Review: "Pyrophosphate and pyrophosphatases in plants, their involvement in stress responses and their possible relationship to secondary metabolism"

Nitric oxide (NO) modulates low temperature-stress signaling via S-nitrosation, a NO PTM, inducing ethylene biosynthesis inhibition leading to enhanced post-harvest shelf-life of agricultural produce

Low temperature (cold) stress is one of the major abiotic stress conditions affecting crop productivity worldwide. Nitric oxide (NO) is a dynamic signaling molecule that interacts with various stress regulators and provides abiotic stress tolerance. Stress enhanced NO contributes to S-nitrosothiol accumulation which causes oxidation of the -SH group in proteins leading to S-nitrosation, a post-translational modification. Cold stress induced in vivo S-nitrosation of > 240 proteins majorly belonging to stress/signaling/redox (myrosinase, SOD, GST, CS, DHAR), photosynthesis (RuBisCO, PRK), metabolism (FBA, GAPDH, TPI, SBPase), and cell wall modification (Beta-xylosidases, alpha-l-arabinogalactan) in different crop plants indicated role of NO in these important cellular and metabolic pathways. NO mediated regulation of a transcription factor CBF (C-repeat Binding Factor, a transcription factor) at transcriptional and post-translational level was shown in Solanum lycopersicum seedlings. NO donor priming enhances seed germination, breaks dormancy and provides tolerance to stress in crops. Its role in averting stress, promoting seed germination, and delaying senescence paved the way for use of NO and NO releasing compounds to prevent crop loss and increase the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables. An alternative to energy consuming and expensive cold storage led to development of a storage device called "shelf-life enhancer" that delays senescence and increases shelf-life at ambient temperature (25-27 °C) using NO donor. The present review summarizes NO research in plants and exploration of NO for its translational potential to improve agricultural yield and post-harvest crop loss.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01371-z.

The Mechanism of Energy Coupling in H+/Na+-Pumping Membrane Pyrophosphatase-Possibilities and Probabilities

Membrane pyrophosphatases (mPPases) found in plant vacuoles and some prokaryotes and protists are ancient cation pumps that couple pyrophosphate hydrolysis with the H⁺ and/or Na⁺ transport out of the cytoplasm. Because this function is reversible, mPPases play a role in maintaining the level of cytoplasmic pyrophosphate, a known regulator of numerous metabolic reactions. mPPases arouse interest because they are among the simplest membrane transporters and have no homologs among known ion pumps. Detailed phylogenetic studies have revealed various subtypes of mPPases and suggested their roles in the evolution of the "sodium" and "proton" bioenergetics. This treatise focuses on the mechanistic aspects of the transport reaction, namely, the coupling step, the role of the chemically produced proton, subunit cooperation, and the relationship between the proton and sodium ion transport. The available data identify H⁺-PPases as the first non-oxidoreductase pump with a "direct-coupling" mechanism, i.e., the transported proton is produced in the coupled chemical reaction. They also support a "billiard" hypothesis, which unifies the H⁺ and Na⁺ transport mechanisms in mPPase and, probably, other transporters.

Weighted Single-Step GWAS Identifies Genes Influencing Fillet Color in Rainbow Trout

The visual appearance of the fish fillet is a significant determinant of consumers' purchase decisions. Depending on the rainbow trout diet, a uniform bright white or reddish/pink fillet color is desirable. Factors affecting fillet color are complex, ranging from the ability of live fish to accumulate carotenoids in the muscle to preharvest environmental conditions, early postmortem muscle metabolism, and storage conditions. Identifying genetic markers of fillet color is a desirable goal but a challenging task for the aquaculture industry. This study used weighted, single-step GWAS to explore the genetic basis of fillet color variation in rainbow trout. We identified several SNP windows explaining up to 3.5%, 2.5%, and 1.6% of the additive genetic variance for fillet redness, yellowness, and whiteness, respectively. SNPs are located within genes implicated in carotenoid metabolism (β,β-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase, retinol dehydrogenase) and myoglobin homeostasis (ATP synthase subunit β, mitochondrial (ATP5F1B)). These genes are involved in processes that influence muscle pigmentation and postmortem flesh coloration. Other identified genes are involved in the maintenance of muscle structural integrity (kelch protein 41b (klh41b), collagen α-1(XXVIII) chain (COL28A1), and cathepsin K (CTSK)) and protection against lipid oxidation (peroxiredoxin, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), sestrin-1, Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase-10 (USP10)). A-to-G single-nucleotide polymorphism in β,β-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase, and USP10 result in isoleucine-to-valine and proline-to-leucine non-synonymous amino acid substitutions, respectively. Our observation confirms that fillet color is a complex trait regulated by many genes involved in carotenoid metabolism, myoglobin homeostasis, protection against lipid oxidation, and maintenance of muscle structural integrity. The significant SNPs identified in this study could be prioritized via genomic selection in breeding programs to improve fillet color in rainbow trout.

Effects of Magnesium, Pyrophosphate and Phosphonates on Pyrophosphorolytic Reaction of UDP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase

UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGPase) carries a freely reversible reaction, using glucose-1-P and UTP to produce UDP-glucose (UDPG) and pyrophosphate (PP_i), with UDPG being essential for glycosylation reactions in all organisms including, e.g., synthesis of sucrose, cellulose and glycoproteins. In the present study, we found that free magnesium (Mg²⁺) had profound effects on the reverse reaction of purified barley UGPase, and was absolutely required for its activity, with an apparent K_m of 0.13 mM. More detailed analyses with varied concentrations of MgPP_i allowed us to conclude that it is the MgPP_i complex which serves as true substrate for UGPase in its reverse reaction, with an apparent K_m of 0.06 mM. Free PP_i was an inhibitor in this reaction. Given the key role of PPi in the UGPase reaction, we have also tested possible effects of phosphonates, which are analogs of PPi and phosphate (P_i). Clodronate and etidronate (PP_i analogs) had little or no effect on UGPase activity, whereas fosetyl-Al (P_i analog), a known fungicide, acted as effective near-competitive inhibitor versus PP_i, with K_i of 0.15 mM. The data are discussed with respect to the role of magnesium in the UGPase reaction and elucidating the use of inhibitors in studies on cellular function of UGPase and related enzymes.

Changes to the amino acid profile and proteome of the tropical freshwater microalga Chlorella sp. in response to copper stress

Contamination of freshwaters is increasing globally, with microalgae considered one of the most sensitive taxa to metal pollution. Here, we used 72 h bioassays to explore the biochemical effects of copper (Cu) on the amino acid (AA) profile and proteome of Chlorella sp. and advance our understanding of the molecular changes that occur in algal cells during exposure to environmentally realistic Cu concentrations. The Cu concentrations required to inhibit algal growth rate by 10% (EC₁₀) and 50% (EC₅₀) were 1.0 (0.7-1.2) µg L^-1 and 2.0 (1.9-2.4) µg L^-1, respectively. The AA profile of Chlorella sp. showed increases in glycine and decreases in isoleucine, leucine, valine, and arginine, with increasing Cu. Proteomic analysis revealed the modulation of several proteins involved in energy production pathways, including: photosynthesis, carbon fixation, glycolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation, which likely assists in meeting increased energy demands under Cu-stressed conditions. Copper exposure also caused up-regulation of cellular processes and signalling proteins, and the down-regulation of proteins related to ribosomal structure and protein translation. These changes in biomolecular pathways have direct effects on the AA profile and total protein content and provide an explanation for the observed changes in amino acid profile, cell growth and morphology. This study shows the complex mode of action of Cu on Chlorella under environmentally realistic Cu concentrations and highlights several potential biomarkers for future investigations.

Integrative analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome reveal the phosphate deficiency response pathways of alfalfa

Understanding the mechanisms underlying the responses to inorganic phosphate (Pi) deficiency in alfalfa will help enhance Pi acquisition efficiency and the sustainable use of phosphorous resources. Integrated global metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of mid-vegetative alfalfa seedlings under 12-day Pi deficiency were conducted. Limited seedling growth were found, including 13.24%, 16.85% and 33.36% decreases in height, root length and photosynthesis, and a 24.10% increase in root-to-shoot ratio on day 12. A total of 322 and 448 differentially abundant metabolites and 1199 and 1061 differentially expressed genes were identified in roots and shoots. Increased (>3.68-fold) inorganic phosphate transporter 1;4 and SPX proteins levels in the roots (>2.15-fold) and shoots (>2.50-fold) were related to Pi absorption and translocation. The levels of phospholipids and Pi-binding carbohydrates and nucleosides were decreased, while those of phosphatases and pyrophosphatases in whole seedlings were induced under reduced Pi. In addition, nitrogen assimilation was affected by inhibiting high-affinity nitrate transporters (NRT2.1 and NRT3.1), and nitrate reductase. Increased delphinidin-3-glucoside might contribute to the gray-green leaves induced by Pi limitation. Stress-induced MYB, WRKY and ERF transcription factors were identified. The responses of alfalfa to Pi deficiency were summarized as local systemic signaling pathways, including root growth, stress-related responses consisting of enzymatic and nonenzymatic systems, and hormone signaling and systemic signaling pathways including Pi recycling and Pi sensing in the whole plant, as well as Pi recovery, and nitrate and metal absorption in the roots. This study provides important information on the molecular mechanism of the response to Pi deficiency in alfalfa.

Identification of miRNA and their target genes in Cestrum nocturnum L. and Cestrum diurnum L. in stress responses

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, highly conserved non-coding RNA molecules and products of primary miRNAs that regulate the target gene expression. Homology-based approaches were employed to identify miRNAs and their targets in Cestrum nocturnum L. and Cestrum diurnum L. A total of 32 and 12 miRNA candidates were identified in C. nocturnum and C. diurnum. These miRNAs belong to 26 and 10 miRNA families and regulate 1024 and 1007 target genes in C. nocturnum, and C. diurnum, respectively. The functional roles of these miRNAs have not been earlier elucidated in Cestrum. MiR815a, miR849, miR1089 and miR172 have a strong propensity to target genes controlling phytochrome-interacting factor 1 (PIF1), ubiquitin-specific protease 12 (UBP12), leucine-rich repeat (LRR) protein kinase and GAI, RGA, SCR (GRAS) family transcription factor in C. nocturnum. While miR5205a, miR1436 and miR530 regulate PATATIN-like protein 6 (PLP6), PHD finger transcription factor and myb domain protein 48 (MYB48) in C. diurnum. Overall, these miRNAs have regulatory responses in biotic and abiotic stresses in both plant species. Eight putative miRNAs and their target genes were selected for qRT-PCR validation. The validated results suggested the importance of miR815a, miR849, miR5205a, miR1089, miR172, miR1436, and miR530 in exerting control over stress responses in C. nocturnum and C. diurnum.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01127-1.

A Lumenal Loop Associated with Catalytic Asymmetry in Plant Vacuolar H+-Translocating Pyrophosphatase

Membrane-integral inorganic pyrophosphatases (mPPases) couple pyrophosphate hydrolysis with H⁺ and Na⁺ pumping in plants and microbes. mPPases are homodimeric transporters with two catalytic sites facing the cytoplasm and demonstrating highly different substrate-binding affinities and activities. The structural aspects of the functional asymmetry are still poorly understood because the structure of the physiologically relevant dimer form with only one active site occupied by the substrate is unknown. We addressed this issue by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the H⁺-transporting mPPase of Vigna radiata, starting from its crystal structure containing a close substrate analog (imidodiphosphate, IDP) in both active sites. The MD simulations revealed pre-existing subunit asymmetry, which increased upon IDP binding to one subunit and persisted in the fully occupied dimer. The most significant asymmetrical change caused by IDP binding is a ‘rigid body’-like displacement of the lumenal loop connecting α-helices 2 and 3 in the partner subunit and opening its exit channel for water. This highly conserved 14–19-residue loop is found only in plant vacuolar mPPases and may have a regulatory function, such as pH sensing in the vacuole. Our data define the structural link between the loop and active sites and are consistent with the published structural and functional data.

Differential protein abundance of vetiver grass in response to acid mine drainage

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is an acidic and metalliferous discharge that imposes oxidative stress on living things through bioaccumulation and physical exposure. The abandoned Tab-Simco mining site of Southern Illinois generates highly acidic AMD with elevated sulfate (SO₄ ^2- ) and various metals. Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is effective for the remediation of Tab-Simco AMD at both mesocosm and microcosm levels over extended periods. In this study, we conducted a proteomic investigation of vetiver shoots under short and long-term exposure to AMD. Our objective was to decipher the physiological responses of vetiver to the combined abiotic stresses of AMD (metal and low pH). Differential regulation was observed for longer-term (56 days) exposure to AMD, which resulted in 17 upregulated and nine downregulated proteins, whereas shorter-term (7 days) exposure led to 14 upregulated and 14 downregulated proteins. There were significant changes to photosynthesis, including upregulation of electron transport chain proteins for light-dependent reactions after 56 days, whereas differential regulation of enzymes relating to C₄ carbon fixation was observed after 7 days. Significant changes in amino acid and nitrogen metabolism, including upregulation of ethylene and flavonoid biosynthesis, along with plant response to nitrogen starvation, were observed. Short-term changes also included upregulation of glutathione reductase and methionine sulfoxide reductase, whereas longer-term changes included changes in protein misfolding and ER-associated protein degradation for stress management and acclimation.

