A mitochondrial late embryogenesis abundant protein stabilizes model membranes in the dry state

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are a highly diverse group of polypeptides expected to play important roles in desiccation tolerance of plant seeds. They are also found in other plant tissues and in some anhydrobotic invertebrates, fungi, protists and prokaryotes. The LEA protein LEAM accumulates in the matrix space of pea (Pisum sativum) mitochondria during late seed maturation. LEAM is an intrinsically disordered protein folding into amphipathic α-helix upon desiccation. This suggests that it could interact with the inner mitochondrial membrane, providing structural protection in dry seeds. Here, we have used Fourier-transform infrared and fluorescence spectroscopy to gain insight into the molecular details of interactions of LEAM with phospholipid bilayers in the dry state and their effects on liposome stability. LEAM interacted specifically with negatively charged phosphate groups in dry phospholipids, increasing fatty acyl chain mobility. This led to an enhanced stability of liposomes during drying and rehydration, but also upon freezing. Protection depended on phospholipid composition and was strongly enhanced in membranes containing the mitochondrial phospholipid cardiolipin. Collectively, the results provide strong evidence for a function of LEAM as a mitochondrial membrane protectant during desiccation and highlight the role of lipid composition in the interactions between LEA proteins and membranes.     

Identification of a new isoform of eEF2 whose phosphorylation is required for completion of cell division in sea urchin embryos

Elongation factor 2 (eEF2) is the main regulator of peptide chain elongation in eukaryotic cells. Using sea urchin eggs and early embryos, two isoforms of eEF2 of respectively 80 and 83 kDa apparent molecular weight have been discovered. Both isoforms were identified by immunological analysis as well as mass spectrometry, and appeared to originate from a unique post-translationally modified protein. Accompanying the net increase in protein synthesis that occurs in early development, both eEF2 isoforms underwent dephosphorylation in the 15 min period following fertilization, in accordance with the active role of dephosphorylated eEF2 in regulation of protein synthesis. After initial dephosphorylation, the major 83 kDa isoform remained dephosphorylated while the 80 kDa isoform was progressively re-phosphorylated in a cell-cycle dependent fashion. In vivo inhibition of phosphorylation of the 80 kDa isoform impaired the completion of the first cell cycle of early development implicating the involvement of eEF2 phosphorylation in the exit from mitosis.     

Myelin management by the 18.5‐kDa and 21.5‐kDa classic myelin basic protein isoforms

The classic myelin basic protein (MBP) splice isoforms range in nominal molecular mass from 14 to 21.5 kDa, and arise from the gene in the oligodendrocyte lineage (Golli) in maturing oligodendrocytes. The 18.5‐kDa isoform that predominates in adult myelin adheres the cytosolic surfaces of oligodendrocyte membranes together, and forms a two‐dimensional molecular sieve restricting protein diffusion into compact myelin. However, this protein has additional roles including cytoskeletal assembly and membrane extension, binding to SH3‐domains, participation in Fyn‐mediated signaling pathways, sequestration of phosphoinositides, and maintenance of calcium homeostasis. Of the diverse post‐translational modifications of this isoform, phosphorylation is the most dynamic, and modulates 18.5‐kDa MBP's protein‐membrane and protein‐protein interactions, indicative of a rich repertoire of functions. In developing and mature myelin, phosphorylation can result in microdomain or even nuclear targeting of the protein, supporting the conclusion that 18.5‐kDa MBP has significant roles beyond membrane adhesion. The full‐length, early‐developmental 21.5‐kDa splice isoform is predominantly karyophilic due to a non‐traditional P‐Y nuclear localization signal, with effects such as promotion of oligodendrocyte proliferation. We discuss in vitro and recent in vivo evidence for multifunctionality of these classic basic proteins of myelin, and argue for a systematic evaluation of the temporal and spatial distributions of these protein isoforms, and their modified variants, during oligodendrocyte differentiation.     

Tissue-specific localization of heat-stress proteins during embryo development

We report on the stress-independent, tissue-specific expression of the heat-stress protein HSP17 in developing seeds of different plant species and on its intracellular localization. Though HSP17 expression during seed development seems to be a general phenomenon, the isoform patterns, the relative amounts in embryonic tissues and the intracellular localization show species-specific variations. In contrast to the results on the stressinduced protein forming large cytoplasmic aggregates (heat stress granules) the developmentally expressed HSP17 is mainly found in nuclei. But in addition, a considerable part is also detected in protein bodies of mature seeds of Lycopersicon esculentum and Vicia faba, but not of Zea mays. The mechanism of this transition into the vacuolar compartment remains to be investigated.Abbreviations 2D two-dimensional - HSE heat shock elements - HSP heat stress protein     

Structural and Biological Characterization of Two Crotamine Isoforms IV-2 and IV-3 Isolated from the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Crotalus durissus cumanensis</Emphasis> Venom

In this work, we isolated the two new crotamine isoforms from the Crotalus durissus cumanensis rattlesnake venom and its “in vitro” neurotoxic, myotoxic and lethality (DL₅₀) intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) effects were characterized. These proteins were named IV-2 and IV-3 and were purified by combination of two chromatographic steps on molecular exclusion chromatography on Superdex 75 and reverse phase HPLC (μ-Bondapack C18). The molecular mass of the crotamine isoforms was 4905.96 Da for isoform IV-2 and 4956.97 Da for IV-3 and, as determined by mass spectrometry, and both contained six Cys residues. Enzymatic hydrolysis followed by de novo sequencing by tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine the primary structure of both isoforms. The positions of five sequenced tryptic peptides, including the N-terminal of the isoform IV-2 and four from isoform IV-3 were deduced by comparison with a homologous protein from the crotamine family. The isoforms IV-2 and IV-3 had a sequence of amino acids of 42 amino acid residues IV-2: YKRCHIKGGH CFPKEKLICI PPSSDIGKMD CPWKRKCCKK RS and pI value 9.54 and IV-3: YKQCHKKGGH CFPKEVLICI PPSSDFGKMD CRWKRKCCKK RS with a pI value of 9.54. This protein showed high molecular amino acid sequence identity with other crotamine-like proteins from Crotalus durissus terrificus. These new crotamine isoforms induced potent blockade of neuromuscular transmission in young chicken biventer cervicis preparation and potent myotoxic effect. In mice, both isoforms induced myonecrosis, upon intramuscular or subcutaneous injections. These activities were modulated by the presence of positively charged amino acid residues. The LD₅₀ of isoform IV-2 was 0.07 mg/kg and isoform IV-3 was 0.06 mg/kg the animal weight, by i.c.v. route.     

Enzymatic control of the accumulation of verbascose in pea seeds

Verbascose, the pentasaccharide of the raffinose family of oligosaccharides, consists of galactose units joined to sucrose. In pea (Pisum sativum) seeds, the content of verbascose is highly variable. In a previous study on a high‐verbascose pea cultivar, the present authors have demonstrated that verbascose is synthesized by a multifunctional stachyose synthase (EC 2.4.1.67), which utilizes raffinose as well as stachyose as a galactosyl acceptor. Herein the results of a study of the cloning and functional expression of stachyose synthase from the low‐verbascose genotype SD1 are reported and it is demonstrated that this line contains a protein with a reduced ability to synthesize verbascose. Analysis of seeds from seven pea lines revealed a positive correlation between verbascose synthase activity and verbascose content. Among these genotypes, only the SD1 line showed low verbascose synthase activity when the data were normalized to stachyose synthase activity. These results suggest that differences in the level of verbascose synthase activity could be caused by mutations in the stachyose synthase gene as well as by variation in the amount of the protein. The lines were also analysed for activity of α‐galactosidase, a catabolic enzyme that could limit the extent of verbascose accumulation. No relationship was found between α‐galactosidase activity and the amount of raffinose family oligosaccharides.     

Trypsin Inhibitor Polymorphism: Multigene Family Expression and Posttranslational Modification

Trypsin inhibitors from winter pea seeds (c.v. Frilene) have been purified and shown to consist of six protease inhibitors (PSTI I, II, III, IVa, IVb, and V). Based on amino acid composition, molecular mass, and N-terminal sequence, the six inhibitors are closely related to one another and belong to the Bowman–Birk family of inhibitors. To define the relations among them, molecular mass and amino acid composition of peptides obtained from digestion with trypsin were determined. The sequence and the biosynthetic mechanism of the isoform formation have been partially resolved for four major isoforms. Two isoinhibitor forms (PSTI IVa, IVb) in pea seeds are due to expression of two distinct genes; PSTI IVa has four amino acid replacements when its sequence is compared with the sequence of PSTI IVb. Two others (PSTI I, II) result from posttranslational proteolytic cleavage of nine C-terminal residues of forms PSTI IVa and IVb, respectively.     

