The role of small RNAs in abiotic stress

It was recently discovered that plants respond to environmental stress not only with a specific gene expression programme at the mRNA and protein level but also small RNAs as response modulators play an important role. The small RNAs lead to cleavage or translational inhibition of mRNAs via complementary target sites. Different examples are described where small RNAs have been shown to be involved in stress responses. A link between hormonal action and small RNA activities has frequently been observed thus coupling exogenous factors with endogenous transmitters. Using the CDT-1 gene from the desiccation tolerant plant Craterostigma plantagineum as an example, it is discussed that generation of novel small RNAs could be an evolutionary pathway in plants to adapt to extreme environments.     

A cytosolic class I small heat shock protein, RcHSP17.8, of Rosa chinensis confers resistance to a variety of stresses to Escherichia coli, yeast and Arabidopsis thaliana

Among the heat shock proteins (HSPs) of higher plants, those belonging to the small HSP (sHSP) family remain the least characterized in functional terms. To improve our understanding of sHSPs, we have characterized RcHSP17.8 from Rosa chinensis . Sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis reveal this to be a cytosolic class I sHSP. RcHSP17.8 expression in R. chinensis was induced by heat, cold, salt, drought, osmotic and oxidative stresses. Recombinant RcHSP17.8 was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and yeast to study its possible function under stress conditions. The recombinant E. coli and yeast cells that accumulated RcHSP17.8 showed improved viability under thermal, salt and oxidative stress conditions compared with control cultures. We also produced transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana that constitutively expressed RcHSP17.8. These plants exhibited increased tolerance to heat, salt, osmotic and drought stresses. These results suggest that R. chinensis cytosolic class I sHSP (RcHSP17.8) has the ability to confer stress resistance not only to E. coli and yeast but also to plants grown under a wide variety of unfavorable environmental conditions.     

逆境胁迫下向日葵的耐受机制

向日葵作为我国五大油料作物之一,具有极高的食用价值和油用价值。向日葵在我国的种植分布集中在东北、西北和华北地区,时常面临着干旱、盐碱、温度和重金属胁迫的问题。主要综述了近年来向日葵面临的几种主要逆境胁迫的最新研究进展,以及在不同逆境胁迫下向日葵的耐受机制,并根据不同逆境胁迫筛选出了相应的抗逆向日葵品种,同时进行了生理差异和基因信息分析。通过阐明向日葵在逆境胁迫下的耐受机制,以期对向日葵高产育种及耐逆育种提供理论依据和指导方向。     

Patterns of variation in desiccation resistance in a set of recombinant inbred lines in Drosophila melanogaster

Desiccation, resulting from extremely dry environmental conditions, is a serious obstacle to the survival of organisms. Water is vital for the maintenance of intracellular structure and prevents the irreversible formation of aggregates, an occurrence leading to loss of cellular function. To characterize genetic variation in desiccation stress resistance (DSR) in Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, an intercontinental set of recombinant inbred lines (RIL) is used. Flies are exposed to a low humidity environment (<10% relative humidity) at a constant temperature of 25 °C. Desiccation stress resistance is higher in RIL derived from a backcross to the parental stock sensitive to heat stress (from Denmark) than in RIL derived from the reciprocal backcross to the heat‐stress resistant stock (from Australia). Composite interval mapping reveals significant quantitative trail loci (QTL) for DSR in the set of RIL. Both major and minor effects QTL are detected, suggesting a complex genetic architecture. When compared with a previous investigation performed on the same set of RIL, the present study indicates that not all traits of resistance to environmental stressors are affected in the same direction by segregating co‐localized QTL.     

