Mannose induces an endonuclease responsible for DNA laddering in plant cells.
The effect of D-mannose (Man) on plant cells was studied in two different systems: Arabidopsis roots and maize (Zea mays) suspension-cultured cells. In both systems, exposure to D-Man was associated with a subset of features characteristic of apoptosis, as assessed by oligonucleosomal fragmentation and microscopy analysis. Furthermore, D-Man induced the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. The specificity of D-Man was evaluated by comparing the effects of diastereomers such as L-Man, D-glucose, and D-galactose. Of these treatments, only D-Man caused a reduction in final fresh weight with concomitant oligonucleosomal fragmentation. Man-induced DNA laddering coincided with the activation of a DNase in maize cytosolic extracts and with the appearance of single 35-kD band detected using an in-gel DNase assay. The DNase activity was further confirmed by using covalently closed circular plasmid DNA as a substrate. It appears that D-Man, a safe and readily accessible compound, offers remarkable features for the study of apoptosis in plant cells.
Stein
J C
JC
Novartis Agribusiness Biotechnology Research, 3054 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina 27709, USA.
Hansen
G
G
D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003574:Cytochrome c Group / Q000378:metabolism; D053938:DNA Fragmentation; D018744:DNA, Plant / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004706:Endodeoxyribonucleases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D004790:Enzyme Induction; D008358:Mannose / Q000633:toxicity*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008970:Molecular Weight; D059828:Plant Cells; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D010944:Plants / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics; D013237:Stereoisomerism; D013997:Time Factors; D003313:Zea mays / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics
D003574:Cytochrome c Group; D018744:DNA, Plant; D004706:Endodeoxyribonucleases; D008358:Mannose