Catalytic Asymmetry in Homodimeric H+-Pumping Membrane Pyrophosphatase Demonstrated by Non-Hydrolyzable Pyrophosphate Analogs

Membrane-bound inorganic pyrophosphatase (mPPase) resembles the F-ATPase in catalyzing polyphosphate-energized H⁺ and Na⁺ transport across lipid membranes, but differs structurally and mechanistically. Homodimeric mPPase likely uses a “direct coupling” mechanism, in which the proton generated from the water nucleophile at the entrance to the ion conductance channel is transported across the membrane or triggers Na⁺ transport. The structural aspects of this mechanism, including subunit cooperation, are still poorly understood. Using a refined enzyme assay, we examined the inhibition of K⁺-dependent H⁺-transporting mPPase from Desulfitobacterium hafniensee by three non-hydrolyzable PP_i analogs (imidodiphosphate and C-substituted bisphosphonates). The kinetic data demonstrated negative cooperativity in inhibitor binding to two active sites, and reduced active site performance when the inhibitor or substrate occupied the other active site. The nonequivalence of active sites in PP_i hydrolysis in terms of the Michaelis constant vanished at a low (0.1 mM) concentration of Mg²⁺ (essential cofactor). The replacement of K⁺, the second metal cofactor, by Na⁺ increased the substrate and inhibitor binding cooperativity. The detergent-solubilized form of mPPase exhibited similar active site nonequivalence in PP_i hydrolysis. Our findings support the notion that the mPPase mechanism combines Mitchell’s direct coupling with conformational coupling to catalyze cation transport across the membrane.

Metabolic energy conservation for fermentative product formation

Microbial production of bulk chemicals and biofuels from carbohydrates competes with low-cost fossil-based production. To limit production costs, high titres, productivities and especially high yields are required. This necessitates metabolic networks involved in product formation to be redox-neutral and conserve metabolic energy to sustain growth and maintenance. Here, we review the mechanisms available to conserve energy and to prevent unnecessary energy expenditure. First, an overview of ATP production in existing sugar-based fermentation processes is presented. Substrate-level phosphorylation (SLP) and the involved kinase reactions are described. Based on the thermodynamics of these reactions, we explore whether other kinase-catalysed reactions can be applied for SLP. Generation of ion-motive force is another means to conserve metabolic energy. We provide examples how its generation is supported by carbon-carbon double bond reduction, decarboxylation and electron transfer between redox cofactors. In a wider perspective, the relationship between redox potential and energy conservation is discussed. We describe how the energy input required for coenzyme A (CoA) and CO2 binding can be reduced by applying CoA-transferases and transcarboxylases. The transport of sugars and fermentation products may require metabolic energy input, but alternative transport systems can be used to minimize this. Finally, we show that energy contained in glycosidic bonds and the phosphate-phosphate bond of pyrophosphate can be conserved. This review can be used as a reference to design energetically efficient microbial cell factories and enhance product yield.

Magnesium Signaling in Plants

Free magnesium (Mg2+) is a signal of the adenylate (ATP+ADP+AMP) status in the cells. It results from the equilibrium of adenylate kinase (AK), which uses Mg-chelated and Mg-free adenylates as substrates in both directions of its reaction. The AK-mediated primary control of intracellular [Mg2+] is finely interwoven with the operation of membrane-bound adenylate- and Mg2+-translocators, which in a given compartment control the supply of free adenylates and Mg2+ for the AK-mediated equilibration. As a result, [Mg2+] itself varies both between and within the compartments, depending on their energetic status and environmental clues. Other key nucleotide-utilizing/producing enzymes (e.g., nucleoside diphosphate kinase) may also be involved in fine-tuning of the intracellular [Mg2+]. Changes in [Mg2+] regulate activities of myriads of Mg-utilizing/requiring enzymes, affecting metabolism under both normal and stress conditions, and impacting photosynthetic performance, respiration, phloem loading and other processes. In compartments controlled by AK equilibrium (cytosol, chloroplasts, mitochondria, nucleus), the intracellular [Mg2+] can be calculated from total adenylate contents, based on the dependence of the apparent equilibrium constant of AK on [Mg2+]. Magnesium signaling, reflecting cellular adenylate status, is likely widespread in all eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, due simply to the omnipresent nature of AK and to its involvement in adenylate equilibration.

