Immunofluorescence localization of chalcone synthase in roots ofPisum sativum L. andPhaseolus vulgaris L. and comparable immunochemical analysis of chalcone synthase from pea leaves

Summary Chalcone synthase in roots ofPisum sativum andPhaseolus vulgaris was demonstrated enzymatically and immunochemically. In situ localization by indirect immunofluorescence revealed that chalcone synthase is chiefly present in the lateral regions of the calyptra, in the rhizodermis, and the cortex. In the central cylinder the enzyme protein is no longer detectable a short distance behind the meristem. Chalcone synthase was not found in root tips ofZea mays. Two isoforms of chalcone synthase were separated by chromatofocusing of protein extracts from pea leaves. The two forms differed in their subunit molecular masses. The smaller isoform was not detected in roots.Abbreviations CHS chalcone synthase - FITC fluorescein isothiocyanate - IgG immunoglobulin G - DTE dithioerythritol     

Isoforms of chalcone synthase in Daucus carota L. and their differential expression in organs from the European wild carrot and in ultraviolet-A-irradiated cell cultures

 Two isoforms of chalcone synthase (CHS) were isolated from cDNA libraries derived from UV-A-irradiated anthocyanin-accumulating (DCb) and non-accumulating (DCs) cell cultures of carrot (Daucus carota L.). The clones designated as DcCHS1, which were present only in the DCb library, had a deduced primary sequence of 389 amino acids and an expected molecular mass of 42.7 kDa, and seem to be alleles of those cloned by Ozeki et al. (1993). The second isoform (DcCHS2) was present in both libraries. It had the highest degree of similarity (97.7%) to parsley CHS over all 397 amino acids. The expected molecular mass of the corresponding protein was 43.6 kDa. Results obtained from Southern blot analysis indicated the existence of at least two CHS genes in carrot. A transient enhancement of the DcCHS1 mRNA level after continuous irradiation with UV-A light could only be observed in anthocyanin-accumulating cultures, whereas an increase in DcCHS2 mRNA was seen in both cell lines. The maximum accumulation of CHS mRNA occurred 48 h after the onset of UV-A irradiation. In the European wild carrot the accumulation of DcCHS1 mRNA was restricted to the red central flowers, whereas the DcCHS2 mRNA was detectable in all red and white petals, as well as leaves, but was absent in stems and roots. The expression of DcCHS1 was restricted to anthocyanin-accumulating cells or organs. The heterologous expression of both cDNAs in Escherichia coli resulted in immunostainable bands of different sizes on the Western blot and high levels of catalytic CHS activity. Received: 2 September 1999 / Accepted: 30 November 1999     

Characterization and structural features of a chalcone synthase mutation in a white-flowering line of Matthiola incanaR. Br. (Brassicaceae)

For Matthiola incana (Brassicaceae), used as a model system to study biochemical and genetical aspects of anthocyanin biosynthesis, several nearly isogenic colored wild type lines and white-flowering mutant lines are available, each with a specific defect in the genes responsible for anthocyanin production (genes e, f, and g). For gene f supposed to code for chalcone synthase (CHS; EC 2.3.1.74), the key enzyme of the flavonoid/anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway belonging to the group of type III polyketide synthases (PKS), the wild type genomic sequence of M. incana line 04 was determined in comparison to the white-flowering CHS mutant line 18. The type of mutation in the chs gene was characterized as a single nucleotide substitution in a triplet AGG coding for an evolutionary conserved arginine into AGT coding for serine (R72S). Northern blots and RT-PCR demonstrated that the mutated gene is expressed in flower petals. Heterologous expression of the wild type and mutated CHS cDNA in E. Scherichia coli, verified by Western blotting and enzyme assays with various starter molecules, revealed that the mutant protein had no detectable activity, indicating that the strictly conserved arginine residue is essential for the enzymatic reaction. This mutation, which previously was not detected by mutagenic screening, is discussed in the light of structural and functional information on alfalfa CHS and related type III PKS enzymes.     

