14-3-3 regulates 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase protein turnover in Arabidopsis

E3 Ubiquitin Ligases: Key Regulators of Hormone Signaling in Plants

Ubiquitin-mediated control of protein stability is central to most aspects of plant hormone signaling. Attachment of ubiquitin to target proteins occurs via an enzymatic cascade with the final step being catalyzed by a family of enzymes known as E3 ubiquitin ligases, which have been classified based on their protein domains and structures. Although E3 ubiquitin ligases are conserved among eukaryotes, in plants they are well-known to fulfill unique roles as central regulators of phytohormone signaling, including hormone perception and regulation of hormone biosynthesis. This review will highlight up-to-date findings that have refined well-known E3 ligase-substrate interactions and defined novel E3 ligase substrates that mediate numerous hormone signaling pathways. Additionally, examples of how particular E3 ligases may mediate hormone crosstalk will be discussed as an emerging theme. Looking forward, promising experimental approaches and methods that will provide deeper mechanistic insight into the roles of E3 ubiquitin ligases in plants will be considered.

Regulation of Ethylene Biosynthesis by Phytohormones in Etiolated Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Seedlings

The gaseous hormone ethylene influences many aspects of plant growth, development, and responses to a variety of stresses. The biosynthesis of ethylene is tightly regulated by various internal and external stimuli, and the primary target of the regulation is the enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase (ACS), which catalyzes the rate-limiting step of ethylene biosynthesis. We have previously demonstrated that the regulation of ethylene biosynthesis is a common feature of most of the phytohormones in etiolated Arabidopsis seedlings via the modulation of the protein stability of ACS. Here, we show that various phytohormones also regulate ethylene biosynthesis from etiolated rice seedlings in a similar manner to those in Arabidopsis. Cytokinin, brassinosteroids, and gibberellic acid increase ethylene biosynthesis without changing the transcript levels of neither OsACS nor ACC oxidases (OsACO), a family of enzymes catalyzing the final step of the ethylene biosynthetic pathway. Likewise, salicylic acid and abscisic acid do not alter the gene expression of OsACS, but both hormones downregulate the transcript levels of a subset of ACO genes, resulting in a decrease in ethylene biosynthesis. In addition, we show that the treatment of the phytohormones results in distinct etiolated seedling phenotypes, some of which resemble ethylene-responsive phenotypes, while others display ethylene-independent morphologies, indicating a complicated hormone crosstalk in rice. Together, our study brings a new insight into crosstalk between ethylene biosynthesis and other phytohormones, and provides evidence that rice ethylene biosynthesis could be regulated by the post-transcriptional regulation of ACS proteins.

Membrane protein MHZ3 stabilizes OsEIN2 in rice by interacting with its Nramp-like domain

The ethylene signaling pathway has been extensively investigated in Arabidopsis, and EIN2 is the central component. Rice is a monocotyledonous model plant that exhibits different features in many aspects compared with the dicotyledonous Arabidopsis. Thus, rice provides an alternative system for identification of novel components of ethylene signaling. In this study, we identified a stabilizer of OsEIN2 through analysis of the rice ethylene-insensitive mutant mhz3. We found that MHZ3 stabilizes OsEIN2 likely by binding to its Nramp-like transmembrane domain and impeding protein ubiquitination, blocking proteasome-mediated protein degradation. This study reveals that MHZ3 is required for ethylene signaling and identifies how MHZ3 binds to OsEIN2 via the OsEIN2 N-terminal Nramp-like domain.

The phytohormone ethylene regulates many aspects of plant growth and development. EIN2 is the central regulator of ethylene signaling, and its turnover is crucial for triggering ethylene responses. Here, we identified a stabilizer of OsEIN2 through analysis of the rice ethylene-response mutant mhz3. Loss-of-function mutations lead to ethylene insensitivity in etiolated rice seedlings. MHZ3 encodes a previously uncharacterized membrane protein localized to the endoplasmic reticulum. Ethylene induces MHZ3 gene and protein expression. Genetically, MHZ3 acts at the OsEIN2 level in the signaling pathway. MHZ3 physically interacts with OsEIN2, and both the N- and C-termini of MHZ3 specifically associate with the OsEIN2 Nramp-like domain. Loss of mhz3 function reduces OsEIN2 abundance and attenuates ethylene-induced OsEIN2 accumulation, whereas MHZ3 overexpression elevates the abundance of both wild-type and mutated OsEIN2 proteins, suggesting that MHZ3 is required for proper accumulation of OsEIN2 protein. The association of MHZ3 with the Nramp-like domain is crucial for OsEIN2 accumulation, demonstrating the significance of the OsEIN2 transmembrane domains in ethylene signaling. Moreover, MHZ3 negatively modulates OsEIN2 ubiquitination, protecting OsEIN2 from proteasome-mediated degradation. Together, these results suggest that ethylene-induced MHZ3 stabilizes OsEIN2 likely by binding to its Nramp-like domain and impeding protein ubiquitination to facilitate ethylene signal transduction. Our findings provide insight into the mechanisms of ethylene signaling.

14-3-3 Proteins in Plant Hormone Signaling: Doing Several Things at Once

In this review we highlight the advances achieved in the investigation of the role of 14-3-3 proteins in hormone signaling, biosynthesis, and transport. 14-3-3 proteins are a family of conserved molecules that target a number of protein clients through their ability to recognize well-defined phosphorylated motifs. As a result, they regulate several cellular processes, ranging from metabolism to transport, growth, development, and stress response. High-throughput proteomic data and two-hybrid screen demonstrate that 14-3-3 proteins physically interact with many protein clients involved in the biosynthesis or signaling pathways of the main plant hormones, while increasing functional evidence indicates that 14-3-3-target interactions play pivotal regulatory roles. These advances provide a framework of our understanding of plant hormone action, suggesting that 14-3-3 proteins act as hubs of a cellular web encompassing different signaling pathways, transducing and integrating diverse hormone signals in the regulation of physiological processes.

WRINKLED1 as a novel 14-3-3 client: function of 14-3-3 proteins in plant lipid metabolism

The conserved plant 14-3-3 proteins (14-3-3s) function by binding to phosphorylated client proteins to regulate their function. Previous studies indicate that 14-3-3s are involved in the regulation of plant primary metabolism; however, not much is known regarding the functions of 14-3-3s in plant oil biosynthesis. Our recent work shows that 14-3-3 plays a role in mediating plant oil biosynthesis through interacting with the transcription factor, WRINKLED1 (WRI1). WRI1 is critical for the transcriptional control of plant oil biosynthesis. Arabidopsis WRI1 physically interacts with 14-3-3s. Transient co-expression of AtWRI1 with 14-3-3s enhances plant oil biosynthesis in leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana. Transgenic plants overexpressing of a 14-3-3 show enhanced seed oil content. Co-expression of a 14-3-3 with AtWRI1 results in increased transcriptional activity and protein stability of AtWRI1. Our transcriptional regulation model supports a concept that interaction of a 14-3-3 with a transcription factor enhances the transcriptional activity through protein stabilization.

Regulation of the turnover of ACC synthases by phytohormones and heterodimerization in Arabidopsis

Ethylene influences many aspects of plant growth and development. The biosynthesis of ethylene is highly regulated by a variety of internal and external cues. A key target of this regulation is 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthases (ACS), generally the rate-limiting step in ethylene biosynthesis, which is regulated both transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally. Prior studies have demonstrated that cytokinin and brassinosteroid (BR) act as regulatory inputs to elevate ethylene biosynthesis by increasing the stability of ACS proteins. Here, we demonstrate that several additional phytohormones also regulate ACS protein turnover. Abscisic acid, auxin, gibberellic acid, methyl jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid differentially regulate the stability of ACS proteins, with distinct effects on various isoforms. In addition, we demonstrate that heterodimerization influences the stability of ACS proteins. Heterodimerization between ACS isoforms from distinct subclades results in increased stability of the shorter-lived partner. Together, our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the roles of various phytohormones on ACS protein stability, which brings new insights into crosstalk between ethylene and other phytohormones, and a novel regulatory mechanism that controls ACS protein stability through a heterodimerization of ACS isoforms.

Feedback Microtubule Control and Microtubule-Actin Cross-talk in Arabidopsis Revealed by Integrative Proteomic and Cell Biology Analysis of KATANIN 1 Mutants

Microtubule organization and dynamics are critical for key developmental processes such as cell division, elongation, and morphogenesis. Microtubule severing is an essential regulator of microtubules and is exclusively executed by KATANIN 1 in Arabidopsis In this study, we comparatively studied the proteome-wide effects in two KATANIN 1 mutants. Thus, shotgun proteomic analysis of roots and aerial parts of single nucleotide mutant fra2 and T-DNA insertion mutant ktn1-2 was carried out. We have detected 42 proteins differentially abundant in both fra2 and ktn1-2 KATANIN 1 dysfunction altered the abundance of proteins involved in development, metabolism, and stress responses. The differential regulation of tubulins and microtubule-destabilizing protein MDP25 implied a feedback microtubule control in KATANIN 1 mutants. Furthermore, deregulation of profilin 1, actin-depolymerizing factor 3, and actin 7 was observed. These findings were confirmed by immunoblotting analysis of actin and by microscopic observation of actin filaments using fluorescently labeled phalloidin. Results obtained by quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that changed protein abundances were not a consequence of altered expression levels of corresponding genes in the mutants. In conclusion, we show that abundances of several cytoskeletal proteins as well as organization of microtubules and the actin cytoskeleton are amended in accordance with defective microtubule severing.

VpPUB24, a novel gene from Chinese grapevine, Vitis pseudoreticulata, targets VpICE1 to enhance cold tolerance

The ubiquitination system plays important roles in the degradation and modification of substrate proteins. In this study, we characterize a putative U-box type E3 ubiquitin ligase gene, VpPUB24 (plant U-box protein 24), from Chinese wild grapevine, Vitis pseudoreticulata accession Baihe-35-1. We show that VpPUB24 is induced by a number of stresses, especially cold treatment. Real-time PCR analysis indicated that the PUB24 transcripts were increased after cold stress in different grapevine species, although the relative expression level was different. In grapevine protoplasts, we found that VpPUB24 was expressed at a low level at 22 °C but accumulated rapidly following cold treatment. A yeast two-hybrid assay revealed that VpPUB24 interacted physically with VpICE1. Further experiments indicated that VpICE1 is targeted for degradation via the 26S proteasome and that the degradation is accelerated by VpHOS1, and not by VpPUB24. Immunoblot analyses indicated that VpPUB24 promotes the accumulation of VpICE1 and suppresses the expression of VpHOS1 to regulate the abundance of VpICE1. Furthermore, VpICE1 promotes transcription of VpPUB24 at low temperatures. We also found that VpPUB24 interacts with VpHOS1 in a yeast two-hybrid assay. Additionally, over-expression of VpPUB24 in Arabidopsis thaliana enhanced cold tolerance. Collectively, our results suggest that VpPUB24 interacts with VpICE1 to play a role in cold stress.

