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Title: Conjecture regarding posttranslational modifications to the arabidopsis type I proton-pumping pyrophosphatase (AVP1)

Author
item PIZZO, HSDYON - CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS (CSIC)
item HIRSCHI, KENDAL - CHILDREN'S NUTRITION RESEARCH CENTER (CNRC)
item GAXIOLA, ROBERTOA - ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Frontiers in Plant Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/28/2017
Publication Date: 9/12/2017
Citation: Pizzo, H.A., Hirschi, K.D., Gaxiola, R. 2017. Conjecture regarding posttranslational modifications to the arabidopsis type I proton-pumping pyrophosphatase (AVP1). Frontiers in Plant Science. 8:1572.

Interpretive Summary: A problem in engineering plants is predicting if genetic changes perceived as beneficial will cause collateral damage. The movement of nutrients in plants is thought to be important for how plants grow and adapt; however, the mechanisms associated with these changes have not been fully investigated. Changing a transporter may increase nutrient levels but reduce yield. Computer modeling work here suggests the movement of nutrients is regulated by specific modifications of important transporters. Altering the transporters through precise changes can boost nutrient content without negatively impacting yield. This work proposes a new way to alter nutrient levels while minimizing the negative impacts associated with genetic manipulations.

Technical Abstract: Agbiotechnology uses genetic engineering to improve the output and value of crops. Altering the expression of the plant Type I Proton-pumping Pyrophosphatase (H+-PPase) has already proven to be a useful tool to enhance crop productivity. Despite the effective use of this gene in translational research, information regarding the intracellular localization and functional plasticity of the pump remain largely enigmatic. Using computer modeling several putative phosphorylation, ubiquitination and sumoylation target sites were identified that may regulate Arabidopsis H+-PPase(AVP1- Arabidopsis Vacuolar Proton-pump 1) subcellular trafficking and activity. These putative regulatory sites will direct future research that specifically addresses the partitioning and transport characteristics of this pump. We posit that fine-tuning H+-PPases activity and cellular distribution will facilitate rationale strategies for further genetic improvements in crop productivity.