NAD7 subunit of complex I (the main dehydrogenase of the mitochondrial respiratory chain) is absent in CMS I. Here, we show that, despite a large difference in size in the mtDNA deletion, CMS I and II display similar alterations. Both have an impaired development from germination to flowering, with partial male sterility that becomes complete under low light. Besides NAD7, two other complex I subunits are missing (NAD9 and the nucleus-encoded, 38-kDa subunit), identified on two-dimensional patterns of mitochondrial proteins. Mitochondria isolated from CMS leaves showed altered respiration. Although their succinate oxidation through complex II was close to that of the wild type, oxidation of glycine, a priority substrate of plant mitochondria, was significantly reduced. The remaining activity was much less sensitive to rotenone, indicating the breakdown of Complex I activity. Oxidation of exogenous NADH (coupled to proton gradient generation and partly sensitive to rotenone) was strongly increased. These results suggest respiratory compensation mechanisms involving additional NADH dehydrogenases to complex I. Finally, the capacity of the cyanide-resistant alternative oxidase pathway was enhanced in CMS, and higher amounts of enzyme were evidenced by immunodetection.

Use of diet history in the screening of iron deficiency

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between diet history and microcytic anemia, a proxy for iron deficiency, and the utility of a brief dietary history in screening for microcytic anemia.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study based on review of clinical records.

SETTING

Urban academic primary care clinic.

SUBJECTS

A total of 305 healthy, African-American inner-city children, presenting for well child care at 15 to 60 months of age. Children with recent minor illness or medicinal iron intake, hemoglobinopathies, chronic illnesses, failure to thrive, or elevated lead levels were excluded.

METHOD

A brief dietary history was taken in the course of primary care visits. Dietary deficiency was defined as: (1) less than five servings each of meat, grains, vegetables, and fruit per week; (2) more than 16 oz of milk per day; or (3) daily intake of fatty snacks, sweets, or more than 16 oz of soft drink. Hematologic indices were obtained.

RESULTS

The prevalence of microcytic anemia (hemoglobin, < 11 g/dL; mean corpuscular volume, < 73 fL) was 8% (24 of 305). The prevalence of low hemoglobin ( < 11 g/dL) with or without microcytosis was 12% (38 of 305). Dietary deficiency was associated with microcytic anemia (chi 2 = 26.8). As a screening test for microcytic anemia, dietary deficiency had a sensitivity of 71% (17 of 24), specificity of 79% (222 of 281), and negative predictive value of 97% (222 of 229).

CONCLUSION

Microcytic anemia was associated with a deficient diet among low-income African-American children. A brief dietary history correctly identified children at low risk for microcytic anemia 97% of the time.

Single point mutations in various domains of a plant plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae increase H(+)-pumping and permit yeast growth at low pH

In plants, the proton pump-ATPase (H(+)-ATPase) of the plasma membrane is encoded by a multigene family. The PMA2 (plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase) isoform from Nicotiana plumbaginifolia was previously shown to be capable of functionally replacing the yeast H(+)-ATPase, provided that the external pH was kept above pH 5.5. In this study, we used a positive selection to isolate 19 single point mutations of PMA2 which permit the growth of yeast cells at pH 4.0. Thirteen mutations were restricted to the C-terminus region, but another six mutations were found in four other regions of the enzyme. Kinetic studies determined on nine mutated PMA2 compared with the wild-type PMA2 revealed an activated enzyme characterized by an alkaline shift of the optimum pH and a slightly higher specific ATPase activity. However, the most striking difference was a 2- to 3-fold increase of H(+)-pumping in both reconstituted vesicles and intact cells. These results indicate that point mutations in various domains of the plant H(+)-ATPase improve the coupling between H(+)-pumping and ATP hydrolysis, resulting in better growth at low pH. Moreover, the yeast cells expressing the mutated PMA2 showed a marked reduction in the frequency of internal membrane proliferation seen with the strain expressing the wild-type PMA2, indicating a relationship between H(+)-ATPase activity and perturbations of the secretory pathway.

