Al-Induced, 51-Kilodalton,Membrane-Bound Proteins Are Associated with Resistance to Al in a Segregating Population of Wheat

Incorporation of 35S into protein is reduced by exposure to Al in wheat (Triticum aestivum), but the effects are genotype-specific. Exposure to 10 to 75 [mu]M Al had little effect on 35S incorporation into total protein, nuclear and mitochondrial protein, microsomal protein, and cytosolic protein in the Al-resistant cultivar PT741. In contrast, 10 [mu]M Al reduced incorporation by 21 to 38% in the Al-sensitive cultivar Katepwa, with effects becoming more pronounced (31-62%) as concentrations of Al increased. We previously reported that a pair of 51-kD membrane-bound proteins accumulated in root tips of PT741 under conditions of Al stress. We now report that the 51-kD band is labeled with 35S after 24 h of exposure to 75 [mu]M Al. The specific induction of the 51-kD band in PT741 suggested a potential role of one or both of these proteins in mediating resistance to Al. Therefore, we analyzed their expression in single plants from an F2 population arising from a cross between the PT741 and Katepwa cultivars. Accumulation of 1,3-[beta]-glucans (callose) in root tips after 24 h of exposure to 100 [mu]M Al indicated that this population segregated for Al resistance in about a 3:1 ratio. A close correlation between resistance to Al (low callose content of root tips) and accumulation of the 51-kD band was observed, indicating that at least one of these proteins cosegregates with the Al-resistance phenotype. As a first step in identifying a possible function, we have demonstrated that the 51-kD band is most clearly associated with the tonoplast. Whereas Al has been reported to stimulate the activity of the tonoplast H+-ATPase and H+-PPase, antibodies raised against these proteins did not cross-react with the 51-kD band. Efforts are now under way to purify this protein from tonoplast-enriched fractions.     

Dependence of the Extent and Direction of Average Stomatal Response in Zea mays L. and Phaseolus vulgaris L. on the Frequency of Fluctuations in Environmental Stimuli

Three-day-old seedlings of an Al-sensitive (Neepawa) and an Al-resistant (PT741) cultivar of Triticum aestivum were subjected to Al concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 [mu]M for 72 h. At 25 [mu]M Al, growth of roots was inhibited by 57% in the Al-sensitive cultivar, whereas root growth in the Al-resistant cultivar was unaffected. A concentration of 100 [mu]M Al was required to inhibit root growth of the Al-resistant cultivar by 50% and resulted in almost total inhibition of root growth in the sensitive cultivar. Cytoplasmic and microsomal membrane fractions were isolated from root tips (first 5 mm) and the adjacent 2-cm region of roots of both cultivars. When root cytoplasmic proteins were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, no changes in polypeptide patterns were observed in response to Al stress. Analysis of microsomal membrane proteins revealed a band with an apparent molecular mass of 51 kD, which showed significant accumulation in the resistant cultivar following Al exposure. Two-dimensional gel analysis revealed that this band comprises two polypeptides, each of which is induced by exposure to Al. The response of the 51-kD band to a variety of experimental conditions was characterized to determine whether its pattern of accumulation was consistent with a possible role in Al resistance. Accumulation was significantly greater in root tips when compared to the rest of the root. When seedlings were subjected to Al concentrations ranging from 0 to 150 [mu]M, the proteins were evident at 25 [mu]M and were fully accumulated at 100 [mu]M. Time-course studies from 0 to 96 h indicated that full accumulation of the 51-kD band occurred within 24 h of initiation of Al stress. With subsequent removal of stress, the polypeptides gradually disappeared and were no longer visible after 72 h. When protein synthesis was inhibited by cycloheximide, the 51-kD band disappeared even when seedlings were maintained in Al-containing media. Other metals, including Cu, Zn, and Mn, failed to induce this band, and Cd and Ni resulted in its partial accumulation. These results indicate that synthesis of the 51-kD microsomal membrane proteins is specifically induced and maintained during Al stress in the Al-resistant cultivar, PT741.     

Aluminum resistance in wheat (Triticum aestivum) is associated with rapid, Al-induced changes in activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in root apices

We have investigated the effect of aluminum (Al) on the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH; EC 1.1.1.49) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH; EC 1.1.1.44) isolated from 5-mm root apices of 4-day-old wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) cultivars differing in resistance to Al. Rapid increases in G6PDH and 6PGDH activities were observed in Al-resistant cultivars (PT741 and Atlas 66) during the first 10 h of treatment with 100 μ M Al, while no change in the activity of either enzyme was observed in Al-sensitive cultivars (Katepwa and Neepawa) during a 24-h exposure to Al. The Al-induced increases in enzyme activities observed in the Al-resistant PT741 appear to reflect an induction of protein synthesis since the increases were completely abolished by 1 m M cycloheximide. No differences in G6PDH and 6PGDH activities were observed between the Al-sensitive and the Al-resistant genotypes when Al was supplied in vitro. Under these conditions, an increase in Al concentration from 0 to 1.4 m M caused a gradual decrease in activity of both enzymes, irrespective of the Al-resistance of whole seedlings. Aluminum-sensitive and aluminum-resistant cultivars also differed in the rate and extent of accumulation of slowly-exchanging Al in 5-mm root apices. During the first 6 h of Al treatment, Al accumulation was only 10% more rapid in Katepwa than in PT741. After 24-h exposure, accumulation in the Al-sensitive Katepwa, was two-fold higher. A decline in Al accumulation in a slowly-exchanging compartment as well as a decrease in activities of G6PDH and 6PGDH were found in the Al-resistant PT741, when seedlings were transferred to Al-free treatment solutions after 16-h exposure to 100 μ M Al. These results suggest that rapid induction of G6PDH and 6PGDH in the Al-resistant line PT741 by Al may play a role in the mechanism of Al resistance, possibly by regulation of the pentose phosphate pathway.     

Aluminum resistance in wheat (Triticum aestivum) is associated with rapid, Al-induced changes in activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in root apices

We have investigated the effect of aluminum (Al) on the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH; EC 1.1.1.49) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH; EC 1.1.1.44) isolated from 5-mm root apices of 4-day-old wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) cultivars differing in resistance to Al. Rapid increases in G6PDH and 6PGDH activities were observed in Al-resistant cultivars (PT741 and Atlas 66) during the first 10 h of treatment with 100 μ M Al, while no change in the activity of either enzyme was observed in Al-sensitive cultivars (Katepwa and Neepawa) during a 24-h exposure to Al. The Al-induced increases in enzyme activities observed in the Al-resistant PT741 appear to reflect an induction of protein synthesis since the increases were completely abolished by 1 m M cycloheximide. No differences in G6PDH and 6PGDH activities were observed between the Al-sensitive and the Al-resistant genotypes when Al was supplied in vitro. Under these conditions, an increase in Al concentration from 0 to 1.4 m M caused a gradual decrease in activity of both enzymes, irrespective of the Al-resistance of whole seedlings. Aluminum-sensitive and aluminum-resistant cultivars also differed in the rate and extent of accumulation of slowly-exchanging Al in 5-mm root apices. During the first 6 h of Al treatment, Al accumulation was only 10% more rapid in Katepwa than in PT741. After 24-h exposure, accumulation in the Al-sensitive Katepwa, was two-fold higher. A decline in Al accumulation in a slowly-exchanging compartment as well as a decrease in activities of G6PDH and 6PGDH were found in the Al-resistant PT741, when seedlings were transferred to Al-free treatment solutions after 16-h exposure to 100 μ M Al. These results suggest that rapid induction of G6PDH and 6PGDH in the Al-resistant line PT741 by Al may play a role in the mechanism of Al resistance, possibly by regulation of the pentose phosphate pathway.     

Aluminum-induced alterations in lipid composition of microsomal membranes from an aluminum-resistant and an aluminum-sensitive cultivar of Triticum aestivum