The importance of starch biosynthesis in the wrinkled seed shape character of peas studied by Mendel

The wrinkled-seed mutant (rr) of pea (Pisum sativum L.) arose through mutation of the gene encoding starch-branching enzyme isoform I (SBE1) by insertion of a transposon-like element into the coding sequence. Two isoforms of starch-branching enzyme have been documented in the developing pea embryo. The second isoform, SBEII, is expressed towards the later stages of embryo development while SBEI is expressed highly in the early stages. Due to mutation of SBEI the total amount of starch and the proportion of amylopectin, a branched starch polymer, are greatly reduced in the wrinkled (rr) line as compared to that in the wild-type, round (RR) line. Consequently, the level of sucrose in the rr line is nearly two fold that of the RR line. Increased sucrose concentration in the developing embryos of this mutant line causes increased uptake of water and thereby increases the cell size and fresh weight. During seed maturation in these mutant seeds a greater loss of water occurs. As a result, the wrinkled seed phenotype develops. Besides this morphological variation, the mutation also causes changes in the amount of lipid and of one storage protein, legumin. This review article discusses the role of the SBEI enzyme in causing such metabolic changes in the developing embryos with the implication that metabolism can play a central role in plant development.     

Immunolocalization of endo-β-mannanases in Phacelia tanacetifolia seeds during early phases of germination

ABSTRACT

Endosperm weakening is a key event for completion of seed germination in plants such as tomato and tobacco. Weakening is related to the action of endo-β-mannanases able to hydrolyse the mannose polymers typically stored in the wall of the endosperm cells. In this study, we determined the presence and the localisation of endo-β-mannanases in Phacelia tanacetifolia seeds during the early phases of germination. In endosperm cells of dry seeds, and of seeds incubated in the light for 16 h, a similar distribution of endo-β-mannanases, mainly localised in protein bodies, was revealed by immunolocalization. In contrast, under conditions of permissive germination (seeds incubated for 16 h in the dark), these enzymes appeared localised near the cell walls, and were no longer detectable in protein bodies. Western blot analyses showed the presence of three isoforms of endo-β-mannanases in the endosperm and one isoform in the embryo. All these isoforms had similar molecular weights (approx 38 kDa). A possible role of endo-β-mannanases during early phases of germination is suggested.     

Purification of Multiple Forms of Glutathione Reductase from Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Seedlings and Enzyme Levels in Ozone-Fumigated Pea Leaves

Glutathione reductase was purified from pea seedlings using a procedure that included 2′,5′-ADP Sepharose, fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC)-anion exchange, and FPLC-hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The purified glutathione reductase was resolved into six isoforms by chromatofocusing. The isoform eluting with an isoelectric point of 4.9 accounted for 18% of the total activity. The five isoforms with isoelectric points between 4.1 and 4.8 accounted for 82% of the activity. Purified glutathione reductase from isolated, intact chloroplasts also resolved into six isoforms after chromatofocusing. The isoform eluting at pH 4.9 constituted a minor fraction of the total activity. By comparing the chromatofocusing profile of the seedling extract with that of the chloroplast extract, we inferred that the least acidic isoform was extraplastidic and that the five isoforms eluting from pH 4.1 to 4.8 were plastidic. Both the plastidic (five isoforms were pooled) and extraplastidic glutathione reductases had a native molecular mass of 114 kD. The plastidic glutathione reductase is a homodimer with a subunit molecular mass of 55 kD. Both glutathione reductases had optimum activity at pH 7.8. The K_m for the oxidized form of glutathione (GSSG) was 56.0 and 33.8 μm for plastidic and extraplastidic glutathione reductase, respectively, at 25°C. The K_m for NADPH was 4.8 and 4.0 μm for plastidic and extraplastidic isoforms, respectively. Antiserum raised against the plastidic glutathione reductase recognized a 55-kD polypeptide from purified antigen on western blots. In addition to the 55-kD polypeptide, another 36-kD polypeptide appeared on western blots of leaf crude extracts and the purified extraplastidic isoform. The lower molecular mass polypeptide might represent GSSG-independent enzyme activity observed on activity-staining gels of crude extracts or a protein that has an epitope similar to that in glutathione reductase. Fumigation with 75 nL L⁻¹ ozone for 4 h on 2 consecutive days had no significant effect on glutathione reductase activity in peas (Pisum sativum L.). However, immunoblotting showed a greater level of glutathione reductase protein in extracts from ozone-fumigated plants compared with that in control plants at the time when the target concentration was first reached, approximately 40 min from the start of the fumigation, and 4 h on the first day of fumigation.     

Improving nutritional quality and fungal tolerance in soya bean and grass pea by expressing an oxalate decarboxylase

Soya bean (Glycine max) and grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) seeds are important sources of dietary proteins; however, they also contain antinutritional metabolite oxalic acid (OA). Excess dietary intake of OA leads to nephrolithiasis due to the formation of calcium oxalate crystals in kidneys. Besides, OA is also a known precursor of β‐N‐oxalyl‐L ‐α,β‐diaminopropionic acid (β‐ODAP), a neurotoxin found in grass pea. Here, we report the reduction in OA level in soya bean (up to 73%) and grass pea (up to 75%) seeds by constitutive and/or seed‐specific expression of an oxalate‐degrading enzyme, oxalate decarboxylase (FvOXDC) of Flammulina velutipes. In addition, β‐ODAP level of grass pea seeds was also reduced up to 73%. Reduced OA content was interrelated with the associated increase in seeds micronutrients such as calcium, iron and zinc. Moreover, constitutive expression of FvOXDC led to improved tolerance to the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum that requires OA during host colonization. Importantly, FvOXDC‐expressing soya bean and grass pea plants were similar to the wild type with respect to the morphology and photosynthetic rates, and seed protein pool remained unaltered as revealed by the comparative proteomic analysis. Taken together, these results demonstrated improved seed quality and tolerance to the fungal pathogen in two important legume crops, by the expression of an oxalate‐degrading enzyme.     

Two isoforms of the GBSSI class of granule-bound starch synthase are differentially expressed in the pea plant (Pisum sativum L.)

In addition to the GBSSI isoform of starch synthase described previously, the pea plant contains a second, granule-bound isoform, GBSSIb. GBSSI is abundant in pea embryos and Rhizobium root nodules, is present at low levels in pods and is absent from leaves. Mutations at the lam locus eliminate GBSSI from all of these organs. GBSSIb is present in pods, leaves and nodules and is unaffected by mutations at the lam locus. GBSSI and GBSSIb are very similar in molecular mass, primary sequence, activity and antigenic properties. GBSSIb, like GBSSI, can synthesize amylose in the presence of malto-oligosaccharides in isolated starch granules. However, its role in vivo is unclear. The lam mutation eliminates amylose from the starch of embryos but does not affect the relatively small amounts of amylose-like material in the starch of pods, leaves and nodules. The significance of these results for understanding of the regulation of amylose synthesis is discussed.     

A Low Molecular Mass Heat-Shock Protein Is Localized to Higher Plant Mitochondria

When pea (Pisum sativum L. var Douce Provence) plants are shifted from a normal growth temperature of 25[deg] C up to 40[deg] C for 3 h, a novel 22-kD protein is produced and accumulates in the matrix compartment of green leaf mitochondria. HSP22 was purified and used as antigen to prepare guinea pig antiserum. The expression of HSP22 was studied using immunodetection methods. HSP22 is a nuclear-encoded protein de novo synthesized in heat-stressed pea plants. The heat-shock response is rapid and can be detected as early as 30 min after the temperature is raised. On the other hand, HSP22 declines very slowly after pea leaves have been transferred back to 25[deg] C. After 100 h at 25[deg] C, the heat-shock pattern was undetectable. The precise localization of HSP22 was investigated and we demonstrated that HSP22 was found only in mitochondria, where it represents 1 to 2% of total matrix proteins. However, the induction of HSP22 does not seem to be tissue specific, since the protein was detected in green or etiolated pea leaves as well as in pea roots. Finally, examination of matrix extracts by nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting with anti-HSP22 serum revealed a high-molecular mass heat-shock protein complex of 230 kD, which contains HSP22.     

