Localization of a putative ClC chloride channel in spinach chloroplasts

FEBS Lett. 2005 Sep 12;579(22):4991-6. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2005.08.005.

Abstract

Seven genes seem to encode for putative ClC chloride channels (AtClC-a to AtClC-g) in Arabidopsis thaliana. Their function and localization is still largely unknown. AtClC-f shares considerable sequence similarity with putative ClC channel proteins from Synechocystis, considered to represent the precursor of chloroplasts. We show by biochemical and mass spectrometry analysis that ClC-f is located in the outer envelope membrane of spinach chloroplasts. Consistent with the plastidial localization of ClC-f, p-chlorophenoxy-acetic acid (CPA) reduces photosynthetic activity and the protein is expressed in etioplasts and chloroplasts but not in root tissue. These findings may represent a step toward the molecular identification of ion channel activities in chloroplast membranes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Chloride Channels / chemistry
  • Chloride Channels / genetics
  • Chloride Channels / metabolism*
  • Chloroplasts / metabolism*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Oxygen / metabolism
  • Plant Proteins / chemistry
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Spinacia oleracea / metabolism*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Chloride Channels
  • Plant Proteins
  • Oxygen