Permeability of boric acid across lipid bilayers and factors affecting it

Understanding the role of boron in plant adaptation to soil salinity

Soil salinity is a major environmental constraint affecting the sustainability and profitability of agricultural production systems. Salinity stress tolerance has been present in wild crop relatives but then lost, or significantly weakened, during their domestication. Given the genetic and physiological complexity of salinity tolerance traits, agronomical solutions may be a suitable alternative to crop breeding for improved salinity stress tolerance. One of them is optimizing fertilization practices to assist plants in dealing with elevated salt levels in the soil. In this review, we analyse the causal relationship between the availability of boron (an essential metalloid micronutrient) and plant's adaptive responses to salinity stress at the whole-plant, cellular, and molecular levels, and a possibility of using boron for salt stress mitigation. The topics covered include the impact of salinity and the role of boron in cell wall remodelling, plasma membrane integrity, hormonal signalling, and operation of various membrane transporters mediating plant ionic and water homeostasis. Of specific interest is the role of boron in the regulation of H+-ATPase activity whose operation is essential for the control of a broad range of voltage-gated ion channels. The complex relationship between boron availability and expression patterns and the operation of aquaporins is also discussed.

CPK10 protein kinase regulates Arabidopsis tolerance to boron deficiency through phosphorylation and activation of BOR1 transporter

Boron (B) is crucial for plant growth and development. B deficiency can impair numerous physiological and metabolic processes, particularly in root development and pollen germination, seriously impeding crop growth and yield. However, the molecular mechanism underlying boron signal perception and signal transduction is rather limited. In this study, we discovered that CPK10, a calcium-dependent protein kinase in the CPK family, has the strongest interaction with the boron transporter BOR1. Mutations in CPK10 led to growth and root development defects under B-deficiency conditions, while constitutively active CPK10 enhanced plant tolerance to B deficiency. Furthermore, we found that CPK10 interacted with and phosphorylated BOR1 at the Ser689 residue. Through various biochemical analyses and complementation of B transport in yeast and plants, we revealed that Ser689 of BOR1 is important for its transport activity. In summary, these findings highlight the significance of the CPK10-BOR1 signaling pathway in maintaining B homeostasis in plants and provide targets for the genetic improvement of crop tolerance to B-deficiency stress.

Genome-Wide Screens Identify Genes Responsible for Intrinsic Boric Acid Resistance in Escherichia coli

Boric acid (BA) has antimicrobial properties and is used to combat bacterial infections, including Enterobacteria. However, the molecular mechanisms and cellular responses to BA are still unknown. This genomics study aims to provide new information on the genes and molecular mechanisms related to the antimicrobial effect of BA in Escherichia coli. The Keio collection of E. coli was used to screen 3985 single-gene knockout strains in order to identify mutant strains that were sensitive or hypersensitive to BA at certain concentrations. The mutant strains were exposed to different concentrations of BA ranging from 0 to 120 mM in LB media. Through genome-wide screens, 92 mutants were identified that were relatively sensitive to BA at least at one concentration tested. The related biological processes in the particular cellular system were listed. This study demonstrates that intrinsic BA resistance is the result of various mechanisms acting together. Additionally, we identified eighteen out of ninety-two mutant strains (Delta_aceF, aroK, cheZ, dinJ, galS, garP, glxK, nohA, talB, torR, trmU, trpR, yddE, yfeS, ygaV, ylaC, yoaC, yohN) that exhibited sensitivity using other methods. To increase sensitivity to BA, we constructed double and triple knockout mutants of the selected sensitive mutants. In certain instances, engineered double and triple mutants exhibited significantly amplified effects. Overall, our analysis of these findings offers further understanding of the mechanisms behind BA toxicity and intrinsic resistance in E. coli.

A critical review of plant adaptation to environmental boron stress: Uptake, utilization, and interplay with other abiotic and biotic factors

Boron (B) is an indispensable mineral nutrient for plants and is primarily taken up by roots mainly in the form of boric acid (H3BO3). Recently, research shows that B has a significant impact on plant growth and productivity due to its narrow range between deficiency and toxicity. Fertilization and other procedures to address B stress (deficiency and toxicity) in soils are generally expensive and time-consuming. Over the past 20 years, substantial studies have been conducted to investigate the mechanisms underlying B acquisition and the molecular regulation of B stress in plants. In this review, we discuss the effects of B stress on plant growth, physiology, and biochemistry, and finding on enhancing plant tolerance from the perspective of plant B uptake, transport, and utilization. We also refer to recent results demonstrating the interactions among B and other biological and abiotic factors, including nitrogen, phosphorus, aluminum, and microorganisms. Finally, emerging trends in this field are discussed.

Calculation of Permeability Coefficients from Solute Equilibration Dynamics: An Assessment of Various Methods

Predicting the rate at which substances permeate membrane barriers in vivo is crucial for drug development. Permeability coefficients obtained from in vitro studies are valuable for this goal. These are normally determined by following the dynamics of solute equilibration between two membrane-separated compartments. However, the correct calculation of permeability coefficients from such data is not always straightforward. To address these problems, here we develop a kinetic model for solute permeation through lipid membrane barriers that includes the two membrane leaflets as compartments in a four-compartment model. Accounting for solute association with the membrane allows assessing various methods in a wide variety of conditions. The results showed that the often-used expression Papp= β × r/3 is inapplicable to very large or very small vesicles, to moderately or highly lipophilic solutes, or when the development of a significant pH gradient opposes the solute’s flux. We establish useful relationships that overcome these limitations and allow predicting permeability in compartmentalised in vitro or in vivo systems with specific properties. Finally, from the parameters for the interaction of the solute with the membrane barrier, we defined an intrinsic permeability coefficient that facilitates quantitative comparisons between solutes.

Emerging Trends in Metalloid-Dependent Signaling in Plants

Metalloids are semiconducting elements that constitute a small group in the periodic table of elements. Their occurrence in nature either poses an environmental threat or benefit to plants. The precise mechanisms or manner of crosstalk of metalloid interference and sensing remain open questions. Standard plant nutrient solutions contain the metalloid boron (B) as a micronutrient, while silicon (Si) is considered a beneficial element routinely supplied only to some plants such as grasses. By contrast, arsenic (As) is a severe environmental hazard to most organisms, including plants, while the less abundant metalloids germanium (Ge), antimony (Sb), and tellurium (Te) display variable degrees of toxicity. Here we review the molecular events and mechanisms that could explain the contrasting (or overlapping) action of metalloids on the cell and cell signaling.

One-Time Foliar Application and Continuous Resupply via Roots Equally Improved the Growth and Physiological Response of B-Deficient Oilseed Rape

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is a high-boron (B)-demanding crop, and initially, normal growing plants might show B deficiency at advanced growth stages on soils with marginal B availability. Hence, we compared the effects of B resupply via roots and leaves on growth and physiological response, and relative expression of B transporters in B-deficient oilseed rape plants. Four-week-old plants initially grown with inadequate B (1 µM B for the first two weeks and 0.25 µM B for the next two weeks) were later grown either as such with 0.25 µM B, with 25 µM B in nutrient solution or foliar sprayed with 7 mL of 30, 60 and 150 mM B solution plant^-1 as boric acid. Plants grown with 25 µM B in the nutrient solution from the beginning were included as adequate B treatment. Results showed that B resupply to B-deficient plants via roots and leaves (60 mM B) equally improved root and shoot dry matter, but not to the level of plants grown with adequate B supply. Foliar-applied 150 mM B proved toxic, causing leaf burn but not affecting dry matter. Resupply of B via roots increased B concentration in roots and leaves, while leaf-applied B did so only in leaves. Net carbon assimilation had a positive relationship with dry matter accumulation. Except for the highest foliar B level, B resupply via roots and leaves increased the accumulation of glucose, fructose and sucrose in leaves. Boron-deficient plants showed significant upregulation of BnaNIP5;1 in leaves and roots and of BnaBOR1;2 in roots. Boron resupply via roots reversed the B-deficiency-induced upregulation of BnaNIP5;1 in roots, whereas the expression of BnaBOR1;2 was reversed by both root and foliar B resupply. In leaves, B resupply by both methods reversed the expression of BnaNIP5;1 to the level of B-adequate plants. It is concluded that B resupply to B-deficient plants via roots and leaves equally but partially corrected B deficiency in B. napus grown in hydroponics.

From element to development: the power of the essential micronutrient boron to shape morphological processes in plants

Deficiency of the essential nutrient boron (B) in the soil is one of the most widespread micronutrient deficiencies worldwide, leading to developmental defects in root and shoot tissues of plants, and severe yield reductions in many crops. Despite this agricultural importance, the underlying mechanisms of how B shapes plant developmental and morphological processes are still not unequivocally understood in detail. This review evaluates experimental approaches that address our current understanding of how B influences plant morphological processes by focusing on developmental defects observed under B deficiency. We assess what is known about mechanisms that control B homeostasis and specifically highlight: (i) limitations in the methodology that is used to induce B deficiency; (ii) differences between mutant phenotypes and normal plants grown under B deficiency; and (iii) recent research on analyzing interactions between B and phytohormones. Our analysis highlights the need for standardized methodology to evaluate the roles of B in the cell wall versus other parts of the cell.

With or Without You: Altered Plant Response to Boron-Deficiency in Hydroponically Grown Grapevines Infected by Grapevine Pinot Gris Virus Suggests a Relation Between Grapevine Leaf Mottling and Deformation Symptom Occurrence and Boron Plant Availability

Despite the increasing spread of Grapevine Leaf Mottling and Deformation (GLMD) worldwide, little is known about its etiology. After identification of grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV) as the presumptive causal agent of the disease in 2015, various publications have evaluated GPGV involvement in GLMD. Nevertheless, there are only partial clues to explain the presence of GPGV in both symptomatic and asymptomatic grapevines and the mechanisms that trigger symptom development, and so a consideration of new factors is required. Given the similarities between GLMD and boron (B)-deficiency symptoms in grapevine plants, we posited that GPGV interferes in B homeostasis. By using a hydroponic system to control B availability, we investigated the effects of different B supplies on grapevine phenotype and those of GPGV infection on B acquisition and translocation machinery, by means of microscopy, ionomic and gene expression analyses in both roots and leaves. The transcription of the genes regulating B homeostasis was unaffected by the presence of GPGV alone, but was severely altered in plants exposed to both GPGV infection and B-deficiency, allowing us to speculate that the capricious and patchy occurrence of GLMD symptoms in the field may not be related solely to GPGV, but to GPGV interference in plant responses to different B availabilities. This hypothesis found preliminary positive confirmations in analyses on field-grown plants.

How Plants Handle Trivalent (+3) Elements

Plant development and fitness largely depend on the adequate availability of mineral elements in the soil. Most essential nutrients are available and can be membrane transported either as mono or divalent cations or as mono- or divalent anions. Trivalent cations are highly toxic to membranes, and plants have evolved different mechanisms to handle +3 elements in a safe way. The essential functional role of a few metal ions, with the possibility to gain a trivalent state, mainly resides in the ion's redox activity; examples are iron (Fe) and manganese. Among the required nutrients, the only element with +3 as a unique oxidation state is the non-metal, boron. However, plants also can take up non-essential trivalent elements that occur in biologically relevant concentrations in soils. Examples are, among others, aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and antimony (Sb). Plants have evolved different mechanisms to take up and tolerate these potentially toxic elements. This review considers recent studies describing the transporters, and specific and unspecific channels in different cell compartments and tissues, thereby providing a global vision of trivalent element homeostasis in plants.

Excess boron inhibited the trifoliate orange growth by inducing oxidative stress, alterations in cell wall structure, and accumulation of free boron

The boron (B) is an essential nutrient and plays an important role in the stability of the primary cell wall (CW). Due to the narrow window between B deficiency and toxicity, mismanagement practices lead to B toxicity that inhibit root growth and overall crop productivity. However, the exact cause of root growth inhibition remains unclear. The present study examined the potential causes and targets of B toxicity by studying intercellular mechanism. The trifoliate seedlings were cultured under excess B conditions. The results indicated that plant growth was inhibited by excess B, nevertheless, the effects were prominent on roots and leaves. B toxicity exacerbated oxidative stress and root cell death. The analysis of CW functional groups, CW microstructure and B forms lead to the conclusion that alterations in CW, and accumulation of free-B and carbohydrates might cause inhibition of growth and visible symptoms of B toxicity.

A coastal coccolithophore maintains pH homeostasis and switches carbon sources in response to ocean acidification

Ocean acidification will potentially inhibit calcification by marine organisms; however, the response of the most prolific ocean calcifiers, coccolithophores, to this perturbation remains under characterized. Here we report novel chemical constraints on the response of the widespread coccolithophore species Ochrosphaera neapolitana (O. neapolitana) to changing-CO₂ conditions. We cultured this algae under three pCO₂-controlled seawater pH conditions (8.05, 8.22, and 8.33). Boron isotopes within the algae's extracellular calcite plates show that this species maintains a constant pH at the calcification site, regardless of CO₂-induced changes in pH of the surrounding seawater. Carbon and oxygen isotopes in the algae's calcite plates and carbon isotopes in the algae's organic matter suggest that O. neapolitana utilize carbon from a single internal dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) pool for both calcification and photosynthesis, and that a greater proportion of dissolved CO₂ relative to HCO₃^- enters the internal DIC pool under acidified conditions. These two observations may explain how O. neapolitana continues calcifying and photosynthesizing at a constant rate under different atmospheric-pCO₂ conditions.

Boron: Functions and Approaches to Enhance Its Availability in Plants for Sustainable Agriculture

Boron (B) is an essential trace element required for the physiological functioning of higher plants. B deficiency is considered as a nutritional disorder that adversely affects the metabolism and growth of plants. B is involved in the structural and functional integrity of the cell wall and membranes, ion fluxes (H⁺, K⁺, PO₄3−, Rb⁺, Ca2+) across the membranes, cell division and elongation, nitrogen and carbohydrate metabolism, sugar transport, cytoskeletal proteins, and plasmalemma-bound enzymes, nucleic acid, indoleacetic acid, polyamines, ascorbic acid, and phenol metabolism and transport. This review critically examines the functions of B in plants, deficiency symptoms, and the mechanism of B uptake and transport under limited B conditions. B deficiency can be mitigated by inorganic fertilizer supplementation, but the deleterious impact of frequent fertilizer application disrupts soil fertility and creates environmental pollution. Considering this, we have summarized the available information regarding alternative approaches, such as root structural modification, grafting, application of biostimulators (mycorrhizal fungi (MF) and rhizobacteria), and nanotechnology, that can be effectively utilized for B acquisition, leading to resource conservation. Additionally, we have discussed several new aspects, such as the combination of grafting or MF with nanotechnology, combined inoculation of arbuscular MF and rhizobacteria, melatonin application, and the use of natural and synthetic chelators, that possibly play a role in B uptake and translocation under B stress conditions.

Establishment of genetically encoded biosensors for cytosolic boric acid in plant cells

Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for plants. To maintain B concentration in tissues at appropriate levels, plants use boric acid channels belonging to the NIP subfamily of aquaporins and BOR borate exporters. To regulate B transport, these transporters exhibit different cell-type specific expression, polar localization, and B-dependent post-transcriptional regulation. Here, we describe the development of genetically encoded biosensors for cytosolic boric acid to visualize the spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of B in plant tissues. The biosensors were designed based on the function of the NIP5;1 5'-untranslated region (UTR), which promotes mRNA degradation in response to an elevated cytosolic boric acid concentration. The signal intensities of the biosensor coupled with Venus fluorescent protein and a nuclear localization signal (uNIP5;1-Venus) showed negative correlation with intracellular B concentrations in cultured tobacco BY-2 cells. When expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana, uNIP5;1-Venus enabled the quantification of B distribution in roots at single-cell resolution. In mature roots, cytosolic B levels in stele were maintained under low B supply, while those in epidermal, cortical, and endodermal cells were influenced by external B concentrations. Another biosensor coupled with a luciferase protein fused to a destabilization PEST sequence (uNIP5;1-Luc) was used to visualize changes in cytosolic boric acid concentrations. Thus, uNIP5;1-Venus/Luc enables visualization of B transport in various plant cells/tissues.

The importance of boron in biological systems

Boron is an essential element for plants and probably essential for human and animal health. Boron has a broad range of physiological effects on biological systems at low concentrations, whereas it is toxic to at high concentrations. Eventhough there are many studies on boron's biological effects and toxicity, more information is needed to understand the mechanisms of its action. The aim of the current work is to review boron's function, transport and toxicity in different biological systems.

Insights into the Mechanisms Underlying Boron Homeostasis in Plants

Boron is an essential element for plants but is toxic in excess. Therefore, plants must adapt to both limiting and excess boron conditions for normal growth. Boron transport in plants is primarily based on three transport mechanisms across the plasma membrane: passive diffusion of boric acid, facilitated diffusion of boric acid via channels, and export of borate anion via transporters. Under boron -limiting conditions, boric acid channels and borate exporters function in the uptake and translocation of boron to support growth of various plant species. In Arabidopsis thaliana, NIP5;1 and BOR1 are located in the plasma membrane and polarized toward soil and stele, respectively, in various root cells, for efficient transport of boron from the soil to the stele. Importantly, sufficient levels of boron induce downregulation of NIP5;1 and BOR1 through mRNA degradation and proteolysis through endocytosis, respectively. In addition, borate exporters, such as Arabidopsis BOR4 and barley Bot1, function in boron exclusion from tissues and cells under conditions of excess boron. Thus, plants actively regulate intracellular localization and abundance of transport proteins to maintain boron homeostasis. In this review, the physiological roles and regulatory mechanisms of intracellular localization and abundance of boron transport proteins are discussed.

