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iTRAQ Mitoproteome Analysis Reveals Mechanisms of Programmed Cell Death in Arabidopsis thaliana Induced by Ochratoxin

Yan Wang1,2, Xiaoli Peng3,4, Zhuojun Yang3

  • 1Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China. pxlpxh@163.com.

Toxins
|May 20, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Ochratoxin A (OTA) induces programmed cell death (PCD) in Arabidopsis thaliana by disrupting mitochondrial function. This mycotoxin triggers ROS production and mitochondrial damage, leading to plant cell death.

Area of Science:

  • Plant Pathology
  • Toxicology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a prevalent and hazardous mycotoxin.
  • Previous studies linked OTA to plant lesions and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, primarily from mitochondria.
  • The direct induction of programmed cell death (PCD) by OTA in plants remained unconfirmed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether Ochratoxin A directly induces programmed cell death (PCD) in Arabidopsis thaliana.
  • To elucidate the role of mitochondria and ROS in OTA-induced plant cell death.

Main Methods:

  • Exposure of Arabidopsis thaliana leaves to OTA.
  • Measurement of respiration, mitochondrial ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cytochrome c release.
  • iTRAQ quantitative proteomics analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins.
  • Digital gene expression analysis.

Main Results:

  • OTA exposure led to accelerated respiration, increased mitochondrial ROS, and mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening.
  • A decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release into the cytosol were observed.
  • Proteomic analysis revealed significant changes in proteins involved in the mitochondrial electron transport chain and ATP synthesis.
  • Gene expression data supported OTA-induced PCD via a mitochondrial pathway.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondrial dysfunction is a critical prerequisite for OTA-induced PCD in plants.
  • OTA initiates and executes PCD through a mitochondrial-mediated pathway.
  • This study provides direct evidence for OTA-induced PCD in plants, mediated by mitochondrial damage.
Keywords:
Arabidopsis thalianaiTRAQmitochondriamitoproteomesochratoxin Aprogrammed cell death

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