Rhizobium sp. BR816 produces a complex mixture of known and novel lipochitooligosaccharide molecules.

Rhizobial lipochitooligosaccharide (LCO) signal molecules induce various plant responses, leading to nodule development. We report here the LCO structures of the broadhost range strain Rhizobium sp. BR816. The LCOs produced are all pentamers, carrying common C18:1 or C18:0 fatty acyl chains, N-methylated and C-6 carbamoylated on the nonreducing terminal N-acetylglucosamine and sulfated on the reducing/terminal residue. A second acetyl group can be present on the penultimate N-acetylglucosamine from the nonreducing terminus. Two novel characteristics were observed: the reducing/terminal residue can be a glucosaminitol (open structure) and the degree of acetylation of this glucosaminitol or of the reducing residue can vary.

Unusual methyl-branched alpha,beta-unsaturated acyl chain substitutions in the Nod Factors of an arctic rhizobium, Mesorhizobium sp. strain N33 (Oxytropis arctobia).

Mesorhizobium sp. strain N33 (Oxytropis arctobia), a rhizobial strain isolated in arctic Canada, is able to fix nitrogen at very low temperatures in association with a few arctic legume species belonging to the genera Astragalus, Onobrychis, and Oxytropis. Using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we have determined the structure of N33 Nod factors, which are major determinants of nodulation. They are pentameric lipochito-oligosaccharides 6-O sulfated at the reducing end and exhibit other original substitutions: 6-O acetylation of the glucosamine residue next to the nonreducing terminal glucosamine and N acylation of the nonreducing terminal glucosamine by methyl-branched acyl chains of the iso series, some of which are alpha,beta unsaturated. These unusual substitutions may contribute to the peculiar host range of N33. Analysis of N33 whole-cell fatty acids indicated that synthesis of the methyl-branched fatty acids depended on the induction of bacteria by plant flavonoids, suggesting a specific role for these fatty acids in the signaling process between the plant and the bacteria. Synthesis of the methyl-branched alpha,beta-unsaturated fatty acids required a functional nodE gene.

Nod factor requirements for efficient stem and root nodulation of the tropical legume Sesbania rostrata.

Azorhizobium caulinodans ORS571 synthesizes mainly pentameric Nod factors with a household fatty acid, an N-methyl, and a 6-O-carbamoyl group at the nonreducing-terminal residue and with a d-arabinosyl, an l-fucosyl group, or both at the reducing-terminal residue. Nodulation on Sesbania rostrata was carried out with a set of bacterial mutants that produce well characterized Nod factor populations. Purified Nod factors were tested for their capacity to induce root hair formation and for their stability in an in vitro degradation assay with extracts of uninfected adventitious rootlets. The glycosylations increased synergistically the nodulation efficiency and the capacity to induce root hairs, and they protected the Nod factor against degradation. The d-arabinosyl group was more important than the l-fucosyl group for nodulation efficiency. Replacement of the 6-O-l-fucosyl group by a 6-O-sulfate ester did not affect Nod factor stability, but reduced nodulation efficiency, indicating that the l-fucosyl group may play a role in recognition. The 6-O-carbamoyl group contributes to nodulation efficiency, biological activity, and protection, but could be replaced by a 6-O-acetyl group for root nodulation. The results demonstrate that none of the studied substitutions is strictly required for triggering normal nodule formation. However, the nodulation efficiency was greatly determined by the synergistic presence of substitutions. Within the range tested, fluctuations of Nod factor amounts had little impact on the symbiotic phenotype.

Structure of the Mesorhizobium huakuii and Rhizobium galegae Nod factors: a cluster of phylogenetically related legumes are nodulated by rhizobia producing Nod factors with alpha,beta-unsaturated N-acyl substitutions.

Rhizobia are symbiotic bacteria that synthesize lipochitooligosaccharide Nod factors (NFs), which act as signal molecules in the nodulation of specific legume hosts. Based on the structure of their N-acyl chain, NFs can be classified into two categories: (i) those that are acylated with fatty acids from the general lipid metabolism; and (ii) those (= alphaU-NFs) that are acylated by specific alpha,beta-unsaturated fatty acids (containing carbonyl-conjugated unsaturation(s)). Previous work has described how rhizobia that nodulate legumes of the Trifolieae and Vicieae tribes produce alphaU-NFs. Here, we have studied the structure of NFs from two rhizobial species that nodulate important genera of the Galegeae tribe, related to Trifolieae and Vicieae. Three strains of Mesorhizobium huakuii, symbionts of Astragalus sinicus, produced as major NFs, pentameric lipochitooligosaccharides O-sulphated and partially N-glycolylated at the reducing end and N-acylated, at the non-reducing end, by a C18:4 fatty acid. Two strains of Rhizobium galegae, symbionts of Galega sp., produced as major NFs, tetrameric O-carbamoylated NFs that could be O-acetylated on the glucosamine residue next to the non-reducing terminal glucosamine and were N-acylated by C18 and C20 alpha,beta-unsaturated fatty acids. These results suggest that legumes nodulated by rhizobia synthesizing alphaU-NFs constitute a phylogenetic cluster in the Galegoid phylum.

Phaseolus vulgaris recognizes Azorhizobium caulinodans Nod factors with a variety of chemical substituents.

Phaseolus vulgaris is a promiscuous host plant that can be nodulated by many different rhizobia representing a wide spectrum of Nod factors. In this study, we introduced the Rhizobium tropici CFN299 Nod factor sulfation genes nodHPQ into Azorhizobium caulinodans. The A. caulinodans transconjugants produce Nod factors that are mostly if not all sulfated and often with an arabinosyl residue as the reducing end glycosylation. Using A. caulinodans mutant strains, affected in reducing end decorations, and their respective transconjugants in a bean nodulation assay, we demonstrated that bean nodule induction efficiency, in decreasing order, is modulated by the Nod factor reducing end decorations fucose, arabinose or sulfate, and hydrogen.

Carbamoylation of azorhizobial Nod factors is mediated by NodU.

Lipochitooligosaccharides (LCOs) synthesized by Azorhizobium caulinodans ORS571 are substituted at the nonreducing-terminal residue with a 6-O-carbamoyl group. LCO biosynthesis in A. caulinodans is dependent on the nodABCSUIJZnoeC operon. Until now, the role of the nodulation protein NodU in the synthesis of azorhizobial LCOs remained unclear. Based on sequence similarities and structural analysis of LCOs produced by a nodU mutant, a complemented nodU mutant, and Escherichia coli DH5 alpha expressing the nodABCSU genes, NodU was shown to be involved in the carbamoylation step.

Nod factors of Azorhizobium caulinodans strain ORS571 can be glycosylated with an arabinosyl group, a fucosyl group, or both.

In addition to the previously described arabinosylated Nod factors, Azorhizobium caulinodans can also produce fucosylated Nod factors and Nod factors that are both arabinosylated and fucosylated. The presence of a plasmid carrying extra copies of a subset of nod genes as well as bacterial growth conditions influence the relative proportion of carbamoylated, fucosylated, and arabinosylated Nod factors. By using a root hair formation assay, we demonstrate that the Nod factor glycosylations are important for biological activity on Sesbania rostrata roots.

Sinorhizobium teranga bv. acaciae ORS1073 and Rhizobium sp. strain ORS1001, two distantly related Acacia-nodulating strains, produce similar Nod factors that are O carbamoylated, N methylated, and mainly sulfated.

We have determined the structures of Nod factors produced by strains representative of Sinorhizobium teranga bv. acaciae and the so-called cluster U from the Rhizobium loti branch, two genetically different symbionts of particular Acacia species. Compounds from both strains were found to be similar, i.e., mainly sulfated, O carbamoylated, and N methylated, indicating a close relationship between host specificity and Nod factor structure, regardless of the taxonomy of the bacterial symbiont.

