bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of Xanthophyll Biosynthetic Genes during Light-Dependent Chloroplast Differentiation
Authors: Woitsch Sonja , Römer Susanne 
Published: July 2003

AbstractIn higher plants, etioplast to chloroplast differentiation is characterized by dramatic ultrastructural changes of the plastid and a concomitant increase in chlorophylls and carotenoids. Whereas the formation and function of carotenes and their oxygenated derivatives, the xanthophylls, have been well studied, little is known about the regulation of the genes involved in xanthophyll biosynthesis. Here, we analyze the expression of three xanthophyll biosynthetic genes (i.e. β-carotene hydroxylase [bhy], zeaxanthin epoxidase [zep], and violaxanthin de-epoxidase [vde]) during de-etiolation of seedlings of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Samsun) under different light conditions. White-light illumination caused an increase in the amount of all corresponding mRNAs. The expression profiles of bhy and zep not only resembled each other but were also similar to the pattern of a gene encoding a major light-harvesting protein of photosystem II. This finding indicates a coordinated synthesis during formation of the antenna complex. In contrast, the expression pattern of vde was clearly different. Furthermore, the gene expression of bhy was shown to be modulated after illumination with different white-light intensities. The expression of all xanthophyll biosynthetic genes under examination was up-regulated upon exposure to red, blue, and white light. Gene expression of bhy and vde but not of zep was more pronounced under red-light illumination, pointing at an involvement of the phytochrome system. Expression analysis in the presence of the photosynthetic electron transport inhibitors 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethyl-urea and 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone indicated a redox control of transcription of two of the xanthophyll biosynthetic genes (bhy and zep).
Identification and Differential Expression of Two Thioredoxin h Isoforms in Germinating Seeds from Pea
Authors: Montrichard Françoise , Renard Michelle , Alkhalfioui Fatima , Duval Frédéric D. , Macherel David 
Published: July 2003

Abstract
The NADPH/NADP-thioredoxin (Trx) reductase (NTR)/Trx system (NTS) is a redox system that plays a posttranslational regulatory role by reducing protein targets involved in crucial cellular processes in microorganisms and animals. In plants, the system includes several h type Trx isoforms and has been shown to intervene in reserve mobilization during early seedling growth of cereals. To determine whether NTS was operational during germination of legume seeds and which Trx h isoforms could be implicated, Trx h isoforms expression was monitored in germinating pea (Pisum sativum cv Baccara) seeds, together with the amount of NTR and NADPH. Two new isoforms were identified: Trx h3, similar to the two isoforms already described in pea but not expressed in seeds; and the more divergent isoform, Trx h4. Active recombinant proteins were produced in Escherichia coli and used to raise specific antibodies. The expression of new isoforms was analyzed at both mRNA and protein levels. The lack of correlation between mRNA and protein abundances suggests the occurrence of posttranscriptional regulation. Trx h3 protein amount remained constant in both axes and cotyledons of dry and imbibed seeds but then decreased 2 d after radicle protrusion. In contrast, Trx h4 was only expressed in axes of dry and imbibed seeds but not in germinated seeds or in seedlings, therefore appearing as closely linked to germination. The presence of NTR and NADPH in seeds suggests that NTS could be functional during germination. The possible role of Trx h3 and h4 in this context is discussed.
Photoacoustic Analysis Indicates That Chloroplast Movement Does Not Alter Liquid-Phase CO2 Diffusion in Leaves of Alocasia brisbanensis
Authors: Gorton Holly L. , Herbert Stephen K. , Vogelmann Thomas C. 
Published: July 2003

