棉纤维发育的分子生理机制

本文综述了棉纤维分化、发育的分子生理机制的研究现状,着重讨论了棉纤维细胞膨压的产生、细胞壁的松弛、结构分子的合成和加入、次生壁增厚的启始信号、纤维素的生物合成和细胞骨架系统控制纤维素沉积等机制。进而对本领域的研究前景提出了看法。     

赤霉素信号转导与棉纤维的分子发育

赤霉素(Gas)作为一种高效能的植物生长调节物质对棉纤维的分化和发育有着非常重要的影响, 但是, 一直以来有关赤霉素与棉纤维分化和发育的分子机制的研究还很少。文章论述了近年来GA信号组分、转导途径的分子生物学研究进展以及GA与棉纤维分子发育的相关研究成果, 旨在为揭示赤霉素调控棉纤维分化和发育的分子机制以及改善棉纤维品质的棉花育种工作提供新的思路。     

棉纤维分化起始的分子生物学研究进展

棉纤维的分化起始是棉纤维形态建成的初始阶段,对棉纤维的产量和质量有重要影响。本文对棉纤维细胞起始分化的时空顺序、影响因素以及近年来棉纤维分化起始在分子水平上的研究进展进行了综述,以阐明细胞分化的内在机理,为通过遗传工程途径人为控制棉纤维生长发育、选育优良农艺性状的新种质提供依据。     

细菌纤维素发酵培养基的优化及超微观结构分析

为了提高细菌纤维素的产量, 本研究对一株氧化葡糖杆菌菌株J2液体发酵生产细菌纤维素的培养基进行了优化, 并对其代谢的细菌纤维的超微观结构进行了观察。运用Plackett-Burman试验设计法对8个相关影响因素的效应进行了评价, 筛选出了有显著效应的3个因素: 酵母膏、ZnSO4、无水乙醇, 其他5个因素的影响未达到显著水平(P>0.05)。然后采用Box-Behnken的中心组合试验设计和响应面分析方法(RSM)确定了上述三个因素的最佳浓度, 并且以棉纤维为对照, 运用扫描电镜观察了细菌纤维素的超微观结构, 结果表明: 菌株J2利用优化后的发酵培养基生产细菌纤维素的产量为11.52 g/100 mL, 是优化前的1.35倍, 电镜照片显示细菌纤维素微纤维丝直径<0.1 mm, 比棉纤维细很多, NaOH处理可以除去纤维网络结构中的菌体。     

细菌纤维素发酵培养基的优化及超微观结构分析

为了提高细菌纤维素的产量, 本研究对一株氧化葡糖杆菌菌株J2液体发酵生产细菌纤维素的培养基进行了优化, 并对其代谢的细菌纤维的超微观结构进行了观察。运用Plackett-Burman试验设计法对8个相关影响因素的效应进行了评价, 筛选出了有显著效应的3个因素: 酵母膏、ZnSO4、无水乙醇, 其他5个因素的影响未达到显著水平(P>0.05)。然后采用Box-Behnken的中心组合试验设计和响应面分析方法(RSM)确定了上述三个因素的最佳浓度, 并且以棉纤维为对照, 运用扫描电镜观察了细菌纤维素的超微观结构, 结果表明: 菌株J2利用优化后的发酵培养基生产细菌纤维素的产量为11.52 g/100 mL, 是优化前的1.35倍, 电镜照片显示细菌纤维素微纤维丝直径<0.1 mm, 比棉纤维细很多, NaOH处理可以除去纤维网络结构中的菌体。     

不同培养方式对细菌纤维素产量和结构性质的影响

考察了自行筛选的Acetobacter xylinum NUST4.2在静置培养和发酵罐培养获得的细菌纤维素(BC)的产量、基本结构和性能的差异。结果表明:静置培养时产纤维素7.5g/L,产率为0.052g/L/h,在机械搅拌发酵罐中培养3d产量达3.13g/L,产率达0.043g/L/h;SEM分析显示静置培养和发酵罐培养得到的纤维素均具有网状结构,但静置获得的纤维素丝带相互缠绕且层状重叠,更加致密,丝带更细;FT-IR分析知搅拌不改变纤维素的化学结构,但能减弱分子间氢键,和XRD结合分析可知静置培养的纤维素具有更高结晶指数,更高Iα含量和更大晶粒尺寸,但不改变晶型,仍为纤维素I型,说明搅拌会干扰纤维素初始纤丝的结晶,有利于形成更小的晶粒和较Iα稳定的Iβ。与棉纤维素相比,静置培养获得的纤维素的热稳定性更好,而发酵罐培养获得的纤维素则阻燃性更好。     

棉纤维发育及其相关基因表达调控研究进展

棉纤维的强度和长度是评价棉花品质优劣的重要标准。棉纤维发育是一个高度程序化的调控过程。在纤维发育的各个时期, 均有大量基因参与纤维细胞发育的调控。本文介绍棉纤维细胞发育各个时期的形态结构和生理生化特征以及一些纤维特异性基因表达调控等方面的研究概况和最新进展, 以期能够在细胞和分子水平上了解棉纤维发育的基本生物学过程及其调控机制。     

棉纤维发育及其相关基因表达调控研究进展

棉纤维的强度和长度是评价棉花品质优劣的重要标准。棉纤维发育是一个高度程序化的调控过程。在纤维发育的各个时期,均有大量基因参与纤维细胞发育的调控。本文介绍棉纤维细胞发育各个时期的形态结构和生理生化特征以及一些纤维特异性基因表达调控等方面的研究概况和最新进展,以期能够在细胞和分子水平上了解棉纤维发育的基本生物学过程及其调控机制。     

源于葡糖杆菌属细菌纤维素材料的检测分析

利用自筛的葡糖杆菌属菌株AXB(X),发酵获得产物细菌纤维素(BC),通过傅立叶红外光谱、X-射线衍射以及扫描电子显微镜等仪器研究其材料特性,确认BC是高纯度的纤维素,且晶型属于纤维素I型;通过酶解和酸解试验显示该产物纯度达95%以上,持水率在95%以上。此外,扫描电镜观察其产物表面形态结构表明纤维相互交织成具有超细精密多孔的网络结构,且具有比滤纸、棉纤维和桑皮纤维更高的结晶度。     

低温对棉纤维比强度形成的生理机制影响

通过设置播期试验使棉纤维加厚发育过程(铃龄25~50 d)处于不同的温度条件下,研究低温对棉花纤维比强度形成的内在生理机制影响,为采取调控措施解决目前棉花(Gossypium)生产中存在的晚熟劣质问题提供理论依据。两年试验结果表明:棉纤维加厚发育期24.0 ℃左右的日均温是高强纤维形成的最佳温度,其内在生理机制表现为棉纤维蔗糖合成酶活性最高,β_1,3_葡聚糖酶活性最低,纤维素的累积量和累积速率均明显高于其它低温条件,纤维超分子结构取向参数角较小,处于优化状态,最终表现为纤维比强度亦最大;低于21.0 ℃时即对棉纤维加厚发育相关酶活性产生明显影响,纤维比强度降低。当温度降到15.0 ℃左右时,棉纤维蔗糖合成酶活性显著降低,而β-1,3_葡聚糖酶活性显著升高,同时纤维素累积量和累积速率均显著降低,纤维超分子结构取向参数角明显宽化,棉纤维不能正常发育,不利于高强纤维的形成(铃重仅为3.22 g,纤维比强度仅为15.73 cN·tex^-1)。     

Endo-xyloglucan transferase,a new class of transferase involved in cell wall construction

