Identification of genes expressed in the Arabidopsis female gametophyte

The angiosperm female gametophyte typically consists of one egg cell, two synergid cells, one central cell, and three antipodal cells. Each of these four cell types has unique structural features and performs unique functions that are essential for the reproductive process. The gene regulatory networks conferring these four phenotypic states are largely uncharacterized. As a first step towards dissecting the gene regulatory networks of the female gametophyte, we have identified a large collection of genes expressed in specific cells of the Arabidopsis thaliana female gametophyte. We identified these genes using a differential expression screen based on reduced expression in determinant infertile1 (dif1) ovules, which lack female gametophytes. We hybridized ovule RNA probes with Affymetrix ATH1 genome arrays and validated the identified genes using real-time RT-PCR. These assays identified 71 genes exhibiting reduced expression in dif1 ovules. We further validated 45 of these genes using promoter::GFP fusions and 43 were expressed in the female gametophyte. In the context of the ovule, 11 genes were expressed exclusively in the antipodal cells, 11 genes were expressed exclusively or predominantly in the central cell, 17 genes were expressed exclusively or predominantly in the synergid cells, one gene was expressed exclusively in the egg cell, and three genes were expressed strongly in multiple cells of the female gametophyte. These genes provide insights into the molecular processes functioning in the female gametophyte and can be used as starting points to dissect the gene regulatory networks functioning during differentiation of the four female gametophyte cell types.     

拟南芥活性氧不敏感型突变体的筛选与特性分析

采用 EMS化学诱变方法与 H2 O2 氧化胁迫选择 ,以根在重力作用下的弯曲生长为指标 ,筛选得到拟南芥活性氧不敏感型突变体。对突变体杂交后代遗传分析表明 ,突变株对活性氧不敏感性状为隐性单基因突变所致 ;生理生化分析表明突变体对 H2 O2 有很强的抗性 ,表现为气孔开度对 H2 O2 不敏感和 H2 O2 胁迫时较低的膜脂过氧化水平。运用 L SCM技术并结合 H2 O2 荧光探针 H2 DCFDA检测外源 ABA诱导保卫细胞内产生 H2 O2 的情况 ,结果显示突变体体内荧光强度比对照低 ,暗示了突变体体内消除 H2 O2 的能力可能有所提高 ,增强了植株对氧化胁迫的抗性。拟南芥活性氧不敏感突变体的筛选 ,不仅为人们深入研究活性氧在细胞内的作用提供良好的实验材料 ,而且还将大大加深人们对信号转导途径的再认识     

Systemic changes in photosynthesis and reactive oxygen species homeostasis in shoots of Arabidopsis thaliana infected with the beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii

Photosynthetic efficiency and redox homeostasis are important for plant physiological processes during regular development as well as defence responses. The second‐stage juveniles of Heterodera schachtii induce syncytial feeding sites in host roots. To ascertain whether the development of syncytia alters photosynthesis and the metabolism of reactive oxygen species (ROS), chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements and antioxidant responses were studied in Arabidopsis thaliana shoots on the day of inoculation and at 3, 7 and 15 days post‐inoculation (dpi). Nematode parasitism caused an accumulation of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide molecules in the shoots of infected plants at 3 dpi, probably as a result of the observed down‐regulation of antioxidant enzymes. These changes were accompanied by an increase in RNA and lipid oxidation markers. The activities of antioxidant enzymes were found to be enhanced on infection at 7 and 15 dpi, and the content of anthocyanins was elevated from 3 dpi. The fluorescence parameter R_fd, defining plant vitality and the photosynthetic capacity of leaves, decreased by 11% only at 7 dpi, and non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ), indicating the effectiveness of photoprotection mechanisms, was about 16% lower at 3 and 7 dpi. As a result of infection, the ultrastructure of chloroplasts was changed (large starch grains and plastoglobules), and more numerous and larger peroxisomes were observed in the mesophyll cells of leaves. We postulate that the joint action of antioxidant enzymes/molecules and photochemical mechanisms leading to the maintenance of photosynthetic efficiency promotes the fine‐tuning of the infected plants to oxidative stress induced by parasitic cyst nematodes.     