Abstract
Light-mediated chloroplast movements are common in plants. When leaves of Alocasia brisbanensis (F.M. Bailey) Domin are exposed to dim light, mesophyll chloroplasts spread along the periclinal walls normal to the light, maximizing absorbance. Under high light, the chloroplasts move to anticlinal walls. It has been proposed that movement to the high-light position shortens the diffusion path for CO2 from the intercellular air spaces to the chloroplasts, thus reducing CO2 limitation of photosynthesis. To test this hypothesis, we used pulsed photoacoustics to measure oxygen diffusion times as a proxy for CO2 diffusion in leaf cells. We found no evidence that chloroplast movement to the high-light position enhanced gas diffusion. Times for oxygen diffusion were not shorter in leaves pretreated with white light, which induced chloroplast movement to the high-light position, compared with leaves pretreated with 500 to 700 nm light, which did not induce movement. From the oxygen diffusion time and the diffusion distance from chloroplasts to the intercellular gas space, we calculated an oxygen permeability of 2.25 × 10– 6 cm2 s– 1 for leaf cells at 20°C. When leaf temperature was varied from 5°C to 40°C, the permeability for oxygen increased between 5°C and 20°C but changed little between 20°C and 40°C, indicating changes in viscosity or other physical parameters of leaf cells above 20°C. Resistance for CO2 estimated from oxygen permeability was in good agreement with published values, validating photoacoustics as another way of assessing internal resistances to CO2 diffusion.
Ectopic Expression of a Horseradish Peroxidase Enhances Growth Rate and Increases Oxidative Stress Resistance in Hybrid Aspen
Authors: Kawaoka Akiyoshi , Matsunaga Etsuko , Endo Saori , Kondo Shinkichi , Yoshida Kazuya , Shinmyo Atsuhiko , Ebinuma Hiroyasu 
Published: July 2003

Abstract
We previously demonstrated that overexpression of the horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) peroxidase prxC1a gene stimulated the growth rate of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants. Here, the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S::prxC1a construct was introduced into hybrid aspen (Populus sieboldii × Populus grandidentata). The growth rate of these transformed hybrid aspen plants was substantially increased under greenhouse conditions. The average stem length of transformed plants was 25% greater than that of control plants. There was no other obvious phenotypic difference between the transformed and control plants. Fast-growing transformed hybrid aspen showed high levels of expression of prxC1a and had elevated peroxidase activities toward guaiacol and ascorbate. However, there was no increase of the endogenous class I ascorbate peroxidase activities in the transformed plants by separate assay and activity staining of native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Furthermore, calli derived from the transformed hybrid aspen grew faster than those from control plants and were resistant to the oxidative stress imposed by hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, enhanced peroxidase activity affects plant growth rate and oxidative stress resistance.
Altered Gene Expression in Three Plant Species in Response to Treatment with Nep1, a Fungal Protein That Causes Necrosis
Authors: Keates Sarah E. , Kostman Todd A. , Anderson James D. , Bailey Bryan A. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractNep1 is an extracellular fungal protein that causes necrosis when applied to many dicotyledonous plants, including invasive weed species. Using transmission electron microscopy, it was determined that application of Nep1 (1.0 μg mL– 1, 0.1% [v/v] Silwet-L77) to Arabidopsis and two invasive weed species, spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), caused a reduction in the thickness of the cuticle and a breakdown of chloroplasts 1 to 4 h after treatment. Membrane breakdown was most severe in cells closest to the surface of application. Differential display was used to isolate cDNA clones from the three species showing differential expression in response to Nep1 treatment. Differential gene expression was observed for a putative serpin (CmSER-1) and a calmodulin-like (CmCAL-1) protein from spotted knapweed, and a putative protein phosphatase 2C (ToPP2C-1) and cytochrome P-450 (ToCYP-1) protein from dandelion. In addition, differential expression was observed for genes coding for a putative protein kinase (AtPK-1), a homolog (AtWI-12) of wound-induced WI12, a homolog (AtLEA-1) of late embryogenesis abundant LEA-5, a WRKY-18 DNA-binding protein (AtWRKY-18), and a phospholipase D (AtPLD-1) from Arabidopsis. Genes showing elevated mRNA levels in Nep1-treated (5 μg mL– 1, 0.1% [v/v] Silwet-L77) leaves 15 min after Nep1 treatment included CmSER-1 and CmCAL-1 for spotted knapweed, ToCYP-1 and CmCAL-1 for dandelion, and AtPK-1, AtWRKY-18, AtWI-12, and AtLEA-1 for Arabidopsis. Levels of mRNA for AtPLD-1 (Arabidopsis) and ToPP2C-1 (dandelion) decreased rapidly in Silwet-l77-treated plants between 15 min and 4 h of treatment, but were maintained or decreased more slowly over time in Nep1-treated (5 μg mL– 1, 0.1% [v/v] Silwet-L77) leaves. In general, increases in mRNA band intensities were in the range of two to five times, with only ToCYP-1 in dandelion exceeding an increase of 10 times. The identified genes have been shown to be involved or are related to gene families that are involved in plant stress responses, including wounding, drought, senescence, and disease resistance.
Hydraulic Properties of Rice and the Response of Gas Exchange to Water Stress
Authors: Stiller Volker , Lafitte H. Renee , Sperry John S. 
Published: July 2003

