Structural basis for specific substrate recognition by the chloroplast signal recognition particle protein cpSRP43

Secretory and membrane proteins carry amino-terminal signal sequences that, in cotranslational targeting, are recognized by the signal recognition particle protein SRP54 without sequence specificity. The most abundant membrane proteins on Earth are the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding proteins (LHCPs). They are synthesized in the cytoplasm, imported into the chloroplast, and posttranslationally targeted to the thylakoid membrane by cpSRP, a heterodimer formed by cpSRP54 and cpSRP43. We present the 1.5 angstrom crystal structure of cpSRP43 characterized by a unique arrangement of chromodomains and ankyrin repeats. The overall shape and charge distribution of cpSRP43 resembles the SRP RNA, which is absent in chloroplasts. The complex with the internal signal sequence of LHCPs reveals that cpSRP43 specifically recognizes a DPLG peptide motif. We describe how cpSPR43 adapts the universally conserved SRP system to posttranslational targeting and insertion of the LHCP family of membrane proteins.     

The putative elongator complex protein Elp3 is involved in asexual development and pathogenicity by regulating autophagy in the rice blast fungus

Autophagy is responsible for maintaining fundamental cellular homeostasis and is, therefore, essential for diverse development processes. This study reported that PoElp3, the putative catalytic subunit of Elongator complex, is involved in the maintenance of autophagy homeostasis to facilitate asexual development and pathogenicity in the rice blast fungus Pyricularia oryzae. It was found that the ΔPoelp3 strains were defective in vegetative growth, conidiation, stress response, and pathogenicity. The mutants exhibited hyper-activated autophagy in the vegetative hyphae under both nutrient-rich and nutrient-deficient conditions. The hyper-activation of autophagy possibly suppressed the production of vegetative hyphae in the ΔPoelp3 strains. Moreover, the ΔPoelp3 strains were found to be more sensitive to rapamycin during vegetative- and invasive-hyphal growth but have no effect on Target-of-Rapamycin (TOR) signaling inhibition. Taken together, these results demonstrated that PoElp3 is involved in asexual development and pathogenicity by regulating autophagy in the rice blast fungus.     

GraS is critical for chloroplast development and affects yield in rice

Leaf color has been considered an important agronomic trait in rice (Oryza sativa L.) for a long time. The changes in leaf color affect the yield of rice. In this study, a green-revertible albino (graS) mutant was isolated from a ⁶⁰Co-gamma-irradiated mutant pool of indica cultivar Guangzhan 63-4S. The fine mapping indicated that graS mutant was mapped to chromosome 1, and was located in a confined region between markers ab134 and InDel 8 with genetic distances of 0.11 and 0.06 cM, respectively. Based on the annotation results, four open reading frames (ORFs) were predicted in this region. Sequence analysis revealed that LOC_Os01g55974 had a 2-bp nucleotide insertion (AA) in the coding region that led to premature termination at the 324th base. Sequence analysis and expression analysis of related genes indicated that LOC_Os01g55974 is the candidate gene of GraS. We studied the genome and protein sequences of LOC_Os01g55974, and the data showed that GraS contains a deoxycytidine deaminase domain, which was expressed ubiquitously in all tissues. Further investigation indicated that GraS plays an essential role in the regulation of chloroplast biosynthesis, photosynthetic capacity and yield. Moreover, leaf color mutant can be used as an effective marker for the purity of breeding and hybridization.     

Hd3a protein is a mobile flowering signal in rice

Florigen, the mobile signal that moves from an induced leaf to the shoot apex and causes flowering, has eluded identification since it was first proposed 70 years ago. Understanding the nature of the mobile flowering signal would provide a key insight into the molecular mechanism of floral induction. Recent studies suggest that the Arabidopsis FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) gene is a candidate for encoding florigen. We show that the protein encoded by Hd3a, a rice ortholog of FT, moves from the leaf to the shoot apical meristem and induces flowering in rice. These results suggest that the Hd3a protein may be the rice florigen.     

The crystal structure of the signal recognition particle in complex with its receptor

Cotranslational targeting of membrane and secretory proteins is mediated by the universally conserved signal recognition particle (SRP). Together with its receptor (SR), SRP mediates the guanine triphosphate (GTP)-dependent delivery of translating ribosomes bearing signal sequences to translocons on the target membrane. Here, we present the crystal structure of the SRP:SR complex at 3.9 angstrom resolution and biochemical data revealing that the activated SRP:SR guanine triphosphatase (GTPase) complex binds the distal end of the SRP hairpin RNA where GTP hydrolysis is stimulated. Combined with previous findings, these results suggest that the SRP:SR GTPase complex initially assembles at the tetraloop end of the SRP RNA and then relocalizes to the opposite end of the RNA. This rearrangement provides a mechanism for coupling GTP hydrolysis to the handover of cargo to the translocon.     

