Cell , IF:41.582 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.10.017
ABLs and TMKs are co-receptors for extracellular auxin.
Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, School of Future Technology, and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, P.R. China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201602, P.R. China.; Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, School of Future Technology, and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, P.R. China.; Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, School of Future Technology, and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, P.R. China; College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, P.R. China.; Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, School of Future Technology, and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, P.R. China; Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China.; Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201602, P.R. China.; Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201602, P.R. China; Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China.; School of Life Sciences, Centre for Cell and Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, P.R. China.; Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, and Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92507, USA.; College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, P.R. China.; Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, School of Future Technology, and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, P.R. China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201602, P.R. China. Electronic address: tdxu@sibs.ac.cn.; Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, School of Future Technology, and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, P.R. China; Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China; Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, and Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92507, USA. Electronic address: yang@ucr.edu.
Extracellular perception of auxin, an essential phytohormone in plants, has been debated for decades. Auxin-binding protein 1 (ABP1) physically interacts with quintessential transmembrane kinases (TMKs) and was proposed to act as an extracellular auxin receptor, but its role was disputed because abp1 knockout mutants lack obvious morphological phenotypes. Here, we identified two new auxin-binding proteins, ABL1 and ABL2, that are localized to the apoplast and directly interact with the extracellular domain of TMKs in an auxin-dependent manner. Furthermore, functionally redundant ABL1 and ABL2 genetically interact with TMKs and exhibit functions that overlap with those of ABP1 as well as being independent of ABP1. Importantly, the extracellular domain of TMK1 itself binds auxin and synergizes with either ABP1 or ABL1 in auxin binding. Thus, our findings discovered auxin receptors ABL1 and ABL2 having functions overlapping with but distinct from ABP1 and acting together with TMKs as co-receptors for extracellular auxin.
PMID: 37979582
Annu Rev Plant Biol , IF:26.379 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-062923-023852
Environmental Control of Hypocotyl Elongation.
Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; email: christian.fankhauser@unil.ch.; Current affiliation: Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark; email: jkr@plen.ku.dk.
The hypocotyl is the embryonic stem connecting the primary root to the cotyledons. Hypocotyl length varies tremendously depending on the conditions. This developmental plasticity and the simplicity of the organ explain its success as a model for growth regulation. Light and temperature are prominent growth-controlling cues, using shared signaling elements. Mechanisms controlling hypocotyl elongation in etiolated seedlings reaching the light differ from those in photoautotrophic seedlings. However, many common growth regulators intervene in both situations. Multiple photoreceptors including phytochromes, which also respond to temperature, control the activity of several transcription factors, thereby eliciting rapid transcriptional reprogramming. Hypocotyl growth often depends on sensing in green tissues and interorgan communication comprising auxin. Hypocotyl auxin, in conjunction with other hormones, determines epidermal cell elongation. Plants facing cues with opposite effects on growth control hypocotyl elongation through intricate mechanisms. We discuss the status of the field and end by highlighting open questions. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Plant Biology, Volume 75 is May 2024. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
PMID: 38012051
Nat Plants , IF:15.793 , 2023 Nov , V9 (11) : P1902-1914 doi: 10.1038/s41477-023-01533-7
Improving rice nitrogen-use efficiency by modulating a novel monouniquitination machinery for optimal root plasticity response to nitrogen.
State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.; Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.; State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China. shanli@njau.edu.cn.; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China. shanli@njau.edu.cn.
Plant nitrogen (N)-use efficiency (NUE) is largely determined by the ability of root to take up external N sources, whose availability and distribution in turn trigger the modification of root system architecture (RSA) for N foraging. Therefore, improving N-responsive reshaping of RSA for optimal N absorption is a major target for developing crops with high NUE. In this study, we identified RNR10 (REGULATOR OF N-RESPONSIVE RSA ON CHROMOSOME 10) as the causal gene that underlies the significantly different root developmental plasticity in response to changes in N level exhibited by the indica (Xian) and japonica (Geng) subspecies of rice. RNR10 encodes an F-box protein that interacts with a negative regulator of auxin biosynthesis, DNR1 (DULL NITROGEN RESPONSE1). Interestingly, RNR10 monoubiquitinates DNR1 and inhibits its degradation, thus antagonizing auxin accumulation, which results in reduced root responsivity to N and nitrate (NO(3)(-)) uptake. Therefore, modulating the RNR10-DNR1-auxin module provides a novel strategy for coordinating a desirable RSA and enhanced N acquisition for future sustainable agriculture.
PMID: 37798338
Trends Biochem Sci , IF:13.807 , 2023 Nov , V48 (11) : P937-948 doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.07.006
Substrate recognition and transport mechanism of the PIN-FORMED auxin exporters.
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.; Plant Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany.; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, NY 10016, USA.; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. Electronic address: bpp@mbg.au.dk.
Auxins are pivotal plant hormones that regulate plant growth and transmembrane polar auxin transport (PAT) direct patterns of development. The PIN-FORMED (PIN) family of membrane transporters mediate auxin export from the plant cell and play crucial roles in PAT. Here we describe the recently solved structures of PIN transporters, PIN1, PIN3, and PIN8, and also their mechanisms of substrate recognition and transport of auxin. We compare structures of PINs in both inward- and outward-facing conformations, as well as PINs with different binding configurations for auxin. By this comparative analysis, a model emerges for an elevator transport mechanism. Central structural elements necessary for function are identified, and we show that these are shared with other distantly related protein families.
PMID: 37574372
Plant Cell , IF:11.277 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1093/plcell/koad297
The transcription factor MdBPC2 alters apple growth and promotes dwarfing by regulating auxin biosynthesis.
State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China.
Auxin plays important roles throughout plant growth and development. However, the mechanisms of auxin regulation of plant structure are poorly understood. In this study, we identified a transcription factor of the BARLEY B RECOMBINANT/BASIC PENTACYSTEINE (BBR/BPC) family in apple (Malus x domestica), MdBPC2. It was highly expressed in dwarf rootstocks and it negatively regulated auxin biosynthesis. Overexpression of MdBPC2 in apple decreased plant height, altered leaf morphology, and inhibited root system development. These phenotypes were due to reduced auxin levels and were restored reversed after exogenous IAA treatment. Silencing of MdBPC2 alone had no obvious phenotypic effect, while silencing both class I and class II BPCs in apple significantly increased auxin content in plants. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that MdBPC2 directly bound to the GAGA-rich element in the promoters of the auxin synthesis genes MdYUC2a and MdYUC6b, inhibiting their transcription and reducing auxin accumulation in MdBPC2 overexpression lines. Further studies established that MdBPC2 interacted with the polycomb group (PcG) protein LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 (LHP1) to inhibit MdYUC2a and MdYUC6b expression via methylation of histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3). Silencing MdLHP1 reversed the negative effect of MdBPC2 on auxin accumulation. Our results reveal a dwarfing mechanism in perennial woody plants involving control of auxin biosynthesis by a BPC transcription factor, suggesting its use for genetic improvement of apple rootstock.
PMID: 38019898
Plant Cell , IF:11.277 , 2023 Oct , V35 (11) : P4133-4154 doi: 10.1093/plcell/koad214
The transcription factor ERF108 interacts with AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORs to mediate cotton fiber secondary cell wall biosynthesis.
Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079,China.; College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070,China.; College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070,China.
Phytohormones play indispensable roles in plant growth and development. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying phytohormone-mediated regulation of fiber secondary cell wall (SCW) formation in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) remain largely underexplored. Here, we provide mechanistic evidence for functional interplay between the APETALA2/ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF) transcription factor GhERF108 and auxin response factors GhARF7-1 and GhARF7-2 in dictating the ethylene-auxin signaling crosstalk that regulates fiber SCW biosynthesis. Specifically, in vitro cotton ovule culture revealed that ethylene and auxin promote fiber SCW deposition. GhERF108 RNA interference (RNAi) cotton displayed remarkably reduced cell wall thickness compared with controls. GhERF108 interacted with GhARF7-1 and GhARF7-2 to enhance the activation of the MYB transcription factor gene GhMYBL1 (MYB domain-like protein 1) in fibers. GhARF7-1 and GhARF7-2 respond to auxin signals that promote fiber SCW thickening. GhMYBL1 RNAi and GhARF7-1 and GhARF7-2 virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) cotton displayed similar defects in fiber SCW formation as GhERF108 RNAi cotton. Moreover, the ethylene and auxin responses were reduced in GhMYBL1 RNAi plants. GhMYBL1 directly binds to the promoters of GhCesA4-1, GhCesA4-2, and GhCesA8-1 and activates their expression to promote cellulose biosynthesis, thereby boosting fiber SCW formation. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that the collaboration between GhERF108 and GhARF7-1 or GhARF7-2 establishes ethylene-auxin signaling crosstalk to activate GhMYBL1, ultimately leading to the activation of fiber SCW biosynthesis.
PMID: 37542517
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A , IF:11.205 , 2023 Nov , V120 (48) : Pe2308587120 doi: 10.1073/pnas.2308587120
Tree architecture: A strigolactone-deficient mutant reveals a connection between branching order and auxin gradient along the tree stem.
Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Program, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Viikki Plant Science Centre, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.; Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.; Mathematics and Computer Science, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan 61-614, Poland.; Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya 321-8505, Japan.; Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Faculty of Science of Palacky University, Olomouc CZ-78371, Czech Republic.; Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam-Golm 14476, Germany.; Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria.; Mathematics, Tampere University, Tampere 33720, Finland.; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.; Production Systems, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Helsinki 00790, Finland.; Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Program, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, and Viikki Plant Science Centre, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.; Laboratoire de Reproduction et Developpement des Plantes, Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Lyon 69342, France.; Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.; National Plant Phenotyping Infrastructure, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Biocenter Finland, Helsinki 00014, Finland.; Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Umea Plant Science Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183 Umea, Sweden.; Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1LR, United Kingdom.; School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore.; Centre of the Region Hana for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Faculty of Science, Palacky University and Institute of Experimental Botany of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Olomouc 78371, Czech Republic.
Due to their long lifespan, trees and bushes develop higher order of branches in a perennial manner. In contrast to a tall tree, with a clearly defined main stem and branching order, a bush is shorter and has a less apparent main stem and branching pattern. To address the developmental basis of these two forms, we studied several naturally occurring architectural variants in silver birch (Betula pendula). Using a candidate gene approach, we identified a bushy kanttarelli variant with a loss-of-function mutation in the BpMAX1 gene required for strigolactone (SL) biosynthesis. While kanttarelli is shorter than the wild type (WT), it has the same number of primary branches, whereas the number of secondary branches is increased, contributing to its bush-like phenotype. To confirm that the identified mutation was responsible for the phenotype, we phenocopied kanttarelli in transgenic BpMAX1::RNAi birch lines. SL profiling confirmed that both kanttarelli and the transgenic lines produced very limited amounts of SL. Interestingly, the auxin (IAA) distribution along the main stem differed between WT and BpMAX1::RNAi. In the WT, the auxin concentration formed a gradient, being higher in the uppermost internodes and decreasing toward the basal part of the stem, whereas in the transgenic line, this gradient was not observed. Through modeling, we showed that the different IAA distribution patterns may result from the difference in the number of higher-order branches and plant height. Future studies will determine whether the IAA gradient itself regulates aspects of plant architecture.
PMID: 37991945
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A , IF:11.205 , 2023 Nov , V120 (48) : Pe2312918120 doi: 10.1073/pnas.2312918120
Suppression of pinoid mutant phenotypes by mutations in PIN-FORMED 1 and PIN1-GFP fusion.
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0116.
Disruption of either the auxin transporter PIN-FORMED 1 (PIN1) or the protein kinase PINOID (PID) leads to the development of pin-like inflorescences. Previous studies have shown that phosphoregulation of PIN1 by AGC kinases including PID directs auxin flux to drive organ initiation. Here, we report unexpected findings on the genetic interactions between these two genes. We deleted the first 2/3 of the PIN1 coding sequence using CRISPR/Cas9, and the resulting pin1 mutant (pin1-27) was a strong allele. Surprisingly, heterozygous pin1-27 suppressed two independent pid null mutants, whereas homozygous pin1-27 enhanced the phenotypes of the pid mutants during embryogenesis. Furthermore, we show that deletion of either the hydrophilic loop or the second half of PIN1 also abolished PIN1 function, yet those heterozygous pin1 mutants were also capable of rescuing pid nulls. Moreover, we inserted green fluorescent protein (GFP) into the hydrophilic loop of PIN1 through CRISPR-mediated homology-directed repair (HDR). The GFP signal and pattern in the PIN1-GFP(HDR) line are similar to those in the previously reported PIN1-GFP transgenic lines. Interestingly, the PIN1-GFP(HDR) line also rescued various pid null mutant alleles in a semidominant fashion. We conclude that decreasing the number of functional PIN1 copies is sufficient to suppress the pid mutant phenotype, suggesting that PIN1 is likely part of a larger protein complex required for organogenesis.
PMID: 37983505
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A , IF:11.205 , 2023 Nov , V120 (46) : Pe2310126120 doi: 10.1073/pnas.2310126120
FAB1C, a phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate 5-kinase, interacts with PIN-FORMEDs and modulates their lytic trafficking in Arabidopsis.
Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea.
PIN-FORMEDs (PINs) are auxin efflux carriers that asymmetrically target the plasma membrane (PM) and are critical for forming local auxin gradients and auxin responses. While the cytoplasmic hydrophilic loop domain of PIN (PIN-HL) is known to include some molecular cues (e.g., phosphorylation) for the modulation of PIN's intracellular trafficking and activity, the complexity of auxin responses suggests that additional regulatory modules may operate in the PIN-HL domain. Here, we have identified and characterized a PIN-HL-interacting protein (PIP) called FORMATION OF APLOID AND BINUCLEATE CELL 1C (FAB1C), a phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate 5-kinase, which modulates PIN's lytic trafficking. FAB1C directly interacts with PIN-HL and is required for the polarity establishment and vacuolar trafficking of PINs. Unphosphorylated forms of PIN2 interact more readily with FAB1C and are more susceptible to vacuolar lytic trafficking compared to phosphorylated forms. FAB1C also affected lateral root formation by modulating the abundance of periclinally localized PIN1 and auxin maximum in the growing lateral root primordium. These findings suggest that a membrane-lipid modifier can target the cargo-including vesicle by directly interacting with the cargo and modulate its trafficking depending on the cargo's phosphorylation status.
PMID: 37934824
Curr Biol , IF:10.834 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.10.072
Natural variants of molybdate transporters contribute to yield traits of soybean by affecting auxin synthesis.
National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.; State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.; National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China. Electronic address: zxtian@genetics.ac.cn.; National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China. Electronic address: dychao@cemps.ac.cn.
Soybean (Glycine max) is a crop with high demand for molybdenum (Mo) and typically requires Mo fertilization to achieve maximum yield potential. However, the genetic basis underlying the natural variation of Mo concentration in soybean and its impact on soybean agronomic performance is still poorly understood. Here, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify GmMOT1.1 and GmMOT1.2 that drive the natural variation of soybean Mo concentration and confer agronomic traits by affecting auxin synthesis. The soybean population exhibits five haplotypes of the two genes, with the haplotype 5 demonstrating the highest expression of GmMOT1.1 and GmMOT1.2, as well as the highest transport activities of their proteins. Further studies showed that GmMOT1.1 and GmMOT1.2 improve soybean yield, especially when cultivated in acidic or slightly acidic soil. Surprisingly, these two genes contribute to soybean growth by enhancing the activity of indole-3-acetaldehyde (IAAld) aldehyde oxidase (AO), leading to increased indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) synthesis, rather than being involved in symbiotic nitrogen fixation or nitrogen assimilation. Furthermore, the geographical distribution of five haplotypes in China and their correlation with soil pH suggest the potential significance of GmMOT1.1 and GmMOT1.2 in soybean breeding strategies.
PMID: 37995699
J Hazard Mater , IF:10.588 , 2024 Jan , V461 : P132541 doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132541
Genome-wide profiling of genetic variations reveals the molecular basis of aluminum stress adaptation in Tibetan wild barley.
Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.; Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.; Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.; Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Center for Viticulture & Small Fruit Research, Florida A&M University, FL 32317, USA.; Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China. Electronic address: wufeibo@zju.edu.cn.
Aluminum (Al) toxicity in acidic soil is a major factor affecting crop productivity. The extensive genetic diversity found in Tibetan wild barley germplasms offers a valuable reservoir of alleles associated with aluminum tolerance. Here, resequencing of two Al-tolerant barley genotypes (Tibetan wild barley accession XZ16 and cultivated barley Dayton) identified a total of 19,826,182 and 16,287,277 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 1628,052 and 1386,973 insertions/deletions (InDels), 61,532 and 57,937 structural variations (SVs), 248,768 and 240,723 copy number variations (CNVs) in XZ16 and Dayton, respectively, and uncovered approximately 600 genes highly related to Al tolerance in barley. Comparative genomic analyses unveiled 71 key genes that contain unique genetic variants in XZ16 and are predominantly associated with organic acid exudation, Al sequestration, auxin response, and transcriptional regulation. Manipulation of these key genes at the genetic and transcriptional level is a promising strategy for developing optimal haplotype combinations and new barley cultivars with improved Al tolerance. This study represents the first comprehensive examination of genetic variation in Al-tolerant Tibetan wild barley through genome-wide profiling. The obtained results make the deep insight into the mechanisms underlying barley adaptation to Al toxicity, and identified the candidate genes useful for improvement of Al tolerance in barley.
PMID: 37716271
J Adv Res , IF:10.479 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.11.001
Modulation of warm temperature-sensitive growth using a phytochrome B dark reversion variant, phyB[G515E], in Arabidopsis and rice.
Department of Biological Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.; Graduate School of Green-Bio Science and Crop Biotech Institute, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Republic of Korea.; Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.; Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Kumho Life Science Laboratory, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.; National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea.; Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.; Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.; Graduate School of Green-Bio Science and Crop Biotech Institute, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: jjeon@khu.ac.kr.; Department of Biological Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: yipark@cnu.ac.kr.
INTRODUCTION: Ambient temperature-induced hypocotyl elongation in Arabidopsis seedlings is sensed by the epidermis-localized phytochrome B (phyB) and transduced into auxin biosynthesis via a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, phytochrome-interacting factor 4 (PIF4). Once synthesized, auxin travels down from the cotyledons to the hypocotyl, triggering hypocotyl cell elongation. Thus, the phyB-PIF4 module involved in thermosensing and signal transduction is a potential genetic target for engineering warm temperature-insensitive plants. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to manipulate warm temperature-induced elongation of plants at the post-translational level using phyB variants with dark reversion, the expression of which is subjected to heat stress. METHODS: The thermosensitive growth response of Arabidopsis was manipulated by expressing the single amino acid substitution variant of phyB (phyB[G515E]), which exhibited a lower dark reversion rate than wild-type phyB. Other variants with slow (phyB[G564E]) or rapid (phyB[S584F]) dark reversion or light insensitivity (phyB[G767R]) were also included in this study for comparison. Warming-induced transient expression of phyB variants was achieved using heat shock-inducible promoters. Arabidopsis PHYB[G515E] and PHYB[G564E] were also constitutively expressed in rice in an attempt to manipulate the heat sensitivity of a monocotyledonous plant species. RESULTS: At an elevated temperature, Arabidopsis seedlings transiently expressing PHYB[G515E] under the control of a heat shock-inducible promoter exhibited shorter hypocotyls than those expressing PHYB and other PHYB variant genes. This warm temperature-insensitive growth was related to the lowered PIF4 and auxin responses. In addition, transgenic rice seedlings expressing Arabidopsis PHYB[G515E] and PHYB[G564E] showed warm temperature-insensitive shoot growth. CONCLUSION: Transient expression of phyB variants with altered dark reversion rates could serve as an effective optogenetic technique for manipulating PIF4-auxin-mediated thermomorphogenic responses in plants.
PMID: 37926145
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1111/nph.19391
Auxin homeostasis is maintained by sly-miR167-SlARF8A/B-SlGH3.4 feedback module in the development of locular and placental tissues of tomato fruits.
College of Horticulture, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.; College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.; Key Laboratory of Plant Hormones and Development Regulation of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
The locular gel, produced by the placenta, is important for fruit flavor and seed development in tomato. However, the mechanism underlying locule and placenta development is not fully understood yet. Here, we show that two SlARF transcription factors, SlARF8B and SlARF8A (SlARF8A/B), promote the development of locular and placenta tissues. The expression of both SlARF8A and SlARF8B is repressed by sly-microRNA167 (sly-miR167), allowing for the activation of auxin downstream genes. In slarf8a, slarf8b, and slarf8a/b mutants, the auxin (IAA) levels are decreased, whereas the levels of inactive IAA conjugates including IAA-Ala, IAA-Asp, and IAA-Glu are increased. We further find that SlARF8B directly inhibits the expression of SlGH3.4, an acyl acid amino synthetase that conjugates the amino acids to IAA. Disruption of such auxin balance by the increased expression of SlGH3.4 or SlGH3.2 results in defective locular and placental tissues. Taken together, our findings reveal an important regulatory module constituted by sly-miR167-SlARF8A/B-SlGH3.4 during the development of locular and placenta tissues of tomato fruits.
PMID: 37985404
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1111/nph.19382
The IAA17.1/HSFA5a module enhances salt tolerance in Populus tomentosa by regulating flavonol biosynthesis and ROS levels in lateral roots.
Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.; Key Laboratory of Eco-environments of Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.; Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Regional Plant Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement (CTGU), Biotechnology Research Center, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443000, China.
Auxin signaling provides a promising approach to controlling root system architecture and improving stress tolerance in plants. However, how the auxin signaling is transducted in this process remains unclear. The Aux indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) repressor IAA17.1 is stabilized by salinity, and primarily expressed in the lateral root (LR) primordia and tips in poplar. Overexpression of the auxin-resistant form of IAA17.1 (IAA17.1m) led to growth inhibition of LRs, markedly reduced salt tolerance, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and decreased flavonol content. We further identified that IAA17.1 can interact with the heat shock protein HSFA5a, which was highly expressed in roots and induced by salt stress. Overexpression of HSFA5a significantly increased flavonol content, reduced ROS accumulation, enhanced LR growth and salt tolerance in transgenic poplar. Moreover, HSFA5a could rescue the defective phenotypes caused by IAA17.1m. Expression analysis showed that genes associated with flavonol biosynthesis were altered in IAA17.1m- and HAFA5a-overexpressing plants. Furthermore, we identified that HSFA5a directly activated the expression of key enzyme genes in the flavonol biosynthesis pathway, while IAA17.1 suppressed HSFA5a-mediated activation of these genes. Collectively, the IAA17.1/HSFA5a module regulates flavonol biosynthesis, controls ROS accumulation, thereby modulating the root system of poplar to adapt to salt stress.
PMID: 37974487
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1111/nph.19398
Auxin response factors fine-tune lignin biosynthesis in response to mechanical bending in bamboo.
Basic Forestry and Proteomics Center (BFPC), College of Forestry, Haixia Institute for Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002, Fujian, China.
