基于转录组的楠木MYB转录因子的挖掘及分析

楠木(Phoebe zhennan)为樟科常绿乔木,是国家二级重点保护树种。楠木生长缓慢,木材形成所需周期较长,其原因有待进一步深入分析。近年来转录因子已成为植物分子生物学研究的热点,高通量测序技术的应用和发展促进了转录因子的挖掘和深入分析。该研究基于我国特有濒危树种楠木的转录组数据,通过与拟南芥基因组MYB转录因子进行对比,对楠木MYB转录因子进行挖掘和生物信息学分析,并结合功能预测和不同组织表达对其进行深入分析。结果表明:从楠木转录组数据中,共挖掘出82个MYB转录因子,这82个MYB转录因子蛋白质所含氨基酸数目为50~1 121个、分子量为5.907~123.64 k Da,整体表现为亲水性不稳定蛋白,以α-螺旋和无规则卷曲为主要二级结构元件。序列比对和进化树分析表明,楠木MYB转录因子的结构域有高度保守性,含有[W]-X(19)-[W]-X(19)结构;82个Pz MYB可分为22类,参与生长发育、次生代谢、逆境响应等过程,与功能预测分析结果相一致。同时,在楠木茎和叶中,差异表达Pz MYB数目为18个,其中上调10个、下调8个。该研究结果不仅对楠木MYB转录因子的挖掘和功能分析以及分子生物学研究奠定了基础,而且还对其遗传改良和分子育种具有参考价值。     

拟南芥bHLH Ib转录因子调控FIT的转录

FIT是调控拟南芥铁稳态的一个关键调控因子，它在转录水平上受到缺铁诱导，但其背后的调控机制还不甚清楚。该研究以拟南芥bHLH38和FIT的单、双过表达植物及bHLH Ib四突变体植物为材料，采用缺铁(-Fe)处理实验和定量RT-PCR的方法从RNA角度分析了FIT转录水平的变化。结果表明：(1)在铁充足时，bHLH38过表达植物中FIT的转录水平显著高于其在野生型中的水平。(2)在bHLH Ib四突变体植物中FIT的转录水平不受缺铁诱导。(3)FIT单过表达不能激活内源FIT的转录，而在加铁(+Fe)条件下bHLH38和FIT的双过表达则可以激活内源FIT的转录。(4)在缺铁条件下，所有植物中FIT的转录水平均与野生型中的FIT水平无明显差异。基于以上结果认为，bHLH Ib转录因子是缺铁诱导FIT转录的必要条件，而非充分条件。该研究结果为深入了解植物通过多种途径共同维持铁稳态提供了新的见解。     

Extension-growth responses and expression of flavonoid biosynthesis genes in the Arabidopsis hy4 mutant

The hy4 mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana(L.) Heynh. was previously shown to be impaired in the suppression of hypocotyl extension specifically by blue light. We report here that hy4 is altered in a range of blue-light-mediated extension-growth responses in various organs in seedlings and mature plants: it shows greater length of bolted stems, increased petiole extension and increased leaf width and area in blue light compared to the wild type. The hy4 mutant shows decreased cotyledon expansion in both red and blue light compared to the wild type. Anthocyanin formation and the expression of several flavonoid biosynthesis genes is stimulated by blue light in the wild type but to a much lower extent in hy4. The results indicate that the HY4 gene product is concerned with the perception of blue light in a range of extension-growth and gene-expression responses in Arabidopsis.Abbreviations DFR dihydroflavonol reductase - CHS chalcone synthase - CHI chalcone isomerase We thank the UK Agricultural and Food Research Council for supporting this work through the award of a research grant to G.I.J. We are grateful to Robert Brown for excellent technical assistance and Drs B.W. Shirley (Department of Biology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, USA), C.D. Silflow (Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, USA) and I.E. Somssich (Department of Biochemistry, Max-Planck-Institut, Köln, Germany) for providing plasmid DNA.     

重寄生枝孢菌SYC63中MYB转录因子鉴定及分析

【背景】V-myb禽成髓细胞瘤病毒癌基因同源物(v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog, MYB)转录因子广泛存在于真菌中,在真菌的胁迫响应与致病性中发挥重要功能。枝孢菌(Cladosporium sp.)作为一类对锈菌有重寄生作用的真菌,具有极高的生防潜力,然而有关其MYB转录因子尚未见报道,对其MYB家族转录因子进行鉴定和表达分析,有助于理解枝孢菌在重寄生过程中发挥的作用。【目的】了解重寄生枝孢菌(Cladosporium cladosporioides) SYC63菌株中MYB转录因子家族种类数目及在重寄生过程中发挥的作用。【方法】利用生物信息学方法对其基本特性进行预测,并结合锈孢子诱导下的表达情况进行分析。【结果】枝孢菌SYC63中包含22个MYB转录因子家族基因,所有MYB转录因子均含有SANT结构域,分子量为28.26-239.05 kDa,等电点(isoelectric point, pI)为4.57-10.15,均为亲水蛋白;大多定位在细胞核,共有1R-MYB和2R-MYB两类,均含有响应病原菌的启动子结合位点...     

Nitrogen deficiency as well as phosphorus deficiency in sorghum promotes the production and exudation of 5-deoxystrigol,the host recognition signal for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and root parasites

Strigolactones released from plant roots induce hyphal branching of symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and germination of root parasitic weeds, Striga and Orobanche spp. We already demonstrated that, in red clover plants (Trifolium pratense L.), a host for both AM fungi and the root holoparasitic plant Orobanche minor Sm., reduced supply of phosphorus (P) but not of other elements examined (N, K, Ca, Mg) in the culture medium significantly promoted the secretion of a strigolactone, orobanchol, by the roots of this plant. Here we show that in the case of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], a host of both the root hemiparasitic plant Striga hermonthica and AM fungi, N deficiency as well as P deficiency markedly enhanced the secretion of a strigolactone, 5-deoxystrigol. The 5-deoxystrigol content in sorghum root tissues also increased under both N deficiency and P deficiency, comparable to the increase in the root exudates. These results suggest that strigolactones may be rapidly released after their production in the roots. Unlike the situation in the roots, neither N nor P deficiency affected the low content of 5-deoxystrigol in sorghum shoot tissues.     

植物MYB转录因子与非生物胁迫响应研究

MYB转录因子家族是植物中最大的转录因子家族之一,在植物体内的多种生理生化反应中起着关键性作用,其中一项重要功能就是对非生物逆境的应答。这类转录因子通过调控生长发育,影响代谢产物的合成和影响激素信号等多方面参与非生物逆境的应答。介绍了MYB转录因子的结构特点和分类上的新发现,并综述了近几年MYB转录因子家族在植物响应干旱、高温、低温和高盐等非生物胁迫方面的研究进展。     

植物缺铁应答bHLH转录因子研究进展

铁是植物生命活动必需的微量元素之一,土壤中有效铁含量较低,易导致植物缺铁。bHLH转录因子家族多个成员参与植物缺铁响应,发挥重要的调控作用。为深入了解植物对缺铁的反应机制,文中对植物缺铁胁迫应答的bHLH转录因子的结构、分类和功能及其调控机制、介导的缺铁胁迫信号通路进行综述,为应用bHLH转录因子培育缺铁耐受作物或富铁作物提供理论依据和设计策略。     

TT8 controls its own expression in a feedback regulation involving TTG1 and homologous MYB and bHLH factors, allowing a strong and cell-specific accumulation of flavonoids in Arabidopsis thaliana