Molecular analysis of resveratrol synthase. cDNA, genomic clones and relationship with chalcone synthase

Resveratrol synthase (RS), a key enzyme in biosynthesis of stilbene-type phytoalexins, catalyzes the formation of resveratrol from coumaroyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA. Two cDNA clones, pGSC1 and pGSC2, have been isolated from cDNA libraries established with poly(A)-rich RNA from peanut (Arachis hypogaea) cell cultures specifically induced for RS. These cDNAs were used to identify two genomic clones (pGSG10 and pGSG11). Sequence analysis shows that the two clones overlap in a large stretch of nearly identical sequences, and that pGSG10 contains the 5' and pGSG11 the 3' end of RS genes. The sequences reveal a single intron, and the size of the predicted protein is 42.7 kDa, in close agreement with that observed in polyacrylamide gels (43 kDa). Chalcone synthase (CHS), a key enzyme of flavonoid biosynthesis, utilizes the same substrates as RS, but the product is different (naringenin chalcone). Comparison of RS with CHS consensus sequences shows that the two genes are related. Homology extends throughout the coding region, and the intron in RS is at the same position as a conserved intron in CHS. However, RS reveals a substantial number of amino acid differences to CHS in positions highly conserved in all CHS enzymes. It is proposed that the two proteins possess a common scaffold necessary for binding of the substrates and the type of enzyme reaction, and that the differences are responsible for the formation of different products.     

Modification of phenolic metabolism in soybean hairy roots through down regulation of chalcone synthase or isoflavone synthase

Soybean hairy roots, transformed with the soybean chalcone synthase (CHS6) or isoflavone synthase (IFS2) genes, with dramatically decreased capacity to synthesize isoflavones were produced to determine what effects these changes would have on susceptibility to a fungal pathogen. The isoflavone and coumestrol concentrations were decreased by about 90% in most lines apparently due to gene silencing. The IFS2 transformed lines had very low IFS enzyme activity in microsomal fractions as measured by the conversion of naringenin to genistein. The CHS6 lines with decreased isoflavone concentrations had 5 to 20-fold lower CHS enzyme activities than the appropriate controls. Both IFS2 and CHS transformed lines accumulated higher concentrations of both soluble and cell wall bound phenolic acids compared to controls with higher levels found in the CHS6 lines indicating alterations in the lignin biosynthetic branch of the pathway. Induction of the soybean phytoalexin glyceollin, of which the precursor is the isoflavone daidzein, by the fungal pathogen Fusarium solani f. sp. glycines (FSG) that causes soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) showed that the low isoflavone transformed lines did not accumulate glyceollin while the control lines did. The (iso)liquritigenin content increased upon FSG induction in the IFS2 transformed roots indicating that the pathway reactions before this point can control isoflavonoid synthesis. The lowest fungal growth rate on hairy roots was found on the FSG partially resistant control roots followed by the SDS sensitive control roots and the low isoflavone transformants. The results indicate the importance of phytoalexin synthesis in root resistance to the pathogen. Names are necessary to report factually on available data; however, the USDA neither guarantees nor warrants the standard of the product, and the use of the name by USDA implies no approval of the product to the exclusion of others that may also be suitable.     

