Expression of a maize cell wall hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein gene in early leaf and root vascular differentiation

Time-Course of Metabolic and Proteomic Responses to Different Nitrate/Ammonium Availabilities in Roots and Leaves of Maize

The availability of nitrate and ammonium significantly affects plant growth. Co-provision of both nutrients is generally the best nutritional condition, due to metabolic interactions not yet fully elucidated. In this study, maize grown in hydroponics was exposed to different nitrogen (N) availabilities, consisting of nitrate, ammonium and co-provision. Roots and leaves were analyzed after 6, 30, and 54 h by biochemical evaluations and proteomics. The ammonium-fed plants showed the lowest biomass accumulation and the lowest ratio of inorganic to organic N content, suggesting a metabolic need to assimilate ammonium that was not evident in plants grown in co-provision. The N sources differently affected the root proteome, inducing changes in abundance of proteins involved in N and carbon (C) metabolisms, cell water homeostasis, and cell wall metabolism. Notable among these changes was that some root enzymes, such as asparagine synthetase, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylase, and formate dehydrogenase showed a relevant upsurge only under the sole ammonium nutrition. However, the leaf proteome appeared mainly influenced by total N availability, showing changes in the abundance of several proteins involved in photosynthesis and in energy metabolism. Overall, the study provides novel information about the biochemical determinants involved in plant adaptation to different N mineral forms.

Anatomical and transcriptional dynamics of maize embryonic leaves during seed germination

Our anatomical analysis revealed that a dry maize seed contains four to five embryonic leaves at different developmental stages. Rudimentary kranz structure (KS) is apparent in the first leaf with a substantial density, but its density decreases toward younger leaves. Upon imbibition, leaf expansion occurs rapidly with new KSs initiated from the palisade-like ground meristem cells in the middle of the leaf. In parallel to the anatomical analysis, we obtained the time course transcriptomes for the embryonic leaves in dry and imbibed seeds every 6 h up to hour 72. Over this time course, the embryonic leaves exhibit transcripts of 30,255 genes at a level that can be regarded as "expressed." In dry seeds, ∼25,500 genes are expressed, showing functional enrichment in transcription, RNA processing, protein synthesis, primary metabolic pathways, and calcium transport. During the 72-h time course, ∼13,900 genes, including 590 transcription factor genes, are differentially expressed. Indeed, by 30 h postimbibition, ∼2,200 genes expressed in dry seeds are already down-regulated, and ∼2,000 are up-regulated. Moreover, the top 1% expressed genes at 54 h or later are very different from those before 30 h, reflecting important developmental and physiological transitions. Interestingly, clusters of genes involved in hormone metabolism, signaling, and responses are differentially expressed at various time points and TF gene expression is also modular and stage specific. Our dataset provides an opportunity for hypothesizing the timing of regulatory actions, particularly in the context of KS development.

Global analysis of proline-rich tandem repeat proteins reveals broad phylogenetic diversity in plant secretomes

Cell walls, constructed by precisely choreographed changes in the plant secretome, play critical roles in plant cell physiology and development. Along with structural polysaccharides, secreted proline-rich Tandem Repeat Proteins (TRPs) are important for cell wall function, yet the evolutionary diversity of these structural TRPs remains virtually unexplored. Using a systems-level computational approach to analyze taxonomically diverse plant sequence data, we identified 31 distinct Pro-rich TRP classes targeted for secretion. This analysis expands upon the known phylogenetic diversity of extensins, the most widely studied class of wall structural proteins, and demonstrates that extensins evolved before plant vascularization. Our results also show that most Pro-rich TRP classes have unexpectedly restricted evolutionary distributions, revealing considerable differences in plant secretome signatures that define unexplored diversity.

Comparative transcription profiling analyses of maize reveals candidate defensive genes for seedling resistance against corn earworm

As maize seedlings germinate into the soil, they encounter an environment teeming with insects seeking rich sources of nutrition. Maize presumably has developed a number of molecular mechanisms to ensure survival at the beginning of its life cycle. Comparative transcription analysis using microarrays was utilized to document the expression of a number of genes with potential defensive functions in seedling tissue. In addition to elevated levels of the genes involved in the biosynthesis of DIMBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one), an anti-insect resistance molecule, other highly expressed genes in the seedling encode the following putative defensive proteins: defensin, hydroxyproline and proline-rich protein, thaumatin-like protein, lipase, cystatin, protease inhibitor, and a variety of proteases. The potential resistance genes identified occurred mainly on chromosomes 1 and 5 in the B73 genome. Analysis of promoters of seven DIMBOA biosynthetic genes identified three transcription factor binding sites that are possibly involved in regulation of the DIMBOA biosynthetic pathway. The results indicate that maize employs a wide variety of potential resistance mechanisms in seedling tissue to resist a possible insect attack.

Developmental localization and the role of hydroxyproline rich glycoproteins during somatic embryogenesis of banana (Musa spp. AAA)

BACKGROUND

Hydroxyproline rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) are implicated to have a role in many aspects of plant growth and development but there is limited knowledge about their localization and function during somatic embryogenesis of higher plants. In this study, the localization and function of hydroxyproline rich glycoproteins in embryogenic cells (ECs) and somatic embryos of banana were investigated by using immunobloting and immunocytochemistry with monoclonal JIM11 and JIM20 antibodies as well as by treatment with 3,4-dehydro-L-proline (3,4-DHP, an inhibitor of extensin biosynthesis), and by immunomodulation with the JIM11 antibody.

RESULTS

Immunofluorescence labelling of JIM11 and JIM20 hydroxyproline rich glycoprotein epitopes was relatively weak in non-embryogenic cells (NECs), mainly on the edge of small cell aggregates. On the other hand, hydroxyproline rich glycoprotein epitopes were found to be enriched in early embryogenic cells as well as in various developmental stages of somatic embryos. Embryogenic cells (ECs), proembryos and globular embryos showed strong labelling of hydroxyproline rich glycoprotein epitopes, especially in their cell walls and outer surface layer, so-called extracellular matrix (ECM). This hydroxyproline rich glycoprotein signal at embryo surfaces decreased and/or fully disappeared during later developmental stages (e.g. pear-shaped and cotyledonary stages) of embryos. In these later developmental embryogenic stages, however, new prominent hydroxyproline rich glycoprotein labelling appeared in tri-cellular junctions among parenchymatic cells inside these embryos. Overall immunofluorescence labelling of late stage embryos with JIM20 antibody was weaker than that of JIM11. Western blot analysis supported the above immunolocalization data. The treatment with 3,4-DHP inhibited the development of embryogenic cells and decreased the rate of embryo germination. Embryo-like structures, which developed after 3,4-DHP treatment showed aberrant non-compact epidermis with discontinuous ECM at the outer surface as well as much less immunolabelling with the JIM11 antibody. This treatment also decreased the plant regeneration capacity in embryogenic banana cultures. Finally, immunomodulation of surface hydroxyproline rich glycoproteins by co-culture of embryos with the JIM11 antibody resulted in a much lower germination capacity of these embryos.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that hydroxyproline rich glycoproteins play an important developmental role, especially in the process of regeneration and germination of embryos during plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis. Proper content and localization of hydroxyproline rich glycoproteins seem to be essential for the formation and regeneration of banana somatic embryos.

O-Linked glycosylation in maize-expressed human IgA1

O-Linked glycans vary between eukaryotic cell types and play an important role in determining a glycoprotein's properties, including stability, target recognition, and potentially immunogenicity. We describe O-linked glycan structures of a recombinant human IgA1 (hIgA1) expressed in transgenic maize. Up to six proline/hydroxyproline conversions and variable amounts of arabinosylation (Pro/Hyp + Ara) were found in the hinge region of maize-expressed hIgA1 heavy chain (HC) by using a combination of matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS), chromatography, and amino acid analysis. Approximately 90% of hIgA1 was modified in this way. An average molar ratio of six Ara units per molecule of hIgA1 was revealed. Substantial sequence similarity was identified between the HC hinge region of hIgA1 and regions of maize extensin-family of hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGP). We propose that because of this sequence similarity, the HC hinge region of maize-expressed hIgA1 can become a substrate for posttranslational conversion of Pro to Hyp by maize prolyl-hydroxylase(s) with the subsequent arabinosylation of the Hyp residues by Hyp-glycosyltransferase(s) in the Golgi apparatus in maize endosperm tissue. The observation of up to six Pro/Hyp hydroxylations combined with extensive arabinosylation in the hIgA1 HC hinge region is well in agreement with the Pro/Hyp hydroxylation model and the Hyp contiguity hypothesis suggested earlier in literature for plant HRGP. For the first time, the extensin-like Hyp/Pro conversion and O-linked arabinosylation are described for a recombinant therapeutic protein expressed in transgenic plants. Our findings are of significance to the field of plant biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industry-developing transgenic plants as a platform for the production of recombinant therapeutic proteins.

Analysis of regulatory elements of the promoter and the 3' untranslated region of the maize Hrgp gene coding for a cell wall protein

Hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGP) are structural components of the plant cell wall. Hrgp genes from maize and related species have a conserved 500 bp sequence in the 5'-flanking region, and all Hrgp genes from monocots have an intron located in the 3' untranslated region. To study the role of these conserved regions, several deletions of the Hrgp gene were fused to the beta-glucuronidase ( GUS) gene and used to transform maize tissues by particle bombardment. The overall pattern of GUS activity directed by sequential deletions of the Hrgp promoter was different in embryos and young shoots. In embryos, the activity of the full-length Hrgp promoter was in the same range as that of the p35SI promoter construct, based on the strong 35S promoter, whereas in the fast-growing young shoots it was 20 times higher. A putative silencer element specific for young shoots was found in the -1,076/-700 promoter region. Other major cis elements for Hrgp expression are probably located in the regions spanning -699/-510 and -297/-160. Sequences close to the initial ATG and mRNA leader were also important since deletion of the region -52/+16 caused a 75% reduction in promoter activity. The presence of the Hrgp intron in the 3' untranslated region changed the levels of GUS activity directed by the Hrgp and the 35S promoters. This pattern of activity was complex, and was dependent on the promoter and cell type analysed.

DcAGP1, a secreted arabinogalactan protein, is related to a family of basic proline-rich proteins

A cDNA corresponding to the core protein of an immunoaffinity-purified arabinogalactan protein (AGP) secreted aucus carota (carrot) cells in liquid culture was isolated. This cDNA, DcAGP1, encodes a new class of non-classical' AGP with strong similarity to a family of basic proline-rich proteins. The protein is rich in proline (17%), alanine (10%) and lysine (11%) and contains four distinct domains: a signal peptide, a proline-rich domain, a histidine-rich basic domain and a cysteine-containing 'PAC' domain that is found in a range of other cell wall proteins. The protein contains several sequence motifs found in otherwise unrelated cell wall proteins, but also displays some unique features. Northern blot analyses show that while the DcAGP1 transcript is abundant in the suspension-culture cells from which the AGP was obtained; in carrot seedlings the gene is only expressed at low levels in the roots and it is neither wound- nor stress-inducible. Furthermore, northern and western blot analyses demonstrate that the core polypeptide of DcAGP1 is differentially glycosylated in two different carrot suspension cultures. The unusual features of the protein sequence suggest that the DcAGP1 protein is a member of a family of basic proline-rich proteins defined by the C-terminal PAC domain, and the possible function(s) of the DcAGP1 protein is considered in the light of current views on AGP structure and function.

A leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase (LRPKm1) gene is induced in Malus x domestica by Venturia inaequalis infection and salicylic acid treatment

A cDNA clone encoding a leucine-rich repeat (LRR) receptor-like protein kinase (LRPKm1) of Malus x domestica cv. Florina has been isolated using as a heterologous probe a cloned gene encoding a polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein (PGIP) of Phaseolus vulgaris L. A genomic clone containing the 5'-regulatory region and a 5' portion of the open reading frame of the LRPKm1 gene has also been isolated. An open reading frame of 2997 nt (999 amino acids) was present in the cDNA clone, encoding a receptor-like protein comprising a 21 amino acid signal peptide for secretion, a leucine zipper, 23 LRRs, a putative membrane-spanning region and a serine/threonine protein kinase domain. LRPKm1 shows homology to the A. thaliana receptor-like protein kinase RLK5 and, to a minor extent, to PGIP. The LRPKm1 region from +5 to +600 exhibits an alternative reading frame that encodes a product corresponding to a proline-rich protein fragment homologous to several hydroxyproline-rich proteins. Southern blot analysis showed that LRPKm1 belongs to a multigene family and that there is length polymorphism of the hybridizing restriction fragments among different M. x domestica cultivars. Northern blot analysis was carried out on mRNA extracted from infected leaves of either cv. Florina (resistant to Venturia inaequalis) or cv. Golden Delicious (susceptible to V. inaequalis), and from tissues treated with salicylic acid. A 3500 bp transcript hybridizing at high stringency with the LRPKm1 cDNA accumulated in response to infection or salicylic acid treatment. Transcript accumulation was more intense in the incompatible interaction than in the compatible one. The possible involvement of this receptor-like protein kinase in resistance of apple to phytopathogenic fungi is discussed.

Involvement of a maize proline-rich protein in secondary cell wall formation as deduced from its specific mRNA localization

A clone encoding a proline-rich protein (ZmPRP) has been obtained from maize root by differential screening of a maturing elongation root cDNA library. The amino acid sequence deduced from the full-length cDNA contains a putative signal peptide and a highly repetitive sequence containing the PEPK motif, indicating that the ZmPRP mRNA may code for a cell wall protein. The PEPK repeat is also found in a previously reported wheat sequence but differs from the repeated sequences found in hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGP) and in dicot proline-rich proteins (PRP). In the maize genome, the ZmPRP protein is encoded by a single gene that is expressed in maturing regions of the root, in the hypocotyl and in the pericarp. In these organs, the ZmPRP mRNA accumulates in the xylem and surrounding cells, and in the epidermis. No ZmPRP mRNA was found in the phloem. The pattern of mRNA accumulation is very similar to the one observed for genes coding for proteins involved in lignin biosynthesis and, like most cell wall proteins, ZmPRP synthesis is also induced by wounding. These data support the hypothesis that ZmPRP is a member of a new class of fibrous proteins involved in the secondary cell wall formation in monocot species.

Induction of mRNA accumulation corresponding to a gene encoding a cell wall hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein by fungal elicitors

The Hrgp (hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein) gene codes in maize for one of the most abundant proteins of the cell wall. HRGPs may contribute to the structural support of the wall and they have also been involved in plant defense mechanisms. This second aspect has been tested for the Hrgp gene in maize where, in contrast with the situation in dicot species, the gene is encoded by a single-copy sequence. Hrgp mRNA accumulation is induced in maize suspension-cultured cells by elicitors, isolated either from maize pathogenic or non-pathogenic fungi. The induction of Hrgp mRNA accumulation by elicitor extracted from Fusarium moniliforme has been studied in detail. The level of induction depends on elicitor concentration and remains high until at least 24 h. Ethylene and protein phosphorylation appear to be involved in the transduction pathway of Hrgp gene activation by the F. moniliforme elicitor but not by 5 microM methyl jasmonate or 1 mM salycilic acid. Different compounds known to participate in plant stress responses such as ascorbic acid or reduced glutathione have also a positive effect on Hrgp mRNA accumulation.

Developmental and Hormonal Regulation of Genes Coding for Proline-Rich Proteins in Female Inflorescences and Kernels of Maize

The pattern of expression of two genes coding for proteins rich in proline, HyPRP (hybrid proline-rich protein) and HRGP (hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein), has been studied in maize (Zea mays) embryos by RNA analysis and in situ hybridization. mRNA accumulation is high during the first 20 d after pollination, and disappears in the maturation stages of embryogenesis. The two genes are also expressed during the development of the pistillate spikelet and during the first stages of embryo development in adjacent but different tissues. HyPRP mRNA accumulates mainly in the scutellum and HRGP mRNA mainly in the embryo axis and the suspensor. The two genes appear to be under the control of different regulatory pathways during embryogenesis. We show that HyPRP is repressed by abscisic acid and stress treatments, with the exception of cold treatment. In contrast, HRGP is affected positively by specific stress treatments.

