Growth phase-dependent subcellular localization of nitric oxide synthase in maize cells

• Published in: FEBS letters 1999-02, Vol.445 (2), p.283-286
• Main Authors: Ribeiro, Euripedes A, Cunha, Fernando Q, Tamashiro, Wirla M.S.C, Martins, Ione S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; BH4, 6(R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin; BSA, bovine serum albumin; EDTA, (ethylenedinitrilo)tetraacetic acid; EGTA, ethylene glycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether) N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid; FITC, fluorescein isothiocyanate; FMN, flavin mononucleotide; Immunolocalization; L-NAME, N G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester; LPS, lipopolysaccharide; Mice; Nitric Oxide Synthase - analysis; NOS, nitric oxide synthase; Plant nitric oxide synthase; PMSF, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride; Rabbits; Root growth; SDS, sodium dodecyl sulfate; Subcellular Fractions - enzymology; Zea mays; Zea mays - embryology; Zea mays - enzymology
• ISSN: 0014-5793; 1873-3468
• DOI: 10.1016/S0014-5793(99)00138-6

A protein band of approximately 166 kDa was detected in the soluble fraction of root tips and young leaves of maize seedlings, based on Western blot analysis using antibodies raised against mouse macrophage nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and rabbit brain NOS. NOS activity was present in these soluble fractions, as determined by l-[U- 14C]citrulline synthesis from l-[U- 14C]arginine. Immunofluorescence showed that the maize NOS protein is present in the cytosol of cells in the division zone and is translocated into the nucleus in cells in the elongation zone of maize root tips. These results indicate the existence of a NOS enzyme in maize tissues, with the localization of this protein depending on the phase of cell growth.