Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol , IF:94.444 , 2024 May , V25 (5) : P340-358 doi: 10.1038/s41580-023-00691-y
Structure and growth of plant cell walls.
Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. dcosgrove@psu.edu.
Plant cells build nanofibrillar walls that are central to plant growth, morphogenesis and mechanics. Starting from simple sugars, three groups of polysaccharides, namely, cellulose, hemicelluloses and pectins, with very different physical properties are assembled by the cell to make a strong yet extensible wall. This Review describes the physics of wall growth and its regulation by cellular processes such as cellulose production by cellulose synthase, modulation of wall pH by plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase, wall loosening by expansin and signalling by plant hormones such as auxin and brassinosteroid. In addition, this Review discusses the nuanced roles, properties and interactions of cellulose, matrix polysaccharides and cell wall proteins and describes how wall stress and wall loosening cooperatively result in cell wall growth.
PMID: 38102449
Trends Plant Sci , IF:18.313 , 2024 Apr , V29 (4) : P400-402 doi: 10.1016/j.tplants.2023.12.004
CLV3-CLV1 signaling governs flower primordia outgrowth across environmental temperatures.
College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, 330045, China.; Jiangxi Key Laboratory for Postharvest Technology and Nondestructive Testing of Fruits and Vegetables, Collaborative Innovation Center of Post-Harvest Key Technology and Quality Safety of Fruits and Vegetables, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China.; Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory for the Development and Utilization of Agricultural Microbial Resources, College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China.; College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, 330045, China. Electronic address: huibinhan@jxau.edu.cn.
The initiation and outgrowth of floral primordia are critical for flower formation and reproductive success; however, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Two reports (Jones et al.; John et al.) shed light on how CLV3-CLV1 signaling promoted flower primordia formation and outgrowth by regulating auxin biosynthesis under distinct environmental temperatures.
PMID: 38102046
Nucleic Acids Res , IF:16.971 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1093/nar/gkae272
Interaction between a J-domain co-chaperone and a specific Argonaute protein contributes to microRNA function in animals.
Oncology Division, CHU de Quebec-Universite Laval Research Center, Quebec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada.; Universite Laval Cancer Research Centre, Quebec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential regulators of several biological processes. They are loaded onto Argonaute (AGO) proteins to achieve their repressive function, forming the microRNA-Induced Silencing Complex known as miRISC. While several AGO proteins are expressed in plants and animals, it is still unclear why specific AGOs are strictly binding miRNAs. Here, we identified the co-chaperone DNJ-12 as a new interactor of ALG-1, one of the two major miRNA-specific AGOs in Caenorhabditis elegans. DNJ-12 does not interact with ALG-2, the other major miRNA-specific AGO, and PRG-1 and RDE-1, two AGOs involved in other small RNA pathways, making it a specific actor in ALG-1-dependent miRNA-mediated gene silencing. The loss of DNJ-12 causes developmental defects associated with defective miRNA function. Using the Auxin Inducible Degron system, a powerful tool to acutely degrade proteins in specific tissues, we show that DNJ-12 depletion hampers ALG-1 interaction with HSP70, a chaperone required for miRISC loading in vitro. Moreover, DNJ-12 depletion leads to the decrease of several miRNAs and prevents their loading onto ALG-1. This study uncovers the importance of a co-chaperone for the miRNA function in vivo and provides insights to explain how different small RNAs associate with specific AGO in animals.
PMID: 38613392
Adv Sci (Weinh) , IF:16.806 , 2024 Apr : Pe2402816 doi: 10.1002/advs.202402816
GHCU, a Molecular Chaperone, Regulates Leaf Curling by Modulating the Distribution of KNGH1 in Cotton.
Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, Institute of Crop Science, Plant Precision Breeding Academy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 310058, China.; Industrial Crop Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sichuan, 610066, China.; Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, 572025, China.
Leaf shape is considered to be one of the most significant agronomic traits in crop breeding. However, the molecular basis underlying leaf morphogenesis in cotton is still largely unknown. In this study, through genetic mapping and molecular investigation using a natural cotton mutant cu with leaves curling upward, the causal gene GHCU is successfully identified as the key regulator of leaf flattening. Knockout of GHCU or its homolog in cotton and tobacco using CRISPR results in abnormal leaf shape. It is further discovered that GHCU facilitates the transport of the HD protein KNOTTED1-like (KNGH1) from the adaxial to the abaxial domain. Loss of GHCU function restricts KNGH1 to the adaxial epidermal region, leading to lower auxin response levels in the adaxial boundary compared to the abaxial. This spatial asymmetry in auxin distribution produces the upward-curled leaf phenotype of the cu mutant. By analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing and spatiotemporal transcriptomic data, auxin biosynthesis genes are confirmed to be expressed asymmetrically in the adaxial-abaxial epidermal cells. Overall, these findings suggest that GHCU plays a crucial role in the regulation of leaf flattening through facilitating cell-to-cell trafficking of KNGH1 and hence influencing the auxin response level.
PMID: 38666376
Small , IF:13.281 , 2024 Apr , V20 (17) : Pe2304862 doi: 10.1002/smll.202304862
Biofunctional Inorganic Layered Double Hydroxide Nanohybrid Enhances Immunotherapeutic Effect on Atopic Dermatitis Treatment.
Department of Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea.; Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea.; Department of Engineering Chemistry, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea.; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.; Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea.; Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813, USA.; School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.; Department of Bioengineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea.; Biomaterials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.; Research and Development Center, MediArk Inc., Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea.; Department of Industrial Cosmetic Science, College of Bio-Health University System, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea.; Department of Synchrotron Radiation Science and Technology, College of Bio-Health University System, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea.; LANG SCIENCE Inc, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea.; Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a widespread, recurrent, and chronic inflammatory skin condition that imposes a major burden on patients. Conventional treatments, such as corticosteroids, are associated with various side effects, underscoring the need for innovative therapeutic approaches. In this study, the possibility of using indole-3-acetic acid-loaded layered double hydroxides (IAA-LDHs) is evaluated as a novel treatment for AD. IAA is an auxin-class plant hormone with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Following the synthesis of IAA-LDH nanohybrids, their ability to induce M2-like macrophage polarization in macrophages obtained from mouse bone marrow is assessed. The antioxidant activity of IAA-LDH is quantified by assessing the decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen species levels. The anti-inflammatory and anti-atopic characteristics of IAA-LDH are evaluated in a mouse model of AD by examining the cutaneous tissues, immunological organs, and cells. The findings suggest that IAA-LDH has great therapeutic potential as a candidate for AD treatment based on its in vitro and in vivo modulation of AD immunology, enhancement of macrophage polarization, and antioxidant activity. This inorganic drug delivery technology represents a promising new avenue for the development of safe and effective AD treatments.
PMID: 38050931
Mol Plant , IF:13.164 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.04.007
Auxin signaling gets oxidative to promote root hair growth.
Fundacion Instituto Leloir & IIBBA-CONICET. Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, Buenos Aires C1405BWE, Argentina.; Centro de Biotecnologia Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Nucleus for the Development of Super Adaptable Plants (MN-SAP), Santiago, Chile.; Centro de Biotecnologia Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile.; Fundacion Instituto Leloir & IIBBA-CONICET. Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, Buenos Aires C1405BWE, Argentina; Centro de Biotecnologia Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Nucleus for the Development of Super Adaptable Plants (MN-SAP), Santiago, Chile; ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile. Electronic address: jestevez@leloir.or.ar.
PMID: 38654520
Mol Plant , IF:13.164 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.04.002
FERONIA-mediated TIR1/AFB2 oxidation stimulates auxin signalling in Arabidopsis.
School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.; National Facility for Protein Science Shanghai, Zhangjiang Lab, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201210, China.; School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China. Electronic address: cli@bio.ecnu.edu.cn.
The phytohormone auxin plays a pivotal role in governing plant growth and development. While the TRANSPORT INHIBITOR RESPONSE1/AUXIN SIGNALING F-BOX (TIR1/AFBs) receptors function in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, the mechanism governing the distribution of TIR1/AFBs between these small cellular compartments remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that auxin-mediated oxidation of TIR1/AFB2 is essential for their targeting to the nucleus. Our findings reveal that small active molecules, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), are indispensable for the nucleo-cytoplasmic distribution of TIR1/AFB2 in trichoblasts and root hairs. This process is regulated by the FERONIA receptor kinase-NADPH oxidase signaling pathway. ROS and NO initiate oxidative modifications in TIR1(C140/516) and AFB2(C135/511), facilitating their subsequent nuclear import. The oxidized forms of TIR1(C140/516) and AFB2(C135/511) play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of TIR1 and AFB2 in transcriptional auxin responses. In summary, our study unveils a novel mechanism through which auxin stimulates the transportation of TIR1/AFB2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, orchestrated by the FERONIA-ROS signaling pathway.
PMID: 38581129
Mol Plant , IF:13.164 , 2024 Apr , V17 (4) : P522-524 doi: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.02.012
Making connections with cell surface auxin signaling.
University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA. Electronic address: asmurphy@umd.edu.
PMID: 38368508
Plant Cell , IF:11.277 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1093/plcell/koae125
Protein degradation in the auxin response.
Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708WE Wageningen, the Netherlands.
The signaling molecule auxin sits at the nexus of plant biology and coordinates essentially all growth and developmental processes in plants. Auxin molecules are transported throughout plant tissues and are capable of evoking highly specific physiological responses in plant cells by inducing various molecular pathways. In many of these pathways, proteolysis plays a crucial role for correct physiological responses. This review provides a chronology of the discovery and characterisation of the auxin receptor, which is a fascinating example of separate research trajectories ultimately converging on the discovery of a core auxin signaling hub which relies on degradation of a family of transcriptional inhibitor proteins - the Aux/IAAs. Beyond describing the "classical" proteolysis-driven auxin response system, we explore more recent examples of the interconnection of proteolytic systems, which target a range of other auxin signaling proteins, and auxin response. By highlighting these emerging concepts, we provide potential future directions to further investigate the role of protein degradation within the framework of auxin response.
PMID: 38652687
Plant Cell , IF:11.277 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1093/plcell/koae107
Arabidopsis transcription factor TCP4 controls the identity of the apical gynoecium.
State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China.; Zhejiang Lab, Research Institute of Intelligent Computing, Hangzhou 310012, China.; Key Laboratory of Soybean Molecular Design Breeding, National Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China.; College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing.; Southwest United Graduate School, Kunming 650092, China.
The style and stigma at the apical gynoecium are crucial for flowering plant reproduction. However, the mechanisms underlying specification of the apical gynoecium remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Class II TEOSINTE BRANCHED 1/CYCLOIDEA/PCF (TCP) transcription factors are critical for apical gynoecium specification in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). The septuple tcp2 tcp3 tcp4 tcp5 tcp10 tcp13 tcp17 (tcpSEP) and duodecuple tcp2 tcp3 tcp4 tcp5 tcp10 tcp13 tcp17 tcp24 tcp1 tcp12 tcp18 tcp16 (tcpDUO) mutants produce narrower and longer styles, while disruption of TCPs and CRABS CLAW (CRC) or NGATHAs (NGAs) in tcpDUO crc or tcpDUO nga1 nga2 nga4 causes the apical gynoecium to be replaced by lamellar structures with indeterminate growth. TCPs are predominantly expressed in the apex of the gynoecium. TCP4 interacts with CRC to synergistically up-regulate the expression level of NGAs, and NGAs further form high-order complexes to control the expression of auxin-related genes in the apical gynoecium by directly interacting with TCP4. Our findings demonstrate that TCP4 physically associates with CRC and NGAs to control auxin biosynthesis in forming fine structures of the apical gynoecium.
PMID: 38581433
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A , IF:11.205 , 2024 Apr , V121 (17) : Pe2314353121 doi: 10.1073/pnas.2314353121
WAV E3 ubiquitin ligases mediate degradation of IAA32/34 in the TMK1-mediated auxin signaling pathway during apical hook development.
Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China.; Gansu Province Key Laboratory of Gene Editing for Breeding, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China.; Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210008, People's Republic of China.; Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, People's Republic of China.; State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, People's Republic of China.
Auxin regulates plant growth and development through downstream signaling pathways, including the best-known SCF(TIR1/AFB)-Aux/IAA-ARF pathway and several other less characterized "noncanonical" pathways. Recently, one SCF(TIR1/AFB)-independent noncanonical pathway, mediated by Transmembrane Kinase 1 (TMK1), was discovered through the analyses of its functions in Arabidopsis apical hook development. Asymmetric accumulation of auxin on the concave side of the apical hook triggers DAR1-catalyzed release of the C-terminal of TMK1, which migrates into the nucleus, where it phosphorylates and stabilizes IAA32/34 to inhibit cell elongation, which is essential for full apical hook formation. However, the molecular factors mediating IAA32/34 degradation have not been identified. Here, we show that proteins in the CYTOKININ INDUCED ROOT WAVING 1 (CKRW1)/WAVY GROWTH 3 (WAV3) subfamily act as E3 ubiquitin ligases to target IAA32/34 for ubiquitination and degradation, which is inhibited by TMK1c-mediated phosphorylation. This antagonistic interaction between TMK1c and CKRW1/WAV3 subfamily E3 ubiquitin ligases regulates IAA32/34 levels to control differential cell elongation along opposite sides of the apical hook.
PMID: 38635634
Curr Biol , IF:10.834 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.064
Root hairs facilitate rice root penetration into compacted layers.
Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, SJTU-University of Adelaide Joint Centre for Agriculture and Health, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240 Shanghai, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Agri-Seeds/School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240 Shanghai, China.; Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, SJTU-University of Adelaide Joint Centre for Agriculture and Health, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240 Shanghai, China.; Plant and Crop Science Division, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham LE12 5RD, UK.; Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), Ministry of Agriculture, College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.; Plant and Crop Science Division, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham LE12 5RD, UK. Electronic address: bipin.pandey@nottingham.ac.uk.; Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, SJTU-University of Adelaide Joint Centre for Agriculture and Health, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240 Shanghai, China. Electronic address: huang19880901@sjtu.edu.cn.
Compacted soil layers adversely affect rooting depth and access to deeper nutrient and water resources, thereby impacting climate resilience of crop production and global food security. Root hair plays well-known roles in facilitating water and nutrient acquisition. Here, we report that root hair also contributes to root penetration into compacted layers. We demonstrate that longer root hair, induced by elevated auxin response during a root compaction response, improves the ability of rice roots to penetrate harder layers. This compaction-induced auxin response in the root hair zone is dependent on the root apex-expressed auxin synthesis gene OsYUCCA8 (OsYUC8), which is induced by compaction stress. This auxin source for root hair elongation relies on the auxin influx carrier AUXIN RESISTANT 1 (OsAUX1), mobilizing this signal from the root apex to the root hair zone. Mutants disrupting OsYUC8 and OsAUX1 genes exhibit shorter root hairs and weaker penetration ability into harder layers compared with wild type (WT). Root-hair-specific mutants phenocopy these auxin-signaling mutants, as they also exhibit an attenuated root penetration ability. We conclude that compaction stress upregulates OsYUC8-mediated auxin biosynthesis in the root apex, which is subsequently mobilized to the root hair zone by OsAUX1, where auxin promotes root hair elongation, improving anchorage of root tips to their surrounding soil environment and aiding their penetration ability into harder layers.
PMID: 38653244
Curr Biol , IF:10.834 , 2024 Apr , V34 (8) : P1670-1686.e10 doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.007
The WIP6 transcription factor TOO MANY LATERALS specifies vein type in C(4) and C(3) grass leaves.
Department of Biology, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3RB, UK.; Resolve BioSciences GmbH, Alfred-Nobel-Strasse 10, 40789 Monheim am Rhein, Germany.; Department of Biology, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3RB, UK. Electronic address: jane.langdale@biology.ox.ac.uk.
Grass leaves are invariantly strap shaped with an elongated distal blade and a proximal sheath that wraps around the stem. Underpinning this shape is a scaffold of leaf veins, most of which extend in parallel along the proximo-distal leaf axis. Differences between species are apparent both in the vein types that develop and in the distance between veins across the medio-lateral leaf axis. A prominent engineering goal is to increase vein density in leaves of C(3) photosynthesizing species to facilitate the introduction of the more efficient C(4) pathway. Here, we discover that the WIP6 transcription factor TOO MANY LATERALS (TML) specifies vein rank in both maize (C(4)) and rice (C(3)). Loss-of-function tml mutations cause large lateral veins to develop in positions normally occupied by smaller intermediate veins, and TML transcript localization in wild-type leaves is consistent with a role in suppressing lateral vein development in procambial cells that form intermediate veins. Attempts to manipulate TML function in rice were unsuccessful because transgene expression was silenced, suggesting that precise TML expression is essential for shoot viability. This finding may reflect the need to prevent the inappropriate activation of downstream targets or, given that transcriptome analysis revealed altered cytokinin and auxin signaling profiles in maize tml mutants, the need to prevent local or general hormonal imbalances. Importantly, rice tml mutants display an increased occupancy of veins in the leaf, providing a step toward an anatomical chassis for C(4) engineering. Collectively, a conserved mechanism of vein rank specification in grass leaves has been revealed.
PMID: 38531358
J Hazard Mater , IF:10.588 , 2024 May , V469 : P133954 doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133954
Integrated genome-transcriptome analysis unveiled the mechanism of Debaryomyces hansenii-mediated arsenic stress amelioration in rice.
CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, India.; CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.; CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India. Electronic address: s.srivastava@nbri.res.in.
Globally, rice is becoming more vulnerable to arsenic (As) pollution, posing a serious threat to public food safety. Previously Debaryomyces hansenii was found to reduce grain As content of rice. To better understand the underlying mechanism, we performed a genome analysis to identify the key genes in D. hansenii responsible for As tolerance and plant growth promotion. Notably, genes related to As resistance (ARR, Ycf1, and Yap) were observed in the genome of D. hansenii. The presence of auxin pathway and glutathione metabolism-related genes may explain the plant growth-promoting potential and As tolerance mechanism of this novel yeast strain. The genome annotation of D. hansenii indicated that it contains a repertoire of genes encoding antioxidants, well corroborated with the in vitro studies of GST, GR, and glutathione content. In addition, the effect of D. hansenii on gene expression profiling of rice plants under As stress was also examined. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database revealed 307 genes, annotated in D. hansenii-treated rice, related to metabolic pathways (184), photosynthesis (12), glutathione (10), tryptophan (4), and biosynthesis of secondary metabolite (117). Higher expression of regulatory elements like AUX/IAA and WRKY transcription factors (TFs), and defense-responsive genes dismutases, catalases, peroxiredoxin, and glutaredoxins during D. hansenii+As exposure was also observed. Combined analysis revealed that D. hansenii genes are contributing to stress mitigation in rice by supporting plant growth and As-tolerance. The study lays the foundation to develop yeast as a beneficial biofertilizer for As-prone areas.
PMID: 38484657
J Hazard Mater , IF:10.588 , 2024 Apr , V468 : P133134 doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133134
Cytokinin and indole-3-acetic acid crosstalk is indispensable for silicon mediated chromium stress tolerance in roots of wheat seedlings.
Crop Nanobiology and Molecular Stress Physiology Lab, Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida 201313, India.; Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, Prayagraj, India.; Plant Microbe Interaction Lab, Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida 201313, India.; Plant Physiology Laboratory, Department of Botany, C.M.P. Degree College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, India.; Crop Nanobiology and Molecular Stress Physiology Lab, Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida 201313, India. Electronic address: dktripathiau@gmail.com.
The rising heavy metal contamination of soils imposes toxic impacts on plants as well as other life forms. One such highly toxic and carcinogenic heavy metal is hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] that has been reported to prominently retard the plant growth. The present study investigated the potential of silicon (Si, 10 microM) to alleviate the toxicity of Cr(VI) (25 microM) on roots of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. Application of Si to Cr(VI)-stressed wheat seedlings improved their overall growth parameters. This study also reveals the involvement of two phytohormones, namely auxin and cytokinin and their crosstalk in Si-mediated mitigation of the toxic impacts of Cr(VI) in wheat seedlings. The application of cytokinin alone to wheat seedlings under Cr(VI) stress reduced the intensity of toxic effects of Cr(VI). In combination with Si, cytokinin application to Cr(VI)-stressed wheat seedlings significantly minimized the decrease induced by Cr(VI) in different parameters such as root-shoot length (10.8% and 13%, respectively), root-shoot fresh mass (11.3% and 10.1%, respectively), and total chlorophyll and carotenoids content (13.4% and 6.8%, respectively) with respect to the control. This treatment also maintained the regulation of proline metabolism (proline content, and P5CS and PDH activities), ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle and nutrient homeostasis. The protective effect of Si and cytokinin against Cr(VI) stress was minimized upon supplementation of an inhibitor of polar auxin transport- 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) which suggested a potential involvement of auxin in Si and cytokinin-mediated mitigation of Cr(VI) toxicity. The exogenous addition of a natural auxin - indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) confirmed auxin is an active member of a signaling cascade along with cytokinin that aids in Si-mediated Cr(VI) toxicity alleviation as IAA application reversed the negative impacts of TIBA on wheat roots treated with Cr(VI), cytokinin and Si. The results of this research are also confirmed by the gene expression analysis conducted for nutrient transporters (Lsi1, CCaMK, MHX, SULT1 and ZIP1) and enzymes involved in the AsA-GSH cycle (APX, GR, DHAR and MDHAR). The overall results of this research indicate towards possible induction of a crosstalk between cytokinin and IAA upon Si supplementation which in turn stimulates physiological, biochemical and molecular changes to exhibit protective effects against Cr(VI) stress. Further, the information obtained suggests probable employment of Si, cytokinin and IAA alone or combined in agriculture to maintain plant productivity under Cr(VI) stress and data regarding expression of key genes can be used to develop new crop varieties with enhanced resistance against Cr(VI) stress together with its reduced load in seedlings.
PMID: 38387171
J Hazard Mater , IF:10.588 , 2024 Apr , V468 : P133701 doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133701
Rare earth elements perturb root architecture and ion homeostasis in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Universite de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, F-54000 Nancy, France. Electronic address: ngrosjean@lbl.gov.; Universite de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, F-54000 Nancy, France.; Universite de Franche-Comte, CNRS, Chrono-Environnement, F-25000 Montbeliard, France; Universite de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France.; Universite de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, F-57000 Metz, France.; Universite de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, F-57000 Metz, France. Electronic address: marie.lejean@univ-lorraine.fr.
Rare earth elements (REEs) are crucial elements for current high-technology and renewable energy advances. In addition to their increasing usage and their low recyclability leading to their release into the environment, REEs are also used as crop fertilizers. However, little is known regarding the cellular and molecular effects of REEs in plants, which is crucial for better risk assessment, crop safety and phytoremediation. Here, we analysed the ionome and transcriptomic response of Arabidopsis thaliana exposed to a light (lanthanum, La) and a heavy (ytterbium, Yb) REE. At the transcriptome level, we observed the contribution of ROS and auxin redistribution to the modified root architecture following REE exposure. We found indications for the perturbation of Fe homeostasis by REEs in both roots and leaves of Arabidopsis suggesting competition between REEs and Fe. Furthermore, we propose putative ways of entry of REEs inside cells through transporters of microelements. Finally, similar to REE accumulating species, organic acid homeostasis (e.g. malate and citrate) appears critical as a tolerance mechanism in response to REEs. By combining ionomics and transcriptomics, we elucidated essential patterns of REE uptake and toxicity response of Arabidopsis and provide new hypotheses for a better evaluation of the impact of REEs on plant homeostasis.
PMID: 38364576
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1111/nph.19766
A lateral organ boundaries domain transcription factor acts downstream of the auxin response factor 2 to control nodulation and root architecture in Medicago truncatula.
Instituto de Biotecnologia y Biologia Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Centro Cientifico y Tecnologico-La Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, 1900, La Plata, Argentina.; Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2), CNRS, INRA, Universities Paris-Sud, Evry and Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cite, University of Paris-Saclay, Batiment 630, 91405, Orsay, France.; Laboratoire des Interactions Plantes-Microorganismes, Universite de Toulouse, INRAE, CNRS, 31326, Castanet-Tolosan, France.; Instituto de Agrobiotecnologia del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
Legume plants develop two types of root postembryonic organs, lateral roots and symbiotic nodules, using shared regulatory components. The module composed by the microRNA390, the Trans-Acting SIRNA3 (TAS3) RNA and the Auxin Response Factors (ARF)2, ARF3, and ARF4 (miR390/TAS3/ARFs) mediates the control of both lateral roots and symbiotic nodules in legumes. Here, a transcriptomic approach identified a member of the Lateral Organ Boundaries Domain (LBD) family of transcription factors in Medicago truncatula, designated MtLBD17/29a, which is regulated by the miR390/TAS3/ARFs module. ChIP-PCR experiments evidenced that MtARF2 binds to an Auxin Response Element present in the MtLBD17/29a promoter. MtLBD17/29a is expressed in root meristems, lateral root primordia, and noninfected cells of symbiotic nodules. Knockdown of MtLBD17/29a reduced the length of primary and lateral roots and enhanced lateral root formation, whereas overexpression of MtLBD17/29a produced the opposite phenotype. Interestingly, both knockdown and overexpression of MtLBD17/29a reduced nodule number and infection events and impaired the induction of the symbiotic genes Nodulation Signaling Pathway (NSP) 1 and 2. Our results demonstrate that MtLBD17/29a is regulated by the miR390/TAS3/ARFs module and a direct target of MtARF2, revealing a new lateral root regulatory hub recruited by legumes to act in the root nodule symbiotic program.
PMID: 38666352
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1111/nph.19777
The auxin efflux carrier PIN1a regulates vascular patterning in cereal roots.
School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Nottingham, LE12 5RD, UK.; Future Food Beacon of Excellence, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Nottingham, LE12 5RD, UK.; Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 44, 40127, Bologna, Italy.; Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchatel, Neuchatel, Switzerland.; School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia.; Australian Plant Phenomics Facility, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia.; School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, LE12 5RD, Nottingham, UK.; Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830, USA.; Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany.; Department of Crop Sciences, Center of integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), Georg-August-University, Von Siebold Str. 8, 37075, Gottingen, Germany.; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.; Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge University, 47 Bateman Street, Cambridge, CB2 1LR, UK.; International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, 502324, Telangana, India.
Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is an important global cereal crop and a model in genetic studies. Despite advances in characterising barley genomic resources, few mutant studies have identified genes controlling root architecture and anatomy, which plays a critical role in capturing soil resources. Our phenotypic screening of a TILLING mutant collection identified line TM5992 exhibiting a short-root phenotype compared with wild-type (WT) Morex background. Outcrossing TM5992 with barley variety Proctor and subsequent SNP array-based bulk segregant analysis, fine mapped the mutation to a cM scale. Exome sequencing pinpointed a mutation in the candidate gene HvPIN1a, further confirming this by analysing independent mutant alleles. Detailed analysis of root growth and anatomy in Hvpin1a mutant alleles exhibited a slower growth rate, shorter apical meristem and striking vascular patterning defects compared to WT. Expression and mutant analyses of PIN1 members in the closely related cereal brachypodium (Brachypodium distachyon) revealed that BdPIN1a and BdPIN1b were redundantly expressed in root vascular tissues but only Bdpin1a mutant allele displayed root vascular defects similar to Hvpin1a. We conclude that barley PIN1 genes have sub-functionalised in cereals, compared to Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), where PIN1a sequences control root vascular patterning.
PMID: 38666346
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1111/nph.19737
Genome-wide association study and network analysis of in vitro transformation in Populus trichocarpa support key roles of diverse phytohormone pathways and cross talk.
Department of Forest Ecosystems & Society, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.; School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.; Statistics Department, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.; Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830, USA.; Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830, USA.; Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
Wide variation in amenability to transformation and regeneration (TR) among many plant species and genotypes presents a challenge to the use of genetic engineering in research and breeding. To help understand the causes of this variation, we performed association mapping and network analysis using a population of 1204 wild trees of Populus trichocarpa (black cottonwood). To enable precise and high-throughput phenotyping of callus and shoot TR, we developed a computer vision system that cross-referenced complementary red, green, and blue (RGB) and fluorescent-hyperspectral images. We performed association mapping using single-marker and combined variant methods, followed by statistical tests for epistasis and integration of published multi-omic datasets to identify likely regulatory hubs. We report 409 candidate genes implicated by associations within 5 kb of coding sequences, and epistasis tests implicated 81 of these candidate genes as regulators of one another. Gene ontology terms related to protein-protein interactions and transcriptional regulation are overrepresented, among others. In addition to auxin and cytokinin pathways long established as critical to TR, our results highlight the importance of stress and wounding pathways. Potential regulatory hubs of signaling within and across these pathways include GROWTH REGULATORY FACTOR 1 (GRF1), PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL 4-KINASE beta1 (PI-4Kbeta1), and OBF-BINDING PROTEIN 1 (OBP1).
PMID: 38650352
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1111/nph.19728
Ethylene controls three-dimensional growth involving reduced auxin levels in the moss Physcomitrium patens.
College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China.; Institute of Radiation Technology, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100050, China.; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
The conquest of land by plants was concomitant with, and possibly enabled by, the evolution of three-dimensional (3D) growth. The moss Physcomitrium patens provides a model system for elucidating molecular mechanisms in the initiation of 3D growth. Here, we investigate whether the phytohormone ethylene, which is believed to have been a signal before land plant emergence, plays a role in 3D growth regulation in P. patens. We report ethylene controls 3D gametophore formation, based on results from exogenously applied ethylene and genetic manipulation of PpEIN2, which is a central component in the ethylene signaling pathway. Overexpression (OE) of PpEIN2 activates ethylene responses and leads to earlier formation of gametophores with fewer gametophores produced thereafter, phenocopying ethylene-treated wild-type. Conversely, Ppein2 knockout mutants, which are ethylene insensitive, show initially delayed gametophore formation with more gametophores produced later. Furthermore, pharmacological and biochemical analyses reveal auxin levels are decreased in the OE lines but increased in the knockout mutants. Our results suggest that evolutionarily, ethylene and auxin molecular networks were recruited to build the plant body plan in ancestral land plants. This might have played a role in enabling ancient plants to acclimate to the continental surfaces of the planet.
PMID: 38571393
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 May , V242 (3) : P1098-1112 doi: 10.1111/nph.19689
A WRI1-dependent module is essential for the accumulation of auxin and lipid in somatic embryogenesis of Arabidopsis thaliana.
National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, College of Life Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China.
The potential for totipotency exists in all plant cells; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Earlier findings have revealed that the overexpression of LEAFY COTYLEDON 2 (LEC2) can directly trigger the formation of somatic embryos on the cotyledons of Arabidopsis. Furthermore, cotyledon cells that overexpress LEC2 accumulate significant lipid reserves typically found in seeds. The precise mechanisms and functions governing lipid accumulation in this process remain unexplored. In this study, we demonstrate that WRINKLED1 (WRI1), the key regulator of lipid biosynthesis, is essential for somatic embryo formation, suggesting that WRI1-mediated lipid biosynthesis plays a crucial role in the transition from vegetative to embryonic development. Our findings indicate a direct interaction between WRI1 and LEC2, which enhances the enrichment of LEC2 at downstream target genes and stimulates their induction. Besides, our data suggest that WRI1 forms a complex with LEC1, LEC2, and FUSCA3 (FUS3) to facilitate the accumulation of auxin and lipid for the somatic embryo induction, through strengthening the activation of YUCCA4 (YUC4) and OLEOSIN3 (OLE3) genes. Our results uncover a regulatory module controlled by WRI1, crucial for somatic embryogenesis. These findings provide valuable insights into our understanding of plant cell totipotency.
PMID: 38515249
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 May , V242 (3) : P1084-1097 doi: 10.1111/nph.19664
The activation of Arabidopsis axillary buds involves a switch from slow to rapid committed outgrowth regulated by auxin and strigolactone.
Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1LR, UK.
Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) shoot architecture is largely determined by the pattern of axillary buds that grow into lateral branches, the regulation of which requires integrating both local and systemic signals. Nodal explants - stem explants each bearing one leaf and its associated axillary bud - are a simplified system to understand the regulation of bud activation. To explore signal integration in bud activation, we characterised the growth dynamics of buds in nodal explants in key mutants and under different treatments. We observed that isolated axillary buds activate in two genetically and physiologically separable phases: a slow-growing lag phase, followed by a switch to rapid outgrowth. Modifying BRANCHED1 expression or the properties of the auxin transport network, including via strigolactone application, changed the length of the lag phase. While most interventions affected only the length of the lag phase, strigolactone treatment and a second bud also affected the rapid growth phase. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that the slow-growing lag phase corresponds to the time during which buds establish canalised auxin transport out of the bud, after which they enter a rapid growth phase. Our work also hints at a role for auxin transport in influencing the maximum growth rate of branches.
PMID: 38503686
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 Apr , V242 (2) : P626-640 doi: 10.1111/nph.19623
Cell-layer specific roles for gibberellins in nodulation and root development.
Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia.
Gibberellins (GA) have a profound influence on the formation of lateral root organs. However, the precise role this hormone plays in the cell-specific events during lateral root formation, rhizobial infection and nodule organogenesis, including interactions with auxin and cytokinin (CK), is not clear. We performed epidermal- and endodermal-specific complementation of the severely GA-deficient na pea (Pisum sativum) mutant with Agrobacterium rhizogenes. Gibberellin mutants were used to examine the spatial expression pattern of CK (TCSn)- and auxin (DR5)-responsive promoters and hormone levels. We found that GA produced in the endodermis promote lateral root and nodule organogenesis and can induce a mobile signal(s) that suppresses rhizobial infection. By contrast, epidermal-derived GA suppress infection but have little influence on root or nodule development. GA suppress the CK-responsive TCSn promoter in the cortex and are required for normal auxin activation during nodule primordia formation. Our findings indicate that GA regulate the checkpoints between infection thread (IT) penetration of the cortex and invasion of nodule primordial cells and promote the subsequent progression of nodule development. It appears that GA limit the progression and branching of IT in the cortex by restricting CK response and activate auxin response to promote nodule primordia development.
PMID: 38396236
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 May , V242 (3) : P988-999 doi: 10.1111/nph.19616
In situ seasonal patterns of root auxin concentrations and meristem length in an arctic sedge.
Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umea University, 901 87, Umea, Sweden.; Department of Arctic Biology, UNIS - The University Centre in Svalbard, 9171, Longyearbyen, Norway.; Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Umea Plant Science Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 901 83, Umea, Sweden.; Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacky University & Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-78371, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
Seasonal dynamics of root growth play an important role in large-scale ecosystem processes; they are largely governed by growth regulatory compounds and influenced by environmental conditions. Yet, our knowledge about physiological drivers of root growth is mostly limited to laboratory-based studies on model plant species. We sampled root tips of Eriophorum vaginatum and analyzed their auxin concentrations and meristem lengths biweekly over a growing season in situ in a subarctic peatland, both in surface soil and at the permafrost thawfront. Auxin concentrations were almost five times higher in surface than in thawfront soils and increased over the season, especially at the thawfront. Surprisingly, meristem length showed an opposite pattern and was almost double in thawfront compared with surface soils. Meristem length increased from peak to late season in the surface soils but decreased at the thawfront. Our study of in situ seasonal dynamics in root physiological parameters illustrates the potential for physiological methods to be applied in ecological studies and emphasizes the importance of in situ measurements. The strong effect of root location and the unexpected opposite patterns of meristem length and auxin concentrations likely show that auxin actively governs root growth to ensure a high potential for nutrient uptake at the thawfront.
PMID: 38375943
Plant Biotechnol J , IF:9.803 , 2024 May , V22 (5) : P1417-1432 doi: 10.1111/pbi.14276
A newly evolved rice-specific gene JAUP1 regulates jasmonate biosynthesis and signalling to promote root development and multi-stress tolerance.
Molecular and Cell Biology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.; Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.; Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.; Advanced Plant Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.; Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.; Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.; Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.; Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica and National Chung Hsing University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.; International Bachelor Program of Agribusiness, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.; Department of Plant Pathology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
Root architecture and function are critical for plants to secure water and nutrient supply from the soil, but environmental stresses alter root development. The phytohormone jasmonic acid (JA) regulates plant growth and responses to wounding and other stresses, but its role in root development for adaptation to environmental challenges had not been well investigated. We discovered a novel JA Upregulated Protein 1 gene (JAUP1) that has recently evolved in rice and is specific to modern rice accessions. JAUP1 regulates a self-perpetuating feed-forward loop to activate the expression of genes involved in JA biosynthesis and signalling that confers tolerance to abiotic stresses and regulates auxin-dependent root development. Ectopic expression of JAUP1 alleviates abscisic acid- and salt-mediated suppression of lateral root (LR) growth. JAUP1 is primarily expressed in the root cap and epidermal cells (EPCs) that protect the meristematic stem cells and emerging LRs. Wound-activated JA/JAUP1 signalling promotes crosstalk between the root cap of LR and parental root EPCs, as well as induces cell wall remodelling in EPCs overlaying the emerging LR, thereby facilitating LR emergence even under ABA-suppressive conditions. Elevated expression of JAUP1 in transgenic rice or natural rice accessions enhances abiotic stress tolerance and reduces grain yield loss under a limited water supply. We reveal a hitherto unappreciated role for wound-induced JA in LR development under abiotic stress and suggest that JAUP1 can be used in biotechnology and as a molecular marker for breeding rice adapted to extreme environmental challenges and for the conservation of water resources.
PMID: 38193234
Cell Rep , IF:9.423 , 2024 Apr , V43 (4) : P114030 doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114030
Trichoderma-secreted anthranilic acid promotes lateral root development via auxin signaling and RBOHF-induced endodermal cell wall remodeling.
Key Lab of Organic-Based Fertilizers of China and Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement and MOA Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilization in Lower-Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.; State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Arid and Semi-arid Arable Land in Northern China, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.; Institute of Wheat Research, Shanxi Agricultural University, Linfen 041000, China.; Key Lab of Organic-Based Fertilizers of China and Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China. Electronic address: rfzhang@njau.edu.cn.
Trichoderma spp. have evolved the capacity to communicate with plants by producing various secondary metabolites (SMs). Nonhormonal SMs play important roles in plant root development, while specific SMs from rhizosphere microbes and their underlying mechanisms to control plant root branching are still largely unknown. In this study, a compound, anthranilic acid (2-AA), is identified from T. guizhouense NJAU4742 to promote lateral root development. Further studies demonstrate that 2-AA positively regulates auxin signaling and transport in the canonical auxin pathway. 2-AA also partly rescues the lateral root numbers of CASP1(pro):shy2-2, which regulates endodermal cell wall remodeling via an RBOHF-induced reactive oxygen species burst. In addition, our work reports another role for microbial 2-AA in the regulation of lateral root development, which is different from its better-known role in plant indole-3-acetic acid biosynthesis. In summary, this study identifies 2-AA from T. guizhouense NJAU4742, which plays versatile roles in regulating plant root development.
PMID: 38551966
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiae216
B-Box transcription factor BBX28 requires CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS1 to induce shade-avoidance response in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiologicas y Ecologicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura (FEVA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Agronomia, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Av. San Martin 4453, C1417DSE, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.; Fundacion Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET, Avenida Patricias Argentinas 435, 1405-Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Shade avoidance syndrome is an important adaptive strategy. Under shade, major transcriptional rearrangements underlie the reallocation of resources to elongate vegetative structures and redefine the plant architecture to compete for photosynthesis. BBX28 is a B-box transcription factor involved in seedling de-etiolation and flowering in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), but its function in shade-avoidance response is completely unknown. Here, we studied the function of BBX28 using two mutant and two transgenic lines of Arabidopsis exposed to white light and simulated shade conditions. We found that BBX28 promotes hypocotyl growth under shade through the phytochrome system by perceiving the reduction of red photons but not the reduction of photosynthetically active radiation or blue photons. We demonstrated that hypocotyl growth under shade is sustained by the protein accumulation of BBX28 in the nuclei in a CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS1 (COP1)-dependent manner at the end of the photoperiod. BBX28 up-regulates the expression of transcription factor- and auxin-related genes, thereby promoting hypocotyl growth under prolonged shade. Overall, our results suggest the role of BBX28 in COP1 signaling to sustain the shade-avoidance response and extend the well-known participation of other members of BBX transcription factors for fine-tuning plant growth under shade.
PMID: 38620015
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiae194
The underground tango: How ethylene and auxin interact to regulate cereal root angle.
Assistant Features Editor, Plant Physiology, American Society of Plant Biologists, USA.; CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Habsburgerstrasse 49, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.; Plant Environmental Signalling and Development, Institute of Biology III, University of Freiburg, Schanzlestrasse 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
PMID: 38558264
Sci Total Environ , IF:7.963 , 2024 Apr , V929 : P172693 doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172693
Mechanism of flavonols on detoxification, migration and transformation of indium in rhizosphere system.
School of Life Sciences, Qilu Normal University, Jinan 250200, China.; School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, China; Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China. Electronic address: 14016@sdjzu.edu.cn.; Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.; School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, China.; School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, China. Electronic address: zbinzhang@yeah.net.
Soil contamination by toxic heavy metal induces serious environmental hazards. In recent years, the use of indium (In) in semiconductor products has increased considerably and the release of In is inevitable, which will pose great risk to the ecosystem. The interaction between metal and plants which are the fundamental components of all ecosystems are an indispensable aspect of indium assessment and remediation. The role of flavonols, which is essential to plant resistance to In stress, remains largely unknown. FLS1 related lines of A. thaliana (Col, fls1-3 and OE) were exposed to In stress in soil and flavonols as root exudates were analyzed in exogenous application test. The accumulation and release of flavonols could be induced by In stress. However, flavonols exhibited different function in vivo and in vitro of plant. The basic function of flavonols was to affect root morphology via regulating auxin, but being intervened by In stress. The synthesis and accumulation of flavonols in vivo could activate the antioxidant system and the metal detoxification system to alleviate the toxic effects of In on plant. In addition, plants could make phone calls to rhizosphere microbes for help when exposed to In. Flavonols in vitro might act as the information transmission. Combination of endogenous and exogenous flavonols could affect the migration and transformation of In in soil-plant system via metal complexation and transportation pathway.
PMID: 38663607
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1111/pce.14916
Cytosolic ABA Receptor Kinases phosphorylate the D6 PROTEIN KINASE leading to its stabilization which promotes Arabidopsis growth.
Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
The polar auxin transport is required for proper plant growth and development. D6 PROTEIN KINASE (D6PK) is required for the phosphorylation of PIN-FORMED (PIN) auxin efflux carriers to regulate auxin transport, while the regulation of D6PK stabilization is still poorly understood. Here, we found that Cytosolic ABA Receptor Kinases (CARKs) redundantly interact with D6PK, and the interactions are dependent on CARKs' kinase activities. Similarly, CARK3 also could interact with paralogs of D6PK, including D6PKL1, D6PKL2, and D6PKL3. The genetic analysis shows that D6PK acts the downstream of CARKs to regulate Arabidopsis growth, including hypocotyl, leaf area, vein formation, and the length of silique. Loss-of-function of CARK3 in overexpressing GFP-D6PK plants leads to reduce the level of D6PK protein, thereby rescues plant growth. In addition, the cell-free degradation assays indicate that D6PK is degraded through 26 S proteasome pathway, while the phosphorylation by CARK3 represses this process in cells. In summary, D6PK stabilization by the CARK family is required for auxin-mediated plant growth and development.
PMID: 38644762
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1111/pce.14913
The 'Candidatus phytoplasma ziziphi' effectors SJP1 and SJP2 destabilise the bifunctional regulator ZjTCP7 to modulate floral transition and shoot branching.
Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Horticultural Crop Quality Biology, College of Horticulture, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China.; Horticulture Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, China.
Phytoplasmic SAP11 effectors alter host plant architecture and flowering time. However, the exact mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Two SAP11-like effectors, SJP1 and SJP2, from 'Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi' induce shoot branching proliferation. Here, the transcription factor ZjTCP7 was identified as a central target of these two effectors to regulate floral transition and shoot branching. Ectopic expression of ZjTCP7 resulted in enhanced bolting and earlier flowering than did the control. Interaction and expression assays demonstrated that ZjTCP7 interacted with the ZjFT-ZjFD module, thereby enhancing the ability of these genes to directly bind to the ZjAP1 promoter. The effectors SJP1 and SJP2 unravelled the florigen activation complex by specifically destabilising ZjTCP7 and ZjFD to delay floral initiation. Moreover, the shoot branching of the ZjTCP7-SRDX transgenic Arabidopsis lines were comparable to those of the SJP1/2 lines, suggesting the involvement of ZjTCP7 in the regulation of shoot branching. ZjTCP7 interacted with the branching repressor ZjBRC1 to enhance suppression of the auxin efflux carrier ZjPIN3 expression. ZjTCP7 also directly bound to and upregulated the auxin biosynthesis gene ZjYUCCA2, thereby promoting auxin accumulation. Our findings confirm that ZjTCP7 serves as a bifunctional regulator destabilised by the effectors SJP1 and SJP2 to modulate plant development.
PMID: 38623040
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2024 Jun , V47 (6) : P2058-2073 doi: 10.1111/pce.14853
Phytochrome-interacting factors play shared and distinct roles in regulating shade avoidance responses in Populus trees.
School of Life Sciences, 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, China.; Key Laboratory of Eco-environments of Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
Plants adjust their growth and development in response to changing light caused by canopy shade. The molecular mechanisms underlying shade avoidance responses have been widely studied in Arabidopsis and annual crop species, yet the shade avoidance signalling in woody perennial trees remains poorly understood. Here, we first showed that PtophyB1/2 photoreceptors serve conserved roles in attenuating the shade avoidance syndrome (SAS) in poplars. Next, we conducted a systematic identification and characterization of eight PtoPIF genes in Populus tomentosa. Knocking out different PtoPIFs led to attenuated shade responses to varying extents, whereas overexpression of PtoPIFs, particularly PtoPIF3.1 and PtoPIF3.2, led to constitutive SAS phenotypes under normal light and enhanced SAS responses under simulated shade. Notably, our results revealed that distinct from Arabidopsis PIF4 and PIF5, which are major regulators of SAS, the Populus homologues PtoPIF4.1 and PtoPIF4.2 seem to play a minor role in controlling shade responses. Moreover, we showed that PtoPIF3.1/3.2 could directly activate the expression of the auxin biosynthetic gene PtoYUC8 in response to shade, suggesting a conserved PIF-YUC-auxin pathway in modulating SAS in tree. Overall, our study provides insights into shared and divergent functions of PtoPIF members in regulating various aspects of the SAS in Populus.
PMID: 38404129
Chemosphere , IF:7.086 , 2024 Apr , V357 : P141910 doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141910
Biomass ash as soil fertilizers: Supercharging biomass accumulation by shifting auxin distribution.
Yunnan Tobacco Company Qujing Company, Qujing, 655002, Yunnan, China.; College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.; Yunnan Tobacco Company Yuxi Company, Yuxi, 652500, Yunnan, China.; College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China. Electronic address: ylzhang@njau.edu.cn.
Growing quantities of biomass ashes (phyto-ashs) are currently produced worldwide due to the increasing biomass consumption in energy applications. Utilization of phyto-ash in agriculture is environmentally friendly solution. However, mechanisms involving the coordination of carbon metabolism and distribution in plants and soil amendment are not well known. In the present study, tobacco plants were chemically-fertilized with or without 2 per thousand phyto-ash addition. The control had sole chemical fertilizer; for two phyto-ash treatments, the one (T1) received comparable levels of nitrogen, phophorus, and potassium from phyto-ash and fertilizers as the control and another (T2) had 2 per thousand of phyto-ash and the same rates of fertilizers as the control. Compared with the control, phyto-ash addition improved the soil pH from 5.94 to about 6.35; T2 treatment enhanced soil available potassium by 30% but no difference of other elements was recorded among three treatments. Importantly, bacterial (but not fungal) communities were significantly enriched by phyto-ash addition, with the rank of richness as: T2 > T1 > control. Consistent with amelioration of soil properties, phyto-ash promoted plant growth through enlarged leaf area and photosynthesis and induced outgrowth of lateral roots (LRs). Interestingly, increased auxin content was recorded in 2(nd) and 3(rd) leaves and roots under phyto-ash application, also with the rank level as T2 > T1 > control, paralleling with higher transcripts of auxin synthetic genes in the topmost leaf and stronger [(3)H]IAA activity under phyto-ash addition. Furthermore, exogenous application of analog exogenous auxin (NAA) restored leaf area, photosynthesis and LR outgrowth to the similar level as T2 treatment; conversely, application of auxin transport inhibitor (NPA) under T2 treatment retarded leaf and root development. We demonstrated that phyto-ash addition improved soil properties and thus facilitated carbon balance within plants and biomass accumulation in which shifting auxin distribution plays an important role.
