Nitric oxide affects plant mitochondrial functionality in vivo.
In this report, we show that nitric oxide affects mitochondrial functionality in plant cells and reduces total cell respiration due to strong inhibition of the cytochrome pathway. The residual respiration depends on the alternative pathway and novel synthesis of alternative oxidase occurs. These modifications are associated with depolarisation of the mitochondrial membrane potential and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, suggesting a conserved signalling pathway in plants and animals. This signal cascade is triggered at the mitochondrial level and induces about 20% of cell death. In order to achieve a higher level of cell death, the addition of H(2)O(2) is necessary.
Zottini
Michela
M
Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi, 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy. mzottini@civ.bio.unipd.it
Formentin
Elide
E
Scattolin
Michela
M
Carimi
Francesco
F
Lo Schiavo
Fiorella
F
Terzi
Mario
M
D016923:Cell Death / Q000187:drug effects; D019069:Cell Respiration / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D003574:Cytochrome c Group / Q000378:metabolism; D018552:Daucus carota / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000494:pharmacology; D007425:Intracellular Membranes / Q000187:drug effects; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020030:Nitric Oxide Donors / Q000494:pharmacology; D009599:Nitroprusside / Q000494:pharmacology; D016877:Oxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000187:drug effects; D012235:Rhodamines; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D003574:Cytochrome c Group; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D020030:Nitric Oxide Donors; D016877:Oxidants; D012235:Rhodamines; C401833:tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester; D009599:Nitroprusside; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide