Overexpression of malate dehydrogenase in transgenic alfalfa enhances organic acid synthesis and confers tolerance to aluminum

SpCTP3 from the hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola positively regulates cadmium tolerance by interacting with SpMDH1

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal pollutant mainly originating from the discharge of industrial sewage, irrigation with contaminated water, and the use of fertilizers. The phytoremediation of Cd polluted soil depends on the identification of the associated genes in hyperaccumulators. Here, a novel Cd tolerance gene (SpCTP3) was identified in hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola. The results of Cd2+ binding and thermodynamic analyses, revealed the CXXC motif in SpCTP3 functions is a Cd2+ binding site. A mutated CXXC motif decreased binding to Cd by 59.93%. The subcellular localization analysis suggested that SpCTP3 is primarily a cytoplasmic protein. Additionally, the SpCTP3-overexpressing (OE) plants were more tolerant to Cd and accumulated more Cd than wild-type Sedum alfredii (NHE-WT). The Cd concentrations in the cytoplasm of root and leaf cells were significantly higher (53.75% and 71.87%, respectively) in SpCTP3-OE plants than in NHE-WT. Furthermore, malic acid levels increased and decreased in SpCTP3-OE and SpCTP3-RNAi plants, respectively. Moreover, SpCTP3 interacted with malate dehydrogenase 1 (MDH1). Thus, SpCTP3 helps regulate the subcellular distribution of Cd and increases Cd accumulation when it is overexpressed in plants, ultimately Cd tolerance through its interaction with SpMDH1. This study provides new insights relevant to improving the Cd uptake by Sedum plumbizincicola.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Malate Dehydrogenase Gene Family in Sweet Potato and Its Two Diploid Relatives

Malate dehydrogenase (MDH; EC 1.1.1.37) plays a vital role in plant growth and development as well as abiotic stress responses, and it is widely present in plants. However, the MDH family genes have not been explored in sweet potato. In this study, nine, ten, and ten MDH genes in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and its two diploid wild relatives, Ipomoea trifida and Ipomoea triloba, respectively, were identified. These MDH genes were unevenly distributed on seven different chromosomes among the three species. The gene duplications and nucleotide substitution analysis (Ka/Ks) revealed that the MDH genes went through segmental duplications during their evolution under purifying selection. A phylogenetic and conserved structure divided these MDH genes into five subgroups. An expression analysis indicated that the MDH genes were omni-presently expressed in distinct tissues and responded to various abiotic stresses. A transcription factor prediction analysis proved that Dof, MADS-box, and MYB were the main transcription factors of sweet potato MDH genes. These findings provide molecular features of the MDH family in sweet potato and its two diploid wild relatives, which further supports functional characterizations.

The Role of TCA Cycle Enzymes in Plants

As one of the iconic pathways in plant metabolism, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle is commonly thought to not only be responsible for the oxidization of respiratory substrate to drive ATP synthesis but also provide carbon skeletons to anabolic processes and contribute to carbon-nitrogen interaction and biotic stress responses. The functions of the TCA cycle enzymes are characterized by a saturation transgenesis approach, whereby the constituent expression of proteins is knocked out or reduced in order to investigate their function in vivo. The alteration of TCA cycle enzyme expression results in changed plant growth and photosynthesis under controlled conditions. Moreover, improvements in plant performance and postharvest properties are reported by overexpression of either endogenous forms or heterologous genes of a number of the enzymes. Given the importance of the TCA cycle in plant metabolism regulation, here, the function of each enzyme and its roles in different tissues are discussed. This article additionally highlights the recent finding that the plant TCA cycle, like that of mammals and microbes, dynamically assembles functional substrate channels or metabolons and discusses the implications of this finding to the current understanding of the metabolic regulation of the plant TCA cycle.

Role of C4 photosynthetic enzyme isoforms in C3 plants and their potential applications in improving agronomic traits in crops

As compared to C3, C4 plants have higher photosynthetic rates and better tolerance to high temperature and drought. These traits are highly beneficial in the current scenario of global warming. Interestingly, all the genes of the C4 photosynthetic pathway are present in C3 plants, although they are involved in diverse non-photosynthetic functions. Non-photosynthetic isoforms of carbonic anhydrase (CA), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), the decarboxylating enzymes NAD/NADP-malic enzyme (NAD/NADP-ME), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and finally pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK) catalyze reactions that are essential for major plant metabolism pathways, such as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, maintenance of cellular pH, uptake of nutrients and their assimilation. Consistent with this view differential expression pattern of these non-photosynthetic C3 isoforms has been observed in different tissues across the plant developmental stages, such as germination, grain filling, and leaf senescence. Also abundance of these C3 isoforms is increased considerably in response to environmental fluctuations particularly during abiotic stress. Here we review the vital roles played by C3 isoforms of C4 enzymes and the probable mechanisms by which they help plants in acclimation to adverse growth conditions. Further, their potential applications to increase the agronomic trait value of C3 crops is discussed.

Increasing Heavy Metal Tolerance by the Exogenous Application of Organic Acids

Several metals belong to a group of non-biodegradable inorganic constituents that, at low concentrations, play fundamental roles as essential micronutrients for the growth and development of plants. However, in high concentrations they can have toxic and/or mutagenic effects, which can be counteracted by natural chemical compounds called chelators. Chelators have a diversity of chemical structures; many are organic acids, including carboxylic acids and cyclic phenolic acids. The exogenous application of such compounds is a non-genetic approach, which is proving to be a successful strategy to reduce damage caused by heavy metal toxicity. In this review, we will present the latest literature on the exogenous addition of both carboxylic acids, including the Kreb's Cycle intermediates citric and malic acid, as well as oxalic acid, lipoic acid, and phenolic acids (gallic and caffeic acid). The use of two non-traditional organic acids, the phytohormones jasmonic and salicylic acids, is also discussed. We place particular emphasis on physiological and molecular responses, and their impact in increasing heavy metal tolerance, especially in crop species.