Intracellular location of NADP+-linked malic enzyme in C3 plants

Ultraviolet light induces anthocyanin biosynthesis in cell cultures of an Afghan cultivar of Daucus carota (Daucus carota L. ssp. sativus). Simultaneous treatment with a fungal elicitor from Pythium aphanidermatum results in an inhibition of the catalytic activity of chalcone synthase (CHS), which in turn correlates with an inhibition of anthocyanin biosynthesis. On immunoblots, one isoenzyme (40 kDa) of CHS disappears upon elicitor treatment. On an mRNA level, only the mRNA for the 40-kDa-CHS is active after treatment with ultraviolet light. After inhibition of anthocyanin biosynthesis by the elicitor the enzyme protein disappears and the CHS mRNA is strongly diminished. This inhibition depends on the concentration of the elicitor. In addition, elicitor treatment leads to an induction of the general phenylpropanoid pathway as well as to the accumulation of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid which is covalently bound to wall polysaccharides of the carrot cells. The possible function of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase in providing precursors for 4-hydroxybenzoic acid is discussed.Abbreviations CHI chalcone isomerase - CHS chalcone synthase - PAL phenylalanine ammonia-lyase - SDS-PAGE sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis We are grateful to Professor K. Hahlbrock (Max-Planck-Institut für Züchtungsforschung, Köln, FRG) for providing us with antisera to CHS and PAL, respectively. This work was supported by a grant from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and scholarships from the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (J. G.), the Landesgraduierten-förderungsgesetz Baden-Württemberg (J.-P. S) and the Gerhard-Rösch-Stiftung (D. S.). We thank R. Hofmann for her excellent technical assistance.     

Auxin-induced rapid changes in translatable mRNAs in tobacco cell suspension

When 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)-dependent tobacco cell suspensions, one normal and one transformed by Agrobacterium tumefaciens, were subcultured on hormone-lacking medium the stationary phase of the cell cycle was reached earlier than on medium containing 2,4-D. Addition of the auxin 2,4-D could restore cell division activity within 10–12 h for the most rapidly reacting cell line. The cell-division response was characterized as being auxin-specific and optimal with 2,4-D at 2.2 10^-6 M. Although the cell lines used showed different characteristics, both reacted with a rapid increase in at least three mRNA species within 1 or 2 h after 2,4-D application. Two, 2,4-D-induced protein spots, seen after in-vitro translation, had the same characteristics (MWs 35 kilodaltons (kDa) and 25 kDa with isoelectric points of 7.1 and 6.3, respectively) in both cell lines. Water-treated controls did not show alterations in the translatable mRNA populations. This indicates that the accumulation of the corresponding mRNAs is an early hormone-induced event. Since cell division is the only measurable reaction found after auxin application, cell systems as described here offer excellent possibilities for studying early auxin-induced changes at the molecular level preceding mitosis.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - kDa kilodalton     

Anthranilate synthase forms in plants and cultured cells of Nicotiana tabacum L.

Tobacco (N. tabacum cv. Xanthi) cell lines contained two forms of anthranilate synthase (AS; EC 4.1.3.27) which could be partially separated by gel-filtration chromatography. One form was resistant to feedback inihibition by 10 M tryptophan (trp) while the other form was almost completely inhibited by trp at the same concentration. Cell lines selected as resistant to 5-methyltryptophan (5MT) had more of the trp-resistant AS form. Only the trp-sensitive form was detected in plants regenerated from both normal and 5MT-resistant cell lines. Overexpression of the trp-resistant form in 5MT-resistant tobacco cells disappeared during plant regeneration but reappeared when callus was initiated from the leaves of these plants. The trp-sensitive form was localized in the particulate fraction and the trp-resistant form in the cytosol of tobacco cultured cell protoplasts. The trp-resistant form of AS from tobacco had an estimated MW of 200 000, determined by Sephacryl S-200 chromatography, compared to an estimated MW of 150 000 for the trp-sensitive form. The estimated molecular weights of AS from carrot and corn were 160 000 and 150 000, respectively. Analysis of AS activity from the diploid Nicotiana species Nicotiana otophora (chromosome number 2n=24) by high-performance liquid chromatography showed two activity peaks identical in elution time and trp inhibition characteristics to the activity from N. tabacum (chromosome No. 48). Thus the two enzyme forms found in tobacco did not appear to have originated individually from the progenitor species genomes which combined to make up the tobacco genome.Abbreviations AS anthranilate synthase - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - HPLC high-performance liquid chromatography - 5MT D1-5-methyltryptophan - trp L-tryptophan     

Rapid induction of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and chalcone synthase mRNAs during fungus infection of soybean (Glycine max L.) roots or elicitor treatment of soybean cell cultures at the onset of phytoalexin synthesis