Heat stress on oocyte or zygote compromises embryo development,impairs interferon tau production and increases reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress in bovine embryos produced in vitro

Interferon tau (IFNT) is the cytokine responsible for the maternal recognition of pregnancy in ruminants and plays a role modulating embryo–maternal communication in the oviduct inducing a local response from immune cells. We aimed to investigate IFNT production, reactive oxygen species, and oxidative stress under the influence of heat stress (HS) during different stages of bovine in vitro embryo production. HS was established when the temperature was gradually raised from 38.5°C to 40.5°C in laboratory incubator, sustained for 6 hr, and decreased back to 38.5°C. To address the HS effects on IFNT production, reactive oxygen species, and oxidative stress, ovaries from a slaughterhouse were used according to treatments: control group (38.5°C); oocytes matured under HS; oocytes fertilized under HS; zygotes cultured in the first day under HS; and cells submitted to HS at oocyte maturation, fertilization, and the first day of zygote culture. The HS negatively affected cleavage and blastocyst rates, in all HS groups. On Day 7, all HS‐treated embryos showed decrease IFNT gene and protein expressions, whereas reactive oxygen species were increased in comparison to the control. In conclusion, the compromised early embryo development due to higher temperatures during in vitro oocyte maturation, fertilization, and/or zygote stage have diminished IFNT expression and increased reactive oxygen species in bovine.     

Determination of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in rat aorta using the dichlorofluorescein assay

A method for the determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in macroscopic sections of vessels has been developed on the basis of the dichlorofluorescein (DCF) assay. DCF was measured by fluorescence in extracts of vessels. The main artifact of the method is the oxidation of dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCFH₂) which is released from vessels together with DCF during the extraction procedure. This problem was resolved by decreasing pH during the extraction. The optimal conditions and the time for aorta incubation with DCFH₂-DA and for the extraction of DCF from aorta have been determined. The ROS/RNS production in different aorta segments and the dependence of ROS/RNS production on rat age have been studied. It was shown that thoracic aorta sections produced the same amounts of ROS/RNS and the intermediate between the thoracic and the abdominal aorta part produced ROS and RNS by 14% more than the thoracic aorta. It was found that ROS/RNS production in aorta increases with rat age: the doubling time of ROS/RNS production rate is 113 days from birth.     

Cell death and reactive oxygen species metabolism during accelerated ageing of soybean axes

In this paper, Glycine max L. seeds under accelerated ageing condition (40°C and 100% relative humidity) were used as experimental material to study the relationships between seed viability and cell death, production and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during accelerated ageing. Water content of seeds gradually increased, while the final germination percentage, germination rate of seeds and fresh weight of seedlings produced decreased with increasing accelerated ageing time. The accelerated ageing time (T ₅₀) when final seed germination decreased to 50% was about 10.5 days. During the period of accelerated ageing, the viability of root cells was lost gradually as manifested by the increase in staining with Evans blue. The respiration rate of seeds, ^·O₂ production rate, and H₂O₂ content of axes increased, peaked at the 10 days of accelerated ageing, and then decreased. Activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione reductase of axes decreased; and malondialdehyde contents of axes markedly increased. A sceme to explain relationships between seed vigor, cell death, and production and scavenging of ROS during accelerated ageing was suggested. This text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Effect of ozone treatment on reactive oxygen species and adenosine production during hepatic ischemia-reperfusion

This study investigates whether ozone could confer protection from hepatic ischemia reperfusion by modifying the accumulation of adenosine and xanthine during ischemia. A significant increase in both adenosine and xanthine accumulation was observed as a consequence of ATP degradation during hepatic ischemia. Adenosine exerts a protective effect on hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury since the elimination of endogenous adenosine accumulation with adenosine deaminase increased the hepatic injury associated with this process. On the other hand, the high xanthine levels observed after ischemia could exert deleterious effects during reperfusion due to reactive oxygen species generation from xanthine oxidase. The administration of allopurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, attenuated the increase in reactive oxygen species and transaminase levels observed after hepatic reperfusion. Ozone treatment in liver maintained adenosine levels similar to those found after ischemia but led to a marked reduction in xanthine accumulation. In order to evaluate the role of both adenosine and xanthine, we tried to modify the protection confered by ozone, by modifying the concentrations of adenosine and xanthine. The metabolization of endogenous adenosine after ischemia abolished the protective effect conferred by ozone. When xanthine was administered previous to ozone treatment, the protection conferred by adenosine disappeared, showing both postischemic reactive oxygen species and transaminase levels similar to those found after hepatic ischemia reperfusion. Ozone would confer protection against the hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury by the accumulation of adenosine that in turns benefits the liver and by blocking the xanthine/xanthine oxidase pathway for reactive oxygen species generation.     

Spin trapping study of reactive oxygen species formation during bopindolol peroxidation

The generation of singlet molecular oxygen ((1)O(2)) and hydroxyl radicals (HO*) during peroxidation of bopindolol in the presence of Co(II) ions was studied using electron spin resonance (ESR) and spectrophotometry methods. 2,2,6,6-Tetramethyl-4-piperidone and 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-1-oxide were used as traps. The spectrophotometry determination of (1)O(2) was based on bleaching of p-nitrosodimethylaniline (RNO), which was caused by the product of the reaction of (1)O(2) with imidazole and was followed by monitoring the decrease in optical density at 440 nm. The effect of (1)O(2) quenchers and oxygen free radical scavengers on the ESR signal and the bleaching of RNO was studied. The data presented here give new evidence for generation of the reactive oxygen species during peroxidation of bopindolol.     

两株乳酸杆菌SY13和LJJ对活性氧的耐受性

【目的】从传统发酵乳制品中筛选具有抗氧化能力的乳酸菌菌株并对其抗氧化特性进行评价。【方法】分别利用乳酸杆菌SY13和LJJ完整细胞和无细胞提取物对亚油酸过氧化的抑制效果,对DPPH自由基、羟自由基、超氧阴离子自由基清除能力,对过氧化氢的耐受性以及对亚铁离子的螯合能力和还原活性进行了研究。【结果】结果表明,SY13和LJJ对亚油酸过氧化的最大抑制率分别达到了62.95%和66.16%;两菌株的无细胞提取物清除超氧阴离子和羟自由基的的效果较好,LJJ完整细胞对超氧阴离子和羟自由基没有清除能力;SY13和LJJ对DPPH自由基的清除能力及对亚铁离子的螯合能力都是完整细胞优于无细胞提取物,还原活性分别相当于305 μmol/L和294 μmol/L的L-cysteine。【结论】以上指标测定的结果说明,这两株乳酸杆菌具有较好的抗氧化能力,具有潜在的应用价值。     

叶绿体光合代谢中活性氧的产生与清除

有氧代谢不可避免产生活性氧(ROS),叶绿体的PSI和PSII反应中心均是ROS产生的主要位点。叶绿体产生的ROS主要有超氧阴离子(O2-)、过氧化氢(H2O2)、羟自由基(.OH)和单线氧(1O2),其中在PSI产生的O2-将进一步产生H2O2和.OH,而1O2产生在PSII。正常生理代谢条件下,叶绿体内抗氧化系统和光能吸收利用的调节保持活性氧产生和消灭的平衡,不会影响植物的正常生理功能。     