Metabolomic and Proteomic Analysis of Maize Embryonic Callus induced from immature embryo

The low ratio of embryonic callus (EC) induction has inhibited the rapid development of maize genetic engineering. Still, little is known to explain the genotype-dependence of EC induction. Here, we performed a large-scale, quantitative analysis of the maize EC metabolome and proteome at three typical induction stages in two inbred lines with a range of EC induction capabilities. Comparison of the metabolomes and proteomes suggests that the differential molecular responses begin at an early stage of development and continue throughout the process of EC formation. The two inbred lines show different responses under various conditions, such as metal ion binding, cell enlargement, stem cell formation, meristematic activity maintenance, somatic embryogenesis, cell wall synthesis, and hormone signal transduction. Furthermore, the differences in hormone (auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, brassinosteroid and ethylene) synthesis and transduction ability could partially explain the higher EC induction ratio in the inbred line 18-599R. During EC formation, repression of the "histone deacetylase 2 and ERF transcription factors" complex in 18-599R activated the expression of downstream genes, which further promoted EC induction. Together, our data provide new insights into the molecular regulatory mechanism responsible for efficient EC induction in maize.

Regulation of the wheat MAP kinase phosphatase 1 by 14-3-3 proteins

Plant MAP kinase phosphatases (MKPs) are major regulators of MAPK signaling pathways and play crucial roles in controlling growth, development and stress responses. The presence of several functional domains in plant MKPs such as a dual specificity phosphatase catalytic domain, gelsolin, calmodulin-binding and serine-rich domains, suggests that MKPs can interact with distinct cellular partners, others than MAPKs. In this report, we identified a canonical mode I 14-3-3-binding motif (₅₇₄KLPSLP₅₇₉) located at the carboxy-terminal region of the wheat MKP, TMKP1. We found that this motif is well-conserved among other MKPs from monocots including Hordeum vulgare, Brachypodium distachyon and Aegilops taushii. Using co-immunoprecipitation assays, we provide evidence for interaction between TMKP1 and 14-3-3 proteins in wheat. Moreover, the phosphatase activity of TMKP1 is increased in a phospho-dependent manner by either Arabidopsis or yeast 14-3-3 isoforms. TMKP1 activation by 14-3-3 proteins is enhanced by Mn²⁺, whereas in the presence of Ca²⁺ ions, TMKP1 activation was limited to Arabidopsis 14-3-3φ (phi), an isoform harboring an EF-hand motif. Such findings strongly suggest that 14-3-3 proteins, in conjunction with specific divalent cations, may stimulate TMKP1 activity and point-out that 14-3-3 proteins bind and regulate the activity of a MKP in eukaryotes.

Plasma Membrane CRPK1-Mediated Phosphorylation of 14-3-3 Proteins Induces Their Nuclear Import to Fine-Tune CBF Signaling during Cold Response

In plant cells, changes in fluidity of the plasma membrane may serve as the primary sensor of cold stress; however, the precise mechanism and how the cell transduces and fine-tunes cold signals remain elusive. Here we show that the cold-activated plasma membrane protein cold-responsive protein kinase 1 (CRPK1) phosphorylates 14-3-3 proteins. The phosphorylated 14-3-3 proteins shuttle from the cytosol to the nucleus, where they interact with and destabilize the key cold-responsive C-repeat-binding factor (CBF) proteins. Consistent with this, the crpk1 and 14-3-3κλ mutants show enhanced freezing tolerance, and transgenic plants overexpressing 14-3-3λ show reduced freezing tolerance. Further study shows that CRPK1 is essential for the nuclear translocation of 14-3-3 proteins and for 14-3-3 function in freezing tolerance. Thus, our study reveals that the CRPK1-14-3-3 module transduces the cold signal from the plasma membrane to the nucleus to modulate CBF stability, which ensures a faithfully adjusted response to cold stress of plants.

CDPKs and 14-3-3 Proteins: Emerging Duo in Signaling

Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are Ca²⁺-sensors that play pivotal roles in plant development and stress responses. They have the unique ability to directly translate intracellular Ca²⁺ signals into reversible phosphorylation events of diverse substrates which can mediate interactions with 14-3-3 proteins to modulate protein functions. Recent studies have revealed roles for the coordinated action of CDPKs and 14-3-3s in regulating diverse aspects of plant biology including metabolism, development, and stress responses. We review here the underlying interaction and cross-regulation of the two signaling proteins, and we discuss how this insight has led to the emerging concept of CDPK/14-3-3 signaling modules that could contribute to response specificity.

14-3-3 protein mediates plant seed oil biosynthesis through interaction with AtWRI1

Plant 14-3-3 proteins are phosphopeptide-binding proteins, belonging to a large family of proteins involved in numerous physiological processes including primary metabolism, although knowledge about the function of 14-3-3s in plant lipid metabolism is sparse. WRINKLED1 (WRI1) is a key transcription factor that governs plant oil biosynthesis. At present, AtWRI1-interacting partners remain largely unknown. Here, we show that 14-3-3 proteins are able to interact with AtWRI1, both in yeast and plant cells. Transient co-expression of 14-3-3- and AtWRI1-encoding cDNAs led to increased oil biosynthesis in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Stable transgenic plants overproducing a 14-3-3 protein also displayed increased seed oil content. Co-production of a 14-3-3 protein with AtWRI1 enhanced the transcriptional activity of AtWRI1. The 14-3-3 protein was found to increase the stability of AtWRI1. A possible 14-3-3 binding motif was identified in one of the two AP2 domains of AtWRI1, which was also found to be critical for the interaction of AtWRI1 with an E3 ligase linker protein. Thus, we hypothesize a regulatory mechanism by which the binding of 14-3-3 to AtWRI1 interferes with the interaction of AtWRI1 and the E3 ligase, thereby protecting AtWRI1 from degradation. Taken together, our studies identified AtWRI1 as a client of 14-3-3 proteins and provide insights into a role of 14-3-3 in mediating plant oil biosynthesis.

The cytokinin response factors modulate root and shoot growth and promote leaf senescence in Arabidopsis

The cytokinin response factors (CRFs) are a group of related AP2/ERF transcription factors that are transcriptionally induced by cytokinin. Here we explore the role of the CRFs in Arabidopsis thaliana growth and development by analyzing lines with decreased and increased CRF function. While single crf mutations have no appreciable phenotypes, disruption of multiple CRFs results in larger rosettes, delayed leaf senescence, a smaller root apical meristem (RAM), reduced primary and lateral root growth, and, in etiolated seedlings, shorter hypocotyls. In contrast, overexpression of CRFs generally results in the opposite phenotypes. The crf1,2,5,6 quadruple mutant is embryo lethal, indicating that CRF function is essential for embryo development. Disruption of the CRFs results in partially insensitivity to cytokinin in a root elongation assay and affects the basal expression of a significant number of cytokinin-regulated genes, including the type-A ARRs, although it does not impair the cytokinin induction of the type-A ARRs. Genes encoding homeobox transcription factors are mis-expressed in the crf1,3,5,6 mutant, including STIMPY/WOX9 that is required for root and shoot apical meristem maintenance roots and which has previously been linked to cytokinin. These results indicate that the CRF transcription factors play important roles in multiple aspects of plant growth and development, in part through a complex interaction with cytokinin signaling.

Structure, function, and evolution of plant NIMA-related kinases: implication for phosphorylation-dependent microtubule regulation

Microtubules are highly dynamic structures that control the spatiotemporal pattern of cell growth and division. Microtubule dynamics are regulated by reversible protein phosphorylation involving both protein kinases and phosphatases. Never in mitosis A (NIMA)-related kinases (NEKs) are a family of serine/threonine kinases that regulate microtubule-related mitotic events in fungi and animal cells (e.g. centrosome separation and spindle formation). Although plants contain multiple members of the NEK family, their functions remain elusive. Recent studies revealed that NEK6 of Arabidopsis thaliana regulates cell expansion and morphogenesis through β-tubulin phosphorylation and microtubule destabilization. In addition, plant NEK members participate in organ development and stress responses. The present phylogenetic analysis indicates that plant NEK genes are diverged from a single NEK6-like gene, which may share a common ancestor with other kinases involved in the control of microtubule organization. On the contrary, another mitotic kinase, polo-like kinase, might have been lost during the evolution of land plants. We propose that plant NEK members have acquired novel functions to regulate cell growth, microtubule organization, and stress responses.

Producing the Ethylene Signal: Regulation and Diversification of Ethylene Biosynthetic Enzymes

Strictly controlled production of ethylene gas lies upstream of the signaling activities of this crucial regulator throughout the plant life cycle. Although the biosynthetic pathway is enzymatically simple, the regulatory circuits that modulate signal production are fine tuned to allow integration of responses to environmental and intrinsic cues. Recently identified posttranslational mechanisms that control ethylene production converge on one family of biosynthetic enzymes and overlay several independent reversible phosphorylation events and distinct mediators of ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation. Although the core pathway is conserved throughout seed plants, these posttranslational regulatory mechanisms may represent evolutionarily recent innovations. The evolutionary origins of the pathway and its regulators are not yet clear; outside the seed plants, numerous biochemical and phylogenetic questions remain to be addressed.

Illuminating light, cytokinin, and ethylene signalling crosstalk in plant development

Integrating important environmental signals with intrinsic developmental programmes is a crucial adaptive requirement for plant growth, survival, and reproduction. Key environmental cues include changes in several light variables, while important intrinsic (and highly interactive) regulators of many developmental processes include the phytohormones cytokinins (CKs) and ethylene. Here, we discuss the latest discoveries regarding the molecular mechanisms mediating CK/ethylene crosstalk at diverse levels of biosynthetic and metabolic pathways and their complex interactions with light. Furthermore, we summarize evidence indicating that multiple hormonal and light signals are integrated in the multistep phosphorelay (MSP) pathway, a backbone signalling pathway in plants. Inter alia, there are strong overlaps in subcellular localizations and functional similarities in components of these pathways, including receptors and various downstream agents. We highlight recent research demonstrating the importance of CK/ethylene/light crosstalk in selected aspects of plant development, particularly seed germination and early seedling development. The findings clearly demonstrate the crucial integration of plant responses to phytohormones and adaptive responses to environmental cues. Finally, we tentatively identify key future challenges to refine our understanding of the molecular mechanisms mediating crosstalk between light and hormonal signals, and their integration during plant life cycles.

New Insights into the Protein Turnover Regulation in Ethylene Biosynthesis

Biosynthesis of the phytohormone ethylene is under tight regulation to satisfy the need for appropriate levels of ethylene in plants in response to exogenous and endogenous stimuli. The enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS), which catalyzes the rate-limiting step of ethylene biosynthesis, plays a central role to regulate ethylene production through changes in ACS gene expression levels and the activity of the enzyme. Together with molecular genetic studies suggesting the roles of post-translational modification of the ACS, newly emerging evidence strongly suggests that the regulation of ACS protein stability is an alternative mechanism that controls ethylene production, in addition to the transcriptional regulation of ACS genes. In this review, recent new insight into the regulation of ACS protein turnover is highlighted, with a special focus on the roles of phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and novel components that regulate the turnover of ACS proteins. The prospect of cross-talk between ethylene biosynthesis and other signaling pathways to control turnover of the ACS protein is also considered.

Signaling mechanisms in pattern-triggered immunity (PTI)

In nature, plants constantly have to face pathogen attacks. However, plant disease rarely occurs due to efficient immune systems possessed by the host plants. Pathogens are perceived by two different recognition systems that initiate the so-called pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI), both of which are accompanied by a set of induced defenses that usually repel pathogen attacks. Here we discuss the complex network of signaling pathways occurring during PTI, focusing on the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases.

The impact of heat stress targeting on the hormonal and transcriptomic response in Arabidopsis

Targeting of the heat stress (HS, 40°C) to shoots, roots or whole plants substantially affects Arabidopsis physiological responses. Effective stress targeting was proved by determination of the expression of HS markers, HsfA2 and HSA32, which were quickly stimulated in the targeted organ(s), but remained low in non-stressed tissues for at least 2h. When shoots or whole plants were subjected to HS, a transient decrease in abscisic acid, accompanied by a small increase in active cytokinin levels, was observed in leaves, consistent with stimulation of transpiration, the main cooling mechanism in leaves. HS application targeted to part of plant resulted in a rapid stimulation of expression of components of cytokinin signaling pathway (especially of receptor genes) in the non-exposed tissues, which indicated fast inter-organ communication. Under all HS treatments, shoot apices responded by transient elevation of active cytokinin contents and stimulation of transcription of genes involved in photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Duration of this stimulation was negatively correlated with stress strength. The impact of targeted HS on the expression of 63 selected genes, including those coding regulatory 14-3-3 proteins, was compared. Stimulation of GRF9 (GRF14μ) in stressed organs after 2-6h may be associated with plant stress adaptation.

Plant signalling in acute ozone exposure

Exposure of plants to high ozone concentrations causes lesion formation in sensitive plants. Plant responses to ozone involve fast and massive changes in protein activities, gene expression and metabolism even before any tissue damage can be detected. Degradation of ozone and subsequent accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the extracellular space activates several signalling cascades, which are integrated inside the cell into a fine-balanced network of ROS signalling. Reversible protein phosphorylation and degradation plays an important role in the regulation of signalling mechanisms in a complex crosstalk with plant hormones and calcium, an essential second messenger. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of ozone uptake, perception and signalling pathways activated during the early steps of ozone response, and discuss the use of ozone as a tool to study the function of apoplastic ROS in signalling.

14-3-3 Proteins in Guard Cell Signaling

Guard cells are specialized cells located at the leaf surface delimiting pores which control gas exchanges between the plant and the atmosphere. To optimize the CO2 uptake necessary for photosynthesis while minimizing water loss, guard cells integrate environmental signals to adjust stomatal aperture. The size of the stomatal pore is regulated by movements of the guard cells driven by variations in their volume and turgor. As guard cells perceive and transduce a wide array of environmental cues, they provide an ideal system to elucidate early events of plant signaling. Reversible protein phosphorylation events are known to play a crucial role in the regulation of stomatal movements. However, in some cases, phosphorylation alone is not sufficient to achieve complete protein regulation, but is necessary to mediate the binding of interactors that modulate protein function. Among the phosphopeptide-binding proteins, the 14-3-3 proteins are the best characterized in plants. The 14-3-3s are found as multiple isoforms in eukaryotes and have been shown to be involved in the regulation of stomatal movements. In this review, we describe the current knowledge about 14-3-3 roles in the regulation of their binding partners in guard cells: receptors, ion pumps, channels, protein kinases, and some of their substrates. Regulation of these targets by 14-3-3 proteins is discussed and related to their function in guard cells during stomatal movements in response to abiotic or biotic stresses.

14-3-3 Proteins in Guard Cell Signaling

Guard cells are specialized cells located at the leaf surface delimiting pores which control gas exchanges between the plant and the atmosphere. To optimize the CO2 uptake necessary for photosynthesis while minimizing water loss, guard cells integrate environmental signals to adjust stomatal aperture. The size of the stomatal pore is regulated by movements of the guard cells driven by variations in their volume and turgor. As guard cells perceive and transduce a wide array of environmental cues, they provide an ideal system to elucidate early events of plant signaling. Reversible protein phosphorylation events are known to play a crucial role in the regulation of stomatal movements. However, in some cases, phosphorylation alone is not sufficient to achieve complete protein regulation, but is necessary to mediate the binding of interactors that modulate protein function. Among the phosphopeptide-binding proteins, the 14-3-3 proteins are the best characterized in plants. The 14-3-3s are found as multiple isoforms in eukaryotes and have been shown to be involved in the regulation of stomatal movements. In this review, we describe the current knowledge about 14-3-3 roles in the regulation of their binding partners in guard cells: receptors, ion pumps, channels, protein kinases, and some of their substrates. Regulation of these targets by 14-3-3 proteins is discussed and related to their function in guard cells during stomatal movements in response to abiotic or biotic stresses.

