IN THIS ISSUE:

Oxylipin Signaling in Plant Stress Responses

Nancy A. Eckardt

Plant Cell 2008 20: 495-497. First Published on March 21, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.108.059485

[Full Text] [PDF]

IN BRIEF:

The IMEter Predicts an Intron's Ability to Boost Gene Expression

Kathleen L. Farquharson

Plant Cell 2008 20: 498. First Published on March 4, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.108.200310

[Full Text] [PDF]

Aquaporins and Chloroplast Membrane Permeability

Nancy A. Eckardt

Plant Cell 2008 20: 499. First Published on March 18, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.108.200311

[Full Text] [PDF]

Cellulose Synthesis in Phytophthora infestans Pathogenesis

Jennifer Mach

Plant Cell 2008 20: 500. First Published on March 18, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.108.200312

[Full Text] [PDF]

Heritability of the Tomato Fruit Metabolome

Nancy A. Eckardt

Plant Cell 2008 20: 501. First Published on March 25, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.108.200313

[Full Text] [PDF]

CURRENT PERSPECTIVE ESSAY: SPECIAL SERIES ON LARGE-SCALE BIOLOGY:

Pond Scum Genomics: The Genomes of Chlamydomonas and Ostreococcus

Graham Peers and Krishna K. Niyogi

Plant Cell 2008 20: 502-507. First Published on March 21, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.107.056556

[Full Text] [PDF]

RESEARCH ARTICLES:

Mode of Inheritance of Primary Metabolic Traits in Tomato Nicolas Schauer, Yaniv Semel, Ilse Balbo, Matthias Steinfath, Dirk Repsilber, Joachim Selbig, Tzili Pleban, Dani Zamir, and Alisdair R. Fernie Plant Cell 2008 20: 509-523. First Published on March 25, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.107.056523 This study evaluates the genetics underlying variation in the chemical composition of fruit of tomato lines either homozygous or heterozygous for introgressions from the wild tomato species Solanum pennellii. The hereditability and mode of inheritance of these traits is assessed, as is their association with yield-associated traits. Results are discussed in the context of future breeding strategies. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data] OPEN ACCESS ARTICLE

The Leaf Epidermome of Catharanthus roseus Reveals Its Biochemical Specialization Jun Murata, Jonathon Roepke, Heather Gordon, and Vincenzo De Luca Plant Cell 2008 20: 524-542. First Published on March 7, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.107.056630 This study examines the epidermome, the complement of proteins expressed in the leaf epidermis. Sequencing of epidermal-enriched mRNAs extracted from the medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus showed that leaf epidermis is highly specialized for secondary metabolism pathways, including those of monoterpenoid indole alkaloid, flavonoid, triterpenoid, and very-long-chain fatty acid biosynthesis. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data] OPEN ACCESS ARTICLE

Promoter-Proximal Introns in Arabidopsis thaliana Are Enriched in Dispersed Signals that Elevate Gene Expression Alan B. Rose, Tali Elfersi, Genis Parra, and Ian Korf Plant Cell 2008 20: 543-551. First Published on March 4, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.107.057190 A word-based algorithm is used to show that the similarity of individual introns to the composition of promoter-proximal introns as a group correlates with their ability to increase gene expression in Arabidopsis and rice. The sequences responsible for elevating expression are distributed throughout a stimulating intron. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data] OPEN ACCESS ARTICLE

Heme, a Plastid-Derived Regulator of Nuclear Gene Expression in Chlamydomonas

Erika D. von Gromoff, Ali Alawady, Linda Meinecke, Bernhard Grimm, and Christoph F. Beck

Plant Cell 2008 20: 552-567. First Published on March 25, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.107.054650

This work shows the activation of nuclear genes that harbor a plastid response element in their promoters by two tetrapyrroles, Mg-protoporphyrin IX and heme. Both are synthesized in the chloroplast and may serve as plastid factors in retrograde signaling.

[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data]

The Highly Similar Arabidopsis Homologs of Trithorax ATX1 and ATX2 Encode Proteins with Divergent Biochemical Functions

Abdelaty Saleh, Raul Alvarez-Venegas, Mehtap Yilmaz, Oahn Le, Guichuan Hou, Monther Sadder, Ayed Al-Abdallat, Yuannan Xia, Guoqinq Lu, Istvan Ladunga, and Zoya Avramova

Plant Cell 2008 20: 568-579. First Published on March 28, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.107.056614

The two trithorax homologs ATX1 and ATX2 are highly conserved but have divergent regulatory sequences, resulting in distinct temporal and spatial patterns of expression. ATX1 and ATX2 regulate largely nonoverlapping sets of genes and may employ different mechanisms when coregulating shared targets. Their divergence has separated H3K4 di- from H3K4 trimethyltransferase activity.

[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data]

ARABIDOPSIS TRITHORAX1 Dynamically Regulates FLOWERING LOCUS C Activation via Histone 3 Lysine 4 Trimethylation

Stéphane Pien, Delphine Fleury, Joshua S. Mylne, Pedro Crevillen, Dirk Inzé, Zoya Avramova, Caroline Dean, and Ueli Grossniklaus

Plant Cell 2008 20: 580-588. First Published on March 28, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.108.058172

The trithorax group of proteins maintains stable epigenetic expression of animal genes. This study unravels the role of trithorax in plants by demonstrating that ARABIDOPSIS TRITHORAX1 dynamically regulates the expression of a floral repressor gene by modulating trimethylation of a key histone.

[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data]

EMB2473/MIRO1, an Arabidopsis Miro GTPase, Is Required for Embryogenesis and Influences Mitochondrial Morphology in Pollen

Shohei Yamaoka and Christopher J. Leaver

Plant Cell 2008 20: 589-601. First Published on March 14, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.107.055756

Miro GTPases in other species regulate mitochondrial morphology and movement within cells. This study shows that an Arabidopsis Miro GTPase is vital for embryogenesis and pollen tube growth, implying an important role for mitochondrial morphology and motility in developmental processes and physiological function in plants.

[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data]

Haplo-Insufficiency of MPK3 in MPK6 Mutant Background Uncovers a Novel Function of These Two MAPKs in Arabidopsis Ovule Development

Huachun Wang, Yidong Liu, Kristin Bruffett, Justin Lee, Gerd Hause, John C. Walker, and Shuqun Zhang

Plant Cell 2008 20: 602-613. First Published on March 25, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.108.058032

In ovule development, sporophytic integument cells divide to cover the growing female gametophyte. Here, genetic analysis reveals a novel function of the MAP kinases MPK3 and MPK6 in ovule development. MPK3 shows haplo-insufficiency in the mpk6 mutant background: integument cells of mpk3^+/– mpk6^–/– mutants stop dividing and thus restrict the female gametophyte, resulting in female sterility.

[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data]

Exclusion of a Proton ATPase from the Apical Membrane Is Associated with Cell Polarity and Tip Growth in Nicotiana tabacum Pollen Tubes

Ana C. Certal, Ricardo B. Almeida, Lara M. Carvalho, Eric Wong, Nuno Moreno, Erwan Michard, Jorge Carneiro, Joaquín Rodriguéz-Léon, Hen-Ming Wu, Alice Y. Cheung, and José A. Feijó

Plant Cell 2008 20: 614-634. First Published on March 25, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.106.047423

Pollen tubes exhibit an extreme case of cell polarity. This study identifies a plasma membrane–bound proton pump that is absent from the tip of growing tobacco pollen tubes and proposes a mechanism for establishing cell polarity in pollen tubes based on regulation of proton dynamics.