OsDXR interacts with OsMORF1 to regulate chloroplast development and the RNA editing of chloroplast genes in rice

Plant chlorophyll biosynthesis and chloroplast development are two complex processes that are regulated by exogenous and endogenous factors. In this study, we identified OsDXR, a gene encoding a reductoisomerase that positively regulates chlorophyll biosynthesis and chloroplast development in rice. OsDXR knock-out lines displayed the albino phenotype and could not complete the whole life cycle process. OsDXR was highly expressed in rice leaves, and subcellular localization indicated that OsDXR i...     

OsPPR9 encodes a DYW-type PPR protein that affects editing efficiency of multiple RNA editing sites and is essential for chloroplast development

Photosynthesis occurs mainly in chloroplasts, whose development is regulated by proteins encoded by nuclear genes.Among them, pentapeptide repeat(PPR) proteins participate in organelle RNA editing. Although there are more than 450members of the PPR protein family in rice, only a few affect RNA editing in rice chloroplasts. Gene editing technology has created new rice germplasm and mutants, which could be used for rice breeding and gene function study. This study evaluated the functions of OsPPR9...     

Role of 4.5S RNA in assembly of the bacterial signal recognition particle with its receptor

The mechanism by which a signal recognition particle (SRP) and its receptor mediate protein targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum or to the bacterial plasma membrane is evolutionarily conserved. In Escherichia coli, this reaction is mediated by the Ffh/4.5S RNA ribonucleoprotein complex (Ffh/4.5S RNP; the SRP) and the FtsY protein (the SRP receptor). We have quantified the effects of 4.5S RNA on Ffh-FtsY complex formation by monitoring changes in tryptophan fluorescence. Surprisingly, 4.5S RNA facilitates both assembly and disassembly of the Ffh-FtsY complex to a similar extent. These results provide an example of an RNA molecule facilitating protein-protein interactions in a catalytic fashion.     

No specific recognition of leader peptide by SecB, a chaperone involved in protein export

Most proteins destined for export from Escherichia coli are made as precursors containing amino-terminal leader sequences that are essential for export and that are removed during the process. The initial step in export of a subset of proteins, which includes maltose-binding protein, is binding of the precursor by the molecular chaperone SecB. This work shows directly that SecB binds with high affinity to unfolded maltose-binding protein but does not specifically recognize and bind the leader. Rather, the leader modulates folding to expose elements in the remainder of the polypeptide that are recognized by SecB.     

Pancreatic triglyceride lipase is involved in the virulence of the brown planthopper to rice plants

The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, an important rice insect pest, can enhance its virulence to BPH-resistant rice within as short a span as several generations. Here, we cloned a pancreatic triglyceride lipase (PTL) gene (NlPTL) in N. lugens, and found that its mRNA level was higher in the high virulence population (fed on variety Rathu Heenati, P-RH) than in the low virulence population (fed on variety Taichung Native 1, P-TN1). Knocking down NlPTL caused BPH individuals to spend more time in non-penetration and the pathway phases and less time feeding on the phloem of rice plants; these changes consequently decreased food intake, lipid content, survival rate, and fecundity in the insects. These findings reveal for the first time that PTL in BPH is involved in its virulence to rice plants.     

GCK家族蛋白激酶MoSOK1调控稻瘟病菌的生长发育与致病性

稻瘟病菌致病相关基因功能的研究有助于揭示其致病机理,为稻瘟病防治提供理论依据。本研究利用基因替换技术对稻瘟病菌SOK1同源基因(MoSOK1)进行了分析。MoSOK1编码GCK(germinal center kinase)家族的Ste20蛋白激酶,其与全蚀病菌中对应蛋白具有最高同源性。本研究表明,MoSOK1基因在附着胞分化关键期上调表达;与野生型菌株相比,MoSOK1基因缺失突变体菌落颜色加深,气生菌丝减少,生长速度变慢,产孢量下降,分生孢子萌发延迟,致病性降低。另外,交配实验表明,MoSOK1基因缺失突变体能够进行交配,但产子囊壳能力降低。本研究初步表明,MoSOK1基因参与稻瘟病菌生长发育和致病过程。     

Cuticular protein gene LmACP8 is involved in wing morphogenesis in the migratory locust,Locusta migratoria

Cuticular proteins(CPs) are major components of the insect cuticle-associated organs such as integument and wings, although the importance of CPs for wing development and function in hemimetabolous insects remains understudied. In the present study, a wing cuticular protein LmACP8 was identified from Locusta migratoria, which belongs to the RR-2 subfamily of cuticular protein RR consensus(CPR) chitin-binding proteins. LmACP8 was mainly expressed in the wing pads and showed high expression levels before ecdysis of third-, fourth-, and fifth-instar nymphs, with its encoded protein located in the procuticle of wing pads and adult wings. Depletion of LmACP8 by RNA interference markedly reduced the amount of its protein, which consequently caused abnormal wing morphogenesis in the transition from nymph to adult of L. migratoria. We further demonstrated that the abnormal morphogenesis was caused by severe damage of the endocuticle in the wings. LmACP8 was suppressed by 20-hydroxyecdysone(20 E) in vivo, however, its expression was significantly up-regulated after knocking down the hormone receptor gene LmHR39. Thus, the LmACP8 that is negatively regulated by the LmHR39-mediated 20 E signaling pathway is involved in wing development during the nymph to adult transition.     