Structural determination of symbiotic nodulation factors from the broad host-range Rhizobium species NGR234.

Nod factors are secreted lipo-oligosaccharides produced by symbiotic nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium bacteria that induce nodule formation on the roots of host leguminous plants. Two biologically active fractions (NodNGRA and NodNGRB) were isolated by reversed-phase HPLC from the culture supernatant of a Nod factor overproducing strain of Rhizobium sp. NGR234. NodNGRA and NodNGRB are heterogeneous mixtures of N-acylated 2-O-methylfucosylated chitomers, in which the fucosyl residue may be either 3-sulfated (NodNGRA), or 4-O-acetylated or nonsubstituted (NodNGRB). Structurally analogous series of compounds occur with either N-vaccenic (C18:1) or N-palmitic (C16:0) substituents. The presence of 6-O-carbamoyl groups on the GlcNMe-Acyl residue occurs on some molecules, while others are di-O-carbamoylated. Detailed structural analysis of seventeen Nod factors are reported here.

Involvement of nodS in N-methylation and nodU in 6-O-carbamoylation of Rhizobium sp. NGR234 nod factors.

Although Rhizobium sp. NGR234 and Rhizobium fredii USDA257 share many traits, dysfunctional nodSU genes in the latter prohibit nodulation of Leucaena species. Accordingly, we used R. fredii transconjugants harboring the nodS and nodU genes of NGR234 to study their role in the structural modification of the lipo-oligosaccharide Nod factors. Differences between the Nod factors mainly concern the length of the oligomer (three to five glucosamine residues in USDA257 and five residues only in NGR234) and the presence of additional substituents in NGR234 (N-linked methyl, one or two carbamoyl groups on the non-reducing moiety, acetyl or sulfate groups on the fucose). R. fredii(nodS) transconjugants produce chitopentamer Nod factors with a N-linked methyl group on the glucosaminyl terminus. Introduction of nodU into USDA257 results in the formation of 6-O-carbamoylated factors. Co-transfer of nodSU directs N-methylation, mono-6-O-carbamoylation, and production of pentameric Nod factors. Mutation of nodU in NGR234 suppresses the formation of bis-carbamoylated species. Insertional mutagenesis of nodSU drastically decreases Nod factor production, but with the exception of sulfated factors (which are partially N-methylated and mono-carbamoylated), they are identical to those of the wild-type strain. Thus, Nod factor levels, their degree of oligomerization, and N-methylation are linked to the activity encoded by nodS.

Wild type Rhizobium etli, a bean symbiont, produces acetyl-fucosylated, N-methylated, and carbamoylated nodulation factors.

Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) can be nodulated by different Rhizobium species. A new species has been recently proposed: Rhizobium etli. Following transcriptional activation of the bacterial nodulation genes using naringenin or bean seed exudate, we have isolated, purified, and characterized R. etli extracellular nodulation factors. They are chitopentameric compounds that are N-methyl-N-vaccenoylated at their non-reducing end. At position 6 of the reducing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, they are 4-O-acetyl-L-fucosylated. Minor compounds bear a carbamate group on the terminal non-reducing saccharidic residue.

Structures of nodulation factors from the nitrogen-fixing soybean symbiont Rhizobium fredii USDA257.

We have isolated and characterized the extracellular Nod factors of Rhizobium fredii USDA257, a nitrogen-fixing symbiont of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and several other legume species. These signals are produced upon exposure to the isoflavone genistein and consist of a series of substituted, beta 1,4-linked tri-, tetra-, and pentamers of N-acetylglucosamine. N-Vaccenic acid replaces acetate on the nonreducing residue, and the reducing residue contains alpha-linked 2-O-methylfucose on carbon 6. Small amounts of a fucose-containing tetramer also were present. The Nod factors elicit root-hair deformations on soybean and two other plants at concentrations ranging from 10(-6) to 10(-12) M.

Biological activity of Rhizobium sp. NGR234 Nod-factors on Macroptilium atropurpureum.

The broad host range of Rhizobium sp. NGR234 is based mainly on its ability to secrete a family of lipooligosaccharide Nod factors. To monitor Nod-factor purification, we used the small seeded legume Macroptilium atropurpureum, which responds evenly and consistently to Nod factors. At concentrations between approximately equal to 10(-11) M and 10(-9) M, this response takes the form of deformation of the root hairs. Higher concentrations (approximately equal to 10(-9) to 10(-7) M), provoked profound "shepherd's crook" type curling of the root hairs. Similar concentrations of Nod factors of Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Rhizobium leguminosarum, and R. meliloti also provoked marked curling of the root hairs, but the latter two species are unable to nodulate Macroptilium. On the other hand, plant hormones, hormone-like substances, inhibitors of hormone action, as well as substituents of Nod factors were without effect in this bioassay. We thus conclude that only Nod factors are capable of inducing shepherd's crook type curling of Macroptilium root hairs. Perturbations in the auxin-cytokinin balance induced "pseudo" nodulation on M. atropurpureum, as did NodNGR factors at concentrations between 10(-7) and 10(-6) M. Concomitant inoculation of Macroptilium with a NodABC- mutant of NGR234 and sulfated NodNGR factors (NodNGR[S]) gave rise to plants that slowly greened, showing that the NodNGR factors permitted entry of the Nod- mutant into the roots.

Nodulation factors from Rhizobium tropici are sulfated or nonsulfated chitopentasaccharides containing an N-methyl-N-acylglucosaminyl terminus.

Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) can be nodulated by several Rhizobium species. Among them, Rhizobium tropici has a relatively broad host range, as it is able to infect beans, Leucaena trees, and several other legumes. This work describes the isolation and the characterization of extracellular factors (Nod factors) whose production from R. tropici was triggered by the transcriptional activation of its nod genes. These factors consist of a chitopentaose backbone in which the N-acetyl group of the nonreducing end glucosaminyl residue is replaced by an N-methyl-N-vaccenoyl one. Some of these molecules are sulfated on position 6 of the terminal reducing glucosamine.

Lipo-oligosaccharides of Rhizobium induce infection-related early nodulin gene expression in pea root hairs.

This paper shows that lipo-oligosaccharides (Nod factors) synthesized by Rhizobium bacteria elicit the induction of infection-related early nodulin genes (PsENOD5 and PsENOD12) in pea root hairs. R. leguminosarum bv. viciae secretes a mixture of Nod factors containing a C18 fatty acid chain with 4 (C18:4) or 1 double bond (C18:1). Purified Nod factors harbouring either a C18:4 or a C18:1 acyl moiety induce the expression of the pea early nodulin genes, PsENOD5 and PsENOD12, but the kinetics of induction are different. The expression of both early nodulin genes is induced in a transient manner by the purified Nod factors while a mixture of the Nod factors extends the period during which these genes are expressed. In spite of the host-specific nature of the infection process, heterologous Nod factors of R. meliloti also induce the expression of PsENOD5 and PsENOD12 genes, though with a marked delay compared with the homologous compounds.

Three unusual modifications, a D-arabinosyl, an N-methyl, and a carbamoyl group, are present on the Nod factors of Azorhizobium caulinodans strain ORS571.

Azorhizobium caulinodans strain ORS571 is a symbiont of the tropical legume Sesbania rostrata. Upon nod gene induction with naringenin, strain ORS571 secretes into the culture medium Nod factors that morphologically change the host plant--in particular, deformed root hairs (Hai/Had) and meristematic foci are formed at the basis of lateral roots. The latter infrequently develop further into nodule-like structures. The azorhizobial Nod factors are chitin tetramers or pentamers, N-acylated at the nonreducing-end glucosamine with either vaccenic acid (C18:1) or stearic acid (C18:0). They, thus, resemble the previously described Nod factors from (brady)rhizobia. The backbone lipooligosaccharide is substituted with unusual modifications, presumably involved in host-specificity determination. There is a D-arabinose branch on the reducing end and an N-methyl and O-carbamoyl substitution on the nonreducing end of the oligosaccharide chain. The previously identified nod gene nolK may be involved in the synthesis of a D-arabinose derivative. The nodS gene product is probably responsible for the N-methylation of Nod factors.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry of cyclic fatty acid monomers isolated from heated fats.

