Nat Biotechnol , IF:54.908 , 2024 Nov , V42 (11) : P1705-1716 doi: 10.1038/s41587-023-02065-3
Slow release of a synthetic auxin induces formation of adventitious roots in recalcitrant woody plants.
School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.; The Institute of Plant Sciences, The Volcani Center, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Rishon LeZion, Israel.; The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.; Chair of Plant Systems Biology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany.; Chair of Food Chemistry and Molecular and Sensory Science, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany.; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologySchool of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.; School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.; The Institute of Plant Sciences, The Volcani Center, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Rishon LeZion, Israel. vhesadot@volcani.agri.gov.il.; School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. royweinstain@tauex.tau.ac.il.
Clonal propagation of plants by induction of adventitious roots (ARs) from stem cuttings is a requisite step in breeding programs. A major barrier exists for propagating valuable plants that naturally have low capacity to form ARs. Due to the central role of auxin in organogenesis, indole-3-butyric acid is often used as part of commercial rooting mixtures, yet many recalcitrant plants do not form ARs in response to this treatment. Here we describe the synthesis and screening of a focused library of synthetic auxin conjugates in Eucalyptus grandis cuttings and identify 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid-L-tryptophan-OMe as a competent enhancer of adventitious rooting in a number of recalcitrant woody plants, including apple and argan. Comprehensive metabolic and functional analyses reveal that this activity is engendered by prolonged auxin signaling due to initial fast uptake and slow release and clearance of the free auxin 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid. This work highlights the utility of a slow-release strategy for bioactive compounds for more effective plant growth regulation.
PMID: 38267759
Nat Biotechnol , IF:54.908 , 2024 Nov , V42 (11) : P1651-1652 doi: 10.1038/s41587-024-02132-3
A synthetic auxin for cloning mature trees.
Umea Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant Physiology, Umea University, Umea, Sweden. catherine.bellini@umu.se.; Universite Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), Versailles, France. catherine.bellini@umu.se.
PMID: 38267758
Cell , IF:41.582 , 2024 Nov , V187 (23) : P6518-6520 doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.10.033
Bound by the love for cholesterol: A transporter meets a GPCR.
Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, India.; Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, India. Electronic address: arshukla@iitk.ac.in.
In a recently published article in Nature, Bayly-Jones et al. report the cryo-EM structures of a lysosomal cholesterol sensor, LYCHOS, also known as GPR155, which reveals a unique fusion of a plant auxin-transporter-like domain with a seven-transmembrane GPCR-like domain and elucidates mechanistic insights into cellular regulation of mTORC1 activity.
PMID: 39547211
Trends Plant Sci , IF:18.313 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1016/j.tplants.2024.10.014
Soil compaction sensing mechanisms and root responses.
Plant and Crop Science, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, LE12 5RD, UK.; Plant and Crop Science, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, LE12 5RD, UK. Electronic address: bipin.pandey@nottingham.ac.uk.
Soil compaction is an agricultural challenge with profound influence on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. It causes drastic changes by increasing mechanical impedance, reducing water infiltration, gaseous exchange, and biological activities. Soil compaction hinders root growth, limiting nutrient and water foraging abilities of plants. Recent research reveals that plant roots sense soil compaction due to higher ethylene accumulation in and around root tips. Ethylene orchestrates auxin and abscisic acid as downstream signals to regulate root adaptive responses to soil compaction. In this review, we describe the changes inflicted by soil compaction ranging from cell to organ scale and explore the latest research regarding plant root compaction sensing and response.
PMID: 39562237
Trends Plant Sci , IF:18.313 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1016/j.tplants.2024.10.016
Dietary auxin may help patients to fight cancer.
Instituto de Investigaciones Quimico- Biologicas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo. Edificio A1', Ciudad Universitaria, Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico. Electronic address: jbucio@umich.mx.
The phytohormone auxin (indole-3-acetic acid; IAA) increases the efficacy of cancer treatment. IAA is a universal molecule, being produced by bacteria, fungi, and plants. Therefore, incorporating IAA-rich products derived from microbes or plants, such as yoghurt, probiotics, microgreens, and fresh carrots into the diet may be promising for disease management.
PMID: 39510947
Trends Plant Sci , IF:18.313 , 2024 Nov , V29 (11) : P1162-1164 doi: 10.1016/j.tplants.2024.07.004
ABLs and transmembrane kinases shape extracellular auxin perception.
Plant Physiology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Chaudhary Mahadeo Prasad (C.M.P.) Degree College, a Constituent Postgraduate College of the University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002, India.; Crop Nanobiology and Molecular Stress Physiology Laboratory, Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture, Amity University, Sector 125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201313, India.; Department of Plant Pathology, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.; Plant Physiology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Chaudhary Mahadeo Prasad (C.M.P.) Degree College, a Constituent Postgraduate College of the University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002, India. Electronic address: vijaypratap.au@gmail.com.; College of General Education, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, South Korea. Electronic address: ravigupta@kookmin.ac.kr.
Auxin is a key phytohormone, but the mechanism underlying apoplastic auxin perception has remained elusive. Yu et al. recently demonstrated that the interaction of two novel apoplast-localized auxin-binding protein 1 (ABP1)-like proteins, ABL1 and ABL2, with transmembrane kinases (TMKs) shapes extracellular auxin perception in both an overlapping and an ABP1-independent manner.
PMID: 39048470
Trends Plant Sci , IF:18.313 , 2024 Nov , V29 (11) : P1254-1265 doi: 10.1016/j.tplants.2024.06.007
Parthenocarpy, a pollination-independent fruit set mechanism to ensure yield stability.
Universite Paris-Saclay, CNRS, INRAE, Universite Evry, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2), 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France; Vilmorin & Cie, Route d'Ennezat, 63720 Chappes, France.; Vilmorin & Cie, Paraje La Reserva, 04725 La Mojonera, Spain.; Universite Paris-Saclay, CNRS, INRAE, Universite Evry, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2), 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France; Universite de Paris, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2), 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France. Electronic address: adnane.boualem@inrae.fr.; Universite Paris-Saclay, CNRS, INRAE, Universite Evry, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2), 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France; Universite de Paris, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2), 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France. Electronic address: abdelhafid.bendahmane@inrae.fr.
Fruit development is essential for flowering plants' reproduction and a significant food source. Climate change threatens fruit yields due to its impact on pollination and fertilization processes, especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures, insufficient light, and pollinator decline. Parthenocarpy, the development of fruit without fertilization, offers a solution, ensuring yield stability in adverse conditions and enhancing fruit quality. Parthenocarpic fruits not only secure agricultural production but also exhibit improved texture, appearance, and shelf life, making them desirable for food processing and other applications. Recent research unveils the molecular mechanisms behind parthenocarpy, implicating transcription factors (TFs), noncoding RNAs, and phytohormones such as auxin, gibberellin (GA), and cytokinin (CK). Here we review recent findings, construct regulatory models, and identify areas for further research.
PMID: 39034223
Adv Sci (Weinh) , IF:16.806 , 2024 Nov , V11 (44) : Pe2406111 doi: 10.1002/advs.202406111
A CC-NB-ARC-LRR Gene Regulates Bract Morphology 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.; Precision Breeding and Germplasm Innovation Team for Cotton and Economic Crops, Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, 572025, China.
Bracts are leaf-like structures in flowering plants. They serve multiple functions such as attracting pollinators, aiding tolerance of abiotic stressors, and conducting photosynthesis. While previous studies extensively examine bract function, the molecular mechanisms underlying bract growth remain unknown. Here, the map-based isolation and characterization of a crucial factor responsible for cotton bract development, identified from a mutant known as frego bract (fg), discovered by Frego in 1945 are presented. This gene, named Ghfg, encodes a CC-NB-ARC-LRR (CNL) family protein. Through analysis of bract form in plants with virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and transgenic plants, this gene is confirmed to be the causal gene under the fg locus. Furthermore, high-resolution single-cell transcriptomic landscape of cotton bracts is generated, which reveals differences related to auxin in proliferating cells from TM-1 and T582; differences in auxin distribution and ROS accumulation are experimentally verified. These findings suggest that GhFG is in a self-activated state in the fg mutant, and its activity leads to ROS accumulation that impacts auxin distribution and transport. Finally, an island cotton variety with the frego bract trait is developed, demonstrating a novel solution for reducing the high impurity rate caused by bract remnants.
PMID: 39364742
Nat Plants , IF:15.793 , 2024 Nov , V10 (11) : P1737-1748 doi: 10.1038/s41477-024-01810-z
A coherent feed-forward loop in the Arabidopsis root stem cell organizer regulates auxin biosynthesis and columella stem cell maintenance.
Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.; National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, College of Agriculture, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.; Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.; Uniklinik Freiburg, Zentrum fur Translationale Zellforschung (ZTZ), Freiburg, Germany.; Freiburg Center for Data Analysis and Modeling (FDM), Freiburg, Germany.; Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. laux@biologie.uni-freiburg.de.; Sino-German Joint Research Center on Agricultural Biology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China. laux@biologie.uni-freiburg.de.
Stem cells in plant meristems are kept undifferentiated by signals from surrounding cells and provide the basis for continuous organ formation. In the stem cell organizer of the Arabidopsis thaliana root, the quiescent centre (QC), the WOX5 transcription factor, functions as a central hub in regulating columella stem cell (CSC) homoeostasis. However, the processes mediating WOX5 function are only poorly understood. Here we identify the transcription factor HAN as a central mediator of WOX5-regulated stem cell maintenance. HAN is required for mitotic quiescence of QC and CSC maintenance and is sufficient to induce ectopic stem cells. WOX5 and HAN repress transcription of the differentiation factor gene CDF4 in a coherent feed-forward loop (cFFL), one output of which is the expression of the auxin biosynthesis gene TAA1 and maintenance of auxin response maxima in the organizer. These findings and mathematical modelling provide a mechanistic framework for WOX5 function in the root stem cell niche.
PMID: 39394505
Nat Commun , IF:14.919 , 2024 Nov , V15 (1) : P9904 doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-54240-y
Over 25 years of decrypting PIN-mediated plant development.
Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, BOKU University, Wien, Austria. christian.luschnig@boku.ac.at.; Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Klosterneuburg, Austria. jiri.friml@ist.ac.at.
Identification of PIN exporters for auxin, the major coordinative signal in plants, some 25 years ago, signifies a landmark in our understanding of plant-specific mechanisms underlying development and adaptation. Auxin is directionally transported throughout the plant body; a unique feature already envisioned by Darwin and solidified by PINs' discovery and characterization. The PIN-based auxin distribution network with its complex regulations of PIN expression, localization and activity turned out to underlie a remarkable multitude of developmental processes and represents means to integrate endogenous and environmental signals. Given the recent anniversary, we here summarize past and current developments in this exciting field.
PMID: 39548100
Microbiome , IF:14.65 , 2024 Oct , V12 (1) : P224 doi: 10.1186/s40168-024-01933-7
Quality traits drive the enrichment of Massilia in the rhizosphere to improve soybean oil content.
National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China.; Laboratory of Risk Assessment for Oilseeds Products (Wuhan), Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430061, People's Republic of China.; Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences / National Engineering Research Center for Soybean, Changchun, Jilin, 130033, People's Republic of China.; Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences / National Engineering Research Center for Soybean, Changchun, Jilin, 130033, People's Republic of China. 82516942@qq.com.; State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China. ybai@genetics.ac.cn.; National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China. xli@mail.hzau.edu.cn.; Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences / National Engineering Research Center for Soybean, Changchun, Jilin, 130033, People's Republic of China. xli@mail.hzau.edu.cn.
BACKGROUND: Soybean seeds are rich in protein and oil. The selection of varieties that produce high-quality seeds has been one of the priorities of soybean breeding programs. However, the influence of improved seed quality on the rhizosphere microbiota and whether the microbiota is involved in determining seed quality are still unclear. Here, we analyzed the structures of the rhizospheric bacterial communities of 100 soybean varieties, including 53 landraces and 47 modern cultivars, and evaluated the interactions between seed quality traits and rhizospheric bacteria. RESULTS: We found that rhizospheric bacterial structures differed between landraces and cultivars and that this difference was directly related to their oil content. Seven bacterial families (Sphingomonadaceae, Gemmatimonadaceae, Nocardioidaceae, Xanthobacteraceae, Chitinophagaceae, Oxalobacteraceae, and Streptomycetaceae) were obviously enriched in the rhizospheres of the high-oil cultivars. Among them, Oxalobacteraceae (Massilia) was assembled specifically by the root exudates of high-oil cultivars and was associated with the phenolic acids and flavonoids in plant phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathways. Furthermore, we showed that Massilia affected auxin signaling or interfered with active oxygen-related metabolism. In addition, Massilia activated glycolysis pathway, thereby promoting seed oil accumulation. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide a solid theoretical basis for the breeding of revolutionary soybean cultivars with desired seed quality and optimal microbiomes and the development of new cultivation strategies for increasing the oil content of seeds. Video Abstract.
PMID: 39478571
Mol Plant , IF:13.164 , 2024 Nov , V17 (11) : P1719-1732 doi: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.09.011
Sucrose-responsive osmoregulation of plant cell size by a long non-coding RNA.
Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Experimental Botany and Palacky University, Slechtitelu 27, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic. Electronic address: jakub.hajny@upol.cz.; Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Experimental Botany and Palacky University, Slechtitelu 27, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic.; Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, Slechtitelu 27, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic.; Joseph Gottlieb Kolreuter Institute for Plant Sciences (JKIP)-Molecular Biology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany.; Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.; Laboratory of Seeds Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5a, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.; Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.; Center of Plant Structural and Functional Genomics, Institute of Experimental Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Slechtitelu 31, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic.; Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
In plants, sugars are the key source of energy and metabolic building blocks. The systemic transport of sugars is essential for plant growth and morphogenesis. Plants evolved intricate molecular networks to effectively distribute sugars. The dynamic distribution of these osmotically active compounds is a handy tool for regulating cell turgor pressure, an instructive force in developmental biology. In this study, we have investigated the molecular mechanism behind the dual role of the receptor-like kinase CANAR. We functionally characterized a long non-coding RNA, CARMA, as a negative regulator of CANAR. Sugar-responsive CARMA specifically fine-tunes CANAR expression in the phloem, the route of sugar transport. Our genetic, molecular, microscopy, and biophysical data suggest that the CARMA-CANAR module controls the shoot-to-root phloem transport of sugars, allows cells to flexibly adapt to the external osmolality by appropriate water uptake, and thus adjust the size of vascular cell types during organ growth and development. Our study identifies a nexus of plant vascular tissue formation with cell internal pressure monitoring, revealing a novel functional aspect of long non-coding RNAs in developmental biology.
PMID: 39354717
Dev Cell , IF:12.27 , 2024 Oct doi: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.10.006
A mobile miR160-triggered transcriptional axis controls root stem cell niche maintenance and regeneration in Arabidopsis.
State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.; Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.; Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schanzlestrasse 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.; State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China. Electronic address: limin.pi@whu.edu.cn.
In multicellular organisms, communication between cells is vital for their fate determination. In plants, the quiescent center (QC) signals to adjacent stem cells to maintain them undifferentiated. However, how surrounding stem cells instruct the QC remains poorly understood. Here, we show that in the Arabidopsis root, microRNA160 (miR160) moves from stele stem cells (SSCs) to the QC, where it degrades the mRNAs of two auxin response factors, ARF10 and ARF17. This degradation relieves BRAVO from direct transcriptional repression, maintaining QC quiescence. We further identify that blocking miR160 movement due to DNA damage-induced SSC death and restricted symplastic transport reduces BRAVO and WOX5 expression, leading to QC division to replenish damaged stem cells during root regeneration. Together, our results demonstrate that a transcriptional axis initiated by mobile miR160 regulates the QC and stem cell behavior, advancing our understanding of the communication between stem cells and their surrounding cellular environment.
PMID: 39488206
EMBO J , IF:11.598 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1038/s44318-024-00302-2
Deciphering the molecular logic of WOX5 function in the root stem cell organizer.
State Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, College of Agronomy, Shandong Agricultural University, 271018, Tai'an, Shandong, China. nzhang@sdau.edu.cn.; Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schanzlestrasse 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany. nzhang@sdau.edu.cn.; Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schanzlestrasse 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.; Sino-German Joint Research Center on Agricultural Biology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China.; Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schanzlestrasse 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany. laux@biologie.uni-freiburg.de.; Sino-German Joint Research Center on Agricultural Biology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China. laux@biologie.uni-freiburg.de.
Plant and animal stem cells receive signals from their surrounding cells to stay undifferentiated. In the Arabidopsis root, the quiescent center (QC) acts as a stem cell organizer, signaling to the neighboring stem cells. WOX5 is a central transcription factor regulating QC function. However, due to the scarcity of QC cells, WOX5 functions in the QC are largely unexplored at a genomic scale. Here, we unveil the transcriptional and epigenetic landscapes of the QC and the role of WOX5 within them. We find that WOX5 functions both as a transcriptional repressor and activator, affecting histone modifications and chromatin accessibility. Our data expand on known WOX5 functions, such as the regulation of differentiation, cell division, and auxin biosynthesis. We also uncover unexpected WOX5-regulated pathways involved in nitrate transport and the regulation of basal expression levels of genes associated with mature root tissues. These data suggest a role for QC cells as reserve stem cells and primed cells for prospective progenitor fates. Taken together, these findings offer insights into the role of WOX5 at the QC and provide a basis for further analyses to advance our understanding of the nature of plant stem cell organizers.
PMID: 39558109
Plant Cell , IF:11.277 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1093/plcell/koae312
KNUCKLES Regulates Floral Meristem Termination by Controlling Auxin Distribution and Cytokinin Activity.