Lignin contributes to plant mechanical properties during bending loads. Meanwhile, phytohormone auxin controls various plant biological processes. However, the mechanism of auxin's role in bending-induced lignin biosynthesis was unclear, especially in bamboo, celebrated for its excellent deformation stability. Here, we reported that auxin response factors (ARF) 3 and ARF6 from Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carriere) J. Houz) directly regulate lignin biosynthesis pathway genes, and affect lignin biosynthesis in bamboo. Auxin and lignin exhibited asymmetric distribution patterns, and auxin promoted lignin biosynthesis in response to bending loads in bamboo. Employing transcriptomic and weighted gene co-expression network analysis approach, we discovered that expression patterns of ARF3 and ARF6 strongly correlated with lignin biosynthesis genes. ARF3 and ARF6 directly bind to the promoter regions of 4-coumarate: coenzyme A ligase (4CL3, 4CL7, and 4CL9) or caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT2) genes, pivotal to lignin biosynthesis, and activate their expressions. Notably, the efficacy of this binding hinges on auxin levels. Alternation of the expressions of ARF3 and ARF6 substantially altered lignin accumulation in transgenic bamboo. Collectively, our study shed light on bamboo lignification genetics. Auxin signaling could directly modulate lignin biosynthesis genes to impact plant lignin content.
PMID: 37964659
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2023 Dec , V240 (5) : P1729-1731 doi: 10.1111/nph.19303
FASEB: the mechanism of plant development: Saxtons River, Vermont, 24-29 July 2022.
Centro de Biotecnologia y Genomica de Plantas (CBGP), Universidad Politecnica de Madrid (UPM)-Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (CNINIA, CSIC), Campus de Montegancedo, Pozuelo de Alarcon, 28223, Madrid, Spain.; Departement de Sciences Biologique, Institut de Recherche en Biologie Vegetale, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, QC, H1X 2B2, Canada.; Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University, Wageningen, 6708 WE, the Netherlands.; Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, CB2 1LR, Cambridge, UK.; Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
PMID: 37817389
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2023 Dec , V240 (5) : P1883-1899 doi: 10.1111/nph.19292
Chemical induction of hypocotyl rooting reveals extensive conservation of auxin signalling controlling lateral and adventitious root formation.
Horticell, Department Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.; Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University, 900000, Can Tho City, Vietnam.; Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.; School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.; Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.; Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 20133, Milan, Italy.; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, 9052, Ghent, Belgium.; VIB Centre for Plant Systems Biology, Technologiepark 71, 9052, Ghent, Belgium.; Department of Plant Physiology, Umea Plant Science Centre, Umea University, SE-90736, Umea, Sweden.; Universite Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), 78000, Versailles, France.
Upon exposure to light, etiolated Arabidopsis seedlings form adventitious roots (AR) along the hypocotyl. While processes underlying lateral root formation are studied intensively, comparatively little is known about the molecular processes involved in the initiation of hypocotyl AR. AR and LR formation were studied using a small molecule named Hypocotyl Specific Adventitious Root INducer (HYSPARIN) that strongly induces AR but not LR formation. HYSPARIN does not trigger rapid DR5-reporter activation, DII-Venus degradation or Ca(2+) signalling. Transcriptome analysis, auxin signalling reporter lines and mutants show that HYSPARIN AR induction involves nuclear TIR1/AFB and plasma membrane TMK auxin signalling, as well as multiple downstream LR development genes (SHY2/IAA3, PUCHI, MAKR4 and GATA23). Comparison of the AR and LR induction transcriptome identified SAURs, AGC kinases and OFP transcription factors as specifically upregulated by HYSPARIN. Members of the SAUR19 subfamily, OFP4 and AGC2 suppress HYS-induced AR formation. While SAUR19 and OFP subfamily members also mildly modulate LR formation, AGC2 regulates only AR induction. Analysis of HYSPARIN-induced AR formation uncovers an evolutionary conservation of auxin signalling controlling LR and AR induction in Arabidopsis seedlings and identifies SAUR19, OFP4 and AGC2 kinase as novel regulators of AR formation.
PMID: 37787103
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2023 Dec , V240 (5) : P1900-1912 doi: 10.1111/nph.19284
GH3-mediated auxin inactivation attenuates multiple stages of lateral root development.
Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, 9052, Belgium.; Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052, Ghent, Belgium.; MOA Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilization in Lower-Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River and State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.; Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium.; Department of Bioscience, Okayama University of Science, Okayama, 700-0005, Japan.; Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, CH-1700, Switzerland.; Computational Developmental Biology Group, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CH, the Netherlands.
Lateral root (LR) positioning and development rely on the dynamic interplay between auxin production, transport but also inactivation. Nonetheless, how the latter affects LR organogenesis remains largely uninvestigated. Here, we systematically analyze the impact of the major auxin inactivation pathway defined by GRETCHEN HAGEN3-type (GH3) auxin conjugating enzymes and DIOXYGENASE FOR AUXIN OXIDATION1 (DAO1) in all stages of LR development using reporters, genetics and inhibitors in Arabidopsis thaliana. Our data demonstrate that the gh3.1/2/3/4/5/6 hextuple (gh3hex) mutants display a higher LR density due to increased LR initiation and faster LR developmental progression, acting epistatically over dao1-1. Grafting and local inhibitor applications reveal that root and shoot GH3 activities control LR formation. The faster LR development in gh3hex is associated with GH3 expression domains in and around developing LRs. The increase in LR initiation is associated with accelerated auxin response oscillations coinciding with increases in apical meristem size and LR cap cell death rates. Our research reveals how GH3-mediated auxin inactivation attenuates LR development. Local GH3 expression in LR primordia attenuates development and emergence, whereas GH3 effects on pre-initiation stages are indirect, by modulating meristem activities that in turn coordinate root growth with LR spacing.
PMID: 37743759
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2023 Dec , V240 (5) : P1930-1943 doi: 10.1111/nph.19273
Parallel tuning of semi-dwarfism via differential splicing of Brachytic1 in commercial maize and smallholder sorghum.
Corteva Agriscience, 7300 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, IA, 50131, USA.; Genome Sequencing Center, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, 35806, USA.; Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.; Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.; Soil & Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Plant Sciences Building, Fort Collins, CO, 11111, USA.; Napigen Inc., 200 Powder Mill Road, Delaware Innovation Space - E500, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA.
In the current genomic era, the search and deployment of new semi-dwarf alleles have continued to develop better plant types in all cereals. We characterized an agronomically optimal semi-dwarf mutation in Zea mays L. and a parallel polymorphism in Sorghum bicolor L. We cloned the maize brachytic1 (br1-Mu) allele by a modified PCR-based Sequence Amplified Insertion Flanking Fragment (SAIFF) approach. Histology and RNA-Seq elucidated the mechanism of semi-dwarfism. GWAS linked a sorghum plant height QTL with the Br1 homolog by resequencing a West African sorghum landraces panel. The semi-dwarf br1-Mu allele encodes an MYB transcription factor78 that positively regulates stalk cell elongation by interacting with the polar auxin pathway. Semi-dwarfism is due to differential splicing and low functional Br1 wild-type transcript expression. The sorghum ortholog, SbBr1, co-segregates with the major plant height QTL qHT7.1 and is alternatively spliced. The high frequency of the Sbbr1 allele in African landraces suggests that African smallholder farmers used the semi-dwarf allele to improve plant height in sorghum long before efforts to introduce Green Revolution-style varieties in the 1960s. Surprisingly, variants for differential splicing of Brachytic1 were found in both commercial maize and smallholder sorghum, suggesting parallel tuning of plant architecture across these systems.
PMID: 37737036
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiad595
H2 supplied via ammonia borane stimulates lateral root branching via phytomelatonin signaling.
College of Life Sciences, Laboratory Center of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China.; Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China.
A reliable and stable hydrogen gas (H2) supply will benefit agricultural laboratory and field trials. Here, we assessed ammonia borane (AB), an efficient hydrogen storage material used in the energy industry, and determined its effect on plant physiology and the corresponding mechanism. Through hydroponics and pot experiments, we discovered that AB increases tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) lateral root (LR) branching, and this function depended on the increased endogenous H2 level caused by the sustainable H2 supply. In particular, AB might trigger LR primordia initiation. Transgenic tomato and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) expressing hydrogenase1 (CrHYD1) from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii not only accumulated higher endogenous H2 and phytomelatonin levels, but also displayed pronounced LR branching. These endogenous H2 responses achieved by AB or genetic manipulation were sensitive to the pharmacological removal of phytomelatonin, indicating the downstream role of phytomelatonin in endogenous H2 control of LR formation. Consistently, extra H2 supply failed to influence the LR defective phenotypes in phytomelatonin synthetic mutants. Molecular evidence showed that the phytomelatonin-regulated auxin signaling network and cell cycle regulation were associated with the AB/H2 control of LR branching. Also, AB and melatonin had little effect on LR branching in the presence of auxin synthetic inhibitors. Collectively, our integrated approaches show that supplying H2 via AB increases LR branching via phytomelatonin signaling. This finding might open the way for applying hydrogen storage materials to horticultural production.
PMID: 37944026
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiad592
Transcription factor CsMYB77 negatively regulates fruit ripening and fruit size in citrus.
National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China.; Fruit Tree Research Institute of Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chongqing 401329, PR China.
MYB family transcription factors play essential roles in various biological processes, yet their involvement in regulating fruit ripening and fruit size in citrus remains poorly understood. In this study, we have established that the R2R3-MYB transcription factor, CsMYB77, exerts a negative regulatory influence on fruit ripening in both citrus and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), while also playing a role in modulating fruit size in citrus. The overexpression of CsMYB77 in tomato and Hongkong kumquat (Fortunella hindsii) led to notably delayed fruit ripening phenotypes. Moreover, the fruit size of Hongkong kumquat transgenic lines was largely reduced. Based on DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP-Seq) and verified interaction assays, SEVEN IN ABSENTIA OF ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA4 (SINAT4) and PIN-FORMED PROTEIN5 (PIN5) were identified as downstream target genes of CsMYB77. CsMYB77 inhibited the expression of SINAT4 to modulate abscisic acid (ABA) signalling, which delayed fruit ripening in transgenic tomato and Hongkong kumquat lines. Expression of PIN5 was activated by CsMYB77, which promoted free IAA decline and modulated auxin signalling in the fruits of transgenic Hongkong kumquat lines. Taken together, our findings revealed a fruit development and ripening regulation module (MYB77-SINAT4/PIN5-ABA/auxin) in citrus, which enriches the understanding of the molecular regulatory network underlying fruit ripening and size.
PMID: 37935634
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2023 Nov , V193 (4) : P2480-2497 doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiad465
Changes in cell wall composition due to a pectin biosynthesis enzyme GAUT10 impact root growth.
Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Iowa City, IA 50011, USA.; Roy J Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Iowa City, IA 50011, USA.; Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Umea Plant Science Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umea 901 83, Sweden.; Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Iowa City, IA 50011, USA.
Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) root development is regulated by multiple dynamic growth cues that require central metabolism pathways such as beta-oxidation and auxin. Loss of the pectin biosynthesizing enzyme GALACTURONOSYLTRANSFERASE 10 (GAUT10) leads to a short-root phenotype under sucrose-limited conditions. The present study focused on determining the specific contributions of GAUT10 to pectin composition in primary roots and the underlying defects associated with gaut10 roots. Using live-cell microscopy, we determined reduced root growth in gaut10 is due to a reduction in both root apical meristem size and epidermal cell elongation. In addition, GAUT10 was required for normal pectin and hemicellulose composition in primary Arabidopsis roots. Specifically, loss of GAUT10 led to a reduction in galacturonic acid and xylose in root cell walls and altered the presence of rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) and homogalacturonan (HG) polymers in the root. Transcriptomic analysis of gaut10 roots compared to wild type uncovered hundreds of genes differentially expressed in the mutant, including genes related to auxin metabolism and peroxisome function. Consistent with these results, both auxin signaling and metabolism were modified in gaut10 roots. The sucrose-dependent short-root phenotype in gaut10 was linked to beta-oxidation based on hypersensitivity to indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and an epistatic interaction with TRANSPORTER OF IBA1 (TOB1). Altogether, these data support a growing body of evidence suggesting that pectin composition may influence auxin pathways and peroxisome activity.
PMID: 37606259
Sci Total Environ , IF:7.963 , 2023 Nov , V910 : P168522 doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168522
Intergenerational consequences of an auxin-like herbicide on plant sensitivity to a graminicide mediated by a fungal endophyte.
Instituto de Investigacion Interdisciplinaria (I(3)), Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile; Centro de Ecologia Integrativa, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile. Electronic address: aueno@agro.uba.ar.; IFEVA, CONICET, Facultad de Agronomia, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.; IFEVA, CONICET, Facultad de Agronomia, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro de Ecologia Integrativa, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile.
In agroecosystems, herbicides are the predominant anthropogenic selection pressure for agriculture weed species. While weeds are the primary target, herbicides can have adverse impacts on non-target plant beneficial microorganisms. We aimed to investigate the influence of a foliar endophytic fungus (Epichloe occultans) on the sensitivity of Lolium multiflorum to a graminicide herbicide (diclofop-methyl) during both plant ontogeny and progeny. Susceptible individuals to diclofop-methyl with and without endophyte were pre-exposed to the auxin 2,4-D herbicide. This herbicide is known to stimulate the metabolic detoxification mechanism (CYP-450) of diclofop-methyl. Regardless of the endophyte, 2,4-D pre-treatment increased mother plant survival to nearly 100 % under diclofop treatment but not in the progeny. Furthermore, maternal plant exposure to 2,4-D reduced endophyte transmission to the seeds and from seed-to-seedlings. Our findings suggest that, despite a reduction in diclofop-methyl sensitivity during the ontogeny of mother plants, 2,4-D-mediated induction of likely CYP-450 metabolism is not intergenerationally transmitted and shows detrimental effects on the symbiotic endophyte persistence.
PMID: 37956837
Sci Total Environ , IF:7.963 , 2023 Dec , V904 : P166878 doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166878
Enhancing sustainability through microalgae cultivation in urban wastewater for biostimulant production and nutrient recovery.
GEMMA-Group of Environmental Engineering and Microbiology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech, c/Jordi Girona 1-3, Building D1, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.; GEMMA-Group of Environmental Engineering and Microbiology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech, c/Jordi Girona 1-3, Building D1, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: enrica.uggetti@upc.edu.
Microalgae can produce biostimulants in form of phytohormones, which are compounds that, even if applied in low concentrations, can have stimulant effects on plants growth and can enhance their quality and their resistance to stress. Considering that microalgal biomass can grow recovering nutrients from wastewater, this circular approach allows to use residues for the production of high added value compounds (such as phytohormones) at low cost. The interest on biostimulants production from microalgae have recently raised. Scientists are focused on the direct application of these cellular extracts on plants, while the number of studies on the identification of bioactive molecules, such as phytohormones, is very scarce. Two cyanobacteria strains (Synechocystis sp. (SY) and Phormidium sp. (PH)) and a chlorophyte (Scenedesmus sp. (SC)) were cultured in laboratory-scale PBRs with a working volume of 2.5 L in secondary urban wastewater varying N:P ratio in the cultures to obtain the highest productivity. The variation of N:P ratio affects microalgae growth, and SY and PH presented higher productivities (73 and 48 mg L(-1) d, respectively) under higher N:P ratio (> 22:1). Microalgal biomass was freeze-dried and phytohormones content was measured with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The three microalgae showed similar phytohormones profiles, being the auxin (indole-3-acetic acid, IAA) the most abundant (72 ng g(-1)(DW) in SY). Proteins were major macronutrient for all strains, reaching 48 %(DW) in PH culture. To optimize the biostimulants production, a balance between the production of such compounds, biomass productivity and nutrients removal should be taken into consideration. In this sense, SC was the most promising strain, showing the highest N and P removal rates (73 % and 59 %, respectively) while producing phytohormones.
PMID: 37678521
Sci Total Environ , IF:7.963 , 2023 Dec , V904 : P166644 doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166644
Auxin is involved in cadmium accumulation in rice through controlling nitric oxide production and the ability of cell walls to bind cadmium.
State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.; State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.; State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; College of Resources and Environmental Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.; State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China. Electronic address: xiaofangzhu@issas.ac.cn.
Although auxin has been linked to plants' responses to cadmium (Cd) stress, the exact mechanism is yet elusive. The objective of the current investigation was to determine the role and the mechanism of auxin in controlling rice's Cd accumulation. Rice roots with Cd stress have higher endogenous auxin levels, and exogenous auxin combined Cd treatment could reduce root cell wall's hemicellulose content when compared with Cd treatment alone, which in turn reduced its fixation of Cd, as well as decreased the expression of OsCd1 (a major facilitator superfamily gene), OsNRAMP1/5 (Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein 1/5), OsZIP5/9 (Zinc Transporter 5/9), and OsHMA2 (Heavy Metal ATPase 2) that participated in Cd uptake and root to shoot translocation. Furthermore, less Cd accumulated in the shoots as a result of auxin's impact in increasing the expression of OsCAL1 (Cadmium accumulation in Leaf 1), OsABCG36/OsPDR9 (G-type ATP-binding cassette transporter/Pleiotropic drug resistance 9), and OsHMA3, which were in charge of Cd efflux and sequestering into vacuoles, respectively. Additionally, auxin decreased endogenous nitric oxide (NO) levels and antioxidant enzyme activity, while treatment of a NO scavenger-cPTIO-reduced auxin's alleviatory effects. In conclusion, the rice's ability to tolerate Cd toxicity was likely increased by the auxin-accelerated cell wall Cd exclusion mechanism, a pathway that controlled by the buildup of NO.
PMID: 37659569
Sci Total Environ , IF:7.963 , 2023 Nov , V899 : P165676 doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165676
Physiological and transcriptomic analyses reveal that phytohormone pathways and glutathione metabolism are involved in the arsenite toxicity response in tomatoes.
College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, China.; Center of Experimental Education, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, China.; College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, China. Electronic address: xujin@sxau.edu.cn.
The main forms of inorganic arsenic (As) in soil are arsenate [As(V)] and arsenite [As(III)]. Both forms inhibit plant growth. Here, we investigate the effects of As(III) toxicity on the growth of tomatoes by integrating physiological and transcriptomic analyses. As(III) toxicity induces oxidative damage, inhibits photosynthetic efficiency, and reduces soluble sugar levels. As(III) toxicity leads to reductions in auxin, cytokinin and jasmonic acid contents by 29 %, 39 % and 55 %, respectively, but leads to increases in the ethylene precursor 1-amino-cyclopropane carboxylic acid, abscisic acid and salicylic acid contents in roots, by 116 %, 79 % and 39 %, respectively, thereby altering phytohormone signalling pathways. The total glutathione, reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) contents are reduced by 59 %, 49 % and 94 % in roots; moreover, a high GSH/GSSG ratio is maintained through increased glutathione reductase activity (increased by 214 %) and decreased glutathione peroxidase activity (decreased by 40 %) in the roots of As(III)-treated tomato seedlings. In addition, As(III) toxicity affects the expression of genes related to the endoplasmic reticulum stress response. The altered expression of aquaporins and ABCC transporters changes the level of As(III) accumulation in plants. A set of hub genes involved in modulating As(III) toxicity responses in tomatoes was identified via a weighted gene coexpression network analysis. Taken together, these results elucidate the physiological and molecular regulatory mechanism underlying As(III) toxicity and provide a theoretical basis for selecting and breeding tomato varieties with low As(III) accumulation. Therefore, these findings are expected to be helpful in improving food safety and to developing sustainable agricultural.
PMID: 37481082
Sci Total Environ , IF:7.963 , 2023 Nov , V899 : P165667 doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165667
Zinc accumulation in Atriplex lentiformis is driven by plant genes and the soil microbiome.
Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA. Electronic address: pkushwaha@arizona.edu.; School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology & Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.; The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.; Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
Successful phytoremediation of acidic metal-contaminated mine tailings requires amendments to condition tailings properties prior to plant establishment. This conditioning process is complex and includes multiple changes in tailings bio-physico-chemical properties. The objective of this project is to identify relationships between tailings properties, the soil microbiome, and plant stress response genes during growth of Atriplex lentiformis in compost-amended (10 %, 15 %, 20 % w/w) mine tailings. Analyses include RNA-Seq for plant root gene expression, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing for bacterial/archaeal communities, metal concentrations in both tailings and plant organs, and phenotypic measures of plant stress. Zn accumulation in A. lentiformis leaves varied with compost levels and was the highest in the intermediate treatment (15 %, TC15). Microbial analysis identified Alicyclobacillus, Hydrotalea, and Pseudolabrys taxa with the highest relative abundance in TC15, and these taxa were strongly associated with Zn accumulation. Furthermore, we identified 190 root genes with significant gene expression changes. These root genes were associated with different pathways including, abscisic acid and auxin signaling, defense responses, ion channels, metal ion binding, oxidative stress, transcription regulation, and transmembrane transport. However, root gene expression changes were not driven by the increasing levels of compost. For example, there were 15 genes that were up-regulated in TC15, whereas 106 genes were down-regulated in TC15. The variables analyzed explained 86 % of the variance in Zn accumulation in A. lentiformis leaves. Importantly, Zn accumulation was driven by Zn shoot concentrations, leaf stress symptoms, plant root genes, and microbial taxa. Therefore, our results suggest there are strong plant-microbiome associations that drive Zn accumulation in A. lentiformis and different plant gene pathways are involved in alleviating varying levels of metal stress. Future work is needed to gain a mechanistic understanding of these plant-microbiome interactions to optimize phytoremediation strategies as they will govern the success or failure of the revegetation process.
PMID: 37478925
Sci Total Environ , IF:7.963 , 2023 Nov , V897 : P165338 doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165338
DNA methylation mediates overgrazing-induced clonal transgenerational plasticity.
School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.; School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China; Key Laboratory of Forage Breeding and Seed Production of Inner Mongolia, Inner Mongolia M-Grass Ecology and Environment (Group) Co., Ltd., Hohhot 010016, China. Electronic address: rweibo2022@163.com.; Department of Biology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire L39 4QP, UK.; Industrial Crop Institute, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan, China.
Overgrazing generally induces dwarfism in grassland plants, and these phenotypic traits could be transmitted to clonal offspring even when overgrazing is excluded. However, the dwarfism-transmitted mechanism remains largely unknown, despite generally thought to be enabled by epigenetic modification. To clarify the potential role of DNA methylation on clonal transgenerational effects, we conducted a greenhouse experiment with Leymus chinensis clonal offspring from different cattle/sheep overgrazing histories via the demethylating agent 5-azacytidine. The results showed that clonal offspring from overgrazed (by cattle or sheep) parents were dwarfed and the auxin content of leaves significantly decreased compared to offspring from no-grazed parents'. The 5-azaC application generally increased the auxin content and promoted the growth of overgrazed offspring while inhibited no-grazed offspring growth. Meanwhile, there were similar trends in the expression level of genes related to auxin-responsive target genes (ARF7, ARF19), and signal transduction gene (AZF2). These results suggest that DNA methylation leads to overgrazing-induced plant transgenerational dwarfism via inhibiting auxin signal pathway.
PMID: 37414175
BMC Biol , IF:7.431 , 2023 Nov , V21 (1) : P249 doi: 10.1186/s12915-023-01739-3
Changing turn-over rates regulate abundance of tryptophan, GS biosynthesis, IAA transport and photosynthesis proteins in Arabidopsis growth defense transitions.
Present address: Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Niemannsweg 11, 24105, Kiel, Germany.; Department Biochemistry of Plant Interactions, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, 06122, Halle (Saale), Germany.; Department Molecular Signal Processing, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, 06122, Halle (Saale), Germany.; Department Biochemistry of Plant Interactions, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, 06122, Halle (Saale), Germany. wolfgang.hoehenwarter@gmail.com.