PMID: 38582170
J Integr Plant Biol , IF:7.061 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1111/jipb.13655
CsRAXs negatively regulate leaf size and fruiting ability through auxin glycosylation in cucumber.
Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
Leaves are the main photosynthesis organ that directly determines crop yield and biomass. Dissecting the regulatory mechanism of leaf development is crucial for food security and ecosystem turn-over. Here, we identified the novel function of R2R3-MYB transcription factors CsRAXs in regulating cucumber leaf size and fruiting ability. Csrax5 single mutant exhibited enlarged leaf size and stem diameter, and Csrax1/2/5 triple mutant displayed further enlargement phenotype. Overexpression of CsRAX1 or CsRAX5 gave rise to smaller leaf and thinner stem. The fruiting ability of Csrax1/2/5 plants was significantly enhanced, while that of CsRAX5 overexpression lines was greatly weakened. Similarly, cell number and free auxin level were elevated in mutant plants while decreased in overexpression lines. Biochemical data indicated that CsRAX1/5 directly promoted the expression of auxin glucosyltransferase gene CsUGT74E2. Therefore, our data suggested that CsRAXs function as repressors for leaf size development by promoting auxin glycosylation to decrease free auxin level and cell division in cucumber. Our findings provide new gene targets for cucumber breeding with increased leaf size and crop yield.
PMID: 38578173
J Integr Plant Biol , IF:7.061 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1111/jipb.13656
The miR159a-DUO1 module regulates pollen development by modulating auxin biosynthesis and starch metabolism in citrus.
National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.; Key Laboratory of Cultivation and Protection for Non-Wood Forest Trees of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Non-Wood Forest Products of the Forestry Ministry, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China.
Achieving seedlessness in citrus varieties is one of the important objectives of citrus breeding. Male sterility associated with abnormal pollen development is an important factor in seedlessness. However, our understanding of the regulatory mechanism underlying the seedlessness phenotype in citrus is still limited. Here, we determined that the miR159a-DUO1 module played an important role in regulating pollen development in citrus, which further indirectly modulated seed development and fruit size. Both the overexpression of csi-miR159a and the knocking out of DUO1 in Hong Kong kumquat (Fortunella hindsii) resulted in small and seedless fruit phenotypes. Moreover, pollen was severely aborted in both transgenic lines, with arrested pollen mitotic I and abnormal pollen starch metabolism. Through additional cross-pollination experiments, DUO1 was proven to be the key target gene for miR159a to regulate male sterility in citrus. Based on DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP-seq), RNA-seq, and verified interaction assays, YUC2/YUC6, SS4 and STP8 were identified as downstream target genes of DUO1, those were all positively regulated by DUO1. In transgenic F. hindsii lines, the miR159a-DUO1 module down-regulated the expression of YUC2/YUC6, which decreased indoleacetic acid (IAA) levels and modulated auxin signaling to repress pollen mitotic I. The miR159a-DUO1 module reduced the expression of the starch synthesis gene SS4 and sugar transport gene STP8 to disrupt starch metabolism in pollen. Overall, this work reveals a new mechanism by which the miR159a-DUO1 module regulates pollen development and elucidates the molecular regulatory network underlying male sterility in citrus.
PMID: 38578168
J Integr Plant Biol , IF:7.061 , 2024 Apr , V66 (4) : P749-770 doi: 10.1111/jipb.13627
SlBEL11 regulates flavonoid biosynthesis, thus fine-tuning auxin efflux to prevent premature fruit drop in tomato.
College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China.; Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Green Production of Agriculture in Mountainous Areas of Zhejiang Province, College of Horticulture Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China.; Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety Control of Subtropical Fruits and Vegetables, Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Green Production of Agriculture in Mountainous Areas of Zhejiang Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China.; Key Laboratory of Protected Horticulture of Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110866, China.; Crops Pathology and Genetic Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, Washington, DC, 20250, USA.; Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.; ANGENOVO, Oslo, 0753, Norway.; Laboratory of Fruit Biology, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China.
Auxin regulates flower and fruit abscission, but how developmental signals mediate auxin transport in abscission remains unclear. Here, we reveal the role of the transcription factor BEL1-LIKE HOMEODOMAIN11 (SlBEL11) in regulating auxin transport during abscission in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). SlBEL11 is highly expressed in the fruit abscission zone, and its expression increases during fruit development. Knockdown of SlBEL11 expression by RNA interference (RNAi) caused premature fruit drop at the breaker (Br) and 3 d post-breaker (Br+3) stages of fruit development. Transcriptome and metabolome analysis of SlBEL11-RNAi lines revealed impaired flavonoid biosynthesis and decreased levels of most flavonoids, especially quercetin, which functions as an auxin transport inhibitor. This suggested that SlBEL11 prevents premature fruit abscission by modulating auxin efflux from fruits, which is crucial for the formation of an auxin response gradient. Indeed, quercetin treatment suppressed premature fruit drop in SlBEL11-RNAi plants. DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP-seq) analysis indicated that SlBEL11 induced expression of the transcription factor gene SlMYB111 by directly binding to its promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that S. lycopersicum MYELOBLASTOSIS VIRAL ONCOGENE HOMOLOG111 (SlMYB111) induces the expression of the core flavonoid biosynthesis genes SlCHS1, SlCHI, SlF3H, and SlFLS by directly binding to their promoters. Our findings suggest that the SlBEL11-SlMYB111 module modulates flavonoid biosynthesis to fine-tune auxin efflux from fruits and thus maintain an auxin response gradient in the pedicel, thereby preventing premature fruit drop.
PMID: 38420861
J Exp Bot , IF:6.992 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1093/jxb/erae196
ROP signalling and their activating ROPGEFs - Specificity in cellular signal transduction of plants.
Technical University of Munich, School of Life Sciences, Plant Systems Biology, Emil-Ramann-Strasse 8, 85354 Freising, Germany.
Every cell constantly receives signals from its neighbours or the environment. In plants, most signals are perceived by RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASES (RLKs) and then transmitted into the cell. The molecular switches RHO OF PLANTS (ROP) are critical proteins for polar signal transduction and regulate multiple cell polarity processes downstream of RLKs. Many ROPregulating proteins and scaffold proteins of the ROP complex are known. However, the spatiotemporal ROP signalling complex composition still needs to be understood. Moreover, how specificity is achieved in different ROP signalling pathways within one cell still needs to be determined. This review gives an overview of the recent advances in ROP signalling and how specificity by downstream scaffold proteins can be achieved. The composition of the ROP signalling complexes is discussed, focusing on the possibility of the simultaneous presence of ROP activators and inactivators within the same complex to balance ROP activity. Furthermore, this review highlights the function of plant-specific ROPGEFs polarising ROP signalling and defining the specificity of the initiated ROP signalling pathway.
PMID: 38683617
J Exp Bot , IF:6.992 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1093/jxb/erae162
Crosstalk between ROP GTPase signaling and plant hormones.
Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
Rho of Plants (ROPs) constitute a plant-specific subset of small guanine nucleotide-binding proteins within the Cdc42/Rho/Rac family. These versatile proteins regulate diverse cellular processes, including cell growth, cell division, cell morphogenesis, organ development, and stress responses. In recent years, the dynamic cellular and subcellular behaviors orchestrated by ROPs have unveiled a notable connection to hormone-mediated organ development and physiological responses, thereby expanding our knowledge of the functions and regulatory mechanisms of this signaling pathway. This article delineates advancements in understanding the interplay between plant hormones and the ROP signaling cascade, centering primarily on the connections with auxin and abscisic acid pathways, alongside preliminary discoveries in cytokinin, brassinosteroid, and salicylic acid responses. It endeavors to shed light on the intricate, coordinated mechanisms bridging cell-level and tissue-level signals that underlie plant cell behavior, organ development, and physiological processes, and highlight future research prospects and challenges in this rapidly developing field.
PMID: 38616410
J Exp Bot , IF:6.992 , 2024 Apr , V75 (8) : P2214-2234 doi: 10.1093/jxb/erae005
TARGET OF MONOPTEROS: key transcription factors orchestrating plant development and environmental response.
Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology of Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China.; Huitong National Field Station for Scientific Observation and Research of Chinese Fir Plantation Ecosystem in Hunan Province, 438107, Huaihua, Hunan, China.; National Engineering Laboratory of Applied Technology for Forestry and Ecology in Southern China, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China.; Forestry Biotechnology Hunan Key Laboratories, Hunan, China.; Key Laboratory of Cultivation and Protection for Non-Wood Forest Trees, Ministry of Education, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China.; Yuelushan Laboratory Carbon Sinks Forests Variety Innovation Center, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Plants have an incredible ability to sustain root and vascular growth after initiation of the embryonic root and the specification of vascular tissue in early embryos. Microarray assays have revealed that a group of transcription factors, TARGET OF MONOPTEROS (TMO), are important for embryonic root initiation in Arabidopsis. Despite the discovery of their auxin responsiveness early on, their function and mode of action remained unknown for many years. The advent of genome editing has accelerated the study of TMO transcription factors, revealing novel functions for biological processes such as vascular development, root system architecture, and response to environmental cues. This review covers recent achievements in understanding the developmental function and the genetic mode of action of TMO transcription factors in Arabidopsis and other plant species. We highlight the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of TMO transcription factors in relation to their function, mainly in Arabidopsis. Finally, we provide suggestions for further research and potential applications in plant genetic engineering.
PMID: 38195092
Int J Biol Macromol , IF:6.953 , 2024 Apr , V267 (Pt 1) : P131323 doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131323
Cotton sphingosine kinase GhLCBK1 participates in fiber cell elongation by affecting sphingosine-1-phophate and auxin synthesis.
College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.; College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China. Electronic address: luo0424@126.com.
Sphingolipids serve as essential components of biomembrane and possess significant bioactive properties. Sphingosine-1-phophate (S1P) plays a key role in plant resistance to stress, but its specific impact on plant growth and development remains to be fully elucidated. Cotton fiber cells are an ideal material for investigating the growth and maturation of plant cells. In this study, we examined the content and composition of sphingosine (Sph) and S1P throughout the progression of fiber cell development. The content of S1P elevated gradually during fiber elongation but declined during the transition stage. Exogenous application of S1P promoted fiber elongation while using of FTY720 (an antagonist of S1P), and DMS (an inhibitor of LCBK) hindered fiber elongation. Cotton Long Chain Base Kinase 1 (GhLCBK1) was notably expressed during the fiber elongation stage, containing all conserved domains of LCBK protein and localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. Overexpression GhLCBK1 increased the S1P content and promoted fiber elongation while retarded secondary cell wall (SCW) deposition. Conversely, downregulation of GhLCBK1 reduced the S1P levels, and suppressed fiber elongation, and accelerated SCW deposition. Transcriptome analysis revealed that upregulating GhLCBK1 or applying S1P induced the expression of GhEXPANSIN and auxin related genes. Furthermore, the levels of IAA were elevated and reduced in the fibers when up-regulating or down-regulating GhLCBK1, respectively. Our investigation demonstrated that GhLCBK1 and its product S1P facilitated the elongation of fiber cells by affecting auxin biosynthesis. This study contributes novel insights into the intricate regulatory pathways involved in fiber cell elongation, identifying GhLCBK1 as a potential target gene and laying the groundwork for enhancing fiber quality via genetic manipulation.
PMID: 38574912
Int J Biol Macromol , IF:6.953 , 2024 Apr , V263 (Pt 1) : P130306 doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130306
Class III plant peroxidases: From classification to physiological functions.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, Ceara CEP 60451-970, Brazil. Electronic address: cleversondiniz@ufc.br.; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, Ceara CEP 60451-970, Brazil.; Department of Plant Pathology and Ecology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven 06511, CT, USA.
Peroxidases (EC 1.11.1.7) are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, hence their broad distribution across biological systems. These proteins can be classified as haem or non-haem enzymes. According to the RedOxiBase database, haem peroxidases are approximately 84 % of all known peroxidase enzymes. Class III plant peroxidases are haem-enzymes that share similar three-dimensional structures and a common catalytic mechanism for hydrogen peroxide degradation. They exist as large multigene families and are involved in metabolizing Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), hormone synthesis and decomposition, fruit growth, defense, and cell wall synthesis and maintenance. As a result, plant peroxidases gained attention in research and became one of the most extensively studied groups of enzymes. This review provides an update on the database, classification, phylogeny, mechanism of action, structure, and physiological functions of class III plant peroxidases.
PMID: 38387641
Development , IF:6.868 , 2024 Apr , V151 (8) doi: 10.1242/dev.202586
HD-Zip II transcription factors control distal stem cell fate in Arabidopsis roots by linking auxin signaling to the FEZ/SOMBRERO pathway.
Research Centre for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Rome 00178, Italy.; Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Rome 00185, Italy.
In multicellular organisms, specialized tissues are generated by specific populations of stem cells through cycles of asymmetric cell divisions, where one daughter undergoes differentiation and the other maintains proliferative properties. In Arabidopsis thaliana roots, the columella - a gravity-sensing tissue that protects and defines the position of the stem cell niche - represents a typical example of a tissue whose organization is exclusively determined by the balance between proliferation and differentiation. The columella derives from a single layer of stem cells through a binary cell fate switch that is precisely controlled by multiple, independent regulatory inputs. Here, we show that the HD-Zip II transcription factors (TFs) HAT3, ATHB4 and AHTB2 redundantly regulate columella stem cell fate and patterning in the Arabidopsis root. The HD-Zip II TFs promote columella stem cell proliferation by acting as effectors of the FEZ/SMB circuit and, at the same time, by interfering with auxin signaling to counteract hormone-induced differentiation. Overall, our work shows that HD-Zip II TFs connect two opposing parallel inputs to fine-tune the balance between proliferation and differentiation in columella stem cells.
PMID: 38563568
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2024 Apr , V118 (2) : P293-294 doi: 10.1111/tpj.16720
Stop the flow: Improving somatic embryogenesis using auxin transport inhibitors.
PMID: 38629982
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1111/tpj.16752
Ocimum kilimandscharicum 4CL11 negatively regulates adventitious root development via accumulation of flavonoid glycosides.
Plant Molecular Biology Unit, Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India.; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India.; Department of Botany, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, 411007, India.
4-Coumarate-CoA Ligase (4CL) is an important enzyme in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. Multiple 4CLs are identified in Ocimum species; however, their in planta functions remain enigmatic. In this study, we independently overexpressed three Ok4CL isoforms from Ocimum kilimandscharicum (Ok4CL7, -11, and -15) in Nicotiana benthamiana. Interestingly, Ok4CL11 overexpression (OE) caused a rootless or reduced root growth phenotype, whereas overexpression of Ok4CL15 produced normal adventitious root (AR) growth. Ok4CL11 overexpression in N. benthamiana resulted in upregulation of genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and associated glycosyltransferases accompanied by accumulation of specific flavonoid-glycosides (kaempferol-3-rhamnoside, kaempferol-3,7-O-bis-alpha-l-rhamnoside [K3,7R], and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside) that possibly reduced auxin levels in plants, and such effects were not seen for Ok4CL7 and -15. Docking analysis suggested that auxin transporters (PINs/LAXs) have higher binding affinity to these specific flavonoid-glycosides, and thus could disrupt auxin transport/signaling, which cumulatively resulted in a rootless phenotype. Reduced auxin levels, increased K3,7R in the middle and basal stem sections, and grafting experiments (intra and inter-species) indicated a disruption of auxin transport by K3,7R and its negative effect on AR development. Supplementation of flavonoids and the specific glycosides accumulated by Ok4CL11-OE to the wild-type N. benthamiana explants delayed the AR emergence and also inhibited AR growth. While overexpression of all three Ok4CLs increased lignin accumulation, flavonoids, and their specific glycosides were accumulated only in Ok4CL11-OE lines. In summary, our study reveals unique indirect function of Ok4CL11 to increase specific flavonoids and their glycosides, which are negative regulators of root growth, likely involved in inhibition of auxin transport and signaling.
PMID: 38575203
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1111/tpj.16741
A microRNA528-ZmLac3 module regulates low phosphate tolerance in maize.
School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China.; Shandong Zhongnong Tiantai Seed Co., Ltd, Linyi, 273300, China.; Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Muhlenberg 1, Potsdam-Golm, 14476, Germany.
MicroRNAs are known to play a crucial role in plant development and physiology and become a target for investigating the regulatory mechanism underlying plant low phosphate tolerance. ZmmiR528 has been shown to display significantly different expression levels between wild-type and low Pi-tolerant maize mutants. However, its functional role in maize low Pi tolerance remains unknown. In the present study, we studied the role and underlying molecular mechanism of miR528 in maize with low Pi tolerance. Overexpression of ZmmiR528 in maize resulted in impaired root growth, reduced Pi uptake capacity and compromised resistance to Pi deficiency. By contrast, transgenic maize plants suppressing ZmmiR528 expression showed enhanced low Pi tolerance. Furthermore, ZmLac3 and ZmLac5 which encode laccase were identified and verified as targets of ZmmiR528. ZmLac3 transgenic plants were subsequently generated and were also found to play key roles in regulating maize root growth, Pi uptake and low Pi tolerance. Furthermore, auxin transport was found to be potentially involved in ZmLac3-mediated root growth. Moreover, we conducted genetic complementary analysis through the hybridization of ZmmiR528 and ZmLac3 transgenic plants and found a favorable combination with breeding potential, namely anti-miR528:ZmLac3OE hybrid maize, which exhibited significantly increased low Pi tolerance and markedly alleviated yield loss caused by low Pi stress. Our study has thus identified a ZmmiR528-ZmLac3 module regulating auxin transport and hence root growth, thereby determining Pi uptake and ultimately low Pi tolerance, providing an effective approach for low Pi tolerance improvement through manipulating the expression of miRNA and its target in maize.
PMID: 38569011
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1111/tpj.16754
Knockout of endoplasmic reticulum-localized molecular chaperone HSP90.7 impairs seedling development and cellular auxin homeostasis in Arabidopsis.
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.; Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The Arabidopsis endoplasmic reticulum-localized heat shock protein HSP90.7 modulates tissue differentiation and stress responses; however, complete knockout lines have not been previously reported. In this study, we identified and analyzed a mutant allele, hsp90.7-1, which was unable to accumulate the HSP90.7 full-length protein and showed seedling lethality. Microscopic analyses revealed its essential role in male and female fertility, trichomes and root hair development, proper chloroplast function, and apical meristem maintenance and differentiation. Comparative transcriptome and proteome analyses also revealed the role of the protein in a multitude of cellular processes. Particularly, the auxin-responsive pathway was specifically downregulated in the hsp90.7-1 mutant seedlings. We measured a much-reduced auxin content in both root and shoot tissues. Through comprehensive histological and molecular analyses, we confirmed PIN1 and PIN5 accumulations were dependent on the HSP90 function, and the TAA-YUCCA primary auxin biosynthesis pathway was also downregulated in the mutant seedlings. This study therefore not only fulfilled a gap in understanding the essential role of HSP90 paralogs in eukaryotes but also provided a mechanistic insight on the ER-localized chaperone in regulating plant growth and development via modulating cellular auxin homeostasis.
PMID: 38565312
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2024 Apr , V118 (2) : P295-303 doi: 10.1111/tpj.16682
Transient efflux inhibition improves plant regeneration by natural auxins.
Plant Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, Netherlands.; ENZA Zaden, Haling 1-E, 1602 DB, Enkhuizen, The Netherlands.
Plant genome editing and propagation are important tools in crop breeding and production. Both rely heavily on the development of efficient in vitro plant regeneration systems. Two prominent regeneration systems that are widely employed in crop production are somatic embryogenesis (SE) and de novo shoot regeneration. In many of the protocols for SE or shoot regeneration, explants are treated with the synthetic auxin analog 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), since natural auxins, such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) or 4-chloroindole-3-acetic acid (4-Cl-IAA), are less effective or even fail to induce regeneration. Based on previous reports that 2,4-D, compared to endogenous auxins, is not effectively exported from plant cells, we investigated whether efflux inhibition of endogenous auxins could convert these auxins into efficient inducers of SE in Arabidopsis immature zygotic embryos (IZEs). We show that natural auxins and synthetic analogs thereof become efficient inducers of SE when their efflux is transiently inhibited by co-application of the auxin transport inhibitor naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA). Moreover, IZEs of auxin efflux mutants pin2 or abcb1 abcb19 show enhanced SE efficiency when treated with IAA or efflux-inhibited IAA, confirming that auxin efflux reduces the efficiency of Arabidopsis SE. Importantly, in contrast to the 2,4-D system, where only 50-60% of the embryos converted to seedlings, all SEs induced by transport-inhibited natural auxins converted to seedlings. Efflux-inhibited IAA, like 2,4-D, also efficiently induced SE from carrot suspension cells, whereas IAA alone could not, and efflux-inhibited 4-Cl-IAA significantly improved de novo shoot regeneration in Brassica napus. Our data provides new insights into the action of 2,4-D as an efficient inducer of plant regeneration but also shows that replacing this synthetic auxin for efflux-inhibited natural auxin significantly improves different types of plant regeneration, leading to a more synchronized and homogenous development of the regenerated plants.
PMID: 38361343
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2024 Apr , V25 (8) doi: 10.3390/ijms25084549
Bulked Segregant RNA-Seq Reveals Different Gene Expression Patterns and Mutant Genes Associated with the Zigzag Pattern of Tea Plants (Camellia sinensis).
Key Laboratory of Biology, Genetics and Breeding of Special Economic Animals and Plants, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310008, China.
The unique zigzag-patterned tea plant is a rare germplasm resource. However, the molecular mechanism behind the formation of zigzag stems remains unclear. To address this, a BC1 genetic population of tea plants with zigzag stems was studied using histological observation and bulked segregant RNA-seq. The analysis revealed 1494 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the upright and zigzag stem groups. These DEGs may regulate the transduction and biosynthesis of plant hormones, and the effects on the phenylpropane biosynthesis pathways may cause the accumulation of lignin. Tissue sections further supported this finding, showing differences in cell wall thickness between upright and curved stems, potentially due to lignin accumulation. Additionally, 262 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 38 genes were identified as key SNPs, and 5 genes related to zigzag stems were identified through homologous gene function annotation. Mutations in these genes may impact auxin distribution and content, resulting in the asymmetric development of vascular bundles in curved stems. In summary, we identified the key genes associated with the tortuous phenotype by using BSR-seq on a BC1 population to minimize genetic background noise.
PMID: 38674133
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2024 Apr , V25 (7) doi: 10.3390/ijms25073978
Sulfate Availability and Hormonal Signaling in the Coordination of Plant Growth and Development.
Laboratory of Plant Protein Homeostasis, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Pawinskiego 5A, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
Sulfur (S), one of the crucial macronutrients, plays a pivotal role in fundamental plant processes and the regulation of diverse metabolic pathways. Additionally, it has a major function in plant protection against adverse conditions by enhancing tolerance, often interacting with other molecules to counteract stresses. Despite its significance, a thorough comprehension of how plants regulate S nutrition and particularly the involvement of phytohormones in this process remains elusive. Phytohormone signaling pathways crosstalk to modulate growth and developmental programs in a multifactorial manner. Additionally, S availability regulates the growth and development of plants through molecular mechanisms intertwined with phytohormone signaling pathways. Conversely, many phytohormones influence or alter S metabolism within interconnected pathways. S metabolism is closely associated with phytohormones such as abscisic acid (ABA), auxin (AUX), brassinosteroids (BR), cytokinins (CK), ethylene (ET), gibberellic acid (GA), jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), and strigolactones (SL). This review provides a summary of the research concerning the impact of phytohormones on S metabolism and, conversely, how S availability affects hormonal signaling. Although numerous molecular details are yet to be fully understood, several core signaling components have been identified at the crossroads of S and major phytohormonal pathways.
PMID: 38612787
Front Plant Sci , IF:5.753 , 2024 , V15 : P1369299 doi: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1369299
A bird's-eye view: exploration of the flavin-containing monooxygenase superfamily in common wheat.
Department of Botany, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Summerland Research & Development Center, Summerland, BC, Canada.
