Abstract
Main conclusionCpGLP1 belongs to the large group of germin-like proteins and comprises a cell wall-localized protein which has superoxide dismutase activity and may contribute towards ROS metabolism and cell wall folding during desiccation.The plant cell wall is a dynamic matrix and its plasticity is essential for cell growth and processing of environmental signals to cope with stresses. A few so-called resurrection plants like Craterostigma plantagineum survive desiccation by implementing protection mechanisms. In C. plantagineum, the cell wall shrinks and folds upon desiccation to avoid mechanical and oxidative damage which contributes to cell integrity. Despite the high toxic potential, ROS are important molecules for cell wall remodeling processes as they participate in enzymatic reactions and act as signaling molecules. Here we analyzed the C. plantagineum germin-like protein 1 (CpGLP1) to understand its contribution to cell wall folding and desiccation tolerance. The analysis of the CpGLP1 sequence showed that this protein does not fit into the current GLP classification and forms a new group within the Linderniaceae. CpGLP1 transcripts accumulate in leaves in response to dehydration and ABA, and mannitol treatments transiently induce CpGLP1 transcript accumulation supporting the participation of CpGLP1 in desiccation-related processes. CpGLP1 protein from cell wall protein extracts followed transcript accumulation and protein preparations from bacteria overexpressing CpGLP1 showed SOD activity. In agreement with cell wall localization, CpGLP1 interacts with pectins which have not been reported for GLP proteins. Our data support a role for CpGLP1 in the ROS metabolism related to the control of cell wall plasticity during desiccation in C. plantagineum.
Highlights
Plants are often subjected to rapid environmental changes during their life cycle
The C. plantagineum germin‐like protein 1 (CpGLP1) gene performed in GraphPad Prism 5.0 (San Diego, CA; https://www.graphpad.com/)
Screenings for proteins interacting with dehydrationinduced cell wall proteins in C. plantagineum identified a germin-like protein (Dulitz 2016)
Summary
The plant cell wall, a complex matrix of polysaccharides and proteins, provides shape, support, Communicated by Anastasios Melis. Extended author information available on the last page of the article and protection to cells. Cell walls are not static structures, and they must be flexible to permit cell growth, but they must form barriers to protect cells from pathogen infections and mechanical damage. Cell wall plasticity is the capacity of the cell wall to dynamically respond to developmental and environmental cues (Chen et al 2019). Specific cell wall proteins contribute to the functions of cell walls required in different tissues, developmental stages or environmental interactions. The activation or recruiting of cell wall remodeling systems including cell wall-modifying enzymes and Ca2+ ions permit plants to change the rheological properties of their cell walls. Control of ROS metabolism at the cell wall is essential for remodeling mechanisms as
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