The ABA signal transduction mechanism in commercial crops: learning from Arabidopsis

The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) affects a wide range of stages of plant development as well as the plant's response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Manipulation of ABA signaling in commercial crops holds promising potential for improving crop yields. Several decades of research have been invested in attempts to identify the first components of the ABA signaling cascade. It was only in 2009, that two independent groups identified the PYR/PYL/RCAR protein family as the plant ABA receptor. This finding was followed by a surge of studies on ABA signal transduction, many of them using Arabidopsis as their model. The ABA signaling cascade was found to consist of a double-negative regulatory mechanism assembled from three protein families. These include the ABA receptors, the PP2C family of inhibitors, and the kinase family, SnRK2. It was found that ABA-bound PYR/RCARs inhibit PP2C activity, and that PP2Cs inactivate SnRK2s. Researchers today are examining how the elucidation of the ABA signaling cascade in Arabidopsis can be applied to improvements in commercial agriculture. In this article, we have attempted to review recent studies which address this issue. In it, we discuss various approaches useful in identifying the genetic and protein components involved. Finally, we suggest possible commercial applications of genetic manipulation of ABA signaling to improve crop yields.     

ABA信号通路的起源与进化

植物激素脱落酸（abscisic acid,ABA）在植物的生长、发育和胁迫反应方面起重要的调控作用,其信号转导通路由4个核心组分共同组成一个双重负调控系统（PYR/PYL/RCAR—| PP2C—| SnRK2—ABF/AREB）,调控ABA应答反应。本文在综述和分析ABA信号通路4个核心组分的起源与进化的基础上,初步提出ABA信号通路的起源与进化路径：A类PP2C、第Ⅲ亚类SnRK2以及转录因子AREB/ABF在水生植物轮藻中已经进化产生,当陆生植物进化产生ABA受体PYR/PYL/RCAR后,即与其它3个组分形成完整的ABA信号通路。在植物进化过程中,ABA信号通路4个核心组分各家族成员的数量（亚类）呈递增趋势。     

ABA signal transduction from ABA receptors to ion channels

The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) is involved in regulating a number of major processes such as seed dormancy, seedling development, and biotic and abiotic stress responses. The function and effect of ABA on pathogens are still unclear, but the roles of ABA in seed germination and abiotic stress responses have been well characterized. Abiotic stresses elevate ABA levels and activate ABA signaling; thus, inducing a variety of responses, including the expression of stress-related genes and stomatal closure. The past decade has witnessed many significant advances in our understanding of ABA signal transduction due to application of a combination of approaches including genetics, biochemistry, electrophysiology, and chemical genetics. A number of proteins associated with the ABA signal transduction pathway such as PYR/PYL/RCAR family of START proteins, have been identified. These ABA receptors bind to ABA and positively regulate ABA signaling via inactivation of PP2C phosphatase activity, which inhibits SnRK2-type kinases by direct interaction and dephosphorylation. Additionally, SnRK2-type kinases and PP2Cs interact with one another and with other components of ABA signaling and function as positive and negative ABA regulators, respectively. In this review, we focus on ABA function to abiotic stresses and highlight each component in relation to ABA and its interactions.     

PYR/PYL/RCAR蛋白介导植物ABA的信号转导

脱落酸(ABA)在各个植物生长发育阶段以及植物对生物与非生物胁迫的响应过程中都发挥着重要的作用。最近研究表明, 在ABA信号转导途径中有3种核心组份：ABA受体PYR/PYL/RCAR蛋白、负调控因子2C类蛋白磷酸酶(PP2C)和正调控因子SNF1相关的蛋白激酶2(SnRK2), 它们共同组成了一个双重负调控系统-- PYR/PYL/RCAR-| PP2C-| SnRK2来调控ABA信号转导及其下游反应, 且3种核心组份在植物体内的结合方式受时空和生化等因素的影响, 通过特定组合形成的ABA信号转导复合体介导特定的ABA信号反应。文章就PYR/PYL/RCAR蛋白介导的植物ABA信号识别与转导途径的分子基础及其调控机制, 以及PYR/PYL/RCAR-PP2C-SnRK2参与的ABA信号调控网络等研究进展做一概述, 并对该领域今后的研究进行了展望。     