Ecologically relevant stress resistance: from microarrays and quantitative trait loci to candidate genes — A research plan and preliminary results using<Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila</Emphasis> as a model organism and climatic and genetic stress as model stresses

We aim at studying adaptation to genetic and environmental stress and its evolutionary implications at different levels of biological organization. Stress influences cellular processes, individual physiology, genetic variation at the population level, and the process of natural selection. To investigate these highly connected levels of stress effects, it is advisable - if not critical - to integrate approaches from ecology, evolution, physiology, molecular biology and genetics. To investigate the mechanisms of stress resistance, how resistance evolves, and what factors contribute to and constrain its evolution, we use the well-defined model systems ofDrosophila species, representing both cosmopolitan species such asD. melanogaster with a known genome map, and more specialized and ecologically well described species such as the cactophilicD. buzzatii. Various climate-related stresses are used as model stresses including desiccation, starvation, cold and heat. Genetic stress or genetic load is modelled by studying the consequences of inbreeding, the accumulation of (slightly) deleterious mutations, hybridization or the loss of genetic variability. We present here a research plan and preliminary results combining various approaches: molecular techniques such as microarrays, quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses, quantitative PCR, ELISA or Western blotting are combined with population studies of resistance to climatic and genetic stress in natural populations collected across climatic gradients as well as in selection lines maintained in the laboratory.     

E.coli中表达马铃薯OSM-3b基因对增强渗透胁迫抗性的分析

旨在揭示马铃薯OSM-3b基因表达对胁迫的响应。分离获得了OSM-3b的cDNA,构建OSM-3b的重组菌株DH-OSM,实现OSM-3b在大肠杆菌中的表达,RT-PCR检测了NaCl和PEG6000不同浓度梯度下OSM-3b的表达。结果显示,NaCl浓度在1%以上随盐浓度升高,OSM-3b mRNA的表达逐渐下降;在PEG6000浓度从0.25%升至4.0%时,OSM-3b的mRNA表达明显上升;在NaCl胁迫和PEG6000浓度梯度渗透胁迫下,重组菌株DH-OSM菌的菌落存活数统计分析结果显示,在不同NaCl浓度下重组菌的菌落存活数与对照趋势一致,重组菌菌落存活数峰值出现在的PEG6000浓度2.0%时,而对照菌DH-28c峰值则出现在PEG6000浓度1.0%时。结果表明,OSM-3b在大肠杆菌中表达对NaCl胁迫没有响应,但可缓冲渗透胁迫对其存活的影响。     

The role of phytochrome in stress tolerance

It is well-documented that phytochromes can control plant growth and development from germination to flowering. Additionally, these photoreceptors have been shown to modulate both biotic and abiotic stress. This has led to a series of studies exploring the molecular and biochemical basis by which phytochromes modulate stresses, such as salinity, drought, high light or herbivory. Evidence for a role of phytrochromes in plant stress tolerance is explored and reviewed.     

L-阿拉伯糖对尿酸的调节作用

转录因子是一类在生物生命活动过程中起到调控作用的重要因子,参与了各种信号转导和调控过程,可以直接或间接结合在顺式作用元件上,实现调控目标基因转录效率的抑制或增强,从而使植物在应对逆境胁迫下做出反应。 WRKY转录因子在大多数植物体内都有分布,是一类进化非常保守的转录因子家族,参与植物生长发育以及响应逆境胁迫的生理过程。众多研究表明,WRKY转录因子在植物中能够应答各种生物胁迫,如细菌、病毒和真菌等;多种非生物胁迫,包括高温、冷害、高光和高盐等;以及在各种植物激素,包括茉莉酸( JA)、水杨酸( SA)、脱落酸( ABA)和赤霉素( GA)等,在其信号传递途径中都起着重要作用。 WRKY转录因子家族蛋白至少含有一段60个氨基酸左右的高度保守序列,被称为WRKY结构域,其中WRKYGQK多肽序列是最为保守的,因此而得名。该转录因子的WRKY结构域能与目标基因启动子中的顺式作用元件W￣box( TTGAC序列)特异结合,从而调节目标基因的表达,其调控基因表达主要受病原菌、虫咬、机械损伤、外界胁迫压力和信号分子的诱导。该文介绍了植物WRKY转录因子在植物应对冷害、干旱、高盐等非生物胁迫与病菌、虫害等生物胁迫反应中的重要调控功能,并总结了WRKY转录因子在调控这些逆境胁迫反应过程中的主要生理机制。     

