Very-long-chain fatty acids are involved in polar auxin transport and developmental patterning in Arabidopsis

Golgi- and trans-Golgi network-mediated vesicle trafficking is required for wax secretion from epidermal cells

Lipid secretion from epidermal cells to the plant surface is essential to create the protective plant cuticle. Cuticular waxes are unusual secretory products, consisting of a variety of highly hydrophobic compounds including saturated very-long-chain alkanes, ketones, and alcohols. These compounds are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) but must be trafficked to the plasma membrane for export by ATP-binding cassette transporters. To test the hypothesis that wax components are trafficked via the endomembrane system and packaged in Golgi-derived secretory vesicles, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) stem wax secretion was assayed in a series of vesicle-trafficking mutants, including gnom like1-1 (gnl1-1), transport particle protein subunit120-4, and echidna (ech). Wax secretion was dependent upon GNL1 and ECH. Independent of secretion phenotypes, mutants with altered ER morphology also had decreased wax biosynthesis phenotypes, implying that the biosynthetic capacity of the ER is closely related to its structure. These results provide genetic evidence that wax export requires GNL1- and ECH-dependent endomembrane vesicle trafficking to deliver cargo to plasma membrane-localized ATP-binding cassette transporters.

Plasma membrane partitioning: from macro-domains to new views on plasmodesmata

Compartmentalization of cellular functions relies on partitioning of domains of diverse sizes within the plasma membrane (PM). Macro-domains measure several micrometers and contain specific proteins concentrated to specific sides (apical, basal, and lateral) of the PM conferring a polarity to the cell. Cell polarity is one of the driving forces in tissue and growth patterning. To maintain macro-domains within the PM, eukaryotic cells exert diverse mechanisms to counteract the free lateral diffusion of proteins. Protein activation/inactivation, endocytosis, PM recycling of transmembrane proteins and the role of diffusion barriers in macro-domains partitioning at PM will be discussed. Moreover, as plasmodesmata (PDs) are domains inserted within the PM which also mediate tissue and growth patterning, it is essential to understand how segregation of specific set of proteins is maintained at PDs while PDs domains are smaller in size compared to macro-domains. Here, we will present mechanisms allowing restriction of proteins at PM macro-domains, but for which molecular components have been found in PDs proteome. We will explore the hypothesis that partitioning of macro-domains and PDs may be ruled by similar mechanisms.

Cell polarity signaling

Cell polarity is a fundamental entity of living organisms. Cells must receive accurate decisions where to divide and along which plane, along which axis to grow, where to grow structures like flagellum or filopodium and how to differentially respond to external stimuli. In multicellular organisms cell polarity also regulates cell-cell communication, pattern formation and cell identity. In eukaryotes the RHO family of small G proteins have emerged as central regulators of cell polarity signaling. It is by now well established that ROPs, the plant specific RHO subfamily members, affect cell polarization. Work carried out over the last several years is beginning to reveal how ROPs are activated, how their activity is spatially regulated, through which effectors they regulate cell polarity and how they interact with hormonal signaling and other polarity determinants. The emerging picture is that while the mechanisms of cell polarity signaling are often unique to plants, the principles that govern cell polarization signaling can be similar. In this review, we provide an updated view of polarity signaling in plants, primarily focusing on the function of ROPs and how they interact with and coordinate different polarity determinants.

ABCG9, ABCG11 and ABCG14 ABC transporters are required for vascular development in Arabidopsis

In order to obtain insights into the regulatory pathways controlling phloem development, we characterized three genes encoding membrane proteins from the G sub-family of ABC transporters (ABCG9, ABCG11 and ABCG14), whose expression in the phloem has been confirmed. Mutations in the genes encoding these dimerizing 'half transporters' are semi-dominant and result in vascular patterning defects in cotyledons and the floral stem. Co-immunoprecipitation and bimolecular fluorescence complementation experiments demonstrated that these proteins dimerize, either by flexible pairing (ABCG11 and ABCG9) or by forming strict heterodimers (ABCG14). In addition, metabolome analyses and measurement of sterol ester contents in the mutants suggested that ABCG9, ABCG11 and ABCG14 are involved in lipid/sterol homeostasis regulation. Our results show that these three ABCG genes are required for proper vascular development in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Site-directed mutagenesis of a fatty acid elongase ELO-like condensing enzyme

The condensation step of fatty acid elongation is the addition of a C2 unit from malonyl-CoA to an acyl primer catalyzed by one of two families of enzymes, the 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthases and the ELO-like condensing enzymes. 3-Ketoacyl-CoA synthases use a Claisen-like reaction mechanism while the mechanism of the ELO-catalyzed condensation reaction is unknown. We have used site-directed mutagenesis of Dictyostelium discoideum EloA to identify residues important to catalytic activity and/or structure. Mutation of highly conserved polar residues to alanine resulted in an inactive enzyme strongly suggesting that these residues play a role in the condensation reaction.

Nitric oxide-sphingolipid interplays in plant signalling: a new enigma from the Sphinx?

Nitric oxide (NO) emerged as one of the major signaling molecules operating during plant development and plant responses to its environment. Beyond the identification of the direct molecular targets of NO, a series of studies considered its interplay with other actors of signal transduction and the integration of NO into complex signaling networks. Beside the close relationships between NO and calcium or phosphatidic acid signaling pathways that are now well-established, recent reports paved the way for interplays between NO and sphingolipids (SLs). This mini-review summarizes our current knowledge of the influence NO and SLs might exert on each other in plant physiology. Based on comparisons with examples from the animal field, it further indicates that, although SL-NO interplays are common features in signaling networks of eukaryotic cells, the underlying mechanisms and molecular targets significantly differ.

Extending the story of very-long-chain fatty acid elongation

Very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are essential molecules produced by all plant cells, and are components or precursors of numerous specialized metabolites synthesized in specific cell types. VLCFAs are elongated by an endoplasmic reticulum-localized fatty acid elongation complex of four core enzymes, which sequentially add two carbon units to a growing acyl chain. Identification and characterization of these enzymes in Arabidopsis thaliana has revealed that three of the four enzymes act as generalists, contributing to all metabolic pathways that require VLCFAs. A fourth component, the condensing enzyme, provides substrate specificity and determines the amount of product synthesized by the entire complex. Land plants have two families of condensing enzymes, FATTY ACID ELONGATION 1 (FAE1)-type ketoacyl-CoA synthases (KCSs) and ELONGATION DEFECTIVE-LIKEs (ELO-LIKEs). Our current knowledge of the specific roles of different condensing enzymes is incomplete, as is our understanding of the biological function of a recently characterized family of proteins, CER2-LIKEs, which contribute to condensing enzyme function. More broadly, the stoichiometry and quaternary structure of the fatty acid elongase complex remains poorly understood, and specific phylogenetic and biochemical questions persist for each component of the complex. Investigation of VLCFA elongation in different organisms, structural biochemistry, and cell biology approaches stand to greatly benefit this field of plant biology.

On the genetic control of planar growth during tissue morphogenesis in plants

Tissue morphogenesis requires extensive intercellular communication. Plant organs are composites of distinct radial cell layers. A typical layer, such as the epidermis, is propagated by stereotypic anticlinal cell divisions. It is presently unclear what mechanisms coordinate cell divisions relative to the plane of a layer, resulting in planar growth and maintenance of the layer structure. Failure in the regulation of coordinated growth across a tissue may result in spatially restricted abnormal growth and the formation of a tumor-like protrusion. Therefore, one way to approach planar growth control is to look for genetic mutants that exhibit localized tumor-like outgrowths. Interestingly, plants appear to have evolved quite robust genetic mechanisms that govern these aspects of tissue morphogenesis. Here we provide a short summary of the current knowledge about the genetics of tumor formation in plants and relate it to the known control of coordinated cell behavior within a tissue layer. We further portray the integuments of Arabidopsis thaliana as an excellent model system to study the regulation of planar growth. The value of examining this process in integuments was established by the recent identification of the Arabidopsis AGC VIII kinase UNICORN as a novel growth suppressor involved in the regulation of planar growth and the inhibition of localized ectopic growth in integuments and other floral organs. An emerging insight is that misregulation of central determinants of adaxial-abaxial tissue polarity can lead to the formation of spatially restricted multicellular outgrowths in several tissues. Thus, there may exist a link between the mechanisms regulating adaxial-abaxial tissue polarity and planar growth in plants.

Plant sphingolipids: function follows form

Plant sphingolipids are structurally diverse molecules that are important as membrane components and bioactive molecules. An appreciation of the relationship between structural diversity and functional significance of plant sphingolipids is emerging through characterization of Arabidopsis mutants coupled with advanced analytical methods. It is increasingly apparent that modifications such as hydroxylation and desaturation of the sphingolipid nonpolar long-chain bases and fatty acids influence their metabolic routing to particular complex sphingolipid classes and their functions in signaling pathways and other cellular processes, such as membrane protein targeting. Here, we review recent reports investigating some of the more prevalent sphingolipid structural modifications and their functional importance in plants.

Arabidopsis 3-ketoacyl-coenzyme a synthase9 is involved in the synthesis of tetracosanoic acids as precursors of cuticular waxes, suberins, sphingolipids, and phospholipids

Very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) with chain lengths from 20 to 34 carbons are involved in diverse biological functions such as membrane constituents, a surface barrier, and seed storage compounds. The first step in VLCFA biosynthesis is the condensation of two carbons to an acyl-coenzyme A, which is catalyzed by 3-ketoacyl-coenzyme A synthase (KCS). In this study, amino acid sequence homology and the messenger RNA expression patterns of 21 Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) KCSs were compared. The in planta role of the KCS9 gene, showing higher expression in stem epidermal peels than in stems, was further investigated. The KCS9 gene was ubiquitously expressed in various organs and tissues, including roots, leaves, and stems, including epidermis, silique walls, sepals, the upper portion of the styles, and seed coats, but not in developing embryos. The fluorescent signals of the KCS9::enhanced yellow fluorescent protein construct were merged with those of BrFAD2::monomeric red fluorescent protein, which is an endoplasmic reticulum marker in tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) epidermal cells. The kcs9 knockout mutants exhibited a significant reduction in C24 VLCFAs but an accumulation of C20 and C22 VLCFAs in the analysis of membrane and surface lipids. The mutant phenotypes were rescued by the expression of KCS9 under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. Taken together, these data demonstrate that KCS9 is involved in the elongation of C22 to C24 fatty acids, which are essential precursors for the biosynthesis of cuticular waxes, aliphatic suberins, and membrane lipids, including sphingolipids and phospholipids. Finally, possible roles of unidentified KCSs are discussed by combining genetic study results and gene expression data from multiple Arabidopsis KCSs.