BACKGROUND: Shifts in dynamic equilibria of the abundance of cellular molecules in plant-pathogen interactions need further exploration. We induced PTI in optimally growing Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings for 16 h, returning them to growth conditions for another 16 h. METHODS: Turn-over and abundance of 99 flg22 responding proteins were measured chronologically using a stable heavy nitrogen isotope partial labeling strategy and targeted liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (PRM LC-MS). These experiments were complemented by measurements of mRNA and phytohormone levels. RESULTS: Changes in synthesis and degradation rate constants (K(s) and K(d)) regulated tryptophane and glucosinolate, IAA transport, and photosynthesis-associated protein (PAP) homeostasis in growth/PTI transitions independently of mRNA levels. K(s) values increased after elicitation while protein and mRNA levels became uncorrelated. mRNA returned to pre-elicitation levels, yet protein abundance remained at PTI levels even 16 h after media exchange, indicating protein levels were robust and unresponsive to transition back to growth. The abundance of 23 PAPs including FERREDOXIN-NADP( +)-OXIDOREDUCTASE (FNR1) decreased 16 h after PAMP exposure, their depletion was nearly abolished in the myc234 mutant. FNR1 K(d) increased as mRNA levels decreased early in PTI, its K(s) decreased in prolonged PTI. FNR1 K(d) was lower in myc234, mRNA levels decreased as in wild type. CONCLUSIONS: Protein K(d) and K(s) values change in response to flg22 exposure and constitute an additional layer of protein abundance regulation in growth defense transitions next to changes in mRNA levels. Our results suggest photosystem remodeling in PTI to direct electron flow away from the photosynthetic carbon reaction towards ROS production as an active defense mechanism controlled post-transcriptionally and by MYC2 and homologs. Target proteins accumulated later and PAP and auxin/IAA depletion was repressed in myc234 indicating a positive effect of the transcription factors in the establishment of PTI.
PMID: 37940940
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1111/pce.14758
Far-red light inhibits lateral bud growth mainly through enhancing apical dominance independently of strigolactone synthesis in tomato.
Department of Horticulture, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.; Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, People's Republic of China.; Agricultural Experiment Station, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.
The ratio of red light to far-red light (R:FR) is perceived by light receptors and consequently regulates plant architecture. Regulation of shoot branching by R:FR ratio involves plant hormones. However, the roles of strigolactone (SL), the key shoot branching hormone and the interplay of different hormones in the light regulation of shoot branching in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) are elusive. Here, we found that defects in SL synthesis genes CAROTENOID CLEAVAGE DIOXYGENASE 7 (CCD7) and CCD8 in tomato resulted in more lateral bud growth but failed to reverse the FR inhibition of lateral bud growth, which was associated with increased auxin synthesis and decreased synthesis of cytokinin (CK) and brassinosteroid (BR). Treatment of auxin also inhibited shoot branching in ccd mutants. However, CK released the FR inhibition of lateral bud growth in ccd mutants, concomitant with the upregulation of BR synthesis genes. Furthermore, plants that overexpressed BR synthesis gene showed more lateral bud growth and the shoot branching was less sensitive to the low R:FR ratio. The results indicate that SL synthesis is dispensable for light regulation of shoot branching in tomato. Auxin mediates the response to R:FR ratio to regulate shoot branching by suppressing CK and BR synthesis.
PMID: 37916615
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2023 Dec , V46 (12) : P3902-3918 doi: 10.1111/pce.14709
E3 ubiquitin ligases SINA4 and SINA11 regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis by targeting the IAA29-ARF5-1-ERF3 module in apple.
Apple Technology Innovation Center of Shandong Province, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-An, Shandong, China.; CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.
Auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (AUX/IAA) and auxin response factor (ARF) proteins are important components of the auxin signalling pathway, but their ubiquitination modification and the mechanism of auxin-mediated anthocyanin biosynthesis remain elusive. Here, the ARF MdARF5-1 was identified as a negative regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis in apple, and it integrates auxin and ethylene signals by inhibiting the expression of the ethylene response factor MdERF3. The auxin repressor MdIAA29 decreased the inhibitory effect of MdARF5-1 on anthocyanin biosynthesis by attenuating the transcriptional inhibition of MdERF3 by MdARF5-1. In addition, the E3 ubiquitin ligases MdSINA4 and MdSINA11 played negative and positive regulatory roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis by targeting MdIAA29 and MdARF5-1 for ubiquitination degradation, respectively. MdSINA4 destabilized MdSINA11 to regulate anthocyanin accumulation in response to auxin signalling. In sum, our data revealed the crosstalk between auxin and ethylene signals mediated by the IAA29-ARF5-1-ERF3 module and provide new insights into the ubiquitination modification of the auxin signalling pathway.
PMID: 37658649
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2023 Dec , V46 (12) : P3822-3838 doi: 10.1111/pce.14702
Heat-dependent postpollination limitations on maize pollen tube growth and kernel sterility.
College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.; Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.; College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.; Division of Biochemistry, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, India.; Institute of Maize and Featured Upland Crops, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dongyang, China.; Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA.
Heat stress has a negative impact on pollen development in maize (Zea mays L.) but the postpollination events that determine kernel sterility are less well characterised. The impact of short-term (hours) heat exposure during postpollination was therefore assessed in silks and ovaries. The temperatures inside the kernels housed within the husks was significantly lower than the imposed heat stress. This protected the ovaries and possibly the later phase of pollen tube growth from the adverse effects of heat stress. Failure of maize kernel fertilization was observed within 6 h of heat stress exposure postpollination. This was accompanied by a significant restriction of early pollen tube growth rather than pollen germination. Limitations on early pollen tube growth were therefore a major factor contributing to heat stress-induced kernel sterility. Exposure to heat stress altered the sugar composition of silks, suggesting that hexose supply contributed to the limitations on pollen tube growth. Moreover, the activities of sucrose metabolising enzymes, the expression of sucrose degradation and trehalose biosynthesis genes were decreased following heat stress. Significant increases in reactive oxygen species, abscisic acid and auxin levels accompanied by altered expression of phytohormone-related genes may also be important in the heat-induced suppression of pollen tube growth.
PMID: 37623372
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2023 Nov , V46 (11) : P3194-3205 doi: 10.1111/pce.14680
UV-B responses in the spotlight: Dynamic photoreceptor interplay and cell-type specificity.
Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.; Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653 B-9000, Ghent, Belgium.
Plants are constantly exposed to a multitude of external signals, including light. The information contained within the full spectrum of light is perceived by a battery of photoreceptors, each with specific and shared signalling outputs. Recently, it has become clear that UV-B radiation is a vital component of the electromagnetic spectrum, guiding growth and being crucial for plant fitness. However, given the large overlap between UV-B specific signalling pathways and other photoreceptors, understanding how plants can distinguish UV-B specific signals from other light components deserves more scrutiny. With recent evidence, we propose that UV-B signalling and other light signalling pathways occur within distinct tissues and cell-types and that the contribution of each pathway depends on the type of response and the developmental stage of the plant. Elucidating the precise site(s) of action of each molecular player within these signalling pathways is key to fully understand how plants are able to orchestrate coordinated responses to light within the whole plant body. Focusing our efforts on the molecular study of light signal interactions to understand plant growth in natural environments in a cell-type specific manner will be a next step in the field of photobiology.
PMID: 37554043
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2023 Nov , V46 (11) : P3575-3591 doi: 10.1111/pce.14670
The fungal metabolite 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid from Neofusicoccum parvum modulates defence responses in grapevine.
Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Joseph Gottlieb Kolreuter Institute of Plant Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.; INRAE, SVQV UMR-A 1131, Universite de Strasbourg, Colmar, France.; Institut fur Biotechnologie und Wirkstoff-Forschung gGmbH, Mainz, Germany.; Institute for Biological Interfaces 5, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.; Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt.
In a consequence of global warming, grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) have become a pertinent problem to viticulture, because endophytic fungi can turn necrotrophic upon host stress killing the plant. In Neofusicoccum parvum Bt-67, plant-derived ferulic acid makes the fungus release Fusicoccin aglycone triggering plant cell death. Now, we show that the absence of ferulic acid lets the fungus secrete 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (4-HPA), mimicking the effect of auxins on grapevine defence and facilitating fungal spread. Using Vitis suspension cells, we dissected the mode of action of 4-HPA during defence triggered by the bacterial cell-death elicitor, harpin. Early responses (cytoskeletal remodelling and calcium influx) are inhibited, as well as the expression of Stilbene Synthase 27 and phytoalexin accumulation. In contrast to other auxins, 4-HPA quells transcripts for the auxin conjugating GRETCHEN HAGEN 3. We suggest that 4-HPA is a key component of the endophytic phase of N. parvum Bt-67 preventing host cell death. Therefore, our study paves the way to understand how GTDs regulate their latent phase for successful colonisation, before turning necrotrophic and killing the vines.
PMID: 37431974
Chemosphere , IF:7.086 , 2023 Nov , V340 : P139833 doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139833
Maximizing trace metal phytoextraction through planting methods: Role of rhizosphere fertility and microbial activities.
Lebanese University, Applied Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Hadath, Lebanon; Universite de Lorraine, INRAE, LSE, F-54000, Nancy, France.; Universite de Lorraine, INRAE, LSE, F-54000, Nancy, France.; Lebanese University, Applied Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Hadath, Lebanon.; Universite de Lorraine, INRAE, LSE, F-54000, Nancy, France; Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, SMI, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.; Universite de Lorraine, INRAE, LSE, F-54000, Nancy, France. Electronic address: catherine.sirguey@univ-lorraine.fr.
Brownfields are a widespread problem in the world. The poor quality of these soils and the potential presence of contaminants can pose a significant threat to plant establishment and growth. However, it may be possible to improve their establishment with an appropriate agricultural practice. In this paper, the effects of two common planting strategies, seeding and transplanting, on the establishment and growth of the hyperaccumulator species Noccaea caerulescens and on its phytoextraction capacity were investigated. A field experiment was conducted by direct sowing of N. caerulescens seeds on a plot of contaminated Technosols in Jeandelaincourt, France. At the same time, seeds were sown on potting soil under controlled conditions. One month later, the seedlings were transplanted to the field. One year later, the results showed that transplanting improved the establishment and growth of N. caerulescens. This was due to a decrease in soil pH in the rhizosphere, which subsequently increased nutrient availability. This change in rhizosphere properties also appeared to be the key that improved microbial activities in the rhizosphere soil of transplanted plants. The observed improvement in both rhizosphere nutrient availability and microbial activities, in turn, increased auxin concentrations in the rhizosphere and consequently a more developed root system was observed in the transplanted plants. Furthermore, the Cd and Zn phytoextraction yield of transplanted plants is 2.5 and 5 times higher, respectively, than that of sown plants. In conclusion, N. caerulescens transplantation on contaminated sites seems to be an adequate strategy to improve plant growth and enhance trace metal phytoextraction.
PMID: 37595688
J Integr Plant Biol , IF:7.061 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1111/jipb.13583
Post-transcriptional regulation of grain weight and shape by the RBP-A-J-K complex in rice.
State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China.; MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding College of Agronomy, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China.; College of Agronomy, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are components of the post-transcriptional regulatory system, but their regulatory effects on complex traits remain unknown. Using an integrated strategy involving map-based cloning, functional characterizations, and transcriptomic and population genomic analyses, we revealed that RBP-K (LOC_Os08g23120), RBP-A (LOC_Os11g41890), and RBP-J (LOC_Os10g33230) encode proteins that form an RBP-A-J-K complex that negatively regulates rice yield-related traits. Examinations of the RBP-A-J-K complex indicated RBP-K functions as a relatively non-specific RBP chaperone that enables RBP-A and RBP-J to function normally. Additionally, RBP-J most likely affects GA pathways, resulting in considerable increases in grain and panicle lengths, but decreases in grain width and thickness. In contrast, RBP-A negatively regulates the expression of genes most likely involved in auxin-regulated pathways controlling cell wall elongation and carbohydrate transport, with substantial effects on the rice grain filling process as well as grain length and weight. Evolutionarily, RBP-K is relatively ancient and highly conserved, whereas RBP-J and RBP-A are more diverse. Thus, the RBP-A-J-K complex may represent a typical functional model for many RBPs and protein complexes that function at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in plants and animals for increased functional consistency, efficiency, and versatility as well as increased evolutionary potential. Our results clearly demonstrate the importance of RBP-mediated post-transcriptional regulation for the diversity of complex traits. Furthermore, rice grain yield and quality may be enhanced by introducing various complete or partial loss-of-function mutations to specific RBP genes using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and by exploiting desirable natural tri-genic allelic combinations at the loci encoding the components of the RBP-A-J-K complex through marker-assisted selection. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
PMID: 37970747
J Integr Plant Biol , IF:7.061 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1111/jipb.13582
Temporal control of the Aux/IAA genes BnIAA32 and BnIAA34 mediates Brassica napus dual shade responses.
Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.; Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.; Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Transformation Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
Precise responses to changes in light quality are crucial for plant growth and development. For example, hypocotyls of shade-avoiding plants typically elongate under shade conditions. Although this typical shade-avoidance response (TSR) has been studied in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the molecular mechanisms underlying shade tolerance are poorly understood. Here we report that B. napus (Brassica napus) seedlings exhibit dual shade responses. In addition to the TSR, B. napus seedlings also display an atypical shade response (ASR), with shorter hypocotyls upon perception of early-shade cues. Genome-wide selective sweep analysis indicated that ASR is associated with light and auxin signaling. Moreover, genetic studies demonstrated that phytochrome A (BnphyA) promotes ASR, whereas BnphyB inhibits it. During ASR, YUCCA8 expression is activated by early-shade cues, leading to increased auxin biosynthesis. This inhibits hypocotyl elongation, as young B. napus seedlings are highly sensitive to auxin. Notably, two non-canonical AUXIN/INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID (Aux/IAA) repressor genes, BnIAA32 and BnIAA34, are expressed during this early stage. BnIAA32 and BnIAA34 inhibit hypocotyl elongation under shade conditions, and mutations in BnIAA32 and BnIAA34 suppress ASR. Collectively, our study demonstrates that the temporal expression of BnIAA32 and BnIAA34 determines the behavior of B. napus seedlings following shade-induced auxin biosynthesis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
PMID: 37929685
J Exp Bot , IF:6.992 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1093/jxb/erad468
AtIAR1 is a Zn transporter that regulates auxin metabolism in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Biochemistry and Metabolism, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Root growth in Arabidopsis is inhibited by exogenous auxin-amino acid conjugates, and mutants resistant to one such conjugate (IAA-Ala) map to a gene (AtIAR1) that is a member of a metal transporter family. Here, we test the hypothesis that AtIAR1 controls the hydrolysis of stored conjugated auxin to free auxin through zinc transport. AtIAR1 complements a yeast mutant sensitive to zinc, but not manganese- or iron-sensitive mutants, and the transporter is predicted to be localised to the ER/Golgi in plants. A previously identified Atiar1 mutant and a non-expressed T-DNA mutant both exhibit altered auxin metabolism, including decreased IAA-glucose conjugate levels in zinc-deficient conditions and insensitivity to the growth effect of exogenous IAA-Alanine conjugates. At a high concentration of zinc, wildtype plants show a novel enhanced response to root growth inhibition by exogenous IAA-Ala which is disrupted in both Atiar1 mutants. Furthermore, both Atiar1 mutants show changes in auxin-related phenotypes, including lateral root density and hypocotyl length. The findings therefore suggest a role for AtIAR1 in controlling zinc release from the secretory system, where zinc homeostasis plays a key role in regulation of auxin metabolism and plant growth regulation.
PMID: 37988591
J Exp Bot , IF:6.992 , 2023 Nov , V74 (21) : P6391-6395 doi: 10.1093/jxb/erad417
Auxin/cytokinin antagonism in shoot development: from moss to seed plants.
Institute of Plant Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Botanicheskaya 35, 127276 Moscow, Russia.
PMID: 37988175
J Exp Bot , IF:6.992 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1093/jxb/erad389
Uncovering root compaction response mechanisms: new insights and opportunities.
Plant and Crop Science, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK.
Compaction disrupts soil structure, reducing root growth, nutrient and water uptake, gas exchange, and microbial growth. Root growth inhibition by soil compaction was originally thought to reflect the impact of mechanical impedance and reduced water availability. However, using a novel gas diffusion-based mechanism employing the hormone ethylene, recent research has revealed that plant roots sense soil compaction. Non-compacted soil features highly interconnected pore spaces that facilitate diffusion of gases such as ethylene which are released by root tips. In contrast, soil compaction stress disrupts the pore network, causing ethylene to accumulate around root tips and trigger growth arrest. Genetically disrupting ethylene signalling causes roots to become much less sensitive to compaction stress. Such new understanding about the molecular sensing mechanism and emerging root anatomical traits provides novel opportunities to develop crops resistant to soil compaction by targeting key genes and their signalling pathways. This expert view discusses these recent advances and the molecular mechanisms associated with root-soil compaction responses.
PMID: 37950742
J Exp Bot , IF:6.992 , 2023 Oct doi: 10.1093/jxb/erad432
Leaf ontogeny gates epinasty through shifts in hormone dynamics during waterlogging of tomato.
Molecular Plant Hormone Physiology Lab, Division of Crop Biotechnics, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, Leuven 3001, Belgium.; Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Centre of the Region Hana for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Institute of Experimental Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, and Faculty of Science, Palacky University, CZ-783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic.; KU Leuven Plant Institute (LPI), KU Leuven, Arenbergpark 30, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
Waterlogging leads to hypoxic conditions in the root zone that subsequently cause systemic adaptive responses in the shoot, including leaf epinasty. Waterlogging-induced epinasty in tomato has long been ascribed to the coordinated action of ethylene and auxins. However, other hormonal signals have largely been neglected, despite evidence of their importance in leaf posture control. To cover a large group of growth regulators, we performed a tissue-specific and time-dependent hormonomics analysis. This revealed that multiple hormones are differentially affected throughout a 48 h waterlogging treatment, and that leaf age determines hormone homeostasis and gates their changes during waterlogging. In addition, we distinguished early hormonal signals that contribute to fast responses towards oxygen deprivation from those that potentially sustain the waterlogging response. We found that abscisic acid (ABA) levels peak in petioles within the first 12 h of the treatment, while its precursors only rise much later, suggesting ABA transport is altered. At the same time, cytokinins (CK) and their derivatives drastically decline during waterlogging in leaves of all ages. This drop in CK possibly releases the inhibition of ethylene and auxin mediated cell elongation to establish epinastic bending. Auxins themselves rise substantially in the petiole of mature leaves, but mostly after 48 h of root hypoxia. Based on our hormone profiling, we propose that ethylene and ABA might act synergistically as an early signal to induce epinasty, while the balance of IAA and CK in the petiole ultimately regulates differential growth.
PMID: 37910663
J Exp Bot , IF:6.992 , 2023 Oct , V74 (20) : P6207-6223 doi: 10.1093/jxb/erad324
Molecular regulation of apple and grape ripening: exploring common and distinct transcriptional aspects of representative climacteric and non-climacteric fruits.
Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy.; Department of Agricultural, Forest, and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (Torino), Italy.; Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via Mach 1, 39098 San Michele all'Adige (Trento), Italy.; Center Agriculture Food Environment (C3A), University of Trento, Via Mach 1, 39098 San Michele all'Adige (Trento), Italy.
Fleshy fruits of angiosperms are organs specialized for promoting seed dispersal by attracting herbivores and enticing them to consume the organ and the seeds it contains. Ripening can be broadly defined as the processes serving as a plant strategy to make the fleshy fruit appealing to animals, consisting of a coordinated series of changes in color, texture, aroma, and flavor that result from an intricate interplay of genetically and epigenetically programmed events. The ripening of fruits can be categorized into two types: climacteric, which is characterized by a rapid increase in respiration rate typically accompanied by a burst of ethylene production, and non-climacteric, in which this pronounced peak in respiration is absent. Here we review current knowledge of transcriptomic changes taking place in apple (Malus x domestica, climacteric) and grapevine (Vitis vinifera, non-climacteric) fruit during ripening, with the aim of highlighting specific and common hormonal and molecular events governing the process in the two species. With this perspective, we found that specific NAC transcription factor members participate in ripening initiation in grape and are involved in restoring normal physiological ripening progression in impaired fruit ripening in apple. These elements suggest the existence of a common regulatory mechanism operated by NAC transcription factors and auxin in the two species.
PMID: 37591311
J Exp Bot , IF:6.992 , 2023 Nov , V74 (21) : P6541-6550 doi: 10.1093/jxb/erad299
The ratio of auxin to cytokinin controls leaf development and meristem initiation in Physcomitrium patens.
School of Integrative Plant Science, Section of Plant Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.; Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Crosstalk between auxin and cytokinin contributes to widespread developmental processes, including root and shoot meristem maintenance, phyllotaxy, and vascular patterning. However, our understanding of crosstalk between these hormones is limited primarily to angiosperms. The moss Physcomitrium patens (formerly Physcomitrella patens) is a powerful system for studying plant hormone function. Auxin and cytokinin play similar roles in regulating moss gametophore (shoot) architecture, to those in flowering plant shoots. However, auxin-cytokinin crosstalk is poorly understood in moss. Here we find that the ratio of auxin to cytokinin is an important determinant of development in P. patens, especially during leaf development and branch stem cell initiation. Addition of high levels of auxin to P. patens gametophores blocks leaf outgrowth. However, simultaneous addition of high levels of both auxin and cytokinin partially restores leaf outgrowth, suggesting that the ratio of these hormones is the predominant factor. Likewise, during branch initiation and outgrowth, chemical inhibition of auxin synthesis phenocopies cytokinin application. Finally, cytokinin-insensitive mutants resemble plants with altered auxin signaling and are hypersensitive to auxin. In summary, our results suggest that the ratio between auxin and cytokinin signaling is the basis for developmental decisions in the moss gametophore.
PMID: 37498739
J Exp Bot , IF:6.992 , 2023 Nov , V74 (21) : P6708-6721 doi: 10.1093/jxb/erad292
StHAB1, a negative regulatory factor in abscisic acid signaling, plays crucial roles in potato drought tolerance and shoot branching.
National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Key Laboratory of Potato Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.; College of Plant Science, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, 843300, China.; Zhangjiakou Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Zhangjiakou, Hebei 075000, China.
Abscisic acid (ABA) is critical in drought tolerance and plant growth. Group A protein type 2C phosphatases (PP2Cs) are negative regulators of ABA signaling and plant adaptation to stress. Knowledge about the functions of potato group A PP2Cs is limited. Here, we report that the potato group A PP2C StHAB1 is broadly expressed in potato plants and strongly induced by ABA and drought. Suppression of StHAB1 enhanced potato ABA sensitivity and drought tolerance, whereas overexpression of the dominant mutant StHAB1G276D compromised ABA sensitivity and drought tolerance. StHAB1 interacts with almost all ABA receptors and the Snf1-Related Kinase OST1. Suppressing StHAB1 and overexpressing StHAB1G276D alter potato growth morphology; notably, overexpression of StHAB1G276D causes excessive shoot branching. RNA-sequencing analyses identified that the auxin efflux carrier genes StPIN3, StPIN5, and StPIN8 were up-regulated in StHAB1G276D-overexpressing axillary buds. Correspondingly, the auxin concentration was reduced in StHAB1G276D-overexpressing axillary buds, consistent with the role of auxin in repressing lateral branch outgrowth. The expression of BRANCHED1s (StBRC1a and StBRC1b) was unchanged in StHAB1G276D-overexpressing axillary buds, suggesting that StHAB1G276D overexpression does not cause axillary bud outgrowth via regulation of BRC1 expression. Our findings demonstrate that StHAB1 is vital in potato drought tolerance and shoot branching.