Cell shape in plants is constrained by cell walls, which are thick yet dynamic structures composed of crystalline cellulose microfibrils and matrix polymers. Xyloglucans are the principal component of the matrix polymers and bind tightly to the surface of cellulose microfibrils and thereby cross-link them to form an interwoven xyloglucan-cellulose network structure. Thus, cleavage and reconnection of the cross-links between xyloglucan molecules are required for the rearrangement of the cell wall architecture, the process essential for both cell wall expansion and the wall deposition occurring during cell growth and differentiation. Endoxyloglucan transferase (EXT) is a newly identified class of transferase that catalyzes molecular grafting between xyloglucan molecules. This enzyme catalyzes both endo-type splitting of a xyloglucan molecule and reconnection of a newly generated reducing terminus of the xyloglucan to the non-reducing terminus of another xyloglucan molecule, thereby mediating molecular grafting between xyloglucan cross-links in plant cell walls. Molecular cloning and sequencing of EXT-cDNAs derived from five different plant species includingA. thaliana andV. angularis has revealed that the amino acid sequence of the mature protein is extensively conserved in the five different plant species, indicating that EXT protein is ubiquitous among higher plants. This structural study has also disclosed the presence of a group of xyloglucan related proteins (XRPs) with transferase activity in higher plants. Current data strongly suggest that these proteins are involved in a wide spectrum of physiological activities including cell wall expansion and deposition in growing cell walls. Recipient of the Botanical Sociaty Award of Young Scientists, 1993.     

Cellulose synthesis is required for deposition of reticulate wall ingrowths in transfer cells

Despite the recognized physiological importance of transfer cells, little is known about how these specialized cells achieve localized deposition of cell wall material, leading to amplification of plasma membrane surface area and enhanced membrane transport capacity. This study establishes that cellulose synthesis is a key early factor in the construction of 'reticulate' wall ingrowths, an elaborate but common form of localized wall deposition characteristic of most transfer cells. Using field emission scanning electron microscopy, wall ingrowths were first visible in epidermal transfer cells of Faba bean cotyledons as raised 'patches' of disorganized and tangled cellulosic material, and, from these structures, ingrowths emerged via further deposition of wall material. The cellulose biosynthesis inhibitors 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile and isoxaben both caused dramatic reductions in the number of cells depositing wall ingrowths, altered wall ingrowth morphology and visibly disrupted microfibril structure. The restriction of cellulose deposition to discrete patches suggests a novel mechanism for cellulose synthesis in this circumstance. Overall, these results implicate a central role for cellulose synthesis in reticulate wall ingrowth morphology, especially at the initial stage of ingrowth formation, possibly by providing a template for the self-assembly of wall polymers.     

Cellulose-microfibril-orienting mechanisms in plant cells walls

A brief review is given of the changing views over the years, as knowledge of wall structure has developed, concerning the mechanism whereby cellulose chains may be oriented. This leads to an examination of current concepts, particularly those concerning microtubules. It is shown that none of the mechanisms suggested whereby microtubules might cause orientation of cellulose microfibrils is consistent with the known range of molecular architectures found in plant cell walls. It is further concluded that any mechanism which necessitates an indissoluble link between the plasmalemma and the cellulose-synthesising complex at the tip of a microfibril is unacceptable. A new proposal is presented in which it is speculated that both microtubules and microfibrils are oriented by a mechanism separate from both. It is shown that if two vectors are contemplated, one parallel to cell length and one at right angles, and a sensor exists on the plasmalemma surface which responds to changes in the vectors, then all known wall structures may be explained. The possible nature of the vectors and the sensor are considered.     

Expression of a mutant form of cellulose synthase AtCesA7 causes dominant negative effect on cellulose biosynthesis

Cellulose synthase catalytic subunits (CesAs) have been implicated in catalyzing the biosynthesis of cellulose, the major component of plant cell walls. Interactions between CesA subunits are thought to be required for normal cellulose synthesis, which suggests that incorporation of defective CesA subunits into cellulose synthase complex could potentially cause a dominant effect on cellulose synthesis. However, all CesA mutants so far reported have been shown to be recessive in terms of cellulose synthesis. In the course of studying the molecular mechanisms regulating secondary wall formation in fibers, we have found that a mutant allele of AtCesA7 gene in the fra5 (fragile fiber 5) mutant causes a semidominant phenotype in the reduction of fiber cell wall thickness and cellulose content. The fra5 missense mutation occurred in a conserved amino acid located in the second cytoplasmic domain of AtCesA7. Overexpression of the fra5 mutant cDNA in wild-type plants not only reduced secondary wall thickness and cellulose content but also decreased primary wall thickness and cell elongation. In contrast, overexpression of the fra6 mutant form of AtCesA8 did not cause any reduction in cell wall thickness and cellulose content. These results suggest that the fra5 mutant protein may interfere with the function of endogenous wild-type CesA proteins, thus resulting in a dominant negative effect on cellulose biosynthesis.     

