Gibberellin-photoaffinity labelling of two polypeptides in plant plasma membranes

Two polypeptides of M(r) 68 kDa and 18 kDa were gibberellin (GA)-photoaffinity labelled in vitro in plasma membrane preparations from oat (Avena sativa L.) aleurone and from leaves and stems of wild-type and GA-sensitivity mutants of different species. Labelling of these polypeptides could be competed by biologically active, but not by inactive, GAs, indicating the likely biological significance of these interactions. On 2-dimensional gels the radiolabelled polypeptides were each resolved as one intensely labelled low abundance spot with a slightly lower pl form adjacent to it. There was a strong pH dependency for both labelling events, which correlated well with pH values at which GA are known to be most biologically active. A semi-dwarf GA-sensitivity mutant of sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus L.), lb, showed reduced photoaffinity labelling of both polypeptides compared with the wild type, Lb. In the GA-insensitive Arabidopsis thaliana mutant gai, the level of labelling was the same as in wild type, GAI. This is the first report of GA-binding proteins in plant plasma membranes. Some preliminary sequence data are given for one of the labelled polypeptides. We discuss these mutants and consider their possible roles in GA perception or action.