State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
The termination of floral meristem (FM) activity is essential for the normal development of reproductive floral organs. During this process, KNUCKLES (KNU), a C2H2-type zinc finger protein, crucially regulates FM termination by directly repressing the expression of both the stem cell identity gene WUSCHEL (WUS) and the stem cell marker gene CLAVATA3 (CLV3) to abolish the WUS-CLV3 feedback loop required for FM maintenance. In addition, phytohormones auxin and cytokinin are involved in FM regulation. However, whether KNU modulates auxin and cytokinin activities for FM determinacy control remains unclear. Here, we show that the auxin distribution and the cytokinin activity mediated by KNU in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) promote the termination of FM during stage 6 of flower development. Mutation of KNU leads to altered distribution of auxin and cytokinin in the FM of a stage 6 floral bud. Moreover, KNU directly represses the auxin transporter gene PIN-FORMED1 (PIN1) and the cytokinin biosynthesis gene ISOPENTENYLTRANSFERASE7 (IPT7) via mediating H3K27me3 deposition on these two loci to regulate auxin and cytokinin activities. Our study presents a molecular regulatory network that elucidates how the transcriptional repressor KNU integrates and modulates the activities of auxin and cytokinin, thus securing the timed FM termination.
PMID: 39576002
Plant Cell , IF:11.277 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1093/plcell/koae303
VvFHY3 links auxin and endoplasmic reticulum stress to regulate grape anthocyanin biosynthesis at high temperatures.
College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
Anthocyanins affect quality in fruits such as grape (Vitis vinifera). High temperatures reduce anthocyanin levels by suppressing the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes and decreasing the biosynthetic rate. However, the regulatory mechanisms that coordinate these two processes remain largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that high-temperature-mediated inhibition of anthocyanin biosynthesis in grape berries depends on the auxin and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways. Inactivation of these pathways restores anthocyanin accumulation under high temperatures. We identified and characterized FAR-RED ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL3 (FHY3), a high-temperature-modulated transcription factor that activates multiple anthocyanin biosynthesis genes by binding to their promoters. The auxin response factor VvARF3 interacts with VvFHY3 and represses its transactivation activity, antagonizing VvFHY3-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis. Additionally, we found that the ER stress sensor VvbZIP17 represses anthocyanin biosynthesis. VvFHY3 suppresses VvbZIP17 activity by directly binding to the VvbZIP17 promoter to repress its transcription and by physically interacting with VvbZIP17 to block its DNA binding ability. Furthermore, AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 3 (ARF3) interferes with the VvFHY3-VvbZIP17 interaction, releasing VvbZIP17 to activate the unfolded protein response and further suppress anthocyanin production. Our results unravel the VvARF3-VvFHY3-VvbZIP17 regulatory module, which links the auxin and ER stress pathways to coordinately repress anthocyanin structural gene expression and biosynthesis under high-temperature stress.
PMID: 39539042
Biosens Bioelectron , IF:10.618 , 2025 Jan , V267 : P116757 doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116757
Electrochemical sensors for plant signaling molecules.
School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China.; School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China. Electronic address: slj.1226@ntu.edu.cn.
Plant signaling molecules can be divided into plant messenger signaling molecules (such as calcium ions, hydrogen peroxide, Nitric oxide) and plant hormone signaling molecules (such as auxin (mainly indole-3-acetic acid or IAA), salicylic acid, abscisic acid, cytokinin, jasmonic acid or methyl jasmonate, gibberellins, brassinosteroids, strigolactone, and ethylene), which play crucial roles in regulating plant growth and development, and response to the environment. Due to the important roles of the plant signaling molecules in the plants, many methods were developed to detect them. The development of in-situ and real-time detection of plant signaling molecules and field-deployable sensors will be a key breakthrough for botanical research and agricultural technology. Electrochemical methods provide convenient methods for in-situ and real-time detection of plant signaling molecules in plants because of their easy operation, high sensitivity, and high selectivity. This article comprehensively reviews the research on electrochemical detection of plant signaling molecules reported in the past decade, which summarizes the various types electrodes of electrochemical sensors and the applications of multiple nanomaterials to enhance electrode detection selectivity and sensitivity. This review also provides examples to introduce the current research trends in electrochemical detection, and highlights the applicability and innovation of electrochemical sensors such as miniaturization, non-invasive, long-term stability, integration, automation, and intelligence in the future. In all, the electrochemical sensors can realize in-situ, real-time and intelligent acquisition of dynamic changes in plant signaling molecules in plants, which is of great significance for promoting basic research in botany and the development of intelligent agriculture.
PMID: 39250871
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1111/nph.20226
Small, but mitey: investigating the molecular genetic basis for mite domatia development and intraspecific variation in Vitis riparia using transcriptomics.
Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
Here, we investigated the molecular genetic basis of mite domatia, structures on the underside of leaves that house mutualistic mites, and intraspecific variation in domatia size in Vitis riparia (riverbank grape). Domatia and leaf traits were measured, and the transcriptomes of mite domatia from two genotypes of V. riparia with distinct domatia sizes were sequenced to investigate the molecular genetic pathways that regulate domatia development and intraspecific variation in domatia traits. Key trichome regulators as well as auxin and jasmonic acid are involved in domatia development. Genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis, biotic interactions, and molecule transport/metabolism are upregulated in domatia, consistent with their role in domatia development and function. This work is one of the first to date that provides insight into the molecular genetic bases of mite domatia. We identified key genetic pathways involved in domatia development and function, and uncovered unexpected pathways that provide an avenue for future investigation. We also found that intraspecific variation in domatia size in V. riparia seems to be driven by differences in overall leaf development between genotypes.
PMID: 39545644
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 Dec , V244 (6) : P2413-2429 doi: 10.1111/nph.20180
The t-SNARE protein OsSYP132 is required for vesicle fusion and root morphogenesis in rice.
State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.; Ningbo Key Laboratory of Agricultural Germplasm Resources Mining and Environmental Regulation, College of Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315300, China.; College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.; Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, Sanya, Hainan, 572025, China.
Root morphogenesis is crucial for water and nutrient acquisition, but many aspects of root morphogenesis in crops are not well-understood. Here, we cloned and functionally characterized a key gene for root morphogenesis in rice (Oryza sativa) based on mutant analysis. The stop root morphogenesis 1 (srm1) mutant lacks crown roots (CRs) and lateral roots (LRs) and carries a point mutation in the t-SNARE coding gene SYNTAXIN OF PLANTS 132 (OsSYP132), leading to a premature stop codon and ablating the post-transmembrane (PTM) region of OsSYP132. We identified the functional SNARE complex OsSYP132-OsNPSN13-OsSYP71-OsVAMP721/722 and determined that the integrity of the PTM region of OsSYP132 is essential for OsSYP132-based SNARE complex-mediated fusion of OsVAMP721/722 vesicles with the plasma membrane. The loss of this region in srm1 disrupts the intercellular trafficking and plasma membrane localization of OsPIN1b, preventing proper auxin distribution in the primordia of CRs and LRs and inhibiting their outgrowth.
PMID: 39449241
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 Dec , V244 (5) : P1723-1731 doi: 10.1111/nph.20211
Nonphototrophic hypocotyl 3 domain proteins: traffic directors, hitchhikers, or both?
Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
The nonphototrophic hypocotyl 3 (NPH3) domain is plant specific and of unknown function. It is nearly always attached to an N-terminal BTB domain and a largely unstructured C-terminal region. Recent reports revealed NPH3-domain GTPase activity and connection to intracellular trafficking, condensate formation, membrane attachment of the C-terminal region for some NPH3-domain proteins and, at the physiological level, drought-related function for at least one NPH3-domain protein. We integrate these new ideas of NPH3-domain protein function into two, nonexclusive, working models: the 'traffic director' model, whereby NPH3-domain proteins regulate intracellular trafficking and, the 'hitchhiker' model whereby NPH3-domain proteins ride the trafficking system to find ubiquitination targets. Determining which model best applies to uncharacterized NPH3-domain proteins will contribute to understanding intracellular trafficking and environmental responses.
PMID: 39425258
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 Nov , V244 (4) : P1408-1421 doi: 10.1111/nph.20153
The Arabidopsis splicing factor PORCUPINE/SmE1 orchestrates temperature-dependent root development via auxin homeostasis maintenance.
Department of Plant Physiology, Umea Plant Science Centre, Umea University, SE-901 87, Umea, Sweden.; Department of Plant Biology, Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-75007, Uppsala, Sweden.; Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Umea Plant Science Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83, Umea, Sweden.
Appropriate abiotic stress response is pivotal for plant survival and makes use of multiple signaling molecules and phytohormones to achieve specific and fast molecular adjustments. A multitude of studies has highlighted the role of alternative splicing in response to abiotic stress, including temperature, emphasizing the role of transcriptional regulation for stress response. Here we investigated the role of the core-splicing factor PORCUPINE (PCP) on temperature-dependent root development. We used marker lines and transcriptomic analyses to study the expression profiles of meristematic regulators and mitotic markers, and chemical treatments, as well as root hormone profiling to assess the effect of auxin signaling. The loss of PCP significantly alters RAM architecture in a temperature-dependent manner. Our results indicate that PCP modulates the expression of central meristematic regulators and is required to maintain appropriate levels of auxin in the RAM. We conclude that alternative pre-mRNA splicing is sensitive to moderate temperature fluctuations and contributes to root meristem maintenance, possibly through the regulation of phytohormone homeostasis and meristematic activity.
PMID: 39327913
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 Nov , V244 (4) : P1391-1407 doi: 10.1111/nph.20128
A nitrogen-responsive cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase regulates root response to high ammonium in rice.
Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization and MOA Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilization in Lower-Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, 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.; College of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.; Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology Ecology and Production Management, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, 210095, China.; Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-sponsored by Province and Ministry, Nanjing, 210095, China.; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, Ghent, B-9052, Belgium.; Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Technologiepark 71, Ghent, B-9052, Belgium.
Plant root system is significantly influenced by high soil levels of ammonium nitrogen, leading to reduced root elongation and enhanced lateral root branching. In Arabidopsis, these processes have been reported to be mediated by phytohormones and their downstream signaling pathways, while the controlling mechanisms remain elusive in crops. Through a transcriptome analysis of roots subjected to high/low ammonium treatments, we identified a cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase encoding gene, CKX3, whose expression is induced by high ammonium. Knocking out CKX3 and its homologue CKX8 results in shorter seminal roots, fewer lateral roots, and reduced sensitivity to high ammonium. Endogenous cytokinin levels are elevated by high ammonium or in ckx3 mutants. Cytokinin application results in shorter seminal roots and fewer lateral roots in wild-type, mimicking the root responses of ckx3 mutants to high ammonium. Furthermore, CKX3 is transcriptionally activated by type-B RR25 and RR26, and ckx3 mutants have reduced auxin content and signaling in roots under low ammonium. This study identified RR25/26-CKX3-cytokinin as a signal module that mediates root responses to external ammonium by modulating of auxin signaling in the root meristem and lateral root primordium. This highlights the critical role of cytokinin metabolism in regulating rice root development in response to ammonium.
PMID: 39297368
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 Dec , V244 (5) : P1994-2007 doi: 10.1111/nph.20139
Genetic and transcriptomic analysis of the Bradyrhizobium T3SS-triggered nodulation in the legume Aeschynomene evenia.
IRD, Laboratoire des Symbioses Tropicales et Mediterraneennes (LSTM), UMR IRD/Institut Agro Montpellier/INRAE/Universite de Montpellier/CIRAD, TA-A82/J- Campus de Baillarguet, 34398, Montpellier Cedex 5, France.; PHIM Plant Health Institute of Montpellier, Universite de Montpellier, IRD, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, 34398, Montpellier Cedex 5, France.; University of Cambridge, Sainsbury Laboratory (SLCU), Cambridge, CB2 1LR, UK.
Some Bradyrhizobium strains nodulate certain Aeschynomene species independently of Nod factors, but thanks to their type III secretion system (T3SS). While different T3 effectors triggering nodulation (ErnA and Sup3) have been identified, the plant signalling pathways they activate remain unknown. Here, we explored the intraspecies variability in T3SS-triggered nodulation within Aeschynomene evenia and investigated transcriptomic responses that occur during this symbiosis. Furthermore, Bradyrhizobium strains having different effector sets were tested on A. evenia mutants altered in various symbiotic signalling genes. We identified the A. evenia accession N21/PI 225551 as appropriate for deciphering the T3SS-dependent process. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of A. evenia N21 roots inoculated with ORS3257 strain and its ∆ernA mutant revealed genes differentially expressed, including some involved in plant defences and auxin signalling. In the other A. evenia accession N76, all tested strains nodulated the AeCRK mutant but not the AeNIN and AeNSP2 mutants, indicating a differential requirement of these genes for T3SS-dependent nodulation. Furthermore, the effects of AePOLLUX, AeCCaMK and AeCYCLOPS mutations differed between the strains. Notably, ORS86 nodulated these three mutant lines and required for this both ErnA and Sup3. Taken together, these results shed light on how the T3SS-dependent nodulation process is achieved in legumes.
PMID: 39300950
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 Nov , V244 (4) : P1422-1436 doi: 10.1111/nph.20120
An auxin homeostat allows plant cells to establish and control defined transmembrane auxin gradients.
Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, CH-1700, Switzerland.; Faculty of Engineering, Electrical Signaling in Plants (ESP) Laboratory - Center of Bioinformatics, Simulation and Modeling (CBSM), University of Talca, Talca, CL-3460000, Chile.
Extracellular auxin maxima and minima are important to control plant developmental programs. Auxin gradients are provided by the concerted action of proteins from the three major plasma membrane (PM) auxin transporter classes AUX1/LAX, PIN and ATP-BINDING CASSETTE subfamily B (ABCB) transporters. But neither genetic nor biochemical nor modeling approaches have been able to reliably assign the individual roles and interplay of these transporter types. Based on the thermodynamic properties of the transporters, we show here by mathematical modeling and computational simulations that the concerted action of different auxin transporter types allows the adjustment of specific transmembrane auxin gradients. The dynamic flexibility of the 'auxin homeostat' comes at the cost of an energy-consuming 'auxin cycling' across the membrane. An unexpected finding was that potential functional ABCB-PIN synchronization appears to allow an optimization of the trade-off between the speed of PM auxin gradient adjustment on the one hand and ATP consumption and disturbance of general anion homeostasis on the other. In conclusion, our analyses provide fundamental insights into the thermodynamic constraints and flexibility of transmembrane auxin transport in plants.
PMID: 39279032
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 Nov , V244 (4) : P1597-1615 doi: 10.1111/nph.20091
Impaired Brown midrib12 function orchestrates sorghum resistance to aphids via an auxin conjugate indole-3-acetic acid-aspartic acid.
Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.; Wheat, Sorghum, and Forage Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.; Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
Lignin, a complex heterogenous polymer present in virtually all plant cell walls, plays a critical role in protecting plants from various stresses. However, little is known about how lignin modifications in sorghum will impact plant defense against sugarcane aphids (SCA), a key pest of sorghum. We utilized the sorghum brown midrib (bmr) mutants, which are impaired in monolignol synthesis, to understand sorghum defense mechanisms against SCA. We found that loss of Bmr12 function and overexpression (OE) of Bmr12 provided enhanced resistance and susceptibility to SCA, respectively, as compared with wild-type (WT; RTx430) plants. Monitoring of the aphid feeding behavior indicated that SCA spent more time in reaching the first sieve element phase on bmr12 plants compared with RTx430 and Bmr12-OE plants. A combination of transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that bmr12 plants displayed altered auxin metabolism upon SCA infestation and specifically, elevated levels of auxin conjugate indole-3-acetic acid-aspartic acid (IAA-Asp) were observed in bmr12 plants compared with RTx430 and Bmr12-OE plants. Furthermore, exogenous application of IAA-Asp restored resistance in Bmr12-OE plants, and artificial diet aphid feeding trial bioassays revealed that IAA-Asp is associated with enhanced resistance to SCA. Our findings highlight the molecular underpinnings that contribute to sorghum bmr12-mediated resistance to SCA.
PMID: 39233513
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 Dec , V244 (6) : P2170-2175 doi: 10.1111/nph.20066
Is auxin the key to improve crop nitrogen use efficiency for greener agriculture?
State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
Strengthening future food security through the application of unsustainable levels of inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizers to crop fields may exacerbate environmental damage. Coordination of N-use efficiency (NUE) and plant growth is, therefore, crucial for sustainable agriculture. Auxin plays pivotal roles in developmental and signaling responses that affect NUE. Hence, a better understanding of these processes provides great potential to improve crop NUE. This review summarizes the effects of auxin on N-related and root developmental processes that either directly or indirectly affect NUE in the model plant Arabidopsis and major crop species to highlight the potential of fostering sustainable agricultural development in the future through modulating auxin-related processes.
PMID: 39155785
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 Nov , V244 (3) : P949-961 doi: 10.1111/nph.19967
Tip of the iceberg? Three novel TOPLESS-interacting effectors of the gall-inducing fungus Ustilago maydis.
Department of Plant Pathology, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), University of Bonn, Nussallee 9, Bonn, 53115, Germany.; Gregor Mendel Institute (GMI), Austrian Academy of Sciences (OEAW), Vienna Bio Center (VBC), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, Vienna, 1030, Austria.
Ustilago maydis is a biotrophic pathogen causing smut disease in maize. It secretes a cocktail of effector proteins, which target different host proteins during its biotrophic stages in the host plant. One such class of proteins we identified previously is TOPLESS (TPL) and TOPLESS-RELATED (TPR) transcriptional corepressors. Here, we screened 297 U. maydis effector candidates for their ability to interact with maize TPL protein RAMOSA 1 ENHANCER LOCUS 2 LIKE 2 (RELK2) and their ability to induce auxin signaling and thereby identified three novel TPL-interacting protein effectors (Tip6, Tip7, and Tip8). Structural modeling and mutational analysis allowed the identification of TPL-interaction motifs of Tip6 and Tip7. In planta interaction between Tip6 and Tip7 with RELK2 occurs mainly in nuclear compartments, whereas Tip8 colocalizes with RELK2 in a compartment outside the nucleus. Overexpression of Tip8 in nonhost plants leads to cell death, indicating recognition of the effector or its activity. By performing infection assays with single and multideletion mutants of U. maydis, we demonstrate a positive role of Tip6 and Tip7 in U. maydis virulence. Transcriptional profiling of maize leaves infected with Tip effector mutants in comparison with SG200 strain suggests Tip effector activities are not merely redundant.
PMID: 39021059
Plant Biotechnol J , IF:9.803 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1111/pbi.14503
Creeping Stem 1 regulates directional auxin transport for lodging resistance in soybean.
