A Combinatorial Reporter Set to Visualize the Membrane Contact Sites Between Endoplasmic Reticulum and Other Organelles in Plant Cell

ER-associated VAP27-1 and VAP27-3 proteins functionally link the lipid-binding ORP2A at the ER-chloroplast contact sites

The plant endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contacts heterotypic membranes at membrane contact sites (MCSs) through largely undefined mechanisms. For instance, despite the well-established and essential role of the plant ER-chloroplast interactions for lipid biosynthesis, and the reported existence of physical contacts between these organelles, almost nothing is known about the ER-chloroplast MCS identity. Here we show that the Arabidopsis ER membrane-associated VAP27 proteins and the lipid-binding protein ORP2A define a functional complex at the ER-chloroplast MCSs. Specifically, through in vivo and in vitro association assays, we found that VAP27 proteins interact with the outer envelope membrane (OEM) of chloroplasts, where they bind to ORP2A. Through lipidomic analyses, we established that VAP27 proteins and ORP2A directly interact with the chloroplast OEM monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), and we demonstrated that the loss of the VAP27-ORP2A complex is accompanied by subtle changes in the acyl composition of MGDG and PG. We also found that ORP2A interacts with phytosterols and established that the loss of the VAP27-ORP2A complex alters sterol levels in chloroplasts. We propose that, by interacting directly with OEM lipids, the VAP27-ORP2A complex defines plant-unique MCSs that bridge ER and chloroplasts and are involved in chloroplast lipid homeostasis.

A century journey of organelles research in the plant endomembrane system

We are entering an exciting century in the study of the plant organelles in the endomembrane system. Over the past century, especially within the past 50 years, tremendous advancements have been made in the complex plant cell to generate a much clearer and informative picture of plant organelles, including the molecular/morphological features, dynamic/spatial behavior, and physiological functions. Importantly, all these discoveries and achievements in the identification and characterization of organelles in the endomembrane system would not have been possible without: (1) the innovations and timely applications of various state-of-art cell biology tools and technologies for organelle biology research; (2) the continuous efforts in developing and characterizing new organelle markers by the plant biology community; and (3) the landmark studies on the identification and characterization of the elusive organelles. While molecular aspects and results for individual organelles have been extensively reviewed, the development of the techniques for organelle research in plant cell biology is less appreciated. As one of the ASPB Centennial Reviews on "organelle biology," here we aim to take a journey across a century of organelle biology research in plants by highlighting the important tools (or landmark technologies) and key scientists that contributed to visualize organelles. We then highlight the landmark studies leading to the identification and characterization of individual organelles in the plant endomembrane systems.

Lipid peroxidation and stress-induced signalling molecules in systemic resistance mediated by azelaic acid/AZELAIC ACID INDUCED1: signal initiation and propagation

Systemic acquired resistance protects plants against a broad spectrum of secondary infections by pathogens. A crucial compound involved in the systemic spread of the threat information after primary pathogen infection is the C9 oxylipin azelaic acid (AZA), a breakdown product of unsaturated C18 fatty acids. AZA is generated during lipid peroxidation in the plastids and accumulates in response to various abiotic and biotic stresses. AZA stimulates the expression of AZELAIC ACID INDUCED1 (AZI1), and a pool of AZI1 accumulates in the plastid envelope in association with AZA. AZA and AZI1 utilize the symplastic pathway to travel through the plasmodesmata to neighbouring cells to induce systemic stress resistance responses in distal tissues. Here, we describe the synthesis, travel and function of AZA and AZI1 and discuss open questions of signal initiation and propagation.

Plastid Transient and Stable Interactions with Other Cell Compartments

Plastids are organelles delineated by two envelopes playing important roles in different cellular processes such as energy production or lipid biosynthesis. To regulate their biogenesis and their function, plastids have to communicate with other cellular compartments. This communication can be mediated by metabolites, signaling molecules, and by the establishment of direct contacts between the plastid envelope and other organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, peroxisomes, plasma membrane, and the nucleus. These interactions are highly dynamic and respond to different biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the mechanisms involved in the formation of plastid-organelle contact sites and their functions are still far from being understood. In this chapter, we summarize our current knowledge about plastid contact sites and their role in the regulation of plastid biogenesis and function.

Membrane contacts with the endoplasmic reticulum modulate plastid morphology and behaviour

Plastid behaviour often occurs in tandem with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dynamics. In order to understand the underlying basis for such linked behaviour we have used time-lapse imaging-based analysis of plastid movement and pleomorphy, including the extension and retraction of stromules. Stable transgenic plants that simultaneously express fluorescent fusion proteins targeted to the plastid stroma, and the ER along with BnCLIP1-eGFP, an independent plastid envelope localized membrane contact site (MCS) marker were utilized. Our experiments strongly suggest that transient MCS formed between the plastid envelope and the ER are responsible for their concomitant behaviour.

Endoplasmic reticulum membrane contact sites: cross-talk between membrane-bound organelles in plant cells

Eukaryotic cells contain organelles surrounded by monolayer or bilayer membranes. Organelles take part in highly dynamic and organized interactions at membrane contact sites, which play vital roles during development and response to stress. The endoplasmic reticulum extends throughout the cell and acts as an architectural scaffold to maintain the spatial distribution of other membrane-bound organelles. In this review, we highlight the structural organization, dynamics, and physiological functions of membrane contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum and various membrane-bound organelles, especially recent advances in plants. We briefly introduce how the combined use of dynamic and static imaging techniques can enable monitoring of the cross-talk between organelles via membrane contact sites. Finally, we discuss future directions for research fields related to membrane contact.

Arabidopsis Sec14 proteins (SFH5 and SFH7) mediate interorganelle transport of phosphatidic acid and regulate chloroplast development

Lipids establish the specialized thylakoid membrane of chloroplast in eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms, while the molecular basis of lipid transfer from other organelles to chloroplast remains further elucidation. Here we revealed the structural basis of Arabidopsis Sec14 homology proteins AtSFH5 and AtSFH7 in transferring phosphatidic acid (PA) from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to chloroplast, and whose function in regulating the lipid composition of chloroplast and thylakoid development. AtSFH5 and AtSFH7 localize at both ER and chloroplast, whose deficiency resulted in an abnormal chloroplast structure and a decreased thickness of stacked thylakoid membranes. We demonstrated that AtSFH5, but not yeast and human Sec14 proteins, could specifically recognize and transfer PA in vitro. Crystal structures of the AtSFH5-Sec14 domain in complex with L-α-phosphatidic acid (L-α-PA) and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate (DPPA) revealed that two PA ligands nestled in the central cavity with different configurations, elucidating the specific binding mode of PA to AtSFH5, different from the reported phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)/phosphatidylcholine (PC)/phosphatidylinositol (PI) binding modes. Quantitative lipidomic analysis of chloroplast lipids showed that PA and monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), particularly the C18 fatty acids at sn-2 position in MGDG were significantly decreased, indicating a disrupted ER-to-plastid (chloroplast) lipid transfer, under deficiency of AtSFH5 and AtSFH7. Our studies identified the role and elucidated the structural basis of plant SFH proteins in transferring PA between organelles, and suggested a model for ER-chloroplast interorganelle phospholipid transport from inherent ER to chloroplast derived from endosymbiosis of a cyanobacteriumproviding a mechanism involved in the adaptive evolution of cellular plastids.

Live-cell imaging of the chloroplast outer envelope membrane using fluorescent dyes

Chloroplasts are organelles composed of sub-organellar compartments-stroma, thylakoids, and starch granules-and are surrounded by outer and inner envelope membranes (OEM and IEM, respectively). The chloroplast OEM and IEM play key roles not only as a barrier separating the chloroplast components from the cytosol but also in the interchange of numerous metabolites and proteins between the chloroplast interior and the cytosol. Fluorescent protein markers for the chloroplast OEM have been widely used to visualize the outermost border of chloroplasts. However, the use of marker proteins requires an established cellular genetic transformation method, which limits the plant species in which marker proteins can be used. Moreover, the high accumulation of OEM marker proteins often elicits abnormal morphological phenotypes of the OEM. Because the OEM can currently only be visualized using exogenous marker proteins, the behaviors of the chloroplast and/or its OEM remain unknown in wild-type cells of various plant species. Here, we visualized the OEM using live-cell staining with the fluorescent dyes rhodamine B and Nile red in several plant species, including crops. We propose rhodamine B and Nile red as new tools for visualizing the chloroplast OEM in living plant cells that do not require genetic transformation.

Significance Statement

We established a live-cell imaging method to visualize the chloroplast outer envelope membrane by staining living cells with fluorescent dyes. This method does not require genetic transformation and allows the observation of the chloroplast outer envelope membrane in various plant species.

Friend or foe: Hybrid proline-rich proteins determine how plants respond to beneficial and pathogenic microbes

Plant plastids generate signals, including some derived from lipids, that need to be mobilized to effect signaling. We used informatics to discover potential plastid membrane proteins involved in microbial responses in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Among these are proteins co-regulated with the systemic immunity component AZELAIC ACID INDUCED 1, a hybrid proline-rich protein (HyPRP), and HyPRP superfamily members. HyPRPs have a transmembrane domain, a proline-rich region (PRR), and a lipid transfer protein domain. The precise subcellular location(s) and function(s) are unknown for most HyPRP family members. As predicted by informatics, a subset of HyPRPs has a pool of proteins that target plastid outer envelope membranes via a mechanism that requires the PRR. Additionally, two HyPRPs may be associated with thylakoid membranes. Most of the plastid- and nonplastid-localized family members also have pools that localize to the endoplasmic reticulum, plasma membrane, or plasmodesmata. HyPRPs with plastid pools regulate, positively or negatively, systemic immunity against the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. HyPRPs also regulate the interaction with the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria Pseudomonas simiae WCS417 in the roots to influence colonization, root system architecture, and/or biomass. Thus, HyPRPs have broad and distinct roles in immunity, development, and growth responses to microbes and reside at sites that may facilitate signal molecule transport.

MLKs kinases phosphorylate the ESCRT component FREE1 to suppress abscisic acid sensitivity of seedling establishment

The FYVE domain protein required for endosomal sorting 1 (FREE1), which was previously identified as a plant-specific component of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport machinery, plays an essential role in endosomal trafficking. Moreover, FREE1 also functions as an important negative regulator in abscisic acid (ABA) signalling. Multiple phosphorylations and ubiquitination sites have been identified in FREE1, hence unveiling the factors involved in posttranslational regulation of FREE1 is critical for comprehensively understanding FREE1-related regulatory networks during plant growth. Here, we demonstrate that plant-specific casein kinase I members MUT9-like kinases 1-4 (MLKs 1-4)/Arabidopsis EL1-like 1-4 interact with and phosphorylate FREE1 at serine residue S582, thereby modulating the nuclear accumulation of FREE1. Consequently, mutation of S582 to non-phosphorylable residue results in reduced nuclear localization of FREE1 and enhanced ABA response. In addition, mlk123 and mlk134 triple mutants accumulate less FREE1 in the nucleus and display hypersensitive responses to ABA treatment, whereas overexpression of the nuclear-localized FREE1 can restore the ABA sensitivity of seedling establishment in mlks triple mutants. Collectively, our study demonstrates a previously unidentified function of MLKs in attenuating ABA signalling in the nucleus by regulating the phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of FREE1.

Membrane contact sites and cytoskeleton-membrane interactions in autophagy

In Eukaryotes, organelle interactions occur at specialised contact sites between organelle membranes. Contact sites are regulated by specialised tethering proteins, which bring organelle membranes into close proximity, and facilitate functional crosstalk between compartments. While contact site proteins are well characterised in mammals and yeast, the regulators of plant contact site formation are only now beginning to emerge. Having unique subcellular structures, plants must also utilise unique mechanisms of organelle interaction to regulate plant‐specific functions. The recently characterised NETWORKED proteins are the first dedicated family of plant‐specific contact site proteins. Research into the NET proteins and their interacting partners continues to uncover plant‐specific mechanisms of organelle interaction and the importance of these organelle contacts to plant life. Moreover, it is becoming increasingly apparent that organelle interactions are fundamental to autophagy in plants. Here, we will present recent developments in our understanding of the mechanisms of plant organelle interactions, their functions, and emerging roles in autophagy.

