A genetically encoded fluorescent heme sensor detects free heme in plants

• DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae291
• Publication Date: 2024-05-19T17:12:47Z
• Authors: Bingxiao Wen; Bernhard Grimm
• Keywords: Nicotiana; 0301 basic medicine; 03 medical and health sciences; Arabidopsis; Heme; Biosensing Techniques; Plants, Genetically Modified; Research Article

Abstract Heme is produced in plants via a plastid-localized metabolic pathway and subsequently distributed to all cellular compartments. In addition covalently noncovalently bound heme, comparatively small amount of free heme that not associated with protein available for incorporation into heme-dependent proteins subcellular compartments regulatory purposes. This “labile” fraction may also be toxic. To date, the distribution pool plant cells remains poorly understood. Several fluorescence-based methods quantification intracellular have been described. For this study, we used previously described genetically encoded sensor 1 (HS1) measure relative amounts different proof concept, manipulated content using range biochemical genetic approaches verified utility HS1 Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum Nicotiana benthamiana) transformed either transiently or stably HS1(M7A), variant lower affinity heme. approach makes it possible trace dynamics provides relevant information about its mobilization. The application these sensors will create opportunities explore validate importance identify mutants alter allocation