Structure and function of the Arabidopsis ABC transporter ABCB19 in brassinosteroid export

Science. 2024 Mar 22;383(6689):eadj4591. doi: 10.1126/science.adj4591. Epub 2024 Mar 22.

Abstract

Brassinosteroids are steroidal phytohormones that regulate plant development and physiology, including adaptation to environmental stresses. Brassinosteroids are synthesized in the cell interior but bind receptors at the cell surface, necessitating a yet to be identified export mechanism. Here, we show that a member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily, ABCB19, functions as a brassinosteroid exporter. We present its structure in both the substrate-unbound and the brassinosteroid-bound states. Bioactive brassinosteroids are potent activators of ABCB19 ATP hydrolysis activity, and transport assays showed that ABCB19 transports brassinosteroids. In Arabidopsis thaliana, ABCB19 and its close homolog, ABCB1, positively regulate brassinosteroid responses. Our results uncover an elusive export mechanism for bioactive brassinosteroids that is tightly coordinated with brassinosteroid signaling.

MeSH terms

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters* / chemistry
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters* / genetics
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters* / metabolism
  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
  • Arabidopsis Proteins* / chemistry
  • Arabidopsis Proteins* / genetics
  • Arabidopsis Proteins* / metabolism
  • Arabidopsis* / genetics
  • Arabidopsis* / metabolism
  • Brassinosteroids* / metabolism
  • Indoleacetic Acids / metabolism
  • Protein Conformation

Substances

  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • Brassinosteroids
  • Indoleacetic Acids
  • ABCB19 protein, Arabidopsis