The differential regulation of the activities and amounts of mRNAs for two enzymes involved in isoflavonoid phytoalexin biosynthesis in soybean was studied during the early stages after inoculation of primary roots with zoospores from either race 1 (incompatible, host resistant) or race 3 (compatible, host susceptible) of Phytophthora megasperma f.sp. glycinea, the causal fungus of root rot disease. In the incompatible interaction, cloned cDNAs were used to demonstrate that the amounts of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and chalcone synthase mRNAs increased rapidly at the time of penetration of fungal germ tubes into epidermal cell layers (1–2 h after inoculation) concomitant with the onset of phytoalxxin accumulation; highest levels were reached after about 7 h. In the compatible interaction, only a slight early enhancement of mRNA levels was found and no further increase occurred until about 9 h after inoculation. The time course for changes in the activity of chalcone synthase mRNA also showed major differences between the incompatible and compatible interaction. The observed kinetics for the stimulation of mRNA expression related to phytoalexin synthesis in soybean roots lends further support to the hypothesis that phytoalexin production is an early defense response in the incompatible plant-fungus interaction. The kinetics for the enhancement of mRNA expression after treatment of soybean cell suspension cultures with a glucan elicitor derived from P. megasperma cell walls was similar to that measured during the early stages of the resistant response of soybean roots.Abbreviations cDNA copy DNA - CHS chalcone synthase - PAL phenylalanine ammonia-lyase     

In situ localization of chalcone synthase inLarix needles by indirect immunofluorescence

Summary Chalcone synthase (CHS), the key enzyme of flavonoid biosynthesis, is localized by indirect immunofluorescence in needles ofLarix decidua. In young stages of needle development CHS is present in epidermal cells and individual cells in the region of the vascular bundles which possibly contain tannins. A later developmental stage exhibits immunofluorescence predominantly in the mesophyll of the needle. The epidermis and the cells in the vicinity of the vascular bundles show a considerably weaker and only sporadically detectable fluorescence. CHS is no longer observable at the latest analyzed stages of needle development.     

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and chalcone synthase in glands ofPrimula kewensis (W. Wats): immunofluorescence and immunogold localization

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and chalcone synthase (CHS) were localized by indirect immunofluorescence and immunogold labeling in glands ofPrimula kewensis. Both enzymes were exclusively present in the head cells of the glands. Phenylalanine ammonialyase was located in the regions of the dense tubular endoplasmic reticulum and occasionally found in more or less spherical organelles that have not yet been identified. Furthermore, an appreciable proportion of the enzyme protein was associated with the plasmalemma and the cell wall of the head cell. In contrast, the occurrence of CHS was restricted to the spherical, unidentified cell compartments. Our findings indicate that the gland cells have the potential for flavonoid biosynthesis. When a mutant ofP. kewensis forming structurally intact glands but incapable of farina excretion was studied, neither PAL nor CHS were found in the head cells.Abbreviations CHS chalcone synthase - IgG immunoglobulin G - PAL phenylalanine ammonia-lyase Financial support from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and the Fonds der Chemischen Industrie is gratefully acknowledged. We are grateful to Mrs. Karin Schlattmann and Mrs. Susanne Otter for preparing the ultrathin sections and to Mrs. Marianne Opalka for taking the photographs.     

Cross-reaction of chalcone synthase and stilbene synthase overexpressed in Escherichia coli

Chalcone synthase (CHS) and stilbene synthase (STS) are related plant polyketide synthases belonging to the CHS superfamily. CHS and STS catalyze common condensation reactions of p-coumaroyl-CoA and three C₂-units from malonyl-CoA but different cyclization reactions to produce naringenin chalcone and resveratrol, respectively. Using purified Pueraria lobata CHS and Arachis hypogaea STS overexpressed in Escherichia coli, bisnoryangonin (BNY, the derailed lactone after two condensations) and p-coumaroyltriacetic acid lactone (the derailed lactone after three condensations) were detected from the reaction products. More importantly, we found a cross-reaction between CHS and STS, i.e. resveratrol production by CHS (2.7–4.2% of naringenin) and naringenin production by STS (1.4–2.3% of resveratrol), possibly due to the conformational flexibility of their active sites.     

