Near-Infrared Fluorescent Carbon Nanotube Sensors for the Plant Hormone Family Gibberellins

Gibberellins (GAs) are a class of phytohormones, important for plant growth, and very difficult to distinguish because of their similarity in chemical structures. Herein, we develop the first nanosensors for GAs by designing and engineering polymer-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with unique corona phases that selectively bind to bioactive GAs, GA₃ and GA₄, triggering near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence intensity changes. Using a new coupled Raman/NIR fluorimeter that enables self-referencing of nanosensor NIR fluorescence with its Raman G-band, we demonstrated detection of cellular GA in Arabidopsis, lettuce, and basil roots. The nanosensors reported increased endogenous GA levels in transgenic Arabidopsis mutants that overexpress GA and in emerging lateral roots. Our approach allows rapid spatiotemporal detection of GA across species. The reversible sensor captured the decreasing GA levels in salt-treated lettuce roots, which correlated remarkably with fresh weight changes. This work demonstrates the potential for nanosensors to solve longstanding problems in plant biotechnology.

Phytohormone biosynthesis and signaling pathways of mosses

Most known phytohormones regulate moss development. We present a comprehensive view of the synthesis and signaling pathways for the most investigated of these compounds in mosses, focusing on the model Physcomitrium patens. The last 50 years of research have shown that most of the known phytohormones are synthesized by the model moss Physcomitrium patens (formerly Physcomitrella patens) and regulate its development, in interaction with responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Biosynthesis and signaling pathways are best described in P. patens for the three classical hormones auxins, cytokinins and abscisic acid. Furthermore, their roles in almost all steps of development, from early filament growth to gametophore development and sexual reproduction, have been the focus of much research effort over the years. Evidence of hormonal roles exist for ethylene and for CLE signaling peptides, as well as for salicylic acid, although their possible effects on development remain unclear. Production of brassinosteroids by P. patens is still debated, and modes of action for these compounds are even less known. Gibberellin biosynthesis and signaling may have been lost in P. patens, while gibberellin precursors such as ent-kaurene derivatives could be used as signals in a yet to discover pathway. As for jasmonic acid, it is not used per se as a hormone in P. patens, but its precursor OPDA appears to play a corresponding role in defense against abiotic stress. We have tried to gather a comprehensive view of the biosynthesis and signaling pathways for all these compounds in mosses, without forgetting strigolactones, the last class of plant hormones to be reported. Study of the strigolactone response in P. patens points to a novel signaling compound, the KAI2-ligand, which was likely employed as a hormone prior to land plant emergence.

Effects of seed priming treatments on the germination and development of two rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) varieties under the co-influence of low temperature and drought

The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of seed priming. This was done by soaking the seeds of two rapeseed cultivars, namely, ZY15 (tolerant to low temperature and drought) and HY49 (sensitive to low temperature and drought), for 12 h in varying solutions: distilled water, 138 mg/L salicylic acid (SA), 300 mg/L gibberellic acid (GA), 89.4 mg/L sodium nitroprusside (SNP), 3000 mg/L calcium chloride (CaCl₂), and 30 mg/L abscisic acid (ABA). Primed and non-primed seeds were left to germinate at 15°C and -0.15 MPa (T₁₅W₁₅) and at 25°C and 0 MPa (T₂₅W₀), respectively. The results showed that SA, GA, SNP, CaCl₂, and ABA significantly improved the germination potential (GP), germination rate (GR), germination index (GI), stem fresh weight (SFW), stem dry weight (SDW), root length (RL), stem length (SL), and seed vigor index (SVI) under T₁₅W₁₅. For ZY15 seeds under T₂₅W₀, GA, SNP, CaCl₂, and ABA priming reduced the average germination time (96% after 5 days) compared to that of the control (88% after 5 days). For ZY15 seeds under T₁₅W₁₅, SA, SNP, CaCl₂, and ABA priming, with respect to the control and water-treated groups, shortened the average germination time (92% after 5 days) compared to that of the control (80% after 5 days). For HY49 seeds under T₂₅W₀, GA, SNP, CaCl₂, and ABA priming reduced the average germination time (92% after 5 days) compared to that of the control (85% after 5 days). Similarly, for HY49 seeds under T₁₅W₁₅, GA priming shortened the average germination time (89% after 5 days) compared to that of the control (83% after 5 days). These priming agents increased the net photosynthesis, stomatal conductivity, and transpiration rate of rape seedlings under conditions of low temperature and drought stress, while also decreasing intercellular carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations. Additionally, SA, GA, SNP, CaCl₂, and ABA increased superoxide dismutase concentrations (SOD) and ascorbic peroxidase (APX) activities of rape seedlings under stress conditions, while decreasing catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities in ZY15 seedlings. In HY49, which is sensitive to low temperature and drought, all priming solutions, except for SNP, led to an increase in SOD activity levels and a decrease in CAT activity levels. Overall, SA, GA, SNP, and CaCl₂ increased the concentrations of indoleacetic acid (IAA), GA, ABA, and cytokinin (CTK) in seedlings under stress conditions. Moreover, compared to SA, CaCl₂, and ABA, GA (300 mg/L) and SNP (300 mol/L) showed improved priming effects for ZY15 and HY49 under stress conditions.

Uncovering the multi-level response of Glycine max L. to the application of allelopathic biostimulant from Levisticum officinale Koch

The interest expressed by the agriculture in the category of innovative biostimulants is due to the intensive search for natural preparations. Our study is the first ever to report a complex approach to the use of allelopathic extracts from Levisticum officinale Koch. roots in soybean cultivation, includes analyses of morphological observations, and analyses of biochemical indicators. Hot method of aqueous extraction was applied. The extracts were administered via foliar application and soil treatment. Lovage extracts had high contents of polyphenolic compounds and rich micro- and macroelemental composition. The infusions did not contain gibberellic acid and indole-3-acetic acid but the abscisic acid and saccharose, glucose, and fructose were found. The extracts modified soybean plant physiology, as manifested by changes in biometric traits. Plants responded positively by increased yield. Seeds from the treated plants had higher contents of micro- and macroelements, as well as total concentrations of lipids (with a slight decrease in protein content). In addition, they featured changes in their amino acid profile and fatty acid composition. The application of allelopathic biostimulant caused increased concentrations of isoflavones and saponins. The natural biostimulants from Levisticum officinale may become a valuable tool in the sustainable agriculture.

Gibberellin Increases the Bud Yield and Theanine Accumulation in Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze

Tea (Camellia sinensis) is one of the most important cash crops in the world. Theanine, as an important amino acid component in tea, is a key quality index for excellent tea quality and high economic value. People increase theanine accumulation in tea mainly through the application of nitrogen fertilizer, shading and pruning. However, these methods are not effective. In this study, we treated tea buds with a 100 μM solution of GA₃ containing 1‰ tween-20, investigated the effects of GA₃ on theanine accumulation, bud yield, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and expression level of theanine biosynthesis pathway genes in tea plant by qPCR, LC-MS/MS etc. Results showed that change trends of theanine and GA₃ was extremely positively correlated with each other. Exogenous GA₃ upregulated the expression level of theanine biosynthesis pathway genes, caused an increase of theanine content (mg·g^-1) by 27% in tea leaves compared with Mock, and accelerated the germination of buds and elongation of shoots, which lead to a significant increase of tea yield by 56% (w/w). Moreover, the decrease of chlorophyll contents, photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) and relative electron transport rate (rETR) under GA₃ treatment suggested that GA₃ reduced photosynthesis in the tender tea leaves, indicating that the decline of carbon assimilation in tea plants was conducive to the nitrogen metabolism, and it was beneficial to the accumulation of theanine. This study provided a new technical and theoretical support for the precise control of tea quality components and phenophase.

