Methionine sulfoxide reductase B5 plays a key role in preserving seed vigor and longevity in rice (Oryza sativa)

Abstract

Oxidation of methionine leads to the formation of methionine S-sulfoxide and methionine R-sulfoxide, which can be reverted by two types of Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase (MSR), MSRA and MSRB, respectively. Despite the role of MSR enzymes being elucidated in various physiological processes, regulation and implication of MSR in seeds remained poorly explored. In this study, through molecular, biochemical, and genetic studies using seed-specific overexpression and RNAi lines of OsMSRB5 in Oryza sativa, we demonstrate the role of OsMSRB5 in maintaining seed vigor and longevity. We show that age-induced reduced vigor and viability of seeds is correlated with reduced MSR activity and increased methionine sulfoxide (MetSO) formation. OsMSRB5 expression increases during seed maturation and predominantly localizes in the embryo. Further analyses on transgenic lines reveal the role of OsMSRB5 in modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis to preserve seed vigor and longevity. We show that ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and PROTEIN L-ISOASPARTYL METHYLTRANSFERASE (PIMT) undergo MetSO modification in seeds that affect their functional competence. OsMSRB5 physically interacts with these proteins and reverts this modification to facilitate their functions and preserve seed vigor and longevity of seeds. Our results thus illustrate the role of OsMSRB5 in preserving seed vigor and longevity by modulating ROS homeostasis in seeds.