PMID: 37479226
J Exp Bot , IF:6.992 , 2023 Oct , V74 (20) : P6254-6268 doi: 10.1093/jxb/erad214
Molecular, hormonal, and metabolic mechanisms of fruit set, the ovary-to-fruit transition, in horticultural crops.
Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan.; Research Fellow of Japan Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS), Kojimachi, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan.; Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan.; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan.
Fruit set is the process by which the ovary develops into a fruit and is an important factor in determining fruit yield. Fruit set is induced by two hormones, auxin and gibberellin, and the activation of their signaling pathways, partly by suppressing various negative regulators. Many studies have investigated the structural changes and gene networks in the ovary during fruit set, revealing the cytological and molecular mechanisms. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), SlIAA9 and SlDELLA/PROCERA act as auxin and gibberellin signaling repressors, respectively, and are important regulators of the activity of transcription factors and downstream gene expression involved in fruit set. Upon pollination, SlIAA9 and SlDELLA are degraded, which subsequently activates downstream cascades and mainly contributes to active cell division and cell elongation, respectively, in ovaries during fruit setting. According to current knowledge, the gibberellin pathway functions as the most downstream signal in fruit set induction, and therefore its role in fruit set has been extensively explored. Furthermore, multi-omics analysis has revealed the detailed dynamics of gene expression and metabolites downstream of gibberellins, highlighting the rapid activation of central carbon metabolism. This review will outline the relevant mechanisms at the molecular and metabolic levels during fruit set, particularly focusing on tomato.
PMID: 37279328
J Exp Bot , IF:6.992 , 2023 Oct , V74 (20) : P6349-6368 doi: 10.1093/jxb/erad166
Loss of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase disturbs phytohormone homeostasis and regulates shoot side branching and fruit growth in tomato.
Departamento de Botanica, Instituto de Biociencias, Universidade de Sao Paulo, 05508-900, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.; Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Vicosa, 36570-900, Vicosa, MG, Brazil.; Departamento de Genetica e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociencias, Universidade de Sao Paulo, 05508-900, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.; Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology of Plants, Estacion Experimental del Zaidin, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Granada, Spain.; Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de Sao Paulo, 13418-900, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
S-Nitrosoglutathione plays a central role in nitric oxide (NO) homeostasis, and S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) regulates the cellular levels of S-nitrosoglutathione across kingdoms. Here, we investigated the role of endogenous NO in shaping shoot architecture and controlling fruit set and growth in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). SlGSNOR silencing promoted shoot side branching and led to reduced fruit size, negatively impacting fruit yield. Greatly intensified in slgsnor knockout plants, these phenotypical changes were virtually unaffected by SlGSNOR overexpression. Silencing or knocking out of SlGSNOR intensified protein tyrosine nitration and S-nitrosation and led to aberrant auxin production and signaling in leaf primordia and fruit-setting ovaries, besides restricting the shoot basipetal polar auxin transport stream. SlGSNOR deficiency triggered extensive transcriptional reprogramming at early fruit development, reducing pericarp cell proliferation due to restrictions on auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin production and signaling. Abnormal chloroplast development and carbon metabolism were also detected in early-developing NO-overaccumulating fruits, possibly limiting energy supply and building blocks for fruit growth. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms by which endogenous NO fine-tunes the delicate hormonal network controlling shoot architecture, fruit set, and post-anthesis fruit development, emphasizing the relevance of NO-auxin interaction for plant development and productivity.
PMID: 37157899
Int J Biol Macromol , IF:6.953 , 2023 Dec , V253 (Pt 4) : P126833 doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126833
Genome-wide survey, molecular evolution and expression analysis of Auxin Response Factor (ARF) gene family indicating their key role in seed number per pod in pigeonpea (C. cajan L. Millsp.).
ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi 110012, India.; ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi 110012, India. Electronic address: biochemsandhya@gmail.com.; ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi 110012, India; ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208024, India.; Shoolini Univeristy of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Himachal Pradesh 173229, India.; ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi 110012, India. Electronic address: kish2012@gmail.com.
Auxin Response Factors (ARF) are a family of transcription factors that mediate auxin signalling and regulate multiple biological processes. Their crucial role in increasing plant biomass/yield influenced this study, where a systematic analysis of ARF gene family was carried out to identify the key proteins controlling embryo/seed developmental pathways in pigeonpea. A genome-wide scan revealed the presence of 12 ARF genes in pigeonpea, distributed across the chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 8 and 11. Domain analysis of ARF proteins showed the presence of B3 DNA binding, AUX response, and IAA domains. Majority of them are of nuclear origin, and do not exhibit the level of genomic expansion as observed in Glycine max (51 members). The duplication events seem to range from 31.6 to 42.3 million years ago (mya). Promoter analysis revealed the presence of multiple cis-acting elements related to stress responses, hormone signalling and other development processes. The expression atlas data highlighted the expression of CcARF8 in hypocotyl, bud and flower whereas, CcARF7 expression was significantly high in pod. The real-time expression of CcARF2, CcARF3 and CcARF18 was highest in genotypes with high seed number indicating their key role in regulating embryo development and determining seed set in pigeonpea.
PMID: 37709218
Int J Biol Macromol , IF:6.953 , 2023 Dec , V253 (Pt 3) : P126762 doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126762
CRISPR/Cas9 mutated p-coumaroyl shikimate 3'-hydroxylase 3 gene in Populus tomentosa reveals lignin functioning on supporting tree upright.
Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architectures, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.; College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.; State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, School of Light Industry and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.; State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, School of Light Industry and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China; Department of Biochemistry and Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, The Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53726, USA.; College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004, China.; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China. Electronic address: qingyin.zeng@ibcas.ac.cn.; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architectures, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China. Electronic address: wuaimin@scau.edu.cn.
The lignin plays one of the most important roles in plant secondary metabolism. However, it is still unclear how lignin can contribute to the impressive height of wood growth. In this study, C3'H, a rate-limiting enzyme of the lignin pathway, was used as the target gene. C3'H3 was knocked out by CRISPR/Cas9 in Populus tomentosa. Compared with wild-type popular trees, c3'h3 mutants exhibited dwarf phenotypes, collapsed xylem vessels, weakened phloem thickening, decreased hydraulic conductivity and photosynthetic efficiency, and reduced auxin content, except for reduced total lignin content and significantly increased H-subunit lignin. In the c3'h3 mutant, the flavonoid biosynthesis genes CHS, CHI, F3H, DFR, ANR, and LAR were upregulated, and flavonoid metabolite accumulations were detected, indicating that decreasing the lignin biosynthesis pathway enhanced flavonoid metabolic flux. Furthermore, flavonoid metabolites, such as naringenin and hesperetin, were largely increased, while higher hesperetin content suppressed plant cell division. Thus, studying the c3'h3 mutant allows us to deduce that lignin deficiency suppresses tree growth and leads to the dwarf phenotype due to collapsed xylem and thickened phloem, limiting material exchanges and transport.
PMID: 37683750
Int J Biol Macromol , IF:6.953 , 2023 Dec , V253 (Pt 1) : P126717 doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126717
Exopolysaccharides from endophytic Glutamicibacter halophytocota KLBMP 5180 functions as bio-stimulants to improve tomato plants growth and salt stress tolerance.
The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plant of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu, PR China.; Jiangsu Runzhong Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd, Xinyi 221424, Jiangsu, PR China.; Xuzhou Kuaibang Biotechnology Development Co., Ltd, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, PR China.; The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plant of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu, PR China. Electronic address: lululiu@jsnu.edu.cn.; The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plant of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu, PR China. Electronic address: shengqin@jsnu.edu.cn.
Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) can promote plants growth and protect them against various abiotic stresses, but the role of actinobacteria-produced EPSs in plant growth promoting is still less known. Here, we aim to explore the effect of EPSs from an endophyte Glutamicibacter halophytocota KLBMP 5180 on tomato seeds germination and seedlings growth under salt stress. Our study revealed that 2.0 g/L EPSs resulted in increased seed germination rate by 23.5 % and 11.0 %, respectively, under 0 and 200 mM NaCl stress conditions. Further pot experiment demonstrated that EPSs significantly promoted seedlings growth under salt stress, with increased height, root length and fibrous roots number. Plant physiological traits revealed that EPSs increased chlorophyll content, enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes, soluble sugar, and K(+) concentration in seedlings; malondialdehyde and Na(+) contents were reduced. Additionally, auxin, abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid were accumulated significantly in seedlings after EPSs treatment. Furthermore, we identified 1233 differentially expressed genes, and they were significantly enriched in phytohormone signal transmission, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and protein processing in endogenous reticulum pathways, etc. Our results suggest that KLBMP 5180-produced EPSs effectively ameliorated NaCl stress in tomato plants by triggering complex regulation mechanism, and showed application potentiality in agriculture.
PMID: 37673153
Development , IF:6.868 , 2023 Nov , V150 (21) doi: 10.1242/dev.201608
The maize preligule band is subdivided into distinct domains with contrasting cellular properties prior to ligule outgrowth.
Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, Center for Plant Cell Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.; Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA.; Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.; California NanoSystems Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
The maize ligule is an epidermis-derived structure that arises from the preligule band (PLB) at a boundary between the blade and sheath. A hinge-like auricle also develops immediately distal to the ligule and contributes to blade angle. Here, we characterize the stages of PLB and early ligule development in terms of topography, cell area, division orientation, cell wall rigidity and auxin response dynamics. Differential thickening of epidermal cells and localized periclinal divisions contributed to the formation of a ridge within the PLB, which ultimately produces the ligule fringe. Patterns in cell wall rigidity were consistent with the subdivision of the PLB into two regions along a distinct line positioned at the nascent ridge. The proximal region produces the ligule, while the distal region contributes to one epidermal face of the auricles. Although the auxin transporter PIN1 accumulated in the PLB, observed differential auxin transcriptional response did not underlie the partitioning of the PLB. Our data demonstrate that two zones with contrasting cellular properties, the preligule and preauricle, are specified within the ligular region before ligule outgrowth.
PMID: 37539661
Hortic Res , IF:6.793 , 2023 Nov , V10 (11) : Puhad198 doi: 10.1093/hr/uhad198
MdAIL5 overexpression promotes apple adventitious shoot regeneration by regulating hormone signaling and activating the expression of shoot development-related genes.
Apple Breeding, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Research Institute of Pomology, Xingcheng 125100, China.; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Crops Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Xingcheng 125100, China.; Shandong Academy of Grape, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China.; Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450009, China.
Adventitious shoot (AS) regeneration is a significant factor in the genetic transformation of horticultural plants. It is also a noteworthy approach to their vegetative propagation. AS regeneration remains highly dependent on the genotype or maturity of explants. We here found that the AS regeneration abilities of apple leaves were positively correlated with MdAIL5 expression. MdAIL5 overexpression dramatically increased AS regeneration efficiency. Notably, MdAIL5 overexpression could restore the AS formation ability of explants to a certain extent, which was lost with an increase in maturity. Endogenous hormone detection revealed that MdAIL5 overexpression changed the contents of auxin, cytokinin (CK), and other hormones in apple leaves. Transcriptome analysis revealed that many genes related to auxin, CK, and brassinolide signaling pathways were significantly and differentially expressed between MdAIL5-overexpressing transgenic apple and wild-type apple plants. Yeast one-hybrid assays, the electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and the dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that MdAIL5 directly binds to MdARF9 and MdHB14 promoters and positively affects their expression. We here established a model of MdAIL5 regulating AS formation, which acts as a theoretical basis for facilitating genotype- or explant maturity-independent AS regeneration in the future.
PMID: 38023483
Food Res Int , IF:6.475 , 2023 Dec , V174 (Pt 1) : P113504 doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113504
Physiological and transcriptomic analysis of IAA-induced antioxidant defense and cell wall metabolism in postharvest mango fruit.
Life Science and Technology School, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, China. Electronic address: 286138826@qq.com.; Life Science and Technology School, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, China.; Agricultural Products Processing Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Hainan Key Laboratory of Storage and Processing of Fruits and Vegetables, Zhanjiang 524001, China.; Life Science and Technology School, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, China. Electronic address: liukaidong2001@126.com.
Mango fruit tend to oxidize and senescence rapidly after harvesting, significantly reducing their commercial value. This study investigated the effect of exogenous auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) on fruit quality, antioxidant system, and cell wall metabolism of mango fruit during storage. The results showed that the 1.0 mM IAA treatment delayed weight loss and maintained the firmness, pH and contents of total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) of the mango fruit. The 1.0 mM IAA treatment increased the peroxidase (POD) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activities and the ascorbic acid (AsA) and total phenols (TP) contents but decreased the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in postharvest mango fruit. Moreover, beta-galactosidase (beta-Gal) and polygalacturonase (PG) activities were increased, but the pectinesterase (PME) activity was decreased in the IAA-treated fruit. Transcriptome analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the IAA vs. control groups were mainly associated with oxidative stress responses, cell wall metabolism, and transcription factors (TFs). The IAA treatment upregulated the antioxidant-related genes (SOD, CAT1, PODs, GSTs, Prxs, and Trxs) and MYB TFs, and downregulated cell wall metabolism-related genes (PG, PME31 and two PME63) and 11 ethylene-responsive transcription factors (ERFs). These results suggested that exogenous IAA could improve the antioxidant system and maintain the storage quality of mango fruit by regulating gene expression and metabolic pathways. The results provide insights into the mechanisms involved in IAA-mediated delayed ripening and senescence of mango fruit.
PMID: 37986499
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2023 Dec , V116 (5) : P1355-1369 doi: 10.1111/tpj.16430
Structure-activity relationship of 2,4-D correlates auxinic activity with the induction of somatic embryogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Plant Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, Netherlands.; Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomedical Research, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands.; Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Paseo de Miramon 182, 20014, Donostia San Sebastian, Spain.
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a synthetic analogue of the plant hormone auxin that is commonly used in many in vitro plant regeneration systems, such as somatic embryogenesis (SE). Its effectiveness in inducing SE, compared to the natural auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), has been attributed to the stress triggered by this compound rather than its auxinic activity. However, this hypothesis has never been thoroughly tested. Here we used a library of forty 2,4-D analogues to test the structure-activity relationship with respect to the capacity to induce SE and auxinic activity in Arabidopsis thaliana. Four analogues induced SE as effectively as 2,4-D and 13 analogues induced SE but were less effective. Based on root growth inhibition and auxin response reporter expression, the 2,4-D analogues were classified into different groups, ranging from very active to not active auxin analogues. A halogen at the 4-position of the aromatic ring was important for auxinic activity, whereas a halogen at the 3-position resulted in reduced activity. Moreover, a small substitution at the carboxylate chain was tolerated, as was extending the carboxylate chain with an even number of carbons. The auxinic activity of most 2,4-D analogues was consistent with their simulated TIR1-Aux/IAA coreceptor binding characteristics. A strong correlation was observed between SE induction efficiency and auxinic activity, which is in line with our observation that 2,4-D-induced SE and stress both require TIR1/AFB auxin co-receptor function. Our data indicate that the stress-related effects triggered by 2,4-D and considered important for SE induction are downstream of auxin signalling.
PMID: 37647363
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2023 Nov , V116 (3) : P804-822 doi: 10.1111/tpj.16410
HISTONE DEACETYLASE 9 promotes hypocotyl-specific auxin response under shade.
Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, 1 Research Link, Singapore, 117604, Singapore.; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
Vegetative shade causes an array of morphological changes in plants called shade avoidance syndrome, which includes hypocotyl and petiole elongation, leaf hyponasty, reduced leaf growth, early flowering and rapid senescence. Here, we show that loss-of-function mutations in HISTONE DEACETYLASE 9 (HDA9) attenuated the shade-induced hypocotyl elongation in Arabidopsis. However, the hda9 cotyledons and petioles under shade were not significantly different from those in wild-type, suggesting a specific function of HDA9 in hypocotyl elongation in response to shade. HDA9 expression levels were stable under shade and its protein was ubiquitously detected in cotyledon, hypocotyl and root. Organ-specific transcriptome analysis unraveled that shade induced a set of auxin-responsive genes, such as SMALL AUXIN UPREGULATED RNAs (SAURs) and AUXIN/INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACIDs (AUX/IAAs) and their induction was impaired in hda9-1 hypocotyls. In addition, HDA9 binding to loci of SAUR15/65, IAA5/6/19 and ACS4 was increased under shade. The genetic and organ-specific gene expression analyses further revealed that HDA9 may cooperate with PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 4/7 in the regulation of shade-induced hypocotyl elongation. Furthermore, HDA9 and PIF7 proteins were found to interact together and thus it is suggested that PIF7 may recruit HDA9 to regulate the shade/auxin responsive genes in response to shade. Overall, our study unravels that HDA9 can work as one component of a hypocotyl-specific transcriptional regulatory machinery that activates the auxin response at the hypocotyl leading to the elongation of this organ under shade.
PMID: 37522556
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2023 Nov , V116 (3) : P756-772 doi: 10.1111/tpj.16403
AXR1 modulates trichome morphogenesis through mediating ROP2 stability in Arabidopsis.
State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.; CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China.; Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA.
Cell differentiation and morphogenesis are crucial for the establishment of diverse cell types and organs in multicellular organisms. Trichome cells offer an excellent paradigm for dissecting the regulatory mechanisms of plant cell differentiation and morphogenesis due to their unique growth characteristics. Here, we report the isolation of an Arabidopsis mutant, aberrantly branched trichome 3-1 (abt3-1), with a reduced trichome branching phenotype. Positional cloning and molecular complementation experiments confirmed that abt3-1 is a new mutant allele of Auxin resistant 1 (AXR1), which encodes the N-terminal half of ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1 and functions in auxin signaling pathway. Meanwhile, we found that transgenic plants expressing constitutively active version of ROP2 (CA-ROP2) caused a reduction of trichome branches, resembling that of abt3-1. ROP2 is a member of Rho GTPase of plants (ROP) family, serving as versatile signaling switches involved in a range of cellular and developmental processes. Our genetic and biochemical analyses showed AXR1 genetically interacted with ROP2 and mediated ROP2 protein stability. The loss of AXR1 aggravated the trichome defects of CA-ROP2 and induced the accumulation of steady-state ROP2. Consistently, elevated AXR1 expression levels suppressed ROP2 expression and partially rescued trichome branching defects in CA-ROP2 plants. Together, our results presented a new mutant allele of AXR1, uncovered the effects of AXR1 and ROP2 during trichome development, and revealed a pathway of ROP2-mediated regulation of plant cell morphogenesis in Arabidopsis.
PMID: 37516999
Ecotoxicol Environ Saf , IF:6.291 , 2023 Nov , V268 : P115729 doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115729
Antifungal triazoles affect key non-target metabolic pathways in Solanum lycopersicum L. plants.
Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, Prague 2, Czech Republic.; Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Department of Agroenvironmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Prague-Suchdol, Czech Republic.; Charles University, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Sport Sciences-Biomedical Department, Prague 6, Czech Republic.; Centre of the Region Hana for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Department of Genetic Resources for Vegetables, Medicinal and Special Plants, Crop Research Institute, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic.; Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Prague 2, Czech Republic.; Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, Prague 2, Czech Republic. Electronic address: helena.ryslava@natur.cuni.cz.
Several 1,2,4-triazoles are widely used as systemic fungicides in agriculture because they inhibit fungal 14a-demethylase. However, they can also act on many non-target plant enzymes, thereby affecting phytohormonal balance, free amino acid content, and adaptation to stress. In this study, tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. 'Cherrola') were exposed to penconazole, tebuconazole, or their combination, either by foliar spraying or soil drenching, every week, as an ecotoxicological model. All triazole-exposed plants showed a higher content (1.7-8.8 x) of total free amino acids than the control, especially free glutamine and asparagine were increased most likely in relation to the increase in active cytokinin metabolites 15 days after the first application. Conversely, the Trp content decreased in comparison with control (0.2-0.7 x), suggesting depletion by auxin biosynthesis. Both triazole application methods slightly affected the antioxidant system (antioxidant enzyme activity, antioxidant capacity, and phenolic content) in tomato leaves. These results indicated that the tomato plants adapted to triazoles over time. Therefore, increasing the abscisic and chlorogenic acid content in triazole-exposed plants may promote resistance to abiotic stress.
PMID: 38000304
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2023 Nov , V24 (22) doi: 10.3390/ijms242216475
Patch Track Software for Measuring Kinematic Phenotypes of Arabidopsis Roots Demonstrated on Auxin Transport Mutants.
Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
Plant roots elongate when cells produced in the apical meristem enter a transient period of rapid expansion. To measure the dynamic process of root cell expansion in the elongation zone, we captured digital images of growing Arabidopsis roots with horizontal microscopes and analyzed them with a custom image analysis program (PatchTrack) designed to track the growth-driven displacement of many closely spaced image patches. Fitting a flexible logistics equation to patch velocities plotted versus position along the root axis produced the length of the elongation zone (mm), peak relative elemental growth rate (% h(-1)), the axial position of the peak (mm from the tip), and average root elongation rate (mm h(-1)). For a wild-type root, the average values of these kinematic traits were 0.52 mm, 23.7% h(-1), 0.35 mm, and 0.1 mm h(-1), respectively. We used the platform to determine the kinematic phenotypes of auxin transport mutants. The results support a model in which the PIN2 auxin transporter creates an area of expansion-suppressing, supraoptimal auxin concentration that ends 0.1 mm from the quiescent center (QC), and that ABCB4 and ABCB19 auxin transporters maintain expansion-limiting suboptimal auxin levels beginning approximately 0.5 mm from the QC. This study shows that PatchTrack can quantify dynamic root phenotypes in kinematic terms.
PMID: 38003665
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2023 Nov , V24 (22) doi: 10.3390/ijms242216415
Environmental Stimuli and Phytohormones in Anthocyanin Biosynthesis: A Comprehensive Review.
State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
Anthocyanin accumulation in plants plays important roles in plant growth and development, as well as the response to environmental stresses. Anthocyanins have antioxidant properties and play an important role in maintaining the reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis in plant cells. Furthermore, anthocyanins also act as a "sunscreen", reducing the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation under high-light conditions. The biosynthesis of anthocyanin in plants is mainly regulated by an MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) complex. In recent years, many new regulators in different signals involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis were identified. This review focuses on the regulation network mediated by different environmental factors (such as light, salinity, drought, and cold stresses) and phytohormones (such as jasmonate, abscisic acid, salicylic acid, ethylene, brassinosteroid, strigolactone, cytokinin, and auxin). We also discuss the potential application value of anthocyanin in agriculture, horticulture, and the food industry.
PMID: 38003605
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2023 Nov , V24 (22) doi: 10.3390/ijms242216240
OsmiRNA5488 Regulates the Development of Embryo Sacs and Targets OsARF25 in Rice (Oryza sativa L.).
Department of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.; State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
Small RNAs are a class of non-coding RNAs that typically range from 20 to 24 nucleotides in length. Among them, microRNAs (miRNAs) are particularly important regulators for plant development. The biological function of the conserved miRNAs has been studied extensively in plants, while that of the species-specific miRNAs has been studied in-depth. In this study, the regulatory role of a rice-specific OsmiRNA5488 (OsmiR5488) was characterized with the miR5488-overexpressed line (miR5488-OE) and miR5488-silenced line (STTM-5488). The seed-setting rate was notably reduced in miR5488-OE lines, but not in STTM-5488 lines. Cytological observation demonstrated the different types of abnormal mature embryo sacs, including the degeneration of embryo sacs and other variant types, in miR5488-OE lines. The percentage of the abnormal mature embryo sacs accounted for the reduced value of the seed-setting rate. Furthermore, OsARF25 was identified as a target of OsmiR5488 via RNA ligase-mediated 3'-amplifification of cDNA ends, dual luciferase assays, and transient expression assays. The primary root length was decreased with the increases in auxin concentrations in miR5488-OE lines compared to wild-type rice. Summarily, our results suggested that OsmiR5488 regulates the seed-setting rate and down-regulates the targeted gene OsARF25.
PMID: 38003430
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2023 Nov , V24 (22) doi: 10.3390/ijms242216184
Genome-Wide Characterization of the Aux/IAA Gene Family in Orchardgrass and a Functional Analysis of DgIAA21 in Responding to Drought Stress.
College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
Drought stress is an important factor that reduces plant biomass production and quality. As one of the most important economic forage grasses, orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) has high drought tolerance. Auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAA) is one of the early responsive gene families of auxin and plays a key role in the response to drought stress. However, the characteristics of the Aux/IAA gene family in orchardgrass and their potential function in responding to drought stress remain unclear. Here, 30 Aux/IAA members were identified in orchardgrass. Segmental duplication may be an important driving force in the evolution of the Aux/IAA gene family in orchardgrass. Some Aux/IAA genes were induced by IAA, drought, salt, and temperature stresses, implying that these genes may play important roles in responding to abiotic stresses. Heterologous expression in yeast revealed that DgIAA21 can reduce drought tolerance. Similarly, the overexpression of DgIAA21 also reduced drought tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis, which was supported by lower total chlorophyll content and relative water content as well as higher relative electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content (MDA) than Col-0 plants under drought conditions. The results of this study provided valuable insight into the function of DgIAAs in response to drought stress, which can be further used to improve forage grass breeding programs.
PMID: 38003372
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2023 Nov , V24 (21) doi: 10.3390/ijms242115852
Vacuolar Sugar Transporter TMT2 Plays Crucial Roles in Germination and Seedling Development in Arabidopsis.
Chinese Education Ministry's Key Laboratory of Western Resources and Modern Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Shaanxi Province, Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Carbon Neutral Technology, Shaanxi Academy of Basic Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China.
Vacuolar sugar transporters transport sugar across the tonoplast, are major players in maintaining sugar homeostasis, and therefore play vital roles in plant growth, development, and biomass yield. In this study, we analyzed the physiological roles of the tonoplast monosaccharide transporter 2 (TMT2) in Arabidopsis. In contrast to the wild type (WT) that produced uniform seedlings, the tmt2 mutant produced three types of offspring: un-germinated seeds (UnG), seedlings that cannot form true leaves (tmt2-S), and seedlings that develop normally (tmt2-L). Sucrose, glucose, and fructose can substantially, but not completely, rescue the abnormal phenotypes of the tmt2 mutant. Abnormal cotyledon development, arrested true leaf development, and abnormal development of shoot apical meristem (SAM) were observed in tmt2-S seedlings. Cotyledons from the WT and tmt2-L seedlings restored the growth of tmt2-S seedlings through micrografting. Moreover, exogenous sugar sustained normal growth of tmt2-S seedlings with cotyledon removed. Finally, we found that the TMT2 deficiency resulted in growth defects, most likely via changing auxin signaling, target of rapamycin (TOR) pathways, and cellular nutrients. This study unveiled the essential functions of TMT2 for seed germination and initial seedling development, ensuring cotyledon function and mobilizing sugars from cotyledons to seedlings. It also expanded the current knowledge on sugar metabolism and signaling. These findings have fundamental implications for enhancing plant biomass production or seed yield in future agriculture.
PMID: 37958835
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2023 Oct , V24 (21) doi: 10.3390/ijms242115832
Auxin Involvement in Ceratopteris Gametophyte Meristem Regeneration.
Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
Growth and development of the Ceratopteris hermaphroditic gametophytes are dependent on cell proliferation in the marginal meristem, which when destroyed will regenerate at a new location on the body margin. We established a laser ablation method to destroy a single initial cell in the meristem. Ablation caused the cessation of cell proliferation accompanied by the disappearance of the expression of an auxin synthesis gene (CrTAA2) and a cell proliferation marker gene (CrWOXB). New meristem regeneration occurred within a predictable distance from the original two days post-ablation, signified by cell proliferation and the expression of CrTAA2. Treatment with the naturally occurring auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), synthetic auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), or the transport inhibitor naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) altered positioning of the original marginal meristem toward the apex of the gametophyte. IAA altered positioning of the regenerated meristem after damaging the original meristem. A model of auxin involvement in the positioning of the marginal meristem in Ceratopteris is presented to encompass these results.
PMID: 37958815
Front Plant Sci , IF:5.753 , 2023 , V14 : P1255252 doi: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1255252
Effects of topping and non-topping on growth-regulating hormones of flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)-a proteomic analysis.
Agronomic Center, Yunnan Academy of Tobacco Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China.; Biotechnology and Germplasm Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China.; Raw material center, Hunan Zhangjiajie Municipal Tobacco Co., Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China.; Centre for Environmental and Climate Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.; Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Instituteo of Urban Enviroment, Chinense Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
INTRODUCTION: Until now, the mechanism underlying the impact of topping on hormone regulation in tobacco plants remains unclear, and most studies investigating the hormone signaling pathways in plants rely on genes or transcriptional pathways. METHODS: This study examines the regulatory mechanisms of hormones in the roots and leaves of tobacco plants with and without topping at the protein level. RESULTS: The results demonstrate that, compared with non-topped plants, topping leads to a decrease in the levels of IAA (auxin), ABA (abscisic acid), and GA (gibberellin) hormones in the leaves, whereas the content of the JA (jasmonic acid) hormone increases. Furthermore, in the roots, topping results in an increase in the levels of IAA, ABA, and JA hormones, along with a decrease in GA content. In the leaves, a total of 258 significantly different proteins were identified before and after topping, with 128 proteins upregulated and 130 proteins downregulated. In the roots, there were 439 proteins with significantly different quantities before and after topping, consisting of 211 upregulated proteins and 228 downregulated proteins. Notably, these proteins were closely associated with the metabolic and biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites, as indicated by functional categorization. CONCLUSIONS: When integrating the hormone changes and the proteomics results, it is evident that topping leads to increased metabolic activity and enhanced hormone synthesis in the root system. This research provides a theoretical foundation for further investigations into the regulation and signaling mechanisms of hormones at the protein level before and after topping in plants.
PMID: 38023860
Biol Res , IF:5.612 , 2023 Nov , V56 (1) : P58 doi: 10.1186/s40659-023-00465-y
Heat-responsive microRNAs participate in regulating the pollen fertility stability of CMS-D2 restorer line under high-temperature stress.
National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory for Cotton Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 38 Huanghe Dadao, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China.; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory for Cotton Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 38 Huanghe Dadao, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China. dr.wujianyong@live.cn.; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory for Cotton Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 38 Huanghe Dadao, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China. chaozhuxing@126.com.
Anther development and pollen fertility of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) conditioned by Gossypium harknessii cytoplasm (CMS-D2) restorer lines are susceptible to continuous high-temperature (HT) stress in summer, which seriously hinders the large-scale application of "three-line" hybrids in production. Here, integrated small RNA, transcriptome, degradome, and hormone profiling was performed to explore the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating fertility stability in mature pollens of isonuclear alloplasmic near-isogenic restorer lines NH and SH under HT stress at two environments. A total of 211 known and 248 novel miRNAs were identified, of which 159 were differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs). Additionally, 45 DEMs in 39 miRNA clusters (PmCs) were also identified, and most highly expressed miRNAs were significantly induced in SH under extreme HT, especially four MIR482 and six MIR6300 family miRNAs. PmC28 was located in the fine-mapped interval of the Rf(1) gene and contained two DEMs, gra-miR482_L-2R + 2 and gma-miR2118a-3p_R + 1_1ss18TG. Transcriptome sequencing identified 6281 differentially expressed genes, of which heat shock protein (HSP)-related genes, such as HSP70, HSP22, HSP18.5-C, HSP18.2 and HSP17.3-B, presented significantly reduced expression levels in SH under HT stress. Through integrating multi-omics data, we constructed a comprehensive molecular network of miRNA-mRNA-gene-KEGG containing 35 pairs of miRNA/target genes involved in regulating the pollen development in response to HT, among which the mtr-miR167a_R + 1, tcc-miR167c and ghr-miR390a, tcc-miR396c_L-1 and ghr-MIR169b-p3_1ss6AG regulated the pollen fertility by influencing ARF8 responsible for the auxin signal transduction, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and the sugar and lipid metabolism and transport pathways, respectively. Further combination with hormone analysis revealed that HT-induced jasmonic acid signaling could activate the expression of downstream auxin synthesis-related genes and cause excessive auxin accumulation, followed by a cascade of auxin signal transduction, ultimately resulting in pollen abortion. The results provide a new understanding of how heat-responsive miRNAs regulate the stability of fertility restoration for CMS-D2 cotton under heat stress.
PMID: 37941013
J Agric Food Chem , IF:5.279 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c05843
Glycosylation of Secondary Metabolites: A Multifunctional UDP-Glycosyltransferase, CsUGT74Y1, Promotes the Growth of Plants.
College of Tea Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China.; School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China.; Hunan Optical Agriculture Engineering Technology Research Center, Changsha 410128, China.; State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, 230036 Hefei, Anhui, China.; School of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, 230036 Hefei, Anhui, China.
Camellia sinensis contains numerous glycosylated secondary metabolites that provide various benefits to plants and humans. However, the genes that catalyze the glycosylation of multitype metabolites in tea plants remain unclear. Here, 180 uridine diphosphate-dependent glycosyltransferases that may be involved in the biosynthesis of glycosylated secondary metabolites were identified from the National Center for Biotechnology Information public databases. Subsequently, CsUGT74Y1 was screened through phylogenetic analysis and gene expression profiling. Compositional and induced expression analyses revealed that CsUGT74Y1 was highly expressed in tea tender shoots and was induced under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. In vitro enzymatic assays revealed that rCsUGT74Y1 encoded a multifunctional UGT that catalyzed the glycosylation of flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignins, and auxins. Furthermore, CsUGT74Y1-overexpressing Arabidopsis thaliana exhibited enhanced growth and accumulation of flavonol and auxin glucosides. Our findings provide insights into identifying specific UGTs and demonstrate that CsUGT74Y1 is a multifunctional UGT that promotes plant development.
PMID: 37997954
J Agric Food Chem , IF:5.279 , 2023 Oct doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c05027
Vanillin, a Newly Discovered Autotoxic Substance in Long-Term Potato Continuous Cropping Soil, Inhibits Plant Growth by Decreasing the Root Auxin Content and Reducing Adventitious Root Numbers.
State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, People's Republic of China.; Crop Ecophysiology and Cultivation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, People's Republic of China.; Potato Research Institute of Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, People's Republic of China.; Institute of Biotechnology and Nuclear Technology, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610066, People's Republic of China.; Key Laboratory of Tuber Crop Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu Joyson Agricultural Technology Company, Limited, Xindu, Sichuan 610500, People's Republic of China.
Phenolic acids are known to reduce root biomass and hinder plant development, but it is unclear how they affect potato root traits. Over a 10 year field experiment, we found a negative correlation between the potato yield and continuous cropping years. The substantial reduction in adventitious root (AR) numbers was found to be primarily inhibited by soil vanillin accumulation. The study also found that vanillin had a more pronounced inhibitory effect on the potato yield than commonly reported ferulic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. The decrease in yield was attributed to the reduction of root indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content, which impeded the formation of AR. Exogenous IAA was found to increase the root IAA content and stimulate AR formation under vanillin stress, ultimately leading to an increase in the potato yield. This study provides valuable insights into potential strategies for the degradation of autotoxic substances and breeding of potato cultivars with enhanced resistance to autotoxicity.
PMID: 37905798
J Biol Chem , IF:5.157 , 2023 Nov : P105456 doi: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105456
Resolving Binding Pathways and Solvation Thermodynamics of Plant Hormone Receptors.
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.; Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA; Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA; Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA. Electronic address: diwakar@illinois.edu.
Plant hormones are small molecules that regulate plant growth, development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. They are specifically recognized by the binding site of their receptors. In this work, we resolved the binding pathways for eight classes of phytohormones (auxin, jasmonate, gibberellin, strigolactone, brassinosteroid, cytokinin, salicylic acid, and abscisic acid) to their canonical receptors using extensive molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, we investigated the role of water displacement and reorganization at the binding site of the plant receptors through inhomogeneous solvation theory. Our findings predict that displacement of water molecules by phytohormones contributes to free energy of binding via entropy gain and is associated with significant free energy barriers for most systems analyzed. Also, our results indicate that displacement of unfavorable water molecules in the binding site can be exploited in rational agrochemical design. Overall, this study uncovers the mechanism of ligand binding and the role of water molecules in plant hormone perception, which creates new avenues for agrochemical design to target plant growth and development.
PMID: 37949229
Pest Manag Sci , IF:4.845 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1002/ps.7873
Bacillus velezensis WB induces systemic resistance in watermelon against Fusarium wilt.
College of Life Science and Agroforestry, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, China.; Heilongjiang Provincial Technology Innovation Center of Agromicrobial Preparation Industrialization, Qiqihar, China.; Heilongjiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Agrobiological Preparation Industrialization, Qiqihar, China.
BACKGROUND: Our previous findings indicated that Bacillus velezensis WB could control Fusarium wilt by changing the structure of the microbial community in the watermelon rhizosphere. However, there are few studies on its mechanism in the pathogen resistance of watermelon. Therefore, in this study, we determined the mechanism of B. velezensis WB-induced systemic resistance in watermelon against Fusarium wilt through glasshouse pot experiments. RESULTS: The results showed that B. velezensis WB significantly reduced the incidence and disease index of Fusarium wilt in watermelon. B. velezensis WB can enhance the basal immunity of watermelon plants by: increasing the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and beta-1,3-glucanase; accumulating lignin, salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA); reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations; and inducing callus deposition in watermelon plant cells. RNA-seq analysis showed that 846 watermelon genes were upregulated and 612 watermelon genes were downregulated in the WF treatment. This process led to the activation of watermelon genes associated with auxin, gibberellin, SA, ethylene and JA, and the expression of genes in the phenylalanine biosynthetic pathway was upregulated. In addition, transcription factors involved in plant resistance to pathogens, such as MYB, NAC and WRKY, were induced. Gene correlation analysis showed that Cla97C10G195840 and Cla97C02G049930 in the phenylalanine biosynthetic pathway, and Cla97C02G041360 and Cla97C10G197290 in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway showed strong correlations with other genes. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that B. velezensis WB is capable of inducing systemic resistance in watermelon against Fusarium wilt. (c) 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
PMID: 37939121
Plant Sci , IF:4.729 , 2023 Nov , V338 : P111915 doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111915
FtsH proteases confer protection against salt and oxidative stress in Medicago sativa L.
Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China.; Institute of Animal Sciences, Ningxia Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Yinchuan 750002, PR China.; Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China. Electronic address: dragongodsgod@163.com.
Plant filamentation temperature-sensitive H (FtsH) proteins are ATP-dependent zinc proteases that play an important role in regulating abiotic stress adaptions. Here we explore their potential role in abiotic stress tolerance in alfalfa, an important legume crop. Genomic analysis revealed seventeen MsFtsH genes in five clusters, which generally featured conserved domains and gene structures. Furthermore, the expression of MsFtsHs was found to be tightly associated with abiotic stresses, including osmotic, salt and oxidative stress. In addition, numerous stress responsive cis-elements, including those related to ABA, auxin, and salicylic acid, were identified in their promoter regions. Moreover, MsFtsH8 overexpression was shown to confer tolerance to salt and oxidative stress which was associated with reduced levels of reactive oxygen species, and enhanced expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes. Our results highlight MsFtsHs as key factors in abiotic stress tolerance, and show their potential usefulness for breeding alfalfa and other crops with improved yield and stress tolerance.
PMID: 37944702
Plant Sci , IF:4.729 , 2023 Nov , V336 : P111866 doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111866
The many faces of lysine acylation in proteins: Phytohormones as unexplored substrates.
Programa de Pos-graduacao em Genetica e Biologia Molecular (PPGBM), Departamento de Genetica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.; Programa de Pos-graduacao em Genetica e Biologia Molecular (PPGBM), Departamento de Genetica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Programa de Pos-graduacao em Biologia Celular e Molecular (PPGBCM), Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Departamento de Biofisica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. Electronic address: rogerio.margis@ufrgs.br.
Protein post-translational modification (PTM) is a ubiquitous process that occurs in most proteins. Lysine residues containing an epsilon-amino group are recognized as hotspots for the addition of different chemical groups. Lysine acetylation, extensively studied in histones, serves as an epigenetic hallmark capable of promoting changes in chromatin structure and availability. Acyl groups derived from molecules involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms, such as lactate, succinate and hydroxybutyrate, were identified as lysine modifications of histones and other proteins. Lysine-acyltransferases do not exhibit significant substrate specificity concerning acyl donors. Furthermore, plant hormones harboring acyl groups often form conjugates with free amino acids to regulate their activity and function during plant physiological processes and responses, a process mediated by GH3 enzymes. Besides forming low-molecular weight conjugates, auxins have been shown to covalently modify proteins in bean seeds. Aside from auxins, other phytohormones with acyl groups are unexplored potential substrates for post-translational acylation of proteins. Using MS data searches, we revealed various proteins with lysine residues linked to auxin, abscisic acid, gibberellic acid, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid. These findings raise compelling questions about the ability of plant hormones harboring carboxyl groups to serve as new candidates for protein acylation and acting in protein PTM and modulation.
PMID: 37714383
Front Genet , IF:4.599 , 2023 , V14 : P1279850 doi: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1279850
Transcriptome analysis of Artemisia argyi following methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment and the mining of genes related to the stress resistance pathway.
Biotechnology Research Center, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.; College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang, China.
Artemisia argyi Lev. et Vant. (A. argyi) is a perennial grass in the Artemisia family, the plant has a strong aroma. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is critical to plant growth and development, stress response, and secondary metabolic processes. The experimental material Artemisia argyi was utilized in this study to investigate the treatment of A. argyi with exogenous MeJA at concentrations of 100 and 200 mumol/L for durations of 9 and 24 h respectively. Transcriptome sequencing was conducted using the Illumina HiSeq platform to identify stress resistance-related candidate genes. Finally, a total of 102.43 Gb of data were obtained and 162,272 unigenes were identified. Differential analysis before and after MeJA treatment resulted in the screening of 20,776 differentially expressed genes. The GO classification revealed that the annotated unigenes were categorized into three distinct groups: cellular component, molecular function, and biological process. Notably, binding, metabolic process, and cellular process emerged as the most prevalent categories among them. The results of KEGG pathway statistical analysis revealed that plant hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling pathway-plant, and plant-pathogen interaction were significant transduction pathways in A. argyi's response to exogenous MeJA-induced abiotic stress. With the alteration of exogenous MeJA concentration and duration, a significant upregulation was observed in the expression levels of calmodulin CaM4 (ID: EVM0136224) involved in MAPK signaling pathway-plant and auxin response factor ARF (ID: EVM0055178) associated with plant-pathogen interaction. The findings of this study establish a solid theoretical foundation for the future development of highly resistant varieties of A. argyi.
PMID: 38028600
Plant Cell Rep , IF:4.57 , 2023 Dec , V42 (12) : P1845-1873 doi: 10.1007/s00299-023-03071-0
Epigenetic modifications and miRNAs determine the transition of somatic cells into somatic embryos.
State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Bamboo Research Institute, Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration On Subtropical Forest Biodiversity Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China.; State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Bamboo Industry Institute, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China.; Zhejiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Bamboo Resources and High-Efficiency Utilization, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China.; Department of Biosciences, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Kalamassery, Kochi, 683104, Kerala, India.; State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, Jiangsu, China.; Division of Genetics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Bamboo Research Institute, Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration On Subtropical Forest Biodiversity Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China. weiqiang@njfu.edu.cn.
This review discusses the epigenetic changes during somatic embryo (SE) development, highlights the genes and miRNAs involved in the transition of somatic cells into SEs as a result of epigenetic changes, and draws insights on biotechnological opportunities to study SE development. Somatic embryogenesis from somatic cells occurs in a series of steps. The transition of somatic cells into somatic embryos (SEs) is the most critical step under genetic and epigenetic regulations. Major regulatory genes such as SERK, WUS, BBM, FUS3/FUSA3, AGL15, and PKL, control SE steps and development by turning on and off other regulatory genes. Gene transcription profiles of somatic cells during SE development is the result of epigenetic changes, such as DNA and histone protein modifications, that control and decide the fate of SE formation. Depending on the type of somatic cells and the treatment with plant growth regulators, epigenetic changes take place dynamically. Either hypermethylation or hypomethylation of SE-related genes promotes the transition of somatic cells. For example, the reduced levels of DNA methylation of SERK and WUS promotes SE initiation. Histone modifications also promote SE induction by regulating SE-related genes in somatic cells. In addition, miRNAs contribute to the various stages of SE by regulating the expression of auxin signaling pathway genes (TIR1, AFB2, ARF6, and ARF8), transcription factors (CUC1 and CUC2), and growth-regulating factors (GRFs) involved in SE formation. These epigenetic and miRNA functions are unique and have the potential to regenerate bipolar structures from somatic cells when a pluripotent state is induced. However, an integrated overview of the key regulators involved in SE development and downstream processes is lacking. Therefore, this review discusses epigenetic modifications involved in SE development, SE-related genes and miRNAs associated with epigenetics, and common cis-regulatory elements in the promoters of SE-related genes. Finally, we highlight future biotechnological opportunities to alter epigenetic pathways using the genome editing tool and to study the transition mechanism of somatic cells.
PMID: 37792027
Plant Cell Rep , IF:4.57 , 2023 Nov , V42 (11) : P1705-1719 doi: 10.1007/s00299-023-03053-2
Dose effects of restorer gene modulate pollen fertility in cotton CMS-D2 restorer lines via auxin signaling and flavonoid biosynthesis.
National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory for Cotton Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 38 Huanghe Dadao, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China.; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory for Cotton Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 38 Huanghe Dadao, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China. zhangmeng03@caas.cn.; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory for Cotton Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 38 Huanghe Dadao, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China. dr.wujianyong@live.cn.; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory for Cotton Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 38 Huanghe Dadao, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China. chaozhuxing@126.com.
Dose effects of Rf(1) gene regulated retrieval mechanism of pollen fertility for CMS-D2 cotton. Cytoplasmic male sterility conditioned by Gossypium harknessii cytoplasm (CMS-D2) is an economical pollination control system for producing hybrid cotton seeds compared to artificial and chemical emasculation methods. However, the unstable restoring ability of restorer lines is a main barrier in the large-scale application of "three-line" hybrid cotton in China. Our phenotypic investigation determined that the homozygous Rf(1)Rf(1) allelic genotype had a stronger ability to generate fertile pollen than the heterozygous Rf(1)rf(1) allelic genotype. To decipher the genetic mechanisms that control the differential levels of pollen fertility, an integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis was performed at two environments using pollen grains of four cotton genotypes differing in Rf(1) alleles or cytoplasm. Totally 5,391 differential metabolite features were detected, and 369 specific differential metabolites (DMs) were identified between homozygous and heterozygous Rf(1) allelic genotypes with CMS-D2 cytoplasm. In addition, transcriptome analysis identified 2,490 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 96 unique hub DEGs with dynamic regulation in this comparative combination. Further integrated analyses revealed that several key DEGs and DMs involved in indole biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and sugar metabolism had strong network linkage with fertility restoration. In vitro application of auxin analogue NAA and inhibitor Auxinole confirmed that over-activated auxin signaling might inhibit pollen development, whereas suppressing auxin signaling partially promoted pollen development in CMS-D2 cotton. Our results provide new insight into how the dosage effects of the Rf(1) gene regulate pollen fertility of CMS-D2 cotton.
PMID: 37715064
Bioessays , IF:4.345 , 2023 Nov , V45 (11) : Pe2300018 doi: 10.1002/bies.202300018
AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR protein accumulation and function.
Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
Auxin is a key regulator of plant developmental processes. Its effects on transcription are mediated by the AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF) family of transcription factors. ARFs tightly control specific auxin responses necessary for proper plant growth and development. Recent research has revealed that regulated ARF protein accumulation and ARF nucleo-cytoplasmic partitioning can determine auxin transcriptional outputs. In this review, we explore these recent findings and consider the potential for regulated ARF accumulation in driving auxin responses in plants.
PMID: 37584215
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2023 Nov , V205 : P108212 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108212
Ethylene and ROS mediate root growth inhibition induced by the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA).
Department of Molecular Biology, South Korea; Department of Bioindustry and Bioresource Engineering, South Korea; Plant Engineering Research Institute, Sejong University, Seoul, 143-747, South Korea.; Department of Molecular Biology, South Korea; Department of Bioindustry and Bioresource Engineering, South Korea; Plant Engineering Research Institute, Sejong University, Seoul, 143-747, South Korea. Electronic address: sbhwang@sejong.ac.kr.
Bisphenol A (BPA) functions as a detrimental substance that disrupts the endocrine system in animals while also impeding the growth and development of plants. In our previous study, we demonstrated that BPA hinders the growth of roots in Arabidopsis by diminishing cell division and elongation, which is ascribed to the increased accumulation and redistribution of auxin. Here, we examined the mediation of ROS and ethylene in BPA-induced auxin accumulation and root growth inhibition. BPA enhanced ROS levels, and ROS increased auxin contents but reduced cell division activity and the expression of EXPA8 involved in root elongation. ROS scavenger treatment reversed BPA-triggered root growth retardation, auxin accumulation, and cell division inhibition. In addition, BPA induced ethylene, and ethylene synthesis inhibitor treatment reversed BPA-triggered root growth retardation and auxin accumulation. Taken together, ROS and ethylene are involved in BPA-inhibited cell elongation and cell division by mediating auxin accumulation and redistribution.
PMID: 38008009
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2023 Nov , V205 : P108210 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108210
Auxin homeostasis in plant responses to heavy metal stress.
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China. Electronic address: jiehuawang@tju.edu.cn.
Expeditious industrialization and anthropogenic activities have resulted in large amounts of heavy metals (HMs) being released into the environment. These HMs affect crop yields and directly threaten global food security. Therefore, significant efforts have been made to control the toxic effects of HMs on crops. When HMs are taken up by plants, various mechanisms are stimulated to alleviate HM stress, including the biosynthesis and transport of auxin in the plant. Interestingly, researchers have noted the significant potential of auxin in mediating resistance to HM stress, primarily by reducing uptake of metals, promoting chelation and sequestration in plant tissues, and mitigating oxidative damage. Both exogenous administration of auxin and manipulation of intrinsic auxin status are effective strategies to protect plants from the negative consequences of HMs stress. Regulation of genes and transcription factors related to auxin homeostasis has been shown to be related to varying degrees to the type and concentration of HMs. Therefore, to derive the maximum benefit from auxin-mediated mechanisms to attenuate HM toxicities, it is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of signaling pathways involved in regulatory actions. This review primarily emphases on the auxin-mediated mechanisms participating in the injurious effects of HMs in plants. Thus, it will pave the way to understanding the mechanism of auxin homeostasis in regulating HM tolerance in plants and become a tool for developing sustainable strategies for agricultural growth in the future.
PMID: 38006792
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2023 Nov , V205 : P108207 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108207
The apple transcription factor MdbHLH4 regulates plant morphology and fruit development by promoting cell enlargement.
State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China. Electronic address: fwm64@nwsuaf.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China. Electronic address: maoke2002@nwsuaf.edu.cn.
The bHLH family, the second largest transcription factor (TF) family in plants, plays a crucial role in regulating plant growth and development processes. However, the biological functions and mechanisms of most bHLH proteins remain unknown, particularly in apples. In this study, we found that MdbHLH4 positively modulates plant growth and development by enhancing cell expansion. Overexpression (OE) of MdbHLH4 resulted in increased biomass, stem and root length, leaf area, and larger areas of pith, xylem, and cortex with greater cell size compared with wild-type apple plants. Conversely, RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated silencing of MdbHLH4 led to reduced xylem and phloem as well as smaller cell size compared to wild-type apple plants. Ectopic expression of MdbHLH4 in tomatoes resulted in enlarged fruits with impaired color appearance, decreased accumulation of soluble solids, and decreased flesh firmness along with larger seeds. Subsequent investigations have shown that MdbHLH4 directly binds to the promoters of MdARF6b and MdPIF4b, enhancing their expression levels. These findings suggest that MdbHLH4 potentially regulates plant cell expansion through auxin and light signaling pathways. These study results not only provide new insights into the roles of bHLH transcription factors in regulating plant growth and development but also contribute to a deeper understanding of their underlying mechanisms.
PMID: 38006791
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2023 Nov , V205 : P108160 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108160
Suppression of a hexokinase gene SlHXK1 in tomato affects fruit setting and seed quality.
Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Tomato, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China. Electronic address: micy180605@163.com.; Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Tomato, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China. Electronic address: 2446874907@qq.com.; Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China. Electronic address: zhangjianling0520@126.com.; Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Tomato, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China. Electronic address: 2362779800@qq.com.; Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Tomato, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China. Electronic address: qiaolixie@cqu.edu.cn.; Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Tomato, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China. Electronic address: chenguoping@cqu.edu.cn.; Institute of Grassland, Flowers and Ecology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China.; Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Tomato, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China. Electronic address: huzongli71@163.com.
Hexokinase is considered to be the key molecule in sugar signaling and metabolism. Here, we reported that silencing SlHXK1 resulted in a decrease in flower number, increased rate of flower dropping, abnormal thickening of the anther wall, and reduced pollen and seed viability. An anatomical analysis revealed the loss of small cells and abnormal thickening of anther walls in SlHXK1-RNAi lines. Treatment with auxin and 1-methylcyclopropene inhibited flower dropping from the pedicel abscission zone. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the effect of SlHXK1 on abscission was associated with the expression levels of genes related to key meristem, auxin, ethylene, cell wall metabolism and programmed cell death. Pollen germination and pollen staining experiments showed that pollen viability was significantly reduced in the SlHXK1-RNAi lines. Physiological and biochemical analyses showed that hexokinase activity and starch content were markedly decreased in the transgenic lines. The expression of genes related to tomato pollen development was also suppressed in the transgenic lines. Although the RNAi lines eventually produced some viable seeds, the yield and quality of the seeds was lower than that of wild-type plants. Yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays showed that SlHXK1 interacted with SlKINgamma. Furthermore, SlPIF4 inhibited the transcriptional expression of SlHXK1. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that SlHXK1 may play important roles in pollen, anther, seed and the pedicel abscission zone by affecting starch accumulation or cell wall synthesis, as well as by regulating the number of the transcripts of genes that are involved in auxin, ethylene and cell wall degradation.
PMID: 37944243
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2023 Nov , V204 : P108122 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108122
Tobacco roots increasing diameter and secondary lateral density in response to drought stress.
Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biology and Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, PR China.; Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biology and Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, PR China; Henan Tobacco Company Sanmenxia City Co., Ltd, Sanmenxia, 472001, PR China.; Sichuan Zhongyan Industry Co., Ltd., Chengdu, 610021, PR China.; Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biology and Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, PR China. Electronic address: wangchengdong@caas.cn.; Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biology and Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, PR China. Electronic address: wangpeng03@caas.cn.
Exploring the responses of root morphology and its physiological mechanisms under drought stress is significant for further improving water and nutrient absorption in roots. Here, we simulated drought through hydroponics combined with PEG treatments in tobacco to characterize the changes in tobacco root architecture. Our results showed the total root length, first lateral root number, and first lateral root length were significantly reduced upon increasing drought severity, but the average root diameter and secondary lateral root density increased under certain drought conditions. The change of auxin content in roots under drought stress was correlated with the root diameter and second lateral root density responses. Exogenous addition of the auxin analog (NAA) and the auxin transport inhibitor (NPA), as well as DR5:GUS staining experiments further demonstrated that auxin participated in this physiological process. Meanwhile, brassinolide (BR) exhibited a similar trend. Exogenous addition of BR (EBR) and the BR synthesis inhibitor BRZ experiments demonstrated that BR may participate upstream of auxin under drought stress. PEG treatment significantly up-regulated NtBRI1 at 9-24 h, and promoted the up-regulation of NtBSK2 and NtBSK3 at 48 h and 24 h, respectively, these genes may contribute to the change in root morphology under drought stress. This study shows that auxin and BR are involved in the changes in root morphology in tobacco exposed to drought stress. The elucidation of the molecular mechanism at play thus represents a future target for breeding drought-tolerant tobacco varieties.
PMID: 37939500
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2023 Nov , V204 : P108129 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108129
Roles of abscisic acid and auxin in plants during drought: A molecular point of view.
Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA; State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China.; Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA. Electronic address: aartgupt@ttu.edu.; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Bamboo Research Institute, Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Subtropical Forest Biodiversity Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China.; Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA.; State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China.; Department of Botany, Hindu Girls College, Maharshi Dayanand University, Sonipat, 131001, India.; Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA. Electronic address: son.tran@ttu.edu.
Plant responses to drought are mediated by hormones like ABA (abscisic acid) and auxin. These hormones regulate plant drought responses by modulating various physiological and biological processes via cell signaling. ABA accumulation and signaling are central to plant drought responses. Auxin also regulates plant adaptive responses to drought, especially via signal transduction mediated by the interaction between ABA and auxin. In this review, we explored the interactive roles of ABA and auxin in the modulation of stomatal movement, root traits and accumulation of reactive oxygen species associated with drought tolerance.
PMID: 37897894
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2023 Nov , V204 : P108087 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108087
Transcriptome analysis reveals ZmERF055 contributes to waterlogging tolerance in sweetcorn.
Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.; Southern Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Crop Breeding, Wenzhou Vocational College of Science and Technology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325006, China. Electronic address: 362840793@qq.com.; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China. Electronic address: bowang@scau.edu.cn.
Waterlogging is a major disaster damaging crop production. However, most sweetcorn cultivars are not tolerant to waterlogging, which severely threatens their production. In order to understand the genetic mechanisms underlying waterlogging tolerance in sweetcorn, this study conducted a comprehensive investigation of sweetcorn waterlogging tolerance at the levels of physiology, biochemistry, and transcriptome in two sweetcorn CSSLs (chromosome segment substitution lines), D120 and D81. We found that D120 showed increased plant height, root length, root area, adventitious root numbers, antioxidant enzyme activities, and aerenchyma area ratio compared to D81. The transcriptome results showed that 2492 and 2351 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained at 4 h and 8 h of waterlogging treatment, respectively. Genes involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, photosynthesis, and alcohol fermentation are sensitive in the waterlogging tolerant genotype D120, resulting in enhanced ROS scavenging ability, adventitious roots, and aerenchyma formation. Additionally, ethylene-, auxin-, and ABA-related genes exhibited different responses to waterlogging stress in sweetcorn. We integrated transcriptome and differential chromosomal fragments data and identified that ZmERF055 on chromosome 9 was directly involved in waterlogging stress. ZmERF055-overexpressing plants consistently exhibited significantly increased waterlogging tolerance and ROS homeostasis in Arabidopsis. These results offer a network of plant hormone signaling, ROS homeostasis, and energy metabolism co-modulating waterlogging tolerance in sweetcorn. Additionally, the findings support ZmERF055 as a potential ideal target gene in crop breeding to improve plant waterlogging tolerance.
PMID: 37847974
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int , IF:4.223 , 2023 Nov , V30 (54) : P116004-116017 doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-30608-3
Phytotoxicity alleviation of imazethapyr to non-target plant wheat: active regulation between auxin and DIMBOA.
MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation & Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.; Ningbo Key Laboratory of Agricultural Germplasm Resources Mining and Environmental Regulation, College of Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Cixi, 315300, China.; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China.; MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation & Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China. wenyuezhong@zju.edu.cn.
Effectively controlling target organisms while reducing the adverse effects of pesticides on non-target organisms is a crucial scientific inquiry and challenge in pesticide ecotoxicology research. Here, we studied the alleviation of herbicide (R)-imazethapyr [(R)-IM] to non-target plant wheat by active regulation between auxin and secondary metabolite 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-3(4H)-one (DIMBOA). We found (R)-IM reduced 32.4% auxin content in wheat leaves and induced 40.7% DIMBOA accumulation compared to the control group, which effortlessly disrupted the balance between wheat growth and defense. Transcriptomic results indicated that restoration of the auxin level in plants promoted the up-regulation of growth-related genes and the accumulation of DIMBOA up-regulated the expression of defense-related genes. Auxin and DIMBOA alleviated herbicide stress primarily through effects in the two directions of wheat growth and defense, respectively. Additionally, as a common precursor of auxin and DIMBOA, indole adopted a combined growth and defense strategy in response to (R)-IM toxicity, i.e., restoring growth development and enhancing the defense system. Future regulation of auxin and DIMBOA levels in plants may be possible through appropriate methods, thus regulating the plant growth-defense balance under herbicide stress. Our insight into the interference mechanism of herbicides to the plant growth-defense system will facilitate the design of improved strategies for herbicide detoxification.
PMID: 37897577
BMC Plant Biol , IF:4.215 , 2023 Nov , V23 (1) : P547 doi: 10.1186/s12870-023-04563-7
Stimulus-responsive proteins involved in multi-process regulation of storage substance accumulation during rice grain filling under elevated temperature.
College of Agronomy, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production, 210095, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.; College of Agronomy, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, People's Republic of China. tangshe@njau.edu.cn.; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production, 210095, Nanjing, People's Republic of China. tangshe@njau.edu.cn.
BACKGROUND: The intensified global warming during grain filling deteriorated rice quality, in particular increasing the frequency of chalky grains which markedly impact market value. The formation of rice quality is a complex process influenced by multiple genes, proteins and physiological metabolic processes. Proteins responsive to stimulus can adjust the ability of plants to respond to unfavorable environments, which may be an important protein involved in the regulation of quality formation under elevated temperature. However, relatively few studies have hindered our further understanding of rice quality formation under elevated temperature. RESULTS: We conducted the actual field elevated temperature experiment and performed proteomic analysis of rice grains at the early stage of grain filling. Starting with the response to stimulus in GO annotation, 22 key proteins responsive to stimulus were identified in the regulation of grain filling and response to elevated temperature. Among the proteins responsive to stimulus, during grain filling, an increased abundance of signal transduction and other stress response proteins, a decreased abundance of reactive oxygen species-related proteins, and an increased accumulation of storage substance metabolism proteins consistently contributed to grain filling. However, the abundance of probable indole-3-acetic acid-amido synthetase GH3.4, probable indole-3-acetic acid-amido synthetase GH3.8 and CBL-interacting protein kinase 9 belonged to signal transduction were inhibited under elevated temperature. In the reactive oxygen species-related protein, elevated temperature increased the accumulation of cationic peroxidase SPC4 and persulfide dioxygenase ETHE1 homolog to maintain normal physiological homeostasis. The increased abundance of alpha-amylase isozyme 3E and seed allergy protein RA5 was related to the storage substance metabolism, which regulated starch and protein accumulation under elevated temperature. CONCLUSION: Auxin synthesis and calcium signal associated with signal transduction, other stress responses, protein transport and modification, and reactive oxygen species-related proteins may be key proteins responsive to stimulus in response to elevated temperature. Alpha-amylase isozyme 3E and seed allergy protein RA5 may be the key proteins to regulate grain storage substance accumulation and further influence quality under elevated temperature. This study enriched the regulatory factors involved in the response to elevated temperature and provided a new idea for a better understanding of grain response to temperature.
PMID: 37936114
Tree Physiol , IF:4.196 , 2023 Nov , V43 (11) : P2031-2045 doi: 10.1093/treephys/tpad101
Novel insights into the role of leaf in the cutting process of Camellia sinensis using physiological, biochemical and transcriptome analyses.
National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.; Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture in Central China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
Cuttage is the preferred approach for rapid propagation of many species including tea plant (Camellia sinensis). Leaf serves as a key part of nodal cutting, but there is a lack of systematic research on its role in the cutting process. In this study, 24 tea cultivars were employed to prove the necessity of leaf and light during cuttage. Further leaf physiological parameters found that lower net photosynthesis rate probably promoted rooting. Phytohormone content detection showed that auxin content and composition pattern were related to rooting ability. Leaf transcriptome analyses of cuttings from a representative easy-to-root cultivar (cv. Echa 10) revealed that genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, signal transduction, metabolite biosynthesis and transportation were differentially expressed during the rooting process. CsTSA1, CsYUC10, CsAUX1s, CsPIN3 and CsPIN5 were selected as the candidate genes, which possibly regulate the rooting of nodal cuttings. These results illustrate the necessity of the leaf in cuttage and provide molecular evidence that leaf is an important place for signal transduction, metabolite synthesis and transport during the rooting process.
PMID: 37742093
Planta , IF:4.116 , 2023 Nov , V259 (1) : P8 doi: 10.1007/s00425-023-04283-0
BRIP1 and BRIP2 maintain root meristem by affecting auxin-mediated regulation.
State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.; State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China. lichlong3@mail.sysu.edu.cn.
This study reveals that mutations in BRIP1/2 subunits of the BAS complex disrupt root meristem development by decreasing PIN genes expression, affecting auxin transport, and downregulating essential root genes PLT. Switch defective/sucrose non-fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complexes play vital roles in plant development. BRAHMA-interacting proteins1 (BRIP1) and BRIP2 are subunits of BRAHMA (BRM)-associated SWI/SNF complex (BAS) in plants; however, their role and underlying regulatory mechanism in root development are still unknown. Here, we show that brip1 brip2 double mutants have a significantly shortened root meristem and an irregular arrangement in a portion of the root stem cell niche. The mutations in BRIP1 and BRIP2 cause decreased expression of the PIN-FORMED (PIN) genes, which in turn reduces the transport of auxin at the root tip, leading to the disruption of the accurate establishment of normal auxin concentration gradients in the stem cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments indicated that BRIP1 and BRIP2 directly bind to the PINs. Furthermore, we found a significant down-regulation in the expression of key root development genes, PLETHORA (PLT), in brip1 brip2. The brip1 brip2 plt1 plt2 quadruple mutations do not show further exacerbation in the short-root phenotype compared to plt1 plt2 double mutants. Using a dexamethasone (DEX)-inducible PLT2 transgenic line, we showed that acute overexpression of PLT2 partially rescues root meristem defects of brip1 brip2, suggesting that BRIP1 and BRIP2 act in part through the PLT1/2 pathway. Taken together, our results identify the critical role and the underlying mechanism of BRIP1/2 in maintaining the development of root meristem through the regulation of auxin output and expression of PLTs.
PMID: 38019301
Plant Mol Biol , IF:4.076 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1007/s11103-023-01391-z
Xylobiose treatment triggers a defense-related response and alters cell wall composition.
Laboratory of Plant Cell Wall Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana, 121001, India.; Laboratory of Plant Cell Wall Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana, 121001, India. prashant.pawar@rcb.res.in.
Plant cell wall-derived oligosaccharides, i.e., damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), could be generated after pathogen attack or during normal plant development, perceived by cell wall receptors, and can alter immunity and cell wall composition. Therefore, we hypothesised that xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) could act as an elicitor and trigger immune responses. To test this, we treated Arabidopsis with xylobiose (XB) and investigated different parameters. XB-treatment significantly triggered the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activated MAPK protein phosphorylation, and induced callose deposition. The combination of XB (DAMP) and flg22 a microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP) further enhanced ROS response and gene expression of PTI marker genes. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that more genes were differentially regulated after 30 min compared to 24 h XB-treated leaves, which correlated with ROS response. Increased xylosidase activity and soluble xylose level after 30 min and 3 h of XB-treatment were observed which might have weakened the DAMP response. However, an increase in total cell wall sugar and a decrease in uronic acid level was observed at both 30 min and 24 h. Additionally, arabinose, rhamnose, and xylose levels were increased in 30 min, and glucose was increased in 24 h compared to mock-treated leaves. The level of jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, auxin, and cytokinin were also affected after XB treatment. Overall, our data revealed that the shortest XOS can act as a DAMP, which triggers the PTI response and alters cell wall composition and hormone level.
PMID: 37991689
Plant Mol Biol , IF:4.076 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1007/s11103-023-01383-z
Transcriptome analysis reveals the effect of acidic environment on adventitious root differentiation in Camellia sinensis.
Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-Bioengineering/College of Tea Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.; Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-Bioengineering/College of Tea Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China. yczhao@gzu.edu.cn.; Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-Bioengineering/College of Tea Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China. dgzhao@gzu.edu.cn.; Plant Conservation Technology Center, Guizhou Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang, 550006, China. dgzhao@gzu.edu.cn.
The generation of adventitious roots (ARs) is the key to the success of cuttings. The appropriate environment for AR differentiation in tea plants is acidic. However, the mechanism is unclear. In this study, pH 4.5 was suitable condition for the differentiation of AR in tea plants. At the base of cuttings, the root primordia differentiated ARs more rapidly at pH 4.5 than pH 7.0, and nine AR differentiation-related genes were found to be differentially expressed in 30 days, the result was also validated by qRT-PCR. The promoter regions of these genes contained auxin and brassinosteroid response elements. The expression levels of several genes which were involved in auxin and brassinosteroid synthesis as well as signaling at pH 4.5 compared to pH 7.0 occurred differential expression. Brassinolide (BL) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) could affect the differentiation of ARs under pH 4.5 and pH 7.0. By qRT-PCR analysis of genes during ARs generation, BL and IAA inhibited and promoted the expression of CsIAA14 gene, respectively, to regulate auxin signal transduction. Meanwhile, the expression levels of CsKNAT4, CsNAC2, CsNAC100, CsWRKY30 and CsLBD18 genes were up-regulated upon auxin treatment and were positively correlated with ARs differentiation.This study showed that pH 4.5 was the most suitable environment for the root primordia differentiation of AR in tea plant. Proper acidic pH conditions promoted auxin synthesis and signal transduction. The auxin initiated the expression of AR differentiation-related genes, and promoted its differentiated. BL was involved in ARs formation and elongation by regulating auxin signal transduction.
PMID: 37973765
Phytochemistry , IF:4.072 , 2023 Dec , V216 : P113883 doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113883
Auxin and light-mediated regulation of growth, morphogenesis, and alkaloid biosynthesis in Crinum x powellii 'Album' callus.
Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres, Trois-Rivieres, QC, Canada.; Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres, Trois-Rivieres, QC, Canada; Plant Biology Research Group, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada. Electronic address: Isabel.Desgagne-Penix@uqtr.ca.
Crinum x powellii 'Album' belongs to the Amaryllidaceae medicinal plant family that produces a range of structurally diverse alkaloids with potential therapeutic properties. The optimal conditions for in vitro tissue growth, morphogenesis, and alkaloid biosynthesis remain unclear. Auxin and light play critical roles in regulating plant growth, development, and alkaloid biosynthesis in several Amaryllidaceae plants. Here, we have succeeded in showing, for the first time, that the combination of auxin and light significantly influence C. x powellii "Album" in vitro tissue growth, survival, and morphogenesis compared to individual treatments. Furthermore, this combination also upregulates the expression of alkaloid biosynthetic genes and led to an increase in the content of certain alkaloids, suggesting a positive impact on the defense and therapeutic potential of the calli. Our findings provide insights into the regulation of genes involved in alkaloid biosynthesis in C. x powellii "Album" callus and underline the potential of auxin and light as tools for enhancing their production in plants. This study provides a foundation for further exploration of C. x powellii "Album" calli as a sustainable source of bioactive alkaloids for pharmaceutical and agricultural applications. Furthermore, this study paves the way to the discovery of the biosynthetic pathway of specialized metabolites from C. x powellii "Album", such as cherylline and lycorine.
PMID: 37820888
Phytochemistry , IF:4.072 , 2023 Nov , V215 : P113838 doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113838
Allelopathic studies with furanocoumarins isolated from Ducrosia anethifolia. In vitro and in silico investigations to protect legumes, rice and grain crops.
Allelopathy Group, Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Biomolecules (INBIO), Campus CEIA3, School of Science, University of Cadiz, C/ Republica Saharaui, 7, 11510, Puerto Real (Cadiz), Spain; Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmacognosy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, CCB, Innrain 80/82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria. Electronic address: Francisco.Rodriguez-Mejias@uibk.ac.at.; Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmacognosy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, CCB, Innrain 80/82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria; Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Eotvos u. 6, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary; Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden.; Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmacognosy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, CCB, Innrain 80/82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.; Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Eotvos u. 6, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary.; Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Eotvos u. 6, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Szeged, Szikra u. 8, H-6725, Szeged, Hungary.; Allelopathy Group, Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Biomolecules (INBIO), Campus CEIA3, School of Science, University of Cadiz, C/ Republica Saharaui, 7, 11510, Puerto Real (Cadiz), Spain. Electronic address: rosa.varela@uca.es.; Allelopathy Group, Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Biomolecules (INBIO), Campus CEIA3, School of Science, University of Cadiz, C/ Republica Saharaui, 7, 11510, Puerto Real (Cadiz), Spain.
Six different furanocoumarins were isolated from the aerial parts of Ducrosia anethifolia and tested in vitro for plant cell elongation in etiolated wheat coleoptile. They were also tested for their ability to control three different weeds: ribwort plantain, annual ryegrass, and common purslane. These compounds exhibited strong inhibition of plant cell elongation. In the case of (+)-heraclenin, the IC(50) was lower than 20 muM, indicating a better inhibition than the positive control Logran(R). Computational experiments for docking and molecular dynamics revealed for the investigated furanocoumarins bearing an epoxide moiety an improved fitting and stronger interaction with the auxin-like TIR1 ubiquitin ligase. Furthermore, the formed inhibition complex remained also stable during dynamic evaluation. Bidental interaction at the active site, along with an extended hydrogen-bond lifetime, explained the enhanced activity of the epoxides. The in vitro weed bioassay results showed that Plantago lanceolata was the most affected weed for germination, root, and shoot development. In addition, (+)-heraclenin displayed better inhibition values than positive control even at 300 muM concentration.
PMID: 37648046
BMC Genomics , IF:3.969 , 2023 Nov , V24 (1) : P665 doi: 10.1186/s12864-023-09730-6
Molecular mechanism of somatic embryogenesis in paeonia ostii 'Fengdan' based on transcriptome analysis combined histomorphological observation and metabolite determination.
Agricultural college, Henan University of Science and Technology, 471023, Luoyang, Henan, China.; National Peony Gene Bank, 471011, Luoyang, Henan, China.; Agricultural college, Henan University of Science and Technology, 471023, Luoyang, Henan, China. hkdhxg@haust.edu.cn.
BACKGROUND: Tree peony (Paeonia sect. Moutan DC.) is a famous flower native to China with high ornamental, medicinal, and oil value. However, the low regeneration rate of callus is one of the main constraints for the establishment of a genetic transformation system in tree peony. By histomorphological observation, transcriptomic analysis and metabolite determination, we investigated the molecular mechanism of somatic embryogenesis after the establishment of a culture system and the induction of somatic embryo(SE) formation. RESULTS: We found that SE formation was successfully induced when cotyledons were used as explants. A total of 3185 differentially expressed genes were screened by comparative transcriptomic analysis of embryogenic callus (EC), SE, and non-embryogenic callus (NEC). Compared to NEC, the auxin synthesis-related genes GH3.6 and PCO2 were up-regulated, whereas cytokinin dehydrogenase (CKX6) and CYP450 family genes were down-regulated in somatic embryogenesis. In SE, the auxin content was significantly higher than the cytokinin content. The methyltransferase-related gene S-adenosylmethionine synthase (SAMS) and the flavonoid biosynthesis-related gene (ANS and F3'5'H) were down-regulated in somatic embryogenesis. The determination of flavonoids showed that rhoifolin and hyperoside had the highest content in SE. The results of transcriptome analysis were consistent with the relative expression of 8 candidate genes by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. CONCLUSION: The results revealed that auxin and cytokinin may play a key role in 'Fengdan' somatic embryogenesis. The genes related to somatic embryogenesis were revealed, which has partly elucidated the molecular mechanism of somatic embryogenesis in 'Fengdan'.
PMID: 37924006
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2023 Nov , V12 (22) doi: 10.3390/plants12223910
Physiological Properties of Perennial Rice Regenerating Cultivation in Two Years with Four Harvests.
Fujian Key Laboratory for Crop Physiology and Molecular Ecology, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.; Fujian Key Laboratory for Agroecological Processes and Safety Monitoring, College of Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.; College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
Crop perennialization has garnered global attention recently due to its role in sustainable agriculture. However, there is still a lack of detailed information regarding perennial rice's regenerative characteristics and physiological mechanisms in crop ratooning systems with different rice stubble heights. In addition, the response of phytohormones to varying stubble heights and how this response influences the regenerative characteristics of ratoon rice remains poorly documented. Here, we explored the regenerative characteristics and physiological mechanisms of an annual hybrid rice, AR2640, and a perennial rice, PR25, subjected to different stubble heights (5, 10, and 15 cm). The response of phytohormones to varying stubble heights and how this response influences the regenerative characteristics of ratoon rice were also investigated. The results show that PR25 overwintered successfully and produced the highest yield, especially in the second ratoon season, mainly due to its extended growth duration, higher number of mother stems, tillers at the basal nodes, higher number of effective panicles, and heavier grain weight when subjected to lower stubble heights. Further analysis revealed that PR25 exhibited a higher regeneration rate from the lower-position nodes in the stem with lower stubble heights. this was primarily due to the higher contents of phytohormones, especially auxin (IAA) and gibberellin (GA(3)) at an early stage and abscisic acid (ABA) at a later stage after harvesting of the main crop. Our findings reveal how ratoon rice enhances performance based on different stubble heights, which provides valuable insights and serves as crucial references for delving deeper into cultivating high-yielding perennial rice.
PMID: 38005807
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2023 Nov , V12 (22) doi: 10.3390/plants12223891
Time-Dependent Proteomic Signatures Associated with Embryogenic Callus Induction in Carica papaya L.
Laboratorio de Biotecnologia, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia (CBB), Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes 28013-602, RJ, Brazil.; Unidade de Biologia Integrativa, Setor de Genomica e Proteomica, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes 28013-602, RJ, Brazil.; Laboratorio de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia (CBB), Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes 28013-602, RJ, Brazil.
Sex segregation increases the cost of Carica papaya production through seed-based propagation. Therefore, in vitro techniques are an attractive option for clonal propagation, especially of hermaphroditic plants. Here, we performed a temporal analysis of the proteome of C. papaya calli aiming to identify the key players involved in embryogenic callus formation. Mature zygotic embryos used as explants were treated with 20 muM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid to induce embryogenic callus. Total proteins were extracted from explants at 0 (zygotic embryo) and after 7, 14, and 21 days of induction. A total of 1407 proteins were identified using a bottom-up proteomic approach. The clustering analysis revealed four distinct patterns of protein accumulation throughout callus induction. Proteins related to seed maturation and storage are abundant in the explant before induction, decreasing as callus formation progresses. Carbohydrate and amino acid metabolisms, aerobic respiration, and protein catabolic processes were enriched throughout days of callus induction. Protein kinases associated with auxin responses, such as SKP1-like proteins 1B, accumulated in response to callus induction. Additionally, regulatory proteins, including histone deacetylase (HD2C) and argonaute 1 (AGO1), were more abundant at 7 days, suggesting their role in the acquisition of embryogenic competence. Predicted protein-protein networks revealed the regulatory role of proteins 14-3-3 accumulated during callus induction and the association of proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation and hormone response. Our findings emphasize the modulation of the proteome during embryogenic callus initiation and identify regulatory proteins that might be involved in the activation of this process.
PMID: 38005788
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2023 Nov , V12 (22) doi: 10.3390/plants12223880
The Small Auxin-Up RNA SAUR10 Is Involved in the Promotion of Seedling Growth in Rice.
School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China.; Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Development Regulation, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China.; Laboratory of State Forestry Administration on Biodiversity Conservation in Mountainous Karst Area of Southwestern China, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China.; Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
Small auxin-up-regulated RNAs (SAURs) are genes rapidly activated in response to auxin hormones, significantly affecting plant growth and development. However, there is limited information available about the specific functions of SAURs in rice due to the presence of extensive redundant genes. In this study, we found that OsSAUR10 contains a conserved downstream element in its 3' untranslated region that causes its transcripts to be unstable, ultimately leading to the immediate degradation of the mRNA in rice. In our investigation, we discovered that OsSAUR10 is located in the plasma membrane, and its expression is regulated in a tissue-specific, developmental, and hormone-dependent manner. Additionally, we created ossaur10 mutants using the CRISPR/Cas9 method, which resulted in various developmental defects such as dwarfism, narrow internodes, reduced tillers, and lower yield. Moreover, histological observation comparing wild-type and two ossaur10 mutants revealed that OsSAUR10 was responsible for cell elongation. However, overexpression of OsSAUR10 resulted in similar phenotypes to the wild-type. Our research also indicated that OsSAUR10 plays a role in regulating the expression of two groups of genes involved in auxin biosynthesis (OsYUCCAs) and auxin polar transport (OsPINs) in rice. Thus, our findings suggest that OsSAUR10 acts as a positive plant growth regulator by contributing to auxin biosynthesis and polar transport.
PMID: 38005777
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2023 Nov , V12 (22) doi: 10.3390/plants12223858
Analysis of Auxin-Encoding Gene Family in Vigna radiata and It's Cross-Species Expression Modulating Waterlogging Tolerance in Wild Vigna umbellata.
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda 210 001, India.; Department of Basic and Social Sciences, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda 210 001, India.; Department of Plant Protection, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda 210 001, India.; Department of Entomology, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda 210 001, India.; Crop Improvement Division, ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur 208 024, India.; Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea.
Mungbean is known to be susceptible to waterlogging (WL) stress. Some of the wild species have the potential to tolerate this through various physiological and molecular mechanisms. Auxin Response Factor (ARF) and Auxin/Indole Acetic Acid (AUX/IAA), an early responsive gene family, has multiple functions in growth, development, and stress tolerance. Here, we report the first comprehensive analysis of the ARF and AUX/IAA gene family in mungbean. A total of 26 ARF and 19 AUX/IAA genes were identified from the mungbean genome. The ARF and AUX/IAA candidates were clearly grouped into two major clades. Further, the subgrouping within the major clades indicated the presence of significant diversity. The gene structure, motif analysis, and protein characterization provided the clue for further fundamental research. Out of the10 selected candidate genes, VrARF-5, VrARF-11, VrARF-25, and VrAUX/IAA-9 were found to significantly multiple-fold gene expression in the hypocotyl region of WL-tolerant wild relatives (PRR 2008-2) provides new insight into a role in the induction of lateral root formation under WL stress. The analysis provides an insight into the structural diversity of ARF and AUX/IAA genes in mungbean. These results increase our understanding of ARF and AUX/IAA genes and therefore offer robust information for functional investigations, which can be taken up in the future and will form a foundation for improving tolerance against waterlogging stress.
PMID: 38005755
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2023 Nov , V12 (22) doi: 10.3390/plants12223840
Production of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Hairy Root Cultures of Salvia plebeia.
Department of Smart Agriculture Systems, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.; Department of Crop Science, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.; Division of Life Sciences and Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea.
Salvia plebeia (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal plant containing diverse bioactive constituents that have biological properties. In this study, we determined the optimal conditions (media and auxin) for the hairy root culture of S. plebeia for the growth and accumulation of phenolic compounds and evaluated its antioxidant activities. Rosmarinic acid and five phenylpropanoids were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography. The hairy roots grown in 1/2 SH medium with 1 mg/L NAA had a high level of rosmarinic acid content. Hairy roots cultured in 1 mg/L NAA had the highest total content of five phenylpropanoids. Compared to wild-type roots grown in the field, hairy roots (NAA 1) expressed similar levels of rosmarinic acid but significantly enhanced phenylpropanoid accumulation. Furthermore, the total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of hairy roots (NAA 1) were 2.22 and 1.73 times higher than those of wild-type roots. In the results of DPPH, ABTS, and reducing power assays, the hairy roots (NAA 1) showed higher free radical scavenging effects and reduction potential than the wild-type roots. These results suggest that S. plebeia hairy roots cultured under optimal conditions, which exhibit enhanced phenolic compound accumulation and antioxidant activity, can potentially be used as sources of antioxidants.
PMID: 38005737
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2023 Nov , V12 (22) doi: 10.3390/plants12223832
Hormonal Content and Gene Expression during Olive Fruit Growth and Ripening.
Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Avda de Elvas s/n, 06006 Badajoz, Spain.
The cultivated olive (Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea var. europaea) is one of the most valuable fruit trees worldwide. However, the hormonal mechanisms underlying the fruit growth and ripening in olives remain largely uncharacterized. In this study, we investigated the physiological and hormonal changes, by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS), as well as the expression patterns of hormone-related genes, using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, during fruit growth and ripening in two olive cultivars, 'Arbequina' and 'Picual', with contrasting fruit size and shape as well as fruit ripening duration. Hormonal profiling revealed that olive fruit growth involves a lowering of auxin (IAA), cytokinin (CKs), and jasmonic acid (JA) levels as well as a rise in salicylic acid (SA) levels from the endocarp lignification to the onset of fruit ripening in both cultivars. During olive fruit ripening, both abscisic acid (ABA) and anthocyanin levels rose, while JA levels fell, and SA levels showed no significant changes in either cultivar. By contrast, differential accumulation patterns of gibberellins (GAs) were found between the two cultivars during olive fruit growth and ripening. GA(1) was not detected at either stage of fruit development in 'Arbequina', revealing a specific association between the GA(1) and 'Picual', the cultivar with large sized, elongated, and fast-ripening fruit. Moreover, ABA may play a central role in regulating olive fruit ripening through transcriptional regulation of key ABA metabolism genes, whereas the IAA, CK, and GA levels and/or responsiveness differ between olive cultivars during olive fruit ripening. Taken together, the results indicate that the relative absence or presence of endogenous GA(1) is associated with differences in fruit morphology and size as well as in the ripening duration in olives. Such detailed knowledge may be of help to design new strategies for effective manipulation of olive fruit size as well as ripening duration.
PMID: 38005729
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2023 Nov , V12 (22) doi: 10.3390/plants12223804
Disruption of the Contents of Endogenous Hormones Cause Pollen Development Obstruction and Abortion in Male-Sterile Hybrid Lily Populations.
Beijing Key Laboratory of Development and Quality Control of Ornamental Crops, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.; Flower Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Kunming 650000, China.
Lilies are well-known flowers with large anthers and a high quantity of pollen that easily contaminates clothing and tepals. The anthers need to be artificially removed, leading to production problems. Cultivating male-sterile or pollen-free lilies could solve these problems. The key period of male sterility in a specific male-sterile hybrid lily population was determined through cytological observation. The contents of hormones, soluble sugar, soluble protein, and proline were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry and colorimetry. Transcriptome sequencing was used to identify the genes with altered expression. The key period of male sterility was determined to be the microspore mother and tetrad stages. The hormone contents were abnormal in the sterile line compared with the fertile line. The indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content was higher in the sterile line than in the fertile line at all stages, while the gibberellic acid 4 (GA4) content showed the opposite result. Abscisic acid (ABA) accumulated in the sterile line in both the microspore mother and tetrad stages, and the zeatin riboside (ZR) content in the sterile line increased at the microspore mother stage but decreased at the tetrad stage. The contents of soluble sugar, soluble protein and proline were higher in the fertile line than in the sterile line. Genes involved in auxin and ABA synthesis and signalling pathways were highly expressed in the male-sterile line. Our data suggested that abnormal contents of hormones in the microspore mother and tetrad stages resulted in pollen abortion in a male-sterile hybrid lily population, which indicated that the hormone balance in specific stages plays critical functions in pollen development in lilies.
PMID: 38005701
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2023 Nov , V12 (22) doi: 10.3390/plants12223789
Plant Regeneration via Organogenesis in Jerusalem Artichokes and Comparative Analysis of Endogenous Hormones and Antioxidant Enzymes in Typical and Atypical Shoots.
Spice Crops Research Institute, College of Horticulture and Gardening, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China.; College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China.
The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) is a tuberous plant with considerable nutrient and bioactive compounds. The optimization of the in vitro clonal propagation protocol is critical for large-scale reproduction and biotechnological applications of Jerusalem artichoke production. In this work, in vitro plant regeneration from the stem nodes of the Jerusalem artichoke via direct organogenesis is presented. In the shoot induction stage, the stem segments produced more shoots with vigorous growth on MS medium containing 0.5 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA). The concentrations of 6-BA and gibberellic acid (GA(3)) were both optimized at 0.5 mg/L for shoot multiplication, and the combination of 0.05 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 0.05 mg/L 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA) was the most responsive for root induction, yielding the largest number of roots. The regenerated plantlets were successfully hardened at a 96% survival rate and vigorously grew in the field. The genetic stability of the regenerated plants was confirmed by flow cytometry and simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis. However, 17.3% of shoots on the optimum shoot induction medium had withered leaves and excessive callus (atypical shoots), which greatly reduced the induction efficiency. Enzyme activity in the typical and atypical shoots was compared. The atypical shoots had significantly higher levels of endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA), as well as increased activity of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), whereas the content of 6-BA, zeatin (ZT), and GA(3) was significantly reduced. The activity of the three enzymes was positively correlated with the content of IAA and ABA, while being negatively correlated with that of 6-BA, ZT, and GA(3). The results suggest that the poor growth of the atypical shoots might be closely related to the significant accumulation of endogenous IAA and ABA, thus significantly increasing antioxidant enzyme activity.
PMID: 38005688
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2023 Nov , V12 (21) doi: 10.3390/plants12213785
Physiological, Cytological, and Transcriptomic Analysis of Magnesium Protoporphyrin IX Methyltransferase Mutant Reveal Complex Genetic Regulatory Network Linking Chlorophyll Synthesis and Chloroplast Development in Rice.
Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding (Jiangxi Agricultural University), Ministry of Education of the P.R. China, Nanchang 330045, China.; Key Laboratory of Agriculture Responding to Climate Change (Jiangxi Agricultural University), Nanchang 330045, China.
Functional defects in key genes for chlorophyll synthesis usually cause abnormal chloroplast development, but the genetic regulatory network for these key genes in regulating chloroplast development is still unclear. Magnesium protoporphyrin IX methyltransferase (ChlM) is a key rate-limiting enzyme in the process of chlorophyll synthesis. Physiological analysis showed that the chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were significantly decreased in the chlm mutant. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that the chloroplasts of the chlm mutant were not well developed, with poor, loose, and indistinct thylakoid membranes. Hormone content analysis found that jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and auxin accumulated in the mutant. A comparative transcriptome profiling identified 1534 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between chlm and the wild type, including 876 up-regulated genes and 658 down-regulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that these DEGs were highly involved in chlorophyll metabolism, chloroplast development, and photosynthesis. Protein-protein interaction network analysis found that protein translation played an essential role in the ChlM gene-regulated process. Specifically, 62 and 6 DEGs were annotated to regulate chlorophyll and carotenoid metabolism, respectively; 278 DEGs were predicted to be involved in regulating chloroplast development; 59 DEGs were found to regulate hormone regulatory pathways; 192 DEGs were annotated to regulate signal pathways; and 49 DEGs were putatively identified as transcription factors. Dozens of these genes have been well studied and reported to play essential roles in chlorophyll accumulation or chloroplast development, providing direct evidence for the reliability of the role of the identified DEGs. These findings suggest that chlorophyll synthesis and chloroplast development are actively regulated by the ChlM gene. And it is suggested that hormones, signal pathways, and transcription regulation were all involved in these regulation processes. The accuracy of transcriptome data was validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. This study reveals a complex genetic regulatory network of the ChlM gene regulating chlorophyll synthesis and chloroplast development. The ChlM gene's role in retrograde signaling was discussed. Jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, or their derivatives in a certain unknown state were proposed as retrograde signaling molecules in one of the signaling pathways from the chloroplast to nucleus.
PMID: 37960141
Gene , IF:3.688 , 2023 Dec , V888 : P147758 doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147758
Cloning and functional analysis prohibitins protein-coding gene EuPHB1 in Eucommia ulmoides Oliver.
The Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.; Guizhou Plant Conservation Technology Center, Biotechnology Institute of Guizhou, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang 550006, China. Electronic address: dgzhao@gzu.edu.cn.
As multifunctional proteins, prohibitins(PHBs) participate in many cellular processes and play essential roles in organisms. In this study, using rapid amplification of cDNA end (RACE) technology, EuPHB1 was cloned from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides). A subcellular localization assay preliminarily located EuPHB1 in mitochondria. Then EuPHB1 was transformed into tobacco, and phenotype analyses showed that overexpression of EuPHB1 caused leaves to become chlorotic and shrivel. Furthermore, genes related to hormone and auxin signal transduction, auxin binding, and transport, such as ethylene-responsive transcription factor CRF4-like and ABC transporter B family member 11-like, were significantly inhibited in response to EuPHB1 overexpression. Its overexpression disturbs the original signal transduction pathway, thus causing the corresponding phenotypic changes in transgenic tobacco. Indeed, such overexpression caused fading of palisade tissue and an increase in the number of certain mesophyll cells. It also increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP content, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in cells. Our results suggest that EuPHB1 expression promotes cellular energy metabolism by accelerating the oxidative phosphorylation of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Elevated levels of EuPHB1 in the mitochondria, which helps supply the extra energy required to support rapid rates of cell division.