[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data]

The AGL62 MADS Domain Protein Regulates Cellularization during Endosperm Development in Arabidopsis

Il-Ho Kang, Joshua G. Steffen, Michael F. Portereiko, Alan Lloyd, and Gary N. Drews

Plant Cell 2008 20: 635-647. First Published on March 11, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.107.055137

Arabidopsis endosperm nuclei go through multiple rounds of mitosis without cytokinesis, producing a syncytium. After this phase, cell walls form around the nuclei. This work examines AGL62, a MADS domain protein that prevents the premature onset of cellularization during the syncytial phase of endosperm development. Several Polycomb group genes suppress AGL62 expression to allow cellularization.

[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data]

Function of Nicotiana tabacum Aquaporins as Chloroplast Gas Pores Challenges the Concept of Membrane CO₂ Permeability

Norbert Uehlein, Beate Otto, David T. Hanson, Matthias Fischer, Nate McDowell, and Ralf Kaldenhoff

Plant Cell 2008 20: 648-657. First Published on March 18, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.107.054023

Chloroplast membrane permeability for CO₂ is modified by the function of the tobacco aquaporin AQP1 in the inner chloroplast membrane. In vivo reduction of Nt AQP1 expression causes an increased resistance to CO₂ diffusion from the atmosphere to the site of photosynthetic CO₂ fixation in the chloroplast stroma. As a consequence, Nt AQP1 function affects CO₂ fixation and photosynthesis rates.

[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

The Arabidopsis P₄-ATPase ALA3 Localizes to the Golgi and Requires a β-Subunit to Function in Lipid Translocation and Secretory Vesicle Formation

Lisbeth Rosager Poulsen, Rosa Laura López-Marqués, Stephen C. McDowell, Juha Okkeri, Dirk Licht, Alexander Schulz, Thomas Pomorski, Jeffrey F. Harper, and Michael Gjedde Palmgren

Plant Cell 2008 20: 658-676. First Published on March 14, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.107.054767

Asymmetry between the two lipid monolayers of the membrane is generated by enzymes that flip specific phospholipids across it, thus increasing membrane curvature and initiating vesicle formation. This work characterizes an Arabidopsis P-type pump that associates with a β-subunit to make a functional flippase complex essential for the proper growth of roots and shoots.

[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data]

The Arabidopsis thaliana Type I Isopentenyl Diphosphate Isomerases Are Targeted to Multiple Subcellular Compartments and Have Overlapping Functions in Isoprenoid Biosynthesis

Michael A. Phillips, John C. D'Auria, Jonathan Gershenzon, and Eran Pichersky

Plant Cell 2008 20: 677-696. First Published on March 4, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.107.053926

Isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase 1 and 2 interconvert key intermediates of isoprenoid biosynthesis and operate in multiple compartments. In Arabidopsis, proteins translated from full-length transcripts of IDI1 and IDI2 are targeted to the plastid and mitochondria, respectively, while shorter transcripts of both, which produce proteins lacking transit peptides, function redundantly in the cytosol.

[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

The F-Box Protein ACRE189/ACIF1 Regulates Cell Death and Defense Responses Activated during Pathogen Recognition in Tobacco and Tomato

Harrold A. van den Burg, Dimitrios I. Tsitsigiannis, Owen Rowland, Jane Lo, Ghanasyam Rallapalli, Daniel MacLean, Frank L.W. Takken, and Jonathan D.G. Jones

Plant Cell 2008 20: 697-719. First Published on March 28, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.107.056978

This work shows that ACRE189/ACIF1 is a widely conserved F-box protein required for the hypersensitive response to various pathogen elicitors. It is recruited to a class of ubiquitin E3 ligase complexes and likely regulates defense responses via methyl jasmonate– and abscisic acid–responsive genes.

[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data]

Cellulose Synthesis in Phytophthora infestans Is Required for Normal Appressorium Formation and Successful Infection of Potato

Laura J. Grenville-Briggs, Victoria L. Anderson, Johanna Fugelstad, Anna O. Avrova, Jamel Bouzenzana, Alison Williams, Stephan Wawra, Stephen C. Whisson, Paul R.J. Birch, Vincent Bulone, and Pieter van West

Plant Cell 2008 20: 720-738. First Published on March 18, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.107.052043

This article describes the functional characterization of a new family of four cellulose synthase genes from the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestans and demonstrates by RNA interference and chemical inhibition that cellulose synthesis is required for normal appressorium formation and successful infection of potato.

[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data]

The Coiled-Coil and Nucleotide Binding Domains of the Potato Rx Disease Resistance Protein Function in Pathogen Recognition and Signaling Gregory J. Rairdan, Sarah M. Collier, Melanie A. Sacco, Thomas T. Baldwin, Teresa Boettrich, and Peter Moffett Plant Cell 2008 20: 739-751. First Published on March 14, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.107.056036 Proper function of plant nucleotide binding leucine-rich repeat (NB-LRR) proteins requires the concerted action of multiple protein domains. This study shows that the N-terminal coiled-coil domain of potato Rx functions to bridge the interaction between the Rx cofactor RanGAP2 and the rest of the Rx protein. In addition, the Rx NB domain is sufficient to induce defense-related responses. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data] OPEN ACCESS ARTICLE

A MYB Transcription Factor Regulates Very-Long-Chain Fatty Acid Biosynthesis for Activation of the Hypersensitive Cell Death Response in Arabidopsis Sylvain Raffaele, Fabienne Vailleau, Amandine Léger, Jérôme Joubès, Otto Miersch, Carine Huard, Elisabeth Blée, Sébastien Mongrand, Frédéric Domergue, and Dominique Roby Plant Cell 2008 20: 752-767. First Published on March 7, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.107.054858 The transcription factor MYB30 positively regulates the hypersensitive response to pathogen attack in Arabidopsis. This study shows that genes involved in lipid biosynthesis are likely to be targets for MYB30 and that very-long-chain fatty acid synthesis is needed for MYB30's effect on the hypersensitive response. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data] OPEN ACCESS ARTICLE

General Detoxification and Stress Responses Are Mediated by Oxidized Lipids through TGA Transcription Factors in Arabidopsis

Stefan Mueller, Beate Hilbert, Katharina Dueckershoff, Thomas Roitsch, Markus Krischke, Martin J. Mueller, and Susanne Berger

Plant Cell 2008 20: 768-785. First Published on March 11, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.107.054809

Oxylipin signals, such as jasmonic acid, induce plant defense responses and affect plant development. This work examines signalling by other oxylipins formed via enzymatic or free radical–catalyzed pathways. The investigation includes microarray analysis of gene expression, examination of effects on plant development, and genetic analysis of downstream factors.

[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data]

Modulation of Nitrosative Stress by S-Nitrosoglutathione Reductase Is Critical for Thermotolerance and Plant Growth in Arabidopsis

Ung Lee, Chris Wie, Bernadette O. Fernandez, Martin Feelisch, and Elizabeth Vierling

Plant Cell 2008 20: 786-802. First Published on March 7, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.107.052647

By analyzing both missense and null mutations of the gene encoding GSNOR, S-nitrosoglutathione reductase, this work shows that NO status and NO metabolism affect both general development and acquired thermotolerance in Arabidopsis. GSNOR-regulated NO homeostasis is key for the response to abiotic thermal stress and for normal plant growth and fertility.

[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data]

Phospholipase D3 Is Involved in the Hyperosmotic Response in Arabidopsis

Yueyun Hong, Xiangqing Pan, Ruth Welti, and Xuemin Wang

Plant Cell 2008 20: 803-816. First Published on March 25, 2008; 10.1105/tpc.107.056390

The phospholipase D (PLD) family is activated in response to hyperosmotic stress. This study shows that overexpressing Arabidopsis PLD3 improves the plant's ability to respond to hyperosmotic stress, whereas ablating this gene compromises it. Thus, PLD3 appears to be involved in modulating the plant's response to hyperosmotic stress.

[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

To see an article, click its [Full Text] or [PDF] link. To review many abstracts, check the boxes to the left of the titles you want, and click the 'Get All Checked Abstract(s)' button. To see one abstract at a time, click its [Abstract] link.