植物细胞壁中纤维素合成的研究进展

纤维素是植物细胞壁的主要成分,是植物细胞壁执行生理功能的基础,也是人类生产和生活中必不可少的一类物质。本文对纤维素合成、合成中所需要的酶以及纤维素沉积中微纤丝的作用等方面进行了综述和探讨, 并对纤维素合成的深入研究进行了展望。     

Modulation of the cellulose content of tuber cell walls by antisense expression of different potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) CesA clones

Four potato cellulose synthase (CesA) homologs (StCesA1, 2, 3 and 4) were isolated by screening a cDNA library made from developing tubers. Based on sequence comparisons and the fact that all four potato cDNAs were isolated from this single cDNA-library, all four StCesA clones are likely to play a role in primary cell wall biosynthesis. Several constructs were generated to modulate cellulose levels in potato plants in which the granule-bound starch synthase promoter was used to target the modification to the tubers. The StCesA3 was used for up- and down-regulation of the cellulose levels by sense (SE-StCesA3) and antisense (AS-StCesA3) expression of the complete cDNA. Additionally, the class-specific regions (CSR) of all four potato cellulose synthase genes were used for specific down-regulation (antisense) of the corresponding CesA genes (csr1, 2, 3 and 4). None of the transformants showed an overt developmental phenotype. Sections of tubers were screened for altered cell wall structure by Fourier Transform Infrared microspectroscopy (FTIR) and exploratory Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and those plants discriminating from WT plants were analysed for cellulose content and monosaccharide composition. Several transgenic lines were obtained with mainly decreased levels of cellulose. These results show that the cellulose content in potato tubers can be reduced down to 40% of the WT level without affecting normal plant development, and that constructs based on the CSR alone are specific and sufficient to down-regulate cellulose biosynthesis.     

Change in Molecular Size of Cellulose during Regeneration of Cell Wall on Carrot Protoplasts

Protoplasts isolated from carrot cells were cultured in a chemically defined medium. The majority of them regenerated cell wall and underwent cell division. Cellulose synthesis started without a noticeable lag but the rate of deposition was very low during the initial stage. The degree of polymerization of cellulose was determined by viscosity measurement of the nitrated product. The cellulose formed in the early stage of the wall regeneration consisted mainly of low molecular weight glucan chains. Change in the average molecular weight of cellulose was found during the growth cycle of carrot cells in normal suspension culture.     

Sensitivity of Aspergillus nidulans to the Cellulose Synthase Inhibitor Dichlobenil: Insights from Wall-Related Genes’ Expression and Ultrastructural Hyphal Morphologies

The fungal cell wall constitutes an important target for the development of antifungal drugs, because of its central role in morphogenesis, development and determination of fungal-specific molecular features. Fungal walls are characterized by a network of interconnected glycoproteins and polysaccharides, namely α-, β-glucans and chitin. Cell walls promptly and dynamically respond to environmental stimuli by a signaling mechanism, which triggers, among other responses, modulations in wall biosynthetic genes’ expression. Despite the absence of cellulose in the wall of the model filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans, we found in this study that fungal growth, spore germination and morphology are affected by the addition of the cellulose synthase inhibitor dichlobenil. Expression analysis of selected genes putatively involved in cell wall biosynthesis, carried out at different time points of drug exposure (i.e. 0, 1, 3, 6 and 24 h), revealed increased expression for the putative mixed linkage β-1,3;1,4 glucan synthase celA together with the β-1,3-glucan synthase fksA and the Rho-related GTPase rhoA. We also compared these data with the response to Congo Red, a known plant/fungal drug affecting both chitin and cellulose biosynthesis. The two drugs exerted different effects at the cell wall level, as shown by gene expression analysis and the ultrastructural features observed through atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Although the concentration of dichlobenil required to affect growth of A. nidulans is approximately 10-fold higher than that required to inhibit plant cellulose biosynthesis, our work for the first time demonstrates that a cellulose biosynthesis inhibitor affects fungal growth, changes fungal morphology and expression of genes connected to fungal cell wall biosynthesis.