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Publications - Cell and Metabolic Biology

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Publications

Jäckel, L.; Schnabel, A.; Stellmach, H.; Klauß, U.; Matschi, S.; Hause, G.; Vogt, T.; The terminal enzymatic step in piperine biosynthesis is co‐localized with the product piperine in specialized cells of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Plant J. 111, 731–747, (2022) DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15847

Piperine (1-piperoyl piperidine) is responsible for the pungent perception of dried black pepper (Pipernigrum) fruits and essentially contributes to the aromatic properties of this spice in combination with ablend of terpenoids. The final step in piperine biosynthesis involves piperine synthase (PS), which catalyzesthe reaction of piperoyl CoA and piperidine to the biologically active and pungent amide. Nevertheless, experimental data on the cellular localization of piperine and the complete biosynthetic pathway are missing. Not only co-localization of enzymes and products, but also potential transport of piperamides to thesink organs is a possible alternative. This work, which includes purification of the native enzyme, immunolocalization, laser microdissection, fluorescence microscopy, and electron microscopy combinedwith liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS), providesexperimental evidence that piperine and PS are co-localized in specialized cells of the black pepper fruit peri-sperm. PS accumulates during early stages of fruit development and its level declines before the fruits arefully mature. The product piperine is co-localized to PS and can be monitored at the cellular level by itsstrong bluish fluorescence. Rising piperine levels during fruit maturation are consistent with the increasingnumbers of fluorescent cells within the perisperm. Signal intensities of individual laser-dissected cells whenmonitored by LC-ESI-MS/MS indicate molar concentrations of this alkaloid. Significant levels of piperineand additional piperamides were also detected in cells distributed in the cortex of black pepper roots. Insummary, the data provide comprehensive experimental evidence of and insights into cell-specific biosyn-thesis and storage of piperidine alkaloids, specific and characteristic for the Piperaceae. By a combination offluorescence microscopy and LC-MS/MS analysis we localized the major piperidine alkaloids to specific cellsof the fruit perisperm and the root cortex. Immunolocalization of native piperine and piperamide synthasesshows that enzymes are co-localized with high concentrations of products in these idioblasts.
Publications

Tabassum, N.; Eschen-Lippold, L.; Athmer, B.; Baruah, M.; Brode, M.; Maldonado-Bonilla, L. D.; Hoehenwarter, W.; Hause, G.; Scheel, D.; Lee, J.; Phosphorylation‐dependent control of an RNA granule‐localized protein that fine‐tunes defence gene expression at a post‐transcriptional level Plant J. 101, 1023-1039, (2020) DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14573

Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are key signalling modules of plant defence responses to pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs, e.g. bacterial flg22 peptide). The Tandem Zinc Finger Protein 9 (TZF9) is an RNA‐binding protein that is phosphorylated by two PAMP‐responsive MAPKs, MPK3 and MPK6. We mapped the major phosphosites in TZF9 and showed their importance for controlling in vitro RNA‐binding activity, in vivo flg22‐induced rapid disappearance of TZF9‐labelled processing body‐like structures and TZF9 protein turnover. Microarray analysis showed a strong discordance between transcriptome (total mRNA) and translatome (polysome‐associated mRNA) in the tzf9 mutant, with more mRNAs associated to ribosomes in the absence of TZF9. This suggests that TZF9 may sequester and inhibit translation of subsets of mRNAs. Fittingly, TZF9 physically interacts with poly(A)‐binding protein 2 (PAB2), a hallmark constituent of stress granules – a site for stress‐induced translational stalling/arrest. TZF9 even promotes stress granule assembly in the absence of stress. Hence, MAPKs may control defence gene expression post‐transcriptionally through release from translation arrest within TZF9‐PAB2‐containing RNA granules or perturbing PAB2 functions in translation control (e.g. in the mRNA closed‐loop model of translation).
Publications

Grunewald, S.; Marillonnet, S.; Hause, G.; Haferkamp, I.; Neuhaus, H. E.; Veß, A.; Hollemann, T.; Vogt, T.; The Tapetal Major Facilitator NPF2.8 is Required for Accumulation of Flavonol Glycosides on the Pollen Surface in Arabidopsis thaliana Plant Cell 32, 1727-1748, (2020) DOI: 10.1105/tpc.19.00801

