Effect of the alfalfa mosaic virus movement protein expressed in transgenic plants on the permeability of plasmodesmata

Diversity of Plant Virus Movement Proteins: What Do They Have in Common?

The modern view of the mechanism of intercellular movement of viruses is based largely on data from the study of the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) 30-kDa movement protein (MP). The discovered properties and abilities of TMV MP, namely, (a) in vitro binding of single-stranded RNA in a non-sequence-specific manner, (b) participation in the intracellular trafficking of genomic RNA to the plasmodesmata (Pd), and (c) localization in Pd and enhancement of Pd permeability, have been used as a reference in the search and analysis of candidate proteins from other plant viruses. Nevertheless, although almost four decades have passed since the introduction of the term “movement protein” into scientific circulation, the mechanism underlying its function remains unclear. It is unclear why, despite the absence of homology, different MPs are able to functionally replace each other in trans-complementation tests. Here, we consider the complexity and contradictions of the approaches for assessment of the ability of plant viral proteins to perform their movement function. We discuss different aspects of the participation of MP and MP/vRNA complexes in intra- and intercellular transport. In addition, we summarize the essential MP properties for their functioning as “conditioners”, creating a favorable environment for viral reproduction.

Viruses Reveal the Secrets of Plasmodesmal Cell Biology

Plasmodesmata (PD) are essential for intercellular trafficking of molecules required for plant life, from small molecules like sugars and ions to macromolecules including proteins and RNA molecules that act as signals to regulate plant development and defense. As obligate intracellular pathogens, plant viruses have evolved to manipulate this communication system to facilitate the initial cell-to-cell and eventual systemic spread in their plant hosts. There has been considerable interest in how viruses manipulate the PD that connect the protoplasts of neighboring cells, and viruses have yielded invaluable tools for probing the structure and function of PD. With recent advances in biochemistry and imaging, we have gained new insights into the composition and structure of PD in the presence and absence of viruses. Here, we first discuss viral strategies for manipulating PD for their intercellular movement and examine how this has shed light on our understanding of native PD function. We then address the controversial role of the cytoskeleton in trafficking to and through PD. Finally, we address how viruses could alter PD structure and consider possible mechanisms of the phenomenon described as 'gating'. This discussion supports the significance of virus research in elucidating the properties of PD, these persistently enigmatic plant organelles.

Phosphorylation of alfalfa mosaic virus movement protein in vivo

The 32-kDa movement protein, P3, of alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) is essential for cell-to-cell spread of the virus in plants. P3 shares many properties with other virus movement proteins (MPs); however, it is not known if P3 is posttranslationally modified by phosphorylation, which is important for the function of other MPs. When expressed in Nicotiana tabacum, P3 accumulated primarily in the cell walls of older leaves or in the cytosol of younger leaves. When expressed in Pischia pastoris, P3 accumulated primarily in a soluble form. Metabolic labeling indicated that a portion of P3 was phosphorylated in both tobacco and yeast, suggesting that phosphorylation regulates the function of this protein as it does for other virus MPs.

6K2-induced vesicles can move cell to cell during turnip mosaic virus infection

To successfully infect plants, viruses replicate in an initially infected cell and then move to neighboring cells through plasmodesmata (PDs). However, the nature of the viral entity that crosses over the cell barrier into non-infected ones is not clear. The membrane-associated 6K₂ protein of turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) induces the formation of vesicles involved in the replication and intracellular movement of viral RNA. This study shows that 6K₂-induced vesicles trafficked toward the plasma membrane and were associated with plasmodesmata (PD). We demonstrated also that 6K₂ moved cell-to-cell into adjoining cells when plants were infected with TuMV. 6K₂ was then fused to photo-activable GFP (6K₂:PAGFP) to visualize how 6K₂ moved intercellularly during TuMV infection. After activation, 6K₂:PAGFP-tagged vesicles moved to the cell periphery and across the cell wall into adjacent cells. These vesicles were shown to contain the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and viral RNA. Symplasmic movement of TuMV may thus be achieved in the form of a membrane-associated viral RNA complex induced by 6K₂.

Ophioviruses CPsV and MiLBVV movement protein is encoded in RNA 2 and interacts with the coat protein

Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV) and Mirafiori lettuce big-vein virus (MiLBVV), members of the Ophioviridae family, have segmented negative-sense single-stranded RNA genomes. To date no reports have described how ophioviruses spread within host plants and/or the proteins involved in this process. Here we show that the 54K protein of CPsV is encoded by RNA 2 and describe its subcellular distribution. Upon transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana epidermal cells the 54K protein, and also its 54K counterpart protein of MiLBVV, localize to plasmodesmata and enhance GFP cell-to-cell diffusion between cells. Both proteins, but not the coat proteins (CP) of the respective viruses, functionally trans-complement cell-to-cell movement-defective Potato virus X (PVX) and Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) mutants. The 54K and 54K proteins interact with the virus-specific CP in the cytoplasm, suggesting a potential role of CP in ophiovirus movement. This is the first study characterizing the movement proteins (MP) of ophioviruses.

Upregulation of the plant protein remorin correlates with dehiscence and cell maturation: a link with the maturation of plasmodesmata?

Remorins are plant-specific proteins found associated with plasma membrane microdomains, called lipid rafts. Recently, we have shown that this lipid raft marker also accumulated at plasmodesmata, likely within the plasma membrane lining these structures. Here, we have investigated the gene expression and protein accumulation patterns of remorin at the organ and cell type levels. We show that remorin level is significantly increased in dehiscent, mature and ageing tissues, as well as in source parts of the leaves, where mature branched plasmodesmata are in majority. These results suggest that remorin predominantly associates with mature branched plasmodesmata.

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.

Salicylic acid has cell-specific effects on tobacco mosaic virus replication and cell-to-cell movement

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and Cucumber mosaic virus expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) were used to probe the effects of salicylic acid (SA) on the cell biology of viral infection. Treatment of tobacco with SA restricted TMV.GFP to single-epidermal cell infection sites for at least 6 d post inoculation but did not affect infection sites of Cucumber mosaic virus expressing GFP. Microinjection experiments, using size-specific dextrans, showed that SA cannot inhibit TMV movement by decreasing the plasmodesmatal size exclusion limit. In SA-treated transgenic plants expressing TMV movement protein, TMV.GFP infection sites were larger, but they still consisted overwhelmingly of epidermal cells. TMV replication was strongly inhibited in mesophyll protoplasts isolated from SA-treated nontransgenic tobacco plants. Therefore, it appears that SA has distinct cell type-specific effects on virus replication and movement in the mesophyll and epidermal cell layers, respectively. Thus, SA can have fundamentally different effects on the same pathogen in different cell types.

Evidence for expression level-dependent modulation of carbohydrate status and viral resistance by the potato leafroll virus movement protein in transgenic tobacco plants

High-level constitutive expression of the cell-to-cell movement protein from the phloem-restricted potato leafroll virus (PLRV-MP17) in transgenic tobacco plants leads to growth retardation and severe phenotypic changes of source leaves paralleled by a drastic accumulation of soluble sugars and starch (Herbers et al., 1997). To investigate whether the MP17-induced alteration in carbon metabolism is related to the targeting and modification of specific plasmodesmata (Pd) or is rather due to pleiotropic effects caused by high MP17 protein amounts, non-phenotypic tobacco plants expressing a MP17:GFP fusion protein were obtained and compared with previously described MP17 transgenic lines. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and immunogold labelling studies revealed an overall affinity of MP17 to Pd in vascular and non-vascular tissue of source leaves, whereas in sink leaves GFP fluorescence was restricted to Pd of trichomes. In source leaves, plasmodesmal size exclusion limits of mesophyll cells were likewise increased by MP17 and MP17:GFP independent from steady-state levels of the protein amount and phenotypic alteration. Conversely, carbohydrate contents in source leaves strictly correlated with quantified MP17 protein levels. Low expression of MP17 and MP17:GFP decreased soluble sugars and starch contents in leaves possibly due to changes in plasmodesmal permeability while increasing MP17 protein levels led to carbohydrate accumulation and a stunted growth. Infection of transgenic lines with the unrelated potato virus Y (PVY)N revealed an expression level-dependent mode of MP17-mediated resistance. Phenotypic changes and carbohydrate-mediated defence responses as indicated by elevated levels of PR-protein transcripts were crucial for increased viral resistance, whereas plasmodesmal targeting and modification by MP17 per se had either no effect or even increased susceptibility to PVY. Thus, our results implicate that the absolute level of expression needs to be critically considered when elucidating the effect of MPs on carbon metabolism, biomass allocation and virus resistance.

Role of the alfalfa mosaic virus movement protein and coat protein in virus transport

The movement protein (MP) and coat protein (CP) encoded by Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) RNA 3 are both required for virus transport. RNA 3 vectors that expressed nonfused green fluorescent protein (GFP), MP:GPF fusions, or GFP:CP fusions were used to study the functioning of mutant MP and CP in protoplasts and plants. C-terminal deletions of up to 21 amino acids did not interfere with the function of the CP in cell-to-cell movement, although some of these mutations interfered with virion assembly. Deletion of the N-terminal 11 or C-terminal 45 amino acids did not interfere with the ability of MP to assemble into tubular structures on the protoplast surface. Additionally, N- or C-terminal deletions disrupted tubule formation. A GFP:CP fusion was targeted specifically into tubules consisting of a wild-type MP. All MP deletion mutants that showed cell-to-cell and systemic movement in plants were able to form tubular structures on the surface of protoplasts. Brome mosaic virus (BMV) MP did not support AMV transport. When the C-terminal 48 amino acids were replaced by the C-terminal 44 amino acids of the AMV MP, however, the BMV/AMV chimeric protein permitted wild-type levels of AMV transport. Apparently, the C terminus of the AMV MP, although dispensable for cell-to-cell movement, confers specificity to the transport process.