14-3-3 proteins participate in light signaling through association with PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTORs

14-3-3 proteins are regulatory proteins found in all eukaryotes and are known to selectively interact with phosphorylated proteins to regulate physiological processes. Through an affinity purification screening, many light-related proteins were recovered as 14-3-3 candidate binding partners. Yeast two-hybrid analysis revealed that the 14-3-3 kappa isoform (14-3-3κ) could bind to PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR3 (PIF3) and CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1). Further analysis by in vitro pull-down assay confirmed the interaction between 14-3-3κ and PIF3. Interruption of putative phosphorylation sites on the 14-3-3 binding motifs of PIF3 was not sufficient to inhibit 14-3-3κ from binding or to disturb nuclear localization of PIF3. It was also indicated that 14-3-3κ could bind to other members of the PIF family, such as PIF1 and PIF6, but not to LONG HYPOCOTYL IN FAR-RED1 (HFR1). 14-3-3 mutants, as well as the PIF3 overexpressor, displayed longer hypocotyls, and a pif3 mutant displayed shorter hypocotyls than the wild-type in red light, suggesting that 14-3-3 proteins are positive regulators of photomorphogenesis and function antagonistically with PIF3. Consequently, our results indicate that 14-3-3 proteins bind to PIFs and initiate photomorphogenesis in response to a light signal.

Shedding light on ethylene metabolism in higher plants

Ethylene metabolism in higher plants is regulated by a wide array of endogenous and environmental factors. During most physiological processes, ethylene levels are mainly determined by a strict control of the rate-limiting biosynthetic steps responsible for the production of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) and its subsequent conversion to ethylene. Responsible for these reactions, the key enzymes ACC synthase and ACC oxidase are encoded by multigene families formed by members that can be differentially regulated at the transcription and post-translational levels by specific developmental and environmental signals. Among the wide variety of environmental cues controlling plant ethylene production, light quality, duration, and intensity have consistently been demonstrated to influence the metabolism of this plant hormone in diverse plant tissues, organs, and species. Although still not completely elucidated, the mechanisms underlying the interaction between light signal transduction and ethylene evolution appears to involve a complex network that includes central transcription factors connecting multiple signaling pathways, which can be reciprocally modulated by ethylene itself, other phytohormones, and specific light wavelengths. Accumulating evidence has indicated particular photoreceptors as essential mediators in light-induced signaling cascades affecting ethylene levels. Therefore, this review specifically focuses on discussing the current knowledge of the potential molecular mechanisms implicated in the light-induced responses affecting ethylene metabolism during the regulation of developmental and metabolic plant responses. Besides presenting the state of the art in this research field, some overlooked mechanisms and future directions to elucidate the exact nature of the light-ethylene interplay in higher plants will also be compiled and discussed.

Casein kinase 1 regulates ethylene synthesis by phosphorylating and promoting the turnover of ACS5

The casein kinase 1 (CK1) family participates in various cellular processes in eukaryotes, but CK1 function in higher plants remains largely unknown. Here, we characterize the function of Arabidopsis CK1 in the regulation of ethylene biosynthesis. Etiolated seedlings of a CK1.8-deficient mutant, ck1.8-1, showed characteristic ethylene-specific constitutive responses due to overaccumulation of ethylene. Biochemical and physiological studies showed that CK1.8 phosphorylates ACS5, a key enzyme of ethylene biosynthesis, at threonine 463 to promote its interaction with the E3 ubiquitin ligase Ethylene Overproduction 1 (ETO1). Deficiency of CK1.8 leads to the accumulation of ACS5, and transgenic plants harboring a dephosphorylation-mimic ACS5(T463A) showed constitutive ethylene responses, confirming the role of CK1.8 in regulating ACS5 stability by phosphorylation and demonstrating that CK1.8 is an important regulator of ethylene biosynthesis. CK1.8 expression is feedback regulated by ethylene. Our studies provide insight into the regulation of ACS5 and ethylene biosynthesis.

Higher order Arabidopsis 14-3-3 mutants show 14-3-3 involvement in primary root growth both under control and abiotic stress conditions

Arabidopsis 14-3-3 proteins are a family of conserved proteins that interact with numerous partner proteins in a phospho-specific manner, and can affect the target proteins in a number of ways; e.g. modification of enzymatic activity. We isolated T-DNA insertion lines in six 14-3-3 genes within the non-epsilon group that phylogenetically group in three closely related gene pairs. In total, 6 single, 3 double, 12 triple, and 3 quadruple mutants were generated. The mutants were phenotyped for primary root growth on control plates: single and double mutants were indistinguishable from WT, whereas six triples and all quadruples showed a shorter primary root. In addition, length of the first epidermal cell with a visible root hair bulge (LEH) was used to determine primary root elongation on medium containing mannitol and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC). This analysis showed clear differences depending on the stress and 14-3-3 gene combinations. Next to the phenotypic growth analyses, a 14-3-3 pull-down assay on roots treated with and without mannitol showed that mannitol stress strongly affects the 14-3-3 interactome. In conclusion, we show gene specificity and functional redundancy among 14-3-3 proteins in primary root elongation under control and under abiotic stress conditions and changes in the 14-3-3 interactome during the onset of stress adaptation.

