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Nuclear-Targeted BRCA1 C-Terminus Domain of Physcomitrium NBS1 Effectively Enhances Oxidative Defence and Promotes
1Plant Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Physiologia Plantarum
|July 7, 2026
Summary
The BRCA1 C-terminus (BRCT) domain of Nijmegen breakage syndrome 1 (NBS1) protein independently enhances plant stress tolerance when localized to the nucleus. Nuclear targeting of the BRCT domain boosts antioxidant gene expression and ROS homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- DNA damage response
- Oxidative stress biology
Background:
- Nijmegen breakage syndrome 1 (NBS1) protein is a key DNA damage sensor in plants.
- The BRCA1 C-terminus (BRCT) domain of NBS1 is crucial for ROS detoxification.
- The independent function of the BRCT domain in oxidative stress tolerance was previously unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the isolated BRCT domain of PpNBS1 can independently regulate ROS homeostasis.
- To determine the role of nuclear localization for the BRCT domain's function in stress tolerance.
Main Methods:
- Structural modeling of the PpNBS1 BRCT domain.
- Generation of transgenic rice plants overexpressing the isolated BRCT domain or a nuclear-targeted version.
- Assessment of oxidative and cold stress tolerance, ROS levels, membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation, and chlorophyll content.
- Transcriptional analysis of antioxidant genes and measurement of enzymatic activities.
Main Results:
- Structural modeling confirmed the PpNBS1 BRCT domain's conserved functional conformation.
- Overexpression of the BRCT domain alone provided limited oxidative stress protection due to cytoplasmic retention.
- Nuclear-targeted BRCT expression significantly enhanced stress tolerance, improved growth, preserved cellular integrity, and reduced ROS accumulation.
- Nuclear BRCT expression induced antioxidant gene expression and increased radical scavenging capacity.
Conclusions:
- The antioxidant efficacy of the PpNBS1 BRCT domain is critically dependent on its nuclear localization.
- Spatial regulation is vital for integrating genome surveillance with oxidative stress resilience in plants.
- Nuclear-targeted BRCT domains represent a promising strategy for enhancing plant stress tolerance.
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