Distribution, biological activities, metabolism, and the conceivable function of cis-zeatin-type cytokinins in plants

Cytokinins (CKs) are plant hormones affecting numerous developmental processes. Zeatin and its derivatives are the most important group of isoprenoid CKs. Zeatin occurs as two isomers: while trans-zeatin (transZ) was found to be a bioactive substance, cis-zeatin (cisZ) was reported to have a weak biological impact. Even though cisZ derivatives are abundant in various plant materials their biological role is still unknown. The comprehensive screen of land plants presented here suggests that cisZ-type CKs occur ubiquitously in the plant kingdom but their abundance might correlate with a strategy of life rather than with evolutionary complexity. Changing levels of transZ and cisZ during Arabidopsis ontogenesis show that levels of the two zeatin isomers can differ significantly during the life span of the plant, with cisZ-type CKs prevalent in the developmental stages associated with limited growth. A survey of the bioassays employed illustrates mild activity of cisZ and its derivatives. No cis↔trans isomerization, which would account for the effects of cisZ, was observed in tobacco cells and oat leaves. Differences in uptake between the two isomers resulting in distinct bioactivity have not been detected. In contrast, cisZ and transZ have a different metabolic fate in oat and tobacco. Analysis of a CK-degrading enzyme, cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX), reveals that Arabidopsis possesses two isoforms, AtCKX1 expressed in stages of active growth, and AtCKX7, both of which have the highest affinity for the cisZ isomer. Based on the present results, the conceivable function of cisZ-type CKs as delicate regulators of CK responses in plants under growth-limiting conditions is hypothesized.

Rhodococcus fascians impacts plant development through the dynamic fas-mediated production of a cytokinin mix

The phytopathogenic actinomycete Rhodococcus fascians D188 relies mainly on the linear plasmid-encoded fas operon for its virulence. The bacteria secrete six cytokinin bases that synergistically redirect the developmental program of the plant to stimulate proliferation of young shoot tissue, thus establishing a leafy gall as a niche. A yeast-based cytokinin bioassay combined with cytokinin profiling of bacterial mutants revealed that the fas operon is essential for the enhanced production of isopentenyladenine, trans-zeatin, cis-zeatin, and the 2-methylthio derivatives of the zeatins. Cytokinin metabolite data and the demonstration of the enzymatic activities of FasD (isopentenyltransferase), FasE (cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase), and FasF (phosphoribohydrolase) led us to propose a pathway for the production of the cytokinin spectrum. Further evaluation of the pathogenicity of different fas mutants and of fas gene expression and cytokinin signal transduction upon infection implied that the secretion of the cytokinin mix is a highly dynamic process, with the consecutive production of a tom initiation wave followed by a maintenance flow.

Anticancer activity of natural cytokinins: a structure-activity relationship study

Cytokinin ribosides (N(6)-substituted adenosine derivatives) have been shown to have anticancer activity both in vitro and in vivo. This study presents the first systematic analysis of the relationship between the chemical structure of cytokinins and their cytotoxic effects against a panel of human cancer cell lines with diverse histopathological origins. The results confirm the cytotoxic activity of N(6)-isopentenyladenosine, kinetin riboside, and N(6)-benzyladenosine and show that the spectrum of cell lines that are sensitive to these compounds and their tissues of origin are wider than previously reported. The first evidence that the hydroxylated aromatic cytokinins (ortho-, meta-, para-topolin riboside) and the isoprenoid cytokinin cis-zeatin riboside have cytotoxic activities is presented. Most cell lines in the panel showed greatest sensitivity to ortho-topolin riboside (IC(50)=0.5-11.6 microM). Cytokinin nucleotides, some synthesized for the first time in this study, were usually active in a similar concentration range to the corresponding ribosides. However, cytokinin free bases, 2-methylthio derivatives and both O- and N-glucosides showed little or no toxicity. Overall the study shows that structural requirements for cytotoxic activity of cytokinins against human cancer cell lines differ from the requirements for their activity in plant bioassays. The potent anticancer activity of ortho-topolin riboside (GI(50)=0.07-84.60 microM, 1st quartile=0.33 microM, median=0.65 microM, 3rd quartile=1.94 microM) was confirmed using NCI(60), a standard panel of 59 cell lines, originating from nine different tissues. Further, the activity pattern of oTR was distinctly different from those of standard anticancer drugs, suggesting that it has a unique mechanism of activity. In comparison with standard drugs, oTR showed exceptional cytotoxic activity against NCI(60) cell lines with a mutated p53 tumour suppressor gene. oTR also exhibited significant anticancer activity against several tumour models in in vivo hollow fibre assays.