The Arabidopsis 14-3-3 protein RARE COLD INDUCIBLE 1A links low-temperature response and ethylene biosynthesis to regulate freezing tolerance and cold acclimation

In plants, the expression of 14-3-3 genes reacts to various adverse environmental conditions, including cold, high salt, and drought. Although these results suggest that 14-3-3 proteins have the potential to regulate plant responses to abiotic stresses, their role in such responses remains poorly understood. Previously, we showed that the RARE COLD INDUCIBLE 1A (RCI1A) gene encodes the 14-3-3 psi isoform. Here, we present genetic and molecular evidence implicating RCI1A in the response to low temperature. Our results demonstrate that RCI1A functions as a negative regulator of constitutive freezing tolerance and cold acclimation in Arabidopsis thaliana by controlling cold-induced gene expression. Interestingly, this control is partially performed through an ethylene (ET)-dependent pathway involving physical interaction with different ACC SYNTHASE (ACS) isoforms and a decreased ACS stability. We show that, consequently, RCI1A restrains ET biosynthesis, contributing to establish adequate levels of this hormone in Arabidopsis under both standard and low-temperature conditions. We further show that these levels are required to promote proper cold-induced gene expression and freezing tolerance before and after cold acclimation. All these data indicate that RCI1A connects the low-temperature response with ET biosynthesis to modulate constitutive freezing tolerance and cold acclimation in Arabidopsis.

The non-catalytic N-terminal domain of ACS7 is involved in the post-translational regulation of this gene in Arabidopsis

Post-transcriptional control of the expression of the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS) gene family is important for maintaining appropriate levels of ethylene production. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the post-transcriptional regulation of type 3 ACS proteins remains unclear. Multiple sequence alignment revealed that the N-terminus of type 3 ACSs was longer than that of other ACSs. Fusing the N-terminal 54 residues of ACS7, the sole type 3 ACS in Arabidopsis, to the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter significantly decreased the stability of N(7(1-54))-GUS fusion protein. Among these 54 residues, residues 1-14 conferred this negative effect on the GUS fusion gene. Consistently, a truncated form of ACS7 lacking residues 1-14 was more stable than full-length ACS7 when transgenically expressed in Arabidopsis and led to a more severe ethylene response phenotype in the light-grown transgenic seedlings. Interestingly, the ACS7 N-terminus had no effect on the stability of N(7)-GUS and ACS7 proteins at the etiolated seedling stage. Both exogenous 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) treatment and salt stress could rescue the levels of accumulation of N(7)-GUS fusion protein in light-grown seedlings. These results suggest that the non-catalytic N-terminus of ACS7 is involved in its own post-translational regulation. The proteasome inhibitor MG132 suppressed degradation of full-length ACS7 in vivo, but had little effect on the N-terminal truncated form of ACS7, indicating that the N-terminus mediates the regulation of ACS7 stability through the ubiquitin-26S proteasome pathway.

Abscisic acid inhibits root growth in Arabidopsis through ethylene biosynthesis

When first discovered in 1963, abscisic acid (ABA) was called abscisin II because it promotes abscission. Later, researchers found that ABA accelerates abscission via ethylene. In Arabidopsis, previous studies have shown that high concentrations of ABA inhibit root growth through ethylene signaling but not ethylene production. In the present study in Arabidopsis, we found that ABA inhibits root growth by promoting ethylene biosynthesis. The ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor L-α-(2-aminoethoxyvinyl)-glycine reduces ABA inhibition of root growth, and multiple mutants of ACS (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase) are more resistant to ABA in terms of root growth than the wild-type is. Two ABA-activated calcium-dependent protein kinases, CPK4 and CPK11, phosphorylate the C-terminus of ACS6 and increase the stability of ACS6 in ethylene biosynthesis. Plants expressing an ACS6 mutant that mimics the phosphorylated form of ACS6 produce more ethylene than the wild-type. Our results reveal an important mechanism by which ABA promotes ethylene production. This mechanism may be highly conserved among higher plants.

Identification and characterization of the 14-3-3 gene family in Hevea brasiliensis

The 14-3-3 proteins are a family of conserved phospho-specific binding proteins involved in diverse physiological processes. Although the genome-wide analysis of this family has been carried out in certain plant species, little is known about 14-3-3 protein genes in rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). In this study, we identified 10 14-3-3 protein genes (designated as HbGF14a to HbGF14j) in the latest rubber tree genome. A phylogenetic tree was constructed and found to demonstrate that HbGF14s can be divided into two major groups. Tissue-specific expression profiles showed that 10 HbGF14 were expressed in at least one of the tissues, which suggested that HbGF14s participated in numerous cellular processes. The 10 HbGF14s responded to jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ET) treatment, which suggested that these HbGF14s were involved in response to JA and ET signaling. The target of HbGF14c protein was related to small rubber particle protein, a major rubber particle protein that is involved in rubber biosynthesis. These findings suggested that 14-3-3 proteins may be involved in the regulation of natural rubber biosynthesis.

