Uclacyanin Proteins Are Required for Lignified Nanodomain Formation within Casparian Strips

© 2020 The Author(s) Casparian strips (CSs) are cell wall modifications of vascular plants restricting extracellular free diffusion into and out of the vascular system [1]. This barrier plays a critical role in controlling the acquisition of nutrients and water necessary for normal plant development [2–5]. CSs are formed by the precise deposition of a band of lignin approximately 2 μm wide and 150 nm thick spanning the apoplastic space between adjacent endodermal cells [6, 7]. Here, we identified a copper-containing protein, Uclacyanin1 (UCC1), that is sub-compartmentalized within the CS. UCC1 forms a central CS nanodomain in comparison with other CS-located proteins that are found to be mainly accumulated at the periphery of the CS. We found that loss-of-function of two uclacyanins (UCC1 and UCC2) reduces lignification specifically in this central CS nanodomain, revealing a nano-compartmentalized machinery for lignin polymerization. This loss of lignification leads to increased endodermal permeability and, consequently, to a loss of mineral nutrient homeostasis

Surveillance of cell wall diffusion barrier integrity modulates water and solute transport in plants

We acknowledge support from the ERA-NET Coordinating Action in Plant Sciences program project ERACAPS13.089_RootBarriers, with support from Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (grant no. BB/N023927/1 to D.E.S.), the German Research Foundation (DFG; grant no. FR 1721/2-1 to R.B.F. and the AgreenSkills+ fellowship programme to MC-P which has received funding from the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme under grant agreement N° FP7-609398 (AgreenSkills+ contract). This work was also funded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (National Program for Sustainability I, grant no. LO1204), the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems (Vinnova) and the Swedish Research Council (VR). We thank Kevin Mackenzie (University of Aberdeen–Microscopy Histology Facility) and Carine Alcon (BPMP-PHIV microscopy platform) for assistance using the confocal microscope and stereo microscope for observing the root samples, and the Swedish Metabolomics Centre (http://www.swedishmetabolomicscentre.se/) for access to instrumentation.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Coordination between microbiota and root endodermis supports plant mineral nutrient homeostasis

Copyright © 2021, American Association for the Advancement of Science. Plant roots and animal guts have evolved specialized cell layers to control mineral nutrient homeostasis. These layers must tolerate the resident microbiota while keeping homeostatic integrity. Whether and how the root diffusion barriers in the endodermis, which are critical for the mineral nutrient balance of plants, coordinate with the microbiota is unknown. We demonstrate that genes controlling endodermal function in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana contribute to the plant microbiome assembly. We characterized a regulatory mechanism of endodermal differentiation driven by the microbiota with profound effects on nutrient homeostasis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this mechanism is linked to the microbiota's capacity to repress responses to the phytohormone abscisic acid in the root. Our findings establish the endodermis as a regulatory hub coordinating microbiota assembly and homeostatic mechanisms

A novel signaling pathway required for Arabidopsis endodermal root organization shapes the Rhizosphere microbiome

The Casparian strip (CS) constitutes a physical diffusion barrier to water and nutrients in plant roots, which is formed by the polar deposition of lignin polymer in the endodermis tissue. The precise pattern of lignin deposition is determined by the scaffolding activity of membrane-bound Casparian Strip domain proteins (CASPs), but little is known of the mechanism(s) directing this process. Here, we demonstrate that Endodermis-specific Receptor-like Kinase 1 (ERK1) and, to a lesser extent, ROP Binding Kinase1 (RBK1) are also involved in regulating CS formation, with the former playing an essential role in lignin deposition as well as in the localization of CASP1. We show that ERK1 is localized to the cytoplasm and nucleus of the endodermis and that together with the circadian clock regulator, Time for Coffee (TIC), forms part of a novel signaling pathway necessary for correct CS organization and suberization of the endodermis, with their single or combined loss of function resulting in altered root microbiome composition. In addition, we found that other mutants displaying defects in suberin deposition at the CS also display altered root exudates and microbiome composition. Thus, our work reveals a complex network of signaling factors operating within the root endodermis that establish both the CS diffusion barrier and influence the microbial composition of the rhizosphere

Schengen-pathway controls spatially separated and chemically distinct lignin deposition in the endodermis

