Chemical PARP inhibition enhances growth of Arabidopsis and reduces anthocyanin accumulation and the activation of stress protective mechanisms.
Poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) post-translationally modifies proteins through the addition of ADP-ribose polymers, yet its role in modulating plant development and stress responses is only poorly understood. The experiments presented here address some of the gaps in our understanding of its role in stress tolerance and thereby provide new insights into tolerance mechanisms and growth. Using a combination of chemical and genetic approaches, this study characterized phenotypes associated with PARP inhibition at the physiological level. Molecular analyses including gene expression analysis, measurement of primary metabolites and redox metabolites were used to understand the underlying processes. The analysis revealed that PARP inhibition represses anthocyanin and ascorbate accumulation under stress conditions. The reduction in defense is correlated with enhanced biomass production. Even in unstressed conditions protective genes and molecules are repressed by PARP inhibition. The reduced anthocyanin production was shown to be based on the repression of transcription of key regulatory and biosynthesis genes. PARP is a key factor for understanding growth and stress responses of plants. PARP inhibition allows plants to reduce protection such as anthocyanin, ascorbate or Non-Photochemical-Quenching whilst maintaining high energy levels likely enabling the observed enhancement of biomass production under stress, opening interesting perspectives for increasing crop productivity.
Bayer CropScience NV, Gent, Belgium.
Philipp
P
Schulz
Jenny
J
Neukermans
Katrien
K
Van der Kelen
Per
P
Mühlenbock
Frank
F
Van Breusegem
Graham
G
Noctor
Markus
M
Teige
Michael
M
Metzlaff
Matthew A
MA
Hannah
D000872:Anthocyanins / Q000378:metabolism*; D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D053898:Biosynthetic Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / Q000187:drug effects; D055442:Metabolome / Q000187:drug effects; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction / Q000187:drug effects; D010788:Photosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects; D000067856:Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects
D000872:Anthocyanins; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D000067856:Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors