Recognition of phytotropins by the receptor for 1-N-naphthylphthalamic acid

The structure requirements for phytotropin activity and receptor binding are expressed in terms of a recognition site on the receptor with which phytotropins, including 1-N-naphthylphthalamic acid, interact. It is postulated that the site can be represented by a large region which accepts planar molecules, and is possibly electrophilic in nature. A second area is also postulated which may be lipophilic or electrophilic, together with a carboxyl acceptor. It is suggested that if the requirements of the carboxyl acceptor and adjacent area are met, then phytotropin activity will result if the candidate molecule has a configuration, or can adopt a configuration, such that a conjugated portion of the molecule can interact with the larger area. It is argued that the close relationship observed between receptor binding and effect on the gravitropic response implies that the receptors may be directly involved in the gravitropic response mechanism.     

Bisulfite interacts with binding sites of the auxin-transport inhibitor N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid

The affinity of the auxin-transport inhibitor N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) for membrane particles as well as for solubilized binding sites from Cucurbita pepo L. hypocotyls was reduced by low concentrations of bisulfite (half-maximal inhibition at 2·10^-3–3·10^-3 M). Two membrane fractions obtained by sedimentation aided with polyethylene glycol showed differential sensitivity to bisulfite. Other oxidizing or reducing substances tested at 1 mM had no effect, except for N-ethylmaleimide (80% inhibition) and iodine (complete inhibition), both of which reduced the number of binding sites but not their affinity. Addition of bisulfite to either the isoalloxane ring of flavoproteins or to pyridoxal phosphate or quinones is proposed as a possible mechanism of action. Sulfur dioxide, at concentrations measured in polluted air, can lead to bisulfite concentrations in plant tissue sufficient to interfere with NPA-binding sites and hence with auxin transport.Abbreviations DTE dithioerythritol - DTT dithiothreitol - IC₅₀ concentration of half-maximal inhibition - NAA 1-naphthylacetic acid - NEM N-ethylmaleimide - NPA N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid - PEG polyethylene glycol, 6000 molecular weight     

5′-Isothiocyanato-N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid: a chemically reactive site-directed irreversible ligand for phytotropin receptors

A chemically reactive analog of the phytotropin N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) was synthesized and evaluated as a site-directed irreversible ligand for the NPA receptor. The NPA analog (5-isothiocyanato-N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid; NCS-NPA) was synthesized in two steps. Pretreatment of etiolated Helianthus hypocotyl segments with NCS-NPA at concentrations in excess of 1 M resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of basipetal [¹⁴C]IAA transport. Net uptake of IAA by hypocotyl segments was stimulated by NCS-NPA at concentrations of 1 M or greater. NCS-NPA inhibited the saturable binding of [³H]NPA in Helianthus microsomes in a dose-dependent fashion with 50% inhibition occurring at NCS-NPA concentrations of 3 to 10 nM. The binding affinity of [³H]NPA in microsomes pretreated with NCS-NPA followed by extensive washing was substantially reduced. These results demonstrate that NCS-NPA is a site-directed irreversible ligand for the NPA receptor and suggest that it may be of use in the purification and characterization of this biologically important receptor.Abbreviations ANPA 5-amino-naphthylphthalamic acid - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - NCS-NPA 5-isothiocyanato-N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid - NPA N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid - TLC thin-layer chromatography     

Fractionation of particulate material from maize coleoptile homogenates with polyethylene glycol

Polyethyleneglycol (PEG) has been used to sediment particulate material from maize coleoptile homogenates at low centrifugal forces. The resuspended sediments were used for N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA)-binding studies. Binding activity was influenced by monovalent cations in the resuspension medium, but even at concentrations of up to 1.2 M NaCl or 0.5 M LiCl or CsCl, half of the binding activity was still recovered. Binding activity was influenced by divalent cations, because it decreased when Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions in the medium were complexed with EDTA. Fractionated sedimentation using increasing concentrations of PEG resulted in two peaks of NPA-binding activity at about 3% and 6% PEG. The 3% peak cintained enzymatic markers for mitochondria and endoplasmatic reticulum while the 6% peak contained NPA-binding activity only. Possible explanations for the bimodal distribution of NPA binding after fractionated PEG precipitation are discussed.Abbreviations IAA indoleacetic acid - KF see Introduction - NAA naphthylacetic acid - NPA N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid - PEG polyethyleneglycol     

Anacardic acid derived salicylates are inhibitors or activators of lipoxygenases

Lipoxygenases catalyze the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, which play a crucial role in inflammatory responses. Selective inhibitors may provide a new therapeutic approach for inflammatory diseases. In this study, we describe the identification of a novel soybean lipoxygenase-1 (SLO-1) inhibitor and a potato 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) activator from a screening of a focused compound collection around the natural product anacardic acid. The natural product anacardic acid inhibits SLO-1 with an IC(50) of 52μM, whereas the inhibitory potency of the novel mixed type inhibitor 23 is fivefold enhanced. In addition, another derivative (21) caused non-essential activation of potato 5-LOX. This suggests the presence of an allosteric binding site that regulates the lipoxygenase activity.     

Solubilization of the receptor for N-1-naphthylphthalamic Acid

A receptor protein for the auxin transport inhibitor, N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA), has been solubilized from corn coleoptile membranes using Triton X-100. [³H]NPA binding activity of the receptor was compared in soluble and membrane-bound states. Both activities are abolished by treatment with trypsin. Differences between the two are observed in pH optima and rates of heat inactivation.     

Effect of Ethylene Treatment on Polar IAA Transport, Net IAA Uptake and Specific Binding of N-1-Naphthylphthalamic Acid in Tissues and Microsomes Isolated from Etiolated Pea Epicotyls

The effect of ethylene treatment on polar indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) transport, net IAA uptake in the presence and absence of N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) and [³H]NPA binding characteristics was investigated in tissue segments or microsomes isolated from etiolated pea (Pisum sativum L. cv Alaska) epicotyls. Basipetal IAA transport in 5 millimeter segments isolated from ethylene-treated seedlings was inhibited by ethylene in a dose-dependent manner. Threshold, half-maximal and saturating concentrations of ethylene were 0.01, 0.55, 10.0 microliters per liter, respectively. This inhibition became apparent after 6 to 8 hours of ethylene treatment. Transport velocity in both control and ethylene-treated tissues was estimated to be 5 millimeters per hour. Net IAA uptake was stimulated in ethylene-treated tissues and the relative ability of the phytotropin NPA to enhance net IAA uptake was reduced in treated tissues. Specific binding of [³H]NPA to microsomes prepared from both control and ethylene-treated tissues was saturable and consistent with the existence of a single class of binding sites with an apparent affinity (K_d) toward NPA of 8 to 9 nanomolar. The density of these binding sites (per milligram protein) was lower (36% of control) in ethylene-treated tissues. Direct application of ethylene to microsomal preparations isolated from untreated seedlings had no effect on the level of specific [³H]NPA binding.     

Mass spectral characterization of fatty acid amides from alfalfa trichomes and their deterrence against the potato leafhopper

A homologous series of N-(3-methylbutyl)amides of normal saturated C14, C15, C16, C17 and C18 fatty acids were identified as major components of glandular trichome extracts from Medicago sativa G98A, an alfalfa genotype resistant to the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae. A second homologous series of N-(2-methylpropyl)amides of C14 through C18 normal fatty acids were minor components. Saturated free fatty acids C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C17 and C18 were present in trace amounts, as was the N-(3-methylbutyl)amide of linoleic acid (C18:2). N-(3-methylbutyl)amides and N-(2-methylpropyl)amides of C14 through C18 fatty acids, along with the N-(3-methylbutyl)amide of linoleic acid, were synthesized and bioassayed for leafhopper deterrence by applying the compounds to the surface of a sachet containing an artificial diet. Leafhoppers were then offered a two-way choice between diet surfaces treated with the synthetic amides or an untreated control. N-(3-methylbutyl)amides and N-(2-methylpropyl)amides of C14 through C18 fatty acids did not deter leafhopper settling in a dose-dependent fashion. In contrast, when tested singly, N-(3-methylbutyl)amide of linoleic acid exhibited dose-dependent deterrence against leafhopper settling. Fatty acid amides localized in alfalfa glandular trichomes likely contribute to leafhopper resistance.     

Regulation of the Activity of N-1-Naphthylphthalamic Acid Binding Protein by ATP and Phosphatase

N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA), an auxin transport inhibitor, was found to bind specifically to a crude membrane preparation from sugar beet seedling leaf cell suspension cultures. The dissociation constant (Kd) and binding protein concentration were found to be 1.71 mol dm^–3 and 220 pmol g^–1(membrane protein), respectively. The amount of specific ³H-NPA binding was significantly increased by adding Mg²⁺ATP to the binding assay solution. Treatment of membrane preparations with acid phosphatase, prior to the NPA binding assay, resulted in lower specific binding. ATP activation and phosphatase inactivation were culture stage dependent. Although a considerable effect could be detected when using cells from day 8 (representing the linear phase), the same treatment did not alter the binding if cells from day 1 (representing lag phase) or day 14 (representing the stationary phase) were used. These observations have strongly highlighted the possible involvement of a phosphorylation and dephosphorylation mechanism in vivo in the regulation of the activity of the NPA binding protein. High phosphatase activity was found in the supernatant, but not in the membrane pellet) after 50 000 g centrifugation. Our present study has indicated that receptor activity could be regulated by a phosphorylation and dephosphorylation mechanism in plants.     

Differential regulation of calmodulin-dependent and -independent cyclic AMP phosphodiesterases from oviduct by fatty acids.

Regulation of calmodulin-independent and -dependent cAMP phosphodiesterases from quail oviduct by various fatty acids was studied. The calmodulin-independent form was slightly activated by low concentrations (20 microM) of oleic, linoleic and arachidonic acid, higher concentrations were inhibitory. The basal activity of the calmodulin-dependent form was activated by linoleic acid and to a lesser extent by arachidonic acid at low concentrations and inhibited by higher concentrations of the two fatty acids. In contrast, arachidonic acid was a potent reversible inhibitor of calmodulin in the activation of this enzyme (IC50: 20 microM) whereas linoleic acid was inactive from 10 to 150 microM. The present results strongly suggest that the differential regulation of cAMP phosphodiesterases by these fatty acids could profoundly influence the level of cAMP in the oviduct and thus its subsequent effects.     

Flavonoids and flavonoid sulphates as probes of auxin-transport regulation in Cucurbita pepo hypocotyl segments and vesicles

The accumulation of IAA by sealed microsomal vesicles prepared from hypocotyls of dark-grown Cucurbita pepo L. (zucchini) seedlings was stimulated by N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA: an inhibitor of carrier-mediated auxin efflux and hence of polar auxin transport) as well as by quercetin and certain other flavonoids with a specificity pattern similar to that previously shown for their NPA-like effects on auxin transport and inhibition of NPA binding to saturable sites. In contrast, putatively nonpenetrant negatively charged quercetinsulphate esters did not stimulate such auxin accumulation although they were able to oppose stimulation by NPA or quercetin itself. However, the binding of NPA to hypocotyl microsomes was 30- to 80-fold more strongly inhibited by the quercetin sulphates than by unsubstituted quercetin. As with vesicles, net IAA uptake by hypocotyl segments (2 mm) from dark-grown zucchini was stimulated less effectively by quercetin-sulphate esters than by quercetin itself. We discuss the implications of these observations for the accessibility of the NPA receptor from cell wall or cytoplasm and for the coupling of its occupancy to inhibition of the auxin efflux carrier.Abbreviations ION3 mixture of 4 M carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, nigericin and valinomycin - NPA N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid - PMSF phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride This work was supported by a Studentship (I.J.F.) from the Science and Engineering Research Council and by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation. We are particularly grateful to Dr. W. Michalke for a preprint and permission to use his method of microsome preparation in advance of publication.     

Phytotropins: III. NAPHTHYLPHTHALAMIC ACID BINDING SITES ON MAIZE COLEOPTILE MEMBRANES AS POSSIBLE RECEPTOR SITES FOR PHYTOTROPIN ACTION

Certain members of the phytotropin class of auxin transport inhibitors are shown to bind with high affinity to the known naphthylphthalamic acid binding sites in maize (Zea mays) coleoptiles. The binding site is, thus, a phytotropin binding site. In general, the degree of binding correlates with the phytotropin structure activity rules and with physiological activities of model compounds. It is argued that the binding site may be a receptor, and it also may be the receptor involved in the control of the auxin transport process. The possibility is raised that the binding sites may be intrinsic receptors for endoanalog(s) of the phytotropins.     

Characterization of the growth and auxin physiology of roots of the tomato mutant,diageotropica

Roots of the tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum, Mill.) mutant diageotropica (dgt) exhibit an altered phenotype. These roots are agravitropic and lack lateral roots. Relative to wild-type (VFN8) roots, dgt roots are less sensitive to growth inhibition by exogenously applied IAA and auxin transport inhibitors (phytotropins), and the roots exhibit a reduction in maximal growth inhibition in response to ethylene. However, IAA transport through roots, binding of the phytotropin, tritiated naphthylphthalamic acid ([³H]NPA), to root microsomal membranes, NPA-sensitive IAA uptake by root segments, and uptake of [³H]NPA into root segments are all similar in mutant and wild-type roots. We speculate that the reduced sensitivity of dgt root growth to auxin-transport inhibitors and ethylene is an indirect result of the reduction in sensitivity to auxin in this single gene, recessive mutant. We conclude that dgt roots, like dgt shoots, exhibit abnormalities indicating they have a defect associated with or affecting a primary site of auxin perception or action.Abbreviations BCA bicinchoninic acid - IAA indole 3-acetic acid - dgt diageotropica - IC₅₀ concentration for 50% inhibition of growth - NPA N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid - SCB-1 semicarbazone 1 This research was supported by grants from Sandoz Agro, Inc. (G.K.M), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Science Foundation (T.L.L), and NASA (D.L.R.).     

Role of Auxin-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species in Root Gravitropism

We report our studies on root gravitropism indicating that reactive oxygen species (ROS) may function as a downstream component in auxin-mediated signal transduction. A transient increase in the intracellular concentration of ROS in the convex endodermis resulted from either gravistimulation or unilateral application of auxin to vertical roots. Root bending was also brought about by unilateral application of ROS to vertical roots pretreated with the auxin transport inhibitor N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid. Furthermore, the scavenging of ROS by antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine, ascorbic acid, and Trolox) inhibited root gravitropism. These results indicate that the generation of ROS plays a role in root gravitropism.     

Inhibitory action of polyunsaturated fatty acids on IMP dehydrogenase

We screened the inhibitor of mouse inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) type II from natural compounds, and found that a fatty acid, linoleic acid (C18:2), inhibited IMPDH activity. In the C18:2 fatty acid derivatives, all trans-configuration (i.e., linoelaidic acid), ester form, alcohol form, and addition of the hydroxyl group of linoleic acid had no effect on inhibitory activity. Therefore, both parts of a carboxylic acid and an alkyl chain containing cis-type double bonds of fatty acid might be essential for inhibition. Among the various carbon atom lengths and double bonds of fatty acids examined, the strongest inhibitor was C20:2-fatty acid, eicosadienoic acid, and 50% inhibition was observed at a concentration of 16.1 microM. Eicosadienoic acid induced the inhibition of IMPDH activity and was competitive with respect to IMP (K(i)=3.1 microM). For inhibitory effect, the C20-fatty acids ranked as follows: C20:2>C20:3>C20:1> C20:4>C20:5, and C20:0 showed no inhibition. The energy-minimized three-dimensional structures of linear-chain C20-fatty acids were calculated, and it was found that a length of 20.7-22.5A and width of 4.7-7.2A in the fatty acid molecular structure was suggested to be important for IMPDH inhibition. Docking simulation of C20-fatty acids and mouse IMPDH type II, which was homology modeled from human IMPDH type II (PDB code: 1NF7), was performed, and the fatty acid could bind to Cys331, which is a amino acid residue of the active site, competitively with IMP. Based on these results, the IMPDH-inhibitory mechanism of fatty acids is discussed.     