Extreme Activity of Drug Nanocrystals Coated with A Layer of Non-Covalent Polymers from Self-Assembled Boric Acid

Non-covalent polymers have remarkable advantages over synthetic polymers for wide biomedical applications. In this study, non-covalent polymers from self-assembled boric acid were used as the capping reagent to replace synthetic polymers in drug crystallization. Under acidic pH, boric acid self-assembled on the surface of drug nanocrystals to form polymers with network-like structures held together by hydrogen bonds. Coating driven by boric acid self-assembly had negligible effects on drug crystallinity and structure but resulted in drug nanocrystals with excellent dispersion properties that aided in the formation of a more stable suspension. Boric acid coating improved drug stability dramatically by preventing drug molecules from undergoing water hydrolysis in a neutral environment. More importantly, the specific reactivity of orthoboric groups to diols in cell glycocalyx facilitated a rapid cross-membrane translocation of drug nanocrystals, leading to efficient intracellular drug delivery, especially on cancer cells with highly expressed sialic acids. Boric acid coated nanocrystals of camptothecin, an anticancer drug with poor aqueous solubility and stability, demonstrated extreme cytotoxic activity (IC₅₀ < 5.0 μg/mL) to cancer cells compared to synthetic polymer coated CPT nanocrystals and free CPT. Surface coating using non-covalent polymers from self-assembled boric acid will have wide biomedical applications especially in biomaterials and drug delivery field.

Boron deficiency in woody plants: various responses and tolerance mechanisms

Boron (B) is an essential microelement for higher plants, and its deficiency is widespread around the world and constrains the productivity of both agriculture and forestry. In the last two decades, numerous studies on model or herbaceous plants have contributed greatly to our understanding of the complex network of B-deficiency responses and mechanisms for tolerance. In woody plants, however, fewer studies have been conducted and they have not well been recently synthesized or related to the findings on model species on B transporters. Trees have a larger body size, longer lifespan and more B reserves than do herbaceous plants, indicating that woody species might undergo long-term or mild B deficiency more commonly and that regulation of B reserves helps trees cope with B deficiency. In addition, the highly heterozygous genetic background of tree species suggests that they may have more complex mechanisms of response and tolerance to B deficiency than do model plants. Boron-deficient trees usually exhibit two key visible symptoms: depression of growing points (root tip, bud, flower, and young leaf) and deformity of organs (root, shoot, leaf, and fruit). These symptoms may be ascribed to B functioning in the cell wall and membrane, and particularly to damage to vascular tissues and the suppression of both B and water transport. Boron deficiency also affects metabolic processes such as decreased leaf photosynthesis, and increased lignin and phenol content in trees. These negative effects will influence the quality and quantity of wood, fruit and other agricultural products. Boron efficiency probably originates from a combined effect of three processes: B uptake, B translocation and retranslocation, and B utilization. Root morphology and mycorrhiza can affect the B uptake efficiency of trees. During B translocation from the root to shoot, differences in B concentration between root cell sap and xylem exudate, as well as water use efficiency, may play key roles in tolerance to B deficiency. In addition, B retranslocation efficiency primarily depends on the extent of xylem-to-phloem transfer and the variety and amount of cis-diol moieties in the phloem. The B requirement for cell wall construction also contribute to the B use efficiency in trees. The present review will provide an update on the physiological and molecular responses and tolerance mechanisms to B deficiency in woody plants. Emphasis is placed on the roles of B reserves that are more important for tolerance to B deficiency in trees than in herbaceous plants and the possible physiological and molecular mechanisms of differential B efficiency in trees. We propose that B may be used to study the relationship between the cell wall and the membrane via the B-bridge. Transgenic B-efficient tree cultivars have considerable potential for forestry or fruit rootstock production on low B soils in the future.

Increased Uptake of Chelated Copper Ions by Lolium perenne Attributed to Amplified Membrane and Endodermal Damage

The contributions of mechanisms by which chelators influence metal translocation to plant shoot tissues are analyzed using a combination of numerical modelling and physical experiments. The model distinguishes between apoplastic and symplastic pathways of water and solute movement. It also includes the barrier effects of the endodermis and plasma membrane. Simulations are used to assess transport pathways for free and chelated metals, identifying mechanisms involved in chelate-enhanced phytoextraction. Hypothesized transport mechanisms and parameters specific to amendment treatments are estimated, with simulated results compared to experimental data. Parameter values for each amendment treatment are estimated based on literature and experimental values, and used for model calibration and simulation of amendment influences on solute transport pathways and mechanisms. Modeling indicates that chelation alters the pathways for Cu transport. For free ions, Cu transport to leaf tissue can be described using purely apoplastic or transcellular pathways. For strong chelators (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)), transport by the purely apoplastic pathway is insufficient to represent measured Cu transport to leaf tissue. Consistent with experimental observations, increased membrane permeability is required for simulating translocation in EDTA and DTPA treatments. Increasing the membrane permeability is key to enhancing phytoextraction efficiency.

Metalloido-porins: Essentiality of Nodulin 26-like intrinsic proteins in metalloid transport

Metalloids are a group of physiologically important elements ranging from the essential to the highly toxic. Arsenic, antimony, germanium, and tellurium are highly toxic to plants themselves and to consumers of metalloid-contaminated plants. Boron, silicon, and selenium fulfill essential or beneficial functions in plants. However, when present at high concentrations, boron and selenium cause toxicity symptoms that are detrimental to plant fitness and yield. Consequently, all plants require efficient membrane transport systems to control the uptake and extrusion of metalloids into or out of the plant and their distribution within the plant body. Several Nodulin 26-like intrinsic proteins (NIPs) that belong to the aquaporin plant water channel protein family facilitate the diffusion of uncharged metalloid species. Genetic, physiological, and molecular evidence is that NIPs from primitive to higher plants not only transport all environmentally important metalloids, but that these proteins have a major role in the uptake, translocation, and extrusion of metalloids in plants. As most of the metalloid-permeable NIP aquaporins are impermeable or are poorly permeable to water, these NIP channel proteins should be considered as physiologically essential metalloido-porins.

Boric acid: a simple molecule of physiologic, therapeutic and prebiotic significance

Boric acid, H3BO3, is a weak acid and at physiological pH is in the form of an uncharged small molecule. Behaving as a Lewis acid, it forms complexes with amino- and hydroxy acids, carbohydrates, nucleotides and vitamins through electron donor-acceptor interactions. These interactions are believed to be beneficial for human health. Synthetic bis-chelate complexes of boric acid with organic biomolecules are therefore considered for nutritional and/or pharmaceutical applications. The use of boric acid for BNCT has gained attention due to the short biological half-life, solubility, plasma circulation and the non-selective soft tissue accumulation properties of this simple molecule. Complexation of boric acid with sugars is of particular importance in understanding the role of boron as a carrier for nucleotides and carbohydrates. A potential and catalytic role of boric acid in peptide and nucleic acid synthesis and in the stabilization of sugar molecules by acting as a complexing agent have been demonstrated. Its possible role as a phosphorylation chaperone in a prebiotic world has been recently suggested. This contribution reviews the highlights in the physiologic, therapeutic and prebiotic significance of boric acid in the last decade.

Proteomic analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana leaves in response to acute boron deficiency and toxicity reveals effects on photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and protein synthesis

Boron (B) stress (deficiency and toxicity) is common in plants, but as the functions of this essential micronutrient are incompletely understood, so too are the effects of B stress. To investigate mechanisms underlying B stress, we examined protein profiles in leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana plants grown under normal B (30 μM), compared to plants transferred for 60 and 84 h (i.e., before and after initial visible symptoms) in deficient (0 μM) or toxic (3 mM) levels of B. B-responsive polypeptides were sequenced by mass spectrometry, following 2D gel electrophoresis, and 1D gels and immunoblotting were used to confirm the B-responsiveness of some of these proteins. Fourteen B-responsive proteins were identified, including: 9 chloroplast proteins, 6 proteins of photosynthetic/carbohydrate metabolism (rubisco activase, OEC23, photosystem I reaction center subunit II-1, ATPase δ-subunit, glycolate oxidase, fructose bisphosphate aldolase), 6 stress proteins, and 3 proteins involved in protein synthesis (note that the 14 proteins may fall into multiple categories). Most (8) of the B-responsive proteins decreased under both B deficiency and toxicity; only 3 increased with B stress. Boron stress decreased, or had no effect on, 3 of 4 oxidative stress proteins examined, and did not affect total protein. Hence, our results indicate relatively early specific effects of B stress on chloroplasts and protein synthesis.

Functional characterization of Citrus macrophylla BOR1 as a boron transporter

Plants have evolved to develop an efficient system of boron uptake and transport using a range of efflux carriers named BOR proteins. In this work we isolated and characterized a boron transporter of citrus (Citrus macrophylla), which was named CmBOR1 for its high homology to AtBOR1. CmBOR1 has 4403 bp and 12 exons. Its coding region has 2145 bp and encodes for a protein of 714 amino acids. CmBOR1 possesses the molecular features of BORs such as an anion exchanger domain and the presence of 10 transmembrane domains. Functional analysis in yeast indicated that CmBOR1 has an efflux boron transporter activity, and transformants have increased tolerance to excess boron. CmBOR1 is expressed in leaves, stem and flowers and shows the greatest accumulation in roots. The transcript accumulation was significantly increased under boron deficiency conditions in shoots. In contrast, the accumulation of the transcript did not change in boron toxicity conditions. Finally, we observed that constitutive expression of CmBOR1 was able to increase tolerance to boron deficiency conditions in Arabidopsis thaliana, suggesting that CmBOR1 is a xylem loading boron transporter. Based on these results, it was determined that CmBOR1 encodes a boric acid/borate transporter involved in tolerance to boron deficiency in plants.

Partitioning of oleic acid into phosphatidylcholine membranes is amplified by strain

Partitioning of fatty acids into phospholipid membranes is studied on giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) utilizing phase-contrast microscopy. With use of a micropipet, an individual GUV is transferred from a vesicle suspension in a mixed glucose/sucrose solution into an isomolar glycerol solution with a small amount of oleic acid added. Oleic acid molecules intercalate into the phospholipid membrane and thus increase the membrane area, while glycerol permeates into the vesicle interior and thus via osmotic inflation causes an increase of the vesicle volume. The conditions are chosen at which a vesicle swells as a sphere. At sufficiently low oleic acid concentrations, when the critical membrane strain is reached, the membrane bursts and part of vesicle content is ejected, upon which the membrane reseals and the swelling commences again. The radius of the vesicle before and after the burst is determined at different concentrations of oleic acid in suspension. The results of our experiments show that the oleic acid partitioning increases when the membrane strain is increased. The observed behavior is interpreted on the basis of a tension-dependent intercalation of oleic acid into the membrane.

Cloning and characterization of boron transporters in Brassica napus

Six full-length cDNA encoding boron transporters (BOR) were isolated from Brassica napus (AACC) by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The phylogenic analysis revealed that the six BORs were the orthologues of AtBOR1, which formed companying with the triplication and allotetra-ploidization process of B. napus, and were divided into three groups in B. napus. Each group was comprised of two members, one of which was originated from Brassica rapa (AA) and the other from Brassica oleracea (CC). Based on the phylogenetic relationships, the six genes were named as BnBOR1;1a, BnBOR1;1c, BnBOR1;2a, BnBOR1;2c, BnBOR1;3a and BnBOR1;3c, respectively. The deduced BnBOR1 s had extensive similarity with other plant BORs, with the identity of 74-96.8% in amino acid sequence. The BnBOR1;3a and BnBOR1;3c resembled AtBOR1 in number and positions of the 11 introns, but the others only have 9 introns. After the gene duplication, there was evidence of purifying selection under a divergent selective pressure. The expression patterns of the six BnBOR1 s were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The BnBOR1;3a and BnBOR1;3c showed a ubiquitous expression in all of the investigated tissues, whereas the other four genes showed similar tissue-specific expression profile. Unlike the non-transcriptional regulation of AtBOR1, the expression of BnBOR1;1c and BnBOR1;2a were obviously induced by boron deficiency. This study suggested that the BOR1 s had undergone a divergent expression pattern in the genome of B. napus after that the B. napus diverged from Arabidopsis thaliana.

Toward improved boron removal in RO by membrane modification: feasibility and challenges

Membrane modification by concentration polarization (CP)-enhanced radical graft polymerization using a dilute aqueous solution of appropriate monomer was examined as a method for increasing rejection of boric acid by reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. On the basis of suggested physicochemical rationales a number of monomers were examined in order to determine those with the lowest affinity toward boric acid as compared to water. The improvement in the modified membrane performance was mainly attributed to sealing less selective areas ("defects") inherently present in the original low pressure RO (LPRO) membranes. However, the effect clearly differed for different monomers. Among the examined monomers glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) exhibited the lowest affinity and the largest improvement in removal of boric acid along with a moderate loss of permeability and slightly improved NaCl rejection. Modification of LPRO membrane thus resulted in a membrane with a permeability in the brackish water RO (BWRO) range but with removal of boric acid and salt superior to those reported for most commercial BWRO membranes.

Sodium and chloride exclusion and retention by non-grafted and grafted melon and Cucurbita plants

The effects of grafting on Na and Cl(-) uptake and distribution in plant tissues were quantified in a greenhouse experiment using six combinations of melon (Cucumis melo L. cv. Arava) and pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne×Cucurbita moschata Duchesne cv. TZ-148): non-grafted, self-grafted, melons grafted on pumpkins, and pumpkins grafted on melons. Total Na concentration in shoots of plants with pumpkin or melon rootstocks was <60 mmol kg(-1) and >400 mmol kg(-1), respectively, regardless of the scion. In contrast, shoot Cl(-) concentrations were quite similar among the different scion-rootstock combinations. Na concentrations in exudates from cut stems of plants with a pumpkin rootstock were very low (<0.18 mM), whereas those in the exudates of plants with melon rootstocks ranged from 4.7 mM to 6.2 mM, and were quite similar to the Na concentration in the irrigation water. Root Na concentrations averaged 11.7 times those in the shoots of plants with pumpkin rootstocks, while in plants with melon rootstocks, values were similar. Two mechanisms could explain the decrease in shoot Na concentrations in plants with pumpkin rootstocks: (i) Na exclusion by the pumpkin roots; and (ii) Na retention and accumulation within the pumpkin rootstock. Quantitative analysis indicated that the pumpkin roots excluded ∼74% of available Na, while there was nearly no Na exclusion by melon roots. Na retention by the pumpkin rootstocks decreased its amount in the shoot by an average 46.9% compared with uniform Na distribution throughout the plant. In contrast, no retention of Na could be found in plants grafted on melons.

Mechanisms of boron tolerance and accumulation in plants: a physiological comparison of the extremely boron-tolerant plant species, Puccinellia distans, with the moderately boron-tolerant Gypsophila arrostil

The physiological characteristics of the extremely boron (B)-tolerant plant species, Puccinellia distans, were compared with those of the moderately tolerant Gypsophila arrostil, two species collected from a B-mining area of Eskişehir, Turkey. Boron was supplied to plants hydroponically at B concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 50 mg B/L for G. arrostil, and from 0.5 to 2000 mg B/L for P. distans. The results show that P. distans has a strikingly greater tolerance to B than G. arrostil. While G. arrostil was unable to survive B supply concentrations greater than 50 mg B/L, P. distans grew at B supply concentrations exceeding 1250 mg B/L. Our research supports the conclusion that from 0.5 to 50 mg B/L, P. distans is better able to restrict the accumulation of B in the whole plant, and the transport of B from root to shoot, than G. arrostil. We propose that P. distans uses several strategies to achieve B tolerance including the ability to restrict the accumulation of B relative to its accumulation of biomass, the ability to restrict the transport of B from root to shoot, and, to a lesser extent, the ability to tolerate high concentrations of B in its shoot and root tissues.

Boron toxicity tolerance in barley through reduced expression of the multifunctional aquaporin HvNIP2;1

Boron (B) toxicity is a significant limitation to cereal crop production in a number of regions worldwide. Here we describe the cloning of a gene from barley (Hordeum vulgare), underlying the chromosome 6H B toxicity tolerance quantitative trait locus. It is the second B toxicity tolerance gene identified in barley. Previously, we identified the gene Bot1 that functions as an efflux transporter in B toxicity-tolerant barley to move B out of the plant. The gene identified in this work encodes HvNIP2;1, an aquaporin from the nodulin-26-like intrinsic protein (NIP) subfamily that was recently described as a silicon influx transporter in barley and rice (Oryza sativa). Here we show that a rice mutant for this gene also shows reduced B accumulation in leaf blades compared to wild type and that the mutant protein alters growth of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) under high B. HvNIP2;1 facilitates significant transport of B when expressed in Xenopus oocytes compared to controls and to another NIP (NOD26), and also in yeast plasma membranes that appear to have relatively high B permeability. We propose that tolerance to high soil B is mediated by reduced expression of HvNIP2;1 to limit B uptake, as well as by increased expression of Bot1 to remove B from roots and sensitive tissues. Together with Bot1, the multifunctional aquaporin HvNIP2;1 is an important determinant of B toxicity tolerance in barley.