The analysis of hydrogenated cyclic fatty acid monomers isolated from heated linseed and sunflower oils is achieved by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry of their pentafluorobenzyl esters. Collisionally activated dissociation of the carboxylate anions produced by electron-capture ionization shows remote charge-site fragmentation that allows location of cyclopentane and cyclohexane rings by examining the resulting mass-analysed ion kinetic energy spectra. Oxidative ozonolysis of the methyl esters of the unsaturated cyclic fatty acid monomers allows location of some double bonds. However, preliminary results obtained with remote charge fragmentation of synthetic unsaturated models make this approach an alternative for double bond location in the cyclic fatty acid monomers isolated from heated fats.

Isolation, characterization, and structure of a mutant 89 Arg----Cys bisphosphoglycerate mutase. Implication of the active site in the mutation.

Bisphosphoglycerate mutase (EC 5.4.2.4.) is a trifunctional enzyme which displays synthase, mutase, and phosphatase activities. The purification, characterization, and structural study of an abnormal form of the enzyme, isolated from a patient which we reported earlier (Rosa, R., Prehu, M. O., Beuzard, Y., and Rosa, J. (1978) J. Clin. Invest. 62, 907-915), is described. The abnormal enzyme, present at 50% of the level of the normal enzyme as estimated by immunological methods, showed elevated electrophoretic mobility and hybridized with erythrocyte phosphoglycerate mutase (EC 5.4.2.1.) in the same manner as the normal control. The mutant enzyme was unstable at 55 degrees C and could be protected against thermal instability by 0.5 mM glycerate 2,3-bisphoshate but not by either glycerate 3-phosphate or glycolate 2-phosphate. Two of the three functions of the mutant enzyme were distinct from those of the normal protein. The specific activity of the synthase was 0.57% of normal and that of the mutase 4.1%. By contrast, the specific phosphatase activity was not affected by the mutation. However, the phosphatase activity of the mutated protein was markedly less stimulated by glycolate-2-phosphate than that of the control. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of tryptic peptides derived from the mutant enzyme showed an abnormal profile with the absence of two peaks normally containing the T12 and T13 peptides and without the appearance of a supplementary peak. Amino acid sequence and mass spectrometric analysis demonstrated the substitution of Arg----Cys residue in position 89 producing an uncleaved T12-T13 present in the same peak as the T6. Considered together, our data suggest that Arg-89 is located at or near the active site of bisphosphoglycerate mutase and that this residue is probably involved in the binding of monophosphoglycerates.

Identification of some abnormal haemoglobins by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and fast atom bombardment tandem mass spectrometry.

The characterization of two abnormal human haemoglobins by fast atom bombardment (FAB) mapping is presented. The first variant, called 'R', exhibits a tryptic FAB map identical to that of normal haemoglobin. However, using Staphylococcus protease V8, a peptide containing the carboxyl end of the beta-chain exhibits a mass shift down to 300 mass units. This clearly indicates the deletion of the two last amino acids of the beta-chain. The second variant, called 'Grenoble', is due to two different modifications of the beta-chain. The location of the Pro----Ser exchange on peptide T5 is achieved by the collisionally activated dissociation mass analyzed ion kinetic energy spectra of the corresponding [MH]+ ion. The m/z value of that peptide indicated a supplementary acid----amide modification, which was located by amino acid sequencing using chemical methods. This work concludes with the necessity of using complementary methods for achieving rapid determinations of abnormal proteins with minute amounts.