New insights into Fe localization in plant tissues

Excessive iron deposition in root apoplast is involved in growth arrest of roots in response to low pH

The rhizotoxicity of protons (H+) in acidic soils is a fundamental constraint that results in serious yield losses. However, the mechanisms underlying H+-mediated inhibition of root growth are poorly understood. In this study, we revealed that H+-induced root growth inhibition in Arabidopsis depends considerably on excessive iron deposition in the root apoplast. Reducing such aberrant iron deposition by decreasing the iron supply or disrupting the ferroxidases LOW PHOSPHATE ROOT 1 (LPR) and LPR2 attenuates the inhibitory effect of H+ on primary root growth efficiently. Further analysis showed that excessive iron deposition triggers a burst of highly reactive oxygen species, consequently impairing normal root development. Our study uncovered a valuable strategy for improving the ability of plants to tolerate H+ toxicity by manipulating iron availability.

Using an embryo specific promoter to modify iron distribution pattern in Arabidopsis

Iron is an essential micronutrient for life. During the development of the seed, iron accumulates during embryo maturation. In Arabidopsis thaliana, iron mainly accumulates in the vacuoles of only one cell type, the cell layer that surrounds provasculature in hypocotyl and cotyledons. Iron accumulation pattern in Arabidopsis is an exception in plant phylogeny, most part of the dicot embryos accumulate iron in several cell layers including cortex and, in some cases, even in protodermis. It remains unknown how does iron reach the internal cell layers of the embryo, and in particular, the molecular mechanisms responsible of this process. Here, we use transgenic approaches to modify the iron accumulation pattern in an Arabidopsis model. Using the SDH2-3 embryo-specific promoter, we were able to express VIT1 ectopically in both a wild type background and a mutant vit1 background lacking expression of this vacuolar iron transporter. These manipulations modify the iron distribution pattern in Arabidopsis from one cell layer to several cell layers, including protodermis, cortex cells, and the endodermis. Interestingly, total seed iron content was not modified compared with the wild type, suggesting that iron distribution in embryos is not involved in the control of the total iron amount accumulated in seeds. This experimental model can be used to study the processes involved in iron distribution patterning during embryo maturation and its evolution in dicot plants.

Multiple roles of wheat ferritin genes during stress treatment and TaFER5D-1 as a positive regulator in response to drought and salt tolerance

Ferritin not only regulates the plant's iron content but also plays a significant role in the plant's development and resistance to oxidative damage. However, the role of the FER family in wheat has not been systematically elucidated. In this study, 39 FERs identified from wheat and its ancestral species were clustered into two subgroups, and gene members from the same group contain relatively conservative protein models. The structural analyses indicated that the gene members from the same group contained relatively conserved protein models. The cis-acting elements and expression patterns analysis suggested that TaFERs might play an important role combating to abiotic and biotic stresses. In the transcriptional analysis, the TaFER5D-1 gene was found to be significantly up-regulated under drought and salt stresses and was, therefore, selected to further explore the biological functions Moreover, the GFP expression assay revealed the subcellular localization of TaFER5D-1 proteins in the chloroplast, nucleus, membrane and cytoplasm. Over-expression of TaFER5D-1 in transgenic Arabidopsis lines conferred greater tolerance to drought and salt stress. According to the qRT-PCR data, TaFER5D-1 gene over-expression increased the expression of genes related to root development (Atsweet-17 and AtRSL4), iron storage (AtVIT1 and AtYSL1), and stress response (AtGolS1 and AtCOR47). So it is speculated that TaFER5D-1 could improve stress tolerance by promoting root growth, iron storage, and stress-response ability. Thus, the current study provides insight into the role of TaFER genes in wheat.

Iron uptake of etioplasts is independent from photosynthesis but applies the reduction-based strategy

Introduction

Iron (Fe) is one of themost important cofactors in the photosynthetic apparatus, and its uptake by chloroplasts has also been associated with the operation of the photosynthetic electron transport chain during reduction-based plastidial Fe uptake. Therefore, plastidial Fe uptake was considered not to be operational in the absence of the photosynthetic activity. Nevertheless, Fe is also required for enzymatic functions unrelated to photosynthesis, highlighting the importance of Fe acquisition by non-photosynthetic plastids. Yet, it remains unclear how these plastids acquire Fe in the absence of photosynthetic function. Furthermore, plastids of etiolated tissues should already possess the ability to acquire Fe, since the biosynthesis of thylakoid membrane complexes requires a massive amount of readily available Fe. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether the reduction-based plastidial Fe uptake solely relies on the functioning photosynthetic apparatus.

Methods

In our combined structure, iron content and transcript amount analysis studies, we used Savoy cabbage plant as a model, which develops natural etiolation in the inner leaves of the heads due to the shading of the outer leaf layers.

Results

Foliar and plastidial Fe content of Savoy cabbage leaves decreased towards the inner leaf layers. The leaves of the innermost leaf layers proved to be etiolated, containing etioplasts that lacked the photosynthetic machinery and thus were photosynthetically inactive. However, we discovered that these etioplasts contained, and were able to take up, Fe. Although the relative transcript abundance of genes associated with plastidial Fe uptake and homeostasis decreased towards the inner leaf layers, both ferric chelate reductase FRO7 transcripts and activity were detected in the innermost leaf layer. Additionally, a significant NADP(H) pool and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase activity was detected in the etioplasts of the innermost leaf layer, indicating the presence of the reducing capacity that likely supports the reduction-based Fe uptake of etioplasts.

Discussion

Based on these findings, the reduction-based plastidial Fe acquisition should not be considered exclusively dependent on the photosynthetic functions.

Nutrient carriers at the heart of plant nutrition and sensing

Plants require water and several essential nutrients for their development. The radial transport of nutrients from the soil to the root vasculature is achieved through a combination of three different pathways: apoplastic, symplastic, and transcellular. A common feature for these pathways is the requirement of carriers to transport nutrients across the plasma membrane. An efficient transport of nutrients across the root cell layers relies on a large number of carriers, each of them having their own substrate specificity, tissular and subcellular localization. Polarity is also emerging as a major feature allowing their function. Recent advances on radial transport of nutrients, especially carrier mediated nutrient transport will be discussed in this review, as well as the role of transporters as nutrient sensors.

Cell type-specific mapping of ion distribution in Arabidopsis thaliana roots

Cell type-specific mapping of element distribution is critical to fully understand how roots partition nutrients and toxic elements with aboveground parts. In this study, we developed a method that combines fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to assess the ionome of different cell populations within Arabidopsis thaliana roots. The method reveals that most elements exhibit a radial concentration gradient increasing from the rhizodermis to inner cell layers, and detected previously unknown ionomic changes resulting from perturbed xylem loading processes. With this approach, we also identify a strong accumulation of manganese in trichoblasts of iron-deficient roots. We demonstrate that confining manganese sequestration in trichoblasts but not in endodermal cells efficiently retains manganese in roots, therefore preventing toxicity in shoots. These results indicate the existence of cell type-specific constraints for efficient metal sequestration in roots. Thus, our approach opens an avenue to investigate element compartmentation and transport pathways in plants.

Iron Availability Influences Protein Carbonylation in Arabidopsis thaliana Plants

Protein carbonylation is an irreversible form of post-translational modification triggered by reactive oxygen species in animal and plant cells. It occurs either through the metal-catalyzed oxidation of Lys, Arg, Pro, and Thr side chains or the addition of α, β-unsaturated aldehydes and ketones to the side chains of Cys, Lys, and His. Recent genetic studies concerning plants pointed to an implication of protein carbonylation in gene regulation through phytohormones. However, for protein carbonylation to stand out as a signal transduction mechanism, such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination, it must be controlled in time and space by a still unknown trigger. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the profile and extent of protein carbonylation are influenced by iron homeostasis in vivo. For this, we compared the profile and the contents of the carbonylated proteins in the Arabidopsis thaliana wild-type and mutant-deficient in three ferritin genes under normal and stress conditions. Additionally, we examined the proteins specifically carbonylated in wild-type seedlings exposed to iron-deficient conditions. Our results indicated that proteins were differentially carbonylated between the wild type and the triple ferritin mutant Fer1-3-4 in the leaves, stems, and flowers under normal growth conditions. The profile of the carbonylated proteins was also different between the wild type and the ferritin triple mutant exposed to heat stress, thus pointing to the influence of iron on the carbonylation of proteins. Consistent with this, the exposure of the seedlings to iron deficiency and iron excess greatly influenced the carbonylation of certain proteins involved in intracellular signal transduction, translation, and iron deficiency response. Overall, the study underlined the importance of iron homeostasis in the occurrence of protein carbonylation in vivo.

Study of the Stability, Uptake and Transformations of Zero Valent Iron Nanoparticles in a Model Plant by Means of an Optimised Single Particle ICP-MS/MS Method

In the context of the widespread distribution of zero valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) in the environment and its possible exposure to many aquatic and terrestrial organisms, this study investigates the effects, uptake, bioaccumulation, localisation and possible transformations of nZVI in two different forms (aqueous dispersion-Nanofer 25S and air-stable powder-Nanofer STAR) in a model plant-Arabidopsis thaliana. Seedlings exposed to Nanofer STAR displayed symptoms of toxicity, including chlorosis and reduced growth. At the tissue and cellular level, the exposure to Nanofer STAR induced a strong accumulation of Fe in the root intercellular spaces and in Fe-rich granules in pollen grains. Nanofer STAR did not undergo any transformations during 7 days of incubation, while in Nanofer 25S, three different behaviours were observed: (i) stability, (ii) partial dissolution and (iii) the agglomeration process. The size distributions obtained by SP-ICP-MS/MS demonstrated that regardless of the type of nZVI used, iron was taken up and accumulated in the plant, mainly in the form of intact nanoparticles. The agglomerates created in the growth medium in the case of Nanofer 25S were not taken up by the plant. Taken together, the results indicate that Arabidopsis plants do take up, transport and accumulate nZVI in all parts of the plants, including the seeds, which will provide a better understanding of the behaviour and transformations of nZVI once released into the environment, a critical issue from the point of view of food safety.

Rice GLUCAN SYNTHASE-LIKE5 promotes anther callose deposition to maintain meiosis initiation and progression

Callose is a plant cell wall polysaccharide whose deposition is spatiotemporally regulated in various developmental processes and environmental stress responses. The appearance of callose in premeiotic anthers is a prominent histological hallmark for the onset of meiosis in flowering plants; however, the biological role of callose in meiosis remains unknown. Here, we show that rice (Oryza sativa) GLUCAN SYNTHASE LIKE5 (OsGSL5), a callose synthase, localizes on the plasma membrane of pollen mother cells (PMCs) and is responsible for biogenesis of callose in anther locules through premeiotic and meiotic stages. In Osgsl5 mutant anthers mostly lacking callose deposition, aberrant PMCs accompanied by aggregated, unpaired, or multivalent chromosomes were frequently observed and, furthermore, a considerable number of mutant PMCs had untimely progress into meiosis compared to that of wild-type PMCs. Immunostaining of meiosis-specific protein HOMOLOGOUS PAIRING ABERRATION IN RICE MEIOSIS2 in premeiotic PMCs revealed precocious meiosis entry in Osgsl5 anthers. These findings provide insights into the function of callose in controlling the timing of male meiosis initiation and progression, in addition to roles in microsporogenesis, in flowering plants.

MCO1 and MCO3, two putative ascorbate oxidases with ferroxidase activity, new candidates for the regulation of apoplastic iron excess in Arabidopsis

Iron (Fe) is an essential metal ion that plays a major role as a cofactor in many biological processes. The balance between the Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ forms is central for cellular Fe homeostasis because it regulates its transport, utilization, and storage. Contrary to Fe³⁺ reduction that is crucial for Fe uptake by roots in deficiency conditions, ferroxidation has been much less studied. In this work, we have focused on the molecular characterization of two members of the MultiCopper Oxidase family (MCO1 and MCO3) that share high identity with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ferroxidase Fet3. The heterologous expression of MCO1 and MCO3 restored the growth of the yeast fet3fet4 mutant, impaired in high and low affinity Fe uptake and otherwise unable to grow in Fe deficient media, suggesting that MCO1 and MCO3 were functional ferroxidases. The ferroxidase enzymatic activity of MCO3 was further confirmed by the measurement of Fe²⁺-dependent oxygen consumption, because ferroxidases use oxygen as electron acceptor to generate water molecules. In planta, the expression of MCO1 and MCO3 was induced by increasing Fe concentrations in the medium. Promoter-GUS reporter lines showed that MCO1 and MCO3 were mostly expressed in shoots and histochemical analyses further showed that both promoters were highly active in mesophyll cells. Transient expression of MCO1-RFP and MCO3-RFP in tobacco leaves revealed that both proteins were localized in the apoplast. Moreover, cell plasmolysis experiments showed that MCO1 remained closely associated to the plasma membrane whereas MCO3 filled the entire apoplast compartment. Although the four knock out mutant lines isolated (mco1-1, mco1-2, mco3-1, and mco3-2) did not display any macroscopic phenotype, histochemical staining of Fe with the Perls/DAB procedure revealed that mesophyll cells of all four mutants overaccumulated Fe inside the cells in Fe-rich structures in the chloroplasts, compared with wild-type. These results suggested that the regulation of Fe transport in mesophyll cells had been disturbed in the mutants, in both standard condition and Fe excess. Taken together, our findings strongly suggest that MCO1 and MCO3 participate in the control of Fe transport in the mesophyll cells, most likely by displacing the Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ balance toward Fe³⁺ in the apoplast and therefore limiting the accumulation of Fe²⁺, which is more mobile and prone to be transported across the plasma membrane.

The ferroxidases are critical for Fe(II) oxidation in xylem to ensure a healthy Fe allocation in Arabidopsis thaliana

The long-distance transport of iron (Fe) in the xylem is critical for maintaining systemic Fe homeostasis in plants. The loading form of Fe(II) into the xylem and the long-distance translocation form of Fe(III)-citrate have been identified, but how Fe(II) is oxidized to Fe(III) in the xylem remains unknown. Here, we showed that the cell wall-resided ferroxidases LPR1 and LPR2 (LPRs) were both specifically expressed in the vascular tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana, while disruption of both of them increased Fe(II) in the xylem sap and caused excessive Fe deposition in the xylem vessel wall under Fe-sufficient conditions. As a result, a large amount of Fe accumulated in both roots and shoots, hindering plant growth. Moreover, under low-Fe conditions, LPRs were preferentially induced in old leaves, but the loss of LPRs increased Fe deposition in the vasculature of older leaves and impeded Fe allocation to younger leaves. Therefore, disruption of both LPRs resulted in severer chlorosis in young leaves under Fe-deficient conditions. Taken together, the oxidation of Fe(II) to Fe(III) by LPRs in the cell wall of vasculature plays an important role in xylem Fe allocation, ensuring healthy Fe homeostasis for normal plant growth.

Nano-priming as emerging seed priming technology for sustainable agriculture-recent developments and future perspectives

Nano-priming is an innovative seed priming technology that helps to improve seed germination, seed growth, and yield by providing resistance to various stresses in plants. Nano-priming is a considerably more effective method compared to all other seed priming methods. The salient features of nanoparticles (NPs) in seed priming are to develop electron exchange and enhanced surface reaction capabilities associated with various components of plant cells and tissues. Nano-priming induces the formation of nanopores in shoot and helps in the uptake of water absorption, activates reactive oxygen species (ROS)/antioxidant mechanisms in seeds, and forms hydroxyl radicals to loosen the walls of the cells and acts as an inducer for rapid hydrolysis of starch. It also induces the expression of aquaporin genes that are involved in the intake of water and also mediates H₂O_2, or ROS, dispersed over biological membranes. Nano-priming induces starch degradation via the stimulation of amylase, which results in the stimulation of seed germination. Nano-priming induces a mild ROS that acts as a primary signaling cue for various signaling cascade events that participate in secondary metabolite production and stress tolerance. This review provides details on the possible mechanisms by which nano-priming induces breaking seed dormancy, promotion of seed germination, and their impact on primary and secondary metabolite production. In addition, the use of nano-based fertilizer and pesticides as effective materials in nano-priming and plant growth development were also discussed, considering their recent status and future perspectives.