Abstract
We investigated the role of xylem cavitation, plant hydraulic conductance, and root pressure in the response of rice (Oryza sativa) gas exchange to water stress. In the field (Philippines), the percentage loss of xylem conductivity (PLC) from cavitation exceeded 60% in leaves even in watered controls. The PLC versus leaf water potential relationship indicated diurnal refilling of cavitated xylem. The leaf water potential causing 50 PLC (P50) was –1.6 MPa and did not differ between upland versus lowland rice varieties. Greenhouse-grown varieties (Utah) were more resistant to cavitation with a 50 PLC of –1.9 MPa but also showed no difference between varieties. Six-day droughts caused concomitant reductions in leaf-specific photosynthetic rate, leaf diffusive conductance, and soil-leaf hydraulic conductance that were associated with cavitation-inducing water potentials and the disappearance of nightly root pressure. The return of root pressure after drought was associated with the complete recovery of leaf diffusive conductance, leaf-specific photosynthetic rate, and soil-leaf hydraulic conductance. Root pressure after the 6-d drought (61.2 ± 8.8 kPa) was stimulated 7-fold compared with well-watered plants before drought (8.5 ± 3.8 kPa). The results indicate: (a) that xylem cavitation plays a major role in the reduction of plant hydraulic conductance during drought, and (b) that rice can readily reverse cavitation, possibly aided by nocturnal root pressure.
Mechanisms of Glucose Signaling during Germination of Arabidopsis
Authors: Price John , Li Tsai-Chi , Kang Shin Gene , Na Jong Kuk , Jang Jyan-Chyun 
Published: July 2003

AbstractGlucose (Glc) signaling, along with abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, has been implicated in regulating early plant development in Arabidopsis. It is generally believed that high levels of exogenous Glc cause ABA accumulation, which results in a delay of germination and an inhibition of seedling development—a typical stress response. To test this hypothesis and decipher the complex interactions that occur in the signaling pathways, we determined the effects of sugar and ABA on one developmental event, germination. We show that levels of exogenous Glc lower than previously cited could delay the rate of seed germination in wild-ecotype seeds. Remarkably, this effect could not be mimicked by an osmotic effect, and ABA was still involved. With higher concentrations of Glc, previously known Glc-insensitive mutants gin2 and abi4 exhibited germination kinetics similar to wild type, indicating that Glc-insensitive phenotypes are not the same for all developmental stages of growth and that the signaling properties of Glc vary with concentration. Higher concentrations of Glc were more potent in delaying seed germination. However, Glc-delayed seed germination was not caused by increased cellular ABA concentration, rather Glc appeared to slow down the decline of endogenous ABA. Except for the ABA-insensitive mutants, all tested genotypes appeared to have similar ABA perception during germination, where germination was correlated with the timing of ABA drop to a threshold level. In addition, Glc was found to modulate the transcription of genes involved in ABA biosynthesis and perception only after germination, suggesting a critical role of the developmental program in sugar sensing. On the basis of an extensive phenotypic, biochemical, and molecular analysis, we suggest that exogenous Glc application creates specific signals that vary with concentration and the developmental stage of the plant and that Glc-induced fluctuations in endogenous ABA level generate a different set of signals than those generated by external ABA application.
Activation Tagging of a Dominant Gibberellin Catabolism Gene (GA 2-oxidase) from Poplar That Regulates Tree Stature
Authors: Busov Victor B. , Meilan Richard , Pearce David W. , Ma Caiping , Rood Stewart B. , Strauss Steven H. 
Published: July 2003