Plant Morphological, Physiological and Anatomical Adaption to Flooding Stress and the Underlying Molecular Mechanisms

Globally, flooding is a major threat causing substantial yield decline of cereal crops, and is expected to be even more serious in many parts of the world due to climatic anomaly in the future. Understanding the mechanisms of plants coping with unanticipated flooding will be crucial for developing new flooding-tolerance crop varieties. Here we describe survival strategies of plants adaptation to flooding stress at the morphological, physiological and anatomical scale systemically, such as the formation of adventitious roots (ARs), aerenchyma and radial O₂ loss (ROL) barriers. Then molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptive strategies are summarized, and more than thirty identified functional genes or proteins associated with flooding-tolerance are searched out and expounded. Moreover, we elaborated the regulatory roles of phytohormones in plant against flooding stress, especially ethylene and its relevant transcription factors from the group VII Ethylene Response Factor (ERF-VII) family. ERF-VIIs of main crops and several reported ERF-VIIs involving plant tolerance to flooding stress were collected and analyzed according to sequence similarity, which can provide references for screening flooding-tolerant genes more precisely. Finally, the potential research directions in the future were summarized and discussed. Through this review, we aim to provide references for the studies of plant acclimation to flooding stress and breeding new flooding-resistant crops in the future.

A Dissipation Pattern of Gibberellic Acid and Its Metabolite, Isogibberellic Acid, during Tea Planting, Manufacturing, and Brewing

As a widely used plant growth regulator, the gibberellic acid (GA₃) residue in tea has potential risk for human health. Herein, the degradation of GA₃ and its conversion into main metabolites were investigated during tea planting, manufacturing, and brewing using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The metabolite iso-GA₃ was first discovered during the tea production chain and identified using Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry. GA₃ dissipated following first-order kinetics in tea shoots with half-lives ranging from 2.46 to 2.74 days. It was degraded into iso-GA₃ in tea shoots, which had a longer residual period than GA₃. Meanwhile, external application of GA₃ could increase the proportion of growth-promoting endogenous phytohormones and lead to rapid growth of tea plants. During tea manufacturing, iso-GA₃ was quickly and massively converted from GA₃. Fixing (heat at 220-230 °C) played an important role in the dissipation of GA₃ and iso-GA₃ during green tea manufacturing, but there were high residues of iso-GA₃ in black tea. High transfer rates (77.3 to 94.5%) of GA₃ and iso-GA₃ were observed during tea brewing. These results could provide a practical reference for food safety in tea and other agricultural products and the guidance for scientific application of GA₃ in tea planting.

Analysis of time varying response on uptake patterns of Cu and Zn ions under application of ethylene diamine disuccinic acid and gibberellic acid in Lolium perenne

The present study explores the effect of ethylene diamine disuccinic acid (EDDS) and gibberellic acid (GA) application on the phytoextraction of copper and zinc ions by Lolium perenne. When Cu was individually applied, accumulation diminished over time with little translocation from roots to shoots. In contrast, Zn accumulation and damage to roots rapidly increased over 3 days with increase in Zn translocation to shoots. Co-application of Zn to Cu amended treatments enhanced Cu concentration in shoots. For the Cu_EDDS application, EDDS significantly increased Cu accumulation and the damage to root increased over time, while gibberellic acid applied with Cu and Zn generally lowered metal uptake and decreased cell membrane damage. The application of EDDS and GA-EDDS, by themselves or with Cu and Zn, lowered transpiration and increased translocation, while GA increased transpiration but decreased translocation. EDDS application typically increased metal ion uptake by causing more cell damage, while GA typically lowered the damage and decreased metal uptake even though the transpiration increased over time and plant growth occurred. Furthermore, the behaviour of metal uptake changed over time and, for some treatments, the short-term and long-term response differed greatly. These results show that EDDS can be successfully used in phytoextraction of both Cu and Zn ions by Lolium perenne while GA can resist damage and protect against plant stress.

Genome-wide identification, characterization and expression profiling of gibberellin metabolism genes in jute

BACKGROUND

Gibberellin (GA) is one of the most essential phytohormones that modulate plant growth and development. Jute (Corchorus sp.) is the second most important source of bast fiber. Our result has shown that exogenous GA can positively regulate jute height and related characteristics which mean increasing endogenous GA production will help to get a jute variety with improved characteristics. However, genes involved in jute GA biosynthesis have not been analyzed precisely.

RESULTS

Genome-wide analysis identified twenty-two candidate genes involved in jute GA biosynthesis pathway. Among them, four genes- CoCPS, CoKS, CoKO and CoKAO work in early steps. Seven CoGA20oxs, three CoGA3oxs, and eight GA2oxs genes work in the later steps. These genes were characterized through phylogenetic, motif, gene structure, and promoter region analysis along with chromosomal localization. Spatial gene expression analysis revealed that 11 GA oxidases were actively related to jute GA production and four of them were marked as key regulators based on their expression level. All the biosynthesis genes both early and later steps showed tissue specificity. GA oxidase genes were under feedback regulation whereas early steps genes were not subject to such regulation.

CONCLUSION

Enriched knowledge about jute GA biosynthesis pathway and genes will help to increase endogenous GA production in jute by changing the expression level of key regulator genes. CoGA20ox7, CoGA3ox2, CoGA2ox3, and CoGA2ox5 may be the most important genes for GA production.

Early responses of maize seedlings to Cu stress include sharp decreases in gibberellins and jasmonates in the root apex

Copper (Cu) interferes with numerous biological functions in plants, including plant growth, which is partly governed by plant hormones. In the present study, Cu stress effect on the roots of pre-emerging maize seedlings in terms of growth, nutrient composition, protein modifications, and root hormone homeostasis was investigated, focusing on possible metabolic differences between the root apex and the rest of the root tissues. Significant decreases in root length and root biomass after 72 h of Cu exposure (50 and 100 μM CuCl₂), accompanied by reductions in Ca, Mg, and P root contents, were found. Cu also generated cell redox imbalance in both root tissues and revealed by altered enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses. Oxidative stress was evidenced by an increased protein carbonylation level in both tissues. Copper also induced protein ubiquitylation and SUMOylation and affected 20S proteasome peptidase activities in both tissues. Drastic reductions in ABA, IAA, JA (both free and conjugated), GA3, and GA4 levels in the root apex were detected under Cu stress. Our results show that Cu exposure generated oxidative damage and altered root hormonal homeostasis, mainly at the root apex, leading to a strong root growth inhibition. Severe protein post-translational modifications upon Cu exposure occurred in both tissues, suggesting that even when hormonal adjustments to cope with Cu stress occurred mainly at the root apex, the entire root is compromised in the protein turnover that seems to be necessary to trigger and/or to sustain defense mechanisms against Cu toxicity.

Synthesis of MBA-Encoded Silver/Silica Core-Shell Nanoparticles as Novel SERS Tags for Biosensing Gibberellin A3 Based on Au@Fe3O4 as Substrate

A surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) tag is proposed for high-sensitivity detection of gibberellin A3 (GA3). Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using citrate reduction. 4-Mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA) was used for the Raman-labeled molecules, which were coupled to the surface of the AgNPs using sulfydryls. MBA was coated with silica using the Stöber method to prevent leakage. GA3 antibodies were attached via the active functional groups N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) and N-Ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) to construct a novel immuno-AgNPs@SiO2 SERS tags. The captured SERS substrates were fabricated through Fe3O4 nanoparticles and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using chemical methods. These nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), dynamic light scattering, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). This immuno-AgNPs@SiO2 SERS tags has a strong SERS signal based on characterizations via Raman spectroscopy. Based on antigen-antibody reaction, the immuno-Au@Fe3O4 nanoparticles can capture the GA3 and AgNPs@SiO2 SERS tags. Due to the increasing number of captured nanoprobes, the SERS signal from MBA was greatly enhanced, which favored the sensitive detection of GA3. The linear equation for the SERS signal was y = -13635x + 202211 (R2 = 0.9867), and the limit of detection (LOD) was 10-10 M. The proposed SERS tags are also applicable for the detection of other food risk factors.

Elevated gibberellin altered morphology, anatomical structure, and transcriptional regulatory networks of hormones in celery leaves

Gibberellins (GAs), as one of the important hormones in regulating the growth and development of higher plants, can significantly promote cell elongation and expansion. Celery is a widely grown leafy vegetable crop with rich nutritional value. However, the effect of gibberellins on celery leaves is unclear. In this paper, the celery variety "Jinnan Shiqin" plants were treated with gibberellic acid (GA₃) and paclobutrazol (PBZ, a gibberellin inhibitor). Our results showed that GA₃ treatment promoted the growth of celery leaves and caused lignification of celery leaf tissue. In addition, the transcript levels of genes associated with gibberellins, auxin, cytokinins, ethylene, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, and brassinolide were altered in response to increased or decreased exogenous gibberellins or inhibitor. GA₃ may regulate celery growth by interacting with other hormones through crosstalk mechanisms. This study provided a reference for further study of the regulation mechanism of gibberellins metabolism, and exerted effects on understanding the role of gibberellins in the growth and development of celery.

