Cryptochrome blue-light photoreceptors of Arabidopsis implicated in phototropism

Phototropism-bending towards the light-is one of the best known plant tropic responses. Despite being reported by Darwin and others over a century ago to be specifically under the control of blue light, the photoreceptors mediating phototropism have remained unknown. We have characterized a blue-light photoreceptor from Arabidopsis, named CRY1 for cryptochrome 1; this photoreceptor is a flavoprotein that mediates numerous blue-light-dependent responses. In Arabidopsis, HY4 (the gene encoding CRY1) is a member of a small gene family that also encodes a related photoreceptor, CRY2, which shares considerable functional overlap with CRY1. Here we report that mutant plants lacking both the CRY1 and the CRY2 blue-light photoreceptors are deficient in the phototropic response. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing CRY1 or CRY2 show enhanced phototropic curvature. We conclude that cryptochrome is one of the photoreceptors mediating phototropism in plants.     

Receptor-like protein kinase genes of Arabidopsis thaliana

The isolation of a maize cDNA clone that encodes a membrane spanning protein kinase related to the self-incompatibility glycoproteins (SLG) of Brassica and structurally similar to the growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases has recently been reported. Three distinct receptor-like protein kinase (RLK) cDNA clones from Arabidopsis thaliana have now been identified. Two of the Arabidopsis RLK genes encode SLG-related protein kinases but have different patterns of expression: one is expressed predominantly in rosettes while the other is expressed primarily in roots. The third RLK gene contains an extracellular domain that consists of 21 leucine-rich repeats that are analogous to the leucine-rich repeats found in proteins from humans, flies and yeast. The Arabidopsis leucine-rich gene is expressed at equivalent levels in roots and rosettes. These results show that there are several genes in higher plants that encode members of the receptor protein kinase superfamily. The structural diversity and differential expression of these genes suggest that each plays a distinct and possibly important role in cellular signaling in plants.     

Multiple virus genes involved in the nematode transmission of pea early browning virus

Gorlin syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple basal cell carcinomas, medulloblastomas, ovarian fibromas, and a variety of developmental defects. All affected individuals share certain key features, but there is significant phenotypic variability within and among kindreds with respect to malformations. The gene (NBCCS) maps to chromosome 9q22, and allelic loss at this location is common in tumors from Gorlin syndrome patients. Two recessive cancer-predisposition syndromes, xeroderma pigmentosum group A (XPAC) and Fanconi anemia group C (FACC), map to the NBCCS region; and unusual, dominant mutations in these genes have been proposed as the cause of Gorlin syndrome. This study presents cytogenetic and molecular characterization of germ-line deletions in one patient with a chromosome 9q22 deletion and in a second patient with a deletion of 9q22-q3l. Both have typical features of Gorlin syndrome plus additional findings, including mental retardation, conductive hearing loss, and failure to thrive. That Gorlin syndrome can be caused by null mutations (deletions) rather than by activating mutations has several implications. First, in conjunction with previous analyses of allelic loss in tumors, this study provides evidence that associated neoplasms arise with homozygous inactivation of the gene. In addition, dominant mutations of the XPAC and FACC1 genes can be ruled out as the cause of Gorlin syndrome, since the two patients described have null mutations. Finally, phenotypic features that show variable expression must be influenced by genetic background, epigenetic effects, somatic mutations, or environmental factors, since these two patients with identical alterations (deletions) of the Gorlin syndrome gene have somewhat different manifestations of Gorlin syndrome.     

Chromosomal mapping of genes in the RBCS family in Arabidopsis thaliana

We evaluated the usefulness of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for showing the topography of paraclinoid carotid artery aneurysms in 27 patients with 30 paraclinoid aneurysms undergoing conventional angiography, three-dimensional time-of-flight MRA and surgery. The anatomy shown on the axial MRA source images was consistent with that found at surgery. The neck of the aneurysm could always be identified on the source images, while it could not be analysed exactly on conventional angiography in 3 cases (10%). The optic nerves, including those displaced by the aneurysm, were recognised in all patients. The anterior clinoid process was shown as a low-intensity rim or area contiguous with the cortical bone. The source images were of great value in understanding the topography of paraclinoid carotid artery aneurysms.     

Suppressors of an Arabidopsis thaliana phyB mutation identify genes that control light signaling and hypocotyl elongation

Ambient light controls the development and physiology of plants. The Arabidopsis thaliana photoreceptor phytochrome B (PHYB) regulates developmental light responses at both seedling and adult stages. To identify genes that mediate control of development by light, we screened for suppressors of the long hypocotyl phenotype caused by a phyB mutation. Genetic analyses show that the shy (short hypocotyl) mutations we have isolated fall in several loci. Phenotypes of the mutants suggest that some of the genes identified have functions in control of light responses. Other loci specifically affect cell elongation or expansion.     

Nature and regulation of pistil-expressed genes in tomato

The specialized reproductive functions of angiosperm pistils are dependent in part upon the regulated activation of numerous genes expressed predominantly in this organ system. To better understand the nature of these pistil-predominant gene products we have analyzed seven cDNA clones isolated from tomato pistils through differential hybridization screening. Six of the seven cDNAs represent sequences previously undescribed in tomato, each having a unique pistil- and/or floral-predominant expression pattern. The putative protein products encoded by six of the cDNAs have been identified by their similarity to sequences in the database of previously sequenced genes, with a seventh sequence having no significant similarity with any previously reported sequence. Three of the putative proteins appear to be targeted to the endomembrane system and include an endo-beta-1,4-glucanase which is expressed exclusively in pistils at early stages of development, and proteins similar in sequence to gamma-thionin and miraculin which are expressed in immature pistils and stamens, and in either sepals or petals, respectively. Two other clones, similar in sequence to each other, were expressed primarily in immature pistils and stamens and encode distinct proteins with similarity to leucine aminopeptidases. An additional clone, which encodes a protein similar in sequence to the enzyme hyoscyamine 6-beta-hydroxylase and to other members of the family of Fe2+/ascorbate-dependent oxidases, was expressed at high levels in pistils, stamens and sepals, and at detectable levels in some vegetative organs. Together, these observations provide new insight into the nature and possible functional roles of genes expressed during reproductive development.     

Phase change and the regulation of trichome distribution in Arabidopsis thaliana

Higher plants pass through several phases of shoot growth during which they may produce morphologically distinct vegetative structures. In Arabidopsis thaliana this phenomenon is apparent in the distribution of trichomes on the leaf surface. Leaves produced early in rosette development lack trichomes on their abaxial (lower) surface, leaves produced later have trichomes on both surfaces, and leaves in the inflorescence (bracts) may have few or no trichomes on their adaxial (upper) surface. Here we describe some of the factors that regulate this distribution pattern. We found that the timing of abaxial trichome production and the extent to which bracts lack adaxial trichomes varies in different ecotypes. The production of abaxial trichomes appears to be regulated by the age, rather than the size of the plant. This conclusion is based on the observation that mutations that affect either the rate (altered meristem programming1) or onset (paused) of leaf initiation respectively increase or decrease the number of leaves that lack abaxial trichomes, but have only a minor effect on the time at which the first leaf with abaxial trichomes is produced. The production of abaxial trichomes is coordinated with the reproductive development of the shoot as this trait is delayed by photoperiodic conditions and some mutations that delay flowering. The loss of adaxial trichomes is likely to be a consequence of floral induction, and is accelerated by terminal flower1-10, a mutation that accelerates inflorescence development. We demonstrate that gibberellins promote trichome production in Arabidopsis and present evidence indicating that abaxial trichome production is regulated by both the level of a trichome inducer and the competence of the abaxial epidermis to respond to this inducer.     

The plastid ndh genes code for an NADH-specific dehydrogenase: isolation of a complex I analogue from pea thylakoid membranes

The plastid genomes of several plants contain ndh genes-homologues of genes encoding subunits of the proton-pumping NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, or complex I, involved in respiration in mitochondria and eubacteria. From sequence similarities with these genes, the ndh gene products have been suggested to form a large protein complex (Ndh complex); however, the structure and function of this complex remains to be established. Herein we report the isolation of the Ndh complex from the chloroplasts of the higher plant Pisum sativum. The purification procedure involved selective solubilization of the thylakoid membrane with dodecyl maltoside, followed by two anion-exchange chromatography steps and one size-exclusion chromatography step. The isolated Ndh complex has an apparent total molecular mass of approximately 550 kDa and according to SDS/PAGE consists of at least 16 subunits including NdhA, NdhI, NdhJ, NdhK, and NdhH, which were identified by N-terminal sequencing and immunoblotting. The Ndh complex showed an NADH- and deamino-NADH-specific dehydrogenase activity, characteristic of complex I, when either ferricyanide or the quinones menadione and duroquinone were used as electron acceptors. This study describes the isolation of the chloroplast analogue of the respiratory complex I and provides direct evidence for the function of the plastid Ndh complex as an NADH:plastoquinone oxidoreductase. Our results are compatible with a dual role for the Ndh complex in the chlororespiratory and cyclic photophosphorylation pathways.     

A Correct Diagnosis of a Pseudopatient in an Inpatient Setting.

Rosenhan (1973) reported his data on eight pseudopatients who deliberately feigned auditory hallucinations and subsequently gained admission to 12 psychiatric institutions. From this data he concluded that "sanity" and "insanity" were indistinguishable in the context of a psychiatric hospital. The case study presented here is significant because it fails to conform to the experience of Rosenhan. A pseudopatient was presented for interview at a weekly diagnostic conference in an inpatient setting. He was felt to be "normal" by the interviewer, residents, and other staff at the conference. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Role of mouse cryptochrome blue-light photoreceptor in circadian photoresponses

Cryptochromes are photoactive pigments in the eye that have been proposed to function as circadian photopigments. Mice lacking the cryptochrome 2 blue-light photoreceptor gene (mCry2) were tested for circadian clock-related functions. The mutant mice had a lower sensitivity to acute light induction of mPer1 in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) but exhibited normal circadian oscillations of mPer1 and mCry1 messenger RNA in the SCN. Behaviorally, the mutants had an intrinsic circadian period about 1 hour longer than normal and exhibited high-amplitude phase shifts in response to light pulses administered at circadian time 17. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that CRY2 protein modulates circadian responses in mice and suggest that cryptochromes have a role in circadian photoreception in mammals.     

Effects of lanthanum on abscisic acid regulation of root growth in Arabidopsis

Rare earth elements(REEs) were reported to have adverse biology effects on plant growth and production. However, whether REEs are involved in plant hormone abscisic acid signal is not clear. Here we reported that REE lanthanum(La) interacted with abscisic acid(ABA) in the regulation of seed germination and root growth in model plant Arabidopsis. La3+at a concentration of 10 μmol/L alleviated ABA depression of seed germination and reversed ABA inhibition of root elongation growth in Arabidopsis. Previous studies showed that ABA could promote root hair development. In the present study, La3+inhibited root hair development promoted by ABA. Moreover, La3+inhibited H2 O2 generation induced by ABA in root cells. Therefore we inferred that La3+might interact with ABA upstream of H2 O2 generation.     

Changes in protein interactions of cell cycle-related genes during the dormancy-to-growth transition in pea axillary buds

Apical dominance is a phenomenon in which a terminal bud grows predominantly and the growth of the axillary buds is suppressed. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms associated with cell cycle control that occur in pea axillary buds as a result of decapitation. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein was detected in both dormant and growing buds, while PCNA mRNA was absent in dormant buds. Pissa; CycB1;2 and Cdc2 proteins were undetectable during dormancy. To analyze an interaction between PCNA and Pissa;CycD3;1, we performed anti-PCNA immunoaffinity column chromatography. Pissa;CycD3;1 protein was detected in the eluate prepared from the dormant buds, but not in the eluate prepared from the growing buds. Furthermore, we performed anti-Pissa;CycD3;1 immunoaffinity column chromatography. PCNA protein was detected in the eluate prepared from the dormant buds, but not in the eluate prepared from the growing buds. These results indicated that PCNA associated with Pissa;CycD3;1 only during dormancy. In addition, the interaction between PCNA and Pissa;CycD3;1 was confirmed by a yeast two-hybrid system.     

Analysis of airborne radon in an ultra-low background experiment

The contribution of 222Rn to the background in a low background experiment with a germanium detector has been estimated. We have also checked the efficacy of a standard radon cleaning system. The cleaning reduces the radon concentration two orders of magnitude with respect to the air in the laboratory. The residual 222Rn represents at most 12.5% of the background in the low energy region, a value low enough for the purpose of our experiment. A detailed study of the radioactive background is presented.