P42 movement protein of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus is targeted by the movement proteins P13 and P15 to punctate bodies associated with plasmodesmata

The functions of triple gene block proteins and coat protein of apple stem pitting virus in viral cell-to-cell movement

Apple stem pitting virus is a species in the genus Foveavirus in the family Betaflexiviridae. Apple stem pitting virus (ASPV) commonly infects apple and pear plants grown worldwide. In this study, by integrating bimolecular fluorescence complementation, split-ubiquitin-based membrane yeast two-hybrid, and Agrobacterium-mediated expression assays, the interaction relationships and the subcellular locations of ASPV proteins TGBp1-3 and CP in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf cells were determined. Proteins CP, TGBp1, TGBp2, and TGBp3 were self-interactable, and TGBp2 played a role in the formation of perinuclear viroplasm and enhanced the colocalization of TGBp3 with CP and TGBp1. We found that the plant microfilament and endoplasmic reticulum structures were involved in the production of TGBp3 and TGBp2 vesicles, and their disruption decreased the virus accumulation level in the systemic leaves. The TGBp3 motile vesicles functioned in delivering the viral ribonucleoprotein complexes to the plasma membrane. Two cysteine residues at sites 35 and 49 of the TGBp3 sorting signal were necessary for the diffusion of TGBp3-marked vesicles. Furthermore, our results revealed that TGBp1, TGBp2, and CP could increase plasmodesmal permeability and move to the adjacent cells. This study demonstrates an interaction network and a subcellular location map of four ASPV proteins and for the first time provides insight into the functions of these proteins in the movement of a foveavirus.

The C-Terminal Transmembrane Domain of Cowpea Mild Mottle Virus TGBp2 Is Critical for Plasmodesmata Localization and for Its Interaction With TGBp1 and TGBp3

The movement of some plant RNA viruses is mediated by triple gene block (TGB) proteins, which cooperate to transfer the viral genome from cell to cell through plasmodesmata. Here, we investigated the function of the TGB proteins of cowpea mild mottle virus (CPMMV; genus Carlavirus, family Betaflexiviridae), which causes severe damage to soybean production. Subcellular localization experiments demonstrated that TGBp1 and TGBp3 were localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), plasmodesmata (PD) and nucleus in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. TGBp2 was unusually localized to PD. In protein interaction assays TGBp2 significantly enhanced the interaction between TGBp3 and TGBp1. Interaction assays using deletion mutants showed that the C-terminal transmembrane (TM) domain of TGBp2 is critical for its localization to PD and for its interaction with TGBp1 and TGBp3.

Genome Editing for Plasmodesmal Biology

Plasmodesmata (PD) are cytoplasmic canals that facilitate intercellular communication and molecular exchange between adjacent plant cells. PD-associated proteins are considered as one of the foremost factors in regulating PD function that is critical for plant development and stress responses. Although its potential to be used for crop engineering is enormous, our understanding of PD biology was relatively limited to model plants, demanding further studies in crop systems. Recently developed genome editing techniques such as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR associate protein (CRISPR/Cas) might confer powerful approaches to dissect the molecular function of PD components and to engineer elite crops. Here, we assess several aspects of PD functioning to underline and highlight the potential applications of CRISPR/Cas that provide new insight into PD biology and crop improvement.

The Barley stripe mosaic virus γb protein promotes viral cell-to-cell movement by enhancing ATPase-mediated assembly of ribonucleoprotein movement complexes

Nine genera of viruses in five different families use triple gene block (TGB) proteins for virus movement. The TGB modules fall into two classes: hordei-like and potex-like. Although TGB-mediated viral movement has been extensively studied, determination of the constituents of the viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) movement complexes and the mechanisms underlying their involvement in vRNP-mediated movement are far from complete. In the current study, immunoprecipitation of TGB1 protein complexes formed during Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) infection revealed the presence of the γb protein in the products. Further experiments demonstrated that TGB1 interacts with γb in vitro and in vivo, and that γb-TGB1 localizes at the periphery of chloroplasts and plasmodesmata (PD). Subcellular localization analyses of the γb protein in Nicotiana benthamiana epidermal cells indicated that in addition to chloroplast localization, γb also targets the ER, actin filaments and PD at different stages of viral infection. By tracking γb localization during BSMV infection, we demonstrated that γb is required for efficient cell-to-cell movement. The N-terminus of γb interacts with the TGB1 ATPase/helicase domain and enhances ATPase activity of the domain. Inactivation of the TGB1 ATPase activity also significantly impaired PD targeting. In vitro translation together with co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) analyses revealed that TGB1-TGB3-TGB2 complex formation is enhanced by ATP hydrolysis. The γb protein positively regulates complex formation in the presence of ATP, suggesting that γb has a novel role in BSMV cell-to-cell movement by directly promoting TGB1 ATPase-mediated vRNP movement complex assembly. We further demonstrated that elimination of ATPase activity abrogates PD and actin targeting of Potato virus X (PVX) and Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) TGB1 proteins. These results expand our understanding of the multifunctional roles of γb and provide new insight into the functions of TGB1 ATPase domains in the movement of TGB-encoding viruses.

Development of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus-based vectors for multiple-gene expression and guide RNA delivery in plant genome editing

Many plant viruses with monopartite or bipartite genomes have been developed as efficient expression vectors of foreign recombinant proteins. Nonetheless, due to lack of multiple insertion sites in these plant viruses, it is still a big challenge to simultaneously express multiple foreign proteins in single cells. The genome of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) offers an attractive system for expression of multiple foreign proteins owning to a multipartite genome composed of five positive-stranded RNAs. Here, we have established a BNYVV full-length infectious cDNA clone under the control of the Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. We further developed a set of BNYVV-based vectors that permit efficient expression of four recombinant proteins, including some large proteins with lengths up to 880 amino acids in the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana and native host sugar beet plants. These vectors can be used to investigate the subcellular co-localization of multiple proteins in leaf, root and stem tissues of systemically infected plants. Moreover, the BNYVV-based vectors were used to deliver NbPDS guide RNAs for genome editing in transgenic plants expressing Cas9, which induced a photobleached phenotype in systemically infected leaves. Collectively, the BNYVV-based vectors will facilitate genomic research and expression of multiple proteins, in sugar beet and related crop plants.

Viral and nonviral elements in potexvirus replication and movement and in antiviral responses

In Potato virus X, a member of the genus Potexvirus, special sequences and structures at the 5' and 3' ends of the nontranslated region function as cis-acting elements for viral replication. These elements greatly affect interactions between viral RNAs and those between viral RNAs and host factors. The potexvirus genome encodes five open-reading frames. Viral replicase, which is required for the synthesis of viral RNA, binds viral RNA elements and host factors to form a viral replication complex at the host cellular membrane. The coat protein (CP) and three viral movement proteins (TGB1, TGB2, and TGB3) have critical roles in mediating cell-to-cell viral movement through plasmodesmata by virion formation or by nonvirion ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex formation with viral movement proteins (TGBs). The RNP complex, like TGB1-CP-viral RNA, is associated with viral replicase and used for immediate reinitiation of viral replication in newly invaded cells. Higher plants have defense mechanisms against potexviruses such as Rx-mediated resistance and RNA silencing. The CP acts as an avirulence effector for plant defense mechanisms, while TGB1 functions as a viral suppressor of RNA silencing, which is the mechanism of innate immune resistance. Here, we describe recent findings concerning the involvement of viral and host factors in potexvirus replication and in antiviral responses to potexvirus infection.

Microtubules in viral replication and transport

Viruses use and subvert host cell mechanisms to support their replication and spread between cells, tissues and organisms. Microtubules and associated motor proteins play important roles in these processes in animal systems, and may also play a role in plants. Although transport processes in plants are mostly actin based, studies, in particular with Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and its movement protein (MP), indicate direct or indirect roles of microtubules in the cell-to-cell spread of infection. Detailed observations suggest that microtubules participate in the cortical anchorage of viral replication complexes, in guiding their trafficking along the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/actin network, and also in developing the complexes into virus factories. Microtubules also play a role in the plant-to-plant transmission of Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) by assisting in the development of specific virus-induced inclusions that facilitate viral uptake by aphids. The involvement of microtubules in the formation of virus factories and of other virus-induced inclusions suggests the existence of aggresomal pathways by which plant cells recruit membranes and proteins into localized macromolecular assemblies. Although studies related to the involvement of microtubules in the interaction of viruses with plants focus on specific virus models, a number of observations with other virus species suggest that microtubules may have a widespread role in viral pathogenesis.

Replication and trafficking of a plant virus are coupled at the entrances of plasmodesmata

Plant viruses use movement proteins (MPs) to modify intercellular pores called plasmodesmata (PD) to cross the plant cell wall. Many viruses encode a conserved set of three MPs, known as the triple gene block (TGB), typified by Potato virus X (PVX). In this paper, using live-cell imaging of viral RNA (vRNA) and virus-encoded proteins, we show that the TGB proteins have distinct functions during movement. TGB2 and TGB3 established endoplasmic reticulum-derived membranous caps at PD orifices. These caps harbored the PVX replicase and nonencapsidated vRNA and represented PD-anchored viral replication sites. TGB1 mediated insertion of the viral coat protein into PD, probably by its interaction with the 5' end of nascent virions, and was recruited to PD by the TGB2/3 complex. We propose a new model of plant virus movement, which we term coreplicational insertion, in which MPs function to compartmentalize replication complexes at PD for localized RNA synthesis and directional trafficking of the virus between cells.

Agroinoculation of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus cDNA clones results in plant systemic infection and efficient Polymyxa betae transmission

Agroinoculation is a quick and easy method for the infection of plants with viruses. This method involves the infiltration of tissue with a suspension of Agrobacterium tumefaciens carrying binary plasmids harbouring full-length cDNA copies of viral genome components. When transferred into host cells, transcription of the cDNA produces RNA copies of the viral genome that initiate infection. We produced full-length cDNA corresponding to Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) RNAs and derived replicon vectors expressing viral and fluorescent proteins in pJL89 binary plasmid under the control of the Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. We infected Nicotiana benthamiana and Beta macrocarpa plants with BNYVV by leaf agroinfiltration of combinations of agrobacteria carrying full-length cDNA clones of BNYVV RNAs. We validated the ability of agroclones to reproduce a complete viral cycle, from replication to cell-to-cell and systemic movement and, finally, plant-to-plant transmission by its plasmodiophorid vector. We also showed successful root agroinfection of B. vulgaris, a new tool for the assay of resistance to rhizomania, the sugar beet disease caused by BNYVV.

The benyvirus RNA silencing suppressor is essential for long-distance movement, requires both zinc-finger and NoLS basic residues but not a nucleolar localization for its silencing-suppression activity

The RNA silencing-suppression properties of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) and Beet soil-borne mosaic virus (BSBMV) cysteine-rich p14 proteins have been investigated. Suppression of RNA silencing activities were made evident using viral infection of silenced Nicotiana benthamiana 16C, N. benthamiana agroinfiltrated with green fluorescent protein (GFP), and GF-FG hairpin triggers supplemented with viral suppressor of RNA silencing (VSR) constructs or using complementation of a silencing-suppressor-defective BNYVV virus in Chenopodium quinoa. Northern blot analyses of small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in agroinfiltration tests revealed reduced amounts of siRNA, especially secondary siRNA, suggesting that benyvirus VSR act downstream of the siRNA production. Using confocal laser-scanning microscopy imaging of infected protoplasts expressing functional p14 protein fused to an enhanced GFP reporter, we showed that benyvirus p14 accumulated in the nucleolus and the cytoplasm independently of other viral factors. Site-directed mutagenesis showed the importance of the nucleolar localization signal embedded in a C4 zinc-finger domain in the VSR function and intrinsic stability of the p14 protein. Conversely, RNA silencing suppression appeared independent of the nucleolar localization of the protein, and a correlation between BNYVV VSR expression and long-distance movement was established.

A conserved C-terminal motif is essential for self-interaction of Barley stripe mosaic virus China strain TGB3 protein

The triple gene block (TGB) 3 protein is essential for the cell-to-cell movement of Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV). Previous studies have shown that TGB3, together with TGB2, facilitates the movement of TGB1 to the plasma membrane. However, the interactions among the three proteins (i.e., TGB3, TGB1, and TGB2) have not been thoroughly understood. The interactions of BSMV China strain (BSMV-CH) TGB3 with itself and with other two TGB proteins were investigated using a Gal4-based yeast two-hybrid system and pull-down assays. The results show that neither TGB1 nor TGB2 interacts with TGB3. However, self-interaction was detected for TGB3. The C-terminal 37 amino acids (amino acids 87-123) containing a conserved C-terminal motif were found required for the self-interaction of TGB3. The roles of the novel property of BSMV-CH TGB3 in virus cell-to-cell movement were discussed.

The extreme N-terminal domain of a hordeivirus TGB1 movement protein mediates its localization to the nucleolus and interaction with fibrillarin

The hordeiviral movement protein encoded by the first gene of the triple gene block (TGBp1) of Poa semilatent virus (PSLV), interacts with viral genomic RNAs to form RNP particles which are considered to be a form of viral genome capable of cell-to-cell and long-distance transport in infected plants. The PSLV TGBp1 contains a C-terminal NTPase/helicase domain (HELD) and an N-terminal extension region consisting of two structurally and functionally distinct domains: an extreme N-terminal domain (NTD) and an internal domain (ID). This study demonstrates that transient expression of TGBp1 fused to GFP in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves results in faint but obvious fluorescence in the nucleolus in addition to cytosolic distribution. Mutagenesis of the basic amino acids inside the NTD clusters A (116)KSKRKKKNKK(125) and B (175)KKATKKESKKQTK(187) reveals that these clusters are indispensable for nuclear and nucleolar targeting of PSLV TGBp1 and may contain nuclear and nucleolar localization signals or their elements. The PSLV TGBp1 is able to bind to fibrillarin, the major nucleolar protein (AtFib2 from Arabidopsis thaliana) in vitro. This protein-protein interaction occurs between the glycine-arginine-rich (GAR) domain of fibrillarin and the first 82 amino acid residues of TGBp1. The interaction of TGBp1 with fibrillarin is also visualized in vivo by bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) during co-expression of TGBp1 or its deletion mutants, and fibrillarin as fusions to different halves of YFP in N. benthamiana plants. The sites responsible for nuclear/nucleolar localization and fibrillarin binding, have been located within the intrinsically disordered TGBp1 NTD. These data could suggest that specific functions of hordeivirus TGBp1 may depend on its interaction with nucleolar components.

Cellular pathways for viral transport through plasmodesmata

Plant viruses use plasmodesmata (PD) to spread infection between cells and systemically. Dependent on viral species, movement through PD can occur in virion or non-virion form, and requires different mechanisms for targeting and modification of the pore. These mechanisms are supported by viral movement proteins and by other virus-encoded factors that interact among themselves and with plant cellular components to facilitate virus movement in a coordinated and regulated fashion.

The N-terminal domain of PMTV TGB1 movement protein is required for nucleolar localization, microtubule association, and long-distance movement

The triple-gene-block (TGB)1 protein of Potato mop-top virus (PMTV) was fused to fluorescent proteins and expressed in epidermal cells of Nicotiana benthamiana under the control of the 35S promoter. TGB1 fluorescence was observed in the cytoplasm, nucleus, and nucleolus and occasionally associated with microtubules. When expressed from a modified virus (PMTV.YFP-TGB1) which formed local lesions but was not competent for systemic movement, yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-TGB1 labeled plasmodesmata in cells at the leading edge of the lesion and plasmodesmata, microtubules, nuclei, and nucleoli in cells immediately behind the leading edge. Deletion of 84 amino acids from the N-terminus of unlabeled TGB1 within the PMTV genome abolished movement of viral RNA to noninoculated leaves. When the same deletion was introduced into PMTV.YFP-TGB1, labeling of microtubules and nucleoli was abolished. The N-terminal 84 amino acids of TGB1 were fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) and expressed in epidermal cells where GFP localized strongly to the nucleolus (not seen with unfused GFP), indicating that these amino acids contain a nucleolar localization signal; the fusion protein did not label microtubules. This is the first report of nucleolar and microtubule association of a TGB movement protein. The results suggest that PMTV TGB1 requires interaction with nuclear components and, possibly, microtubules for long-distance movement of viral RNA.

Varied movement strategies employed by triple gene block-encoding viruses

Several RNA virus genera belonging to the Virgaviridae and Flexiviridae families encode proteins organized in a triple gene block (TGB) that facilitate cell-to-cell and long-distance movement. The TGB proteins have been traditionally classified as hordei-like or potex-like based on phylogenetic comparisons and differences in movement mechanisms of the Hordeivirus and Potexvirus spp. However, accumulating data from other model viruses suggests that a revised framework is needed to accommodate the profound differences in protein interactions occurring during infection and ancillary capsid protein requirements for movement. The goal of this article is to highlight common features of the TGB proteins and salient differences in movement properties exhibited by individual viruses encoding these proteins. We discuss common and divergent aspects of the TGB transport machinery, describe putative nucleoprotein movement complexes, highlight recent data on TGB protein interactions and topological properties, and review membrane associations occurring during subcellular targeting and cell-to-cell movement. We conclude that the existing models cannot be used to explain all TGB viruses, and we propose provisional Potexvirus, Hordeivirus, and Pomovirus models. We also suggest areas that might profit from future research on viruses harboring this intriguing arrangement of movement proteins.

P0 proteins of European beet-infecting poleroviruses display variable RNA silencing suppression activity

Post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS), or RNA silencing, is one of the key mechanisms of antiviral defence used by plants. To counter this defence response, viruses produce suppressor proteins that are able to inhibit the PTGS pathway or to interfere with some of its function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the RNA silencing suppressor (RSS) activity of P0 proteins from selected European isolates of the beet-infecting poleroviruses beet chlorosis virus (BChV) and beet mild yellowing virus (BMYV) using two different experimental systems: (i) agro-infiltration of Nicotiana benthamiana green fluorescent protein-positive plants and (ii) mechanical inoculation of Chenopodium quinoa using a beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV, genus Benyvirus) RNA3-based replicon. The results demonstrated that P0 of most BMYV isolates exhibited RSS activity, although at various efficiencies among isolates. Conversely, P0 of BChV isolates displayed no RSS activity in either of the two systems under the experimental conditions used. These results are the first reported evidence that P0 proteins of two closely related beet poleroviruses show strain-specific differences in their effects on RNA silencing.

A self-interacting carmovirus movement protein plays a role in binding of viral RNA during the cell-to-cell movement and shows an actin cytoskeleton dependent location in cell periphery

The p7A of Melon necrotic spot virus has been described to be a RNA-binding movement protein essential for cell-to-cell movement but its role in this process is still unknown. Here, we found that primary and secondary structure elements on p7A appear to form a composite RNA-binding site required for both RNA interaction and cell-to-cell movement in plants indicating a direct correlation between these activities. Furthermore, we found that fluorescent-tagged p7A was distributed in punctuate structures at the cell periphery but also in motile cytoplasmic inclusion bodies which were in close association with the actin MFs and most likely generated by self-interacting p7A molecules as shown by BiFC assays. Consistently, the p7A subcellular distribution was revealed to be sensitive to the actin inhibitor, latrunculin B. The involvement of the RNA-binding capabilities and the subcellular location of the p7A in the intracellular and intercellular virus movement is discussed.

Subcellular localization of the barley stripe mosaic virus triple gene block proteins

Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) spreads from cell to cell through the coordinated actions of three triple gene block (TGB) proteins (TGB1, TGB2, and TGB3) arranged in overlapping open reading frames (ORFs). Our previous studies (D. M. Lawrence and A. O. Jackson, J. Virol. 75:8712-8723, 2001; D. M. Lawrence and A. O. Jackson, Mol. Plant Pathol. 2:65-75, 2001) have shown that each of these proteins is required for cell-to-cell movement in monocot and dicot hosts. We recently found (H.-S. Lim, J. N. Bragg, U. Ganesan, D. M. Lawrence, J. Yu, M. Isogai, J. Hammond, and A. O. Jackson, J. Virol. 82:4991-5006, 2008) that TGB1 engages in homologous interactions leading to the formation of a ribonucleoprotein complex containing viral genomic and messenger RNAs, and we have also demonstrated that TGB3 functions in heterologous interactions with TGB1 and TGB2. We have now used Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated protein expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf cells and site-specific mutagenesis to determine how TGB protein interactions influence their subcellular localization and virus spread. Confocal microscopy revealed that the TGB3 protein localizes at the cell wall (CW) in close association with plasmodesmata and that the deletion or mutagenesis of a single amino acid at the immediate C terminus can affect CW targeting. TGB3 also directed the localization of TGB2 from the endoplasmic reticulum to the CW, and this targeting was shown to be dependent on interactions between the TGB2 and TGB3 proteins. The optimal localization of the TGB1 protein at the CW also required TGB2 and TGB3 interactions, but in this context, site-specific TGB1 helicase motif mutants varied in their localization patterns. The results suggest that the ability of TGB1 to engage in homologous binding interactions is not essential for targeting to the CW. However, the relative expression levels of TGB2 and TGB3 influenced the cytosolic and CW distributions of TGB1 and TGB2. Moreover, in both cases, localization at the CW was optimal at the 10:1 TGB2-to-TGB3 ratios occurring in virus infections, and mutations reducing CW localization had corresponding effects on BSMV movement phenotypes. These data support a model whereby TGB protein interactions function in the subcellular targeting of movement protein complexes and the ability of BSMV to move from cell to cell.

Progress towards the understanding and control of sugar beet rhizomania disease

Rhizomania is a soil-borne disease that occurs throughout the major sugar beet growing regions of the world, causing severe yield losses in the absence of effective control measures. It is caused by Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV), which is transmitted by the obligate root-infecting parasite Polymyxa betae. BNYVV has a multipartite RNA genome with all natural isolates containing four RNA species, although some isolates have a fifth RNA. The larger RNA1 and RNA2 contain the housekeeping genes of the virus and are always required for infection, whereas the smaller RNAs are involved in pathogenicity and vector transmission. RNA5-containing isolates are restricted to Asia and some parts of Europe, and these isolates tend to be more aggressive. With no acceptable pesticides available to restrict the vector, the control of rhizomania is now achieved almost exclusively through the use of resistant cultivars. A single dominant resistance gene, Rz1, has been used to manage the disease worldwide in recent years, although this gene confers only partial resistance. More recently, new variants of BNYVV have evolved (both with and without RNA5) that are able to cause significant yield penalties on resistant cultivars. These isolates are not yet widespread, but their appearance has resulted in accelerated searches for new sources of resistance to both the virus and the vector. Combined virus and vector resistance, achieved either by conventional or transgenic breeding, offers the sugar beet industry a new approach in its continuing struggle against rhizomania.

Hordeivirus replication, movement, and pathogenesis

The last Hordeivirus review appearing in this series 20 years ago focused on the comparative biology, relationships, and genome organization of members of the genus ( 68 ). Prior to the 1989 review, useful findings about the origin, disease occurrence, host ranges, and general biological properties of Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) were summarized in three comprehensive reviews ( 26, 67, 107 ). Several recent reviews emphasizing contemporary molecular genetic findings also may be of interest to various readers ( 15, 37, 42, 69, 70, 88, 113 ). In the current review, we briefly reiterate the biological properties of the four members of the Hordeivirus genus and describe advances in our understanding of organization and expression of the viral genomes. We also discuss the infection processes and pathogenesis of the most extensively characterized Hordeiviruses and frame these advances in the broader context of viruses in other families that have encoded triple gene block proteins. In addition, an overview of recent advances in the use of BSMV for virus-induced gene silencing is presented.

Role of a geminivirus AV2 protein putative protein kinase C motif on subcellular localization and pathogenicity

Virus-derived genes or genome fragments are increasingly being used to generate transgenic plants with resistance to plant viruses. There is need to rapidly investigate these genes in plants using transient expression prior to using them as transgenes since they may be pathogenic to plants. In this study, we investigated the AV2 protein encoded by East African cassava mosaic Cameroon virus, a virus associated with a cassava disease epidemic in western Africa. For subcellular localization, AV2 was fused to the yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) and expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana. Confocal analyses showed that AV2-YFP localizes mainly in the cytoplasm. Because it overlaps with the coat protein gene and therefore could be used to generate transgenic plants for resistance to geminiviruses, we investigated its pathogenesis in N. benthamiana by using the Potato virus X (PVX) vector. The chimeric virus PVX-AV2 induced a mild mottling in infected plants and was shown to suppress virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). Using point mutations, we show here that AV2 pathogenicity is dependent on a conserved putative protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation motif. Because of its pathogenicity and ability to suppress RNA silencing, AV2 transgenic plants will less likely provide a control to geminiviruses, indeed it may weaken the resistance of the plant. We therefore suggest the use of the AV2 putative PKC mutants to generate transgenic plants.

The complex subcellular distribution of satellite panicum mosaic virus capsid protein reflects its multifunctional role during infection

Satellite panicum mosaic virus (SPMV) depends on its helper Panicum mosaic virus for replication and movement in host plants. The positive-sense single-stranded genomic RNA of SPMV encodes a 17-kDa capsid protein (CP) to form 16-nm virions. We determined that SPMV CP accumulates in both cytosolic and non-cytosolic fractions, but cytosolic accumulation of SPMV CP is exclusively associated with virions. An N-terminal arginine-rich motif (N-ARM) on SPMV CP is used to bind its cognate RNA and to form virus particles. Intriguingly, virion formation is dispensable for successful systemic SPMV RNA accumulation, yet this process still depends on an intact N-ARM. In addition, a C-terminal domain on the SPMV CP is necessary for self-interaction. Biochemical fractionation and fluorescent microscopy of green fluorescent protein-tagged SPMV CP demonstrated that the non-cytosolic SPMV CP is associated with the cell wall, the nucleus and other membranous organelles. To our knowledge, this is the first report that a satellite virus CP not only accumulates exclusively as virions in the cytosol but also is directed to the nucleolus and membranes. That SPMV CP is found both in the nucleus and the cell wall suggests its involvement in viral nuclear import and cell-to-cell transport.

Intracellular targeting of a hordeiviral membrane-spanning movement protein: sequence requirements and involvement of an unconventional mechanism

The membrane-spanning protein TGBp3 is one of the three movement proteins (MPs) of Poa semilatent virus. TGBp3 is thought to direct other viral MPs and genomic RNA to peripheral bodies located in close proximity to plasmodesmata. We used the ectopic expression of green fluorescent protein-fused TGBp3 in epidermal cells of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves to study the TGBp3 intracellular trafficking pathway. Treatment with inhibitors was used to reveal that the targeting of TGBp3 to plasmodesmata does not require a functional cytoskeleton or secretory system. In addition, the suppression of endoplasmic reticulum-derived vesicle formation by a dominant negative mutant of small GTPase Sar1 had no detectable effect on TGBp3 trafficking to peripheral bodies. Collectively, these results suggested the involvement of an unconventional pathway in the intracellular transport of TGBp3. The determinants of targeting to plasmodesmata were localized to the C-terminal region of TGBp3, including the conserved hydrophilic and terminal membrane-spanning domains.

Role of plant virus movement proteins

Plant viruses spread from the initially infected cells to the rest of the plant in several distinct stages. First, the virus (in the form of virions or nucleic acid protein complexes) moves intracellularly from the sites of replication to plasmodesmata (PD, plant-specific intercellular membranous channels), the virus then transverses the PD to spread intercellularly (cell-to-cell movement). Long-distance movement of virus occurs through phloem sieve tubes. The processes of plant virus movement are controlled by specific viral movement proteins (MPs). No extensive sequence similarity has been found in MPs belonging to different plant virus taxonomic groups. Moreover, different MPs were shown to use different pathways and mechanisms for virus transport. Some viral transport systems require a single MP while others require additional virus-encoded proteins to transport viral genomes. In this review, we focus on the functions and properties of different classes of MPs encoded by RNA containing plant viruses.

Subcellular targeting and interactions among the Potato virus X TGB proteins

Potato virus X (PVX) encodes three proteins named TGBp1, TGBp2, and TGBp3 which are required for virus cell-to-cell movement. To determine whether PVX TGB proteins interact during virus cell-cell movement, GFP was fused to each TGB coding sequence within the viral genome. Confocal microscopy was used to study subcellular accumulation of each protein in virus-infected plants and protoplasts. GFP:TGBp2 and TGBp3:GFP were both seen in the ER, ER-associated granular vesicles, and perinuclear X-bodies suggesting that these proteins interact in the same subdomains of the endomembrane network. When plasmids expressing CFP:TGBp2 and TGBp3:GFP were co-delivered to tobacco leaf epidermal cells, the fluorescent signals overlapped in ER-associated granular vesicles indicating that these proteins colocalize in this subcellular compartment. GFP:TGBp1 was seen in the nucleus, cytoplasm, rod-like inclusion bodies, and in punctate sites embedded in the cell wall. The puncta were reminiscent of previous reports showing viral proteins in plasmodesmata. Experiments using CFP:TGBp1 and YFP:TGBp2 or TGBp3:GFP showed CFP:TGBp1 remained in the cytoplasm surrounding the endomembrane network. There was no evidence that the granular vesicles contained TGBp1. Yeast two hybrid experiments showed TGBp1 self associates but failed to detect interactions between TGBp1 and TGBp2 or TGBp3. These experiments indicate that the PVX TGB proteins have complex subcellular accumulation patterns and likely cooperate across subcellular compartments to promote virus infection.