Mitochondrial and chloroplast targeting sequences in tandem modify protein import specificity in plant organelles

Protein targeting to plant mitochondria and chloroplasts is usually very specific and involves targeting sequences located at the amino terminus of the precursor. We challenged the system by using combinations of mitochondrial and chloroplast targeting sequences attached to reporter genes. The sequences coding for the presequence of the mitochondrial F1-ATPase beta-subunit and the transit peptide of the chloroplast chlorophyll a/b-binding protein, both from Nicotiana plumbaginifolia, were fused together in both combinations, then linked to the reporter genes, chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) and beta-glucuronidase (GUS), and introduced into tobacco. Analysis of CAT and GUS activities and proteins in the subcellular fractions revealed that the chloroplast transit peptide alone was not sufficient to target the reporter proteins to chloroplasts. However, when the mitochondrial beta-presequence was inserted downstream of the chloroplast sequence, import of CAT and GUS into chloroplasts was observed. Using the reciprocal system, the mitochondrial presequence alone was able to direct transport of CAT and, to a lesser extent, GUS to mitochondria; the GUS targeting to mitochondria was increased when the chloroplast targeting sequence was linked downstream of the mitochondrial presequence. Immunodetection experiments using subcellular fractions confirmed the results observed by enzymatic assays. These results indicate the importance of the amino-terminal position of the targeting sequence in determining protein import specificity and are considered within the hypothesis of a co-translational protein import.

Phylogenetic relationships within Hevea brasiliensis as deduced from a polymorphic mitochondrial DNA region

We have cloned a 4.5-kb mtDNA fragment showing a high RFLP polymorphism between various Hevea genotypes. Subcloning and sequencing of a 1.4-kb segment of this clone allowed us to design PCR amplification primers to isolate homologous mtDNA segments of about 0.9 kb from 23 representative genotypes of Hevea. Complete sequences from 4 genotypes showed between 6.7% and 20.2% of nucleotide diversity, suggesting the presence of a hypervariable, or hotspot, region. A sequence of 345 nucleotides within this region was determined for the 23 genotypes. The phylogenetic relationships inferred from the sequence comparison are in general agreement with the results obtained from mtDNA RFLP analysis, indicating that this polymorphic mtDNA region is a useful molecular marker for phylogenetic analysis within Hevea.

Functional complementation of a null mutation of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase by a plant H(+)-ATPase gene

In plants, the proton pump-ATPase (H(+)-ATPase) of the plasma membrane is encoded by a multigene family. The presence within an organ of several isoforms prevents a detailed enzymatic characterization of individual H(+)-ATPases. We therefore used the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a heterologous host for the expression of PMA2, an H(+)-ATPase isoform of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia. Yeast transformed by the plant pma2 was still able to grow under conditions where the yeast ATPase gene (PMA1) was either repressed or deleted. The transformed yeast strain was resistant to hygromycin, and its growth was prevented when the medium pH was lowered to 5.0. The N. plumbaginifolia PMA2 expressed in S. cerevisiae has unusual low Km for ATP (23 microM) and high pH optimum (6.8). Electron microscopic examination revealed PMA2 in internal structures of the karmellae type which proliferated when cell growth was arrested, either at a nonpermissive pH or at the stationary phase in a minimal medium. Under the latter conditions, subcellular fractionation on sucrose gradients revealed, in addition to the expected plant PMA2 peak linked to the plasma membrane fraction, low density peak containing PMA2 and KAR2, an endoplasmic reticulum marker. These observations suggest that the partial internal accumulation of PMA2 occurs in membranes derived from the endoplasmic reticulum and largely depends on growth conditions.

Interlaboratory reproducibility of yeast protein patterns analyzed by immobilized pH gradient two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

An interlaboratory comparison was conducted on the positional and quantitative reproducibility of yeast proteins resolved by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE) using isoelectric focusing with immobilized pH gradient (pH 4-7) in the first dimension. The basic experimental set-up was as follows: one laboratory prepared and distributed a [35S]methionine-labeled total yeast protein extract (Göteborg, Sweden), another laboratory prepared the IPG strips to be used by all labs in this study (Munich, Germany), the third laboratory (Aarhus, Denmark) circulated the protocols and coordinated the modest attempts to unify them. Samples were run horizontally in the first dimension and vertically in the second. The gels were sent to Göteborg for processing by phosphoimager technology and computerized image analysis (PDQuest), and the 2-D PAGE resolved proteins were located and quantified automatically. A subset of 470 spots was manually matched in all gels out of an average of 1328 resolved proteins. The positional interlaboratory comparison revealed great pattern reproducibility, the correlation coefficient in no case being less than 0.9994. In absolute terms an average deviation of 2.8 mm (x-position) and 1.8 mm (y-position) were obtained for all nine gels (three gels per lab). The interlaboratory comparison of protein quantitation displayed higher variability, and the best correlation coefficient generated was 0.975. An average standard deviation of 34.5% was calculated for protein quantitation including all three labs, a value slightly higher than the intralaboratory variation (range 20-28%). Thus, despite differences in protocols, chemicals and equipment, the immobilized pH gradient technology gave extremely high positional and quantitative reproducibility. This will greatly facilitate the exchange of data and the establishment of multi-user image-based 2-D gel databases.

