The vacuolar localization of basic isoperoxidases in grapevine suspension cell cultures and its significance in indole-3-acetic acid catabolism

The study of the subcellular localization of the basic isoperoxidases in grapevines was carried out by using cells cultured in suspension as a model system. Results from subcellular fractionation, isoenzyme analysis, enzyme binding and cytochemical probes suggest that basic isoperoxidases are localized mainly in the vacuolar sap of the suspension cultured cells, probably in equilibrium with a pool of the same basic isoperoxidases bound to the internal face of tonoplast membranes through a Ca²⁺-saline bridge. This vacuolar location of basic isoperoxidases raised the question of their function, since indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) oxidase activity of these isoperoxidases is almost totally inhibited by vacuolar anthocyanins in the in vivo concentration range of these compounds. Thus, a central role is proposed for these isoenzymes in the H₂O₂-dependent oxidative phenol metabolism which occurs in grapevines, discarding therefore a possible role of these isoperoxidases in the control of IAA levels during the later stages of development of anthocyanin-rich grapes.