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Nitric oxide: an active nitrogen molecule that modulates cellulose synthesis in tomato roots
Natalia Correa-Aragunde1, Cristina Lombardo1,2, Lorenzo Lamattina1
1Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. CC 1245, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina.
The New Phytologist
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Nitric oxide (NO) influences plant root development by affecting cellulose synthesis. Both low and high concentrations of NO donors altered cellulose content and gene expression in tomato roots.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signaling molecule in plants.
- NO regulates various growth and developmental processes, often involving metabolic changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on cellulose synthesis in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) roots.
- To analyze how NO influences root phenotype, cellulose content, and the expression of cellulose synthase genes.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of tomato roots with sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor.
- Measurement of cellulose content and 14C-glucose incorporation into cellulose.
- Analysis of tomato cellulose synthase (SICESA) transcript levels using RT-PCR.
- Microscopic examination of root cell walls.
Main Results:
- NO affected root cellulose content in a dose-dependent manner: low SNP concentrations increased it, while high concentrations decreased it.
- 14C-glucose incorporation assays confirmed NO's impact on cellulose synthesis, showing transient and reversible effects.
- Microscopic analysis indicated NO primarily affects primary cell wall cellulose synthesis.
- High NO concentrations altered the expression of SICESA1 and SICESA3 transcripts.
Conclusions:
- Nitric oxide levels play a significant role in regulating cellulose synthesis and content in plant roots.
- NO's influence on cellulose synthesis is dose-dependent and affects specific cellulose synthase genes.
- These findings contribute to understanding NO's role in plant development and cell wall formation.
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