Host casein kinase 1-mediated phosphorylation modulates phase separation of a rhabdovirus phosphoprotein and virus infection

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) plays important roles in forming cellular membraneless organelles. However, how host factors regulate LLPS of viral proteins during negative-sense RNA (NSR) virus infection is largely unknown. Here, we used barley yellow striate mosaic virus (BYSMV) as a model to demonstrate regulation of host casein kinase 1 (CK1) in phase separation and infection of NSR viruses. We first found that the BYSMV phosphoprotein (P) formed spherical granules with liquid properties and recruited viral nucleotide (N) and polymerase (L) proteins in vivo. Moreover, the P-formed granules were tethered to the ER/actin network for trafficking and fusion. BYSMV P alone formed droplets and incorporated the N protein and the 5′ trailer of genomic RNA in vitro. Interestingly, phase separation of BYSMV P was inhibited by host CK1-dependent phosphorylation of an intrinsically disordered P protein region. Genetic assays demonstrated that the unphosphorylated mutant of BYSMV P exhibited condensed phase, which promoted viroplasm formation and virus replication. Whereas, the phosphorylation-mimic mutant existed in diffuse phase state for virus transcription. Collectively, our results demonstrate that host CK1 modulates phase separation of the viral P protein and virus infection.

A glossary of plant cell structures: Current insights and future questions

In this glossary of plant cell structures, we asked experts to summarize a present-day view of plant organelles and structures, including a discussion of outstanding questions. In the following short reviews, the authors discuss the complexities of the plant cell endomembrane system, exciting connections between organelles, novel insights into peroxisome structure and function, dynamics of mitochondria, and the mysteries that need to be unlocked from the plant cell wall. These discussions are focused through a lens of new microscopy techniques. Advanced imaging has uncovered unexpected shapes, dynamics, and intricate membrane formations. With a continued focus in the next decade, these imaging modalities coupled with functional studies are sure to begin to unravel mysteries of the plant cell.

Thioredoxin h2 and o1 Show Different Subcellular Localizations and Redox-Active Functions, and Are Extrachloroplastic Factors Influencing Photosynthetic Performance in Fluctuating Light

Arabidopsis contains eight different h-type thioredoxins (Trx) being distributed in different cell organelles. Although Trx h2 is deemed to be confined to mitochondria, its subcellular localization and function are discussed controversially. Here, cell fractionation studies were used to clarify this question, showing Trx h2 protein to be exclusively localized in microsomes rather than mitochondria. Furthermore, Arabidopsis trxo1, trxh2 and trxo1h2 mutants were analyzed to compare the role of Trx h2 with mitochondrial Trx o1. Under medium light, trxo1 and trxo1h2 showed impaired growth, while trxh2 was similar to wild type. In line with this, trxo1 and trxo1h2 clustered differently from wild type with respect to nocturnal metabolite profiles, revealing a decrease in ascorbate and glutathione redox states. Under fluctuating light, these genotypic differences were attenuated. Instead, the trxo1h2 double mutant showed an improved NADPH redox balance, compared to wild type, accompanied by increased photosynthetic efficiency, specifically in the high-light phases. Conclusively, Trx h2 and Trx o1 are differentially localized in microsomes and mitochondria, respectively, which is associated with different redox-active functions and effects on plant growth in constant light, while there is a joint role of both Trxs in regulating NADPH redox balance and photosynthetic performance in fluctuating light.

The Role of Tetrapyrrole- and GUN1-Dependent Signaling on Chloroplast Biogenesis

Chloroplast biogenesis requires the coordinated expression of the chloroplast and nuclear genomes, which is achieved by communication between the developing chloroplasts and the nucleus. Signals emitted from the plastids, so-called retrograde signals, control nuclear gene expression depending on plastid development and functionality. Genetic analysis of this pathway identified a set of mutants defective in retrograde signaling and designated genomes uncoupled (gun) mutants. Subsequent research has pointed to a significant role of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis in retrograde signaling. Meanwhile, the molecular functions of GUN1, the proposed integrator of multiple retrograde signals, have not been identified yet. However, based on the interactions of GUN1, some working hypotheses have been proposed. Interestingly, GUN1 contributes to important biological processes, including plastid protein homeostasis, through transcription, translation, and protein import. Furthermore, the interactions of GUN1 with tetrapyrroles and their biosynthetic enzymes have been revealed. This review focuses on our current understanding of the function of tetrapyrrole retrograde signaling on chloroplast biogenesis.