Multisite phosphorylation of 14-3-3 proteins by calcium-dependent protein kinases

Plant 14-3-3 proteins are phosphorylated at multiple sites in vivo; however, the protein kinase(s) responsible are unknown. Of the 34 CPK (calcium-dependent protein kinase) paralogues in Arabidopsis thaliana, three (CPK1, CPK24 and CPK28) contain a canonical 14-3-3-binding motif. These three, in addition to CPK3, CPK6 and CPK8, were tested for activity against recombinant 14-3-3 proteins χ and ε. Using an MS-based quantitative assay we demonstrate phosphorylation of 14-3-3 χ and ε at a total of seven sites, one of which is an in vivo site discovered in Arabidopsis. CPK autophosphorylation was also comprehensively monitored by MS and revealed a total of 45 sites among the six CPKs analysed, most of which were located within the N-terminal variable and catalytic domains. Among these CPK autophosphorylation sites was Tyr463 within the calcium-binding EF-hand domain of CPK28. Of all CPKs assayed, CPK28, which contained an autophosphorylation site (Ser43) within a canonical 14-3-3-binding motif, showed the highest activity against 14-3-3 proteins. Phosphomimetic mutagenesis of Ser72 to aspartate on 14-3-3χ, which is adjacent to the 14-3-3-binding cleft and conserved among all 14-3-3 isoforms, prevented 14-3-3-mediated inhibition of phosphorylated nitrate reductase.

A Glycine soja 14-3-3 protein GsGF14o participates in stomatal and root hair development and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana

It is well established that 14-3-3 proteins are key regulators of multiple stress signal transduction cascades. However, the biological functions of soybean 14-3-3 proteins, especially in plant drought response, are not yet known. In this study, we characterized a Glycine soja 14-3-3 gene, GsGF14o, which is involved in plant development and drought response. GsGF14o expression was greatly induced by drought stress, as evidenced by the quantitative real-time PCR and β-glucuronidase (GUS) activity analysis. GsGF14o overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana resulted in decreased drought tolerance during seed germination and seedling growth. Furthermore, silencing of AtGF14µ, the most homologous 14-3-3 gene of GsGF14o, led to enhanced drought tolerance at both the seed germination and seedling stage. Unexpectedly, GsGF14o transgenic lines showed reduced water loss and transpiration rates compared with wild-type plants, which was demonstrated to be the consequence of the decreased stomatal size. At the same time, the smaller stomata due to GsGF14o overexpression led to a relatively slow net photosynthesis rate, which led to a growth penalty under drought stress. We further demonstrated that GsGF14o overexpression caused deficits in root hair formation and development, and thereby reduced the water intake capacity of the transgenic root system. In addition, GsGF14o overexpression down-regulated the transcript levels of drought-responsive marker genes. Finally, we also investigated the tissue-specific accumulation of GsGF14o by using a GUS activity assay. Collectively, the results presented here confirm that GsGF14o plays a dual role in drought stress responses through its involvement in the regulation of stomatal size and root hair development.

A type III ACC synthase, ACS7, is involved in root gravitropism in Arabidopsis thaliana

Ethylene is an important plant hormone that regulates developmental processes in plants. The ethylene biosynthesis pathway is a highly regulated process at both the transcriptional and post-translational level. The transcriptional regulation of these ethylene biosynthesis genes is well known. However, post-translational modifications of the key ethylene biosynthesis enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase (ACS) are little understood. In vitro kinase assays were conducted on the type III ACS, AtACS7, fusion protein and peptides to determine whether the AtACS7 protein can be phosphorylated by calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK). AtACS7 was phosphorylated at Ser216, Thr296, and Ser299 by AtCDPK16 in vitro. To investigate further the function of the ACS7 gene in Arabidopsis, an acs7-1 loss-of-function mutant was isolated. The acs7-1 mutant exhibited less sensitivity to the inhibition of root gravitropism by treatment with the calcium chelator ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA). Seedlings were treated with gradient concentrations of ACC. The results showed that a certain concentration of ethylene enhanced the gravity response. Moreover, the acs7-1 mutant was less sensitive to inhibition of the gravity response by treatment with the auxin polar transport inhibitor 1-naphthylphthalamic acid, but exogenous ACC application recovered root gravitropism. Altogether, the results indicate that AtACS7 is involved in root gravitropism in a calcium-dependent manner in Arabidopsis.

ACC synthase and its cognate E3 ligase are inversely regulated by light

1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase (ACS) is the key enzyme in ethylene biosynthesis, catalyzing the conversion of S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) to ACC, which is the immediate precursor of ethylene. The regulation of ACS protein stability plays an important role in controlling ethylene biosynthesis. We have recently shown that 14-3-3 positively regulates ACS protein stability by both a direct effect and via downregulation of the stability of the E3 ligases regulating its turnover, Ethylene Overproducer1 (ETO1)/ETO1-like (EOL). Here, we report that treatment of etiolated Arabidopsis seedlings with light rapidly increases the stability of ACS5 protein. In contrast, light destabilizes the ETO1/EOLs proteins, suggesting that light acts to increase ethylene biosynthesis in part through a decrease in the level of the ETO1/EOL proteins. This demonstrates that the ETO1/EOLs are regulated in response to at least one environmental cue and that their regulated degradation may represent a novel input controlling ethylene biosynthesis.