Isolation and characterization of a boron-rhamnogalacturonan-II complex from cell walls of sugar beet pulp

The structure, function, and biosynthesis of plant cell wall pectic polysaccharides

Plant cell walls consist of carbohydrate, protein, and aromatic compounds and are essential to the proper growth and development of plants. The carbohydrate components make up approximately 90% of the primary wall, and are critical to wall function. There is a diversity of polysaccharides that make up the wall and that are classified as one of three types: cellulose, hemicellulose, or pectin. The pectins, which are most abundant in the plant primary cell walls and the middle lamellae, are a class of molecules defined by the presence of galacturonic acid. The pectic polysaccharides include the galacturonans (homogalacturonan, substituted galacturonans, and RG-II) and rhamnogalacturonan-I. Galacturonans have a backbone that consists of alpha-1,4-linked galacturonic acid. The identification of glycosyltransferases involved in pectin synthesis is essential to the study of cell wall function in plant growth and development and for maximizing the value and use of plant polysaccharides in industry and human health. A detailed synopsis of the existing literature on pectin structure, function, and biosynthesis is presented.

Highly boron deficiency-tolerant plants generated by enhanced expression of NIP5;1, a boric acid channel

Boron (B) is an essential element for plants, and B deficiency is a worldwide agricultural problem. In B-deficient areas, B is often supplied as fertilizer, but excess B can be toxic to both plants and animals. Generation of B deficiency-tolerant plants could reduce B fertilizer use. Improved fertility under B-limiting conditions in Arabidopsis thaliana by overexpression of BOR1, a B transporter, has been reported, but the root growth was not improved by the BOR1 overexpression. In this study, we report that enhanced expression of NIP5;1, a boric acid channel for efficient B uptake, resulted in improved root elongation under B-limiting conditions in A. thaliana. An NIP5;1 activation tag line, which has a T-DNA insertion with enhancer sequences near the NIP5;1 gene, showed improved root elongation under B limitation. We generated a construct which mimics the tag line: the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S RNA promoter was inserted at 1,357 bp upstream of the NIP5;1 transcription initiation site. Introduction of this construct into the nip5;1-1 mutant and the BOR1 overexpresser resulted in enhanced expression of NIP5;1 and improved root elongation under low B supply. Furthermore, one of the transgenic lines exhibited improved fertility and short-term B uptake. Our results demonstrate successful improvement of B deficiency tolerance and the potential of enhancing expression of a mineral nutrient channel gene to improve growth under nutrient-limiting conditions.

Targeted borate complex formation as followed with electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry: monomolecular model system and polyborate formation

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) was applied to identify boric acid(B degrees)/borate(B-) complexes in a monomolecular model system, composed of aqueous caffeic acid and boric acid/borate solutions in various concentration ratios at pH 9.2. Using negative mode electrospray ionization as a 'soft' ionization technique, clusters of polyborate were detected beside the well-known BL degrees , BL- and BL2- complexes. An algorithm for the detection of boron complexes, based on their accurate mass and isotope patterns, is proposed which enabled the assignment of elemental compositions/structural formulae of boron/ligand complexes. We present experimental evidence of self-oligomerization of up to six borate units with caffeic acid, resulting in stable covalently bound polyborate-polyol complexes.

Boron transport mechanisms: collaboration of channels and transporters

Boron (B) is an essential element for plants, but is also toxic when present in excess. B deficiency and toxicity are both major agricultural problems worldwide, and elucidating the molecular mechanisms of B transport should allow us to develop technology to alleviate B deficiency and toxicity problems. Recent milestones include the identification of a boric acid channel, NIP5;1, and a boric acid/borate exporter, BOR1, from Arabidopsis thaliana. Both proteins were shown to be required for plant growth under B limitation. In addition, BOR1 homologs are required for B homeostasis in mammalian cells and B-toxicity tolerance in yeast and plants. Here, we discuss how transgenic approaches show promise for generating crops that are tolerant of B deficiency and toxicity.

Biologically active compounds of semi-metals

Semi-metals (boron, silicon, arsenic and selenium) form organo-metal compounds, some of which are found in nature and affect the physiology of living organisms. They include, e.g., the boron-containing antibiotics aplasmomycin, borophycin, boromycin, and tartrolon or the silicon compounds present in "silicate" bacteria, relatives of the genus Bacillus, which release silicon from aluminosilicates through the secretion of organic acids. Arsenic is incorporated into arsenosugars and arsenobetaines by marine algae and invertebrates, and fungi and bacteria can produce volatile methylated arsenic compounds. Some prokaryotes can use arsenate as a terminal electron acceptor while others can utilize arsenite as an electron donor to generate energy. Selenium is incorporated into selenocysteine that is found in some proteins. Biomethylation of selenide produces methylselenide and dimethylselenide. Selenium analogues of amino acids, antitumor, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-infective drugs are often used as analogues of important pharmacological sulfur compounds. Other metalloids, i.e. the rare and toxic tellurium and the radioactive short-lived astatine, have no biological significance.

Cell wall carbohydrates from fruit pulp of Argania spinosa: structural analysis of pectin and xyloglucan polysaccharides

Isolated cell walls of Argania spinosa fruit pulp were fractionated into their polysaccharide constituents and the resulting fractions were analysed for monosaccharide composition and chemical structure. The data reveal the presence of homogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) and rhamnogalacturonan-II (RG-II) in the pectic fraction. RG-I is abundant and contains high amounts of Ara and Gal, indicative of an important branching in this polysaccharide. RG-II is less abundant than RG-I and exists as a dimer. Structural characterisation of xyloglucan using enzymatic hydrolysis, gas chromatography, MALDI-TOF-MS and methylation analysis shows that XXGG, XXXG, XXLG and XLLG are the major subunit oligosaccharides in the ratio of 0.6:1:1.2:1.6. This finding demonstrates that the major neutral hemicellulosic polysaccharide is a galacto-xyloglucan. In addition, Argania fruit xyloglucan has no XUFG, a novel xyloglucan motif recently discovered in Argania leaf cell walls. Finally, the isolation and analysis of arabinogalactan-proteins showed that Argania fruit pulp is rich in these proteoglycans.

Arabidopsis thaliana RGXT1 and RGXT2 encode Golgi-localized (1,3)-alpha-D-xylosyltransferases involved in the synthesis of pectic rhamnogalacturonan-II

Two homologous plant-specific Arabidopsis thaliana genes, RGXT1 and RGXT2, belong to a new family of glycosyltransferases (CAZy GT-family-77) and encode cell wall (1,3)-alpha-d-xylosyltransferases. The deduced amino acid sequences contain single transmembrane domains near the N terminus, indicative of a type II membrane protein structure. Soluble secreted forms of the corresponding proteins expressed in insect cells showed xylosyltransferase activity, transferring d-xylose from UDP-alpha-d-xylose to l-fucose. The disaccharide product was hydrolyzed by alpha-xylosidase, whereas no reaction was catalyzed by beta-xylosidase. Furthermore, the regio- and stereochemistry of the methyl xylosyl-fucoside was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance to be an alpha-(1,3) linkage, demonstrating the isolated glycosyltransferases to be (1,3)-alpha-d-xylosyltransferases. This particular linkage is only known in rhamnogalacturonan-II, a complex polysaccharide essential to vascular plants, and is conserved across higher plant families. Rhamnogalacturonan-II isolated from both RGXT1 and RGXT2 T-DNA insertional mutants functioned as specific acceptor molecules in the xylosyltransferase assay. Expression of RGXT1- and RGXT2-enhanced green fluorescent protein constructs in Arabidopsis revealed that both fusion proteins were targeted to a Brefeldin A-sensitive compartment and also colocalized with the Golgi marker dye BODIPY TR ceramide, consistent with targeting to the Golgi apparatus. Taken together, these results suggest that RGXT1 and RGXT2 encode Golgi-localized (1,3)-alpha-d-xylosyltransferases involved in the biosynthesis of pectic rhamnogalacturonan-II.

Roles of BOR1, DUR3, and FPS1 in boron transport and tolerance inSaccharomyces cerevisiae

The roles of three membrane proteins, BOR1, DUR3, and FPS1, in boron (B) transport in yeast were examined. The boron concentration in yeast cells lacking BOR1 was elevated upon exposure to 90 mM boric acid, whereas cells lacking DUR3 or FPS1 showed lower boron concentrations. Compared with control cells, cells overexpressing BOR1 or FPS1 had a lower boron concentration, and cells overexpressing DUR3 had a higher boron concentration. These results suggest that, in addition to the efflux boron transporter BOR1, DUR3 and FPS1 play important roles in regulating the cellular boron concentration. Analysis of the yeast transformants for tolerance to a high boric acid concentration revealed an apparent negative correlation between the protoplasmic boron concentration and the degree of tolerance to a high external boron concentration. Thus, BOR1, DUR3, and FPS1 appear to be involved in tolerance to boric acid and the maintenance of the protoplasmic boron concentration.

The reb1-1 mutation of Arabidopsis. Effect on the structure and localization of galactose-containing cell wall polysaccharides

The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) root epidermal bulger1-1 (reb1-1) mutant (allelic to root hair defective1 [rhd1]) is characterized by a reduced root elongation rate and by bulging of trichoblast cells. The REB1/RHD1 gene belongs to a family of UDP-D-Glucose 4-epimerases involved in the synthesis of D-Galactose (Gal). Our previous study showed that certain arabinogalactan protein epitopes were not expressed in bulging trichoblasts of the mutant. In this study, using a combination of microscopical and biochemical methods, we have investigated the occurrence and the structure of three major Gal-containing polysaccharides, namely, xyloglucan (XyG), rhamnogalacturonan (RG)-I, and RG-II in the mutant root cell walls. Our immunocytochemical data show that swollen trichoblasts were not stained with the monoclonal antibody CCRC-M1 specific for alpha-L-Fucp-(1-->2)-beta-D-Galp side chains of XyG, whereas they were stained with anti-XyG antibodies specific for XyG backbone. In addition, analysis of a hemicellulosic fraction from roots demonstrates the presence of two structurally different XyGs in reb1-1. One is structurally similar to wild-type XyG and the other is devoid of fuco-galactosylated side chains and has the characteristic of being insoluble. Similar to anti-XyG antibodies, anti-bupleuran 2IIC, a polyclonal antibody specific for galactosyl epitopes associated with pectins, stained all root epidermal cells of both wild type and reb1-1. Similarly, anti-RG-II antibodies also stained swollen trichoblasts in the mutant. In addition, structural analysis of pectic polymers revealed no change in the galactosylation of RG-I and RG-II isolated from reb1-1 root cells. These findings demonstrate that the reb1-1 mutation affects XyG structure, but not that of pectic polysaccharides, thus lending support to the hypothesis that biosynthesis of Gal as well as galactosylation of complex polysaccharides is regulated at the polymer level.

11B Solid-state NMR Investigation of the Rhamnogalacturonan II-borate Complex in Plant Cell Walls

The boron in plant cell walls, which is water-insoluble and in the solid state, is solubilized by pectinase digestion to give a dimeric rhamnogalacturonan II-borate (dRG-II-B) complex. To clarify the nondestructive structure of boron present in plant cell walls (as represented by sugar beet fiber), we performed 192- and 96-MHz 11B solid state NMR measurements. The use of a high field magnet frequency of 192-MHz enabled us to observe 11B isotropic chemical shifts at -9.7 and -9.6 ppm for dRG-II-B and sugar beet fiber in the solid state, respectively, demonstrating that the boron in isolated dRG-II-B and in plant cell walls is present as a borate-diol ester (1:2). The observation of the magnetic field dependence of the chemical shift and lineshape for the borate-diol ester (1:2) by quadrupolar interaction suggested that the borate complex had a distorted tetrahedral boron structure.

The role of wall Ca2+ in the regulation of wall extensibility during the acid-induced extension of soybean hypocotyl cell walls

We examined the acid-facilitated yielding properties of cell walls of soybean hypocotyls and the effects of Ca(2+) upon the properties by stress-strain analyses using glycerinated hollow cylinders (GHCs) from the elongating regions of the hypocotyls. Stress-extension rate curves of native GHCs showed characteristic changes with pH, all indicating the existence of yield threshold tension (y) as well as wall extensibility (phi), i.e. a downward shift of y and an increase in phi with wall acidification. The acid-induced downward shift of y was inhibited by boiling of GHCs. In contrast, a considerable increase in phi with acidification remained even after boiling. This indicates that phi consists of two components, i.e. heat-sensitive and heat-resistant, both being pH sensitive. A Ca(2+) chelator (Quin 2) dramatically increased phi at a neutral pH. Subsequent addition of Ca(2+) or ruthenium red suppressed the chelator-induced increase in phi. These findings suggest that wall Ca(2+) plays an important role in the regulation of wall extensibility during the acid-induced wall extension by reacting with carboxyl groups of wall pectin.

Effects of boron deficiency in cell suspension cultures of Populus alba L

Cell suspension cultures of Populus alba L. (original cells) require at least 10 microM boron for appropriate growth. Using original cells we established a cell line, T-5B, which can grow in a medium containing low levels of boron (5 microM). The level of boron localized in the cell walls of T-5B cells was one-half that found in the cell walls of original cells maintained in medium containing 100 microM boron, and the level of the rhamnogalacturonan II dimer, cross-linked by a borate ester, also decreased in the former. The sugar composition of whole cell walls of the T-5B cell line was similar that of the original cells, however pectic polysaccharides composed of arabinose or galacturonic acid were easily extracted from T-5B cell walls with 50 mM trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid. Our results suggest that boron deficiency causes a weakening of the interaction among pectic polysaccharides due to a decrease in boron-rhamnogalacturonanII cross-linkage.

Synthesis of a disaccharide fragment of rhamnogalacturonan II

A disaccharide portion of the A-side chain of the rhamnogalacturonan II oligosaccharide has been prepared. Glycosylation of methyl (methyl 3,4-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-galactopyranosid)uronate with p-tolyl 2,3-di-O-acetyl-3-C-(benzyloxymethyl)-1-thio-alpha/beta-D-erythrofuranoside was carried out using N-iodosuccinimide as promoter and silver trifluoromethanesulfonate as catalyst. Removal of the protecting groups gave the beta-d-Apif-(1-->2)-alpha-D-GalpA-OMe disaccharide.

Use of phenylboronic acids to investigate boron function in plants. Possible role of boron in transvacuolar cytoplasmic strands and cell-to-wall adhesion

The only defined physiological role of boron in plants is as a cross-linking molecule involving reversible covalent bonds with cis-diols on either side of borate. Boronic acids, which form the same reversible bonds with cis-diols but cannot cross-link two molecules, were used to selectively disrupt boron function in plants. In cultured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv BY-2) cells, addition of boronic acids caused the disruption of cytoplasmic strands and cell-to-cell wall detachment. The effect of the boronic acids could be relieved by the addition of boron-complexing sugars and was proportional to the boronic acid-binding strength of the sugar. Experiments with germinating petunia (Petunia hybrida) pollen and boronate-affinity chromatography showed that boronic acids and boron compete for the same binding sites. The boronic acids appear to specifically disrupt or prevent borate-dependent cross-links important for the structural integrity of the cell, including the organization of transvacuolar cytoplasmic strands. Boron likely plays a structural role in the plant cytoskeleton. We conclude that boronic acids can be used to rapidly and reversibly induce boron deficiency-like responses and therefore are useful tools for investigating boron function in plants.

Occurrence of the primary cell wall polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan II in pteridophytes, lycophytes, and bryophytes. Implications for the evolution of vascular plants

Borate ester cross-linking of the cell wall pectic polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) is required for the growth and development of angiosperms and gymnosperms. Here, we report that the amounts of borate cross-linked RG-II present in the sporophyte primary walls of members of the most primitive extant vascular plant groups (Lycopsida, Filicopsida, Equisetopsida, and Psilopsida) are comparable with the amounts of RG-II in the primary walls of angiosperms. By contrast, the gametophyte generation of members of the avascular bryophytes (Bryopsida, Hepaticopsida, and Anthocerotopsida) have primary walls that contain small amounts (approximately 1% of the amounts of RG-II present in angiosperm walls) of an RG-II-like polysaccharide. The glycosyl sequence of RG-II is conserved in vascular plants, but these RG-IIs are not identical because the non-reducing L-rhamnosyl residue present on the aceric acid-containing side chain of RG-II of all previously studied plants is replaced by a 3-O-methyl rhamnosyl residue in the RG-IIs isolated from Lycopodium tristachyum, Ceratopteris thalictroides, Platycerium bifurcatum, and Psilotum nudum. Our data indicate that the amount of RG-II incorporated into the walls of plants increased during the evolution of vascular plants from their bryophyte-like ancestors. Thus, the acquisition of a boron-dependent growth habit may be correlated with the ability of vascular plants to maintain upright growth and to form lignified secondary walls. The conserved structures of pteridophyte, lycophyte, and angiosperm RG-IIs suggests that the genes and proteins responsible for the biosynthesis of this polysaccharide appeared early in land plant evolution and that RG-II has a fundamental role in wall structure.

Characterization of Metal Binding Properties of Rhamnogalacturonan II from Plant Cell Walls by Size-Exclusion HPLC/ICP-MS

The binding properties of metal ions to a pectic polysaccharide, rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II), from plant cell walls were analyzed by size-exclusion HPLC/ICP-MS. The dimeric RG-II borate complex (dRG-II-B) from sugar beet and red wine contained 0.8 - 1.1 mol/mol of B, 0.8 - 1.1 mol/mol of Ca, 0.1 - 0.3 mol/mol of Sr, and 0.03 - 0.07 mol/mol of Ba. The treatment of dRG-II-B with Sr2+, Ba2+, Pb2+ or La3+ exchanged the originally present Ca, Sr and Ba. In contrast, monomeric RG-II (mRG-II), which contained approximately 0.1 mol/mol of Ca, formed complexes with La3+, Eu3+, and Lu3+ added to the solution, but did not do so with Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+ and Pb2+. The HPLC/ICP-MS and HPLC/RI (refractive index detector) analysis of the partially hydrolyzed mRG-II that was treated with La3+ indicated that the side chains and backbone of mRG-II together form a lanthanoid binding site.

Rhamnogalacturonan II: structure and function of a borate cross-linked cell wall pectic polysaccharide

Rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) is a structurally complex pectic polysaccharide that was first identified in 1978 as a quantitatively minor component of suspension-cultured sycamore cell walls. Subsequent studies have shown that RG-II is present in the primary walls of angiosperms, gymnosperms, lycophytes, and pteridophytes and that its glycosyl sequence is conserved in all vascular plants examined to date. This is remarkable because RG-II is composed of at least 12 different glycosyl residues linked together by more than 20 different glycosidic linkages. However, only a few of the genes and proteins required for RG-II biosynthesis have been identified. The demonstration that RG-II exists in primary walls as a dimer that is covalently cross-linked by a borate diester was a major advance in our understanding of the structure and function of this pectic polysaccharide. Dimer formation results in the cross-linking of the two homogalacturonan chains upon which the RG-II molecules are constructed and is required for the formation of a three-dimensional pectic network in muro. This network contributes to the mechanical properties of the primary wall and is required for normal plant growth and development. Indeed, changes in wall properties that result from decreased borate cross-linking of pectin may lead to many of the symptoms associated with boron deficiency in plants.

Analysis of sugars in squash xylem sap

Xylem sap contains organic and inorganic compounds that might be involved in root-to-shoot communication. To clarify the physiological functions of sugars in xylem sap, we characterized the sugar compounds of the xylem sap. The 80% ethanol-soluble fraction of xylem sap contained mainly myo-inositol and oligosaccharides. The 80% ethanol precipitate was solubilized with cyclohexanediamine tetraacetate and fractionated using anion exchange chromatography. The non-bound fraction from the anion-exchange column reacted with Yariv reagent and was rich in arabinogalactan, indicating the presence of arabinogalactan proteins (AGP). The bound fraction eluted with 50 mM ammonium formate buffer and separated using size exclusion chromatography producing the pectins rhamnogaracturonan (RG)-I and RG-II with apparent molecular masses of 15000 and 11000, respectively. These results indicate that the AGP, RG-I, borate cross-linked RG-II dimer and oligosaccharides produced by root tissues are transported to above-ground organs via xylem sap.

Primary structure of the 2-O-methyl-alpha-L-fucose-containing side chain of the pectic polysaccharide, rhamnogalacturonan II

A 2-O-methylfucosyl-containing heptasaccharide was released from red wine rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) by acid hydrolysis of the glycosidic linkage of the aceryl acid residue (AceA) and purified to homogeneity by size-exclusion and high-performance anion-exchange chromatographies. The primary structure of the heptasaccharide was determined by glycosyl-residue and glycosyl-linkage composition analyses, ESIMS, and by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The NMR data indicated that the pyranose ring of the 2,3-linked L-arabinosyl residue is conformationally flexible. The L-Arap residue was confirmed to be alpha-linked by NMR analysis of a tetraglycosyl-glycerol fragment, [alpha-L-Arap-(1-->4)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->2)-alpha-L-AcefA-(1-->3)-beta-L-Rhap-(1-->3)-Gro], generated by Smith degradation of RG-II. Our data together with the results of a previous study,(1) establish that the 2-O-Me Fuc-containing nonasaccharide side chain of wine RG-II has the structure (Api [triple bond] apiose): [see structure]. Data are presented to show that in Arabidopsis RG-II the predominant 2-O-MeFuc-containing side chain is a mono-O-acetylated heptasaccharide that lacks the non-reducing terminal beta-L-Araf and the alpha-L-Rhap residue attached to the O-3 of Arap, both of which are present on the wine nonasaccharide.

Germanium does not substitute for boron in cross-linking of rhamnogalacturonan II in pumpkin cell walls

Boron (B)-deficient pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) plants exhibit reduced growth, and their tissues are brittle. The leaf cell walls of these plants contain less than one-half the amount of borate cross-linked rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) dimer than normal plants. Supplying germanium (Ge), which has been reported to substitute for B, to B-deficient plants does not restore growth or reduce tissue brittleness. Nevertheless, the leaf cell walls of the Ge-treated plants accumulated considerable amounts of Ge. Dimeric RG-II (dRG-II) accounted for between 20% and 35% of the total RG-II in the cell walls of the second to fourth leaves from Ge-treated plants, but only 2% to 7% of the RG-II was cross-linked by germanate (dRG-II-Ge). The ability of RG-II to form a dimer is not reduced by Ge treatment because approximately 95% of the monomeric RG-II generated from the walls of Ge-treated plants is converted to dRG-II-Ge in vitro in the presence of germanium oxide and lead acetate. However, dRG-II-Ge is unstable and is converted to monomeric RG-II when the Ge is removed. Therefore, the content of dRG-II-Ge and dRG-II-B described above may not reflect the actual ratio of these in muro. (10)B-Enriched boric acid and Ge are incorporated into the cell wall within 10 min after their foliar application to B-deficient plants. Foliar application of (10)B but not Ge results in an increase in the proportion of dRG-II in the leaf cell wall. Taken together, our results suggest that Ge does not restore the growth of B-deficient plants.

Molecular genetics of nucleotide sugar interconversion pathways in plants

Nucleotide sugar interconversion pathways represent a series of enzymatic reactions by which plants synthesize activated monosaccharides for the incorporation into cell wall material. Although biochemical aspects of these metabolic pathways are reasonably well understood, the identification and characterization of genes encoding nucleotide sugar interconversion enzymes is still in its infancy. Arabidopsis mutants defective in the activation and interconversion of specific monosaccharides have recently become available, and several genes in these pathways have been cloned and characterized. The sequence determination of the entire Arabidopsis genome offers a unique opportunity to identify candidate genes encoding nucleotide sugar interconversion enzymes via sequence comparisons to bacterial homologues. An evaluation of the Arabidopsis databases suggests that the majority of these enzymes are encoded by small gene families, and that most of these coding regions are transcribed. Although most of the putative proteins are predicted to be soluble, others contain N-terminal extensions encompassing a transmembrane domain. This suggests that some nucleotide sugar interconversion enzymes are targeted to an endomembrane system, such as the Golgi apparatus, where they may co-localize with glycosyltransferases in cell wall synthesis. The functions of the predicted coding regions can most likely be established via reverse genetic approaches and the expression of proteins in heterologous systems. The genetic characterization of nucleotide sugar interconversion enzymes has the potential to understand the regulation of these complex metabolic pathways and to permit the modification of cell wall material by changing the availability of monosaccharide precursors.

Formation of rhamnogalacturonan II-borate dimer in pectin determines cell wall thickness of pumpkin tissue

Boron (B) deficiency results in inhibition of pumpkin (Cucurbia moschata Duchesne) growth that is accompanied by swelling of the cell walls. Monomeric rhamnogalacturonan II (mRG-II) accounted for 80% to 90% of the total RG-II in B-deficient walls, whereas the borate ester cross-linked RG-II dimer (dRG-II-B) accounted for more than 80% of the RG-II in control plants. The results of glycosyl residue and glycosyl linkage composition analyses of the RG-II from control and B-deficient plants were similar. Thus, B deficiency does not alter the primary structure of RG-II. The addition of (10)B-enriched boric acid to B-deficient plants resulted within 5 h in the conversion of mRG-II to dRG-II-(10)B. The wall thickness of the (10)B-treated plants and control plants was similar. The formation and possible functions of a borate ester cross-linked RG-II in the cell walls are discussed.

Pectic polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan II is covalently linked to homogalacturonan

A borate-containing pectin was solubilized from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. ) cell walls by treatment with 0.5 M imidazole, pH 7. The molecular weight of the pectin was reduced when the borate ester was hydrolyzed by treatment with 1 N HCl. Treatment of the acid-treated pectin with boric acid in the presence of Pb(2+) gave a product whose molecular weight distribution was similar to the imidazole-soluble pectin. The imidazole-soluble pectin was saponified and then digested with endo- and exo-polygalacturonases. These treatments shifted the boron peak at the high molecular weight region to the low molecular weight (10 kDa), which corresponds to rhamnogalacturonan II-borate ester cross-linked dimer (dRG-II-B). The treatment also generated rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I), dRG-II-B, monomeric rhamnogalacturonan II and galacturonic acid. These results show that imidazole solubilizes a high molecular weight borate-containing pectic complex composed of homogalacturonan-rhamnogalacturonan II and RG-I. Our data suggest that borate esters formed between rhamnogalacturonan II molecules cross-link the macromolecular pectin.

The Pore Size of Non-Graminaceous Plant Cell Walls Is Rapidly Decreased by Borate Ester Cross-Linking of the Pectic Polysaccharide Rhamnogalacturonan II

The walls of suspension-cultured Chenopodium album L. cells grown continually for more than 1 year on B-deficient medium contained monomeric rhamnogalacturonan II (mRG-II) but not the borate ester cross-linked RG II dimer (dRG-II-B). The walls of these cells had an increased size limit for dextran permeation, which is a measure of wall pore size. Adding boric acid to growing B-deficient cells resulted in B binding to the wall, the formation of dRG-II-B from mRG-II, and a reduction in wall pore size within 10 min. The wall pore size of denatured B-grown cells was increased by treatment at pH </= 2.0 or by treatment with Ca(2+)-chelating agents. The acid-mediated increase in wall pore size was prevented by boric acid alone at pH 2.0 and by boric acid together with Ca(2+), but not by Na(+) or Mg(2+) ions at pH 1.5. The Ca(2+)-chelator-mediated increase in pore size was partially reduced by boric acid. Our results suggest that B-mediated cross-linking of RG-II in the walls of living plant cells generates a pectin network with a decreased size exclusion limit for polymers. The formation, stability, and possible functions of a borate ester cross-linked pectic network in the primary walls of nongraminaceous plant cells are discussed.

The plant cell wall polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan II self-assembles into a covalently cross-linked dimer

The location of the 1:2 borate-diol ester cross-link in the dimer of the plant cell wall polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) has been determined. The ester cross-links the apiofuranosyl residue of the 2-O-methyl-D-xylose-containing side chains in each of the subunits of the dimer. The apiofuranosyl residue in each of the two aceric acid-containing side chains is not esterified. The site of borate esterification is identical in naturally occurring and in in vitro synthesized dimer. Pb2+, La3+, and Ca2+ increase dimer formation in vitro in a concentration- and pH-dependent manner. Pb2+ is the most effective cation. The dimer accounts for 55% of the RG-II when the monomer (0.5 mM) is treated for 5 min at pH 3.5 with boric acid (1 mM) and Pb2+ (0.5 mM); at pH 5 the rate of conversion is somewhat slower. Hg2+ does not increase the rate of dimer formation. A cation's charge density and its ability to form a coordination complex with RG-II, in addition to steric factors, may regulate the rate and stability of dimer formation in vitro. Our data provide evidence that the structure of RG-II itself determines which apiofuranosyl residues are esterified with borate and that in the presence of boric acid and certain cations, two RG-II monomers self-assemble to form a dimer.

Borate-rhamnogalacturonan II bonding reinforced by Ca2+ retains pectic polysaccharides in higher-plant cell walls

The extent of in vitro formation of the borate-dimeric-rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) complex was stimulated by Ca2+. The complex formed in the presence of Ca2+ was more stable than that without Ca2+. A naturally occurring boron (B)-RG-II complex isolated from radish (Raphanus sativus L. cv Aokubi-daikon) root contained equimolar amounts of Ca2+ and B. Removal of the Ca2+ by trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid induced cleavage of the complex into monomeric RG-II. These data suggest that Ca2+ is a normal component of the B-RG-II complex. Washing the crude cell walls of radish roots with a 1.5% (w/v) sodium dodecyl sulfate solution, pH 6.5, released 98% of the tissue Ca2+ but only 13% of the B and 22% of the pectic polysaccharides. The remaining Ca2+ was associated with RG-II. Extraction of the sodium dodecyl sulfate-washed cell walls with 50 mM trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N, N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, pH 6.5, removed the remaining Ca2+, 78% of B, and 49% of pectic polysaccharides. These results suggest that not only Ca2+ but also borate and Ca2+ cross-linking in the RG-II region retain so-called chelator-soluble pectic polysaccharides in cell walls.

Oligosaccharides generated by partial hydrolysis of the borate-rhamnogalacturonan II complex from sugar beet

The borate-rhamnogalacturonan II complex (B-RG-II), isolated from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), was partially acid-hydrolyzed. The oligosaccharides generated were characterized by glycosyl-composition and glycosyl-linkage analyses, ES-mass, and NMR spectroscopy. Two disaccharides, alpha-L-Rhap-(1-->5)-D-Kdo and alpha-L-Araf-(1-->5)-Dha, an aceric acid-containing oligosaccharide, and a 2-O-Me-Xyl-containing oligosaccharide, in addition to partially methyl-esterified alpha-(1-->4)-oligogalacturonides were characterized. The data provide additional evidence that B-RG-II isolated from different plant species have identical structures.

The boron requirement and cell wall properties of growing and stationary suspension-cultured chenopodium album L. cells

Suspension-cultured Chenopodium album L. cells are capable of continuous, long-term growth on a boron-deficient medium. Compared with cultures grown with boron, these cultures contained more enlarged and detached cells, had increased turbidity due to the rupture of a small number of cells, and contained cells with an increased cell wall pore size. These characteristics were reversed by the addition of boric acid (>/=7 &mgr;M) to the boron-deficient cells. C. album cells grown in the presence of 100 &mgr;M boric acid entered the stationary phase when they were not subcultured, and remained viable for at least 3 weeks. The transition from the growth phase to the stationary phase was accompanied by a decrease in the wall pore size. Cells grown without boric acid or with 7 &mgr;M boric acid were not able to reduce their wall pore size at the transition to the stationary phase. These cells could not be kept viable in the stationary phase, because they continued to expand and died as a result of wall rupture. The addition of 100 &mgr;M boric acid prevented wall rupture and the wall pore size was reduced to normal values. We conclude that boron is required to maintain the normal pore structure of the wall matrix and to mechanically stabilize the wall at growth termination.

BORON IN PLANT STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

New and exciting developments in boron research in the past few years greatly contributed to better understanding of the role of boron in plants. Purification and identification of the first boron-polyol transport molecules resolved much of the controversy about boron phloem mobility. Isolation and characterization of the boron-polysaccharide complex from cell walls provided the first direct evidence for boron crosslinking of pectin polymers. Inhibition and recovery of proton release upon boron withdrawal and restitution in plant culture medium demonstrated boron involvement in membrane processes. Rapid boron-induced changes in membrane function could be attributed to boron-complexing membrane constituents. Boron may affect metabolic pathways by binding apoplastic proteins to cis-hydroxyl groups of cell walls and membranes, and by interfering with manganese-dependent enzymatic reactions. In addition, boron has been implicated in counteracting toxic effects of aluminum on root growth of dicotyledonous plants. Molecular investigations of boron nutrition have been initiated by the discovery of a novel mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana with an altered requirement for boron.

PLANT CELL WALL PROTEINS

The nature of cell wall proteins is as varied as the many functions of plant cell walls. With the exception of glycine-rich proteins, all are glycosylated and contain hydroxyproline (Hyp). Again excepting glycine-rich proteins, they also contain highly repetitive sequences that can be shared between them. The majority of cell wall proteins are cross-linked into the wall and probably have structural functions, although they may also participate in morphogenesis. On the other hand, arabinogalactan proteins are readily soluble and possibly play a major role in cell-cell interactions during development. The interactions of these proteins between themselves and with other wall components is still unknown, as is how wall components are assembled. The possible functions of cell wall proteins are suggested based on repetitive sequence, localization in the plant body, and the general morphogenetic pattern in plants.

Assembly and enlargement of the primary cell wall in plants

Growing plant cells are shaped by an extensible wall that is a complex amalgam of cellulose microfibrils bonded noncovalently to a matrix of hemicelluloses, pectins, and structural proteins. Cellulose is synthesized by complexes in the plasma membrane and is extruded as a self-assembling microfibril, whereas the matrix polymers are secreted by the Golgi apparatus and become integrated into the wall network by poorly understood mechanisms. The growing wall is under high tensile stress from cell turgor and is able to enlarge by a combination of stress relaxation and polymer creep. A pH-dependent mechanism of wall loosening, known as acid growth, is characteristic of growing walls and is mediated by a group of unusual wall proteins called expansins. Expansins appear to disrupt the noncovalent bonding of matrix hemicelluloses to the microfibril, thereby allowing the wall to yield to the mechanical forces generated by cell turgor. Other wall enzymes, such as (1-->4) beta-glucanases and pectinases, may make the wall more responsive to expansin-mediated wall creep whereas pectin methylesterases and peroxidases may alter the wall so as to make it resistant to expansin-mediated creep.