Sequence variation within Beet necrotic yellow vein virus p25 protein influences its oligomerization and isolate pathogenicity on Tetragonia expansa

The p25 protein encoded by Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) RNA-3 is a pathogenicity determinant that has been implicated in symptom exacerbation on Chenopodiaceae hosts. Several p25 variants exist within natural isolates and p25 sequence variation may influence the degree of pathogenicity of such BNYVV isolates. Expression of p25 from natural A- and P-type isolates in the background of B-type BNYVV cDNA clones gave symptom discrepancies when compared to B-type p25 expression. Such pathogenicity fluctuation was not due to a different subcellular localization of p25 but was correlated with the nature of the tetrad motif present between amino acid residues 67-70, as well as with the capacity of p25 to self-associate and to activate transcription in a yeast one-hybrid system. Our data suggest that the complete sequence of p25 is required for its functions and the identified sequence variations may contribute to correct folding of the protein.

At-4/1, an interactor of the Tomato spotted wilt virus movement protein, belongs to a new family of plant proteins capable of directed intra- and intercellular trafficking

The Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) encoded NSm movement protein facilitates cell-to-cell spread of the viral genome through structurally modified plasmodesmata. NSm has been utilized as bait in yeast two-hybrid interaction trap screenings. As a result, a protein of unknown function, called At-4/1, was isolated from an Arabidopsis thaliana GAL4 activation domain-tagged cDNA library. Using polyclonal antibodies against bacterially expressed At-4/1, Western blot analysis of protein extracts isolated from different plant species as well as genome database screenings showed that homologues of At-4/1 seemed to be encoded by many vascular plants. For subcellular localization studies, At-4/1 was fused to green fluorescent protein, and corresponding expression vectors were used in particle bombardment and agroinfiltration assays. Confocal laser scannings revealed that At-4/1 assembled in punctate spots at the cell periphery. The protein accumulated intracellularly in a polarized fashion, appearing in only one-half of a bombarded epidermal cell, and, moreover, moved from cell to cell, forming twin-structured bodies seemingly located at both orifices of the plasmodesmatal pore. In coexpression studies, At-4/1 colocalized with a plant virus movement protein TGBp3 known to reside in endoplasmic reticulum-derived membrane structures located in close vicinity to plasmodesmata. Thus, At-4/1 belongs to a new family of plant proteins capable of directed intra- and intercellular trafficking.

The arginine-rich motif of Bamboo mosaic virus satellite RNA-encoded P20 mediates self-interaction, intracellular targeting, and cell-to-cell movement

Satellite RNA of Bamboo mosaic virus (satBaMV) has a single open reading frame for a nonstructural, RNA-binding protein, P20, which facilitates the long-distance movement of satBaMV in Nicotiana benthamiana. Here, we elucidate various biological properties of P20 and the involvement of a single domain in its activities. P20 displayed a strong self-interaction in vitro and in vivo, and cross-linking assays demonstrated its oligomerization. Domain mapping, using the bacterial two-hybrid system, indicated that the self-interacting domain overlaps the RNA-binding domain in the N-terminal arginine-rich motif (ARM) of P20. The deletion of the ARM abolished the self-interaction of P20 in vitro and in vivo and impaired its intracellular targeting and efficient cell-to-cell movement in N. benthamiana leaves. Moreover, RNA and protein accumulation of the ARM deletion mutant of satBaMV was significantly reduced in leaves systemically coinfected with Bamboo mosaic potexvirus and satBaMV. This is the first report of the involvement of ARM in various biological activities of a satellite RNA-encoded protein during infection of its host.

Plant viral movement proteins: Agents for cell-to-cell trafficking of viral genomes

Plants viruses spread throughout their hosts using a number of pathways, the most common being movement cell to cell through plasmodesmata (PD), unique intercellular organelles of the plant kingdom, and between organs by means of the vascular system. Pioneering studies on plant viruses revealed that PD allow the cell-to-cell trafficking of virally encoded proteins, termed the movement proteins (MPs). This non-cell-autonomous protein (NCAP) pathway is similarly employed by the host to traffic macromolecules. Viral MPs bind RNA/DNA in a sequence nonspecific manner to form nucleoprotein complexes (NPC). Host proteins are then involved in the delivery of MPs and NPC to the PD orifice, and a role for the cytoskeleton has been implicated. Trafficking of NCAPs through the PD structure involves three steps in which the MP: (a) interacts with a putative PD docking complex, (b) induces dilation in the PD microchannels, and (c) binds to an internal translocation system for delivery into the neighboring cytoplasm. Viral genera that use this NCAP pathway have evolved a combination of a MP and ancillary proteins that work in concert to enable the formation of a stable NPC that can compete with endogenous NCAPs for the PD trafficking machinery. Incompatible MP-host protein interactions may underlie observed tissue tropisms and restricted infection domains. These pivotal discoveries are discussed in terms of the need to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the (a) three-dimensional structure of MPs, (b) PD supramolecular complex, and (c) host proteins involved in this cell-to-cell trafficking process.

Subcellular localization of the Triple Gene Block movement proteins of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus by electron microscopy

The Triple Gene Block proteins TGBp1, TGBp2, and TGBp3 of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) are required for efficient cell-to-cell spread of the infection. The TGB proteins can drive cell-to-cell movement of BNYVV in trans when expressed from a co-inoculated BNYVV RNA 3-based 'replicon'. TGBp2 and TGBp3 expressed from the replicon were nonfunctional in this assay if they were fused to the green fluorescent protein (GFP), but addition of a hemagglutinin (HA) tag to their C-termini did not incapacitate movement. Immunogold labeling of ultrathin sections treated with HA-specific antibodies localized TGBp2-HA and TGBp3-HA to what are probably structurally modified plasmodesmata (Pd) in infected cells. A similar subcellular localization was observed for TGBp1. Large gold-decorated membrane-rich bodies containing what appear to be short fragments of endoplasmic reticulum were observed near the cell periphery. The modified gold-decorated Pd and the membrane-rich bodies were not observed when the TGB proteins were produced individually in infections using the Tobacco mosaic virus P30 protein to drive cell-to-cell movement, indicating that these modifications are specific for TGB-mediated movement.

The hydrophobic segment of Potato virus X TGBp3 is a major determinant of the protein intracellular trafficking

Potato virus X (PVX) encodes three movement proteins, TGBp1, TGBp2 and TGBp3. The 8 kDa TGBp3 is a membrane-embedded protein that has an N-terminal hydrophobic sequence segment and a hydrophilic C terminus. TGBp3 mutants with deletions in the C-terminal hydrophilic region retain the ability to be targeted to cell peripheral structures and to support limited PVX cell-to-cell movement, suggesting that the basic TGBp3 functions are associated with its N-terminal transmembrane region. Fusion of green fluorescent protein to the TGBp3 N terminus abrogates protein activities in intracellular trafficking and virus movement. The intracellular transport of TGBp3 from sites of its synthesis in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to ER-derived peripheral bodies involves a non-conventional COPII-independent pathway. However, integrity of the C-terminal hydrophilic sequence is required for entrance to this non-canonical route.