Abstract
We identified a dwarf transgenic hybrid poplar (Populus tremula × Populus alba) after screening of 627 independent activation-tagged transgenic lines in tissue culture, greenhouse, and field environments. The cause of the phenotype was a hyperactivated gene encoding GA 2-oxidase (GA2ox), the major gibberellin (GA) catabolic enzyme in plants. The mutation resulted from insertion of a strong transcriptional enhancer near the transcription start site. Overexpression of the poplar GA2ox gene (PtaGA2ox1) caused hyperaccumulation of mRNA transcripts, quantitative shifts in the spectrum of GAs, and similarity in phenotype to transgenic poplars that overexpress a bean (Phaseolus coccineus) GA2ox gene. The poplar PtaGA2ox1 sequence was most closely related to PsGA2ox2 from pea (Pisum sativum) and two poorly known GA2oxs from Arabidopsis (AtGA2ox4 and AtGA2ox5). The dwarf phenotype was reversible through gibberellic acid application to the shoot apex. Transgenic approaches to producing semidwarf trees for use in arboriculture, horticulture, and forestry could have significant economic and environmental benefits, including altered fiber and fruit production, greater ease of management, and reduced risk of spread in wild populations.
Properties of Guaiacol Peroxidase Activities Isolated from Corn Root Plasma Membranes
Authors: Mika Angela , Lüthje Sabine 
Published: July 2003

Abstract
Although several investigations have demonstrated a plasma membrane (PM)-bound peroxidase activity in plants, this study is the first, to our knowledge, to purify and characterize the enzymes responsible. Proteins were extracted from highly enriched and thoroughly washed PMs. Washing and solubilization procedures indicated that the enzymes were tightly bound to the membrane. At least two distinct peroxidase activities could be separated by cation exchange chromatography (pmPOX1 and pmPOX2). Prosthetic groups were identified in fractions with peroxidase activity by absorption spectra, and the corresponding protein bands were identified by heme staining. The activities of the peroxidase enzymes responded different to various substrates and effectors and had different thermal stabilities and pH and temperature optima. Because the enzymes were localized at the PM and were not effected by p-chloromercuribenzoate, they were probably class III peroxidases. Additional size exclusion chromatography of pmPOX1 revealed a single activity peak with a molecular mass of 70 kD for the native enzyme, whereas pmPOX2 had two activity peaks (155 and 40 kD). Further analysis of these fractions by a modified sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in combination with heme staining confirmed the estimated molecular masses of the size exclusion chromatography.
β-Alanine N-Methyltransferase of Limonium latifolium. cDNA Cloning and Functional Expression of a Novel N-Methyltransferase Implicated in the Synthesis of the Osmoprotectant β-Alanine Betaine
Authors: Raman Suresh Babu , Rathinasabapathi Bala 
Published: July 2003

Abstract
β-alanine (Ala) betaine, an osmoprotectant suitable under saline and hypoxic environments, is found in most members of the halophytic plant family Plumbaginaceae. In Limonium latifolium (Plumbaginaceae), it is synthesized via methylation of β-Ala by the action of a trifunctional S-adenosyl l-methionine (Ado-Met): β-Ala N-methyltransferase (NMTase). Peptide sequences from purified β-Ala NMTase were used to design primers for reverse transcriptase-PCR, and several cDNA clones were isolated. The 5′ end of the cDNA was cloned using a 5′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends protocol. A 500-bp cDNA was used as a probe to screen a λ-gt10 L. latifolium leaf cDNA library. Partial cDNA clones represented two groups, NMTase A and NMTase B, differing only in their 3′-untranslated regions. The full-length NMTase A cDNA was 1,414 bp and included a 1128-bp open reading frame and a 119-bp 5′-untranslated region. The deduced amino acid sequence of 375 residues had motifs known to be involved in the binding of Ado-Met. The NMTase mRNA was expressed in L. latifolium leaves but was absent in Limonium sinuatum, a member of the genus that lacks the synthetic pathway for β-Ala betaine. NMTase mRNA expression was high in young and mature leaves and was enhanced by light. NMTase cDNA was expressed in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) under the control of a galactose-inducible promoter. Protein extracts of galactose-induced recombinant yeast had Ado-Met-specific NMTase activities that were highly specific to β-Ala, N-methyl β-Ala, and N,N-dimethyl β-Ala as methyl acceptors. NMTase activities were not detectable in comparable protein extracts of yeast, transformed with vector control. The NMTase protein sequence shared homology with plant caffeic acid O-methyltransferases and related enzymes. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that β-Ala NMTase represents a novel family of N-methyltransferases that are evolutionarily related to O-methyltransferases.
Plants Do It Differently. A New Basis for Potassium/Sodium Selectivity in the Pore of an Ion Channel
Authors: Hua Bao-Guang , Mercier Richard W. , Leng Qiang , Berkowitz Gerald A. 
Published: July 2003

