Orientador: Celso Eduardo Benedetti / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-21T05:36:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Soprano_AdrianaSantos_D.pdf: 24018757 bytes, checksum: 29724fbb81a588e3bb656bf4c2df3390 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: O cancro cítrico, causado pela bactéria Xanthomonas citri (X. citri), afeta a maioria das espécies de Citrus, ocorre praticamente em todos continentes e se destaca como uma séria ameaça à citricultura brasileira. O mecanismo molecular pelo qual X. citri causa cancro não é inteiramente conhecido, entretanto, sabe-se que a bactéria utiliza o sistema secretório tipo III para injetar proteínas de patogenicidade, entre elas, PthAs da família AvrBs3/PthA, também conhecidas como efetores TAL (transcriptional activator-like). Os efetores TAL atuam como fatores de transcrição transativando genes específicos da planta que vão beneficiar a bactéria ou desencadear respostas de defesa. Com o objetivo de entender os mecanismos moleculares pelos quais os efetores TAL atuam, a técnica de duplo híbrido foi usada para identificar proteínas de laranja doce (Citrus sinensis) que interagem com PthA4, um dos efetores TAL de X. citri necessário para o desenvolvimento do cancro cítrico. A maioria das proteínas de laranja identificadas como alvos de PthA4 apresenta domínios de ligação à DNA ou RNA e está envolvida no controle da transcrição, estabilização de mRNAs e tradução. Várias dessas proteínas interagem entre si, sugerindo a presença de um complexo multiproteico como alvo de efetores TAL. Entre as proteínas envolvidas no controle da transcrição, destacamos a CsMAF1, uma proteína homóloga à MAF1 humana que atua como regulador negativo da RNA Polimerase III. Os resultados obtidos nesse trabalho revelam que CsMAF1 complementa o fenótipo do mutante maf1 de levedura, reprimindo a expressão de tRNAHis e que a expressão de PthA4 na cepa complementada restaura a síntese desse tRNA. Portanto, os dados mostram que CsMAF1 atua como um repressor da RNA Pol III em levedura e que PthA4 altera o estado repressor de CsMAF1 sobre a RNA Pol III. De forma surpreendente, verificamos que plantas de citros com níveis reduzidos de CsMAF1 apresentaram aumento significativo no número e intensidade de lesões hiperplásticas ou eruptivas quando infiltradas com X. citri, indicando que CsMAF1 desempenha um papel crítico no desenvolvimento dos sintomas do cancro cítrico. O aumento das lesões do cancro nas plantas silenciadas para CsMAF1 se correlaciona com um aumento expressivo de tRNAs, incluindo o tRNAHis, confirmando assim o papel repressor de CsMAF1 sobre a RNA Pol III em citros. Além disso, mostramos nesse trabalho que CsMAF1 é uma fosfoproteína que se encontra na forma dimérica em solução, uma característica singular ainda não descrita para membros dessa família de proteínas. Verificamos que CsMAF1 é fosforilada in vitro pelas quinases PKA e PKC e que apresenta sítios adicionais de fosforilação conservados para a quinase TOR, incluindo o resíduo Thr62. Curiosamente, tais sítios se localizam na interface de dimerização de CsMAF1, sugerindo que a fosforilação desses sítios deve regular a função da proteína e/ou seu estado multimérico. De fato, verificamos que a substituição do resíduo de treonina Thr 62 para ácido aspártico (Asp 62) diminui a proporção dímero:monômero de CsMAF1, indicando que a fosforilação de resíduos na interface do dímero desestabiliza o dímero, e que esse pode ser um mecanismo regulatório novo para essa classe de proteína. Desse modo, esses achados abrem novas perspectivas para o entendimento não só dos mecanismos moleculares envolvidos na regulação da RNA Pol III pela CsMAF1, como também do papel de PthA4 na interação com CsMAF1 e sua modulação da transcrição / Abstract: Citrus canker, caused by Xanthomonas citri (X. citri), is a disease that affects most of the Citrus species, occurs in almost all continents and stands as a threat to the Brazilian citrus industry. The molecular mechanism by which X. citri causes canker is poorly understood, however the bacterium injects pathogenicity proteins via the type III secretion system (T3S) including proteins of AvrBs3/PthA family, also known as transcriptional activator-like (TAL) effectors. TAL effectors have been extensively studied and are known to act as transcription factors that transactivate specific plant genes which either benefit the bacteria or trigger defense responses. To gain insights into the molecular mode of action of TAL effectors, a twohybrid screening was performed to identify sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) proteins that interact with PthA4, one of the X. citri TAL effectors required for citrus canker development. Among the proteins identified as PthA4 interactors, most are DNA and/or RNA-binding factors involved in chromatin remodeling and repair, transcriptional control and mRNA stabilization/modification. Several of these proteins interact with each other, suggesting the presence of a multiprotein