A selection from Stockholm University publication database

• Phospholipases AtPLD1 and AtPLD2 function differently in hypoxia

  2018. Sylvia Lindberg (et al.). Physiologia Plantarum 162 (1), 98-108

  Article

  Besides hydrolyzing different membrane phospholipids, plant phospholipases D and molecular species of their byproducts phosphatidic acids (PLDs/PAs) are involved in diverse cellular events such as membrane-cytoskeleton dynamics, hormone regulation and biotic and/or abiotic stress responses at cellular or subcellular levels. Among the 12 Arabidopsis PLD genes, PLD1 and PLD2 uniquely possess Ca2+-independent phox (PX) and pleckstrin (PH) homology domains. Here, we report that mutants deficient in these PLDs, pld1 and pld2, show differential sensitivities to hypoxia stimulus. In the present study, we used protoplasts of wild type and mutants and compared the hypoxia-induced changes in the levels of three major signaling mediators such as cytoplasmic free calcium [Ca-cyt.(2+)], hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and PA. The concentrations of cytosolic Ca2+ and H2O2 were determined by fluorescence microscopy and the fluorescent dyes Fura 2-AM and CM-H(2)DCFDA, specific for calcium and H2O2, respectively, while PA production was analyzed by an enzymatic method. The study reveals that AtPLD1 is involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling, whereas AtPLD2 is involved in cytosolic Ca2+ signaling pathways during hypoxic stress. Hypoxia induces an elevation of PA level both in Wt and pld1, while the PA level is unchanged in pld2. Thus, it is likely that AtPLD2 is involved in PA production by a calcium signaling pathway, while AtPLD1 is more important in ROS signaling.

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• A comparative analysis of cytosolic Na+ changes under salinity between halophyte quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) and glycophyte pea (Piswn sativwn)

  2017. Yujie Sun (et al.). Environmental and Experimental Botany 141, 154-160

  Article

  Sodium (Na+) uptake into the halophyte quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) plants was compared with the uptake into pea (Pisum sativum L.), and related to changes in cytosolic pH and potassium (K+) concentration in plant tissues. The total uptake of Na+ and K+ in roots and shoots was analyzed and compared with net ion fluxes at the root xylem parenchyma, determined by ion-specific microelectrodes in a non-invasive way. The cytosolic changes of Na+ concentration, [Na-cyt(+)], and pH, pH(cyt), were measured by fluorescent probes, specific to Na+ and H+, using a dual-wavelength fluorescence microscopy. These changes were monitored in protoplasts after cultivation with or without 100 mM NaCl, and after addition of NaC1 to the protoplasts. Roots and shoots of quinoa controls contained much higher K+ levels than pea roots and shoots, and the K+ levels increased even more after salinity treatments in quinoa. The cytosolic uptake of Na+ in quinoa protoplasts was transient if less than 200 mM NaCl was added, while in pea the Na+ concentration increased even upon addition of 50 mM Na+ and gradually increased with time. Saline conditions during cultivation increased pH(cyt) of both species. However, with a direct addition of NaCl to control protoplasts only a small increase was seen in pea pH(cyt) while in quinoa this increase was much larger. The different reactions of pH(cyt) to salinity when NaCl was added to salinity-treated seedlings may reflect an increased proton pump activity in quinoa, while this activation is lacking in pea. ABA addition to the root xylem parenchyma cells induced a net efflux of K+ and acidification of the xylem. On the other hand, 20 mM NaC1 addition induced a net flux of protons in both species, and a net K+ flux in pea, but not in quinoa, probably since such a low concentration is not a stress for quinoa. It is suggested that salinity tolerance in quinoa is achieved by a faster removal of Na+ from the cytosol and a high K+ concentration in roots and shoots under salinity, resulting in a high K+/Na+ ratio, and that this mechanism is driven by a higher proton pump activity, compared with glycophytic pea species.

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• Calcium improves apoplastic-cytosolic ion homeostasis in salt-stressed Vicia faba leaves

  2017. Sherif H. Morgan (et al.). Functional Plant Biology 44 (5), 515-524

  Article

  Salinity disturbs both apoplastic and cytosolic Ca2+ and pH ([Ca2+](apo), [Ca2+](cyt), pH(apo) and pH(cyt)) homeostasis, and decreases plant growth. Seedlings of Vicia faba L. cv. Fuego were cultivated in hydroponics for 7 days under control, salinity (S), extra Ca (Ca) or salinity with extra Ca (S+Ca) conditions. The [Ca2+](apo), and pH(apo) in the leaves were then recorded in parallel by a pseudoratiometric method, described here for the first time. Lower [Ca2+](apo) and higher pH(apo) were obtained under salinity, whereas extra Ca supply increased the [Ca2+](apo) and acidified the pH(apo). Moreover, the ratiometric imaging recorded that [Ca2+](cyt) and pH(cyt) were highest in S+Ca plants and lowest in control plants. After all pretreatments, direct addition of NaC6H11O7 to leaves induced a decrease in [Ca2+](apo) in control and S+Ca plants, but not in S and Ca plants, and only slightly affected pH(apo). Addition of NaCl increased [Ca2+](cyt) in protoplasts from all plants but only transiently in protoplasts from S+Ca plants. Addition of NaCl decreased pH(cyt) in protoplasts from Ca-pretreated plants. We conclude that Ca supply improves both apoplastic and cytosolic ion homeostasis. In addition, NaC6H11O7 probably causes transport of Ca from the apoplast into the cytosol, thereby leading to a higher resting [Ca2+](cyt).

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• Cadmium spiked soil modulates root organic acids exudation and ionic contents of two differentially Cd tolerant maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars

  2017. M. Tariq Javed (et al.). Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 141, 216-225

  Article

  Our earlier work described that the roots of two maize cultivars, grown hydroponically, differentially responded to cadmium (Cd) stress by initiating changes in medium pH depending on their Cd tolerance. The current study investigated the root exudation, elemental contents and antioxidant behavior of the same maize cultivars (cv. 3062 (Cd-tolerant) and cv. 31P41 (Cd-sensitive)] under Cd stress. Plants were maintained in a rhizobox-like system carrying soil spiked with Cd concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mu mol/kg soil. The root and shoot Cd contents increased, while Mg, Ca and Fe contents mainly decreased at higher Cd levels, and preferentially in the sensitive cultivar. Interestingly, the K contents increased in roots of cv. 3062 at low Cd treatments. The Cd stress caused acidosis of the maize root exudates predominantly in cv. 3062. The concentration of various organic acids was significantly increased in the root exudates of cv. 3062 with applied Cd levels. This effect was diminished in cv. 31P41 at higher Cd levels. Cd exposure increased the relative membrane permeability, anthocyanin (only in cv. 3062), proline contents and the activities of peroxidases (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The only exception was the catalase activity, which was diminished in both cultivars. Root Cd contents were positively correlated with the secretion of acetic acid, oxalic acid, glutamic acid, citric acid, and succinic acid. The antioxidants like POD and SOD exhibited a positive correlation with the organic acids under Cd stress. It is likly that a high exudation of dicarboxylic organic acids improves nutrient uptake and activities of antioxidants, which enables the tolerant cultivar to acclimatize in Cd polluted environment.

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• Silicate reduces cadmium uptake into cells of wheat

  2016. Maria Greger (et al.). Environmental Pollution 211, 90-97

  Article

  Cadmium (Cd) is a health threat all over the world and high Cd content in wheat causes high Cd intake. Silicon (Si) decreases cadmium content in wheat grains and shoot. This work investigates whether and how silicate (Si) influences cadmium (Cd) uptake at the cellular level in wheat. Wheat seedlings were grown in the presence or absence of Si with or without Cd. Cadmium, Si, and iron (Fe) accumulation in roots and shoots was analysed. Leaf protoplasts from plants grown without Cd were investigated for Cd uptake in the presence or absence of Si using the fluorescent dye, Leadmium Green AM. Roots and shoots of plants subjected to all four treatments were investigated regarding the expression of genes involved in the Cd uptake across the plasma membrane (i.e. LCT1) and efflux of Cd into apoplasm or vacuole from the cytosol (i.e. HMA2). In addition, phytochelatin (PC) content and PC gene (PCS1) expression were analysed. Expression of iron and metal transporter genes (IRT1 and NRAMP1) were also analysed. Results indicated that Si reduced Cd accumulation in plants, especially in shoot. Si reduced Cd transport into the cytoplasm when Si was added both directly during the uptake measurements and to the growth medium. Silicate downregulated LCT1 and HMA2 and upregulated PCS1. In addition, Si enhanced PC formation when Cd was present. The IRT1 gene, which was downregulated by Cd was upregulated by Si in root and shoot facilitating Fe transport in wheat. NRAMP1 was similarly expressed, though the effect was limited to roots. This work is the first to show how Si influences Cd uptake on the cellular level.

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Show all publications by Sylvia Lindberg at Stockholm University