Aluminum-Induced Alterations to the Cell Wall and Antioxidant Enzymes Involved in the Regulation of the Aluminum Tolerance of Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata)

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata), which is an important coniferous tree species in China, is mainly planted in acidic soils with toxic aluminum (Al) levels. However, the consequences of Al toxicity and its resistance mechanism in Chinese fir remain largely uncharacterized. In this study, the Al-induced modification and possible role of cell wall in regulating Al tolerance in Chinese fir were investigated by using seedlings with contrasting Al tolerance, namely, Al-sensitive (YX02) and Al-resistant (YX01) genotypes. The results in present work showed that Al treatment resulted in a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of root growth and oxidative damage in both genotypes, but more in YX02 than in YX01. The severe oxidative damage observed in YX02 under Al stress was found to correlate with lower antioxidant enzyme activities as compared with YX01. The greater root growth inhibition observed in YX02 compared with YX01 was associated with a higher accumulation of Al in pectin and hemicllulose 1 (HC1) fraction because of the higher pectin and HC1 contents and the lower degree of pectin demethylation due to enhanced pectin methylesterase activity in YX02, which ultimately enhanced cell wall binding capacity for Al in YX02. Taken together, our results suggested that enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activities and cell wall modification-induced Al exclusion are the two mechanisms responsible for the Al tolerance of Chinese fir.

Differential expressions and enzymatic properties of malate dehydrogenases in response to nutrient and metal stresses in Stylosanthes guianensis

Malate dehydrogenase (MDH, EC 1.1.1.37) is a key enzyme that catalyzes a reversible NAD-dependent dehydrogenase reaction from oxaloacetate (OAA) to malate. Although MDH has been documented to participate in cellular metabolism and redox homeostasis in plants, the roles of MDH members in the tropical legume Stylosanthes guianensis (stylo) remain less definitive. In this study, except SgMDH1 that had been previously characterized, six novel MDH genes were isolated from stylo and were then designated as SgMDH2 to SgMDH7. All of the SgMDH proteins possessed the common features of NAD binding, dimerization interface and substrate binding sites. Expression analysis showed that three SgMDHs exhibited preferential expressions in leaves, and one SgMDH was mainly expressed in roots. Furthermore, SgMDHs were regulated by nutrient deficiencies in stylo roots, especially for phosphorus (-P) and potassium (-K) deficiencies. Differential responses of SgMDHs to trace metal stress and heavy metal toxicity were observed in stylo roots, suggesting the involvement of SgMDHs in the response of stylo to metal stresses. The six novel SgMDHs were subsequently expressed and purified from Escherichia coli to analyze their biochemical properties. Although SgMDHs exhibited variations in subcellular localizations, each SgMDH protein displayed a high level of catalytic efficiency towards OAA and NADH but a low level of catalytic efficiency towards malate and NAD⁺. In addition, the activities of recombinant SgMDH proteins were pH-dependent and temperature-sensitive, and exhibited differential regulations by various metal ions. These results together suggest the potential roles of SgMDHs in stylo coping with nutrient and metal stresses.

Mechanistic Association of Quantitative Trait Locus with Malate Secretion in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) Seedlings under Aluminium Stress

Aluminium (Al) toxicity acts as a major delimiting factor in the productivity of many crops including lentil. To alleviate its effect, plants have evolved with Al exclusion and inclusion mechanisms. The former involves the exudation of organic acid to restrict the entry of Al³⁺ to the root cells while latter involves detoxification of entered Al³⁺ by organic acids. Al-induced secretion of organic acids from roots is a well-documented mechanism that chelates and neutralizes Al³⁺ toxicity. In this study, F₆ recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between L-7903 (Al-resistant) and BM-4 (Al-sensitive) were phenotyped to assess variation in secretion levels of malate and was combined with genotypic data obtained from 10 Al-resistance linked simple sequence repeat (SSRs) markers. A major quantitative trait loci (QTL) was mapped for malate (qAlt_ma) secretion with a logarithm of odd (LOD) value of 7.7 and phenotypic variation of 60.2%.Validated SSRs associated with this major QTL will be useful in marker assisted selection programmes for improving Al resistance in lentil.

Physiological, nutritional, and molecular responses of Brazilian sugarcane cultivars under stress by aluminum

Background

Sugarcane is a crop of global importance and has been expanding to areas with soils containing high levels of exchangeable aluminum (Al), which is a limiting factor for crop development in acidic soils. The study of the sugarcane physiological and nutritional behavior together with patterns of gene expression in response to Al stress may provide a basis for effective strategies to increase crop productivity in acidic soils.

Methods

Sugarcane cultivars were evaluated for physiological parameters (photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration), nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and Al contents in leaves and roots and gene expression, of the genes MDH, SDH by qPCR, both related to the production of organic acids, and SOD, related to oxidative stress.

Results

Brazilian sugarcane RB867515, RB928064, and RB935744 cultivars exhibited very different responses to induced stress by Al. Exposure to Al caused up-regulation (SOD and MDH) or down-regulation (SDH, MDH, and SOD), depending on the cultivar, Al level, and plant tissue. The RB867515 cultivar was the most Al-tolerant, showing no decline of nutrient content in plant tissue, photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance after exposure to Al; it exhibited the highest Al content in the roots, and showed important MDH and SOD gene expression in the roots. RB928064 only showed low expression of SOD in roots and leaves, while RB935744 showed important expression of the SOD gene only in the leaves. Sugarcane cultivars were classified in the following descending Al-tolerance order: RB867515 > RB928064 = RB935744. These results may contribute to the obtention of Al-tolerant cultivars that can play their genetic potential in soils of low fertility and with low demand for agricultural inputs; the selection of potential plants for breeding programs; the elucidation of Al detoxification mechanisms employed by sugarcane cultivars.

S-nitrosated proteomic analysis reveals the regulatory roles of protein S-nitrosation and S-nitrosoglutathione reductase during Al-induced PCD in peanut root tips

Nitric oxide-mediated S-nitrosation through S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) plays important roles in cellular processes and signaling of plants; however, the regulatory mechanism of programmed cell death (PCD) by S-nitrosation remains unclear. In this study, the S-nitrosated proteomic and functions of GSNOR during Al-induced PCD in peanut were investigated. Al stress induced an increase of S-nitrosothiol (SNO) content and GSNOR activity in Al-induced PCD. There was significant positive correlation between SNO content and hydrogen peroxide content. The S-nitrosated proteomic analysis identified 402 S-nitrosated proteins containing 551 S-nitrosated sites during Al-induced PCD in the root tips of peanut. These S-nitrosated proteins were involved in regulation of various biological processes including energy metabolism, maintenance of cell wall function and organic acid secretion. Among them, 128 S-nitrosated proteins were up-regulated and one was down-regulated after Al stress. Experiments with recombinant AhGSNOR revealed that activity of the enzyme was inhibited by its S-nitrosation, with a moderate decrease of 17.9 % after 100 μM GSNO incubation. These data provide novel insights to understanding the functional mechanism of NO-mediated S-nitrosation during plant PCD.

Organic acids: versatile stress-response roles in plants

Organic acids (OAs) are central to cellular metabolism. Many plant stress responses involve the exudation of OAs at the root-soil interface, which can improve soil mineral acquisition and toxic metal tolerance. Because of their simple structure, the low-molecular-weight OAs are widely studied. We discuss the conventional roles of OAs, and some newly emerging roles in plant stress tolerance. OAs are more versatile in their role in plant stress tolerance and are more efficient chelating agents than other acids, such as amino acids. Root OA exudation is important in soil carbon sequestration. These functions are key processes in combating climate change and helping with more sustainable food production. We briefly review the mechanisms behind enhanced biosynthesis, secretion, and regulation of these activities under different stresses, and provide an outline of the transgenic approaches targeted towards the enhanced production and secretion of OAs. A recurring theme of OAs in plant biology is their role as 'acids' modifying pH, as 'chelators' binding metals, or as 'carbon sources' for microbes. We argue that these multiple functions are key factors for understanding these molecules' important roles in plant stress biology. Finally, we discuss how the functions of OAs in plant stress responses could be used, and identify the important unanswered questions.

Phenological, morpho-physiological and proteomic responses of Triticum boeoticum to drought stress

Drought is the most important abiotic stress limiting wheat production worldwide. Triticum boeoticum, as wild wheat, is a rich gene pool for breeding for drought stress tolerance. In this study, to identify the most drought-tolerant and susceptible genotypes, ten T. boeoticum accessions were evaluated under non-stress and drought-stress conditions for two years. Among the studied traits, water-use efficiency (WUE) was suggested as the most important trait to identify drought-tolerant genotypes. According to the desirable and undesirable areas of the bi-plot, Tb5 and Tb6 genotypes were less and more affected by drought stress, respectively. Therefore, their flag-leaves proteins were used for two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. While, Tb5 contained a high amount of yield, yield components, and WUE, Tb6 had higher levels of water use, phenological related traits, and root related characters. Of the 235 spots found in the studied accessions, 14 spots (11 and 3 spots of Tb5 and Tb6, respectively) were selected for sequencing. Of these 14 spots, 9 and 5 spots were upregulated and downregulated, respectively. The identified proteins were grouped into six functional protein clusters, which were mainly involved in photosynthesis (36%), carbohydrate metabolism (29%), chaperone (7%), oxidation and reduction (7%), lipid metabolism and biological properties of the membrane (7%) and unknown function (14%). We report for the first time that MICP, in the group of lipid metabolism proteins, was significantly changed into wild wheat in response to drought stress. Maybe, the present-identified proteins could play an important role to understand the molecular pathways of wheat drought tolerance. We believe comparing and evaluating the similarity-identified proteins of T. boeoticum with the previously identified proteins of Aegilops tauschii, can provide a new direction to improve wheat tolerance to drought stress.

Enhanced Biomass Yield of and Saccharification in Transgenic Tobacco Over-Expressing β-Glucosidase

Here, we report an increase in biomass yield and saccharification in transgenic tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacumL.) overexpressing thermostable β-glucosidase from Thermotoga maritima, BglB, targeted to the chloroplasts and vacuoles. The transgenic tobacco plants showed phenotypic characteristics that were significantly different from those of the wild-type plants. The biomass yield and life cycle (from germination to flowering and harvest) of the transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing BglB were 52% higher and 36% shorter than those of the wild-type tobacco plants, respectively, indicating a change in the genome transcription levels in the transgenic tobacco plants. Saccharification in biomass samples from the transgenic tobacco plants was 92% higher than that in biomass samples from the wild-type tobacco plants. The transgenic tobacco plants required a total investment (US$/year) corresponding to 52.9% of that required for the wild-type tobacco plants, but the total biomass yield (kg/year) of the transgenic tobacco plants was 43% higher than that of the wild-type tobacco plants. This approach could be applied to other plants to increase biomass yields and overproduce β-glucosidase for lignocellulose conversion.

On the role of the tricarboxylic acid cycle in plant productivity

The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle is one of the canonical energy pathways of living systems, as well as being an example of a pathway in which dynamic enzyme assemblies, or metabolons, are well characterized. The role of the enzymes have been the subject of saturated transgenesis approaches, whereby the expression of the constituent enzymes were reduced or knocked out in order to ascertain their in vivo function. Some of the resultant plants exhibited improved photosynthesis and plant growth, under controlled greenhouse conditions. In addition, overexpression of the endogenous genes, or heterologous forms of a number of the enzymes, has been carried out in tomato fruit and the roots of a range of species, and in some instances improvement in fruit yield and postharvest properties and plant performance, under nutrient limitation, have been reported, respectively. Given a number of variants, in nature, we discuss possible synthetic approaches involving introducing these variants, or at least a subset of them, into plants. We additionally discuss the likely consequences of introducing synthetic metabolons, wherein certain pairs of reactions are artificially permanently assembled into plants, and speculate as to future strategies to further improve plant productivity by manipulation of the core metabolic pathway.

Characterization of the Genes Involved in Malic Acid Metabolism from Pear Fruit and Their Expression Profile after Postharvest 1-MCP/Ethrel Treatment

In this study, five genes involved in malic acid (MA) metabolism, including a cytosolic NAD-dependent malate dehydrogenase gene ( cyNAD-MDH), a cytosolic NADP-dependent malic enzyme gene ( cyNADP-ME), two vacuolar H⁺-ATPase genes ( vVAtp1 and vVAtp2), and one vacuolar inorganic pyrophosphatase gene ( vVPp), were characterized from pear fruit based on bioinformatic and experimental analysis. Their expression profile in "Housui" pear was tissue-specific, and their expression patterns during fruit development were diverse. During "Housui" pear storage, MA content decreased, which was associated with the downregulated transcripts of MA metabolism-related genes and cyNAD-MDH activity and higher cyNADP-ME activity. The response of MA metabolism to postharvest 1.5 μL L^-1 1-MCP fumigation and 0.5 mL L^-1 ethrel dipping was distinct: 1-MCP fumigation upregulated gene expression and cyNAD-MDH activity and suppressed cyNADP-ME activity, and thus maintained higher MA abundance when compared with those in the control; on the other hand, an opposite behavior was observed in ethrel-treated fruit.

Understanding the Strategies to Overcome Phosphorus-Deficiency and Aluminum-Toxicity by Ryegrass Endophytic and Rhizosphere Phosphobacteria

Phosphobacteria, secreting organic acids and phosphatases, usually favor plant performance in acidic soils by increasing phosphorus (P) availability and aluminum (Al) complexing. However, it is not well-known how P-deficiency and Al-toxicity affect the phosphobacteria physiology. Since P and Al problems often co-occur in acidic soils, we have therefore proposed the evaluation of the single and combined effects of P-deficiency and Al-toxicity on growth, organic acids secretion, malate dehydrogenase (mdh) gene expression, and phosphatase activity of five Al-tolerant phosphobacteria previously isolated from ryegrass. These phosphobacteria were identified as Klebsiella sp. RC3, Stenotrophomona sp. RC5, Klebsiella sp. RCJ4, Serratia sp. RCJ6, and Enterobacter sp. RJAL6. The strains were cultivated in mineral media modified to obtain (i) high P in absence of Al–toxicity, (ii) high P in presence of Al–toxicity, (iii) low P in absence of Al–toxicity, and (iv) low P in presence of Al–toxicity. High and low P were obtained by adding KH₂PO₄ at final concentration of 1.4 and 0.05 mM, respectively. To avoid Al precipitation, AlCl₃ × 6H₂O was previously complexed to citric acid (sole carbon source) in concentrations of 10 mM. The secreted organic acids were identified and quantified by HPLC, relative mdh gene expression was determined by qRT-PCR and phosphatase activity was colorimetrically determined using p-nitrophenyl phosphate as substrate. Our results revealed that although a higher secretion of all organic acids was achieved under P–deficiency, the patterns of organic acids secretion were variable and dependent on treatment and strain. The organic acid secretion is exacerbated when Al was added into media, particularly in the form of malic and citric acid. The mdh gene expression was significantly up–regulated by the strains RC3, RC5, and RCJ6 under P–deficiency and Al–toxicity. In general, Al–tolerant phosphobacteria under P deficiency increased both acid and alkaline phosphatase activity with respect to the control, which was deepened when Al was present. The knowledge of this bacterial behavior in vitro is important to understand and predict the behavior of phosphobacteria in vivo. This knowledge is essential to generate smart and efficient biofertilizers, based in Al–tolerant phosphobacteria which could be expansively used in acidic soils.

Recent strategies of increasing metal tolerance and phytoremediation potential using genetic transformation of plants

Avoidance and reduction of soil contamination with heavy metals is one of the most serious global challenges. Nowadays, science offers us new opportunities of utilizing plants to extract toxic elements from the soil by means of phytoremediation. Plant abilities to uptake, translocate, and transform heavy metals, as well as to limit their toxicity, may be significantly enhanced via genetic engineering. This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent strategies aimed at the improvement of plant phytoremediation potential using plant transformation and employing current achievements in nuclear and cytoplasmic genome transformation. Strategies for obtaining plants suitable for effective soil clean-up and tolerant to excessive concentrations of heavy metals are critically assessed. Promising directions in genetic manipulations, such as gene silencing and cis- and intragenesis, are also discussed. Moreover, the ways of overcoming disadvantages of phytoremediation using genetic transformation approachare proposed. The knowledge gathered here could be useful for designing new research aimed at biotechnological improvement of phytoremediation efficiency.

Transcriptional Regulation of Aluminum-Tolerance Genes in Higher Plants: Clarifying the Underlying Molecular Mechanisms

Aluminum (Al) rhizotoxicity is one of the major environmental stresses that decrease global food production. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms underlying Al tolerance may contribute to the breeding of Al-tolerant crops. Recent studies identified various Al-tolerance genes. The expression of these genes is inducible by Al. Studies of the major Arabidopsis thaliana Al-tolerance gene, ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA ALUMINUM-ACTIVATED MALATE TRANSPORTER 1 (AtALMT1), which encodes an Al-activated malate transporter, revealed that the Al-inducible expression is regulated by a SENSITIVE TO PROTON RHIXOTOXICITY 1 (STOP1) zinc-finger transcription factor. This system, which involves STOP1 and organic acid transporters, is conserved in diverse plant species. The expression of AtALMT1 is also upregulated by several phytohormones and hydrogen peroxide, suggesting there is crosstalk among the signals involved in the transcriptional regulation of AtALMT1. Additionally, phytohormones and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activate various transcriptional responses, including the expression of genes related to increased Al tolerance or the suppression of root growth under Al stress conditions. For example, Al suppressed root growth due to abnormal accumulation of auxin and cytokinin. It activates transcription of TRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASE OF ARABIDOPSIS 1 and other phytohormone responsive genes in distal transition zone, which causes suppression of root elongation. On the other hand, overexpression of Al inducible genes for ROS-detoxifying enzymes such as GLUTATHIONE-S-TRANSFERASE, PEROXIDASE, SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE enhances Al resistance in several plant species. We herein summarize the complex transcriptional regulation of an Al-inducible genes affected by STOP1, phytohormones, and ROS.

Aluminum, a Friend or Foe of Higher Plants in Acid Soils

Aluminum (Al) is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust, but its availability depends on soil pH. Despite this abundance, Al is not considered an essential element and so far no experimental evidence has been put forward for a biological role. In plants and other organisms, Al can have a beneficial or toxic effect, depending on factors such as, metal concentration, the chemical form of Al, growth conditions and plant species. Here we review recent advances in the study of Al in plants at physiological, biochemical and molecular levels, focusing mainly on the beneficial effect of Al in plants (stimulation of root growth, increased nutrient uptake, the increase in enzyme activity, and others). In addition, we discuss the possible mechanisms involved in improving the growth of plants cultivated in soils with acid pH, as well as mechanisms of tolerance to the toxic effect of Al.

Soybean NADP-Malic Enzyme Functions in Malate and Citrate Metabolism and Contributes to Their Efflux under Al Stress

Malate accumulation has been suggested to balance Al-induced citrate synthesis and efflux in soybean roots. To test this hypothesis, characteristics of Al-induced accumulation and efflux of citrate and malate were compared between two soybean genotypes combining a functional analysis of GmME1 putatively encode a cytosolic NADP-malic enzyme. Similar amounts of citrate were released, and root elongation was equally inhibited before 8 h of Al treatment of Jiyu 70 and Jiyu 62 cultivars. Jiyu 70 began to secrete more citrate and exhibited higher Al resistance than did Jiyu 62 at 12 h. A sustained increase in internal malate and citrate concentrations was observed in Jiyu 70 at 24 h of Al treatment. However, Jiyu 62 decreased its malate concentration at 12 h and its citrate concentration at 24 h of Al treatment. GmME1 localized to the cytoplast and clustered closely with cytosolic malic enzymes AtME2 and SgME1 and was constitutively expressed in the roots. Al treatment induced higher NADP-malic enzyme activities and GmME1 expression levels in Jiyu 70 than in Jiyu 62 within 24 h. Compared with wild-type hairy roots, over-expressing GmME1 in hairy roots (GmME1-OE) produced higher expression levels of GmME1 but did not change the expression patterns of either of the putative citrate transporter genes GmAACT1 and GmFRDL or the malate transporter gene GmALMT1, with or without Al treatment. GmME1-OE showed a higher internal concentration and external efflux of both citrate and malate at 4 h of Al stress. Lighter hematoxylin staining and lower Al contents in root apices of GmME1-OE hairy roots indicated greater Al resistance. Comprehensive experimental results suggest that sustaining Al-induced citrate efflux depends on the malate pool in soybean root apices. GmME1 encodes a cytosolic malic enzyme that contributes to increased internal malate and citrate concentrations and their external efflux to confer higher Al resistance.

The enhancement of tolerance to salt and cold stresses by modifying the redox state and salicylic acid content via the cytosolic malate dehydrogenase gene in transgenic apple plants

In this study, we characterized the role of an apple cytosolic malate dehydrogenase gene (MdcyMDH) in the tolerance to salt and cold stresses and investigated its regulation mechanism in stress tolerance. The MdcyMDH transcript was induced by mild cold and salt treatments, and MdcyMDH-overexpressing apple plants possessed improved cold and salt tolerance compared to wild-type (WT) plants. A digital gene expression tag profiling analysis revealed that MdcyMDH overexpression largely altered some biological processes, including hormone signal transduction, photosynthesis, citrate cycle and oxidation-reduction. Further experiments verified that MdcyMDH overexpression modified the mitochondrial and chloroplast metabolisms and elevated the level of reducing power, primarily caused by increased ascorbate and glutathione, as well as the increased ratios of ascorbate/dehydroascorbate and glutathione/glutathione disulphide, under normal and especially stress conditions. Concurrently, the transgenic plants produced a high H2 O2 content, but a low O2·- production rate was observed compared to the WT plants. On the other hand, the transgenic plants accumulated more free and total salicylic acid (SA) than the WT plants under normal and stress conditions. Taken together, MdcyMDH conferred the transgenic apple plants a higher stress tolerance by producing more reductive redox states and increasing the SA level; MdcyMDH could serve as a target gene to genetically engineer salt- and cold-tolerant trees.

Ectopic Expression of the Chinese Cabbage Malate Dehydrogenase Gene Promotes Growth and Aluminum Resistance in Arabidopsis

Malate dehydrogenases (MDHs) are key metabolic enzymes that play important roles in plant growth and development. In the present study, we isolated the full-length and coding sequences of BraMDH from Chinese cabbage [Brassica campestris L. ssp. pekinensis (Lour) Olsson]. We conducted bioinformatics analysis and a subcellular localization assay, which revealed that the BraMDH gene sequence contained no introns and that BraMDH is localized to the chloroplast. In addition, the expression pattern of BraMDH in Chinese cabbage was investigated, which revealed that BraMDH was heavily expressed in inflorescence apical meristems, as well as the effect of BraMDH overexpression in two homozygous transgenic Arabidopsis lines, which resulted in early bolting and taller inflorescence stems. Furthermore, the fresh and dry weights of aerial tissue from the transgenic Arabidopsis plants were significantly higher than those from the corresponding wild-type plants, as were plant height, the number of rosette leaves, and the number of siliques produced, and the transgenic plants also exhibited stronger aluminum resistance when treated with AlCl3. Therefore, our results suggest that BraMDH has a dramatic effect on plant growth and that the gene is involved in both plant growth and aluminum resistance.

Purification and characterization of the plastid-localized NAD-dependent malate dehydrogenase from Arabidopsis thaliana

Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) ubiquitously exists in living organisms and has many isoforms in a single species. MDHs from some classes have been characterized for their catalytic properties, which show significant variations despite that they share high sequence identity for the active sites. One class MDH, the plastid-localized NAD-dependent MDH (plNAD-MDH) is known to be important for plant survival in a dark environment, but its biochemical and enzymatic properties have not been well characterized. This study attempts to fill the gap. plNAD-MDH was expressed in an Escherichia coli system and purified using nickel-affinity chromatography followed by size exclusion chromatography. The N-terminal fusion his-tag was removed by protease cleavage. The gel filtration assay and glutaraldehyde cross-linking results showed that the active enzyme was a homodimer in solution. Further assay indicated that plNAD-MDH is most active at a neutral pH value. The Km values for oxaloacetate and NADH are found in the submillimolar order, a median range for most MDHs. The maximum reaction rate values, however, are dramatically different from other plant MDHs, indicating that plNAD-MDH has different substrate specificity. Moreover, we obtained crystals for this enzyme, which laid the groundwork for further analysis of the enzymatic mechanism from structural stand point.

The mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase 1 gene GhmMDH1 is involved in plant and root growth under phosphorus deficiency conditions in cotton

Cotton, an important commercial crop, is cultivated for its natural fibers, and requires an adequate supply of soil nutrients, including phosphorus, for its growth. Soil phosporus exists primarily in insoluble forms. We isolated a mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase (MDH) gene, designated as GhmMDH1, from Gossypium hirsutum L. to assess its effect in enhancing P availability and absorption. An enzyme kinetic assay showed that the recombinant GhmMDH1 possesses the capacity to catalyze the interconversion of oxaloacetate and malate. The malate contents in the roots, leaves and root exudates was significantly higher in GhmMDH1-overexpressing plants and lower in knockdown plants compared with the wild-type control. Knockdown of GhmMDH1 gene resulted in increased respiration rate and reduced biomass whilst overexpression of GhmMDH1 gave rise to decreased respiration rate and higher biomass in the transgenic plants. When cultured in medium containing only insoluble phosphorus, Al-phosphorus, Fe-phosphorus, or Ca-phosphorus, GhmMDH1-overexpressing plants produced significantly longer roots and had a higher biomass and P content than WT plants, however, knockdown plants showed the opposite results for these traits. Collectively, our results show that GhmMDH1 is involved in plant and root growth under phosphorus deficiency conditions in cotton, owing to its functions in leaf respiration and P acquisition.

Malate synthesis and secretion mediated by a manganese-enhanced malate dehydrogenase confers superior manganese tolerance in Stylosanthes guianensis