complex as a target of TAL effectors. Among the proteins involved in transcription control, we selected for further studies the CsMAF1, a homolog of the human MAF1 that acts as a negative regulator of RNA polymerase III. The results presented here reveal that CsMAF1 complements the yeast maf1 mutant phenotype by repressing the tRNAHis transcription, and that PthA4 expression in the complemented strain restores the tRNAHis synthesis. Thus, the data show that CsMAF1 acts as a RNA Pol III repressor in yeast and that PthA4 somehow suppresses the repressor activity of CsMAF1 upon on the RNA Pol III. Surprisingly, we found that citrus plants with reduced levels of CsMAF1 showed a significant increase in the number, morphology and size of eruptive or hyperplastic lesions when infiltrated with X. citri, indicating the CsMAF1 plays a critical role in canker development. Increased canker lesions in CsMAF1 silenced plants correlated with a significant increase of tRNAs expression, including tRNAHis, thus confirming the repressor role of CsMAF1 upon the citrus RNA Pol III. Furthermore, we showed in this work that CsMAF1 is a phosphorylated and a dimer in solution, a feature that so far has not been reported for any member of this protein family. We found that CsMAF1 is phosphorylated in vitro by PKA and PKC, and has additional phosphorylation sites for the TOR kinase, including the Thr 62 residue. Interestingly, these phosphorylation sites are located at the dimerization interface of CsMAF1, suggesting that phosphorylation of such sites might regulate the function of the protein and / or its multimeric state. Indeed, mutation of threonine residue Thr62 to aspartic acid (Asp62) decreases the dimer:monomer CsMAF1 ratio, indicating that phosphorylation of the residues at the interface of the dimer destabilizes the dimer, and this may be a novel regulatory mechanism for this class of protein. Thus, these findings open new perspectives for the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in RNA Pol III regulation by CsMAF1, as well as for the role of PthA4 in the modulation of RNA Pol III transcription mediated by CsMAF1 / Doutorado / Genetica Vegetal e Melhoramento / Doutor em Genetica e Biologia Molecular

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-17T18:39:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 4434.pdf: 2956570 bytes, checksum: f54aa91fcb424a121affb3c9674f546e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-08-17 / Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais / The aim of this work was to perform differential proteomic analysis of the periplasmic protein profiles of the genome strains A, B and C of Xanthomonas spp, which differ in pathogenicity and host range of citrus. The strain Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xac) is the most virulent and infects all types of citrus, while the strain B (Xanthomonas fuscans subsp. aurantifolii, Xau-B) is less virulent and the strain C (Xanthomonas fuscans subsp. aurantifolii, Xau-C) has a unique citrus-host. The comparative proteomic analysis of Xau-B and Xau-C in relation to Xac can reveal genes and proteins involved in pathogenicity and host range of citrus, respectively. The strains A (Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, Xac) and C (Xanthomonas fuscans subsp. aurantifolii, Xau-C) were grown in XAM-1, which is known to be a pathogenicity-inducing medium for Xac, and in a non-inducing pathogenicity (Nutrient Broth, NB). Proteins from both types (grown in triplicate using both media), were separated by bidimensional electrophoresis (2DPAGE) and the gels were stained using Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 and documented. A comparative analysis of the protein profiles of Xac and Xau-B, and Xac and Xau-C, grown in the same culture medium, was performed using ImageMaster Platinum software (GE Healthcare). Statistical analysis (ANOVA) revealed a large number of periplasmic proteins that presented type-specific or differential expression between the two bacteria. For the comparison between Xac and Xau-B we used the twodimensional Xau-B gels of periplasmic proteins obtained by Carnielli (2011). The differential spots between Xac and Xau-C, Xac and Xau-B that showed a significant differential expression (p <0.05) were isolated from gels and identified by ESI-QUADTOF mass spectrometry (LNBio, Campinas-SP), employing Xac, Xau-B and Xau-C databases. Several differentially expressed proteins between strains were identified for the different conditions studied, showing that some of them were strain-specific (approximately 10) while others were expressed in all strains, differing only in intensity. Those proteins potentially related to pathogenicity and citrus host were quantified using the software Scaffold v. 3.0, for the mass spectrometry data.The results showed that Xac, Xau-B, and Xau-C had remarkable differences between the periplasm protein profiles for both conditions, even under conditions of no induction of pathogenicity. The proteomics