Arabidopsis thaliana branching enzyme 1 is essential for amylopectin biosynthesis and cesium tolerance.

Journal of Plant Physiology
Junxia ZhangZhi Qi

Abstract

Arabidopsis thaliana BRANCHING ENZYME 1 (AtBE1) is a chloroplast-localized embryo-lethal gene previously identified in knockout mutants. AtBE1 is thought to function in carbohydrate metabolism; however, this has not been experimentally demonstrated. Chlorosis is a typical symptom of cesium (Cs) toxicity in plants. The genetic target of Cs toxicity is largely unknown. Here, we isolated a Cs+-tolerant and chlorophyll-defective Arabidopsis ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutant, atbe1-5. Mapping by sequencing and genetic complementation confirmed that a single amino acid change (P749S) in a random coil motif of AtBE1 confers the mutant's Cs+-tolerant and chlorophyll-defective phenotype. An isothermal titration calorimetry assay determined that the 749th residue is the Cs+-binding site and hence likely the target of Cs+ toxicity. We hypothesized that binding of Cs+ to the 749th residue of AtBE1 inhibits the enzyme's activity and confers Cs+ toxicity, which in turn reduces photosynthetic efficiency. In support with this hypothesis, atbe1-5 leaves have a reduced photosynthetic efficiency, and their amylose and amylopectin contents are ∼60 % and ∼1%, respectively, of those in Col-0 ecotype leaves. Leaves of the mutant have a lower sucros...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.