拟南芥PKS5点突变体对盐碱胁迫的响应特性

拟南芥蛋白激酶PKS5参与植物对外界的盐碱胁迫信号响应过程.为探求PKS5不同结构域对外界盐碱胁迫下的响应功能,以PKS5点突变体pks5-2、pks5-4、pks5-5、pks5-6、pks5-7、pks5-8和pks5-9为材料,分析PKS5不同点突变体在外界盐碱胁迫下的特性.结果显示:(1)pks5-2、pks5-6、pks5-7和pks5-8对外界盐碱胁迫的主根生长表型与野生型存在差异,pks5-4、pks5-5和pk5-9则无差异,其中的pks5-2和pks5-8主根生长对盐碱胁迫表现出抗性表型,而pks5-6和pks5-7表现出敏感表型.(2)当PKS5发生点突变后其突变基因的表达发生改变,与野生型基因相比,PKS5-2、PKS5-6与PKS5-7的表达均有所降低.(3) PKS5点突变蛋白的亚细胞定位与野生型相比不存在差异,在细胞核、细胞质及细胞膜中均有分布.(4)pks5各点突变体内的Na+含量在野生型与点突变体间存在显著差异,pks5-2体内的Na+含量较野生型降低,而pks5-6和pks5-7体内的Na+则升高.研究表明,PKS5不同位置点突变导致植物对外界盐碱胁迫有着不同的响应过程,预示PKS5不同的结构域在其功能上存在差异.     

A growth regulatory loop that provides homeostasis to phytochrome a signaling

Phytochrome kinase substrate1 (PKS1) is a cytoplasmic protein that interacts physically with, and is phosphorylated by, the plant photoreceptor phytochrome. Here, we show that light transiently increases PKS1 mRNA levels and concentrates its expression to the elongation zone of the hypocotyl and root. This response is mediated by phytochrome A (phyA) acting in the very low fluence response (VLFR) mode. In the hypocotyl, PKS1 RNA and protein accumulation are maintained only under prolonged incubation in far-red light, the wavelength that most effectively activates phyA. Null mutants of PKS1 and its closest homolog, PKS2, show enhanced phyA-mediated VLFR. Notably, a pks1 pks2 double mutant has no phenotype, whereas overexpression of either PKS1 or PKS2 results in the same phenotype as the pks1 or pks2 single null mutant. We propose that PKS1 and PKS2 are involved in a growth regulatory loop that provides homeostasis to phyA signaling in the VLFR. In accordance with this idea, PKS1 effects are larger in the pks2 background (and vice versa). Moreover, the two proteins can interact with each other, and PKS2 negatively regulates PKS1 protein levels specifically under VLFR conditions.     

PHYTOCHROME KINASE SUBSTRATE1 regulates root phototropism and gravitropism

Light promotes the expression of PHYTOCHROME KINASE SUBSTRATE1 (PKS1) in the root of Arabidopsis thaliana, but the function of PKS1 in this organ is unknown. Unilateral blue light induced a negative root phototropic response mediated by phototropin 1 in wild-type seedlings. This response was absent in pks1 mutants. In the wild type, unilateral blue light enhanced PKS1 expression in the subapical region of the root several hours before bending was detectable. The negative phototropism and the enhanced PKS1 expression in response to blue light required phytochrome A (phyA). In addition, the pks1 mutation enhanced the root gravitropic response when vertically oriented seedlings were placed horizontally. The negative regulation of gravitropism by PKS1 occurred even in dark-grown seedlings and did not require phyA. Blue light also failed to induce negative phototropism in pks1 under reduced gravitational stimulation, indicating that the effect of pks1 on phototropism is not simply the consequence of the counteracting effect of enhanced gravitropism. We propose a model where the background level of PKS1 reduces gravitropism. After a phyA-dependent increase in its expression, PKS1 positively affects root phototropism and both effects contribute to negative curvature in response to unilateral blue light.     

Arabidopsis protein kinase PKS5 inhibits the plasma membrane H+ -ATPase by preventing interaction with 14-3-3 protein

Regulation of the trans-plasma membrane pH gradient is an important part of plant responses to several hormonal and environmental cues, including auxin, blue light, and fungal elicitors. However, little is known about the signaling components that mediate this regulation. Here, we report that an Arabidopsis thaliana Ser/Thr protein kinase, PKS5, is a negative regulator of the plasma membrane proton pump (PM H+ -ATPase). Loss-of-function pks5 mutant plants are more tolerant of high external pH due to extrusion of protons to the extracellular space. PKS5 phosphorylates the PM H+ -ATPase AHA2 at a novel site, Ser-931, in the C-terminal regulatory domain. Phosphorylation at this site inhibits interaction between the PM H+ -ATPase and an activating 14-3-3 protein in a yeast expression system. We show that PKS5 interacts with the calcium binding protein SCaBP1 and that high external pH can trigger an increase in the concentration of cytosolic-free calcium. These results suggest that PKS5 is part of a calcium-signaling pathway mediating PM H+ -ATPase regulation.     

PKS1 and PKS2 affect the phyA state in etiolated Arabidopsis seedlings.

Autophosphorylation of phytochrome A (phyA) and transphosphorylation of its reaction partners, phytochrome kinase substrate 1 (PKS1) in particular, might play important functions in signal transduction from phyA. It was shown that PKS1 and PKS2 physically interact with phyA and phyB in vitro, and that overexpression of PKS1 interferes with phytochrome signaling in vivo. Moreover, both pks1 and pks2 loss of function mutants are specifically defective for one branch of phyA signaling. We therefore used in vivo fluorescence spectroscopy to test whether mutations in pks1 and pks2 or overexpression of PKS1 (PKS1OX) have an effect on phyA and its subpopulations, phyA' and phyA'. It was found that the emission spectra of phyA in all the Arabidopsis lines are similar. The phyA content in the single mutants pks1 and pks2, and also in PKS1OX, was 1.2-1.5 times higher than in the wild type, whereas the phyA'/phyA' ratio remained practically unchanged (approx. 1.0). However, in the double mutant pks1pks2, the picture is reversed--the phyA concentration remained unchanged, while the phyA'/phyA' ratio shifted dramatically towards phyA'(0.3). This suggests that (i) the changes in PKS1 or PKS2 content may affect the total phyA concentration, (ii) PKS1, together with PKS2, could be critical for the formation of phyA', thus shifting the equilibrium towards phyA' in the double mutant and (iii) these variations in the phyA' and phyA' content may contribute to the mutant phenotype of pks1, pks2 and PKS1OX. The fact that in the single mutants there are only small changes in the phyA'/phyA' ratio, while in the double mutant the ratio is considerably affected, indicates that PKS1 or PKS2 act redundantly with each other in this regard.     

The Arabidopsis Chaperone J3 Regulates the Plasma Membrane H+-ATPase through Interaction with the PKS5 Kinase

The plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase (PM H⁺-ATPase) plays an important role in the regulation of ion and metabolite transport and is involved in physiological processes that include cell growth, intracellular pH, and stomatal regulation. PM H⁺-ATPase activity is controlled by many factors, including hormones, calcium, light, and environmental stresses like increased soil salinity. We have previously shown that the Arabidopsis thaliana Salt Overly Sensitive2-Like Protein Kinase5 (PKS5) negatively regulates the PM H⁺-ATPase. Here, we report that a chaperone, J3 (DnaJ homolog 3; heat shock protein 40-like), activates PM H⁺-ATPase activity by physically interacting with and repressing PKS5 kinase activity. Plants lacking J3 are hypersensitive to salt at high external pH and exhibit decreased PM H⁺-ATPase activity. J3 functions upstream of PKS5 as double mutants generated using j3-1 and several pks5 mutant alleles with altered kinase activity have levels of PM H⁺-ATPase activity and responses to salt at alkaline pH similar to their corresponding pks5 mutant. Taken together, our results demonstrate that regulation of PM H⁺-ATPase activity by J3 takes place via inactivation of the PKS5 kinase.     