approach showed that even though the strains showed a different pattern of protein expression, the sequences of genes related to the differential proteins are present in all strains. Based on the proteomic analysis, proteins that showed remarkable differential expression between the genome strainswere selected, and its expression was evaluated by Western blot in periplasmic fraction of the bacteria. The data obtained in the the comparative proteomic analysis for the superoxide dismutase corroborated most quantitative results generated by the software Scaffold. This work showed that the proteomic analysis, combined with quantitative analysis tools, is an important tool that comes to complement genomic investigations designed to differentiate the species of Xanthomonas spp. / O presente trabalho teve por objetivo a análise proteômica comparativa da fração periplasmática das estirpes-genoma A, B e C de Xanthomonas spp, as quais diferem em patogenicidade e gama de citros hospedeiros. A estirpe A (Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, Xac) é a mais virulenta e infecta todos os tipos de citros, enquanto que a estirpe B (Xanthomonas fuscans subsp. aurantifolii, Xau-B) é menos virulenta e a estirpe C (Xanthomonas fuscans subsp. aurantifolii, Xau-C) possui um único hospedeiro cítrico. Estas estirpes foram cultivadas em meio XAM-1, conhecido como sendo um meio indutor de patogenicidade para Xac, e em meio não indutor de patogenicidade (Caldo Nutriente, CN). Após a extração de proteínas da fração periplasmática em triplicata, as mesmas foram separadas por eletroforese bidimensional (2D-PAGE) e os géis foram corados com Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 e documentados. A análise proteômica comparativa de Xau-B e Xau-C relativamente à Xac pode nos levar a genes e proteínas envolvidas com patogenicidade e espectro de hospedeiro cítrico, respectivamente. Assim, Xac e Xau-C foram cultivadas em triplicata em meio XAM-1, conhecido como sendo um meio indutor de patogenicidade para Xac, e em meio não indutor de patogenicidade (Caldo Nutriente, CN), sendo as células coletadas ao final da fase exponencial de crescimento, segundo curvas previamente realizadas. Após a extração de proteínas periplasmáticas, as mesmas foram separadas por eletroforese bidimensional (2D-PAGE) e os géis foram corados com Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 e documentados. Uma análise estatística das diferenças observadas nas intensidades dos spots nos géis 2D foi realizada entre Xau-C e Xac e entre Xau-B e Xac (nos mesmos meios de cultura) utilizando o software Image Master 2D-Platinum (GE Healthcare). Para esta última comparação foram utilizados os géis bidimensionais de proteínas periplasmáticas de Xau-B obtidos por Carnielli (2011). As proteínas diferenciais entre Xac e Xau-C e entre Xac e Xau-B que apresentaram uma expressão diferencial significativa (p<0,05) foram isoladas a partir dos géis e identificadas por espectrometria de massas (LNBio, Campinas-SP) após pesquisa em banco de proteínas anotadas a partir do genoma de cada uma das linhagens. Inúmeras proteínas diferencialmente expressas entre as linhagens foram identificadas para as diferentes condições estudadas, demonstrando que algumas foram estirpe-específicas (10 aproximadamente) enquanto outras foram expressas em todas as linhagens, diferindo na sua intensidade. Aquelas proteínas que indicaram alguma potencialidade em relação à patogenicidade e hospedeiro cítrico foram quantificadas com o uso do software Scaffold v. 3,0, a partir de dados provenientes da espectrometria de massas. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que Xac, Xau-B e Xau-C apresentam perfis proteicos marcadamente diferentes na fração de periplasma, mesmo em condições de não indução da patogenicidade. A abordagem proteômica evidenciou que embora as estirpes apresentem um padrão de expressão protéica muito distinto na fração rica em proteínas periplasmáticas, as sequências dos genes relacionados às proteínas diferenciais (superóxido dismutase e fosfoglicomutase) estão presentes em todas as estirpes. Com base na análise proteômica, foram selecionadas proteínas que apresentaram expressão diferencial acentuada entre as linhagens-genomas, nas condições estudadas, sendo sua expressão avaliada por Western blot contra extrato protéico periplasmático das três linhagens- genomas, após cultivo das mesmas em meio CN e XAM-1 Os dados obtidos para a superoxido dismutase corroboraram a maioria dos resultados quantitativos gerados pelo software Scaffold. Este trabalho evidenciou que a análise proteômica, aliada às ferramentas de análises quantitativas, é um recurso que vem complementar as investigações genômicas destinadas a diferenciar as diferentes espécies de Xanthomonas spp. Sob os aspectos biotecnológicos a busca e identificação de proteínas biomarcadoras, em especial aquelas relacionadas com patogenicidade e especificidade à hospedeiro, são importantes alvos para produção de drogas no combate ao cancro cítrico.

<div>Anthropogenically driven global change is disrupting ecosystems and habitats of many plant species, straining the ability of native species to survive and reproduce. The overarching goal of this research was to holistically work towards restoration of a threatened tree species by connecting research from different disciplines. In order to do so, the threatened butternut tree (<i>Juglans cinerea</i>) and its hybrids were used as a case study. Hybridization can incorporate stress tolerance in plants and could be a potential restoration tool. Evidence in some wild butternut populations indicates that naturalized hybrids of butternut with Japanese walnut (<i>Juglans ailantifolia</i>) may be more tolerant to butternut canker disease (BCD) than butternut, but this has not been formally tested. Thus, chapter 2 examined potential BCD tolerance within and between unadmixed and hybrid butternut inoculated with two BCD fungal isolates. Differences in canker growth were observed by fungal isolate, which could help to explain some differences in BCD severity found among butternut populations. Smaller and fewer cankers and greater genetic gains were detected in hybrid families, demonstrating that hybrids warrant further evaluation as a possible breeding tool for developing BCD-resistant butternut trees.</div><div>However, even with increased disease tolerance, hybrids must possess similar ecophysiological tolerances to their native progenitor to be an effective replacement. Butternut is extremely cold hardy, but Japanese walnuts are native to a warmer ecosystem, indicating potential disparities in extreme temperature tolerances between the two species and their hybrids. Thus, samples from mature trees were subjected to cold and heat treatments to compare relative extreme temperature tolerances within butternut and between butternut, Japanese walnut, and their hybrids. Within butternut, trees from colder areas exhibited less cold damage than those from warmer areas. Differences in heat damage among provenances occurred but did not follow a clear trend. Butternut exhibited greatest cold tolerance, Japanese walnut exhibited greatest heat tolerance, and hybrids were intermediate. Thus, the utility of hybrids for restoration could be limited at the extremes of the species’ distributions.</div><div>A second, but different type of freeze test was conducted for chapter 4 using seedlings to gain a more nuanced understanding of cold tolerance within butternut and between butternut and its hybrids. No survival or damage differences were detected in butternut provenances, although seedlings from the coldest provenances experienced more delayed budbreak at the two warmest treatments than those from warmer provenances. Interspecific differences were not observed in dieback but were detected in survival and budbreak. The hybrids had greater survival than butternut from warmer provenances at the lowest temperature treatment (-38 °C), but given that temperatures that low are extremely unlikely to occur in those provenances, it is not anticipated to give the hybrids an advantage if planted in those areas. However, the hybrids’ earlier budbreak could limit the success of restoration with these hybrids in the coldest extents of butternut’s range. </div><div>If hybrids, as well as genetically modified (GM) trees, are successfully developed for effective disease tolerance and to serve as an ecologically suitable replacement, success of restoration using hybrids will ultimately depend on those directly responsible for replanting efforts. A survey was administered to land managers in 46 organizations in Indiana to gauge perceptions of hybrid and GM trees, as well as current use of hybrid trees. Land managers had stronger concern for ecological, rather than economic, issues. Agreement was highest for using hybrid and GM trees for “conservation and restoration of at-risk species”, “timber production”, and “non-timber products (fruit, syrup, etc.)”. However, perceptions varied by characteristics, such as concern type, age, and the type of land they managed. Ecological concern and the type of land being managed most strongly predicted current hybrid use. Overall, results indicate the majority of land managers in Indiana would likely be agreeable to recommendations towards using hybrids. However, most nonetheless had strong ecological concerns about their suitability as a native replacement. It is important to note, though, that consistent with the results of previous studies, great variation was seen within the performance and characteristics of the butternut hybrids in chapters 2-4. Thus, it may be possible with careful selection and breeding to harness this variation to develop disease tolerant and ecologically similar hybrids acceptable to land managers.</div>