Phospholipase D in the signaling networks of plant response to abscisic acid and reactive oxygen species

Phospholipase D (PLD) has been implicated in different cellular processes in plant growth, development, and stress responses. Recent results have provided insights into the molecular mechanism by which PLD and its lipid product phosphatidic acid (PA) participate in cell signaling. Effector proteins that have been identified for PLD and PA in plants include a heterotrimeric G protein, protein phosphatase, and protein kinase. Evidence has been presented for a direct link from a PLD, PA, to a target protein in specific physiological processes. PLD and PA play multiple roles in the signaling networks of plant response to abscisic acid and reactive oxygen species.     

The 14-3-3 proteins in regulation of cellular metabolism

Thirty years ago, it was discovered that 14-3-3 proteins could activate enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism. In the following decades, 14-3-3s have been shown to be involved in many different signaling pathways that modulate cellular and whole body energy and nutrient homeostasis. Large scale screening for cellular binding partners of 14-3-3 has identified numerous proteins that participate in regulation of metabolic pathways, although only a minority of these targets have yet been subject to detailed studies. Because of the wide distribution of potential 14-3-3 targets and the resurging interest in metabolic pathway control in diseases like cancer, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease, we review the role of 14-3-3 proteins in the regulation of core and specialized cellular metabolic functions. We cite illustrative examples of 14-3-3 action through their direct modulation of individual enzymes and through regulation of master switches in cellular pathways, such as insulin signaling, mTOR- and AMP dependent kinase signaling pathways, as well as regulation of autophagy. We further illustrate the quantitative impact of 14-3-3 association on signal response at the target protein level and we discuss implications of recent findings showing 14-3-3 protein membrane binding of target proteins.     

Structural basis of 14-3-3 protein functions

The 14-3-3 proteins, a family of conserved regulatory molecules, participate in a wide range of cellular processes through binding interactions with hundreds of structurally and functionally diverse proteins. Several distinct mechanisms of the 14-3-3 protein function were described, including conformational modulation of the bound protein, masking of its sequence-specific or structural features, and scaffolding that facilitates interaction between two simultaneously bound proteins. Details of these functional modes, especially from the structural point of view, still remain mostly elusive. This review gives an overview of the current knowledge concerning the structure of 14-3-3 proteins and their complexes as well as the insights it provides into the mechanisms of their functions. We discuss structural basis of target recognition by 14-3-3 proteins, common structural features of their complexes and known mechanisms of 14-3-3 protein-dependent regulations.     

Phospholipase D- and phosphatidic acid-mediated signaling in plants

The phospholipase D (PLD) family in higher plants is composed of multiple members, and each of the Arabidopsis PLDs characterized displays distinguishable properties in activity regulation and/or lipid preferences. The molecular and biochemical heterogeneities of the plant PLDs play important roles in the timing, location, and amount of phosphatidic acid (PA) produced. PLD-catalyzed production of PA has been shown to play important roles in plant growth, development, and response to various stresses, including drought, salinity, freezing, and nutrient deficiency. PLD and PA affect cellular processes through different modes of action, including direct target protein binding and biophysical effects on cell membranes. Improved knowledge on the mechanism by which specific PLDs and PA mediate given plant responses will facilitate the understanding of the molecular processes that connect the stimulus perception on membranes to intracellular actions and physiological responses.     

14-3-3 proteins as potential therapeutic targets

The 14-3-3 family of phosphoserine/phosphothreonine-binding proteins dynamically regulates the activity of client proteins in various signaling pathways that control diverse physiological and pathological processes. In response to environmental cues, 14-3-3 proteins orchestrate the highly regulated flow of signals through complex networks of molecular interactions to achieve well-controlled physiological outputs, such as cell proliferation or differentiation. Accumulating evidence now supports the concept that either an abnormal state of 14-3-3 protein expression, or dysregulation of 14-3-3/client protein interactions, contributes to the development of a large number of human diseases. In particular, clinical investigations in the field of oncology have demonstrated a correlation between upregulated 14-3-3 levels and poor survival of cancer patients. These studies highlight the rapid emergence of 14-3-3 proteins as a novel class of molecular target for potential therapeutic intervention. The current status of 14-3-3 modulator discovery is discussed.     

14-3-3 regulates the G2/M transition in the basidiomycete Ustilago maydis

14-3-3 proteins are a family of highly conserved polypeptides that function as small adaptors that facilitate a diverse array of cellular processes by binding phosphorylated target proteins. One of these processes is the regulation of the cell cycle. Here we characterized the role of Bmh1, a 14-3-3 protein, in the cell cycle regulation of the fungus Ustilago maydis. We found that this protein is essential in U. maydis and that it has roles during the G2/M transition in this organism. The function of 14-3-3 in U. maydis seems to mirror the proposed role for this protein during Schizosaccharomyces pombe cell cycle regulation. We provided evidence that in U. maydis 14-3-3 protein binds to the mitotic regulator Cdc25. Comparison of the roles of 14-3-3 during cell cycle regulation in other fungal system let us to discuss the connections between morphogenesis, cell cycle regulation and the evolutionary role of 14-3-3 proteins in fungi.     

Comprehensive proteomic analysis of interphase and mitotic 14-3-3-binding proteins

14-3-3 proteins regulate the cell division cycle and play a pivotal role in blocking cell cycle advancement after activation of the DNA replication and DNA damage checkpoints. Here we describe a global proteomics analysis to identify proteins that bind to 14-3-3s during interphase and mitosis. 14-3-3-binding proteins were purified from extracts of interphase and mitotic HeLa cells using specific peptide elution from 14-3-3 zeta affinity columns. Proteins that specifically bound and eluted from the affinity columns were identified by microcapillary high pressure liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Several known and novel 14-3-3-interacting proteins were identified in this screen. Identified proteins are involved in cell cycle regulation, signaling, metabolism, protein synthesis, nucleic acid binding, chromatin structure, protein folding, proteolysis, nucleolar function, and nuclear transport as well as several other cellular processes. In some cases 14-3-3 binding was cell cycle-dependent, whereas in other cases the binding was shown to be cell cycle-independent. This study adds to the growing list of human 14-3-3-binding proteins and implicates a role for 14-3-3 proteins in a plethora of essential biological processes.     

14-3-3 proteins in neurodegeneration

Among the first reported functions of 14-3-3 proteins was the regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity suggesting a possible involvement of 14-3-3 proteins in Parkinson's disease. Since then the relevance of 14-3-3 proteins in the pathogenesis of chronic as well as acute neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, polyglutamine diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and stroke has been recognized. The reported function of 14-3-3 proteins in this context are as diverse as the mechanism involved in neurodegeneration, reaching from basal cellular processes like apoptosis, over involvement in features common to many neurodegenerative diseases, like protein stabilization and aggregation, to very specific processes responsible for the selective vulnerability of cellular populations in single neurodegenerative diseases.Here, we review what is currently known of the function of 14-3-3 proteins in nervous tissue focussing on the properties of 14-3-3 proteins important in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis.     

Phosphatidic acid plays key roles regulating plant development and stress responses

Phospholipids, including phosphatidic acid(PA),phosphatidylcholine(PC), phosphatidylethanolamine(PE),phosphatidylglycerol(PG), phosphatidylserine(PS) and phosphoinositides, have emerged as an important class of cellular messenger molecules in various cellular and physiological processes, of which PA attracts much attention of researchers. In addition to its effect on stimulating vesicle trafficking, many studies have demonstrated that PA plays a crucial role in various signaling pathways by binding target proteins and regulating their activity and subcellular localization. Here, we summarize the functional mechanisms and target proteins underlying PA-mediated regulation of cellular signaling, development, hormonal responses, and stress responses in plants.     

14-3-3蛋白在细胞周期调节中的作用

14-3-3是一个在真核细胞中广泛表达、功能复杂的蛋白家族,主要通过磷酸化依赖的方式与靶蛋白结合,从而发挥其调控作用。细胞周期的调节对维持基因组的稳定性至关重要。近年来的研究发现,14-3—3蛋白可以和越来越多的细胞周期调节蛋白相互作用,调节G2／M期和G1／S期转换,从而对细胞周期起调控作用。简要综述了14—3—3蛋白在细胞周期调节中的作用。     

Signaling functions of phosphatidic acid

Phosphatidic acid (PA) has emerged as a new class of lipid mediators involved in diverse cellular functions in plants, animals, and microorganisms. Considerable progress has been made recently on the production, cellular function, and mode of action of PA in the cell. The cellular levels of PA undergo dynamic changes in response to developmental and environmental stimuli. The production of signaling PA is mediated by families of multiple enzymes that regulate the timing, location, amount, and molecular species of PA. A number of PA target proteins have been identified, which include proteins involved in phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of proteins and lipids, as well as in G protein regulation, vesicular trafficking, and metabolism. PA mediates cellular functions through different modes of action, such as membrane tethering, modulation of enzymatic activities, and/or structural effects on cell membranes. The regulatory processes in which PA has been implicated include signaling pathways in cell growth, proliferation, reproduction, and responses to hormones and biotic and abiotic stresses.     

Downregulation of 14-3-3 Proteins in a Kainic Acid-Induced Neurotoxicity Model

The 14-3-3 proteins are among the most abundant proteins expressed in the brain, comprising about 1% of the total amount of soluble brain proteins. Through phosphoserine- and phosphothreonine-binding motifs, 14-3-3 proteins regulate many signaling proteins and cellular processes including cell death. In the present study, we utilized a well-known kainic acid (KA)-induced excitotoxicity rat model and examined the expression of 14-3-3 and its isoforms in the frontal cortex of KA-treated and control animals. Among the different 14-3-3 isoforms, abundant levels of eta and tau were detected in the frontal cortex, followed by sigma, epsilon, and gamma, while the expression levels of alpha/beta and zeta/delta isoforms were low. Compared to the control animals, KA treatment induced a significant downregulation of the overall 14-3-3 protein level as well as the levels of the abundant isoforms eta, tau, epsilon, and gamma. We also investigated two 14-3-3-interacting proteins that are involved in the cell death process: Bcl-2-associated X (BAX) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Both BAX and phosphorylated ERK showed increased levels following KA treatment. Together, these findings demonstrate an abundance of several 14-3-3 isoforms in the frontal cortex and that KA treatment can cause a downregulation of 14-3-3 expression and an upregulation of 14-3-3-interacting proteins BAX and phospho-ERK. Thus, downregulation of 14-3-3 proteins could be one of the early molecular events associated with excitotoxicity. This could lead to subsequent upregulation of 14-3-3-binding proteins such as BAX and phospho-ERK that contribute to further downstream apoptosis processes, eventually leading to cell death. Maintaining sufficient levels of 14-3-3 expression and function may become a target of therapeutic intervention for excitotoxicity-induced neurodegeneration.     

Single amino acid variation in barley 14-3-3 proteins leads to functional isoform specificity in the regulation of nitrate reductase

The highly conserved family of 14-3-3 proteins function in the regulation of a wide variety of cellular processes. The presence of multiple 14-3-3 isoforms and the diversity of cellular processes regulated by 14-3-3 suggest functional isoform specificity of 14-3-3 isoforms in the regulation of target proteins. Indeed, several studies observed differences in affinity and functionality of 14-3-3 isoforms. However, the structural variation by which isoform specificity is accomplished remains unclear. Because other reports suggest that specificity is found in differential expression and availability of 14-3-3 isoforms, we used the nitrate reductase (NR) model system to analyse the availability and functionality of the three barley 14-3-3 isoforms. We found that 14-3-3C is unavailable in dark harvested barley leaf extract and 14-3-3A is functionally not capable to efficiently inhibit NR activity, leaving 14-3-3B as the only characterized isoform able to regulate NR in barley. Further, using site directed mutagenesis, we identified a single amino acid variation (Gly versus Ser) in loop 8 of the 14-3-3 proteins that plays an important role in the observed isoform specificity. Mutating the Gly residue of 14-3-3A to the alternative residue, as found in 14-3-3B and 14-3-3C, turned it into a potent inhibitor of NR activity. Using surface plasmon resonance, we show that the ability of 14-3-3A and the mutated version to inhibit NR activity correlates well with their binding affinity for the 14-3-3 binding motif in the NR protein, indicating involvement of this residue in ligand discrimination. These results suggest that both the availability of 14-3-3 isoforms as well as binding affinity determine isoform-specific regulation of NR activity.     

Identification of 14-3-3 Family in Common Bean and Their Response to Abiotic Stress

14-3-3s are a class of conserved regulatory proteins ubiquitously found in eukaryotes, which play important roles in a variety of cellular processes including response to diverse stresses. Although much has been learned about 14-3-3s in several plant species, it remains unknown in common bean. In this study, 9 common bean 14-3-3s (PvGF14s) were identified by exhaustive data mining against the publicly available common bean genomic database. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that each predicted PvGF14 was clustered with two GmSGF14 paralogs from soybean. Both epsilon-like and non-epsilon classes of PvGF14s were found in common bean, and the PvGF14s belonging to each class exhibited similar gene structure. Among 9 PvGF14s, only 8 are transcribed in common bean. Expression patterns of PvGF14s varied depending on tissue type, developmental stage and exposure of plants to stress. A protein-protein interaction study revealed that PvGF14a forms dimer with itself and with other PvGF14 isoforms. This study provides a first comprehensive look at common bean 14-3-3 proteins, a family of proteins with diverse functions in many cellular processes, especially in response to stresses.     

Polycations globally enhance binding of 14-3-3omega to target proteins in spinach leaves

The binding of 14-3-3omega to phosphorylated nitrate reductase (pNR) is stimulated by cations such as Mg(2+) or spermine, and decreased by 5'-AMP. In order to determine whether binding to other cellular proteins is affected similarly, far-Western overlays of extracts prepared from light- or dark-treated spinach (Spinacia oleracea) leaves were performed using digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled Arabidopsis 14-3-3omega. When separated by SDS-PAGE, approximately 25 proteins of >35 kDa could be resolved that interacted with DIG-labeled 14-3-3omega in the absence of added cations. The presence of 5 mM Mg(2+) or 0.5 mM spermine enhanced binding to most of the target proteins to a maximum of about a doubling of the observed binding. In most cases, the binding was dependent on phosphorylation of the target protein, whereas that was not necessarily the case for binding to target proteins that were unaffected by polycations. The extent of stimulation varied among the target proteins, but there was no indication that the nature of the cation activator (e.g. Mg(2+) vs. spermine(4+)) altered the specificity for target proteins. In addition, binding of DIG-labeled 14-3-3omega to some, but not all, target proteins was reduced by 5 mM 5'-AMP. Interestingly, light/dark treatment of spinach leaves affected the subsequent binding of DIG-labeled 14-3-3omega in the overlay assay to only a few of the target proteins, one of which was identified as NADH:nitrate reductase. Overall, the results suggest that the binding of 14-3-3s to targets in addition to pNR may also be regulated by polycations and 5'-AMP.     

Calyculin A-induced vimentin phosphorylation sequesters 14-3-3 and displaces other 14-3-3 partners in vivo

14-3-3 proteins bind their targets through a specific serine/threonine-phosphorylated motif present on the target protein. This binding is a crucial step in the phosphorylation-dependent regulation of various key proteins involved in signal transduction and cell cycle control. We report that treatment of COS-7 cells with the phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A induces association of 14-3-3 with a 55-kDa protein, identified as the intermediate filament protein vimentin. Association of vimentin with 14-3-3 depends on vimentin phosphorylation and requires the phosphopeptide-binding domain of 14-3-3. The region necessary for binding to 14-3-3 is confined to the vimentin amino-terminal head domain (amino acids 1-96). Monomeric forms of 14-3-3 do not bind vimentin in vivo or in vitro, indicating that a stable complex requires the binding of a 14-3-3 dimer to two sites on a single vimentin polypeptide. The calyculin A-induced association of vimentin with 14-3-3 in vivo results in the displacement of most other 14-3-3 partners, including the protooncogene Raf, which nevertheless remain capable of binding 14-3-3 in vitro. Concomitant with 14-3-3 displacement, calyculin A treatment blocks Raf activation by EGF; however, this inhibition is completely overcome by 14-3-3 overexpression in vivo or by the addition of prokaryotic recombinant 14-3-3 in vitro. Thus, phosphovimentin, by sequestering 14-3-3 and limiting its availability to other target proteins can affect intracellular signaling processes that require 14-3-3.     

Activation of the human neutrophil by calcium-mobilizing ligands. II. Correlation of calcium, diacyl glycerol, and phosphatidic acid generation with superoxide anion generation

Calcium and protein kinase C (Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent enzyme) have been proposed to act as signals in triggering superoxide anion (O2-) generation by neutrophils. We have probed the adequacy and necessity of calcium and diacylglycerol (DG), activators of protein kinase C, in eliciting O2- generation and degranulation. Activation of neutrophils by the ligand 10(-7) M fMet-Leu-Phe triggered elevation of cytosolic calcium (fura-2) and a rapid, biphasic increase in labeled DG in [14C]glycerol and [3H]arachidonate prelabeled cells. Buffering of the fMet-Leu-Phe-induced elevation of cytosolic calcium with MAPTAM (a cell permeant EGTA analogue) inhibited O2- generation by 90% and degranulation by 50%, concordant with a role of calcium in signaling. However, buffering the increase in calcium also decreased DG. Since phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate breakdown in response to fMet-Leu-Phe was not inhibited and phosphatidic acid levels were enhanced in MAPTAM pretreated cells, the removal of calcium may enhance further DG metabolism. Thus, a requirement for calcium could not be differentiated from a requirement for DG, and the profound inhibition of O2- generation in the presence of MAPTAM may reflect removal of DG. Four stimuli, fMet-Leu-Phe, 10(-7) M leukotriene B4, 100 micrograms/ml concanavalin A, and 200 nM ionomycin elevated cytosolic calcium and triggered release of specific granules, but only fMet-Leu-Phe and concanavalin A triggered substantial O2- generation. Nevertheless, all four stimuli significantly increased labeled DG. Therefore, elevated DG and elevated calcium may be necessary but do not appear adequate to elicit O2- generation. Only fMet-Leu-Phe and concanavalin A triggered generation of phosphatidic acid (PA) together with DG. Correlation of O2- generation with PA may reflect a requirement for PA per se or for a specific pool of DG that can be further metabolized to PA.     

Rice 14-3-3 protein (GF14e) negatively affects cell death and disease resistance

Plant 14-3-3 proteins regulate important cellular processes, including plant immune responses, through protein-protein interactions with a wide range of target proteins. In rice (Oryza sativa), the GF14e gene, which encodes a 14-3-3 protein, is induced during effector-triggered immunity (ETI) associated with pathogens such as Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). To determine whether the GF14e gene plays a direct role in resistance to disease in rice, we suppressed its expression by RNAi silencing. GF14e suppression was correlated with the appearance of a lesion-mimic (LM) phenotype in the transgenic plants at 3 weeks after sowing. This indicates inappropriate regulation of cell death, a phenotype that is frequently associated with enhanced resistance to pathogens. GF14e-silenced rice plants showed high levels of resistance to a virulent strain of Xoo compared with plants that were not silenced. Enhanced resistance was correlated with GF14e silencing prior to and after development of the LM phenotype, higher basal expression of a defense response peroxidase gene (POX22.3), and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, GF14e-silenced plants also exhibit enhanced resistance to the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani. Together, our findings suggest that GF14e negatively affects the induction of plant defense response genes, cell death and broad-spectrum resistance in rice.