Comparative genomics reveals new functional insights in uncultured MAST species

Heterotrophic lineages of stramenopiles exhibit enormous diversity in morphology, lifestyle, and habitat. Among them, the marine stramenopiles (MASTs) represent numerous independent lineages that are only known from environmental sequences retrieved from marine samples. The core energy metabolism characterizing these unicellular eukaryotes is poorly understood. Here, we used single-cell genomics to retrieve, annotate, and compare the genomes of 15 MAST species, obtained by coassembling sequences from 140 individual cells sampled from the marine surface plankton. Functional annotations from their gene repertoires are compatible with all of them being phagocytotic. The unique presence of rhodopsin genes in MAST species, together with their widespread expression in oceanic waters, supports the idea that MASTs may be capable of using sunlight to thrive in the photic ocean. Additional subsets of genes used in phagocytosis, such as proton pumps for vacuole acidification and peptidases for prey digestion, did not reveal particular trends in MAST genomes as compared with nonphagocytotic stramenopiles, except a larger presence and diversity of V-PPase genes. Our analysis reflects the complexity of phagocytosis machinery in microbial eukaryotes, which contrasts with the well-defined set of genes for photosynthesis. These new genomic data provide the essential framework to study ecophysiology of uncultured species and to gain better understanding of the function of rhodopsins and related carotenoids in stramenopiles.

Irradiance-driven 20-hydroxyecdysone production and morphophysiological changes in Pfaffia glomerata plants grown in vitro

Pfaffia glomerata possesses potential pharmacological and medicinal properties, mainly owing to the secondary metabolite 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Increasing production of biomass and 20E is important for industrial purposes. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of irradiance on plant morphology and production of 20E in P. glomerata grown in vitro. Nodal segments of accessions 22 and 43 (Ac22 and Ac43) were inoculated in culture medium containing MS salts and vitamins. Cultures were maintained at 25 ± 2 °C under a 16-h photoperiod and subjected to irradiance treatments of 65, 130, and 200 μmol m^-2 s^-1 by fluorescent lamps. After 30 days, growth parameters, pigment content, stomatal density, in vitro photosynthesis, metabolites content, and morphoanatomy were assessed. Notably, Ac22 plants exhibited 10-fold higher 20E production when cultivated at 200 μmol m^-2 s^-1 than at 65 μmol m^-2 s^-1, evidencing the importance of light quantity for the accumulation of this metabolite. 20E production was twice as high in Ac22 as in Ac43 plants although both accessions responded positively to higher irradiance. Growth under 200 μmol m^-2 s^-1 stimulated photosynthesis and consequent biomass accumulation, but lowered carotenoids and anthocyanins. Furthermore, increasing irradiance enhanced the number of palisade and spongy parenchyma cells, enhancing the overall growth of P. glomerata. Graphical abstract.

Type I H+-pyrophosphatase regulates the vacuolar storage of sucrose in citrus fruit

The aim of this work was to evaluate the general role of the vacuolar pyrophosphatase proton pump (V-PPase) in sucrose accumulation in citrus species. First, three citrus V-PPase genes, designated CsVPP-1, CsVPP-2, and CsVPP-4, were identified in the citrus genome. CsVPP-1 and CsVPP-2 belonging to citrus type I V-PPase genes are targeted to the tonoplast, and CsVPP-4 belonging to citrus type II V-PPase genes is located in the Golgi bodies. Moreover, there was a significantly positive correlation between transcript levels of type I V-PPase genes and sucrose, rather than hexose, content in fruits of seven citrus cultivars. Drought and abscisic acid treatments significantly induced the CsVPP-1 and CsVPP-2 transcript levels, as well as the sucrose content. The overexpression of type I V-PPase genes significantly increased PPase activity, decreased pyrophosphate contents, and increased sucrose contents, whereas V-PPase inhibition produced the opposite effect in both citrus fruits and leaves. Furthermore, altering the expression levels of type I V-PPase genes significantly influenced the transcript levels of sucrose transporter genes. Taken together, this study demonstrated that CsVPP-1 and CsVPP-2 play key roles in sucrose storage in the vacuole by regulating pyrophosphate homeostasis, ultimately the sucrose biosynthesis and transcript levels of sucrose transport genes, providing a novel lead for engineering or breeding modified taste in citrus and other fruits.