We have studied the effect of aluminum (Al) on the lipid composition of microsomal membranes isolated from 5-mm root tips of an Al-resistant (T 741) and an Al-sensitive (Katepwa) cultivar of Triticum aestivum L. Exposure of both genotypes to 10 and 50 μ M AeCl₃ for 1 day had no effect on lipid composition; however, decreases in phospholipids and increases in monogalactosyl diacylglycerols, free sterols, free fatty acids and triacylglycerols were observed with prolonged exposure (3 days) to 5O μ M AlCe₃. Several genotype-specific changes were also observed under these conditions. The content of digalactosyl diacylglycerols increased by 66.7% in Katepwa. but decreased slightly in PT 741. Thus, the ratio of rnonogalactosyl diacylglycerols to digalactosyl diacylglycerols increased by 46.2% in PT 741, but decreased by 21.3% in Katepwa. Genotype-specific differences were also observed in steryl lipids. Treatment with Al induced a 70.2% increase in sterylglucosides and a 23.3% increase in acylated sterylglucosides in Katepwa. In contrast, a 18.9% decrease in acylated sterylglucosides and no changes in sterylglucosides were observed in PT 741. Our limited understanding of the effect of membrane composition on membrane structure and function makes it difficult to predict how these changes relate to Al toxicity and resistance. While it is possible that many changes reflect the toxic effects of Al, we believe that changes observed only in the Al-resistant genotype could contribute to continuous growth in the face of Al stress.     

Excessive ATP hydrolysis in ischemic myocardium by mitochondrial F1F0-ATPase: effect of selective pharmacological inhibition of mitochondrial ATPase hydrolase activity

Mitochondrial F(1)F(0)-ATPase normally synthesizes ATP in the heart, but under ischemic conditions this enzyme paradoxically causes ATP hydrolysis. Nonselective inhibitors of this enzyme (aurovertin, oligomycin) inhibit ATP synthesis in normal tissue but also inhibit ATP hydrolysis in ischemic myocardium. We characterized the profile of aurovertin and oligomycin in ischemic and nonischemic rat myocardium and compared this with the profile of BMS-199264, which only inhibits F(1)F(0)-ATP hydrolase activity. In isolated rat hearts, aurovertin (1-10 microM) and oligomycin (10 microM), at concentrations inhibiting ATPase activity, reduced ATP concentration and contractile function in the nonischemic heart but significantly reduced the rate of ATP depletion during ischemia. They also inhibited recovery of reperfusion ATP and contractile function, consistent with nonselective F(1)F(0)-ATPase inhibitory activity, which suggests that upon reperfusion, the hydrolase activity switches back to ATP synthesis. BMS-199264 inhibits F(1)F(0) hydrolase activity in submitochondrial particles with no effect on ATP synthase activity. BMS-199264 (1-10 microM) conserved ATP in rat hearts during ischemia while having no effect on preischemic contractile function or ATP concentration. Reperfusion ATP levels were replenished faster and necrosis was reduced by BMS-199264. ATP hydrolase activity ex vivo was selectively inhibited by BMS-199264. Therefore, excessive ATP hydrolysis by F(1)F(0)-ATPase contributes to the decline in cardiac energy reserve during ischemia and selective inhibition of ATP hydrolase activity can protect ischemic myocardium.     

Growth and cell wall properties of two wheat cultivars differing in their sensitivity to aluminum stress

The present study was conducted to investigate the cell wall properties in two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars differing in their sensitivity to Al stress. Seedlings of Al-resistant, Inia66 and Al-sensitive, Kalyansona cultivars were grown in complete nutrient solutions for 4 days and then subjected to treatment solutions containing Al (0, 50 microM) in a 0.5 mM CaCl(2) solution at pH 4.5 for 24 h. Root elongation was inhibited greatly by the Al treatment in the Al-sensitive cultivar compared to the Al-resistant cultivar. The Al-resistant cultivar accumulated less amount of Al in the root apex than in the Al-sensitive cultivar. The contents of pectin and hemicellulose in roots were increased with Al stress, and this increase was more conspicuous in the Al-sensitive cultivar. The molecular mass of hemicellulosic polysaccharides was increased by the Al treatment in the Al-sensitive cultivar. The increase in the content of hemicellulose was attributed to increase in the contents of glucose, arabinose and xylose in neutral sugars. Aluminum treatment increased the contents of ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid especially in the Al-sensitive cultivar by increasing the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.5). Aluminum treatment markedly decreased the beta-glucanase activity in the Al-sensitive cultivar, but did not exert any effect in the Al-resistant cultivar. These results suggest that the modulation of the activity of beta-glucanase with Al stress may be involved in part in the alteration of the molecular mass of hemicellulosic polysaccharides in the Al-sensitive cultivar. The increase in the molecular mass of hemicellulosic polysaccharides and ferulic acid synthesis in the Al-sensitive cultivar with Al stress may induce the mechanical rigidity of the cell wall and inhibit the elongation of wheat roots.     

Origin of apparent negative cooperativity of F(1)-ATPase

In order to get insight into the origin of apparent negative cooperativity observed for F(1)-ATPase, we compared ATPase activity and ATPMg binding of mutant subcomplexes of thermophilic F(1)-ATPase, alpha((W463F)3)beta((Y341W)3)gamma and alpha((K175A/T176A/W463F)3)beta((Y341W)3)gamma. For alpha((W463F)3)beta((Y341W)3)gamma, apparent K(m)'s of ATPase kinetics (4.0 and 233 microM) did not agree with apparent K(m)'s deduced from fluorescence quenching of the introduced tryptophan residue (on the order of nM, 0.016 and 13 microM). On the other hand, in case of alpha((K175A/T176A/W463F)3)beta((Y341W)3)gamma, which lacks noncatalytic nucleotide binding sites, the apparent K(m) of ATPase activity (10 microM) roughly agreed with the highest K(m) of fluorescence measurements (27 microM). The results indicate that in case of alpha((W463F)3)beta((Y341W)3)gamma, the activating effect of ATP binding to noncatalytic sites dominates overall ATPase kinetics and the highest apparent K(m) of ATPase activity does not represent the ATP binding to a catalytic site. In case of alpha((K175A/T176A/W463F)3)beta((Y341W)3)gamma, the K(m) of ATPase activity reflects the ATP binding to a catalytic site due to the lack of noncatalytic sites. The Eadie-Hofstee plot of ATPase reaction by alpha((K175A/T176A/W463F)3)beta((Y341W)3)gamma was rather linear compared with that of alpha((W463F)3)beta((Y341W)3)gamma, if not perfectly straight, indicating that the apparent negative cooperativity observed for wild-type F(1)-ATPase is due to the ATP binding to catalytic sites and noncatalytic sites. Thus, the frequently observed K(m)'s of 100-300 microM and 1-30 microM range for wild-type F(1)-ATPase correspond to ATP binding to a noncatalytic site and catalytic site, respectively.     

Effects of efrapeptin and destruxin, metabolites of entomogenous fungi, on the hydrolytic activity of a vacuolar type ATPase identified on the brush border membrane vesicles of Galleria mellonella midgut and on plant membrane bound hydrolytic enzymes

The brush border membrane of the insect midgut is an initial site for interaction of insecticidal proteins. We have investigated the possibility that it may contain a target site for two insecticidal fungal toxins, destruxin and efrapeptin, both of which are ATPase inhibitors. We have studied the effects of the toxins on the hydrolytic activity of a vacuolar type ATPase (V-ATPase) that we have identified from Galleria mellonella midgut columnar cell brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) by its cation and pH dependence, sensitivity to proton pump inhibitors and K(m) (0.49 mM ATP). Efrapeptin strongly inhibited the BBMV V-ATPase but destruxin had little effect. We compared the effects of the inhibitors on known plant membrane hydrolytic enzymes, and although the vacuolar pyrophosphatase and plasma membrane ATPase were not inhibited by the toxins, the V-ATPase from mung bean, but not barley, was inhibited (50%) by 10 microM concentrations of both compounds. Different forms of the toxins were tested on the ATPases and destruxin B and efrapeptin F were the most effective. Kinetic analysis showed that the purified forms of both compounds inhibited the V-ATPases uncompetitively and modelling of data for inhibition of the BBMV V-ATPase by efrapeptin at concentrations of 0.06--12 microM yielded a K(i) of 0.125 microM.     

A 23-kDa, root exudate polypeptide co-segregates with aluminum resistance in Triticum aestivum

We previously reported that treatment with aluminum (Al) leads to the accumulation of several polypeptides (12-, 23-, and 43.5-kDa) in root exudates of an Al-resistant cultivar of Triticum aestivum. In this report, we examine the segregation of the 23-kDa, Al-induced polypeptide and the Al-resistant phenotype in single F₂ plants arising from a cross between Al-resistant and Al-sensitive doubled-haploid (DH) lines. Single plants and plant populations were screened for sensitivity/resistance to Al using synthesis of 1,3-β-glucans (callose) as a sensitive marker for Al injury. Callose production in the Al-sensitive cv. Katepwa was approximately 3-fold higher than observed in the Al-resistant cv. Maringa, or a near-isogenic line derived from Katepwa and Maringa (Alikat), over a broad range of Al concentrations (0–100 μM). Similar results were observed with DH lines developed from cv. Katepwa, which produced two–four times more callose than DH lines developed from cv. Alikat. When single plants from F₁ and F₂ populations derived from a cross between DH Katepwa and DH Alikat were scored for Al-induced callose production after 4 days exposure to 100 μM Al, all F₁ plants were Al-resistant and F₂ plants segregated approximately 3:1 for Al-resistance/sensitivity. A backcross population derived from crossing Al-resistant F₁ with Al-sensitive Katepwa, segregated 1:1 for Al-resistance/sensitivity. Thus, the Al-resistant phenotype is inherited in a monogenic, dominant fashion in our DH lines. Enhanced accumulation of the Al-induced, 23-kDa polypeptide in root exudates was a trait which co-segregated with the Al-resistant phenotype in F₂ populations. This polypeptide was strongly labeled with S-methionine after 3 days of Al exposure and 6 h labeling. When root exudate polypeptides were separated by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography, the 23-kDa polypeptide demonstrated significant Al-binding capacity. This polypeptide has been purified to near-homogeneity, providing an opportunity to isolate the gene(s) encoding this polypeptide.     

Mitochondrial ATP synthase: dramatic Mg2+-induced alterations in the structure and function of the F1-ATPase moiety

The ATPase activity of the F1 moiety of rat liver ATP synthase is inactivated when incubated prior to assay at 25 degrees C in the presence of MgCl2. The concentration of MgCl2 (130 microM) required to induce half-maximal inactivation is over 30 times higher than the apparent Km (MgCl2) during catalysis. Moreover, the relative efficacy of divalent cations in inducing inactivation during prior incubation follows an order significantly different from that promoting catalysis. Inactivation of F1-ATPase activity by Mg2+ is accompanied by the dramatic dissociation from the F1 complex of alpha subunits and part of the gamma-subunit population. The latter form a precipitate while the beta, delta, and epsilon subunits, and the remaining part of the gamma-subunit population, remain soluble. Dissociation is not a sudden "all or none" event but parallels loss of ATPase activity until alpha subunits have almost completely dissociated together with about 50% of the gamma-subunit population. Mg2+-induced loss of F1-ATPase activity cannot be prevented by including either the hydrolytic substrates ATP, GTP, or ITP in the incubation medium or the product ADP. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, mercaptoethanol, and dithiothreitol are also ineffective in preventing loss of ATPase activity. Significantly, KPi at high concentration (greater than or equal to 200 mM) is effective in partially protecting F1 against inactivation. However, the most effective means of preventing Mg2+-induced inactivation of F1-ATPase activity is to rebind F1 to its F0 moiety in F1-depleted particles. When bound to F0, F1 is protected completely against divalent cation induced inactivation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Simultaneous bindings of ATPase inhibitor and 9K protein to F1F0-ATPase in the presence of 15K protein in yeast mitochondria

Yeast mitochondrial ATP synthase has three regulatory proteins, ATPase inhibitor, 9K protein, and 15K protein. The 9K protein binds directly to purified F1-ATPase, as does the ATPase inhibitor, but the 15K protein does not [Hashimoto, T. et al. (1987) J. Biochem. 102, 685-692]. In the present study, we found that 15K protein bound to purified F1F0-ATPase, forming an equimolar complex with the enzyme. The apparent dissociation constant was calculated to be 1.4 x 10(-5) M. The ATPase inhibitor and 9K protein also bound to F1F0-ATPase in the presence of ATP and Mg2+, and the dissociation constants of their bindings were about 3 X 10(-6) M. They bound to the enzyme competitively in the absence of 15K protein, but in its presence, they bound in equimolar amounts to the enzyme. The ATP-hydrolyzing activity of the enzyme-ligand complex was greatly influenced by the order of bindings of ATPase inhibitor and 9K protein: when the ATPase inhibitor was bound first, the activity of the enzyme was inhibited completely and was not restored by 9K protein, but when 9K protein was added first, the activity was inhibited only partially even after equimolar binding of the ATPase inhibitor to the enzyme. These observations strongly suggest that the 15K protein binds to the F0 part and functions to hold the ATPase inhibitor or 9K protein on the F1 subunit.     

Aluminum-induced deposition of (1,3)-β-glucans (callose) inTriticum aestivum L.

Aluminum (Al)-induced damage to leaves and roots of two Al-resistant (cv. Atlas 66, experimental line PT741) and two Al-sensitive (cv. Scout 66, cv. Katepwa) lines ofTriticum aestivum L. was estimated using the deposition of (1, 3)--glucans (callose) as a marker for injury. Two-day-old seedlings were grown for forty hours in nutrient solutions with or without added Al, and callose deposition was quantified by spectrofluorometry (0–1000 µM Al) and localized by fluorescence microscopy (0 and 400 µM Al). Results suggested that Al caused little damage to leaves. No callose was observed in leaves with up to 400 µM Al treatment. In contrast, root callose concentration increased with Al treatment, especially in the Al-sensitive lines. At 400 µM Al, root callose concentration of Al-sensitive Scout 66 was nearly four-fold that of Al-resistant Atlas 66. After Al treatment, large callose deposits were observed in the root cap, epidermis and outer cortex of root tips of Scout 66, but not Atlas 66. The identity of callose was confirmed by a reduced fluorescence in Al-treated roots: firstly, after adding an inhibitor of callose synthesis (2-deoxy-D-glucose) to the nutrient solution, and secondly, after incubating root sections with the callosedegrading enzyme -D-glucoside glucohydrolase [EC 3.2.1.21]. Root callose deposition may be a good marker for Al-induced injury due to its early detection by spectrofluorometry and its close association with stress perception.Abbreviations DDG 2-deoxy-D-glucose - PAS periodic acid - Schiffs reagent - PE pachyman equivalents     

Energy-dependent transformation of the catalytic activities of the mitochondrial F0 x F1-ATP synthase

The ADP(Mg2+)-deactivated, azide-trapped F0 x F1-ATPase of coupled submitochondrial particles is capable of ATP synthesis being incapable of ATP hydrolysis and ATP-dependent delta muH+ generation [FEBS Lett. (1995) 366, 29-32]. This puzzling phenomenon was studied further. No ATPase activity of the submitochondrial particles catalyzing succinate-supported oxidative phosphorylation in the presence of azide was observed when ATP was added to the assay mixture after an uncoupler. Rapid ATP hydrolysis was detected in the same system when ATP followed by an uncoupler was added. Less than 5% of the original ATPase activity was seen when the reaction (assayed with ATP-regenerating system) was initiated by the addition of ATP to the azide-trapped coupled particles oxidizing succinate either in the presence or in the absence of the uncoupler. High ATP hydrolytic activity was revealed when the reaction was started by the simultaneous addition of the ATP plus uncoupler to the particles generating delta muH+. The energy-dependent conversion of the enzyme into latent uncoupler-activated ATPase was prevented by free ADP (Ki approximately 20 microM) and was greatly enhanced after multiple turnovers in oxidative phosphorylation. The results suggest that the catalytic properties of F0 x F1 are delta muH+-dependent which is in accord with our hypothesis on different conformational states of the enzyme participating in ATP synthesis or hydrolysis.     

Aluminum-induced citric acid secretion is not the sole mechanism of Al-resistance in maize

Aluminum-induced citric acid (CA) root secretion is a widely accepted mechanism to explain Al-resistance in maize. Nonetheless, several aspects of this mechanism remain controversial. In this study, we used paclobutrazol (PBZ), a plant growth retardant, to gain new insights into the relationship between Δ⁵-sterol composition, membrane permeability, (PM) H⁺-ATPase activity and CA secretion in an Al-sensitive (UFVM-100) and Al-resistant (UFVM-200) maize genotypes challenged with Al. The Al-sensitive genotype displayed greater concentrations of Al in the root tips and greater inhibition of root elongation (RE), which was accompanied by greater electrolyte leakage and greater reduction in the Δ⁵-sterols content after Al treatment. CA secretion by roots increased in both genotypes after Al treatment but to a greater extent in the Al-resistant genotype. The (PM) H⁺-ATPase activity was down-regulated in the sensitive cultivar and up-regulated in its resistant counterpart upon Al treatment. A significant correlation between (PM) H⁺-ATPase activity and CA secretion was observed, but only in the Al-resistant genotype. Upon adding PBZ to the Al-treated plants, differences in the RE and Δ⁵-sterol composition between the maize genotypes were fully abolished, whereas genotypic differences in CA secretion and (PM) H⁺-ATPase activity were reduced but not completely eliminated. Taken together, this information suggests the existence of other processes or mechanisms operating in the Al resistance in these two maize genotypes.     

The membrane ATPase of alkalophilic Bacillus firmus RAB is an F1-type ATPase

At the optimal pH for growth (pH 10.5), alkalophilic Bacillus firmus RAB, an obligate aerobe, exhibits normal rates of oxidative phosphorylation despite the low transmembrane proton electrochemical gradient, about -60 mV (delta psi = -180 mV and delta pH = +120 mV). This bioenergetic problem might be resolved by use of an Na+ coupled ATP synthase; otherwise an F1F0-ATPase must be able to utilize low driving forces in this organism. The ATPase activity was extracted from everted membrane vesicles by low ionic strength treatment and purified to homogeneity by hydrophobic interaction chromatography and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The ATPase preparation had the characteristic F1-ATPase subunit structure, with Mr values of 51,500 (alpha), 48,900 (beta), 34,400 (gamma), 23,300 (delta), and 14,500 (epsilon); the identity of the alpha and beta subunits was confirmed by immunoblotting with anti-beta of Escherichia coli and anti-B. firmus RAB F1. Methanol and octyl glucoside, agents that stimulated the low basal membrane ATPase activity 10- to 12-fold, dramatically elevated the MgATPase activity of the purified F1, more than 150-fold, to 50 mumol min-1 mg protein-1. Anti-F1 inhibited membrane ATPase activity greater than or equal to 80%. The membranes exhibited no Na+-stimulated or vanadate-sensitive ATPase activity when prepared in the absence or presence of Na+ or ATP. These findings, which are consistent with previous studies, establish that in alkalophilic bacteria, ATP hydrolysis, and presumably ATP synthesis is catalyzed by an F1F0-ATPase rather than a Na+ ATPase.     

Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and vanadate sensitive ATPase of lung lamellar bodies.

Lung surfactant is synthesized in lung epithelial type II cells and stored in the lamellar bodies prior to its secretion onto the alveolar surface. The lamellar bodies, like other secretory organelles, maintain an ATP-dependent pH gradient that is sensitive to inhibitors of H(+)-ATPase. This report shows that the ATPase activity of lamellar bodies is enriched in a fraction prepared from lamellar bodies that were disrupted after isolation. The apparent Vmax for this enzyme was 150 nmol ATP hydrolyzed per min per mg protein and apparent Km for ATP was approximately 50 microM. The enzyme activity was sensitive to N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) and 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD-Cl) (all inhibitors of vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPase) and vanadate (inhibitor of phosphoenzyme-type ATPase). Besides, the activity could also be inhibited with diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), and Ca2+. Two proteins (of approximately 45 kDa and 17 kDa) of this fraction showed acid-stable phosphorylation with ATP. The labeling of proteins with ATP (-gamma-32P) could be chased with unlabelled ATP, suggesting that phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of these proteins is associated with the ATPase activity. Our results on inhibition characteristics of the enzyme activity suggest that besides a vacuolar type H(+)-ATPase, the lamellar bodies also contain a phosphoenzyme type ATPase that is sensitive to inhibitors of vacuolar type H(+)-ATPase.     

Na+ binding of V-type Na+-ATPase in Enterococcus hirae

Rotation catalysis theory has been successfully applied to the molecular mechanism of the ATP synthase (F(0)F(1)-ATPase) and probably of the vacuolar ATPase. We investigated the ion binding step to Enterococcus hirae Na(+)-translocating V-ATPase. The kinetics of Na(+) binding to purified V-ATPase suggested 6 +/- 1 Na(+) bound/enzyme molecule, with a single high affinity (K(d(Na(+()))) = 15 +/- 5 micrometer). The number of cation binding sites is consistent with the model that V-ATPase proteolipids form a rotor ring consisting of hexamers, each having one cation binding site. Release of the bound (22)Na(+) from purified molecules in a chasing experiment showed two phases: a fast component (about two-thirds of the total amount of bound Na(+); k(exchange) > 1.7 min(-1)) and a slow component (about one-third of the total; k(exchange) = 0.16 min(-1)), which changes to the fast component by adding ATP or ATPgammaS. This suggested that about two-thirds of the Na(+) binding sites of the Na(+)-ATPase are readily accessible from the aqueous phase and that the slow component is important for the transport reaction.