New tools for engineering tomorrow's forests

It is difficult to overstate the role of wood in the story of humanity. In times that predate recorded history it provided shelter from the elements, light and warmth when burned, and a supple material with which early humans could craft their first tools. Today, it is still one of our chief building materials and an emerging industry is extending its applications through the development of novel biomaterials, such as cellulose fiber-derived nanocomposites. An article in this issue of Physiologia Plantarum (Johnsson et al. 2019) describes the influence the phytohormones auxin and gibberellic acid (GA) have on the process of wood formation, and reveals possible targets for optimizing cell wall properties in fiber cells.

Gibberellic acid surface complexation on ferrihydrite at different pH values: Outer-sphere complexes versus inner-sphere complexes

Gibberellic acid (GA₃) is a widely used plant growth regulator and environmental toxin especially in China, but no study has focused on the mechanism of the interactions between GA₃ and minerals/soils. In this study, the GA₃ surface complexation mechanism on ferrihydrite (Fh) was investigated by combining sorption-desorption batch experiments with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and moving-window two-dimensional (MW2D) correlation spectroscopy. The results showed that the Fh-GA₃ surface complexes and retention after desorption depended strongly on the pH. For pH > 2.9, electrostatic interactions played an important role in GA₃ sorption on Fh in two ways. One was directly forming an outer-sphere complex by electrostatic attraction to a minor extent. The other was acting as a driving force to facilitate the formations of surface hydration-shared ion pair (mainly formed at pH < 5.7) and solvent-surface hydration-separated ion pair (mainly formed at pH > 5.7). Those three outer-sphere complexes were partially reversible according to the high total desorption percentage of GA₃ (69-80%). For pH ≤ 2.9, the generated monodentate complex was observed and increased with decreasing pH, which showed more retention on Fh after desorption than the outer-sphere complexes according to the lower total desorption percentage of GA₃ (37%). At the typical soil and groundwater pH values (4.5-9), the outer-sphere complexes predominate, where GA₃ could be out-competed by nitrate and other anions and then easily desorbed from Fh. This increases the risk of groundwater contamination.

Current advances in gibberellic acid (GA3) production, patented technologies and potential applications

Gibberellic acid is a plant growth hormone that promotes cell expansion and division. Studies have aimed at optimizing and reducing production costs, which could make its application economically viable for different cultivars. Gibberellins consist of a large family of plant growth hormones discovered in the 1930s, which are synthesized via the terpenes route from the geranylgeranyl diphosphate and feature a basic structure formed by an ent-gibberellane tetracyclic skeleton. Among them, only four have biological activity, including gibberellic acid (GA₃), which acts as a natural plant growth regulator, especially for stem elongation, seed germination, and increased fruit size. It can be obtained from plants, fungi, and bacteria. There are also some reports about microalgae GA₃ producers. Fungi, especially Gibberella fujikuroi, are preferred for GA₃ production via submerged fermentation or solid-state fermentation. Many factors may affect its production, some of which are related to the control and scale-up of fermentation parameters. Different GA₃ products are available on the market. They can be found in liquid or solid formulations containing only GA₃ or a mixture of other biological active gibberellins, which can be applied on a wide variety of cultivars, including crops and fruits. However, the product's cost still limits its large and continuous application. New low-cost and efficient GA₃ production alternatives are surely welcome. This review deals with the latest scientific and technological advances on production, recovery, formulation, and applications of this important plant growth hormone.

Tailoring of a Potential Nanoformulated Form of Gibberellic Acid: Synthesis, Characterization, and Field Applications on Vegetation and Flowering

Nanoformulation of agrochemicals has become a potential choice to improve the physicochemical properties, enhance the utilization efficiency, and reduce the side effects and ecotoxicity of many hazardous chemicals. Here, we tailored a new formulation platform for gibberellic acid (GA) using the layered double hydroxides (LDH) as a potential carrier. Typically, we synthesized, characterized, and potentially applied the newly nanoformulated form of GA on the quantity and quality properties of Dendranthema grandiflorum cultivar. We also evaluated the synergetic effect of the carrier LDH on the release behavior of GA, showing a remarkable impact on the utilization efficiency of GA. The nanohybrid structure of GA also showed an enhanced thermal stability and safe preservation for the incorporated moieties. Taking into account the hazardous effect of free GA on the environment and human health, the hybrid technique of GA is one of the best choices among all of the studied protocols.

Biochemical characterization in Norway spruce (Picea abies) of SABATH methyltransferases that methylate phytohormones

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellins (GAs), salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) exist in methyl ester forms in plants in addition to their free acid forms. The enzymes that catalyze methylation of these carboxylic acid phytohormones belong to a same protein family, the SABATH methyltransferases. While the genes encoding these enzymes have been isolated from a small number of flowering plants, little is known about their occurrence and evolution in non-flowering plants. Here, we report the systematic characterization of the SABATH family from Norway spruce (Picea abies), a gymnosperm. The Norway spruce genome contains ten SABATH genes (PaSABATH1-10). Full-length cDNA for each of the ten PaSABATH genes was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Recombinant PaSABATHs were tested for activity with IAA, GA, SA, and JA. Among the ten PaSABATHs, five had activity with one or more of the four substrates. PaSABATH1 and PaSABATH2 had the highest activities with IAA and SA, respectively. PaSABATH4, PaSABATH5 and PaSABATH10 all had JA as a preferred substrate but with notable differences in biochemical properties. The structural basis of PaSABATHs in discriminating various phytohormone substrates was inferred based on structural models of the enzyme-substrate complexes. The phylogeny of PaSABATHs with selected SABATHs from other plants implies that the enzymes methylating IAA are conserved in seed plants whereas the enzymes methylating JA and SA have independent evolution in gymnosperms and angiosperms.

Gibberellic acid promoting phytic acid degradation in germinating soybean under calcium lactate treatment

BACKGROUND

Phytic acid as a phosphorus storage vault provides phosphorus for plant development. It is an anti-nutritional factor for humans and some animals. However, its degradation products lower inositol phosphates have positive effects on human health. In this study, the effect of gibberellic acid (GA) on phytic acid degradation under calcium lactate (Ca) existence was investigated.

RESULTS

The results showed that Ca + GA treatment promoted the growth status, hormone metabolism and phytic acid degradation in germinating soybean. At the same time, the availability of phosphorus, the activity of phytic acid degradation-associated enzyme and phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) increased. However, the relative genes expression of phytic acid degradation-associated enzymes did not vary in accordance with their enzymes activity.

CONCLUSION

The results revealed that GA could mediate the transport and function of calcium and a series of physiological and biochemical changes to regulate phytic acid degradation of soybean sprouts. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sorption specificity and desorption hysteresis of gibberellic acid on ferrihydrite compared to goethite, hematite, montmorillonite, and kaolinite

The pesticide gibberellic acid (GA₃) is a potential endocrine disruptor and environmental toxin; therefore, research into its environmental fate is warranted. Batch studies were conducted to investigate the sorption and desorption characteristics of GA₃ on aquifer media. The results demonstrated special sorption characteristic of GA₃ on ferrihydrite compared to goethite, hematite, montmorillonite, and kaolinite, where the sorption kinetics of GA₃ on ferrihydrite was fitted well with the pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and intra-particle diffusion models. The sorption kinetics of GA₃ on ferrihydrite indicated an initial high sorption rate followed by a slow reaction process. The initial high GA₃ sorption rate may be related to electrostatic sorption and surface complexation reactions on the outer surfaces and at the macropore entrances of ferrihydrite. While the slow step was controlled by GA₃ diffusion into mesopore of ferrihydrite. Analysis of the desorption hysteresis indicated a high hysteresis index (HI) ranging from 0.68 to 17.32, and a low desorption percentage ranging from 18 to 48%. After sufficient desorption, the calculated maximum residual GA₃ quantity due to surface complexation reactions with the ferrihydrite coordinated unsaturated sites was 9.05 ± 0.12 mg g^-1. The calculated maximum quantity of GA₃ trapped within the mesopore was 16.23 ± 0.91 mg g^-1. Graphical Abstract Schematic overview of GA₃ sorption and desorption on five minerals in groundwater.

An operon for production of bioactive gibberellin A4 phytohormone with wide distribution in the bacterial rice leaf streak pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola

Phytopathogens have developed elaborate mechanisms to attenuate the defense response of their host plants, including convergent evolution of complex pathways for production of the GA phytohormones, which were actually first isolated from the rice fungal pathogen Gibberella fujikuroi. The rice bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) has been demonstrated to contain a biosynthetic operon with cyclases capable of producing the universal GA precursor ent-kaurene. Genetic (knock-out) studies indicate that the derived diterpenoid serves as a virulence factor for this rice leaf streak pathogen, serving to reduce the jasmonic acid-mediated defense response. Here the functions of the remaining genes in the Xoc operon are elucidated and the distribution of the operon in X. oryzae is investigated in over 100 isolates. The Xoc operon leads to production of the bioactive GA4 , an additional step beyond production of the penultimate precursor GA9 mediated by the homologous operons recently characterized from rhizobia. Moreover, this GA biosynthetic operon was found to be widespread in Xoc (> 90%), but absent in the other major X. oryzae pathovar. These results indicate selective pressure for production of GA4 in the distinct lifestyle of Xoc, and the importance of GA to both fungal and bacterial pathogens of rice.

Orthogonal Genetic Regulation in Human Cells Using Chemically Induced CRISPR/Cas9 Activators

The concerted action of multiple genes in a time-dependent manner controls complex cellular phenotypes, yet the temporal regulation of gene expressions is restricted on a single-gene level, which limits our ability to control higher-order gene networks and understand the consequences of multiplex genetic perturbations. Here we developed a system for temporal regulation of multiple genes. This system combines the simplicity of CRISPR/Cas9 activators for orthogonal targeting of multiple genes and the orthogonality of chemically induced dimerizing (CID) proteins for temporal control of CRISPR/Cas9 activator function. In human cells, these transcription activators exerted simultaneous activation of multiple genes and orthogonal regulation of different genes in a ligand-dependent manner with minimal background. We envision that our system will enable the perturbation of higher-order gene networks with high temporal resolution and accelerate our understanding of gene-gene interactions in a complex biological setting.

Characterization of a common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) high-tillering dwarf mutant

A novel high-tillering dwarf mutant in common wheat Wangshuibai was characterized and mapped to facilitate breeding for plant height and tiller and the future cloning of the causal gene. Tiller number and plant height are two major agronomic traits in cereal crops affecting plant architecture and grain yield. NAUH167, a mutant of common wheat landrace Wangshuibai induced by ethylmethyl sulfide (EMS) treatment, exhibits higher tiller number and reduced plant height. Microscope observation showed that the dwarf phenotype was attributed to the decrease in the number of cells and their length. The same as the wild type, the mutant was sensitive to exogenous gibberellins. Genetic analysis showed that the high-tillering number and dwarf phenotype were related and controlled by a partial recessive gene. Using a RIL_2:6 population derived from the cross NAUH167/Sumai3, a molecular marker-based genetic map was constructed. The map consisted of 283 loci, spanning a total length of 1007.98 cM with an average markers interval of 3.56 cM. By composite interval mapping, a stable major QTL designated QHt.nau-2D controlling both traits, was mapped to the short arm of chromosome 2D flanked by markers Xcfd11 and Xgpw361. To further map the QHt.nau-2D loci, another population consisted of 180 F₂ progeny from a cross 2011I-78/NAUH167 was constructed. Finally, QHt.nau-2D was located within a genetic region of 0.8 cM between markers QHT239 and QHT187 covering a predicted physical distance of 6.77 Mb. This research laid the foundation for map-based cloning of QHt.nau-2D and would facilitate the characterization of plant height and tiller number in wheat.

ABA and GA3 regulate the synthesis of primary and secondary metabolites related to alleviation from biotic and abiotic stresses in grapevine

Plants are able to synthesize a large number of organic compounds. Among them, primary metabolites are known to participate in plant growth and development, whereas secondary metabolites are mostly involved in defense and other facultative processes. In grapevine, one of the major fruit crops in the world, secondary metabolites, mainly polyphenols, are of great interest for the wine industry. Even though there is an extensive literature on the content and profile of those compounds in berries, scarce or no information is available regarding polyphenols in other organs. In addition, little is known about the effect of plant growth regulators (PGRs), ABA and GA₃ (extensively used in table grapes) on the synthesis of primary and secondary metabolites in wine grapes. In table grapes, cultural practices include the use of GA₃ sprays shortly before veraison, to increase berry and bunch size, and sugar content in fruits. Meanwhile, ABA applications to the berries on pre-veraison improve the skin coloring and sugar accumulation, anticipating the onset of veraison. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to assess and characterize primary and secondary metabolites in leaves, berries and roots of grapevine plants cv. Malbec at veraison, and changes in compositions after ABA and GA₃ aerial sprayings. Metabolic profiling was conducted using GC-MS, GC-FID and HPLC-MWD. A large set of metabolites was identified: sugars, alditols, organic acids, amino acids, polyphenols (flavonoids and non-flavonoids) and terpenes (mono-, sesqui-, di- and triterpenes). The obtained results showed that ABA applications elicited synthesis of mono- and sesquiterpenes in all assessed tissues, as well as L-proline, acidic amino acids and anthocyanins in leaves. Additionally, applications with GA₃ elicited synthesis of L-proline in berries, and mono- and sesquiterpenes in all the tissues. However, treatment with GA₃ seemed to block polyphenol synthesis, mainly in berries. In conclusion, ABA and GA₃ applications to grapevine plants cv. Malbec influenced the synthesis of primary and secondary metabolites known to be essential for coping with biotic and abiotic stresses.

Strigolactone versus gibberellin signaling: reemerging concepts?

In this review, we compare knowledge about the recently discovered strigolactone signaling pathway and the well established gibberellin signaling pathway to identify gaps of knowledge and putative research directions in strigolactone biology. Communication between and inside cells is integral for the vitality of living organisms. Hormonal signaling cascades form a large part of this communication and an understanding of both their complexity and interactive nature is only beginning to emerge. In plants, the strigolactone (SL) signaling pathway is the most recent addition to the classically acting group of hormones and, although fundamental insights have been made, knowledge about the nature and impact of SL signaling is still cursory. This narrow understanding is in spite of the fact that SLs influence a specific spectrum of processes, which includes shoot branching and root system architecture in response, partly, to environmental stimuli. This makes these hormones ideal tools for understanding the coordination of plant growth processes, mechanisms of long-distance communication and developmental plasticity. Here, we summarize current knowledge about SL signaling and employ the well-characterized gibberellin (GA) signaling pathway as a scaffold to highlight emerging features as well as gaps in our knowledge in this context. GA signaling is particularly suitable for this comparison because both signaling cascades share key features of hormone perception and of immediate downstream events. Therefore, our comparative view demonstrates the possible level of complexity and regulatory interfaces of SL signaling.

[Changes of endogenous hormone contents and antioxidative enzyme activities in wheat leaves under low temperature stress at jointing stage]

Low temperature stresses (-3 and -5 °C) were simulated using artificial temperature-controlled phytotrons to study the freezing rate, the contents of endogenous hormones, and the activities of antioxidative enzymes in the leaves of wheat plants of Yangmai 16 (YM 16) and Xumai 30 (XM 30) at jointing stage. The grade and index of freezing injury increased with lower temperature and longer stress. The freezing rate was at the 5th level and the main stems and tillers of both cultivars were finally dead under -5 °C lasting for 72 h. On the last day of stress initiation, the contents of abscisic acid (ABA) and zeatin riboside (ZR), and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxide dismutase (POD), and catalase (CAT) in leaves increased at the beginning and then declined as low temperature progressed. On the 3rd day after stress, the contents of ABA and ZR and the activities of antioxidative enzymes were higher than those on the last day of cold stress, and then reduced to the level of the control on the 6th day after stress. The content of gibberellins (GA3) was lowered by cold stress. For YM 16, GA3 content increased from the 3rd day to the 6th day after cold stress, whereas, for XM 30, it increased first and then decreased. For the treatment of -5 °C lasting for 72 h, the contents of hormones and the activities of antioxidative enzymes were significantly lower than those of the other treatments. Correlation analyses showed that higher ABA and ZR contents, and higher SOD, POD and CAT activities as well as lower GA3 content could alleviate the low-temperature injury in wheat plants under low temperature stress.

Constructing de novo H2O2 signaling via induced protein proximity

A new chemical strategy has been developed to generate de novo signaling pathways that link a signaling molecule, H2O2, to different downstream cellular events in mammalian cells. This approach combines the reactivity-based H2O2 sensing with the chemically induced protein proximity technology. By chemically modifying abscisic acid with an H2O2-sensitive boronate ester probe, novel H2O2 signaling pathways can be engineered to induce transcription, protein translocation and membrane ruffle formation upon exogenous or endogenous H2O2 stimulation. This strategy has also been successfully applied to gibberellic acid, which provides the potential to build signaling networks based on orthogonal cell stimuli.

An ent-kaurene-derived diterpenoid virulence factor from Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola

Both plants and fungi produce ent-kaurene as a precursor to the gibberellin plant hormones. A number of rhizobia contain functionally conserved, sequentially acting ent-copalyl diphosphate and ent-kaurene synthases (CPS and KS, respectively), which are found within a well-conserved operon that may lead to the production of gibberellins. Intriguingly, the rice bacterial leaf streak pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) contains a homologous operon. Here, we report biochemical characterization of the encoded CPS and KS, and the impact of insertional mutagenesis on virulence and the plant defense response for these genes, as well as that for one of the cytochromes P450 (CYP112) found in the operon. Activity of the CPS and KS found in this phytopathogen was verified - that is, Xoc is capable of producing ent-kaurene. Moreover, knocking out CPS, KS or CYP112 led to mutant Xoc that exhibited reduced virulence. Investigation of the effect on marker gene transcript levels suggests that the Xoc diterpenoid affects the plant defense response, most directly that mediated by jasmonic acid (JA). Xoc produces an ent-kaurene-derived diterpenoid as a virulence factor, potentially a gibberellin phytohormone, which is antagonistic to JA, consistent with the recent recognition of opposing effects for these phytohormones on the microbial defense response.

Identification of Peptidyl Mimics of Bioactive Gibberellin Recognized by an Antibody

We screened a phage display peptide library for peptidyl mimotopes of gibberellin against anti-bioactive gibberellin antibody. The peptides obtained were grouped into two homologous sequences and their binding to the antibody was put in competition with free GA(4) but not with GA(4) methylester, suggesting that the peptides behave as mimics of GA(4). As an application, the phage display peptide was shown to work as a tracer for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis of GA(4).

Distribution of Gibberellins and Expressional Analysis of GA 20-oxidase Genes of Morning Glory during Fruit Maturation

Gibberellins A1/3 (GA1/3) and GA20 appeared earlier in surrounding tissues (pericarps/carpel/placenta) than in developing seeds of morning glory. The content of GA1/3 became higher in seeds than in the surrounding tissues at 9 days after anthesis (DAA), while that of GA20 stayed lower in seeds even at 12 DAA, suggesting the possibility that GA20 was translocated into seeds from the surrounding tissues and converted to GA1/3. The site of biosynthesis of GA20 in the fruits was determined by RNA-blotting and in situ hybridization of GA 20-oxidase genes (InGA20ox1, InGA20ox2). InGA20ox1 was not expressed in the surrounding tissues but in seeds, while no signal due to InGA20ox2 was detected in neither tissue. The expression of InGA20ox1 started in the seed coat near the hilum and spread in the seed coat like those of GA 3-oxidase and GA-inducible alpha-amylase genes. These observations suggest that GA biosynthesis is tissue-specifically and time-dependently regulated in the fruit of morning glory.

Identification of a Peptide Mimic of Bioactive Gibberellins with Affinity to GA 2-Oxidase

Previously we reported the first example of peptide mimics of a small hydrophobic molecule, a phytohormone gibberellin. The second peptide mimic of gibberellin has been identified from random peptide libraries by its affinity to a type of catalyzing enzyme of gibberellins, which specifically recognizes bioactive gibberellins. These results suggest that even hydrophobic compounds can be mimicked by peptides.

Biochemical and Molecular Analyses of Gibberellin Biosynthesis in Fungi

The plant hormone, gibberellin (GA), regulates plant growth and development. It was first isolated as a superelongation-promoting diterpenoid from the fungus, Gibberella fujikuroi. G. fujikuroi uses different GA biosynthetic intermediates from those in plants to produce GA3. Another class of GA-producing fungus, Phaeosphaeria sp. L487, synthesizes GA1 by using the same intermediates as those in plants. A molecular analysis of GA biosynthesis in Phaeosphaeria sp. has revealed that diterpene cyclase and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases were involved in the plant-like biosynthesis of GA1. Fungal ent-kaurene synthase is a bifunctional cyclase. Subsequent oxidation steps are catalyzed by P450s, leading to biologically active GA1. GA biosynthesis in plants is divided into three steps involving soluble enzymes and membrane-bound cytochrome P450. The activation of plant GAs is catalyzed by soluble 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, which is in contrast to the catalysis of fungal GA biosynthesis. This difference suggests that the origin of fungal GA biosynthesis is evolutionally independent of that in plants.

Gibberellin oxidase activities in Bradyrhizobium japonicum bacteroids

Bradyrhizobium japonicum bacteroids isolated from root nodules of soybean (Glycine max.) plants converted the gibberellin (GA) precursor [(14)C1]GA12 into several products identified by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as [(14)C1]GA24, [(14)C1]GA9, [(14)C1]GA15, GA9 17-nor-16-one and unidentified products. The oxidation of GA12, catalyzed by the GA 20-oxidase, was present in symbiotic bacteroids from plants around flowering, but not in bacteroids from plants at either an early vegetative stage or at late growth stages. Expression of cps and ks genes, involved in ent-kaurene biosynthesis, was also demonstrated in bacteroids from soybean plants around flowering. Earlier precursors of the GA pathway, ent-[(14)C1]kaurenoic acid or [(14)C4]GA12-aldehyde, were efficiently utilized by B. japonicum bacteroids to give labelled GA9 plus intermediates partially oxidized at C-20, as well as GA9 17-nor-16-one and an unidentified product. No 3β or 13-hydroxylated [(14)C]GAs were detected in any of the incubations. Moreover the C19-GAs [(14)C1]GA4 or [(14)C1]GA20 were recovered unconverted upon incubation with the bacteroids which supports the absence of GA 3β-hydroxylase activity in B. japonicum. The bacterial 20-oxidase utilized the 13-hydroxylated substrates [(14)C1]GA53, [(14)C1]GA44 or [(14)C1]GA19, although with less efficiency than [(14)C1]GA12 to give [(14)C1]GA20 as final product, while the 3β-hydroxylated substrate [(14)C1]GA14 was converted to [(14)C1]GA4 to a very small extent. Endogenous GA9 and GA24 were identified by GC-MS in methanolic nodule extracts. These results suggest that B. japonicum bacteroids would synthesize GA9 under the symbiotic conditions present in soybean root nodules.

Structure and expression of GSL1 and GSL2 genes encoding gibberellin stimulated-like proteins in diploid and highly heterozygous tetraploid potato reveals their highly conserved and essential status

BACKGROUND

GSL1 and GSL2, Gibberellin Stimulated-Like proteins (also known as Snakin-1 and Snakin-2), are cysteine-rich peptides from potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) with antimicrobial properties. Similar peptides in other species have been implicated in diverse biological processes and are hypothesised to play a role in several aspects of plant development, plant responses to biotic or abiotic stress through their participation in hormone crosstalk, and redox homeostasis. To help resolve the biological roles of GSL1 and GSL2 peptides we have undertaken an in depth analysis of the structure and expression of these genes in potato.