Purification and chemical characterisation of the inhibitor of lipid peroxidation from intestinal mucosa

The antioxidant previously isolated from intestinal mucosa has been subjected to further purification and identification. Although this inhibitor moved as a single spot on thin-layer chromatography in a number of different solvent systems, it proved to be a mixture of free carboxylic acids whose relative composition was similar in different batches. Detailed studies involving the use of high-pressure liquid chromatography, combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, high-field 360 MHz proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and other techniques established that the inhibitor was a mixture of carboxylic acids of the following identity and relative composition (the major components comprising 92% of the total fatty acids): palmitic acid, 14.8%; palmitoleic acid, 3.6%; stearic acid, 7.0%; oleic acid, 21.0%; linoleic acid, 27.6% arachidonic acid, 18.0%. Mixtures of authentic fatty acids of the same relative concentration showed inhibition of peroxidation, comparable with the purified inhibitor from intestinal mucosa. A study of the inhibitory activity of the components of the mixture using malonaldehyde estimation, diene conjugation and arachidonic acid estimation showed that the inhibitory activity was due to palmitoleic and oleic acids only, the latter being the major component.     

The role of aspterric acid in auxin-regulated reproductive growth of Arabidopsis thaliana

Application of 100 microM aspterric acid (AA), a pollen growth inhibitor, with different concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) results in the recovery of normal pollen development of Arabidopsis thaliana. Treatment with 100 microM AA plus 5 mM IAA significantly induced the normal seed production. Treatment with 100 microM N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA), a polar auxin transport inhibitor, did not reduce the pollen growth but inhibited seed production. 100 microM NPA plus 5 mM IAA did not induce any seed production. The endogenous level of IAA in stems and leaves of A. thaliana treated with 100 microM AA was similar to that of the untreated control. In contrast to AA treatment, the IAA level by the treatment with 100 microM NPA was about twice as much as that of the untreated control. These results suggest that AA affects the Arabidopsis reproductive growth without inhibiting IAA biosynthesis and transport.     

Multidrug Resistance–like Genes of Arabidopsis Required for Auxin Transport and Auxin-Mediated Development

Arabidopsis possesses several genes related to the multidrug resistance (MDR) genes of animals, one of which, AtMDR1, was shown to be induced by the hormone auxin. Plants having mutations in AtMDR1 or its closest relative, AtPGP1, were isolated by a reverse genetic strategy. Auxin transport activity was greatly impaired in atmdr1 and atmdr1 atpgp1 double mutant plants. Epinastic cotyledons and reduced apical dominance were mutant phenotypes consistent with the disrupted basipetal flow of auxin. The auxin transport inhibitor 1-naphthylphthalamic acid was shown to bind tightly and specifically to AtMDR1 and AtPGP1 proteins. The results indicate that these two MDR-like genes of Arabidopsis encode 1-naphthylphthalamic acid binding proteins that are required for normal auxin distribution and auxin-mediated development.     

Expression of tryptophan decarboxylase and tyrosine decarboxylase genes in tobacco results in altered biochemical and physiological phenotypes

The substrate specificity of tryptophan (Trp) decarboxylase (TDC) for Trp and tyrosine (Tyr) decarboxylase (TYDC) for Tyr was used to modify the in vivo pools of these amino acids in transgenic tobacco. Expression of TDC and TYDC was shown to deplete the levels of Trp and Tyr, respectively, during seedling development. The creation of artificial metabolic sinks for Trp and Tyr also drastically affected the levels of phenylalanine, as well as those of the non-aromatic amino acids methionine, valine, and leucine. Transgenic seedlings also displayed a root-curling phenotype that directly correlated with the depletion of the Trp pool. Non-transformed control seedlings could be induced to display this phenotype after treatment with inhibitors of auxin translocation such as 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid or N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid. The depletion of aromatic amino acids was also correlated with increases in the activities of the shikimate and phenylpropanoid pathways in older, light-treated transgenic seedlings expressing TDC, TYDC, or both. These results provide in vivo confirmation that aromatic amino acids exert regulatory feedback control over carbon flux through the shikimate pathway, as well as affecting pathways outside of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis.