胚胎发育晚期丰富蛋白(LEA蛋白)与植物抗逆性研究进展

胚胎发育晚期丰富蛋白(LEA蛋白)在自然条件下主要在种子发育晚期大量积累,植物LEA基因也在多种非生物胁迫下诱导表达。植物LEA蛋白是植物应对失水胁迫(包括干旱、盐碱、冷冻等)逆境的一种广泛存在的亲水性应答蛋白,具有很强的热稳定性。本论文就LEA蛋白的结构、分类、功能及抗逆性分子机制进行了概述与总结,为分离新的LEA蛋白成员,进行功能分析以及进一步发掘其潜在应用价值提供参考。     

植物LEA蛋白的结构与功能

植物ＬＥＡ蛋白的结构与功能汤学军，傅家瑞（中山大学生命科学学院，广州５１０２７５）关键词ＬＥＡ蛋白，结构，功能种子发育是高等植物生活史中的重要阶段。在种子（胚胎）发育后期会产生一些小分子特异多肽，即ＬＥＡ蛋白（ｌａｔｅ－ｅｍｂｒｙｏｇｅｎｅｓｉｓ－ａ...     

第三组胚胎晚期丰富蛋白lea3基因研究概述

晚期胚胎富集蛋白(late embryogenesis abundant protein,LEA蛋白)是在高等植物胚胎发育晚期大量积累的一类蛋白,根据其结构特点LEA蛋白一般分为6组,其中第3组LEA蛋白(LEA3)含有11个氨基酸串联重复的基元序列,可以形成α-螺旋结构,能在干旱胁迫的环境中保护生物大分子,减轻水份胁迫对植物造成的伤害,与植物抗逆性密切相关。该文就lea3基因及其蛋白的结构、功能、基因表达和应用等进行简要的综述,并对lea3基因及其蛋白今后的研究方向和应用前景进行了展望。     

水孔蛋白1的结构与功能

水通道,又称水孔蛋白（ａｑｕａｐｏｒｉｎ,ＡＱＰ）是动植物细胞膜上转运水的特异孔道。ＡＱＰｓ均属主体内在蛋白（ＭＩＰ）家族的成员。ＡＱＰ１是第一个被鉴定的水通道,又称原型分子水通道。它在体内的分布极广,参与多种生理功能,在膜中以四聚体的形式存在,每一单体形成一个功能性的水通道。ＡＱＰ１的表达可受汞、雌激素等多种因子的调节,并发现它与许多病理生理过程有着直接的关系。     

植物SNARE 蛋白的结构与功能

在真核生物细胞囊泡运输过程中的膜融合主要是由SNARE蛋白介导的, SNARE蛋白的结构高度保守。研究发现, 植物中的SNARE蛋白促进植物细胞板形成, 能与离子通道蛋白相互作用, 有利于植物的正常生长发育, 能提高植物的抗病性及参与植物的向重力性作用。应用基因组学和蛋白质组学技术结合细胞学水平上的分析方法有助于深入揭示植物SNARE蛋白家族成员的功能, 明确SNARE蛋白在信号转导途径中的作用, 阐明动植物免疫系统的区别和联系。     

植物SNARE蛋白的结构与功能

在真核生物细胞囊泡运输过程中的膜融合主要是由SNARE蛋白介导的,SNARE蛋白的结构高度保守.研究发现,植物中的SNARE蛋白促进植物细胞板形成,能与离子通道蛋白相互作用,有利于植物的正常生长发育,能提高植物的抗病性及参与植物的向重力性作用.应用基因组学和蛋白质组学技术结合细胞学水平上的分析方法有助于深入揭示植物SNARE蛋白家族成员的功能,明确SNARE蛋白在信号转导途径中的作用,阐明动植物免疫系统的区别和联系.     

植物抗逆蛋白（LEA3）22-氨基酸耐盐结构域在酵母细胞中的鉴定

大豆PM2蛋白属LEA3 （late embryogenesis abundant 3）蛋白。本文构建了编码PM2全长及含22-氨基酸结构域多肽（PM2、PM2A、PM2B和 PM2C）的酵母表达载体。转化酵母得到四种重组菌。SDS-PAGE电泳和ESI-MS/MS或MALDI-TOF/TOF质谱结果表明,重组菌可表达目标多肽。测定对照菌及重组菌在无胁迫、高盐（1.5 mol·L^-1 NaCl）和高渗透（2 mol·L^-1山梨糖）下的生长曲线。结果表明,在高盐胁迫下,四种重组菌胁迫后的恢复明显好于对照菌。多肽对高盐耐受能力的大小为:PM2C>PM2B≈PM2A≈PM2。证明大豆PM2蛋白的表达可提高酵母耐盐性,且22-氨基酸基序为PM2蛋白的耐盐结构域。结合前文在大肠杆菌中的结果,为“LEA蛋白可以类似机制参与原核和真核生物耐盐保护作用”的假说提供实验支持。然而,在高山梨糖胁迫下,对照菌和酵母重组菌的生长情况无明显差异。     

LEA蛋白与植物的抗旱性

植物在干旱胁迫下会产生多种诱导蛋白,其中LEA蛋白（Late-embryogenesis-abundant protein)已受到普遍关注。根据近年的研究进展,本文就植物中LEA蛋白的特性、分类、功能及LEA基因的表达调控作了简要综述。     

LEA蛋白与植物的抗旱性

植物在干旱胁迫下会产生多种诱导蛋白 ,其中LEA蛋白 (Late embryogenesis abundantprotein)已受到普遍关注。根据近年的研究进展 ,本文就植物中LEA蛋白的特性、分类、功能及LEA基因的表达调控作了简要综述。     

植物非蛋白氨基酸的化学结构

植物非蛋白氨基酸的化学结构吴晓东杨兴洪张连忠（中国农业大学生物学院，北京１０００９４）ＣＨＥＭＩＣＡＬＳＴＲＵＣＴＵＲＥＯＦＰＬＡＮＴＮＯＮＰＲＯＴＥＩＮＡＭＩＮＯＡＣＩＤＳＷｕＸｉａｏ－ｄｏｎｇＹａｎｇＸｉｎｇ－ｈｏｎｇＺｈａｎｇＬｉａｎ－ｚｈｏ...     

Study of model systems to test the potential function of Artemia group 1 late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins

Embryos of the brine shrimp, Artemia franciscana, are genetically programmed to develop either ovoviparously or oviparously depending on environmental conditions. Shortly upon their release from the female, oviparous embryos enter diapause during which time they undergo major metabolic rate depression while simultaneously synthesize proteins that permit them to tolerate a wide range of stressful environmental events including prolonged periods of desiccation, freezing, and anoxia. Among the known stress-related proteins that accumulate in embryos entering diapause are the late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins. This large group of intrinsically disordered proteins has been proposed to act as molecular shields or chaperones of macromolecules which are otherwise intolerant to harsh conditions associated with diapause. In this research, we used two model systems to study the potential function of the group 1 LEA proteins from Artemia. Expression of the Artemia group 1 gene (AfrLEA-1) in Escherichia coli inhibited growth in proportion to the number of 20-mer amino acid motifs expressed. As well, clones of E. coli, transformed with the AfrLEA-1 gene, expressed multiple bands of LEA proteins, either intrinsically or upon induction with isopropyl-β-thiogalactoside (IPTG), in a vector-specific manner. Expression of AfrLEA-1 in E. coli did not overcome the inhibitory effects of high concentrations of NaCl and KCl but modulated growth inhibition resulting from high concentrations of sorbitol in the growth medium. In contrast, expression of the AfrLEA-1 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae did not alter the growth kinetics or permit yeast to tolerate high concentrations of NaCl, KCl, or sorbitol. However, expression of AfrLEA-1 in yeast improved its tolerance to drying (desiccation) and freezing. Under our experimental conditions, both E. coli and S. cerevisiae appear to be potentially suitable hosts to study the function of Artemia group 1 LEA proteins under environmentally stressful conditions.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12192-015-0647-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Two different late embryogenesis abundant proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana contain specific domains that inhibit Escherichia coli growth

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins constitute a set of proteins widespread in the plant kingdom that show common physicochemical properties such as high hydrophilicity and high content of small amino acid residues such as glycine, alanine, and serine. Typically, these proteins accumulate in response to water deficit conditions imposed by the environment or during plant normal development. In this work, we show that the over-expression in Escherichia coli of proteins of the LEA 2 and the LEA 4 families from Arabidopsis thaliana leads to inhibition of bacterial growth and that this effect is dependent on discrete regions of the proteins. Our data indicate that their antimicrobial effect is achieved through their interaction with intracellular targets. The relevance of the cationic nature and the predicted structural organization of particular protein domains in this detrimental effect on the bacteria growth process is discussed.     

Temporal profiling of the heat-stable proteome during late maturation of Medicago truncatula seeds identifies a restricted subset of late embryogenesis abundant proteins associated with longevity

Developing seeds accumulate late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins, a family of intrinsically disordered and hydrophilic proteins that confer cellular protection upon stress. Many different LEA proteins exist in seeds, but their relative contribution to seed desiccation tolerance or longevity (duration of survival) is not yet investigated. To address this, a reference map of LEA proteins was established by proteomics on a hydrophilic protein fraction from mature Medicago truncatula seeds and identified 35 polypeptides encoded by 16 LEA genes. Spatial and temporal expression profiles of the LEA polypeptides were obtained during the long maturation phase during which desiccation tolerance and longevity are sequentially acquired until pod abscission and final maturation drying occurs. Five LEA polypeptides, representing 6% of the total LEA intensity, accumulated upon acquisition of desiccation tolerance. The gradual 30-fold increase in longevity correlated with the accumulation of four LEA polypeptides, representing 35% of LEA in mature seeds, and with two chaperone-related polypeptides. The majority of LEA polypeptides increased around pod abscission during final maturation drying. The differential accumulation profiles of the LEA polypeptides suggest different roles in seed physiology, with a small subset of LEA and other proteins with chaperone-like functions correlating with desiccation tolerance and longevity.     

The in vitro structure and functions of the disordered late embryogenesis abundant three proteins

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are produced during seed embryogenesis and in vegetative tissue in response to various abiotic stressors. A correlation has been established between LEA expression and stress tolerance, yet their precise biochemical mechanism remains elusive. LEA proteins are very rich in hydrophilic amino acids, and they have been found to be intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) in vitro. Here, we perform biochemical and structural analyses of the four LEA3 proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtLEA3). We show that the LEA3 proteins are disordered in solution but have regions with propensity for order. All LEA3 proteins were effective cryoprotectants of LDH in the freeze/thaw assays, while only one member, AtLEA3‐4, was shown to bind Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions with micromolar affinity. As well, only AtLEA3‐4 showed binding and a gain in α‐helicity in the presence of the membrane mimic dodecylphosphocholine (DPC). We explored this interaction in greater detail using ¹⁵N‐heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) nuclear magnetic resonance, and demonstrate that two sets of conserved motifs present in AtLEA3‐4 are involved in the interaction with the DPC micelles, which themselves gain α‐helical structure.     

Distinct functions of evolutionary conserved MSF1 and late embryogenesis abundant (LEA)-like domains in mitochondria

PRELID1, the only late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) domain-containing protein in humans, exerts cytoprotective effects through its LEA domain within the mitochondria. Although PRELID1 homologs in vertebrates contain the LEA domain, homologs in lower eukaryotes are thought to lack this domain. In this study, we identify a novel LEA-like domain in a yeast PRELID1 homolog, Ups2p, which contains sequence conservation with the LEA domain of human PRELID1. PRELID1 homologs, including Ups2p, are known to contain the PRELI/MSF1 domain. Our study reveals that the MSF1 domain of Ups2p maintains proper mitochondrial electron transport chain function, respiratory competency, and mitochondrial phosphatidylethanolamine metabolism. The Ups2p MSF1 domain mediates cardiolipin depletion in the absence of Ups1p. However, the Ups2p LEA-like domain is responsible for cardiolipin depletion resulting from UPS2 overexpression. The regulation of phosphatidylethanolamine levels by the MSF1 domain is antagonized by the Ups2p LEA-like domain. We demonstrate that the yeast LEA-like domain protects cells from oxidative stress and can be functionally replaced by the human LEA domain. Together our studies suggest distinct roles of MSF1 and LEA-like domains in mitochondrial function and resistance to oxidative stress.     

Cryoprotective activities of group 3 late embryogenesis abundant proteins from Chlorella vulgaris C-27

The nucleotide sequence of hiC12, isolated as a cDNA clone of hardening-induced Chlorella (hiC) genes, was identified. The clone encodes a late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) protein having six repeats of a 11-mer amino acid motif, although in a slightly imperfect form. To overexpress the hiC61) and hiC12 genes, their coding regions were PCR amplified and subcloned into a pGEX-1lambdaT vector. The HIC6 and HIC12 proteins were expressed as GST fusion proteins in E. coli, then purified. The two HIC proteins were found to be effective in protecting a freeze-labile enzyme, LDH, against freeze-inactivation. On a molar concentration basis, they were about 3.1 x 10(6) times more effective in protecting LDH than sucrose and as effective as BSA. Cryoprotection tests with five kinds of chain-shortened polypeptides, synthesized based on the 11-mer amino acid motif of the HIC6 protein showed that the cryoprotective activity decreased with a decrease in the repeating units of the 11-mer motif. In fact, cryoprotective activities of three kinds of single 11-mer amino acids were very low even at high concentrations. All the results suggested that the sufficiently repeated 11-mer motif is required for the cryoprotective activities of Chlorella LEA proteins.     

Changes in late embryogenesis abundant proteins and a small heat shock protein during storage of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seeds

Beech seed physiology, including the effect of stress proteins like late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) and small heat shock proteins (sHSP) on viability during storage, is not fully understood. Four lots of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seeds have been stored for 1, 4, 6 and 8 years at −10 °C and 8–9% moisture content (MC). Under these conditions, the germination capacity ranges from 81.5% to 100% in the youngest seeds. However, the seeds decrease in vigour with prolonged time of storage. Dehydrins and dehydrin-like proteins were identified both in cotyledons and embryonic axes of the dry stored seeds. In general, decreased contents of LEA proteins as well as reduced content of total soluble protein were detected during prolonged storage. The contents of soluble proteins in embryonic axes and nearly all detected dehydrins and dehydrin-like proteins were correlated with germination capacity. Moreover a sHSP with molecular mass of approximately 22 kDa was identified. The largest content of this protein was observed in the oldest seeds, especially in embryonic axes. The proteins identified may play a protective role during water deficit and storage.     

MtPM25 is an atypical hydrophobic late embryogenesis‐abundant protein that dissociates cold and desiccation‐aggregated proteins

Late embryogenesis‐abundant (LEA) proteins are one of the components involved in desiccation tolerance (DT) by maintaining cellular structures in the dry state. Among them, MtPM25, a member of the group 5 is specifically associated with DT in Medicago truncatula seeds. Its function is unknown and its classification as a LEA protein remains elusive. Here, evidence is provided that MtPM25 is a hydrophobic, intrinsically disordered protein that shares the characteristics of canonical LEA proteins. Screening protective activities by testing various substrates against freezing, heating and drying indicates that MtPM25 is unable to protect membranes but able to prevent aggregation of proteins during stress. Prevention of aggregation was also found for the water soluble proteome of desiccation‐sensitive radicles. This inhibition was significantly higher than that of MtEM6, one of the most hydrophilic LEA protein associated with DT. Moreover, when added after the stress treatment, MtPM25 is able to rapidly dissolve aggregates in a non‐specific manner. Sorption isotherms show that when it is unstructured, MtPM25 absorbs up to threefold more water than MtEM6. MtPM25 is likely to act as a protective molecule during drying and plays an additional role as a repair mechanism compared with other LEA proteins.