毛竹(Phyllostachys edulis)光系统Ⅰ基因LhcaPe02全长的克隆与序列分析

根据大麦Lhca2基因序列的保守区设计PCR引物,采用RT-PCR技术与RACE技术,从毛竹中克隆到捕光叶绿素a/b结合蛋白基因Lhca2全长。该基因序列从第74 bp开始到第862 bp含有1个开放阅读框和一个中止密码子,编码262个氨基酸。在5′端有73 bp的非编码区,在3′端含有234 bp的非编码区和14 bp的Poly(A)。此基因定名为LhcaPe02(GenBank:EU121593)。此外,通过DNASTAR软件预测,该基因编码的蛋白质等电点和分子量分别为6.14和28 095.11 Da,其编码的氨基酸序列与光合作用密切相关的位点包括1个硫解酶活性部位(thiolases active site),2个4Fe-4S铁还原氧化蛋白的信号区(4Fe-4S ferredoxins,iron-sulfur binding region signature)等。通过Blast比较分析,LhcaPe02序列和编码的氨基酸序列分别与玉蜀黍、大麦和水稻的相似性较高。     

The sex peptide receptor in the Asian gypsy moth,Lymantria dispar,is involved in development and stress resistance

The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) regulates downstream genes by binding to a heterotrimeric G protein. However, the function of sex peptide receptor (SPR) in lepidopteran species is mostly unknown. Understanding the physiological functions of SPR in insects is essential for exploring new insecticidal targets. In the present study, the functions of an SPR in Lymantria dispar (Asian gypsy moth; LdSPR) were investigated. The expression of LdSPR was the highest in the 6th instar larval stage, and there was a large difference in expression between male and female adults. After LdSPR gene silencing, L. dispar larvae showed increased sensitivity to high temperature, starvation, and oxidative stress, indicating that LdSPR enhances stress resistance. These results enrich our knowledge of the function of the insect SPRs, which will lead to a better understanding of other insect GPCR family members and the identification of new targets for the development of environmentally friendly pesticides.     

OsHemA gene,encoding glutamyl-tRNA reductase(GluTR) is essential for chlorophyll biosynthesis in rice(Oryza sativa)

Chlorophyll(Chl) biosynthesis is essential for photosynthesis and plant growth. Glutamyl-tRNA reductase(GluTR) catalyzes glutamyl-tRNA into glutamate-1-semialdehyde(GSA) and initiates the chlorophyll biosynthesis. Even though the main role of GluTR has been established, the effects caused by natural variations in its corresponding gene remain largely unknown. Here, we characterized a spontaneous mutant in paddy field with Chl biosynthesis deficiency, designated as cbd1. With intact thylakoid lamellar structure, the cbd1 plant showed light green leaves and reduced Chl and carotenoids(Cars) content significantly compared to the wild type. By map-based gene cloning, the mutation was restricted within a 57-kb region on chromosome 10, in which an mPingA miniature inverted-repeat transposable element(MITE) inserted in the promoter region of OsHemA gene. Both leaf color and the pigment contents in cbd1 were recovered in a complementation test, confirming OsHemA was responsible for the mutant phenotype. OsHemA was uniquely predicted to encode GluTR and its expression level was dramatically repressed in cbd1. Transient transformation in protoplasts demonstrated that GluTR localized in chloroplasts and a signal peptide exists in its N-terminus. A majority of Chl biosynthesis genes, except for POR and CHLG, were down-regulated synchronously by the repression of OsHemA, suggesting that an attenuation occurred in the Chl biosynthesis pathway. Interestingly, we found major agronomic traits involved in rice yield were statistically unaffected, except for the number of full grains per panicle was increased in cbd1. Collectively, OsHemA plays an essential role in Chl biosynthesis in rice and its weak allele can adjust leaf color and Chls content without compromise to rice yield.     

Pot1, the putative telomere end-binding protein in fission yeast and humans

Telomere proteins from ciliated protozoa bind to the single-stranded G-rich DNA extensions at the ends of macronuclear chromosomes. We have now identified homologous proteins in fission yeast and in humans. These Pot1 (protection of telomeres) proteins each bind the G-rich strand of their own telomeric repeat sequence, consistent with a direct role in protecting chromosome ends. Deletion of the fission yeast pot1+ gene has an immediate effect on chromosome stability, causing rapid loss of telomeric DNA and chromosome circularization. It now appears that the protein that caps the ends of chromosomes is widely dispersed throughout the eukaryotic kingdom.     

StKU80, a component in the NHEJ repair pathway,is involved in mycelial morphogenesis,conidiation, appressorium development,and oxidative stress reactions in Exserohilum turcicum

Homologous recombination(HR) and nonhomologous end joining(NHEJ) are considered the two main double-strand break(DSB) repair approaches in eukaryotes. Inhibiting the activities of the key component in NHEJ commonly enhances the efficiency of targeted gene knockouts or affects growth and development in higher eukaryotes. However, little is known about the roles of the NHEJ pathway in foliar pathogens. Here we identified a gene designated St KU80, which encodes a putative DNA end-binding protein homologous to yeast Ku80, in the foliar pathogen Exserohilum turcicum. Conserved domain analysis showed that the typical domains VWA, Ku78 and Ku-PK-bind are usually present in Ku70/80 proteins in eukaryotes and are also present in St Ku80. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that St Ku80 is most closely related to Ku80(XP_001802136.1) from Parastagonospora nodorum, followed by Ku80(AGF90044.1) from Monascus ruber. Furthermore, the gene knockout mutants ΔSt KU80-1 and ΔSt KU80-2 were obtained. These mutants displayed longer septas, thinner cell walls, smaller amounts of substances on cell wall surfaces, and more mitochondria per cell than the wild-type(WT) strain but similar HT-toxin activity. The mutants did not produce conidia and mature appressoria. On the other hand, the mutants were highly sensitive to H_2O_2, but not to ultraviolet radiation. In summary, the St KU80 plays devious roles in regulating the development of E. turcicum.     

小麦黄花叶病毒编码VPg蛋白N端结构是VPg与核仁蛋白Fibrillarin互作区域

小麦黄花叶病毒（Wheat yellow mosaic virus,WYMV）属于马铃薯Y病毒科大麦黄花叶病毒属成员,其基因组是由两条正义单链RNA组成,共编码10个蛋白。其中,VPg（Viral protein genome\|linked）作为病毒末端结合蛋白,与病毒基因组RNA 5’端共价连接。利用软件分析WYMV VPg蛋白氨基酸序列发现其N端具有核定位信号（NLS）序列,C端具有核输出信号（NES）序列。通过激光共聚焦显微镜观察VPg与GFP融合蛋白在烟草细胞中的表达情况发现,GFP\|VPg主要定位于细胞核中。利用eYFP（n）标记核仁结构蛋白Fibrillarin与VPg进行双分子荧光互补实验发现,VPg与Fibrillarin互作且定位于细胞核中。根据VPg结构特点构建一系列缺失突变体与Fibrillarin的互作实验验证了它们之间的互作区域发生在N端NLS区域。     

耒阳市水稻二化螟发生、演变及其防治措施

通过对耒阳市水稻二化晕５０ａ来发生为害的消长演变规律和防治措施发展变化情况的分析总结,认为冬春气候（气温、雨量）水稻栽培制度和品种等因素与二化螟的发生为害密切相关,提出了以适时灌水耕耙、合理施肥等农业防治技术为基础,以优化药剂防治,选用对口农药和科学用药为重点的二化螟综合治理措施。     

电压门控钠离子通道scn1Laa参与斑马鱼脑神经发育和运动行为调节的研究

电压门控钠离子通道对于脊椎动物脑神经起始、传播动作电位具有重要作用。为了解斑马鱼电压门控钠离子通道基因scn1Laa在脑神经中的作用,通过CRISPR/Cas9基因编辑技术,首次构建了可稳定遗传的生长没有受明显影响的scn1Laa缺陷型（scn1Laa-/-）斑马鱼家系。相比野生型,5 dpf（days post-fertilization,受精后5天）scn1Laa缺陷型斑马鱼兴奋抑制性神经元（氨基丁酸类神经元）表达相对增加,兴奋类神经元（谷氨酸能类神经元）和成熟神经元显著减少,脑部细胞增殖也显著减少。受精后5天和90 天的 scn1Laa缺陷型斑马鱼的运动较同时期野生型斑马鱼更为活跃,受精后90天的 scn1Laa缺陷型斑马鱼的运动具有明显的爆发性。以上结果表明,scn1laa缺失导致兴奋类神经元（谷氨酸能类神经元）以及神经细胞增殖减少,影响脑周围神经放电,导致运动神经调节障碍,出现运动行为异常活跃。即电压门控钠离子通道基因scn1Laa参与斑马鱼脑神经发育和生长,间接参与运动行为调节。同时本文也为进一步探究电压门控钠离子通道在脑神经中的作用奠定基础。