Rhamnogalacturonan II from the leaves of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer as a macrophage Fc receptor expression-enhancing polysaccharide

A complex pectic polysaccharide (GL-4IIb2) has been isolated from the leaves of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, and shown to be a macrophage Fc receptor expression-enhancing polysaccharide. The primary structure of GL-4IIb2 was elucidated by composition. 1H NMR, methylation, and oligosaccharide analyses. GL-4IIb2 consisted of 15 different monosaccharides which included rarely observed sugars, such as 2-O-methylfucose, 2-O-methylxylose, apiose, 3-C-carboxy-5-deoxy-L-xylose (aceric acid, AceA), 3-deoxy-D-manno-2-octulosonic acid (Kdo), and 3-deoxy-D-lyxo-2-heptulosaric acid (Dha). Methylation analysis indicated that GL-4IIb2 comprised 34 different glycosyl linkages, such as 3,4-linked Fuc, 3- and 2,3,4-linked Rha, and 2-linked GlcA, which are characteristic of rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II). Sequential degradation using partial acid hydrolysis indicated that GL-4IIb2 contained alpha-Rhap-(1-->5)-Kdo and Araf-(1-->5) Dha structural elements, an AceA-containing oligosaccharide, and uronic acid-rich oligosaccharide chains in addition to an alpha-(1 -->4)-galacturono-oligosaccharide chain. FABMS and methylation analyses suggested that the AceA-containing oligosaccharide was a nonasaccharide in which terminal Rha was additionally attached to position 3 of 2-linked Arap of the octasaccharide chain observed in sycamore RG-II. Component sugar and methylation analyses assumed that the uronic acid-rich oligosaccharides possessed a similar structural feature as those in sycamore RG-II. GL-4IIb2 had a larger molecular mass (11,000) than sycamore RG-II (approximately 5000).

Rhamnogalacturonan II, a dominant polysaccharide in juices produced by enzymic liquefaction of fruits and vegetables

Rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II), a small complex pectic polysaccharide, is released from apple (Malus domestica), carrot (Daucus carota), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) by treatment with two commercial liquefying enzyme preparations. RG-II was isolated by size-exclusion chromatography from apple, tomato, and carrot juices obtained by enzymic liquefaction. All the RG-IIs contained the diagnostic sugars, apiose, 2-O-methyl-L-fucose, 2-O-methyl-D-xylose, aceric acid, Kdo and Dha. Glycosyl-linkage compositions of the neutral and acidic sugars, including aceric acid, were consistent with the hypothetical model described for sycamore RG-II confirming the conservation of RG-II in plants. Thus, when pectinolytic enzyme preparations are used to process fruits and vegetables, RG-II is released as a main soluble polysaccharide fraction while other pectic polysaccharides are heavily degraded.

Rhamnogalacturonan-II, a pectic polysaccharide in the walls of growing plant cell, forms a dimer that is covalently cross-linked by a borate ester. In vitro conditions for the formation and hydrolysis of the dimer

Rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) is a structurally complex pectic polysaccharide present in the walls of growing plant cells. We now report that RG-II, released by endopolygalacturonase treatment of the walls of suspension-cultured sycamore cells and etiolated pea stems, exists mainly as a dimer that is cross-linked by a borate ester. The borate ester is completely hydrolyzed at room temperature within 30 min at pH 1, partially hydrolyzed between pH 2 and 4, and stable above pH 4. The dimer is formed in vitro between pH 2.4 and 6. 2 by treating monomeric RG-II (0.5 mM) with boric acid (1.2 mM); the dimer formed after 24 h at pH 3.4 and 5.0 accounts for approximately 30 and approximately 5%, respectively, of the RG-II. In contrast, the dimer accounts for approximately 80 and approximately 54% of the RG-II when the monomer is treated for 24 h at pH 3.4 and 5.0, respectively, with boric acid and 0.5 m Sr2+, Pb2+, or Ba2+. The amount of dimer formed at pH 3.4 or 5.0 is not increased by addition of 0.5 mM Ca2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Mg2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+. Steric considerations appear to regulate dimer formation since those divalent cations that enhance dimer formation have an ionic radius >1.1 A. Our data suggest that the borate ester is located on C-2 and C-3 of two of the four 3'-linked apiosyl residues of dimeric RG-II. Our results, taken together with the results of two previous studies (Kobayashi, M., Matoh, T., and Azuma, J.-I. (1996) Plant Physiol. 110, 1017-1020; Ishii, T., and Matsunaga, T. (1996) Carbohydr. Res. 284, 1-9) provide substantial evidence that this plant cell wall pectic polysaccharide is covalently cross-linked.