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Chuyang Y Tang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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biomimetic Aquaporin membranes coming of age
Desalination, 2015Co-Authors: Chuyang Y Tang, Zhining Wang, Claus Helixnielsen, A G Fane, Irena PetrinicAbstract:Abstract Membrane processes have been widely used for water purification because of their high stability, efficiency, low energy requirement and ease of operation. Traditional desalting membranes are mostly dense polymeric films with a “trade off” effect between permeability and selectivity. Biological membranes, on the other hand, can perform transport in some cases with exceptional flux and rejection properties. In particular the discovery of selective water channel proteins – Aquaporins – has prompted interest in using these proteins as building blocks for new types of membranes. The major challenge in developing an Aquaporin-based membrane technology stems from the fact that the Aquaporin protein spans a membrane only a few nanometers thick. Such ultrathin membranes will not be able to withstand any substantial pressures, nor being industrially scalable without supporting structures. Incorporating Aquaporin proteins into compatible materials, while ensuring membrane performance, scalability, and cost-effective production, is crucial for a successful technology development. Since the first suggestions for using Aquaporins in membrane technology appeared around ten years ago, two main approaches have been suggested based on planar membranes and vesicles respectively. Here we summarize the essentials of Aquaporin protein function and review the latest progress in this fascinating area of membrane research and development.
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Development of a bio- mimetic membrane module for desalination of sea-water through forward osmosis ( FO ) Kolofon
Membranes, 2015Co-Authors: Angel C I D Amor, T Cath, Amy Childress, Claus Hélix-nielsen, Irena Petrinić, Agata Zarebska, Anthony Gordon Fane, Zhining Wang, Chuyang Y Tang, Menachem ElimelechAbstract:Aquaporins are water channel proteins with excellent water permeability and solute rejection, which makes them promising for preparing high-performance biomimetic membranes. Despite the growing interest in Aquaporin-based biomimetic membranes (ABMs), it is challenging to produce robust and defect-free ABMs that can be easily scaled up. In the current study, a thin film composite (TFC) ABM was prepared by the interfacial polymerization method, where AquaporinZ-containing proteoliposomes were added to the m-phenylene-diamine aqueous solution. Control membranes, either without Aquaporins or with inactive (mutant) Aquaporins, were also similarly prepared. The separation performance of these membranes was evaluated by cross-flow reverse osmosis (RO) tests. Compared to the controls, the active ABM achieved significantly higher water permeability (~4L/m 2hbar) with comparable NaCl rejection (~97%) at an applied pressure of 5bar. Its permeability was ~40% higher compared to a commercial brackish water RO membrane (BW30) and an order of magnitude higher compared to a seawater RO membrane (SW30HR), which clearly demonstrates the great potential of the TFC ABM for desalination applications. © 2012 Elsevier B.V..
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desalination by biomimetic Aquaporin membranes review of status and prospects
Desalination, 2013Co-Authors: Chuyang Y Tang, Rong Wang, Claus Helixnielsen, Yijiang Zhao, A G FaneAbstract:Abstract Based on their unique combination of offering high water permeability and high solute rejection Aquaporin proteins have attracted considerable interest over the last years as functional building blocks of biomimetic membranes for water desalination and reuse. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the properties of Aquaporins, their preparation and characterization. We discuss the challenges in exploiting the remarkable properties of Aquaporin proteins for membrane separation processes and we present various attempts to construct Aquaporin in membranes for desalination; including an overview of our own recent developments in Aquaporin-based membranes. Finally we outline future prospects of Aquaporin based biomimetic membrane for desalination and water reuse.
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synthesis of robust and high performance Aquaporin based biomimetic membranes by interfacial polymerization membrane preparation and ro performance characterization
Journal of Membrane Science, 2012Co-Authors: Yang Zhao, Ardcharaporn Vararattanavech, Jaume Torres, Wenming Shen, Anthony Gordon Fane, Xuesong Li, Rong Wang, Xiao Hu, Claus Helixnielsen, Chuyang Y TangAbstract:Abstract Aquaporins are water channel proteins with excellent water permeability and solute rejection, which makes them promising for preparing high-performance biomimetic membranes. Despite the growing interest in Aquaporin-based biomimetic membranes (ABMs), it is challenging to produce robust and defect-free ABMs that can be easily scaled up. In the current study, a thin film composite (TFC) ABM was prepared by the interfacial polymerization method, where AquaporinZ-containing proteoliposomes were added to the m-phenylene-diamine aqueous solution. Control membranes, either without Aquaporins or with inactive (mutant) Aquaporins, were also similarly prepared. The separation performance of these membranes was evaluated by cross-flow reverse osmosis (RO) tests. Compared to the controls, the active ABM achieved significantly higher water permeability (∼4 L/m 2 h bar) with comparable NaCl rejection (∼97%) at an applied pressure of 5 bar. Its permeability was ∼40% higher compared to a commercial brackish water RO membrane (BW30) and an order of magnitude higher compared to a seawater RO membrane (SW30HR), which clearly demonstrates the great potential of the TFC ABM for desalination applications.
Anthony Gordon Fane - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Development of a bio- mimetic membrane module for desalination of sea-water through forward osmosis ( FO ) Kolofon
Membranes, 2015Co-Authors: Angel C I D Amor, T Cath, Amy Childress, Claus Hélix-nielsen, Irena Petrinić, Agata Zarebska, Anthony Gordon Fane, Zhining Wang, Chuyang Y Tang, Menachem ElimelechAbstract:Aquaporins are water channel proteins with excellent water permeability and solute rejection, which makes them promising for preparing high-performance biomimetic membranes. Despite the growing interest in Aquaporin-based biomimetic membranes (ABMs), it is challenging to produce robust and defect-free ABMs that can be easily scaled up. In the current study, a thin film composite (TFC) ABM was prepared by the interfacial polymerization method, where AquaporinZ-containing proteoliposomes were added to the m-phenylene-diamine aqueous solution. Control membranes, either without Aquaporins or with inactive (mutant) Aquaporins, were also similarly prepared. The separation performance of these membranes was evaluated by cross-flow reverse osmosis (RO) tests. Compared to the controls, the active ABM achieved significantly higher water permeability (~4L/m 2hbar) with comparable NaCl rejection (~97%) at an applied pressure of 5bar. Its permeability was ~40% higher compared to a commercial brackish water RO membrane (BW30) and an order of magnitude higher compared to a seawater RO membrane (SW30HR), which clearly demonstrates the great potential of the TFC ABM for desalination applications. © 2012 Elsevier B.V..
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synthesis of robust and high performance Aquaporin based biomimetic membranes by interfacial polymerization membrane preparation and ro performance characterization
Journal of Membrane Science, 2012Co-Authors: Yang Zhao, Ardcharaporn Vararattanavech, Jaume Torres, Wenming Shen, Anthony Gordon Fane, Xuesong Li, Rong Wang, Xiao Hu, Claus Helixnielsen, Chuyang Y TangAbstract:Abstract Aquaporins are water channel proteins with excellent water permeability and solute rejection, which makes them promising for preparing high-performance biomimetic membranes. Despite the growing interest in Aquaporin-based biomimetic membranes (ABMs), it is challenging to produce robust and defect-free ABMs that can be easily scaled up. In the current study, a thin film composite (TFC) ABM was prepared by the interfacial polymerization method, where AquaporinZ-containing proteoliposomes were added to the m-phenylene-diamine aqueous solution. Control membranes, either without Aquaporins or with inactive (mutant) Aquaporins, were also similarly prepared. The separation performance of these membranes was evaluated by cross-flow reverse osmosis (RO) tests. Compared to the controls, the active ABM achieved significantly higher water permeability (∼4 L/m 2 h bar) with comparable NaCl rejection (∼97%) at an applied pressure of 5 bar. Its permeability was ∼40% higher compared to a commercial brackish water RO membrane (BW30) and an order of magnitude higher compared to a seawater RO membrane (SW30HR), which clearly demonstrates the great potential of the TFC ABM for desalination applications.
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Synthesis of robust and high-performance Aquaporin-based biomimetic membranes by interfacial polymerization-membrane preparation and RO performance characterization
Journal of Membrane Science, 2012Co-Authors: Yang Zhao, Ardcharaporn Vararattanavech, Jaume Torres, Changquan Qiu, Claus Hélix-nielsen, Wenming Shen, Xuesong Li, Rong Wang, Xiao Hu, Anthony Gordon FaneAbstract:Aquaporins are water channel proteins with excellent water permeability and solute rejection, which makes them promising for preparing high-performance biomimetic membranes. Despite the growing interest in Aquaporin-based biomimetic membranes (ABMs), it is challenging to produce robust and defect-free ABMs that can be easily scaled up. In the current study, a thin film composite (TFC) ABM was prepared by the interfacial polymerization method, where AquaporinZ-containing proteoliposomes were added to the m-phenylene-diamine aqueous solution. Control membranes, either without Aquaporins or with inactive (mutant) Aquaporins, were also similarly prepared. The separation performance of these membranes was evaluated by cross-flow reverse osmosis (RO) tests. Compared to the controls, the active ABM achieved significantly higher water permeability (~4L/m2hbar) with comparable NaCl rejection (~97%) at an applied pressure of 5bar. Its permeability was ~40% higher compared to a commercial brackish water RO membrane (BW30) and an order of magnitude higher compared to a seawater RO membrane (SW30HR), which clearly demonstrates the great potential of the TFC ABM for desalination applications. © 2012 Elsevier B.V..
Claus Helixnielsen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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biomimetic Aquaporin membranes coming of age
Desalination, 2015Co-Authors: Chuyang Y Tang, Zhining Wang, Claus Helixnielsen, A G Fane, Irena PetrinicAbstract:Abstract Membrane processes have been widely used for water purification because of their high stability, efficiency, low energy requirement and ease of operation. Traditional desalting membranes are mostly dense polymeric films with a “trade off” effect between permeability and selectivity. Biological membranes, on the other hand, can perform transport in some cases with exceptional flux and rejection properties. In particular the discovery of selective water channel proteins – Aquaporins – has prompted interest in using these proteins as building blocks for new types of membranes. The major challenge in developing an Aquaporin-based membrane technology stems from the fact that the Aquaporin protein spans a membrane only a few nanometers thick. Such ultrathin membranes will not be able to withstand any substantial pressures, nor being industrially scalable without supporting structures. Incorporating Aquaporin proteins into compatible materials, while ensuring membrane performance, scalability, and cost-effective production, is crucial for a successful technology development. Since the first suggestions for using Aquaporins in membrane technology appeared around ten years ago, two main approaches have been suggested based on planar membranes and vesicles respectively. Here we summarize the essentials of Aquaporin protein function and review the latest progress in this fascinating area of membrane research and development.
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desalination by biomimetic Aquaporin membranes review of status and prospects
Desalination, 2013Co-Authors: Chuyang Y Tang, Rong Wang, Claus Helixnielsen, Yijiang Zhao, A G FaneAbstract:Abstract Based on their unique combination of offering high water permeability and high solute rejection Aquaporin proteins have attracted considerable interest over the last years as functional building blocks of biomimetic membranes for water desalination and reuse. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the properties of Aquaporins, their preparation and characterization. We discuss the challenges in exploiting the remarkable properties of Aquaporin proteins for membrane separation processes and we present various attempts to construct Aquaporin in membranes for desalination; including an overview of our own recent developments in Aquaporin-based membranes. Finally we outline future prospects of Aquaporin based biomimetic membrane for desalination and water reuse.
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synthesis of robust and high performance Aquaporin based biomimetic membranes by interfacial polymerization membrane preparation and ro performance characterization
Journal of Membrane Science, 2012Co-Authors: Yang Zhao, Ardcharaporn Vararattanavech, Jaume Torres, Wenming Shen, Anthony Gordon Fane, Xuesong Li, Rong Wang, Xiao Hu, Claus Helixnielsen, Chuyang Y TangAbstract:Abstract Aquaporins are water channel proteins with excellent water permeability and solute rejection, which makes them promising for preparing high-performance biomimetic membranes. Despite the growing interest in Aquaporin-based biomimetic membranes (ABMs), it is challenging to produce robust and defect-free ABMs that can be easily scaled up. In the current study, a thin film composite (TFC) ABM was prepared by the interfacial polymerization method, where AquaporinZ-containing proteoliposomes were added to the m-phenylene-diamine aqueous solution. Control membranes, either without Aquaporins or with inactive (mutant) Aquaporins, were also similarly prepared. The separation performance of these membranes was evaluated by cross-flow reverse osmosis (RO) tests. Compared to the controls, the active ABM achieved significantly higher water permeability (∼4 L/m 2 h bar) with comparable NaCl rejection (∼97%) at an applied pressure of 5 bar. Its permeability was ∼40% higher compared to a commercial brackish water RO membrane (BW30) and an order of magnitude higher compared to a seawater RO membrane (SW30HR), which clearly demonstrates the great potential of the TFC ABM for desalination applications.
Jaume Torres - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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A generic high-throughput assay to detect Aquaporin functional mutants: Potential application to discovery of Aquaporin inhibitors.
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 2015Co-Authors: Janet To, Cin Huang Soon, Jaume TorresAbstract:Abstract Background The discovery of stable, yet functional, protein mutants is a limiting factor in the development of biotechnological applications, structural studies or in drug discovery. Rapid detection of functional mutants is especially challenging for water channel Aquaporins, as they do not have a directly measurable enzymatic or binding activity. Current methods available are time consuming and only applicable to specific Aquaporins. Methods Herein we describe an assay based on the protective effect of Aquaporins on yeast S. cerevisiae in response to rapid freezing. Results Yeast overexpressing a functional water-permeable Aquaporin of choice are rescued after the challenge, while inactive or blocked Aquaporins confer no protection and lead to cell death. The potential of this assay is shown by screening a small number of E. coli Aquaporin Z (AQPZ) mutants. Additionally, a library of ~ 10,000 drug-like compounds was tested against human AQP1 (hAQP1). Conclusions Since rescue is only dependent on transmembrane water flux, the assay is applicable to water-permeable Aquaporins of any origin. General significance Mapping of permissive mutations on the Aquaporin structure can help delineate the minimal requirements for effective water transport. Alternatively, the assay can be potentially used to discover compounds that inhibit Aquaporin water transport. When additionally screened for thermostability, functional Aquaporin mutants can be useful in the development of biomimetic membranes for water purification, or to improve the likelihood of producing well-diffracting crystals, enabling rational design of much needed Aquaporin inhibitors.
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Can stabilization and inhibition of Aquaporins contribute to future development of biomimetic membranes?
Membranes, 2015Co-Authors: Janet To, Jaume TorresAbstract:In recent years, the use of biomimetic membranes that incorporate membrane proteins, i.e., biomimetic-hybrid membranes, has increased almost exponentially. Key membrane proteins in these systems have been Aquaporins, which selectively permeabilize cellular membranes to water. Aquaporins may be incorporated into synthetic lipid bilayers or to more stable structures made of block copolymers or solid-state nanopores. However, translocation of Aquaporins to these alien environments has adverse consequences in terms of performance and stability. Aquaporins incorporated in biomimetic membranes for use in water purification and desalination should also withstand the harsh environment that may prevail in these conditions, such as high pressure, and presence of salt or other chemicals. In this respect, modified Aquaporins that can be adapted to these new environments should be developed. Another challenge is that biomimetic membranes that incorporate high densities of Aquaporin should be defect-free, and this can only be efficiently ascertained with the availability of completely inactive mutants that behave otherwise like the wild type Aquaporin, or with effective non-toxic water channel inhibitors that are so far inexistent. In this review, we describe approaches that can potentially be used to overcome these challenges.
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synthesis of robust and high performance Aquaporin based biomimetic membranes by interfacial polymerization membrane preparation and ro performance characterization
Journal of Membrane Science, 2012Co-Authors: Yang Zhao, Ardcharaporn Vararattanavech, Jaume Torres, Wenming Shen, Anthony Gordon Fane, Xuesong Li, Rong Wang, Xiao Hu, Claus Helixnielsen, Chuyang Y TangAbstract:Abstract Aquaporins are water channel proteins with excellent water permeability and solute rejection, which makes them promising for preparing high-performance biomimetic membranes. Despite the growing interest in Aquaporin-based biomimetic membranes (ABMs), it is challenging to produce robust and defect-free ABMs that can be easily scaled up. In the current study, a thin film composite (TFC) ABM was prepared by the interfacial polymerization method, where AquaporinZ-containing proteoliposomes were added to the m-phenylene-diamine aqueous solution. Control membranes, either without Aquaporins or with inactive (mutant) Aquaporins, were also similarly prepared. The separation performance of these membranes was evaluated by cross-flow reverse osmosis (RO) tests. Compared to the controls, the active ABM achieved significantly higher water permeability (∼4 L/m 2 h bar) with comparable NaCl rejection (∼97%) at an applied pressure of 5 bar. Its permeability was ∼40% higher compared to a commercial brackish water RO membrane (BW30) and an order of magnitude higher compared to a seawater RO membrane (SW30HR), which clearly demonstrates the great potential of the TFC ABM for desalination applications.
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Synthesis of robust and high-performance Aquaporin-based biomimetic membranes by interfacial polymerization-membrane preparation and RO performance characterization
Journal of Membrane Science, 2012Co-Authors: Yang Zhao, Ardcharaporn Vararattanavech, Jaume Torres, Changquan Qiu, Claus Hélix-nielsen, Wenming Shen, Xuesong Li, Rong Wang, Xiao Hu, Anthony Gordon FaneAbstract:Aquaporins are water channel proteins with excellent water permeability and solute rejection, which makes them promising for preparing high-performance biomimetic membranes. Despite the growing interest in Aquaporin-based biomimetic membranes (ABMs), it is challenging to produce robust and defect-free ABMs that can be easily scaled up. In the current study, a thin film composite (TFC) ABM was prepared by the interfacial polymerization method, where AquaporinZ-containing proteoliposomes were added to the m-phenylene-diamine aqueous solution. Control membranes, either without Aquaporins or with inactive (mutant) Aquaporins, were also similarly prepared. The separation performance of these membranes was evaluated by cross-flow reverse osmosis (RO) tests. Compared to the controls, the active ABM achieved significantly higher water permeability (~4L/m2hbar) with comparable NaCl rejection (~97%) at an applied pressure of 5bar. Its permeability was ~40% higher compared to a commercial brackish water RO membrane (BW30) and an order of magnitude higher compared to a seawater RO membrane (SW30HR), which clearly demonstrates the great potential of the TFC ABM for desalination applications. © 2012 Elsevier B.V..
Christophe Maurel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Aquaporins and plant transpiration.
Plant Cell and Environment, 2016Co-Authors: Christophe Maurel, Lionel Verdoucq, Olivier RodriguesAbstract:Although transpiration and Aquaporins have long been identified as two key components influencing plant water status, it is only recently that their relations have been investigated in detail. The present review first examines the various facets of Aquaporin function in stomatal guard cells and shows that it involves transport of water but also of other molecules such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide. At the whole plant level, changes in tissue hydraulics mediated by root and shoot Aquaporins can indirectly impact plant transpiration. Recent studies also point to a feedback effect of transpiration on Aquaporin function. These mechanisms may contribute to the difference between isohydric and anisohydric stomatal regulation of leaf water status. The contribution of Aquaporins to transpiration control goes far beyond the issue of water transport during stomatal movements and involves emerging cellular and long-distance signalling mechanisms which ultimately act on plant growth.
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plant Aquaporins roles in plant physiology
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 2014Co-Authors: Guowei Li, Veronique Santoni, Christophe MaurelAbstract:Abstract Background Aquaporins are membrane channels that facilitate the transport of water and small neutral molecules across biological membranes of most living organisms. Scope of review Here, we present comprehensive insights made on plant Aquaporins in recent years, pointing to their molecular and physiological specificities with respect to animal or microbial counterparts. Major conclusions In plants, Aquaporins occur as multiple isoforms reflecting a high diversity of cellular localizations and various physiological substrates in addition to water. Of particular relevance for plants is the transport by Aquaporins of dissolved gases such as carbon dioxide or metalloids such as boric or silicic acid. The mechanisms that determine the gating and subcellular localization of plant Aquaporins are extensively studied. They allow Aquaporin regulation in response to multiple environmental and hormonal stimuli. Thus, Aquaporins play key roles in hydraulic regulation and nutrient transport in roots and leaves. They contribute to several plant growth and developmental processes such as seed germination or emergence of lateral roots. General significance Plants with genetically altered Aquaporin functions are now tested for their ability to improve plant resistance to stresses. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Aquaporins.
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Plant Aquaporins: roles in plant physiology.
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 2013Co-Authors: Guowei Li, Veronique Santoni, Christophe MaurelAbstract:BACKGROUND: Aquaporins are membrane channels that facilitate the transport of water and small neutral molecules across biological membranes of most living organisms. SCOPE OF REVIEW: Here, we present comprehensive insights made on plant Aquaporins in recent years, pointing to their molecular and physiological specificities with respect to animal or microbial counterparts. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: In plants, Aquaporins occur as multiple isoforms reflecting a high diversity of cellular localizations and various physiological substrates in addition to water. Of particular relevance for plants is the transport by Aquaporins of dissolved gases such as carbon dioxide or metalloids such as boric or silicic acid. The mechanisms that determine the gating and subcellular localization of plant Aquaporins are extensively studied. They allow Aquaporin regulation in response to multiple environmental and hormonal stimuli. Thus, Aquaporins play key roles in hydraulic regulation and nutrient transport in roots and leaves. They contribute to several plant growth and developmental processes such as seed germination or emergence of lateral roots. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Plants with genetically altered Aquaporin functions are now tested for their ability to improve plant resistance to stresses. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Aquaporins.
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Plant Aquaporins: Membrane Channels with Multiple Integrated Functions
Annual Review of Plant Biology, 2008Co-Authors: Christophe Maurel, Doan-trung Luu, Lionel Verdoucq, Veronique SantoniAbstract:Aquaporins are channel proteins present in the plasma and intracellular membranes of plant cells, where they facilitate the transport of water and/or small neutral solutes (urea, boric acid, silicic acid) or gases (ammonia, carbon dioxide). Recent progress was made in understanding the molecular bases of Aquaporin transport selectivity and gating. The present review examines how a wide range of selectivity profiles and regulation properties allows Aquaporins to be integrated in numerous functions, throughout plant development, and during adaptations to variable living conditions. Although they play a central role in water relations of roots, leaves, seeds, and flowers, Aquaporins have also been linked to plant mineral nutrition and carbon and nitrogen fixation.
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Expression and Inhibition of Aquaporins in Germinating Arabidopsis Seeds
Plant and Cell Physiology, 2006Co-Authors: Clare Vander Willigen, Olivier Postaire, Colette Tournaire-roux, Yann Boursiac, Christophe MaurelAbstract:Extensive and kinetically well-defined water exchanges occur during germination of seeds. A putative role for Aquaporins in this process was investigated in Arabidopsis. Macro-arrays carrying Aquaporin gene-specific tags and antibodies raised against Aquaporin subclasses revealed two distinct Aquaporin expression programs between dry seeds and young seedlings. High expression levels of a restricted number of tonoplast intrinsic protein (TIP) isoforms (TIP3;1 and/or TIP3;2, and TIP5;1) together with a low expression of all 13 plasma membrane Aquaporin (PIP) isoforms was observed in dry and germinating materials. In contrast, prevalent expression of Aquaporins of the TIP1, TIP2 and PIP subgroups was induced during seedling establishment. Mercury (5mM HgCl2), a general blocker of Aquaporins in various organisms, reduced the speed of seed germination and induced a true delay in maternal seed coat (testa) rupture and radicle emergence, by 8–9 and 25–30 h, respectively. Most importantly, mercury did not alter seed lot homogeneity nor the seed germination developmental sequence, and its effects were largely reversed by addition of 2 mM dithiothreitol, suggesting that these effects were primarily due to oxidation of cell components, possibly Aquaporins, without irreversible alteration of cell integrity. Measurements of water uptake in control and mercury-treated seeds suggested that Aquaporin functions are not involved in early seed imbibition (phase I) but would rather be associated with a delayed initiation of phase III, i.e. water uptake accompanying expansion and growth of the embryo. A possible role for Aquaporins in germinating seeds and more generally in plant tissue growth is discussed.