The Flavin Monooxygenase (FMO) gene superfamily in plants is involved in various processes most widely documented for its involvement in auxin biosynthesis, specialized metabolite biosynthesis, and plant microbial defense signaling. The roles of FMOs in defense signaling and disease resistance have recently come into focus as they may present opportunities to increase immune responses in plants including leading to systemic acquired resistance, but are not well characterized. We present a comprehensive catalogue of FMOs found in genomes across vascular plants and explore, in depth, 170 wheat TaFMO genes for sequence architecture, cis-acting regulatory elements, and changes due to Transposable Element insertions. A molecular phylogeny separates TaFMOs into three clades (A, B, and C) for which we further report gene duplication patterns, and differential rates of homoeologue expansion and retention among TaFMO subclades. We discuss Clade B TaFMOs where gene expansion is similarly seen in other cereal genomes. Transcriptome data from various studies point towards involvement of subclade B2 TaFMOs in disease responses against both biotrophic and necrotrophic pathogens, substantiated by promoter element analysis. We hypothesize that certain TaFMOs are responsive to both abiotic and biotic stresses, providing potential targets for enhancing disease resistance, plant yield and other important agronomic traits. Altogether, FMOs in wheat and other crop plants present an untapped resource to be exploited for improving the quality of crops.
PMID: 38681221
Front Plant Sci , IF:5.753 , 2024 , V15 : P1330032 doi: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1330032
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhanced resistance to low-temperature weak-light stress in snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.) through physiological and transcriptomic responses.
Country College of Landscape Architecture and Forestry, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.; Institute of Mycorrhizal Biotechnology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
INTRODUCTION: Low temperature (LT) and weak light (WL) seriously affects the yield and quality of snapdragon in winter greenhouse. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) exert positive role in regulating growth and enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in plants. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms by AMF improve the LT combined with WL (LTWL) tolerance in snapdragon remain mostly unknown. METHODS: We compared the differences in root configuration, osmoregulatory substances, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant enzyme defense systems and transcriptome between AMF-inoculated and control groups under LT, WL, low light, and LTWL conditions. RESULTS: Our analysis showed that inoculation with AMF effectively alleviated the inhibition caused by LTWL stress on snapdragon root development, and significantly enhanced the contents of soluble sugars, soluble proteins, proline, thereby maintaining the osmotic adjustment of snapdragon. In addition, AMF alleviated reactive oxygen species damage by elevating the contents of AsA, and GSH, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), and glutathione reductase (GR). RNA-seq analysis revealed that AMF regulated the expression of genes related to photosynthesis (photosystem I related proteins, photosystem II related proteins, chlorophyll a/b binding protein), active oxygen metabolism (POD, Fe-SOD, and iron/ascorbate family oxidoreductase), plant hormone synthesis (ARF5 and ARF16) and stress-related transcription factors gene (bHLH112, WRKY72, MYB86, WRKY53, WRKY6, and WRKY26) under LTWL stress. DISCUSSION: We concluded that mycorrhizal snapdragon promotes root development and LTWL tolerance by accumulation of osmoregulatory substances, activation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems, and induction expression of transcription factor genes and auxin synthesis related genes. This study provides a theoretical basis for AMF in promoting the production of greenhouse plants in winter.
PMID: 38681217
Front Plant Sci , IF:5.753 , 2024 , V15 : P1333816 doi: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1333816
Thidiazuron combined with cyclanilide modulates hormone pathways and ROS systems in cotton, increasing defoliation at low temperatures.
Institute of Industrial Crops, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Cotton and Rapeseed, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Nanjing, China.; Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.; Cotton Research Institute, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, China.
Low temperatures decrease the thidiazuron (TDZ) defoliation efficiency in cotton, while cyclanilide (CYC) combined with TDZ can improve the defoliation efficiency at low temperatures, but the mechanism is unknown. This study analyzed the effect of exogenous TDZ and CYC application on cotton leaf abscissions at low temperatures (daily mean temperature: 15 degrees C) using physiology and transcriptomic analysis. The results showed that compared with the TDZ treatment, TDZ combined with CYC accelerated cotton leaf abscission and increased the defoliation rate at low temperatures. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in cotton abscission zones (AZs) were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses to compare the enriched GO terms and KEGG pathways between the TDZ treatment and TDZ combined with CYC treatment. TDZ combined with CYC could induce more DEGs in cotton leaf AZs at low temperatures, and these DEGs were related to plant hormone and reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathways. CYC is an auxin transport inhibitor. TDZ combined with CYC not only downregulated more auxin response related genes but also upregulated more ethylene and jasmonic acid (JA) response related genes at low temperatures, and it decreased the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content and increased the JA and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) contents, which enhanced cotton defoliation. In addition, compared with the TDZ treatment alone, TDZ combined with CYC upregulated the expression of respiratory burst oxidase homologs (RBOH) genes and the hydrogen peroxide content in cotton AZs at low temperatures, which accelerated cotton defoliation. These results indicated that CYC enhanced the TDZ defoliation efficiency in cotton by adjusting hormone synthesis and response related pathways (including auxin, ethylene, and JA) and ROS production at low temperatures.
PMID: 38633458
Theor Appl Genet , IF:5.699 , 2024 Apr , V137 (5) : P102 doi: 10.1007/s00122-024-04606-z
Genomic basis determining root system architecture in maize.
State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.; National Maize Improvement Center of China, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.; Key Lab of Plant-Soil Interaction, MOE, Center for Resources, Environment and Food Security, College Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.; National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.; State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China. caucfj@cau.edu.cn.; Key Lab of Plant-Soil Interaction, MOE, Center for Resources, Environment and Food Security, College Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China. caucfj@cau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China. yuanlixing@cau.edu.cn.; Key Lab of Plant-Soil Interaction, MOE, Center for Resources, Environment and Food Security, College Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China. yuanlixing@cau.edu.cn.; Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China. yuanlixing@cau.edu.cn.
A total of 389 and 344 QTLs were identified by GWAS and QTL mapping explaining accumulatively 32.2-65.0% and 23.7-63.4% of phenotypic variation for 14 shoot-borne root traits using more than 1300 individuals across multiple field trails. Efficient nutrient and water acquisition from soils depends on the root system architecture (RSA). However, the genetic determinants underlying RSA in maize remain largely unexplored. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive genetic analysis for 14 shoot-borne root traits using 513 inbred lines and 800 individuals from four recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations at the mature stage across multiple field trails. Our analysis revealed substantial phenotypic variation for these 14 root traits, with a total of 389 and 344 QTLs identified through genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) and linkage analysis, respectively. These QTLs collectively explained 32.2-65.0% and 23.7-63.4% of the trait variation within each population. Several a priori candidate genes involved in auxin and cytokinin signaling pathways, such as IAA26, ARF2, LBD37 and CKX3, were found to co-localize with these loci. In addition, a total of 69 transcription factors (TFs) from 27 TF families (MYB, NAC, bZIP, bHLH and WRKY) were found for shoot-borne root traits. A total of 19 genes including PIN3, LBD15, IAA32, IAA38 and ARR12 and 19 GWAS signals were overlapped with selective sweeps. Further, significant additive effects were found for root traits, and pyramiding the favorable alleles could enhance maize root development. These findings could contribute to understand the genetic basis of root development and evolution, and provided an important genetic resource for the genetic improvement of root traits in maize.
PMID: 38607439
Microbiol Res , IF:5.415 , 2024 Apr , V284 : P127726 doi: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127726
Plant communication with rhizosphere microbes can be revealed by understanding microbial functional gene composition.
CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Yunnan 666303, China. Electronic address: sandhya@xtbg.ac.cn.; CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Yunnan 666303, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.; CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Yunnan 666303, China. Electronic address: yangxd@xtbg.ac.cn.
Understanding rhizosphere microbial ecology is necessary to reveal the interplay between plants and associated microbial communities. The significance of rhizosphere-microbial interactions in plant growth promotion, mediated by several key processes such as auxin synthesis, enhanced nutrient uptake, stress alleviation, disease resistance, etc., is unquestionable and well reported in numerous literature. Moreover, rhizosphere research has witnessed tremendous progress due to the integration of the metagenomics approach and further shift in our viewpoint from taxonomic to functional diversity over the past decades. The microbial functional genes corresponding to the beneficial functions provide a solid foundation for the successful establishment of positive plant-microbe interactions. The microbial functional gene composition in the rhizosphere can be regulated by several factors, e.g., the nutritional requirements of plants, soil chemistry, soil nutrient status, pathogen attack, abiotic stresses, etc. Knowing the pattern of functional gene composition in the rhizosphere can shed light on the dynamics of rhizosphere microbial ecology and the strength of cooperation between plants and associated microbes. This knowledge is crucial to realizing how microbial functions respond to unprecedented challenges which are obvious in the Anthropocene. Unraveling how microbes-mediated beneficial functions will change under the influence of several challenges, requires knowledge of the pattern and composition of functional genes corresponding to beneficial functions such as biogeochemical functions (nutrient cycle), plant growth promotion, stress mitigation, etc. Here, we focus on the molecular traits of plant growth-promoting functions delivered by a set of microbial functional genes that can be useful to the emerging field of rhizosphere functional ecology.
PMID: 38643524
Microbiol Res , IF:5.415 , 2024 May , V282 : P127639 doi: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127639
Mechanisms on salt tolerant of Paenibacillus polymyxa SC2 and its growth-promoting effects on maize seedlings under saline conditions.
College of Life Sciences, Shandong Engineering Research Center of Plant-Microbia Restoration for Saline-alkali Land, Shandong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China. Electronic address: wangcq@sdau.edu.cn.; College of Life Sciences, Shandong Engineering Research Center of Plant-Microbia Restoration for Saline-alkali Land, Shandong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China.; Institute of Wetland Agriculture and Ecology, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China.; Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China. Electronic address: jjqdainty@163.com.; College of Life Sciences, Shandong Engineering Research Center of Plant-Microbia Restoration for Saline-alkali Land, Shandong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China; College of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, China. Electronic address: zhaodongying4321@163.com.
Soil salinity negatively affects microbial communities, soil fertility, and agricultural productivity and has become a major agricultural problem worldwide. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with salt tolerance can benefit plant growth under saline conditions and diminish the negative effects of salt stress on plants. In this study, we aimed to understand the salt-tolerance mechanism of Paenibacillus polymyxa at the genetic and metabolic levels and elucidate the mechanism of strain SC2 in promoting maize growth under saline conditions. Under salt stress, we found that strain SC2 promoted maize seedling growth, which was accompanied by a significant upregulation of genes encoding for the biosynthesis of peptidoglycan, polysaccharide, and fatty acid, the metabolism of purine and pyrimidine, and the transport of osmoprotectants such as trehalose, glycine betaine, and K(+) in strain SC2. To further enhance the salt resistance of strain SC2, three mutants (SC2-11, SC2-13, and SC2-14) with higher capacities for salt resistance and exopolysaccharide synthesis were obtained via atmospheric and room-temperature plasma mutagenesis. In saline-alkaline soil, the mutants showed better promoting effect on maize seedlings than wild-type SC2. The fresh weight of maize seedlings was increased by 68.10% after treatment with SC2-11 compared with that of the control group. The transcriptome analysis of maize roots demonstrated that SC2 and SC2-11 could induce the upregulation of genes related to the plant hormone signal transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, reactive oxygen species scavenging, and auxin and ethylene signaling under saline-alkaline stress. In addition, various transcription factors, such as zinc finger proteins, ethylene-responsive-element-binding protein, WRKY, myeloblastosis proteins, basic helix-loop-helix proteins, and NAC proteins, were up-regulated in response to abiotic stress. Moreover, the microbial community composition of maize rhizosphere soil after inoculating with strain SC2 was varied from the one after inoculating with mutant SC2-11. Our results provide new insights into the various genes involved in the salt resistance of strain SC2 and a theoretical basis for utilizing P. polymyxa in saline-alkaline environments.
PMID: 38354626
Microbiol Res , IF:5.415 , 2024 Apr , V281 : P127630 doi: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127630
Molecular insights into the mutualism that induces iron deficiency tolerance in sorghum inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum.
School of Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, LA 71209, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA. Electronic address: kabir@ulm.edu.; Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA. Electronic address: maize@uga.edu.
Iron (Fe) deficiency is a common mineral stress in plants, including sorghum. Although the soil fungus Trichoderma harzianum has been shown to mitigate Fe deficiency in some circumstances, neither the range nor mechanism(s) of this process are well understood. In this study, high pH-induced Fe deficiency in sorghum cultivated in pots with natural field soil exhibited a significant decrease in biomass, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, and Fe-uptake in both the root and shoot. However, the establishment of T. harzianum colonization in roots of Fe-deprived sorghum showed significant improvements in morpho-physiological traits, Fe levels, and redox status. Molecular detection of the fungal ThAOX1 (L-aminoacid oxidase) gene showed the highest colonization of T. harzianum in the root tips of Fe-deficient sorghum, a location thus targeted for further analysis. Expression studies by RNA-seq and qPCR in sorghum root tips revealed a significant upregulation of several genes associated with Fe uptake (SbTOM2), auxin synthesis (SbSAURX15), nicotianamine synthase 3 (SbNAS3), and a phytosiderophore transporter (SbYS1). Also induced was the siderophore synthesis gene (ThSIT1) in T. harzianum, a result supported by biochemical evidence for elevated siderophore and IAA (indole acetic acid) levels in roots. Given the high affinity of fungal siderophore to chelate insoluble Fe(3+) ions, it is likely that elevated siderophore released by T. harzianum led to Fe(III)-siderophore complexes in the rhizosphere that were then transported into roots by the induced SbYS1 (yellow-stripe 1) transporter. In addition, the observed induction of several plant peroxidase genes and ABA (abscisic acid) under Fe deficiency after inoculation with T. harzianum may have helped induce tolerance to Fe-deficiency-induced oxidative stress and adaptive responses. This is the first mechanistic explanation for T. harzianum's role in helping alleviate Fe deficiency in sorghum and suggests that biofertilizers using T. harzianum will improve Fe availability to crops in high pH environments.
PMID: 38295681
Microbiol Res , IF:5.415 , 2024 Apr , V281 : P127602 doi: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127602
Bacterial indole-3-acetic acid: A key regulator for plant growth, plant-microbe interactions, and agricultural adaptive resilience.
Soil Science Department, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address: hassanetesami@ut.ac.ir.; Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a fundamental phytohormone categorized under auxins, not only influences plant growth and development but also plays a critical role in plant-microbe interactions. This study reviews the role of IAA in bacteria-plant communication, with a focus on its biosynthesis, regulation, and the subsequent effects on host plants. Bacteria synthesize IAA through multiple pathways, which include the indole-3-acetamide (IAM), indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPyA), and several other routes, whose full mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. The production of bacterial IAA affects root architecture, nutrient uptake, and resistance to various abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity, enhancing plant resilience and thus offering promising routes to sustainable agriculture. Bacterial IAA synthesis is regulated through complex gene networks responsive to environmental cues, impacting plant hormonal balances and symbiotic relationships. Pathogenic bacteria have adapted mechanisms to manipulate the host's IAA dynamics, influencing disease outcomes. On the other hand, beneficial bacteria utilize IAA to promote plant growth and mitigate abiotic stresses, thereby enhancing nutrient use efficiency and reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers. Advancements in analytical methods, such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, have improved the quantification of bacterial IAA, enabling accurate measurement and analysis. Future research focusing on molecular interactions between IAA-producing bacteria and host plants could facilitate the development of biotechnological applications that integrate beneficial bacteria to improve crop performance, which is essential for addressing the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring global food security. This integration of bacterial IAA producers into agricultural practice promises to revolutionize crop management strategies by enhancing growth, fostering resilience, and reducing environmental impact.
PMID: 38228017
Microbiol Res , IF:5.415 , 2024 Apr , V281 : P127594 doi: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127594
The plant growth promoting rhizobacterium Achromobacter sp. 5B1, rescues Arabidopsis seedlings from alkaline stress by enhancing root organogenesis and hormonal responses.
Instituto de Investigaciones Quimico-Biologicas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Edificio B3, Ciudad Universitaria, C. P., 58030 Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico.; Facultad de Quimico Farmacobiologia, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Avenida Tzintzuntzan 173; Col. Matamoros, 58240 Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico.; Catedratico CONACYT-Instituto de Investigaciones Quimico-Biologicas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Edificio B3, Ciudad Universitaria, C. P., 58030 Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico.; Red de Estudios Moleculares Avanzados, Instituto de Ecologia A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91070, Xalapa, Ver, Mexico; Departamento de la Conservacion de la Biodiversidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur., Carretera Villahermosa-Reforma Km 15.5, Rancheria el Guineo, Seccion II C.P., 86280 Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico.; Red de Estudios Moleculares Avanzados, Instituto de Ecologia A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91070, Xalapa, Ver, Mexico.; Instituto de Investigaciones Quimico-Biologicas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Edificio B3, Ciudad Universitaria, C. P., 58030 Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico. Electronic address: jbucio@umich.mx.
Soil alkalinity is a critical environmental factor for plant growth and distribution in ecosystems. An alkaline condition (pH > 7) is imposed by the rising concentration of hydroxides and cations, and prevails in semiarid and arid environments, which represent more than 25% of the total arable land of the world. Despite the great pressure exerted by alkalinity for root viability and plant survival, scarce information is available to understand how root microbes contribute to alkaline pH adaptation. Here, we assessed the effects of alkalinity on shoot and root biomass production, chlorophyll content, root growth and branching, lateral root primordia formation, and the expression of CYCB1, TOR kinase, and auxin and cytokinin-inducible trangenes in shoots and roots of Arabidopsis seedlings grown in Petri plates with agar-nutrient medium at pH values of 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0. The results showed an inverse correlation between the rise of pH and most growth, hormonal and genetic traits analyzed. Noteworthy, root inoculation with Achromobacter sp. 5B1, a beneficial rhizospheric bacterium, with plant growth promoting and salt tolerance features, increased biomass production, restored root growth and branching and enhanced auxin responses in WT seedlings and auxin-related mutants aux1-7 and eir1, indicating that stress adaptation operates independently of canonical auxin transporter proteins. Sequencing of the Achromobacter sp. 5B1 genome unveiled 5244 protein-coding genes, including genes possibly involved in auxin biosynthesis, quorum-sensing regulation and stress adaptation, which may account for its plant growth promotion attributes. These data highlight the critical role of rhizobacteria to increase plant resilience under high soil pH conditions potentially through genes for adaptation to an extreme environment and bacteria-plant communication.
PMID: 38211416
J Agric Food Chem , IF:5.279 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c00804
Epigenetic Regulation of CYP72A385-Mediated Metabolic Resistance to Novel Auxin Herbicide Florpyrauxifen-benzyl in Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.
College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.; Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China.; College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China.; Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
Weed's metabolic resistance to herbicides has undermined the sustainability of herbicides and global food security. Notably, we identified an Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv population (R) that evolved resistance to the never-used florpyrauxifen-benzyl, in which florpyrauxifen-benzyl was metabolized faster than the susceptible E. crus-galli population (S). RNA-seq identified potential metabolism-related genes, EcCYP72A385 and EcCYP85A1, whose expression in yeast exhibited the capacity to degrade florpyrauxifen-benzyl. Region-2 in the EcCYP72A385 promoter showed significant demethylation after florpyrauxifen-benzyl treatment in the R population. DNA methyltransferase inhibitors induce EcCYP72A385 overexpression in the S population and endow it with tolerance to florpyrauxifen-benzyl. Moreover, methyltransferase-like 7A (EcMETTL7A) was overexpressed in the S population and specifically bound to the EcCYP72A385 promoter. Transgenic EcCYP72A385 in Arabidopsis and Oryza sativa L. exhibited resistance to florpyrauxifen-benzyl, whereas EcMETTL7A transgenic plants were sensitive. Overall, EcCYP72A385 is the principal functional gene for conferring resistance to florpyrauxifen-benzyl and is regulated by EcMETTL7A in E. crus-galli.
PMID: 38600742
Chemistry , IF:5.236 , 2024 Apr , V30 (22) : Pe202400066 doi: 10.1002/chem.202400066
Spiropyran-Based Photoisomerizable alpha-Amino Acid for Membrane-Active Peptide Modification.
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, POB 3640, 76021, Karlsruhe, Germany.; Enamine, Vul. Winstona Churchilla 78, 02094, Kyiv, Ukraine.; Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles iela 21, 1006, Riga, Latvia.; Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Vul. Volodymyrska 60, 01601, Kyiv, Ukraine.; Lumobiotics, Auerstrasse 2, 76227, Karlsruhe., Germany.
Photoisomerizable peptides are promising drug candidates in photopharmacology. While azobenzene- and diarylethene-containing photoisomerizable peptides have already demonstrated their potential in this regard, reports on the use of spiropyrans to photoregulate bioactive peptides are still scarce. This work focuses on the design and synthesis of a spiropyran-derived amino acid, (S)-2-amino-3-(6'-methoxy-1',3',3'-trimethylspiro-[2H-1-benzopyran-2,2'-indolin-6-yl])propanoic acid, which is suitable for the preparation of photoisomerizable peptides. The utility of this amino acid is demonstrated by incorporating it into the backbone of BP100, a known membrane-active peptide, and by examining the photoregulation of the membrane perturbation by the spiropyran-containing peptides. The toxicity of the peptides (against the plant cell line BY-2), their bacteriotoxicity (E. coli), and actin-auxin oscillator modulation ability were shown to be significantly dependent on the photoisomeric state of the spiropyran unit.
PMID: 38366887
Food Chem X , IF:5.182 , 2024 Jun , V22 : P101306 doi: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101306
Exogenous silicon applied at appropriate concentrations is effective at improving tomato nutritional and flavor qualities.
College of Horticulture, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China.; State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
Silicon can mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses in various plants; however, its effects on tomato quality under normal growth conditions are remain unclear. We used a randomized design with four Si treatments, CON (0 mmol/L), T1 (0.6 mmol/L), T2 (1.2 mmol/L), and T3 (1.8 mmol/L) on tomato fruit components Chlorogenic acid and rutin, among polyphenolic components, were increased by 56.99% and 20.31%, respectively, with T2 treatment compared to CON concentrations. T2 increased the sugar-acid ratio by 19.21%, compared to that with the CON treatment, and increased fruit Ca and Mg contents, compared to those with other treatments, improving the characteristic aroma. Furthermore, silicon application reduced the abscisic acid content by 112%, promoting ripening. Endogenous gibberellin, auxin, and salicylic acid, which retard fruit ripening and softening, were increased by 34.96%, 14.56%, and 35.21%, respectively. These findings have far-reaching implications for exogenous Si applications to enrich tomato nutritional and flavor qualities.
PMID: 38550882
Plant Cell Physiol , IF:4.927 , 2024 Apr , V65 (3) : P460-471 doi: 10.1093/pcp/pcae002
Thermospermine Is an Evolutionarily Ancestral Phytohormone Required for Organ Development and Stress Responses in Marchantia Polymorpha.
Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Tsushimanaka 3-1-1, Okayama, 700-8530 Japan.; Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502 Japan.
Thermospermine suppresses auxin-inducible xylem differentiation, whereas its structural isomer, spermine, is involved in stress responses in angiosperms. The thermospermine synthase, ACAULIS5 (ACL5), is conserved from algae to land plants, but its physiological functions remain elusive in non-vascular plants. Here, we focused on MpACL5, a gene in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha, that rescued the dwarf phenotype of the acl5 mutant in Arabidopsis. In the Mpacl5 mutants generated by genome editing, severe growth retardation was observed in the vegetative organ, thallus, and the sexual reproductive organ, gametangiophore. The mutant gametangiophores exhibited remarkable morphological defects such as short stalks, fasciation and indeterminate growth. Two gametangiophores fused together, and new gametangiophores were often initiated from the old ones. Furthermore, Mpacl5 showed altered responses to heat and salt stresses. Given the absence of spermine in bryophytes, these results suggest that thermospermine has a dual primordial function in organ development and stress responses in M. polymorpha. The stress response function may have eventually been assigned to spermine during land plant evolution.
PMID: 38179828
Plant Sci , IF:4.729 , 2024 Apr , V344 : P112103 doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112103
PbARF19-mediated auxin signaling regulates lignification in pear fruit stone cells.
Sanya Institute, College of Horticulture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.; Sanya Institute, College of Horticulture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China. Electronic address: taost@njau.edu.cn.
The stone cells in pear fruits cause rough flesh and low juice, seriously affecting the taste. Lignin has been demonstrated as the main component of stone cells. Auxin, one of the most important plant hormone, regulates most physiological processes in plants including lignification. However, the concentration effect and regulators of auxin on pear fruits stone cell formation remains unclear. Here, endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and stone cells were found to be co-localized in lignified cells by immunofluorescence localization analysis. The exogenous treatment of different concentrations of IAA demonstrated that the application of 200 microM IAA significantly reduced stone cell content, while concentrations greater than 500 microM significantly increased stone cell content. Besides, 31 auxin response factors (ARFs) were identified in pear genome. Putative ARFs were predicted as critical regulators involved in the lignification of pear flesh cells by phylogenetic relationship and expression analysis. Furthermore, the negative regulation of PbARF19 on stone cell formation in pear fruit was demonstrated by overexpression in pear fruitlets and Arabidopsis. These results illustrated that the PbARF19-mediated auxin signal plays a critical role in the lignification of pear stone cell by regulating lignin biosynthetic genes. This study provides theoretical and practical guidance for improving fruit quality in pear production.
PMID: 38657909
Plant Sci , IF:4.729 , 2024 Jun , V343 : P112064 doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112064
Abolishing ARF8A activity promotes disease resistance in tomato.
Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel; School of Plant Science and Food Security, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel.; Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.; Institute of Plant Science and Genetics in Agriculture, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.; School of Plant Science and Food Security, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel.; Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel. Electronic address: mayabar@volcani.agri.gov.il.
Auxin response factors (ARFs) are a family of transcription factors that regulate auxin-dependent developmental processes. Class A ARFs function as activators of auxin-responsive gene expression in the presence of auxin, while acting as transcriptional repressors in its absence. Despite extensive research on the functions of ARF transcription factors in plant growth and development, the extent, and mechanisms of their involvement in plant resistance, remain unknown. We have previously reported that mutations in the tomato AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR8 (ARF8) genes SlARF8A and SlARF8B result in the decoupling of fruit development from pollination and fertilization, leading to partial or full parthenocarpy and increased yield under extreme temperatures. Here, we report that fine-tuning of SlARF8 activity results in increased resistance to fungal and bacterial pathogens. This resistance is mostly preserved under fluctuating temperatures. Thus, fine-tuning SlARF8 activity may be a potent strategy for increasing overall growth and yield.
PMID: 38492890
Plant Sci , IF:4.729 , 2024 Jun , V343 : P112057 doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112057
Partially knocking out NtPDK1a/1b/1c/1d simultaneously in Nicotiana tabacum using CRISPR/CAS9 technology results in auxin-related developmental defects.
College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004, China.; College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology on Specialty Economic Plants, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004, China; Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004, China. Electronic address: jzliu@zjnu.cn.
The eukaryotic AGC protein kinase subfamily (protein kinase A/ protein kinase G/ protein kinase C-family) is involved in regulating numerous biological processes across kingdoms, including growth and development, and apoptosis. PDK1(3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase in eukaryotes, which is both a member of AGC kinase and a major regulator of many other downstream AGC protein kinase family members. Although extensively investigated in model plant Arabidopsis, detailed reports for tobacco PDK1s have been limited. To better understand the functions of PDK1s in tobacco, CRISPR/CAS9 transgenic lines were generated in tetraploid N. tabacum, cv. Samsun (NN) with 5-7 of the 8 copies of 4 homologous PDK1 genes in tobacco genome (NtPDK1a/1b/1c/1d homologs) simultaneously knocked out. Numerous developmental defects were observed in these NtPDK1a/1b/1c/1d CRISPR/CAS9 lines, including cotyledon fusion leaf shrinkage, uneven distribution of leaf veins, convex veins, root growth retardation, and reduced fertility, all of which reminiscence of impaired polar auxin transport. The severity of these defects was correlated with the number of knocked out alleles of NtPDK1a/1b/1c/1d. Consistent with the observation in Arabidopsis, it was found that the polar auxin transport, and not auxin biosynthesis, was significantly compromised in these knockout lines compared with the wild type tobacco plants. The fact that no homozygous plant with all 8 NtPDK1a/1b/1c/1d alleles being knocked out suggested that knocking out 8 alleles of NtPDK1a/1b/1c/1d could be lethal. In conclusion, our results indicated that NtPDK1s are versatile AGC kinases that participate in regulation of tobacco growth and development via modulating polar auxin transport. Our results also indicated that CRISPR/CAS9 technology is a powerful tool in resolving gene redundancy in polyploidy plants.
PMID: 38460553
Plant Sci , IF:4.729 , 2024 May , V342 : P112050 doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112050
Plant-specific environmental and developmental signals regulate the mismatch repair protein MSH6 in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Centro de Estudios Fotosinteticos y Bioquimicos (CEFOBI), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquimicas y Farmaceuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario 2000, Argentina.; Centro de Estudios Fotosinteticos y Bioquimicos (CEFOBI), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquimicas y Farmaceuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario 2000, Argentina. Electronic address: spampinato@cefobi-conicet.gov.ar.
The DNA mismatch repair (MMR) is a postreplicative system that guarantees genomic stability by correcting mispaired and unpaired nucleotides. In eukaryotic nuclei, MMR is initiated by the binding of heterodimeric MutS homologue (MSH) complexes to the DNA error or lesion. Among these proteins, MSH2-MSH6 is the most abundant heterodimer. Even though the MMR mechanism and proteins are highly conserved throughout evolution, physiological differences between species can lead to different regulatory features. Here, we investigated how light, sugar, and/or hormones modulate Arabidopsis thaliana MSH6 expression pattern. We first characterized the promoter region of MSH6. Phylogenetic shadowing revealed three highly conserved regions. These regions were analyzed by the generation of deletion constructs of the MSH6 full-length promoter fused to the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) gene. Combined, our in silico and genetic analyses revealed that a 121-bp promoter fragment was necessary for MSH6 expression and contained potential cis-acting elements involved in light- and hormone-responsive gene expression. Accordingly, light exposure or sugar treatment of four-day old A. thaliana seedlings triggered an upregulation of MSH6 in shoot and root apical meristems. Appropriately, MSH6 was also induced by the stem cell inducer WUSCHEL. Further, the stimulatory effect of light was dependent on the presence of phyA. In addition, treatment of seedlings with auxin or cytokinin also caused an upregulation of MSH6 under darkness. Consistent with auxin signals, MSH6 expression was suppressed in the GATA23 RNAi line compared with the wild type. Our results provide evidence that endogenous factors and environmental signals controlling plant growth and development regulate the MSH6 protein in A. thaliana.
PMID: 38401766
Plant Sci , IF:4.729 , 2024 Apr , V341 : P112014 doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112014
Overexpression of a BR inactivating enzyme gene GhPAG1 impacts eggplant fruit development and anthocyanin accumulation mainly by altering hormone homeostasis.
School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Kexue Avenue 100, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.; Henan Engineering Technology Research Center of New Germplasm Creation and Utilization for Solanaceous Vegetable Crops, Zhumadian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuqiang Road 51, Zhumadian 463000, China.; Henan Youmei Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd, Zhoukou 466100, China.; Henan Engineering Technology Research Center of New Germplasm Creation and Utilization for Solanaceous Vegetable Crops, Zhumadian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuqiang Road 51, Zhumadian 463000, China. Electronic address: jiangjun2251@163.com.; School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Kexue Avenue 100, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China. Electronic address: zhangyanjie@zzu.edu.cn.
Brassinosteroids (BRs) function importantly in plant growth and development, but the roles in regulating fruit development and anthocyanin pigmentation remain unclear. Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an important Solanaceae vegetable crop rich in anthocyanins. The fruit size and coloration are important agronomic traits for eggplant breeding. In this study, transgenic eggplant exhibiting endogenous BRs deficiency was created by overexpressing a heterologous BRs-inactivating enzyme gene GhPAG1 driven by CaMV 35 S promoter. 35 S::GhPAG1 eggplant exhibited severe dwarfism, reduced fruit size, and less anthocyanin accumulation. Microscopic observation showed that the cell size of 35 S::GhPAG1 eggplant was significantly reduced compared to WT. Furthermore, the levels of IAA, ME-IAA, and active JAs (JA, JA-ILE, and H2JA) all decreased in 35 S::GhPAG1 eggplant fruit. RNA-Seq analyses showed a decrease in the expression of genes involved in cell elongation, auxin signaling, and JA signaling. Besides, overexpression of GhPAG1 significantly downregulated anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and associated transcription regulators. Altogether, these results strongly suggest that endogenous brassinosteroid deficiency arising from GhPAG1 overexpression impacts eggplant fruit development and anthocyanin coloration mainly by altering hormone homeostasis.
PMID: 38309473
Plant Sci , IF:4.729 , 2024 Apr , V341 : P112008 doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112008
The Mh-miR393a-TIR1 module regulates Alternaria alternata resistance of Malus hupehensis mainly by modulating the auxin signaling.
College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China.; College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China; Xuzhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Jiangsu Xuhuai District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221131, PR China.; Institute of Fruit Science, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Science, Guiyang, Guizhou 550006, PR China. Electronic address: 376258195@qq.com.; College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China. Electronic address: qscnj@njau.edu.cn.
miRNAs govern gene expression and regulate plant defense. Alternaria alternata is a destructive fungal pathogen that damages apple. The wild apple germplasm Malus hupehensis is highly resistant to leaf spot disease caused by this fungus. Herein, we elucidated the regulatory and functional role of miR393a in apple resistance against A. alternata by targeting Transport Inhibitor Response 1. Mature miR393 accumulation in infected M. hupehensis increased owing to the transcriptional activation of MIR393a, determined to be a positive regulator of A. alternata resistance to either 'Orin' calli or 'Gala' leaves. 5' RLM-RACE and co-transformation assays showed that the target of miR393a was MhTIR1, a gene encoding a putative F-box auxin receptor that compromised apple immunity. RNA-seq analysis of transgenic calli revealed that MhTIR1 upregulated auxin signaling gene transcript levels and influenced phytohormone pathways and plant-pathogen interactions. miR393a compromised the sensitivity of several auxin-signaling genes to A. alternata infection, whereas MhTIR1 had the opposite effect. Using exogenous indole-3-acetic acid or the auxin synthesis inhibitor L-AOPP, we clarified that auxin enhances apple susceptibility to this pathogen. miR393a promotes SA biosynthesis and impedes pathogen-triggered ROS bursts by repressing TIR1-mediated auxin signaling. We uncovered the mechanism underlying the miR393a-TIR1 module, which interferes with apple defense against A. alternata by modulating the auxin signaling pathway.
PMID: 38307352
Plant Sci , IF:4.729 , 2024 Apr , V341 : P111998 doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.111998
Arabidopsis HAPLESS13/AP-1micro is critical for pollen sac formation and tapetal function.
Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.; College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China.; College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China. Electronic address: shali@sdau.edu.cn.; Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China. Electronic address: yzhang2020@nankai.edu.cn.
The production of excess and viable pollen grains is critical for reproductive success of flowering plants. Pollen grains are produced within anthers, the male reproductive organ whose development involves precisely controlled cell differentiation, division, and intercellular communication. In Arabidopsis thaliana, specification of an archesporial cell (AC) at four corners of a developing anther, followed by programmed cell divisions, generates four pollen sacs, walled by four cell layers among which the tapetum is in close contact with developing microspores. Tapetum secretes callose-dissolving enzymes to release microspores at early stages and undergoes programmed cell death (PCD) to deliver nutrients and signals for microspore development at later stages. Except for transcription factors, plasma membrane (PM)-associated and secretory peptides have also been demonstrated to mediate anther development. Adaptor protein complexes (AP) recruit both cargos and coat proteins during vesicle trafficking. Arabidopsis AP-1micro/HAPLESS13 (HAP13) is a core component of AP-1 for protein sorting at the trans-Golgi network/early endosomes (TGN/EE). We report here that Arabidopsis HAP13 is critical for pollen sac formation and for sporophytic control of pollen production. Functional loss of HAP13 causes a reduction in pollen sac number. It also results in the dysfunction of tapetum such that secretory function of tapetum at early stages and PCD of tapetum at later stages are both compromised. We further show that the expression of SPL, the polar distribution of auxin maximum, as well as the asymmetric distribution of PIN1 are interfered in hap13 anthers, which in combination may lead to male sterility in hap13.
PMID: 38307351
Plant Sci , IF:4.729 , 2024 Apr , V341 : P111997 doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.111997
Scaffold protein BTB/TAZ domain-containing genes (CmBTs) play a negative role in root development of chrysanthemum.
College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-An, Shandong 271018, China.; Beijing Key Laboratory of Development and Quality Control of Ornamental Crops, Department of Ornamental Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.; Beijing Key Laboratory of Development and Quality Control of Ornamental Crops, Department of Ornamental Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-An, Shandong 271018, China. Electronic address: suncuihui@163.com.
Scaffold proteins, which are known as hubs controlling information flow in cells, can function in a diverse array of biological processes in plants. The BTB/TAZ domain-containing scaffold proteins are associated with multiple signaling pathways in plants. However, there have been few studies of the roles of BT scaffold proteins in chrysanthemum to date. In this study, four CmBT genes named as CmBT1, CmBT1-LIKE1 (CmBT1L1), CmBT1-LIKE2 (CmBT1L2), and CmBT5 were cloned based our previous RNA-seq database. The four CmBT genes showed distinctive expression patterns both in different tissues and in response to different stimuli, such as light, sugar, nitrate and auxin. Knockdown of the four CmBTs facilitated the development of adventitious roots and root hair in chrysanthemum. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed thousands of differentially expressed genes after knockdown of the four CmBT genes. Moreover, functional annotation suggested that CmBTs play a tethering role as scaffold proteins. Our findings reveal that CmBTs can negatively regulate root development of chrysanthemum by mediating nitrate assimilation, amino acid biosynthesis, and auxin and jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathways. This study provides new insights into the role of CmBTs in root development of chrysanthemum.
PMID: 38280641
Biotechnol J , IF:4.677 , 2024 Apr , V19 (4) : Pe2400006 doi: 10.1002/biot.202400006
Transcriptomic analysis provides an insight into the function of CmGH9B3, a key gene of beta-1, 4-glucanase, during the graft union healing of oriental melon scion grafted onto squash rootstock.
College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China.; Key Laboratory of Protected Horticulture (Ministry of Education), Shenyang, China.; Modern Protected Horticultural Engineering & Technology Center, Shenyang, China.; Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Station, Oregon State University, Hermiston, Oregon, USA.; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of science, University of Sargodha Pakistan, Sargodha, Pakistan.; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Equipment (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Shenyang, China.
The melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a globally cherished and economically significant crop. The grafting technique has been widely used in the vegetative propagation of melon to promote environmental tolerance and disease resistance. However, mechanisms governing graft healing and potential incompatibilities in melons following the grafting process remain unknown. To uncover the molecular mechanism of healing of grafted melon seedlings, melon wild type (Control) and TRV-CmGH9B3 lines were obtained and grafted onto the squash rootstocks (C. moschata). Anatomical differences indicated that the healing process of the TRV-CmGH9B3 plants was slower than that of the control. A total of 335 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected between two transcriptomes. Most of these DEGs were down-regulated in TRV-CmGH9B3 grafted seedlings. GO and KEGG analysis showed that many metabolic, physiological, and hormonal responses were involved in graft healing, including metabolic processes, plant hormone signaling, plant MAPK pathway, and sucrose starch pathway. During the healing process of TRV-CmGH9B3 grafted seedlings, gene synthesis related to hormone signal transduction (auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin, brassinolide) was delayed. At the same time, it was found that most of the DEGs related to the sucrose pathway were down-regulated in TRV-CmGH9B3 grafted seedlings. The results showed that sugar was also involved in the healing process of melon grafted onto squash. These results deepened our understanding of the molecular mechanism of GH9B3, a key gene of beta-1, 4-glucanase. It also provided a reference for elucidating the gene mechanism and function analysis of CmGH9B3 in the process of graft union healing.
PMID: 38581090
Plant Cell Rep , IF:4.57 , 2024 Apr , V43 (4) : P108 doi: 10.1007/s00299-024-03174-2
Capsicum chinense Jacq.-derived glutaredoxin (CcGRXS12) alters redox status of the cells to confer resistance against pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV-I).
Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas Margarita Salas-CSIC, Madrid, Spain. saravanakumarrm.sse@saveetha.com.; Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 602105, India. saravanakumarrm.sse@saveetha.com.; Physiology, Biochemistry and Post-Harvest Technology Division, ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod, Kerala, 671 124, India.; Sericultural Research Institute, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, China.; Department of Agriculture, School of Agriculture Sciences, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Karunya Nagar, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.; School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia.; Center for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.; Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 602105, India.; Centre for Ocean Research, Sathyabama Research Park, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600119, Tamil Nadu, India.
The CcGRXS12 gene protects plants from cellular oxidative damage that are caused by both biotic and abiotic stresses. The protein possesses GSH-disulphide oxidoreductase property but lacks Fe-S cluster assembly mechanism. Glutaredoxins (Grxs) are small, ubiquitous and multi-functional proteins. They are present in different compartments of plant cells. A chloroplast targeted Class I GRX (CcGRXS12) gene was isolated from Capsicum chinense during the pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) infection. Functional characterization of the gene was performed in Nicotiana benthamiana transgenic plants transformed with native C. chinense GRX (Nb:GRX), GRX-fused with GFP (Nb:GRX-GFP) and GRX-truncated for chloroplast sequences fused with GFP (Nb:Delta2MGRX-GFP). Overexpression of CcGRXS12 inhibited the PMMoV-I accumulation at the later stage of infection, accompanied with the activation of salicylic acid (SA) pathway pathogenesis-related (PR) transcripts and suppression of JA/ET pathway transcripts. Further, the reduced accumulation of auxin-induced Glutathione-S-Transferase (pCNT103) in CcGRXS12 overexpressing lines indicated that the protein could protect the plants from the oxidative stress caused by the virus. PMMoV-I infection increased the accumulation of pyridine nucleotides (PNs) mainly due to the reduced form of PNs (NAD(P)H), and it was high in Nb:GRX-GFP lines compared to other transgenic lines. Apart from biotic stress, CcGRXS12 protects the plants from abiotic stress conditions caused by H(2)O(2) and herbicide paraquat. CcGRXS12 exhibited GSH-disulphide oxidoreductase activity in vitro; however, it was devoid of complementary Fe-S cluster assembly mechanism found in yeast. Overall, this study proves that CcGRXS12 plays a crucial role during biotic and abiotic stress in plants.
PMID: 38557872
Ann Bot , IF:4.357 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1093/aob/mcae059
Hormonal profiles in dormant turions of 22 aquatic plant species: do they reflect functional or taxonomic traits?
Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Dukelska 135, CZ-379 01 Trebon, Czech Republic.; Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacky University & Institute of Experimental Botany AS CR, Slechtitelu 27, CZ-783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic.; Department of Chemical Biology, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, Slechtitelu 27, CZ-783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Turions are vegetative, dormant overwintering organs formed in aquatic plants in response to unfavourable ecological conditions. Contents of cytokinin (CK) and auxin metabolites and ABA as main growth and development regulators were compared in innately dormant autumnal turions of 22 aquatic plant species of different functional ecological or taxonomic groups with those in non-dormant winter apices in three aquatic species and with those in spring turions of four species after their overwintering. METHODS: The hormones were analysed in miniature turion samples using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. KEY RESULTS: In innately dormant turions, the total contents of each of the four main CK types, biologically active forms and total CKs differed by two-three orders of magnitude across 22 species; the proportion of the active CK forms was 0.18-67 %. Similarly, the content of four auxin forms was extremely variable and the IAA proportion as the active form was 0.014-99 %. The ABA content varied from almost zero to 54 micromol kg-1 dry weight and after overwintering, it usually significantly decreased. Hormone profiles depended most of all functional traits studied on the place of turion sprouting (surface vs. bottom) and suggest that this trait is crucial for turion ecophysiology. CONCLUSIONS: The key role of ABA in regulating turion dormancy was confirmed. However, the highly variable pattern of the ABA content in innately dormant and in overwintered turions indicate that the hormonal mechanism regulating the innate dormancy and its breaking in turions are not united within aquatic plants.
PMID: 38650442
Ann Bot , IF:4.357 , 2024 Apr , V133 (3) : P473-482 doi: 10.1093/aob/mcae004
PfPIN5 promotes style elongation by regulating cell length in Primula forbesii Franch.
State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources; Beijing Key Laboratory of Ornamental Plants Germplasm Innovation & Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture; College of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, P. R. China.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Style dimorphism is one of the polymorphic characteristics of flowers in heterostylous plants, which have two types of flowers: the pin morph, with long styles and shorter anthers, and the thrum morph, with short styles and longer anthers. The formation of dimorphic styles has received attention in the plant world. Previous studies showed that CYP734A50 in Primula determined style length and limited style elongation and that the brassinosteroid metabolic pathway was involved in regulation of style length. However, it is unknown whether there are other factors affecting the style length of Primula. METHODS: Differentially expressed genes highly expressed in pin morph styles were screened based on Primula forbesii transcriptome data. Virus-induced gene silencing was used to silence these genes, and the style length and anatomical changes were observed 20 days after injection. KEY RESULTS: PfPIN5 was highly expressed in pin morph styles. When PfPIN5 was silenced, the style length was shortened in pin and long-homostyle plants by shortening the length of style cells. Moreover, silencing CYP734A50 in thrum morph plants increased the expression level of PfPIN5 significantly, and the style length increased. The results indicated that PfPIN5, an auxin efflux transporter gene, contributed to regulation of style elongation in P. forbesii. CONCLUSIONS: The results implied that the auxin pathway might also be involved in the formation of styles of P. forbesii, providing a new pathway for elucidating the molecular mechanism of style elongation in P. forbesii.
PMID: 38190350
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2024 Apr , V210 : P108630 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108630
WRKY transcription factors modulate flowering time and response to environmental changes.
Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Grassland Resources and Ecology in the Yellow River Delta, College of Grassland Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China; Qingdao Key Laboratory of Specialty Plant Germplasm Innovation and Utilization in Saline Soils of Coastal Beach, College of Grassland Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China. Electronic address: biosonghui@outlook.com.; Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Grassland Resources and Ecology in the Yellow River Delta, College of Grassland Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China; Qingdao Key Laboratory of Specialty Plant Germplasm Innovation and Utilization in Saline Soils of Coastal Beach, College of Grassland Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.; Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Peanut, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China, Shandong Peanut Research Institute, Qingdao 266000, China.
WRKY transcription factors (TFs), originating in green algae, regulate flowering time and responses to environmental changes in plants. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of WRKY TFs in the correlation between flowering time and environmental changes remain unclear. Therefore, this review summarizes the association of WRKY TFs with flowering pathways to accelerate or delay flowering. WRKY TFs are implicated in phytohormone pathways, such as ethylene, auxin, and abscisic acid pathways, to modulate flowering time. WRKY TFs can modulate salt tolerance by regulating flowering time. WRKY TFs exhibit functional divergence in modulating environmental changes and flowering time. In summary, WRKY TFs are involved in complex pathways and modulate response to environmental changes, thus regulating flowering time.
PMID: 38657548
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2024 Apr , V210 : P108607 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108607
Arabidopsis CDF3 transcription factor increases carbon and nitrogen assimilation and yield in trans-grafted tomato plants.
Biotecmed, Universitat de Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.; Departamento de Produccion Vegetal, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (UPV), Valencia, Spain.; Joint Research Unit UJI-UPV Improvement of Agri-Food Quality, COMAV, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.; Centro de Biotecnologia y Genomica de Plantas (CBGP), CSIC/UPM-INIA, Madrid, Spain.; Centro de Biotecnologia y Genomica de Plantas (CBGP), CSIC/UPM-INIA, Madrid, Spain. Electronic address: medina.joaquin@inia.csic.es.; Joint Research Unit UJI-UPV Improvement of Agri-Food Quality, COMAV, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain. Electronic address: rvmolina@upv.edu.es.; Joint Research Unit UJI-UPV Improvement of Agri-Food Quality, COMAV, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain. Electronic address: sergonne@upv.edu.es.
Grafting in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) has mainly been used to prevent damage by soil-borne pathogens and the negative effects of abiotic stresses, although productivity and fruit quality can also be enhanced using high vigor rootstocks. In the context of a low nutrients input agriculture, the grafting of elite cultivars onto rootstocks displaying higher Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) supports a direct strategy for yield maximization. In this study we assessed the use of plants overexpressing the Arabidopsis (AtCDF3) or tomato (SlCDF3) CDF3 genes, previously reported to increase NUE in tomato, as rootstocks to improve yield in the grafted scion under low N inputs. We found that the AtCDF3 gene induced greater production of sugars and amino acids, which allowed for greater biomass and fruit yield under both sufficient and limiting N supplies. Conversely, no positive impact was found with the SlCDF3 gene. Hormone analyses suggest that gibberellins (GA(4)), auxin and cytokinins (tZ) might be involved in the AtCDF3 responses to N. The differential responses triggered by the two genes could be related, at least in part, to the mobility of the AtCDF3 transcript through the phloem to the shoot. Consistently, a higher expression of the target genes of the transcription factor, such as glutamine synthase 2 (SlGS2) and GA oxidase 3 (SlGA3ox), involved in amino acid and gibberellin biosynthesis, respectively, was observed in the leaves of this graft combination. Altogether, our results provided further insights into the mode of action of CDF3 genes and their biotechnology potential for transgrafting approaches.
PMID: 38593486
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2024 Apr , V210 : P108592 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108592
Azelaic acid can efficiently compete for the auxin binding site TIR1, altering auxin polar transport, gravitropic response, and root growth and architecture in Arabidopsisthaliana roots.
Universidade de Vigo. Departamento de Bioloxia Vexetal e Ciencias do Solo, Facultade de Bioloxia, Campus Lagoas-Marcosende s/n, 36310, Vigo, Spain; Instituto de Agroecoloxia e Alimentacion (IAA). Universidade de Vigo - Campus Auga, 32004, Ourense, Spain.; Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Universita Statale di Milano, Via Celoria n masculine2, 20133, Milano, Italy. Electronic address: fabrizio.araniti@unimi.it.; Departamento de Quimica Organica, Facultade de Quimica, Universidade de Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain; Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria Galicia Sur, Hospital Alvaro Cunqueiro, 36213, Vigo, Spain.
The present study investigates the phytotoxic potential of azelaic acid (AZA) on Arabidopsis thaliana roots. Effects on root morphology, anatomy, auxin content and transport, gravitropic response and molecular docking were analysed. AZA inhibited root growth, stimulated lateral and adventitious roots, and altered the root apical meristem by reducing meristem cell number, length and width. The treatment also slowed down the roots' gravitropic response, likely due to a reduction in statoliths, starch-rich organelles involved in gravity perception. In addition, auxin content, transport and distribution, together with PIN proteins' expression and localisation were altered after AZA treatment, inducing a reduction in auxin transport and its distribution into the meristematic zone. Computational simulations showed that AZA has a high affinity for the auxin receptor TIR1, competing with auxin for the binding site. The AZA binding with TIR1 could interfere with the normal functioning of the TIR1/AFB complex, disrupting the ubiquitin E3 ligase complex and leading to alterations in the response of the plant, which could perceive AZA as an exogenous auxin. Our results suggest that AZA mode of action could involve the modulation of auxin-related processes in Arabidopsis roots. Understanding such mechanisms could lead to find environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic herbicides.
PMID: 38569422
BMC Plant Biol , IF:4.215 , 2024 Apr , V24 (1) : P326 doi: 10.1186/s12870-024-04966-0
Overexpression of the WRKY transcription factor gene NtWRKY65 enhances salt tolerance in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum).
College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.; Sanmenxia Branch of Henan Provincial Tobacco Corporation, Sanmenxia, 472000, China.; College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, State Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, Zhengzhou, 450046, China. xuelinzhang1998@163.com.; Sanmenxia Branch of Henan Provincial Tobacco Corporation, Sanmenxia, 472000, China. cjb2206@126.com.; College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China. zjwang@henau.edu.cn.
BACKGROUND: Salt stress severely inhibits plant growth, and the WRKY family transcription factors play important roles in salt stress resistance. In this study, we aimed to characterize the role of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) NtWRKY65 transcription factor gene in salinity tolerance. RESULTS: This study characterized the role of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) NtWRKY65 transcription factor gene in salinity tolerance using four NtWRKY65 overexpression lines. NtWRKY65 is localized to the nucleus, has transactivation activity, and is upregulated by NaCl treatment. Salinity treatment resulted in the overexpressing transgenic tobacco lines generating significantly longer roots, with larger leaf area, higher fresh weight, and greater chlorophyll content than those of wild type (WT) plants. Moreover, the overexpressing lines showed elevated antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced malondialdehyde content, and leaf electrolyte leakage. In addition, the Na(+) content significantly decreased, and the K(+)/Na(+) ratio was increased in the NtWRKY65 overexpression lines compared to those in the WT. These results suggest that NtWRKY65 overexpression enhances salinity tolerance in transgenic plants. RNA-Seq analysis of the NtWRKY65 overexpressing and WT plants revealed that NtWRKY65 might regulate the expression of genes involved in the salt stress response, including cell wall component metabolism, osmotic stress response, cellular oxidant detoxification, protein phosphorylation, and the auxin signaling pathway. These results were consistent with the morphological and physiological data. These findings indicate that NtWRKY65 overexpression confers enhanced salinity tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that NtWRKY65 is a critical regulator of salinity tolerance in tobacco plants.
PMID: 38658809
BMC Plant Biol , IF:4.215 , 2024 Apr , V24 (1) : P322 doi: 10.1186/s12870-024-05009-4
Control of leaf development in the water fern Ceratopteris richardii by the auxin efflux transporter CrPINMa in the CRISPR/Cas9 analysis.
College of Biological Resources and Environmental Sciences, Jishou University, Jishou, 416000, China.; College of Biological Resources and Environmental Sciences, Jishou University, Jishou, 416000, China. gui-sheng@jsu.edu.cn.
BACKGROUND: PIN-FORMED genes (PINs) are crucial in plant development as they determine the directionality of auxin flow. They are present in almost all land plants and even in green algae. However, their role in fern development has not yet been determined. This study aims to investigate the function of CrPINMa in the quasi-model water fern Ceratopteris richardii. RESULTS: CrPINMa possessed a long central hydrophilic loop and characteristic motifs within it, which indicated that it belonged to the canonical rather than the non-canonical PINs. CrPINMa was positioned in the lineage leading to Arabidopsis PIN6 but not that to its PIN1, and it had undergone numerous gene duplications. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing had been performed in ferns for the first time, producing diverse mutations including local frameshifts for CrPINMa. Plants possessing disrupted CrPINMa exhibited retarded leaf emergence and reduced leaf size though they could survive and reproduce at the same time. CrPINMa transcripts were distributed in the shoot apical meristem, leaf primordia and their vasculature. Finally, CrPINMa proteins were localized to the plasma membrane rather than other cell parts. CONCLUSIONS: CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing is feasible in ferns, and that PINs can play a role in fern leaf development.
PMID: 38654173
BMC Plant Biol , IF:4.215 , 2024 Apr , V24 (1) : P290 doi: 10.1186/s12870-024-05000-z
Promoter variations of ClERF1 gene determines flesh firmness in watermelon.
Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Molecular Breeding, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.; Ningbo Weimeng Seed Company, Ningbo, China.; Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Precision Crop Design Breeding, Hanghzou, China.; Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Yazhou District, Sanya, China.; Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant growth, Development and Quality Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, China.; Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Molecular Breeding, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. mfzhang@zju.edu.cn.; Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Precision Crop Design Breeding, Hanghzou, China. mfzhang@zju.edu.cn.; Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Yazhou District, Sanya, China. mfzhang@zju.edu.cn.; Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant growth, Development and Quality Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, China. mfzhang@zju.edu.cn.
BACKGROUND: Flesh firmness is a critical factor that influences fruit storability, shelf-life and consumer's preference as well. However, less is known about the key genetic factors that are associated with flesh firmness in fresh fruits like watermelon. RESULTS: In this study, through bulk segregant analysis (BSA-seq), we identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) that influenced variations in flesh firmness among recombinant inbred lines (RIL) developed from cross between the Citrullus mucosospermus accession ZJU152 with hard-flesh and Citrullus lanatus accession ZJU163 with soft-flesh. Fine mapping and sequence variations analyses revealed that ethylene-responsive factor 1 (ClERF1) was the most likely candidate gene for watermelon flesh firmness. Furthermore, several variations existed in the promoter region between ClERF1 of two parents, and significantly higher expressions of ClERF1 were found in hard-flesh ZJU152 compared with soft-flesh ZJU163 at key developmental stages. DUAL-LUC and GUS assays suggested much stronger promoter activity in ZJU152 over ZJU163. In addition, the kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) genotyping datasets of RIL populations and germplasm accessions further supported ClERF1 as a possible candidate gene for fruit flesh firmness variability and the hard-flesh genotype might only exist in wild species C. mucosospermus. Through yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and dual luciferase assay, we found that ClERF1 could directly bind to the promoters of auxin-responsive protein (ClAux/IAA) and exostosin family protein (ClEXT) and positively regulated their expressions influencing fruit ripening and cell wall biosynthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that ClERF1 encoding an ethylene-responsive factor 1 is associated with flesh firmness in watermelon and provide mechanistic insight into the regulation of flesh firmness, and the ClERF1 gene is potentially applicable to the molecular improvement of fruit-flesh firmness by design breeding.
PMID: 38627629
BMC Plant Biol , IF:4.215 , 2024 Apr , V24 (1) : P267 doi: 10.1186/s12870-024-04827-w
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of ARF gene family in embryonic development of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis).
State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China.; State Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Technology Research Center of Korean Pine, Harbin, 150040, China. shenhl-cf@nefu.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China. yangl-cf@nefu.edu.cn.
BACKGROUND: The Auxin Responsive Factor (ARF) family plays a crucial role in mediating auxin signal transduction and is vital for plant growth and development. However, the function of ARF genes in Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis), a conifer species of significant economic value, remains unclear. RESULTS: This study utilized the whole genome of Korean pine to conduct bioinformatics analysis, resulting in the identification of 13 ARF genes. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that these 13 PkorARF genes can be classified into 4 subfamilies, indicating the presence of conserved structural characteristics within each subfamily. Protein interaction prediction indicated that Pkor01G00962.1 and Pkor07G00704.1 may have a significant role in regulating plant growth and development as core components of the PkorARFs family. Additionally, the analysis of RNA-seq and RT-qPCR expression patterns suggested that PkorARF genes play a crucial role in the development process of Korean pine. CONCLUSION: Pkor01G00962.1 and Pkor07G00704.1, which are core genes of the PkorARFs family, play a potentially crucial role in regulating the fertilization and developmental process of Korean pine. This study provides a valuable reference for investigating the molecular mechanism of embryonic development in Korean pine and establishes a foundation for cultivating high-quality Korean pine.
PMID: 38600459
Tree Physiol , IF:4.196 , 2024 Apr doi: 10.1093/treephys/tpae040
Transcriptional dynamics reveals the asymmetrical events underlying graft union formation in pecan (Carya illinoinensis).
Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China.; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Nanjing 210014, China.; Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for the Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Pecan.
Grafting is a widely used technique for pecan propagation, however, the background molecular events underlying grafting are still poorly understood. In our study, the graft partners during pecan graft union formation were separately sampled for RNA-seq, and the transcriptional dynamics were described via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). To reveal the main events underlying grafting, the correlations between modules and grafting traits were analyzed. Functional annotation showed that during the entire graft process, signal transduction was activated in the scion, while mRNA splicing was induced in the rootstock. At 2 DAG, the main processes occurred in the scion were associated with protein synthesis and processing, while the primary processes happened in the rootstock were energy release-related. During the period of 7-14 DAG, defense response was a critical process worked in the scion, however, the main process functioned in the rootstock was photosynthesis. From 22 to 32 DAG, the principal processes taken place in the scion were jasmonic acid biosynthesis and defense response, whereas the highly activated processes associated with the rootstock were auxin biosynthesis and plant-type secondary cell wall biogenesis. Detection of hydrogen peroxide contents as well as peroxidase and beta-1,3-glucanase activities showed that their levels were increased in the scion not the rootstock at certain time points after grafting. Our study reveals that the scion and rootstock might response asymmetrically to grafting in pecan, and the scion was likely associated with stress response, while the rootstock was probably involved in energy supply and xylem bridge differentiation during graft union formation.
PMID: 38598328
Planta , IF:4.116 , 2024 Apr , V259 (6) : P133 doi: 10.1007/s00425-024-04411-4
Unraveling the role of PlARF2 in regulating deed formancy in Paeonia lactiflora.
College of Forestry, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China.; Key Laboratory of Forest Tree Genetics, Breeding and Cultivation of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110866, China.; College of Forestry, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China. sxm7280@syau.edu.cn.; Key Laboratory of Forest Tree Genetics, Breeding and Cultivation of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110866, China. sxm7280@syau.edu.cn.
PlARF2 can positively regulate the seed dormancy in Paeonia lactiflora Pall. and bind the RY cis-element. Auxin, a significant phytohormone influencing seed dormancy, has been demonstrated to be regulated by auxin response factors (ARFs), key transcriptional modulators in the auxin signaling pathway. However, the role of this class of transcription factors (TFs) in perennials with complex seed dormancy mechanisms remains largely unexplored. Here, we cloned and characterized an ARF gene from Paeonia lactiflora, named PlARF2, which exhibited differential expression levels in the seeds during the process of seed dormancy release. The deduced amino acid sequence of PlARF2 had high homology with those of other plants and contained typical conserved Auxin_resp domain of the ARF family. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that PlARF2 was closely related to VvARF3 in Vitis vinifera. The subcellular localization and transcriptional activation assay showed that PlARF2 is a nuclear protein possessing transcriptional activation activity. The expression levels of dormancy-related genes in transgenic callus indicated that PlARF2 was positively correlated with the contents of PlABI3 and PlDOG1. The germination assay showed that PlARF2 promoted seed dormancy. Moreover, TF Centered Yeast one-hybrid assay (TF-Centered Y1H), electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and dual-luciferase reporter assay analysis (Dual-Luciferase) provided evidence that PlARF2 can bind to the 'CATGCATG' motif. Collectively, our findings suggest that PlARF2, as TF, could be involved in the regulation of seed dormancy and may act as a repressor of germination.
PMID: 38668881
Planta , IF:4.116 , 2024 Apr , V259 (5) : P116 doi: 10.1007/s00425-024-04398-y
Identification of microRNAs and their target genes associated with chasmogamous and cleistogamous flower development in Viola prionantha.
Life Science College, Northwest Normal University, Anning East Road 967, Anning, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China. liqiaoxia8024@nwnu.edu.cn.; Life Science College, Northwest Normal University, Anning East Road 967, Anning, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China.; State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops / State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanxincun 20, Xiangshan, Beijing, 100093, China.; China National Botanical Garden, Beijing, 100093, China.; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.; State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops / State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanxincun 20, Xiangshan, Beijing, 100093, China. chaoying@ibcas.ac.cn.; China National Botanical Garden, Beijing, 100093, China. chaoying@ibcas.ac.cn.; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China. chaoying@ibcas.ac.cn.
Differentially expressed microRNAs were found associated with the development of chasmogamous and cleistogamous flowers in Viola prionantha, revealing potential roles of microRNAs in the developmental evolution of dimorphic flowers. In Viola prionantha, chasmogamous (CH) flowers are induced by short daylight, while cleistogamous (CL) flowers are triggered by long daylight. How environmental factors and microRNAs (miRNAs) affect dimorphic flower formation remains unknown. In this study, small RNA sequencing was performed on CH and CL floral buds at different developmental stages in V. prionantha, differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified, and their target genes were predicted. In CL flowers, Viola prionantha miR393 (vpr-miR393a/b) and vpr-miRN3366 were highly expressed, while in CH flowers, vpr-miRN2005, vpr-miR172e-2, vpr-miR166m-3, vpr-miR396f-2, and vpr-miR482d-2 were highly expressed. In the auxin-activated signaling pathway, vpr-miR393a/b and vpr-miRN2005 could target Vpr-TIR1/AFB and Vpr-ARF2, respectively, and other DEmiRNAs could target genes involved in the regulation of transcription, e.g., Vpr-AP2-7. Moreover, Vpr-UFO and Vpr-YAB5, the main regulators in petal and stamen development, were co-expressed with Vpr-TIR1/AFB and Vpr-ARF2 and showed lower expression in CL flowers than in CH flowers. Some V. prionantha genes relating to the stress/defense responses were co-expressed with Vpr-TIR1/AFB, Vpr-ARF2, and Vpr-AP2-7 and highly expressed in CL flowers. Therefore, in V. prionantha, CH-CL flower development may be regulated by the identified DEmiRNAs and their target genes, thus providing the first insight into the formation of dimorphic flowers in Viola.
PMID: 38592549
Genes (Basel) , IF:4.096 , 2024 Apr , V15 (4) doi: 10.3390/genes15040488
Combined Analysis of Untargeted Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Revealed Seed Germination and Seedling Establishment in Zelkova schneideriana.
Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Biodiversity Conservation in Karst Mountainous Areas of Southwestern China, Guizhou Academy of Forestry, Guiyang 550005, China.; Xingyi Forestry Bureau, Qianxinan Prefecture Guizhou, Guiyang 562400, China.; Institute for Forest Resources and Environment, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
Zelkova schneideriana Hand.-Mazz is a valuable ornamental tree and timber source, whose seedling breeding and large-scale cultivation are restricted by low seed germination and seedling rates. The regulatory mechanisms underlying seed germination and seedling establishment in Z. schneideriana remain unknown. This study conducted metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of seed germination and seedling establishment in Z. schneideriana. Regular expression of genes and metabolite levels has been observed in plant hormone signal transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. The reduction in abscisic acid during seed germination may lead to seed release from dormancy. After the seed is released from dormancy, the metabolic levels of auxin, cytokinins, brassinolide, and various sugars are elevated, and they are consumed in large quantities during the seedling establishment stage. Linoleic acid metabolism is gradually activated during seedling establishment. Transcriptome analysis showed that a large number of genes in different metabolic pathways are upregulated during plant establishment, and material metabolism may be accelerated during seedling establishment. Genes regulating carbohydrate metabolism are altered during seed germination and seedling establishment, which may have altered the efficiency of carbohydrate utilization. In addition, the syntheses of lignin monomers and cellulose have different characteristics at different stages. These results provide new insights into the complex mechanisms underlying seed germination and seedling establishment in Z. schneideriana and other woody plants.
PMID: 38674422
Genes (Basel) , IF:4.096 , 2024 Apr , V15 (4) doi: 10.3390/genes15040476
Identification and Expression Analysis of the WOX Transcription Factor Family in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.).
College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030800, China.; College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030800, China.
WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factors are unique to plants and play pivotal roles in plant development and stress responses. In this investigation, we acquired protein sequences of foxtail millet WOX gene family members through homologous sequence alignment and a hidden Markov model (HMM) search. Utilizing conserved domain prediction, we identified 13 foxtail millet WOX genes, which were classified into ancient, intermediate, and modern clades. Multiple sequence alignment results revealed that all WOX proteins possess a homeodomain (HD). The SiWOX genes, clustered together in the phylogenetic tree, exhibited analogous protein spatial structures, gene structures, and conserved motifs. The foxtail millet WOX genes are distributed across 7 chromosomes, featuring 3 pairs of tandem repeats: SiWOX1 and SiWOX13, SiWOX4 and SiWOX5, and SiWOX11 and SiWOX12. Collinearity analysis demonstrated that WOX genes in foxtail millet exhibit the highest collinearity with green foxtail, followed by maize. The SiWOX genes primarily harbor two categories of cis-acting regulatory elements: Stress response and plant hormone response. Notably, prominent hormones triggering responses include methyl jasmonate, abscisic acid, gibberellin, auxin, and salicylic acid. Analysis of SiWOX expression patterns and hormone responses unveiled potential functional diversity among different SiWOX genes in foxtail millet. These findings lay a solid foundation for further elucidating the functions and evolution of SiWOX genes.
PMID: 38674410
Genes (Basel) , IF:4.096 , 2024 Mar , V15 (4) doi: 10.3390/genes15040442
Genome-Wide Analysis of the LBD Gene Family in Melon and Expression Analysis in Response to Wilt Disease Infection.
Department of Biology, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, China.
LBD transcription factors are a class of transcription factors that regulate the formation of lateral organs, establish boundaries, and control secondary metabolism in plants. In this study, we identified 37 melon LBD transcription factors using bioinformatics methods and analyzed their basic information, chromosomal location, collinearity, evolutionary tree, gene structure, and expression patterns. The results showed that the genes were unevenly distributed across the 13 chromosomes of melon plants, with tandem repeats appearing on chromosomes 11 and 12. These 37 transcription factors can be divided into two major categories, Class I and Class II, and seven subfamilies: Ia, Ib, Ic, Id, Ie, IIa, and IIb. Of the 37 included transcription factors, 25 genes each contained between one to three introns, while the other 12 genes did not contain introns. Through cis-acting element analysis, we identified response elements such as salicylic acid, MeJA, abscisic acid, and auxin, gibberellic acid, as well as light response, stress response, and MYB-specific binding sites. Expression pattern analysis showed that genes in the IIb subfamilies play important roles in the growth and development of various organs in melon plants. Expression analysis found that the majority of melon LBD genes were significantly upregulated after infection with wilt disease, with the strongest response observed in the stem.
PMID: 38674376
BMC Genomics , IF:3.969 , 2024 Apr , V25 (1) : P382 doi: 10.1186/s12864-024-10313-2
Genome-wide identification and expression pattern analysis of the Aux/IAA (auxin/indole-3-acetic acid) gene family in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and the potential functions under drought stress.
College of Forestry and Prataculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China.; Ningxia Grassland and Animal Husbandry Engineering Technology Research Center, Xixia District, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, 750021, China.; Key Laboratory for Model Innovation in Forage Production Efficiency, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yinchuan, 750021, China.; Inner Mongolia Pratacultural Technology Innovation Center Co, Ltd, Hohhot, 010000, China.; College of Forestry and Prataculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China. Fbzhe19@163.com.; Ningxia Grassland and Animal Husbandry Engineering Technology Research Center, Xixia District, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, 750021, China. Fbzhe19@163.com.; Key Laboratory for Model Innovation in Forage Production Efficiency, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yinchuan, 750021, China. Fbzhe19@163.com.
BACKGROUND: Auxin/induced-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAA) is an important plant hormone that affects plant growth and resistance to abiotic stresses. Drought stress is a vital factor in reducing plant biomass yield and production quality. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most widely planted leguminous forage and one of the most economically valuable crops in the world. Aux/IAA is one of the early responsive gene families of auxin, playing a crucial role in response to drought stress. However, the characteristics of the Aux/IAA gene family in alfalfa and its potential function in response to drought stress are still unknown. RESULT: A total of 41 Aux/IAA gene members were identified in alfalfa genome. The physicochemical, peptide structure, secondary and tertiary structure analysis of proteins encoded by these genes revealed functional diversity of the MsIAA gene. A phylogenetic analysis classified the MsIAA genes into I-X classes in two subgroups. And according to the gene domain structure, these genes were classified into typical MsIAA and atypical MsIAA. Gene structure analysis showed that the MsIAA genes contained 1-4 related motifs, and except for the third chromosome without MsIAAs, they were all located on 7 chromosomes. The gene duplication analysis revealed that segmental duplication and tandem duplication greatly affected the amplification of the MsIAA genes. Analysis of the Ka/Ks ratio of duplicated MsAux/IAA genes suggested purification selection pressure was high and functional differences were limited. In addition, identification and classification of promoter cis-elements elucidated that MsIAA genes contained numerous elements associated to phytohormone response and abiotic stress response. The prediction protein-protein interaction network showed that there was a complex interaction between the MsAux/IAA genes. Gene expression profiles were tissue-specific, and MsAux/IAA had a broad response to both common abiotic stress (ABA, salt, drought and cold) and heavy metal stress (Al and Pb). Furthermore, the expression patterns analysis of 41 Aux/IAA genes by the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) showed that Aux/IAA genes can act as positive or negative factors to regulate the drought resistance in alfalfa. CONCLUSION: This study provides useful information for the alfalfa auxin signaling gene families and candidate evidence for further investigation on the role of Aux/IAA under drought stress. Future studies could further elucidate the functional mechanism of the MsIAA genes response to drought stress.
PMID: 38637768
BMC Genomics , IF:3.969 , 2024 Apr , V25 (1) : P362 doi: 10.1186/s12864-024-10256-8
Cotyledonary somatic embryo is one kind of intermediate material similar to callus in the process of in vitro tissue culture from Rosa hybrida 'John F. Kennedy'.
Analysis and Test Center, Nanyang Normal University, 473061, Nanyang, China.; Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Rose Germplasm Innovation and Cultivation Technique, Nanyang Normal University, 473061, Nanyang, China.; College of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, 473061, Nanyang, China.; Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Rose Germplasm Innovation and Cultivation Technique, Nanyang Normal University, 473061, Nanyang, China. dcynysy@163.com.; College of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, 473061, Nanyang, China. dcynysy@163.com.
BACKGROUND: Rose is recognized as an important ornamental plant worldwide, and it is also one of the most widely used flowers in gardens. At present, the improvement of rose traits is still difficult and uncertain, and molecular breeding can provide new ideas for the improvement of modern rose varieties. Somatic embryos are quite good receptors for genetic transformation. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying during the regeneration process of rose somatic embryos. To elucidate the molecular regulation mechanism of somatic embryo plantlet regeneration, the relationship between the differences in traits of the two different regenerated materials and the significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to phytohormone pathways in the process of regeneration were be investigated. RESULTS: These representative two regenerated samples from single-piece cotyledonary somatic embryo (SPC) culture of Rosa hybrida 'John F. Kennedy', were harvested for transcriptome analysis, with the SPC explants at the initial culture (Day 0) as the control. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the materials from two different types for regeneration approach (SBF type: the regeneration approach type of single bud formed from SPC explants; MBF type: the regeneration approach type of multiple buds formed from SPC explants) were be screened by means of the transcriptome sequencing technology. In this study, a total of about 396.24 million clean reads were obtained, of which 78.95-82.92% were localized to the reference genome, compared with the initial material (CK sample), there were 5594 specific genes in the material of SBF type and 6142 specific genes in the MBF type. The DEGs from the SBF type material were mainly concentrated in the biological processes of GO terms such as phytohormones, substance transport, cell differentiation, and redox reaction. The KEGG enrichment analysis revealed these DEGs were more active in ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis, fatty acid elongation, steroid biosynthesis, and glycosphingolipid biosynthesis-globo and isoglobo series. In contrast, the DEGs induced by the MBF type material were mainly associated with the biological processes such as phytohormones, phosphorylation, photosynthesis and signal transduction. According to KEGG analysis, these DEGs of MBF type were significantly enriched in the porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, brassinosteroid biosynthesis, carotenoid biosynthesis, and peroxisome. Furthermore, the results from the phytohormone pathways analysis showed that the auxin-responsive factor SAUR and the cell wall modifying enzyme gene XTH were upregulated for expression but the protein phosphatase gene PP2C was downregulated for expression in SBF type; the higher expression of the ethylene receptor ETR, the ethylene transduction genes EBF1/2, the transcription factor EIN3, and the ethylene-responsive transcription factor ERF1/2 were induced by MBF type. CONCLUSIONS: According to the GO and KEGG analysis, it indicated the DEGs between two different regenerated materials from somatic embryos were significantly different which might be causing morphological differences. That was somatic embryos from Rosa hybrida 'John F. Kennedy' could regenerate plantlet via both classic somatic embryogenesis (seed-like germination) and organogenesis, cotyledonary somatic embryos should be considered as one kind of intermediate materials similiar to callus, rather than the indicator materials for somatic embryogenesis.
PMID: 38609856
Pestic Biochem Physiol , IF:3.963 , 2024 May , V201 : P105882 doi: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105882
Pro197Ser and the new Trp574Leu mutations together with enhanced metabolism contribute to cross-resistance to ALS inhibiting herbicides in Sinapis alba.
University of Carthage, National Institute of Agronomy of Tunisia, LR14AGR02, Department of Plant Health and Environment, 1082, Tunis, Tunisia; Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences and Engineering, ETSEAFiV, AGROTECNIO-CERCA Center, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.; Plant Protection Department, Extremadura Scientific and Technological Research Center (CICYTEX), Ctra. de AV, km 372, Badajoz, 06187, Guadajira, Spain.; Agroforestry and Plant Biochemistry, Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, UCO-CeiA3, Cordoba 14014, Spain.; Institute for Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology (IBMCP), Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Valencia ES-46022, Spain.; Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences and Engineering, ETSEAFiV, AGROTECNIO-CERCA Center, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain. Electronic address: joel.torra@udl.cat.; University of Carthage, National Institute of Agronomy of Tunisia, LR14AGR02, Department of Plant Health and Environment, 1082, Tunis, Tunisia.
White mustard, (Sinapis alba), a problematic broadleaf weed in many Mediterranean countries in arable fields has been detected as resistant to tribenuron-methyl in Tunisia. Greenhouse and laboratory studies were conducted to characterize Target-Site Resistance (TSR) and the Non-Target Site Resistance (NTSR) mechanisms in two suspected white mustard biotypes. Herbicide dose-response experiments confirmed that the two S. alba biotypes were resistant to four dissimilar acetolactate synthase (ALS)-pinhibiting herbicide chemistries indicating the presence of cross-resistance mechanisms. The highest resistance factor (>144) was attributed to tribenuron-methyl herbicide and both R populations survived up to 64-fold the recommended field dose (18.7 g ai ha(-1)). In this study, the metabolism experiments with malathion (a cytochrome P450 inhibitor) showed that malathion reduced resistance to tribenuron-methyl and imazamox in both populations, indicating that P450 may be involved in the resistance. Sequence analysis of the ALS gene detected target site mutations in the two R biotypes, with amino acid substitutions Trp574Leu, the first report for the species, and Pro197Ser. Molecular docking analysis showed that ALS(Pro197Ser) enzyme cannot properly bind to tribenuron-methyl's aromatic ring due to a reduction in the number of hydrogen bonds, while imazamox can still bind. However, Trp574Leu can weaken the binding affinity between the mutated ALS enzyme and both herbicides with the loss of crucial interactions. This investigation provides substantial evidence for the risk of evolving multiple resistance in S. alba to auxin herbicides while deciphering the TSR and NTSR mechanisms conferring cross resistance to ALS inhibitors.
PMID: 38685248
Pestic Biochem Physiol , IF:3.963 , 2024 May , V201 : P105911 doi: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105911
An Asp376Glu substitution and P450s-involved metabolism endow resistance to ALS inhibitors in an Ammannia auriculata Willd. Population.
College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.; Jiangsu Lixiahe District Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Yangzhou, China.; College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China. Electronic address: yuansz10201@163.com.
Ammannia auriculata Willd. is a noxious broadleaf weed, commonly infesting rice ecosystems across southern China. A putative resistant A. auriculata population (AHSC-5) was sampled from a rice field of Anhui Province, where bensulfuron-methyl (BM) was unable to control its occurrence. This study aimed to determine the sensitivities of the AHSC-5 population to common-use herbicides, and to investigate the underlying resistance mechanisms. The bioassays showed that the AHSC-5 population was 138.1-fold resistant to BM, compared with the susceptible population (JSGL-1). Pretreatment of malathion reduced the resistance index to 19.5. ALS sequencing revealed an Asp376Glu substitution in the AHSC-5 population, and in vitro ALS activity assays found that 50% activity inhibition (I(50)) of BM in AHSC-5 was 75.4 times higher than that of JSGL-1. Moreover, the AHSC-5 population displayed cross-resistance to pyrazosulfuron-ethyl (10.6-fold), bispyribac‑sodium (3.6-fold), and imazethapyr (2.2-fold), and was in the process of evolving multiple resistance to synthetic auxin herbicides fluroxypyr (2.3-fold) and florpyrauxifen-benzyl (3.1-fold). This study proved the BM resistance in A. auriculata caused by the Asp376Glu mutation and P450-regulated metabolism. This multi-resistant population can still be controlled by penoxsulam, MCPA, bentazone, and carfentrazone-ethyl, which aids in developing targeted and effective weed management strategies.
PMID: 38685231
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2024 Apr , V13 (8) doi: 10.3390/plants13081142
The Role of FveAFB5 in Auxin-Mediated Responses and Growth in Strawberries.
College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.; Plant Synthetic Biology Center, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
Auxin is a crucial hormone that regulates various aspects of plant growth and development. It exerts its effects through multiple signaling pathways, including the TIR1/AFB-based transcriptional regulation in the nucleus. However, the specific role of auxin receptors in determining developmental features in the strawberry (Fragaria vesca) remains unclear. Our research has identified FveAFB5, a potential auxin receptor, as a key player in the development and auxin responses of woodland strawberry diploid variety Hawaii 4. FveAFB5 positively influences lateral root development, plant height, and fruit development, while negatively regulating shoot branching. Moreover, the mutation of FveAFB5 confers strong resistance to the auxinic herbicide picloram, compared to dicamba and quinclorac. Transcriptome analysis suggests that FveAFB5 may initiate auxin and abscisic acid signaling to inhibit growth in response to picloram. Therefore, FveAFB5 likely acts as an auxin receptor involved in regulating multiple processes related to strawberry growth and development.
PMID: 38674551
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2024 Apr , V13 (8) doi: 10.3390/plants13081078
Integrative Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analysis Elucidates That the Mechanism of Phytohormones Regulates Floral Bud Development in Alfalfa.
Institute of Grassland Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 100081, China.
Floral bud growth influences seed yield and quality; however, the molecular mechanism underlying the development of floral buds in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is still unclear. Here, we comprehensively analyzed the transcriptome and targeted metabolome across the early, mid, and late bud developmental stages (D1, D2, and D3) in alfalfa. The metabolomic results revealed that gibberellin (GA), auxin (IAA), cytokinin (CK), and jasmonic acid (JA) might play an essential role in the developmental stages of floral bud in alfalfa. Moreover, we identified some key genes associated with GA, IAA, CK, and JA biosynthesis, including CPS, KS, GA20ox, GA3ox, GA2ox, YUCCA6, amid, ALDH, IPT, CYP735A, LOX, AOC, OPR, MFP2, and JMT. Additionally, many candidate genes were detected in the GA, IAA, CK, and JA signaling pathways, including GID1, DELLA, TF, AUX1, AUX/IAA, ARF, GH3, SAUR, AHP, B-ARR, A-ARR, JAR1, JAZ, and MYC2. Furthermore, some TFs related to flower growth were screened in three groups, such as AP2/ERF-ERF, MYB, MADS-M-type, bHLH, NAC, WRKY, HSF, and LFY. The findings of this study revealed the potential mechanism of floral bud differentiation and development in alfalfa and established a theoretical foundation for improving the seed yield of alfalfa.
PMID: 38674487
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2024 Apr , V13 (8) doi: 10.3390/plants13081069
Exploring Natural Variations in Arabidopsis thaliana: Plant Adaptability to Salt Stress.
Unit of Food Science and Nutrition, Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Universita Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy.; Department of Biology, Agriculture, and Food Sciences, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-DISBA), Piazzale Aldo Moro 7, 00185 Rome, Italy.; National Biodiversity Future Center, NBFC, 90133 Palermo, Italy.; Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy.; Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IPSP), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
The increase in soil salinization represents a current challenge for plant productivity, as most plants, including crops, are mainly salt-sensitive species. The identification of molecular traits underpinning salt tolerance represents a primary goal for breeding programs. In this scenario, the study of intraspecific variability represents a valid tool for investigating natural genetic resources evolved by plants in different environmental conditions. As a model system, Arabidopsis thaliana, including over 750 natural accessions, represents a species extensively studied at phenotypic, metabolic, and genomic levels under different environmental conditions. Two haplogroups showing opposite root architecture (shallow or deep roots) in response to auxin flux perturbation were identified and associated with EXO70A3 locus variations. Here, we studied the influence of these genetic backgrounds on plant salt tolerance. Eight accessions belonging to the two haplogroups were tested for salt sensitivity by exposing them to moderate (75 mM NaCl) or severe (150 mM NaCl) salt stress. Salt-tolerant accessions were found in both haplogroups, and all of them showed efficient ROS-scavenging ability. Even if an exclusive relation between salt tolerance and haplogroup membership was not observed, the modulation of root system architecture might also contribute to salt tolerance.
PMID: 38674478
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2024 Apr , V13 (7) doi: 10.3390/plants13071012
MtTCP18 Regulates Plant Structure in Medicago truncatula.
Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory (ZSBBL), National Innovation Platform for Soybean Breeding and Industry-Education Integration, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
Plant structure has a large influence on crop yield formation, with branching and plant height being the important factors that make it up. We identified a gene, MtTCP18, encoding a TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR (TCP) transcription factor highly conserved with Arabidopsis gene BRC1 (BRANCHED1) in Medicago truncatula. Sequence analysis revealed that MtTCP18 included a conserved basic helix-loop-helix (BHLH) motif and R domain. Expression analysis showed that MtTCP18 was expressed in all organs examined, with relatively higher expression in pods and axillary buds. Subcellular localization analysis showed that MtTCP18 was localized in the nucleus and exhibited transcriptional activation activity. These results supported its role as a transcription factor. Meanwhile, we identified a homozygous mutant line (NF14875) with a mutation caused by Tnt1 insertion into MtTCP18. Mutant analysis showed that the mutation of MtTCP18 altered plant structure, with increased plant height and branch number. Moreover, we found that the expression of auxin early response genes was modulated in the mutant. Therefore, MtTCP18 may be a promising candidate gene for breeders to optimize plant structure for crop improvement.
PMID: 38611541
J Appl Microbiol , IF:3.772 , 2024 Apr , V135 (4) doi: 10.1093/jambio/lxae066
Peribacillus frigoritolerans T7-IITJ, a potential biofertilizer, induces plant growth-promoting genes of Arabidopsis thaliana.
Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, IIT Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342030, India.; Department of Biochemistry, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak 124001, India.; Jodhpur City Knowledge and Innovation Foundation, IIT Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342030, India.; Department of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Mountain Top University, Prayer City 110106, Nigeria.; Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Agriculture University Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342304, India.
AIMS: This study aimed to isolate plant growth and drought tolerance-promoting bacteria from the nutrient-poor rhizosphere soil of Thar desert plants and unravel their molecular mechanisms of plant growth promotion. METHODS AND RESULTS: Among our rhizobacterial isolates, Enterobacter cloacae C1P-IITJ, Kalamiella piersonii J4-IITJ, and Peribacillus frigoritolerans T7-IITJ, significantly enhanced root and shoot growth (4-5-fold) in Arabidopsis thaliana under PEG-induced drought stress. Whole genome sequencing and biochemical analyses of the non-pathogenic bacterium T7-IITJ revealed its plant growth-promoting traits, viz., solubilization of phosphate (40-73 microg/ml), iron (24 +/- 0.58 mm halo on chrome azurol S media), and nitrate (1.58 +/- 0.01 microg/ml nitrite), along with production of exopolysaccharides (125 +/- 20 microg/ml) and auxin-like compounds (42.6 +/- 0.05 microg/ml). Transcriptome analysis of A. thaliana inoculated with T7-IITJ and exposure to drought revealed the induction of 445 plant genes (log2fold-change > 1, FDR < 0.05) for photosynthesis, auxin and jasmonate signalling, nutrient uptake, redox homeostasis, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways related to beneficial bacteria-plant interaction, but repression of 503 genes (log2fold-change < -1) including many stress-responsive genes. T7-IITJ enhanced proline 2.5-fold, chlorophyll 2.5-2.8-fold, iron 2-fold, phosphate 1.6-fold, and nitrogen 4-fold, and reduced reactive oxygen species 2-4.7-fold in plant tissues under drought. T7-IITJ also improved the germination and seedling growth of Tephrosia purpurea, Triticum aestivum, and Setaria italica under drought and inhibited the growth of two plant pathogenic fungi, Fusarium oxysporum, and Rhizoctonia solani. CONCLUSIONS: P. frigoritolerans T7-IITJ is a potent biofertilizer that regulates plant genes to promote growth and drought tolerance.
PMID: 38486365
Gene , IF:3.688 , 2024 Apr , V915 : P148423 doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148423
The vesicle trafficking gene, OsRab7, is critical for pollen development and male fertility in cytoplasmic male-sterility rice.
Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Gene Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China.; Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, United States.; Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China. Electronic address: liuwei@gdaas.cn.; Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Gene Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China. Electronic address: xiaojuepeng@ncu.edu.cn.
Rice cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) provides an exceptional model for studying genetic interaction within plant nuclei given its inheritable trait of non-functional male gametophyte. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the genes and pathways associated with the CMS mechanism is imperative for improving the vigor of hybrid rice agronomically, such as its productivity. Here, we observed a significant decrease in the expression of a gene named OsRab7 in the anther of the CMS line (SJA) compared to the maintainer line (SJB). OsRab7 is responsible for vesicle trafficking and loss function of OsRab7 significantly reduced pollen fertility and setting rate relative to the wild type. Meanwhile, over-expression of OsRab7 enhanced pollen fertility in the SJA line while a decrease in its expression in the SJB line led to the reduced pollen fertility. Premature tapetum and abnormal development of microspores were observed in the rab7 mutant. The expression of critical genes involved in tapetum development (OsMYB103, OsPTC1, OsEAT1 and OsAP25) and pollen development (OsMSP1, OsDTM1 and OsC4) decreased significantly in the anther of rab7 mutant. Reduced activities of the pDR5::GUS marker in the young panicle and anther of the rab7 mutant were also observed. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of genes involved in auxin biosynthesis (YUCCAs), auxin transport (PINs), auxin response factors (ARFs), and members of the IAA family (IAAs) were all downregulated in the rab7 mutant, indicating its impact on auxin signaling and distribution. In summary, these findings underscore the importance of OsRab7 in rice pollen development and its potential link to cytoplasmic male sterility.
PMID: 38575100
Gene , IF:3.688 , 2024 Jun , V910 : P148336 doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148336
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the Dof gene family reveals their involvement in hormone response and abiotic stresses in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.).
Department of Life Sciences, Changzhi University, Changzhi 046011, China.; School of Life Science, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan 030031, China.; Department of Life Sciences, Changzhi University, Changzhi 046011, China. Electronic address: tznius@126.com.; Department of Life Sciences, Changzhi University, Changzhi 046011, China. Electronic address: akeliu@126.com.
DNA binding with one finger (Dof), plant-specific zinc finger transcription factors, can participate in various physiological and biochemical processes during the life of plants. As one of the most important oil crops in the world, sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) has significant economic and ornamental value. However, a systematic analysis of H. annuus Dof (HaDof) members and their functions has not been extensively conducted. In this study, we identified 50 HaDof genes that are unevenly distributed on 17 chromosomes of sunflower. We present a comprehensive overview of the HaDof genes, including their chromosome locations, phylogenetic analysis, and expression profile characterization. Phylogenetic analysis classified the 366 Dof members identified from 11 species into four groups (further subdivided into nine subfamilies). Segmental duplications are predominantly contributed to the expansion of sunflower Dof genes, and all segmental duplicate gene pairs are under purifying selection due to strong evolutionary constraints. Furthermore, we observed differential expression patterns for HaDof genes in normal tissues as well as under hormone treatment or abiotic stress conditions by analyzing RNA-seq data from previous studies and RT-qPCR data in our current study. The expression of HaDof04 and HaDof43 were not detected in any samples, which implied that they may be gradually undergoing pseudogenization process. Some HaDof genes, such as HaDof25 and HaDof30, showed responsiveness to exogenous plant hormones, such as kinetin, brassinosteroid, auxin or strigolactone, while others like HaDof15 and HaDof35 may participate in abiotic stress resistance of sunflower seedling. Our study represents the initial step towards understanding the phylogeny and expression characterization of sunflower Dof family genes, which may provide valuable reference information for functional studies on hormone response, abiotic stress resistance, and molecular breeding in sunflower and other species.
PMID: 38447680
Biochem Biophys Res Commun , IF:3.575 , 2024 Apr , V714 : P149956 doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149956
Function analysis of transcription factor OSR1 regulating osmotic stress resistance in maize.
State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, PR China; School of Physical Education and Health Management, Henan Finance University, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, PR China.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, PR China.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, PR China. Electronic address: wangpt@henu.edu.cn.
BACKGROUND: Maize is a major cereal crop world widely, however, the yield of maize is frequently limited by dehydration and even death of plants, which resulted from osmotic stress such as drought and salinity. Dissection of molecular mechanisms controlling stress tolerance will enable plant scientists and breeders to increase crops yield by manipulating key regulatory components. METHODS: The candidate OSR1 gene was identified by map-based cloning. The expression level of OSR1 was verified by qRT-PCR and digital PCR in WT and osr1 mutant. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay, transactivation activity assay, subcellular localization, transcriptome analysis and physiological characters measurements were conducted to analyze the function of OSR1 in osmotic stress resistance in maize. RESULTS: The osr1 mutant was significantly less sensitive to osmotic stress than the WT plants and displayed stronger water-holding capacity, and the OSR1 homologous mutant in Arabidopsis showed a phenotype similar with maize osr1 mutant. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between WT and osr1 under osmotic stress by transcriptome analysis, the expression levels of many genes, such as LEA, auxin-related factors, PPR family members, and TPR family members, changed notably, which may primarily involve in osmotic stress or promote root development. CONCLUSIONS: OSR1 may serve as a negative regulatory factor in response to osmotic stress in maize. The present study sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms of osmotic stress in maize.
PMID: 38663095
Biochem Biophys Res Commun , IF:3.575 , 2024 Jun , V711 : P149934 doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149934
CEPs suppress auxin signaling but promote cytokinin signaling to inhibit root growth in Arabidopsis.
Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China. Electronic address: 2018203051@njau.edu.cn.; Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.; Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, Nanjing, 210014, China; Excellence and Innovation Center, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China.
C-terminally encoded peptides (CEPs) are peptide hormones that function as mobile signals coordinating crucial developmental programs in plants. Previous studies have revealed that CEPs exert negative regulation on root development through interaction with CEP receptors (CEPRs), CEP DOWNSTREAMs (CEPDs), the cytokinin receptor ARABIDOPSIS HISTIDINE KINASE (AHKs) and the transcriptional repressor Auxin/Indole-3-Acetic Acid (AUX/IAA). However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying CEPs-mediated regulation of root development via auxin and cytokinin signaling pathways still necessitate further detailed investigation. In this study, we examined prior research and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results showed that both synthetic AtCEPs and overexpression of AtCEP5 markedly supressed primary root elongation and lateral root (LR) formation in Arabidopsis. Molecular biology and genetics elucidated how CEPs inhibit root growth by suppressing auxin signaling while promoting cytokinin signaling. In summary, this study elucidated the inhibitory effects of AtCEPs on Arabidopsis root growth and provided insights into their potential molecular mechanisms, thus enhancing our comprehension of CEP-mediated regulation of plant growth and development.
PMID: 38626621
J Plant Physiol , IF:3.549 , 2024 Apr , V297 : P154242 doi: 10.1016/j.jplph.2024.154242
AtHD2D is involved in regulating lateral root development and participates in abiotic stress response in Arabidopsis.
College of Life Science, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shanxi, 712100, China.; London Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, London, Ontario, N5V 4T3, Canada.; College of Life Science, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shanxi, 712100, China. Electronic address: hanzhaofen@nwsuaf.edu.cn.
Roots are essential to terrestrial plants, as their growth and morphology are crucial for plant development. The growth of the roots is affected and regulated by several internal and external environmental signals and metabolic pathways. Among them, chromatin modification plays an important regulatory role. In this study, we explore the potential roles of the histone deacetylase AtHD2D in root development and lay the foundation for further research on the biological processes and molecular mechanisms of AtHD2D in the future. Our study indicates that AtHD2D affects the root tip microenvironment homeostasis by affecting the gene transcription levels required to maintain the root tip microenvironment. In addition, we confirmed that AtHD2D is involved in regulating Arabidopsis lateral root development and further explained the possible role of AtHD2D in auxin-mediated lateral root development. AtHD2D can effectively enhance the resistance of Arabidopsis thaliana to abiotic stress. We believe that AtHD2D is involved in coping with abiotic stress by promoting the development of lateral roots. Overexpression of AtHD2D promotes the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in roots, indicating that AtHD2D is also involved in developing lateral roots mediated by ROS. Previous studies have shown that the overexpression of AtHD2D can effectively enhance the resistance of Arabidopsis thaliana to abiotic stress. Based on our data, we believe that AtHD2D participates in the response to abiotic stress by promoting the development of lateral roots. AtHD2D-mediated lateral root development provides new ideas for studying the mechanism of HDAC protein in regulating root development.
PMID: 38614048
J Plant Physiol , IF:3.549 , 2024 Apr , V295 : P154189 doi: 10.1016/j.jplph.2024.154189
The emerging roles of clathrin-mediated endocytosis in plant development and stress responses.
Key Laboratory of Gene Editing for Breeding, Gansu Province, Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.; Key Laboratory of Gene Editing for Breeding, Gansu Province, Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China. Electronic address: housw@lzu.edu.cn.
Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is a highly conserved pathway that plays a crucial role in the endocytosis of plasma membrane proteins in eukaryotic cells. The pathway is initiated when the adaptor protein complex 2 (AP2) and TPLATE complex (TPC) work together to recognize cargo proteins and recruit clathrin. This review provides a concise overview of the functions of each subunit of AP2 and TPC, and highlights the involvement of CME in various biological processes, such as pollen development, root development, nutrient transport, extracellular signal transduction, auxin polar transport, hyperosmotic stress, salinity stress, high ammonium stress, and disease resistance. Additionally, the review explores the regulation of CME by phytohormones, clathrin-mediated exocytosis (CMX), and AP2M phosphorylation. It also suggests potential future research directions for CME.
PMID: 38432037
Protoplasma , IF:3.356 , 2024 May , V261 (3) : P571-579 doi: 10.1007/s00709-023-01923-w
Gibberellin-mediated far-red light-induced leaf expansion in cucumber seedlings.
College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.; College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China. zhong591@fafu.edu.cn.
Our experiments explored the effects of far-red (FR) light on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. 'Zhongnong No. 26') seedling growth. Our results indicated that FR light significantly promoted the growth of cucumber seedlings. Specifically, it promoted the accumulation of shoot biomass and the elongation of internodes and leaves (except the first leaf at the bottom). Further analysis showed that FR light had no effect on the accumulation contents of abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin (IAA) in seedling leaves. Still, it significantly caused the increase of the gibberellin (GA3, GA4, and GA7) contents and the decrease of GA1 content, which suggested that the leaf expansion progress under FR light may be primarily related to GA. Therefore, the cucumber seedling leaf expansion response to GA was evaluated under different light sources. The exogenous spraying of different GA4/7 contents significantly promoted the leaf expansion of cucumber seedlings under white light, while the GA biosynthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol (PAC) significantly promoted the expression of GA hydrolytic genes (GA2ox2 and GA2ox4) and decreased the content of endogenous active GA, which inhibited the leaf expansion induced by FR light. As expected, the combination of exogenous GA4/7 and PAC restored the growth promotion effect of FR light on cucumber seedling leaves. It increased the contents of endogenous active GA (GA1, GA3, GA4, and GA7), and the expression trend in GA synthetic/hydrolytic-related genes was the opposite of that of PAC was applied alone. All of the above results indicated that FR light regulates leaf expansion progress in cucumber seedlings through GA.
PMID: 38170395
PLoS One , IF:3.24 , 2024 , V19 (4) : Pe0301981 doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301981
Global changes in gene expression during compatible and incompatible interactions of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) during Orobanche foetida parasitism.
Faculty of Science of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.; Field Crop Laboratory, National Institute of Agricultural Research of Tunisia, Carthage University, Tunis, Tunisia.; RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Japan.; RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Japan.
Orobanche foetida Poiret is the main constraint facing faba bean crop in Tunisia. Indeed, in heavily infested fields with this parasitic plant, yield losses may reach 90%, and the recent estimation of the infested area is around 80,000 ha. Identifying genes involved in the Vicia faba/O. foetida interaction is crucial for the development of effective faba bean breeding programs. However, there is currently no available information on the transcriptome of faba bean responding to O. foetida parasitism. In this study, we employed RNA sequencing to explore the global gene expression changes associated with compatible and incompatible V. faba/O. foetida interactions. In this perspective, two faba bean varieties (susceptible and resistant) were examined at the root level across three stages of O. foetida development (Before Germination (BG), After Germination (AG) and Tubercule Stage (TS)). Our analyses presented an exploration of the transcriptomic profile, including comprehensive assessments of differential gene expression and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses. Specifically, we investigated key pathways revealing the complexity of molecular responses to O. foetida attack. In this study, we detected differential gene expression of pathways associated with secondary metabolites: flavonoids, auxin, thiamine, and jasmonic acid. To enhance our understanding of the global changes in V. faba response to O. foetida, we specifically examined WRKY genes known to play a role in plant host-parasitic plant interactions. Furthermore, considering the pivotal role of parasitic plant seed germination in this interaction, we investigated genes involved in the orobanchol biosynthesis pathway. Interestingly, we detected the gene expression of VuCYP722C homolog, coding for a key enzyme involved in orobanchol biosynthesis, exclusively in the susceptible host. Clearly, this study enriches our understanding of the V. faba/O. foetida interaction, shedding light on the main differences between susceptible and resistant faba bean varieties during O. foetida infestation at the gene expression level.
PMID: 38626155
G3 (Bethesda) , IF:3.154 , 2024 Apr , V14 (4) doi: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae026
GWAS supported by computer vision identifies large numbers of candidate regulators of in planta regeneration in Populus trichocarpa.
Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, 321 Richardson Hall, Corvallis, OR 97311, USA.; Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Oregon State University, 1148 Kelley Engineering Center, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.; Statistics Department, Oregon State University, 239 Weniger Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.; Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, P.O. Box 2008, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA.; Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, P.O. Box 2008, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA.; Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, 310 Ferris Hall 1508 Middle Dr, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
Plant regeneration is an important dimension of plant propagation and a key step in the production of transgenic plants. However, regeneration capacity varies widely among genotypes and species, the molecular basis of which is largely unknown. Association mapping methods such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have long demonstrated abilities to help uncover the genetic basis of trait variation in plants; however, the performance of these methods depends on the accuracy and scale of phenotyping. To enable a large-scale GWAS of in planta callus and shoot regeneration in the model tree Populus, we developed a phenomics workflow involving semantic segmentation to quantify regenerating plant tissues over time. We found that the resulting statistics were of highly non-normal distributions, and thus employed transformations or permutations to avoid violating assumptions of linear models used in GWAS. We report over 200 statistically supported quantitative trait loci (QTLs), with genes encompassing or near to top QTLs including regulators of cell adhesion, stress signaling, and hormone signaling pathways, as well as other diverse functions. Our results encourage models of hormonal signaling during plant regeneration to consider keystone roles of stress-related signaling (e.g. involving jasmonates and salicylic acid), in addition to the auxin and cytokinin pathways commonly considered. The putative regulatory genes and biological processes we identified provide new insights into the biological complexity of plant regeneration, and may serve as new reagents for improving regeneration and transformation of recalcitrant genotypes and species.
PMID: 38325329
J Microencapsul , IF:3.142 , 2024 May , V41 (3) : P170-189 doi: 10.1080/02652048.2024.2324812
Microbeads as carriers for Bacillus pumilus: a biofertilizer focus on auxin production.
Departamento de Suelos y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Agronomia, Universidad de Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile.; Escuela de Ingenieria Ambiental, Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidad Austral de Chile, Sede Puerto Montt, Puerto Montt, Chile.; Laboratory of Biofilms and Environmental Microbiology, Center of Biotechnology, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile.
The study aimed to develop a solid biofertilizer using Bacillus pumilus, focusing on auxin production to enhance plant drought tolerance. Methods involved immobilising B. pumilus in alginate-starch beads, focusing on microbial concentration, biopolymer types, and environmental conditions. The optimal formulation showed a diameter of 3.58 mm +/- 0.18, a uniform size distribution after 15 h of drying at 30 degrees C, a stable bacterial concentration (1.99 x 10(9) CFU g(-1) +/- 1.03 x 10(9) over 180 days at room temperature), a high auxin production (748.8 microg g(-1) +/- 10.3 of IAA in 7 days), and a water retention capacity of 37% +/- 4.07. In conclusion, this new formulation of alginate + starch + L-tryptophan + B. pumilus has the potential for use in crops due to its compelling water retention, high viability in storage at room temperature, and high auxin production, which provides commercial advantages.
PMID: 38469757
Int Microbiol , IF:2.479 , 2024 Apr , V27 (2) : P337-347 doi: 10.1007/s10123-023-00394-6
Rhizobacteria isolated from xerophyte Haloxylon ammodendron manipulate root system architecture and enhance drought and salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Department of Biotechnology and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.; Department of Biotechnology and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran. arseifi@um.ac.ir.
The objective of this study was to identify bacteria from the rhizosphere of the black saxaul (Haloxylon ammodendron) and test the possibility of using the bacteria for enhancement of drought and/or salt tolerance in the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. We collected rhizosphere and bulk soil samples from a natural habitat of H. ammodendron in Iran and identified 58 morphotypes of bacteria that were enriched in the rhizosphere. From this collection, we focused our further experiments on eight isolates. Microbiological analyses showed that these isolates have different levels of tolerance to heat, salt, and drought stresses, and showed different capabilities of auxin production and phosphorous solubilization. We first tested the effects of these bacteria on the salt tolerance of Arabidopsis on agar plate assays. The bacteria substantially influenced the root system architecture, but they were not effective in increasing salt tolerance significantly. Pot assays were then conducted to evaluate the effects of the bacteria on salt or drought tolerance of Arabidopsis on peat moss. Results showed that three of these bacteria (Pseudomonas spp. and Peribacillus sp.) effectively enhanced drought tolerance in Arabidopsis, so that while none of the mock-inoculated plants survived after 19 days of water withholding, the survival rate was 50-100% for the plants that were inoculated with these bacteria. The positive effects of the rhizobacteria on a phylogenetically-distant plant species imply that the desert rhizobacteria may be used to enhance abiotic stress in crops.
PMID: 37392309
Mol Biol Rep , IF:2.316 , 2024 Apr , V51 (1) : P539 doi: 10.1007/s11033-024-09441-5
Identification of ARF genes in Juglans Sigillata Dode and analysis of their expression patterns under drought stress.
College of Agriculture, Guizhou Engineering Research Center for Fruit Crops, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.; College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.; 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, Guizhou Province, China.; College of Agriculture, Guizhou Engineering Research Center for Fruit Crops, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China. donghuang@gzu.edu.cn.; 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, Guizhou Province, China. donghuang@gzu.edu.cn.; College of Agriculture, Guizhou Engineering Research Center for Fruit Crops, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China. pxjun2050@aliyun.com.; College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China. pxjun2050@aliyun.com.
BACKGROUND: Auxin response factor (ARF), a transcription factors that controls the expression of genes responsive to auxin, plays a key role in the regulation of plant growth and development. Analyses aimed at identifying ARF family genes and characterizing their functions in Juglans sigillata Dode are lacking. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used bioinformatic approaches to identify members of the J. sigillata ARF gene family and analyze their evolutionary relationships, collinearity, cis-acting elements, and tissue-specific expression patterns. The expression patterns of ARF gene family members under natural drought conditions were also analyzed. The J. sigillata ARF gene family contained 31 members, which were unevenly distributed across 16 chromosomes. We constructed a phylogenetic tree of JsARF genes and other plant ARF genes. Cis-acting elements in the promoters of JsARF were predicted. JsARF28 showed higher expressions in both the roots and leaves. A heat map of the transcriptome data of the cluster analysis under drought stress indicated that JsARF3/9/11/17/20/26 are responsive to drought. The expression of the 11 ARF genes varied under PEG treatment and JsARF18 and JsARF20 were significantly up-regulated. CONCLUSIONS: The interactions between abiotic stresses and plant hormones are supported by our cumulative data, which also offers a theoretical groundwork for comprehending the ARF mechanism and drought resistance in J. sigillata.
PMID: 38642202
Plant Signal Behav , IF:2.247 , 2024 Dec , V19 (1) : P2341506 doi: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2341506
Complex genetic interaction between glucose sensor HXK1 and E3 SUMO ligase SIZ1 in regulating plant morphogenesis.
National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India.
Sugar signaling forms the basis of metabolic activities crucial for an organism to perform essential life activities. In plants, sugars like glucose, mediate a wide range of physiological responses ranging from seed germination to cell senescence. This has led to the elucidation of cell signaling pathways involving glucose and its counterparts and the mechanism of how these sugars take control over major hormonal pathways such as auxin, ethylene, abscisic acid and cytokinin in Arabidopsis. Plants use HXK1(Hexokinase) as a glucose sensor to modulate changes in photosynthetic gene expression in response to high glucose levels. Other proteins such as SIZ1, a major SUMO E3 ligase have recently been implicated in controlling sugar responses via transcriptional and translational regulation of a wide array of sugar metabolic genes. Here, we show that these two genes work antagonistically and are epistatic in controlling responsiveness toward high glucose conditions.
PMID: 38607960
Plant Signal Behav , IF:2.247 , 2024 Dec , V19 (1) : P2331358 doi: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2331358
Plant hormone profiling of scion and rootstock incision sites and intra- and inter-family graft junctions in Nicotiana benthamiana.
Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.; RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Plant Productivity Systems Research Group, Yokohama, Japan.
Many previous studies have suggested that various plant hormones play essential roles in the grafting process. In this study, to understand the plant hormones that accumulate in the graft junctions, whether these are supplied from the scion or rootstock, and how these hormones play a role in the grafting process, we performed a hormonome analysis that accumulated in the incision site of the upper plants from the incision as "ungrafted scion" and lower plants from the incision as "ungrafted rootstock" in Nicotiana benthamiana. The results revealed that indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA), which regulate cell division; abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA), which regulate xylem formation; cytokinin (CK), which regulates callus formation, show different accumulation patterns in the incision sites of the ungrafted scion and rootstock. In addition, to try discussing the differences in the degree and speed of each event during the grafting process between intra- and inter-family grafting by determining the concentration and accumulation timing of plant hormones in the graft junctions, we performed hormonome analysis of graft junctions of intra-family grafted plants with N. benthamiana as scion and Solanum lycopersicum as rootstock (Nb/Sl) and inter-family grafted plants with N. benthamiana as scion and Arabidopsis thaliana as rootstock (Nb/At), using the ability of Nicotiana species to graft with many plant species. The results revealed that ABA and CK showed different accumulation timings; IAA, JA, and salicylic acid (SA) showed similar accumulation timings, while different accumulated concentrations in the graft junctions of Nb/Sl and Nb/At. This information is important for understanding the molecular mechanisms of plant hormones in the grafting process and the differences in molecular mechanisms between intra- and inter-family grafting.
PMID: 38513064
Plant Signal Behav , IF:2.247 , 2024 Dec , V19 (1) : P2305030 doi: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2305030
Cytokinin signaling is involved in root hair elongation in response to phosphate starvation.
School of Biological Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan.; Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara, Japan.
Root hair, single-celled tubular structures originating from the epidermis, plays a vital role in the uptake of nutrients from the soil by increasing the root surface area. Therefore, optimizing root hair growth is crucial for plants to survive in fluctuating environments. Root hair length is determined by the action of various plant hormones, among which the roles of auxin and ethylene have been extensively studied. However, evidence for the involvement of cytokinins has remained elusive. We recently reported that the cytokinin-activated B-type response regulators, ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATOR 1 (ARR1) and ARR12 directly upregulate the expression of ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE 6-LIKE 4 (RSL4), which encodes a key transcription factor that controls root hair elongation. However, depending on the nutrient availability, it is unknown whether the ARR1/12-RSL4 pathway controls root hair elongation. This study shows that phosphate deficiency induced the expression of RSL4 and increased the root hair length through ARR1/12, though the transcript and protein levels of ARR1/12 did not change. These results indicate that cytokinins, together with other hormones, regulate root hair growth under phosphate starvation conditions.
PMID: 38267225
Plant Pathol J , IF:1.795 , 2024 Apr , V40 (2) : P99-105 doi: 10.5423/PPJ.RW.01.2024.0006
From the Photosynthesis to Hormone Biosynthesis in Plants.
Department of Plant Medicals, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Korea.
Land plants produce glucose (C6H12O6) through photosynthesis by utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and light energy. Glucose can be stored in various polysaccharide forms for later use (e.g., sucrose in fruit, amylose in plastids), used to create cellulose, the primary structural component of cell walls, and immediately metabolized to generate cellular energy, adenosine triphosphate, through a series of respiratory pathways including glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, plants must metabolize glucose into amino acids, nucleotides, and various plant hormones, which are crucial for regulating many aspects of plant physiology. This review will summarize the biosynthesis of different plant hormones, such as auxin, salicylic acid, gibberellins, cytokinins, ethylene, and abscisic acid, in relation to glucose metabolism.
PMID: 38606440
Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao , 2024 Apr , V40 (4) : P1157-1169 doi: 10.13345/j.cjb.230681
[Identification and expression profile analysis of rice CRF gene family].
College of Life Science and Engineering, Shenyang University, Shenyang 110044, Liaoning, China.; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Urban Integrated Pest Management and Ecological Security, Shenyang 110044, Liaoning, China.
Cytokinin response factors (CRFs), as unique transcription factors in plants, play crucial roles in regulating development, phytohormone signaling pathway, and stress responses. In this study, we identified nine CRF genes from the rice genome by conducting a BLAST analysis using the protein sequences of twelve Arabidopsis AtCRFs. These genes are located on seven different rice chromosomes. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the conserved domains, physicochemical properties, secondary structures, and phylogenetic relationships of rice CRF proteins using various online tools and local software. Additionally, we analyzed the exon-intron structures and cis-acting elements of OsCRFs, and found an abundance of elements relevant to phytohormone response and stress response on the promoters of rice CRF genes. Spatial-temporal expression pattern analysis revealed that four of the OsCRFs were barely expressed in all tested samples, while the other five were highly expressed in the leaf, panicle, or seed of rice. Microarray data showed that OsCRF genes are regulated to varying degrees by abscisic acid, auxin, cytokinin, and jasmonic acid. Furthermore, through analyzing the RNA-seq data, we found that OsCRFs are primarily involved in plant response to temperature stress (chilling and heat), with several OsCRFs also implicated in drought response, while hardly any respond to salt stress. This study provides an important basis for the functional characterization of rice CRF family genes.
PMID: 38658155
Heliyon , 2024 Apr , V10 (7) : Pe29140 doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29140
From genes to ecosystems: Decoding plant tolerance mechanisms to arsenic stress.
Laboratorio de Biorremediacion, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila, Torreon, Mexico.; Gus R. Douglass Institute and Department of Biology, West Virginia State University, Institute, Dunbar, WV 25112-1000, USA.
Arsenic (As), a metalloid of considerable toxicity, has become increasingly bioavailable through anthropogenic activities, raising As contamination levels in groundwater and agricultural soils worldwide. This bioavailability has profound implications for plant biology and farming systems. As can detrimentally affect crop yield and pose risks of bioaccumulation and subsequent entry into the food chain. Upon exposure to As, plants initiate a multifaceted molecular response involving crucial signaling pathways, such as those mediated by calcium, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and various phytohormones (e.g., auxin, methyl jasmonate, cytokinin). These pathways, in turn, activate enzymes within the antioxidant system, which combat the reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) generated by As-induced stress. Plants exhibit a sophisticated genomic response to As, involving the upregulation of genes associated with uptake, chelation, and sequestration. Specific gene families, such as those coding for aquaglyceroporins and ABC transporters, are key in mediating As uptake and translocation within plant tissues. Moreover, we explore the gene regulatory networks that orchestrate the synthesis of phytochelatins and metallothioneins, which are crucial for As chelation and detoxification. Transcription factors, particularly those belonging to the MYB, NAC, and WRKY families, emerge as central regulators in activating As-responsive genes. On a post-translational level, we examine how ubiquitination pathways modulate the stability and function of proteins involved in As metabolism. By integrating omics findings, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the complex genomic landscape that defines plant responses to As. Knowledge gained from these genomic and epigenetic insights is pivotal for developing biotechnological strategies to enhance crop As tolerance.
PMID: 38601600
Mol Hortic , 2024 Apr , V4 (1) : P13 doi: 10.1186/s43897-024-00090-7
Large-scale analysis of the ARF and Aux/IAA gene families in 406 horticultural and other plants.
School of Life Sciences/Library, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China.; College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.; Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8200, Denmark.; School of Life Sciences/Library, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China. caoruivv@163.com.; School of Life Sciences/Library, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China. maxiaoxiaos@sina.com.; College of Horticultural Science & Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science & Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, 066600, China. maxiaoxiaos@sina.com.; School of Life Sciences/Library, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China. songxm@ncst.edu.cn.
The auxin response factor (ARF) and auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAA) family of genes are central components of the auxin signaling pathway and play essential roles in plant growth and development. Their large-scale analysis and evolutionary trajectory of origin are currently not known. Here, we identified the corresponding ARF and Aux/IAA family members and performed a large-scale analysis by scanning 406 plant genomes. The results showed that the ARF and Aux/IAA gene families originated from charophytes. The ARF family sequences were more conserved than the Aux/IAA family sequences. Dispersed duplications were the common expansion mode of ARF and Aux/IAA families in bryophytes, ferns, and gymnosperms; however, whole-genome duplication was the common expansion mode of the ARF and Aux/IAA families in basal angiosperms, magnoliids, monocots, and dicots. Expression and regulatory network analyses revealed that the Arabidopsis thaliana ARF and Aux/IAA families responded to multiple hormone, biotic, and abiotic stresses. The APETALA2 and serum response factor-transcription factor gene families were commonly enriched in the upstream and downstream genes of the ARF and Aux/IAA gene families. Our study provides a comprehensive overview of the evolutionary trajectories, structural functions, expansion mechanisms, expression patterns, and regulatory networks of these two gene families.
PMID: 38589963
Plant Commun , 2024 Apr : P100892 doi: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.100892
The ESR2-HDA6 complex exerts negative feedback regulation of auxin biosynthesis to delay callus initiation from Arabidopsis leaf explants during tissue culture.
Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.; Interdisciplinary Program in Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.; Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.; Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea.; Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; Interdisciplinary Program in Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea. Electronic address: pjseo1@snu.ac.kr.
Plants exhibit an astonishing ability to regulate organ regeneration upon wounding. Excision of leaf explants promotes biosynthesis of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), which is polar-transported to excised regions, where cell fate transition leads to specification of root founder cells to induce de novo root regeneration. The regeneration capacity of plants has been utilized to develop in vitro tissue culture technology. Here, we report that IAA accumulation near wounded site of leaf explants is essential for induction of callus on 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)-rich callus-inducing medium (CIM). Notably, a high concentration of a synthetic auxin, 2,4-D, does not compensate for IAA action because of its limited efflux; rather, it lowers IAA biosynthesis via a negative feedback mechanism at an early stage of in vitro tissue culture, delaying callus initiation. The auxin negative feedback loop in CIM-cultured leaf explants is mediated by an auxin-inducible AP2 transcription factor, ENHANCER OF SHOOT REGENERATION 2 (ESR2), and its interacting partner HISTONE DEACETYLASE 6 (HDA6). The ESR2-HDA6 complex binds directly to, and removes the H3ac mark from, the YUCCA1 (YUC1), YUC7, and YUC9 loci, consequently repressing auxin biosynthesis and inhibiting cell fate transition on 2,4-D-rich CIM. These findings indicate that negative feedback regulation of auxin biosynthesis by ESR2 and HDA6 interferes with proper cell fate transition and callus initiation.
PMID: 38566417
Microbiol Resour Announc , 2024 Apr , V13 (4) : Pe0113723 doi: 10.1128/mra.01137-23
Complete genome sequence of plant growth-promoting Bacillus stratosphericus AIMST-CREST02 isolated from bulk soil of a paddy field.
Centre of Excellence for Omics-Driven Computational Biodiscovery (COMBio), AIMST University, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia.; Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.; Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.; Laboratory of Sustainable Agronomy and Crop Protection, Institute of Plantation Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Here, we present the complete genome of a plant growth-promoting strain, Bacillus stratosphericus AIMST-CREST02 isolated from the bulk soil of a high-yielding paddy plot. The genome is 3,840,451 bp in size with a GC content of 41.25%. Annotation predicted the presence of 3,907 coding sequences, including genes involved in auxin biosynthesis regulation and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism.
PMID: 38506531