Medium-chain-length polyprenol (C45-C55) formation in chloroplasts of Arabidopsis is brassinosteroid-dependent.

Brassinosteroids are important plant hormones influencing, among other processes, chloroplast development, the electron transport chain during light reactions of photosynthesis, and the Calvin-Benson cycle. Medium-chain-length polyprenols built of 9-11 isoprenoid units (C45-C55 carbons) are a class of isoprenoid compounds present in abundance in thylakoid membranes. They are synthetized in chloroplast by CPT7 gene from Calvin cycle derived precursors on MEP (methylerythritol 4-phosphate) isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway. C45-C55 polyprenols affect thylakoid membrane ultra-structure and hence influence photosynthetic apparatus performance in plants such as Arabidopsis and tomato. So far nothing is known about the hormonal or environmental regulation of CPT7 gene expression. The aim of our study was to find out if medium-chain-length polyprenol biosynthesis in plants may be regulated by hormonal cues.We found that the CPT7 gene in Arabidopsis has a BZR1 binding element (brassinosteroid dependent) in its promoter. Brassinosteroid signaling mutants in Arabidopsis accumulate a lower amount of medium-chain-length C45-C55 polyprenols than control plants. At the same time carotenoid and chlorophyll content is increased, and the amount of PsbD1A protein coming from photosystem II does not undergo a significant change. On contrary, treatment of WT plants with epi-brassinolide increases C45-C55 polyprenols content. We also report decreased transcription of MEP enzymes (besides C45-C55 polyprenols, precursors of numerous isoprenoids, e.g. phytol, carotenoids are derived from this pathway) and genes encoding biosynthesis of medium-chain-length polyprenol enzymes in brassinosteroid perception mutant bri1-116. Taken together, we document that brassinosteroids affect biosynthetic pathway of C45-C55 polyprenols.

Impact of C-terminal truncations in the Arabidopsis Rab escort protein (REP) on REP-Rab interaction and plant fertility.

Lipid anchors are common post-translational modifications for proteins engaged in signaling and vesicular transport in eukaryotic cells. Rab proteins are geranylgeranylated at their C-termini, a modification which is important for their stable binding to lipid bilayers. The Rab escort protein (REP) is an accessory protein of the Rab geranylgeranyl transferase (RGT) complex and it is obligatory for Rab prenylation. While REP-Rab interactions have been studied by biochemical, structural, and genetic methods in animals and yeast, data on the plant RGT complex are still limited. Here we use hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) to describe the structural basis of plant REP-Rab binding. The obtained results show that the interaction of REP with Rabs is highly dynamic and involves specific structural changes in both partners. In some cases the Rab and REP regions involved in the interaction are molecule-specific, and in other cases they are common for a subset of Rabs. In particular, the C-terminus of REP is not involved in binding of unprenylated Rab proteins in plants, in contrast to mammalian REP. In line with this, a C-terminal REP truncation does not have pronounced phenotypic effects in planta. On the contrary, a complete lack of functional REP leads to male sterility in Arabidopsis: pollen grains develop in the anthers, but they do not germinate efficiently and hence are unable to transmit the mutated allele. The presented data show that the mechanism of action of REP in the process of Rab geranylgeranylation is different in plants than in animals or yeast.

Plasma membrane phospholipid signature recruits the plant exocyst complex via the EXO70A1 subunit.

Polarized exocytosis is essential for many vital processes in eukaryotic cells, where secretory vesicles are targeted to distinct plasma membrane domains characterized by their specific lipid-protein composition. Heterooctameric protein complex exocyst facilitates the vesicle tethering to a target membrane and is a principal cell polarity regulator in eukaryotes. The architecture and molecular details of plant exocyst and its membrane recruitment have remained elusive. Here, we show that the plant exocyst consists of two modules formed by SEC3-SEC5-SEC6-SEC8 and SEC10-SEC15-EXO70-EXO84 subunits, respectively, documenting the evolutionarily conserved architecture within eukaryotes. In contrast to yeast and mammals, the two modules are linked by a plant-specific SEC3-EXO70 interaction, and plant EXO70 functionally dominates over SEC3 in the exocyst recruitment to the plasma membrane. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we found that the C-terminal part of EXO70A1, the canonical EXO70 isoform in Arabidopsis, is critical for this process. In contrast to yeast and animal cells, the EXO70A1 interaction with the plasma membrane is mediated by multiple anionic phospholipids uniquely contributing to the plant plasma membrane identity. We identified several evolutionary conserved EXO70 lysine residues and experimentally proved their importance for the EXO70A1-phospholipid interactions. Collectively, our work has uncovered plant-specific features of the exocyst complex and emphasized the importance of the specific protein-lipid code for the recruitment of peripheral membrane proteins.

The Rab Geranylgeranyl Transferase Beta Subunit Is Essential for Embryo and Seed Development in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Auxin is a key regulator of plant development affecting the formation and maturation of reproductive structures. The apoplastic route of auxin transport engages influx and efflux facilitators from the PIN, AUX and ABCB families. The polar localization of these proteins and constant recycling from the plasma membrane to endosomes is dependent on Rab-mediated vesicular traffic. Rab proteins are anchored to membranes via posttranslational addition of two geranylgeranyl moieties by the Rab Geranylgeranyl Transferase enzyme (RGT), which consists of RGTA, RGTB and REP subunits. Here, we present data showing that seed development in the rgtb1 mutant, with decreased vesicular transport capacity, is disturbed. Both pre- and post-fertilization events are affected, leading to a decrease in seed yield. Pollen tube recognition at the stigma and its guidance to the micropyle is compromised and the seed coat forms incorrectly. Excess auxin in the sporophytic tissues of the ovule in the rgtb1 plants leads to an increased tendency of autonomous endosperm formation in unfertilized ovules and influences embryo development in a maternal sporophytic manner. The results show the importance of vesicular traffic for sexual reproduction in flowering plants, and highlight RGTB1 as a key component of sporophytic-filial signaling.

The functions of Rab proteins in plants - from cellular to organismal level / Funkcje bialek Rab w roslinach - na poziomie komórki i organizmu.

Rab proteins are necessary for membrane fusion and fission and as such are key regulators of intracellular transport in eukaryotic cells. They also control other aspects of cell functioning, including the cytoskeleton rearrangements, determination of cell polarity or signal transduction. Rab proteins exert their control both indirectly, because they decide whether all necessary proteins and other cargo reach their correct destinations in the cell, and directly, through interactions of their active forms with effector proteins. Therefore, the results of Rab dysfunctions manifest themselves on all levels of biological organization â from cells, through tissues and organs, to whole organisms. In plants, Rab-dependent processes are important for cell architecture, differentiation, reactions to biotic and abiotic stress, as well as for the efficiency of agricultural production.

Rab-dependent vesicular traffic affects female gametophyte development in Arabidopsis.

Eukaryotic cells rely on the accuracy and efficiency of vesicular traffic. In plants, disturbances in vesicular trafficking are well studied in quickly dividing root meristem cells or polar growing root hairs and pollen tubes. The development of the female gametophyte, a unique haploid reproductive structure located in the ovule, has received far less attention in studies of vesicular transport. Key molecules providing the specificity of vesicle formation and its subsequent recognition and fusion with the acceptor membrane are Rab proteins. Rabs are anchored to membranes by covalently linked geranylgeranyl group(s) that are added by the Rab geranylgeranyl transferase (RGT) enzyme. Here we show that Arabidopsis plants carrying mutations in the gene encoding the ß-subunit of RGT (rgtb1) exhibit severely disrupted female gametogenesis and this effect is of sporophytic origin. Mutations in rgtb1 lead to internalization of the PIN1 and PIN3 proteins from the basal membranes to vesicles in provascular cells of the funiculus. Decreased transport of auxin out of the ovule is accompanied by auxin accumulation in tissue surrounding the growing gametophyte. In addition, female gametophyte development arrests at the uni- or binuclear stage in a significant portion of the rgtb1 ovules. These observations suggest that communication between the sporophyte and the developing female gametophyte relies on Rab-dependent vesicular traffic of the PIN1 and PIN3 transporters and auxin efflux out of the ovule.

POLYPRENOL REDUCTASE2 Deficiency Is Lethal in Arabidopsis Due to Male Sterility.

Dolichol is a required cofactor for protein glycosylation, the most common posttranslational modification modulating the stability and biological activity of proteins in all eukaryotic cells. We have identified and characterized two genes, PPRD1 and -2, which are orthologous to human SRD5A3 (steroid 5α reductase type 3) and encode polyprenol reductases responsible for conversion of polyprenol to dolichol in Arabidopsis thaliana. PPRD1 and -2 play dedicated roles in plant metabolism. PPRD2 is essential for plant viability; its deficiency results in aberrant development of the male gametophyte and sporophyte. Impaired protein glycosylation seems to be the major factor underlying these defects although disturbances in other cellular dolichol-dependent processes could also contribute. Shortage of dolichol in PPRD2-deficient cells is partially rescued by PPRD1 overexpression or by supplementation with dolichol. The latter has been discussed as a method to compensate for deficiency in protein glycosylation. Supplementation of the human diet with dolichol-enriched plant tissues could allow new therapeutic interventions in glycosylation disorders. This identification of PPRD1 and -2 elucidates the factors mediating the key step of the dolichol cycle in plant cells which makes manipulation of dolichol content in plant tissues feasible.

Rab geranylgeranyl transferase ß subunit is essential for male fertility and tip growth in Arabidopsis.

Rab proteins, key players in vesicular transport in all eukaryotic cells, are post-translationally modified by lipid moieties. Two geranylgeranyl groups are attached to the Rab protein by the heterodimeric enzyme Rab geranylgeranyl transferase (RGT) αß. Partial impairment in this enzyme activity in Arabidopsis, by disruption of the AtRGTB1 gene, is known to influence plant stature and disturb gravitropic and light responses. Here it is shown that mutations in each of the RGTB genes cause a tip growth defect, visible as root hair and pollen tube deformations. Moreover, FM 1-43 styryl dye endocytosis and recycling are affected in the mutant root hairs. Finally, it is demonstrated that the double mutant, with both AtRGTB genes disrupted, is non-viable due to absolute male sterility. Doubly mutated pollen is shrunken, has an abnormal exine structure, and shows strong disorganization of internal membranes, particularly of the endoplasmic reticulum system.

NADPH oxidase activity in pollen tubes is affected by calcium ions, signaling phospholipids and Rac/Rop GTPases.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by NADPH oxidase (NOX) are crucial for tip growth of pollen tubes. However, the regulation of NOX activity in pollen tubes remains unknown. Using purified plasma membrane fractions from tobacco and olive pollen and tobacco BY-2 cells, we demonstrate that pollen NOX is activated by calcium ions and low abundant signaling phospholipids, such as phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate in vitro and in vivo. Our data also suggest possible synergism between Ca(2+) and phospholipid-mediated NOX activation in pollen. Rac/Rop small GTPases are also necessary for normal pollen tube growth and have been proposed to regulate ROS production in root hairs. We show here elevated ROS formation in pollen tubes overexpressing wild-type NtRac5 and constitutively active NtRac5, while overexpression of dominant-negative NtRac5 led to a decrease of ROS in pollen tubes. We also show that PA formed by distinct phospholipases D (PLD) is involved in pathways both upstream and downstream of NOX-mediated ROS generation and identify NtPLDδ as a PLD isoform acting in the ROS response pathway.

Structure, regulation and cellular functions of Rab geranylgeranyl transferase and its cellular partner Rab Escort Protein.

Rab geranylgeranyl transferase is an enzyme responsible for double geranylgeranylation of Rab proteins in all eukaryotic cells. In the present article we would like to focus on new findings concerning the holoenzyme structure and mechanism of catalytic activity, its mode of regulation and consequences of RGGT deficiency in different eucaryotic model organisms and patients.

Thermodynamics of radicicol binding to human Hsp90 alpha and beta isoforms.

Radicicol is a natural antibiotic that specifically inhibits chaperone Hsp90 activity and binds to its active site with nanomolar affinity. Radicicol has been widely used as a lead compound to generate synthetic analogs with reduced toxicity and increased stability that could be employed clinically. Here we present a detailed thermodynamic description of radicicol binding to human Hsp90 and yeast Hsc82 studied by isothermal titration calorimetry and thermal shift assay. Titrations as a function of pH showed a linked protonation event upon radicicol binding. The intrinsic binding constant and the thermodynamic parameters (including the enthalpy, entropy, and heat capacity) were determined for yeast Hsc82, and human alpha and beta Hsp90. Recent experimental evidence in literature shows that yeast Hsc82 has significant differences from human Hsp90 isozymes. Here we support this by demonstrating differences in radicicol binding thermodynamics to these proteins. The intrinsic enthalpy of radicicol binding to Hsc82 was -46.7 kJ/mol, to Hsp90alpha -70.7 kJ/mol, and to Hsp90beta was -66.8 kJ/mol. The enthalpies of binding were significantly different, while the intrinsic dissociation constants were quite similar, equal to 0.25, 0.04, and 0.15 nM, respectively. The structural features responsible for such large difference in binding enthalpy but small difference in the intrinsic binding Gibbs free energy are discussed.

ATP binding to Hsp90 is sufficient for effective chaperoning of p53 protein.

Hsp90 is a ubiquitous, ATP-dependent chaperone, essential for eukaryotes. It possesses a broad spectrum of substrates, among which is the p53 transcription factor, encoded by a tumor-suppressor gene. Here, we elucidate the role of the adenine nucleotide in the Hsp90 chaperone cycle, by taking advantage of a unique in vitro assay measuring Hsp90-dependent p53 binding to the promoter sequence. E42A and D88N Hsp90ß variants bind but do not hydrolyze ATP, whereas E42A has increased and D88N decreased ATP affinity, compared with WT Hsp90ß. Nevertheless, both of these mutants interact with WT p53 with a similar affinity. Surprisingly, in the case of WT, but also E42A Hsp90ß, the presence of ATP stimulates dissociation of Hsp90-p53 complexes and results in p53 binding to the promoter sequence. D88N Hsp90ß is not efficient in both of these reactions. Using a trap version of the chaperonin GroEL, which irreversibly captures unfolded proteins, we show that Hsp90 chaperone action on WT p53 results in a partial unfolding of the substrate. The ATP-dependent dissociation of p53-Hsp90 complex allows further folding of p53 protein to an active conformation, able to bind to the promoter sequence. Furthermore, in support of these results, the overproduction of WT or E42A Hsp90ß stimulates transcription from the WAF1 gene promoter in H1299 cells. Altogether, our research indicates that ATP binding to Hsp90ß is a sufficient step for effective WT p53 client protein chaperoning.

The mammalian CHORD-containing protein melusin is a stress response protein interacting with Hsp90 and Sgt1.

Melusin is a mammalian muscle specific CHORD containing protein capable of activating signal transduction pathways leading to cardiomyocytes hypertrophy in response to mechanical stress. To define melusin function we searched for molecular partners possibly involved in melusin dependent signal transduction. Here we show that melusin and heat shock proteins are co-regulated. Moreover, melusin directly binds to Hsp90, a ubiquitous chaperone involved in regulating several signaling pathways. In addition, melusin interacts with Sgt1, an Hsp90 binding molecule. Melusin does not behave as an Hsp90 substrate but rather as a chaperone capable to protect citrate synthase from heat induced aggregation. These results describe melusin as a new component of the Hsp90 chaperone machinery.

Hsp90 chaperones wild-type p53 tumor suppressor protein.

Immortalized human fibroblasts were used to investigate the putative interactions of the Hsp90 molecular chaperone with the wild-type p53 tumor suppressor protein. We show that geldanamycin or radicicol, specific inhibitors of Hsp90, diminish specific wild-type p53 binding to the p21 promoter sequence. Consequently, these inhibitors decrease p21 mRNA levels, which lead to a reduction in cellular p21/Waf1 protein, known to induce cell cycle arrest. In control experiments, we show that neither geldanamycin nor radicicol affect p53 mRNA levels. A minor decrease in p53 protein level following the treatment of human fibroblasts with the inhibitors suggests the potential involvement of Hsp90 in the stabilization of wild-type p53. To support our in vivo findings, we used a reconstituted system with highly purified recombinant proteins to examine the effects of Hsp90 on wild-type p53 binding to the p21 promoter sequence. The human recombinant Hsp90 alpha-isoform as well as bovine brain Hsp90 were purified to homogeneity. Both of these molecular chaperones displayed ATPase activity and the ability to refold heat-inactivated luciferase in a geldanamycin- and radicicol-sensitive manner, suggesting that post-translational modifications are not involved in the modulation of Hsp90alpha activity. We show that the incubation of recombinant p53 at 37 degrees C decreases the level of its wild-type conformation and strongly inhibits the in vitro binding of p53 to the p21 promoter sequence. Interestingly, Hsp90 in an ATP-dependent manner can positively modulate p53 DNA binding after incubation at physiological temperature of 37 degrees C. Other recombinant human chaperones from Hsp70 and Hsp40 families were not able to efficiently substitute Hsp90 in this reaction. Consistent with our in vivo results, geldanamycin can suppress Hsp90 ability to regulate in vitro p53 DNA binding to the promoter sequence. In summary, the results presented in this article state that chaperone activity of Hsp90 is important for the transcriptional activity of genotypically wild-type p53.

Proteins are polyisoprenylated in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Isoprenoid lipids were found to be covalently linked to proteins of Arabidopsis thaliana. Their identity (polyprenols: Prenol-9-11 with Pren-10 dominating and dolichols: Dol-15-17 with Dol-16 dominating) was confirmed by means of HPLC/ESI-MS with application of the multiple reaction monitoring technique as well as metabolic labeling of Arabidopsis plants with [(3)H]mevalonate and other precursors. The occurrence of typical farnesol-, geranylgeraniol-, and phytol-modified proteins was also noted. Radioisotopic labeling allowed detection of several proteins that were covalently bound to mevalonate-derived isoprenoid alcohols. A significant portion of polyisoprenylated proteins was recovered in the cytosolic/light vesicular fraction of Arabidopsis cells upon subfractionation. Taken together our data prove that a subset of plant proteins is polyisoprenylated.