Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase Dynamics in Plant Stress Responses

Methionine sulfoxide reductases (MSRs) are pivotal in safeguarding cellular proteins against oxidative damage by reversing the oxidation of methionine residues. In plants, environmental challenges—such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures and pathogen attack—elevate reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to the formation of methionine sulfoxide and potential loss of protein function. The MSR family comprises stereospecific MSRA and MSRB isozymes, each restoring the corresponding diastereoisomer of methionine sulfoxide via reducing systems that include thioredoxin and glutaredoxin. Beyond a protective role, MSRs contribute to redox-dependent signal transduction, interacting with calcium and phosphorylation cascades to relay ROS-mediated information. Advances in quantitative proteomics, gene expression profiling and subcellular localisation studies have revealed dynamic regulation of MSR genes and their partnership networks under stress conditions. Translational research in model and crop species has demonstrated that MSR overexpression can stabilise membrane transporters, maintain ion homeostasis and preserve photosynthetic activity, thereby enhancing tolerance to abiotic and oxidative stresses. These insights underscore the potential of MSRs as targets for biotechnological strategies aimed at improving crop resilience and ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity under changing climates.

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Technical terms

Methionine sulfoxide reductase (MSR): Enzymes that catalyse the reduction of oxidised methionine residues back to methionine.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen that accumulate under stress and can oxidise biomolecules.

Thioredoxin: Small redox protein that supplies electrons for MSR activity in reducing oxidised methionine.

Redox homeostasis: The balance between oxidation and reduction reactions crucial for cellular function and signalling.

Post-translational modification: Covalent alteration of proteins after synthesis, such as methionine oxidation, affecting their function.

References

1. Arabidopsis AtMSRB5 functions as a salt-stress protector for both Arabidopsis and rice. Frontiers in Plant Science (2023).
2. Physiological Roles of Plant Methionine Sulfoxide Reductases in Redox Homeostasis and Signaling. Antioxidants (2018).
3. Protein Methionine Sulfoxide Dynamics in Arabidopsis thaliana under Oxidative Stress [S]. Molecular & Cellular Proteomics (2015).