Identification of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins in Arabidopsis. A proteomic and genomic analysis

Abstract

In a recent bioinformatic analysis, we predicted the presence of multiple families of cell surface glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins (GAPs) in Arabidopsis (G.H.H. Borner, D.J. Sherrier, T.J. Stevens, I.T. Arkin, P. Dupree [2002] Plant Physiol 129: 486-499). A number of publications have since demonstrated the importance of predicted GAPs in diverse physiological processes including root development, cell wall integrity, and adhesion. However, direct experimental evidence for their GPI anchoring is mostly lacking. Here, we present the first, to our knowledge, large-scale proteomic identification of plant GAPs. Triton X-114 phase partitioning and sensitivity to phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C were used to prepare GAP-rich fractions from Arabidopsis callus cells. Two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis and one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated the existence of a large number of phospholipase C-sensitive Arabidopsis proteins. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, 30 GAPs were identified, including six beta-1,3 glucanases, five phytocyanins, four fasciclin-like arabinogalactan proteins, four receptor-like proteins, two Hedgehog-interacting-like proteins, two putative glycerophosphodiesterases, a lipid transfer-like protein, a COBRA-like protein, SKU5, and SKS1. These results validate our previous bioinformatic analysis of the Arabidopsis protein database. Using the confirmed GAPs from the proteomic analysis to train the search algorithm, as well as improved genomic annotation, an updated in silico screen yielded 64 new candidates, raising the total to 248 predicted GAPs in Arabidopsis.

Figure 1.

Identification of Arabidopsis GAPs sensitive to Pi-specific phospholipase C. Integral membrane proteins from callus were prepared by TX-114 phase partitioning and treated with Pi-PLC or buffer only (control). After repartitioning, proteins released into the aqueous phases were labeled with CyDyes. The samples were mixed and then separated by electrophoresis in a single two-dimensional gel. Gels were imaged with a fluorescence scanner. A to D, Broad pH range (3–10). A, Aqueous phase after Pi-PLC treatment. B, Control aqueous phase. C, False-color overlay of Pi-PLC-treated (red) and control (green) fractions. D, LC-MS/MS identifications of GAPs. Numbers correspond to red arrowheads in A. Some spots contained mixtures of related proteins. E to H, Narrow pH range (4–7). E, Aqueous phase after Pi-PLC treatment. F, Control aqueous phase. G, False-color overlay of Pi-PLC-treated (red) and control (green) fractions. H, LC-MS/MS identifications of GAPs. Numbers correspond to red arrowheads in E. Arrowheads in A and E indicate spots specifically enriched in the Pi-PLC-treated fractions. Red, numbered arrowheads correspond to identified GAPs (D and H). White arrowheads with red borders indicate unidentified Pi-PLC-sensitive proteins. Green arrowheads correspond to Pi-PLC-derived proteins.

Figure 1.

Identification of Arabidopsis GAPs sensitive to Pi-specific phospholipase C. Integral membrane proteins from callus were prepared by TX-114 phase partitioning and treated with Pi-PLC or buffer only (control). After repartitioning, proteins released into the aqueous phases were labeled with CyDyes. The samples were mixed and then separated by electrophoresis in a single two-dimensional gel. Gels were imaged with a fluorescence scanner. A to D, Broad pH range (3–10). A, Aqueous phase after Pi-PLC treatment. B, Control aqueous phase. C, False-color overlay of Pi-PLC-treated (red) and control (green) fractions. D, LC-MS/MS identifications of GAPs. Numbers correspond to red arrowheads in A. Some spots contained mixtures of related proteins. E to H, Narrow pH range (4–7). E, Aqueous phase after Pi-PLC treatment. F, Control aqueous phase. G, False-color overlay of Pi-PLC-treated (red) and control (green) fractions. H, LC-MS/MS identifications of GAPs. Numbers correspond to red arrowheads in E. Arrowheads in A and E indicate spots specifically enriched in the Pi-PLC-treated fractions. Red, numbered arrowheads correspond to identified GAPs (D and H). White arrowheads with red borders indicate unidentified Pi-PLC-sensitive proteins. Green arrowheads correspond to Pi-PLC-derived proteins.