Manganese (Mn) toxicity is a major constraint limiting plant growth on acidic soils. Superior Mn tolerance in Stylosanthes spp. has been well documented, but its molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, superior Mn tolerance in Stylosanthes guianensis was confirmed, as reflected by a high Mn toxicity threshold. Furthermore, genetic variation of Mn tolerance was evaluated using two S. guianensis genotypes, which revealed that the Fine-stem genotype had higher Mn tolerance than the TPRC2001-1 genotype, as exhibited through less reduction in dry weight under excess Mn, and accompanied by lower internal Mn concentrations. Interestingly, Mn-stimulated increases in malate concentrations and exudation rates were observed only in the Fine-stem genotype. Proteomic analysis of Fine-stem roots revealed that S. guianensis Malate Dehydrogenase1 (SgMDH1) accumulated in response to Mn toxicity. Western-blot and quantitative PCR analyses showed that Mn toxicity resulted in increased SgMDH1 accumulation only in Fine-stem roots, but not in TPRC2001-1. The function of SgMDH1-mediated malate synthesis was verified through in vitro biochemical analysis of SgMDH1 activities against oxaloacetate, as well as in vivo increased malate concentrations in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), soybean (Glycine max) hairy roots, and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) with SgMDH1 overexpression. Furthermore, SgMDH1 overexpression conferred Mn tolerance in Arabidopsis, which was accompanied by increased malate exudation and reduced plant Mn concentrations, suggesting that secreted malate could alleviate Mn toxicity in plants. Taken together, we conclude that the superior Mn tolerance of S. guianensis is achieved by coordination of internal and external Mn detoxification through malate synthesis and exudation, which is regulated by SgMDH1 at both transcription and protein levels.

Evolution and functional implications of the tricarboxylic acid cycle as revealed by phylogenetic analysis

The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, a crucial component of respiratory metabolism, is composed of a set of eight enzymes present in the mitochondrial matrix. However, most of the TCA cycle enzymes are encoded in the nucleus in higher eukaryotes. In addition, evidence has accumulated demonstrating that nuclear genes were acquired from the mitochondrial genome during the course of evolution. For this reason, we here analyzed the evolutionary history of all TCA cycle enzymes in attempt to better understand the origin of these nuclear-encoded proteins. Our results indicate that prior to endosymbiotic events the TCA cycle seemed to operate only as isolated steps in both the host (eubacterial cell) and mitochondria (alphaproteobacteria). The origin of isoforms present in different cell compartments might be associated either with gene-transfer events which did not result in proper targeting of the protein to mitochondrion or with duplication events. Further in silico analyses allow us to suggest new insights into the possible roles of TCA cycle enzymes in different tissues. Finally, we performed coexpression analysis using mitochondrial TCA cycle genes revealing close connections among these genes most likely related to the higher efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation in this specialized organelle. Moreover, these analyses allowed us to identify further candidate genes which might be used for metabolic engineering purposes given the importance of the TCA cycle during development and/or stress situations.

Enhancing the aluminium tolerance of barley by expressing the citrate transporter genes SbMATE and FRD3

Malate and citrate efflux from root apices is a mechanism of Al(3+) tolerance in many plant species. Citrate efflux is facilitated by members of the MATE (multidrug and toxic compound exudation) family localized to the plasma membrane of root cells. Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is among the most Al(3+)-sensitive cereal species but the small genotypic variation in tolerance that is present is correlated with citrate efflux via a MATE transporter named HvAACT1. This study used a biotechnological approach to increase the Al(3+) tolerance of barley by transforming it with two MATE genes that encode citrate transporters: SbMATE is the major Al(3+)-tolerance gene from sorghum whereas FRD3 is involved with Fe nutrition in Arabidopsis. Independent transgenic and null T3 lines were generated for both transgenes. Lines expressing SbMATE showed Al(3+)-activated citrate efflux from root apices and greater tolerance to Al(3+) toxicity than nulls in hydroponic and short-term soil trials. Transgenic lines expressing FRD3 exhibited similar phenotypes except citrate release from roots occurred constitutively. The Al(3+) tolerance of these lines was compared with previously generated transgenic barley lines overexpressing the endogenous HvAACT1 gene and the TaALMT1 gene from wheat. Barley lines expressing TaALMT1 showed significantly greater Al(3+) tolerance than all lines expressing MATE genes. This study highlights the relative efficacy of different organic anion transport proteins for increasing the Al(3+) tolerance of an important crop species.

The complex role of mitochondrial metabolism in plant aluminum resistance

The majority of soils in tropical and subtropical regions are acidic, rendering the soil a major limitation to plant growth and food production in many developing countries. High concentrations of soluble aluminum cations, particularly Al3+, are largely responsible for reducing root elongation and disrupting nutrient and water uptake. Two mechanisms, namely, the exclusion mechanism and tolerance mechanism, have been proposed to govern Al3+ resistance in plants. Both mechanisms are related to mitochondrial activity as well as to mitochondrial metabolism and organic acid transport. Here, we review the considerable progress that has been made towards developing an understanding of the physiological role of mitochondria in the aluminum response and discuss the potential for using this knowledge in next-generation engineering.

Superior aluminium (Al) tolerance of Stylosanthes is achieved mainly by malate synthesis through an Al-enhanced malic enzyme, SgME1

Stylosanthes (stylo) is a dominant leguminous forage in the tropics. Previous studies suggest that stylo has great potential for aluminium (Al) tolerance, but little is known about the underlying mechanism. A novel malic enzyme, SgME1, was identified from the Al-tolerant genotype TPRC2001-1 after 72 h Al exposure by two-dimensional electrophoresis, and the encoding gene was cloned and characterized via heterologous expression in yeast, Arabidopsis thaliana and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) hairy roots. Internal Al detoxification might be mainly responsible for the 72 h Al tolerance of TPRC2001-1, as indicated by 5.8-fold higher root malate concentrations and approximately two-fold higher Al concentrations in roots and root symplasts of TPRC2001-1 than those of the Al-sensitive genotype Fine-stem. An accompanying increase in malate secretion might also reduce a fraction of Al uptake in TPRC2001-1. Gene and protein expression of SgME1 was only enhanced in TPRC2001-1 after 72 h Al exposure. Overexpressing SgME1 enhanced malate synthesis and rescued yeast, A. thaliana and bean hairy roots from Al toxicity via increasing intracellular malate concentrations and/or accompanied malate exudation. These results provide strong evidence that superior Al tolerance of stylo is mainly conferred by Al-enhanced malate synthesis, functionally controlled by SgME1.

