Novel regulation of aquaporins during osmotic stress

Plant Physiol. 2004 Aug;135(4):2318-29. doi: 10.1104/pp.104.044891. Epub 2004 Aug 6.

Abstract

Aquaporin protein regulation and redistribution in response to osmotic stress was investigated. Ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) McTIP1;2 (McMIPF) mediated water flux when expressed in Xenopus leavis oocytes. Mannitol-induced water imbalance resulted in increased protein amounts in tonoplast fractions and a shift in protein distribution to other membrane fractions, suggesting aquaporin relocalization. Indirect immunofluorescence labeling also supports a change in membrane distribution for McTIP1;2 and the appearance of a unique compartment where McTIP1;2 is expressed. Mannitol-induced redistribution of McTIP1;2 was arrested by pretreatment with brefeldin A, wortmannin, and cytochalasin D, inhibitors of vesicle trafficking-related processes. Evidence suggests a role for glycosylation and involvement of a cAMP-dependent signaling pathway in McTIP1;2 redistribution. McTIP1;2 redistribution to endosomal compartments may be part of a homeostatic process to restore and maintain cellular osmolarity under osmotic-stress conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aquaporins / physiology*
  • DNA, Plant / genetics
  • Glycosylation
  • Mesembryanthemum / physiology*
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Plant Leaves / physiology
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism
  • Plant Proteins / physiology*
  • Plant Roots / physiology
  • RNA Caps / genetics
  • RNA, Plant / genetics
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Aquaporins
  • DNA, Plant
  • Plant Proteins
  • RNA Caps
  • RNA, Plant