Backbone resonance assignment and dynamics of 110 kDa hexameric inorganic pyrophosphatase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Family I soluble inorganic pyrophosphatases (PPases; EC 3.6.1.1) are enzymes essential for all organisms. They hydrolyze inorganic pyrophosphate, thus providing the driving force for numerous biosynthetic reactions. Soluble PPases retain enzymatic activity only in multimeric forms. PPases from various organisms are extensively studied by X-ray crystallography but until now there was no information on their structure and dynamics in solution. Hexameric 110 kDa (6 × 18.3 kDa) PPase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mt-PPase) is a promising target for the rational design of potential anti-tuberculosis agents. In order to use NMR techniques in functional studies of Mt-PPase and rational design of the inhibitors for this enzyme, it is necessary to have information on the backbone ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁵N resonance assignments. Samples of Mt-PPase enriched with 99% of ¹³C and ¹⁵N isotopes, and 95% of ²H were obtained using recombinant protein expression in an isotopically-labeled medium and effective heat-shock protocol for the deuterium-to-hydrogen exchange of the amide groups. Backbone resonance assignment was achieved for more than 95% of the residues. It was found that the secondary structure of Mt-PPase in solution corresponds well to the crystal structure of this protein. Protein backbone dynamics were studied using ¹⁵N NMR relaxation experiments. Determined resonance assignments and dynamic properties provide the basis for the subsequent structure-based design of novel inhibitors of Mt-PPase-potential anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Review: Crucial role of inorganic pyrophosphate in integrating carbon metabolism from sucrose breakdown to starch synthesis in rice endosperm

The endosperm is a primary constituent of mature seeds in rice as well as in other cereal crops, serving as the major storage reserve of starch. Observations indicate that the central part of the endosperm is subject to hypoxic conditions, which require a switch of energy metabolism owing to limited mitochondrial respiration. Uniquely, this endosperm generates a large source of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) as a byproduct of the reaction of ADP glucose pyrophosphorylase in the cytosol. Recent results derived from examination of the mutants of cereal crops, especially rice, for PPi-utilizing enzymes clearly suggest an important role of PPi as an alternative energy currency for integrating carbon metabolism from sucrose breakdown to starch synthesis in the endosperm. Thus, the present review provides an outline of the interlaced PPi-dependent metabolic pathways, which are critical for starch synthesis in the endosperm in terms of energy metabolism, along with its application to enhance yield potential.

Optimization of nucleotide sugar supply for polysaccharide formation via thermodynamic buffering

Plant polysaccharides (cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, starch) are either direct (i.e. leaf starch) or indirect products of photosynthesis, and they belong to the most abundant organic compounds in nature. Although each of these polymers is made by a specific enzymatic machinery, frequently in different cell locations, details of their synthesis share certain common features. Thus, the production of these polysaccharides is preceded by the formation of nucleotide sugars catalyzed by fully reversible reactions of various enzymes, mostly pyrophosphorylases. These 'buffering' enzymes are, generally, quite active and operate close to equilibrium. The nucleotide sugars are then used as substrates for irreversible reactions of various polysaccharide-synthesizing glycosyltransferases ('engine' enzymes), e.g. plastidial starch synthases, or plasma membrane-bound cellulose synthase and callose synthase, or ER/Golgi-located variety of glycosyltransferases forming hemicellulose and pectin backbones. Alternatively, the irreversible step might also be provided by a carrier transporting a given immediate precursor across a membrane. Here, we argue that local equilibria, established within metabolic pathways and cycles resulting in polysaccharide production, bring stability to the system via the arrangement of a flexible supply of nucleotide sugars. This metabolic system is itself under control of adenylate kinase and nucleoside-diphosphate kinase, which determine the availability of nucleotides (adenylates, uridylates, guanylates and cytidylates) and Mg2+, the latter serving as a feedback signal from the nucleotide metabolome. Under these conditions, the supply of nucleotide sugars to engine enzymes is stable and constant, and the metabolic process becomes optimized in its load and consumption, making the system steady and self-regulated.

A proteomic and biochemical investigation on the effects of sulfadiazine in Arabidopsis thaliana

Animal manure or bio-solids used as fertilizers are the main routes of antibiotic exposure in the agricultural land, which can have immense detrimental effects on plants. Sulfadiazine (SDZ), belonging to the class of sulfonamides, is one of the most detected antibiotics in the agricultural soil. In this study, the effect of SDZ on the growth, changes in antioxidant metabolite content and enzyme activities related to oxidative stress were analysed. Moreover, the proteome alterations in Arabidopsis thaliana roots in response to SDZ was examined by means of a combined iTRAQ-LC-MS/MS quantitative proteomics approach. A dose-dependent decrease in leaf biomass and root length was evidenced in response to SDZ. Increased malondialdehyde content at higher concentration (2 μM) of SDZ indicated increased lipid peroxidation and suggest the induction of oxidative stress. Glutathione levels were significantly higher compared to control, whereas there was no increase in ascorbate content or the enzyme activities of glutathione metabolism, even at higher concentrations. In total, 48 differentially abundant proteins related to stress/stimuli response followed by transcription and translation, metabolism, transport and other functions were identified. Several proteins related to oxidative, dehydration, salinity and heavy metal stresses were represented. Upregulation of peroxidases was validated with total peroxidase activity. Pathway analysis provided an indication of increased phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Probable molecular mechanisms altered in response to SDZ are highlighted.

Studies of a rice sterile mutant sstl from the TRIM collection

BACKGROUND

Rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the main crops in the world, and more than 3.9 billion people will consume rice by 2025. Sterility significantly affects rice production and leads to yield defects. The undeveloped anthers or abnormal pollen represent serious defects in rice male sterility. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of male sterility is an important task. Here, we investigated a rice sterile mutant according to its developmental morphology and transcriptional profiles.

RESULTS

An untagged T-DNA insertional mutant showed defective pollen and abnormal anthers as compared with its semi-sterile mutant (sstl) progeny segregates. Transcriptomic analysis of sterile sstl-s revealed several biosynthesis pathways, such as downregulated cell wall, lipids, secondary metabolism, and starch synthesis. This downregulation is consistent with the morphological characterization of sstl-s anthers with irregular exine, absence of intine, no starch accumulation in pollen grains and no accumulated flavonoids in anthers. Moreover, defective microsporangia development led to abnormal anther locule and aborted microspores. The downregulated lipids, starch, and cell wall synthesis-related genes resulted in loss of fertility.

CONCLUSIONS

We illustrate the importance of microsporangia in the development of anthers and functional microspores. Abnormal development of pollen grains, pollen wall, anther locule, etc. result in severe yield reduction.

Mutagenesis Reveals That the OsPPa6 Gene Is Required for Enhancing the Alkaline Tolerance in Rice

Alkaline stress (AS) is one of the abiotic stressful factors limiting plant's growth and development. Inorganic pyrophosphatase is usually involved in a variety of biological processes in plant in response to the abiotic stresses. Here, to clarify the responsive regulation of inorganic pyrophosphatase in rice under AS, the mutagenesis of the OsPPa6 gene encoding an inorganic pyrophosphatase in rice cv. Kitaake (Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica) was performed by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Two homozygous independent mutants with cas9-free were obtained by continuously screening. qPCR reveals that the OsPPa6 gene was significantly induced by AS, and the mutagenesis of the OsPPa6 gene apparently delayed rice's growth and development, especially under AS. Measurements demonstrate that the contents of pyrophosphate in the mutants were higher than those in the wild type under AS, however, the accumulation of inorganic phosphate, ATP, chlorophyll, sucrose, and starch in the mutants were decreased significantly, and the mutagenesis of the OsPPa6 gene remarkably lowered the net photosynthetic rate of rice mutants, thus reducing the contents of soluble sugar and proline, but remarkably increasing MDA, osmotic potentials and Na⁺/K⁺ ratio in the mutants under AS. Metabonomics measurement shows that the mutants obviously down-regulated the accumulation of phosphorylcholine, choline, anthranilic acid, apigenin, coniferol and dodecanoic acid, but up-regulated the accumulation of L-valine, alpha-ketoglutarate, phenylpyruvate and L-phenylalanine under AS. This study suggests that the OsPPa6 gene is an important osmotic regulatory factor in rice, and the gene-editing of CRISPR/Cas9-guided is an effective method evaluating the responsive regulation of the stress-induced gene, and simultaneously provides a scientific support for the application of the gene encoding a soluble inorganic pyrophosphatase in molecular breeding.

Pyrophosphate modulates plant stress responses via SUMOylation

Pyrophosphate (PPi), a byproduct of macromolecule biosynthesis is maintained at low levels by soluble inorganic pyrophosphatases (sPPase) found in all eukaryotes. In plants, H⁺-pumping pyrophosphatases (H⁺-PPase) convert the substantial energy present in PPi into an electrochemical gradient. We show here, that both cold- and heat stress sensitivity of fugu5 mutants lacking the major H⁺-PPase isoform AVP1 is correlated with reduced SUMOylation. In addition, we show that increased PPi concentrations interfere with SUMOylation in yeast and we provide evidence that SUMO activating E1-enzymes are inhibited by micromolar concentrations of PPi in a non-competitive manner. Taken together, our results do not only provide a mechanistic explanation for the beneficial effects of AVP1 overexpression in plants but they also highlight PPi as an important integrator of metabolism and stress tolerance.

The plethora of membrane respiratory chains in the phyla of life

The diversity of microbial cells is reflected in differences in cell size and shape, motility, mechanisms of cell division, pathogenicity or adaptation to different environmental niches. All these variations are achieved by the distinct metabolic strategies adopted by the organisms. The respiratory chains are integral parts of those strategies especially because they perform the most or, at least, most efficient energy conservation in the cell. Respiratory chains are composed of several membrane proteins, which perform a stepwise oxidation of metabolites toward the reduction of terminal electron acceptors. Many of these membrane proteins use the energy released from the oxidoreduction reaction they catalyze to translocate charges across the membrane and thus contribute to the establishment of the membrane potential, i.e. they conserve energy. In this work we illustrate and discuss the composition of the respiratory chains of different taxonomic clades, based on bioinformatic analyses and on biochemical data available in the literature. We explore the diversity of the respiratory chains of Animals, Plants, Fungi and Protists kingdoms as well as of Prokaryotes, including Bacteria and Archaea. The prokaryotic phyla studied in this work are Gammaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Epsilonproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Chlamydiae, Verrucomicrobia, Acidobacteria, Planctomycetes, Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Deinococcus-Thermus, Aquificae, Thermotogae, Deferribacteres, Nitrospirae, Euryarchaeota, Crenarchaeota and Thaumarchaeota.

Thermodynamic buffering, stable non-equilibrium and establishment of the computable structure of plant metabolism

The equilibria of coenzyme nucleotides and substrates established in plant cells generate simple rules that govern the plant metabolome and provide optimal conditions for the non-equilibrium fluxes of major metabolic processes such as ATP synthesis, CO₂ fixation, and mitochondrial respiration. Fast and abundant enzymes, such as adenylate kinase, carbonic anhydrase or malate dehydrogenase, provide constant substrate flux for these processes. These "buffering" enzymes follow the Michaelis-Menten (MM) kinetics and operate near equilibrium. The non-equilibrium "engine" enzymes, such as ATP synthase, Rubisco or the respiratory complexes, follow the modified version of MM kinetics due to their high concentration and low concentration of their substrates. The equilibrium reactions serve as control gates for the non-equilibrium flux through the engine enzymes establishing the balance of the fluxes of load and consumption of metabolic components. Under the coordinated operation of buffering and engine enzymes, the concentrations of free and Mg-bound adenylates and of free Mg²⁺ are set, serving as feedback signals from the adenylate metabolome. Those are linked to various cell energetics parameters, including membrane potentials. Also, internal levels of reduced and oxidized pyridine nucleotides are established in the coordinated operation of malate dehydrogenase and respiratory components, with proton concentration as a feedback from pyridine nucleotide pools. Non-coupled pathways of respiration serve to equilibrate the levels of pyridine nucleotides, adenylates, and as a pH stat. This stable non-equilibrium organizes the fluxes of energy spatially and temporally, controlling the rates of major metabolic fluxes that follow thermodynamically and kinetically defined computational principles.

Holm oak proteomic response to water limitation at seedling establishment stage reveals specific changes in different plant parts as well as interaction between roots and cotyledons

Quercus ilex is a dominant tree species in the Mediterranean region with double economic and ecological importance and increasing use in reforestation. Seedling establishment is extremely vulnerable to environmental stresses, particularly drought. A time course study on physiological and proteomic response of holm oak to water limitation stress and recovery during early heterotrophic growth is reported. Applied stress led to diminution in plant water content and root growth, oxidative stress in roots and some alterations in the anti-oxidative protection. Plant parts differed substantially in soluble sugar and free phenolic content, and in their changes during stress and recovery. Proteomic response in holm oak roots and cotyledons was estimated using combined 1-DE/2-DE approach and protein identification by MALDI TOF-TOF PMF and MS/MS. A total of 127 differentially abundant protein species (DAPs) were identified. DAPs related to starch metabolism, lipid to sugar conversion, reserve proteins and their mobilization were typical for cotyledons. DAPs in roots were involved in sugar utilization, secondary metabolism and defense, including pathogenesis related proteins from PR-5 and PR-10 families. Results emphasize specific proteome signatures of separate plant parts as well as importance of sink-source interaction between root and cotyledon in the time course of stress and in recovery.