Raman Spectroscopy Enables Non-invasive and Confirmatory Diagnostics of Aluminum and Iron Toxicities in Rice

Metal toxicities can be detrimental to a plant health, as well as to the health of animals and humans that consume such plants. Metal content of plants can be analyzed using colorimetric, atomic absorption- or mass spectroscopy-based methods. However, these techniques are destructive, costly and laborious. In the current study, we investigate the potential of Raman spectroscopy (RS), a modern spectroscopic technique, for detection and identification of metal toxicities in rice. We modeled medium and high levels of iron and aluminum toxicities in hydroponically grown plants. Spectroscopic analyses of their leaves showed that both iron and aluminum toxicities can be detected and identified with ∼100% accuracy as early as day 2 after the stress initiation. We also showed that diagnostics accuracy was very high not only on early, but also on middle (day 4-day 8) and late (day 10-day 14) stages of the stress development. Importantly this approach only requires an acquisition time of 1 s; it is non-invasive and non-destructive to plants. Our findings suggest that if implemented in farming, RS can enable pre-symptomatic detection and identification of metallic toxins that would lead to faster recovery of crops and prevent further damage.

B3 Transcription Factors Determine Iron Distribution and FERRITIN Gene Expression in Embryo but Do Not Control Total Seed Iron Content

Iron is an essential micronutrient for humans and other organisms. Its deficiency is one of the leading causes of anemia worldwide. The world health organization has proposed that an alternative to increasing iron content in food is through crop biofortification. One of the most consumed part of crops is the seed, however, little is known about how iron accumulation in seed occurs and how it is regulated. B3 transcription factors play a critical role in the accumulation of storage compounds such as proteins and lipids. Their role in seed maturation has been well characterized. However, their relevance in accumulation and distribution of micronutrients like iron remains unknown. In Arabidopsis thaliana and other plant models, three master regulators belonging to the B3 transcription factors family have been identified: FUSCA3 (FUS3), LEAFY COTYLEDON2 (LEC2), and ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 3 (ABI3). In this work, we studied how seed iron homeostasis is affected in B3 transcription factors mutants using histological and molecular approaches. We determined that iron distribution is modified in abi3, lec2, and fus3 embryo mutants. For abi3-6 and fus3-3 mutant embryos, iron was less accumulated in vacuoles of cells surrounding provasculature compared with wild type embryos. lec2-1 embryos showed no difference in the pattern of iron distribution in hypocotyl, but a dramatic decrease of iron was observed in cotyledons. Interestingly, for the three mutant genotypes, total iron content in dry mutant seeds showed no difference compared to wild type. At the molecular level, we showed that genes encoding the iron storage ferritins proteins are misregulated in mutant seeds. Altogether our results support a role of the B3 transcription factors ABI3, LEC2, and FUS3 in maintaining iron homeostasis in Arabidopsis embryos.

Role of Nitric Oxide in Plant Senescence

In plants senescence is the final stage of plant growth and development that ultimately leads to death. Plants experience age-related as well as stress-induced developmental ageing. Senescence involves significant changes at the transcriptional, post-translational and metabolomic levels. Furthermore, phytohormones also play a critical role in the programmed senescence of plants. Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous signalling molecule that regulates a plethora of physiological processes in plants. Its role in the control of ageing and senescence has just started to be elucidated. Here, we review the role of NO in the regulation of programmed cell death, seed ageing, fruit ripening and senescence. We also discuss the role of NO in the modulation of phytohormones during senescence and the significance of NO-ROS cross-talk during programmed cell death and senescence.

Iron in leaves: chemical forms, signalling, and in-cell distribution

Iron (Fe) is an essential transition metal. Based on its redox-active nature under biological conditions, various Fe compounds serve as cofactors in redox enzymes. In plants, the photosynthetic machinery has the highest demand for Fe. In consequence, the delivery and incorporation of Fe into cofactors of the photosynthetic apparatus is the focus of Fe metabolism in leaves. Disturbance of foliar Fe homeostasis leads to impaired biosynthesis of chlorophylls and composition of the photosynthetic machinery. Nevertheless, mitochondrial function also has a significant demand for Fe. The proper incorporation of Fe into proteins and cofactors as well as a balanced intracellular Fe status in leaf cells require the ability to sense Fe, but may also rely on indirect signals that report on the physiological processes connected to Fe homeostasis. Although multiple pieces of information have been gained on Fe signalling in roots, the regulation of Fe status in leaves has not yet been clarified in detail. In this review, we give an overview on current knowledge of foliar Fe homeostasis, from the chemical forms to the allocation and sensing of Fe in leaves.

Nano-enabled improvements of growth and colonization rate in wheat inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi display desired potential to boost crop productivity and drought acclimation. Yet, whether nanoparticles can be incorporated into arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for better improvement and its relevant morphologic and anatomical evidences are little documented. Pot culture experiment on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was conducted under drought stress (30% FWC) as well as well watered conditions (80% FWC) that involved priming of wheat seeds with iron nanoparticles at different concentrations (5mg L^-1, 10 mg L^-1 and 15 mg L^-1) with and without the inoculation of Glomus intraradices. The effects of treatments were observed on morphological and physiological parameters across jointing, anthesis and maturity stage. Root colonization and nanoparticle uptake trend by seeds and roots was also recorded. We observed strikingly high enhancement in biomass up to 109% under drought and 71% under well-watered conditions, and grain yield increased to 163% under drought and 60% under well-watered conditions. Iron nanoparticles at 10 mg L^-1 when combined with Glomus intraradices resulted in maximum wheat growth and yield, which mechanically resulted from higher rhizosphere colonization level, water use efficiency and photosynthetic rate under drought stress (P < 0.01). Across growth stages, optical micrograph observations affirmed higher root infection rate when combined with nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy indicated the penetration of nanoparticles into the seeds and translocation across roots whereas energy dispersive X-ray analyses further confirmed the presence of Fe in these organs. Iron nanoparticles significantly enhanced the growth-promoting and drought-tolerant effects of Glomus intraradices on wheat.

Nano-Scale Zero Valent Iron (nZVI) Priming Enhances Yield, Alters Mineral Distribution and Grain Nutrient Content of Oryza sativa L. cv. Gobindobhog: A Field Study

In recent decades, nano-scale zero valent iron is reported to have plant growth enhancement capacity under laboratory conditions, but till date, there is no report to highlight its effect on the growth and yield of field-grown plants. In this study, we have evaluated the potential of nZVI priming on rice yield. A two-year field study has been conducted with different concentrations (10, 20, 40, and 80 mg l^-1) of nZVI for seed priming. The efficacy of nanopriming was compared with the hydroprimed control set. Seeds were treated for 72 h and sown in nursery beds and after 30 days seedlings were transplanted in the field. Root anatomy and morphology were studied in 7 days old seedlings where no changes were found. RAPD analysis also confirmed that low doses of nZVI were not genotoxic. Nanoprimed plants also had broader leaves, higher growth, biomass, and tiller number than control plants. Maximum yield was obtained from the 20 mg l^-1 nZVI primed set (3.8 fold higher than untreated control) which is achieved primarily because of the increase in fertile tiller numbers (two fold higher than untreated control). Higher values of other agronomic parameters like growth rate, net assimilation rate proved that nZVI priming enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and helped in the proper storage of photo-assimilates. All these attributed to increased accumulation of phytochemicals like starch, soluble sugar, protein, lipid, phenol, riboflavin, thiamine, and ascorbic acid in the grains. The elemental analysis confirmed that nZVI priming also promoted higher accumulations of macro and micronutrients in grains. Thus, nanoprimed seeds showed better crop performance compared to the traditional hydropimed seeds. Hence, nZVI can be considered as 'pro-fertilizer' and can be used commercially as a seed treatment agent which is capable of boosting plant growth and yield along with minimum interference to the soil ecosystem.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00344-021-10335-0.