Trans-specific gene silencing of acetyl-CoA carboxylase in a root-parasitic plant

Parasitic species of the family Orobanchaceae are devastating agricultural pests in many parts of the world. The control of weedy Orobanchaceae spp. is challenging, particularly due to the highly coordinated life cycles of the parasite and host plants. Although host genetic resistance often provides the foundation of plant pathogen management, few genes that confer resistance to root parasites have been identified and incorporated into crop species. Members of the family Orobanchaceae acquire water, nutrients, macromolecules, and oligonucleotides from host plants through haustoria that connect parasite and host plant roots. We are evaluating a resistance strategy based on using interfering RNA (RNAi) that is made in the host but inhibitory in the parasite as a parasite-derived oligonucleotide toxin. Sequences from the cytosolic acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) gene from Triphysaria versicolor were cloned in hairpin conformation and introduced into Medicago truncatula roots by Agrobacterium rhizogenes transformation. Transgenic roots were recovered for four of five ACCase constructions and infected with T. versicolor against parasitic weeds. In all cases, Triphysaria root viability was reduced up to 80% when parasitizing a host root bearing the hairpin ACCase. Triphysaria root growth was recovered by exogenous application of malonate. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that ACCase transcript levels were dramatically decreased in Triphysaria spp. parasitizing transgenic Medicago roots. Northern blot analysis identified a 21-nucleotide, ACCase-specific RNA in transgenic M. truncatula and in T. versicolor attached to them. One hairpin ACCase construction was lethal to Medicago spp. unless grown in media supplemented with malonate. Quantitative RT-PCR showed that the Medicago ACCase was inhibited by the Triphysaria ACCase RNAi. This work shows that ACCase is an effective target for inactivation in parasitic plants by trans-specific gene silencing.

MIXTA-like transcription factors and WAX INDUCER1/SHINE1 coordinately regulate cuticle development in Arabidopsis and Torenia fournieri

The waxy plant cuticle protects cells from dehydration, repels pathogen attack, and prevents organ fusion during development. The transcription factor WAX INDUCER1/SHINE1 (WIN1/SHN1) regulates the biosynthesis of waxy substances in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we show that the MIXTA-like MYB transcription factors MYB106 and MYB16, which regulate epidermal cell morphology, also regulate cuticle development coordinately with WIN1/SHN1 in Arabidopsis and Torenia fournieri. Expression of a MYB106 chimeric repressor fusion (35S:MYB106-SRDX) and knockout/down of MYB106 and MYB16 induced cuticle deficiencies characterized by organ adhesion and reduction of epicuticular wax crystals and cutin nanoridges. A similar organ fusion phenotype was produced by expression of a WIN1/SHN1 chimeric repressor. Conversely, the dominant active form of MYB106 (35S:MYB106-VP16) induced ectopic production of cutin nanoridges and increased expression of WIN1/SHN1 and wax biosynthetic genes. Microarray experiments revealed that MYB106 and WIN1/SHN1 regulate similar sets of genes, predominantly those involved in wax and cutin biosynthesis. Furthermore, WIN1/SHN1 expression was induced by MYB106-VP16 and repressed by MYB106-SRDX. These results indicate that the regulatory cascade of MIXTA-like proteins and WIN1/SHN1 coordinately regulate cutin biosynthesis and wax accumulation. This study reveals an additional key aspect of MIXTA-like protein function and suggests a unique relationship between cuticle development and epidermal cell differentiation.

Synthesis of very-long-chain fatty acids in the epidermis controls plant organ growth by restricting cell proliferation

The synthesis of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in the epidermis is essential for the proper control of cell growth in Arabidopsis. VLCFAs act via their ability to suppress cytokinin synthesis in the vasculature, thus preventing cell overproliferation in internal tissues.

Plant organ growth is controlled by inter-cell-layer communication, which thus determines the overall size of the organism. The epidermal layer interfaces with the environment and participates in both driving and restricting growth via inter-cell-layer communication. However, it remains unknown whether the epidermis can send signals to internal tissue to limit cell proliferation in determinate growth. Very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are synthesized in the epidermis and used in the formation of cuticular wax. Here we found that VLCFA synthesis in the epidermis is essential for proper development of Arabidopsis thaliana. Wild-type plants treated with a VLCFA synthesis inhibitor and pasticcino mutants with defects in VLCFA synthesis exhibited overproliferation of cells in the vasculature or in the rib zone of shoot apices. The decrease of VLCFA content increased the expression of IPT3, a key determinant of cytokinin biosynthesis in the vasculature, and, indeed, elevated cytokinin levels. These phenotypes were suppressed in ipt3;5;7 triple mutants, and also by vasculature-specific expression of cytokinin oxidase, which degrades active forms of cytokinin. Our results imply that VLCFA synthesis in the epidermis is required to suppress cytokinin biosynthesis in the vasculature, thus fine-tuning cell division activity in internal tissue, and therefore that shoot growth is controlled by the interaction between the surface (epidermis) and the axis (vasculature) of the plant body.

The epidermis functions as an important interface with the environment, but in plants it is also essential for establishing and maintaining the primary plant body. Recent studies have shown that the epidermis participates in both driving and restricting plant growth via inter-cell-layer communication. However, it remains an open question as to whether the epidermis can send signals to internal plant tissues to control cell proliferation during development. Here we report that the synthesis of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in the epidermis is essential for the proper control of cell proliferation in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We find that defects in VLCFA synthesis cause cells in the vasculature or in the rib zone of shoot apices to overproliferate. When VLCFA levels decrease, we observe that the synthesis of the phytohormone cytokinin increases in the vasculature. We also find that when cytokinin is degraded by the expression of cytokinin oxidase in the vasculature, enhanced cell proliferation in internal tissues is suppressed, indicating that VLCFA synthesis in the epidermis is required to suppress cytokinin biosynthesis and thus cell overproliferation. Our results demonstrate that shoot growth is controlled by interactions between the surface (epidermis) and the axis (vasculature) of the plant body, and highlight a role for VLCFAs in this interaction.

Sterols and sphingolipids differentially function in trafficking of the Arabidopsis ABCB19 auxin transporter

The Arabidopsis ATP-binding cassette B19 (ABCB19, P-glycoprotein19) transporter functions coordinately with ABCB1 and PIN1 to motivate long-distance transport of the phytohormone auxin from the shoot to root apex. ABCB19 exhibits a predominantly apolar plasma membrane (PM) localization and stabilizes PIN1 when the two proteins co-occur. Biochemical evidence associates ABCB19 and PIN1 with sterol- and sphingolipid-enriched PM fractions. Mutants deficient in structural sterols and sphingolipids exhibit similarity to abcb19 mutants. Sphingolipid-defective tsc10a mutants and, to a lesser extent, sterol-deficient cvp1 mutants phenocopy abcb19 mutants. Live imaging studies show that sterols function in trafficking of ABCB19 from the trans-Golgi network to the PM. Pharmacological or genetic sphingolipid depletion has an even greater impact on ABCB19 PM targeting and interferes with ABCB19 trafficking from the Golgi. Our results also show that sphingolipids function in trafficking associated with compartments marked by the VTI12 syntaxin, and that ABCB19 mediates PIN1 stability in sphingolipid-containing membranes. The TWD1/FKBP42 co-chaperone immunophilin is required for exit of ABCB19 from the ER, but ABCB19 interactions with sterols, sphingolipids and PIN1 are spatially distinct from FKBP42 activity at the ER. The accessibility of this system to direct live imaging and biochemical analysis makes it ideal for the modeling and analysis of sterol and sphingolipid regulation of ABCB/P-glycoprotein transporters.

The Arabidopsis cer26 mutant, like the cer2 mutant, is specifically affected in the very long chain fatty acid elongation process

Plant aerial organs are covered by cuticular waxes, which form a hydrophobic crystal layer that mainly serves as a waterproof barrier. Cuticular wax is a complex mixture of very long chain lipids deriving from fatty acids, predominantly of chain lengths from 26 to 34 carbons, which result from acyl-CoA elongase activity. The biochemical mechanism of elongation is well characterized; however, little is known about the specific proteins involved in the elongation of compounds with more than 26 carbons available as precursors of wax synthesis. In this context, we characterized the three Arabidopsis genes of the CER2-like family: CER2, CER26 and CER26-like . Expression pattern analysis showed that the three genes are differentially expressed in an organ- and tissue-specific manner. Using individual T-DNA insertion mutants, together with a cer2 cer26 double mutant, we characterized the specific impact of the inactivation of the different genes on cuticular waxes. In particular, whereas the cer2 mutation impaired the production of wax components longer than 28 carbons, the cer26 mutant was found to be affected in the production of wax components longer than 30 carbons. The analysis of the acyl-CoA pool in the respective transgenic lines confirmed that inactivation of both genes specifically affects the fatty acid elongation process beyond 26 carbons. Furthermore, ectopic expression of CER26 in transgenic plants demonstrates that CER26 facilitates the elongation of the very long chain fatty acids of 30 carbons or more, with high tissular and substrate specificity.

Plant lipidomics based on hydrophilic interaction chromatography coupled to ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Plants synthesize a wide range of hydrophobic compounds, generally known as lipids. Here, we report an application of liquid chromatography ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-IT-TOF-MS) for plant lipidomics. Using hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) for class separation, typical membrane lipids including glycerolipids, steryl glucosides and glucosylceramides, and hydrophobic plant secondary metabolites such as saponins were analyzed simultaneously. By this method, we annotated approximately 100 molecules from Arabidopsis thaliana. To demonstrate the application of this method to biological study, we analyzed Arabidopsis mutant trigalactosyldiacylglycerol3 (tgd3), which has a complex metabolic phenotype including the accumulation of unusual forms of galactolipids. Lipid profiling by LC-MS revealed that tgd3 accumulated an unusual form of digalactosyldiacylglycerol, annotated as Gal(β1 → 6)βGalDG. The compositional difference between normal and unusual forms of digalactosyldiacylglycerol was detected by this method. In addition, we analyzed well-known Arabidopsis mutants ats1-1, fad6-1, and fad7-2, which are also disrupted in lipid metabolic genes. Untargeted lipidome analysis coupled with multivariate analysis clearly discriminated the mutants and their distinctive metabolites. These results indicated that HILIC-MS is an efficient method for plant lipidomics.

Acyl-lipid metabolism

Acyl lipids in Arabidopsis and all other plants have a myriad of diverse functions. These include providing the core diffusion barrier of the membranes that separates cells and subcellular organelles. This function alone involves more than 10 membrane lipid classes, including the phospholipids, galactolipids, and sphingolipids, and within each class the variations in acyl chain composition expand the number of structures to several hundred possible molecular species. Acyl lipids in the form of triacylglycerol account for 35% of the weight of Arabidopsis seeds and represent their major form of carbon and energy storage. A layer of cutin and cuticular waxes that restricts the loss of water and provides protection from invasions by pathogens and other stresses covers the entire aerial surface of Arabidopsis. Similar functions are provided by suberin and its associated waxes that are localized in roots, seed coats, and abscission zones and are produced in response to wounding. This chapter focuses on the metabolic pathways that are associated with the biosynthesis and degradation of the acyl lipids mentioned above. These pathways, enzymes, and genes are also presented in detail in an associated website (ARALIP: http://aralip.plantbiology.msu.edu/). Protocols and methods used for analysis of Arabidopsis lipids are provided. Finally, a detailed summary of the composition of Arabidopsis lipids is provided in three figures and 15 tables.

Acyl-lipid metabolism

Acyl lipids in Arabidopsis and all other plants have a myriad of diverse functions. These include providing the core diffusion barrier of the membranes that separates cells and subcellular organelles. This function alone involves more than 10 membrane lipid classes, including the phospholipids, galactolipids, and sphingolipids, and within each class the variations in acyl chain composition expand the number of structures to several hundred possible molecular species. Acyl lipids in the form of triacylglycerol account for 35% of the weight of Arabidopsis seeds and represent their major form of carbon and energy storage. A layer of cutin and cuticular waxes that restricts the loss of water and provides protection from invasions by pathogens and other stresses covers the entire aerial surface of Arabidopsis. Similar functions are provided by suberin and its associated waxes that are localized in roots, seed coats, and abscission zones and are produced in response to wounding. This chapter focuses on the metabolic pathways that are associated with the biosynthesis and degradation of the acyl lipids mentioned above. These pathways, enzymes, and genes are also presented in detail in an associated website (ARALIP: http://aralip.plantbiology.msu.edu/). Protocols and methods used for analysis of Arabidopsis lipids are provided. Finally, a detailed summary of the composition of Arabidopsis lipids is provided in three figures and 15 tables.

Involvement of Arabidopsis ACYL-COENZYME A DESATURASE-LIKE2 (At2g31360) in the biosynthesis of the very-long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid components of membrane lipids

The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) desaturase-like (ADS) gene family contains nine genes encoding fatty acid desaturase-like proteins. The biological function of only one member of the family, fatty acid desaturase5 (AtADS3/FAD5, At3g15850), is known, and this gene encodes the plastidic palmitoyl-monogalactosyldiacylglycerol Δ7 desaturase. We cloned seven members of the gene family that are predicted not to have a chloroplast transit peptide and expressed them in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. All seven have previously undescribed desaturase activity on very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) substrates and exhibit diverse regiospecificity, catalyzing introduction of double bonds relative to the methyl end of the molecule (n-x) at n-6 (AtADS4, At1g06350), n-7 (AtADS1.3, At1g06100 and AtADS4.2, At1g06360), n-9 (AtADS1, At1g06080 and AtADS2, At2g31360) or Δ9 (relative to the carboxyl end of the molecule) positions (AtADS1.2, At1g06090 and AtADS1.4, At1g06120). Through forward and reverse genetics it was shown that AtADS2 is involved in the synthesis of the 24:1(n-9) and 26:1(n-9) components (X:Y, where X is chain length and Y is number of double bonds) of seed lipids, sphingolipids, and the membrane phospholipids phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylethanolamine. Plants deficient in AtADS2 expression showed no obvious phenotype when grown under normal growing conditions, but showed an almost complete loss of phosphatidylethanolamine(42:4), phosphatidylserine(42:4), dihydroxy-monohexosylceramide(42:2)-2, trihydroxy-monohexosylceramide(42:2)-3, and trihydroxy-glycosylinositolphosphoceramide(42:2)-3, lipid species that contain the VLCFA 24:1(n-9), and trihydroxy-glycosylinositolphosphoceramide(44:2)-3, a lipid containing 26:1(n-9). Acyl-CoA profiling of these plants revealed a major reduction in 24:1-CoA and a small reduction in 26:1-CoA. Overexpression of AtADS2 resulted in a substantial increase in the percentage of glycerolipid and sphingolipids species containing 24:1 and a dramatic increase in the percentage of very-long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids in the acyl-CoA pool. Plants deficient in AtADS1 expression had reduced levels of 26:1(n-9) in seed lipids, but no significant changes in leaf phospholipids or sphingolipids were observed. These findings indicate that the 24-carbon and 26-carbon monounsaturated VLCFAs of Arabidopsis result primarily from VLCFA desaturation, rather than by elongation of long chain monounsaturated fatty acids.

The FKBP families of higher plants: Exploring the structures and functions of protein interaction specialists

The FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs) are known both as the receptors for immunosuppressant drugs and as prolyl isomerase (PPIase) enzymes that catalyse rotation of prolyl bonds. FKBPs are characterised by the inclusion of at least one FK506-binding domain (FKBd), the receptor site for proline and the active site for PPIase catalysis. The FKBPs form large and diverse families in most organisms, with the largest FKBP families occurring in higher plants. Plant FKBPs are molecular chaperones that interact with specific protein partners to regulate a diversity of cellular processes. Recent studies have found that plant FKBPs operate in intricate and coordinated mechanisms for regulating stress response and development processes, and discoveries of new interaction partners expand their cellular influences to gene expression and photosynthetic adaptations. This review presents an examination of the molecular and structural features and functional roles of the higher plant FKBP family within the context of these recent findings, and discusses the significance of domain conservation and variation for the development of a diverse, versatile and complex chaperone family.

Characterization of the early response of the orchid, Phalaenopsis amabilis, to Erwinia chrysanthemi infection using expression profiling

Erwinia chrysanthemi is a devastating bacterial pathogen in Phalaenopsis amabilis and causes soft-rotting disease by secretion of cell wall-degrading enzymes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction of P. amabilis with E. chrysanthemi remain elusive. In this study, early molecular events of the plant in response to the pathogen attack were investigated. The alteration in reactive oxygen species accumulation and peroxidase activity occurred at the site of infection. Subsequently, a systematic sequencing of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) using suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was performed to obtain the first global picture of the assembly of genes involved in the pathogenesis. The majority of the SSH clones showed a high identity with genes coding for proteins that have known roles in redox homeostasis, responses to pathogens and metabolism. A notable number of the SSH clones were those encoding WRKY, MYB and basic leucine zipper transcription factors, indicating the stimulation of intracellular signal transduction. An orchid gene encoding trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase (ECR) was the most abundant transcripts in the EST library. ECR is an enzyme catalyzing the very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) biosynthesis, and the full-length cDNA of the ECR gene (PaECR1) was obtained. Functional analysis of PaECR1 was conducted by virus-induced gene silencing to knock down the gene expression in P. amabilis. The PaECR1-silenced plants were more susceptible to E. chrysanthemi infection, implying potential roles for VLCFAs in the pathogenesis. In summary, the pathogen-responsive gene expression profiles facilitated a more comprehensive view of the molecular events that underlie this economically important plant-pathogen interaction.

Lipids of plant membrane rafts

Lipids tend to organize in mono or bilayer phases in a hydrophilic environment. While they have long been thought to be incapable of coherent lateral segregation, it is now clear that spontaneous assembly of these compounds can confer microdomain organization beyond spontaneous fluidity. Membrane raft microdomains have the ability to influence spatiotemporal organization of protein complexes, thereby allowing regulation of cellular processes. In this review, we aim at summarizing briefly: (i) the history of raft discovery in animals and plants, (ii) the main findings about structural and signalling plant lipids involved in raft segregation, (iii) imaging of plant membrane domains, and their biochemical purification through detergent-insoluble membranes, as well as the existing debate on the topic. We also discuss the potential involvement of rafts in the regulation of plant physiological processes, and further discuss the prospects of future research into plant membrane rafts.

Sphingolipids and plant defense/disease: the "death" connection and beyond

Sphingolipids comprise a major class of structural materials and lipid signaling molecules in all eukaryotic cells. Over the past two decades, there has been a phenomenal growth in the study of sphingolipids (i.e., sphingobiology) at an average rate of ∼1000 research articles per year. Sphingolipid studies in plants, though accounting for only a small fraction (∼6%) of the total number of publications, have also enjoyed proportionally rapid growth in the past decade. Concomitant with the growth of sphingobiology, there has also been tremendous progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of plant innate immunity. In this review, we (i) cross examine and analyze the major findings that establish and strengthen the intimate connections between sphingolipid metabolism and plant programmed cell death (PCD) associated with plant defense or disease; (ii) highlight and compare key bioactive sphingolipids involved in the regulation of plant PCD and possibly defense; (iii) discuss the potential role of sphingolipids in polarized membrane/protein trafficking and formation of lipid rafts as subdomains of cell membranes in relation to plant defense; and (iv) where possible, attempt to identify potential parallels for immunity-related mechanisms involving sphingolipids across kingdoms.

Inhibition of saturated very-long-chain fatty acid biosynthesis by mefluidide and perfluidone, selective inhibitors of 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthases

The trifluoromethanesulphonanilides mefluidide and perfluidone are used in agriculture as plant growth regulators and herbicides. Despite the fact that mefluidide and perfluidone have been investigated experimentally for decades, their mode of action is still unknown. In this study, we used a cascade approach of different methods to clarify the mode of action and target site of mefluidide and perfluidone. Physiological profiling using an array of biotests and metabolic profiling in treated plants of Lemna paucicostata suggested a common mode of action in very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) synthesis similar to the known 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase (KCS) inhibitor metazachlor. Detailed analysis of fatty acid composition in Lemna plants showed a decrease of saturated VLCFAs after treatment with mefluidide and perfluidone. To study compound effects on enzyme level, recombinant KCSs from Arabidopsis thaliana were expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Enzyme activities of seven KCS proteins from 17 tested were characterized by their fatty acid substrate and product spectrum. For the KCS CER6, the VLCFA product spectrum in vivo, which consists of tetracosanoic acid, hexacosanoic acid and octacosanoic acid, is reported here for the first time. Similar to metazachlor, mefluidide and perfluidone were able to inhibit KCS1, CER6 and CER60 enzyme activities in vivo. FAE1 and KCS2 were inhibited by mefluidide only slightly, whereas metazachlor and perfluidone were strong inhibitors of these enzymes with IC(50) values in μM range. This suggests that KCS enzymes in VLCFA synthesis are the primary herbicide target of mefluidide and perfluidone.

Sphingolipid Δ8 unsaturation is important for glucosylceramide biosynthesis and low-temperature performance in Arabidopsis

Plants contain a large diversity of sphingolipid structures, arising in part from C4 hydroxylation and Δ4 and Δ8 desaturation of the component long-chain bases (LCBs). Typically, 85-90% of sphingolipid LCBs in Arabidopsis leaves contain a cis or transΔ8 double bond produced by sphingoid LCB Δ8 desaturase (SLD). To understand the metabolic and physiological significance of Δ8 unsaturation, studies were performed using mutants of the Arabidopsis SLD genes AtSLD1 and AtSLD2. Our studies revealed that both genes are constitutively expressed, the corresponding polypeptides are ER-localized, and expression of these genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yields mixtures of cis/transΔ8 desaturation products, predominantly as trans isomers. Consistent in part with the higher expression of AtSLD1 in Arabidopsis plants, AtSLD1 T-DNA mutants showed large reductions in Δ8 unsaturated LCBs in all organs examined, whereas AtSLD2 mutants showed little change in LCB unsaturation. Double mutants of AtSLD1 and AtSLD2 showed no detectable LCB Δ8 unsaturation. Comprehensive analysis of sphingolipids in rosettes of these mutants revealed a 50% reduction in glucosylceramide levels and a corresponding increase in glycosylinositolphosphoceramides that were restored by complementation with a wild-type copy of AtSLD1. Double sld1 sld2 mutants lacked apparent growth phenotypes under optimal conditions, but displayed altered responses to certain stresses, including prolonged exposure to low temperatures. These results are consistent with a role for LCB Δ8 unsaturation in selective channeling of ceramides for the synthesis of complex sphingolipids and the physiological performance of Arabidopsis.

Phospholipases and the Network of Auxin Signal Transduction with ABP1 and TIR1 as Two Receptors: A Comprehensive and Provocative Model

Three types of phospholipases, phospholipase D, secreted phospholipase A(2), and patatin-related phospholipase A (pPLA) have functions in auxin signal transduction. Potential linkage to auxin receptors ABP1 or TIR1, their rapid activation or post-translational activation mechanisms, and downstream functions regulated by these phospholipases is reviewed and discussed. Only for pPLA all aspects are known at least to some detail. Evidence is gathered that all these signal reactions are located in the cytosol and seem to merge on regulation of PIN-catalyzed auxin efflux transport proteins. As a consequence, auxin concentration in the nucleus is also affected and this regulates the E3 activity of this auxin receptor. We showed that ABP1, PIN2, and pPLA, all outside the nucleus, have an impact on regulation of auxin-induced genes within 30 min. We propose that regulation of PIN protein activities and of auxin efflux transport are the means to coordinate ABP1 and TIR1 activity and that no physical contact between components of the ABP1-triggered cytosolic pathways and TIR1-triggered nuclear pathways of signaling is necessary to perform this.

Arabidopsis thaliana membrane lipid molecular species and their mass spectral analysis

Herein, current approaches to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry-based analyses of membrane lipid molecular species found in Arabidopsis thaliana are summarized. Additionally, the identities of over 500 reported membrane lipid molecular species are assembled.

Signals and mechanisms affecting vesicular trafficking during root growth

Vesicular trafficking is mediated by distinct exocytic and endocytic routes in eukaryotic cells. These pathways involve RAB family proteins, ADP-ribosylation factor, RHO proteins of the Ras superfamily, and SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor adaptors). Studies have shown that vesicular trafficking plays a crucial role in protein localization and movement, signal transduction, and multiple developmental processes. Here we summarize the role of vesicular trafficking in root and root hair growth and in auxin-mediated root development, focusing on the regulation of the polarized subcellular distribution of the PIN proteins (auxin efflux carriers).

Seed storage oil mobilization is important but not essential for germination or seedling establishment in Arabidopsis

Triacylglycerol (TAG) is a major storage reserve in many plant seeds. We previously identified a TAG lipase mutant called sugar-dependent1 (sdp1) that is impaired in TAG hydrolysis following Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seed germination (Eastmond, 2006). The aim of this study was to identify additional lipases that account for the residual TAG hydrolysis observed in sdp1. Mutants were isolated in three candidate genes (SDP1-LIKE [SDP1L], ADIPOSE TRIGLYCERIDE LIPASE-LIKE, and COMPARATIVE GENE IDENTIFIER-58-LIKE). Analysis of double, triple, and quadruple mutants showed that SDP1L is responsible for virtually all of the residual TAG hydrolysis present in sdp1 seedlings. Oil body membranes purified from sdp1 sdp1L seedlings were deficient in TAG lipase activity but could still hydrolyze di- and monoacylglycerol. SDP1L is expressed less strongly than SDP1 in seedlings. However, SDP1L could partially rescue TAG breakdown in sdp1 seedlings when expressed under the control of the SDP1 or 35S promoters and in vitro assays showed that both SDP1 and SDP1L can hydrolyze TAG, in preference to diacylglycerol or monoacylglycerol. Seed germination was slowed in sdp1 sdp1L and postgerminative seedling growth was severely retarded. The frequency of seedling establishment was also reduced, but sdp1 sdp1L was not seedling lethal under normal laboratory growth conditions. Our data show that together SDP1 and SDP1L account for at least 95% of the rate of TAG hydrolysis in Arabidopsis seeds, and that this hydrolysis is important but not essential for seed germination or seedling establishment.

Very-long-chain fatty acids are required for cell plate formation during cytokinesis in Arabidopsis thaliana

Acyl chain length is thought to be crucial for biophysical properties of the membrane, in particular during cell division, when active vesicular fusion is necessary. In higher plants, the process of cytokinesis is unique, because the separation of the two daughter cells is carried out by de novo vesicular fusion to generate a laterally expanding cell plate. In Arabidopsis thaliana, very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) depletion caused by a mutation in the microsomal elongase gene PASTICCINO2 (PAS2) or by application of the selective elongase inhibitor flufenacet altered cytokinesis. Cell plate expansion was delayed and the formation of the endomembrane tubular network altered. These defects were associated with specific aggregation of the cell plate markers YFP-Rab-A2a and KNOLLE during cytokinesis. Changes in levels of VLCFA also resulted in modification of endocytosis and sensitivity to brefeldin A. Finally, the cytokinesis impairment in pas2 cells was associated with reduced levels of very long fatty acyl chains in phospholipids. Together, our findings demonstrate that VLCFA-containing lipids are essential for endomembrane dynamics during cytokinesis.

Altered expression of auxin-related genes in the fatty acid elongase mutant oni1 of rice

VLCFAs are the main components of cuticular wax, which covers and protects plants from physical and biological stresses. However, the effect of fatty acid composition or the physiological role of VLCFAs on plant development under normal growth conditions is not well understood. We analyzed loss-of-function mutants of ONION1 (ONI1) which encodes fatty acid elongase (β-ketoacyl CoA synthase) catalyzing an elongation reaction of a carbon chain of VLCFAs. We showed that oni1 shoot contained a reduced amount of VLCFAs, and differentiation and functionality of an outermost cell layer (L1) were highly perturbed in oni1 shoot. In spite of the L1-specific expression of ONI1, the effects of the oni1 mutation were not restricted to L1, but expanded to inner cells, so that the entire shoot development was impaired including failure of the maintenance of the SAM and ectopic expression of SAM-specific KNOX genes in leaf. Thus, ONI1 function is cell non-autonomous, and signaling from L1 to inner cells may support proper development of inner cells. Here we report that expression of auxin-related genes was affected in oni1 shoot, and we speculate the existence of improper auxin distribution due to a lack of normal L1 in oni1 shoot.

Sphingolipids containing very-long-chain fatty acids define a secretory pathway for specific polar plasma membrane protein targeting in Arabidopsis

Sphingolipids are a class of structural membrane lipids involved in membrane trafficking and cell polarity. Functional analysis of the ceramide synthase family in Arabidopsis thaliana demonstrates the existence of two activities selective for the length of the acyl chains. Very-long-acyl-chain (C > 18 carbons) but not long-chain sphingolipids are essential for plant development. Reduction of very-long-chain fatty acid sphingolipid levels leads in particular to auxin-dependent inhibition of lateral root emergence that is associated with selective aggregation of the plasma membrane auxin carriers AUX1 and PIN1 in the cytosol. Defective targeting of polar auxin carriers is characterized by specific aggregation of Rab-A2(a)- and Rab-A1(e)-labeled early endosomes along the secretory pathway. These aggregates correlate with the accumulation of membrane structures and vesicle fragmentation in the cytosol. In conclusion, sphingolipids with very long acyl chains define a trafficking pathway with specific endomembrane compartments and polar auxin transport protein cargoes.

Fatty acid elongase is required for shoot development in rice

Organisms are covered extracellularly with cuticular waxes that consist of various fatty acids. In higher plants, extracellular waxes act as indispensable barriers to protect the plants from physical and biological stresses such as drought and pathogen attacks. However, the effect of fatty acid composition on plant development under normal growth conditions is not well understood. Here we show that the ONION1 (ONI1) gene, which encodes a fatty acid elongase (β-ketoacyl CoA synthase) involved in the synthesis of very-long-chain fatty acids, is required for correct fatty acid composition and normal shoot development in rice. oni1 mutants containing a reduced amount of very-long-chain fatty acids produced very small shoots, with an aberrant outermost epidermal cell layer, and ceased to grow soon after germination. These mutants also showed abnormal expression of a KNOX family homeobox gene. ONI1 was specifically expressed in the outermost cell layer of the shoot apical meristem and developing lateral organs. These results show that fatty acid elongase is required for formation of the outermost cell layer, and this layer is indispensable for entire shoot development in rice.

Links between lipid homeostasis, organelle morphodynamics and protein trafficking in eukaryotic and plant secretory pathways

The role of lipids as molecular actors of protein transport and organelle morphology in plant cells has progressed over the last years through pharmacological and genetic investigations. The manuscript is reviewing the roles of various lipid families in membrane dynamics and trafficking in eukaryotic cells, and summarizes some of the related physicochemical properties of the lipids involved. The article also focuses on the specific requirements of the sphingolipid glucosylceramide (GlcCer) in Golgi morphology and protein transport through the plant secretory pathway. The use of a specific inhibitor of plant glucosylceramide synthase and selected Arabidopsis thaliana RNAi lines stably expressing several markers of the plant secretory pathway, establishes specific steps sensitive to GlcCer biosynthesis. Collectively, data of the literature demonstrate the existence of links between protein trafficking, organelle morphology, and lipid metabolism/homeostasis in eukaryotic cells including plant cells.

Epidermis: the formation and functions of a fundamental plant tissue

Epidermis differentiation and maintenance are essential for plant survival. Constant cross-talk between epidermal cells and their immediate environment is at the heart of epidermal cell fate, and regulates epidermis-specific transcription factors. These factors in turn direct epidermal differentiation involving a whole array of epidermis-specific pathways including specialized lipid metabolism necessary to build the protective cuticle layer. An intact epidermis is crucial for certain key processes in plant development, shoot growth and plant defence. Here, we discuss the control of epidermal cell fate and the function of the epidermal cell layer in the light of recent advances in the field.

Arabidopsis β-ketoacyl-[acyl carrier protein] synthase i is crucial for fatty acid synthesis and plays a role in chloroplast division and embryo development

Lipid metabolism plays a pivotal role in cell structure and in multiple plant developmental processes. β-Ketoacyl-[acyl carrier protein] synthase I (KASI) catalyzes the elongation of de novo fatty acid (FA) synthesis. Here, we report the functional characterization of KASI in the regulation of chloroplast division and embryo development. Phenotypic observation of an Arabidopsis thaliana T-DNA insertion mutant, kasI, revealed multiple morphological defects, including chlorotic (in netted patches) and curly leaves, reduced fertility, and semidwarfism. There are only one to five enlarged chloroplasts in the mesophyll cells of chlorotic sectors of young kasI rosette leaves, indicating suppressed chloroplast division under KASI deficiency. KASI deficiency results in a significant change in the polar lipid composition, which causes the suppressed expression of FtsZ and Min system genes, disordered Z-ring placement in the oversized chloroplast, and inhibited polymerization of FtsZ protein at mid-site of the chloroplast in kasI. In addition, KASI deficiency results in disrupted embryo development before the globular stage and dramatically reduces FA levels (~33.6% of the wild type) in seeds. These results demonstrate that de novo FA synthesis is crucial and has pleiotropic effects on plant growth. The polar lipid supply is important for chloroplast division and development, revealing a key function of FA synthesis in plastid development.

The march of the PINs: developmental plasticity by dynamic polar targeting in plant cells

Development of plants and their adaptive capacity towards ever-changing environmental conditions largely depend on the spatial distribution of the plant hormone auxin. At the cellular level, various internal and external signals are translated into specific changes in the polar, subcellular localization of auxin transporters from the PIN family thereby directing and redirecting the intercellular fluxes of auxin. The current model of polar targeting of PIN proteins towards different plasma membrane domains encompasses apolar secretion of newly synthesized PINs followed by endocytosis and recycling back to the plasma membrane in a polarized manner. In this review, we follow the subcellular march of the PINs and highlight the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind polar foraging and subcellular trafficking pathways. Also, the entry points for different signals and regulations including by auxin itself will be discussed within the context of morphological and developmental consequences of polar targeting and subcellular trafficking.

The phytohormone signal network regulating elongation growth during shade avoidance

In contrast to animals, plants maintain highly plastic growth and development throughout their life, which enables them to adapt to environmental fluctuations. Phytohormones coordinately regulate these adaptations by integrating environmental inputs into a complex signalling network. In this review, the focus is on the rapid elongation that occurs in response to canopy shading or submergence, and current knowledge and recent advances in deciphering the network of phytohormone signalling that regulates this response are explored. The review concentrates on the involvement of the phytohormones auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, and ethylene. Despite the occurrence of considerable gaps in current understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms, it was possible to identify a network of phytohormone signalling intermediates at multiple levels that regulates elongation growth in response to canopy shade or submergence. Based on the observations that there are spatial and temporal differences in the interactions of phytohormones, the importance of more integrative approaches for future studies is highlighted.