Molecular mechanisms underlying phosphate sensing, signaling, and adaptation in plants

As an essential plant macronutrient, the low availability of phosphorus (P) in most soils imposes serious limitation on crop production. Plants have evolved complex responsive and adaptive mechanisms for acquisition, remobilization and recycling of phosphate (Pi) to maintain P homeostasis. Spatio-temporal molecular, physiological, and biochemical Pi deficiency responses developed by plants are the consequence of local and systemic sensing and signaling pathways. Pi deficiency is sensed locally by the root system where hormones serve as important signaling components in terms of developmental reprogramming, leading to changes in root system architecture. Root-to-shoot and shoot-to-root signals, delivered through the xylem and phloem, respectively, involving Pi itself, hormones, miRNAs, mRNAs, and sucrose, serve to coordinate Pi deficiency responses at the whole-plant level. A combination of chromatin remodeling, transcriptional and posttranslational events contribute to globally regulating a wide range of Pi deficiency responses. In this review, recent advances are evaluated in terms of progress toward developing a comprehensive understanding of the molecular events underlying control over P homeostasis. Application of this knowledge, in terms of developing crop plants having enhanced attributes for P use efficiency, is discussed from the perspective of agricultural sustainability in the face of diminishing global P supplies.

Nickel-induced changes in carbon metabolism in wheat shoots

In this study, we analyzed the toxic effect of Ni during the development of wheat shoots. Typical developmental alterations in carbon metabolism-related parameters reflecting changes associated with the transition of the seedlings from heterotrophic to autotrophic metabolism were observed in the control shoots between the 1st and the 4th days. Adverse effects of 50 and 100 μM Ni became evident starting from the 4th day of growth on the metal-containing media. We found that Ni-induced stimulation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) activity coincided with decrease in the ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) level and with declines in net photosynthetic rate (P(N)) and stomatal conductance (g(s)). Application of Ni resulted in increased activities of several dehydrogenases: glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH), isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP-ICDH) and malate dehydrogenase (NADH-MDH). In contrast, the activities of malic enzymes (NADP-ME and NAD-ME) decreased due to Ni stress. Treatment with Ni led to accumulation of glucose and declined concentration of sucrose as well as considerable increases in concentrations of malic and citric acids. Our results indicate that Ni stress redirects the carbon metabolism of developing wheat shoots to provide carbon skeletons for synthesis of amino acids and organic acids as well as to supply reducing power to sustain normal metabolic processes and to support defense mechanisms against oxidative stress.

Roles of organic acid anion secretion in aluminium tolerance of higher plants

Approximately 30% of the world's total land area and over 50% of the world's potential arable lands are acidic. Furthermore, the acidity of the soils is gradually increasing as a result of the environmental problems including some farming practices and acid rain. At mildly acidic or neutral soils, aluminium (Al) occurs primarily as insoluble deposits and is essentially biologically inactive. However, in many acidic soils throughout the tropics and subtropics, Al toxicity is a major factor limiting crop productivity. The Al-induced secretion of organic acid (OA) anions, mainly citrate, oxalate, and malate, from roots is the best documented mechanism of Al tolerance in higher plants. Increasing evidence shows that the Al-induced secretion of OA anions may be related to the following several factors, including (a) anion channels or transporters, (b) internal concentrations of OA anions in plant tissues, (d) temperature, (e) root plasma membrane (PM) H(+)-ATPase, (f) magnesium (Mg), and (e) phosphorus (P). Genetically modified plants and cells with higher Al tolerance by overexpressing genes for the secretion and the biosynthesis of OA anions have been obtained. In addition, some aspects needed to be further studied are also discussed.

Molecular and physiological strategies to increase aluminum resistance in plants

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a primary limitation to plant growth on acid soils. Root meristems are the first site for toxic Al accumulation, and therefore inhibition of root elongation is the most evident physiological manifestation of Al toxicity. Plants may resist Al toxicity by avoidance (Al exclusion) and/or tolerance mechanisms (detoxification of Al inside the cells). The Al exclusion involves the exudation of organic acid anions from the root apices, whereas tolerance mechanisms comprise internal Al detoxification by organic acid anions and enhanced scavenging of free oxygen radicals. One of the most important advances in understanding the molecular events associated with the Al exclusion mechanism was the identification of the ALMT1 gene (Al-activated malate transporter) in Triticum aestivum root cells, which codes for a plasma membrane anion channel that allows efflux of organic acid anions, such as malate, citrate or oxalate. On the other hand, the scavenging of free radicals is dependent on the expression of genes involved in antioxidant defenses, such as peroxidases (e.g. in Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana tabacum), catalases (e.g. in Capsicum annuum), and the gene WMnSOD1 from T. aestivum. However, other recent findings show that reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced stress may be due to acidic (low pH) conditions rather than to Al stress. In this review, we summarize recent findings regarding molecular and physiological mechanisms of Al toxicity and resistance in higher plants. Advances have been made in understanding some of the underlying strategies that plants use to cope with Al toxicity. Furthermore, we discuss the physiological and molecular responses to Al toxicity, including genes involved in Al resistance that have been identified and characterized in several plant species. The better understanding of these strategies and mechanisms is essential for improving plant performance in acidic, Al-toxic soils.