SPIRE-a software tool for bicontinuous phase recognition: application for plastid cubic membranes

Bicontinuous membranes in cell organelles epitomize nature's ability to create complex functional nanostructures. Like their synthetic counterparts, these membranes are characterized by continuous membrane sheets draped onto topologically complex saddle-shaped surfaces with a periodic network-like structure. Their structure sizes, (around 50-500 nm), and fluid nature make transmission electron microscopy (TEM) the analysis method of choice to decipher their nanostructural features. Here we present a tool, Surface Projection Image Recognition Environment (SPIRE), to identify bicontinuous structures from TEM sections through interactive identification by comparison to mathematical "nodal surface" models. The prolamellar body (PLB) of plant etioplasts is a bicontinuous membrane structure with a key physiological role in chloroplast biogenesis. However, the determination of its spatial structural features has been held back by the lack of tools enabling the identification and quantitative analysis of symmetric membrane conformations. Using our SPIRE tool, we achieved a robust identification of the bicontinuous diamond surface as the dominant PLB geometry in angiosperm etioplasts in contrast to earlier long-standing assertions in the literature. Our data also provide insights into membrane storage capacities of PLBs with different volume proportions and hint at the limited role of a plastid ribosome localization directly inside the PLB grid for its proper functioning. This represents an important step in understanding their as yet elusive structure-function relationship.

Microstructure investigation of plant architecture with X-ray microscopy

In recent years, the plant morphology has been well studied by multiple approaches at cellular and subcellular levels. Two-dimensional (2D) microscopy techniques offer imaging of plant structures on a wide range of magnifications for researchers. However, subcellular imaging is still challenging in plant tissues like roots and seeds. Here we use a three-dimensional (3D) imaging technology based on the X-ray microscope (XRM) and analyze several plant tissues from different plant species. The XRM provides new insights into plant structures using non-destructive imaging at high-resolution and high contrast. We also utilized a workflow aiming to acquire accurate and high-quality images in the context of the whole specimen. Multiple plant samples including rice, tobacco, Arabidopsis and maize were used to display the differences of phenotypes. Our work indicates that the XRM is a powerful tool to investigate plant microstructure in high-resolution scale. Our work also provides evidence that evaluate and quantify tissue specific differences for a range of plant species. We also characterize novel plant tissue phenotypes by the XRM, such as seeds in Arabidopsis, and utilize them for novel observation measurement. Our work represents an evaluated spatial and temporal resolution solution on seed observation and screening.

Molecular landscape of etioplast inner membranes in higher plants

Etioplasts are photosynthetically inactive plastids that accumulate when light levels are too low for chloroplast maturation. The etioplast inner membrane consists of a paracrystalline tubular lattice and peripheral, disk-shaped membranes, respectively known as the prolamellar body and prothylakoids. These distinct membrane regions are connected into one continuous compartment. To date, no structures of protein complexes in or at etioplast membranes have been reported. Here, we used electron cryo-tomography to explore the molecular membrane landscape of pea and maize etioplasts. Our tomographic reconstructions show that ATP synthase monomers are enriched in the prothylakoids, and plastid ribosomes in the tubular lattice. The entire tubular lattice is covered by regular helical arrays of a membrane-associated protein, which we identified as the 37-kDa enzyme, light-dependent protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (LPOR). LPOR is the most abundant protein in the etioplast, where it is responsible for chlorophyll biosynthesis, photoprotection and defining the membrane geometry of the prolamellar body. Based on the 9-Å-resolution volume of the subtomogram average, we propose a structural model of membrane-associated LPOR.

Elucidating the morpho-physiological adaptations and molecular responses under long-term waterlogging stress in maize through gene expression analysis

Waterlogging stress in maize is one of the emerging abiotic stresses in the current climate change scenario. To gain insights in transcriptional reprogramming during late hours of waterlogging stress under field conditions, we aimed to elucidate the transcriptional and anatomical changes in two contrasting maize inbreds viz. I110 (susceptible) and I172 (tolerant). Waterlogging stress reduced dry matter translocations from leaves and stems to ears, resulting in a lack of sink capacity and inadequate grain filling in I110, thus decreased the grain yield drastically. The development of aerenchyma cells within 48 h in I172 enabled hypoxia tolerance. The upregulation of alanine aminotransferase, ubiquitin activating enzyme E1, putative mitogen activated protein kinase and pyruvate kinase in I172 suggested that genes involved in protein degradation, signal transduction and carbon metabolism provided adaptive mechanisms during waterlogging. Overexpression of alcohol dehydrogenase, sucrose synthase, aspartate aminotransferase, NADP dependent malic enzyme and many miRNA targets in I110 indicated that more oxygen and energy consumption might have shortened plant survival during long-term waterlogging exposure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of transcript profiling at late stage (24-96 h) of waterlogging stress under field conditions and provides new visions to understand the molecular basis of waterlogging tolerance in maize.

Multiseriate cortical sclerenchyma enhance root penetration in compacted soils

Mechanical impedance limits soil exploration and resource capture by plant roots. We examine the role of root anatomy in regulating plant adaptation to mechanical impedance and identify a root anatomical phene in maize (Zea mays) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) associated with penetration of hard soil: Multiseriate cortical sclerenchyma (MCS). We characterize this trait and evaluate the utility of MCS for root penetration in compacted soils. Roots with MCS had a greater cell wall-to-lumen ratio and a distinct UV emission spectrum in outer cortical cells. Genome-wide association mapping revealed that MCS is heritable and genetically controlled. We identified a candidate gene associated with MCS. Across all root classes and nodal positions, maize genotypes with MCS had 13% greater root lignin concentration compared to genotypes without MCS. Genotypes without MCS formed MCS upon exogenous ethylene exposure. Genotypes with MCS had greater lignin concentration and bending strength at the root tip. In controlled environments, MCS in maize and wheat was associated improved root tensile strength and increased penetration ability in compacted soils. Maize genotypes with MCS had root systems with 22% greater depth and 49% greater shoot biomass in compacted soils in the field compared to lines without MCS. Of the lines we assessed, MCS was present in 30 to 50% of modern maize, wheat, and barley cultivars but was absent in teosinte and wild and landrace accessions of wheat and barley. MCS merits investigation as a trait for improving plant performance in maize, wheat, and other grasses under edaphic stress.

Anatomy of leaf apical hydathodes in four monocotyledon plants of economic and academic relevance

Hydathode is a plant organ responsible for guttation in vascular plants, i.e. the release of droplets at leaf margin or surface. Because this organ connects the plant vasculature to the external environment, it is also a known entry site for several vascular pathogens. In this study, we present a detailed microscopic examination of leaf apical hydathodes in monocots for three crops (maize, rice and sugarcane) and the model plant Brachypodium distachyon. Our study highlights both similarities and specificities of those epithemal hydathodes. These observations will serve as a foundation for future studies on the physiology and the immunity of hydathodes in monocots.

Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), sucrose synthase (SUS) and their products in the leaves of Miscanthus × giganteus and Zea mays at low temperature

The changes in the expression of key sugar metabolism enzymes (SPS and SUS), sucrose content and arrangement of chloroplast starch may play a significant role in the cold response in M. giganteus and maize plants. To understand the mechanism of the chilling-response of two closely-related C₄ plants, we investigated the changes in the expression of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and sucrose synthase (SUS) as well as changes in their potential products: sucrose, cellulose and starch in the leaves of Miscanthus × giganteus and Zea mays. Low temperature (12-14 °C) increased SPS content in Miscanthus (MG) and chilling-sensitive maize line (Zm-S), but not in chilling-tolerant one (Zm-T). In Zm-S line, chilling also caused the higher intensity of labelling of SPS in the cytoplasm of mesophyll cells, as demonstrated by electron microscopy. SUS labelling was also increased by cold stress only in MG plants what was observed in the secondary wall between mesophyll and bundle sheath cells, as well as in the vacuoles of companion cells. Cold led to a marked increase in total starch grain area in the chloroplasts of Zm-S line. In turn, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed a slight shift in the cellulose band position, which may indicate the formation of more compact cellulose arrangement in Zm-T maize line. In conclusion, this work presents new findings supporting diversified cold-response, not only between two C₄ plant species but also within one species of maize.

Cytological evidence of BSD2 functioning in both chloroplast division and dimorphic chloroplast formation in maize leaves

BACKGROUND

Maize bsd2 (bundle sheath defective2) is a classical C4 mutant with defective C4 photosynthesis, accompanied with reduced accumulation of Rubisco (ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase) and aberrant mature chloroplast morphology in the bundle sheath (BS) cells. However, as a hypothetical chloroplast chaperone, the effects of BSD2 on C4 chloroplast development have not been fully examined yet, which precludes a full appreciation of BSD2 function in C4 photosynthesis. The aims of our study are to find out the role ofBSD2 in regulating chloroplasts development in maize leaves, and to add new insights into our understanding of C4 biology.

RESULTS

We found that at the chloroplast maturation stage, the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts in the BS and mesophyll (M) cells became significantly looser, and the granaof chloroplasts in the M cells became thinner stacking in the bsd2 mutant when compared with the wildtype plant. Moreover, at the early chloroplast development stage, the number of dividing chloroplasts and the chloroplast division rate are both reduced in the bsd2 mutant, compared with wild type. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis revealed that the expression of both thylakoid formation-related genesand chloroplast division-related genes is significantly reduced in the bsd2 mutants. Further, we showed that BSD2 interacts physically with the large submit of Rubisco (LS) in Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation assay.

CONCLUSIONS

Our combined results suggest that BSD2 plays an essential role in regulating the division and differentiation of the dimorphic BS and M chloroplasts, and that it acts at a post-transcriptional level to regulate LS stability or assembly of Rubisco.

Callose and homogalacturonan epitope distribution in stomatal complexes of Zea mays and Vigna sinensis

This article deals with the distribution of callose and of the homogalacturonan (HG) epitopes recognized by LM20, JIM5, and 2F4 antibodies in cell walls of differentiating and functioning stomatal complexes of the monocotyledon Zea mays and the dicotyledon Vigna sinensis. The findings revealed that, during stomatal development, in these plant species, callose appears in an accurately spatially and timely controlled manner in cell walls of the guard cells (GCs). In functioning stomata of both plants, callose constitutes a dominant cell wall matrix material of the polar ventral cell wall ends and of the local GC cell wall thickenings. In Zea mays, the LM20, JIM5, or 2F4 antibody-recognized HG epitopes were mainly located in the expanding cell wall regions of the stomatal complexes, while in Vigna sinensis, they were deposited in the local cell wall thickenings of the GCs as well as at the ledges of the stomatal pore. Consideration of the presented data favors the view that in the stomatal complexes of the monocotyledon Z. mays and the dicotyledon V. sinensis, the esterified HGs contribute to the cell wall expansion taking place during GC morphogenesis and the opening of the stomatal pore. Besides, callose and the highly de-esterified HGs allow to GC cell wall regions to withstand the mechanical stresses exerted during stomatal function.

De-Esterified Homogalacturonan Enrichment of the Cell Wall Region Adjoining the Preprophase Cortical Cytoplasmic Zone in Some Protodermal Cell Types of Three Land Plants

The distribution of highly de-esterified homogalacturonans (HGs) in dividing protodermal cells of the monocotyledon Zea mays, the dicotyledon Vigna sinensis, and the fern Asplenium nidus was investigated in order to examine whether the cell wall region adjoining the preprophase band (PPB) is locally diversified. Application of immunofluorescence revealed that de-esterified HGs were accumulated selectively in the cell wall adjacent to the PPB in: (a) symmetrically dividing cells of stomatal rows of Z. mays, (b) the asymmetrically dividing protodermal cells of Z. mays, (c) the symmetrically dividing guard cell mother cells (GMCs) of Z. mays and V. sinensis, and (d) the symmetrically dividing protodermal cells of A. nidus. A common feature of the above cell types is that the cell division plane is defined by extrinsic cues. The presented data suggest that the PPB cortical zone-plasmalemma and the adjacent cell wall region function in a coordinated fashion in the determination/accomplishment of the cell division plane, behaving as a continuum. The de-esterified HGs, among other possible functions, might be involved in the perception and the transduction of the extrinsic cues determining cell division plane in the examined cells.

Pentatricopeptide repeat protein DEK40 is required for mitochondrial function and kernel development in maize

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins are one of the largest protein families, which consists of >400 members in most species. However, the molecular functions of many PPR proteins are still uncharacterized. Here, we isolated a maize mutant, defective kernel 40 (dek40). Positional cloning, and genetic and molecular analyses revealed that DEK40 encodes a new E+ subgroup PPR protein that is localized in the mitochondrion. DEK40 recognizes and directly binds to cox3, nad2, and nad5 transcripts and functions in their processing. In the dek40 mutant, abolishment of the C-to-U editing of cox3-314, nad2-26, and nad5-1916 leads to accumulated reactive oxygen species and promoted programmed cell death in endosperm cells due to the dysfunction of mitochondrial complexes I and IV. Furthermore, RNA sequencing analysis showed that gene expression in some pathways, such as glutathione metabolism and starch biosynthesis, was altered in the dek40 mutant compared with the wild-type control, which might be involved in abnormal development of the maize mutant kernels. Thus, our results provide solid evidence on the molecular mechanism underlying RNA editing by DEK40, and extend our understanding of PPR-E+ type protein in editing functions and kernel development in maize.

EMB-7L is required for embryogenesis and plant development in maize involved in RNA splicing of multiple chloroplast genes

Embryo and endosperm originate from the double fertilization, but they have different developmental fates and biological functions. We identified a previously undescribed maize seed mutant, wherein the embryo appears to be more severely affected than the endosperm (embryo-specific, emb). In the W22 background, the emb embryo arrests at the transition stage whereas its endosperm appears nearly normal in size. At maturity, the embryo in W22-emb is apparently small or even invisible. In contrast, the emb endosperm develops into a relative normal size. We cloned the mutant gene on the Chromosome 7L and designated it emb-7L. This gene is generally expressed, but it has a relatively higher expression level in leaves. Emb-7L encodes a chloroplast-localized P-type pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein, consistent with the severe chloroplast deficiency in emb-7L albino seedling leaves. Full transcriptome analysis of the leaves of WT and emb-7L seedlings reveals that transcription of chloroplast protein-encoding genes are dramatically variable with pre-mRNA intron splicing apparently affected in a tissue-dependent pattern and the chloroplast structure and activity were dramatically affected including chloroplast membrane and photosynthesis machinery component and synthesis of metabolic products (e.g., fatty acids, amino acids, starch).

Plant defenses interact with insect enteric bacteria by initiating a leaky gut syndrome

Plants produce suites of defenses that can collectively deter and reduce herbivory. Many defenses target the insect digestive system, with some altering the protective peritrophic matrix (PM) and causing increased permeability. The PM is responsible for multiple digestive functions, including reducing infections from potential pathogenic microbes. In our study, we developed axenic and gnotobiotic methods for fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and tested how particular members present in the gut community influence interactions with plant defenses that can alter PM permeability. We observed interactions between gut bacteria with plant resistance. Axenic insects grew more but displayed lower immune-based responses compared with those possessing Enterococcus, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter isolates from field-collected larvae. While gut bacteria reduced performance of larvae fed on plants, none of the isolates produced mortality when injected directly into the hemocoel. Our results strongly suggest that plant physical and chemical defenses not only act directly upon the insect, but also have some interplay with the herbivore's microbiome. Combined direct and indirect, microbe-mediated assaults by maize defenses on the fall armyworm on the insect digestive and immune system reduced growth and elevated mortality in these insects. These results imply that plant-insect interactions should be considered in the context of potential mediation by the insect gut microbiome.

Plant defenses interact with insect enteric bacteria by initiating a leaky gut syndrome

Plants produce suites of defenses that can collectively deter and reduce herbivory. Many defenses target the insect digestive system, with some altering the protective peritrophic matrix (PM) and causing increased permeability. The PM is responsible for multiple digestive functions, including reducing infections from potential pathogenic microbes. In our study, we developed axenic and gnotobiotic methods for fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and tested how particular members present in the gut community influence interactions with plant defenses that can alter PM permeability. We observed interactions between gut bacteria with plant resistance. Axenic insects grew more but displayed lower immune-based responses compared with those possessing Enterococcus, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter isolates from field-collected larvae. While gut bacteria reduced performance of larvae fed on plants, none of the isolates produced mortality when injected directly into the hemocoel. Our results strongly suggest that plant physical and chemical defenses not only act directly upon the insect, but also have some interplay with the herbivore's microbiome. Combined direct and indirect, microbe-mediated assaults by maize defenses on the fall armyworm on the insect digestive and immune system reduced growth and elevated mortality in these insects. These results imply that plant-insect interactions should be considered in the context of potential mediation by the insect gut microbiome.

Updating and interaction of polycomb repressive complex 2 components in maize (Zea mays)

The information on core components in maize polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) are updated at a genome-wide scale, and the protein-protein interaction networks of PRC2 components are further provided in maize. The evolutionarily conserved polycomb group (PcG) proteins form multi-subunits polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) that repress gene expression via chromatin condensation. In Arabidopsis, three distinct PRC2s have been identified, each determining a specific developmental program with partly functional redundancy. However, the core components and biological functions of PRC2 in cereals remain obscure. Here, we updated the information on maize PRC2 components at a genome-wide scale. Maize PRC2 subunits are highly duplicated, with five MSI1, three E(z), two ESC and two Su(z)12 homologs. ZmFIE1 is preferentially expressed in the endosperm, whereas the remaining are broadly expressed in many tissues. ZmCLF/MEZ1 and ZmFIE1 are maternally expressed imprinted genes, in contrast to the paternal-dominantly expression of ZmFIE2 in the endosperm. In maize, E(z) members likely provide a scaffold for assembling PRC2 complexes, whereas Su(z)12 and p55/MSI1-like proteins together reinforce the complex; ESC members probably determine its specificity: FIE1-PRC2 regulates endosperm cell development, whereas FIE2-PRC2 controls other cell types. The duplicated Brassicaceae-specific MEA and FIS2 also directly interact with maize PRC2 members. Together, this study establishes a roadmap for protein-protein interactions of maize PRC2 components, providing new insights into their functions in the growth and development of cereals.

OS1 functions in the allocation of nutrients between the endosperm and embryo in maize seeds

Uncovering the genetic basis of seed development will provide useful tools for improving both crop yield and nutritional value. However, the genetic regulatory networks of maize (Zea mays) seed development remain largely unknown. The maize opaque endosperm and small germ 1 (os1) mutant has opaque endosperm and a small embryo. Here, we cloned OS1 and show that it encodes a putative transcription factor containing an RWP-RK domain. Transcriptional analysis indicated that OS1 expression is elevated in early endosperm development, especially in the basal endosperm transfer layer (BETL), conducting zone (CZ), and central starch endosperm (CSE) cells. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis of the os1 mutant revealed sharp downregulation of certain genes in specific cell types, including ZmMRP-1 and Meg1 in BETL cells and a majority of zein- and starch-related genes in CSE cells. Using a haploid induction system, we show that wild-type endosperm could rescue the smaller size of os1 embryo, which suggests that nutrients are allocated by the wild-type endosperm. Therefore, our data imply that the network regulated by OS1 accomplishes a key step in nutrient allocation between endosperm and embryo within maize seeds. Identification of this network will help uncover the mechanisms regulating the nutritional balance between endosperm and embryo.

Glycome and Proteome Components of Golgi Membranes Are Common between Two Angiosperms with Distinct Cell-Wall Structures

The plant endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi apparatus is the site of synthesis, assembly, and trafficking of all noncellulosic polysaccharides, proteoglycans, and proteins destined for the cell wall. As grass species make cell walls distinct from those of dicots and noncommelinid monocots, it has been assumed that the differences in cell-wall composition stem from differences in biosynthetic capacities of their respective Golgi. However, immunosorbence-based screens and carbohydrate linkage analysis of polysaccharides in Golgi membranes, enriched by flotation centrifugation from etiolated coleoptiles of maize (Zea mays) and leaves of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), showed that arabinogalactan-proteins and arabinans represent substantial portions of the Golgi-resident polysaccharides not typically found in high abundance in cell walls of either species. Further, hemicelluloses accumulated in Golgi at levels that contrasted with those found in their respective cell walls, with xyloglucans enriched in maize Golgi, and xylans enriched in Arabidopsis. Consistent with this finding, maize Golgi membranes isolated by flotation centrifugation and enriched further by free-flow electrophoresis, yielded >200 proteins known to function in the biosynthesis and metabolism of cell-wall polysaccharides common to all angiosperms, and not just those specific to cell-wall type. We propose that the distinctive compositions of grass primary cell walls compared with other angiosperms result from differential gating or metabolism of secreted polysaccharides post-Golgi by an as-yet unknown mechanism, and not necessarily by differential expression of genes encoding specific synthase complexes.

EMP18 functions in mitochondrial atp6 and cox2 transcript editing and is essential to seed development in maize

RNA editing plays an important role in organellar gene expression in plants, and pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins are involved in this function. Because of its large family size, many PPR proteins are not known for their function and roles in plant growth and development. Through genetic and molecular analyses of the empty pericarp18 (emp18) mutant in maize (Zea mays), we cloned the Emp18 gene, revealed its molecular function, and defined its role in the mitochondrial complex assembly and seed development. Emp18 encodes a mitochondrial-localized DYW-PPR protein. Null mutation of Emp18 arrests embryo and endosperm development at an early stage in maize, resulting in embryo lethality. Mutants are deficient in the cytidine (C)-to-uridine (U) editing at atp6-635 and cox2-449, which converts a Leu to Pro in ATP6 and a Met to Thr in Cox2. The atp6 gene encodes the subunit a of F₁ F_o -ATPase. The Leu to Pro alteration disrupts an α-helix of subunit a, resulting in a dramatic reduction in assembly and activity of F₁ F_o -ATPase holoenzyme and an accumulation of free F₁ -subcomplex. These results demonstrate that EMP18 functions in the C-to-U editing of atp6 and cox2, and is essential to mitochondrial biogenesis and seed development in maize.

Overall plant responses to Cd and Pb metal stress in maize: Growth pattern, ultrastructure, and photosynthetic activity

This study provides a full description of the responses of the crop energy plant Zea mays to stress induced by Cd and Pb, in view of a possible extensive use in phytoattenuation of metal-polluted soils. In this perspective, (i) the uptake capability in root and shoot, (ii) the changes in growth pattern and cytological traits, and (iii) the photosynthetic efficiency based on photochemistry and the level of key proteins were investigated in hydroponic cultures. Both metals were uptaken by maize, with a translocation factor higher for Cd than Pb, but only Cd-treated plants showed a reduced growth compared to control (i.e., a lower leaf number and a reduced plant height), with a biomass loss up to 40%, at the highest concentration of metal (10^-3 M). The observation of cytological traits highlighted ultrastructural damages in the chloroplasts of Cd-treated plants. A decline of Rubisco and D1 was observed in plants under Cd stress, while a relevant increase of the same proteins was found in Pb-treated plants, along with an increase of chlorophyll content. Fluorescent emission measurements indicated that both metals induced an increase of NPQ, but only Cd at the highest concentration determined a significant decline of F_v/F_m. These results indicate a different response of Z. mays to individual metals, with Pb triggering a compensative response and Cd inducing severe morpho-physiological alterations at all investigated levels. Therefore, Z. mays could be successfully exploited in phytoattenuation of Pb-polluted soil, but only at very low concentrations of Cd to avoid severe plant damages and biomass loss.

The trans-Golgi sorting and the exocytosis of xylogalacturonan from the root border/border-like cell are conserved among monocot and dicot plant species

Root border cells lie at the interface between the root cap and the soil, secreting mucilage containing polysaccharides and molecules influencing microbial growth around the root. Border cells are sloughed off from the root surface, and the detachment is associated with secretion of xylogalacturonan (XGA). Recently, we showed that in alfalfa XGA secretion is mediated by large vesicles arising from the trans-Golgi in root cap cells. These vesicles are detected in precursor cells of border cells, but their fusion with the plasma membrane is observed only in border cells. We have now examined XGA secretion from maize border cells and Arabidopsis border-like cells using transmission electron microscopy and immunolabeling. In the root caps of both species, XGA is packaged into vesicles derived from the trans-Golgi, not in the vesicles from the trans-Golgi network as in the alfalfa root cap. Border cell-specific exocytosis of XGA was observed in the maize root suggesting that sorting and secretion of XGA in the root cap are conserved in monocot plants.

How to make a tumour: cell type specific dissection of Ustilago maydis-induced tumour development in maize leaves

The biotrophic fungus Ustilago maydis causes smut disease on maize (Zea mays), which is characterized by immense plant tumours. To establish disease and reprogram organ primordia to tumours, U. maydis deploys effector proteins in an organ-specific manner. However, the cellular contribution to leaf tumours remains unknown. We investigated leaf tumour formation at the tissue- and cell type-specific levels. Cytology and metabolite analysis were deployed to understand the cellular basis for tumourigenesis. Laser-capture microdissection was performed to gain a cell type-specific transcriptome of U. maydis during tumour formation. In vivo visualization of plant DNA synthesis identified bundle sheath cells as the origin of hyperplasic tumour cells, while mesophyll cells become hypertrophic tumour cells. Cell type-specific transcriptome profiling of U. maydis revealed tailored expression of fungal effector genes. Moreover, U. maydis See1 was identified as the first cell type-specific fungal effector, being required for induction of cell cycle reactivation in bundle sheath cells. Identification of distinct cellular mechanisms in two different leaf cell types and of See1 as an effector for induction of proliferation of bundle sheath cells are major steps in understanding U. maydis-induced tumour formation. Moreover, the cell type-specific U. maydis transcriptome data are a valuable resource to the scientific community.

Local differentiation of cell wall matrix polysaccharides in sinuous pavement cells: its possible involvement in the flexibility of cell shape

The distribution of homogalacturonans (HGAs) displaying different degrees of esterification as well as of callose was examined in cell walls of mature pavement cells in two angiosperm and two fern species. We investigated whether local cell wall matrix differentiation may enable pavement cells to respond to mechanical tension forces by transiently altering their shape. HGA epitopes, identified with 2F4, JIM5 and JIM7 antibodies, and callose were immunolocalised in hand-made or semithin leaf sections. Callose was also stained with aniline blue. The structure of pavement cells was studied with light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In all species examined, pavement cells displayed wavy anticlinal cell walls, but the waviness pattern differed between angiosperms and ferns. The angiosperm pavement cells were tightly interconnected throughout their whole depth, while in ferns they were interconnected only close to the external periclinal cell wall and intercellular spaces were developed between them close to the mesophyll. Although the HGA epitopes examined were located along the whole cell wall surface, the 2F4- and JIM5- epitopes were especially localised at cell lobe tips. In fern pavement cells, the contact sites were impregnated with callose and JIM5-HGA epitopes. When tension forces were applied on leaf regions, the pavement cells elongated along the stretching axis, due to a decrease in waviness of anticlinal cell walls. After removal of tension forces, the original cell shape was resumed. The presented data support that HGA epitopes make the anticlinal pavement cell walls flexible, in order to reversibly alter their shape. Furthermore, callose seems to offer stability to cell contacts between pavement cells, as already suggested in photosynthetic mesophyll cells.

Phloem-limited reoviruses universally induce sieve element hyperplasia and more flexible gateways, providing more channels for their movement in plants

Virion distribution and ultrastructural changes induced by the infection of maize or rice with four different reoviruses were examined. Rice black streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV, genus Fijivirus), Rice ragged stunt virus (RRSV, genus Oryzavirus), and Rice gall dwarf virus (RGDV, genus Phytoreovirus) were all phloem-limited and caused cellular hyperplasia in the phloem resulting in tumors or vein swelling and modifying the cellular arrangement of sieve elements (SEs). In contrast, virions of Rice dwarf virus (RDV, genus Phytoreovirus) were observed in both phloem and mesophyll and the virus did not cause hyperplasia of SEs. The three phloem-limited reoviruses (but not RDV) all induced more flexible gateways at the SE-SE interfaces, especially the non-sieve plate interfaces. These flexible gateways were also observed for the first time at the cellular interfaces between SE and phloem parenchyma (PP). In plants infected with any of the reoviruses, virus-like particles could be seen within the flexible gateways, suggesting that these gateways may serve as channels for the movement of plant reoviruses with their large virions between SEs or between SEs and PP. SE hyperplasia and the increase in flexible gateways may be a universal strategy for the movement of phloem-limited reoviruses.

Relating Nanoscale Accessibility within Plant Cell Walls to Improved Enzyme Hydrolysis Yields in Corn Stover Subjected to Diverse Pretreatments

Simultaneous chemical modification and physical reorganization of plant cell walls via alkaline hydrogen peroxide or liquid hot water pretreatment can alter cell wall structural properties impacting nanoscale porosity. Nanoscale porosity was characterized using solute exclusion to assess accessible pore volumes, water retention value as a proxy for accessible water-cell walls surface area, and solute-induced cell wall swelling to measure cell wall rigidity. Key findings concluded that delignification by alkaline hydrogen peroxide pretreatment decreased cell wall rigidity and that the subsequent cell wall swelling resulted increased nanoscale porosity and improved enzyme binding and hydrolysis compared to limited swelling and increased accessible surface areas observed in liquid hot water pretreated biomass. The volume accessible to a 90 Å dextran probe within the cell wall was found to be correlated to both enzyme binding and glucose hydrolysis yields, indicating cell wall porosity is a key contributor to effective hydrolysis yields.

Low temperature caused modifications in the arrangement of cell wall pectins due to changes of osmotic potential of cells of maize leaves (Zea mays L.)

The cell wall emerged as one of the important structures in plant stress responses. To investigate the effect of cold on the cell wall properties, the content and localization of pectins and pectin methylesterase (PME) activity, were studied in two maize inbred lines characterized by different sensitivity to cold. Low temperature (14/12 °C) caused a reduction of pectin content and PME activity in leaves of chilling-sensitive maize line, especially after prolonged treatment (28 h and 7 days). Furthermore, immunocytohistological studies, using JIM5 and JIM7 antibodies, revealed a decrease of labeling of both low- and high-methylesterified pectins in this maize line. The osmotic potential, quantified by means of incipient plasmolysis was lower in several types of cells of chilling-sensitive maize line which was correlated with the accumulation of sucrose. These studies present new finding on the effect of cold stress on the cell wall properties in conjunction with changes in the osmotic potential of maize leaf cells.

IRREGULAR POLLEN EXINE1 Is a Novel Factor in Anther Cuticle and Pollen Exine Formation

Anther cuticle and pollen exine are protective barriers for pollen development and fertilization. Despite that several regulators have been identified for anther cuticle and pollen exine development in rice (Oryza sativa) and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), few genes have been characterized in maize (Zea mays) and the underlying regulatory mechanism remains elusive. Here, we report a novel male-sterile mutant in maize, irregular pollen exine1 (ipe1), which exhibited a glossy outer anther surface, abnormal Ubisch bodies, and defective pollen exine. Using map-based cloning, the IPE1 gene was isolated as a putative glucose-methanol-choline oxidoreductase targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum. Transcripts of IPE1 were preferentially accumulated in the tapetum during the tetrad and early uninucleate microspore stage. A biochemical assay indicated that ipe1 anthers had altered constituents of wax and a significant reduction of cutin monomers and fatty acids. RNA sequencing data revealed that genes implicated in wax and flavonoid metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and elongation were differentially expressed in ipe1 mutant anthers. In addition, the analysis of transfer DNA insertional lines of the orthologous gene in Arabidopsis suggested that IPE1 and their orthologs have a partially conserved function in male organ development. Our results showed that IPE1 participates in the putative oxidative pathway of C16/C18 ω-hydroxy fatty acids and controls anther cuticle and pollen exine development together with MALE STERILITY26 and MALE STERILITY45 in maize.

Cold induced changes in the water balance affect immunocytolocalization pattern of one of the aquaporins in the vascular system in the leaves of maize (Zea mays L.)

Chilling stress is known to affect the water balance in plants, which often manifests itself in the decrease of the water potential in different organs. Relationships between chilling, assimilate transport and water balance are far from being understood. Although aquaporins play a key role in regulating water balance in plants, especially under stress conditions, the role of individual aquaporins in stress response remains unclear. In this report we show the specific localization within plasma membranes of one of the aquaporins (PIP2;3) in the leaves of two maize inbred lines differing in their chilling-sensitivity. This form of aquaporin has been also observed in thick-walled sieve elements - an additional type of sieve tubes of unclear function found only in monocotyledons. Moderate chilling (about 15°C) caused significant reduction of labelling in these cells accompanied by a steep decrease in the water potential in leaves of chilling-sensitive maize line. Our results suggest that both PIP2;3 and thick-walled sieve tubes may be an unknown element of the mechanism of the response of maize to cold stress.

Leaf physico-chemical and physiological properties of maize (Zea mays L.) populations from different origins

In this study we evaluated the leaf surface properties of maize populations native to different water availability environments. Leaf surface topography, wettability and gas exchange performance of five maize populations from the Sahara desert, dry (south) and humid (north-western) areas of Spain were analysed. Differences in wettability, stomatal and trichome densities, surface free energy and solubility parameter values were recorded between populations and leaf sides. Leaves from the humid Spanish population with special regard to the abaxial side, were less wettable and less susceptible to polar interactions. The higher wettability and hydrophilicity of Sahara populations with emphasis on the abaxial leaf surfaces, may favour dew deposition and foliar water absorption, hence improving water use efficiency under extremely dry conditions. Compared to the other Saharan populations, the dwarf one had a higher photosynthesis rate suggesting that dwarfism may be a strategy for improving plant tolerance to arid conditions. The results obtained for different maize populations suggest that leaf surfaces may vary in response to drought, but further studies will be required to examine the potential relationship between leaf surface properties and plant stress tolerance.

The Metabolite Pathway between Bundle Sheath and Mesophyll: Quantification of Plasmodesmata in Leaves of C3 and C4 Monocots

C4 photosynthesis is characterized by a CO2-concentrating mechanism between mesophyll (M) and bundle sheath (BS) cells of leaves. This generates high metabolic fluxes between these cells, through interconnecting plasmodesmata (PD). Quantification of these symplastic fluxes for modeling studies requires accurate quantification of PD, which has proven difficult using transmission electron microscopy. Our new quantitative technique combines scanning electron microscopy and 3D immunolocalization in intact leaf tissues to compare PD density on cell interfaces in leaves of C3 (rice [Oryza sativa] and wheat [Triticum aestivum]) and C4 (maize [Zea mays] and Setaria viridis) monocot species. Scanning electron microscopy quantification of PD density revealed that C4 species had approximately twice the number of PD per pitfield area compared with their C3 counterparts. 3D immunolocalization of callose at pitfields using confocal microscopy showed that pitfield area per M-BS interface area was 5 times greater in C4 species. Thus, the two C4 species had up to nine times more PD per M-BS interface area (S. viridis, 9.3 PD µm(-2); maize, 7.5 PD µm(-2); rice 1.0 PD µm(-2); wheat, 2.6 PD µm(-2)). Using these anatomical data and measured photosynthetic rates in these C4 species, we have now calculated symplastic C4 acid flux per PD across the M-BS interface. These quantitative data are essential for modeling studies and gene discovery strategies needed to introduce aspects of C4 photosynthesis to C3 crops.

Host specificity in Sporisorium reilianum is determined by distinct mechanisms in maize and sorghum

Smut fungi are biotrophic plant pathogens that exhibit a very narrow host range. The smut fungus Sporisorium reilianum exists in two host-adapted formae speciales: S. reilianum f. sp. reilianum (SRS), which causes head smut of sorghum, and S. reilianum f. sp. zeae (SRZ), which induces disease on maize. It is unknown why the two formae speciales cannot form spores on their respective non-favoured hosts. By fungal DNA quantification and fluorescence microscopy of stained plant samples, we followed the colonization behaviour of both SRS and SRZ on sorghum and maize. Both formae speciales were able to penetrate and multiply in the leaves of both hosts. In sorghum, the hyphae of SRS reached the apical meristems, whereas the hyphae of SRZ did not. SRZ strongly induced several defence responses in sorghum, such as the generation of H2 O2 , callose and phytoalexins, whereas the hyphae of SRS did not. In maize, both SRS and SRZ were able to spread through the plant to the apical meristem. Transcriptome analysis of colonized maize leaves revealed more genes induced by SRZ than by SRS, with many of them being involved in defence responses. Amongst the maize genes specifically induced by SRS were 11 pentatricopeptide repeat proteins. Together with the microscopic analysis, these data indicate that SRZ succumbs to plant defence after sorghum penetration, whereas SRS proliferates in a relatively undisturbed manner, but non-efficiently, on maize. This shows that host specificity is determined by distinct mechanisms in sorghum and maize.

Enzymes enhance degradation of the fiber-starch-protein matrix of distillers dried grains with solubles as revealed by a porcine in vitro fermentation model and microscopy

Effects of treating corn and wheat distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) with a multicarbohydrase alone or in combination with a protease on porcine in vitro fermentation characteristics and the matrix structure of the DGGS before and after the fermentation were studied. Three DDGS samples (wheat DDGS sample 1 [wDDGS1], wheat DDGS sample 2 [wDDGS2], and corn DDGS [cDDGS]) were predigested with pepsin and pancreatin. Residues were then subjected to in vitro fermentation using buffered mineral solution inoculated with fresh pig feces without or with a multicarbohydrase alone or in combination with protease in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Accumulated gas production was measured for up to 72 h. Concentration of VFA was measured in fermented solutions. The matrix of native DDGS and their residues after fermentation was analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to determine internal and external structures, respectively. On a DM basis, wDDGS1, wDDGS2, and cDDGS contained 35.5, 43.4, and 29.0% CP; 2.23, 0.51, and 6.40% starch; 0.82, 0.80, and 0.89% available Lys; and 24.8, 22.5, and 23.0% total nonstarch polysaccharides, respectively. The in vitro digestibility of DM for wDDGS1, wDDGS2, and cDDGS was 67.7, 72.1, and 59.6%, respectively. The cDDGS had greater ( < 0.05) total gas and VFA production than both wheat DDGS. The wDDGS2 had lower ( < 0.05) total gas production than wDDGS1. Multicarbohydrase increased ( < 0.05) total gas production for cDDGS and total VFA production for wDGGS1 but did not increase gas or VFA production for wDDGS2. Addition of protease with multicarbohydrase to DDGS reduced ( < 0.05) total gas and VFA productions and increased ( < 0.05) branched-chain VFA regardless of DDGS type. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed that DDGS were mainly aggregates of resistant and nonfermentable starchy and nonstarchy complexes formed during DDGS production. After in vitro fermentation with porcine fecal inoculum, particles of enzyme-treated DDGS were generally smaller than those of the untreated DDGS. In conclusion, cDDGS had a more porous matrix that was more fermentable than the wheat DDGS. The wDDGS2 was less fermentable than wDDGS1. Multicarbohydrase increased fermentability of cDDGS and wDDGS1 but not wDDGS2, indicating that its efficacy in DDGS is dependent on matrix porosity and DDGS source. Protease hindered efficacy of multicarbohydrase.

Salinity induces membrane structure and lipid changes in maize mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts

The membranes of Zea mays (maize) mesophyll cell (MC) chloroplasts are more vulnerable to salinity stress than are those of bundle sheath cell (BSC) chloroplasts. To clarify the mechanism underlying this difference in salt sensitivity, we monitored changes in the glycerolipid and fatty acid compositions of both types of chloroplast upon exposure to salinity stress. The monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) contents were higher in MC chloroplasts than in BSC chloroplasts, in both the presence and absence of salt treatment. Under salt conditions, the MGDG level in MC chloroplasts was significantly lower than under normal conditions, while it was unchanged in BSC chloroplasts. In both types of chloroplast, the contents of DGDG, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol remained at the same levels in control and salt-treated plants, whereas sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine were significantly lower and higher, respectively, upon salt treatment. In addition, the fatty acid composition and double bond index of individual lipid classes were changed by salt treatment in both BSC and MC chloroplasts, although these factors had no effect on glycerolipid content. These findings suggest that the difference in salt sensitivity of MC and BSC chloroplast membranes is related to differences in MGDG responses to salinity. Thus, we propose that the low MGDG content and the low sensitivity of MGDG to salinity in BSC chloroplasts render them more tolerant than MC chloroplasts to salinity stress.

Mechanical fragmentation of corncob at different plant scales: Impact and mechanism on microstructure features and enzymatic hydrolysis

In this work, corncob samples at different scales, i.e., plant scale (>1mm), tissue scale (500-100μm) and cellular scale (50-30μm), were produced to investigate the impact and mechanisms of different mechanical fragmentations on microstructure features and enzymatic hydrolysis. The results showed that the microstructure features and enzymatic hydrolysis of corncob samples, either at a plant scale or tissue scale, did not change significantly. Conversely, corncob samples at a cellular scale exhibited some special properties, i.e., an increase in the special surface area with the inner mesopores and macropores exposed to the surface; breakage of crystalline cellulose and linkages in polysaccharides; and a higher proportion of polysaccharides on the surface, which significantly enhanced enzymatic digestibility resulting in a 98.3% conversion yield of cellulose to glucose which is the highest conversion ever reported. In conclusion, mechanical fragmentation at the cellular scale is an effective pretreatment for corncob.

An efficient virus-induced gene silencing vector for maize functional genomics research

Maize is a major crop whose rich genetic diversity provides an advanced resource for genetic research. However, a tool for rapid transient gene function analysis in maize that may be utilized in most maize cultivars has been lacking, resulting in reliance on time-consuming stable transformation and mutation studies to obtain answers. We developed an efficient virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) vector for maize based on a naturally maize-infecting cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) strain, ZMBJ-CMV. An infectious clone of ZMBJ-CMV was constructed, and a vascular puncture inoculation method utilizing Agrobacterium was optimized to improve its utility for CMV infection of maize. ZMBJ-CMV was then modified to function as a VIGS vector. The ZMBJ-CMV vector induced mild to moderate symptoms in many maize lines, making it useful for gene function studies in critically important maize cultivars, such as the sequenced reference inbred line B73. Using this CMV VIGS system, expression of two endogenous genes, ZmPDS and ZmIspH, was found to be decreased by 75% and 78%, respectively, compared with non-silenced tissue. Inserts with lengths of 100-300 bp produced the most complete transcriptional and visual silencing phenotypes. Moreover, genes related to autophagy, ZmATG3 and ZmATG8a, were also silenced, and it was found that they function in leaf starch degradation. These results indicate that our ZMBJ-CMV VIGS vector provides a tool for rapid and efficient gene function studies in maize.

Maize reas1 Mutant Stimulates Ribosome Use Efficiency and Triggers Distinct Transcriptional and Translational Responses

Ribosome biogenesis is a fundamental cellular process in all cells. Impaired ribosome biogenesis causes developmental defects; however, its molecular and cellular bases are not fully understood. We cloned a gene responsible for a maize (Zea mays) small seed mutant, dek* (for defective kernel), and found that it encodes Ribosome export associated1 (ZmReas1). Reas1 is an AAA-ATPase that controls 60S ribosome export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm after ribosome maturation. dek* is a weak mutant allele with decreased Reas1 function. In dek* cells, mature 60S ribosome subunits are reduced in the nucleus and cytoplasm, but the proportion of actively translating polyribosomes in cytosol is significantly increased. Reduced phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α and the increased elongation factor 1α level indicate an enhancement of general translational efficiency in dek* cells. The mutation also triggers dramatic changes in differentially transcribed genes and differentially translated RNAs. Discrepancy was observed between differentially transcribed genes and differentially translated RNAs, indicating distinct cellular responses at transcription and translation levels to the stress of defective ribosome processing. DNA replication and nucleosome assembly-related gene expression are selectively suppressed at the translational level, resulting in inhibited cell growth and proliferation in dek* cells. This study provides insight into cellular responses due to impaired ribosome biogenesis.

Interactions of C4 Subtype Metabolic Activities and Transport in Maize Are Revealed through the Characterization of DCT2 Mutants

C4 photosynthesis in grasses requires the coordinated movement of metabolites through two specialized leaf cell types, mesophyll (M) and bundle sheath (BS), to concentrate CO2 around Rubisco. Despite the importance of transporters in this process, few have been identified or rigorously characterized. In maize (Zea mays), DCT2 has been proposed to function as a plastid-localized malate transporter and is preferentially expressed in BS cells. Here, we characterized the role of DCT2 in maize leaves using Activator-tagged mutant alleles. Our results indicate that DCT2 enables the transport of malate into the BS chloroplast. Isotopic labeling experiments show that the loss of DCT2 results in markedly different metabolic network operation and dramatically reduced biomass production. In the absence of a functioning malate shuttle, dct2 lines survive through the enhanced use of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase carbon shuttle pathway that in wild-type maize accounts for ∼ 25% of the photosynthetic activity. The results emphasize the importance of malate transport during C4 photosynthesis, define the role of a primary malate transporter in BS cells, and support a model for carbon exchange between BS and M cells in maize.

Using Live-Cell Markers in Maize to Analyze Cell Division Orientation and Timing

Recently developed live-cell markers provide an opportunity to explore the dynamics and localization of proteins in maize, an important crop and model for monocot development. A step-by-step method is outlined for observing and analyzing the process of division in maize cells. The steps include plant growth conditions, sample preparation, time-lapse setup, and calculation of division rates.

Chloroplasts in anther endothecium of Zea mays (Poaceae)

PREMISE OF THE STUDY

Although anthers of Zea mays, Oryza sativa, and Arabidopsis thaliana have been studied intensively using genetic and biochemical analyses in the past 20 years, few updates to anther anatomical and ultrastructural descriptions have been reported. For example, no transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the premeiotic maize anther have been published. Here we report the presence of chloroplasts in maize anthers.

METHODS

TEM imaging, electron acceptor photosynthesis assay, in planta photon detection, microarray analysis, and light and fluorescence microscopy were used to investigate the presence of chloroplasts in the maize anther.

KEY RESULTS

Most cells of the maize subepidermal endothecium have starch-containing chloroplasts that do not conduct measurable photosynthesis in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

The maize anther contains chloroplasts in most subepidermal, endothecial cells. Although maize anthers receive sufficient light to photosynthesize in vivo and the maize anther transcribes >96% of photosynthesis-associated genes found in the maize leaf, no photosynthetic light reaction activity was detected in vitro. The endothecial cell layer should no longer be defined as a complete circle viewed transversely in anther lobes, because chloroplasts are observed only in cells directly beneath the epidermis and not those adjacent to the connective tissue. We propose that chloroplasts be a defining characteristic of differentiated endothecial cells and that nonsubepidermal endothecial cells that lack chloroplasts be defined as a separate cell type, the interendothecium.

Confocal laser scanning microscopy elucidation of the micromorphology of the leaf cuticle and analysis of its chemical composition

Electron microscopy techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been invaluable tools for the study of the micromorphology of plant cuticles. However, for electron microscopy, the preparation techniques required may invariably introduce artefacts in cuticle preservation. Further, there are a limited number of methods available for quantifying the image data obtained through electron microscopy. Therefore, in this study, optical microscopy techniques were coupled with staining procedures and, along with SEM were used to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the ultrastructure of plant leaf cuticles. Leaf cryosections of Triticum aestivum (wheat), Zea mays (maize), and Lupinus angustifolius (lupin) were stained with either fat-soluble azo stain Sudan IV or fluorescent, diarylmethane Auramine O and were observed under confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). For all the plant species tested, the cuticle on the leaf surfaces could be clearly resolved in many cases into cuticular proper (CP), external cuticular layer (ECL), and internal cuticular layer (ICL). Novel image data analysis procedures for quantifying the epicuticular wax micromorphology were developed, and epicuticular waxes of L. angustifolius were described here for the first time. Together, application of a multifaceted approach involving the use of a range of techniques to study the plant cuticle has led to a better understanding of cuticular structure and provides new insights into leaf surface architecture.

The Maize PI/GLO Ortholog Zmm16/sterile tassel silky ear1 Interacts with the Zygomorphy and Sex Determination Pathways in Flower Development

In monocots and eudicots, B class function specifies second and third whorl floral organ identity as described in the classic ABCE model. Grass B class APETALA3/DEFICIENS orthologs have been functionally characterized; here, we describe the positional cloning and characterization of a maize (Zea mays) PISTILLATA/GLOBOSA ortholog Zea mays mads16 (Zmm16)/sterile tassel silky ear1 (sts1). We show that, similar to many eudicots, all the maize B class proteins bind DNA as obligate heterodimers and positively regulate their own expression. However, sts1 mutants have novel phenotypes that provide insight into two derived aspects of maize flower development: carpel abortion and floral asymmetry. Specifically, we show that carpel abortion acts downstream of organ identity and requires the growth-promoting factor grassy tillers1 and that the maize B class genes are expressed asymmetrically, likely in response to zygomorphy of grass floral primordia. Further investigation reveals that floral phyllotactic patterning is also zygomorphic, suggesting significant mechanistic differences with the well-characterized models of floral polarity. These unexpected results show that despite extensive study of B class gene functions in diverse flowering plants, novel insights can be gained from careful investigation of homeotic mutants outside the core eudicot model species.

Effects of thermo-chemical pretreatment plus microbial fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis on saccharification and lignocellulose degradation of corn straw

In order to increase corn straw degradation, the straw was kept in the combined solution of 15% (w/w) lime supernatant and 2% (w/w) sodium hydroxide with liquid-to-solid ratio of 13:1 (mL/g) at 83.92°C for 6h; and then added with 3% (v/v) H2O2 for reaction at 50°C for 2h; finally cellulase (32.3 FPU/g dry matter) and xylanase (550 U/g dry matter) was added to keep at 50°C for 48 h. The maximal reducing sugars yield (348.77 mg/g) was increased by 126.42% (P<0.05), and the degradation rates of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in pretreated corn straw with enzymatic hydrolysis were increased by 40.08%, 45.71% and 52.01%, compared with the native corn straw with enzymatic hydrolysis (P<0.05). The following study indicated that the combined microbial fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis could further increase straw degradation and reducing sugar yield (442.85 mg/g, P<0.05).

Silicon alleviates cadmium toxicity by enhanced photosynthetic rate and modified bundle sheath's cell chloroplasts ultrastructure in maize

Silicon was shown to alleviate the negative effects of various biotic and abiotic stresses on plant growth. Although the positive role of Si on toxic and heavy metal Cd has been already described, the mechanisms have been explained only partially and still remain unclear. In the present study we investigated the effect of Si on photosynthetic-related processes in maize exposed to two different levels of Cd via measurements of net photosynthetic rate (AN), chlorophyll a fluorescence and pigment analysis, as well as studies of leaf tissue anatomy and cell ultrastructure using bright-field and transmission electron microscopy. We found that Si actively alleviated the toxic syndromes of Cd by increasing AN, effective photochemical quantum yield of photosystem II (ϕPSII) and content of assimilation pigments, although did not decrease the concentration of Cd in leaf tissues. Cadmium did not affect the leaf anatomy and ultrastructure of leaf mesophyll's cell chloroplasts; however, Cd negatively affected thylakoid formation in chloroplasts of bundle sheath cells, and this was alleviated by Si. Improved thylakoid formation in bundle sheath's cell chloroplasts may contribute to Si-induced enhancement of photosynthesis and related increase in biomass production in C4 plant maize.

Charge, size, and cellular selectivity for multiwall carbon nanotubes by maize and soybean

Maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) were used as model food-chain plants to explore vegetative uptake of differently charged multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Three types of MWCNTs, including neutral pristine MWCNT (p-MWCNT), positively charged MWCNT-NH2, and negatively charged MWCNT-COOH, were directly taken-up and translocated from hydroponic solution to roots, stems, and leaves of maize and soybean plants at the MWCNT concentrations ranging from 10.0 to 50.0 mg/L during 18-day exposures. MWCNTs accumulated in the xylem and phloem cells and within specific intracellular sites like the cytoplasm, cell wall, cell membrane, chloroplast, and mitochondria, which was observed by transmission electron microscopy. MWCNTs stimulated the growth of maize and inhibited the growth of soybean at the exposed doses. The cumulative transpiration of water in maize exposed to 50 mg/L of MWCNT-COOHs was almost twice as much as that in the maize control. Dry biomass of maize exposed to MWCNTs was greater than that of maize control. In addition, the uptake and translocation of these MWCNTs clearly exhibited cellular, charge, and size selectivity in maize and soybean, which could be important properties for nanotransporters. This is the first report of cellular, charge, and size selectivity on the uptake by whole food plants for three differently charged MWCNTs.

Enhancing methane production of corn stover through a novel way: sequent pretreatment of potassium hydroxide and steam explosion

Getting over recalcitrance of lignocellulose is effective way to fuel production from lignocellulosic biomass. In current work, different pretreatments were applied to enhance the digestibility of corn stover (CS). Results showed that steam explosion (SE)-treated CS produced maximal methane yield (223.2 mL/gvs) at 1.2 MPa for 10 min, which was 55.2% more than untreated (143.8 mL/gvs). Whereas 1.5% KOH-treated CS produced maximum methane yield of 208.6 mL/gvs, and significantly (α<0.05) improved 45.1% with respect to untreated. Sequent pretreatment of potassium hydroxide and steam explosion (SPPE) (1.5% KOH-1.2 MPa, 10 min) achieved a very significant (α<0.01) improvement (80.0%) of methane yield (258.8 mL/gvs) compared with untreated CS. Methane production could be well explained by the first-order and modified Gompertz models. Besides, SEM, FTIR, and XRD analyses validated structural changes of CS after SPPE. SPPE might be a promising method to pretreat CS in the future AD industry.

Anther development of maize (Zea mays) and longstamen rice (Oryza longistaminata) revealed by cryo-SEM, with foci on locular dehydration and pollen arrangement

Key message: Pollen maturation in Poaceae. Another development has been extensively examined by various imaging tools, including transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and light microscopy, but none is capable of identifying liquid water. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy with high-pressure rapid freeze fixation is excellent in preserving structures at cellular level and differentiating gas- versus liquid-filled space, but rarely used in anther study. We applied this technique to examine anther development of Poaceae because of its economic importance and unusual peripheral arrangement of pollen. Maize and longstamen rice were focused on. Here, we report for the first time that anthers of Poaceae lose the locular free liquid during late-microspore to early pollen stages; the majority of pollen grains arranged in a tight peripheral whorl develops normally and reaches maturity in the gas-filled loculus. Occasionally, pollen grains are found situated in the locular cavity, but they remain immature or become shrunk at anthesis. At pollen stage, microchannels and cytoplasmic strands are densely distributed in the entire pollen exine and intine, respectively, suggesting that nutrients are transported into the pollen from the entire surface. We propose that in Poaceae, the specialized peripheral arrangement of pollen grains is crucial for pollen maturation in the gas-filled loculus, which enables pollen achieving large surface contact area with the tapetum and neighboring grains to maintain sufficient nutrient flow. This report also shows that the single aperture of pollen in Poaceae usually faces the tapetum, but other orientation is also common; pollen grains with different aperture orientations show no morphological differences.

Removal of Direct Red 23 from aqueous solution using corn stalks: isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamic studies

The objective of this study was to assess the suitability and efficiency of corn stalk (CS) for the removal of diazo dye Direct Red 23 (DR23) from aqueous solutions. The effect of different variables in the batch method as a function of solution pH, contact time, initial dye concentration, CS amount, temperature, and so forth by the optimization method has been investigated. The color reduction was monitored by spectrophotometry at 503 nm before and after DR23 adsorption on the CS, and the removal percentage was calculated using the difference in absorbance. The sorption processes followed the pseudo second order in addition to intraparticle diffusion kinetics models with a good correlation coefficient with the overall entire adsorption of DR23 on adsorbent. The experimental equilibrium data were tested by four widely used isotherm models namely, Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R). It was found that adsorption of DR23 on CS well with the Freindlich isotherm model, implying monolayer coverage of dye molecules onto the surface of the adsorbent. More than 99% removal efficiency was obtained within 10 min at adsorbent dose of 0.2 g for initial dye concentration of 10-90 mg L(-1) at pH 3. Various thermodynamic parameters, such as Gibbs free energy, entropy, and enthalpy, of the ongoing adsorption process have been calculated. Judgment based on the obtained results of thermodynamic values shows the spontaneous and endothermic nature adsorption processes on adsorbent.

Small kernel 1 encodes a pentatricopeptide repeat protein required for mitochondrial nad7 transcript editing and seed development in maize (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa)

RNA editing modifies cytidines (C) to uridines (U) at specific sites in the transcripts of mitochondria and plastids, altering the amino acid specified by the DNA sequence. Here we report the identification of a critical editing factor of mitochondrial nad7 transcript via molecular characterization of a small kernel 1 (smk1) mutant in Zea mays (maize). Mutations in Smk1 arrest both the embryo and endosperm development. Cloning of Smk1 indicates that it encodes an E-subclass pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein that is targeted to mitochondria. Loss of SMK1 function abolishes the C → U editing at the nad7-836 site, leading to the retention of a proline codon that is edited to encode leucine in the wild type. The smk1 mutant showed dramatically reduced complex-I assembly and NADH dehydrogenase activity, and abnormal biogenesis of the mitochondria. Analysis of the ortholog in Oryza sativa (rice) reveals that rice SMK1 has a conserved function in C → U editing of the mitochondrial nad7-836 site. T-DNA knock-out mutants showed abnormal embryo and endosperm development, resulting in embryo or seedling lethality. The leucine at NAD7-279 is highly conserved from bacteria to flowering plants, and analysis of genome sequences from many plants revealed a molecular coevolution between the requirement for C → U editing at this site and the existence of an SMK1 homolog. These results demonstrate that Smk1 encodes a PPR-E protein that is required for nad7-836 editing, and this editing is critical to NAD7 function in complex-I assembly in mitochondria, and hence to embryo and endosperm development in maize and rice.

Assessment and regression analysis on instant catapult steam explosion pretreatment of corn stover

Instant catapult steam explosion (ICSE) offers enormous physical force on lignocellulosic biomass due to its extremely short depressure duration. In this article, the response surface methodology was applied to optimize the effect of working parameters including pressure, maintaining time and mass loading on the crystallinity index and glucose yield of the pretreated corn stover. It was found that the pressure was of essential importance, which determined the physical force that led to the morphological changes without significant chemical reactions, and on the other hand the maintaining time mainly contributed to the thermo-chemical reactions. Furthermore, the pretreated biomass was assessed by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectra to understand mechanisms underlying the ICSE pretreatment.

Effect of pelleting process variables on physical properties and sugar yields of ammonia fiber expansion pretreated corn stover

Pelletization process variables, including grind size (4, 6mm), die speed (40, 50, 60 Hz), and preheating (none, 70°C), were evaluated to understand their effect on pellet quality attributes and sugar yields of ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX) pretreated biomass. The bulk density of the pelletized AFEX corn stover was three to six times greater compared to untreated and AFEX-treated corn stover. Also, the durability of the pelletized AFEX corn stover was>97.5% for all pelletization conditions studied except for preheated pellets. Die speed had no effect on enzymatic hydrolysis sugar yields of pellets. Pellets produced with preheating or a larger grind size (6mm) had similar or lower sugar yields. Pellets generated with 4mm AFEX-treated corn stover, a 60Hz die speed, and no preheating resulted in pellets with similar or greater density, durability, and sugar yields compared to other pelletization conditions.

The boron efflux transporter ROTTEN EAR is required for maize inflorescence development and fertility

Although boron has a relatively low natural abundance, it is an essential plant micronutrient. Boron deficiencies cause major crop losses in several areas of the world, affecting reproduction and yield in diverse plant species. Despite the importance of boron in crop productivity, surprisingly little is known about its effects on developing reproductive organs. We isolated a maize (Zea mays) mutant, called rotten ear (rte), that shows distinct defects in vegetative and reproductive development, eventually causing widespread sterility in its inflorescences, the tassel and the ear. Positional cloning revealed that rte encodes a membrane-localized boron efflux transporter, co-orthologous to the Arabidopsis thaliana BOR1 protein. Depending on the availability of boron in the soil, rte plants show a wide range of phenotypic defects that can be fully rescued by supplementing the soil with exogenous boric acid, indicating that rte is crucial for boron transport into aerial tissues. rte is expressed in cells surrounding the xylem in both vegetative and reproductive tissues and is required for meristem activity and organ development. We show that low boron supply to the inflorescences results in widespread defects in cell and cell wall integrity, highlighting the structural importance of boron in the formation of fully fertile reproductive organs.