Induction of PPi-dependent phosphofructokinase by phosphate starvation in seedlings of Brassica nigra

Activity of PPi-dependent phosphofructokinase (PFP) was monitored in Brassica nigra seedlings grown under nutrient-sufficient or phosphate (Pi)-starved conditions. Roots, stems and leaves of 50 d Pi-deficient seedlings displayed 4.0-, 3.7- and 2.3-fold greater PFP activity, respectively, than did nutrient sufficient controls. This induction was based primarily upon an increased susceptibility of PFP from the Pi-starved tissues to activation by fructose-2,6-bisphosphate. The ratio of PFP to ATP-dependent phosphofructokinase (PFK) was approximately 2:1 and 1:1 in the various organs of 50 d Pi-starved and Pi-fed plants, respectively. Immunoblots probed with anti-(potato PFP) immune serum revealed that the induction of PFP in Pi-starved B. nigra was coincident with an elevation in the amount of PFP α-subunit in the leaves as well as an increase in the α:β subunit ratio in the stems and roots. Induction of PFP in the various tissues was also accompanied by an appreciable decline in intracellular Pi level, decreased soluble protein content, and elevated phosphoenolpyruvate phosphatase activity. Time course studies revealed that these responses to Pi stress were significantly delayed in the leaves as compared to the roots and stems suggesting that Pi may be preferentially sequestered to the leaves during Pi starvation. These data also provide further evidence that B. nigra PFP is an adaptive enzyme that may function during Pi deprivation as: (1) a glycolytic bypass to PFK; and (2) a ‘Pi-recycling system’ that converts esterified-P to Pi that would be rapidly reassimilated into the metabolism of the Pi-deficient cells.