Boron transport in plants: co-ordinated regulation of transporters

BACKGROUND

The essentiality of boron (B) for plant growth was established > 85 years ago. In the last decade, it has been revealed that one of the physiological roles of B is cross-linking the pectic polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan II in primary cell walls. Borate cross-linking of pectic networks serves both for physical strength of cell walls and for cell adhesion. On the other hand, high concentrations of B are toxic to plant growth. To avoid deficiency and toxicity problems, it is important for plants to maintain their tissue B concentrations within an optimum range by regulating transport processes. Boron transport was long believed to be a passive, unregulated process, but the identification of B transporters has suggested that plants sense and respond to the B conditions and regulate transporters to maintain B homeostasis.

SCOPE

Transporters responsible for efficient B uptake by roots, xylem loading and B distribution among leaves have been described. These transporters are required under B limitation for efficient acquisition and utilization of B. Transporters important for tolerating high B levels in the environment have also been identified, and these transporters export B from roots back to the soil. Two types of transporters are involved in these processes: NIPs (nodulin-26-like intrinsic proteins), boric acid channels, and BORs, B exporters. It is demonstrated that the expression of genes encoding these transporters is finely regulated in response to B availability in the environment to ensure tissue B homeostasis. Furthermore, plants tolerant to stress produced by low B or high B in the environment can be generated through altered expression of these transporters.

CONCLUSIONS

The identification of the first B transporter led to the discovery that B transport was a process mediated not only by passive diffusion but also by transporters whose activity was regulated in response to B conditions. Now it is evident that plants sense internal and external B conditions and regulate B transport by modulating the expression and/or accumulation of these transporters. Results obtained in model plants are applicable to other plant species, and such knowledge may be useful in designing plants or crops tolerant to soils containing low or high B.

Polar localization and degradation of Arabidopsis boron transporters through distinct trafficking pathways

Boron (B) is essential for plant growth but is toxic when present in excess. In the roots of Arabidopsis thaliana under B limitation, a boric acid channel, NIP5;1, and a boric acid/borate exporter, BOR1, are required for efficient B uptake and subsequent translocation into the xylem, respectively. However, under high-B conditions, BOR1 activity is repressed through endocytic degradation, presumably to avoid B toxicity. In this study, we investigated the localization of GFP-tagged NIP5;1 and BOR1 expressed under the control of their native promoters. Under B limitation, GFP-NIP5;1 and BOR1-GFP localized preferentially in outer (distal) and inner (proximal) plasma membrane domains, respectively, of various root cells. The polar localization of the boric acid channel and boric acid/borate exporter indicates the radial transport route of B toward the stele. Furthermore, mutational analysis revealed a requirement of tyrosine residues, in a probable cytoplasmic loop region of BOR1, for polar localization in various cells of the meristem and elongation zone. The same tyrosine residues were also required for vacuolar targeting upon high B supply. The present study of BOR1 and NIP5;1 demonstrates the importance of selective endocytic trafficking in polar localization and degradation of plant nutrient transporters for radial transport and homeostasis of plant mineral nutrients.

The ever expanding role of aquaglyceroporins: confirmation of protein-facilitated boron transport

The exact mechanism of transport of boron (B) entering the plant cell as boric acid B(OH)₃, has become hotly debated with evidence for both passive and protein facilitated transport. Here we put the controversy to rest by confirming that boron influx into plants can be partially controlled by opening and closing of channel-like transport proteins. Using treatments that were likely to inhibit membrane transporters capable of facilitating B transport, we confirmed that at least 50% of B transport could be contributed by a transporter of some type in barley roots. Based on the physiochemical similarities between B(OH)₃ and other solutes that were known to be transported via aquaglyceroporins, we hypothesised that aquaglyceroporins would be likely candidates to facilitate B(OH)₃ transport into the cytoplasm. We demonstrated using functional yeast complementation that two barley root aquaglyceroporins, HvPIP1;3 and HvPIP1;4, were both capable of facilitating B transport. This finding has demonstrated yet another function of aquaglyceroporins.

Mechanism of boron tolerance in soil bacteria

Boron (B) is toxic to living cells at levels above a certain threshold. We isolated several B-tolerant bacterial strains from soil samples and studied them for possible mechanisms of B tolerance. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and comparative phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the isolates belong to the following 6 genera: Arthrobacter, Rhodococcus, Lysinibacillus, Algoriphagus, Gracilibacillus, and Bacillus. These isolates exhibited B-tolerance levels of 80, 100, 150, 300, 450, and 450 mmol/L, respectively, whilst maintaining a significantly lower intracellular B concentration than in the medium. Statistical analysis showed a negative correlation between the protoplasmic B concentration and the degree of tolerance to a high external B concentration. The kinetic assays suggest that the high B efflux and (or) exclusion are the tolerance mechanisms against a high external B concentration in the isolated bacteria.

The involvement of aquaglyceroporins in transport of boron in barley roots

Boron (B) enters cells as the uncharged boric acid, a small neutral molecule with sufficient lipid solubility to cross cell membranes without the aid of transport proteins. The extent to which the observed uptake rates for B in plants can be explained by this simple physical process was examined by applying treatments expected to inhibit the membrane transporters most likely to be involved in B transport. These experiments established that at least 50% of B uptake could be facilitated by transporters. The B transport characteristics of two barley aquaglyceroporins, HvPIP1;3 and HvPIP1;4, were investigated using yeast complementation assays. Expression of both genes in yeast resulted in increased B sensitivity. Transport assays in yeast confirmed that HvPIP1;3 and HvPIP1;4 are both capable of transporting B. The physiological role of these HvPIP1 genes in B transport is uncertain since their expression was not responsive to B nutritional status, and they continued to be expressed under toxicity conditions.

Toxicological investigation and antinociceptive property of potassium thiophene-3-trifluoroborate

The aim of the present study was to evaluate pharmacological and toxicological properties of potassium thiophene-3-trifluoroborate (RBF(3)K). The acute effect of RBF(3)K was evaluated on mice. To this end, mice received a single dose of RBF(3)K (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, by oral route, p.o.) and after 72 hrs, blood, liver, and kidney samples were collected. delta-Aminolevulinate dehydratase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase activities, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and vitamin C levels, as well as plasma aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities and creatinine levels were determined. Hepatic and renal lipid peroxidation levels in treated mice did not differ from those in control mice. No significant differences between treated and control mice were detected in hepatic and renal delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase activity. Aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities as well as urea and creatinine levels were similar among the groups. In contrast, results obtained from in vivo experiments revealed that RBF(3)K, orally administered, reduced peritoneovisceral pain induced by acetic acid administered i.p. Doses of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg of RBF(3)K were assessed in the antinociceptive investigation and the effect was significantly different than control groups from 5 mg/kg. It was observed that alpha(2-)adrenergic and serotonergic, but not opioidergic, receptors appear to be involved in orally administered RBF(3)K. Mice treated with RBF(3)K did not reveal any motor impairment in the open field. This is a promising compound for more detailed pharmacological studies involving organotrifluoroborate compounds.

Antioxidant responses of chickpea plants subjected to boron toxicity

This study investigated oxidative stress and the antioxidant response to boron (B) of chickpea cultivars differing in their tolerance to drought. Three-week-old chickpea seedlings were subjected to 0.05 (control), 1.6 or 6.4 mm B in the form of boric acid (H(3)BO(3)) for 7 days. At the end of the treatment period, shoot length, dry weight, chlorophyll fluorescence, B concentration, malondialdehyte content and the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) were measured. The 1.6 mm B treatment did not cause significant changes in shoot length of cultivars, although shoot length increased in the drought-tolerant Gökce and decreased in the drought-sensitive Küsmen after 6.4 mm B treatment. Dry weights of both cultivars decreased with 6.4 mm B treatment. Chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) did not change in Gökce at either B level. Nor did it change in Küsmen with 1.6 mm B but Fv/Fm decreased with 6.4 mm B. Boron concentration in the shoots of both cultivars increased significantly with increasing levels of applied B. Significant increases in total SOD activity were observed in shoots of both cultivars given 1.6 and 6.4 mm B. Shoot extracts exhibited five activity bands, two of which were identified as MnSOD and Cu/ZnSOD. In comparison to the control group, all enzyme activities (except APX and SOD) decreased with 1.6 mm B stress. GR activity decreased, while activities of CAT, POX and APX did not change with 6.4 mm B in Küsmen. On the other hand, activities of CAT, APX and SOD increased in Gökce at both B levels. In addition, lipid peroxidation was higher in Küsmen than in Gökce, indicating more damage by B to membrane lipids in the former cultivar. These results suggest that (i) Gökce is tolerant and Küsmen is sensitive to B, and (ii) B tolerance of Gökce might be closely related to increased capacity of the antioxidative system (total SOD, CAT and APX) to scavenge reactive oxygen species and thus suppress lipid peroxidation under B stress. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the antioxidant response of chickpea seedlings to B toxicity.

Involvement of lignification and membrane permeability in the tomato root response to boron toxicity

To gain an insight into the role of lignification and membrane permeability in the root response to boron (B) toxicity, lignification-related enzymes and a number of physiological and oxidative stress parameters were analyzed in two tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivars (Kosaco and Josefina) subjected to 0.05 (control), 0.5 and 2mM B during 16 days. 2mM B supply inhibited root growth and increased the root B concentration in both tomato cultivars. Although excess B increased the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration in Kosaco, no major changes were observed in other oxidative-stress-related parameters. High levels of B supply also induced higher lignin deposition in Kosaco roots but did not in Josefina ones. The latter result was associated with an increase of the polyphenol oxidase (PPO), guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX) and soluble syringaldazine peroxidase (SPOX) activity in Kosaco roots. Boron toxicity did not induce lipid peroxidation but increased the leakage of K(+) and the passive efflux of B in tomato roots. We conclude that high concentrations of B do not cause major oxidative or membrane damage in tomato roots. The data also indicate that high levels of B supply induce a higher lignin deposition in Kosaco roots but not in Josefina ones. This phenomenon suggests that lignification is not an essential factor reducing root growth in tomato plants, however, it proves that exist a high genotypic variation in response to excess B at root level.

Boron in plants: deficiency and toxicity

Boron (B) is an essential nutrient for normal growth of higher plants, and B availability in soil and irrigation water is an important determinant of agricultural production. To date, a primordial function of B is undoubtedly its structural role in the cell wall; however, there is increasing evidence for a possible role of B in other processes such as the maintenance of plasma membrane function and several metabolic pathways. In recent years, the knowledge of the molecular basis of B deficiency and toxicity responses in plants has advanced greatly. The aim of this review is to provide an update on recent findings related to these topics, which can contribute to a better understanding of the role of B in plants.

Boron uptake by the root cortex symplast of tomato and pea plants: evidence for low-boron-induced active transport

The objective of this research was to test the hypothesis of the existence of an active boron (B) uptake into the cortical cells induced by low B supply. The uptake of B was characterised in two tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) genotypes: B-efficient FER and B-inefficient mutant T3238. In addition, pea (Pisum sativum L.) was used as an anatomically appropriate model for obtaining intact root cortex. Time course uptake studies in tomato indicate that the B-inefficient mutant was defective by the absence of an active low-B-induced uptake system in the cortex. Pea roots showed up to 10-fold higher accumulation of B into the cortex symplast at low (0.5 µm) external B supply in comparison to adequate B (10 µm) supply. Also, low-B-induced uptake of B was strongly inhibited by 2,4-dinitrophenol, indicating a metabolic energy-derived active component of B uptake at low external supply. Uptake of B by the cortical cells of tomato and pea plants appears to be a combination of both passive and active components, with a passive component prevailing at higher external B. An active component of B uptake suppressed by either adequate or high B supply might indicate a downregulation of plasma membrane-associated B transporter(s) in root cortical cells.