Intracellular localization and movement phenotypes of alfalfa mosaic virus movement protein mutants

Thirteen mutations were introduced in the movement protein (MP) gene of Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) fused to the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene and the mutant MP-GFP fusions were expressed transiently in tobacco protoplasts, tobacco suspension cells, and epidermal cells of tobacco leaves. In addition, the mutations were introduced in the MP gene of AMV RNA 3 and the mutant RNAs were used to infect tobacco plants. Ten mutants were affected in one or more of the following functions of MP: the formation of tubular structures on the surface of protoplasts, association with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of suspension cells and epidermal cells, targeting to punctate structures in the cell wall of epidermis cells, movement from transfected cells to adjacent cells in epidermis tissue, cell-to-cell movement, or long-distance movement in plants. The mutations point to functional domains of the MP and support the proposed order of events in AMV transport. Studies with several inhibitors indicate that actin or microtubule components of the cytoskeleton are not involved in tubule formation by AMV MP. Evidence was obtained that tubular structures on the surface of transfected protoplasts contain ER- or plasmalemma-derived material.

Nucleic acid transport in plant-microbe interactions: the molecules that walk through the walls

Many microbes "genetically invade" plants by introducing DNA or RNA molecules into the host cells. For example, plant viruses transport their genomes between host cells, whereas Agrobacterium spp. transfer T-DNA to the cell nucleus and integrate it into the plant DNA. During these events, the transported nucleic acids must negotiate several barriers, such as plant cell walls, plasma membranes, and nuclear envelopes. This review describes the microbial and host proteins that participate in cell-to-cell transport and nuclear import of nucleic acids during infection by plant viruses and Agrobacterium spp. Possible molecular mechanisms by which these transport processes occur are discussed.

Intracellular distribution, cell-to-cell trafficking and tubule-inducing activity of the 50 kDa movement protein of Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus fused to green fluorescent protein

The 50 kDa protein (50KP) encoded by ORF2 of Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV) fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) was expressed transiently in cells of Nicotiana occidentalis and Chenopodium quinoa leaves. Its intracellular distribution, cell-to-cell trafficking in leaf epidermis and tubule formation on the surface of protoplasts were analysed. The 50KP-GFP fluorescence was distributed as small irregular spots or a fibrous network structure on the periphery of epidermal cells and protoplasts of both plant species. In leaf epidermis of N. occidentalis, the protein spread from the cells that produced it into neighbouring cells in both young and mature leaves and targetted plasmodesmata in these cells. In contrast, GFP was restricted to single cells in most cases in mature leaves. When 50KP and GFP were co-expressed in leaf epidermis of N. occidentalis, GFP spread more widely from the initial cells that produced it than when GFP was expressed alone, suggesting that 50KP facilitated the cell-to-cell trafficking of GFP. 50KP-GFP was able to complement local spread of 50KP-deficient virus when expressed transiently in leaf epidermis of C. quinoa. Expression of 50KP-GFP in protoplasts resulted in the production of tubular structures protruding from the surface. Mutational analyses showed that the C-terminal region (aa 287-457) was not essential for localization to plasmodesmata, cell-to-cell trafficking, complementation of movement of 50KP-deficient virus or tubule formation on protoplasts. In contrast, deletions in the N-terminal region resulted in the complete disruption of all these activities.

Tobacco mosaic virus: a pioneer of cell-to-cell movement

Cell-to-cell movement of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is used to illustrate macromolecular traffic through plant intercellular connections, the plasmodesmata. This transport process is mediated by a specialized viral movement protein, P30. In the initially infected cell, P30 is produced by transcription of a subgenomic RNA derived from the invading virus. Presumably, P30 then associates with a certain proportion of the viral RNA molecules, sequestering them from replication and mediating their transport into neighbouring uninfected host cells. This nucleoprotem complex is targeted to plasmodesmata, possibly via interaction with the host cell's cytoskeleton. Prior to passage through a plasmodesma, the plasmodesmatal channel is dilated by the movement protein. It is proposed that targeting of P30-TMV RNA complexes to plasmodesmatal involves binding to a specific cell-wall-associated receptor molecule. This protein, designated p38, also functions as a protein kinase, phosphorylating P30 at its carboxy-terminus and minimizing P30-induced interference with plasmodesmatal permeability during viral infection.