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, College of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding, National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.; Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Co., Ltd, China.
Soybean, a staple crop on a global scale, frequently encounters challenges due to lodging under high planting densities, which results in significant yield losses. Despite extensive research, the fundamental genetic mechanisms governing lodging resistance in soybeans remain elusive. In this study, we identify and characterize the Creeping Stem 1 (CS1) gene, which plays a crucial role in conferring lodging resistance in soybeans. The CS1 gene encodes a HEAT-repeat protein that modulates hypocotyl gravitropism by regulating amyloplast sedimentation. Functional analysis reveals that the loss of CS1 activity disrupts polar auxin transport, vascular bundle development and the biosynthesis of cellulose and lignin, ultimately leading to premature lodging and aberrant root development. Conversely, increasing CS1 expression significantly enhances lodging resistance and improves yield under conditions of high planting density. Our findings shed light on the genetic mechanisms that underlie lodging resistance in soybeans and highlight the potential of CS1 as a valuable target for genetic engineering to improve crop lodging resistance and yield.
PMID: 39535932
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiae637
The transcription factor GhMYB4 represses lipid transfer and sucrose transporter genes and inhibits fiber cell elongation in cotton.
The Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya 572000, China.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.; Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Cotton Germplasm Enhancement and Application, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fiber is a highly elongated single cell with a thickened cell wall. MYB transcription factors are important regulators of plant cell elongation; however, the molecular mechanism involved in regulating fiber elongation remains to be explored. Here, we present evidence that the R2R3-MYB transcription factor GhMYB4 negatively regulates cotton fiber cell elongation by suppressing the expression of two crucial genes previously reported to affect fiber development: lipid transfer protein 4 (GhLTP4) and sucrose transporter 12 (GhSWEET12). GhMYB4 is preferentially expressed in elongating fiber cells. Knockdown of GhMYB4 in cotton results in longer fiber cells, whereas overexpression of GhMYB4 in Arabidopsis leads to reduced plant height and root length. Transcriptomic and lipidomic analyses revealed that GhMYB4 is involved in coordinating three interconnected biological processes, namely lipid content regulation, auxin signaling, and sugar metabolism. Additionally, we showed that GhMYB4 inhibits the expression of GhLTP4 and GhSWEET12 by binding to the MYB cis-element (TTTAGTG) in their respective promoters. Interestingly, bHLH transcription factor 105 (GhbHLH105) and MYB transcription factor 212 (GhMYB212) counteract the inhibitory effects of GhMYB4 on the expression of GhLTP4 and GhSWEET12, respectively. These findings provide insights into the complex molecular mechanisms regulating plant cell elongation.
PMID: 39607732
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiae618
The E3 ubiquitin ligase COP1 and transcription factors HY5 and RHD6 integrate light signaling and root hair development.
National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya 572024, China.; State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China.; Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.; Hainan Seed Industry Laboratory, Sanya 572024, China.
Light signaling plays a substantial role in regulating plant development, including the differentiation and elongation of single-celled tissue. However, the identity of the regulatory machine that affects light signaling on root hair cell (RHC) development remains unclear. Here, we investigated how darkness inhibits differentiation and elongation of RHC in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We found that light promotes the growth and development of RHC. RNA-seq analysis showed that light signaling regulates the differentiation of RHC by promoting the expression of specific genes in the root epidermis associated with cell wall remodeling, JA, auxin, and ethylene signaling pathways. Together, these genes integrate light and phytohormone signals with root hair development. Our investigation also revealed that the core light signal factor ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) directly interacts with the key root hair development factor ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE6 (RHD6), which promotes the transcription of RSL4. However, CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1) repressed RHD6 function through the COP1-HY5 complex. Our genetic studies confirm associations between RHD6, HY5, and COP1, indicating that RHD6 largely depends on HY5 for root hair development. Ultimately, our work suggests a central COP1-HY5-RHD6 regulatory module that integrates light signaling and root hair development with several downstream pathways, offering perspectives to decipher single-celled root hair development.
PMID: 39560107
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiae596
A mechanistic integration of hypoxia signaling with energy, redox and hormonal cues.
Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bielefeld, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany.; Center for Biotechnology, University of Bielefeld, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany.; Plant Environmental Signalling and Development, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany.; CIBSS-Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany.; Department of Plant Physiology, University of Bayreuth, Germany.
Oxygen deficiency (hypoxia) occurs naturally in many developing plant tissues but can become a major threat during acute flooding stress. Consequently, plants as aerobic organisms must rapidly acclimate to hypoxia and the associated energy crisis to ensure cellular and ultimately organismal survival. In plants, oxygen sensing is tightly linked with oxygen-controlled protein stability of group VII ETHYLENE-RESPONSE FACTORs (ERFVII) which, when stabilized under hypoxia, act as key transcriptional regulators of hypoxia-responsive genes (HRGs). Multiple signaling pathways feed into hypoxia signaling to fine-tune cellular decision making under stress. First, ATP shortage upon hypoxia directly affects the energy status and adjusts anaerobic metabolism. Secondly, altered redox homeostasis leads to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) accumulation, evoking signaling and oxidative stress acclimation. Finally, the phytohormone ethylene promotes hypoxia signaling to improve acute stress acclimation, while hypoxia signaling in turn can alter ethylene, auxin, abscisic acid, salicylic acid and jasmonate signaling to guide development and stress responses. In this Update, we summarize the current knowledge on how energy, redox and hormone signaling pathways are induced under hypoxia and subsequently integrated at the molecular level to ensure stress-tailored cellular responses. We show that some HRGs are responsive to changes in redox, energy and ethylene independently of the oxygen status, and propose an updated HRG list that is more representative for hypoxia marker gene expression. We discuss the synergistic effects of hypoxia, energy, redox and hormone signaling and their phenotypic consequences in the context of both environmental and developmental hypoxia.
PMID: 39530170
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiae601
Virulence effectors encoded in the rice yellow dwarf phytoplasma genome participate in pathogenesis.
State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Vector-borne Virus Research Center, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.; Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China.; Institute of Biotechnology and Germplasm Resources, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, China.; State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.; Rice Research Institute, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, China.; Key Laboratory of Microbial Pathogenesis and Interventions of Fujian Province University, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China.
Bacteria-like phytoplasmas alternate between plant and insect hosts, secreting proteins that disrupt host development. In this study, we sequenced the complete genome of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma oryzae' strain HN2022, associated with rice yellow dwarf (RYD) disease, using PacBio HiFi technology. The strain was classified within the 16Sr XI-B subgroup. Through SignalP v5.0 for prediction and subsequent expression analysis of secreted proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana and rice (Oryza sativa L.), we identified the key virulence effector proteins RY348 and RY378. RY348, a homologue of Secreted Aster Yellows Phytoplasma Effector 54 (SAP54), targets and degrades the MADS-box transcription factors MADS1 and MADS15, causing pollen sterility. Meanwhile, RY378 impacts the strigolactone and auxin signaling pathways, substantially increasing tillering. These findings offer insights into the interactions between plants and phytoplasmas.
PMID: 39509327
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2024 Nov , V196 (3) : P2048-2063 doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiae417
Temporal and spatial frameworks supporting plant responses to vegetation proximity.
Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Barcelona 08193, Spain.; Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMCP), CSIC-UPV, Valencia 46022, Spain.; Departament de Bioquimica I Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08193, Spain.; Group of Plant Vascular Development, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich CH-8092, Switzerland.; Departament de Biologia, Bioquimica I Ciencies Naturals, Universitat Jaume I, Castello de la Plana 12071, Spain.; Functional Genomics Team, Centro Nacional de Analisis Genomico (CNAG), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
After the perception of vegetation proximity by phytochrome photoreceptors, shade-avoider plants initiate a set of responses known as the shade avoidance syndrome (SAS). Shade perception by the phytochrome B (phyB) photoreceptor unleashes the PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTORs and initiates SAS responses. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedlings, shade perception involves rapid and massive changes in gene expression, increases auxin production, and promotes hypocotyl elongation. Other components, such as phyA and ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5, also participate in the shade regulation of the hypocotyl elongation response by repressing it. However, why and how so many regulators with either positive or negative activities modulate the same response remains unclear. Our physiological, genetic, cellular, and transcriptomic analyses showed that (i) these components are organized into 2 main branches or modules and (ii) the connection between them is dynamic and changes with the time of shade exposure. We propose a model for the regulation of shade-induced hypocotyl elongation in which the temporal and spatial functional importance of the various SAS regulators analyzed here helps to explain the coexistence of differentiated regulatory branches with overlapping activities.
PMID: 39140970
Food Chem , IF:7.514 , 2025 Jan , V463 (Pt 2) : P141126 doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141126
Optimizing 'Red Fuji' apple quality: Auxin-mediated calcium distribution via fruit-stalk in bagging practices.
College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, Shandong, China; Apple technology innovation center of Shandong Province, Tai'an 271018, Shandong, China.; 421 Lab, Xinlianxin hemical Group Co., LTD, Henan, China.; College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, Shandong, China; Apple technology innovation center of Shandong Province, Tai'an 271018, Shandong, China. Electronic address: Zhlzh@sdau.edu.cn.; College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, Shandong, China; Apple technology innovation center of Shandong Province, Tai'an 271018, Shandong, China. Electronic address: geshunfeng210@126.com.; College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, Shandong, China; Apple technology innovation center of Shandong Province, Tai'an 271018, Shandong, China. Electronic address: ymjiang@sdau.edu.cn.
In apples, a bottleneck effect in calcium (Ca) transport within fruit stalk has been observed. To elucidate that how auxin affects Ca forms and distribution in the apple fruit stalk, we investigated the effects of different concentrations of auxin treatment (0, 10, 20, and 30 mg.L(-1)) on Ca content, forms, distribution, and fruit quality during later stages of fruit expansion. The results showed that auxin treatment led to a dramatic reduction in total Ca content in stalk, while an approximately 30 % increase in fruit. Furthermore, auxin treatment effectively enhanced the functionality of xylem vessels in vascular bundles of the stalk in bagged apples. Finally, TOPSIS method was used to assess fruit quality, with treatments ranked as follows: IAA20 > NAA20 > IAA30 > IAA10 > CK > NPA. The findings lay a foundation for further studies on the bottleneck in Ca transport within stalk, uneven distribution of Ca in fruit, and provide insights into Ca utilization efficiency in bagged apples.
PMID: 39276559
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2024 Dec , V47 (12) : P5343-5357 doi: 10.1111/pce.15116
Plant growth-promoting abilities of Methylobacterium sp. 2A involve auxin-mediated regulation of the root architecture.
Laboratorio de Transduccion de Senales en Plantas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingenieria Genetica y Biologia Molecular (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.; Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.; Departamento de Quimica Biologica, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Methylobacterium sp. 2A, a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) able to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), significantly promoted the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana plants in vitro. We aimed to understand the determinants of Methylobacterium sp. 2A-A. thaliana interaction, the factors underlying plant growth-promotion and the host range. Methylobacterium sp. 2A displayed chemotaxis to methanol and formaldehyde and was able to utilise 1-aminocyclopropane carboxylate as a nitrogen source. Confocal microscopy confirmed that fluorescent protein-labelled Methylobacterium sp. 2A colonises the apoplast of A. thaliana primary root cells and its inoculation increased jasmonic and salicylic acid in A. thaliana, while IAA levels remained constant. However, inoculation increased DR5 promoter activity in root tips of A. thaliana and tomato plants. Inoculation of this PGPR partially restored the agravitropic response in yucQ mutants and lateral root density was enhanced in iaa19, arf7, and arf19 mutant seedlings. Furthermore, Methylobacterium sp. 2A volatile organic compounds (VOCs) had a dose-dependent effect on the growth of A. thaliana. This PGPR is also able to interact with monocots eliciting positive responses upon inoculation. Methylobacterium sp. 2A plant growth-promoting effects can be achieved through the regulation of plant hormone levels and the emission of VOCs that act either locally or at a distance.
PMID: 39189962
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2024 Dec , V47 (12) : P5039-5052 doi: 10.1111/pce.15075
Gbetagamma dimers mediate low K(+) stress-inhibited root growth via modulating auxin redistribution in Arabidopsis.
School of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.; College of Life and Geographic Sciences, Kashi University, Kashi, Xinjiang, China.; Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecology of Pamirs Plateau in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Kashi University, Kashi, Xinjiang, China.
In the investigation of heterotrimeric G protein-mediated signal transduction in planta, their roles in the transmittance of low K(+) stimuli remain to be elucidated. Here, we found that the primary root growth of wild-type Arabidopsis was gradually inhibited with the decrease of external K(+) concentrations, while the primary root of the mutants for G protein beta subunit AGB1 and gamma subunits AGG1, AGG2 and AGG3 could still grow under low K(+) conditions (LK). Exogenous NAA application attenuated primary root elongation in agb1 and agg1/2/3 but promoted the growth in wild-type seedlings under LK stress. Using ProDR5:GFP, ProPIN1:PIN1-GFP and ProPIN2:PIN2-GFP reporter lines, a diminishment in auxin concentration at the radicle apex and a reduction in PIN1and PIN2 efflux carrier abundance were observed in wild-type roots under LK, a phenomenon not recorded in the agb1 and agg1/2/3. Further proteolytic and transcriptional assessments revealed an enhanced degradation of PIN1 and a suppressed expression of PIN2 in the wild-type background under LK, contrasting with the stability observed in the agb1 and agg1/2/3 mutants. Our results indicate that the G protein beta and gamma subunits play pivotal roles in suppressing of Arabidopsis root growth under LK by modulating auxin redistribution via alterations in PIN1 degradation and PIN2 biosynthesis.
PMID: 39136400
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2024 Dec , V47 (12) : P4720-4740 doi: 10.1111/pce.15050
Water wisteria genome reveals environmental adaptation and heterophylly regulation in amphibious plants.
The State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China.; College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.; Laboratory of Marine Biological Resources Development and Utilization, Zhejiang Marine Development Research Institute, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China.; Joseph Gottlieb Kolreuter Institute for Plant Sciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.; Faculty of Life Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kyoto, Japan.; Center for Plant Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kyoto, Japan.; Department of Life Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea.; Institute of Transformative Biomolecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.; Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.
Heterophylly is a phenomenon whereby an individual plant dramatically changes leaf shape in response to the surroundings. Hygrophila difformis (Acanthaceae; water wisteria), has recently emerged as a model plant to study heterophylly because of its striking leaf shape variation in response to various environmental factors. When submerged, H. difformis often develops complex leaves, but on land it develops simple leaves. Leaf complexity is also influenced by other factors, such as light density, humidity, and temperature. Here, we sequenced and assembled the H. difformis chromosome-level genome (scaffold N50: 60.43 Mb, genome size: 871.92 Mb), which revealed 36 099 predicted protein-coding genes distributed over 15 pseudochromosomes. H. difformis diverged from its relatives during the Oligocene climate-change period and expanded gene families related to its amphibious habit. Genes related to environmental stimuli, leaf development, and other pathways were differentially expressed in submerged and terrestrial conditions, possibly modulating morphological and physiological acclimation to changing environments. We also found that auxin plays a role in H. difformis heterophylly. Finally, we discovered candidate genes that respond to different environmental conditions and elucidated the role of LATE MERISTEM IDENTITY 1 (LMI1) in heterophylly. We established H. difformis as a model for studying interconnections between environmental adaptation and morphogenesis.
PMID: 39076061
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2024 Dec , V47 (12) : P4483-4497 doi: 10.1111/pce.15039
Sextuple knockouts of a highly conserved and coexpressed AUXIN/INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID gene set confer shade avoidance-like responses in Arabidopsis.
Institute of Genetics and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.; School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.
AUXIN/INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACIDs are transcriptional repressors for auxin signalling. Aux/IAAs of Arabidopsis thaliana display some functional redundancy. The IAA3/SHY2 clade (IAA1, IAA2, IAA3 and IAA4) show strong sequence similarity, but no higher-order mutants have been reported. Here, through CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we generated loss-of-function iaa1/2/3/4 mutants. The quadruple mutants only exhibited a weak phenotype. Thus, we additionally knocked out IAA7/AXR2 and IAA16, which are coexpressed with IAA1/2/3/4. Remarkably, under white light control conditions, the iaa1/2/3/4/7/16 mutants exhibited a shade avoidance-like phenotype with over-elongated hypocotyls and petioles and hyponastic leaves. The sextuple mutants were highly sensitive to low light intensity, and the hypocotyl cells of the mutants were excessively elongated. Transcriptome profiling and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that the sextuple mutation upregulated IAA19/MSG2 and IAA29, two shared shade/auxin signalling targets. Besides, genes encoding cell wall-remodelling proteins and shade-responsive transcription regulators were upregulated. Using dual-luciferase reporter assays, we verified that IAA2/IAA7 targeted the promoters of cell wall-remodelling genes to inhibit their transcription. Our work indicates that the IAA1/2/3/4/7/16 gene set is required for the optimal integration of auxin and shade signalling. The mutants generated here should be valuable for exploring the complex interactions among signal sensors, transcription activators and transcription repressors during hormone/environmental responses.
PMID: 39012193
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2024 Nov , V47 (11) : P4398-4415 doi: 10.1111/pce.15031
Glycosylation mode of phloretin affects the morphology and stress resistance of apple plant.
State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
Phloretin has different glycosylation modes in plants. Phlorizin (phloretin 2'-O-glucoside) is one of the glycosylation products of phloretin, and accumulates abundantly in apple plants. However, it is still unclear whether phlorizin is more beneficial for apple plants compared with other glycosylation products of phloretin. We created transgenic apple plants with different glycosylation modes of phloretin. In transgenic plants, the accumulation of phlorizin was partly replaced by that of trilobatin (phloretin 4'-O-glucoside) or phloretin 3',5'-di-C-glycoside. Compared with wild type, transgenic plants with less phlorizin showed dwarf phenotype, larger stomatal size, higher stomatal density and less tolerance to drought stress. Transcriptome and phytohormones assay indicate that phlorizin might regulate stomatal development and behaviour via controlling auxin and abscisic acid signalling pathways as well as carbonic anhydrase expressions. Transgenic apple plants with less phlorizin also showed less resistance to spider mites. Apple plants may hydrolyse phlorizin to produce phloretin, but cannot hydrolyse trilobatin or phloretin 3',5'-di-C-glycoside. Compared with its glycosylation products, phloretin is more toxic to spider mites. These results suggest that the glycosylation of phloretin to produce phlorizin is the optimal glycosylation mode in apple plants, and plays an important role in apple resistance to stresses.
