1
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Ebadi M, Bafort Q, Mizrachi E, Audenaert P, Simoens P, Van Montagu M, Bonte D, Van de Peer Y. The duplication of genomes and genetic networks and its potential for evolutionary adaptation and survival during environmental turmoil. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2307289120. [PMID: 37788315 PMCID: PMC10576144 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307289120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of whole-genome duplication (WGD) for evolution is controversial. Whereas some view WGD mainly as detrimental and an evolutionary dead end, there is growing evidence that polyploidization can help overcome environmental change, stressful conditions, or periods of extinction. However, despite much research, the mechanistic underpinnings of why and how polyploids might be able to outcompete or outlive nonpolyploids at times of environmental upheaval remain elusive, especially for autopolyploids, in which heterosis effects are limited. On the longer term, WGD might increase both mutational and environmental robustness due to redundancy and increased genetic variation, but on the short-or even immediate-term, selective advantages of WGDs are harder to explain. Here, by duplicating artificially generated Gene Regulatory Networks (GRNs), we show that duplicated GRNs-and thus duplicated genomes-show higher signal output variation than nonduplicated GRNs. This increased variation leads to niche expansion and can provide polyploid populations with substantial advantages to survive environmental turmoil. In contrast, under stable environments, GRNs might be maladaptive to changes, a phenomenon that is exacerbated in duplicated GRNs. We believe that these results provide insights into how genome duplication and (auto)polyploidy might help organisms to adapt quickly to novel conditions and to survive ecological uproar or even cataclysmic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrshad Ebadi
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Gent9052, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Gent9052, Belgium
| | - Quinten Bafort
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Gent9052, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Gent9052, Belgium
| | - Eshchar Mizrachi
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria0028, South Africa
| | - Pieter Audenaert
- Department of Information Technology–IDLab, Ghent University-IMEC, Gent9052, Belgium
| | - Pieter Simoens
- Department of Information Technology–IDLab, Ghent University-IMEC, Gent9052, Belgium
| | - Marc Van Montagu
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Gent9052, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Gent9052, Belgium
| | - Dries Bonte
- Department of Biology, Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent9000, Belgium
| | - Yves Van de Peer
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Gent9052, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Gent9052, Belgium
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria0028, South Africa
- College of Horticulture, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing210095, China
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2
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Stael S, Sabljić I, Audenaert D, Andersson T, Tsiatsiani L, Kumpf RP, Vidal-Albalat A, Lindgren C, Vercammen D, Jacques S, Nguyen L, Njo M, Fernández-Fernández ÁD, Beunens T, Timmerman E, Gevaert K, Van Montagu M, Ståhlberg J, Bozhkov PV, Linusson A, Beeckman T, Van Breusegem F. Structure-function study of a Ca 2+-independent metacaspase involved in lateral root emergence. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2303480120. [PMID: 37216519 PMCID: PMC10235996 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2303480120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Metacaspases are part of an evolutionarily broad family of multifunctional cysteine proteases, involved in disease and normal development. As the structure-function relationship of metacaspases remains poorly understood, we solved the X-ray crystal structure of an Arabidopsis thaliana type II metacaspase (AtMCA-IIf) belonging to a particular subgroup not requiring calcium ions for activation. To study metacaspase activity in plants, we developed an in vitro chemical screen to identify small molecule metacaspase inhibitors and found several hits with a minimal thioxodihydropyrimidine-dione structure, of which some are specific AtMCA-IIf inhibitors. We provide mechanistic insight into the basis of inhibition by the TDP-containing compounds through molecular docking onto the AtMCA-IIf crystal structure. Finally, a TDP-containing compound (TDP6) effectively hampered lateral root emergence in vivo, probably through inhibition of metacaspases specifically expressed in the endodermal cells overlying developing lateral root primordia. In the future, the small compound inhibitors and crystal structure of AtMCA-IIf can be used to study metacaspases in other species, such as important human pathogens, including those causing neglected diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Stael
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University,9052Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, 75007Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Igor Sabljić
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, 75007Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dominique Audenaert
- VIB Screening Core, VIB,9052Ghent, Belgium
- Centre for Bioassay Development and Screening, Ghent University,9000Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Liana Tsiatsiani
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University,9052Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Dominique Vercammen
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University,9052Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052Ghent, Belgium
| | - Silke Jacques
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University,9052Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052Ghent, Belgium
| | - Long Nguyen
- VIB Screening Core, VIB,9052Ghent, Belgium
- Centre for Bioassay Development and Screening, Ghent University,9000Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maria Njo
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University,9052Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052Ghent, Belgium
| | - Álvaro D. Fernández-Fernández
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University,9052Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tine Beunens
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University,9052Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052Ghent, Belgium
| | - Evy Timmerman
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University,9052Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Gevaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University,9052Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marc Van Montagu
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University,9052Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jerry Ståhlberg
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, 75007Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter V. Bozhkov
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, 75007Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Linusson
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University,90187Umeå, Sweden
| | - Tom Beeckman
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University,9052Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank Van Breusegem
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University,9052Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052Ghent, Belgium
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3
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De Saeger J, Park J, Chung HS, Hernalsteens JP, Van Lijsebettens M, Inzé D, Van Montagu M, Depuydt S. Agrobacterium strains and strain improvement: Present and outlook. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 53:107677. [PMID: 33290822 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Almost 40 years ago the first transgenic plant was generated through Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, which, until now, remains the method of choice for gene delivery into plants. Ever since, optimized Agrobacterium strains have been developed with additional (genetic) modifications that were mostly aimed at enhancing the transformation efficiency, although an optimized strain also exists that reduces unwanted plasmid recombination. As a result, a collection of very useful strains has been created to transform a wide variety of plant species, but has also led to a confusing Agrobacterium strain nomenclature. The latter is often misleading for choosing the best-suited strain for one's transformation purposes. To overcome this issue, we provide a complete overview of the strain classification. We also indicate different strain modifications and their purposes, as well as the obtained results with regard to the transformation process sensu largo. Furthermore, we propose additional improvements of the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation process and consider several worthwhile modifications, for instance, by circumventing a defense response in planta. In this regard, we will discuss pattern-triggered immunity, pathogen-associated molecular pattern detection, hormone homeostasis and signaling, and reactive oxygen species in relationship to Agrobacterium transformation. We will also explore alterations that increase agrobacterial transformation efficiency, reduce plasmid recombination, and improve biocontainment. Finally, we recommend the use of a modular system to best utilize the available knowledge for successful plant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas De Saeger
- Laboratory of Plant Growth Analysis, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon 406-840, South Korea; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jihae Park
- Laboratory of Plant Growth Analysis, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon 406-840, South Korea; Department of Marine Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 406-840, South Korea
| | - Hoo Sun Chung
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Mieke Van Lijsebettens
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dirk Inzé
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marc Van Montagu
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stephen Depuydt
- Laboratory of Plant Growth Analysis, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon 406-840, South Korea; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
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4
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Van Der Straeten D, Bhullar NK, De Steur H, Gruissem W, MacKenzie D, Pfeiffer W, Qaim M, Slamet-Loedin I, Strobbe S, Tohme J, Trijatmiko KR, Vanderschuren H, Van Montagu M, Zhang C, Bouis H. Multiplying the efficiency and impact of biofortification through metabolic engineering. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5203. [PMID: 33060603 PMCID: PMC7567076 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19020-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ending all forms of hunger by 2030, as set forward in the UN-Sustainable Development Goal 2 (UN-SDG2), is a daunting but essential task, given the limited timeline ahead and the negative global health and socio-economic impact of hunger. Malnutrition or hidden hunger due to micronutrient deficiencies affects about one third of the world population and severely jeopardizes economic development. Staple crop biofortification through gene stacking, using a rational combination of conventional breeding and metabolic engineering strategies, should enable a leap forward within the coming decade. A number of specific actions and policy interventions are proposed to reach this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Van Der Straeten
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Navreet K Bhullar
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hans De Steur
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wilhelm Gruissem
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
- Advanced Plant Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Matin Qaim
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, University of Goettingen, Platz der Goettinger Sieben 5, 37073, Goettingen, Germany
| | | | - Simon Strobbe
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joe Tohme
- International Center for Tropical Agriculture, CIAT, Cali, Colombia
| | | | - Hervé Vanderschuren
- Tropical Crop Improvement Lab, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
- Plant Genetics, TERRA Teaching and Research Center, Gembloux Agro-Biotech, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Marc Van Montagu
- International Plant Biotechnology Outreach, B-9052, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Chunyi Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Howarth Bouis
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA.
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5
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Jardim-Messeder D, da Franca Silva T, Fonseca JP, Junior JN, Barzilai L, Felix-Cordeiro T, Pereira JC, Rodrigues-Ferreira C, Bastos I, da Silva TC, de Abreu Waldow V, Cassol D, Pereira W, Flausino B, Carniel A, Faria J, Moraes T, Cruz FP, Loh R, Van Montagu M, Loureiro ME, de Souza SR, Mangeon A, Sachetto-Martins G. Identification of genes from the general phenylpropanoid and monolignol-specific metabolism in two sugarcane lignin-contrasting genotypes. Mol Genet Genomics 2020; 295:717-739. [PMID: 32124034 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-020-01653-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The phenylpropanoid pathway is an important route of secondary metabolism involved in the synthesis of different phenolic compounds such as phenylpropenes, anthocyanins, stilbenoids, flavonoids, and monolignols. The flux toward monolignol biosynthesis through the phenylpropanoid pathway is controlled by specific genes from at least ten families. Lignin polymer is one of the major components of the plant cell wall and is mainly responsible for recalcitrance to saccharification in ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass. Here, we identified and characterized sugarcane candidate genes from the general phenylpropanoid and monolignol-specific metabolism through a search of the sugarcane EST databases, phylogenetic analysis, a search for conserved amino acid residues important for enzymatic function, and analysis of expression patterns during culm development in two lignin-contrasting genotypes. Of these genes, 15 were cloned and, when available, their loci were identified using the recently released sugarcane genomes from Saccharum hybrid R570 and Saccharum spontaneum cultivars. Our analysis points out that ShPAL1, ShPAL2, ShC4H4, Sh4CL1, ShHCT1, ShC3H1, ShC3H2, ShCCoAOMT1, ShCOMT1, ShF5H1, ShCCR1, ShCAD2, and ShCAD7 are strong candidates to be bona fide lignin biosynthesis genes. Together, the results provide information about the candidate genes involved in monolignol biosynthesis in sugarcane and may provide useful information for further molecular genetic studies in sugarcane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Jardim-Messeder
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tatiane da Franca Silva
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Departamento de Biotecnologia, Escola de Engenharia de Lorena, Universidade de São Paulo, Lorena, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Pedro Fonseca
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Nicomedes Junior
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello, Gerência de Biotecnologia, CENPES, Petrobras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucia Barzilai
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thais Felix-Cordeiro
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joyce Carvalho Pereira
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Clara Rodrigues-Ferreira
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabela Bastos
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vinicius de Abreu Waldow
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello, Gerência de Biotecnologia, CENPES, Petrobras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniela Cassol
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Willian Pereira
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruno Flausino
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adriano Carniel
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello, Gerência de Biotecnologia, CENPES, Petrobras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jessica Faria
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thamirys Moraes
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernanda P Cruz
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Roberta Loh
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marc Van Montagu
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology Outreach, Gent University, Technologiepark 3, Zwijnaarde, 9052, Gent, Belgium
| | - Marcelo Ehlers Loureiro
- Laboratório de Fisiologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sonia Regina de Souza
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Amanda Mangeon
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Gilberto Sachetto-Martins
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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6
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Abstract
This paper draws on the importance of science-based agriculture in order to throw light on the way scientific achievements are at the basis of modern civilization. An overview of literature on plant biotechnology innovations and the need to steer agriculture towards sustainability introduces a series of perspectives on how plant biotech can contribute to the major challenge of feeding our super population with enough nutritious food without further compromise of the environment. The paper argues that science alone will not solve problems. Three major forces - science, the economy and society - shape our modern world. There is a need for a new social contract to harmonize these forces. The deployment of the technologies must be done on the basis of ethical and moral values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Van Montagu
- VIB-International Plant Biotechnology Outreach, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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7
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Lambein F, Travella S, Kuo YH, Van Montagu M, Heijde M. Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.): orphan crop, nutraceutical or just plain food? Planta 2019; 250:821-838. [PMID: 30719530 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-018-03084-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Although grass pea is an environmentally successful robust legume with major traits of interest for food and nutrition security, the genetic potential of this orphan crop has long been neglected. Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a Neolithic plant that has survived millennia of cultivation and has spread over three continents. It is a robust legume crop that is considered one of the most resilient to climate changes and to be survival food during drought-triggered famines. The hardy penetrating root system allows the cultivation of grass pea in various soil types, including marginal ones. As an efficient nitrogen fixer, it meets its own nitrogen requirements and positively benefits subsequent crops. However, already in ancient India and Greece, overconsumption of the seeds and a crippling neurological disorder, later coined neurolathyrism, had been linked. Overemphasis of their suspected toxic properties has led to disregard the plant's exceptionally positive agronomic properties and dietary advantages. In normal socio-economic and environmental situations, in which grass pea is part of a balanced diet, neurolathyrism is virtually non-existent. The etiology of neurolathyrism has been oversimplified and the deficiency in methionine in the diet has been overlooked. In view of the global climate change, this very adaptable and nutritious orphan crop deserves more attention. Grass pea can become a wonder crop if the double stigma on its reputation as a toxic plant and as food of the poor can be disregarded. Additionally, recent research has exposed the potential of grass pea as a health-promoting nutraceutical. Development of varieties with an improved balance in essential amino acids and diet may be relevant to enhance the nutritional value without jeopardizing the multiple stress tolerance of this promising crop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernand Lambein
- International Plant Biotechnology Outreach, VIB, Technologiepark 122, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Silvia Travella
- International Plant Biotechnology Outreach, VIB, Technologiepark 122, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yu-Haey Kuo
- International Plant Biotechnology Outreach, VIB, Technologiepark 122, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marc Van Montagu
- International Plant Biotechnology Outreach, VIB, Technologiepark 122, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marc Heijde
- International Plant Biotechnology Outreach, VIB, Technologiepark 122, 9052, Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, 9052, Ghent, Belgium.
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8
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Unver T, Wu Z, Sterck L, Turktas M, Lohaus R, Li Z, Yang M, He L, Deng T, Escalante FJ, Llorens C, Roig FJ, Parmaksiz I, Dundar E, Xie F, Zhang B, Ipek A, Uranbey S, Erayman M, Ilhan E, Badad O, Ghazal H, Lightfoot DA, Kasarla P, Colantonio V, Tombuloglu H, Hernandez P, Mete N, Cetin O, Van Montagu M, Yang H, Gao Q, Dorado G, Van de Peer Y. Genome of wild olive and the evolution of oil biosynthesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E9413-E9422. [PMID: 29078332 PMCID: PMC5676908 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1708621114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we present the genome sequence and annotation of the wild olive tree (Olea europaea var. sylvestris), called oleaster, which is considered an ancestor of cultivated olive trees. More than 50,000 protein-coding genes were predicted, a majority of which could be anchored to 23 pseudochromosomes obtained through a newly constructed genetic map. The oleaster genome contains signatures of two Oleaceae lineage-specific paleopolyploidy events, dated at ∼28 and ∼59 Mya. These events contributed to the expansion and neofunctionalization of genes and gene families that play important roles in oil biosynthesis. The functional divergence of oil biosynthesis pathway genes, such as FAD2, SACPD, EAR, and ACPTE, following duplication, has been responsible for the differential accumulation of oleic and linoleic acids produced in olive compared with sesame, a closely related oil crop. Duplicated oleaster FAD2 genes are regulated by an siRNA derived from a transposable element-rich region, leading to suppressed levels of FAD2 gene expression. Additionally, neofunctionalization of members of the SACPD gene family has led to increased expression of SACPD2, 3, 5, and 7, consequently resulting in an increased desaturation of steric acid. Taken together, decreased FAD2 expression and increased SACPD expression likely explain the accumulation of exceptionally high levels of oleic acid in olive. The oleaster genome thus provides important insights into the evolution of oil biosynthesis and will be a valuable resource for oil crop genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turgay Unver
- İzmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylül University, 35340 İzmir, Turkey;
| | | | - Lieven Sterck
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mine Turktas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Cankiri Karatekin University, 18100 Cankiri, Turkey
| | - Rolf Lohaus
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ming Yang
- BGI Shenzhen, 518038 Shenzhen, China
| | - Lijuan He
- BGI Shenzhen, 518038 Shenzhen, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Iskender Parmaksiz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Gaziosmanpasa University, 60250 Tokat, Turkey
| | - Ekrem Dundar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Balikesir University, 10145 Balikesir, Turkey
| | - Fuliang Xie
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858
| | - Arif Ipek
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Cankiri Karatekin University, 18100 Cankiri, Turkey
| | - Serkan Uranbey
- Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Ankara University, 06120 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Erayman
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Mustafa Kemal University, 31060 Hatay, Turkey
| | - Emre Ilhan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Mustafa Kemal University, 31060 Hatay, Turkey
| | - Oussama Badad
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology, University Mohamed V, 10102 Rabat, Morocco
| | - Hassan Ghazal
- Polydisciplinary Faculty of Nador, University Mohamed Premier, 62700 Nador, Morocco
| | - David A Lightfoot
- Department of Plant, Soil and Agricultural Systems, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901
| | - Pavan Kasarla
- Department of Plant, Soil and Agricultural Systems, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901
| | - Vincent Colantonio
- Department of Plant, Soil and Agricultural Systems, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901
| | - Huseyin Tombuloglu
- Institute for Research and Medical Consultation, University of Dammam, 34212 Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pilar Hernandez
- Instituto de Agricultura Sostenible, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Nurengin Mete
- Olive Research Institute of Bornova, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Oznur Cetin
- Olive Research Institute of Bornova, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Marc Van Montagu
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium;
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Qiang Gao
- BGI Shenzhen, 518038 Shenzhen, China
| | - Gabriel Dorado
- Departamento Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Yves Van de Peer
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium;
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Genetics, Genomics Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
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Lokko Y, Heijde M, Schebesta K, Scholtès P, Van Montagu M, Giacca M. Biotechnology and the bioeconomy-Towards inclusive and sustainable industrial development. N Biotechnol 2017; 40:5-10. [PMID: 28663120 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
To transform developing and least developing countries into industrialised ones, biotechnology could be deployed along the value chain, to provide support to the development of the bio-based industries in such a way to ensure sustainability of the sector and to reduce negative environmental impacts that might otherwise occur. In agribusiness development, for instance, interventions could start from inputs and agricultural mechanization, modern processing technologies, packaging of perishable products, the promotion of food safety in the processing and regulatory environment; and interventions to improve competitiveness and productivity. Worth over USD 300 billion in revenue, the role of the biotechnology goes beyond industrial growth, since it provides opportunities for progress towards many of the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). This paper reviews the status of industrial biotechnology as it relates to inclusive and sustainable industrial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Lokko
- Programme for Technical Cooperation, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Vienna International Centre, P.O. Box 300, 1400 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Marc Heijde
- International Plant Biotechnology Outreach (IPBO), Technologiepark 3, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Karl Schebesta
- Programme for Technical Cooperation, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Vienna International Centre, P.O. Box 300, 1400 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Philippe Scholtès
- Programme for Technical Cooperation, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Vienna International Centre, P.O. Box 300, 1400 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Marc Van Montagu
- International Plant Biotechnology Outreach (IPBO), Technologiepark 3, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Mauro Giacca
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), AREA Science Park, Padriciano 99, 34134 Trieste, Italy.
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10
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Steeland S, Timmermans S, Van Ryckeghem S, Hulpiau P, Saeys Y, Van Montagu M, Vandenbroucke RE, Libert C. Efficient analysis of mouse genome sequences reveal many nonsense variants. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:5670-5. [PMID: 27147605 PMCID: PMC4878497 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1605076113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic polymorphisms in coding genes play an important role when using mouse inbred strains as research models. They have been shown to influence research results, explain phenotypical differences between inbred strains, and increase the amount of interesting gene variants present in the many available inbred lines. SPRET/Ei is an inbred strain derived from Mus spretus that has ∼1% sequence difference with the C57BL/6J reference genome. We obtained a listing of all SNPs and insertions/deletions (indels) present in SPRET/Ei from the Mouse Genomes Project (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute) and processed these data to obtain an overview of all transcripts having nonsynonymous coding sequence variants. We identified 8,883 unique variants affecting 10,096 different transcripts from 6,328 protein-coding genes, which is about 28% of all coding genes. Because only a subset of these variants results in drastic changes in proteins, we focused on variations that are nonsense mutations that ultimately resulted in a gain of a stop codon. These genes were identified by in silico changing the C57BL/6J coding sequences to the SPRET/Ei sequences, converting them to amino acid (AA) sequences, and comparing the AA sequences. All variants and transcripts affected were also stored in a database, which can be browsed using a SPRET/Ei M. spretus variants web tool (www.spretus.org), including a manual. We validated the tool by demonstrating the loss of function of three proteins predicted to be severely truncated, namely Fas, IRAK2, and IFNγR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Steeland
- Inflammation Research Center, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Timmermans
- Inflammation Research Center, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sara Van Ryckeghem
- Inflammation Research Center, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paco Hulpiau
- Inflammation Research Center, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yvan Saeys
- Inflammation Research Center, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marc Van Montagu
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; International Plant Biotechnology Outreach, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roosmarijn E Vandenbroucke
- Inflammation Research Center, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Claude Libert
- Inflammation Research Center, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium;
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11
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Blancke S, Van Breusegem F, De Jaeger G, Braeckman J, Van Montagu M. The Need to Understand GMO Opposition: Reply to Couée. Trends Plant Sci 2016; 21:92. [PMID: 26707203 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefaan Blancke
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Frank Van Breusegem
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert De Jaeger
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Johan Braeckman
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marc Van Montagu
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium; Institute of Plant Biotechnology Outreach-VIB, Incubation and Innovation Center, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Blancke S, Van Breusegem F, De Jaeger G, Braeckman J, Van Montagu M. Fatal attraction: the intuitive appeal of GMO opposition. Trends Plant Sci 2015; 20:414-418. [PMID: 25868652 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Public opposition to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) remains strong. By contrast, studies demonstrate again and again that GM crops make a valuable contribution to the development of a sustainable type of agriculture. The discrepancy between public opinion and the scientific evidence requires an explanation. We argue that intuitive expectations about the world render the human mind vulnerable to particular misrepresentations of GMOs. We explain how the involvement of particular intuitions accounts for the popularity, persistence, and typical features of GM opposition and tackle possible objections to our approach. To conclude, we discuss the implications for science education, science communication, and the environmental movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefaan Blancke
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Frank Van Breusegem
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert De Jaeger
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Johan Braeckman
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marc Van Montagu
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Institute of Plant Biotechnology Outreach-VIB, Incubation and Innovation Center, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
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13
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Van Montagu M. Interview with Marc Van Montagu. Trends Plant Sci 2015; 20:325-327. [PMID: 26012896 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
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Bernstein A, Mangeon A, Almeida-Engler J, Engler G, Montagu MV, Sachetto-Martins G, de Oliveira DE. Functional analysis of an auxin-inducible DNA-binding protein gene. Plant Signal Behav 2015; 10:e977706. [PMID: 25482757 PMCID: PMC4622439 DOI: 10.4161/15592324.2014.977706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, several studies indicate a correlation between the phytohormone auxin and cell division. The molecular players of this signaling pathway are now being uncovered. DNA Binding Protein1 from Arabidopsis (AtDBP1) is an auxin-inducible gene able to bind DNA non-specifically. In this work the tissue-expression pattern of this gene was investigated. Promoter-GUS analysis demonstrated that the AtDBP1 promoter is active in regions exhibiting intense cell division such as meristems and nematode feeding sites. Also, the promoter expression was modulated upon incubation with cell cycle blockers, indicating a potential role in cell division for this gene. Lastly, AtDBP1 antisense plants presented a higher insensitivity to auxin, and interfered negatively with auxin-induced callus formation and reduced apical dominance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Any Bernstein
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal; Departamento de Genética; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Brazil
| | - Amanda Mangeon
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal; Departamento de Genética; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Brazil
| | - Janice Almeida-Engler
- UMR 1301 Interactions Biotiques et Santé Végétale; Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique; Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Gilbert Engler
- UMR 1301 Interactions Biotiques et Santé Végétale; Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique; Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Marc Van Montagu
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology Outreach; Gent University; Gent-Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Gilberto Sachetto-Martins
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal; Departamento de Genética; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Brazil
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15
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Amson R, Kubiak JZ, Van Montagu M, Telerman A. Could TCTP contribute to Armin Braun's paradigm of tumor reversion in plants? Cell Cycle 2014; 10:1. [DOI: 10.4161/cc.10.1.14288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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16
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Angenon G, Van Lijsebettens M, Van Montagu M. From the tumor-inducing principle to plant biotechnology and its importance for society. Int J Dev Biol 2014; 57:453-60. [PMID: 24166428 DOI: 10.1387/ijdb.130295ga] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This dialogue was held between the Guest Editors of the Special Issue on "Plant Transgenesis" of the Int. J. Dev. Biol. and Marc Van Montagu. Research in the group of Marc Van Montagu and Jeff Schell in the 1970s was essential to reveal how the phytopathogenic bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens transfers DNA to host plants to cause crown gall disease. Knowledge of the molecular mechanism underlying gene transfer, subsequently led to the development of plant transgene technology, an indispensable tool in fundamental plant research and plant improvement. In the early 1980s, Marc Van Montagu founded a start-up company, Plant Genetic Systems, which successfully developed insect-resistant plants, herbicide-tolerant plants and a hybrid seed production system based on nuclear male sterility. Even before the first transgenic plant had been produced, Marc Van Montagu realized that the less developed countries might benefit most from plant biotechnology and throughout his subsequent career, this remained a focus of his efforts. After becoming emeritus professor, he founded the Institute of Plant Biotechnology Outreach (IPBO), which aims to raise awareness of the major role that plant biotechnology can play in sustainable agricultural systems, especially in less developed countries. Marc Van Montagu has been honored with many prizes and awards, the most recent being the prestigious World Food Prize 2013. In this paper, we look to the past and present of plant biotechnology and to the promises this technology holds for the future, on the basis of the personal perspective of Marc Van Montagu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geert Angenon
- Institute for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels
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Abstract
When we discovered that crown gall induction on plants by Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a natural event of genetic engineering, we were convinced that this was the dawn of a new era for plant science. Now, more than 30 years later, I remain overawed by how far and how rapidly we progressed with our knowledge of the molecular basis of plant growth, development, stress resistance, flowering, and ecological adaptation, thanks to the gene engineering technology. I am impressed, but also frustrated by the difficulties of applying this knowledge to improve crops and globally develop a sustainable and improved high-yielding agriculture. Now that gene engineering has become so efficient, I had hoped that thousands of teams, all over the world, would work on improving our major food crops, help domesticate new ones, and succeed in doubling or tripling biomass yields in industrial crops. We live in a world where more than a billion people are hungry or starving, while the last areas of tropical forest and wild nature are disappearing. We urgently need a better supply of raw material for our chemical industry because petroleum-based products pollute the environment and are limited in supply. Why could this new technology not bring the solutions to these challenges? Why has this not happened yet; what did we do wrong?
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Van Montagu
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology for Developing Countries, Department of Plant Biotechnology and Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
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Bytebier B, Deboeck F, De Greve H, Montagu MV, Hernalsteens JP. T-DNA organization in tumor cultures and transgenic plants of the monocotyledon Asparagus officinalis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 84:5345-9. [PMID: 16593862 PMCID: PMC298852 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.84.15.5345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Asparagus officinalis was the first monocotyledonous plant from which hormone-independent and opine-producing crown gall tissue could be isolated. We confirm by DNA hybridization that tumor lines obtained after infection of this plant by Agrobacterium strains harboring wild-type nopaline and octopine tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmids are stably transformed and contain transferred DNA (T-DNA) segments identical to the T-DNA found in dicotyledonous plants. We have also infected Asparagus with a nononcogenic T-DNA vector that carries a chimeric aminoglycoside phosphotransferase [NOS-APH(3')II] gene and selected transformed tissues on kanamycin-containing medium. The transformed status of these tissues was then confirmed by DNA hybridization. From these calli we regenerated kanamycin-resistant shoots that were subsequently rooted. Thus we report the isolation of transgenic monocotyledonous plants engineered via the Agrobacterium vector system.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Bytebier
- Laboratorium voor Genetische Virologie, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Paardenstraat 65, B-1640 Sint-Genesius-Rode, Belgium
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Gheysen G, Montagu MV, Zambryski P. Integration of Agrobacterium tumefaciens transfer DNA (T-DNA) involves rearrangements of target plant DNA sequences. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 84:6169-73. [PMID: 16578815 PMCID: PMC299031 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.84.17.6169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The transfer DNA (T-DNA) mobilized into plant cells by Agrobacterium tumefaciens seems to integrate rather randomly into the plant genome. We analyzed a target site in the genome of Nicotiana tabacum before and after integration of a T-DNA. Clones presenting right and left T-DNA/plant DNA junctions were used as probes to identify and isolate a unique 1.8-kilobase EcoRI fragment corresponding to the plant DNA target site for a T-DNA insertion event. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of the plant DNA portions of the T-DNA junction clones with the original plant DNA target revealed that several types of rearrangements resulted from insertion of the T-DNA. The most dramatic alteration was a 158-base-pair direct repeat of target plant sequences at the left and right T-DNA junctions. In addition, there were deletion and insertion events at the ends of the right and left copies of the 158-base-pair repeat. The variety of target-site rearrangements suggests that T-DNA insertion is a multistep process of recombination accompanied by local replicative and repair activities mediated by host-cell enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gheysen
- Laboratorium voor Genetica, Rijksuniversiteit Gent, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
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Babiychuk E, Bouvier-Navé P, Compagnon V, Suzuki M, Muranaka T, Van Montagu M, Kushnir S, Schaller H. Albinism and cell viability in cycloartenol synthase deficient Arabidopsis. Plant Signal Behav 2008; 3:978-80. [PMID: 19704425 PMCID: PMC2633748 DOI: 10.4161/psb.6173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2008] [Accepted: 04/21/2008] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana that carry mutations in CYCLOARTENOL SYNTHASE 1 (CAS1) which is required in sterol biosynthesis have been described. Knockout mutant alleles are responsible of a male-specific transmission defect. Plants carrying a weak mutant allele cas1-1 accumulate 2,3-oxidosqualene, the substrate of CAS1, in all analyzed organs. Mutant cas1-1 plants develop albino inflorescence shoots that contain low amount of carotenoids and chlorophylls. The extent of this albinism, which affects Arabidopsis stems late in development, may be modulated by the light/dark regime. The fact that chloroplast differentiation and pigment accumulation in inflorescence shoots are associated with a low CAS1 expression could suggest the involvement of 2,3-oxidosqualene in a yet unknown regulatory mechanism linking the sterol biosynthetic segment, located in the cytoplasm, and the chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthetic segments, located in the plastids, in the highly complex terpenoid network. CAS1 loss of function in a mosaic analysis of seedlings further demonstrated that leaf albinism associated with an accumulation of 2,3-oxidosqualene is a novel phenotype for plant sterol deficient mutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Babiychuk
- Department of Plant Systems Biology; Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB); Gent Belgium
- Department of Molecular Genetics; Ghent University; Ghent Belgium
| | - Pierrette Bouvier-Navé
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Unité Propre de Recherche 2357; Université Louis Pasteur; Strasbourg France
| | - Vincent Compagnon
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Unité Propre de Recherche 2357; Université Louis Pasteur; Strasbourg France
| | | | - Toshiya Muranaka
- RIKEN Plant Science Center; Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
- Kihara Institute for Biological Research; Yokohama City University; Yokohama City Japan
| | - Marc Van Montagu
- Department of Plant Systems Biology; Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB); Gent Belgium
- Department of Molecular Genetics; Ghent University; Ghent Belgium
| | - Sergei Kushnir
- Department of Plant Systems Biology; Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB); Gent Belgium
- Department of Molecular Genetics; Ghent University; Ghent Belgium
| | - Hubert Schaller
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Unité Propre de Recherche 2357; Université Louis Pasteur; Strasbourg France
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21
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Van Montagu M. Priorities for agricultural biotechnology. J Biotechnol 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2008.07.1847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Van Montagu M. About life sciences, their applications and their benefits for the economy, the environment and society. N Biotechnol 2008; 25:3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2008.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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23
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Wolucka BA, Van Montagu M. The VTC2 cycle and the de novo biosynthesis pathways for vitamin C in plants: an opinion. Phytochemistry 2007; 68:2602-13. [PMID: 17950389 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2007.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2007] [Accepted: 08/22/2007] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The recent identification of the VTC2 enzyme (GDP-l-galactose: hexose 1-phosphate guanylyltransferase) that forms with the GDP-mannose 3'',5'' epimerase an energy-conserving hub for the production of GDP-hexoses and l-galactose 1-phosphate [Laing et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 104, 2007, 9534-9539], is a major breakthrough in our understanding of the biosynthesis of l-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in plants. The observation that the VTC2 enzyme can use glucose 1-phosphate and GDP-d-glucose as substrates, and the long-known existence of an enigmatic GDP-d-mannose 2''-epimerase activity, have led us to the proposal of an extended VTC2 cycle that links photosynthesis with the biosynthesis of vitamin C and the cell-wall metabolism in plants. An evolutionary scenario is discussed for the acquisition of genes of eubacterial origin for the de novo synthesis of l-ascorbic acid in green algae and plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata A Wolucka
- Laboratory of Mycobacterial Biochemistry, Institute of Public Health, 642 Engeland Street, B-1180 Brussels, Belgium.
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Terryn N, Gheysen G, Van Montagu M, Ghislain M. Increasing food security in Central Africa by reducing sweet potato losses due to weevils and viral diseases using biotechnology. J Biotechnol 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2007.07.935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Van Droogenbroeck B, Cao J, Stadlmann J, Altmann F, Colanesi S, Hillmer S, Robinson DG, Van Lerberge E, Terryn N, Van Montagu M, Liang M, Depicker A, Jaeger GD. Aberrant localization and underglycosylation of highly accumulating single-chain Fv-Fc antibodies in transgenic Arabidopsis seeds. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:1430-5. [PMID: 17227846 PMCID: PMC1783127 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0609997104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Production of high-value recombinant proteins in transgenic seeds is an attractive and economically feasible alternative to conventional systems based on mammalian cells and bacteria. In contrast to leaves, seeds allow high-level accumulation of recombinant proteins in a relatively small volume and a stable environment. We demonstrate that single-chain variable fragment (scFv)-Fc antibodies, with N-terminal signal sequence and C-terminal KDEL tag, can accumulate to very high levels as bivalent IgG-like antibodies in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds and illustrate that a plant-produced anti-hepatitis A virus scFv-Fc has similar antigen-binding and in vitro neutralizing activities as the corresponding full-length IgG. As expected, most scFv-Fc produced in seeds contained only oligomannose-type N-glycans, but, unexpectedly, 35-40% was never glycosylated. A portion of the scFv-Fc was found in endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-derived compartments delimited by ribosome-associated membranes. Additionally, consistent with the glycosylation data, large amounts of the recombinant protein were deposited in the periplasmic space, implying a direct transport from the ER to the periplasmic space between the plasma membrane and the cell wall. Aberrant localization of the ER chaperones calreticulin and binding protein (BiP) and the endogenous seed storage protein cruciferin in the periplasmic space suggests that overproduction of recombinant scFv-Fc disturbs normal ER retention and protein-sorting mechanisms in the secretory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Van Droogenbroeck
- *Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jingyuan Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, 100052 Beijing, China
| | - Johannes Stadlmann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Friedrich Altmann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Colanesi
- Heidelberg Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Heidelberg, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; and
| | - Stefan Hillmer
- Heidelberg Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Heidelberg, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; and
| | - David G. Robinson
- Heidelberg Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Heidelberg, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; and
| | - Els Van Lerberge
- *Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nancy Terryn
- Institute for Plant Biotechnology for Developing Countries, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marc Van Montagu
- Institute for Plant Biotechnology for Developing Countries, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mifang Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, 100052 Beijing, China
| | - Ann Depicker
- *Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert De Jaeger
- *Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Messens
- a Histologisch Instituut, Rijksuniversiteit Gent , Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 , Gent , Belgium
| | - Alfons Lenaerts
- a Histologisch Instituut, Rijksuniversiteit Gent , Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 , Gent , Belgium
| | - Marc Van Montagu
- b Laboratorium voor Genetica , Rijksuniversiteit Gent , Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 , Gent , Belgium
| | - André De Bruyn
- c Laboratorium voor Organische Scheikunde , Rijksuniversiteit Gent , Krijgslaan 281 (S4), B-9000 , Gent , Belgium
| | - Arnold W.H. Jans
- d Laboratorium voor Organische Chemie, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , ORGC, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 , Brussel , Belgium
- e Max-Planck-Institut für Systemphysiologie , Rheinlanddamm 201, D-4600 , Dortmund , F.R.G
| | - Georges Van Binst
- d Laboratorium voor Organische Chemie, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , ORGC, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 , Brussel , Belgium
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Zambre M, Van Montagu M, Angenon G, Terryn N. Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius). Methods Mol Biol 2006; 343:407-14. [PMID: 16988363 DOI: 10.1385/1-59745-130-4:407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Phaseolus beans are among the major legumes for food consumption, especially in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius L. Gray) is one of the five cultivated species of the genus Phaseolus. This chapter describes an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol for P. acutifolius based on cocultivation of callus, derived from cotyledonary nodes, with Agrobacterium. The selectable marker gene used is neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII), and the selection agent is geneticin. Selection of transgenic callus material is achieved through four to five passages on geneticin-containing medium, after which shoots are induced on medium without selection agent. The protocol as described here has been applied to transform a cultivated variety of P. acutifolius, TB1, and also with some modifications to a wild genotype, NI576 and another cultivated variety, PI440795.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukund Zambre
- Insitute Plant Biotechnology for Developing Countries, University of Ghent, Gent, Belgium
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Vanderhaeghen R, De Clercq R, Karimi M, Van Montagu M, Hilson P, Van Lijsebettens M. Leader sequence of a plant ribosomal protein gene with complementarity to the 18S rRNA triggers in vitro cap-independent translation. FEBS Lett 2006; 580:2630-6. [PMID: 16650410 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2006.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2006] [Revised: 04/03/2006] [Accepted: 04/07/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cap-independent translation (CIT) occurs at the leader sequences of uncapped plant viral RNAs, but also at a number of normally capped cellular mRNAs and has been correlated with sequence complementarity to 18S rRNA. The ribosomal protein S18 (RPS18) is a component of the small ribosomal subunit and is encoded by three gene copies (A, B, and C) in the Arabidopsis thaliana genome. The RPS18C mRNA was most abundant and contained a short 5' untranslated region of 84 bp that is complementary to a novel putative interaction site at the 3' end of the 18S rRNA. The RPS18C leader mediated CIT as demonstrated by dicistronic constructs consisting of luciferase and chloramphenicol acetyl transferase reporter genes in an in vitro wheat germ extract system. CIT was rapidly inhibited upon addition of an oligonucleotide that competed for the 18S rRNA site complementary to the RPS18C leader and interfered with polysome assembly at the transcript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudy Vanderhaeghen
- Department Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversitary Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Gent, Belgium
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29
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Reinhold-Hurek B, Maes T, Gemmer S, Van Montagu M, Hurek T. An endoglucanase is involved in infection of rice roots by the not-cellulose-metabolizing endophyte Azoarcus sp. strain BH72. Mol Plant Microbe Interact 2006; 19:181-8. [PMID: 16529380 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-19-0181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The nitrogen-fixing endophyte Azoarcus sp. strain BH72 infects roots of Kallar grass and rice inter- and intra-cellularly and can spread systemically into shoots without causing symptoms of plant disease. Although cellulose or its breakdown products do not support growth, this strain expresses an endoglucanase, which might be involved in infection. Sequence analysis of eglA places the secreted 34-kDa protein into the glycosyl hydrolases family 5, with highest relatedness (40% identity) to endoglucanases of the phytopathogenic bacteria Xanthomonas campestris and Ralstonia solanacearum. Transcriptional regulation studied by eglA:: gusA fusion was not significantly affected by cellulose or its breakdown products or by microaerobiosis. Strongest induction (threefold) was obtained in bacteria grown in close vicinity to rice roots. Visible sites of expression were the emergence points of lateral roots and root tips, which are the primary regions of ingress into the root. To study the role in endophytic colonization, eglA was inactivated by transposon mutagenesis. Systemic spreading of the eglA mutant and of a pilAB mutant into the rice shoot could no longer be detected by polymerase chain reaction. Microscopic inspection of infection revealed that the intracellular colonization of root epidermis cells was significantly reduced in the eglA- mutant BHE6 compared with the wild type and partially restored in the complementation mutant BHRE2 expressing eglA. This provides evidence that Azoarcus sp. endoglucanase is an important determinant for successful endophytic colonization of rice roots, suggesting an active bacterial colonization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Reinhold-Hurek
- Laboratory of General Microbiology, University Bremen, P.O. Box 33 04 40, D-28334 Bremen, Germany.
