Occurrence of plant-uncoupling mitochondrial protein (PUMP) in diverse organs and tissues of several plants

• Published in: Journal of bioenergetics and biomembranes 2000-12, Vol.32 (6), p.549-561
• Main Authors: Jezek, P, Zácková, M, Kosarová, J, Rodrigues, E T, Madeira, V M, Vicente, J A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adenosine Triphosphate - metabolism; Adenosine Triphosphate - pharmacology; Corn; Ion Channels - metabolism; Leaves; Linoleic Acid - pharmacology; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial - drug effects; Mitochondria; Mitochondria - metabolism; Mitochondrial Proteins - metabolism; Oxygen Consumption; Plant Proteins - metabolism; Plant species; Plant tissues; Plants - drug effects; Plants - metabolism; Roots; Shoots; Species Specificity; Tissue Distribution; Uncoupling Agents - pharmacology; Uncoupling Protein 1; Vegetables
• ISSN: 0145-479X; 1573-6881
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1005648226431

The presence of plant-uncoupling mitochondrial protein (PUMP), previously described by Vercesi et al. (1995), was screened in mitochondria of various organs or tissues of several plant species. This was done functionally, by monitoring purine nucleotide-sensitive linoleic acid-induced uncoupling, or by Western blots. The following findings were established: (1) PUMP was found in most of the higher plants tested; (2) since ATP inhibition of linoleic acid-induced membrane potential decrease varied, PUMP content might differ in different plant tissues, as observed with mitochondria from maize roots, maize seeds, spinach leaves, wheat shoots, carrot roots, cauliflower, broccoli, maize shoots, turnip root, and potato calli. Western blots also indicated PUMP presence in oat shoots, carnation petals, onion bulbs, red beet root, green cabbage, and Sedum leaves. (3) PUMP was not detected in mushrooms. We conclude that PUMP is likely present in the mitochondria of organs and tissues of all higher plants.