PYR/PYL/RCAR蛋白介导植物ABA的信号转导

脱落酸(ABA)在各个植物生长发育阶段以及植物对生物与非生物胁迫的响应过程中都发挥着重要的作用。最近研究表明,在ABA信号转导途径中有3种核心组份:ABA受体PYR/PYL/RCAR蛋白、负调控因子2C类蛋白磷酸酶(PP2C)和正调控因子SNF1相关的蛋白激酶2(SnRK2),它们共同组成了一个双重负调控系统——PYR/PYL/RCAR—|PP2C—|SnRK2来调控ABA信号转导及其下游反应,且3种核心组份在植物体内的结合方式受时空和生化等因素的影响,通过特定组合形成的ABA信号转导复合体介导特定的ABA信号反应。文章就PYR/PYL/RCAR蛋白介导的植物ABA信号识别与转导途径的分子基础及其调控机制,以及PYR/PYL/RCAR—PP2C—SnRK2参与的ABA信号调控网络等研究进展做一概述,并对该领域今后的研究进行了展望。     

Plant protein phosphatases 2C: from genomic diversity to functional multiplicity and importance in stress management

Protein phosphatases (PPs) counteract kinases in reversible phosphorylation events during numerous signal transduction pathways in eukaryotes. Type 2C PPs (PP2Cs) represent the major group of PPs in plants, and recent discovery of novel abscisic acid (ABA) receptors (ABARs) has placed the PP2Cs at the center stage of the major signaling pathway regulating plant responses to stresses and plant development. Several studies have provided deep insight into vital roles of the PP2Cs in various plant processes. Global analyses of the PP2C gene family in model plants have contributed to our understanding of their genomic diversity and conservation, across plant species. In this review, we discuss the genomic and structural accounts of PP2Cs in plants. Recent advancements in their interaction paradigm with ABARs and sucrose nonfermenting related kinases 2 (SnRK2s) in ABA signaling are also highlighted. In addition, expression analyses and important roles of PP2Cs in the regulation of biotic and abiotic stress responses, potassium (K⁺) deficiency signaling, plant immunity and development are elaborated. Knowledge of functional roles of specific PP2Cs could be exploited for the genetic manipulation of crop plants. Genetic engineering using PP2C genes could provide great impetus in the agricultural biotechnology sector in terms of imparting desired traits, including a higher degree of stress tolerance and productivity without a yield penalty.     

The PP2C-SnRK2 complex: The central regulator of an abscisic acid signaling pathway

The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA), an important bioactive compound in plants, is implicated in several essential processes such as development and the abiotic stress response. Many components have been reported to have roles in these processes. Although 2C-type protein phosphatases (PP2C) and SNF1-related protein kinases2 (SnRK2) family are known to be important signal mediators, the molecular mechanisms by which these components regulate the ABA signaling pathway have not been elucidated. Recent identification of soluble ABA receptors, PYR/PYL/RCAR, has provided a major breakthrough in understanding the signaling mechanisms of ABA and revealed the importance of PP2Cs. In addition, the physical, biochemical and physiological connections between PP2C and SnRK2 have been clearly demonstrated. Taken together, the molecular basis of the major ABA signaling pathway has been established, from perception to gene expression. In this addendum, we discuss this emerging ABA signaling pathway, which has a conventional protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation regulatory circuit and consider its physiological and functional relevance.Key words: ABA receptor, abscisic acid, PP2C, signal transduction, SnRK2, plant hormone, phosphoarylation     

Identification of features regulating OST1 kinase activity and OST1 function in guard cells

The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) mediates drought responses in plants and, in particular, triggers stomatal closure. Snf1-related kinase 2 (SnRK2) proteins from several plant species have been implicated in ABA-signaling pathways. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) guard cells, OPEN STOMATA 1 (OST1)/SRK2E/SnRK2-6 is a critical positive regulator of ABA signal transduction. A better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for SnRK2 protein kinase activation is thus a major goal toward understanding ABA signal transduction. Here, we report successful purification of OST1 produced in Escherichia coli: The protein is active and autophosphorylates. Using mass spectrometry, we identified five target residues of autophosphorylation in recombinant OST1. Sequence analysis delineates two conserved boxes located in the carboxy-terminal moiety of OST1 after the catalytic domain: the SnRK2-specific box (glutamine-303 to proline-318) and the ABA-specific box (leucine-333 to methionine-362). Site-directed mutagenesis and serial deletions reveal that serine (Ser)-175 in the activation loop and the SnRK2-specific box are critical for the activity of recombinant OST1 kinase. Targeted expression of variants of OST1 kinase in guard cells uncovered additional features that are critical for OST1 function in ABA signaling, although not required for OST1 kinase activity: Ser-7, Ser-18, and Ser-29 and the ABA-specific box. Ser-7, Ser-18, Ser-29, and Ser-43 represent putative targets for regulatory phosphorylation and the ABA-specific box may be a target for the binding of signaling partners in guard cells.     

ABA signal transduction at the crossroad of biotic and abiotic stress responses

Abscisic acid (ABA) regulates key processes relevant to seed germination, plant development, and biotic and abiotic stress responses. Abiotic stress conditions such as drought induce ABA biosynthesis initiating the signalling pathways that lead to a number of molecular and cellular responses, among which the best known are the expression of stress-related genes and stomatal closure. Stomatal closure also serves as a mechanism for pathogen defence, thereby acting as a platform for crosstalk between biotic and abiotic stress responses involving ABA action. Significant advances in our understanding of ABA signal transduction have been made with combination of approaches including genetics, biochemistry, electrophysiology and chemical genetics. Molecular components associated with the ABA signalling have been identified, and their relationship in the complex network of interactions is being dissected. We focused on the recent progress in ABA signal transduction, especially those studies related to identification of ABA receptors and downstream components that lead ABA signal to cellular response. In particular, we will describe a pathway model that starts with ABA binding to the PYR/PYL/RCAR family of receptors, followed by inactivation of 2C-type protein phosphatases and activation of SnRK2-type kinases, and eventually lead to activation of ion channels in guard cells and stomatal closure.     

Signaling mechanisms in abscisic acid-mediated stomatal closure

The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays a central role in the regulation of stomatal movements under water-deficit conditions. The identification of ABA receptors and the ABA signaling core consisting of PYR/PYL/RCAR ABA receptors, PP2C protein phosphatases and SnRK2 protein kinases has led to studies that have greatly advanced our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms mediating ABA-induced stomatal closure in the past decade. This review focuses on recent progress in illuminating the regulatory mechanisms of ABA signal transduction, and the physiological importance of basal ABA signaling in stomatal regulation by CO₂ and, as hypothesized here, vapor-pressure deficit. Furthermore, advances in understanding the interactions of ABA and other stomatal signaling pathways are reviewed here. We also review recent studies investigating the use of ABA signaling mechanisms for the manipulation of stomatal conductance and the enhancement of drought tolerance and water-use efficiency of plants.     

保卫细胞中ABA信号调控机制研究进展

脱落酸(ABA)具有调节植物快速响应逆境的重要功能。植物细胞中ABA核心信号通路由ABA受体PYR1/PYLs/ RCARs、A类碱性蛋白磷酸酶PP2Cs和Snf1相关蛋白激酶SnRK2s组成。活性氧(ROS)和Ca²⁺是保卫细胞中的重要第二信使, 调控ABA诱导的气孔关闭。该文对保卫细胞中核心ABA信号蛋白的调控以及ROS和Ca²⁺介导的ABA信号转导等最新研究成果进行综述, 旨在阐明保卫细胞中ABA信号调控机制。     

NUCLEAR PORE ANCHOR and EARLY IN SHORT DAYS 4 negatively regulate abscisic acid signaling by inhibiting Snf1-related protein kinase2 activity and stability in Arabidopsis

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key regulator of plant responses to abiotic stresses, such as drought. Abscisic acid receptors and coreceptors perceive ABA to activate Snf1-related protein kinase2s (SnRK2s) that phosphorylate downstream effectors, thereby activating ABA signaling and the stress response. As stress responses come with fitness penalties for plants, it is crucial to tightly control SnRK2 kinase activity to restrict ABA signaling. However, how SnRK2 kinases are inactivated remains elusive. Here, we show that NUCLEAR PORE ANCHOR (NUA), a nuclear pore complex (NPC) component, negatively regulates ABA-mediated inhibition of seed germination and post-germination growth, and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. The role of NUA in response to ABA depends on SnRK2.2 and SnRK2.3 for seed germination and on SnRK2.6 for drought. NUA does not directly inhibit the phosphorylation of these SnRK2s or affects their abundance. However, the NUA-interacting protein EARLY IN SHORT DAYS 4 (ESD4), a SUMO protease, negatively regulates ABA signaling by directly interacting with and inhibiting SnRK2 phosphorylation and protein levels. More importantly, we demonstrated that SnRK2.6 can be SUMOylated in vitro, and ESD4 inhibits its SUMOylation. Taken together, we identified NUA and ESD4 as SnRK2 kinase inhibitors that block SnRK2 activity, and reveal a mechanism whereby NUA and ESD4 negatively regulate plant responses to ABA and drought stress possibly through SUMOylation-dependent regulation of SnRK2s.     

Abscisic acid receptors: past, present and future

Jin-Gui Chen (Corresponding author) Abscisic acid (ABA) is the key plant stress hormone. Consistent with the earlier studies in support of the presence of both membrane- and cytoplasm-localized ABA receptors, recent studies have identified multiple ABA receptors located in various subcellular locations. These include a chloroplast envelope-localized receptor (the H subunit of Chloroplast Mg(2+) -chelatase/ABA Receptor), two plasma membrane-localized receptors (G-protein Coupled Receptor 2 and GPCR-type G proteins), and one cytosol/nucleus-localized Pyrabactin Resistant (PYR)/PYR-Like (PYL)/Regulatory Component of ABA Receptor 1 (RCAR). Although the downstream molecular events for most of the identified ABA receptors are currently unknown, one of them, PYR/PYL/RCAR was found to directly bind and regulate the activity of a long-known central regulator of ABA signaling, the A-group protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C). Together with the Sucrose Non-fermentation Kinase Subfamily 2 (SnRK2s) protein kinases, a central signaling complex (ABA-PYR-PP2Cs-SnRK2s) that is responsible for ABA signal perception and transduction is supported by abundant genetic, physiological, biochemical and structural evidence. The identification of multiple ABA receptors has advanced our understanding of ABA signal perception and transduction while adding an extra layer of complexity.     

PYR/PYL/RCAR family members are major in‐vivo ABI1 protein phosphatase 2C‐interacting proteins in Arabidopsis

Abscisic acid (ABA) mediates resistance to abiotic stress and controls developmental processes in plants. The group‐A PP2Cs, of which ABI1 is the prototypical member, are protein phosphatases that play critical roles as negative regulators very early in ABA signal transduction. Because redundancy is thought to limit the genetic dissection of early ABA signalling, to identify redundant and early ABA signalling proteins, we pursued a proteomics approach. We generated YFP‐tagged ABI1 Arabidopsis expression lines and identified in vivo ABI1‐interacting proteins by mass‐spectrometric analyses of ABI1 complexes. Known ABA signalling components were isolated including SnRK2 protein kinases. We confirm previous studies in yeast and now show that ABI1 interacts with the ABA‐signalling kinases OST1, SnRK2.2 and SnRK2.3 in plants. Interestingly, the most robust in planta ABI1‐interacting proteins in all LC‐MS/MS experiments were nine of the 14 PYR/PYL/RCAR proteins, which were recently reported as ABA‐binding signal transduction proteins, providing evidence for in vivo PYR/PYL/RCAR interactions with ABI1 in Arabidopsis. ABI1–PYR1 interaction was stimulated within 5 min of ABA treatment in Arabidopsis. Interestingly, in contrast, PYR1 and SnRK2.3 co‐immunoprecipitated equally well in the presence and absence of ABA. To investigate the biological relevance of the PYR/PYLs, we analysed pyr1/pyl1/pyl2/pyl4 quadruple mutant plants and found strong insensitivities in ABA‐induced stomatal closure and ABA‐inhibition of stomatal opening. These findings demonstrate that ABI1 can interact with several PYR/PYL/RCAR family members in Arabidopsis, that PYR1–ABI1 interaction is rapidly stimulated by ABA in Arabidopsis and indicate new SnRK2 kinase‐PYR/PYL/RCAR interactions in an emerging model for PYR/PYL/RCAR‐mediated ABA signalling.     

蛋白质翻译后修饰在ABA信号转导中的作用

脱落酸(ABA)是植物生长发育和逆境适应过程中非常关键的植物激素。植物响应ABA信号转导过程由信号识别、转导及响应级联完成, 其中心转导途径由ABA受体RCAR/PYR/PYLs、磷酸酶PP2Cs、激酶SnRK2s、转录因子和离子通道蛋白构成。蛋白磷酸化、泛素化、类泛素化和氧化还原等翻译后修饰在ABA转导途径中起重要作用。该文综述了翻译后修饰在ABA信号转导中的作用。     

蛋白质翻译后修饰在ABA信号转导中的作用

脱落酸(ABA)是植物生长发育和逆境适应过程中非常关键的植物激素。植物响应ABA信号转导过程由信号识别、转导及响应级联完成, 其中心转导途径由ABA受体RCAR/PYR/PYLs、磷酸酶PP2Cs、激酶SnRK2s、转录因子和离子通道蛋白构成。蛋白磷酸化、泛素化、类泛素化和氧化还原等翻译后修饰在ABA转导途径中起重要作用。该文综述了翻译后修饰在ABA信号转导中的作用。