Molecular cloning and expression profiling of a chalcone synthase gene from hairy root cultures of Scutellaria viscidula Bunge

A cDNA encoding chalcone synthase (CHS), the key enzyme in flavonoid biosynthesis, was isolated from hairy root cultures of Scutellaria viscidula Bunge by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The full-length cDNA of S. viscidula CHS, designated as Svchs (GenBank accession no. EU386767), was 1649 bp with a 1170 bp open reading frame (ORF) that corresponded to a deduced protein of 390 amino acid residues, a calculated molecular mass of 42.56 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point (pI) of 5.79. Multiple sequence alignments showed that SvCHS shared high homology with CHS from other plants. Functional analysis in silico indicated that SvCHS was a hydrophilic protein most likely associated with intermediate metabolism. The active sites of the malonyl-CoA binding motif, coumaroyl pocket and cyclization pocket in CHS of Medicago sativa were also found in SvCHS. Molecular modeling indicated that the secondary structure of SvCHS contained mainly α-helixes and random coils. Phylogenetic analysis showed that SvCHS was most closely related to CHS from Scutellaria baicalensis. In agreement with its function as an elicitor-responsive gene, the expression of Svchs was induced and coordinated by methyl jasmonate. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the isolation and expression of a gene from S. viscidula.     

Benzophenone synthase and chalcone synthase from Hypericum androsaemum cell cultures: cDNA cloning,functional expression,and site-directed mutagenesis of two polyketide synthases

Benzophenone derivatives, such as polyprenylated benzoylphloroglucinols and xanthones, are biologically active secondary metabolites. The formation of their C13 skeleton is catalyzed by benzophenone synthase (BPS; EC 2.3.1.151) that has been cloned from cell cultures of Hypericum androsaemum. BPS is a novel member of the superfamily of plant polyketide synthases (PKSs), also termed type III PKSs, with 53-63% amino acid sequence identity. Heterologously expressed BPS was a homodimer with a subunit molecular mass of 42.8 kDa. Its preferred starter substrate was benzoyl-CoA that was stepwise condensed with three malonyl-CoAs to give 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzophenone. BPS did not accept activated cinnamic acids as starter molecules. In contrast, recombinant chalcone synthase (CHS; EC 2.3.1.74) from the same cell cultures preferentially used 4-coumaroyl-CoA and also converted CoA esters of benzoic acids. The enzyme shared 60.1% amino acid sequence identity with BPS. In a phylogenetic tree, the two PKSs occurred in different clusters. One cluster was formed by CHSs including the one from H. androsaemum. BPS grouped together with the PKSs that functionally differ from CHS. Site-directed mutagenesis of amino acids shaping the initiation/elongation cavity of CHS yielded a triple mutant (L263M/F265Y/S338G) that preferred benzoyl-CoA over 4-coumaroyl-CoA.     

Expression of the chalcone synthase gene from grape and preparation of an anti-CHS antibody

Flavonoids are closely related to a plant's antioxidative ability. Because chalcone synthase (CHS) is the first enzyme to act as part of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, its expression and regulation are important. Here we present the expression of a full-length chs cDNA with 1225bp from grape seedlings as well as the preparation of an antibody against the expressed protein. A full-length chs cDNA was introduced into an expressed plasmid pET-30a(+) vector at the EcoRI and SalI restriction sites. pET-chs was found to be highly expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) pLysS cells with isopropyl-beta-d-thiogalactoside (IPTG) induction. A fusion protein with the His.tag label was purified by Ni-NTA His.Bind Resin and then used as the antigen to immunize a New Zealand rabbit. The resulting antiserum was then further precipitated by 50% saturated ammonium sulfate and DEAE-Sepharose FF column chromatography to obtain the immunoglobulin G (IgG) fraction. The resulting antibody was found capable of immuno-recognizing the CHS of the crude protein extracts from different grape tissues with a molecular mass of 43kDa.