独一味苯丙氨酸解氨酶基因的克隆与表达分析

以独一味叶片为材料,采用RT-PCR和RACE方法克隆了独一味苯丙氨酸解氨酶基因（PAL）的全长cDNA,命名为LrPAL基因。测序结果表明,LrPA L基因全长2 298 bp,含有1个2 145 bp的完整开放阅读框（ORF）,编码714个氨基酸。蛋白序列分析表明,其包含典型的PAL活性中心序列（GTITASGDLVPLSYIA）,与其他植物的PAL蛋白有很高的同源性。系统进化树分析表明,独一味LrPAL与唇形科植物的PAL蛋白聚为一类,说明两者的亲缘关系较近。用 Real-Time PCR方法检测发现,LrPAL基因在独一味的叶中表达量最高,茎中表达量最少。研究结果推测,从独一味中克隆获得的苯丙氨酸解氨酶基因（LrPAL）是典型的PAL家族成员,在独一味各组织发育过程中具有重要功能。     

H2O2 induces rapid biophysical and permeability changes in the plasma membrane of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the diffusion rate of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) through the plasma membrane decreases during adaptation to H₂O₂ by means of a mechanism that is still unknown. Here, evidence is presented that during adaptation to H₂O₂ the anisotropy of the plasma membrane increases. Adaptation to H₂O₂ was studied at several times (15min up to 90min) by applying the steady-state H₂O₂ delivery model. For wild-type cells, the steady-state fluorescence anisotropy increased after 30min, or 60min, when using 2-(9-anthroyloxy) stearic acid (2-AS), or diphenylhexatriene (DPH) membrane probe, respectively. Moreover, a 40% decrease in plasma membrane permeability to H₂O₂ was observed at 15min with a concomitant two-fold increase in catalase activity. Disruption of the ergosterol pathway, by knocking out either ERG3 or ERG6, prevents the changes in anisotropy during H₂O₂ adaptation. H₂O₂ diffusion through the plasma membrane in S. cerevisiae cells is not mediated by aquaporins since the H₂O₂ permeability constant is not altered in the presence of the aquaporin inhibitor mercuric chloride. Altogether, these results indicate that the regulation of the plasma membrane permeability towards H₂O₂ is mediated by modulation of the biophysical properties of the plasma membrane.     

H2S and its role in redox signaling

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has emerged as an important gaseous signaling molecule that is produced endogenously by enzymes in the sulfur metabolic network. H₂S exerts its effects on multiple physiological processes important under both normal and pathological conditions. These functions include neuromodulation, regulation of blood pressure and cardiac function, inflammation, cellular energetics and apoptosis. Despite the recognition of its biological importance and its beneficial effects, the mechanism of H₂S action and the regulation of its tissue levels remain unclear in part owing to its chemical and physical properties that render handling and analysis challenging. Furthermore, the multitude of potential H₂S effects has made it difficult to dissect its signaling mechanism and to identify specific targets. In this review, we focus on H₂S metabolism and provide an overview of the recent literature that sheds some light on its mechanism of action in cellular redox signaling in health and disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Thiol-Based Redox Processes.     

Genetic diversity and population structure of Lamiophlomis rotata (Lamiaceae), an endemic species of Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Lamiophlomis rotata (Lamiaceae), a perennial medicinal herb, is endemic to the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. A total of 188 individuals from eight natural populations of L. rotata in Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (four from Tibet, two from Yunnan, and two from Qinghai) were analyzed using intersimple sequence repeats (ISSR) and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) techniques. Our results revealed that the level of genetic variation in L. rotata was relatively high (P = 94.85%, I = 0.440 ± 0.220, H _T = 0.289 ± 0.028). Three genetic groups corresponding to the three geographic regions were detected, suggesting significant geographic structure. Our results suggest that the highly structured geographic pattern found in L. rotata might represent diverging evolutionary processes associated with the uplifting of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and Quaternary climatic oscillations. These findings imply that as many populations as possible should be preserved in situ for the conservation of this species. Given their genetic variability and peripheral distribution, Qinghai and Yunnan populations should be assigned priority for conservation. Optimal harvesting strategies, domestication and tissue culture of L. rotata should be developed as soon as possible to guarantee its sustainable use.     

Differential susceptibility to hydrogen sulfide-induced apoptosis between PHLDA1-overexpressing oral cancer cell lines and oral keratinocytes: Role of PHLDA1 as an apoptosis suppressor

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a novel gasotransmitter that plays multiple biological roles in various body systems. In addition to its endogenous production, H₂S is produced by bacteria colonizing digestive organs, including the oral cavity. H₂S was previously shown to enhance pro-apoptotic effects in cancer cell lines, although the mechanisms involved remain unclear. To properly assess the anti-cancer effects of H₂S, however, investigations of apoptotic effects in normal cells are also necessary. The aims of this study were (1) to compare the susceptibility to H₂S-induced apoptosis between the oral cancer cell line Ca9-22 and oral keratinocytes that were derived from healthy gingiva, and (2) to identify candidate genes involved in the induction of apoptosis by H₂S. The susceptibility to H₂S-induced apoptosis in Ca9-22 cells was significantly higher than that in keratinocytes. H₂S exposure in Ca9-22 cells, but not keratinocytes, enhanced the expression of pleckstrin homology-like domain, family A, member 1 (PHLDA1), which was identified through a differential display method. In addition, PHLDA1 expression increased during actinomycin D-induced apoptosis in Ca9-22 cells. Knockdown of PHLDA1 expression by small interfering RNA in Ca9-22 cells led to expression of active caspase 3, thus indicating apoptosis induction. The tongue cancer cell line SCC-25, which expresses PHLDA1 at a high level, showed similar effects. Our data indicate that H₂S is an anti-cancer compound that may contribute to the low incidence of oral cancer. Furthermore, we demonstrated the role of PHLDA1 as an apoptosis suppressor.     

Endogenous and exogenous hydrogen sulfide facilitates T-type calcium channel currents in Cav3.2-expressing HEK293 cells

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a gasotransmitter, is formed from l-cysteine by multiple enzymes including cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE). We have shown that an H₂S donor, NaHS, causes hyperalgesia in rodents, an effect inhibited by knockdown of Ca_v3.2 T-type Ca²⁺ channels (T-channels), and that NaHS facilitates T-channel-dependent currents (T-currents) in NG108-15 cells that naturally express Ca_v3.2. In the present study, we asked if endogenous and exogenous H₂S participates in regulation of the channel functions in Ca_v3.2-transfected HEK293 (Ca_v3.2-HEK293) cells. dl-Propargylglycine (PPG), a CSE inhibitor, significantly decreased T-currents in Ca_v3.2-HEK293 cells, but not in NG108-15 cells. NaHS at 1.5 mM did not affect T-currents in Ca_v3.2-HEK293 cells, but enhanced T-currents in NG108-15 cells. In the presence of PPG, NaHS at 1.5 mM, but not 0.1–0.3 mM, increased T-currents in Ca_v3.2-HEK293 cells. Similarly, Na₂S, another H₂S donor, at 0.1–0.3 mM significantly increased T-currents in the presence, but not absence, of PPG in Ca_v3.2-HEK293 cells. Expression of CSE was detected at protein and mRNA levels in HEK293 cells. Intraplantar administration of Na₂S, like NaHS, caused mechanical hyperalgesia, an effect blocked by NNC 55-0396, a T-channel inhibitor. The in vivo potency of Na₂S was higher than NaHS. These results suggest that the function of Ca_v3.2 T-channels is tonically enhanced by endogenous H₂S synthesized by CSE in Ca_v3.2-HEK293 cells, and that exogenous H₂S is capable of enhancing Ca_v3.2 function when endogenous H₂S production by CSE is inhibited. In addition, Na₂S is considered a more potent H₂S donor than NaHS in vitro as well as in vivo.     

CO2 starvation experiments provide support for the carbon-limited hypothesis on the evolution of CAM-like behaviour in Isoëtes

Background and AimsCrassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is an adaptation to increase water use efficiency in dry environments. Similar biochemical patterns occur in the aquatic lycophyte genus Isoëtes. It has long been assumed and accepted that CAM-like behaviour in these aquatic plants is an adaptation to low daytime carbon levels in aquatic ecosystems, but this has never been directly tested.MethodsTo test this hypothesis, populations of Isoëtes engelmannii and I. tuckermanii were grown in climate-controlled chambers and starved of atmospheric CO₂ during the day while pH was measured for 24 h.Key ResultsWe demonstrate that terrestrial plants exposed to low atmospheric CO₂ display diel acidity cycles similar to those in both xerophytic CAM plants and submerged Isoëtes.ConclusionsDaytime CO₂ starvation induces CAM-like nocturnal acid accumulation in terrestrial Isoëtes, substantiating the hypothesis that carbon starvation is a selective pressure for this physiological behaviour.     

Use of Enzymatic Biosensors to Quantify Endogenous ATP or H2O2 in the Kidney

Enzymatic microelectrode biosensors have been widely used to measure extracellular signaling in real-time. Most of their use has been limited to brain slices and neuronal cell cultures. Recently, this technology has been applied to the whole organs. Advances in sensor design have made  possible the measuring of cell signaling in blood-perfused in vivo kidneys. The present protocols list the steps needed to measure ATP and H₂O₂ signaling in the rat kidney interstitium. Two separate sensor designs are used for the ex vivo and in vivo protocols. Both types of sensor are coated with a thin enzymatic biolayer on top of a permselectivity layer to give fast responding, sensitive and selective biosensors. The permselectivity layer protects the signal from the interferents in biological tissue, and the enzymatic layer utilizes the sequential catalytic reaction of glycerol kinase and glycerol-3-phosphate oxidase in the presence of ATP to produce H₂O₂. The set of sensors used for the ex vivo studies further detected analyte by oxidation of H₂O₂ on a platinum/iridium (Pt-Ir) wire electrode. The sensors for the in vivo studies are instead based on the reduction of H₂O₂ on a mediator coated gold electrode designed for blood-perfused tissue. Final concentration changes are detected by real-time amperometry followed by calibration to known concentrations of analyte. Additionally, the specificity of the amperometric signal can be confirmed by the addition of enzymes such as catalase and apyrase that break down H₂O₂ and ATP correspondingly. These sensors also rely heavily on accurate calibrations before and after each experiment. The following two protocols establish the study of real-time detection of ATP and H₂O₂ in kidney tissues, and can be further modified to extend the described method for use in other biological preparations or whole organs.     

Mitochondrial Sulfide Quinone Oxidoreductase Prevents Activation of the Unfolded Protein Response in Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an endogenously produced gaseous molecule with important roles in cellular signaling. In mammals, exogenous H₂S improves survival of ischemia/reperfusion. We have previously shown that exposure to H₂S increases the lifespan and thermotolerance in Caenorhabditis elegans, and improves protein homeostasis in low oxygen. The mitochondrial SQRD-1 (sulfide quinone oxidoreductase) protein is a highly conserved enzyme involved in H₂S metabolism. SQRD-1 is generally considered important to detoxify H₂S. Here, we show that SQRD-1 is also required to maintain protein translation in H₂S. In sqrd-1 mutant animals, exposure to H₂S leads to phosphorylation of eIF2α and inhibition of protein synthesis. In contrast, global protein translation is not altered in wild-type animals exposed to lethally high H₂S or in hif-1(ia04) mutants that die when exposed to low H₂S. We demonstrate that both gcn-2 and pek-1 kinases are involved in the H₂S-induced phosphorylation of eIF2α. Both ER and mitochondrial stress responses are activated in sqrd-1 mutant animals exposed to H₂S, but not in wild-type animals. We speculate that SQRD-1 activity in H₂S may coordinate proteostasis responses in multiple cellular compartments.     

NO serves as a signaling intermediate downstream of H2O2 to modulate dynamic microtubule cytoskeleton during responses to VD-toxins in Arabidopsis

Although hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and nitric oxide (NO) can act as an upstream signaling molecule to modulate the dynamic microtubule cytoskeleton during the defense responses to Verticillium dahliae (VD) toxins in Arabidopsis, it is not known the relationship between these two signaling molecules. Here, we show that VD-toxin-induced NO accumulation was dependent on prior H₂O₂ production, NO is downstream of H₂O₂ in the signaling process, and that H₂O₂ acted synergistically with NO to modulate the dynamic microtubule cytoskeleton responses to VD-toxins in Arabidopsis.     

Hydrogen-rich water regulates cucumber adventitious root development in a heme oxygenase-1/carbon monoxide-dependent manner

Hydrogen gas (H₂) is an endogenous gaseous molecule in plants. Although its reputation is as a “biologically inert gas”, recent results suggested that H₂ has therapeutic antioxidant properties in animals and plays fundamental roles in plant responses to environmental stresses. However, whether H₂ regulates root morphological patterns is largely unknown. In this report, hydrogen-rich water (HRW) was used to characterize H₂ physiological roles and possible signaling transduction pathways in the promotion of adventitious root (AR) formation in cucumber explants. Our results showed that a 50% concentration of HRW was able to mimic the effect of hemin, an inducer of a carbon monoxide (CO) synthetic enzyme, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), in restoring AR formation in comparison with the inhibition effect conferred by auxin-depletion treatment alone. It was further shown that the inducible effect of HRW could be further blocked by the co-treatment with N-1-naphthylphtalamic acid (NPA; an auxin transport inhibitor). The HRW-induced response, at least partially, was HO-1-dependent. This conclusion was supported by the fact that the exposure of cucumber explants to HRW up-regulates cucumber HO-1 gene expression and its protein levels. HRW-mediated induction of representative target genes related to auxin signaling and AR formation, such as CsDNAJ-1, CsCDPK1/5, CsCDC6, CsAUX22B-like, and CsAUX22D-like, and thereafter AR formation (particularly in the AR length) was differentially sensitive to the HO-1 inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP). Above blocking actions were clearly reversed by CO, further confirming that the above response was HO-1/CO-specific. However, the addition of a well-known antioxidant, ascorbic acid (AsA), failed to influence AR formation triggered by HRW, thus ruling out the involvement of redox homeostasis in this process. Together, these results indicated that HRW-induced adventitious rooting is, at least partially, correlated with the HO-1/CO-mediated responses. We also suggested that exogenous HRW treatment on plants might be a good option to induce root organogenesis.     

Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase Type 2 (mPGES2) Is a Glutathione-dependent Heme Protein,and Dithiothreitol Dissociates the Bound Heme to Produce Active Prostaglandin E2 Synthase in Vitro

An x-ray study indicated that microsomal prostaglandin E synthase type 2 (mPGES2) is a heme-bound protein and catalyzes prostaglandin (PG) H₂ degradation, but not PGE₂ formation (Yamada, T., and Takusagawa, F. (2007) Biochemistry 46, 8414–8424). In response to the x-ray study, Watanabe et al. claimed that mPGES2 is a heme-free protein and that both the heme-free and heme-bound proteins have PGE₂ synthesis activity in the presence of dithiothreitol (Watanabe, K., Ito, S., and Yamamoto, S. (2008) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 367, 782–786). To resolve the contradictory results, the heme-binding scheme of mPGES2 was further characterized in vivo and in vitro by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. A substantial amount of heme-bound mPGES2 was detected in cell extracts. The heme content in mPGES2 was increased along with an increase in Fe³⁺ in the culture medium. Heme-free mPGES2 was converted to the heme-bound form by mixing it with pig liver extract, indicating that mPGES2 is capable of forming a complex with heme in mammalian cells. Heme binds to mPGES2 only in the presence of glutathione. The newly determined heme dissociation constant (2.9 nm) supports strongly that mPGES2 is a heme-bound protein in vivo. The bound heme was not dissociated by oxidation by H₂O₂ or reduction by glutathione or 2-mercaptoethanol. However, reduction by dithiothreitol (an artificial reducing compound) induced the bound heme to dissociate from mPGES2 and released heme-free mPGES2, which exhibited PGE₂ synthesis activity in vitro. Imidazole bound to mPGES2 by stacking on the bound heme and inhibited heme oxidation by H₂O₂ and reduction by dithiothreitol.     

Aquaporin-facilitated transmembrane diffusion of hydrogen peroxide

Background

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is an important signaling compound that has recently been identified as a new substrate for several members of the aquaporin superfamily in various organisms. Evidence is emerging about the physiological significance of aquaporin-facilitated H₂O₂ diffusion.

