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Miyoshi Haruta

Bio: Miyoshi Haruta is an academic researcher from University of Wisconsin-Madison. The author has contributed to research in topics: Arabidopsis & Signal transduction. The author has an hindex of 16, co-authored 23 publications receiving 2758 citations. Previous affiliations of Miyoshi Haruta include Ochanomizu University & University of Victoria.

Papers
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Journal ArticleDOI
13 Nov 2008-Nature
TL;DR: Analysis of molecular divergence compared with yeasts and metazoans reveals rapid rates of gene diversification in diatoms, and documents the presence of hundreds of genes from bacteria, likely to provide novel possibilities for metabolite management and for perception of environmental signals.
Abstract: Diatoms are photosynthetic secondary endosymbionts found throughout marine and freshwater environments, and are believed to be responsible for around one- fifth of the primary productivity on Earth(1,2). The genome sequence of the marine centric diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana was recently reported, revealing a wealth of information about diatom biology(3-5). Here we report the complete genome sequence of the pennate diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and compare it with that of T. pseudonana to clarify evolutionary origins, functional significance and ubiquity of these features throughout diatoms. In spite of the fact that the pennate and centric lineages have only been diverging for 90 million years, their genome structures are dramatically different and a substantial fraction of genes (similar to 40%) are not shared by these representatives of the two lineages. Analysis of molecular divergence compared with yeasts and metazoans reveals rapid rates of gene diversification in diatoms. Contributing factors include selective gene family expansions, differential losses and gains of genes and introns, and differential mobilization of transposable elements. Most significantly, we document the presence of hundreds of genes from bacteria. More than 300 of these gene transfers are found in both diatoms, attesting to their ancient origins, and many are likely to provide novel possibilities for metabolite management and for perception of environmental signals. These findings go a long way towards explaining the incredible diversity and success of the diatoms in contemporary oceans.

1,500 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
24 Jan 2014-Science
TL;DR: A signaling system important in the regulation of plant cell size during development is identified and a signaling chain that links a secreted peptide, RALF (rapid alkalinization factor), with its receptor kinase, FERONIA, at the cell surface is identified.
Abstract: Plant cells are immobile; thus, plant growth and development depend on cell expansion rather than cell migration. The molecular mechanism by which the plasma membrane initiates changes in the cell expansion rate remains elusive. We found that a secreted peptide, RALF (rapid alkalinization factor), suppresses cell elongation of the primary root by activating the cell surface receptor FERONIA in Arabidopsis thaliana. A direct peptide-receptor interaction is supported by specific binding of RALF to FERONIA and reduced binding and insensitivity to RALF-induced growth inhibition in feronia mutants. Phosphoproteome measurements demonstrate that the RALF-FERONIA interaction causes phosphorylation of plasma membrane H+–adenosine triphosphatase 2 at Ser899, mediating the inhibition of proton transport. The results reveal a molecular mechanism for RALF-induced extracellular alkalinization and a signaling pathway that regulates cell expansion.

564 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results demonstrate that the two genes together perform an essential function and that the effects of their single mutations are mostly masked by overlapping patterns of expression and redundant function as well as by compensation at the post-translational level.

154 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Interestingly, recent data suggest that phosphatase-mediated changes in PM H(+)-ATPase phosphorylation are important in mediating auxin-regulated growth, and dephosphorylation by phosphatases, rather than kinase mediated phosphorylated, may be an important focal point for regulation during plant signal transduction.

124 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The presence of a functional protein-based inducible defense system in trembling aspen is established, consistent with a role in herbivore defense.
Abstract: Three Kunitz trypsin inhibitor genes were isolated from trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) by PCR and cDNA screening. Based on sequence similarity, they were grouped into two classes. Southern blots showed complex banding patterns and a high level of restriction fragment polymorphism between different aspen genotypes, suggesting that these trypsin inhibitors are members of a large, rapidly evolving gene family. One of the trypsin inhibitor genes, PtTI2. was over-expressed in Escherichia coli and its product shown to inhibit bovine trypsin in vitro. Both classes of PtTI genes are induced by wounding and herbivory, permitting rapid adaptive responses to herbivore pressure. The response appears to be mediated by an octadecanoid-based signaling pathway, as methyl jasmonate treatments induced the trypsin inhibitors. Wound-induced accumulation of trypsin inhibitor protein was also observed by western blot analysis. The pattern of expression, the apparent rapid evolution of TI genes, and the in vitro trypsin inhibitory activity are consistent with a role in herbivore defense. This work establishes the presence of a functional protein-based inducible defense system in trembling aspen.

123 citations


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Journal ArticleDOI
13 Aug 2010-Science
TL;DR: Although microalgae are not yet produced at large scale for bulk applications, recent advances—particularly in the methods of systems biology, genetic engineering, and biorefining—present opportunities to develop this process in a sustainable and economical way within the next 10 to 15 years.
Abstract: Microalgae are considered one of the most promising feedstocks for biofuels. The productivity of these photosynthetic microorganisms in converting carbon dioxide into carbon-rich lipids, only a step or two away from biodiesel, greatly exceeds that of agricultural oleaginous crops, without competing for arable land. Worldwide, research and demonstration programs are being carried out to develop the technology needed to expand algal lipid production from a craft to a major industrial process. Although microalgae are not yet produced at large scale for bulk applications, recent advances—particularly in the methods of systems biology, genetic engineering, and biorefining—present opportunities to develop this process in a sustainable and economical way within the next 10 to 15 years.

1,712 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Large-scale transcriptional changes accompany insect-induced resistance, which is organized into specific temporal and spatial patterns and points to the existence of herbivore-specific trans-activating elements orchestrating the responses.
Abstract: ▪ Abstract Plants respond to herbivore attack with a bewildering array of responses, broadly categorized as direct and indirect defenses, and tolerance. Plant-herbivore interactions are played out on spatial scales that include the cellular responses, well-studied in plant-pathogen interactions, as well as responses that function at whole-plant and community levels. The plant's wound response plays a central role but is frequently altered by insect-specific elicitors, giving plants the potential to optimize their defenses. In this review, we emphasize studies that advance the molecular understanding of elicited direct and indirect defenses and include verifications with insect bioassays. Large-scale transcriptional changes accompany insect-induced resistance, which is organized into specific temporal and spatial patterns and points to the existence of herbivore-specific trans-activating elements orchestrating the responses. Such organizational elements could help elucidate the molecular control over the d...

1,423 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, different factors affecting phenolic-related food quality are reviewed, including internal and environmental factors, technological treatments applied during postharvest storage of fruits and vegetables, as well as processing and storage of the processed products.
Abstract: Phenolic secondary metabolites play an important role in plant-derived food quality, as they affect quality characteristics such as appearance, flavour and health-promoting properties. Their content in foods is affected by many factors that influence phenolic stability, biosynthesis and degradation. In terms of their biosynthesis the key enzyme phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) is especially relevant, as it can be induced by different stress (environmental) conditions. In addition, polyphenol oxidases (PPO) and peroxidases (POD) are the main enzymes responsible for quality loss due to phenolic degradation. The different factors affecting phenolic-related food quality are reviewed. These include internal (genetic) and environmental (agronomic) factors, technological treatments applied during postharvest storage of fruits and vegetables, as well as processing and storage of the processed products. The different strategies that are required to either maintain or enhance the phenolic-related quality of foods are critically reviewed. Genetic modification designed to decrease polyphenol oxidases or peroxidases is not always a feasible method, owing to side problems related to the growth and defence of the plant. Agronomic treatments can be used to enhance the phenolic content and pigmentation of fruits and vegetables, although the information available on this topic is very scarce and even contradictory. Some postharvest treatments (cold storage, controlled or modified atmospheres, etc) can also improve phenolic-related quality, as well as new processing methods such as irradiation (gamma, UV), high-field electric pulses, high hydrostatic pressures and microwaves. Les composes phenoliques, metabolites secondaires des plantes, jouent un role dans la qualite des fruits, au niveau de l'apparence, de la flaveur et des qualites nutritives. L'enzyme cle de leur biosynthese est la phenylalanine ammonium-lyase, regulee par les facteurs environnementaux. La polyphenol oxydase et la peroxydase sont responsables des degradations donc des pertes de qualite. Les differents facteurs internes (genetiques) et externes (agronomiques) affectant la qualite des produits vegetaux sont etudies. Les differentes mesures envisageables (modification genetique, traitements chimiques ou physiques apres recolte) pour modifier le contenu en compose phenoliques et donc la qualite des produits vegetaux sont etudies.

1,119 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Potential avenues of genetic engineering that may be undertaken in order to improve microalgae as a biofuel platform for the production of biohydrogen, starch-derived alcohols, diesel fuel surrogates, and/or alkanes are focused on.
Abstract: There are currently intensive global research efforts aimed at increasing and modifying the accumulation of lipids, alcohols, hydrocarbons, polysaccharides, and other energy storage compounds in photosynthetic organisms, yeast, and bacteria through genetic engineering. Many improvements have been realized, including increased lipid and carbohydrate production, improved H2 yields, and the diversion of central metabolic intermediates into fungible biofuels. Photosynthetic microorganisms are attracting considerable interest within these efforts due to their relatively high photosynthetic conversion efficiencies, diverse metabolic capabilities, superior growth rates, and ability to store or secrete energy-rich hydrocarbons. Relative to cyanobacteria, eukaryotic microalgae possess several unique metabolic attributes of relevance to biofuel production, including the accumulation of significant quantities of triacylglycerol; the synthesis of storage starch (amylopectin and amylose), which is similar to that found in higher plants; and the ability to efficiently couple photosynthetic electron transport to H2 production. Although the application of genetic engineering to improve energy production phenotypes in eukaryotic microalgae is in its infancy, significant advances in the development of genetic manipulation tools have recently been achieved with microalgal model systems and are being used to manipulate central carbon metabolism in these organisms. It is likely that many of these advances can be extended to industrially relevant organisms. This review is focused on potential avenues of genetic engineering that may be undertaken in order to improve microalgae as a biofuel platform for the production of biohydrogen, starch-derived alcohols, diesel fuel surrogates, and/or alkanes.

1,079 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, an analysis of changes in global gene expression patterns during developmental leaf senescence in Arabidopsis has identified more than 800 genes that show a reproducible increase in transcript abundance.
Abstract: An analysis of changes in global gene expression patterns during developmental leaf senescence in Arabidopsis has identified more than 800 genes that show a reproducible increase in transcript abundance. This extensive change illustrates the dramatic alterations in cell metabolism that underpin the developmental transition from a photosynthetically active leaf to a senescing organ which functions as a source of mobilizable nutrients. Comparison of changes in gene expression patterns during natural leaf senescence with those identified, when senescence is artificially induced in leaves induced to senesce by darkness or during sucrose starvation-induced senescence in cell suspension cultures, has shown not only similarities but also considerable differences. The data suggest that alternative pathways for essential metabolic processes such as nitrogen mobilization are used in different senescent systems. Gene expression patterns in the senescent cell suspension cultures are more similar to those for dark-induced senescence and this may be a consequence of sugar starvation in both tissues. Gene expression analysis in senescing leaves of plant lines defective in signalling pathways involving salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene has shown that these three pathways are all required for expression of many genes during developmental senescence. The JA/ethylene pathways also appear to operate in regulating gene expression in dark-induced and cell suspension senescence whereas the SA pathway is not involved. The importance of the SA pathway in the senescence process is illustrated by the discovery that developmental leaf senescence, but not dark-induced senescence, is delayed in plants defective in the SA pathway.

952 citations