Entries by Mary Williams

Review: Matrix redox physiology governs the regulation of plant mitochondrial metabolism through post-translational protein modifications

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Mitochondrial metabolism provides ATP and reducing power to drive myriad reactions in the plant cell, and is constantly being fine-tuned in response to environment and demands. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins, including redox reactions of methionine and cysteine and carbamylation of lysine, arginine and proline, are crucial for this rapid, reversible responsiveness. The rate of […]

Pheophorbide a may regulate jasmonate signaling during dark-induced senescence

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During leaf senescence, nitrogen-rich chlorophyll is broken down through a regulated process so that nitrogen-containing compounds can be reassimilated into the plant body. Chlorophyll catabolites are sequestered in the vacuole as linear tetrapyrroles known as phyllobilins, produced through the action of the porphyrin ring-opening activity of PHEOPHORBIDE A OXYGENASE (PAO); this is known as the […]

Metabolite regulatory interactions control plant respiratory metabolism via Target of Rapamycin (TOR) kinase activation

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The rate of mitochondrial respiration is highly dynamic and responds to numerous endogenous and exogenous factors. Here, O’Leary et al. have measured mitochondrial respiration (through O2 production) in response to various metabolites in leaf discs over several hours, to address not only post-translational controls but also de novo transcriptional/translational effects. They found that, as expected, […]

ASPB at PAG2020

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ASPB is supporting the Plant and Animal genome conference (PAG) as an exhibitor. It’s a great opportunity for us to meet members of the community and share news about our journals, the benefits of membership and Plantae_org. On Sunday, we set up the exhibit space, from boxes to a beautiful, functional home-away from home for […]

Review. Diatom molecular research comes of age:  Model species for studying phytoplankton biology and diversity (Plant Cell)

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Diatoms are photosynthetic eukaryotes and contribute substantially to global carbon fixation. They are distantly related to green plants, having shared the same primary endosymbiotic event, although they subsequently underwent additional secondary endosymbioses. There are over 100,000 species of diatoms, of which two have been the greatest focus for genomic efforts. Falciatore et al. review current […]

Review: Role of blue and red light in stomatal dynamic behaviour (J Exp Bot)

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Guard cells are extremely sensitive and dynamic, and their behaviour controls rates of gas exchange and transpiration, which affect evaporative cooling and transport in the xylem. Matthews et al. review the roles of light signalling pathways in guard cell responses. Cues that control guard cell ion channels and transporters (hence stomatal pore size) include temperature, […]

Promotion of BR biosynthesis by miR444 is required for ammonium-triggered inhibition of root growth (Plant Physiol.) ($)

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Nitrogen, as one of the most important plant nutrients, profoundly affects root growth. Nitrogen is usually taken up in one of two forms, nitrate (NO3–) or ammonium (NH4+), and the two forms affect root growth differently. Here, Jiao et al. demonstrate a connection between ammonium, a small RNA, and brassinosteroid hormones. Specifically, they show that […]

Pathogenic bacteria target plant plasmodesmata to colonize and invade surrounding tissues (Plant Cell)

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Plasmodesmata are regulated channels that connect adjacent cells, allowing movement of metabolites, RNA, proteins, and pathogens. Plants close their plasmodesmata as part of their immune response, but this closure can be interfered with by pathogens. Aung et al. examined the repertoire of effector proteins produced by the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000 […]