PMID: 38995178
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2024 Nov , V47 (11) : P4323-4336 doi: 10.1111/pce.15027
A molecular module connects abscisic acid with auxin signals to facilitate seasonal wood formation in Populus.
Yuelushan Laboratory, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China.; Key Laboratory of Plant Carbon Capture, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
Perennial trees have a recurring annual cycle of wood formation in response to environmental fluctuations. However, the precise molecular mechanisms that regulate the seasonal formation of wood remain poorly understood. Our prior study indicates that VCM1 and VCM2 play a vital role in regulating the activity of the vascular cambium by controlling the auxin homoeostasis of the cambium zone in Populus. This study indicates that abscisic acid (ABA) affects the expression of VCM1 and VCM2, which display seasonal fluctuations in relation to photoperiod changes. ABA-responsive transcription factors AREB4 and AREB13, which are predominantly expressed in stem secondary vascular tissue, bind to VCM1 and VCM2 promoters to induce their expression. Seasonal changes in the photoperiod affect the ABA amount, which is linked to auxin-regulated cambium activity via the functions of VCM1 and VCM2. Thus, the study reveals that AREB4/AREB13-VCM1/VCM2-PIN5b acts as a molecular module connecting ABA and auxin signals to control vascular cambium activity in seasonal wood formation.
PMID: 38963121
J Integr Plant Biol , IF:7.061 , 2024 Oct doi: 10.1111/jipb.13786
The OsMAPK5-OsWRKY72 module negatively regulates grain length and grain weight in rice.
Marine and Agricultural Biotechnology Laboratory, College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350108, China.; National Rice Engineering Laboratory of China, Rice Research Institute, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350003, China.; College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.; College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.; College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
Grain size and grain weight are important determinants for grain yield. In this study, we identify a novel OsMAPK5-OsWRKY72 module that negatively regulates grain length and grain weight in rice. We found that loss-of-function of OsMAPK5 leads to larger cell size of the rice spikelet hulls and a significant increase in both grain length and grain weight in an indica variety Minghui 86 (MH86). OsMAPK5 interacts with OsMAPKK3/4/5 and OsWRKY72 and phosphorylates OsWRKY72 at T86 and S88. Similar to the osmapk5 MH86 mutants, the oswrky72 knockout MH86 mutants exhibited larger size of spikelet hull cells and increased grain length and grain weight, whereas the OsWRKY72-overexpression MH86 plants showed opposite phenotypes. OsWRKY72 targets the W-box motifs in the promoter of OsARF6, an auxin response factor involved in auxin signaling. Dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that OsWRKY72 activates OsARF6 expression. The activation effect of the phosphorylation-mimicking OsWRKY72(T86D/S88D) on OsARF6 expression was significantly enhanced, whereas the effects of the OsWRKY72 phosphorylation-null mutants were significantly reduced. In addition, auxin levels in young panicles of the osmapk5 and oswrky72 mutants were significantly higher than that in the wild-type MH86. Collectively, our study uncovered novel connections of the OsMAPKK3/4/5-OsMAPK5-mediated MAPK signaling, OsWRKY72-mediated transcription regulation, and OsARF6-mediated auxin signaling pathways in regulating grain length and grain weight in an indica-type rice, providing promising targets for molecular breeding of rice varieties with high yield and quality.
PMID: 39474750
J Integr Plant Biol , IF:7.061 , 2024 Nov , V66 (11) : P2490-2504 doi: 10.1111/jipb.13764
Anchorene, a carotenoid-derived growth regulator, modulates auxin homeostasis by suppressing GH3-mediated auxin conjugation.
National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Henan Joint International Laboratory for Crop Multi-Omics Research, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 450046, China.; Sanya Institute of Henan University, Sanya, 572025, China.; State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Eficiency Production/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.; Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, 518055, China.; The BioActives Lab, Center for Desert Agriculture, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.; Plant Science Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.; Laboratory of Cell Metabolism and Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China.
Anchorene, identified as an endogenous bioactive carotenoid-derived dialdehyde and diapocarotenoid, affects root development by modulating auxin homeostasis. However, the precise interaction between anchorene and auxin, as well as the mechanisms by which anchorene modulates auxin levels, remain largely elusive. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of anchorene's bioactivities alongside auxin and observed that anchorene induces multifaceted auxin-like effects. Through genetic and pharmacological examinations, we revealed that anchorene's auxin-like activities depend on the indole-3-pyruvate-dependent auxin biosynthesis pathway, as well as the auxin inactivation pathway mediated by Group II Gretchen Hagen 3 (GH3) proteins that mainly facilitate the conjugation of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) to amino acids, leading to the formation of inactivated storage forms. Our measurements indicated that anchorene treatment elevates IAA levels while reducing the quantities of inactivated IAA-amino acid conjugates and oxIAA. RNA sequencing further revealed that anchorene triggers the expression of numerous auxin-responsive genes in a manner reliant on Group II GH3s. Additionally, our in vitro enzymatic assays and biolayer interferometry (BLI) assay demonstrated anchorene's robust suppression of GH3.17-mediated IAA conjugation with glutamate. Collectively, our findings highlight the significant role of carotenoid-derived metabolite anchorene in modulating auxin homeostasis, primarily through the repression of GH3-mediated IAA conjugation and inactivation pathways, offering novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms of plant bioactive apocarotenoids.
PMID: 39185936
J Integr Plant Biol , IF:7.061 , 2024 Nov , V66 (11) : P2362-2378 doi: 10.1111/jipb.13759
Coordination of miR319-TaPCF8 with TaSPL14 orchestrates auxin signaling and biosynthesis to regulate plant height in common wheat.
College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
Wheat culms, comprising four to six internodes, are critically involved in determining plant height and lodging resistance, essential factors for field performance and regional adaptability. This study revealed the regulatory function of miR319 in common wheat plant height. Repression of tae-miR319 through short tandem target mimics (STTM) caused an increased plant height, while overexpression (OE) of tae-miR319 had the opposite effect. Overexpressing a miR319-resistant target gene TaPCF8 (rTaPCF8), increased plant height. TaPCF8 acted as a transcription repressor of downstream genes TaIAAs, which interact physically with TaSPL14. The significant differences of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) contents indicate the involvement of auxin pathway in miR319-mediated plant height regulation. Finally, we identified two TaPCF8 haplotypes in global wheat collections. TaPCF8-5A-Hap2, as per association and evolution examinations, was subjected to strong substantial selection throughout wheat breeding. This haplotype, associated with shorter plant height, aligns with global breeding requirements. Consequently, in high-yield wheat breeding, we proposed a potential molecular marker for marker-assisted selection (MAS). Our findings offer fresh perspectives into the molecular mechanisms that underlie the miR319-TaPCF8 module's regulation of plant height by orchestrating auxin signaling and biosynthesis in wheat.
PMID: 39109961
J Exp Bot , IF:6.992 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1093/jxb/erae468
Diverse roles of phytohormonal signaling in modulating plant-virus interaction.
National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India.; Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, India.
Virus infection brings about changes in the transcriptome, proteome and metabolome status of the infected plant wherein substantial alterations in the abundance of phytohormones and associated components involved in their signaling pathways have been observed. In the recent years, extensive research in the field of plant virology has showcased the undisputable significance of phytohormone signaling during plant-virus interactions. Apart from acting as growth regulators, phytohormones elicit robust immune response, which restricts the viral multiplication within the plant as well as its propagation by vector. Interestingly, these pathways have been shown to not only act as isolated mechanisms but as complex intertwined regulatory cascades where, the cross-talk among different phytohormones and with other antiviral pathways takes place during plant-virus interplay. Viruses cleverly disrupt phytohormone homeostasis via their multifunctional effectors that seems to be smart approach adopted by viruses to circumvent phytohormone-mediated plant immune responses. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of role of phytohormone signaling pathways during plant-virus interaction in activating antiviral immune responses of plant and also, how viruses exploit these signaling pathways favoring their pathogenesis.
PMID: 39548750
Int J Biol Macromol , IF:6.953 , 2024 Nov , V280 (Pt 2) : P135731 doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135731
Genome-wide identification of hormone biosynthetic and metabolism genes in the 2OGD family of tobacco and JOX genes silencing enhances drought tolerance in plants.
State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.; Huaiyin Institute of Agricultural Sciences of Xuhuai Region in Jiangsu, Huaiyin, 223300, China.; Agricultural Big-Data Research Center and College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, China. Electronic address: lyang@sdau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China. Electronic address: mingzhou@zju.edu.cn.
Phytohormones play crucial roles in regulation of plant growth and tolerance to abiotic stresses. The 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (2OGD) superfamily responds to hormone biosynthesis and metabolism in plants. However, the Nt2OGD family in tobacco has not been fully explored. In this study, we identify 126 members of the Nt2OGD family, and 60 of them are involved in hormone biosynthesis and metabolism process (Nt2OGD-Hs), including 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidases (ACO), dioxygenases for auxin oxidation (DAO), gibberellin (GA) 20-oxidases and 3-oxidases (GA20ox and GA3ox), carbon-19 and carbon-20 GA 2-oxidases (C19-GA2ox and C20-GA2ox), lateral branching oxidoreductases (LBO), jasmonate-induced oxygenases (JOX), downy mildew resistant 6, and DMR6-like oxygenases (DMR6/DLO). Gene duplication analysis suggests the segmental duplication and whole genome duplication (WGD) might be a potential mechanism for the expansion of this family. Expression analysis reveals that most of Nt2OGD-Hs show tissue-specific expression patterns, and some of them respond to environmental conditions. Of Nt2OGD-Hs, the expression of NtJOX3 and NtJOX5, which are involved in JA metabolism, exhibits remarkable changes during drought treatments. Silencing of NtJOX3 or NtJOX5 increases tobacco tolerance to drought stress. Furthermore, knocking out OsJOX3 and OsJOX4, respectively in rice, result in high tolerance to drought. Taken together, our work comprehensively identifies the Nt2OGD family in tobacco and provides new insights into roles of the JA pathway in drought tolerance in plants.
PMID: 39299420
Int J Biol Macromol , IF:6.953 , 2024 Nov , V279 (Pt 2) : P135234 doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135234
Role of auxin and gibberellin under low light in enhancing saffron corm starch degradation during sprouting.
State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, Sichuan, China; College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, Sichuan, China.; State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, Sichuan, China; College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, Sichuan, China. Electronic address: peixjin@163.com.; State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, Sichuan, China; College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, Sichuan, China. Electronic address: mayuntong06@163.com.; Innovative institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, Sichuan, China. Electronic address: binjiexu@outlook.com.
The mechanisms by which low light accelerates starch macromolecules degradation by auxin and gibberellin (GA) in geophytes during sprouting remain largely unknown. This study investigated these mechanisms in saffron, grown under low light (50 mumol m(-2) s(-1)) and optimal light (200 mumol m(-2) s(-1)) during the sprouting phase. Low light reduced starch concentration in corms by 34.0 % and increased significantly sucrose levels in corms, leaves, and leaf sheaths by 19.2 %, 9.8 %, and 134.5 %, respectively. This was associated with a 33.3 % increase in GA(3) level and enhanced auxin signaling. Leaves synthesized IAA under low light, which was transported to the corms to promote GA synthesis, facilitating starch degradation through a 228.7 % increase in amylase activity. Exogenous applications of GA and IAA, as well as the use of their synthesis or transport inhibitors, confirmed the synergistic role of these phytohormones in starch metabolism. The unigenes associated with GA biosynthesis and auxin signaling were upregulated under low light, highlighting the IAA-GA module role in starch degradation. Moreover, increased respiration rate and invertase activity, crucial for ATP biosynthesis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, were consistent with the upregulation of related unigenes, suggesting that auxin signaling accelerates starch degradation by promoting energy metabolism. Upregulated of auxin signaling (CsSAUR32) and starch metabolism (CsSnRK1) genes under low light suggests that auxin directly regulate starch degradation in saffron corms. This study elucidates that low light modulates auxin and GA interactions to accelerate starch degradation in saffron corms during sprouting, offering insights for optimizing agricultural practices under suboptimal light conditions.
PMID: 39218189
PLoS Pathog , IF:6.823 , 2024 Nov , V20 (11) : Pe1012610 doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012610
A major role of class III HD-ZIPs in promoting sugar beet cyst nematode parasitism in Arabidopsis.
Department of Plant Pathology and Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics, University of Georgia, Georgia, United States of America.
Cyst nematodes use a stylet to secrete CLE-like peptide effector mimics into selected root cells of their host plants to hijack endogenous plant CLE signaling pathways for feeding site (syncytium) formation. Here, we identified ATHB8, encoding a HD-ZIP III family transcription factor, as a downstream component of the CLE signaling pathway in syncytium formation. ATHB8 is expressed in the early stages of syncytium initiation, and then transitions to neighboring cells of the syncytium as it expands; an expression pattern coincident with auxin response at the infection site. Conversely, MIR165a, which expresses in endodermal cells and moves into the vasculature to suppress HD-ZIP III TFs, is down-regulated near the infection site. Knocking down HD-ZIP III TFs by inducible over-expression of MIR165a in Arabidopsis dramatically reduced female development of the sugar beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii). HD-ZIP III TFs are known to function downstream of auxin to promote cellular quiescence and define stem cell organizer cells in vascular patterning. Taken together, our results suggest that HD-ZIP III TFs function together with a CLE and auxin signaling network to promote syncytium formation, possibly by inducing root cells into a quiescent status and priming them for initial syncytial cell establishment and/or subsequent cellular incorporation.
PMID: 39509386
Hortic Res , IF:6.793 , 2024 Nov , V11 (11) : Puhae245 doi: 10.1093/hr/uhae245
Inflorescence development in female cannabis plants is mediated by photoperiod and gibberellin.
Institute of Plant Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion, Israel.; The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.; Institute of Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion, Israel.
In cannabis seedlings, the initiation of solitary flowers is photoperiod-independent. However, when cannabis reaches the adult stage, short-day photoperiod (SD) triggers branching of the shoot apex and a reduction in internode length, leading to development of a condensed inflorescence. We demonstrate that SD affects cannabis plants in two distinct phases: the first includes rapid elongation of the internodes and main stem, and occurring from Day 5 to Day 10 of plant cultivation under SD; in the second phase, elongation of newly developed internodes ceases, and a condensed inflorescence is formed. Exposure of plants to alternating photoperiods revealed that inflorescence onset requires at least three consecutive days of SD, and SD is consistently required throughout inflorescence maturation to support its typical condensed architecture. This photoperiod-dependent morphogenesis was associated with a decrease in gibberellin (GA(4)) and auxin levels in the shoot apex. Reverting the plants to a long-day photoperiod (LD) increased GA(4) and auxin levels, leading to inflorescence disassembly, internode elongation, and subsequent resumption of LD growth patterns. Similar developmental patterns were observed under SD following the application of exogenous GA (and not auxin), which also impeded inflorescence development. Nevertheless, additional studies will help to further evaluate auxin's role in these developmental changes. We propose a crucial role for GA in sexual reproduction and inflorescence development in female cannabis by mediating photoperiod signaling in the inflorescence tissues.
PMID: 39539415
Hortic Res , IF:6.793 , 2024 Nov , V11 (11) : Puhae237 doi: 10.1093/hr/uhae237
Spatial transcriptome analysis reveals de novo regeneration of poplar roots.
Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Molecular Crop Design and Breeding, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences in Weifang, Shandong 261325, China.; Salver Academy of Botany, RiZhao, Shandong 262300, China.
Propagation through cuttings is a well-established and effective technique for plant multiplication. This study explores the regeneration of poplar roots using spatial transcriptomics to map a detailed developmental trajectory. Mapping of the time-series transcriptome data revealed notable alterations in gene expression during root development, particularly in the activation of cytokinin-responsive genes. Our analysis identified six distinct clusters during the second and third stages, each corresponding to specific anatomical regions with unique gene expression profiles. Auxin response cis-elements (AuxREs) were prevalent in the promoters of these cytokinin-responsive genes, indicating a regulatory interplay between auxin and cytokinin. Pseudo-temporal trajectory analysis mapped the differentiation from cambium cells to root primordium cells, revealing a complex pattern of cell differentiation. SAC56 and LOS1 emerged as potential novel biomarkers for enhancing root regeneration, with distinct spatial expression patterns confirmed by in situ hybridization. This comprehensive spatial analysis enhances our understanding of the molecular interactions driving root regeneration and provides insights for improving plant propagation techniques.
PMID: 39512783
J Environ Manage , IF:6.789 , 2024 Dec , V371 : P123075 doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123075
Fostering climate-resilient agriculture with ACC-deaminase producing rhizobacterial biostimulants from the cold deserts of the Indian Himalayas.
CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Post Box 6, Palampur, 176 062, Himachal Pradesh, India. Electronic address: gal_arvind@yahoo.co.in.; CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Post Box 6, Palampur, 176 062, Himachal Pradesh, India; Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, NT 0870, Australia.; CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Post Box 6, Palampur, 176 062, Himachal Pradesh, India; Department of Microbiology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 144 004, India.; CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Post Box 6, Palampur, 176 062, Himachal Pradesh, India; Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Kapurthala, 144 601, India.; CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Post Box 6, Palampur, 176 062, Himachal Pradesh, India; Department of Microbiology, School of Biosciences, RIMT University, Mandi Gobindgarh, 147 301, Punjab, India.; CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Post Box 6, Palampur, 176 062, Himachal Pradesh, India; Department of Biotechnology, Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Landran, Mohali- 140307, India.; CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Post Box 6, Palampur, 176 062, Himachal Pradesh, India.; Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Himachal Pradesh Agriculture, Bajaura, 175 121, Himachal Pradesh, India.; CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, 226 001, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Climate change is one of the most significant threats to agricultural productivity, which necessitates a need for more resilient and sustainable farming practices. Rhizobacterial biostimulants that secrete 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase and enhance crop resilience and yield can serve as a potential sustainable solution. The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of ACC-deaminase producing rhizobacteria (ACCD) isolated from cold deserts of the Indian trans-Himalayas and their efficacy to improve crop resilience and productivity under diverse climatic conditions. Thirty four efficient ACCD showed ACC deaminase activity ranging from 4.9 to 24484.3 nM alpha-ketobutyrate/h/mg/protein. These strains also exhibited broad-spectrum plant growth promotion (PGP) attributes, including tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) solubilization ranging from 2.4 to 687.5 mug/ml, siderophore production ranging from 62 to 224% and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-like auxin production ranging from 0.9 to 88.2 mug/ml. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of efficient strains showed their belonging to 10 genera, including Acinetobacter, Agrobacterium, Arthrobacter, Cellulomonas, Enterobacter, Microbacterium, Neomicrococcus, Priestia, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobium. Among these, Pseudomonas was the dominant genus with high ACC-deaminase activity and multiple PGP traits. These strains also showed growth under various stressed culture conditions, including acidity/alkalinity, different temperatures, desiccation, and salinity. Field applications of 4 efficient and stress-tolerant ACCD, including Pseudomonas geniculata, P. migulae, Priestia aryabhattai, and Rhizobium nepotum with reduced NPK dose under two different temperate climate conditions showed a significant improvement in growth and productivity of crops such as garlic, pea, potato, and wheat in slightly acidic soils and maize in saline-sodic alkaline soils. These findings indicated the broad-spectrum potential of these efficient and stress-tolerant ACCD strains to improve plant growth and productivity across diverse soil types and climatic conditions.
PMID: 39471599
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1111/tpj.17174
The miR319-based repression of SlTCP2/LANCEOLATE activity is required for regulating tomato fruit shape.
Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz" (ESALQ), Universidade de Sao Paulo, 13418-900 Piracicaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil.; Instituto de Biociencias, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil.; The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture POB 12, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.; Plant Development Group - Institute for Plant Biochemistry (IBVF) and Photosynthesis, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.; Cell and Developmental Biology Department, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK.; Instituto de Biologia Molecular y Celular de Rosario, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario, 2000, Argentina.
Fruit morphogenesis is determined by the coordination of cell division and expansion, which are fundamental processes required for the development of all plant organs. Here, we show that the regulation of TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PCF (TCP) LANCEOLATE (TCP2/LA) by miR319 is crucial for tomato fruit morphology. The loss of miR319 regulation in the semi-dominant La mutant led to a premature SlTCP2/LA expression during gynoecium patterning, which results in modified cell division during carpel development. As a consequence, La mutants exhibited elongated ovary and fruit shape, and a reduced number of ovules and seeds. Elongated fruit shape in La may be partially due to the SlTCP2/LA-mediated repression of OVATE activity in young floral buds. Further analysis showed that the de-repression of SlTCP2/LA decreases auxin responses in young floral buds by directly repressing SlYUCCA4 expression, but SlTCP2/LA also acts in parallel with ENTIRE (E) to orchestrate fruit morphology and seed production. Our study defines a novel miRNA-based molecular link between the domestication-associated OVATE gene and auxin responses. Given the striking variation in fruit morphology among members of the Solanaceae family, fine-tuning regulation of gene expression by miRNA coupled with modulation of auxin dynamics may be a common driver in the evolution of fruit shape diversity.
PMID: 39590512
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1111/tpj.17151
Molecular hydrogen positively influences root gravitropism involving auxin signaling and starch accumulation.
College of Life Sciences, Laboratory Center of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.; Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China.
Although geoscience of natural hydrogen (H(2)), hydrogen-producing soil bacteria, and especially plant-based H(2), has been observed, it is not clear whether or how above H(2) resources influence root gravitropic responses. Here, pharmacological, genetic, molecular, and cell biological tools were applied to investigate how plant-based H(2) coordinates gravity responses in Arabidopsis roots. Since roots show higher H(2) production than shoots, exogenous H(2) supply was used to mimic this function. After H(2) supplementation, the asymmetric expression of the auxin-response reporter DR5 driven by auxin influx and efflux carriers, and thereafter positive root gravitropism were observed. These positive responses in root gravitropism were sensitive to auxin polar transport inhibitors, and importantly, the defective phenotypes observed in aux1-7, pin1, and pin2 mutants were not significantly altered by exogenous H(2). The observed starch accumulation was matched with the reprogramming gene expression linked to starch synthesis and degradation. Transgenic plants expressing hydrogenase1 (CrHYD1) from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii not only displayed higher endogenous H(2) concentrations, the inducible AUX1 gene expression and starch accumulation, but also showed pronounced root gravitropism. Collectively, above evidence preliminarily provides a framework for understanding the molecular basis of the possible functions of both plant/soil-based and nature H(2) in root architecture.
PMID: 39559980
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1111/tpj.17139
The C(2)H(2)-type zinc finger transcription factor ZmDi19-7 regulates plant height and organ size by promoting cell size in maize.
National Engineering Laboratory of Crop Stress Resistance breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.; Schools of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.
The drought-induced protein 19 (Di19) gene family encodes a Cys2/His2 zinc-finger protein implicated in responses to diverse plant stressors. To date, potential roles of these proteins as transcription factors remain largely elusive in maize. Here, we show that ZmDi19-7 gene exerts pivotal functions in regulation of plant height and organ growth by modulating the cell size in maize. ZmDi19-7 physically interacts with ubiquitin receptor protein ZmDAR1b, which is indispensable in ubiquitination of ZmDi19-7 and affects its protein stability. Further genetic analysis demonstrated that ZmDAR1b act in a common pathway with ZmDi19-7 to regulate cell size in maize. ZmDi19-7, severing as a transcriptional factor, is significantly enriched in conserved DiBS element in the promoter region of ZmHSP22, ZmHSP18c, ZmSAUR25, ZmSAUR55, ZmSAUR7 and ZmXTH23 and orchestrates the expression of these genes involving in auxin-mediated cell expansion and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. Thus, our findings demonstrate that ZmDi19-7 is an important newfound component of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in regulation of plant height and organ size in maize. These discoveries highlight potential targets for the genetic improvement of maize in the future.
PMID: 39555599
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1111/tpj.17110
Fast and simple fluorometric measurement of phloem loading exposes auxin-dependent regulation of Arabidopsis sucrose transporter AtSUC2.
College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, China.; Biomass Energy Center for Arid and Semiarid Lands, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, China.; Institute of Biology, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria.
The rate of sucrose export from leaves is a major factor in balancing whole-plant carbon and energy partitioning. A comprehensive study of its dynamics and relationship to photosynthesis, sink demand, and other relevant processes is hampered by the shortcomings of current methods for measuring sucrose phloem loading. We utilize the ability of sucrose transporter proteins, known as SUCs or SUTs, to specifically transport the fluorescent molecule esculin in a novel assay to measure phloem loading rates. Esculin was administered to source leaves and its fluorescence in the leaf extract was measured after 1 or 2 h. Dicot plants with an active phloem loading strategy showed an export-dependent reduction of esculin fluorescence. Relative leaf esculin export rates correlated with leaf export rates of isotopic carbon and phloem exudate sucrose levels. We used esculin experiments to examine the effects of phytohormones on phloem loading in Arabidopsis, showing, for example, that auxin induces phloem loading while cytokinin reduces it. Transcriptional regulation of AtSUC2 by AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR1 (ARF1) corroborated the link between auxin signaling and phloem loading. Unlike established methods, the esculin assay is rapid and does not require specialized equipment. Potential applications and limitations of the esculin assay are discussed.
PMID: 39485912
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2024 Nov , V120 (3) : P855-856 doi: 10.1111/tpj.17118
Exit control: the role of Arabidopsis hydathodes in auxin storage and nutrient recovery.
PMID: 39476242
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2024 Nov , V120 (4) : P1438-1456 doi: 10.1111/tpj.17059
Transcriptome dynamics in developing leaves from C(3) and C(4) Flaveria species.
Institute of Plant Molecular and Developmental Biology, Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf, D-40225, Dusseldorf, Germany.; Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf, D-40225, Dusseldorf, Germany.; Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf, D-40225, Dusseldorf, Germany.; Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf, D-40225, Dusseldorf, Germany.; Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, D-33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
C(4) species have evolved more than 60 times independently from C(3) ancestors. This multiple and parallel evolution of the complex C(4) trait suggests common underlying evolutionary mechanisms, which could be identified by comparative analysis of closely related C(3) and C(4) species. Efficient C(4) function depends on a distinctive leaf anatomy that is characterised by enlarged, chloroplast-rich bundle sheath cells and narrow vein spacing. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms that generate the Kranz anatomy, we analysed a developmental series of leaves from the C(4) plant Flaveria bidentis and the closely related C(3) species Flaveria robusta by comparing anatomies and transcriptomes. Vascular density measurements of all nine leaf developmental stages identified three leaf anatomical zones whose proportions vary with respect to the developmental stage. We then deconvoluted the transcriptome datasets using non-negative matrix factorisation, which identified four distinct transcriptome patterns in the growing leaves of both species. By integrating the leaf anatomy and transcriptome data, we were able to correlate the different transcriptional profiles with different developmental zones in the leaves. These comparisons revealed an important role for auxin metabolism, in particular auxin homeostasis (conjugation and deconjugation), in establishing the high vein density typical of C(4) species.
PMID: 39427328
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2024 Nov , V120 (3) : P857-871 doi: 10.1111/tpj.17014
Arabidopsis hydathodes are sites of auxin accumulation and nutrient scavenging.
Laboratoire des Interactions Plantes-Microbes-Environnement (LIPME), Universite de Toulouse, INRAE UMR 0441, CNRS UMR 2598, Castanet-Tolosan, F-31326, France.; Institut de Biosciences et Biotechnologies d'Aix-Marseille, Aix-Marseille Universite, CEA, CNRS UMR 7265, Saint Paul-Lez-Durance, F-13108, France.; Institute Jean-Pierre Bourgin for Plant Sciences (IJPB), Universite Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Versailles, 78000, France.; Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Superieure (IBENS), CNRS UMR8197, INSERM U1024, Paris, 75005, France.; Department of Plant Physiology, Institute for Biology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), D-06120, Germany.
Hydathodes are small organs found on the leaf margins of vascular plants which release excess xylem sap through a process called guttation. While previous studies have hinted at additional functions of hydathode in metabolite transport or auxin metabolism, experimental support is limited. We conducted comprehensive transcriptomic, metabolomic and physiological analyses of mature Arabidopsis hydathodes. This study identified 1460 genes differentially expressed in hydathodes compared to leaf blades, indicating higher expression of most genes associated with auxin metabolism, metabolite transport, stress response, DNA, RNA or microRNA processes, plant cell wall dynamics and wax metabolism. Notably, we observed differential expression of genes encoding auxin-related transcriptional regulators, biosynthetic processes, transport and vacuolar storage supported by the measured accumulation of free and conjugated auxin in hydathodes. We also showed that 78% of the total content of 52 xylem metabolites was removed from guttation fluid at hydathodes. We demonstrate that NRT2.1 and PHT1;4 transporters capture nitrate and inorganic phosphate in guttation fluid, respectively, thus limiting the loss of nutrients during this process. Our transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses unveil an organ with its specific physiological and biological identity.
PMID: 39254742
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2024 Nov , V25 (22) doi: 10.3390/ijms252212388
Deciphering the Genetic and Biochemical Drivers of Fruit Cracking in Akebia trifoliata.
Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Resources Innovation and Genetic Improvement, Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiujiang 332900, China.; Jiangxi Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Chinese Materia Medica Resources, Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiujiang 332900, China.
This study investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying fruit cracking in Akebia trifoliata, a phenomenon that significantly impacts fruit quality and marketability. Through comprehensive physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic analyses, we identified key changes in cell wall components and enzymatic activities during fruit ripening. Our results revealed that ventral suture tissues exhibit significantly elevated activities of polygalacturonase (PG) and beta-galactosidase compared to dorsoventral line tissues, indicating their crucial roles in cell wall degradation and structural weakening. The cellulose content in VS tissues peaked early and declined during ripening, while DL tissues maintained relatively stable cellulose levels, highlighting the importance of cellulose dynamics in fruit cracking susceptibility. Transcriptomic analysis revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with pectin biosynthesis and catabolism, cell wall organization, and oxidoreductase activities, indicating significant transcriptional regulation. Key genes like AKT032945 (pectinesterase) and AKT045678 (polygalacturonase) were identified as crucial for cell wall loosening and pericarp dehiscence. Additionally, expansin-related genes AKT017642, AKT017643, and AKT021517 were expressed during critical stages, promoting cell wall loosening. Genes involved in auxin-activated signaling and oxidoreductase activities, such as AKT022903 (auxin response factor) and AKT054321 (peroxidase), were also differentially expressed, suggesting roles in regulating cell wall rigidity. Moreover, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified key gene modules correlated with traits like pectin lyase activity and soluble pectin content, pinpointing potential targets for genetic manipulation. Our findings offer valuable insights into the molecular basis of fruit cracking in A. trifoliata, laying a foundation for breeding programs aimed at developing crack-resistant varieties to enhance fruit quality and commercial viability.
PMID: 39596453
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2024 Nov , V25 (22) doi: 10.3390/ijms252212249
Functional Divergence of the Closely Related Genes PhARF5 and PhARF19a in Petunia hybrida Flower Formation and Hormone Signaling.
School of Landscape Architecture, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, China.; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Utilization for Garden Plants, Hangzhou 311300, China.; Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Germplasm Innovation and Utilization for Southern Garden Plants, Hangzhou 311300, China.
The ARF gene family plays a vital role in regulating multiple aspects of plant growth and development. However, detailed research on the role of the ARF family in regulating flower development in petunia and other plants remains limited. This study investigates the distinct roles of PhARF5 and PhARF19a in Petunia hybrida flower development. Phylogenetic analysis identified 29 PhARFs, which were grouped into four clades. VIGS-mediated silencing of PhARF5 and PhARF19a led to notable phenotypic changes, highlighting their non-redundant functions. PhARF5 silencing resulted in reduced petal number and limb abnormalities, while PhARF19a silencing disrupted corolla tube formation and orientation. Both genes showed high expression in the roots, leaves, and corollas, with nuclear localization. The transcriptomic analysis revealed significant overlaps in DEGs between PhARF5 and PhARF19a silencing, indicating shared pathways in hormone metabolism, signal transduction, and stress responses. Phytohormone analysis confirmed their broad impact on phytohormone biosynthesis, suggesting involvement in complex feedback mechanisms. Silencing PhARF5 and PhARF19a led to differential transcription of numerous genes related to hormone signaling pathways beyond auxin signaling, indicating their direct or indirect crosstalk with other phytohormones. However, significant differences in the regulation of these signaling pathways were observed between PhARF5 and PhARF19a. These findings reveal the roles of ARF genes in regulating petunia flower development, as well as the phylogenetic distribution of the PhARFs involved in this process. This study provides a valuable reference for molecular breeding aimed at improving floral traits in the petunia genus and related species.
PMID: 39596314
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2024 Nov , V25 (21) doi: 10.3390/ijms252111836
Exploring Genomic Regions Associated with Fruit Traits in Pepper: Insights from Multiple GWAS Models.
National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Jeonju 54874, Republic of Korea.
This study utilized 303 pepper accessions from diverse Capsicum species to explore fruit traits, including length, width, wall thickness, and weight. Descriptive statistics revealed a mean fruit length of 66.19 mm, width of 23.48 mm, wall thickness of 1.89 mm, and weight of 15.29 g, with significant variability, particularly in fruit weight. Correlation analysis demonstrated strong positive relationships between fruit width, weight, and fruit wall thickness (r = 0.89 and r = 0.86, respectively), while fruit length showed weaker correlations with these traits. Analysis of fruit positions revealed that the majority of accessions had a pendent fruit position (156), followed by erect (85) and intermediate (8). In terms of fruit shape, triangular and narrow triangular shapes were the most common, observed in 102 and 98 accessions, respectively. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with fruit traits across four models (Blink, FarmCPU, MLM, MLMM). The number of significantly associated SNPs were as follows: fruit length (89), fruit width (55), fruit weight (63), fruit wall thickness (48), fruit shape (151), and fruit position (51). Several genes were also identified where the SNPs are located or adjacent to, providing candidate genes for further exploration of the genetic basis of fruit morphology. Notably, genes such as E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase RGLG1 (associated with fruit width), Homeobox-leucine zipper protein HDG11 (involved in fruit width), Auxin response factor 23 (linked to fruit shape), and ATP-dependent zinc metalloprotease FtsH (related to fruit weight) were identified. These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic basis of fruit morphology in Capsicum, offering valuable insights for breeding and agricultural practices.
PMID: 39519386
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2024 Nov , V25 (21) doi: 10.3390/ijms252111804
The Effects of Lead and Cross-Talk Between Lead and Pea Aphids on Defence Responses of Pea Seedlings.
Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Horticulture and Biotechnology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35, 60-637 Poznan, Poland.; Institute of Molecular Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smoluchowskiego 17, 60-179 Poznan, Poland.; Department of Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Torun, Poland.; Department of Mathematical and Statistical Methods, Faculty of Agriculture, Horticulture and Biotechnology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznan, Poland.; Department of Plant Ecophysiology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland.; Department of Research and International Affairs, Vinh University, Le Duan 182, Vinh 43108, Nghe An Province, Vietnam.; Department of Phytopathology, Seed Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Horticulture and Biotechnology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Collegium Zembala, Dabrowskiego 159, 60-594 Poznan, Poland.; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.; Polytechnic Institute of Huila, Universidade Mandume ya Ndemufayo, Lubango 3FJP+27X, Angola.; Research Unit "Induced Resistance and Plant Bioprotection", RIBP-USC INRAe 1488, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51100 Reims, France.
The main goal of this study was to investigate the effect of lead (Pb) at various concentrations, as an abiotic factor, and the cross-talk between Pb and pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris)) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), as a biotic factor, on the defence responses of pea seedlings (Pisum sativum L. cv. Cysterski). The analysis of growth parameters for pea seedlings demonstrated that Pb at a low concentration, i.e., 0.025-0.0625 mM Pb(NO(3))(2), caused a hormesis effect, i.e., stimulation of seedling growth, whereas Pb at higher concentrations, i.e., 0.01-0.325 mM Pb(NO(3))(2), inhibited growth, which manifested as the inhibition of length and fresh biomass. The differences in the level of the main defence-related phytohormones, such as abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-an auxin stimulating plant cell growth-depended on the dose of Pb, aphid infestation and direct contact of the stress factor with the organ. A high accumulation of soluble sugars in the organs of pea seedlings both at sublethal doses and hormetic doses at early experimental time points was observed. At 0 h and 24 h of the experiment, the hormetic doses of Pb significantly stimulated invertase activities, especially in the roots. Moreover, an increase was observed in the pisatin concentration in pea seedlings growing in the presence of different concentrations of Pb and in the case of cross-talk between Pb and A. pisum in relation to the control. Additionally, a significant induction of the expressions of isoflavone synthase (IFS) and 6alpha-hydroxymaackiain 3-O-methyltransferase (HMM) genes, which participate in the regulation of the pisatin biosynthesis pathway, in pea seedlings growing under the influence of sublethal 0.5 mM Pb(NO(3))(2) and hormetic 0.075 mM Pb(NO(3))(2) doses of Pb was noted. The obtained results showed that the response of P. sativum seedlings depends on the Pb dose applied, direct contact of the stress factor with the organ and the duration of contact.
PMID: 39519355
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2024 Oct , V25 (21) doi: 10.3390/ijms252111726
In Vitro vs. In Vivo Transcriptomic Approach Revealed Core Pathways of Nitrogen Deficiency Response in Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze).
Federal Research Centre, The Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 354002 Sochi, Russia.; Center of Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sirius, Russia.; The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.; Federal Research Center N. I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR), 190000 Saint Petersburg, Russia.; Agrarian and Technological Institute, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, 117198 Moscow, Russia.
For the first time, we used an in vitro vs. in vivo experimental design to reveal core pathways under nitrogen deficiency (ND) in an evergreen tree crop. These pathways were related to lignin biosynthesis, cell redox homeostasis, the defense response to fungus, the response to Karrikin, amino acid transmembrane transport, the extracellular region, the cellular protein catabolic process, and aspartic-type endopeptidase activity. In addition, the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and ATP synthase (ATP)-binding cassette transporters were significantly upregulated under nitrogen deficiency in vitro and in vivo. Most of the MAPK downstream genes were related to calcium signaling (818 genes) rather than hormone signaling (157 genes). Moreover, the hormone signaling pathway predominantly contained auxin- and abscisic acid-related genes, indicating the crucial role of these hormones in ND response. Overall, 45 transcription factors were upregulated in both experiments, 5 WRKYs, 3 NACs, 2 MYBs, 2 ERFs, HD-Zip, RLP12, bHLH25, RADIALIS-like, and others, suggesting their ND regulation is independent from the presence of a root system. Gene network reconstruction displayed that these transcription factors participate in response to fungus/chitin, suggesting that nitrogen response and pathogen response have common regulation. The upregulation of lignin biosynthesis genes, cytochrome genes, and strigalactone response genes was much more pronounced under in vitro ND as compared to in vivo ND. Several cell wall-related genes were closely associated with cytochromes, indicating their important role in flavanols biosynthesis in tea plant. These results clarify the signaling mechanisms and regulation of the response to nitrogen deficiency in evergreen tree crops.
PMID: 39519276
Front Plant Sci , IF:5.753 , 2024 , V15 : P1487897 doi: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1487897
Dynamic changes of endogenous phytohormones and carbohydrates during spontaneous morphogenesis of Centaurium erythraea Rafn.
Department for Plant Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic" - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.; Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia.
Common centaury (Centaurium eryhtraea Rafn) is a medicinal plant species with vigorous morphogenic potential in vitro. The process of spontaneous shoot regeneration in a solid root culture is characteristic for this plant species. In this context, the aim of this work was to investigate the dynamic changes of endogenous phytohormones and carbohydrates content in root explants at different time points (0, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 60 days) during spontaneous centaury morphogenesis in vitro. Detailed analysis of cytokinins (CKs) showed that trans-zeatin (tZ) was the major bioactive CK at all time points. The corresponding riboside, tZ9R, was also determined in the majority of the identified transport forms, at all time-points. Further analysis of endogenous auxin revealed a significant increase in endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) after 21 days, when a huge jump in the ratio of IAA/bioactive CKs was also observed. The maximum total soluble sugar content was measured after 14 days, while a significant decrease was determined after 21 days, when the first regenerated adventitious shoots appeared. This undoubtedly indicates an increased energy requirement prior to the actual regeneration of the shoots. The obtained results indicate that the period from day 14 to day 21 involves the most dramatic disturbances in endogenous bioactive CKs, IAA and carbohydrate balance, which are very important and valuable factors for the onset of shoot regeneration.
PMID: 39568459
iScience , IF:5.458 , 2024 Nov , V27 (11) : P111115 doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.111115
Auxin response factor 10 insensitive to miR160regulation induces apospory-like phenotypes in Arabidopsis.
Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias Agrarias de Rosario (IICAR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario 2000, Argentina.; Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Universita degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy.; Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Ambientali, Universita degli Studi di Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy.; Department of Biology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RB, UK.
The Arabidopsis megaspore mother cell (MMC) arises from somatic cells in the ovule primordium and enters meiosis to generate four megaspores. Only the most chalazal (functional megaspore, FM) survives, undergoing a series of mitoses to form the female gametophyte. We show that this commitment to the sexual germline requires spatial regulation of A UXIN R ESPONSE F ACTOR 10 (ARF10). GFP-fusion lines reveal ARF10 expression to be restricted to cells surrounding the MMC in wild type, but ectopically disseminated throughout the ovule in transgenic mARF10 lines insensitive to miR160, an ARF10 downregulator. Significantly, mARF10 ovules develop multiple FMs with differing ploidies, forming putative supernumerary gametophytes with altered polarity and cell identities - features of aposporous apomixis. Furthermore, we confirm the complexity of ovular ARF10 expression, being mediated by SEEDSTICK, ARGONAUTE1, and miR160. This work adds to our understanding of molecular switches possibly regulating aposporous apomixis, and may contribute the development of innovative plant breeding strategies.
PMID: 39502290
Microbiol Res , IF:5.415 , 2024 Dec , V289 : P127924 doi: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127924
Brassinosteroids mediate arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis through multiple potential pathways and partial identification in tomato.
State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China. Electronic address: yingren@stu.scau.edu.cn.; School of Agriculture & Food Science and UCD Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland. Electronic address: brian.tobin@ucd.ie.; School of Agriculture & Food Science and UCD Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland. Electronic address: shuyi.yang@ucdconnect.ie.; Boone Pickens School of Geology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74074, United States. Electronic address: tingying.xu@okstate.edu.; State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China. Electronic address: chenhui@scau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China. Electronic address: tangm@nwafu.edu.cn.
Currently, little is known regarding the specific processes through which brassinosteroids (BR) affect arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. Understanding this relationship is vital for advancing plant physiology and agricultural applications. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of BR in AM symbiosis. According to the log2 fold change-value and adjP-value, we integrated the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in maize (Zea mays L.) treated with BR and AM, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutants deficient in BR receptors, and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants inoculated with AM fungi. In addition, we characterized the symbiotic performance of tomato plants with BR receptor defects and overexpression. The results indicated that the common differential genes induced by BR and AM were involved in metabolic processes, such as cell wall modification, cytoskeleton remodeling, auxin and ethylene signaling, photosynthesis, mineral nutrient transport, and stress defense. Specifically, these include the BR1 gene, which modifies the cell wall. However, the fungal colonization rate of BR receptor-deficient tomato plants was significantly reduced, and the total phosphorus concentration was increased. Conversely, the performance of the overexpressing tomato transformation plants demonstrated a significant contrast. Additionally, the mild rescue of mycorrhizal attenuation in mutants treated with exogenous BR suggests the possibility of direct feedback from BR synthesis to AM. Notably, the cell wall modification gene (SlBR1) and calcium spike gene (SlIPD3) were induced by both BR and AM, suggesting that BR may influence cell penetration during the early stages of AM colonization. Synthesis: Our results demonstrated that BR positively regulates AM symbiosis through multiple pathways. These findings pave the way for future research, including isolation of the individual contributions of each pathway to this complex process and exploration of possible agricultural applications.
PMID: 39395377
J Agric Food Chem , IF:5.279 , 2024 Nov , V72 (44) : P24655-24667 doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c06582
Regulation of Rice Grain Weight by Fatty Acid Composition: Unveiling the Mechanistic Roles of OsLIN6 by OsARF12.
Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops; Henan Key Laboratory of Rice Molecular Breeding and High Efficiency Production; Henan Center of Crop Genomics and Rice Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.; Department of Biotechnology, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201306, India.; Institute of Food and Nutraceutical Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.; College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
Fatty acids play a putative role as second messengers of phytohormones and regulate the rice grain weight. However, the inner mechanism is still unclear and needs to be further studied. In this study, we identified that oleic acid (C18:1) negatively correlates while linoleic acid (C18:2) positively correlates with rice grain weight. Field trials showed that 1000-grain weight was significantly reduced when treated with the fatty acid synthesis inhibitor, Firsocostat S enantiomer (FSE), at the heading and flowering stages. RNA-seq analysis revealed that FSE affects grain weight by modulating processes, such as glycolysis, sucrose metabolism, and hormone signaling. Notably, FSE inhibited the expression of OsLIN6, which is responsible for transporting C18:1 to the phosphatidylcholine pool for C18:2 synthesis. Compared with the wild type (WT), the OsLIN6 knockout mutant exhibited a lower grain weight, an increased C18:1 content, and a decreased C18:2 content. Importantly, OsARF12 was shown to bind to the OsLIN6 promoter and activate its expression. In summary, this study highlights the crucial role of the fatty acid synthesis gene, OsLIN6, which was regulated by OsARF12, in rice grain weight determination, thus establishing the molecular link between fatty acid synthesis and auxin signaling.
PMID: 39463330
J Agric Food Chem , IF:5.279 , 2024 Nov , V72 (44) : P24576-24586 doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c04334
Overexpression of the RAV Transcription Factor OsAAT1 Confers Enhanced Arsenic Tolerance by Modulating Auxin Hemostasis in Rice.
College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, PR China.
Characterization of arsenic (As)-responsive genes is fundamental to solving the issue of As contamination in rice. Herein, we establish the involvement of an RAV transcription factor OsAAT1 (Arsenic Accumulation and Tolerance 1) in regulating As response in rice. The expression of OsAAT1 is significantly higher in roots and stems of rice seedlings and is clearly upregulated by higher concentrations of arsenite [As(III)]. Compared with wild-type (WT) plants, OsAAT1-overexpressed transgenic lines (OE-OsAAT1) exhibit tolerance, while OsAAT1-knockout mutants (Osaat1) are sensitive to As(III) stress. Notably, the application of exogenous 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA) greatly enhances the As tolerance of WT and transgenic lines, with stronger effects on OE-OsAAT1. The change in OsAAT1 expression leads to the alteration of As and auxin accumulation in transgenic plants by regulating the expression of OsLsi1, OsLsi2, OsCRL4, and OsAUX1 genes. Moreover, overexpression of OsAAT1 accelerates ROS scavenging and phytochelatins (PCs) synthesis, especially with the addition of exogenous NAA. OsAAT1 localizes in the nucleus and works as a transcriptional suppressor. OsGH3-12, belonging to the auxin-responsive GH3 gene family, is the downstream target gene of OsAAT1, whose expression is extensively downregulated by As(III). These findings provide new insights into As response via auxin signaling pathway in rice.
PMID: 39436822
J Agric Food Chem , IF:5.279 , 2024 Oct , V72 (43) : P23776-23789 doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c08019
Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aurantiaca Stimulates Lateral Root Development by Integrating Auxin and Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling in Arabidopsis.
MOE Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, College of Natural Resource & Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.; State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can promote lateral root formation, while the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we found that Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aurantiaca inoculation enhanced auxin accumulation in lateral root primordia (LRP). Upon reaching LRPs, auxin activated the AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 7 and 19 (ARF7/19) and promoted lateral root formation in Arabidopsis. Moreover, we found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) is required for auxin-dependent lateral root emergence, and P. chlororaphis upregulated the expression of RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE D and F (RBOHD/F), leading to the accumulation of ROS in LRP. Although scavenging ROS or rbohd/f mutants exhibited decreased lateral roots after P. chlororaphis inoculation, the bacteria-triggered auxin signals were not altered. Conversely, the application of auxin or mutants defective in auxin signaling disturbed P. chlororaphis-derived ROS accumulation in lateral roots. Collectively, these results suggest that ARF7/19-dependent auxin signaling activates RBOHD/F to produce ROS, coordinately facilitating lateral root development after P. chlororaphis treatment.
PMID: 39415482
Food Chem X , IF:5.182 , 2024 Dec , V24 : P101878 doi: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101878
Shorten spreading duration enhance the quality of summer Meitan Cuiya tea.
College of Tea Sciences, Institute of Plant Health & Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.; Institute of Horticulture, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanchang 330200, China.; Meitan county secondary vocational school, Zunyi 563000, China.; College of Life Sciences/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in the Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
Meitan Cuiya (MTCY), a representative green tea from Guizhou, China, may exhibit lower quality in summer due to increased bitterness and astringency. Spreading is a common method to enhance tea quality, but its impact on summer MTCY remains unclear. This study combined transcriptomics and volatile metabolomics to investigate the effects of spreading duration on quality of summer fresh tea leaves and MTCY. Results showed that spreading time shortened to 4 h improved the taste of MTCY, due to lower catechins and higher theanine levels. This duration also yielded woody floral scent in MTCY, marked by high levels of trans-Cubebol, linalool, (Z)-linalool oxide. Transcriptomic analysis linked the 4-h spreading to proteasome activities. Aroma formation was related to diterpenoid and flavonoid biosynthesis. Additionally, gibberellins and auxin were associated with quality formation in fresh tea leaves. This research lays a foundation for improving quality of fresh tea leaves and MTCY in summer.
PMID: 39493592
Plant Cell Physiol , IF:4.927 , 2024 Nov , V65 (10) : P1530-1543 doi: 10.1093/pcp/pcae047
Crosstalk between Brassinosteroids and Other Phytohormones during Plant Development and Stress Adaptation.
Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a group of polyhydroxylated phytosterols that play essential roles in regulating plant growth and development as well as stress adaptation. It is worth noting that BRs do not function alone, but rather they crosstalk with other endogenous signaling molecules, including the phytohormones auxin, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, ethylene, jasmonates, salicylic acid and strigolactones, forming elaborate signaling networks to modulate plant growth and development. BRs interact with other phytohormones mainly by regulating each others' homeostasis, transport or signaling pathway at the transcriptional and posttranslational levels. In this review, we focus our attention on current research progress in BR signal transduction and the crosstalk between BRs and other phytohormones.
PMID: 38727547
Plant Cell Physiol , IF:4.927 , 2024 Nov , V65 (10) : P1515-1529 doi: 10.1093/pcp/pcae014
Recent Advances in Understanding the Regulatory Mechanism of Plasma Membrane H+-ATPase through the Brassinosteroid Signaling Pathway.
Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.; School of Life Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China.
The polyhydroxylated steroid phytohormone brassinosteroid (BR) controls many aspects of plant growth, development and responses to environmental changes. Plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPase, the well-known PM proton pump, is a central regulator in plant physiology, which mediates not only plant growth and development, but also adaptation to stresses. Recent studies highlight that PM H+-ATPase is at least partly regulated via the BR signaling. Firstly, the BR cell surface receptor BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE 1 (BRI1) and multiple key components of BR signaling directly or indirectly influence PM H+-ATPase activity. Secondly, the SMALL AUXIN UP RNA (SAUR) gene family physically interacts with BRI1 to enhance organ development of Arabidopsis by activating PM H+-ATPase. Thirdly, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) assays showed that the expression of some SAUR genes is upregulated under the light or sucrose conditions, which is related to the phosphorylation state of the penultimate residue of PM H+-ATPase in a time-course manner. In this review, we describe the structural and functional features of PM H+-ATPase and summarize recent progress towards understanding the regulatory mechanism of PM H+-ATPase by BRs, and briefly introduce how PM H+-ATPase activity is modulated by its own biterminal regions and the post-translational modifications.
PMID: 38372617
Plant Cell Physiol , IF:4.927 , 2024 Nov , V65 (10) : P1627-1639 doi: 10.1093/pcp/pcad126
BBX21 Integrates Brassinosteroid Biosynthesis and Signaling in the Inhibition of Hypocotyl Growth under Shade.
IFEVA (CONICET-UBA), Facultad de Agronomia, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. San Martin 4453, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina.; Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Palacky University & Institute of Experimental Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Slechtitelu 27, Olomouc CZ-78371, Czech Republic.; Fundacion Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET, Avenida Patricias Argentinas 435, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires C1405BWE, Argentina.; Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.; Instituto de Biologia Molecular y Celular de Plantas, CSIC-Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, C/Ingeniero Fausto Elio s/n, Valencia 46022, Spain.
B-Box-containing zinc finger transcription factors (BBX) are involved in light-mediated growth, affecting processes such as hypocotyl elongation in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, the molecular and hormonal framework that regulates plant growth through BBX proteins is incomplete. Here, we demonstrate that BBX21 inhibits the hypocotyl elongation through the brassinosteroid (BR) pathway. BBX21 reduces the sensitivity to 24-epiBL, a synthetic active BR, principally at very low concentrations in simulated shade. The biosynthesis profile of BRs showed that two active BR-brassinolide and 28-homobrassinolide-and 8 of 11 intermediates can be repressed by BBX21 under white light (WL) or simulated shade. Furthermore, BBX21 represses the expression of CYTOCHROME P450 90B1 (DWF4/CYP90B1), BRASSINOSTEROID-6-OXIDASE 1 (BR6OX1, CYP85A1) and BR6OX2 (CYP85A2) genes involved in the BR biosynthesis in WL while specifically promoting DWF4 and PHYB ACTIVATION TAGGED SUPPRESSOR 1 (CYP2B1/BAS1) expression in WL supplemented with far-red (WL + FR), a treatment that simulates shade. In addition, BBX21 represses BR signaling genes, such as PACLOBUTRAZOL RESISTANCE1 (PRE1), PRE3 and ARABIDOPSIS MYB-LIKE 2 (MYBL2), and auxin-related and expansin genes, such as INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID INDUCIBLE 1 (IAA1), IAA4 and EXPANSIN 11 in short-term shade. By a genetic approach, we found that BBX21 acts genetically upstream of BRASSINAZOLE-RESISTANT 1 (BZR1) for the promotion of DWF4 and BAS1 gene expression in shade. We propose that BBX21 integrates the BR homeostasis and shade-light signaling, allowing the fine-tuning of hypocotyl elongation in Arabidopsis.
PMID: 37847120
Pest Manag Sci , IF:4.845 , 2024 Dec , V80 (12) : P6041-6052 doi: 10.1002/ps.8373
Metabolism of 2,4-D in plants: comparative analysis of metabolic detoxification pathways in tolerant crops and resistant weeds.
Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences and Engineering, University of Lleida - Agrotecnio CERCA Center, Lleida, Spain.; Departmento de Agronomia, Universidade Federal de Vicosa, Vicosa, Brazil.; Department of Agricultural Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.; Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA.; Department of Crop Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.; Departamento de Parasitologia Agricola, Universidad Autonoma Chapingo, Texcoco, Mexico.; Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.; Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
The commercialization of 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) latifolicide in 1945 marked the beginning of the selective herbicide market, with this active ingredient playing a pivotal role among commercial herbicides due to the natural tolerance of monocots compared with dicots. Due to its intricate mode of action, involving interactions within endogenous auxin signaling networks, 2,4-D was initially considered a low-risk herbicide to evolve weed resistance. However, the intensification of 2,4-D use has contributed to the emergence of 2,4-D-resistant broadleaf weeds, challenging earlier beliefs. This review explores 2,4-D tolerance in crops and evolved resistance in weeds, emphasizing an in-depth understanding of 2,4-D metabolic detoxification. Nine confirmed 2,4-D-resistant weed species, driven by rapid metabolism, highlight cytochrome P450 monooxygenases in Phase I and glycosyltransferases in Phase II as key enzymes. Resistance to 2,4-D may also involve impaired translocation associated with mutations in auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAA) co-receptor genes. Moreover, temperature variations affect 2,4-D efficacy, with high temperatures increasing herbicide metabolism rates and reducing weed control, while drought stress did not affect 2,4-D efficacy. Research on 2,4-D resistance has primarily focused on non-target-site resistance (NTSR) mechanisms, including 2,4-D metabolic detoxification, with limited exploration of the inheritance and genetic basis underlying these traits. Resistance to 2,4-D in weeds is typically governed by a single gene, either dominant or incompletely dominant, raising questions about gain-of-function or loss-of-function mutations that confer resistance. Future research should unravel the physiological and molecular-genetic basis of 2,4-D NTSR, exploring potential cross-resistance patterns and assessing fitness costs that may affect future evolution of auxin-resistant weeds. (c) 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
PMID: 39132883
Pest Manag Sci , IF:4.845 , 2024 Nov , V80 (11) : P5791-5798 doi: 10.1002/ps.8310
Cytochrome P450 CYP81A104 in Eleusine indica confers resistance to multiherbicide with different modes of action.
College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.; Jiangsu Lixiahe District Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Yangzhou, China.
BACKGROUND: Developing herbicide-resistant (HR) crop cultivars is an efficient way to control weeds and minimize crop yield losses. However, widespread and long-term herbicide application has led to the evolution of resistant weeds. Here, we established a resistant (R) E. indica population, collected from imidazolinone-resistant rice cultivar fields. RESULTS: The R population evolved 4.5-fold resistance to imazamox. Acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene sequencing and ALS activity assays excluded the effect of target-site resistance in this population. P450 inhibitor malathion pretreatment significantly reversed resistance to imazamox. RNA sequencing showed that a P450 gene CYP81A104 was expressed higher in R versus susceptible (S) plants. Arabidopsis overexpressing CYP81A104 showed resistance to ALS inhibitors (imazamox, tribenuron-methyl, penoxsulam and flucarbazone-sodium), PSII inhibitor (bentazone), hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase inhibitor (mesotrione) and auxin mimics (MCPA), which was generally consistent with the results presented in the R population. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that the CYP81A104 gene endowed resistance to multiherbicides with different modes-of-action. Our findings provide an insight into the molecular characteristics of resistance and contribute to formulating an appropriate strategy for weed management in HR crops. (c) 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
PMID: 39003629
Plant Sci , IF:4.729 , 2024 Nov : P112338 doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112338
The antagonistic effects of Red and blue light radiation on leaf and stem development of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seedlings.
Chemical Materials for Agricultural Cross disciplinary Joint Laboratory, Hunan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Optical Agriculture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China. Electronic address: 1392423419@qq.com.; Chemical Materials for Agricultural Cross disciplinary Joint Laboratory, Hunan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Optical Agriculture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China. Electronic address: sulj0803@163.com.; Chemical Materials for Agricultural Cross disciplinary Joint Laboratory, Hunan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Optical Agriculture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China. Electronic address: 1398275480@qq.com.; Chemical Materials for Agricultural Cross disciplinary Joint Laboratory, Hunan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Optical Agriculture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China. Electronic address: xiamao2019@hunau.edu.cn.; Chemical Materials for Agricultural Cross disciplinary Joint Laboratory, Hunan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Optical Agriculture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China. Electronic address: zhouzhi@hunau.edu.cn.
Light spectrum plays an essential role in influencing the growth and development of vegetable seedlings in industrial seedling raising. Currently, blue light, red light, and their combination are utilized in industrial seedling raising. However, the theoretical basis behind the screening of red and blue light combinations remains unclear. Therefore, we utilized pepper seedlings to investigate the effects mechanism of B (blue light, 450nm) and R (red light, 660nm) light-emitting diodes (pc-LED) on stem and leaf development，the full spectrum light was used as a control (W). The growth of pepper seedlings was evaluated by measuring indicators such as leaf, stem growth, and cellular ultrastructure, and try to reveal the regulatory pathways of auxin in leaves at the level of gene expression and transcriptome analysis. The results indicated that compared to W, the blue light led to shorter internodes and reduced plant height, while the red light resulted in larger leaves and elongated internodes of pepper seedlings. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that the antagonism was associated with the longitudinal elongation and transverse expansion of the stem and the expansion efficiency of leaf epidermal cells. Further analysis indicated that cell proliferation and leaf growth were regulated by the phytohormone pathway through light signaling. The blue light upregulated the expression of CaRAX in the phytohormone pathway, while red light increased the expression of CaGRF and CaARF, thereby influencing leaf size. These findings offer new insights into spectral screening for industrial seedling cultivation.
PMID: 39608575
Plant Sci , IF:4.729 , 2024 Dec , V349 : P112278 doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112278
Pelargonic acid's interaction with the auxin transporter PIN1: A potential mechanism behind its phytotoxic effects on plant metabolism.
Universidade de Vigo. Departamento de Bioloxia Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Facultade de Bioloxia, Vigo 36310, Spain; Instituto de Agroecoloxia e Alimentacion (IAA), Universidade de Vigo, Campus Auga, Ourense 32004, Spain. Electronic address: davidlopez@uvigo.gal.; Instituto Agroforestal Mediterraneo, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera s/n, Valencia 46022, Spain. Electronic address: marmuous@alumni.upv.es.; Departamento de Quimica Fisica, Facultade de Quimica, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo 36310, Spain; Biologically Active Organic Compounds and Ionic Liquids Group (BIOILS), Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria Galicia Sur, (IIS Galicia Sur). SERGAS-UVIGO, Spain. Electronic address: jose_hermida@uvigo.gal.; Universidade de Vigo. Departamento de Bioloxia Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Facultade de Bioloxia, Vigo 36310, Spain; Instituto de Agroecoloxia e Alimentacion (IAA), Universidade de Vigo, Campus Auga, Ourense 32004, Spain. Electronic address: sara.alvarez.rodriguez@uvigo.gal.; Dipartamento di Science Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Universita Statale di Milano, Via Celoria n masculine2, Milano 20133, Italy. Electronic address: fabrizio.araniti@unimi.it.; Biologically Active Organic Compounds and Ionic Liquids Group (BIOILS), Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria Galicia Sur, (IIS Galicia Sur). SERGAS-UVIGO, Spain; Departamento de Quimica Organica, Facultade de Quimica, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain. Electronic address: qomaca@uvigo.es.; Instituto Agroforestal Mediterraneo, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera s/n, Valencia 46022, Spain. Electronic address: merversa@eaf.upv.es.; Universidade de Vigo. Departamento de Bioloxia Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Facultade de Bioloxia, Vigo 36310, Spain; Instituto de Agroecoloxia e Alimentacion (IAA), Universidade de Vigo, Campus Auga, Ourense 32004, Spain. Electronic address: adela@uvigo.gal.
Pelargonic acid (PA) is a saturated fatty acid commonly found in several organisms, that is known for its phytotoxic effect and its use as bioherbicide for sustainable weed management. Although PA is already commercialised as bioherbicide, its molecular targets and mode of action is unknown according to the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee. Therefore, the aim of this work was focusing on the way this natural active substance impacts the plant metabolism of the model species Arabidopsis thaliana. PA caused increase of secondary and adventitious roots, as well as torsion, loss of gravitropism and phytotoxic effects. Moreover, PA altered the cellular arrangement and the PIN proteins activity. Computational simulations revealed that the intermolecular interactions between PA and the polar auxin transporter protein PIN1 are very similar to those established between the natural auxin IAA and PIN1. However, under intracellular conditions, the PA-PIN1 binding is more energetically stable than the IAA-PIN1. These results suggest that PA could act as an auxin-mimics bioherbicide. The exogenous application of PA would be responsible for the alterations observed both at structural and ultrastructural levels, which would be caused by the alteration on the transport of auxins into the plant, inducing root inhibition and ultimately total stop of root growth.
PMID: 39395675
Plant Sci , IF:4.729 , 2024 Dec , V349 : P112228 doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112228
The knockout of SlMTC impacts tomato seed size and reduces resistance to salt stress in tomato.
Laboratory of molecular biology of tomato, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.; Laboratory of molecular biology of tomato, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China. Electronic address: chenguoping@cqu.edu.cn.; Laboratory of molecular biology of tomato, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China. Electronic address: huzongli71@163.com.
Members of the MT-A70 family are key catalytic proteins involved in m(6)A methylation modifications in plants. They play diverse roles at the posttranscriptional level by regulating RNA secondary structure, selective splicing, stability, and translational efficiency, which collectively affect plant growth, development, and stress responses. In this study, we explored the function of the gene SlMTC, a Class C member of the MT-A70 family, in tomatoes by using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Compared with the wild-type (WT), the CR-slmtc mutants exhibited decreased seed size and slower growth rates during the seedling stage, along with weaker salt tolerance and significant downregulation of stress-related genes, such as PR1, PR5, and P5CS. The qRT-PCR results revealed that the expression levels of genes involved in auxin biosynthesis (FZY1, FZY3, and FZY4) and polar transport (PIN1, PIN4, and PIN8) were lower in CR-slmtc plants than in the WT plants. In addition, yeast two-hybrid assays showed that SlMTC could interact with SlMTA, a Class A member of the MT-A70 family, providing insights into the potential mode of action of SlMTC in tomatoes. Overall, our findings indicate the critical role of SlMTC in plant growth and development as well as in response to salt stress.
PMID: 39218307
Plant Cell Rep , IF:4.57 , 2024 Nov , V43 (12) : P286 doi: 10.1007/s00299-024-03366-w
H2A.Z removal mediates the activation of genes accounting for cell elongation under light and temperature stress.
Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.; Faculty of Biotechnology, Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. nguyen.nhoai@ou.edu.vn.
The histone variant H2A.Z is crucial for the expression of genes involved in cell elongation under elevated temperatures and shade. Its removal facilitates the activation of these genes, particularly through the activities of PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTORs (PIFs) and the SWR1-related INOSITOL REQUIRING 80 (INO80) complex. Arabidopsis seedlings exhibit rapid elongation of hypocotyls and cotyledon petioles in response to environmental stresses, namely elevated temperatures and shade. These phenotypic alterations are regulated by various phytohormones, notably auxin. Under these stress conditions, auxin biosynthesis is swiftly induced in the cotyledons and transported to the hypocotyls, where it stimulates cell elongation. The histone variant H2A.Z plays a pivotal role in this regulatory mechanism. H2A.Z affects the transcription of numerous genes, particularly those activated by the mentioned environmental stresses. Recent studies highlighted that the eviction of H2A.Z from gene bodies is crucial for the activation of genes, especially auxin biosynthetic and responsive genes, under conditions of elevated temperature and shade. Additionally, experimental evidence suggests that PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTORs (PIFs) can recruit the SWR1-related INOSITOL REQUIRING 80 (INO80) complex to remove H2A.Z from targeted loci, thereby activating gene transcription in response to these environmental stresses. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the regulatory role of H2A.Z, emphasizing how its eviction from gene loci is instrumental in the activation of stress-responsive genes under elevated temperature and shade conditions.
PMID: 39562374
Physiol Plant , IF:4.5 , 2024 Nov-Dec , V176 (6) : Pe14612 doi: 10.1111/ppl.14612
Identification of novel inhibitors of plant GH3 IAA-amido synthetases through molecular docking studies.
Instituto de Bioingenieria, Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Elche, Spain.; Instituto de Investigacion, Desarrollo e Innovacion en Biotecnologia Sanitaria de Elche (IDiBE), Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Elche, Spain.; Department of Plant Nutrition, CEBAS-CSIC, Campus Universitario de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
Auxins play a critical role in several plant developmental processes and their endogenous levels are regulated at multiple levels. The enzymes of the GRETCHEN HAGEN 3 (GH3) protein family catalyze the conjugation of amino acids to indoleacetic acid (IAA), the major endogenous auxin. The GH3 proteins are encoded by multiple redundant genes in plant genomes, making it difficult to perform functional genetic studies to understand their role in auxin homeostasis. To address these challenges, we used a chemical approach that exploits the reaction mechanism of GH3 proteins to identify small molecule inhibitors of their activity from a defined chemical library. The study evaluated receptor-ligand complexes based on their binding energy and classified them accordingly. Docking algorithms were used to correct any deviations, resulting in a list of the most important inhibitory compounds for selected GH3 enzymes based on a normalized sum of energy. The study presents atomic details of protein-ligand interactions and quantifies the effect of several of the identified small molecule inhibitors on auxin-mediated root growth processes in Arabidopsis thaliana. The direct effect of these compounds on endogenous auxin levels was measured using appropriate auxin sensors and endogenous hormone measurements. Our study has identified novel compounds of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway that are effective inhibitors of GH3 enzyme-mediated IAA conjugation. These compounds play a versatile role in hormone-regulated plant development and have potential applications in both basic research and agriculture.
PMID: 39501705
Physiol Plant , IF:4.5 , 2024 Nov-Dec , V176 (6) : Pe14601 doi: 10.1111/ppl.14601
Emerging roles of auxin in plant abiotic stress tolerance.
Department of Biology, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC.
Plants are continuously attacked by several biotic and abiotic factors. Among abiotic factors, heat, cold, drought, and salinity are common stresses. Plants produce several hormones as their main weapon in fightback against these stresses. Among these hormones, the role of auxin is well established in regulating plant growth and development at various scales. However, in recent literature, the important role of auxin in abiotic stress tolerance has emerged. Several auxin signalling and transport mutants exhibit heat, drought, and salinity-related phenotypes. Among them, auxin-mediated hypocotyl elongation and root growth in response to increased heat are of importance due to the continuous rise in global temperature. Auxin is also involved in regulating and recruiting specialized metabolites like aliphatic glucosinolate to defend themselves from drought stress. Aliphatic glucosinolate (A-GLS) regulates guard cell closure using auxin, which is independent of the major abiotic stress hormone abscisic acid. This regulatory mechanism serves as an additional layer of guard cell movement to protect plants from drought. Transferring the aliphatic glucosinolate pathway into non-brassica plants such as rice and soybean holds the promise to improve drought tolerance. In addition to these, post-translational modification of auxin signalling components and redistribution of auxin efflux transporters are also playing important roles in drought and salt tolerance and, hence, may be exploited to breed drought-tolerant crops. Also, reactive oxygen species, along with peptide hormone and auxin signalling, are important in root growth under stress. In conclusion, we summarize recent discoveries that suggest auxin is involved in various abiotic stresses.
PMID: 39489540
Sci Rep , IF:4.379 , 2024 Nov , V14 (1) : P26482 doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-78310-9
Expression of carbohydrate-related genes underlying 3,5,6-TPA-induced fruitlet abscission in citrus.
Instituto Agroforestal Mediterraneo, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain. magusti@prv.upv.es.; Instituto Agroforestal Mediterraneo, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.; Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, G. Valenciana, Moncada, Valencia, Spain.
In citrus, the synthetic auxin 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyloxyacetic acid (3,5,6-TPA), applied as a foliar spray at a concentration of 15 mg l(- 1) during physiological fruitlet abscission, caused additional fruitlet drop and reduced the number of fruits reaching maturity. The effect was much more pronounced at full physiological abscission than after. In this study, this thinning effect was successfully exploited for the first time in sour orange trees grown in an urban environment, reducing harvesting costs by up to almost 40%. This effect is mediated by the leaves, which alter their photosynthetic activity. Our results show a reduction of carbon fixation and sucrose synthesis in the leaf, by 3,5,6-TPA repression of the RbcS, SUS1 and SUSA genes, its transport to the fruit, as shown by the reduced expression of the sucrose transporter genes SUT3 and SUT4, and its hydrolysis in the fruit, mainly by repression of the SUS1 gene expression. Genes involved in auxin homeostasis in the fruit, TRN2 and PIN1, were also repressed. The coordinated repression of all these genes is consistent with the decrease in the fruit cell division rate, as shown by the repression of CYCA1-1 gene, leading to the production of ethylene, which ultimately induces fruitlet abscission.
PMID: 39489781
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2024 Nov , V218 : P109335 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109335
FAD and NADPH binding sites of YUCCA6 are essential for chaperone activity and oxidative stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Division of Applied Life Science (BK21four), PBRRC, IALS, and RILS, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea.; College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea.; Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.; Division of Applied Life Science (BK21four), PBRRC, IALS, and RILS, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: kim1312@gnu.ac.kr.; Division of Applied Life Science (BK21four), PBRRC, IALS, and RILS, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: jycha@gnu.ac.kr.
Phytohormone auxin plays a pivotal role in governing plant growth, development, and responses to abiotic stresses. YUCCA6 (YUC6), an auxin biosynthetic enzyme belonging to the flavin monooxygenase (FMO) subfamily, converts indole-3-pyruvic acid to indole-3-acetic acid. Our prior investigation uncovered that YUC6 also functions as a thiol-reductase and chaperone in a Cys85-dependent manner, resulting in conferred tolerance to nickel heavy metal stress and drought and delayed leaf senescence. Notably, the conserved co-factor binding sites (FAD and NADPH) in YUC6, shared with FMOs and thioredoxin reductase, prompted our exploration into their significance for holdase chaperone activity and oxidative stress tolerance in Arabidopsis. We demonstrate that YUC6 transcripts are upregulated in response to methyl viologen (MV)-induced oxidative stress, implicating YUC6 in oxidative stress response. Mutations in co-factor binding sites markedly diminish the chaperone activity of YUC6, and reduce the YUC6-mediated oxidative stress tolerance in Arabidopsis. Furthermore, YUC6 proteins exist as oligomeric states under native conditions, formed by disulfide-bond bridges. Oligomeric YUC6 displays enhanced chaperone activity compared to its monomeric YUC6. We found here that co-factor binding sites of YUC6 are necessary for its chaperone properties.
PMID: 39603031
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2024 Nov , V217 : P109297 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109297
Integrating physiological and transcriptomic analyses explored the regulatory mechanism of cold tolerance at seedling emergence stage in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).
Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.; State Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China.; Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China; State Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China. Electronic address: chypang@163.com.; State Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China. Electronic address: shenqian429@126.com.
Cold stress is one of the major abiotic stressor that profoundly impacts plant growth. Cotton, a widely cultivated variety, is particularly susceptible to cold stress. Unraveling the responses to cold stress is critical for cotton demand. In this investigation, we conducted comparative physiological and transcriptomic analyses of the cold-tolerant variety XLZ16 and cold-sensitive variety XLZ84 at seedling emergence stage under cold stress. Following exposure to cold stress, XLZ16 exhibited a markedly higher growth phenotype and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, while simultaneously showing reduced cellular oxidative damage and apoptosis. Furthermore, the levels of auxin (IAA), cytokinin (CTK), and salicylic acid (SA) significantly increased during cold stress, whereas the contents of catendorsterol (TY), brassinosterone (CS), and jasmonic acid (JA) significantly decreased. Integrated with stoichiometric analysis, these findings definitively demonstrated significant differences in antioxidant capacity and hormone content between the two varieties during their response to cold stress. A total of 6207 potential cold-responsive differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through transcriptome sequencing analysis. Enrichment analyses of these DEGs revealed that pathways related to "hormones biosynthesis and signaling" as well as "circadian rhythm" were associated with cold response. Notably, the hub gene Gh_D12G2567 (GhJAZ3), encoding jasmonate ZIM-domain (JAZ) proteins, was found to influence the JA signal transduction pathway and regulate cotton growth under cold stress within the MEred module network. Furthermore, suppressing the expression level of GhJAZ3 by virus-induced gene silencing led to the reduction of cold resistance, implying GhJAZ3 as a positive regulator of cold tolerance. This study provides valuable insights into the response mechanisms of cotton under cold stress. It also serves as a reference and foundation for further enhancing cold tolerance of new cotton varieties.
PMID: 39561684
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2024 Nov , V217 : P109257 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109257
Emerging Arabidopsis roots exhibit hypersensitive gravitropism associated with distinctive auxin synthesis and polar transport within the elongation zone.
College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China.; College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China. Electronic address: xianyong.sheng@cnu.edu.cn.
Gravitropism is crucial for plants to secure light, water, and minerals essential for developing seedlings. Despite its importance, the gravitropism of young roots remains largely unexplored. Herein, we reported that the emerging Arabidopsis roots exhibit hypersensitive gravitropism compared to mature roots, growing relatively slowly but bending exceptionally rapidly. This rapid gravibending is characterized by substantial growth inhibition and a distinctive auxin accumulation on the lower side of the elongation zone. Intriguingly, surgical experiments suggest that these auxins predominantly originate from the elongation zone rather than from the shoot or root cap. However, their asymmetrical distribution is heavily modulated by the root cap. Confocal analysis of GFP-tagged TAA1 further confirms that gravitational stimulus induces active auxin biosynthesis in the elongation zone of nascent roots but not in mature roots. Furthermore, mutations in the PIN proteins, especially PIN2, severely impair the rapid gravitropic responses in emerging roots. Interestingly, PIN2 in nascent roots is not confined to the epidermis and cortex but extends to the endodermis, contrasting with its distribution in mature roots. Gravitational stimulation leads to a marked asymmetrical distribution of PIN2 between the upper and lower sides of the roots, which is strongly inhibited by surgical removal of the root cap. These observations indicate that gravitational stimulation triggers active auxin synthesis and PIN protein-mediated lateral transport within the elongation zone of emerging roots, resulting in swift gravitropic responses. These results offer an intriguing enhancement and expansion to the mechanism of root gravitropism.
PMID: 39522390
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2024 Nov , V216 : P109201 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109201
SlMKK4 is responsible for pollen development in tomato.
Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation & Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, China. Electronic address: chenlf@fjnu.edu.cn.; Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation & Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, China. Electronic address: chenleiq0816@163.com.; Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation & Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, China. Electronic address: zhhong0898@163.com.; Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation & Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, China. Electronic address: xxcccyyy@163.com.; Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation & Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, China. Electronic address: fangyulin@fjnu.edu.cn.; Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation & Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, China. Electronic address: laiyiruchn@163.com.; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development and Biotechnology, Agricultural Ministry of China, Department of Horticulture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China. Electronic address: pct@zju.edu.cn.; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development and Biotechnology, Agricultural Ministry of China, Department of Horticulture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China. Electronic address: glu@zju.edu.cn.; Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation & Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, China. Electronic address: wuyk@fjnu.edu.cn.
The development of viable pollen is a determinant of male fertility and plays an essential role in the reproductive process of angiosperms. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades modulate diverse aspects of plant growth, but their involvement in post-meiotic pollen development is unclear. In this study, SlMKK4 was identified as a crucial regulator in overseeing pollen development in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). Utilizing CRISPR-associated protein 9 to disrupt SlMKK4 resulted in an obvious decrease in pollen viability. The results of cell biology and transcriptomic analyses demonstrated that SlMKK4 specifically regulates auxin and sugar metabolism as well as signal transduction during post-meiotic pollen development. This is supported by the finding that protein-protein interaction assays and in vitro phosphorylation assays indicate that SlMKK4 serves as the upstream MAPKK for SlMPK20, which exhibits a distinct function in regulating the uninucleate (UN) to binucleate (BN) transition during microgametogenesis in tomatoes. Moreover, pollen from transgenic plants experienced significant arrest predominantly at the BN stage, accompanied by subcellular abnormalities manifesting during the late UN microspore phase. Furthermore, transcriptomic analyses indicated that SlMKK4 knockout remarkably downregulated the expression of numerous genes regulating auxin and sugar metabolism as well as signal transduction in anthers. Therefore, our findings suggest that SlMKK4 may serve as one of the upstream SlMAPKKs of SlMPK20 and also play a pivotal role in modulating post-meiotic pollen development in tomato plants.
PMID: 39423721
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2024 Nov , V216 : P109185 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109185
Regulation mechanism of exogenous nitric oxide on phenanthrene uptake by ryegrass roots.
College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, People's Republic of China.; College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, People's Republic of China. Electronic address: xhzhan@njau.edu.cn.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) constitute a category of persistent organic contaminants that possess the potential to induce carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic consequences. Our previous findings have revealed that plant roots actively take up PAHs through co-transport with protons, and auxin can promote PAHs uptake by wheat roots. It remains unclear whether nitric oxide (NO), a signaling molecule involved in numerous physiological processes in plants and downstream of auxin, can affect PAHs uptake by plant roots. In our study, 50 mumol/L sodium nitroprusside (SNP) significantly enhanced phenanthrene uptake after 4 h of exposure. After the addition of SNP (50 mumol/L), the H(+) flux on root surface increased, and H(+)-ATPase activity was activated, indicating that exogenous NO promotes phenanthrene uptake by plant roots via activating H(+)-ATPase. By studying the effects of 50 mumol/L cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), 5 mmol/L Ca(2+), and 50 mumol/L adenosine monophosphate (AMP) on phenanthrene uptake by ryegrass roots and measuring root calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPK) activity, we demonstrated that exogenous NO promotes phenanthrene uptake through the signaling pathway of NO, cGMP, Ca(2+), CDPK, 14-3-3 protein and H(+)-ATPase. The results contribute significant insights into elucidating the underlying mechanisms of NO modulating PAHs absorption by plant roots, thereby offering crucial strategies for advancing food safety measures and enhancing the phytoremediation potential of soils and waters contaminated with PAHs.
PMID: 39395225
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2024 Nov , V216 : P109125 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109125
Fermentation broth of a novel endophytic fungus enhanced maize salt tolerance by regulating sugar metabolism and phytohormone biosynthesis or signaling.
College of Life sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, Shandong, 264025, China.; Maize Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China.; College of Horticulture, Ludong University, Yantai, Shandong, 264025, China.; College of Horticulture, Ludong University, Yantai, Shandong, 264025, China. Electronic address: qdhwd123@163.com.; College of Life sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, Shandong, 264025, China. Electronic address: wanglei9909@163.com.; College of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Linyi University, Linyi, Shandong, 276000, China. Electronic address: suhongyan66@126.com.
Soil salinization is a major environmental factor that severely affects global agriculture. Root endophytes can enter root cells, and offer various ecological benefits, such as promoting plant growth, improving soil conditions, and enhancing plant resistance. Su100 is a novel strain of endophytic fungus that was characterized from blueberry roots. In this study, we focused on evaluating the effects of Su100 secretion on maize growth. The results demonstrated that maize treated with Su100 fermentation broth (SFB) exhibited significantly stronger salt tolerance than the control. It is worth mentioning that the treated root system not only had an advantage in terms of biomass but also a change in root structure with a significant increase in lateral roots (LRs) compared to the control. Transcriptome analysis combined with hormone content measurements indicated that SFB upregulated the auxin signaling pathway, and also caused alterations in brassinosteroids (BR) and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis and signaling pathways. Transcriptome analyses also indicated that SFB caused significant changes in the sugar metabolism of maize roots. The major changes included: enhancing the conversion and utilization of sucrose in roots; increasing carbon flow to uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPG), which acted as a precursor for producing more cell wall polysaccharides, mainly pectin and lignin; accelerating the tricarboxylic acid cycle, which were further supported by sugar content determinations. Taken together, our results indicated that the enhanced salt tolerance of maize treated with SFB was due to the modulation of sugar metabolism and phytohormone biosynthesis or signaling pathways. This study provided new insights into the mechanisms of action of endophytic fungi and highlighted the potential application of fungal preparations in agriculture.
PMID: 39278049
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2024 Nov , V216 : P109092 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109092
Antifungal mechanisms and characteristics of Pseudomonas fluorescens: Promoting peanut growth and combating Fusarium oxysporum-induced root rot.
Agronomy College of Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, China.; Agronomy College of Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, China. Electronic address: chengyang2364@126.com.
Continuous cropping of peanuts presents significant challenges to sustainable production due to soil-borne diseases like root rot caused by Fusarium species. In this study, field inoculation experiments treatments and in vitro agar plate confrontation tests were conducted, including non-inoculated controls (CK), inoculation with Pseudomonas fluorescens (PF), Fusarium oxysporum (FO), and co-inoculation with both (PF + FO). The aim was to explore the antifungal mechanisms of Pseudomonas fluorescens in mitigating root rot and enhancing peanut yield. The results indicated that PF and PF + FO significantly enhanced peanut root activity, as well as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase activities, while simultaneously decreasing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde contents, compared to FO treatment. Additionally, PF treatment notably increased lignin content through enhanced phenylalanine ammonia lyase, cinnamate 3-hydroxylase, and peroxidase activity compared to CK and FO treatment. Moreover, PF treatment resulted in longer roots and a higher average diameter and surface area, potentially due to increased endogenous levels of auxin and zeatin riboside, coupled with decreased abscisic acid content. PF treatment significantly elevated chlorophyll content and the maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII in the light-adapted state, the actual photochemical efficiency and the proportion of PSII reaction centers open, leading to improved photosynthetic performance. Confrontation culture assays revealed PF's notable inhibitory effects on Fusarium oxysporum growth, subsequently reducing rot disease incidence in the field. Ultimately, PF treatment led to increased peanut yield by enhancing plant numbers and pod weight compared to FO treatment, indicating its potential in mitigating Fusarium oxysporum-induced root rot disease under continuous cropping systems.
PMID: 39241626
Microorganisms , IF:4.128 , 2024 Nov , V12 (11) doi: 10.3390/microorganisms12112283
Decoding the Impact of a Bacterial Strain of Micrococcus luteus on Arabidopsis Growth and Stress Tolerance.
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 600355, Taiwan.
Microbes produce various bioactive metabolites that can influence plant growth and stress tolerance. In this study, a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR), strain S14, was identified as Micrococcus luteus (designated as MlS14) using de novo whole-genome assembly. The MlS14 genome revealed major gene clusters for the synthesis of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), terpenoids, and carotenoids. MlS14 produced significant amounts of IAA, and its volatile organic compounds (VOCs), specifically terpenoids, exhibited antifungal activity, suppressing the growth of pathogenic fungi. The presence of yellow pigment in the bacterial colony indicated carotenoid production. Treatment with MlS14 activated the expression of beta-glucuronidase (GUS) driven by a promoter containing auxin-responsive elements. The application of MlS14 reshaped the root architecture of Arabidopsis seedlings, causing shorter primary roots, increased lateral root growth, and longer, denser root hairs; these characteristics are typically controlled by elevated exogenous IAA levels. MlS14 positively regulated seedling growth by enhancing photosynthesis, activating antioxidant enzymes, and promoting the production of secondary metabolites with reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity. Pretreatment with MlS14 reduced H(2)O(2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in seedlings under drought and heat stress, resulting in greater fresh weight during the post-stress period. Additionally, exposure to MlS14 stabilized chlorophyll content and growth rate in seedlings under salt stress. MlS14 transcriptionally upregulated genes involved in antioxidant defense and photosynthesis. Furthermore, genes linked to various hormone signaling pathways, such as abscisic acid (ABA), auxin, jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA), displayed increased expression levels, with those involved in ABA synthesis, using carotenoids as precursors, being the most highly induced. Furthermore, MlS14 treatment increased the expression of several transcription factors associated with stress responses, with DREB2A showing the highest level of induction. In conclusion, MlS14 played significant roles in promoting plant growth and stress tolerance. Metabolites such as IAA and carotenoids may function as positive regulators of plant metabolism and hormone signaling pathways essential for growth and adaptation to abiotic stress.
PMID: 39597672
Planta , IF:4.116 , 2024 Nov , V260 (6) : P142 doi: 10.1007/s00425-024-04577-x
High-throughput root phenotyping and association analysis identified potential genomic regions for phosphorus use efficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).
Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.; The John Bingham Laboratory, NIAB, 93 Lawrence Weaver Rd, Cambridge, CB3 0LE, UK.; Department of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.; ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110012, India.; Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, 141004, India.; Department of Plant Pathology, ND State University, Fargo, ND, USA.; Gujarat Biotechnology University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India.; Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, 250 004, India.; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, 2600, Australia.; Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India. renu_pphy@iari.res.in.
Association analysis identified 77 marker-trait associations (MTAs) for PUE traits, of which 10 were high-confidence MTAs. Candidate-gene mining and in-silico expression analysis identified 13 putative candidate genes for PUE traits. Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major cereal crop affected by phosphorus (P) deficiency, which affects root characteristics, plant biomass, and other attributes related to P-use efficiency (PUE). Understanding the genetic mechanisms of PUE traits helps in developing bread wheat cultivars that perform well in low-P environments. With this objective, we evaluated a bread wheat panel comprising 304 accessions for 14 PUE traits with high-throughput phenotyping under low-P and optimum-P treatments and observed a significant genetic variation among germplasm lines for studied traits. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) using 14,025 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms identified 77 marker-trait associations (MTAs), of which 10 were chosen as high-confidence MTAs as they had > 10% phenotypic variation with logarithm of odds (LOD) scores of more than five. Candidate-gene (CG) mining from high-confidence MTAs identified 180 unique gene models, of which 78 were differentially expressed (DEGs) with at least twofold change in expression under low-P over optimum-P. Of the 78-DEGs, 13 were thought to be putative CGs as they exhibited functional relevance to PUE traits. These CGs mainly encode for important proteins and their products involved in regulating root system architecture, P uptake, transport, and utilization. Promoter analysis from 1500 bp upstream of gene start site for 13 putative CGs revealed the presence of light responsive, salicylic-acid responsive, gibberellic-acid (GA)-responsive, auxin-responsive, and cold responsive cis-regulatory elements. High-confidence MTAs and putative CGs identified in this study can be employed in breeding programs to improve PUE traits in bread wheat.
PMID: 39557700
Planta , IF:4.116 , 2024 Nov , V260 (6) : P133 doi: 10.1007/s00425-024-04561-5
Dwarfism mechanism in Malus clonal rootstocks.
Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar UHF, