OsCOPT7 is involved in copper accumulation and transport through xylem
Mei Yan Guan1, Zhenzhen Cao1, Yu Chun Xia2
1Rice Product Quality Supervision and Inspection Center, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|August 3, 2024
Summary
A newly identified rice protein, OsCOPT7, controls copper accumulation in grains by facilitating its transport into the xylem. This discovery offers potential strategies to reduce health risks associated with high copper levels in rice.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Copper (Cu) is vital for human health but excessive accumulation in rice grains poses health risks.
- Mechanisms of copper accumulation in rice remain largely unknown.
- Understanding copper transport is crucial for food safety and agricultural practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel proteins involved in copper transport and accumulation in rice grains.
- To elucidate the function of OsCOPT7 in regulating copper homeostasis in rice.
- To explore the potential of OsCOPT7 for mitigating high copper concentrations in rice.
Main Methods:
- Gene identification and characterization of OsCOPT7, a novel copper transporter.
- Analysis of OsCOPT7 localization and expression patterns in rice.
- Mutation analysis (lc1 mutant) and gene knockout/modulation studies.
- Investigation of OsCOPT7 interactions with OsSPL9 and OsATX1.
Main Results:
- OsCOPT7 facilitates copper loading into the xylem, impacting grain copper concentration.
- Mutations in OsCOPT7 inhibit xylem transport, leading to reduced grain copper.
- OsCOPT7 expression is regulated by copper availability and OsSPL9, and it interacts with OsATX1.
- OsCOPT7's role in copper distribution within the plant and its response to copper stress were demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- OsCOPT7 is a key regulator of copper transport into the xylem and subsequent accumulation in rice grains.
- OsCOPT7 plays a significant role in copper distribution and homeostasis within the rice plant.
- Targeting OsCOPT7 offers a promising approach to manage copper levels in rice, ensuring food safety.
Related Concept Videos
02:03Xylem and Transpiration-driven Transport of Resources
23.7K
The xylem of vascular plants distributes water and dissolved minerals that are taken up by the roots to the rest of the plant. The cells that transport xylem sap are dead upon maturity, and the movement of xylem sap is a passive process.
23.7K
01:18Protein Transport to the Inner Chloroplast Membrane
2.1K
Proteins targeted to the inner chloroplast membrane, or plastid proteins, are transported by two general pathways: the stop-transfer and the re-insertion or post-import pathways. Most plastid proteins carry N-terminal transit sequences and internal import sequences targeting it to the specific chloroplast subcompartment. Proteins targeted by the stop-transfer pathway have internal hydrophobic sequences that inhibit their translocation into the stroma. As a result, these precursors are arrested...
2.1K
02:34Water and Mineral Acquisition
32.8K
Specialized tissues in plant roots have evolved to capture water, minerals, and some ions from the soil. Roots exhibit a variety of branching patterns that facilitate this process. The outermost root cells have specialized structures called root hairs that increase the root surface, thus increasing soil contact. Water can passively cross into roots, as the concentration of water in the soil is higher than that of the root tissue. Minerals, in contrast, are actively transported into root cells.
32.8K
01:11Protein Transport to the Outer Chloroplast Membrane
2.0K
Chloroplast outer membrane proteins encoded by the nucleus are synthesized in the cytosol. Soon after synthesis, they bind cytosolic factors such as 14-3-3 protein and the Hsp70 chaperones that keep these precursors in an unfolded state until their translocation.
Two models describe the mechanism of precursor recognition and entry across the outer membrane through the TOC complex. Model 1 suggests the newly synthesized precursor binds to the TOC receptor 159 and forms a complex.
Two models describe the mechanism of precursor recognition and entry across the outer membrane through the TOC complex. Model 1 suggests the newly synthesized precursor binds to the TOC receptor 159 and forms a complex.
2.0K
02:02Phloem and Sugar Transport
37.1K
Like many living organisms, plants have tissues that specialize in specific plant functions. For example, shoots are well adapted to rapid growth, while roots are structured to acquire resources efficiently. However, sugar production is primarily restricted to the photosynthetic cells that reside in the leaves of angiosperm plants. Sugar and other resources are transported from photosynthetic tissues to other specialized tissues by a process called translocation.
37.1K
01:22Protein Transport to the Thylakoids
2.2K
Thylakoids are membrane-bound sac-like structures within the chloroplast that serve as sites for photosynthesis. Thylakoid lumen contains many electron transport proteins and is enclosed by a thylakoid membrane rich in the light-harvesting complex. Proteins targeted to the thylakoids are transported as precursors and are sorted by the general TOC/TIC import pathway. Once the precursor reaches the stroma, stromal processing peptidases remove their transit signal and expose thylakoid signal...
2.2K