The potato virus X TGBp2 movement protein associates with endoplasmic reticulum-derived vesicles during virus infection

The green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene was fused to the potato virus X (PVX) TGBp2 gene, inserted into either the PVX infectious clone or pRTL2 plasmids, and used to study protein subcellular targeting. In protoplasts and plants inoculated with PVX-GFP:TGBp2 or transfected with pRTL2-GFP:TGBp2, fluorescence was mainly in vesicles and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). During late stages of virus infection, fluorescence became increasingly cytosolic and nuclear. Protoplasts transfected with PVX-GFP:TGBp2 or pRTL2-GFP:TGBp2 were treated with cycloheximide and the decline of GFP fluorescence was greater in virus-infected protoplasts than in pRTL2-GFP:TGBp2-transfected protoplasts. Thus, protein instability is enhanced in virus-infected protoplasts, which may account for the cytosolic and nuclear fluorescence during late stages of infection. Immunogold labeling and electron microscopy were used to further characterize the GFP:TGBp2-induced vesicles. Label was associated with the ER and vesicles, but not the Golgi apparatus. The TGBp2-induced vesicles appeared to be ER derived. For comparison, plasmids expressing GFP fused to TGBp3 were transfected to protoplasts, bombarded to tobacco leaves, and studied in transgenic leaves. The GFP:TGBp3 proteins were associated mainly with the ER and did not cause obvious changes in the endomembrane architecture, suggesting that the vesicles reported in GFP:TGBp2 studies were induced by the PVX TGBp2 protein. In double-labeling studies using confocal microscopy, fluorescence was associated with actin filaments, but not with Golgi vesicles. We propose a model in which reorganization of the ER and increased protein degradation is linked to plasmodesmata gating.

Molecular basis for mitochondrial localization of viral particles during beet necrotic yellow vein virus infection

During infection, Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) particles localize transiently to the cytosolic surfaces of mitochondria. To understand the molecular basis and significance of this localization, we analyzed the targeting and membrane insertion properties of the viral proteins. ORF1 of BNYVV RNA-2 encodes the 21-kDa major coat protein, while ORF2 codes for a 75-kDa minor coat protein (P75) by readthrough of the ORF1 stop codon. Bioinformatic analysis highlighted a putative mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS) as well as a major (TM1) and two minor (TM3 and TM4) transmembrane regions in the N-terminal part of the P75 readthrough domain. Deletion and gain-of-function analyses based on the localization of green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions showed that the MTS was able to direct a reporter protein to mitochondria but that the protein was not persistently anchored to the organelles. GFP fused either to MTS and TM1 or to MTS and TM3-TM4 efficiently and specifically associated with mitochondria in vivo. The actual role of the individual domains in the interaction with the mitochondria seemed to be determined by the folding of P75. Anchoring assays to the outer membranes of isolated mitochondria, together with in vivo data, suggest that the TM3-TM4 domain is the membrane anchor in the context of full-length P75. All of the domains involved in mitochondrial targeting and anchoring were also indispensable for encapsidation, suggesting that the assembly of BNYVV particles occurs on mitochondria. Further data show that virions are subsequently released from mitochondria and accumulate in the cytosol.

Functional characterization of the Beet necrotic yellow vein virus RNA-5-encoded p26 protein: evidence for structural pathogenicity determinants

A Beet necrotic yellow vein virus isolate containing a fifth RNA is present in the Pithiviers area of France. A full-length cDNA clone of RNA-5 was obtained and placed under the control of a T7-RNA-pol promoter that allowed the production of infectious transcripts. ‘Pithiviers' isolate-specific necrotic symptoms were obtained on Chenopodium quinoa when RNA-5-encoded p26 was expressed either from RNA-5 or from an RNA-3-derived replicon. By using haemagglutinin- and green fluorescent protein-tagged constructs, virally expressed p26-fusion proteins induced the same necrotic local lesions on host plants and were localized mainly in the nucleus of infected cells. Deletion mutagenesis permitted identification of two domains, responsible respectively for nuclear export and cytoplasmic retention of the p26 mutated proteins. By using a yeast two-hybrid system, Gal4DB–p26 protein self-activated transcription of the His3 reporter gene. The p26 transcription-activation domain was located within its first 55 aa and has been studied by alanine scanning. Resulting p26 mutants were tested for their capability to induce necrotic symptoms and to localize in the nuclear compartment.

A new cell-to-cell transport model for Potexviruses

In the last five years, we have gained significant insight into the role of the Potexvirus proteins in virus movement and RNA silencing. Potexviruses require three movement proteins, named triple gene block (TGB)p1, TGBp2, and TGBp3, and the viral coat protein (CP) to facilitate viral cell-to-cell and vascular transport. TGBp1 is a multifunctional protein that has RNA helicase activity, promotes translation of viral RNAs, increases plasmodesmal size exclusion limits, and suppresses RNA silencing. TGBp2 and TGBp3 are membrane-binding proteins. CP is required for genome encapsidation and forms ribonucleoprotein complexes along with TGBp1 and viral RNA. This review considers the functions of the TGB proteins, how they interact with each other and CP, and how silencing suppression might be linked to viral transport. A new model of the mechanism for Potexvirus transport is proposed.

Use of a Beet necrotic yellow vein virus RNA-5-derived replicon as a new tool for gene expression

A new gene-expression system based on RNA-5 of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) was constructed to allow the expression of recombinant proteins in virally infected cells. Replication and expression levels of the RNA-5-based replicon containing the green fluorescence protein (GFP) gene were compared with those obtained with the well-characterized RNA-3-derived replicon (Rep-3). When RNA-3 and/or RNA-4 BNYVV RNAs were added to the inoculum, the expression levels of RNA-5-encoded GFP were considerably reduced. To a lesser extent, RNA-3-derived GFP expression was also affected by the presence of RNA-4 and -5. Both RNA-3- and RNA-5-derived molecules were able to express proteins within the same infected cells. Together with Rep-3, the RNA-5-derived replicon thus provides a new tool for the co-expression of different recombinant proteins. In Beta macrocarpa, Rep-5-GFP was able to move in systemic tissues in the presence of RNA-3 and thus provides a new expression system that is not restricted to the inoculated leaves.

Two plant-viral movement proteins traffic in the endocytic recycling pathway

Many plant viruses exploit a conserved group of proteins known as the triple gene block (TGB) for cell-to-cell movement. Here, we investigated the interaction of two TGB proteins (TGB2 and TGB3) of Potato mop-top virus (PMTV), with components of the secretory and endocytic pathways when expressed as N-terminal fusions to green fluorescent protein or monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP). Our studies revealed that fluorophore-labeled TGB2 and TGB3 showed an early association with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and colocalized in motile granules that used the ER-actin network for intracellular movement. Both proteins increased the size exclusion limit of plasmodesmata, and TGB3 accumulated at plasmodesmata in the absence of TGB2. TGB3 contains a putative Tyr-based sorting motif, mutations in which abolished ER localization and plasmodesmatal targeting. Later in the expression cycle, both fusion proteins were incorporated into vesicular structures. TGB2 associated with these structures on its own, but TGB3 could not be incorporated into the vesicles in the absence of TGB2. Moreover, in addition to localization to the ER and motile granules, mRFP-TGB3 was incorporated into vesicles when expressed in PMTV-infected epidermal cells, indicating recruitment by virus-expressed TGB2. The TGB fusion protein-containing vesicles were labeled with FM4-64, a marker for plasma membrane internalization and components of the endocytic pathway. TGB2 also colocalized in vesicles with Ara7, a Rab5 ortholog that marks the early endosome. Protein interaction analysis revealed that recombinant TGB2 interacted with a tobacco protein belonging to the highly conserved RME-8 family of J-domain chaperones, shown to be essential for endocytic trafficking in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. Collectively, the data indicate the involvement of the endocytic pathway in viral intracellular movement, the implications of which are discussed.

Transient coexpression of individual genes encoded by the triple gene block of potato mop-top virus reveals requirements for TGBp1 trafficking

TGBp1, TGBp2, and TGBp3, three plant virus movement proteins encoded by the "triple gene block" (TGB), may act in concert to facilitate cell-to-cell transport of viral RNA genomes. Transient expression of Potato mop-top virus (genus Pomovirus) movement proteins was used as a model to reconstruct interactions between TGB proteins. In bombarded epidermal cells of Nicotiana benthamiana, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-TGBp1 was distributed uniformly. However, in the presence of TGBp2 and TGBp3, GFP-TGBp1 was directed to intermediate bodies at the cell periphery, and to cell wall-embedded punctate bodies. Moreover, GFP-TGBp1 migrated into cells immediately adjacent to the bombarded cell. These data suggest that TGBp2 and TGBp3 mediate transport of GFP-TGBp1 to and through plasmodesmata. Mutagenesis of TGBp1 suggested that the NTPase and helicase activities of TGBp1 were not required for its transport to intermediate bodies directed by TGBp2 and TGBp3, but these activities were essential for the protein association with cell wall-embedded punctate bodies and translocation of TGBpl to neighboring cells. The C-terminal region of TGBp1 was critical for trafficking mediated by TGBp2 and TGBp3. Mutation analysis also suggested an involvement of the TGBp2 C-terminal region in interactions with TGBp1.

Nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling of the beet necrotic yellow vein virus RNA-3-encoded p25 protein

The protein p25 encoded by beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) RNA-3 is involved in symptom expression of infected plants. Confocal microscopy analysis of wild-type and mutated p25 fused to GFP and transiently expressed in BY-2 tobacco suspension cells identified a nuclear localization signal (NLS) in the N-terminal part of the protein. Functionality of the NLS was confirmed by pull-down assays using rice and pepper importin-α. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that p25 contains a nuclear export sequence sensitive to leptomycin B. The nuclear export signal (NES) was characterized by mutagenesis. A GFP–p25 fusion protein expressed during a BNYVV infection of Chenopodium quinoa leaves had the same subcellular localization as observed during transient expression in BY-2 cells. The symptom phenotype induced by expression of GFP–p25 during infection was similar to that induced by wild-type virus. Studies with mutated derivatives of GFP–p25 revealed that symptom phenotype was altered when the subcellular localization of GFP–p25 was modified.

Macromolecular Transport and Signaling Through Plasmodesmata

Plasmodesmata (Pd) are channels in the plant cell wall that in conjunction with associated phloem form an intercellular communication network that supports the cell-to-cell and long-distance trafficking of a wide spectrum of endogenous proteins and ribonucleoprotein complexes. The trafficking of such macromolecules is of importance in the orchestration of non-cell autonomous developmental and physiological processes. Plant viruses encode movement proteins (MPs) that subvert this communication network to facilitate the spread of infection. These viral proteins thus represent excellent experimental keys for exploring the mechanisms involved in intercellular trafficking and communication via Pd.

Plasmodesmata at the crossroads between development, dormancy, and defense

Plants are frequently exposed to environmental stress and organisms that seek to benefit from their autotrophic nature. To cope with these challenges plants have developed stress-resistance mechanisms, which involve sensing, activation of signal transduction cascades, changes in gene expression, and physiological adjustment. Exposure to one kind of stress often leads to cross-tolerance, that is, resistance to different kinds of stresses. The search for a common underlying mechanism concentrates mostly on changes in cellular physiology and gene expression. We focus on the cross-protective measures that are taken at the level above the single cell. We argue that the controlled alterations in symplasmic permeability that underlie development also play a role in survival and defense strategies. In development, most of the alterations are transient and dynamic, whereas the more persistent alterations function predominantly in dormancy and defense and are under the control of two key enzymes: 1,3-β-D-glucan synthase and 1,3-β-D-glucanase. 1,3-β-D-Glucan synthase functions in the narrowing or closing of plasmodesmata, whereas 1,3-β-D-glucanase counteracts this process. We propose that the closing of symplasmic paths constitutes an unspecific but effective early measure in adaptation and defense, which is accompanied by specific strategies tailored to the various challenges plants face.Key words: cross-adaptation, dormancy sphincter, 1,3-β-D-glucanase, 1,3-β-D-glucan synthase, meristem, overwintering, plasmodesmata, virus movement.

Triple gene block: modular design of a multifunctional machine for plant virus movement

Many plant virus genera encode a 'triple gene block' (TGB), a specialized evolutionarily conserved gene module involved in the cell-to-cell and long-distance movement of viruses. The TGB-based transport system exploits the co-ordinated action of three polypeptides to deliver viral genomes to plasmodesmata and to accomplish virus entry into neighbouring cells. Although data obtained on both the TGB and well-studied single protein transport systems clearly demonstrate that plant viruses employ host cell pathways for intra- and intercellular trafficking of genomic nucleic acids and proteins, there is no integral picture of the details of molecular events during TGB-mediated virus movement. Undoubtedly, understanding the molecular basis of the concerted action of TGB-encoded proteins in transporting viral genomes from cell to cell should provide new insights into the general principles of movement protein function. This review describes the structure, phylogeny and expression of TGB proteins, their roles in virus cell-to-cell movement and potential influence on host antiviral defences.

Immunodetection and fluorescent microscopy of transgenically expressed hordeivirus TGBp3 movement protein reveals its association with endoplasmic reticulum elements in close proximity to plasmodesmata

The subcellular localization of the hydrophobic TGBp3 protein of Poa semilatent virus (PSLV, genus Hordeivirus) was studied in transgenic plants using fluorescent microscopy to detect green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged protein and immunodetection with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) raised against the GFP-based fusion expressed in E. coli. In Western blot analysis, mAbs efficiently recognized the wild-type and GFP-fused PSLV TGBp3 proteins expressed in transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana, but failed to detect TGBp3 in hordeivirus-infected plants. It was found that PSLV TGBp3 and GFP-TGBp3 had a tendency to form large protein complexes of an unknown nature. Fractionation studies revealed that TGBp3 represented an integral membrane protein and probably co-localized with an endoplasmic reticulum-derived domain. Microscopy of epidermal cells in transgenic plants demonstrated that GFP-TGBp3 localized to cell wall-associated punctate bodies, which often formed pairs of opposing discrete structures that co-localized with callose, indicating their association with the plasmodesmata-enriched cell wall fields. After mannitol-induced plasmolysis of the leaf epidermal cells in the transgenic plants, TGBp3 appeared within the cytoplasm and not at cell walls. Although TGBp3-induced bodies were normally static, most of them became motile after plasmolysis and displayed stochastic motion in the cytoplasm.