RESULTS

We have characterised the full length genes for both GSL1 (chromosome 4) and GSL2 (chromosome 1) from diploid and tetraploid potato using the reference genome sequence of potato, coupled with further next generation sequencing of four highly heterozygous tetraploid cultivars. The frequency of SNPs in GSL1 and GSL2 were very low with only one SNP every 67 and 53 nucleotides in exon regions of GSL1 and GSL2, respectively. Analysis of comprehensive RNA-seq data substantiated the role of specific promoter motifs in transcriptional control of gene expression. Expression analysis based on the frequency of next generation sequence reads established that GSL2 was expressed at a higher level than GSL1 in 30 out of 32 tissue and treatment libraries. Furthermore, both the GSL1 and GSL2 genes exhibited constitutive expression that was not up regulated in response to biotic or abiotic stresses, hormone treatments or wounding. Potato transformation with antisense knock-down expression cassettes failed to recover viable plants.

CONCLUSIONS

The potato GSL1 and GSL2 genes are very highly conserved suggesting they contribute to an important biological function. The known antimicrobial activity of the GSL proteins, coupled with the FPKM analysis from RNA-seq data, implies that both genes contribute to the constitutive defence barriers in potatoes. The lethality of antisense knock-down expression of GSL1 and GSL2, coupled with the rare incidence of SNPs in these genes, suggests an essential role for this gene family. These features are consistent with the GSL protein family playing a role in several aspects of plant development in addition to plant defence against biotic stresses.

Direct determination of gibberellic acid in tomato and fruit by using photochemically induced fluorescence

A simple, sensitive method for determining gibberellic acid based on photochemically induced fluorescence detection was developed to determine this plant growth regulator in a technical formulation, tomato, and fruit samples. The principle for the determination is the photochemical reactivity of the gibberellic acid, being consistent with the occurrence of photoaromatization and photochemical dimerization with loss of carbon dioxide, and with the likely formation of various fluorescent photoproducts. Six min of UV (mainly at 253.7 nm) irradiation in a solution containing 50% (v/v) methanol and buffer at pH 5 provided the best results. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range 50-150 ng mL(-1), and the limit of detection was 1.7 ng mL(-1). The method is useful to determine gibberellic acid in samples with background fluorescence such as plum and tomato without the need for labor-intensive preparation as a result of UV irradiation suppressing the fluorescent background.

Gibberellin 3-oxidase gene expression patterns influence gibberellin biosynthesis, growth, and development in pea

Gibberellins (GAs) are key modulators of plant growth and development. PsGA3ox1 (LE) encodes a GA 3β-hydroxylase that catalyzes the conversion of GA20 to biologically active GA1. To further clarify the role of GA3ox expression during pea (Pisum sativum) plant growth and development, we generated transgenic pea lines (in a lele background) with cauliflower mosaic virus-35S-driven expression of PsGA3ox1 (LE). PsGA3ox1 transgene expression led to higher GA1 concentrations in a tissue-specific and development-specific manner, altering GA biosynthesis and catabolism gene expression and plant phenotype. PsGA3ox1 transgenic plants had longer internodes, tendrils, and fruits, larger stipules, and displayed delayed flowering, increased apical meristem life, and altered vascular development relative to the null controls. Transgenic PsGA3ox1 overexpression lines were then compared with lines where endogenous PsGA3ox1 (LE) was introduced, by a series of backcrosses, into the same genetic background (BC LEle). Most notably, the BC LEle plants had substantially longer internodes containing much greater GA1 levels than the transgenic PsGA3ox1 plants. Induction of expression of the GA deactivation gene PsGA2ox1 appears to make an important contribution to limiting the increase of internode GA1 to modest levels for the transgenic lines. In contrast, PsGA3ox1 (LE) expression driven by its endogenous promoter was coordinated within the internode tissue to avoid feed-forward regulation of PsGA2ox1, resulting in much greater GA1 accumulation. These studies further our fundamental understanding of the regulation of GA biosynthesis and catabolism at the tissue and organ level and demonstrate that the timing/localization of GA3ox expression within an organ affects both GA homeostasis and GA1 levels, and thereby growth.

Assessing gibberellins oxidase activity by anion exchange/hydrophobic polymer monolithic capillary liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Bioactive gibberellins (GAs) play a key regulatory role in plant growth and development. In the biosynthesis of GAs, GA3-oxidase catalyzes the final step to produce bioactive GAs. Thus, the evaluation of GA3-oxidase activity is critical for elucidating the regulation mechanism of plant growth controlled by GAs. However, assessing catalytic activity of endogenous GA3-oxidase remains challenging. In the current study, we developed a capillary liquid chromatography--mass spectrometry (cLC-MS) method for the sensitive assay of in-vitro recombinant or endogenous GA3-oxidase by analyzing the catalytic substrates and products of GA3-oxidase (GA1, GA4, GA9, GA20). An anion exchange/hydrophobic poly([2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium-co-divinylbenzene-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate)(META-co-DVB-co-EDMA) monolithic column was successfully prepared for the separation of all target GAs. The limits of detection (LODs, Signal/Noise = 3) of GAs were in the range of 0.62-0.90 fmol. We determined the kinetic parameters (K m) of recombinant GA3-oxidase in Escherichia coli (E. coli) cell lysates, which is consistent with previous reports. Furthermore, by using isotope labeled substrates, we successfully evaluated the activity of endogenous GA3-oxidase that converts GA9 to GA4 in four types of plant samples, which is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report for the quantification of the activity of endogenous GA3-oxidase in plant. Taken together, the method developed here provides a good solution for the evaluation of endogenous GA3-oxidase activity in plant, which may promote the in-depth study of the growth regulation mechanism governed by GAs in plant physiology.

Gibberellin-producing Promicromonospora sp. SE188 improves Solanum lycopersicum plant growth and influences endogenous plant hormones

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) producing gibberellins (GAs) can be beneficial to plant growth and development. In the present study, we isolated and screened a new strain of Promicromonospora sp., SE188, isolated from soil. Promicromonospora sp. SE188 secreted GAs into its growth medium and exhibited phosphate solubilization potential. The PGPR produced physiologically active (GA(1) and GA(4)) and inactive (GA(9), GA(12), GA(19), GA(20), GA(24), GA(34), and GA(53)) GAs in various quantities detected by GC/MS-SIM. Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) plants inoculated with Promicromonospora sp. SE188 showed a significantly higher shoot length and biomass as compared to controls where PGPR-free nutrient broth (NB) and distilled water (DW) were applied to plants. The presence of Promicromonospora sp. SE188 significantly up-regulated the non C-13 hydroxylation GA biosynthesis pathway (GA(12)→GA(24)→GA(9)→GA(4)→ GA(34)) in the tomato plants as compared to the NB and DW control plants. Abscisic acid, a plant stress hormone, was significantly down-regulated in the presence of Promicromonospora sp. SE188. Contrarily, salicylic acid was significantly higher in the tomato plant after Promicromonospora sp. SE188 inoculation as compared to the controls. Promicromonospora sp. SE188 showed promising stimulation of tomato plant growth. From the results it appears that Promicromonospora sp. SE188 has potential as a bio-fertilizer and should be more broadly tested in field trials for higher crop production in eco-friendly farming systems.

Endophytic fungi produce gibberellins and indoleacetic acid and promotes host-plant growth during stress

We isolated and examined two endophytic fungi for their potential to secrete phytohormones viz. gibberellins (GAs) and indoleacetic acid (IAA) and mitigate abiotic stresses like salinity and drought. The endophytic fungi Phoma glomerata LWL2 and Penicillium sp. LWL3 significantly promoted the shoot and allied growth attributes of GAs-deficient dwarf mutant Waito-C and Dongjin-beyo rice. Analysis of the pure cultures of these endophytic fungi showed biologically active GAs (GA1, GA3, GA4 and GA7) in various quantities. The cultures of P. glomerata and Penicillium sp. also contained IAA. The culture application and endophytic-association with host-cucumber plants significantly increased the plant biomass and related growth parameters under sodium chloride and polyethylene glycol induced salinity and drought stress as compared to control plants. The endophytic symbiosis resulted in significantly higher assimilation of essential nutrients like potassium, calcium and magnesium as compared to control plants during salinity stress. Endophytic-association reduced the sodium toxicity and promoted the host-benefit ratio in cucumber plants as compared to non-inoculated control plants. The symbiotic-association mitigated stress by compromising the activities of reduced glutathione, catalase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. Under stress conditions, the endophyte-infection significantly modulated stress through down-regulated abscisic acid, altered jasmonic acid, and elevated salicylic acid contents as compared to control. In conclusion, the two endophytes significantly reprogrammed the growth of host plants during stress conditions.

IeCPS2 is potentially involved in the biosynthesis of pharmacologically active Isodon diterpenoids rather than gibberellin

The traditional Chinese medicinal plant, Isodon L., is remarkably rich in pharmacologically active ent-kaurane diterpenoids of diverse carbon skeletons. In an effort to create a resource for gene discovery and elucidate the biosynthesis of Isodonent-kaurane diterpenoids, three cDNAs (named IeCPS1, IeCPS2 and IeCPS2a) were isolated putatively encoding copalyl diphosphate synthases from Isodoneriocalyx leaves. Recombinant proteins of IeCPS1 and IeCPS2 were expressed, respectively, in Escherichia coli, and were shown to specifically convert geranylgeranyl diphosphate to copalyl diphosphate as demonstrated by GC-MS analyses. Based on tissue-specific expression and metabolic localization studies, the IeCPS2 transcripts were detected in young and mature leaves where the dominant ent-kaurane diterpenoid maoecrystal B accumulates, whereas no detectable expression of IeCPS2 was observed in germinating seeds where the gibberellin biosynthetic pathway is usually active. In addition, no evidence for maoecrystal B was found in germinating seeds. On the other hand, IeCPS1 transcripts significantly accumulated in germinating seeds as well as in leaves. The biochemical and molecular genetic evidence thus indicated that IeCPS2 is a copalyl diphosphate synthase potentially involved in the biosynthesis of Isodon diterpenoids in leaves, while IeCPS1 is more probably relevant to gibberellin formation and may, in addition, participate in Isodonent-kaurane diterpenoid production.

[Gibberellins--structure, biosynthesis and deactivation in plants]

Gibberellins (GA), as one of the most important phytohormones, control different aspect of plant growth and development such as seed germination, stem elongation and floral induction. Although identified more than a hundred and thirty GA, only a small number of them are biological active. Many non-bioactive GA are present in plant tissues as precursors or deactivated metabolites. Biochemical and genetic approaches have led to the recognition most of the genes that encode GA biosynthesis and deactivation enzymes, and conducted investigation has helped us to better understand GA functions in plants. Many enzymes involved in GA metabolism are multifunctional and therefore fewer enzymes than might be expected are required to created the various gibberellins structures. In this review, we summarized current knowledge on the GA biosynthesis and deactivation pathways in plants and showed precise characteristic of genes and encoding protein which are involved in gibberellins metabolism.

Gibberellin control of stamen development: a fertile field

Stamen development is governed by a conserved genetic pathway, within which the role of hormones has been the subject of considerable recent research. Our understanding of the involvement of gibberellin (GA) signalling in this developmental process is further advanced than for the other phytohormones, and here we review recent experimental results in rice (Oryza sativa) and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) that have provided insight into the timing and mechanisms of GA regulation of stamen development, identifying the tapetum and developing pollen as major targets. GA signalling governs both tapetum secretory functions and entry into programmed cell death via the GAMYB class of transcription factor, the targets of which integrate with the established genetic framework for the regulation of tapetum function at multiple hierarchical levels.

Thermodynamic characterization of OsGID1-gibberellin binding using calorimetry and docking simulations

Gibberellins (GAs) are phytohormones regulating various developmental processes in plants. In rice, the initial GA-signaling events involve the binding of a GA to the soluble GA receptor protein, GID1. Although X-ray structures for certain GID1/GA complexes have recently been determined, an examination of the complexes does not fully clarify how GID1s discriminate among different GAs. Herein, we present a study aimed at defining the types of forces important to binding via a combination of isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and computational docking studies that employed rice GID1 (OsGID1), OsGID1 mutants, which were designed to have a decreased possible number of hydrogen bonds with bound GA, and GA variants. We find that, in general, GA binding is enthalpically driven and that a hydrogen bond between the phenolic hydroxyl of OsGID1 Tyr134 and the C-3 hydroxyl of a GA is a defining structural element. A hydrogen-bond network that involves the C-6 carboxyl of a GA that directly hydrogen bonds the hydroxyl of Ser198 and indirectly, via a two-water-molecule network, the phenolic hydroxyl of Tyr329 and the NH of the amide side-chain of Asn255 is also important for GA binding. The binding of OsGID1 by GA(1) is the most enthalpically driven association found for the biologically active GAs evaluated in this study. This observation might be a consequence of a hydrogen bond formed between the hydroxyl at the C-13 position of GA(1) and the main chain carbonyl of OsGID1 Phe245. Our results demonstrate that by combining ITC experiments and computational methods much can be learned about the thermodynamics of ligand/protein binding.

Isolation of a novel RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 6 from Nicotiana glutinosa, NgRDR6, and analysis of its response to biotic and abiotic stresses

RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RDRs) play an important role in RNA silencing, antiviral and developmental progress. Here, we firstly isolated the full-length cDNA, genomic DNA and 5'-flanking region of RDR6 from Nicotiana glutinosa (NgRDR6). Sequences analysis revealed that the cDNA of NgRDR6 was 3,921 bp in length, and the deduced protein consisted of 1,197 amino acids, containing all highly conserved sequence motifs that are present among all RDRs families. Moreover, two introns were detected in the genomic sequences. We also firstly investigated the expression profiles of plant RDR6 under the treatments of gibberellin A (GA), H(2)O(2,) methyl jasmonate (MeJA), Potato virus Y (PVY), Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Rhizoctonia Solani and Colletotrichum nicotianae. In addition, the expression patterns of RDR6 in Nicotiana glutinosa under the treatments of salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA) were also been analyzed. The results indicated that the NgRDR6 mRNA accumulation could be induced by ABA, GA, MeJA, CMV, Rhizoctonia Solani and Colletotrichum nicotianae. In contrast, the expression level of NgRDR6 exhibited no remarkable difference under the treatments of PVY, TMV, H(2)O(2) and SA. Further investigation suggested several potential cis-acting elements were found in the 5'-flanking sequence of NgRDR6, which might be responsible for the enhanced response to phytohormones.

Design of a multifunctional nanohybrid system of the phytohormone gibberellic acid using an inorganic layered double-hydroxide material

To offer a multifunctional and applicable system of the high-value biotechnological phytohormone gibberellic acid (GA), a nanohybrid system of GA using the inorganic Mg-Al layered double-hydroxide material (LDH) was formulated. The ion-exchange technique of LDH was applied to synthesize the GA-LDH hybrid. The hybrid structure of GA-LDH was confirmed by different spectroscopic techniques. The nanohybrid size was described by SEM to be ∼0.1 μm. The GA-LDH nanohybrid structure was the key parameter that controlled GA properties. The layered molecular structure of LDH limited the interaction of GA molecules in two-dimensional directions. Accordingly, GA molecules did not crystallize and were released in an amorphous form suitable for dissolution. At various simulated soil solutions, the nanohybrids showed a sustained release process following Higuchi kinetics. The biodegradation process of the intercalated GA showed an extended period of soil preservation as well as a slow rate of degradation.

Quantitative determination of gibberellins by high performance liquid chromatography from various gibberellins producing Fusarium strains

High performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed for analysis of seven gibberellins, i.e., GA3, GA4, GA7, GA3 methyl ester, GA7 methyl ester 3,13 diacetate, GA7 methyl ester, and fusaric acid, using an isocratic system. Method was used for estimation of gibberellins from different Fusarium strains. Gibberellins were extracted from 28 strains of Fusarium, out of which six strains of Fusarium were isolated from soil of different parts of India and 22 strains were procured from the Indian Type Culture Collection, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Extracts were analyzed for qualitative and quantitative estimation of gibberellins by thin layer chromatography and HPLC, respectively. On the basis of quantitative analysis of produced gibberellins by HPLC, they were categorized as low, moderate, and high gibberellin producing strain. For the first time, Fusarium solani was also reported as high GA3 producing strain.