The control of TT8 expression was investigated in this study, and it was demonstrated that it constitutes a major regulatory step in the specific activation of the expression of flavonoid structural genes. First, the GUS activity generated in planta from a TT8::uidA construct revealed cell-specific activation of the TT8 promoter consistent with the known involvement of the TT8 bHLH factor in proanthocyanidin, anthocyanin and mucilage biosynthesis. Moreover, the activity of this reporter construct was strongly affected in ttg1, TT2 overexpressers (OE), and PAP1-OE, suggesting interplay between TT2, PAP1, TTG1 and the activation of the TT8 promoter in planta. To further investigate the mechanisms involved, we used 35S::TT2-GR and 35S::TTG1-GR transgenic plants (expressing fusion proteins with the glucocorticoid receptor), as well as one-hybrid experiments, to determine the direct effect of these factors on TT8 expression. Interestingly, in vivo binding of TT2 and PAP1 to the TT8 promoter was dependent on the simultaneous expression of TT8 or the homologous bHLH factors GL3 and EGL3. Consistent with these results, the activity of the TT8::uidA reporter was strongly affected in the seed endothelium of a tt8 mutant. Similarly, a strong decrease in the level of TT8 mRNA was detected in the siliques of a gl3 x egl3 mutant and in plants that express a dominant negative form of the PAP1 protein, suggesting that TT8 expression is controlled by different combinations of MYB and bHLH factors in planta. The importance of this positive feedback mechanism in the strong and specific induction of proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in the seed coat of Arabidopsis thaliana is discussed.     

Severe sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation in anArabidopsis mutant deficient in flavonoid accumulation

A mutantArabidopsis thaliana L., which displays a dramatic increase in sensitivity to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation compared with wild-type plants, has been isolated by chemical mutagenesis. This mutation appears to affect UV-tolerance specifically, since mutant plants are indistinguishable from wild type with respect to their degree of resistance to other forms of stress. The UV-sensitive mutation proved to be recessive and to segregate as a single Mendelian locus. This single gene defect was shown to lead to a block in the synthesis of a group of flavonoids which normally accumulate in developing wild-typeArabidopsis and which increase in concentration when plants are exposed to UV radiation. One of these compounds has been identified as a rhamnosylated derivative of the flavonol, kaempferol. The results suggest that one or more of the flavonoids whose production has been blocked in the UV-sensitive mutant is essential for the protection ofArabidopsis against UV-radiation damage. This constitutes further evidence that flavonoids play an important role in the protection of plants from the damaging effects of UV-B light.Abbreviations EMS ethyl methyl sulfonate - NMR nuclear magnetic resonance - uvs UV-sensitive Dedicated to Professor Hartmut K. Lichtenthaler on the occasion of his 60th birthdayThis work was supported by Cooperative State Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Agreements Nos. 90-37280-5664 and 90-372780-5808 and by National Science Foundation Grant MCB 93-16496. We wish to thank Lola Peñarrubia, Elena del Campillo, Patrick Neil and Julie Montgomery for innumerable and fruitful discussions.     

Engineering of flower color in forsythia by expression of two independently-transformed dihydroflavonol 4-reductase and anthocyanidin synthase genes of flavonoid pathway

Flower color was modified in forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia cv Spring Glory) by inducing anthocyanin synthesis in petals through sequential Agrobacterium-mediated transformation with dihydroflavonol 4-reductase from Antirrhinum majus (AmDFR) and anthocyanidin synthase from Matthiola incana (MiANS) genes. This is the second report of flower color modification of an ornamental shrub after rose, and the first time an ANS gene is used for this purpose. Double transformants (AmDFR+MiANS) displayed a novel bronze-orange petal color, caused by the de novo accumulation of cyanidin-derived anthocyanins over the carotenoid yellow background of wild type (wt), and intense pigmentation of vegetative organs. Transformation with single genes (either AmDFR or MiANS) produced no change in flower color, showing a multistep control of late anthocyanin pathway in petals of forsythia. Analysis of relevant late flavonoid pathway genes – an endogenous flavonoid glycosyltransferase (FiFGT) and transformed DFR and ANS genes – showed appropriate expression in flower organs. Functional characterization of FiFGT expressed in E. coli revealed its ability to metabolize both flavonols and anthocyanidin substrates, a prerequisite for effective anthocyanin accumulation in petals of plants transformed with constructs leading to anthocyanidin synthesis. Biochemical analyses of flavonoid compounds in petals and leaves showed that, besides anthocyanin induction in petals of double transformants, the accumulation pattern of flavan-3-ols was quantitatively and qualitatively modified in petals and leaves of transformants, in agreement with the most recent model proposed for flavan-3-ol synthesis. On the other hand, phenylpropanoid, flavone and flavonol pools were not quantitatively affected, indicating a tight regulation of early flavonoid pathway.     

Induction of ferric reductase activity in response to iron deficiency in Arabidopsis

The response to iron deficiency was investigated in 16 ecotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. and in Arabidopsis griffithiana. An increase in root ferric reductase activity was observed under conditions of iron deficiency in these ecotypes and in both species. This observation is consistent with a Strategy I response which is typical for dicot plants. A. griffithiana, however, showed a lower induction of ferric reductase activity in response to iron deficiency than that of the commonly studied A. thaliana Columbia ecotypes.     

Leaf flavonoid chemistry and the relationships of theLactoridaceae

Leaves of the monotypic angiosperm familyLactoridaceae exhibit flavonoid constituents consisting of six 3-0-diglycosides of the flavonols kaempferol and isorhamnetin. The presence of flavonols is concordant with the placement ofLactoridaceae among the archaic or primitive flowering plants. Flavonoid chemistry is less informative on the relationships of the family within the primitive dicots. The presence of isorhamnetin suggests closer affinities with families in theLaurales, particularly theGomortegaceae andMonimiaceae. Phenetic and cladistic analyses of morphological features place theLactoridaceae near several families in theMagnoliales.     

Nitrogen accumulation in Kaolin wastes in Cornwall

Summary Nitrogen accumulation and nitrogen mineralisation rates were measured in a series of waste heaps, produced by the china clay mining industry, which had been reclaimed at different times with a sward ofAgrostis tenuis, Festuca rubra, andTrifolium repens. The best swards tended to have high ammonification rates and rapid N turnover (which is represented by a nitrogen turnover index) —nitrification rates or nitrogen accumulation were not such good predictors of sward quality. Ammonification increased with pH and with organic nitrogen accumulation whereas N turnover was not related to these factors. Nitrification levels were generally low and it was concluded that nitrification was not important to sward health. Organic nitrogen increased with age in all swards, ammonification in certain types only and nitrification not at all. Levels of all are well short of those in adjacent grazing land. Rates of turnover had however a tendency to decline towards those in the grazings owing probably to the build up of resistant humus. The proportion of the total nitrogen which is in the biomass (30%) is also higher than in adjacent grazings (6%). Rapid nitrogen cycling is thus needed to maintain productivity and greenness, and the disadvantages of this are discussed. The adequacy of nitrogen cycle development to date is considered, and possible future strategies outlined.     

冬虫夏草MYB家族基因鉴定及其在生长发育中的表达分析

MYB蛋白是一类广泛存在于真核生物中的转录因子,在真菌的生长发育中发挥调控作用。本研究对冬虫夏草菌中的潜在MYB转录因子家族基因进行了全基因组鉴定和生物信息学分析,并研究了MYB家族成员在冬虫夏草生长发育不同阶段和不同部位的表达模式。结果表明,冬虫夏草MYB转录因子家族包含3个1R-MYB和3个2R-MYB;6个MYB转录因子蛋白均包含近50个保守氨基酸序列,形成螺旋-转角-螺旋的结构。通过分析MYB转录因子基因在不同发育阶段（MYB-1-6）和子实体不同部位（MYB-1、3、6）的相对表达量,发现MYB-1在冬虫夏草整个发育阶段表达较为稳定,MYB-3在子实体成熟阶段（MF）表达量最高,远高于其他阶段,且在MF的顶部可育部分MF-3高表达,表明其可能参与冬虫夏草子实体的有性发育;MYB-6在子座发育初期（YF）的中部YF-2表达量最高,为菌丝阶段（HY）的5倍,表明MYB-6可能参与子座柄部的伸长。     

The control of aldolase in Lemna minor L. in relation to nitrogen deficiency

The loss of activity of aldolase which occurs when Lemna is deprived of nitrogen is shown to be due to the accumulation of a specific inhibitor of aldolase. The inhibitor has been purified 600-fold and has the properties of a low molecular weight protein. The inhibitor is not a proteolytic enzyme and the kinetics of the interaction between aldolase and the inhibitor are reported. The possible physiolgocal significance of the inhibition of aldolase is briefly discussed.