Analyzing the G3BP-like gene family of Arabidopsis thaliana in early turnip mosaic virus infection

Sci Rep. 2021 Jan 26;11(1):2187. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-81276-7.

Abstract

The Arabidopsis thaliana genome encodes several genes that are known or predicted to participate in the formation of stress granules (SG). One family of genes encodes for Ras GTPase-activating protein-binding protein (G3BP)-like proteins. Seven genes were identified, of which one of the members was already shown to interact with plant virus proteins in a previous study. A phylogenetic and tissue-specific expression analysis, including laser-dissected phloem, by qRT-PCRs was performed and the sub-cellular localization of individual AtG3BP::EYFP fluorescent fusion proteins expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana epidermal cells was observed. Individual AtG3BP-protein interactions in planta were studied using the bimolecular fluorescence complementation approach in combination with confocal imaging in living cells. In addition, the early and late induction of G3BP-like expression upon Turnip mosaic virus infection was investigated by RNAseq and qRT-PCR. The results showed a high divergence of transcription frequency in the different plant tissues, promiscuous protein-protein interaction within the G3BP-like gene family, and a general induction by a viral infection with TuMV in A. thaliana. The information gained from these studies leads to a better understanding of stress granules, in particular their molecular mode of action in the plant and their role in plant virus infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arabidopsis / genetics*
  • Arabidopsis / virology*
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
  • Multigene Family*
  • Nicotiana
  • Phylogeny
  • Plant Diseases / genetics*
  • Plant Diseases / virology*
  • Potyvirus / physiology*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Transport
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Subcellular Fractions / metabolism

Substances

  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger

Supplementary concepts

  • Turnip mosaic virus