The movement protein and coat protein of alfalfa mosaic virus accumulate in structurally modified plasmodesmata

In systemically infected tissues of Nicotiana benthamiana, alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) coat protein (CP) and movement protein (MP) are detected in plasmodesmata in a layer of three to four cells at the progressing front of infection. Besides the presence of these viral proteins, the plasmodesmata are structurally modified in that the desmotubule is absent and the diameter has increased drastically (almost twofold) when compared to plasmodesmata in uninfected cells or cells in which AMV infection had been fully established. Previously reported observations on virion-containing tubule formation at the surface of AMV-infected protoplasts suggest that AMV employs a tubule-guided mechanism for intercellular movement. Although CP and MP localization to plasmodesmata is consistent with such a mechanism, no tubules were found in plasmodesmata of AMV-infected tissues. The significance of these observations is discussed.

TRANSPORT OF PROTEINS AND NUCLEIC ACIDS THROUGH PLASMODESMATA

Despite a potentially key role in cell-to-cell communication, plant intercellular connections-the plasmodesmata-have long been a biological "black box." Little is known about their protein composition, regulatory mechanisms, or transport pathways. However, recent studies have shed some light on plasmodesmal function. These connections have been shown to actively traffic proteins and protein-nucleic acid complexes between plant cells. This review describes these transport processes-specifically, cell-to-cell movement of plant viruses as well as endogenous cellular proteins-and discusses their possible mechanism(s). For comparison and to provide a broader perspective on the plasmodesmal transport process, the current model for nuclear import, the only other known example of transport of large proteins and protein-nucleic acid complexes through a membrane pore, is summarized. Finally, the function of plasmodesmata as communication boundaries within plant tissue is discussed.

Nucleic acid transport in plant-pathogen interactions

Inter- and intracellular transport of nucleic acids during plant-pathogen interaction is described on the examples of cell-to-cell movement of plant viruses and nuclear import of Agrobacterium T-DNA. In both cases, the transport process is mediated by specialized proteins produced by the pathogen. Plant virus movement occurs through the intercellular connections, plasmodesmata. In this process, the viral genomic nucleic acid is bound by virus-encoded movement protein. The nucleoprotein complex is then targeted to plasmodesmata, potentially via interaction with the host cell cytoskeleton. Prior to translocation, the plasmodesmal channel is dilated by the movement of protein. Nuclear import of Agrobacterium T-DNA is also mediated by bacterial proteins associated with the transported nucleic acid molecule. Specifically, the VirD2 and VirE2 proteins complex with the transferred DNA, providing it with the nuclear localization signals (NLSs). The VirD2 NLS is an evolutionarily conserved signal, active both in plant and animal cells. In contrast, the VirE2 NLS is plant-specific. Both VirD2 and VirE2 NLSs most likely interact with the plant cell nuclear import machinery to initiate the transport process.

Cell-to-cell transport of macromolecules through plasmodesmata: a novel signalling pathway in plants

Cell-to-cell communication is vital to the growth and development of multicellularly structured organisms. Recent studies have demonstrated that plants have an endogenous machinery to transport macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids between cells through plasmodesmata. Such transport may be a novel means of cell-to-cell signalling. Here, Biao Ding discusses the mechanisms underlying this newly discovered biological function.

A modified form of the alfalfa mosaic virus movement protein induces stressed phenotypes in transgenic tobacco

A modified form of the movement protein (P3) of alfalfa mosaic virus, lacking amino acids 21 to 34, was transgenically expressed in Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi (genotype nn) and cv. Xanthi nc (genotype NN). The modified protein (designated P3Δ[21–34]) was expressed more strongly than the full-length protein. The localization of P3Δ[21–34] was investigated by subcellular fractionation and immunocytochemistry. Immunolabelling was most frequent in vascular parenchymal cells, mainly in the cytoplasm (endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, plasma membrane vesicles) but also in the cell wall. In contrast, full-length P3 accumulated almost exclusively in a cell-wall enriched fraction. Transgenically expressed P3Δ[21–34] increased the plasmodesmal gating capacity of epidermal cells, as did transgenically expressed P3. Thus, the plasmodesma-gating domain of P3 does not include amino acids 21 to 34. Plants expressing P3Δ[21–34] at a high level exhibited stressed phenotypes. Phenotype 1, only observed in 'Xanthi' NN lines, was characterized by stunting, small, thick, and hairy leaves, locally high starch accumulation, and occasional necrotic cells, mainly in the bundle sheath and vascular tissue. Phenotype 2, observed in both 'Xanthi' NN and nn lines, was characterized by short internodes, numerous small green leaves, sterile flowers, regular starch accumulation, and absence of necrotic cells. The stress-inducing activity of P3Δ[21–34] may be due to either its molecular conformation or its low efficiency of export toward the cell wall. Keywords: cell to cell movement, stress reaction, plasmodesmata, transgenic plant, ultrastructure, immunocytochemistry.