Phenyl- and benzylurea cytokinins as competitive inhibitors of cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase: a structural study

Cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKO) is a flavoenzyme, which irreversibly degrades the plant hormones cytokinins and thereby participates in their homeostasis. Several synthetic cytokinins including urea derivatives are known CKO inhibitors but structural data explaining enzyme-inhibitor interactions are lacking. Thus, an inhibitory study with numerous urea derivatives was undertaken using the maize enzyme (ZmCKO1) and the crystal structure of ZmCKO1 in a complex with N-(2-chloro-pyridin-4-yl)-N'-phenylurea (CPPU) was solved. CPPU binds in a planar conformation and competes for the same binding site with natural substrates like N(6)-(2-isopentenyl)adenine (iP) and zeatin (Z). Nitrogens at the urea backbone are hydrogen bonded to the putative active site base Asp169. Subsequently, site-directed mutagenesis of L492 and E381 residues involved in the inhibitor binding was performed. The crystal structures of L492A mutant in a complex with CPPU and N-(2-chloro-pyridin-4-yl)-N'-benzylurea (CPBU) were solved and confirm the importance of a stacking interaction between the 2-chloro-4-pyridinyl ring of the inhibitor and the isoalloxazine ring of the FAD cofactor. Amino derivatives like N-(2-amino-pyridin-4-yl)-N'-phenylurea (APPU) inhibited ZmCKO1 more efficiently than CPPU, as opposed to the inhibition of E381A/S mutants, emphasizing the importance of this residue for inhibitor binding. As highly specific CKO inhibitors without undesired side effects are of major interest for physiological studies, all studied compounds were further analyzed for cytokinin activity in the Amaranthus bioassay and for binding to the Arabidopsis cytokinin receptors AHK3 and AHK4. By contrast to CPPU itself, APPU and several benzylureas bind only negligibly to the receptors and exhibit weak cytokinin activity.

Cytokinin receptor antagonists derived from 6-benzylaminopurine

Recently we reported 6-(2-hydroxy-3-methylbenzylamino)purine (PI-55) as the first molecule to antagonize cytokinin activity at the receptor level. Here we report the synthesis and in vitro biological testing of eleven BAP derivatives substituted in the benzyl ring and in the C2, N7 and N9 positions of the purine moiety. The ability of the compounds to interact with Arabidopsis cytokinin receptors AHK3 and CRE1/AHK4 was tested in bacterial receptor and in live-cell binding assays, and in an Arabidopsis ARR5:GUS (Arabidopsis response regulator 5) reporter gene assay. Cytokinin activity of the compounds was determined in classical cytokinin biotests (tobacco callus, wheat leaf senescence and Amaranthus bioassays). 6-(2,5-Dihydroxybenzylamino)purine (LGR-991) was identified as a cytokinin receptor antagonist. At the molecular level LGR-991 blocks the cytokinin receptor CRE1/AHK4 with the same potency as PI-55. Moreover, LGR-991 acts as a competitive inhibitor of AHK3, and importantly shows reduced agonistic effects in comparison to PI-55 in the ARR5:GUS reporter gene assay and in cytokinin bioassays. LGR-991 causes more rapid germination of Arabidopsis seeds and increases hypocotyl length of dark-grown seedlings, which are characteristics of plants with a reduced cytokinin status. LGR-991 exhibits a structural motive that might lead to preparation of cytokinin antagonists with a broader specificity and reduced agonistic properties.

Cytokinin activity of disubstituted aminopurines in Amaranthus

Cytokinin (CK) receptors have different affinities for certain ligands, and consequently, studies of the plant's response to CK analogues constitute a good approach to identify active compounds that trigger specific plant responses. In this study, N(6) and N(6),N(6)-substituted CK analogues were synthesized and their CK-like activity was examined in the Amaranthus betacyanin and the bacterial receptor assay. The compounds showed CK-like activities that were not always associated with their binding affinity to the Arabidopsis receptors AHK3 and CRE1/AHK4. The highest level of activity in both bioassays was obtained for the N(6)-alkylaminopurines, which showed an especially high binding affinity to AHK3. In contrast to previously published data, we found remarkable activity of N(6),N(6)-alkylbenzylaminopurines in the Amaranthus betacyanin bioassay, which was not associated with their binding affinity to the tested receptors. The N(6),N(6)-substituted CK that showed the highest activity at the lowest concentration, N(6),N(6)-methylbenzylaminopurine (BAP-C1), was studied to determine its effect on different leaf parameters of whole Amaranthus plants, with benzylaminopurine (BAP) used as standard compound. The interaction with ethylene was examined in plants supplied with the ethylene-synthesis inhibitor aminooxiacetic acid (AOA). After 3d, the CKs supplied in the solution culture exerted effects on leaf dry weight and gas-exchange parameters. These effects of exogenous CKs are suggested to be ethylene-synthesis dependent.

The purine derivative PI-55 blocks cytokinin action via receptor inhibition

One of several potential approaches to study mechanisms of action of biologically active compounds is to develop their agonists and antagonists. In the present study, we report the identification of the first known molecule antagonizing the activity of the plant hormone cytokinin at the receptor level. This compound, 6-(2-hydroxy-3-methylbenzylamino)purine, designated PI-55 in the present study, is structurally closely related to cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine, but substitutions at specific positions of the aromatic side chain strongly diminished its cytokinin activity and conferred antagonistic properties. PI-55 competitively inhibited the binding of the natural ligand trans-zeatin to the Arabidopsis cytokinin receptors cytokinin response 1 (CRE1)/Arabidopsis histidine kinase (AHK) 4 and AHK3 and repressed induction of the cytokinin response gene ARR5:GUS. Genetic analysis revealed that CRE1/AHK4 is the primary target of PI-55. Cytokinin bioassays also demonstrated the anticytokinin effect of PI-55 in several other species. Furthermore, we show that PI-55 accelerated the germination of Arabidopsis seeds and promoted the root growth and formation of lateral roots, thus phenocopying the known consequences of a lowered cytokinin status and demonstrating its potential to inhibit cytokinin perception in planta. PI-55 is the first example for the targeted development of a cytokinin antagonist and represents an initial step for the preparation of cytokinin antagonists with broad activity and reduced agonistic properties.

Novel potent inhibitors of A. thaliana cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase

The synthesis of a new group of 2-X-6-anilinopurines, including compounds with potential cytokinin-like activities, with various substitutions (X=H, halogen, amino, methylthio or nitro) on the phenyl ring is described. The prepared compounds have been characterized using standard physico-chemical methods, and the influence of individual substituents on biological activity has been compared in three different bioassays, based on the stimulation of tobacco callus growth, retention of chlorophyll in excised wheat leaves and the dark induction of betacyanin synthesis in Amaranthus cotyledons. The biological activity of the prepared compounds was also assessed in receptor assays, in which the ability of the compounds to activate the cytokinin receptors AHK3 and AHK4/CRE1 was studied. Finally, the interactions of the compounds with the Arabidopsis cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase AtCKX2 (heterologously expressed) were investigated. Systematic testing led to the identification of two very potent inhibitors of AtCKX2: 2-chloro-6-(3-methoxyphenyl)aminopurine and 2-fluoro-6-(3-methoxyphenyl)aminopurine.

Mechanism-based inhibitors of cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase attack FAD cofactor

Cytokinin oxidases/dehydrogenases (CKOs) mediate catabolic regulation of cytokinin levels in plants. Several substrate analogs containing an unsaturated side chain were studied for their possible inhibitory effect on maize CKO (ZmCKO1) by use of various bioanalytical methods. Two allenic derivatives, N(6)-(buta-2,3-dienyl)adenine (HA-8) and N(6)-(penta-2,3-dienyl)adenine (HA-1), were identified as strong mechanism-based inhibitors of the enzyme. Despite exhaustive dialysis, the enzyme remained inhibited. Conversely, substrate analogs with a triple bond in the side chain were much weaker inactivators. The crystal structures of recombinant ZmCKO1 complexed with HA-1 or HA-8 were solved to 1.95 A resolution. Together with Raman spectra of the inactivated enzyme, it was revealed that reactive imine intermediates generated by oxidation of the allenic inhibitors covalently bind to the flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor. The binding occurs at the C4a atom of the isoalloxazine ring of FAD, the planarity of which is consequently disrupted. All the compounds under study were also analyzed for binding to the Arabidopsis cytokinin receptors AHK3 and AHK4 in a bacterial receptor assay and for cytokinin activity in the Amaranthus bioassay. HA-1 and HA-8 were found to be good receptor ligands with a significant cytokinin activity. Nevertheless, due to their ability to inactivate CKO in the desired time intervals or developmental stages, they both represent attractive compounds for physiological studies, as the inhibition mechanism of HA-1 and HA-8 is mainly FAD dependent.

Classical Anticytokinins Do Not Interact with Cytokinin Receptors but Inhibit Cyclin-dependent Kinases

Cytokinins are a class of plant hormones that regulate the cell cycle and diverse developmental and physiological processes. Several compounds have been identified that antagonize the effects of cytokinins. Based on structural similarities and competitive inhibition, it has been assumed that these anticytokinins act through a common cellular target, namely the cytokinin receptor. Here, we examined directly the possibility that various representative classical anticytokinins inhibit the Arabidopsis cytokinin receptors CRE1/AHK4 (cytokinin response 1/Arabidopsis histidine kinase 4) and AHK3 (Arabidopsis histidine kinase 3). We show that pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine and pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidine anticytokinins do not act as competitors of cytokinins at the receptor level. Flow cytometry and microscopic analyses revealed that anticytokinins inhibit the cell cycle and cause disorganization of the microtubular cytoskeleton and apoptosis. This is consistent with the hypothesis that they inhibit regulatory cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) enzymes. Biochemical studies demonstrated inhibition by selected anti-cytokinins of both Arabidopsis and human CDKs. X-ray determination of the crystal structure of a human CDK2-anticytokinin complex demonstrated that the antagonist occupies the ATP-binding site of CDK2. Finally, treatment of human cancer cell lines with anticytokinins demonstrated their ability to kill human cells with similar effectiveness as known CDK inhibitors.

Preparation, biological activity and endogenous occurrence of N6-benzyladenosines

Cytokinin activity of forty-eight 6-benzyladenosine derivatives at both the receptor and cellular levels as well as their anticancer properties were compared in various in vitro assays. The compounds were prepared by the condensation of 6-chloropurine riboside with corresponding substituted benzylamines and characterized by standard collection of physico-chemical methods. The majority of synthesized derivatives exhibited high activity in all three of the cytokinin bioassays used (tobacco callus, wheat leaf senescence and Amaranthus bioassay). The highest activities were observed in the senescence bioassay. For several of the compounds tested, significant differences in activity were found between the bioassays used, indicating that diverse recognition systems may operate. This suggests that it may be possible to modulate particular cytokinin-dependent processes with specific compounds. In contrast to their high activity in bioassays, the tested compounds were recognized with only very low sensitivity in both Arabidopsis thaliana AHK3 and AHK4 receptor assays. The prepared derivatives were also investigated for their antiproliferative properties on cancer and normal cell lines. Several of them showed very strong cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell lines. On the other hand, they were not cytotoxic for normal murine fibroblast (NIH/3T3) cell line. This anticancer activity of cytokinin ribosides may be important, given that several of them occur as endogenous compounds in different organisms.

Preparation and biological activity of 6-benzylaminopurine derivatives in plants and human cancer cells

To study the structure-activity relationships of aromatic cytokinins, the cytokinin activity at both the receptor and cellular levels, as well as CDK inhibitory and anticancer properties of 38 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) derivatives were compared in various in vitro assays. The compounds were prepared by the condensation of 6-chloropurine with corresponding substituted benzylamines. The majority of synthesised derivatives exhibited high activity in all three of the cytokinin bioassays employed (tobacco callus, wheat senescence and Amaranthus bioassay). The highest activities were obtained in the senescence bioassay. For some compounds tested, significant differences of activity were found in the bioassays used, indicating that diverse recognition systems may operate and suggesting that it may be possible to modulate particular cytokinin-dependent processes with specific compounds. Position-specific steric and hydrophobic effects of different phenyl ring substituents on the variation of biological activity were confirmed. In contrast to their high activity in bioassays, the BAP derivatives were recognised with much lower sensitivity than trans-zeatin in both Arabidopsis thaliana AHK3 and AHK4 receptor assays. The compounds were also investigated for their effects on cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and for antiproliferative properties on cancer and normal cell lines. Several of the tested compounds showed stronger inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity than BAP. There was also a significant positive correlation of the inhibitory effects on human and plant CDKs with cell proliferation of cancer and cytokinin-dependent tobacco cells, respectively. This suggests that at least a part of the antiproliferative effect of the new cytokinins was due to the inhibition of CDK activity.

A live cell hormone-binding assay on transgenic bacteria expressing a eukaryotic receptor protein

The investigation of hormone-receptor interaction normally needs isolation and extensive purification of the receptor protein or a particular receptor-containing fraction. To bypass these time- and resource-consuming procedures, we have established a live cell-based assay using transgenic bacteria expressing single eukaryotic receptors. Here we describe some biochemical features of the Arabidopsis cytokinin receptor CRE1/AHK4 expressed in Escherichia coli. The data show that the main characteristics of the ligand-receptor interaction, including binding affinity and ligand specificity, can be determined using intact bacteria expressing a functional receptor.

Two cytokinin receptors of Arabidopsis thaliana, CRE1/AHK4 and AHK3, differ in their ligand specificity in a bacterial assay

Strains of Escherichia coli that express two different cytokinin receptors of Arabidopsis thaliana, CRE1/AHK4 and AHK3, were used to study the relative sensitivity of these receptors to various cytokinins. Both receptors were most sensitive to the bases of the isoprenoid-type cytokinins trans-zeatin and isopentenyladenine but differed significantly in the recognition of other cytokinin compounds. In particular, CRE1/AHK4 recognized at 1 microm concentration only trans-zeatin while AHK3 recognized cis-zeatin and dihydrozeatin as well, although with a lower sensitivity. Similarly, CRE1/AHK4 was not activated by cytokinin ribosides and ribotides, but AHK3 was. Comparisons using the ARR5::GUS fusion gene as a cytokinin reporter in Arabidopsis showed similar relative degrees of responses in planta, except that cytokinins with aromatic side chains showed much higher activities than in the bacterial assay. These results indicate that the diverse cytokinin compounds might have specific functions in the numerous cytokinin-regulated processes, which may depend in turn on different receptors and their associated signalling pathways. The importance of precise control of local concentrations of defined cytokinin metabolites to regulate the respective downstream event is corroborated.