PMID: 37661028
J Appl Genet , IF:3.24 , 2023 Nov doi: 10.1007/s13353-023-00800-9
The improvement of the in vitro plant regeneration in barley with the epigenetic modifier of histone acetylation, trichostatin A.
Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, 40-007, Katowice, Poland. katarzyna.nowak@us.edu.pl.; Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, 40-007, Katowice, Poland.; Toxicology Research Group, Lukasiewicz Research Network, Institute of Industrial Organic Chemistry Branch Pszczyna, Doswiadczalna 27, 43-200, Pszczyna, Poland.; Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), INRAE, AgroParisTech, Universite Paris-Saclay, 78000, Versailles, France.
Genotype-limited plant regeneration is one of the main obstacles to the broader use of genetic transformation in barley breeding. Thus, developing new approaches that might improve responses of in vitro recalcitrant genotypes remains at the center of barley biotechnology. Here, we analyzed different barley genotypes, including "Golden Promise," a genotype commonly used in the genetic transformation, and four malting barley cultivars of poor regenerative potential. The expression of hormone-related transcription factor (TF) genes with documented roles in plant regeneration was analyzed in genotypes with various plant-regenerating capacities. The results indicated differential expression of auxin-related TF genes between the barley genotypes in both the explants and the derived cultures. In support of the role of auxin in barley regeneration, distinct differences in the accumulation of free and oxidized auxin were observed in explants and explant-derived callus cultures of barley genotypes. Following the assumption that modifying gene expression might improve plant regeneration in barley, we treated the barley explants with trichostatin A (TSA), which affects histone acetylation. The effects of TSA were genotype-dependent as TSA treatment improved plant regeneration in two barley cultivars. TSA-induced changes in plant regeneration were associated with the increased expression of auxin biosynthesis-involved TFs. The study demonstrated that explant treatment with chromatin modifiers such as TSA might provide a new and effective epigenetic approach to improving plant regeneration in recalcitrant barley genotypes.
PMID: 37962803
PLoS One , IF:3.24 , 2023 , V18 (10) : Pe0287899 doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287899
New endophytic strains of Trichoderma promote growth and reduce clubroot severity of rapeseed (Brassica napus).
Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.; Department of Plant Pathology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh.; College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China.
Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is the world's third most important edible oilseed crop after soybean and palm. The clubroot disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae poses a significant risk and causes substantial yield losses in rapeseed. In this study, 13 endophytic fungal strains were isolated from the healthy roots of rapeseed (B. napus) grown in a clubroot-infested field and molecularly identified. Based on germination inhibition of resting spores of P. brassicae, two endophytic fungal antagonists, Trichoderma spp. ReTk1 and ReTv2 were selected to evaluate their potential for plant growth promotion and biocontrol of P. brassicae. The Trichoderma isolates were applied as a soil drench (1x107 spore/g soil) to a planting mix and field soil, in which plants were grown under non-infested and P. brassicae-infested (2x106 spore/g soil) conditions. The endophytic fungi were able to promote plant growth, significantly increasing shoot and root length, leaf diameter, and biomass production (shoots and root weight) both in the absence or presence of P. brassicae. The single and dual treatments with the endophytes were equally effective in significantly decreasing the root-hair infection, root index, and clubroot severity index. Both ReTk1 and ReTv2 inhibited the germination of resting spores of P. brassicae in root exudates. Moreover, the endophytic fungi colonized the roots of rapeseed extensively and possibly induced host resistance by up-regulated expression of defense-related genes involved in jasmonate (BnOPR2), ethylene (BnACO and BnSAM3), phenylpropanoid (BnOPCL and BnCCR), auxin (BnAAO1) and salicylic acid (BnPR2) pathways. Based on these findings, it is evident that the rapeseed root endophytes Trichoderma spp. ReTk1 and ReTv2 could suppress the gall formation on rapeseed roots via antibiosis, induced systemic resistance (ISR), and/or systemic acquired resistance (SAR). According to our knowledge, this is the first report of the endophytic Trichoderma spp. isolated from root tissues of healthy rapeseed plants (B. napus.), promoting plant growth and reducing clubroot severity.
PMID: 37906546
G3 (Bethesda) , IF:3.154 , 2023 Nov , V13 (11) doi: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad197
Genetic and transcriptomic dissection of host defense to Goss's bacterial wilt and leaf blight of maize.
Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.; Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA 50131, USA.; Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.; Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50010, USA.; Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Crop Science, Beijing 100081, China.
Goss's wilt, caused by the Gram-positive actinobacterium Clavibacter nebraskensis, is an important bacterial disease of maize. The molecular and genetic mechanisms of resistance to the bacterium, or, in general, Gram-positive bacteria causing plant diseases, remain poorly understood. Here, we examined the genetic basis of Goss's wilt through differential gene expression, standard genome-wide association mapping (GWAS), extreme phenotype (XP) GWAS using highly resistant (R) and highly susceptible (S) lines, and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping using 3 bi-parental populations, identifying 11 disease association loci. Three loci were validated using near-isogenic lines or recombinant inbred lines. Our analysis indicates that Goss's wilt resistance is highly complex and major resistance genes are not commonly present. RNA sequencing of samples separately pooled from R and S lines with or without bacterial inoculation was performed, enabling identification of common and differential gene responses in R and S lines. Based on expression, in both R and S lines, the photosynthesis pathway was silenced upon infection, while stress-responsive pathways and phytohormone pathways, namely, abscisic acid, auxin, ethylene, jasmonate, and gibberellin, were markedly activated. In addition, 65 genes showed differential responses (up- or down-regulated) to infection in R and S lines. Combining genetic mapping and transcriptional data, individual candidate genes conferring Goss's wilt resistance were identified. Collectively, aspects of the genetic architecture of Goss's wilt resistance were revealed, providing foundational data for mechanistic studies.
PMID: 37652038
Plant Direct , IF:3.038 , 2023 Nov , V7 (11) : Pe541 doi: 10.1002/pld3.541
Differential gene expression during floral transition in pineapple.
Tropical Plant & Soil Sciences University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu Hawaii USA.; Laboratory of Genomics, Genetics and Breeding of Fruits and Grapevine, Experimental Aula Dei-CSIC Zaragoza Spain.; Department of Plant Biology University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Urbana Illinois USA.; Center for Genomics and Biotechnology Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China.; State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine Kunming University of Science and Technology Kunming Yunnan China.; Department of Horticulture Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan USA.
Pineapple (Ananas comosus var. comosus) and ornamental bromeliads are commercially induced to flower by treatment with ethylene or its analogs. The apex is transformed from a vegetative to a floral meristem and shows morphological changes in 8 to 10 days, with flowers developing 8 to 10 weeks later. During eight sampling stages ranging from 6 h to 8 days after treatment, 7961 genes were found to exhibit differential expression (DE) after the application of ethylene. In the first 3 days after treatment, there was little change in ethylene synthesis or in the early stages of the ethylene response. Subsequently, three ethylene response transcription factors (ERTF) were up-regulated and the potential gene targets were predicted to be the positive flowering regulator CONSTANS-like 3 (CO), a WUSCHEL gene, two APETALA1/FRUITFULL (AP1/FUL) genes, an epidermal patterning gene, and a jasmonic acid synthesis gene. We confirm that pineapple has lost the flowering repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C. At the initial stages, the SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1 (SOC1) was not significantly involved in this transition. Another WUSCHEL gene and a PHD homeobox transcription factor, though not apparent direct targets of ERTF, were up-regulated within a day of treatment, their predicted targets being the up-regulated CO, auxin response factors, SQUAMOSA, and histone H3 genes with suppression of abscisic acid response genes. The FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), TERMINAL FLOWER (TFL), AGAMOUS-like APETELAR (AP2), and SEPETALA (SEP) increased rapidly within 2 to 3 days after ethylene treatment. Two FT genes were up-regulated at the apex and not at the leaf bases after treatment, suggesting that transport did not occur. These results indicated that the ethylene response in pineapple and possibly most bromeliads act directly to promote the vegetative to flower transition via APETALA1/FRUITFULL (AP1/FUL) and its interaction with SPL, FT, TFL, SEP, and AP2. A model based on AP2/ERTF DE and predicted DE target genes was developed to give focus to future research. The identified candidate genes are potential targets for genetic manipulation to determine their molecular role in flower transition.
PMID: 38028646
PeerJ , IF:2.984 , 2023 , V11 : Pe16449 doi: 10.7717/peerj.16449
Genome-wide identification of 2-oxoglutarate and Fe (II)-dependent dioxygenase family genes and their expression profiling under drought and salt stress in potato.
Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
The 2-Oxoglutatrate-dependent dioxygenases (2OGDs) comprise the 2-Oxoglutatrate and Fe(II)-dependent dioxygenases (2ODD) enzyme families that facilitate the biosynthesis of various compounds like gibberellin, ethylene, etc. The 2OGDs are also involved in various catabolism pathways, such as auxin and salicylic acid catabolism. Despite their important roles, 2ODDs have not been studied in potato, which is the third most important crop globally. In this study, a comprehensive genome wide analysis was done to identify all 2ODDs in potatoes, and the putative genes were analysed for the presence of the signature 2OG-FeII_Oxy (PF03171) domain and the conserved DIOX_N (PF14226) domain. A total of 205 St2ODDs were identified and classified into eight groups based on their function. The physiochemical properties, gene structures, and motifs were analysed, and gene duplication events were also searched for St2ODDs. The active amino acid residues responsible for binding with 2-oxoglutarate and Fe (II) were conserved throughout the St2ODDs. The three-dimensional (3D) structures of the representative members of flavanol synthase (FNS), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidases (ACOs), and gibberellin oxidases (GAOXs) were made and docked with their respective substrates, and the potential interactions were visualised. The expression patterns of the St2ODDs under abiotic stressors such as heat, salt, and drought were also analysed. We found altered expression levels of St2ODDs under abiotic stress conditions, which was further confirmed for drought and salt stress using qRT-PCR. The expression levels of St2ODD115, St2ODD34, and St2ODD99 were found to be upregulated in drought stress with 2.2, 1.8, and 2.6 fold changes, respectively. After rewatering, the expression levels were normal. In salt stress, the expression levels of St2ODD151, St2ODD76, St2ODD91, and St2ODD34 were found to be upregulated after 24 hours (h), 48 hours (h), 72 hours (h), and 96 hours (h). Altogether, the elevated expression levels suggest the importance of St2ODDs under abiotic stresses, i.e., drought and salt. Overall, our study provided a knowledge base for the 2ODD gene family in potato, which can be used further to study the important roles of 2ODDs in potato plants.
PMID: 38025721
J Plant Res , IF:2.629 , 2023 Nov , V136 (6) : P865-877 doi: 10.1007/s10265-023-01494-0
Plasmodesmata callose binding protein 2 contributes to the regulation of cambium/phloem formation and auxin response during the tissue reunion process in incised Arabidopsis stem.
Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan.; Department of Biosciences, Teikyo University, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, 320-8551, Japan.; Advanced Instrumental Analysis Center, Teikyo University, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, 320-8551, Japan.; Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan.; Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan. iwai.hiroaki.gb@u.tsukuba.ac.jp.
Plants are exposed to a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses, including wounding at the stem. The healing process (tissue reunion) begins immediately after stem wounding. The plant hormone auxin plays an important role during tissue reunion. In decapitated stems, auxin transport from the shoot apex is reduced and tissue reunion does not occur but is restored by application of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). In this study, we found that plasmodesmata callose binding protein 2 (PDCB2) affects the expansion of the cambium/phloem region via changes in auxin response during the process of tissue reunion. PDCB2 was expressed in the cortex and endodermis on the incised side of stems 1-3 days after incision. PDCB2-knockout plants showed reduced callose deposition at plasmodesmata and DR5::GUS activity in the endodermis/cortex in the upper region of the incision accompanied by an increase in size of the cambium/phloem region during tissue reunion. In addition, PIN(PIN-FORMED)3, which is involved in lateral auxin transport, was induced by auxin in the cambium/phloem and endodermis/cortex in the upper part of the incision in wild type, but its expression of PIN3 was decreased in pdcb2 mutant. Our results suggest that PDCB2 contributes to the regulation of cambium/phloem development via auxin response.
PMID: 37707645
Behav Pharmacol , IF:2.293 , 2023 Dec , V34 (8) : P488-493 doi: 10.1097/FBP.0000000000000758
MA-5 ameliorates autism-like behavior in mice prenatally exposed to valproic acid.
Specialty Medicine Research Laboratories II, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan.
Indole-3-acetic acid is a common naturally occurring auxin in plants. A synthesized derivative of this compound, 4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-4-oxobutanoic acid also called mitochonic acid 5 (MA-5), has shown to increase the survival ratio of fibroblasts from patients with mitochondrial disease under stress-induced conditions. Further studies verified its efficacy in pathological models, such as an ischemia-reperfusion model, possibly by increasing ATP production. However, the efficacy of MA-5 in mental disorders, such as anxiety, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), has not been investigated. Our study focused on examining the effect of MA-5 in a mouse model of ASD induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA). VPA exposure significantly deteriorated the level of anxiety and exploratory behavior in an open field test. We fed mice an MA-5-containing diet for 5 weeks and observed an improvement in the above behavior in the MA-5-fed groups. The efficacy of MA-5 was also observed in the elevated plus maze and three-chambered tests. These findings suggest that MA-5 could potentially be used to treat ASD, especially in patients with mitochondrial dysfunction.
PMID: 37917568
Plant Signal Behav , IF:2.247 , 2023 Dec , V18 (1) : P2270835 doi: 10.1080/15592324.2023.2270835
Quercetin induces pathogen resistance through the increase of salicylic acid biosynthesis in Arabidopsis.
Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea.
Quercetin is a flavonol belonging to the flavonoid group of polyphenols. Quercetin is reported to have a variety of biological functions, including antioxidant, pigment, auxin transport inhibitor and root nodulation factor. Additionally, quercetin is known to be involved in bacterial pathogen resistance in Arabidopsis through the transcriptional increase of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying how quercetin promotes pathogen resistance remain elusive. In this study, we showed that the transcriptional increases of PR genes were achieved by the monomerization and nuclear translocation of nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related proteins 1 (NPR1). Interestingly, salicylic acid (SA) was approximately 2-fold accumulated by the treatment with quercetin. Furthermore, we showed that the increase of SA biosynthesis by quercetin was induced by the transcriptional increases of typical SA biosynthesis-related genes. In conclusion, this study strongly suggests that quercetin induces bacterial pathogen resistance through the increase of SA biosynthesis in Arabidopsis.
PMID: 37902267
Plant Signal Behav , IF:2.247 , 2023 Dec , V18 (1) : P2261744 doi: 10.1080/15592324.2023.2261744
The HOS1-PIF4/5 module controls callus formation in Arabidopsis leaf explants.
Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.; Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.; Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
A two-step plant regeneration has been widely exploited to genetic manipulation and genome engineering in plants. Despite technical importance, understanding of molecular mechanism underlying in vitro plant regeneration remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we found that the HIGH EXPRESSION OF OSMOTICALLY RESPONSIVE GENES 1 (HOS1)-PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 4/5 (PIF4/5) module participates in callus formation. Consistent with the repressive role of HOS1 in PIF transcriptional activation activity, hos1-3 mutant leaf explants exhibited enhanced callus formation, whereas pif4-101 pif5-3 mutant leaf explants showed reduced callus size. The HOS1-PIF4/5 function would be largely dependent on auxin biosynthesis and signaling, which are essential for callus initiation and proliferation. Our findings suggest that the HOS1-PIF4/5 module plays a pivotal role in auxin-dependent callus formation in Arabidopsis.
PMID: 37747842
Plant Signal Behav , IF:2.247 , 2023 Dec , V18 (1) : P2218670 doi: 10.1080/15592324.2023.2218670
ChIFNalpha regulates adventitious root development in Lotus japonicus via an auxin-mediated pathway.
Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China.; Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
Adventitious roots (ARs), developing from non-root tissue, play an important role in some plants. Here, the molecular mechanism of AR differentiation in Lotus japonicus L. (L. japonicus) with the transformed chicken interferon alpha gene (ChIFNalpha) encoding cytokine was studied. ChIFNalpha transgenic plants (TP) were identified by GUS staining, PCR, RT-PCR, and ELISA. Up to 0.175 mug/kg rChIFNalpha was detected in TP2 lines. Expressing rChIFNalpha promotes AR development by producing longer roots than controls. We found that the effect was enhanced with the auxin precursor IBA treatment in TP. IAA contents, POD, and PPO activities associated with auxin regulation were higher than wild type (WT) in TP and exogenous ChIFNalpha treatment plants. Transcriptome analysis revealed 48 auxin-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (FDR < 0.05), which expression levels were verified by RT-qPCR analysis. GO enrichment analysis of DEGs also highlighted the auxin pathway. Further analysis found that ChIFNalpha significantly enhanced auxin synthesis and signaling mainly with up-regulated genes of ALDH, and GH3. Our study reveals that ChIFNalpha can promote plant AR development by mediating auxin regulation. The findings help explore the role of ChIFNalpha cytokines and expand animal gene sources for the molecular breeding of growth regulation of forage plants.
PMID: 37288791
Plant Signal Behav , IF:2.247 , 2023 Dec , V18 (1) : P2207845 doi: 10.1080/15592324.2023.2207845
Mendel-200: Pea as a model system to analyze hormone-mediated stem elongation.
I- Cultiver, Inc, Manteca, CA 95336 & Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, USA.
In a recent Review Article on Gregor Mendel's (1822-1884) work with pea (Pisum sativum)-plants, it was proposed that this crop species should be re-vitalized as a model organism for the study of cell- and organ growth. Here, we describe the effect of exogenous gibberellic acid (GA(3)) on the growth of the second internode in 4-day-old light-grown pea seedlings (Pisum sativum, large var. "Senator"). lnjection of glucose into the internode caused a growth-promoting effect similar to that of the hormone GA(3). Imbibition of dry pea seeds in GA(3), or water as control, resulted in a drastic enhancement in organ development in this tall variety. Similar results were reported for dwarf peas. These "classical" experimental protocols are suitable to study the elusive effect of gibberellins (which act in coordination with auxin) on the regulation of plant development at the biochemical and molecular levels.
PMID: 37166004
Plant Signal Behav , IF:2.247 , 2023 Dec , V18 (1) : P2163342 doi: 10.1080/15592324.2022.2163342
Cloning and expression study of a high-affinity nitrate transporter gene from Zea mays L.
Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.; Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.; Aulin College, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
A nitrate transporter gene, named B46NRT2.1, from salt-tolerant Zea mays L. B46 has been cloned. B46NRT2.1 contained the same domain belonging to the major facilitator superfamily (PLN00028). The results of the phylogenetic tree indicated that B46NRT2.1 exhibits sequence similarity and the closest relationship with those known nitrate transporters of the NRT2 family. Through RT-qPCR, we found that the expression of B46NRT2.1 mainly happens in the root and leaf. Moreover, the treatment with NaCl, Na(2)CO(3), and NaHCO(3) could significantly increase the expression of B46NRT2.1. B46NRT2.1 was located in the plasma membrane. Through the study of yeast and plant salt response brought by B46NRT2.1 overexpression, we have preliminary knowledge that the expression of B46NRT2.1 makes yeast and plants respond to salt shock. There are 10 different kinds of cis-acting regulatory elements (CRES) in the promotor sequences of B46NRT2.1 gene using the PlantCARE web server to analyze. It mainly includes hormone response, abscisic acid, salicylic acid, gibberellin, methyl jasmonate, and auxin. The B46NRT2.1 gene's co-expression network showed that it was co-expressed with a number of other genes in several biological pathways, including regulation of NO(3) long-distance transit, modulation of nitrate sensing and metabolism, nitrate assimilation, and transduction of Jasmonic acid-independent wound signal. The results of this work should serve as a good scientific foundation for further research on the functions of the NRT2 gene family in plants (inbred line B46), and this research adds to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms under salt tolerance.
PMID: 36645908
J Genet Genomics , 2023 Nov , V50 (11) : P895-908 doi: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.09.001
TaACTIN7-D regulates plant height and grain shape in bread wheat.
Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.; State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China.; Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China. Electronic address: chaizz901230@163.com.; Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China. Electronic address: jieliu@cau.edu.cn.
Exploitation of new gene resources and genetic networks contributing to the control of crop yield-related traits, such as plant height, grain size, and shape, may enable us to breed modern high-yielding wheat varieties through molecular methods. In this study, via ethylmethanesulfonate mutagenesis, we identify a wheat mutant plant, mu-597, that shows semi-dwarf plant architecture and round grain shape. Through bulked segregant RNA-seq and map-based cloning, the causal gene for the semi-dwarf phenotype of mu-597 is located. We find that a single-base mutation in the coding region of TaACTIN7-D (TaACT7-D), leading to a Gly-to-Ser (G65S) amino acid mutation at the 65th residue of the deduced TaACT7-D protein, can explain the semi-dwarfism and round grain shape of mu-597. Further evidence shows that the G65S mutation in TaACT7-D hinders the polymerization of actin from monomeric (G-actin) to filamentous (F-actin) status while attenuates wheat responses to multiple phytohormones, including brassinosteroids, auxin, and gibberellin. Together, these findings not only define a new semi-dwarfing gene resource that can be potentially used to design plant height and grain shape of bread wheat but also establish a direct link between actin structure modulation and phytohormone signal transduction.
PMID: 37709194
Plant Commun , 2023 Nov , V4 (6) : P100632 doi: 10.1016/j.xplc.2023.100632
Chemical inhibition of Arabidopsis PIN-FORMED auxin transporters by the anti-inflammatory drug naproxen.
MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.; Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria.; MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China. Electronic address: wengjp@ustc.edu.cn.; MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China. Electronic address: lx023@ustc.edu.cn.; MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China. Electronic address: sunlf17@ustc.edu.cn.; MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China. Electronic address: sttan@ustc.edu.cn.
The phytohormone auxin plays central roles in many growth and developmental processes in plants. Development of chemical tools targeting the auxin pathway is useful for both plant biology and agriculture. Here we reveal that naproxen, a synthetic compound with anti-inflammatory activity in humans, acts as an auxin transport inhibitor targeting PIN-FORMED (PIN) transporters in plants. Physiological experiments indicate that exogenous naproxen treatment affects pleiotropic auxin-regulated developmental processes. Additional cellular and biochemical evidence indicates that naproxen suppresses auxin transport, specifically PIN-mediated auxin efflux. Moreover, biochemical and structural analyses confirm that naproxen binds directly to PIN1 protein via the same binding cavity as the indole-3-acetic acid substrate. Thus, by combining cellular, biochemical, and structural approaches, this study clearly establishes that naproxen is a PIN inhibitor and elucidates the underlying mechanisms. Further use of this compound may advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of PIN-mediated auxin transport and expand our toolkit in auxin biology and agriculture.
PMID: 37254481