Lignin is a complex polymer precisely deposited in the cell wall of specialised plant cells, where it provides essential cellular functions. Plants coordinate timing, location, abundance and composition of lignin deposition in response to endogenous and exogenous cues. In roots, a fine band of lignin, the Casparian strip encircles endodermal cells. This forms an extracellular barrier to solutes and water and plays a critical role in maintaining nutrient homeostasis. A signalling pathway senses the integrity of this diffusion barrier and can induce over-lignification to compensate for barrier defects. Here, we report that activation of this endodermal sensing mechanism triggers a transcriptional reprogramming strongly inducing the phenylpropanoid pathway and immune signaling. This leads to deposition of compensatory lignin that is chemically distinct from Casparian strip lignin. We also report that a complete loss of endodermal lignification drastically impacts mineral nutrients homeostasis and plant growth

Regulation and function of ferritins in Arabidopsis thaliana : involvment in root development

Le fer est un élément essentiel pour les cellules car il est le cofacteur de nombreuses protéines impliquées dans de multiples processus biologiques comme la photosynthèse et la respiration. Cependant, l'excès de fer peut être délétère pour la cellule, car il peut réagir avec l'oxygène pour former des espèces réactives de l'oxygène (ROS). Les ferritines sont des protéines chloroplastiques codées par le génome nucléaire permettant de stocker le fer en excès sous forme non toxique. Chez les végétaux, la synthèse des ferritines est majoritairement régulée au niveau transcriptionnel en réponse au fer contrairement aux animaux où elle est majoritairement régulée au niveau post-transcriptionnel. Toutefois, une régulation post-transcriptionnelle a été mise en évidence pour le gène de ferritine AtFer1. L'ARNm d'AtFer1 est déstabilisé en réponse à un stress oxydatif généré par un excès de fer. Cette régulation fait intervenir un élément cis nommé DST (DownSTream) localisé dans la région 3' transcrite non traduite de ce transcrit (3'UTR). Chez deux mutants précédemment identifiés comme agissant en trans (dst1 et dst2), cette régulation est affectée. Une caractérisation physiologique de ces mutants a permis de montrer que cette voie de dégradation est un mécanisme essentiel contrôlant la physiologie et la croissance de la plante en réponse à un stress oxydatif. D'autre part, l'expression d'AtFer1 ainsi que d'autres gènes codant des protéines chloroplastiques est régulée par un acteur de la machinerie de dégradation des ARNm, l'exoribonucléase XRN4. Ces ARNm codant des protéines chloroplastiques seraient localisés à la surface des chloroplastes. Cette localisation ferait intervenir des acteurs de la machinerie de dégradation des ARNm. La localisation subcellulaire du transcrit AtFer1 a été estimée par deux approches. L'ARNm d'AtFer1 a été visualisé par une technique d'imagerie, l'hybridation in situ révélé par fluorescence (FISH) (i). L'accumulation d'ARNm codant des protéines chloroplastiques a été évaluée dans deux fractions (chloroplastes isolés et feuilles entière) afin de savoir si certain ARNm se retrouvent enrichis dans la fraction chloroplastique (ii). Les résultats obtenus suggèrent que l'ARNm d'AtFer1 serait localisé autour des chloroplastes, cependant cette localisation ne semble pas être affectée chez le mutant xrn4. Enfin, ce travail a permis de caractériser la régulation et la fonction des ferritines dans les racines d'Arabidopsis. Le fer en excès induit la synthèse de ferritines dans les racines, AtFer1 puis AtFer3 sont les gènes de ferritines les plus exprimés dans cet organe. Les racines de plantes cultivées en excès de fer présentent des spots de fer dans les cellules de l'endoderme et du péricycle, là où l'expression des gènes AtFer1 et AtFer3 est retrouvée. Ces spots sont absents dans un triple mutant fer1-3-4. L'excès de fer diminue la longueur de la racine primaire de manière indépendante des ferritines. Par contre, l'excès de fer modifie la densité et l'élongation des racines latérales, ces deux modifications requièrent la présence des ferritines. Lors d'un excès de fer, les ferritines participent à la mise en place du gradient de H2O2 et de O2.- entre les zones de prolifération et de différentiations. Ce gradient est impliqué dans le contrôle la croissance racinaire.Iron is essential for cells because it is the cofactor of many proteins involved in many biological processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. However, iron in excess can be deleterious to the cell due to its capacity to react with oxygen to form reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ferritins are plastidial proteins encoded by nuclear genes in order to store iron in a safe form. In plants, ferritin synthesis is mainly regulated at the transcriptional level in response to iron in contrast to animals, where it is mainly regulated at the post-transcriptional level.However, post-transcriptional regulation has been shown for the ferritin gene AtFer1. The AtFer1 mRNA is destabilized in response to oxidative stress generated by an excess of iron. This regulation involves a cis element called DST (DownSTream) located in the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of this transcript. In two mutants previously identified as trans-acting (dst1 and dst2), this regulation is affected. Physiological characterizations of these mutants have shown this pathway is an important mechanism to control physiology and plant growth in response to oxidative stress.On the other hand, AtFer1 expression and expression of other genes encoding chloroplast proteins are regulated by a component of the mRNA decay machinery, the exoribonuclease XRN4. These mRNAs encoding chloroplast proteins would be localized on the surface of chloroplasts. This location would involve component of the mRNA decay machinery. The subcellular localization of AtFer1 mRNA was estimated by two approaches. AtFer1 mRNA was visualized by an imaging technique, fluorescent in situ hybridization revealed by (FISH) (i). Accumulation of mRNA encoding chloroplast proteins was evaluated in two fractions (purified chloroplasts and total leaves) to determine if some mRNAs are found enriched in the chloroplast fraction (ii) . Our results suggest that the AtFer1 mRNA is localized around chloroplasts, however, this location does not seem to be affected in the xrn4 mutant. Finally, this work has shown the regulation and function of ferritins in the roots of Arabidopsis. Iron in excess induces ferritin synthesis in roots, and AtFer1 then AtFer3 are the most expressed ferritin genes in this organ. Roots grown in iron excess present spots of iron in the cellular layers of the endoderm and pericycle, where AtFer1 and AtFer3 ferritin genes are expressed. This staining disappears in a triple fer1-3-4 ferritin mutant. Fe in excess decreases primary root length independently of the ferritins. In contrast, Fe excess mediated alteration of lateral root density and mean length requires ferritins, in particular at the highest Fe concentration tested. During an iron excess, ferritin are involved in the establishment of the H2O2 and O2.- gradient between proliferation and differentiation zones. This gradient is known to control of root growth

Iron and ferritin dependent ROS distribution impact Arabidopsis root

Iron and ferritin dependent ROS distribution impact Arabidopsis root. XVII Iron Symposium on Iron Nutrition and Interactions in Plant

Iron- and Ferritin-Dependent Reactive Oxygen Species Distribution: Impact on Arabidopsis Root System Architecture

International audienceIron (Fe) homeostasis is integrated with the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) whose distribution at the root tip participates in the control of root growth. Excess Fe increases ferritin abundance, enabling the storage of Fe which contributes to protection of plants against Fe-induced oxidative stress. AtFer1 and AtFer3 are the two ferritin genes expressed in the meristematic zone, pericycle and endodermis of the Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) root, and it is in these regions that we observe Fe stained dots. This staining disappears in the triple fer1-3-4 ferritin mutant. Fe excess decreases primary root length in the same way in wild-type and in fer1-3-4 mutant. In contrast, the Fe mediated decrease of lateral root (LR) length and density is enhanced in fer1-3-4 plants due to a defect in LR emergence. We observe that this interaction between excess Fe, ferritin and RSA is in part mediated by the H2O2/O2 (.-) balance between the root cell proliferation and differentiation zones regulated by the UPB1 transcription factor. Further, meristem size is also decreased in response to Fe excess in ferritin mutant plants, implicating cell cycle arrest mediated by the ROS-activated SMR5/SMR7 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors pathway in the interaction between Fe and RSA

Subcellular localization of ferritin mRNA in Arabidopsis thaliana mutants impaired in mRNA decay

Subcellular localization of ferritin mRNA in Arabidopsis thaliana mutants impaired in mRNA decay. 3e journées scientifiques et techniques du réseau des microscopistes Inra : " De l'imagerie multiple à l'imagerie multimodale