Characterization of HSP90 isoforms in transformed bovine leukocytes infected with Theileria annulata

HSP90 chaperones are essential regulators of cellular function, as they ensure the appropriate conformation of multiple key client proteins. Four HSP90 isoforms were identified in the protozoan parasite Theileria annulata. Partial characterization was undertaken for three and localization confirmed for cytoplasmic (TA12105), endoplasmic reticulum (TA06470), and apicoplast (TA10720) forms. ATPase activity and binding to the HSP90 inhibitor geldanamycin were demonstrated for recombinant TA12105, and all three native forms could be isolated to varying extents by binding to geldanamycin beads. Because it is essential, HSP90 is considered a potential therapeutic drug target. Resistance to the only specific Theileriacidal drug is increasing, and one challenge for design of drugs that target the parasite is to limit the effect on the host. An in vitro cell culture system that allows comparison between uninfected bovine cells and the T. annulata‐infected counterpart was utilized to test the effects of geldanamycin and the derivative 17‐AAG. T. annulata‐infected cells had greater tolerance to geldanamycin than uninfected cells yet exhibited significantly more sensitivity to 17‐AAG. These findings suggest that parasite HSP90 isoform(s) can alter the drug sensitivity of infected host cells and that members of the Theileria HSP90 family are potential targets worthy of further investigation.     

The small heat shock-related protein, HSP20, is phosphorylated on serine 16 during cyclic nucleotide-dependent relaxation

The small heat shock-related protein 20 (HSP20) is present in four isoforms in bovine carotid artery smooth muscles. Three of the isoforms are phosphorylated and one is not. Increases in the phosphorylation of two isoforms of HSP20 (isoform 3, pI 5.9; and 8, pI 5.7) are associated with cyclic nucleotide-dependent relaxation of bovine carotid artery smooth muscles. Increases in the phosphorylation of another isoform (isoform 4, pI 6.0) are associated with phorbol ester-induced contraction of bovine carotid artery smooth muscles. In this investigation we determined that isoforms 3 and 8 are phosphorylated on Ser16 of the HSP20 molecule during activation of cAMP-dependent signaling pathways. Phosphorylation state-specific antibodies produced against a peptide containing phosphorylated Ser16 recognized isoforms 3 and 8 but not isoform 4. In human vascular tissue, only isoform 3 is present. Incubation of transiently permeabilized strips of bovine carotid artery smooth muscle with synthetic peptides in which Ser16 is phosphorylated, inhibits contractile responses to high extracellular KCl and to serotonin. These data suggest that phosphorylation of HSP20 on Ser16 modulates cAMP-dependent vasorelaxation.     

Cloning, sequence analysis, and expression of a cDNA encoding a plastid-localized heat shock protein in maize

We have cloned and characterized a cDNA encoding a maize (Zea mays L.) heat shock protein (HSP), HSP26. The mRNA of HSP26 is present as a single mRNA species of 1.1 kilobase pairs in size and is detectable when maize seedlings are treated at 40°C but not at 28°C. Accumulation of HSP26 mRNA was detected after 10 minutes of incubation at 40°C, reaching the maximum level after 1 hour. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of maize HSP26 to other HSPs indicated a strong homology to the sequences of two nuclear encoded HSPs that are transported into the chloroplasts during heat shock: pea HSP21 and soybean HSP22. Maize HSP26 was also found to cross-react with anti-pea chloroplast HSP21 antibodies. Because of the sequence homology between maize HSP26, soybean HSP22, and pea HSP21, in vitro chloroplast protein import experiments were conducted. The in vitro synthesized maize HSP26 is specifically imported to the soluble fraction of the chloroplast and processed to a smaller polypeptide. The sequence homology and antibody cross-reactivity between maize HSP26 and pea HSP21 have allowed us to conclude that maize HSP26 is a nuclear-encoded, plastid-localized protein in maize.