The exine of angiosperm pollen grains is usually covered by a complex mix of metabolites including pollen-specific hydroxycinnamic acid amides (HCAAs) and flavonoid glycosides. Whereas the biosynthetic pathways resulting in the formation of HCAAs and flavonol glycosides have been characterized, it is unclear, how these compounds are transported to the pollen surface. In this report we provide several lines of evidence that AtNPF2.8, a member of the nitrate/peptide NTR/PTR family of transporters is required for accumulation and transport of pollen-specific flavonol 3-O-sophorosides, characterized by a glycosidic β-1,2-linkage, to the pollen surface of Arabidopsis. Ectopic, transient expression of this flavonol sophoroside transporter, termed AtFST1, fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) demonstrated localization of AtFST1 at the plasmalemma in epidermal leaf cells of Nicotiana benthamiana whereas the tapetum-specific AtFST1-expression was confirmed by promAtFST1:GFP-reporter lines. In vitro characterization of AtFST1-activity was achieved by microbial uptake assays based on 14C-labeled flavonol glycosides. Finally, rescue of an fst1-line by complementation with a genomic fragment of the AtFST1 gene restored flavonol glycoside accumulation of pollen grains to wild-type levels corroborating the requirement of AtFST1 for transport of flavonol-3-O-sophorosides from the tapetum to the pollen surface.
Publications

Schubert, R.; Dobritzsch, S.; Gruber, C.; Hause, G.; Athmer, B.; Schreiber, T.; Marillonnet, S.; Okabe, Y.; Ezura, H.; Acosta, I. F.; Tarkowská, D.; Hause, B.; Tomato MYB21 Acts in Ovules to Mediate Jasmonate-Regulated Fertility Plant Cell 31, 1043-1062, (2019) DOI: 10.1105/tpc.18.00978

The function of the plant hormone jasmonic acid (JA) in the development of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) flowers was analyzed with a mutant defective in JA perception (jasmonate-insensitive1-1, jai1-1). In contrast with Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) JA-insensitive plants, which are male sterile, the tomato jai1-1 mutant is female sterile, with major defects in female development. To identify putative JA-dependent regulatory components, we performed transcriptomics on ovules from flowers at three developmental stages from wild type and jai1-1 mutants. One of the strongly downregulated genes in jai1-1 encodes the MYB transcription factor SlMYB21. Its Arabidopsis ortholog plays a crucial role in JA-regulated stamen development. SlMYB21 was shown here to exhibit transcription factor activity in yeast, to interact with SlJAZ9 in yeast and in planta, and to complement Arabidopsis myb21-5. To analyze SlMYB21 function, we generated clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)/CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9) mutants and identified a mutant by Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes (TILLING). These mutants showed female sterility, corroborating a function of MYB21 in tomato ovule development. Transcriptomics analysis of wild type, jai1-1, and myb21-2 carpels revealed processes that might be controlled by SlMYB21. The data suggest positive regulation of JA biosynthesis by SlMYB21, but negative regulation of auxin and gibberellins. The results demonstrate that SlMYB21 mediates at least partially the action of JA and might control the flower-to-fruit transition.
Publications

Dobritzsch, S.; Weyhe, M.; Schubert, R.; Dindas, J.; Hause, G.; Kopka, J.; Hause, B.; Dissection of jasmonate functions in tomato stamen development by transcriptome and metabolome analyses BMC Biol. 13, 28, (2015) DOI: 10.1186/s12915-015-0135-3

BackgroundJasmonates are well known plant signaling components required for stress responses and development. A prominent feature of jasmonate biosynthesis or signaling mutants is the loss of fertility. In contrast to the male sterile phenotype of Arabidopsis mutants, the tomato mutant jai1-1 exhibits female sterility with additional severe effects on stamen and pollen development. Its senescence phenotype suggests a function of jasmonates in regulation of processes known to be mediated by ethylene. To test the hypothesis that ethylene involved in tomato stamen development is regulated by jasmonates, a temporal profiling of hormone content, transcriptome and metabolome of tomato stamens was performed using wild type and jai1-1.ResultsWild type stamens showed a transient increase of jasmonates that is absent in jai1-1. Comparative transcriptome analyses revealed a diminished expression of genes involved in pollen nutrition at early developmental stages of jai1-1 stamens, but an enhanced expression of ethylene-related genes at late developmental stages. This finding coincides with an early increase of the ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) in jai1-1 and a premature pollen release from stamens, a phenotype similarly visible in an ethylene overproducing mutant. Application of jasmonates to flowers of transgenic plants affected in jasmonate biosynthesis diminished expression of ethylene-related genes, whereas the double mutant jai1-1 NeverRipe (ethylene insensitive) showed a complementation of jai1-1 phenotype in terms of dehiscence and pollen release.ConclusionsOur data suggest an essential role of jasmonates in the temporal inhibition of ethylene production to prevent premature desiccation of stamens and to ensure proper timing in flower development.
Publications

Bergau, N.; Bennewitz, S.; Syrowatka, F.; Hause, G.; Tissier, A.; The development of type VI glandular trichomes in the cultivated tomato Solanum lycopersicum and a related wild species S. habrochaites BMC Plant Biol. 15, 289, (2015) DOI: 10.1186/s12870-015-0678-z

BackgroundType VI glandular trichomes represent the most abundant trichome type on leaves and stems of tomato plants and significantly contribute to herbivore resistance, particularly in the wild species. Despite this, their development has been poorly studied so far. The goal of this study is to fill this gap. Using a variety of cell imaging techniques, a detailed record of the anatomy and developmental stages of type VI trichomes in the cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and in a related wild species (S. habrochaites) is provided.ResultsIn both species, the development of these structures follows a highly reproducible cell division pattern. The two species differ in the shape of the trichome head which is round in S. habrochaites and like a four-leaf clover in S. lycopersicum, correlating with the presence of a large intercellular cavity in S. habrochaites where the produced metabolites accumulate. In both species, the junction between the intermediate cell and the four glandular cells constitute a breaking point facilitating the decapitation of the trichome and thereby the quick release of the metabolites. A strongly auto-fluorescent compound transiently accumulates in the early stages of development suggesting a potential role in the differentiation process. Finally, immuno-labelling with antibodies recognizing specific cell wall components indicate a key role of pectin and arabinogalactan components in the differentiation of type VI trichomes.ConclusionsOur observations explain the adaptive morphologies of type VI trichomes for metabolite storage and release and provide a framework for further studies of these important metabolic cellular factories. This is required to better exploit their potential, in particular for the breeding of pest resistance in tomato.
Books and chapters

Hause, B.; Hause, G.; Microscope Techniques and Single Cell Analysis (Krauss, G.-J. & Nies, D. H., eds.). 366-382, (2015) ISBN: 9783527686063 DOI: 10.1002/9783527686063.ch19

For centuries, progress in biological research has been connected to the development of tools and equipment that allow new insights into the living matter. The invention of and improvements in optical systems were very important because exceeding the limits of the optical resolution of the human eye delivered new insights into tissues, cells, and subcellular compartments on the one hand and cellular processes on the other. Even the very first light microscopes, developed at the beginning of the seventeenth century, enabled the discovery of “Cells as little boxes” by Robert Hooke, and of bacteria by Antoni van Leeuwenhoek. Since then, many aspects of microscopes have been improved and new illumination, staining, and detection methods have been developed in order to increase the optical resolution. In this chapter, we describe the principles and possibilities of the use of microscopes in biology, as well as specific methods of preparing biological materials in order to obtain optimum microscopic images with an appropriate scientific message. Further, emphasis is given on staining techniques used for biological materials including transgenic approaches that use the wide variance of fluorescent proteins.
Publications

Phan, H. T.; Hause, B.; Hause, G.; Arcalis, E.; Stoger, E.; Maresch, D.; Altmann, F.; Joensuu, J.; Conrad, U.; Influence of Elastin-Like Polypeptide and Hydrophobin on Recombinant Hemagglutinin Accumulations in Transgenic Tobacco Plants PLOS ONE 9, e99347, (2014) DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099347

Fusion protein strategies are useful tools to enhance expression and to support the development of purification technologies. The capacity of fusion protein strategies to enhance expression was explored in tobacco leaves and seeds. C-terminal fusion of elastin-like polypeptides (ELP) to influenza hemagglutinin under the control of either the constitutive CaMV 35S or the seed-specific USP promoter resulted in increased accumulation in both leaves and seeds compared to the unfused hemagglutinin. The addition of a hydrophobin to the C-terminal end of hemagglutinin did not significantly increase the expression level. We show here that, depending on the target protein, both hydrophobin fusion and ELPylation combined with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) targeting induced protein bodies in leaves as well as in seeds. The N-glycosylation pattern indicated that KDEL sequence-mediated retention of leaf-derived hemagglutinins and hemagglutinin-hydrophobin fusions were not completely retained in the ER. In contrast, hemagglutinin-ELP from leaves contained only the oligomannose form, suggesting complete ER retention. In seeds, ER retention seems to be nearly complete for all three constructs. An easy and scalable purification method for ELPylated proteins using membrane-based inverse transition cycling could be applied to both leaf- and seed-expressed hemagglutinins.
Publications

Goetz, S.; Hellwege, A.; Stenzel, I.; Kutter, C.; Hauptmann, V.; Forner, S.; McCaig, B.; Hause, G.; Miersch, O.; Wasternack, C.; Hause, B.; Role of cis-12-Oxo-Phytodienoic Acid in Tomato Embryo Development Plant Physiol. 158, 1715-1727, (2012) DOI: 10.1104/pp.111.192658

Oxylipins including jasmonates are signaling compounds in plant growth, development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) most mutants affected in jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis and signaling are male sterile, whereas the JA-insensitive tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) mutant jai1 is female sterile. The diminished seed formation in jai1 together with the ovule-specific accumulation of the JA biosynthesis enzyme allene oxide cyclase (AOC), which correlates with elevated levels of JAs, suggest a role of oxylipins in tomato flower/seed development. Here, we show that 35S::SlAOC-RNAi lines with strongly reduced AOC in ovules exhibited reduced seed set similarly to the jai1 plants. Investigation of embryo development of wild-type tomato plants showed preferential occurrence of AOC promoter activity and AOC protein accumulation in the developing seed coat and the embryo, whereas 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA) was the dominant oxylipin occurring nearly exclusively in the seed coat tissues. The OPDA- and JA-deficient mutant spr2 was delayed in embryo development and showed an increased programmed cell death in the developing seed coat and endosperm. In contrast, the mutant acx1a, which accumulates preferentially OPDA and residual amount of JA, developed embryos similar to the wild type, suggesting a role of OPDA in embryo development. Activity of the residual amount of JA in the acx1a mutant is highly improbable since the known reproductive phenotype of the JA-insensitive mutant jai1 could be rescued by wound-induced formation of OPDA. These data suggest a role of OPDA or an OPDA-related compound for proper embryo development possibly by regulating carbohydrate supply and detoxification.
Publications

Mrosk, C.; Forner, S.; Hause, G.; Küster, H.; Kopka, J.; Hause, B.; Composite Medicago truncatula plants harbouring Agrobacterium rhizogenes-transformed roots reveal normal mycorrhization by Glomus intraradices J. Exp. Bot. 60, 3797-3807, (2009) DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erp220

Composite plants consisting of a wild-type shoot and a transgenic root are frequently used for functional genomics in legume research. Although transformation of roots using Agrobacterium rhizogenes leads to morphologically normal roots, the question arises as to whether such roots interact with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in the same way as wild-type roots. To address this question, roots transformed with a vector containing the fluorescence marker DsRed were used to analyse AM in terms of mycorrhization rate, morphology of fungal and plant subcellular structures, as well as transcript and secondary metabolite accumulations. Mycorrhization rate, appearance, and developmental stages of arbuscules were identical in both types of roots. Using Mt16kOLI1Plus microarrays, transcript profiling of mycorrhizal roots showed that 222 and 73 genes exhibited at least a 2-fold induction and less than half of the expression, respectively, most of them described as AM regulated in the same direction in wild-type roots. To verify this, typical AM marker genes were analysed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and revealed equal transcript accumulation in transgenic and wild-type roots. Regarding secondary metabolites, several isoflavonoids and apocarotenoids, all known to accumulate in mycorrhizal wild-type roots, have been found to be up-regulated in mycorrhizal in comparison with non-mycorrhizal transgenic roots. This set of data revealed a substantial similarity in mycorrhization of transgenic and wild-type roots of Medicago truncatula, validating the use of composite plants for studying AM-related effects.
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