Scope of review

This review summarizes current knowledge about aquaporin-facilitated H₂O₂ diffusion across cellular membranes. It focuses on physicochemical and experimental evidence demonstrating the involvement of aquaporins in the transport of this redox signaling compound and discusses the regulation and structural prerequisites of these channels to transmit this signal. It also provides perspectives about the potential importance of aquaporin-facilitated H₂O₂ diffusion processes and places this knowledge in the context of the current understanding of transmembrane redox signaling processes.

Major conclusions

Specific aquaporin isoforms facilitate the passive diffusion of H₂O₂ across biological membranes and control H₂O₂ membrane permeability and signaling in living organisms.

General significance

Redox signaling is a very important process regulating the physiology of cells and organisms in a similar way to the well-characterized hormonal and calcium signaling pathways. Efficient transmembrane diffusion of H₂O₂, a key molecule in the redox signaling network, requires aquaporins and makes these channels important players in this signaling process. Channel-mediated membrane transport allows the fine adjustment of H₂O₂ levels in the cytoplasm, intracellular organelles, the apoplast, and the extracellular space, which are essential for it to function as a signal molecule. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Aquaporins.     

Hydrogen sulfide interacts with calcium signaling to enhance the chromium tolerance in Setaria italica

The oscillation of intracellular calcium (Ca²⁺) concentration is a primary event in numerous biological processes in plants, including stress response. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), an emerging gasotransmitter, was found to have positive effects in plants responding to chromium (Cr⁶⁺) stress through interacting with Ca²⁺ signaling. While Ca²⁺ resemblances H₂S in mediating biotic and abiotic stresses, crosstalk between the two pathways remains unclear. In this study, Ca²⁺ signaling interacted with H₂S to produce a complex physiological response, which enhanced the Cr⁶⁺ tolerance in foxtail millet (Setaria italica). Results indicate that Cr⁶⁺ stress activated endogenous H₂S synthesis as well as Ca²⁺ signaling. Moreover, toxic symptoms caused by Cr⁶⁺ stress were strongly moderated by 50 μM H₂S and 20 mM Ca²⁺. Conversely, treatments with H₂S synthesis inhibitor and Ca²⁺ chelators prior to Cr⁶⁺-exposure aggravated these toxic symptoms. Interestingly, Ca²⁺ upregulated expression of two important factors in metal metabolism, MT3A and PCS, which participated in the biosynthesis of heavy metal chelators, in a H₂S-dependent manner to cope with Cr⁶⁺ stress. These findings also suggest that the H₂S dependent pathway is a component of the Ca²⁺ activating antioxidant system and H₂S partially contributes Ca²⁺-activating antioxidant system.     

光呼吸研究进展

光呼吸是指植物绿色组织依赖光能吸收O₂并释放CO₂的过程,它被认为是一个浪费能量的过程。正常生长的C₃植物光呼吸可损耗光合产物的25%~30%,在干旱、高温、高光等逆境胁迫下,该损耗可高达50%,因此,显著提高C₃植物的生产力可通过减少光呼吸通量来实现。尽管光呼吸对植物生产力的负面影响明显,但它对植物一些必要生理活动可能起着重要作用,其中包括参与光保护、H₂O₂信号发生、氮代谢、光氧化和抗逆反应等。该文对光呼吸的改造优化需要把握好平衡点与适配度。基于Rubisco改造、CO₂浓缩机制(CCM)和光呼吸支路创建的光呼吸改造研究进展进行了综述。通过了解调控光呼吸提高植物光能转化效率方面的最新进展, 可望为光呼吸代谢的分子调控及改良研究提供指导。     

Hydrogen peroxide primes heart regeneration with a derepression mechanism

While the adult human heart has very limited regenerative potential, the adult zebrafish heart can fully regenerate after 20% ventricular resection. Although previous reports suggest that developmental signaling pathways such as FGF and PDGF are reused in adult heart regeneration, the underlying intracellular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here we show that H₂O₂ acts as a novel epicardial and myocardial signal to prime the heart for regeneration in adult zebrafish. Live imaging of intact hearts revealed highly localized H₂O₂ (∼30 μM) production in the epicardium and adjacent compact myocardium at the resection site. Decreasing H₂O₂ formation with the Duox inhibitors diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) or apocynin, or scavenging H₂O₂ by catalase overexpression markedly impaired cardiac regeneration while exogenous H₂O₂ rescued the inhibitory effects of DPI on cardiac regeneration, indicating that H₂O₂ is an essential and sufficient signal in this process. Mechanistically, elevated H₂O₂ destabilized the redox-sensitive phosphatase Dusp6 and hence increased the phosphorylation of Erk1/2. The Dusp6 inhibitor BCI achieved similar pro-regenerative effects while transgenic overexpression of dusp6 impaired cardiac regeneration. H₂O₂ plays a dual role in recruiting immune cells and promoting heart regeneration through two relatively independent pathways. We conclude that H₂O₂ potentially generated from Duox/Nox2 promotes heart regeneration in zebrafish by unleashing MAP kinase signaling through a derepression mechanism involving Dusp6.     

The F420-Reducing [NiFe]-Hydrogenase Complex from Methanothermobacter marburgensis, the First X-ray Structure of a Group 3 Family Member

The reversible redox reaction between coenzyme F₄₂₀ and H₂ to F₄₂₀H₂ is catalyzed by an F₄₂₀-reducing [NiFe]-hydrogenase (FrhABG), which is an enzyme of the energy metabolism of methanogenic archaea. FrhABG is a group 3 [NiFe]-hydrogenase with a dodecameric quaternary structure of 1.25 MDa as recently revealed by high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy. We report on the crystal structure of FrhABG from Methanothermobacter marburgensis at 1.7 Å resolution and compare it with the structures of group 1 [NiFe]-hydrogenases, the only group structurally characterized yet. FrhA is similar to the large subunit of group 1 [NiFe]-hydrogenases regarding its core structure and the embedded [NiFe]-center but is different because of the truncation of ca 160 residues that results in similar but modified H₂ and proton transport pathways and in suitable interfaces for oligomerization. The small subunit FrhG is composed of an N-terminal domain related to group 1 enzymes and a new C-terminal ferredoxin-like domain carrying the distal and medial [4Fe-4S] clusters. FrhB adopts a novel fold, binds one [4Fe-4S] cluster as well as one FAD in a U-shaped conformation and provides the F₄₂₀-binding site at the Si-face of the isoalloxazine ring. Similar electrochemical potentials of both catalytic reactions and the electron-transferring [4Fe-4S] clusters, determined to be E°′ ≈ − 400 mV, are in full agreement with the equalized forward and backward rates of the FrhABG reaction. The protein might contribute to balanced redox potentials by the aspartate coordination of the proximal [4Fe-4S] cluster, the new ferredoxin module and a rather negatively charged FAD surrounding.     

Netuptake of sulphate and its transport to the shoot in tobacco plants fumigated with H2S or SO2

In tobacco plants the net uptake of sulphate and its transport to the shoot were determined after cultivation with low, normal, and high sulphate supply. The relative amount of the sulphate taken up that was transported to the shoot was used as a measure of xylem loading. Net uptake of sulphate and its transport to the shoot were low in tobacco plants grown with low sulphate, and high in plants cultivated with high sulphate. Xylem loading, however, was relatively low in tobacco plants grown with high sulphate and relatively high in tobacco plants grown with low sulphate supply. Pre-culture in low sulphate containing nutrient solution also resulted in a high proportion of the absorbed sulphate being transported into the xylem if normal sulphateconcentration was supplied afterwards. Fumigation with H₂S or SO₂ reduced net uptake of sulphate in tobacco plants grown with normal, but not with high sulphate supply. Sulphate transport to the shoots was diminished by H₂S or SO₂ fumigation in tobacco plants grown with normal and high sulphate supply. Also the relative amount of the sulphate taken up that was transported to the shoot was lowered by fumigation with H₂S or SO₂ in tobacco plants grown with normal sulphate supply. Apparently, the diminished sulphate transport to the shoot upon H₂S or SO₂ fumigation can only partially be explained by a smaller sulphate uptake. Sulphur nutrition of tobacco plants also seems to be controlled by xylem loading of sulphate. The possible role of glutathione as a signal regulating sulphur nutrition of tobacco plants upon fumigation with H₂S and SO₂ is discussed.