Proteomic analysis of chicory root identifies proteins typically involved in cold acclimation

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) roots contain high amounts of inulin, a fructose polymer used as a storage carbohydrate by the plant and as a human dietary and prebiotic compound. We performed 2‐D electrophoretic analysis of proteins from root material before the first freezing period. The proteins were digested with trypsin and the peptides analyzed by MS (MALDI‐TOF/TOF). From the 881 protein spots analyzed, 714 proteins corresponded to a database accession, 619 of which were classified into functional categories. Besides expected proteins (e.g. related to metabolism, energy, protein synthesis, or cell structure), other well‐represented categories were proteins related to folding and stability (49 spots), proteolysis (49 spots), and the stress response (67 spots). The importance of abiotic stress response was confirmed by the observation that 7 of the 21 most intense protein spots are known to be involved in cold acclimation. These results suggest a major effect of the low temperature period that preceded root harvesting.     

酒酒球菌(Oenococcus oeni)胁迫适应性反应机制

苹果酸-乳酸发酵有利于提高葡萄酒品质,为了获得高活性的直投式酒酒球菌发酵制剂,从生理和分子生物学的角度理解该菌种胁迫耐受性增强的机制是必要的.本文就酒酒球菌利用苹果酸-乳酸发酵和膜结合的H -F0F1-ATP酶以维持细胞内环境的稳定和能量供给;胁迫适应过程中细胞膜组分的调整;小热休克蛋白Lo18等胁迫蛋白及其相应的基因的表达和调控等方面进行了综述.胁迫适应性反应机制的研究对发酵剂菌株的筛选、发酵剂的制备及其他工程菌株的构建具有重要意义.     

Cytokinin action in response to abiotic and biotic stresses in plants

The phytohormone cytokinin was originally discovered as a regulator of cell division. Later, it was described to be involved in regulating numerous processes in plant growth and development including meristem activity, tissue patterning, and organ size. More recently, diverse functions for cytokinin in the response to abiotic and biotic stresses have been reported. Cytokinin is required for the defence against high light stress and to protect plants from a novel type of abiotic stress caused by an altered photoperiod. Additionally, cytokinin has a role in the response to temperature, drought, osmotic, salt, and nutrient stress. Similarly, the full response to certain plant pathogens and herbivores requires a functional cytokinin signalling pathway. Conversely, different types of stress impact cytokinin homeostasis. The diverse functions of cytokinin in responses to stress and crosstalk with other hormones are described. Its emerging roles as a priming agent and as a regulator of growth‐defence trade‐offs are discussed.     

植物脂质应答逆境胁迫生理功能的研究进展

脂质是生命有机体中一类重要的化合物,可以参与并调节多种生命活动,并且在植物应答非生物胁迫(盐胁迫、干旱胁迫和温度胁迫等)过程中发挥着重要生理功能。但长期以来,对于脂质的研究多集中于动物细胞和医学领域,却疏于关注植物研究领域。借助于"组"学思想和生物技术的快速发展,脂质组学由于可以深层次、全面地揭示脂质的组分与功能,近年来备受关注。基于此,文中通过对脂质的功能与分类、脂质组学技术进展、植物脂质响应干旱胁迫、盐胁迫和温度胁迫生理功能进展等的国内外现有研究进行了归纳与总结,并提出了不足与展望,为探索脂质在植物抗逆过程的生理功能和脂质组学等领域深入研究提供一定的基础。     

Biological functions as affected by summer season-related multiple environmental stressors (heat,nutritional and walking stress) in Malpura rams under semi-arid tropical environment