活性氧在气孔运动中的作用

水分代谢是植物基础代谢的重要组成部分,气孔开关精细地调节着植物水分散失和光合作用。气孔运动受到多种因子的调控,保卫细胞内大量的第二信使分子是响应外界刺激、调节保卫细胞代谢方式、改变保卫细胞水势进而引起气孔开关的重要功能组分。细胞内的活性氧就是其中重要的成员之一。保卫细胞中的活性氧包括过氧化氢、超氧阴离子自由基和羟自由基等,这些活性氧可以通过光合作用、呼吸作用产生或通过专门的酶催化合成,在触发下游生理反应、完成信号转导后由专门的酶将其清除。在植物激素(脱落酸、水杨酸)、一氧化氮、质外体钙调素、细胞外ATP等因子调节气孔运动的过程中,活性氧都发挥了介导作用。该文对于近年来活性氧在气孔运动过程中发挥的作用方面的研究进展进行了综述。     

Inheritance and mapping of embryo sac abortion in hybrid between Indica and Japonica rice (Oryza sativa L.)

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ITN1, a novel gene encoding an ankyrin-repeat protein that affects the ABA-mediated production of reactive oxygen species and is involved in salt-stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana

Salt stress and abscisic acid (ABA) induce accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant cells. ROS not only act as second messengers for the activation of salt-stress responses, but also have deleterious effects on plant growth due to their cytotoxicity. Therefore, the timing and degree of activation of ROS-producing or ROS-scavenging enzymes must be tightly regulated under salt-stress conditions. We identified a novel locus of Arabidopsis, designated itn1 (increased tolerance to NaCl1), whose disruption leads to increased salt-stress tolerance in vegetative tissues. ITN1 encodes a transmembrane protein with an ankyrin-repeat motif that has been implicated in diverse cellular processes such as signal transduction. Comparative microarray analysis between wild-type and the itn1 mutant revealed that induction of genes encoding the ROS-producing NADPH oxidases (RBOHC and RBOHD) under salt-stress conditions was suppressed in the mutant. This suppression was accompanied by a corresponding reduction in ROS accumulation. The ABA-induced expression of RBOHC and RBOHD was also suppressed in the mutant, as was the case for RD29A, an ABA-inducible marker gene. However, the ABA-induced expression of another marker gene, RD22, was not impaired in the mutant. These results suggest that the itn1 mutation partially impairs ABA signaling pathways, possibly leading to the reduction in ROS accumulation under salt-stress conditions. We discuss the possible mechanisms underlying the salt-tolerant phenotype of the itn1 mutant.     

Quantitative relationship between inhibition of respiratory complexes and formation of reactive oxygen species in isolated nerve terminals

In this study reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in the respiratory chain were measured and the quantitative relationship between inhibition of the respiratory chain complexes and ROS formation was investigated in isolated nerve terminals. We addressed to what extent complex I, III and IV,respectively, should be inhibited to cause ROS generation. For inhibition of complex I, III and IV, rotenone, antimycin and cyanide were used, respectively, and ROS formation was followed by measuring the activity of aconitase enzyme. ROS formation was not detected until complex III was inhibited by up to 71 +/- 4%, above that threshold inhibition, decrease in aconitase activity indicated an enhanced ROS generation. Similarly, threshold inhibition of complex IV caused an accelerated ROS production. By contrast, inactivation of complex I to a small extent (16 +/- 2%) resulted in a significant increase in ROS formation, and no clear threshold inhibition could be determined. However, the magnitude of ROS generated at complex I when it is completely inhibited is smaller than that observed when complex III or complex IV was fully inactivated. Our findings may add a novel aspect to the pathology of Parkinson's disease, showing that a moderate level of complex I inhibition characteristic in Parkinson's disease leads to significant ROS formation. The amount of ROS generated by complex I inhibition is sufficient to inhibit in situ the activity of endogenous aconitase.     

Reactive oxygen species in regulation of fungal development

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed by fungi in the course of metabolic activity. ROS production increases in fungi due to various stress agents such as starvation, light, mechanical damage, and interactions with some other living organisms. Regulation of ROS level appears to be very important during development of the fungal organism. ROS sources in fungal cells, their sensors, and ROS signal transduction pathways are discussed in this review. Antioxidant defense systems in different classes of fungi are characterized in detail. Particular emphasis is placed on ROS functions in interactions of phytopathogenic fungi with plant cells.