Targeting the maize T-urf13 product into tobacco mitochondria confers methomyl sensitivity to mitochondrial respiration

The URF13 protein, which is encoded by the maize mitochondrial T-urf13 gene, is thought to be responsible for pathotoxin and methomyl sensitivity and male sterility. We have investigated whether T-urf13 confers toxin sensitivity and male sterility when expressed in another plant species. The coding sequence of T-urf13 was fused to a mitochondrial targeting presequence, placed under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter, and introduced into tobacco by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Plants expressing high levels of URF13 were methomyl sensitive. Subcellular analysis indicated that URF13 is mainly associated with the mitochondria. Adding methomyl to isolated mitochondria stimulated NADH-linked respiration and uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation, indicating that URF13 was imported into the mitochondria, and conferred toxin sensitivity. Most control plants, which expressed the T-urf13c construct lacking the mitochondrial presequence, were methomyl sensitive and contained URF13 in a membrane fraction. Subcellular fractionation by sucrose gradient centrifugation showed that URF13 sedimented at several positions, suggesting the protein is associated with various organelles, including mitochondria. No methomyl effect was observed in isolated mitochondria, however, indicating that URF13 was not imported and did not confer toxin sensitivity to the mitochondria. Thus, URF13 confers toxin sensitivity to transgenic tobacco with or without import into the mitochondria. There was no correlation between the expression of URF13 and male sterility, suggesting either that URF13 does not cause male sterility in transgenic tobacco or that URF13 is not expressed in sufficient amounts in the appropriate anther cells.

A plant plasma membrane proton-ATPase gene is regulated by development and environment and shows signs of a translational regulation

A proton-pumping ATPase is present in the plasma membrane of plant cells where it sustains transport-related functions. This enzyme is encoded by a family of genes that shows signs of both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. The regulation of pma1, one of the Nicotiana plumbaginifolia H+-ATPase genes, was characterized with the help of the beta-glucuronidase (gusA) receptor gene in transgenic plants. pma1 is active in the root epidermis, the stem cortex, and guard cells. This activity depends on developmental and growth conditions. For instance, pma1 activity in guard cells was strongly enhanced when the plant material (young seedlings or mature leaves) was incubated in liquid growth medium. pma1 is also expressed in several tissues of the reproductive organs where active transport is thought to occur but where scarcely any ATPase activity has been identified, namely in the tapetum, the pollen, the transmitting tissue, and the ovules. Several pma genes have a long 5'untranslated region (leader sequence) containing an upstream open reading frame (URF). Analysis of translational and transcriptional fusions with gusA in transgenic plants suggests that the pma1 leader sequence might activate translation of the main open reading frame, even though the URF is translated by a large majority of the scanning ribosomes. As confirmation, transient expression experiments showed that the pma1 leader causes a fourfold post-transcriptional increase of main open reading frame expression. Deletion of the URF by site-directed mutagenesis stimulated the main open reading frame translation 2.7-fold in an in vitro translational assay. These results are consistent with a regulatory mechanism involving translation reinitiation. Altogether, they suggest a fine, multilevel regulation of H+-ATPase activity in the plant.

Preproteins of chloroplast envelope inner membrane contain targeting information for receptor-dependent import into fungal mitochondria

The amino-terminal transit sequences of two preproteins destined for the chloroplast inner envelope membrane show similarities to mitochondrial presequences in the prevalence of positive charges and the potential formation of an amphipathic alpha-helix. We studied if these preproteins could be imported into mitochondria and found a low, yet significant import into isolated plant mitochondria. The plant mitochondria were previously shown not to import precursors of chloroplast stromal or thylakoidal proteins. To analyze the specificity of import into mitochondria we used the established import systems of fungal mitochondria. The envelope preproteins were efficiently imported into Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Neurospora crassa mitochondria. Their import showed the characteristics of specific mitochondrial protein uptake, including a requirement for the main receptor MOM19 (mitochondrial outer membrane protein of 19 kDa) and a membrane potential across the inner membrane, and depended on the presence of the chloroplast transit sequence. We conclude that some chloroplast transit sequences contain sufficient information for specific interaction with mitochondrial import receptors (at least from fungal sources).

Identification of an Arabidopsis thaliana gene encoding a plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase whose expression is restricted to anther tissue

A gene (aha9) for a plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase was isolated from an Arabidopsis thaliana genomic library and sequenced. Comparison of the aha9 predicted amino acid sequence with those of aha1, 2 and 3 and analogous genes from other species indicated the existence of at least two aha gene subfamilies whose divergence precedes that of the Nicotiana and Arabidopsis species. Transcript analysis in various organs revealed expression of aha9 in flower tissues only. Introduction of aha9 into Nicotiana tabacum by genetic transformation gave rise to transgenic plants which also express aha9 in flower tissues. A more detailed analysis showed that aha9 expression was restricted to anther tissues.

Truncated presequences of mitochondrial F1-ATPase beta subunit from Nicotiana plumbaginifolia transport CAT and GUS proteins into mitochondria of transgenic tobacco

The mitochondrial F1-ATPase beta subunit (ATPase-beta) of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia is nucleus-encoded as a precursor containing an NH2-terminal extension. By sequencing the mature N. tabacum ATPase-beta, we determined the length of the presequence, viz. 54 residues. To define the essential regions of this presequence, we produced a series of 3' deletions in the sequence coding for the 90 NH2-terminal residues of ATPase-beta. The truncated sequences were fused with the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (cat) and beta-glucuronidase (gus) genes and introduced into tobacco plants. From the observed distribution of CAT and GUS activity in the plant cells, we conclude that the first 23 amino-acid residues of ATPase-beta remain capable of specifically targeting reporter proteins into mitochondria. Immunodetection in transgenic plants and in vitro import experiments with various CAT fusion proteins show that the precursors are processed at the expected cleavage site but also at a cryptic site located in the linker region between the presequence and the first methionine of native CAT.

Variant mitochondrial plasmids of broad bean arose by recombination and are controlled by the nuclear genome

Various cytoplasms of broad bean contain three mitochondrial plasmids (mtp1, 2 and 3), previously described. In cytoplasm 350 we have observed several additional mitochondrial plasmids, varying in number and in identity according to the nuclear background. Replacement of the nucleus by backcrossing led to the appearance or disappearance of additional plasmids, indicating that the nuclear genome controls either the creation or the copy level of mitochondrial plasmids. Analysis of eight variant additional plasmids (mtp4-11) suggests that they all result from a double recombination event between mtp1 and mtp2. In all cases, one recombination point was located within a 276-bp sequence, identical in both plasmids. For 7 plasmids, the region in which the second recombination event occurred could be narrowed down to a short stretch containing imperfect tandem repeats of a 31-bp motif. The largest sequence shared by the recombination regions was hexanucleotide GCGACG.

Purification and preliminary characterization of mitochondrial complex I (NADH: ubiquinone reductase) from broad bean (Vicia faba L.)

NADH:ubiquinone reductase (EC 1.6.19.3), or complex I, was isolated from broad bean (Vicia faba L.) mitochondria. Osmotic shock and sequential treatment with 0.2% (v/v) Triton X-100 and 0.5% (w/v) [3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfate (CHAPS) removed all other NADH dehydrogenase activities. Complex I was solubilized in the presence of 4% Triton X-100 and then purified by sucrose-gradient centrifugation in the presence of the same detergent. The second purification step was hydroxylapatite chromatography. Substitution of CHAPS for Triton X-100 helped remove contaminants such as ATPase. The high molecular mass complex is composed of at least 26 subunits with molecular masses ranging from 6000 to 75,000 kD. The purified complex I reduced ferricyanide and ubiquinone analogs but not cytochrome c. NADPH could not substitute for NADH as an electron donor. The KM for NADH was 20 microM at the optimum pH of 8.0. The NH2-terminal sequence of several subunits was determined, revealing the ambiguous nature of the 42-kD subunit.

Non-organic failure to thrive: growth failure secondary to feeding-skills disorder

In this article the authors propose that non-organic failure to thrive (FTT) is a growth failure secondary to feeding-skills disorder, and that this disorder is neurophysiological in origin. The symptoms of feeding-skills disorder were suggestive of an oral sensorimotor impairment which is usually present from birth or early life, but tends to go unrecognized. Data from 38 infants with non-organic and 22 infants with organic FTT demonstrated that early clinical symptoms of feeding impairment, and observed maternal and infant feeding behaviours and interactions, were similar for both groups, suggesting a need to redefine the term 'non-organic'.

Identification and characterization of a second plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase gene subfamily in Nicotiana plumbaginifolia

A cDNA clone was isolated for a fourth pma gene encoding a putative plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia. The sequence of the predicted 952 residue PMA4 polypeptide was compared with those of other known plant PMAs, revealing a higher identity with the Arabidopsis thaliana proteins (86-89%) than with the other three N. plumbaginifolia PMA proteins (80-82%). This supports the view that there are two pma subfamilies which probably arose from a gene duplication predating the separation of the Dilleniidae and Asteridae plant subclasses. Measured pma4 transcript levels indicate that pma4 is similarly expressed in root, stem, leaf, and flower tissues, contrary to the pmal-3 subfamily whose members displayed differential expression according to the organ.