The study was conducted with the primary objective to establish the impact of simultaneously imposed multiple stressors (thermal, nutritional and walking) on various biological functions in Malpura rams. The study was conducted for a period of 45 days. Twenty adult Malpura rams (average BW 44.9 Kg) were used in the present study. The rams were divided into two groups, CON (n = 10; Control) and MS (n = 10; multiple stressors). Both body weight (p < 0.05) and body condition scoring (p < 0.01) were lower in MS compared with CON rams. All the scrotal measurements reduced significantly (p < 0.01) in MS rams. All the testicular measurements also reduced significantly (p < 0.01) in MS as compared to CON rams. The seminal attributes, individual motility (p < 0.05), rapid motility (p < 0.05) and curvilinear velocity (p < 0.05) were significantly reduced in CON rams. However, slowness (p < 0.05), linearity (p < 0.05) and straightness (p < 0.05) parameters significantly increased in MS as compared to CON rams. In addition, plasma testosterone concentration was lower (p < 0.05) in MS rams. The study established the impact of multiple stressors on growth and reproductive performance of Malpura rams. Further, the results revealed that the only semen quality was affected by multiple stressors, but the semen production remained intact between the groups, indicating the extreme adaptive capability of Malpura rams to hot semi-arid tropical environment.     

Recovery of plants from “Near-Lethal” stress

This study reports on the dieback and recovery of red-osier dogwood, Cornus sericea L. plants from near-lethal (NL, sublethal) stress after varying lengths of post-stress environment (PSE). Intact dormant stems were subjected to 47° C for one hour during either October, November or December, and then placed into either constant 0° C or 23° C (dark condition) or kept under natural conditions at Corvallis, OR. Plants exposed to NL-heat stress in October died prior to 9 weeks of 0° C PSE, while none of the plants from other PSE treatments showed signs of injury. For plants exposed to NL-heat stress during November and December, stemdieback occurred at 0° C after 12 and 15 weeks, respectively. None of the plants from the other PSE treatments were injured. Post-stress temperatures of 0° or 5° C following NL-heat in October were lethal while temperatures above 10° C allowed recovery. Post-stress exposure to 0° C injured excised stems within 48 h, whereas irreversible damage to whole plants occurred by two weeks. Dormant plants exposed in October to other stresses, e.g., freezing temperature and hydrogen cyanamide, at NL dosages showed that these stresses also caused plant dieback at 0° C and little or no dieback at 23° C PSE.Abbreviations NL Near-Lethal - PSE Post-Stress Environment     

干旱、盐和低温胁迫对水稻幼苗脯氨酸含量的影响

以三叶期的水稻幼苗为材料,研究了干旱（－０．６ＭＰａ ＰＥＧ模拟）、盐（０．１５ｍｌ／Ｌ ＮａＣｌ）和低温（６℃）胁迫下,不同水稻品种脯氨酸积累的变化。结果表明,干旱、盐和低温胁迫下稻苗均可积累脯氨酸,且随着胁迫时间的处长而加剧。在同一胁迫条件下,耐性强的品种脯氨酸积累较少,而敏感品种脯氨酸积累则较多。脯氨酸的积累不宜作为稻苗抗逆性的筛选指标。     

Stress Effects of Mixed Salts with Various Salinities on the Seedlings of Aneurolepidium chinense

Seedlings of Aneurolepidium chinense (Trin.) Kitag. were subjected to stress with 30 kinds of 50 to 350 mmol/L of salt mixture which were composed of NaC1, NaHCO3, Na2SO4, and Na2CO3 in various proportion. The results showed that all the responded strains, such as changes in the relative growth rate (RGR), K+ and Na+ contents, content of proline accumulation, and leave electrolyte leakage rate, were aggravated with the increasing salt concentrations and the proportion of the basic salts. The strain reaction from high pH caused by the basic salt was closely related to salinity. The high pH reaction was weaker when the salinity was lower and became progressively stronger intensely with the increasing salinity. The results indicated that there were actually two stresses, the salt and the alkaline stress in the mixed salt stress. It was reasonable to consider the total salt concentration as the strength value of salt stress and the buffer capacity as the strength value of alkaline stress. When the alkaline stress was weak, the strain effect was mainly associated with the total salt concentration, but the buffer capacity became the dominant factor effecting strain with the increasing alkaline stress.