The Arabidopsis receptor kinase STRUBBELIG undergoes clathrin-dependent endocytosis

A leucine-rich-repeat receptor-like kinase regulates pollen aperture formation in rice

Apertures in pollen grains exhibit species-specific patterns and provide an ideal model for studying cell surface patterning. Pollen apertures are critical for cereal crop fertility, and while DEFECTIVE IN APERTURE FORMATION1 (OsDAF1) and INAPERTURATE POLLEN1 (OsINP1) have been documented to participate in pollen aperture formation in rice (Oryza sativa), the molecular transduction pathway regulating aperture formation is largely unknown. Here, we report that a leucine-rich-repeat receptor-like kinase (LRR-RLK), APERTURE MISSING1 (AM1), plays a key role in rice pollen aperture formation. Mutations of OsAM1 lead to complete sterility due to the disappearance of the pollen aperture and failure in pollen tube germination. OsAM1 encodes a LRR-RLK that belongs to the STRUBBELIG-receptor family. Similar to other reported aperture regulators, OsAM1 assembles to future aperture sites on tetrads after meiosis to regulate aperture formation. The extracellular and intracellular domain of OsAM1 interacts with OsINP1 and OsDAF1, respectively. However, despite their interaction and the absence of aperture formation in osam1 pollen grains, OsINP1 and OsDAF1 localize to future aperture sites at the tetrad stage. Mutation of OsINP1, however, disrupts normal localization of OsAM1, indicating that OsAM1 acts downstream of OsINP1. Our findings reveal the role of a LRR-RLK protein in pollen aperture formation and shed light on the regulatory network of pollen aperture formation.

Structural and Evolutionary Aspects of Plant Endocytosis

Endocytosis is an essential eukaryotic process that maintains the homeostasis of the plasma membrane proteome by vesicle-mediated internalization. Its predominant mode of operation utilizes the polymerization of the scaffold protein clathrin forming a coat around the vesicle; therefore, it is termed clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). Throughout evolution, the machinery that mediates CME is marked by losses, multiplications, and innovations. CME employs a limited number of conserved structural domains and folds, whose assembly and connections are species dependent. In plants, many of the domains are grouped into an ancient multimeric complex, the TPLATE complex, which occupies a central position as an interaction hub for the endocytic machinery. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding the structural aspects of plant CME, and we draw comparisons to other model systems. To do so, we have taken advantage of recent developments with respect to artificial intelligence-based protein structure prediction.

The emerging roles of clathrin-mediated endocytosis in plant development and stress responses

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is a highly conserved pathway that plays a crucial role in the endocytosis of plasma membrane proteins in eukaryotic cells. The pathway is initiated when the adaptor protein complex 2 (AP2) and TPLATE complex (TPC) work together to recognize cargo proteins and recruit clathrin. This review provides a concise overview of the functions of each subunit of AP2 and TPC, and highlights the involvement of CME in various biological processes, such as pollen development, root development, nutrient transport, extracellular signal transduction, auxin polar transport, hyperosmotic stress, salinity stress, high ammonium stress, and disease resistance. Additionally, the review explores the regulation of CME by phytohormones, clathrin-mediated exocytosis (CMX), and AP2M phosphorylation. It also suggests potential future research directions for CME.

The phagocytosis oxidase/Bem1p domain-containing protein PB1CP negatively regulates the NADPH oxidase RBOHD in plant immunity

Perception of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by surface-localized pattern recognition receptors activates RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOG D (RBOHD) through direct phosphorylation by BOTRYTIS-INDUCED KINASE 1 (BIK1) and induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). RBOHD activity must be tightly controlled to avoid the detrimental effects of ROS, but little is known about RBOHD downregulation. To understand the regulation of RBOHD, we used co-immunoprecipitation of RBOHD with mass spectrometry analysis and identified PHAGOCYTOSIS OXIDASE/BEM1P (PB1) DOMAIN-CONTAINING PROTEIN (PB1CP). PB1CP negatively regulates RBOHD and the resistance against the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum higginsianum. PB1CP competes with BIK1 for binding to RBOHD in vitro. Furthermore, PAMP treatment enhances the PB1CP-RBOHD interaction, thereby leading to the dissociation of phosphorylated BIK1 from RBOHD in vivo. PB1CP localizes at the cell periphery and PAMP treatment induces relocalization of PB1CP and RBOHD to the same small endomembrane compartments. Additionally, overexpression of PB1CP in Arabidopsis leads to a reduction in the abundance of RBOHD protein, suggesting the possible involvement of PB1CP in RBOHD endocytosis. We found PB1CP, a novel negative regulator of RBOHD, and revealed its possible regulatory mechanisms involving the removal of phosphorylated BIK1 from RBOHD and the promotion of RBOHD endocytosis.

Arabidopsis MCTP family member QUIRKY regulates the formation of the STRUBBELIG receptor kinase complex

Intercellular communication plays a central role in organogenesis. Tissue morphogenesis in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) requires signaling mediated by a cell surface complex containing the atypical receptor kinase STRUBBELIG (SUB) and the multiple C2 domains and transmembrane region protein QUIRKY (QKY). QKY is required to stabilize SUB at the plasma membrane. However, it is unclear what the in vivo architecture of the QKY/SUB signaling complex is, how it is controlled, and how it relates to the maintenance of SUB at the cell surface. We addressed these questions using a combination of genetics, yeast 2-hybrid assays, and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)/fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) in epidermal cells of seedling roots. We found that QKY promotes the formation of SUB homooligomers in vivo. Homooligomerization of SUB appeared to involve its extracellular domain. We also showed that QKY and SUB physically interact and form a complex at the cell surface in vivo. In addition, the data showed that the N-terminal C2A-B region of QKY interacts with the intracellular domain of SUB. They further revealed that this interaction is essential to maintain SUB levels at the cell surface. Finally, we provided evidence that QKY forms homomultimers in vivo in a SUB-independent manner. We suggest a model in which the physical interaction of QKY with SUB mediates the oligomerization of SUB and attenuates its internalization, thereby maintaining sufficiently high levels of SUB at the cell surface required for the control of tissue morphogenesis.

How will I recognize you? Insights into endocytic cargo recognition in plants

The plasma membrane (PM) houses a wide variety of proteins, facilitating interactions between the cell and its surroundings. Perception of external stimuli leads to selective internalization of membrane proteins via endocytosis. A multitude of endocytic signals affect protein internalization; however, their coordination and the exact mechanism of their recognition still remain elusive. In this review, we summarized the up-to-date knowledge of different internalization signals in PM cargo proteins and their involvement during protein trafficking.

pH-dependent CLE peptide perception permits phloem differentiation in Arabidopsis roots

The plant vasculature delivers phloem sap to the growth apices of sink organs, the meristems, via the interconnected sieve elements of the protophloem.^1,2,3 In the A. thaliana root meristem, the stem cells form two files of protophloem sieve elements (PPSEs), whose timely differentiation requires a set of positive genetic regulators. In corresponding loss-of-function mutants, signaling of secreted CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION 45 (CLE45) peptide through the BARELY ANY MERISTEM 3 (BAM3) receptor is hyperactive and interferes with PPSE differentiation. This can be mimicked by an external CLE45 application to wild type. Because developing PPSEs express CLE45-BAM3 pathway components from early on until terminal differentiation, it remains unclear how they escape the autocrine inhibitory CLE45 signal. Here, we report that the wild type becomes insensitive to CLE45 treatment on neutral to alkaline pH media, as well as upon simultaneous treatment with a specific proton pump inhibitor at a standard pH of 5.7. We find that these observations can be explained by neither pH-dependent CLE45 uptake nor pH-dependent CLE45 charge. Moreover, pH-dependent perception specifically requires the CLE45 R4 residue and is not observed for the redundant PPSE-specific CLE25 and CLE26 peptides. Finally, pH-dependent CLE45 response in developing PPSEs as opposed to pH-independent response in neighboring cell files indicates that late-developing PPSEs can no longer sense CLE45. This is consistent with an apoplastic acidic to alkaline pH gradient we observed along developing PPSE cell files. In summary, we conclude that developing PPSEs self-organize their transition to differentiation by desensitizing themselves against autocrine CLE45 signaling through an apoplastic pH increase.

Defects in autophagy lead to selective in vivo changes in turnover of cytosolic and organelle proteins in Arabidopsis

Identification of autophagic protein cargo in plants in autophagy-related genes (ATG) mutants is complicated by changes in protein synthesis and protein degradation. To detect autophagic cargo, we measured protein degradation rate in shoots and roots of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) atg5 and atg11 mutants. These data show that less than a quarter of proteins changing in abundance are probable cargo and revealed roles of ATG11 and ATG5 in degradation of specific glycolytic enzymes and of other cytosol, chloroplast, and ER-resident proteins, and a specialized role for ATG11 in degradation of proteins from mitochondria and chloroplasts. Protein localization in transformed protoplasts and degradation assays in the presence of inhibitors confirm a role for autophagy in degrading glycolytic enzymes. Autophagy induction by phosphate (Pi) limitation changed metabolic profiles and the protein synthesis and degradation rates of atg5 and atg11 plants. A general decrease in the abundance of amino acids and increase in secondary metabolites in autophagy mutants was consistent with altered catabolism and changes in energy conversion caused by reduced degradation rate of specific proteins. Combining measures of changes in protein abundance and degradation rates, we also identify ATG11 and ATG5-associated protein cargo of low Pi-induced autophagy in chloroplasts and ER-resident proteins involved in secondary metabolism.

Cell wall damage attenuates root hair patterning and tissue morphogenesis mediated by the receptor kinase STRUBBELIG

Cell wall remodeling is essential for the control of growth and development as well as the regulation of stress responses. However, the underlying cell wall monitoring mechanisms remain poorly understood. Regulation of root hair fate and flower development in Arabidopsis thaliana requires signaling mediated by the atypical receptor kinase STRUBBELIG (SUB). Furthermore, SUB is involved in cell wall integrity signaling and regulates the cellular response to reduced levels of cellulose, a central component of the cell wall. Here, we show that continuous exposure to sub-lethal doses of the cellulose biosynthesis inhibitor isoxaben results in altered root hair patterning and floral morphogenesis. Genetically impairing cellulose biosynthesis also results in root hair patterning defects. We further show that isoxaben exerts its developmental effects through the attenuation of SUB signaling. Our evidence indicates that downregulation of SUB is a multi-step process and involves changes in SUB complex architecture at the plasma membrane, enhanced removal of SUB from the cell surface, and downregulation of SUB transcript levels. The results provide molecular insight into how the cell wall regulates cell fate and tissue morphogenesis.

Motif-based endomembrane trafficking

Endomembrane trafficking, which allows proteins and lipids to flow between the different endomembrane compartments, largely occurs by vesicle-mediated transport. Transmembrane proteins intended for transport are concentrated into a vesicle or carrier by undulation of a donor membrane. This is followed by vesicle scission, uncoating, and finally, fusion at the target membrane. Three major trafficking pathways operate inside eukaryotic cells: anterograde, retrograde, and endocytic. Each pathway involves a unique set of machinery and coat proteins that pack the transmembrane proteins, along with their associated lipids, into specific carriers. Adaptor and coatomer complexes are major facilitators that function in anterograde transport and in endocytosis. These complexes recognize the transmembrane cargoes destined for transport and recruit the coat proteins that help form the carriers. These complexes use either linear motifs or posttranslational modifications to recognize the cargoes, which are then packaged and delivered along the trafficking pathways. In this review, we focus on the different trafficking complexes that share a common evolutionary branch in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), and we discuss up-to-date knowledge about the cargo recognition motifs they use.

The Arabidopsis O-fucosyltransferase SPINDLY regulates root hair patterning independently of gibberellin signaling

Root hairs are able to sense soil composition and play an important role in water and nutrient uptake. In Arabidopsis thaliana, root hairs are distributed in the epidermis in a specific pattern, regularly alternating with non-root hair cells in continuous cell files. This patterning is regulated by internal factors such as a number of hormones, as well as by external factors like nutrient availability. Thus, root hair patterning is an excellent model for studying the plasticity of cell fate determination in response to environmental changes. Here, we report that loss-of-function mutants for the Protein O-fucosyltransferase SPINDLY (SPY) show defects in root hair patterning. Using transcriptional reporters, we show that patterning in spy-22 is affected upstream of GLABRA2 (GL2) and WEREWOLF (WER). O-fucosylation of nuclear and cytosolic proteins is an important post-translational modification that is still not very well understood. So far, SPY is best characterized for its role in gibberellin signaling via fucosylation of the growth-repressing DELLA protein REPRESSOR OF ga1-3 (RGA). Our data suggest that the epidermal patterning defects in spy-22 are independent of RGA and gibberellin signaling.

Experimental toolbox for quantitative evaluation of clathrin-mediated endocytosis in the plant model Arabidopsis

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is a crucial cellular process implicated in many aspects of plant growth, development, intra- and intercellular signaling, nutrient uptake and pathogen defense. Despite these significant roles, little is known about the precise molecular details of how CME functions in planta To facilitate the direct quantitative study of plant CME, we review current routinely used methods and present refined, standardized quantitative imaging protocols that allow the detailed characterization of CME at multiple scales in plant tissues. These protocols include: (1) an efficient electron microscopy protocol for the imaging of Arabidopsis CME vesicles in situ, thus providing a method for the detailed characterization of the ultrastructure of clathrin-coated vesicles; (2) a detailed protocol and analysis for quantitative live-cell fluorescence microscopy to precisely examine the temporal interplay of endocytosis components during single CME events; (3) a semi-automated analysis to allow the quantitative characterization of global internalization of cargos in whole plant tissues; and (4) an overview and validation of useful genetic and pharmacological tools to interrogate the molecular mechanisms and function of CME in intact plant samples.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

The Role of Plasmodesmata-Associated Receptor in Plant Development and Environmental Response

Over the last decade, plasmodesmata (PD) symplasmic nano-channels were reported to be involved in various cell biology activities to prop up within plant growth and development as well as environmental stresses. Indeed, this is highly influenced by their native structure, which is lined with the plasma membrane (PM), conferring a suitable biological landscape for numerous plant receptors that correspond to signaling pathways. However, there are more than six hundred members of Arabidopsis thaliana membrane-localized receptors and over one thousand receptors in rice have been identified, many of which are likely to respond to the external stimuli. This review focuses on the class of plasmodesmal-receptor like proteins (PD-RLPs)/plasmodesmal-receptor-like kinases (PD-RLKs) found in planta. We summarize and discuss the current knowledge regarding RLPs/RLKs that reside at PD-PM channels in response to plant growth, development, and stress adaptation.

The Beginning of the End: Initial Steps in the Degradation of Plasma Membrane Proteins

The plasma membrane (PM), as border between the inside and the outside of a cell, is densely packed with proteins involved in the sensing and transmission of internal and external stimuli, as well as transport processes and is therefore vital for plant development as well as quick and accurate responses to the environment. It is consequently not surprising that several regulatory pathways participate in the tight regulation of the spatiotemporal control of PM proteins. Ubiquitination of PM proteins plays a key role in directing their entry into the endo-lysosomal system, serving as a signal for triggering endocytosis and further sorting for degradation. Nevertheless, a uniting picture of the different roles of the respective types of ubiquitination in the consecutive steps of down-regulation of membrane proteins is still missing. The trans-Golgi network (TGN), which acts as an early endosome (EE) in plants receives the endocytosed cargo, and here the decision is made to either recycled back to the PM or further delivered to the vacuole for degradation. A multi-complex machinery, the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT), concentrates ubiquitinated proteins and ushers them into the intraluminal vesicles of multi-vesicular bodies (MVBs). Several ESCRTs have ubiquitin binding subunits, which anchor and guide the cargos through the endocytic degradation route. Basic enzymes and the mode of action in the early degradation steps of PM proteins are conserved in eukaryotes, yet many plant unique components exist, which are often essential in this pathway. Thus, deciphering the initial steps in the degradation of ubiquitinated PM proteins, which is the major focus of this review, will greatly contribute to the larger question of how plants mange to fine-tune their responses to their environment.

Protocol for rapid clearing and staining of fixed Arabidopsis ovules for improved imaging by confocal laser scanning microscopy

BACKGROUND

A salient topic in developmental biology relates to the molecular and genetic mechanisms that underlie tissue morphogenesis. Modern quantitative approaches to this central question frequently involve digital cellular models of the organ or tissue under study. The ovules of the model species Arabidopsis thaliana have long been established as a model system for the study of organogenesis in plants. While ovule development in Arabidopsis can be followed by a variety of different imaging techniques, no experimental strategy presently exists that enables an easy and straightforward investigation of the morphology of internal tissues of the ovule with cellular resolution.

RESULTS

We developed a protocol for rapid and robust confocal microscopy of fixed Arabidopsis ovules of all stages. The method combines clearing of fixed ovules in ClearSee solution with marking the cell outline using the cell wall stain SCRI Renaissance 2200 and the nuclei with the stain TO-PRO-3 iodide. We further improved the microscopy by employing a homogenous immersion system aimed at minimizing refractive index differences. The method allows complete inspection of the cellular architecture even deep within the ovule. Using the new protocol we were able to generate digital three-dimensional models of ovules of various stages.

CONCLUSIONS

The protocol enables the quick and reproducible imaging of fixed Arabidopsis ovules of all developmental stages. From the imaging data three-dimensional digital ovule models with cellular resolution can be rapidly generated using image analysis software, for example MorphographX. Such digital models will provide the foundation for a future quantitative analysis of ovule morphogenesis in a model species.