TIP, a novel host factor linking callose degradation with the cell-to-cell movement of Potato virus X

The cell-to-cell movement of Potato virus X (PVX) requires four virus-encoded proteins, the triple gene block (TGB) proteins (TGB25K, TGB12K, and TGB8K) and the coat protein. TGB12K increases the plasmodesmal size exclusion limit (SEL) and may, therefore, interact directly with components of the cell wall or with plant proteins associated with bringing about this change. A yeast two-hybrid screen using TGB12K as bait identified three TGB12K-interacting proteins (TIP1, TIP2, and TIP3). All three TIPs interacted specifically with TGB12K but not with TGB25K or TGB8K. Similarly, all three TIPs interacted with beta-1,3-glucanase, the enzyme that may regulate plasmodesmal SEL through callose degradation. Sequence analyses revealed that the TIPs encode very similar proteins and that TIP1 corresponds to the tobacco ankyrin repeat-containing protein HBP1. A TIP1::GFP fusion protein localized to the cytoplasm. Coexpression of this fusion protein with TGB12K induced cellular changes manifested as deposits of additional cytoplasm at the cell periphery. This work reports a direct link between a viral movement protein required to increase plasmodesmal SEL and a host factor that has been implicated as a key regulator of plasmodesmal SEL. We propose that the TIPs are susceptibility factors that modulate the plasmodesmal SEL.

Subcellular localisation, protein interactions, and RNA binding of Potato mop-top virus triple gene block proteins

Subcellular localisation, protein interactions, and RNA binding of the triple gene block proteins (TGBp) of Potato mop-top virus (PMTV) were studied. The 13-kDa (TGBp2) and 21-kDa (TGBp3) proteins with or without green fluorescent protein fused to their N-terminus, and the 51-kDa protein (TGBp1) were expressed individually from a recombinant Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) vector. Fluorescent images and Western immunoblotting experiments of recombinant TMV-infected Nicotiana benthamiana cells suggested that TGBp2 and TGBp3 were associated with cellular endomembranes and that TGBp3 was associated with the cell wall, possibly located close to plasmodesmata. In Western blots, TGBp1 was detected in fractions containing the cell wall and those enriched for organelles and membranous structures. Self-interactions were demonstrated with all three proteins in yeast two-hybrid experiments, and a heterologous interaction was found between TGBp2 and TGBp3. No additional heterologous interactions were discovered between the different TGBp and none were detected in an in vitro binding assay. TGBp1 and TGBp2 but not TGBp3 were shown to bind ssRNA in a sequence nonspecific manner. The results support the model where TGBp2 and TGBp3 facilitate delivery and localisation of the ribonucleoprotein complex to the plasmodesmata. However, the process is facilitated by RNA-protein rather than protein:protein interactions between the TGBp1 in complex with viral RNA and membrane-localised TGBp2.

RNA helicase activity of the plant virus movement proteins encoded by the first gene of the triple gene block

Cell-to-cell and long-distance transport of some plant viruses requires coordinated action of three movement proteins encoded by triple gene block (TGB). The largest of TGB proteins, TGBp1, is a member of the superfamily I of DNA/RNA helicases and possesses a set of conserved helicase sequence motifs necessary for virus movement. A recombinant His-tagged form of TGBp1 of two hordeiviruses and potato virus X, a potexvirus, produced in Escherichia coli had unwinding activity on a partially duplexed RNA, but not DNA substrate. The helicase activity of these proteins was dependent on Mg2+ and ATP. The isolated C-terminal half of the PSLV TGBp1 retaining all helicase motifs was also able to unwind RNA duplex.

Dual-colour imaging of membrane protein targeting directed by poa semilatent virus movement protein TGBp3 in plant and mammalian cells

The movement function of poa semilatent hordeivirus (PSLV) is mediated by the triple gene block (TGB) proteins, of which two, TGBp2 and TGBp3, are membrane proteins. TGBp3 is localized to peripheral bodies in the vicinity of the plasma membrane and is able to re-direct TGBp2 from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the peripheral bodies. For imaging of TGBp3-mediated protein targeting, PSLV TGBp3 tagged with a red fluorescent protein (DsRed) was used. Coexpression of DsRed-TGBp3 with GFP targeted to the ER lumen (ER-GFP) demonstrated that ER-GFP was contained in typical ER structures and peripheral bodies formed by TGBp3 protein, suggesting an ER origin for these bodies. In transient coexpression with viral membrane proteins tagged with GFP, DsRed-TGBp3 directed to the peripheral bodies the homologous TGBp2 protein and two unrelated membrane proteins, the 6 kDa movement protein of beet yellows closterovirus and the putative movement protein encoded by the genome component 4 of faba bean necrotic yellows nanovirus. However, coexpression of TGBp3 with GFP derivatives targeted to the ER membranes by artificial hydrophobic tail sequences suggested that targeting to the ER membranes per se was not sufficient for TGBp3-directed protein trafficking to peripheral bodies. TGBp3-induced targeting of TGBp2 also occurred in mammalian cells, indicating the universal nature of the protein trafficking signals and the cotargeting mechanism.

RNA-binding properties of the 63 kDa protein encoded by the triple gene block of poa semilatent hordeivirus

The 63 kDa '63K' movement protein encoded by the triple gene block of poa semilatent virus (PSLV) comprises the C-terminal NTPase/helicase domain and the N-terminal extension domain, which contains two positively charged sequence motifs, A and B. In this study, the in vitro RNA-binding properties of PSLV 63K and its mutants were analysed. Membrane-immobilized 63K and N-63K (isolated N-terminal extension domain) bound RNA at high NaCl concentrations. In contrast, C-63K (isolated NTPase/helicase domain) was able to bind RNA only at NaCl concentrations of up to 50 mM. In gel-shift assays, C-63K bound RNA to form complexes that were unable to enter an agarose gel, whereas complexes formed by N-63K could enter the gel. Full-length 63K formed both types of complexes. Visualization of the RNA-protein complexes formed by 63K, N-63K and C-63K by atomic force microscopy demonstrated that each complex had a different shape. Collectively, these data indicate that 63K has two distinct RNA-binding activities associated with the NTPase/helicase domain and the N-terminal extension domain. Mutations in either of the positively charged sequence motifs A and B had little effect on the RNA binding of the N-terminal extension domain, whereas mutations in both motifs together inhibited RNA binding. Hybrid viruses with mutations in motifs A and B were able to infect inoculated leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana plants, but were unable to move systemically to uninoculated leaves, suggesting that the RNA-binding activity of the N-terminal extension domain of PSLV 63K is associated with virus long-distance movement.

Trans-complementation of long-distance movement of White clover mosaic virus triple gene block (TGB) mutants: phloem-associated movement of TGBp1

The triple gene block proteins (TGBp1-3) and coat protein (CP) of potexviruses are required for cell-to-cell movement. Both cell-to-cell and long-distance movement of White clover mosaic virus in which individual, combinations, or all movement functions were mutated could be rescued by transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana expressing complementary viral products. To address the importance of TGB functions in vascular transport, we used an experimental system based on grafted plants and trans-complementation, to define co-translocated viral products and the minimal requirements for viral exit from the plant vasculature. Evidence is presented that TGBp1 is co-translocated with viral RNA and CP and that, once viral RNA is loaded into the phloem translocation stream, it can exit in sink tissues and replicate in the absence of TGBp2-3. These results are discussed in the context of the recent finding that TGBp1 can mediate the suppression of signaling involved in systemic gene silencing.