STRUCTURE AND BIOGENESIS OF THE CELL WALLS OF GRASSES

The chemical structures of the primary cell walls of the grasses and their progenitors differ from those of all other flowering plant species. They vary in the complex glycans that interlace and cross-link the cellulose microfibrils to form a strong framework, in the nature of the gel matrix surrounding this framework, and in the types of aromatic substances and structural proteins that covalently cross-link the primary and secondary walls and lock cells into shape. This review focuses on the chemistry of the unique polysaccharides, aromatic substances, and proteins of the grasses and how these structural elements are synthesized and assembled into dynamic and functional cell walls. Despite wide differences in wall composition, the developmental physiology of grasses is similar to that of all flowering plants. Grass cells respond similarly to environmental cues and growth regulators, exhibit the same alterations in physical properties of the wall to allow cell growth, and possess similar patterns of wall biogenesis during the development of specific cell and tissue types. Possible unifying mechanisms of growth are suggested to explain how grasses perform the same wall functions as other plants but with different constituents and architecture.

XYLOGENESIS: INITIATION, PROGRESSION, AND CELL DEATH

Xylem cells develop from procambial or cambial initials in situ, and they can also be induced from parenchyma cells by wound stress and/or a combination of phytohormones in vitro. Recent molecular and biochemical studies have identified some of the genes and proteins involved in xylem differentiation, which have led to an understanding of xylem differentiation based on comparisons of events in situ and in vitro. As a result, differentiation into tracheary elements (TEs) has been divided into two processes. The "early" process involves the origination and development of procambial initials in situ. In vitro, the early process of transdifferentiation involves the dedifferentiation of cells and subsequent differentiation of dedifferentiated cells into TE precursor cells. The "late" process, observed both in situ and in vitro, involves a variety of events specific to TE formation, most of which have been observed in association with secondary wall thickenings and programmed cell death. In this review, I summarize these events, including coordinated expression of genes that are involved in secondary wall formation.

A gene for Brassica napus extensin is differentially expressed on wounding

We have analysed the expression of the endogenous extensin genes in Brassica napus, using northern hybridisation and dot blotting. In the unstressed plant, the extA gene is only expressed in the root, expression in the leaf, petiole and stem being absent. We have found that wounding dramatically alters this normal pattern of expression. Expression in wounded leaf is seen after 36 h, in wounded petioles after 11 h and in wounded stem after 17 h. Differences in the amount of extensin mRNA accumulated are also seen: wounded petiole accumulating extensin message to a level higher than the leaf or the stem. Inhibitors of ethylene biosynthesis greatly delay the onset of accumulation of extensin mRNA in wounded tissues. Wounding the root causes the level of extensin message to decline with time, until levels below the limit of non-specific hybridisation are reached 11 h after wounding. Thus, application of the wounding stimulus results in the accumulation of extensin gene transcripts to different degrees and at different times in the aerial parts of the plant, and results in a decline in the same transcripts in the roots. Extensin transcript accumulation as a result of wounding is also dependent on the age of the tissue; high levels of message are seen in old wounded leaves, while expression in young wounded leaves is absent.

A novel phloem-specific gene is expressed preferentially in aerial portions of Vicia faba

We have isolated a gene from bean (Vicia faba L.), called Vein1, that encodes a novel protein. The Vein1 cDNA was isolated as a result of a differential screen for genes that are expressed in leaves but not in the most common cell type, the mesophyll cell. Northern blot analysis revealed that Vein 1 transcripts are differentially expressed in the plant with expression in leaves, stems and sepals but not in petals, mesophyll cells or roots. In situ hybridization studies of stem and leaf sections indicate that the expression of Vein1 is localized to the phloem tissue. Interestingly, Vein1 was differentially expressed in stem tissue with the highest expression in the oldest internodes. The deduced Vein1 protein sequence does not share homology with any known protein sequences. The 17 kDa Vein1 protein is highly hydrophilic and contains a histidine-rich motif, where six out of seven amino acids are histidines. The function of Vein1 is unknown, although the expression patterns suggests that it may play a role in mature phloem tissue in the aerial parts of the plant.

Extensin-like Glycoproteins in the Maize Pollen Tube Wall

We recently described the cloning and characterization of Pex1, a maize pollen-specific gene with an extensin-like domain. Here, we report that antibodies raised against a Pex fusion protein and a Pex synthetic peptide recognize a protein doublet with an apparent molecular mass of ~300 kD as well as larger proteins in pollen extracts. These proteins were not detected in extracts of seedling, endosperm, ear, silk, root, leaf, wounded leaf, meiotic tassel, or young microspore. After deglycosylation, only the protein doublet was detected by the anti-Pex antiserum, suggesting that the higher molecular mass proteins represent a glycosylated form of the Pex proteins. The anti-Pex antiserum was also used in immunolocalization experiments with in vitro-germinated pollen. With the aid of a confocal light microscope, the Pex proteins were localized to the pollen tube wall. The Pex proteins could not be removed with high salt, SDS, or chaotropic or reducing agents, suggesting a very tight association with the pollen tube wall. Immunocytochemical analysis at the ultrastructural level localized the Pex proteins to the intine in mature pollen and to the callosic sheath of the pollen tube wall in germinated pollen. Localization to the pollen tube wall strongly suggests that the Pex proteins play a role in pollen tube growth during pollination.

A novel wound-inducible extensin gene is expressed early in newly isolated protoplasts of Nicotiana sylvestris

A cDNA clone (6PExt 1.2) encoding a novel extensin was isolated from a cDNA library made from 6 h old mesophyll protoplasts of Nicotiana sylvestris. The screening was performed with a heterologous probe from carrot. The encoded polypeptide showed features characteristic of hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins such as Ser-(Pro)4 repeats and a high content in Tyr and Lys residues. The presence of four Tyr-X-Tyr-Lys motifs suggests the possibility for intramolecular isodityrosine cross-links whereas three Val-Tyr-Lys motifs may participate in intermolecular cross-links. The analysis of genomic DNA gel blots using both the N. sylvestris and the carrot clones as probes showed that the 6PExt 1.2 gene belongs to a complex multigene family encoding extensin and extensin-related polypeptides in N. sylvestris as well as in related Nicotianeae including a laboratory hybrid. This was confirmed by the analysis of RNA gel blots: a set of mRNAs ranging in size from 0.3 kb to 3.5 kb was found by the carrot extensin probe. The 6PExt 1.2 probe found a 1.2 kb mRNA in protoplasts and in wounded tissues as well as a 0.9 kb mRNA which seemed to be stem-specific. The gene encoding 6PExt 1.2 was induced by wounding in protoplasts, in leaf strips and after Agrobacterium tumefaciens infection of stems.

Expression of the rice Osgrp1 promoter-Gus reporter gene is specifically associated with cell elongation/expansion and differentiation

To study the expression and regulation of a rice glycine-rich cell wall protein gene, Osgrp1, transgenic rice plants were regenerated that contain the Osgrp1 promoter or its 5' deletions fused with the bacterial beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene. We report here a detailed histochemical analysis of the Osgrp1-Gus expression patterns in transgenic rice plants. In roots of transgenic rice plants, GUS expression was specifically located in cell elongation and differentiation regions, and no GUS expression was detectable in the apical meristem and the mature region. In shoots, GUS activity was expressed only in young leaves or in the growing basal parts of developing leaves, and little GUS activity was expressed in mature leaves or mature parts of developing leaves. In shoot apices, GUS activity was detected only in those leaf cells which were starting to expand and differentiate, and GUS expression was not detected in the apical meristem and the young meristematic leaf primordia. GUS activity was highly expressed in the young stem tissue, particularly in the developing vascular bundles and epidermis. Thus, the expression of the Osgrp1 gene is closely associated with cell elongation/expansion during the post-mitotic cell differentiation process. The Osgrp1-Gus gene was also expressed in response to wounding and down-regulated by water-stress conditions in the elongation region of roots. Promoter deletion analysis indicates that both positive and negative mechanisms are involved in regulating the specific expression patterns. We propose a simple model for the developmental regulation of the Osgrp1 gene expression.

Pex1, a pollen-specific gene with an extensin-like domain

We report here the identification of a pollen-specific gene from Zea mays that contains multiple Ser-(Pro)n repeats, the motif found in the cell wall-associated extensins. Sequence analysis reveals that the encoded protein has a putative globular domain at the N terminus and an extensin-like domain at the C terminus. The Pex1 (pollen extensin-like) gene is expressed exclusively in pollen, not in vegetative or female tissues, and is not induced in leaves upon wounding. We propose that the encoded protein may have a role in reproduction, either as a structural element deposited in the pollen tube wall during its rapid growth or as a sexual recognition molecule that interacts with partner molecules in the pistil.

The brown midrib3 (bm3) mutation in maize occurs in the gene encoding caffeic acid O-methyltransferase

The brown midrib mutations are among the earliest described in maize. Plants containing a brown midrib mutation exhibit a reddish brown pigmentation of the leaf midrib starting when there are four to six leaves. These mutations are known to alter lignin composition and digestibility of plants and therefore constitute prime candidates in the breeding of silage maize. Here, we show that two independent brown midrib3 (bm3) mutations have resulted from structural changes in the COMT gene, which encodes the enzyme O-methyltransferase (COMT; EC 2.1.1.6), involved in lignin biosynthesis. Our results indicate that the bm3-1 allele (the reference mutant allele) has arisen from an insertional event producing a COMT mRNA altered in both size and amount. By sequencing a COMT cDNA clone obtained from bm3-1 maize, a retrotransposon with homology to the B5 element has been found to be inserted near the junction of the 3' coding region of the COMT gene intron. The second bm3 allele, bm3-2, has resulted from a deletion of part of the COMT gene. These alterations of the COMT gene were confirmed by DNA gel blot and polymerase chain reaction amplification analyses. These results clearly demonstrate that mutations at the COMT gene give a brown midrib3 phenotype. Thus, the gene genetically recognized as bm3 is the same as the one coding for COMT.

Extensin gene expression is induced by mechanical stimuli leading to local cell wall strengthening in Nicotiana plumbaginifolia

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv. harbors a single extensin gene, although related hydroxyproline-rich sequences are present in the genome. Northern analysis showed that the gene is highly expressed in roots and to a lesser extent in stems. Expression in leaves is low but mRNA levels are increased upon infection with the incompatible bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. Extensin transcript levels in leaves were slightly enhanced after wounding and salicylic acid treatment. In-situ hybridization experiments showed high accumulation of extensin mRNA in cells which, at certain stages of development, require reinforcement of their cell walls. The cortical cells in stem nodes and roots, which are put under severe mechanical stress by adjacent developing tissues, tend to express the gene to high levels. Immunolocalization of the extensin protein in stems and roots demonstrated a close association of the protein with lignin deposition. Mature tissues contained more extensin than younger tissues. The extensin promoter was fused to the beta-glucuronidase gene.

Molecular characterization of maize extensin expression

This study concerned the developmental regulation of wall-localized, hydroxyproline-containing proteins in maize tissues and organs. Silk and pericarp cell walls contained more peptidyl hydroxyproline than did walls of any vegetative tissue, although all tissues and organs accumulated these proteins as they matured. In many tissues, hydroxyproline-rich proteins are first associated with the wall in a soluble form before being insolubilized through covalent attachment to the matrix. Because hydroxyproline was more soluble earlier than later in development, it appears that insolubilization was occurring in maize tissues and organs as well. Tissue prints reacted with an anti-extensin antibody gave positive results, indicating the presence of a soluble form of this common hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (HRGP). Silk and pericarp cells actively synthesized this extensin from abundant transcripts. In vegetative tissues, extensin transcripts were somewhat more abundant in seedlings than in pre-anthesis or mature plants, but levels were much lower than in silk and pericarp. Southern blots of maize genomic DNA indicated that these extensin transcripts are encoded by a small multigene family. Potential roles for extensin in reproductive/protective tissues versus the embryo or vegetative tissues are suggested.

Molecular cloning and characterization of cDNAs associated with tracheary element differentiation in cultured Zinnia cells

Mesophyll cells isolated mechanically from leaves of Zinnia elegans L. cv Canary bird differentiate into tracheary elements (TE) semisynchronously and at high frequency. Using this system, three cDNA clones, TED2 to TED4, whose corresponding mRNAs were expressed in a close association with tracheary element differentiation, were isolated by differential screening of a lambda gt11 cDNA library. The library was prepared using poly(A)+ RNA from cells cultured in a TE-induced medium for 48 h prior to morphological changes, including secondary cell-wall thickenings and autolysis. Northern analysis indicated that mRNAs corresponding to the clones were expressed preferentially in cells differentiating into TEs prior to the morphological changes. The expression of the mRNAs was found not to be induced by alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid or benzyladenine solely and not to be associated directly with cell division. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of TED4 showed that the cDNA contains an open reading frame of 285 bp, encoding a polypeptide comprising 95 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular mass of 10.0 kD. A homology search of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of TED4 with several data bases revealed a significant similarity to those of the barley aleurone-specific clone B11E, which was isolated as an aleurone-specific cDNA from 20-d postanthesis grain.

Complementary immunolocalization patterns of cell wall hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins studied with the use of antibodies directed against different carbohydrate epitopes

Antisera raised against the major hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (HRGP) in carrot (Daucus carota L.) taproot, extensin-1, and a minor HRGP, extensin-2, were characterized by western blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and periodate oxidation and found to be directed against carbohydrate epitopes shared by both glycoproteins. The anti-extensin-1 antibodies (gE1) target periodate-sensitive epitopes and may recognize the terminal alpha-1,3-arabinoside of extensin-1. The anti-extensin-2 antibodies (gE2) recognize periodate-insensitive epitopes, possibly binding the reducing, internal beta-1,2-arabinosides on the carbohydrate side chains. Despite the cross-reactivity of these antibodies, immunolocalization studies of carrot taproot and green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) leaf tissues reveal a spatial segregation of gE1- and gE2-labeling patterns. The gE1 antibodies bind only to the cellulose-rich region of the cell wall (J.P. Staehelin and L.A. Stafstrom [1988] Planta 174: 321-332), whereas gE2 labeling is restricted to the expanded middle lamella at three cell junctions. Periodate oxidation of nonosmicated, thin-sectioned tissue abolishes gE1 labeling but leads to labeling of the entire cell wall by gE2, presumably as a result of unmasking cryptic epitopes on extensin-1 in the cellulose layer. Purified extensin-2 protein is more efficient than extensin-1 protein at agglutinating avirulent Pseudomonas strains lacking extracellular polysaccharide. Our results indicate that extensin-2 does not form a heterologous HRGP network with extensin-1 and that, in contrast to extensin-1, which appears to serve a structural role, extensin-2 could participate in passive defense responses against phytopathogenic bacteria.

Isodityrosine cross-linking mediates insolubilization of cell walls in Chlamydomonas

Enzymatic removal of the cell wall induces vegetative Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells to transcribe wall genes and synthesize new hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) related to the extensins found in higher plant cell walls. A cDNA expression library made from such induced cells was screened with antibodies to an oligopeptide containing the (SP)x repetitive domains found in Chlamydomonas wall proteins. One of the selected cDNAs encodes an (SP)x-rich polypeptide that also displays a repeated YGG motif. Ascorbate, a peroxidase inhibitor, and tyrosine derivatives were shown to inhibit insolubilization of both the vegetative and zygotic cell walls of Chlamydomonas, suggesting that oxidative cross-linking of tyrosines is occurring. Moreover, insolubilization of both walls was concomitant with a burst in H2O2 production and in extracellular peroxidase activity. Finally, both isodityrosine and dityrosine were found in hydrolysates of the insolubilized vegetative wall layer. We propose that the formation of tyrosine cross-links is essential to Chlamydomonas HRGP insolubilization.

Molecular basis for extensin size heterogeneity in two maize varieties

This study concerned the molecular basis for the protein size heterogeneity of extensin from two maize (Zea mays L.) varieties. We studied the physical properties of extensin, a hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (HRGP), from the silk and pericarp of Golden X Bantam (GXB) sweet corn and Japanese Hulless (JHL) popcorn. Extensin from GXB has a molecular mass of 66 kDa whereas extensins from JHL have molecular masses of 76 and 66 kDa. Treatment with anhydrous hydrogen fluoride to deglycosylate proteins reduced the size of all extensins by 5 kDa. Probing with a 500 bp fragment from a genomic clone of maize extensin identified two transcripts (1.9 and 1.5 kb) on northern blots. JHL contained both transcripts and GXB contained only the 1.5 kb transcript. The probe also hybridized to two larger transcripts (6.2 and 4.5 kb) that were found in both varieties. We immunoprecipitated two proteins (66 and 56 kDa) from translated RNA isolated from JHL and one protein (56 kDa) from GXB. These results demonstrate that these extensins differ in the size of their peptide moiety and not in their extent of glycosylation.

Developmental expression and localization of petunia glycine-rich protein 1

An anti-petunia glycine-rich protein 1 (ptGRP1) antibody was used for biotin-streptavidin-alkaline phosphatase localization of this protein. In petunia stem and leaves grown under different light conditions, these studies revealed a complex pattern of cell localization for this protein. Levels of ptGRP1 were shown to decrease with developmental age of the tissue, appearing to correlate directly with expansive growth and inversely with lignification. Significantly, plants grown under low light (approximately 32 mumol m-2 sec-1 at noon) showed at least an eightfold increased level of ptGRP1 protein throughout ptGRP1's expression period when compared to plants grown under higher light (approximately 80 mumol m-2 sec-1 at noon). Evidence also indicated that for one cell type in which ptGRP1 is localized, this protein is imported rather than synthesized. In addition, confocal microscopy studies suggested that ptGRP1 is deposited at the cell wall/membrane interface rather than within the cell wall.

Characterization of cDNAs for stylar transmitting tissue-specific proline-rich proteins in tobacco

The pistil of flowers is a specialized organ which contains the female gametophytes and provides the structures necessary for pollination and fertilization. Pollen deposited on the stigmatic surface of a compatible plant germinates a pollen tube which penetrates the stigmatic papillae and grows intercellularly through the style towards the ovules in the ovary. Pollen tube growth is largely restricted to the transmitting tissue in the style. Therefore the stylar transmitting tissue is extremely important for the migration of the pollen cell towards the ovary. We have isolated two related cDNAs, transmitting tissue-specific (TTS)-1 and TTS-2, derived from two proline-rich protein (PRP)-encoding mRNAs that accumulate specifically in the transmitting tissue of tobacco. The deduced PRP sequences share similarities with proline-rich cell wall glycoproteins found in a variety of plants. TTS-1 and TTS-2 mRNAs are induced in very young floral buds, accumulate most abundantly during the later stages of flower development when style elongation is the most rapid, and remain at relatively high levels at anthesis. These mRNAs become undetectable in maturing green fruits. In situ hybridization shows that TTS-1 and TTS-2 mRNA accumulation is restricted to the transmitting tissue of the style. The possible roles that these transmitting tissue-specific PRPs may play in maintaining the structural integrity of the style or in the function of this organ is discussed.

Roles for the extracellular matrix in plant development and pollination: a special case of cell movement in plants

Pattern formation in plants is now thought to be primarily dependent on positional information during development. We discuss the prevalent theories on how position is deciphered by cells in an organism and highlight the recent advances implicating molecules of the cell wall or extracellular matrix (ECM) in this process. We compare the functions of the ECM in plants and animals and describe the various cell and substrate adhesion molecules of the animal ECM which play a role in morphogenesis and cell movement. We propose that analogous molecules may occur in plants and provide evidence for the presence of a substrate adhesion molecule like vitronectin in plants and algae. We provide a model for how substrate adhesion molecules may be involved in a special case of cell movement in plants, pollination.

Developmental expression of tobacco pistil-specific genes encoding novel extensin-like proteins

We have sought to identify pistil-specific genes that can be used as molecular markers to study pistil development. For this purpose, a cDNA library was constructed from poly(A)+ RNA extracted from tobacco stigmas and styles at different developmental stages. Differential screening of this library led to the isolation of cDNA clones that correspond to genes preferentially or specifically expressed in the pistil. Seven of these cDNA clones encode proteins containing repetitions of the pentapeptide Ser-Pro4, which is a typical motif found in extensins. Unlike extensin genes, the extensin-like genes described here are not induced under stress conditions. RNA gel blot hybridizations demonstrated the organ-specific expression of the extensin-like genes and their temporal regulation during pistil development. After pollination, the transcript levels of the pistil-specific extensin-like genes change relative to levels in unpollinated pistils. In situ hybridization experiments showed that at least one of these pistil-specific genes is specifically expressed in cells of the transmitting tissue. The possible roles of the extensin-like proteins in pistils are discussed.

Different mechanisms generating sequence variability are revealed in distinct regions of the hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein gene from maize and related species

The sequences of the genes coding for a hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein from two varieties of maize (Zea mays, Ac1503 and W22), a teosinte (Zea diploperennis) and sorghum (Sorghum vulgare) have been obtained and compared. Distinct patterns of variability have been observed along their sequences. The 500 bp region immediately upstream of the TATA box is highly conserved in the Zea species and contains stretches of sequences also found in the sorghum gene. Further upstream, significant rearrangements are observed, even between the two maize varieties. These observations allow definition of a 5' region, which is common to the four genes and is probably essential for their expression. The 3' end shows variability, mostly due to small duplications and single nucleotide substitutions. There is an intron present in this region showing a high degree of sequence conservation among the four genes analyzed. The coding region is the most divergent, but variability arises from duplications of fragments coding for similar protein blocks and from single nucleotide substitutions. These results indicate that a number of distinct mechanisms (probably point mutation, transposon insertion and excision, homologous recombination and unequal crossing-over) are active in the production of sequence variability in maize and related species. They are revealed in different parts of the gene, probably as the result of the different types of functional constraints acting on them, and of the specific nature of the sequence in each region.

A maize embryo-specific gene encodes a proline-rich and hydrophobic protein

A gene from maize that encodes a hybrid proline-rich protein (HyPRP) formed by two well-defined domains, proline-rich and hydrophobic, respectively, has been characterized at the level of its structure and expression. The proline-rich domain is composed of elements PPYV and PPTPRPS, similar to those found in PRP proteins from soybean. The hydrophobic domain is rich in cysteine and is similar to seed proteins, mainly to a soybean hydrophobic seed protein. In maize, HyPRP is encoded by a single gene, and its mRNA accumulates in immature maize zygotic embryos, with a maximum accumulation between 12 and 18 days after pollination. The HyPRP mRNA can also be detected in ovary prior to pollination. In situ hybridization experiments on embryo sections show an expression of the gene in scutellum and in nonvascular cells from the embryo axis. Functional hypotheses related to HyPRP are discussed.

Accumulation of cell wall hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein mRNA is an early event in maize embryo cell differentiation

The accumulation of the mRNA coding for a hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (HRGP), an abundant component of the wall from the cells of vegetative tissues, has been observed in maize embryo by in situ hybridization. The HRGP mRNA accumulates in the embryo axis and not in the scutellum and preferentially in dividing and provascular cells. The histone H4 mRNA is distributed in similar tissues but is restricted to defined groups of cells, indicating that these two gene products have a different steady-state level of accumulation during the cell cycle. The HRGP mRNA appears to be a useful marker for early formation of the vascular systems. The mRNA accumulation correlates in space and time with cells having a low content of cellulose in their walls, suggesting that the mRNA is produced in the early stages of cell wall formation before complete deposition of cellulose.

Patterns of soybean proline-rich protein gene expression

The expression patterns of three members of a gene family that encodes proline-rich proteins in soybean (SbPRPs) were examined using in situ hybridization experiments. In most instances, the expression of SbPRP genes was intense in a limited number of cell types of a particular organ. SbPRP1 RNA was localized in several cell types of soybean hypocotyls, including cells within the phloem and xylem. SbPRP1 expression increased within epidermal cells in the elongating and mature regions of the hypocotyl; expression was detected also in lignified cells surrounding the hilum of mature seeds. SbPRP2 RNA was present in cortical cells and in the vascular tissue of the hypocotyl, especially cells of the phloem. This gene was expressed also in the inner integuments of the mature seed coat. SbPRP3 RNA was localized specifically to the endodermoid layer of cells surrounding the stele in the elongating region of the hypocotyl, as well as in the epidermal cells of leaves and cotyledons. These data show that members of this gene family exhibit cell-specific expression. The members of the SbPRP gene family are expressed in different types of cells and in some cell types that also express the glycine-rich protein or hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein classes of genes.

Comparative localization of three classes of cell wall proteins

The localization of the cell wall proline-rich proteins (PRPs), and the gene expression of the cell wall glycine-rich proteins (GRPs) and the hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) were examined in several dicot species. The PRPs are accumulated in the corner walls of the cortex where several cells are joined together and in the protoxylem cell walls of 3-day-old soybean root. In 1-month-old soybean plants, the PRPs are specifically deposited in xylem vessel elements of the young stem, and they are accumulated in both phloem fibers and xylem vessel elements and fibers of the older stem. Likewise, the PRPs are localized in xylem vessel elements and fibers in tomato, petunia, potato and tobacco stems. They are also found in outer and inner phloem fiber cell walls of tomato stem and in outer phloem fiber cell walls of petunia stem. The gene expression of the HRGPs and the GRPs is developmentally regulated in tomato, petunia and tobacco stems. HRGP mRNAs are abundant in outer and inner phloem regions, while GRP mRNAs are present mostly in primary xylem and in the cambium region. Immunocytochemical localization showed that the GRPs have a localization pattern similar to that of the PRPs in tomato, petunia and tobacco stems.

Biochemical and tissue print analyses of hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins in cell walls of sporophytic maize tissues

In an effort to understand the role of hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) in plant cell wall structure, we studied the distribution and physical properties of PC-1-like proteins (PC-1 being the major pericarp HRGP) throughout sporophytic tissues of two maize (Zea mays L.) varieties. We determined total amounts of hydroxyproline, an indicator of HRGPs, and did tissue print and Western blot analysis. We found hydroxyproline in cell walls of stems, leaves, roots, tassels, and silks. We also observed reactivity of anti-PC-1 monoclonal antibodies with anatomical prints of these tissues on nitrocellulose paper. Stem nodes and silks contained the most hydroxyproline and exhibited the strongest reaction with the antibody. PC-1 was localized in vascular bundles and the epidermis of stem tissue. However, localization to a specific cell type in the silk could not be determined at the resolution of the tissue print. The stem node protein had the same electrophoretic mobility as the pericarp protein as determined on Western blots prepared from cationic neutral gels. Protein extracts from silk tissues of both varieties studied contained one protein of the same size/charge as that found in pericarp, as well as some minor variant bands. The data presented here document that cell wall proteins are present in many tissues of the maize plant, although they are primarily in cell types contributing to support.

Differential expression of a hydroxyproline-rich cell-wall protein gene in embryonic tissues of Zea mays L

A hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (HRGP) component of the maize cell wall was shown to be present in different organs of the plant by extraction of cell wall proteins and detection by Western blotting and immunocytochemistry. Antibodies raised against the protein or against synthetic peptides designed from the protein sequence immunoprecipitated a proline-rich polypeptide which was synthesized in-vitro from poly(A) (+) RNA extracted from different tissues of the plant and from the complete in-vitro-transcribed mRNA. A very low amount of the protein was found in immature embryos. In particular, the protein could not be detected in the scutellum either by Western blotting or by immunocytochemistry. In agreement with this finding, HRGP mRNA was barely detected in the scutellum, in contrast to its accumulation in the embryo axis. Our results indicate the existence of a unique cell wall structure in embryonic tissues from maize as well as a tissuespecific component of the control of maize HRGP gene expression, distinct to others already described such as cell division.