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30
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Montagu MV. Technological milestones from plant science to agricultural biotechnology. Trends Plant Sci 2005; 10:559-60. [PMID: 16290214 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2005.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2005] [Revised: 09/30/2005] [Accepted: 10/28/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
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Nelissen H, Fleury D, Bruno L, Robles P, De Veylder L, Traas J, Micol JL, Van Montagu M, Inzé D, Van Lijsebettens M. The elongata mutants identify a functional Elongator complex in plants with a role in cell proliferation during organ growth. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005; 102:7754-9. [PMID: 15894610 PMCID: PMC1140448 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0502600102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The key enzyme for transcription of protein-encoding genes in eukaryotes is RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). The recruitment of this enzyme during transcription initiation and its passage along the template during transcription elongation is regulated through the association and dissociation of several complexes. Elongator is a histone acetyl transferase complex, consisting of six subunits (ELP1-ELP6), that copurifies with the elongating RNAPII in yeast and humans. We demonstrate that point mutations in three Arabidopsis thaliana genes, encoding homologs of the yeast Elongator subunits ELP1, ELP3 (histone acetyl transferase), and ELP4 are responsible for the phenotypes of the elongata2 (elo2), elo3, and elo1 mutants, respectively. The elo mutants are characterized by narrow leaves and reduced root growth that results from a decreased cell division rate. Morphological and molecular phenotypes show that the ELONGATA (ELO) genes function in the same biological process and the epistatic interactions between the ELO genes can be explained by the model of complex formation in yeast. Furthermore, the plant Elongator complex is genetically positioned in the process of RNAPII-mediated transcription downstream of Mediator. Our data indicate that the Elongator complex is evolutionarily conserved in structure and function but reveal that the mechanism by which it stimulates cell proliferation is different in yeast and plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Nelissen
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Gent, Belgium
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Abstract
Recent analysis of complete eukaryotic genome sequences has revealed that gene duplication has been rampant. Moreover, next to a continuous mode of gene duplication, in many eukaryotic organisms the complete genome has been duplicated in their evolutionary past. Such large-scale gene duplication events have been associated with important evolutionary transitions or major leaps in development and adaptive radiations of species. Here, we present an evolutionary model that simulates the duplication dynamics of genes, considering genome-wide duplication events and a continuous mode of gene duplication. Modeling the evolution of the different functional categories of genes assesses the importance of different duplication events for gene families involved in specific functions or processes. By applying our model to the Arabidopsis genome, for which there is compelling evidence for three whole-genome duplications, we show that gene loss is strikingly different for large-scale and small-scale duplication events and highly biased toward certain functional classes. We provide evidence that some categories of genes were almost exclusively expanded through large-scale gene duplication events. In particular, we show that the three whole-genome duplications in Arabidopsis have been directly responsible for >90% of the increase in transcription factors, signal transducers, and developmental genes in the last 350 million years. Our evolutionary model is widely applicable and can be used to evaluate different assumptions regarding small- or large-scale gene duplication events in eukaryotic genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Maere
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
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33
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Mathis R, Van Gijsegem F, De Rycke R, D'Haeze W, Van Maelsaeke E, Anthonio E, Van Montagu M, Holsters M, Vereecke D. Lipopolysaccharides as a communication signal for progression of legume endosymbiosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005; 102:2655-60. [PMID: 15699329 PMCID: PMC549025 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0409816102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishment of a successful symbiosis between rhizobia and legumes results from an elaborate molecular dialogue between both partners. Bacterial nodulation (Nod) factors are indispensable for initiating plant responses, whereas bacterial surface polysaccharides are important for infection progression and nodule development. The mutant ORS571-oac2 of Azorhizobium caulinodans, affected in its surface polysaccharides, provokes a defective interaction with its host Sesbania rostrata. ORS571-oac2 induced structures with retarded development and continued generation of infection centers and organ primordia, leading to multilobed ineffective nodules. Bacterial development throughout the interaction occurred without major defects. A functional bidirectional complementation was obtained upon coinfection of ORS571-oac2 and a Nod factor-deficient mutant, indicating that the Fix- phenotype of ORS571-oac2-induced nodules resulted from the absence of a positive signal from ORS571-oac2. Indeed, the Fix- phenotype could be complemented by coinoculation of ORS571-oac2 with lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) purified from A. caulinodans. Our data show that Nod factors and LPSs are consecutive signals in symbiosis. Nod factors act first to trigger the onset of the nodulation and invasion program; LPSs inform the plant to proceed with the symbiotic interaction and to develop a functional fixation zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Mathis
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
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Abstract
The early studies of plant growth and development focused on embryogenesis. In the past twenty five years, it became possible to successfully analyze many more developmental processes, hence plant developmental biology became the generally accepted terminology. It refers to a multidisciplinary approach using expertise and tools from genetics, molecular biology and cell biology to study processes in development also beyond the formation of the embryo. Around that time, initiatives were taken to address biological questions in just a few model systems, such as Arabidopsis thaliana, Zea mays, Antirrhinum majus and Petunia hybrida, while the <<old>> model systems, i.e. potato, tobacco, used in regeneration and grafting experiments, were increasingly abandoned. International research programs were initiated in Arabidopsis at first to create stock centers and databases to proceed faster with the scientific research and to get deeper insight into plant biology. During the last five years the maize community made tremendous progress in developing tools and resources for their system. Milestones in plant developmental biology discussed relate to the molecular-genetic approach to study embryogenesis, autoregulation of meristems, leaf and flower initiation, leaf and flower formation and cell specification in the root. Developmental biology changed the research from descriptive to causal resulting in a number of genetic models. Future developments in research will focus on the study of a specific gene activity in a genome-wide context. The building of molecular networks will allow computer modeling of biological processes and its use for predictions and further experimentation. Sequence information derived from the multiple genome projects will be exploited in comparative biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieke Van Lijsebettens
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), Ghent University, Gent, Belgium.
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35
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Landrieu I, da Costa M, De Veylder L, Dewitte F, Vandepoele K, Hassan S, Wieruszeski JM, Corellou F, Faure JD, Van Montagu M, Inzé D, Lippens G. A small CDC25 dual-specificity tyrosine-phosphatase isoform in Arabidopsis thaliana. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:13380-5. [PMID: 15329414 PMCID: PMC516575 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0405248101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The dual-specificity CDC25 phosphatases are critical positive regulators of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Even though an antagonistic Arabidopsis thaliana WEE1 kinase has been cloned and tyrosine phosphorylation of its CDKs has been demonstrated, no valid candidate for a CDC25 protein has been reported in higher plants. We identify a CDC25-related protein (Arath;CDC25) of A. thaliana, constituted by a sole catalytic domain. The protein has a tyrosine-phosphatase activity and stimulates the kinase activity of Arabidopsis CDKs. Its tertiary structure was obtained by NMR spectroscopy and confirms that Arath;CDC25 belongs structurally to the classical CDC25 superfamily with a central five-stranded beta-sheet surrounded by helices. A particular feature of the protein, however, is the presence of an additional zinc-binding loop in the C-terminal part. NMR mapping studies revealed the interaction with phosphorylated peptidic models derived from the conserved CDK loop containing the phosphothreonine-14 and phosphotyrosine-15. We conclude that despite sequence divergence, Arath;CDC25 is structurally and functionally an isoform of the CDC25 superfamily, which is conserved in yeast and in plants, including Arabidopsis and rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Landrieu
- Unité Mixte de Recherche 8525 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Lille2, Institut de Biologie de Lille/Pasteur Institute of Lille, 59019 Lille Cedex, France.
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Vandenabeele S, Vanderauwera S, Vuylsteke M, Rombauts S, Langebartels C, Seidlitz HK, Zabeau M, Van Montagu M, Inzé D, Van Breusegem F. Catalase deficiency drastically affects gene expression induced by high light in Arabidopsis thaliana. Plant J 2004; 39:45-58. [PMID: 15200641 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-313x.2004.02105.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In plants, hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) plays a major signaling role in triggering both a defense response and cell death. Increased cellular H(2)O(2) levels and subsequent redox imbalances are managed at the production and scavenging levels. Because catalases are the major H(2)O(2) scavengers that remove the bulk of cellular H(2)O(2), altering their levels allows in planta modulation of H(2)O(2) concentrations. Reduced peroxisomal catalase activity increased sensitivity toward both ozone and photorespiratory H(2)O(2)-induced cell death in transgenic catalase-deficient Arabidopsis thaliana. These plants were used as a model system to build a comprehensive inventory of transcriptomic variations, which were triggered by photorespiratory H(2)O(2) induced by high-light (HL) irradiance. In addition to an H(2)O(2)-dependent and -independent type of transcriptional response during light stress, microarray analysis on both control and transgenic catalase-deficient plants, exposed to 0, 3, 8, and 23 h of HL, revealed several specific regulatory patterns of gene expression. Thus, photorespiratory H(2)O(2) has a direct impact on transcriptional programs in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Vandenabeele
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
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37
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Sanders M, Lannoo N, Maddelein W, Depicker A, Van Montagu M, Cornelissen M, Jacobs J. The preferred route for the degradation of silencing target RNAs in transgenic plants depends on pre-established silencing conditions. Nucleic Acids Res 2004; 32:3400-9. [PMID: 15220468 PMCID: PMC443538 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkh662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2004] [Revised: 06/03/2004] [Accepted: 06/03/2004] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA silencing can be initiated upon dsRNA accumulation and results in homology-dependent degradation of target RNAs mediated by 21-23 nt small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). These small regulatory RNAs can direct RNA degradation via different routes such as the RdRP/Dicer- and the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)-catalysed pathways. The relative contribution of both pathways to degradation of target RNAs is not understood. To gain further insight in the process of target selection and degradation, we analysed production of siRNAs characteristic for Dicer-mediated RNA degradation during silencing of mRNAs and chimeric viral RNAs in protoplasts from plants of a transgenic tobacco silencing model line. We show that small RNA accumulation is limited to silencing target regions during steady-state mRNA silencing. For chimeric viral RNAs, siRNA production appears dependent on pre-established cellular silencing conditions. The observed siRNA accumulation profiles imply that silencing of viral target RNAs in pre-silenced protoplasts occurs mainly via a RISC-mediated pathway, guided by (pre-existing) siRNAs derived from cellular mRNAs. In cells that are not silenced at the time of infection, viral RNA degradation seems to involve Dicer action directly on the viral RNAs. This suggests that the silencing mechanism flexibly deploys different components of the RNA degradation machinery in function of the prevailing silencing status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Sanders
- Unit of Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation, Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Gent, Zwijnaarde, Belgium.
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Vanholme B, De Meutter J, Tytgat T, Van Montagu M, Coomans A, Gheysen G. Secretions of plant-parasitic nematodes: a molecular update. Gene 2004; 332:13-27. [PMID: 15145050 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2004.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2003] [Revised: 01/30/2004] [Accepted: 02/09/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between sedentary endoparasitic nematodes and plants is fascinating, because these animals have developed an ingenious way to manipulate the plant's gene regulation and metabolism to their own advantage. They are able to form highly specialized feeding structures in the plant root to satisfy their nutritional demands for development and reproduction. This ability makes them extremely successful parasites with severe consequences for agriculture. Triggered by these economical losses, detailed studies of the parasitic interaction have been performed, which resulted in an extensive descriptive knowledge. However, the underlying biochemical and molecular events of this intimate relationship have still not been elucidated. It is generally accepted that secretions produced by the nematode are responsible for the dramatic alteration of specific cells in the host plant. In the past few years, the identification of genes coding for secreted proteins was a breakthrough in plant nematode research. However, the available information is still too limited to allow the formulation of a comprehensive model, mainly because the sequences of many of these genes are novel with no similar sequence found in the existing databases. A new challenge in the coming years will be the functional analysis of these putative parasitism genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartel Vanholme
- Molecular Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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39
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de O Manes CL, Beeckman T, Ritsema T, Van Montagu M, Goethals K, Holsters M. Phenotypic alterations in Arabidopsis thaliana plants caused by Rhodococcus fascians infection. J Plant Res 2004; 117:139-145. [PMID: 14968352 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-003-0138-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2003] [Accepted: 12/12/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. plants were challenged with Rhodococcus fascians at several developmental stages and using different inoculation procedures. A variety of morphological alterations was scored on the infected plants; some of them resembled phenotypes of A. thaliana mutants in their shoot apical meristem (SAM) organization. Infection with R. fascians did not affect SAM organization in wild type nor in SAM mutants. Anatomical studies on the new organs formed after infection with R. fascians demonstrated extensive bacterial colonization. Colonization and concomitant production of specific signals are the likely cause of malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmem-Lara de O Manes
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, 9052, Gent, Belgium
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40
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Himanen K, Vuylsteke M, Vanneste S, Vercruysse S, Boucheron E, Alard P, Chriqui D, Van Montagu M, Inzé D, Beeckman T. Transcript profiling of early lateral root initiation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:5146-51. [PMID: 15051881 PMCID: PMC387388 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0308702101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
At the onset of lateral root initiation in Arabidopsis thaliana, the phytohormone auxin activates xylem pole pericycle cells for asymmetric cell division. However, the molecular events leading from auxin to lateral root initiation are poorly understood, in part because the few responsive cells in the process are embedded in the root and are thus difficult to access. A lateral root induction system, in which most xylem pole pericycle cells were synchronously activated by auxin transport inhibition followed by auxin application, was used for microarray transcript profiling. Of 4,600 genes analyzed, 906 significantly differentially regulated genes were identified that could be grouped into six major clusters. Basically, three major patterns were discerned representing induced, repressed, and transiently expressed genes. Analysis of the coregulated genes, which were specific for each time point, provided new insight into the molecular regulation and signal transduction preceding lateral root initiation in Arabidopsis. The reproducible expression profiles during a time course allowed us to define four stages that precede the cell division in the pericycle. These early stages were characterized by G1 cell cycle block, auxin perception, and signal transduction, followed by progression over G1/S transition and G2/M transition. All these processes took place within 6 h after transfer from N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid to 1-naphthalene acetic acid. These results indicate that this lateral root induction system represents a unique synchronized system that allows the systematic study of the developmental program upstream of the cell cycle activation during lateral root initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiina Himanen
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent University, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
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Vandenabeele S, Van Der Kelen K, Dat J, Gadjev I, Boonefaes T, Morsa S, Rottiers P, Slooten L, Van Montagu M, Zabeau M, Inze D, Van Breusegem F. A comprehensive analysis of hydrogen peroxide-induced gene expression in tobacco. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003; 100:16113-8. [PMID: 14671332 PMCID: PMC307701 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2136610100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen peroxide plays a central role in launching the defense response during stress in plants. To establish a molecular profile provoked by a sustained increase in hydrogen peroxide levels, catalase-deficient tobacco plants (CAT1AS) were exposed to high light (HL) intensities over a detailed time course. The expression kinetics of >14000 genes were monitored by using transcript profiling technology based on cDNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism. Clustering and sequence analysis of 713 differentially expressed transcript fragments revealed a transcriptional response that mimicked that reported during both biotic and abiotic stresses, including the up-regulation of genes involved in the hypersensitive response, vesicular transport, posttranscriptional processes, biosynthesis of ethylene and jasmonic acid, proteolysis, mitochondrial metabolism, and cell death, and was accompanied by a very rapid up-regulation of several signal transduction components. Expression profiling corroborated by functional experiments showed that HL induced photoinhibition in CAT1AS plants and that a short-term HL exposure of CAT1AS plants triggered an increased tolerance against a subsequent severe oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Vandenabeele
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
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Vandenabeele S, Van Der Kelen K, Dat J, Gadjev I, Boonefaes T, Morsa S, Rottiers P, Slooten L, Van Montagu M, Zabeau M, Inze D, Van Breusegem F. A comprehensive analysis of hydrogen peroxide-induced gene expression in tobacco. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003. [PMID: 14671332 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2136610100f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen peroxide plays a central role in launching the defense response during stress in plants. To establish a molecular profile provoked by a sustained increase in hydrogen peroxide levels, catalase-deficient tobacco plants (CAT1AS) were exposed to high light (HL) intensities over a detailed time course. The expression kinetics of >14000 genes were monitored by using transcript profiling technology based on cDNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism. Clustering and sequence analysis of 713 differentially expressed transcript fragments revealed a transcriptional response that mimicked that reported during both biotic and abiotic stresses, including the up-regulation of genes involved in the hypersensitive response, vesicular transport, posttranscriptional processes, biosynthesis of ethylene and jasmonic acid, proteolysis, mitochondrial metabolism, and cell death, and was accompanied by a very rapid up-regulation of several signal transduction components. Expression profiling corroborated by functional experiments showed that HL induced photoinhibition in CAT1AS plants and that a short-term HL exposure of CAT1AS plants triggered an increased tolerance against a subsequent severe oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Vandenabeele
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
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Wolucka BA, Van Montagu M. GDP-mannose 3',5'-epimerase forms GDP-L-gulose, a putative intermediate for the de novo biosynthesis of vitamin C in plants. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:47483-90. [PMID: 12954627 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m309135200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its importance for agriculture, bioindustry, and nutrition, the fundamental process of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) biosynthesis in plants is not completely elucidated, and little is known about its regulation. The recently identified GDP-Man 3',5'-epimerase catalyzes a reversible epimerization of GDP-D-mannose that precedes the committed step in the biosynthesis of vitamin C, resulting in the hydrolysis of the highly energetic glycosyl-pyrophosphoryl linkage. Here, we characterize the native and recombinant GDP-Man 3',5'-epimerase of Arabidopsis thaliana. GDP and GDP-D-glucose are potent competitive inhibitors of the enzyme, whereas GDP-L-fucose gives a complex type of inhibition. The epimerase contains a modified version of the NAD binding motif and is inhibited by NAD(P)H and stimulated by NAD(P)+. A feedback inhibition of vitamin C biosynthesis is observed apparently at the level of GDP-Man 3',5'-epimerase. The epimerase catalyzes at least two distinct epimerization reactions and releases, besides the well known GDP-l-galactose, a novel intermediate: GDP-L-gulose. The yield of the epimerization varies and seems to depend on the molecular form of the enzyme. Both recombinant and native enzymes co-purified with a Hsp70 heat-shock protein (Escherichia coli DnaK and A. thaliana Hsc70.3, respectively). We speculate, therefore, that the Hsp70 molecular chaperones might be involved in folding and/or regulation of the epimerase. In summary, the plant epimerase undergoes a complex regulation and could control the carbon flux into the vitamin C pathway in response to the redox state of the cell, stress conditions, and GDP-sugar demand for the cell wall/glycoprotein biosynthesis. Exogenous L-gulose and L-gulono-1,4-lactone serve as direct precursors of l-ascorbic acid in plant cells. We propose an L-gulose pathway for the de novo biosynthesis of vitamin C in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata A Wolucka
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), Kasteelpark Arenberg 31, B-3001 Leuven-Heverlee, Belgium.
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Zambre M, Terryn N, De Clercq J, De Buck S, Dillen W, Van Montagu M, Van Der Straeten D, Angenon G. Light strongly promotes gene transfer from Agrobacterium tumefaciens to plant cells. Planta 2003; 216:580-586. [PMID: 12569399 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-002-0914-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2002] [Accepted: 07/17/2002] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Light conditions during Agrobacterium-based plant transformation, the most routinely used method in plant genetic engineering, differ widely and, to our knowledge, have not been studied systematically in relation to transformation efficiency. Here, light effects were examined in two already optimized transformation procedures: coculture of Agrobacterium tumefaciens with callus from two genotypes of the crop plant Phaseolus acutifolius (tepary bean) and coculture of root segments from two ecotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana. Except for the light conditions during coculture, all steps followed established procedures. Coculture was done either under continuous darkness, under a commonly used photoperiod of 16 h light/8 h darkness or under continuous light. beta-glucuronidase (GUS) production due to the transient expression of an intron-containing uidA gene in the binary vector was used to evaluate T-DNA transfer. In all situations, uidA expression correlated highly and positively with the light period used during coculture; it was inhibited severely by darkness and enhanced more under continuous light than under a 16 h light/8 h dark photoperiod. The promotive effect of light was observed with Agrobacterium strains harboring either a nopaline-, an octopine- or an agropine/succinamopine-type non-oncogenic helper Ti plasmid. The observed positive effect of light has obvious implications for developing and improving transient and stable transformation protocols, specifically those involving dark coculture conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukund Zambre
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Vlaams Interuniversitair Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Universiteit Gent, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Gent, Belgium
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Sanders M, Maddelein W, Depicker A, Van Montagu M, Cornelissen M, Jacobs J. An active role for endogenous beta-1,3-glucanase genes in transgene-mediated co-suppression in tobacco. EMBO J 2002; 21:5824-32. [PMID: 12411500 PMCID: PMC131083 DOI: 10.1093/emboj/cdf586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2002] [Revised: 09/06/2002] [Accepted: 09/16/2002] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) is characterized by the accumulation of short interfering RNAs that are proposed to mediate sequence-specific degradation of cognate and secondary target mRNAs. In plants, it is unclear to what extent endogenous genes contribute to this process. Here, we address the role of the endogenous target genes in transgene-mediated PTGS of beta-1,3-glucanases in tobacco. We found that mRNA sequences of the endogenous glucanase glb gene with varying degrees of homology to the Nicotiana plumbaginifolia gn1 transgene are targeted by the silencing machinery, although less efficiently than corresponding transgene regions. Importantly, we show that endogene-specific nucleotides in the glb sequence provide specificity to the silencing process. Consistent with this finding, small sense and antisense 21- to 23-nucleotide RNAs homologous to the endogenous glb gene were detected. Combined, these data demonstrate that a co-suppressed endogenous glucan ase gene is involved in signal amplification and selection of homologous targets, and show that endogenous genes can actively participate in PTGS in plants. The findings are introduced as a further sophistication of the post-transciptional silencing model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Sanders
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Ghent and Bayer Bioscience N.V., J. Plateaustraat 22, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium Present address: Devgen N.V., Technologiepark 9, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Wendy Maddelein
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Ghent and Bayer Bioscience N.V., J. Plateaustraat 22, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium Present address: Devgen N.V., Technologiepark 9, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Anna Depicker
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Ghent and Bayer Bioscience N.V., J. Plateaustraat 22, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium Present address: Devgen N.V., Technologiepark 9, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Marc Van Montagu
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Ghent and Bayer Bioscience N.V., J. Plateaustraat 22, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium Present address: Devgen N.V., Technologiepark 9, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Marc Cornelissen
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Ghent and Bayer Bioscience N.V., J. Plateaustraat 22, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium Present address: Devgen N.V., Technologiepark 9, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - John Jacobs
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Ghent and Bayer Bioscience N.V., J. Plateaustraat 22, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium Present address: Devgen N.V., Technologiepark 9, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium Corresponding author e-mail:
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Abstract
Small heat shock proteins (sHsps) are produced ubiquitously in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells upon heat. The special importance of sHsps in plants is suggested by unusual abundance and diversity. Six classes of sHsps have been identified in plants based on their intracellular localization and sequence relatedness. In addition to heat stress, plant sHsps are also produced under other stress conditions and at certain developmental stages. Induction of sHsp gene expression and protein accumulation upon environmental stresses point to the hypothesis that these proteins play an important role in stress tolerance. The function of sHsps as molecular chaperones is supported by in vitro and in vivo assays. This review summarizes recent knowledge about plant sHsp gene expression, protein structure and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weining Sun
- Vakgroep Moleculaire Genetica, Departement Plantengenetica, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Universiteit Gent, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
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Vranová E, Atichartpongkul S, Villarroel R, Van Montagu M, Inzé D, Van Camp W. Comprehensive analysis of gene expression in Nicotiana tabacum leaves acclimated to oxidative stress. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2002; 99:10870-5. [PMID: 12122207 PMCID: PMC125065 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.152337999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2002] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms by which plants acclimate to oxidative stress are poorly understood. To identify the processes involved in acclimation, we performed a comprehensive analysis of gene expression in Nicotiana tabacum leaves acclimated to oxidative stress. Combining mRNA differential display and cDNA array analysis, we estimated that at least 95 genes alter their expression in tobacco leaves acclimated to oxidative stress, of which 83% are induced and 17% repressed. Sequence analysis of 53 sequence tags revealed that, in addition to antioxidant genes, genes implicated in abiotic and biotic stress defenses, cellular protection and detoxification, energy and carbohydrate metabolism, de novo protein synthesis, and signal transduction showed altered expression. Expression of most of the genes was enhanced, except for genes associated with photosynthesis and light-regulated processes that were repressed. During acclimation, two distinct groups of coregulated genes ("early-" and "late-response" gene regulons) were observed, indicating the presence of at least two different gene induction pathways. These two gene regulons also showed differential expression patterns on an oxidative stress challenge. Expression of "late-response" genes was augmented in the acclimated leaf tissues, whereas expression of "early-response" genes was not. Together, our data suggest that acclimation to oxidative stress is a highly complex process associated with broad gene expression adjustments. Moreover, our data indicate that in addition to defense gene induction, sensitization of plants for potentiated gene expression might be an important factor in oxidative stress acclimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Vranová
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
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Rohde A, Prinsen E, De Rycke R, Engler G, Van Montagu M, Boerjan W. PtABI3 impinges on the growth and differentiation of embryonic leaves during bud set in poplar. Plant Cell 2002; 14:1885-901. [PMID: 12172029 PMCID: PMC151472 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.003186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2002] [Accepted: 05/08/2002] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The Arabidopsis ABSCISIC ACID-INSENSITIVE3 (ABI3) protein plays a crucial role during late seed development and has an additional function at the vegetative meristem, particularly during periods of growth-arresting conditions and quiescence. Here, we show that the ABI3 homolog of poplar (PtABI3) is expressed in buds during natural bud set. Expression occurs clearly after perception of the critical daylength that initiates bud set and dormancy in poplar. In short-day conditions mimicking natural bud set, the expression of a chimeric PtABI3::beta-glucuronidase (GUS) gene occurred in those organs and cells of the apex that grow actively but will undergo arrest: the young embryonic leaves, the subapical meristem, and the procambial strands. If PtABI3 is overexpressed or downregulated, bud development in short-day conditions is altered. Constitutive overexpression of PtABI3 resulted in apical buds with large embryonic leaves and small stipules, whereas in antisense lines, bud scales were large and leaves were small. Thus, PtABI3 influences the size and ratio of embryonic leaves and bud scales/stipules that differentiate from the primordia under short-day conditions. These observations, together with the expression of PtABI3::GUS in embryonic leaves but not in bud scales/stipules, support the idea that wild-type PtABI3 is required for the relative growth rate and differentiation of embryonic leaves inside the bud. These experiments reveal that ABI3 plays a role in the cellular differentiation of vegetative tissues, in addition to its function in seeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Rohde
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
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