Abstract
Understanding of the molecular architecture necessary for selective K+ permeation through the pore of ion channels is based primarily on analysis of the crystal structure of the bacterial K+ channel KcsA, and structure:function studies of cloned animal K+ channels. Little is known about the conduction properties of a large family of plant proteins with structural similarities to cloned animal cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (CNGCs). Animal CNGCs are nonselective cation channels that do not discriminate between Na+ and K+ permeation. These channels all have the same triplet of amino acids in the channel pore ion selectivity filter, and this sequence is different from that of the selectivity filter found in K+-selective channels. Plant CNGCs have unique pore selectivity filters; unlike those found in any other family of channels. At present, the significance of the unique pore selectivity filters of plant CNGCs, with regard to discrimination between Na+ and K+ permeation is unresolved. Here, we present an electrophysiological analysis of several members of this protein family; identifying the first cloned plant channel (AtCNGC1) that conducts Na+. Another member of this ion channel family (AtCNGC2) is shown to have a selectivity filter that provides a heretofore unknown molecular basis for discrimination between K+ and Na+ permeation. Specific amino acids within the AtCNGC2 pore selectivity filter (Asn-416, Asp-417) are demonstrated to facilitate K+ over Na+ conductance. The selectivity filter of AtCNGC2 represents an alternative mechanism to the well-known GYG amino acid triplet of K+ channels that has been identified as the critical basis for K+ over Na+ permeation through the pore of ion channels.
Arabidopsis D-Type Cyclin CYCD4;1 Is a Novel Cyclin Partner of B2-Type Cyclin-Dependent Kinase
Authors: Kono Atsushi , Umeda-Hara Chikage , Lee Jeongkyung , Ito Masaki , Uchimiya Hirofumi , Umeda Masaaki 
Published: July 2003

Abstract
B-type cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are unique to plants and are assumed to be involved in the control of the G2-to-M phase progression and mitotic events. However, little is known about their cyclin partners. In Arabidopsis, we isolated cDNA encoding the D-type cyclin CYCD4;1 by a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) two-hybrid screening using CDKB2;1 as bait. In vitro pull-down assay showed that CYCD4;1 bound to CDKB2;1 and CDKA;1. Protein complexes of CYCD4;1-CDKA;1 and CYCD4;1-CDKB2;1 in insect cells exhibited histone H1-kinase activity. Promoter analysis using the luciferase reporter gene showed that CDKB2;1 was expressed from early G2 to M phase, whereas CYCD4;1 was expressed throughout the cell cycle. In situ hybridization of plant tissues revealed that both CDKB2;1 and CYCD4;1 transcripts accumulated in the shoot apical meristem, leaf primordia, vasculature of leaves, and tapetal cells in anthers. Our results suggest that CDKB2;1 and CYCD4;1 may form an active kinase complex during G2/M phase and control the development of particular tissues.
Localization of Nonspecific Lipid Transfer Proteins Correlate with Programmed Cell Death Responses during Endosperm Degradation in Euphorbia lagascae Seedlings
Authors: Eklund D. Magnus , Edqvist Johan 
Published: July 2003

Abstract
When the storage materials have been depleted, the endosperm cells undergo programmed cell death. Very little is known about how the components of the dying cells are recycled and used by the growing seedling. To learn more about endosperm degradation and nutrient recycling, we isolated soluble proteins from the endosperm of Euphorbia lagascae seedlings collected 2, 4, and 6 d after sowing. The protein extracts were subjected to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Proteins that increased in amount in the endosperm with time were selected for further analysis with mass spectrometry. We successfully identified 17 proteins, which became more abundant by time during germination. Among these proteins were three E. lagascae lipid transfer proteins (ElLTPs), ElLTP1, ElLTP2, and ElLTP3. Detailed expressional studies were performed on ElLTP1 and ElLTP2. ElLTP1 transcripts were detected in endosperm and cotyledons, whereas ElLTP2 transcripts were only detected in endosperm. Western blots confirmed that ElLTP1 and ElLTP2 accumulate during germination. Immunolocalization experiments showed that ElLTP1 was present in the vessels of the developing cotyledons, and also in the alloplastic space in the endosperm. ElLTP2 formed a concentration gradient in the endosperm, with higher amounts in the inner regions close to the cotyledons, and lesser amounts in the outer regions of the endosperm. On the basis of these data, we propose that ElLTP1 and ElLTP2 are involved in recycling of endosperm lipids, or that they act as protease inhibitors protecting the growing cotyledons from proteases released during programmed cell death.