Histochemical Techniques in Plant Science: More Than Meets the Eye

Histochemistry is an essential analytical tool interfacing extensively with plant science. The literature is indeed constellated with examples showing its use to decipher specific physiological and developmental processes, as well as to study plant cell structures. Plant cell structures are translucent unless they are stained. Histochemistry allows the identification and localization, at the cellular level, of biomolecules and organelles in different types of cells and tissues, based on the use of specific staining reactions and imaging. Histochemical techniques are also widely used for the in vivo localization of promoters in specific tissues, as well as to identify specific cell wall components such as lignin and polysaccharides. Histochemistry also enables the study of plant reactions to environmental constraints, e.g. the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be traced by applying histochemical staining techniques. The possibility of detecting ROS and localizing them at the cellular level is vital in establishing the mechanisms involved in the sensitivity and tolerance to different stress conditions in plants. This review comprehensively highlights the additional value of histochemistry as a complementary technique to high-throughput approaches for the study of the plant response to environmental constraints. Moreover, here we have provided an extensive survey of the available plant histochemical staining methods used for the localization of metals, minerals, secondary metabolites, cell wall components, and the detection of ROS production in plant cells. The use of recent technological advances like CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-editing for histological application is also addressed. This review also surveys the available literature data on histochemical techniques used to study the response of plants to abiotic stresses and to identify the effects at the tissue and cell levels.

Research and Progress on the Mechanism of Iron Transfer and Accumulation in Rice Grains

Iron (Fe) is one of the most important micronutrients for organisms. Currently, Fe deficiency is a growing nutritional problem and is becoming a serious threat to human health worldwide. A method that could help alleviate this “hidden hunger” is increasing the bioavailable Fe concentrations in edible tissues of major food crops. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms of Fe accumulation in different crop tissues will help to develop crops with higher Fe nutritional values. Biofortification significantly increases the concentration of Fe in crops. This paper considers the important food crop of rice (Oryza sativa L.) as an example and highlights recent research advances on the molecular mechanisms of Fe uptake and allogeneic uptake in different tissues of rice. In addition, different approaches to the biofortification of Fe nutrition in rice and their outcomes are described and discussed. To address the problems that occur during the development and application of improving nutritional Fe in rice, technical strategies and long-term solutions are also proposed as a reference for the future improvement of staple food nutrition with micronutrients.

Two NPF transporters mediate iron long-distance transport and homeostasis in Arabidopsis

Iron (Fe) transport and reallocation are essential to Fe homeostasis in plants, but it is unclear how Fe homeostasis is regulated, especially under stress. Here we report that NPF5.9 and its close homolog NPF5.8 redundantly regulate Fe transport and reallocation in Arabidopsis. NPF5.9 is highly upregulated in response to Fe deficiency. NPF5.9 expresses preferentially in vasculature tissues and localizes to the trans-Golgi network, and NPF5.8 showed a similar expression pattern. Long-distance Fe transport and allocation into aerial parts was significantly increased in NPF5.9-overexpressing lines. In the double mutant npf5.8 npf5.9, Fe loading in aerial parts and plant growth were decreased, which were partially rescued by Fe supplementation. Further analysis showed that expression of PYE, the negative regulator for Fe homeostasis, and its downstream target NAS4 were significantly altered in the double mutant. NPF5.9 and NPF5.8 were shown to also mediate nitrate uptake and transport, although nitrate and Fe application did not reciprocally affect each other. Our findings uncovered the novel function of NPF5.9 and NPF5.8 in long-distance Fe transport and homeostasis, and further indicated that they possibly mediate nitrate transport and Fe homeostasis independently in Arabidopsis.

Nanobiotechnological advancements in agriculture and food industry: Applications, nanotoxicity, and future perspectives

The high demand for sufficient and safe food, and continuous damage of environment by conventional agriculture are major challenges facing the globe. The necessity of smart alternatives and more sustainable practices in food production is crucial to confront the steady increase in human population and careless depletion of global resources. Nanotechnology implementation in agriculture offers smart delivery systems of nutrients, pesticides, and genetic materials for enhanced soil fertility and protection, along with improved traits for better stress tolerance. Additionally, nano-based sensors are the ideal approach towards precision farming for monitoring all factors that impact on agricultural productivity. Furthermore, nanotechnology can play a significant role in post-harvest food processing and packaging to reduce food contamination and wastage. In this review, nanotechnology applications in the agriculture and food sector are reviewed. Implementations of nanotechnology in agriculture have included nano- remediation of wastewater for land irrigation, nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, and nanosensors, while the beneficial effects of nanomaterials (NMs) in promoting genetic traits, germination, and stress tolerance of plants are discussed. Furthermore, the article highlights the efficiency of nanoparticles (NPs) and nanozymes in food processing and packaging. To this end, the potential risks and impacts of NMs on soil, plants, and human tissues and organs are emphasized in order to unravel the complex bio-nano interactions. Finally, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of nanotechnology are evaluated and discussed to provide a broad and clear view of the nanotechnology potentials, as well as future directions for nano-based agri-food applications towards sustainability.

Iron insufficiency in floral buds impairs pollen development by disrupting tapetum function

Reduction of crop yield due to iron (Fe) deficiency has always been a concern in agriculture. How Fe insufficiency in floral buds affects pollen development remains unexplored. Here, plants transferred to Fe-deficient medium at the reproductive stage had reduced floral Fe content and viable pollen and showed a defective pollen outer wall, all restored by supplying floral buds with Fe. A comparison of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Fe-deficient leaves, roots, and anthers suggested that changes in several cellular processes were unique to anthers, including increased lipid degradation. Co-expression analysis revealed that ABORTED MICROSPORES (AMS), DEFECTIVE IN TAPETAL DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTION1, and BASIC HELIX-LOOP-HELIX 089/091/010 encode key upstream transcription factors of Fe deficiency-responsive DEGs involved in tapetum function and development, including tapetal ROS homeostasis, programmed cell death, and pollen outer wall formation-related lipid metabolism. Analysis of RESPIRATORY-BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOG E (RBOHE) gain- and loss-of-function under Fe deficiency indicated that RBOHE- and Fe-dependent regulation cooperatively control anther reactive oxygen species levels and pollen development. Since DEGs in Fe-deficient anthers were not significantly enriched in genes related to mitochondrial function, the changes in mitochondrial status under Fe deficiency, including respiration activity, density, and morphology, were probably because the Fe amount was insufficient to maintain proper mitochondrial protein function in anthers. To sum up, Fe deficiency in anthers may affect Fe-dependent protein function and impact upstream transcription factors and their downstream genes, resulting in extensively impaired tapetum function and pollen development.

shrunken4 is a mutant allele of ZmYSL2 that affects aleurone development and starch synthesis in maize

Minerals are stored in the aleurone layer and embryo during maize seed development, but how they affect endosperm development and activity is unclear. Here, we cloned the gene underlying the classic maize kernel mutant shrunken4 (sh4) and found that it encodes the YELLOW STRIPE-LIKE oligopeptide metal transporter ZmYSL2. sh4 kernels had a shrunken phenotype with developmental defects in the aleurone layer and starchy endosperm cells. ZmYSL2 showed iron and zinc transporter activity in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Analysis using a specific antibody indicated that ZmYSL2 predominately accumulated in the aleurone and sub-aleurone layers in endosperm and the scutellum in embryos. Specific iron deposition was observed in the aleurone layer in wild-type kernels. In sh4, however, the outermost monolayer of endosperm cells failed to accumulate iron and lost aleurone cell characteristics, indicating that proper functioning of ZmYSL2 and iron accumulation are essential for aleurone cell development. Transcriptome analysis of sh4 endosperm revealed that loss of ZmYSL2 function affects the expression of genes involved in starch synthesis and degradation processes, which is consistent with the delayed development and premature degradation of starch grains in sh4 kernels. Therefore, ZmYSL2 is critical for aleurone cell development and starchy endosperm cell activity during maize seed development.

Evidence for a role of nitric oxide in iron homeostasis in plants

Nitric oxide (NO), once regarded as a poisonous air pollutant, is now understood as a regulatory molecule essential for several biological functions in plants. In this review, we summarize NO generation in different plant organs and cellular compartments, and also discuss the role of NO in iron (Fe) homeostasis, particularly in Fe-deficient plants. Fe is one of the most limiting essential nutrient elements for plants. Plants often exhibit Fe deficiency symptoms despite sufficient tissue Fe concentrations. NO appears to not only up-regulate Fe uptake mechanisms but also makes Fe more bioavailable for metabolic functions. NO forms complexes with Fe, which can then be delivered into target cells/tissues. NO generated in plants can alleviate oxidative stress by regulating antioxidant defense processes, probably by improving functional Fe status and by inducing post-translational modifications in the enzymes/proteins involved in antioxidant defense responses. It is hypothesized that NO acts in cooperation with transcription factors such as bHLHs, FIT, and IRO to regulate the expression of enzymes and proteins essential for Fe homeostasis. However, further investigations are needed to disentangle the interaction of NO with intracellular target molecules that leads to enhanced internal Fe availability in plants.

Biogenic iron oxide nanoparticles enhance callogenesis and regeneration pattern of recalcitrant Cicer arietinum L

This study is the first report on the biosynthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) which mediate in-vitro callus induction and shoot regeneration in economically important recalcitrant chickpea crop (Cicer arietinum L.). Here, we used leaf extract of Cymbopogon jwarancusa for the synthesis of IONPs in order to achieve a better biocompatibility. The bioactive compounds in C. jwarancusa leaf extract served as both reducing and capping agents in the fabrication process of IONPs. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) revealed rods like surface morphology of IONPs with an average diameter of 50±0.2 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) depicted formation of pure IONPs with 69.84% Fe and 30.16% O2. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) validate the crystalline structure, chemical analysis detect the presence of various biomolecular fingerprints in the as synthesized IONPs. UV-visible absorption spectroscopy depicts activity of IONPs under visible light. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) displayed thermal loss of organic capping around 500°C and confirmed their stabilization. The biosynthesized IONPs revealed promising results in callus induction, shoot regeneration and root induction of chickpea plants. Both chickpea varieties Punjab-Noor 09 and Bittle-98 explants, Embryo axes (EA) and Embryo axes plus adjacent part of cotyledon (EXC) demonstrated dose-dependent response. Among all explants, EXC of Punjab-Noor variety showed the highest callogenesis (96%) and shoot regeneration frequency (88%), while root induction frequency was also increased to 83%. Iron content was quantified in regenerated chickpea varieties through inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The quantity of iron is significantly increased in Punjab-Noor regenerated plants (4.88 mg/g) as compare to control treated plants (2.42 mg/g). We found that IONPs enhance chickpea growth pattern and keep regenerated plantlets infection free by providing an optimum environment for rapid growth and development. Thus, IONPs synthesized through green process can be utilized in tissue culture studies in other important recalcitrant legumes crops.

Opportunities for plant-derived enhancers for iron, zinc, and calcium bioavailability: A review

Understanding of the mechanism of interactions between dietary elements, their salts, and complexing/binding ligands is vital to manage both deficiency and toxicity associated with essential element bioavailability. Numerous mineral ligands are found in both animal and plant foods and are known to exert bioactivity via element chelation resulting in modulation of antioxidant capacity or micobiome metabolism among other physiological outcomes. However, little is explored in the context of dietary mineral ligands and element bioavailability enhancement, particularly with respect to ligands from plant-derived food sources. This review highlights a novel perspective to consider various plant macro/micronutrients as prospective bioavailability enhancing ligands of three essential elements (Fe, Zn, and Ca). We also delineate the molecular mechanisms of the ligand-binding interactions underlying mineral bioaccessibility at the luminal level. We conclude that despite current understandings of some of the structure-activity relationships associated with strong mineral-ligand binding, the physiological links between ligands as element carriers and uptake at targeted sites throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract still require more research. The binding behavior of potential ligands in the human diet should be further elucidated and validated using pharmacokinetic approaches and GI models.

GmVTL1a is an iron transporter on the symbiosome membrane of soybean with an important role in nitrogen fixation

Legumes establish symbiotic relationships with soil bacteria (rhizobia), housed in nodules on roots. The plant supplies carbon substrates and other nutrients to the bacteria in exchange for fixed nitrogen. The exchange occurs across a plant-derived symbiosome membrane (SM), which encloses rhizobia to form a symbiosome. Iron supplied by the plant is crucial for rhizobial enzyme nitrogenase that catalyses nitrogen fixation, but the SM iron transporter has not been identified. We use yeast complementation, real-time PCR and proteomics to study putative soybean (Glycine max) iron transporters GmVTL1a and GmVTL1b and have characterized the role of GmVTL1a using complementation in plant mutants, hairy root transformation and microscopy. GmVTL1a and GmVTL1b are members of the vacuolar iron transporter family and homologous to Lotus japonicus SEN1 (LjSEN1), which is essential for nitrogen fixation. GmVTL1a expression is enhanced in nodule infected cells and both proteins are localized to the SM. GmVTL1a transports iron in yeast and restores nitrogen fixation when expressed in the Ljsen1 mutant. Three GmVTL1a amino acid substitutions that block nitrogen fixation in Ljsen1 plants reduce iron transport in yeast. We conclude GmVTL1a is responsible for transport of iron across the SM to bacteroids and plays a crucial role in the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis.

Ethylene promotes seed iron storage during Arabidopsis seed maturation via ERF95 transcription factor

Because Iron (Fe) is an essential element, Fe storage in plant seeds is necessary for seedling establishment following germination. However, the mechanisms controlling seed Fe storage during seed development remain largely unknown. Here we reveal that an ERF95 transcription factor regulates Arabidopsis seed Fe accumulation. We show that expression of ERF95 increases during seed maturation, and that lack of ERF95 reduces seed Fe accumulation, consequently increasing sensitivity to Fe deficiency during seedling establishment. Conversely, overexpression of ERF95 has the opposite effects. We show that lack of ERF95 decreases abundance of FER1 messenger RNA in developing seed, which encodes Fe-sequestering ferritin. Accordingly, a fer1-1 loss-of-function mutation confers reduced seed Fe accumulation, and suppresses ERF95-promoted seed Fe accumulation. In addition, ERF95 binds to specific FER1 promoter GCC-boxes and transactivates FER1 expression. We show that ERF95 expression in maturing seed is dependent on EIN3, the master transcriptional regulator of ethylene signaling. While lack of EIN3 reduces seed Fe content, overexpression of ERF95 rescues Fe accumulation in the seed of ein3 loss-of-function mutant. Finally, we show that ethylene production increases during seed maturation. We conclude that ethylene promotes seed Fe accumulation during seed maturation via an EIN3-ERF95-FER1-dependent signaling pathway.

Paspalum urvillei and Setaria parviflora, two grasses naturally adapted to extreme iron-rich environments

Paspalum urvillei and Setaria parviflora are two plant species naturally adapted to iron-rich environments such as around iron mines wastes. The aim of our work was to characterize how these two species cope with these extreme conditions by comparing them with related model species, Oryza sativa and Setaria viridis, that appeared to be much less tolerant to Fe excess. Both Paspalum urvillei and Setaria parviflora were able to limit the amount of Fe accumulated within roots and shoots, compared to the less tolerant species. Perls/DAB staining of Fe in root cross sections indicated that Paspalum urvillei and Setaria parviflora responded through the build-up of the iron plaque (IP), suggesting a role of this structure in the limitation of Fe uptake. Synchrotron μXRF analyses showed the presence of phosphorus, calcium, silicon and sulfur on IP of Paspalum urvillei roots and μXANES analyses identified Fe oxyhydroxide (ferrihydrite) as the main Fe form. Once within roots, high concentrations of Fe were localized in the cell walls and vacuoles of Paspalum urvillei, Setaria parviflora and O. sativa whereas Setaria viridis accumulated Fe in ferritins. The Fe forms translocated to the shoots of Setaria parviflora were identified as tri-iron complexes with citrate and malate. In leaves, all species accumulated Fe in the vacuoles of bundle sheath cells and as ferritin complexes in plastids. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that Paspalum urvillei and Setaria parviflora set up mechanisms of Fe exclusion in roots and shoots to limit the toxicity induced by Fe excess.

Handing off iron to the next generation: how does it get into seeds and what for?

To ensure the success of the new generation in annual species, the mother plant transfers a large proportion of the nutrients it has accumulated during its vegetative life to the next generation through its seeds. Iron (Fe) is required in large amounts to provide the energy and redox power to sustain seedling growth. However, free Fe is highly toxic as it leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species. Fe must, therefore, be tightly bound to chelating molecules to allow seed survival for long periods of time without oxidative damage. Nevertheless, when conditions are favorable, the seed's Fe stores have to be readily remobilized to achieve the transition toward active photosynthesis before the seedling becomes able to take up Fe from the environment. This is likely critical for the vigor of the young plant. Seeds constitute an important dietary source of Fe, which is essential for human health. Understanding the mechanisms of Fe storage in seeds is a key to improve their Fe content and availability in order to fight Fe deficiency. Seed longevity, germination efficiency and seedling vigor are also important traits that may be affected by the chemical form under which Fe is stored. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on seed Fe loading during development, long-term storage and remobilization upon germination. We highlight how this knowledge may help seed Fe biofortification and discuss how Fe storage may affect the seed quality and germination efficiency.

The multitasking abilities of MATE transporters in plants

As sessile organisms, plants constantly monitor environmental cues and respond appropriately to modulate their growth and development. Membrane transporters act as gatekeepers of the cell regulating both the inflow of useful materials as well as exudation of harmful substances. Members of the multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family of transporters are ubiquitously present in almost all forms of life including prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In bacteria, MATE proteins were originally characterized as efflux transporters conferring drug resistance. There are 58 MATE transporters in Arabidopsis thaliana, which are also known as DETOXIFICATION (DTX) proteins. In plants, these integral membrane proteins are involved in a diverse array of functions, encompassing secondary metabolite transport, xenobiotic detoxification, aluminium tolerance, and disease resistance. MATE proteins also regulate overall plant development by controlling phytohormone transport, tip growth processes, and senescence. While most of the functional characterizations of MATE proteins have been reported in Arabidopsis, recent reports suggest that their diverse roles extend to numerous other plant species. The wide array of functions exhibited by MATE proteins highlight their multitasking ability. In this review, we integrate information related to structure and functions of MATE transporters in plants. Since these transporters are central to mechanisms that allow plants to adapt to abiotic and biotic stresses, their study can potentially contribute to improving stress tolerance under changing climatic conditions.

Transcriptional integration of the responses to iron availability in Arabidopsis by the bHLH factor ILR3

Iron (Fe) homeostasis is crucial for all living organisms. In mammals, an integrated posttranscriptional mechanism couples the regulation of both Fe deficiency and Fe excess responses. Whether in plants an integrated control mechanism involving common players regulates responses both to deficiency and to excess is still to be determined. In this study, molecular, genetic and biochemical approaches were used to investigate transcriptional responses to both Fe deficiency and excess. A transcriptional activator of responses to Fe shortage in Arabidopsis, called bHLH105/ILR3, was found to also negatively regulate the expression of ferritin genes, which are markers of the plant's response to Fe excess. Further investigations revealed that ILR3 repressed the expression of several structural genes that function in the control of Fe homeostasis. ILR3 interacts directly with the promoter of its target genes, and repressive activity was conferred by its dimerisation with bHLH47/PYE. Last, this study highlighted that important facets of plant growth in response to Fe deficiency or excess rely on ILR3 activity. Altogether, the data presented herein support that ILR3 is at the centre of the transcriptional regulatory network that controls Fe homeostasis in Arabidopsis, in which it acts as both transcriptional activator and repressor.

MLO Differentially Regulates Barley Root Colonization by Beneficial Endophytic and Mycorrhizal Fungi

Loss-of-function alleles of MLO (Mildew Resistance Locus O) confer broad-spectrum resistance to foliar infections by powdery mildew pathogens. Like pathogens, microbes that establish mutually beneficial relationships with their plant hosts, trigger the induction of some defense responses. Initially, barley colonization by the root endophyte Serendipita indica (syn. Piriformospora indica) is associated with enhanced defense gene expression and the formation of papillae at sites of hyphal penetration attempts. This phenotype is reminiscent of mlo-conditioned immunity in barley leaf tissue and raises the question whether MLO plays a regulatory role in the establishment of beneficial interactions. Here we show that S. indica colonization was significantly reduced in plants carrying mlo mutations compared to wild type controls. The reduction in fungal biomass was associated with the enhanced formation of papillae. Moreover, epidermal cells of S. indica-treated mlo plants displayed an early accumulation of iron in the epidermal layer suggesting increased basal defense activation in the barley mutant background. Correspondingly, the induction of host cell death during later colonization stages was impaired in mlo colonized plants, highlighting the importance of the early biotrophic growth phase for S. indica root colonization. In contrast, the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Funneliformis mosseae displayed a similar colonization morphology on mutant and wild type plants. However, the frequency of mycorrhization and number of arbuscules was higher in mlo-5 mutants. These findings suggest that MLO differentially regulates root colonization by endophytic and AM fungi.

IRON MAN is a ubiquitous family of peptides that control iron transport in plants

Iron (Fe) is an essential mineral nutrient that severely affects the growth, yield and nutritional quality of plants if not supplied in sufficient quantities. Here, we report that a short C-terminal amino-acid sequence consensus motif (IRON MAN; IMA) conserved across numerous, highly diverse peptides in angiosperms is essential for Fe uptake in plants. Overexpression of the IMA sequence in Arabidopsis induced Fe uptake genes in roots, causing accumulation of Fe and manganese in all plant parts including seeds. Silencing of all eight IMA genes harboured in the Arabidopsis genome abolished Fe uptake and caused severe chlorosis; increasing the Fe supply or expressing IMA1 restored the wild-type phenotype. IMA1 is predominantly expressed in the phloem, preferentially in leaves, and reciprocal grafting showed that IMA1 peptides in shoots positively regulate Fe uptake in roots. IMA homologues are highly responsive to the Fe status and functional when heterologously expressed across species. IMA constitutes a novel family of peptides that are critical for the acquisition and cellular homeostasis of Fe across land plants.

Nanopriming with zero valent iron (nZVI) enhances germination and growth in aromatic rice cultivar (Oryza sativa cv. Gobindabhog L.)

Engineered nanoparticles are utilized in agriculture for various purposes. They can be used as fertilizer, carrier for macro/micro nutrients or priming agents. Various nanoparticles are reported to have toxicity at very high doses, but at optimum concentration, they can be beneficial for plant growth and development. In the present study, low concentrations of nZVI nanoparticles were evaluated for their growth enhancement potential as seed priming agent in an aromatic rice cultivar, Oryza sativa cv. Gobindabhog. Seeds were primed with different concentrations (10, 20, 40, 80, 160 mg L^-1) of nZVI and allowed to grow for 14 days. Seed germination and seedling growth were studied by assessing physiological, biochemical, and structural parameters at different time points. Maximum activities of hydrolytic and antioxidant enzymes, along with root dehydrogenase enzyme were observed in 20 mg L^-1 nZVI primed seeds. Priming with low doses of nZVI increased seedling vigour, as expressed by increased root and shoot length, biomass and photosynthetic pigment content. Our study also confirmed that after 14 days growth, the seedling showed absence of membrane damage, reduction in proline level and anti-oxidant enzyme activities. However, seedlings primed with 160 mg L^-1 nZVI suffered oxidative stress. SEM micrographs also revealed damage in root tissue at that concentration. AAS study confirmed uptake of nZVI by the rice plants as maximum level of iron was found in the plants treated with highest concentration (i.e. 160 mg L^-1 nZVI). Thus, nZVI at low concentrations can be considered as priming agent of rice seeds for increasing plant vigour.

The stage of seed development influences iron bioavailability in pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Pea seeds are widely consumed in their immature form, known as garden peas and petit pois, mostly after preservation by freezing or canning. Mature dry peas are rich in iron in the form of ferritin, but little is known about the content, form or bioavailability of iron in immature stages of seed development. Using specific antibodies and in-gel iron staining, we show that ferritin loaded with iron accumulated gradually during seed development. Immunolocalization and high-resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) revealed that iron-loaded ferritin was located at the surface of starch-containing plastids. Standard cooking procedures destabilized monomeric ferritin and the iron-loaded form. Iron uptake studies using Caco-2 cells showed that the iron in microwaved immature peas was more bioavailable than in boiled mature peas, despite similar levels of soluble iron in the digestates. By manipulating the levels of phytic acid in the digestates we demonstrate that phytic acid is the main inhibitor of iron uptake from mature peas in vitro. Taken together, our data show that immature peas and mature dry peas contain similar levels of ferritin-iron, which is destabilized during cooking. However, iron from immature peas is more bioavailable because of lower phytic acid levels compared to mature peas.

Iron Retention in Root Hemicelluloses Causes Genotypic Variability in the Tolerance to Iron Deficiency-Induced Chlorosis in Maize

Antagonistic interactions of phosphorus (P) hamper iron (Fe) acquisition by plants and can cause Fe deficiency-induced chlorosis. To determine the physiological processes underlying adverse Fe-P interactions, the maize lines B73 and Mo17, which differ in chlorosis susceptibility, were grown hydroponically at different Fe:P ratios. In the presence of P, Mo17 became more chlorotic than B73. The higher sensitivity of Mo17 to Fe deficiency was not related to Fe-P interactions in leaves but to lower Fe translocation to shoots, which coincided with a larger pool of Fe being fixed in the root apoplast of P-supplied Mo17 plants. Fractionating cell wall components from roots showed that most of the cell wall-contained P accumulated in pectin, whereas most of the Fe was bound to root hemicelluloses, revealing that co-precipitation of Fe and P in the apoplast was not responsible for Fe inactivation in roots. A negative correlation between chlorophyll index and hemicellulose-bound Fe in 85 inbred lines of the intermated maize B73 × Mo17 (IBM) population indicated that apoplastic Fe retention contributes to genotypic differences in chlorosis susceptibility of maize grown under low Fe supplies. Our study indicates that Fe retention in the hemicellulose fraction of roots is an important determinant in the tolerance to Fe deficiency-induced chlorosis of graminaceous plant species with low phytosiderophore release, like maize.

New insights into the cellular responses to iron nanoparticles in Capsicum annuum

In this study, the anatomical and ultrastructural responses of Capsicum annuum to iron nanoparticles (Fe NPs) were determined. The results showed that the bio-effects of Fe NPs on plants could be positive or negative, depending on the additive concentrations. Low concentrations of Fe NPs were found to promote plant growth. Light and electron microscope analyses showed that the Fe NPs promoted plant growth by altering the leaf organization, and increasing the chloroplast number and grana stacking, as well as regulating the development of vascular bundles. Meanwhile, it was found that the Fe NPs could be absorbed in the roots, and then transported to the central cylinder in bio-available forms, where they were translocated and utilized by the leaves and stems. In contrast, high concentrations of Fe NPs appeared to be harmful to the plants, and the majority of Fe NPs were aggregated into cell walls and transported via the apoplastic pathway in the roots, which may potentially block the transfer of iron nutrients. Taken together, the aforementioned data showed that the rational use of Fe NPs could alleviate iron deficiency, and Fe NPs could be an ideal supply for Fe²⁺ ions fertilizers in agriculture.

Arabidopsis thaliana plants challenged with uranium reveal new insights into iron and phosphate homeostasis

Uranium (U) is a naturally occurring radionuclide that is toxic to plants. It is known to interfere with phosphate nutrition and to modify the expression of iron (Fe)-responsive genes. The transporters involved in the uptake of U from the environment are unknown. Here, we addressed whether IRT1, a high-affinity Fe²⁺ transporter, could contribute to U uptake in Arabidopsis thaliana. An irt1 null mutant was grown hydroponically in different conditions of Fe bioavailability and phosphate supply, and challenged with uranyl. Several physiological parameters (fitness, photosynthesis) were measured to evaluate the response to U treatment. We found that IRT1 is not a major route for U uptake in our experimental conditions. However, the analysis of irt1 indicated that uranyl interferes with Fe and phosphate homeostasis at different levels. In phosphate-sufficient conditions, the absence of the cation chelator EDTA in the medium has drastic consequences on the physiology of irt1, with important symptoms of Fe deficiency in chloroplasts. These effects are counterbalanced by U, probably because the radionuclide competes with Fe for complexation with phosphate and thus releases active Fe for metabolic and biogenic processes. Our study reveals that challenging plants with U is useful to decipher the complex interplay between Fe and phosphate.

The Diverse Iron Distribution in Eudicotyledoneae Seeds: From Arabidopsis to Quinoa

Seeds accumulate iron during embryo maturation stages of embryogenesis. Using Arabidopsis thaliana as model plant, it has been described that mature embryos accumulate iron within a specific cell layer, the endodermis. This distribution pattern was conserved in most of the analyzed members from Brassicales, with the exception of the basal Vasconcellea pubescens that also showed elevated amounts of iron in cortex cells. To determine whether the V. pubescens iron distribution was indicative of a wider pattern in non-Brassicales Eudicotyledoneae, we studied iron distribution pattern in different embryos belonging to plant species from different Orders from Eudicotyledoneae and one basal from Magnoliidae. The results obtained indicate that iron distribution in A. thaliana embryo is an extreme case of apomorphic character found in Brassicales, not-extensive to the rest of Eudicotyledoneae.

A RhABF2/Ferritin module affects rose (Rosa hybrida) petal dehydration tolerance and senescence by modulating iron levels

Plants often develop the capacity to tolerate moderate and reversible environmental stresses, such as drought, and to re-establish normal development once the stress has been removed. An example of this phenomenon is provided by cut rose (Rosa hybrida) flowers, which experience typical reversible dehydration stresses during post-harvest handling after harvesting at the bud stages. The molecular mechanisms involved in rose flower dehydration tolerance are not known, however. Here, we characterized a dehydration- and abscisic acid (ABA)-induced ferritin gene (RhFer1). Dehydration-induced free ferrous iron (Fe²⁺ ) is preferentially sequestered by RhFer1 and not transported outside of the petal cells, to restrict oxidative stresses during dehydration. Free Fe²⁺ accumulation resulted in more serious oxidative stresses and the induction of genes encoding antioxidant enzyme in RhFer1-silenced petals, and poorer dehydration tolerance was observed compared with tobacco rattle virus (TRV) controls. We also determined that RhABF2, an AREB/ABF transcription factor involved in the ABA signaling pathway, can activate RhFer1 expression by directly binding to its promoter. The silencing of RhABF2 decreased dehydration tolerance and disrupted Fe homeostasis in rose petals during dehydration, as did the silencing of RhFer1. Although both RhFer1 and Fe transporter genes are induced during flower natural senescence in plants, the silencing of RhABF2 or RhFer1 accelerates the petal senescence processes. These results suggest that the regulatory module RhABF2/RhFer1 contributes to the maintenance of Fe levels and enhances dehydration tolerance through the action of RhFer1 locally sequestering free Fe²⁺ under dehydration conditions, and plays synergistic roles with transporter genes during flower senescence.

The Arabidopsis defensin gene, AtPDF1.1, mediates defence against Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum via an iron-withholding defence system

Plant defensins (PDFs) are cysteine-rich peptides that have a range of biological functions, including defence against fungal pathogens. However, little is known about their role in defence against bacteria. In this study, we showed that the protein encoded by ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA PLANT DEFENSIN TYPE 1.1 (AtPDF1.1) is a secreted protein that can chelate apoplastic iron. Transcripts of AtPDF1.1 were induced in both systemic non-infected leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana plants and those infected with the necrotrophic bacterium Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc). The expression levels of AtPDF1.1 with correct subcellular localization in transgenic A. thaliana plants were positively correlated with tolerance to Pcc, suggesting its involvement in the defence against this bacterium. Expression analysis of genes associated with iron homeostasis/deficiency and hormone signalling indicated that the increased sequestration of iron by apoplastic AtPDF1.1 overexpression perturbs iron homeostasis in leaves and consequently activates an iron-deficiency-mediated response in roots via the ethylene signalling pathway. This in turn triggers ethylene-mediated signalling in systemic leaves, which is involved in suppressing the infection of necrotrophic pathogens. These findings provide new insight into the key functions of plant defensins in limiting the infection by the necrotrophic bacterium Pcc via an iron-deficiency-mediated defence response.

Characterisation of the nicotianamine aminotransferase and deoxymugineic acid synthase genes essential to Strategy II iron uptake in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Iron (Fe) uptake in graminaceous plant species occurs via the release and uptake of Fe-chelating compounds known as mugineic acid family phytosiderophores (MAs). In the MAs biosynthetic pathway, nicotianamine aminotransferase (NAAT) and deoxymugineic acid synthase (DMAS) enzymes catalyse the formation of 2'-deoxymugineic acid (DMA) from nicotianamine (NA). Here we describe the identification and characterisation of six TaNAAT and three TaDMAS1 genes in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The coding sequences of all six TaNAAT homeologs consist of seven exons with ≥88.0% nucleotide sequence identity and most sequence variation present in the first exon. The coding sequences of the three TaDMAS1 homeologs consist of three exons with ≥97.8% nucleotide sequence identity. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the TaNAAT and TaDMAS1 proteins are most closely related to the HvNAAT and HvDMAS1 proteins of barley and that there are two distinct groups of TaNAAT proteins-TaNAAT1 and TaNAAT2 -that correspond to the HvNAATA and HvNAATB proteins, respectively. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis revealed that the TaNAAT2 genes are expressed at highest levels in anther tissues whilst the TaNAAT1 and TaDMAS1 genes are expressed at highest levels in root tissues of bread wheat. Furthermore, the TaNAAT1, TaNAAT2 and TaDMAS1 genes were differentially regulated by plant Fe status and their expression was significantly upregulated in root tissues from day five onwards during a seven-day Fe deficiency treatment. The identification and characterization of the TaNAAT1, TaNAAT2 and TaDMAS1 genes provides a valuable genetic resource for improving bread wheat growth on Fe deficient soils and enhancing grain Fe nutrition.

The SUFBC2 D complex is required for the biogenesis of all major classes of plastid Fe-S proteins

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) proteins play crucial roles in plastids, participating in photosynthesis and other metabolic pathways. Fe-S clusters are thought to be assembled on a scaffold complex composed of SUFB, SUFC and SUFD proteins. However, several additional proteins provide putative scaffold functions in plastids, and, therefore, the contribution of SUFB, C and D proteins to overall Fe-S assembly still remains unclear. In order to gain insights regarding Fe-S cluster biosynthesis in plastids, we analyzed the complex composed of SUFB, C and D in Arabidopsis by blue native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Using this approach, a major complex of 170 kDa containing all subunits was detected, indicating that these proteins constitute a SUFBC₂ D complex similar to their well characterized bacterial counterparts. The functional effects of SUFB, SUFC or SUFD depletion were analyzed using an inducible RNAi silencing system to specifically target the aforementioned components; resulting in a decrease of various plastidic Fe-S proteins including the PsaA/B and PsaC subunits of photosystem I, ferredoxin and glutamine oxoglutarate aminotransferase. In contrast, the knockout of potential Fe-S scaffold proteins, NFU2 and HCF101, resulted in a specific decrease in the PsaA/B and PsaC levels. These results indicate that the functions of SUFB, SUFC and SUFD for Fe-S cluster biosynthesis cannot be replaced by other scaffold proteins and that SUFBC₂ D, NFU2 and HCF101 are involved in the same pathway for the biogenesis of PSI. Taken together, our results provide in vivo evidence supporting the hypothesis that SUFBC₂ D is the major, and possibly sole scaffold in plastids.

Dynamic Subcellular Localization of Iron during Embryo Development in Brassicaceae Seeds

Iron is an essential micronutrient for plants. Little is know about how iron is loaded in embryo during seed development. In this article we used Perls/DAB staining in order to reveal iron localization at the cellular and subcellular levels in different Brassicaceae seed species. In dry seeds of Brassica napus, Nasturtium officinale, Lepidium sativum, Camelina sativa, and Brassica oleracea iron localizes in vacuoles of cells surrounding provasculature in cotyledons and hypocotyl. Using B. napus and N. officinale as model plants we determined where iron localizes during seed development. Our results indicate that iron is not detectable by Perls/DAB staining in heart stage embryo cells. Interestingly, at torpedo development stage iron localizes in nuclei of different cells type, including integument, free cell endosperm and almost all embryo cells. Later, iron is detected in cytoplasmic structures in different embryo cell types. Our results indicate that iron accumulates in nuclei in specific stages of embryo maturation before to be localized in vacuoles of cells surrounding provasculature in mature seeds.

Identification and molecular characterization of the nicotianamine synthase gene family in bread wheat

Nicotianamine (NA) is a non-protein amino acid involved in fundamental aspects of metal uptake, transport and homeostasis in all plants and constitutes the biosynthetic precursor of mugineic acid family phytosiderophores (MAs) in graminaceous plant species. Nicotianamine synthase (NAS) genes, which encode enzymes that synthesize NA from S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), are differentially regulated by iron (Fe) status in most plant species and plant genomes have been found to contain anywhere from 1 to 9 NAS genes. This study describes the identification of 21 NAS genes in the hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genome and their phylogenetic classification into two distinct clades. The TaNAS genes are highly expressed during germination, seedling growth and reproductive development. Fourteen of the clade I NAS genes were up-regulated in root tissues under conditions of Fe deficiency. Protein sequence analyses revealed the presence of endocytosis motifs in all of the wheat NAS proteins as well as chloroplast, mitochondrial and secretory transit peptide signals in four proteins. These results greatly expand our knowledge of NAS gene families in graminaceous plant species as well as the genetics underlying Fe nutrition in bread wheat.

Effect of tris(3-hydroxy-4-pyridinonate) iron(III) complexes on iron uptake and storage in soybean (Glycine max L.)

Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) is a serious environmental problem affecting the growth of several crops in the world. The application of synthetic Fe(III) chelates is still one of the most common measures to correct IDC and the search for more effective Fe chelates remains an important issue. Herein, we propose a tris(3-hydroxy-4-pyridinonate) iron(III) complex, Fe(mpp)3, as an IDC corrector. Different morphological, biochemical and molecular parameters were assessed as a first step towards understanding its mode of action, compared with that of the commercial fertilizer FeEDDHA. Plants treated with the pyridinone iron(III) complexes were significantly greener and had increased biomass. The total Fe content was measured using ICP-OES and plants treated with pyridinone complexes accumulated about 50% more Fe than those treated with the commercial chelate. In particular, plants supplied with compound Fe(mpp)3 were able to translocate iron from the roots to the shoots and did not elicit the expression of the Fe-stress related genes FRO2 and IRT1. These results suggest that 3,4-HPO iron(III) chelates could be a potential new class of plant fertilizing agents.

Combining -Omics to Unravel the Impact of Copper Nutrition on Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Stem Metabolism

Copper can be found in the environment at concentrations ranging from a shortage up to the threshold of toxicity for plants, with optimal growth conditions situated in between. The plant stem plays a central role in transferring and distributing minerals, water and other solutes throughout the plant. In this study, alfalfa is exposed to different levels of copper availability, from deficiency to slight excess, and the impact on the metabolism of the stem is assessed by a non-targeted proteomics study and by the expression analysis of key genes controlling plant stem development. Under copper deficiency, the plant stem accumulates specific copper chaperones, the expression of genes involved in stem development is decreased and the concentrations of zinc and molybdenum are increased in comparison with the optimum copper level. At the optimal copper level, the expression of cell wall-related genes increases and proteins playing a role in cell wall deposition and in methionine metabolism accumulate, whereas copper excess imposes a reduction in the concentration of iron in the stem and a reduced abundance of ferritins. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analysis suggests a role for the apoplasm as a copper storage site in the case of copper toxicity.