PKS1 plays a role in red-light-based positive phototropism in roots

Aerial parts of plants curve towards the light (i.e. positive phototropism), and roots typically grow away from the light (i.e. negative phototropism). In addition, Arabidopsis roots exhibit positive phototropism relative to red light (RL), and this response is mediated by phytochromes A and B (phyA and phyB). Upon light stimulation, phyA and phyB interact with the phytochrome kinase substrate (PKS1) in the cytoplasm. In this study, we investigated the role of PKS1, along with phyA and phyB, in the positive phototropic responses to RL in roots. Using a high-resolution feedback system, we studied the phenotypic responses of roots of phyA, phyB, pks1, phyA pks1 and phyB pks1 null mutants as well as the PKS1-overexpressing line in response to RL. PKS1 emerged as an intermediary in the signalling pathways and appears to promote a negative curvature to RL in roots. In addition, phyA and phyB were both essential for a positive response to RL and act in a complementary fashion. However, either photoreceptor acting without the other results in negative curvature in response to red illumination so that the mode of action differs depending on whether phyA and phyB act independently or together. Our results suggest that PKS1 is part of a signalling pathway independent of phyA and phyB and that PKS1 modulates RL-based root phototropism.     

PKS5, a SNF1-related kinase, interacts with and phosphorylates NPR1,and modulates expression of WRKY38 and WRKY62

NPR1 (Nonexpressor of Pathogenesis-Related gene 1) is a major co-activator of plant defense. Phosphorylations of NPR 1 play important roles in fine-tuning its activity, however a kinase corresponding to such modification remains uncharacterized. Here, we report that NPR1 interacts with PKS5 (SOS2-like Protein Kinase 5). The AKR (AnK yrin Repeats) motif of NPR1 is required for this interaction.PKS5 phosphorylates NPR1 at the C-temminal region. Expression of PKS5 is induced quickly by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Expression level of two NPR1 target genes, WRKY38 and WRKY62, is reduced and/or delayed in pks5 mutants. Moreover, the expression of WRKY38 and WRKY62 displays a similar pattern in npr1-1pks5-1 double mutant comparing to that in npr1-1. Our results suggest that PKS5 functions at the upstream of NPR1 and might mediate expression of WRKY38 and WRKY62 possibly by interacting with and phosphorylating NPR1.     

SOS4, a pyridoxal kinase gene,is required for root hair development in Arabidopsis

Root hair development in plants is controlled by many genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. A number of genes have been shown to be important for root hair formation. Arabidopsis salt overly sensitive 4 mutants were originally identified by screening for NaCl-hypersensitive growth. The SOS4 (Salt Overly Sensitive 4) gene was recently isolated by map-based cloning and shown to encode a pyridoxal (PL) kinase involved in the production of PL-5-phosphate, which is an important cofactor for various enzymes and a ligand for certain ion transporters. The root growth of sos4 mutants is slower than that of the wild type. Microscopic observations revealed that sos4 mutants do not have root hairs in the maturation zone. The sos4 mutations block the initiation of most root hairs, and impair the tip growth of those that are initiated. The root hairless phenotype of sos4 mutants was complemented by the wild-type SOS4 gene. SOS4 promoter-beta-glucuronidase analysis showed that SOS4 is expressed in the root hair and other hair-like structures. Consistent with SOS4 function as a PL kinase, in vitro application of pyridoxine and pyridoxamine, but not PL, partially rescued the root hair defect in sos4 mutants. 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid treatments promoted root hair formation in both wild-type and sos4 plants, indicating that genetically SOS4 functions upstream of ethylene and auxin in root hair development. The possible role of SOS4 in ethylene and auxin biosynthesis is discussed.     

PHYTOCHROME KINASE SUBSTRATE4 modulates phytochrome-mediated control of hypocotyl growth orientation

Gravity and light are major factors shaping plant growth. Light perceived by phytochromes leads to seedling deetiolation, which includes the deviation from vertical hypocotyl growth and promotes hypocotyl phototropism. These light responses enhance survival of young seedlings during their emergence from the soil. The PHYTOCHROME KINASE SUBSTRATE (PKS) family is composed of four members in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana): PKS1 to PKS4. Here we show that PKS4 is a negative regulator of both phytochrome A- and B-mediated inhibition of hypocotyl growth and promotion of cotyledon unfolding. Most prominently, pks4 mutants show abnormal phytochrome-modulated hypocotyl growth orientation. In dark-grown seedlings hypocotyls change from the original orientation defined by seed position to the upright orientation defined by gravity and light reduces the magnitude of this shift. In older seedlings with the hypocotyls already oriented by gravity, light promotes the deviation from vertical orientation. Based on the characterization of pks4 mutants we propose that PKS4 inhibits changes in growth orientation under red or far-red light. Our data suggest that in these light conditions PKS4 acts as an inhibitor of asymmetric growth. This hypothesis is supported by the phenotype of PKS4 overexpressers. Together with previous findings, these results indicate that the PKS family plays important functions during light-regulated tropic growth responses.     

拟南芥PKS5激酶点突变体外表达与磷酸化测试

PKS5(protein kinase SOS2-like 5)虽为拟南芥(Arabidopsis thaliana)中介导植物响应外界高p H的蛋白激酶,但其关键功能结构域尚未被确定。该研究用PCR对PKS5不同位置点突变形式进行克隆,并在原核系统中进行表达,得到PKS5不同的点突变蛋白;使用激酶通用底物MBP(myelin basic protein)及PKS5体内特异底物AHA2(A.thaliana isoform of the PM H+-ATPase,拟南芥质膜质子泵等位形式之一)对PKS5点突变蛋白磷酸化活性进行了测试。结果表明:点突变PKS5-2失去了激酶活性,PKS5-4、PKS5-5、PKS5-9自磷酸化与MBP磷酸化活性与PKS5相比无差异;而与PKS5相比,点突变PKS5-6和PKS5-7自磷酸化及对AHA2的磷酸化活性升高,且PKS5-7活性高于PKS5-6。说明PKS5特定位置点突变改变PKS5的自磷酸化及底物磷酸化活性水平,不同位置的点突变对其磷酸化活性的影响存在差异。研究结果可为确定PKS5功能结构域及体内作用机理提供依据。     

Deletion C-terminal thioesterase abolishes melanin biosynthesis,affects metabolism and reduces the pathogenesis of Fonsecaea monophora

Dematiaceous Fonsecaea monophora is one of the major pathogens of chromoblastomycosis. It has been well established that melanization is catalyzed by the type I polyketide synthase (PKS) in F. monophora. Multidomain protein Type I PKS is encoded by six genes, in which the last enzyme thioesterase (TE) catalyzes the cyclization and releases polyketide. Two PKS genes AYO21_03016 (pks1) and AYO21_10638 have been found in F. monophora and both PKS loci have the same gene arrangement but the TE domain in AYO21_10638 is truncated at 3’- end. TE may be the key enzyme to maintain the function of pks1. To test this hypothesis, we constructed a 3’-end 500 bp deletion mutant of AYO21_03016 (Δpks1-TE-C500) and its complemented strain. We profiled metabolome of this mutant and analyzed the consequences of impaired metabolism in this mutant by fungal growth in vitro and by pathogenesis in vivo. Compared with wild-type strain, we found that the mutant repressed pks1 expression and other 5 genes expression levels were reduced by more than 50%, perhaps leading to a corresponding melanin loss. The mutant also reduced sporulation and delayed germination, became vulnerable to various environmental stresses and was less resistance to macrophage or neutrophil killings in vitro, and less virulence in mice footpad model. Metabolomic analysis indicated that many metabolites were remarkably affected in Δpks1-TE-C500, in particular, an increased nicotinamide and antioxidant glutathione. In conclusion, we confirmed the crucial role of C-terminal TE in maintaining fully function of pks1 in F. monophora. Deletion of TE negatively impacts on the synthesis of melanin and metabolites that eventually affect growth and virulence of F. monophora. Any potential inhibitor of TE then could be a novel antifungal target for drug development.     

PKS5, a SNFl-related kinase, interacts with and phosphorylates NPR1, and modulates expression of WRKY38 and WRKY62

NPR1 (Nonexpressor of Pathogenesis-Related gene 1) is a major co-activator of plant defense. Phosphorylations of NPR1 play important roles in fine-tuning its activity, however a kinase corresponding to such modification remains uncharacterized. Here, we report that NPR1 interacts with PKS5 (SOS2-like Protein Kinase 5). The AKR (AnKyrin Repeats) motif of NPR1 is required for this interaction. PKS5 phosphorylates NPR1 at the C-terminal region. Expression of PKS5 is induced quickly by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Expression level of two NPR1 target genes, WRKY38 and WRKY62, is reduced and/or delayed in pks5 mutants. Moreover, the expression of WRKY38 and WRKY62 displays a similar pattern in npr1-1pks5-1 double mutant comparing to that in npr1-1. Our results suggest that PKS5 functions at the upstream of NPR1 and might mediate expression of WRKY38 and WRKY62 possibly by interacting with and phosphorylating NPR1.     

Overexpression of PIP2;5 aquaporin alleviates effects of low root temperature on cell hydraulic conductivity and growth in Arabidopsis

The effects of low root temperature on growth and root cell water transport were compared between wild-type Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and plants overexpressing plasma membrane intrinsic protein 1;4 (PIP1;4) and PIP2;5. Descending root temperature from 25°C to 10°C quickly reduced cell hydraulic conductivity (L(p)) in wild-type plants but did not affect L(p) in plants overexpressing PIP1;4 and PIP2;5. Similarly, when the roots of wild-type plants were exposed to 10°C for 1 d, L(p) was lower compared with 25°C. However, there was no effect of low root temperature on L(p) in PIP1;4- and PIP2;5-overexpressing plants after 1 d of treatment. When the roots were exposed to 10°C for 5 d, L(p) was reduced in wild-type plants and in plants overexpressing PIP1;4, whereas there was still no effect in PIP2;5-overexpressing plants. These results suggest that the gating mechanism in PIP1;4 may be more sensitive to prolonged low temperature compared with PIP2;5. The reduction of L(p) at 10°C in roots of wild-type plants was partly restored to the preexposure level by 5 mm Ca(NO(3))(2) and protein phosphatase inhibitors (75 nm okadaic acid or 1 μm Na(3)VO(4)), suggesting that aquaporin phosphorylation/dephosphorylation processes were involved in this response. The temperature sensitivity of cell water transport in roots was reflected by a reduction in shoot and root growth rates in the wild-type and PIP1;4-overexpressing plants exposed to 10°C root temperature for 5 d. However, low root temperature had no effect on growth in plants overexpressing PIP2;5. These results provide strong evidence for a link between growth at low root temperature and aquaporin-mediated root water transport in Arabidopsis.     

First Discovery of Two Polyketide Synthase Genes for Mitorubrinic Acid and Mitorubrinol Yellow Pigment Biosynthesis and Implications in Virulence of Penicillium marneffei

Background

The genome of P. marneffei, the most important thermal dimorphic fungus causing respiratory, skin and systemic mycosis in China and Southeast Asia, possesses 23 polyketide synthase (PKS) genes and 2 polyketide synthase nonribosomal peptide synthase hybrid (PKS-NRPS) genes, which is of high diversity compared to other thermal dimorphic pathogenic fungi. We hypothesized that the yellow pigment in the mold form of P. marneffei could also be synthesized by one or more PKS genes.

Methodology/Principal Findings

All 23 PKS and 2 PKS-NRPS genes of P. marneffei were systematically knocked down. A loss of the yellow pigment was observed in the mold form of the pks11 knockdown, pks12 knockdown and pks11pks12 double knockdown mutants. Sequence analysis showed that PKS11 and PKS12 are fungal non-reducing PKSs. Ultra high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector/electrospray ionization-quadruple time of flight-mass spectrometry (MS) and MS/MS analysis of the culture filtrates of wild type P. marneffei and the pks11 knockdown, pks12 knockdown and pks11pks12 double knockdown mutants showed that the yellow pigment is composed of mitorubrinic acid and mitorubrinol. The survival of mice challenged with the pks11 knockdown, pks12 knockdown and pks11pks12 double knockdown mutants was significantly better than those challenged with wild type P. marneffei (P<0.05). There was also statistically significant decrease in survival of pks11 knockdown, pks12 knockdown and pks11pks12 double knockdown mutants compared to wild type P. marneffei in both J774 and THP1 macrophages (P<0.05).

Conclusions/Significance

The yellow pigment of the mold form of P. marneffei is composed of mitorubrinol and mitorubrinic acid. This represents the first discovery of PKS genes responsible for mitorubrinol and mitorubrinic acid biosynthesis. pks12 and pks11 are probably responsible for sequential use in the biosynthesis of mitorubrinol and mitorubrinic acid. Mitorubrinol and mitorubrinic acid are virulence factors of P. marneffei by improving its intracellular survival in macrophages.     

Shade suppresses wound-induced leaf repositioning through a mechanism involving PHYTOCHROME KINASE SUBSTRATE (PKS) genes

Shaded plants challenged with herbivores or pathogens prioritize growth over defense. However, most experiments have focused on the effect of shading light cues on defense responses. To investigate the potential interaction between shade-avoidance and wounding-induced Jasmonate (JA)-mediated signaling on leaf growth and movement, we used repetitive mechanical wounding of leaf blades to mimic herbivore attacks. Phenotyping experiments with combined treatments on Arabidopsis thaliana rosettes revealed that shade strongly inhibits the wound effect on leaf elevation. By contrast, petiole length is reduced by wounding both in the sun and in the shade. Thus, the relationship between the shade and wounding/JA pathways varies depending on the physiological response, implying that leaf growth and movement can be uncoupled. Using RNA-sequencing, we identified genes with expression patterns matching the hyponastic response (opposite regulation by both stimuli, interaction between treatments with shade dominating the wound signal). Among them were genes from the PKS (Phytochrome Kinase Substrate) family, which was previously studied for its role in phototropism and leaf positioning. Interestingly, we observed reduced shade suppression of the wounding effect in pks2pks4 double mutants while a PKS4 overexpressing line showed constitutively elevated leaves and was less sensitive to wounding. Our results indicate a trait-specific interrelationship between shade and wounding cues on Arabidopsis leaf growth and positioning. Moreover, we identify PKS genes as integrators of external cues in the control of leaf hyponasty further emphasizing the role of these genes in aerial organ positioning.     

Microfilament dynamics is required for root growth under alkaline stress in Arabidopsis

The microfilament (MF) cytoskeleton has crucial functions in plant development. Recent studies have revealed the function of MFs in diverse stress response. Alkaline stress is harmful to plant growth;however, it remains unclear whether the MFs play a role in alkaline stress. In the present study, we find that blocking MF assembly with latrunculin B (Lat B) leads to inhibition of plant root growth, and stabilization of MFs with phalloidin does not significantly affect plant root growth under normal conditions. In high external pH conditions, MF de-polymerization is induced and that associates with the reduction of root growth; phalloidin treatment partially rescues this reduction. Moreover, Lat B treatment further decreases the survival rate of seedlings growing in high external pH conditions. However, a high external pH (8.0) does not affect MF stability in vitro. Taken together, our results suggest that alkaline stress may trigger a signal that leads the dynamics of MFs and in turn regulates root growth.     

Structural and functional characterization of three polyketide synthase gene clusters in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB 42

Although bacterial polyketides are of considerable biomedical interest, the molecular biology of polyketide biosynthesis in Bacillus spp., one of the richest bacterial sources of bioactive natural products, remains largely unexplored. Here we assign for the first time complete polyketide synthase (PKS) gene clusters to Bacillus antibiotics. Three giant modular PKS systems of the trans-acyltransferase type were identified in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB 42. One of them, pks1, is an ortholog of the pksX operon with a previously unknown function in the sequenced model strain Bacillus subtilis 168, while the pks2 and pks3 clusters are novel gene clusters. Cassette mutagenesis combined with advanced mass spectrometric techniques such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry revealed that the pks1 (bae) and pks3 (dif) gene clusters encode the biosynthesis of the polyene antibiotics bacillaene and difficidin or oxydifficidin, respectively. In addition, B. subtilis OKB105 (pheA sfp(0)), a transformant of the B. subtilis 168 derivative JH642, was shown to produce bacillaene, demonstrating that the pksX gene cluster directs the synthesis of that polyketide. The GenBank accession numbers for gene clusters pks1(bae), pks2, and pks3(dif) are AJ 634060.2, AJ 6340601.2, and AJ 6340602.2, respectively.