Gibberellin biosynthesis and gibberellin oxidase activities in Fusarium sacchari, Fusarium konzum and Fusarium subglutinans strains

Several isolates of three Fusarium species associated with the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex were characterized for their ability to synthesize gibberellins (GAs): Fusarium sacchari (mating population B), Fusarium konzum (mating population I) and Fusarium subglutinans (mating population E). Of these, F. sacchari is phylogenetically related to Fusarium fujikuroi and is grouped in the Asian clade of the complex, while F. konzum and F. subglutinans are only distantly related to Fusarium fujikuroi and belong to the American clade. Variability was found between the different F. sacchari strains tested. Five isolates (B-12756; B-1732, B-7610, B-1721 and B-1797) were active in GA biosynthesis and accumulated GA(3) in the culture fluid (2.76-28.4 microg/mL), while two others (B-3828 and B-1725) were inactive. GA(3) levels in strain B-12756 increased by 2.9 times upon complementation with ggs2 and cps-ks genes from F. fujikuroi. Of six F. konzum isolates tested, three (I-10653; I-11616; I-11893) synthesized GAs, mainly GA(1), at a low level (less than 0.1 microg/mL). Non-producing F. konzum strains contained no GA oxidase activities as found for the two F. subglutinans strains tested. These results indicate that the ability to produce GAs is present in other species of the G. fujikuroi complex beside F. fujikuroi, but might differ significantly in different isolates of the same species.

Endogenous diterpenes derived from ent-kaurene, a common gibberellin precursor, regulate protonema differentiation of the moss Physcomitrella patens

Gibberellins (GAs) are a group of diterpene-type plant hormones biosynthesized from ent-kaurene via ent-kaurenoic acid. GAs are ubiquitously present in seed plants. The GA signal is perceived and transduced by the GID1 GA receptor/DELLA repressor pathway. The lycopod Selaginella moellendorffii biosynthesizes GA and has functional GID1-DELLA signaling components. In contrast, no GAs or functionally orthologous GID1-DELLA components have been found in the moss Physcomitrella patens. However, P. patens produces ent-kaurene, a common precursor for GAs, and possesses a functional ent-kaurene synthase, PpCPS/KS. To assess the biological role of ent-kaurene in P. patens, we generated a PpCPS/KS disruption mutant that does not accumulate ent-kaurene. Phenotypic analysis demonstrates that the mutant has a defect in the protonemal differentiation of the chloronemata to caulonemata. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis shows that P. patens produces ent-kaurenoic acid, an ent-kaurene metabolite in the GA biosynthesis pathway. The phenotypic defect of the disruptant was recovered by the application of ent-kaurene or ent-kaurenoic acid, suggesting that ent-kaurenoic acid, or a downstream metabolite, is involved in protonemal differentiation. Treatment with uniconazole, an inhibitor of ent-kaurene oxidase in GA biosynthesis, mimics the protonemal phenotypes of the PpCPS/KS mutant, which were also restored by ent-kaurenoic acid treatment. Interestingly, the GA(9) methyl ester, a fern antheridiogen, rescued the protonemal defect of the disruption mutant, while GA(3) and GA(4), both of which are active GAs in angiosperms, did not. Our results suggest that the moss P. patens utilizes a diterpene metabolite from ent-kaurene as an endogenous developmental regulator and provide insights into the evolution of GA functions in land plants.

N-terminal domains of DELLA proteins are intrinsically unstructured in the absence of interaction with GID1/gibberellic acid receptors

The plant growth-repressing DELLA proteins (DELLAs) are known to represent a convergence point in integration of multiple developmental and environmental signals in planta, one of which is hormone gibberellic acid (GA). Binding of the liganded GA receptor (GID1/GA) to the N-terminal domain of DELLAs is required for GA-induced degradation of DELLAs via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, thus derepressing plant growth. However, the conformational changes of DELLAs upon binding to GID1/GA, which are the key to understanding the precise mechanism of GID1/GA-mediated degradation of DELLAs, remain unclear. Using biophysical, biochemical, and bioinformatics approaches, we demonstrated for the first time that the unbound N-terminal domains of DELLAs are intrinsically unstructured proteins under physiological conditions. Within the intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain of DELLAs, we have identified several molecular recognition features, sequences known to undergo disorder-to-order transitions upon binding to interacting proteins in intrinsically unstructured proteins. In accordance with the molecular recognition feature analyses, we have observed the binding-induced folding of N-terminal domains of DELLAs upon interaction with AtGID1/GA. Our results also indicate that DELLA proteins can be divided into two subgroups in terms of their molecular compactness and their interactions with monoclonal antibodies.

[Effects of redox state of disulfide bonds on the intrinsic fluorescence and denaturation of Trx-fused gibberellin-induced cysteine-rich protein from Gymnadnia conopsea]

In the present paper, thioredoxin-fused gibberellin-induced cysteine-rich protein from Gymnadnia conopsea, desigated as Trx-GcGASA and expressed prokaryotically, was purified and identified by using Ni(2+) -NTA affinity chromatography column and SDS-PAGE, and then its intrinsic fluorescence was investigated in the absence and presence of dithiothreitol (DTT), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), peroxide and guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) by means of steady-state fluorescence spectroscopic methods. It was found that (1) at the neutral pH Trx-GcGASA had maximum fluorescence emission at 305 nm following excitation at different wavelengths varying from 250 to 280 nm, which was ascribed to the fluorescence emission from tyrosine residues. (2) The reduction of disulphide bonds lead to the changes in the relative fluorescence intensity between tyrosine and tryptophan residues from 0.7 to 1.8. (3) Both Tyr and Trp residues underwent 12%-21% decrease in fluorescence intensity with the addition of 0.5 mmol x L(-1) GSSG or 5 mmol x L(-1) peroxide. The latter was roughly consistent with the antioxidative activity reported in vivo. (4) No matter whether 1 mmol x L(-1) DTT was absent or present, the fusion protein could not be fully unfolded with lambda(max) < 350 nm following the treatment of 6 mol x L(-1) GdnHCl. (5) Fusion protein Trx-GcGASA experienced GdnHCl-induced denaturation process, and the unfolding equilibrium curve could be well fitted by using two-state model, giving the Gibbs free energy change (deltaG) of 3.7 kJ x mol(-1). However, it was not the case for reduced Trx-GcGASA protein. The aforementioned experimental results will not only provide some guides to investigate the effects of fusion partner Trx on the unfolding thermodynamics, kinetics and refolding process of Trx-GcGASA, but also will be useful for further studies on the strucuture of GA-induced cysteine-rich protein with the help of spectroscopic methods.

Self-assembly of gibberellic amide assemblies and their applications in the growth and fabrication of ordered gold nanoparticles

Gibberellins are a group of naturally occurring diterpenoid based phytohormones that play a vital role in plant growth and development. In this work, we have studied the self-assembly of gibberellic acid, a phytohormone, which belongs to the family of gibberellins, and designed amide derivatives of gibberellic acid (GA(3)) for the facile, green synthesis of gold nanoparticles. It was found that the derivatives self-assembled into nanofibers and nanoribbons in aqueous solutions at varying pH. Further, upon incubation with tetrachloroaurate, the self-assembled GA(3)-amide derivatives efficiently nucleated and formed gold nanoparticles when heated to 60 degrees C. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed that uniform coatings of gold nanoparticles in the 10-20 nm range were obtained at low pH on the nanowire surfaces without the assistance of additional reducing agents. This simple method for the development of morphology controlled gold nanoparticles using a plant hormone derivative opens doors for a new class of plant biomaterials which can efficiently yield gold nanoparticles in an environmentally friendly manner. The gold encrusted nanowires formed using biomimetic methods may lead on to the formation of conductive nanowires, which may be useful for a wide range of applications such as in optoelectronics and sensors. Further, the spontaneous formation of highly organized nanostructures obtained from plant phytohormone derivatives such as gibberellic acid is of particular interest as it might help in further understanding the supramolecular assembly mechanism of more highly organized biological structures.