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Characterization of spermidine and spermine synthases in Lotus japonicus: induction and spatial organization of polyamine biosynthesis in nitrogen fixing nodules

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Abstract

The biosynthesis of the polyamines spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm) from putrescine (Put) is catalysed by the consequent action of two aminopropyltransferases, spermidine synthase (SPDS EC: 2.5.1.16) and spermine synthase (SPMS EC: 2.5.1.22). Two cDNA clones coding for SPDS and SPMS homologues in the nitrogen-fixing nodules of the model legume Lotus japonicus were identified. Functionality of the encoded polypeptides was confirmed by their ability to complement spermidine and spermine deficiencies in yeast. The temporal and spatial expression pattern of the respective genes was correlated with the accumulation of total polyamines in symbiotic and non-symbiotic organs. Expression of both genes was maximal at early stages of nodule development, while at later stages the levels of both transcripts declined. Both genes were expressed in nodule inner cortical cells, vascular bundles, and central tissue. In contrast to gene expression, increasing amounts of Put, Spd, and Spm were found to accumulate during nodule development and after maturity. Interestingly, nodulated plants exhibited systemic changes in both LjSPDS and LjSPMS transcript levels and polyamine content in roots, stem and leaves, in comparison to uninoculated plants. These results give new insights into the neglected role of polyamines during nodule development and symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF).

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Abbreviations

Spd:

Spermidine

Spm:

Spermine

Put:

Putrescine

ODC:

Ornithine decarboxylase

ADC:

Arginine decarboxylase

SPDS:

Spermidine synthase

SPMS:

Spermine synthase

SNF:

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation

ECM:

Ectomycorrhiza

AM:

Arbuscular mycorrhizae

dpi:

Days-post-inoculation

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by EU RTN programme MRTN-CT-2003–505227.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 118 55, Athens, Greece

    R. C. Efrose, E. Flemetakis, C. Stedel, E. D. Kouri & P. Katinakis

  2. National Centre Science Research Demokritos, Aghia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece

    R. C. Efrose

  3. Department of Biology, University of Crete, P.O. Box 2208, Heraklion, 71409, Crete, Greece

    L. Sfichi & K. Kotzabasis

  4. Plant Biology Division, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, 2510 Sam Noble Pky, Ardmore, OK, 7340, USA

    M. K. Udvardi

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  1. R. C. Efrose
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  2. E. Flemetakis
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Correspondence to P. Katinakis.

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Efrose, R.C., Flemetakis, E., Sfichi, L. et al. Characterization of spermidine and spermine synthases in Lotus japonicus: induction and spatial organization of polyamine biosynthesis in nitrogen fixing nodules. Planta 228, 37–49 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-008-0717-1

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