Oscillation and regulation of proline content by P5CS and ProDH gene expressions in the light/dark cycles in Arabidopsis thaliana L.

The fluctuation of proline content, and protein and mRNA levels of delta1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS) and proline dehydrogenase (ProDH), both of which are involved in proline biosynthesis and degradation, in the shoots of Arabidopsis grown in light/dark cycles were demonstrated under salt-stressed and unstressed conditions. Proline content, as well as proteins and mRNAs of these enzymes, clearly oscillated in the light/dark cycles under the stressed and unstressed conditions. A reciprocal relationship between P5CS and ProDH was observed. Protein levels of P5CS and ProDH were well synchronized with their mRNA levels, although the fluctuation of protein levels was not as significant as that of their mRNA levels. Both mRNA and protein levels of the two enzymes as well as the proline content did not oscillate under the continuous light or the dark conditions. Thus, P5CS and ProDH gene expressions seemed to be involved in light irradiation. Moreover, relative water content (RWC) in the plants oscillated in the light/dark cycles. The fluctuations of proline content in shoot reversely responded to that of RWC. It is suggested that the expression of two genes responds sensitively to a subtle change of cellular water status, and accumulated proline keeps the osmotic balance between cells and the outer environment.