SUMMARYIt is well known that abscisic acid (ABA) can halt meristems for long periods without loss of meristem function, and can also promote root growth at low concentrations, but the mechanisms underlying such regulation are largely unknown. Here we show that ABA promotes stem cell maintenance in Arabidopsis root meristems by both promoting the quiescence of the quiescent centre (QC) and suppressing the differentiation of stem cells and their daughters. We demonstrate that these two mechanisms of regulation by ABA involve distinct pathways, and identify components in each pathway. Our findings demonstrate a cellular mechanism for a positive role for ABA in promoting root meristem maintenance and root growth in Arabidopsis.
Telomeres are protein–DNA elements that are located at the ends of linear eukaryotic chromosomes. In concert with various telomere-binding proteins, they play an essential role in genome stability. We determined the structure of the DNA-binding domain of NgTRF1, a double-stranded telomere-binding protein of tobacco, using multidimensional NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The DNA-binding domain of NgTRF1 contained the Myb-like domain and C-terminal Myb-extension that is characteristic of plant double-stranded telomere-binding proteins. It encompassed amino acids 561–681 (NgTRF1561–681), and was composed of 4 α-helices. We also determined the structure of NgTRF1561–681 bound to plant telomeric DNA. We identified several amino acid residues that interacted directly with DNA, and confirmed their role in the binding of NgTRF1 to telomere using site-directed mutagenesis. Based on a structural comparison of the DNA-binding domains of NgTRF1 and human TRF1 (hTRF1), NgTRF1 has both common and unique DNA-binding properties. Interaction of Myb-like domain with telomeric sequences is almost identical in NgTRF1561–681 with the DNA-binding domain of hTRF1. The interaction of Arg-638 with the telomeric DNA, which is unique in NgTRF1561–681, may provide the structural explanation for the specificity of NgTRF1 to the plant telomere sequences, (TTTAGGG)n.
Water extract from Pinus densiflora (WPD) was investigated for its antioxidant activity and its ability to provide protection from DNA damage. A series of antioxidant assays, including a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging assay, a reducing power assay, a metal-chelating assay, a superoxide radical scavenging assay, and a nitrite scavenging ability, as well as a DNA damage protection assay were performed. Total phenolic content was found to be 211.32 mg Tan/g WPD. The extract scavenged 50% DPPH free radical at a concentration of 21.35 μg/mL. At that same concentration, the reducing power ability of WPD was higher than that of α-tocopherol. The extract chelated 68.9% ferrous ion at the concentration of 4 mg/mL. WPD showed better nitrite scavenging effect at the lower pH. Meanwhile, WPD exhibited a strong capability for DNA damage protection at 1 mg/mL concentration. Taken together, these data suggest water extract from Pinus densiflora could be used as a suitable natural antioxidant.
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