Arabidopsis mutants in sphingolipid synthesis as tools to understand the structure and function of membrane microdomains in plasmodesmata

Abstract

Plasmodesmata—intercellular channels that communicate adjacent cells—possess complex membranous structures. Recent evidences indicate that plasmodesmata contain membrane microdomains. In order to understand how these submembrane regions collaborate to plasmodesmata function, it is necessary to characterize their size, composition and dynamics. An approach that can shed light on these microdomain features is based on the use of Arabidopsis mutants in sphingolipid synthesis. Sphingolipids are canonical components of microdomains together with sterols and some glycerolipids. Moreover, sphingolipids are transducers in pathways that display programmed cell death as a defense mechanism against pathogens. The study of Arabidopsis mutants would allow determining which structural features of the sphingolipids are important for the formation and stability of microdomains, and if defense signaling networks using sphingoid bases as second messengers are associated to plasmodesmata operation. Such studies need to be complemented by analysis of the ultrastructure and the use of protein probes for plasmodesmata microdomains and may constitute a very valuable source of information to analyze these membrane structures.

Root proteomic and metabolic analyses reveal specific responses to drought stress in differently tolerant grapevine rootstocks

“…Among the typical immediate responses observed in the leaf organ under water deficit, there is progressive stomatal closure to counteract the untenable water loss [ 2 , 7 , 10 ]. This response, mediated by both hydraulic and chemical signalling, has direct and severe effects on photosynthesis and therefore on biomass production [ 2 , 12 , 14 , 15 ]. Moreover, the reduction in water content leads to a loss of turgor with a consequent reduction of plant growth [ 7 , 16 ].…”

Mycelium Dispersion from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi Elicits a Reduction of Wilt Severity and Influences Phenolic Profiles of Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) Roots

“…In this context, elucidating the mediating mechanisms of such a response has also been pursued in order to design strategies that contribute to pathogen control, exploiting the ability of elicited plants to potentiate their self-defense response [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. In general, the resistance-inducing capacity of these biotic-origin molecules has been the research aim in some plant species [ 7 , 11 , 12 ], since understanding the mechanisms that govern the resistance induced by the action of different elicitor substances is a crucial staring point to be efficiently implemented under field conditions [ 13 ].…”

Localization of Sphingolipid Enriched Plasma Membrane Regions and Long-Chain Base Composition during Mature-Fruit Abscission in Olive

“…Advances in understanding the fundamental roles of sterols and sphingolipids in a wide variety of physiological or stress situations have been gained by biochemical and molecular genetic analyses of Arabidopsis mutants for genes that encode sterol metabolic and sphingolipid enzymes ( Clouse, 2002 ; Schaller, 2003 ; Markham et al, 2013 ; González-Solís et al, 2014 ; Michaelson et al, 2016 ). However, until now, it is still unknown whether these lipids are involved in the abscission process.…”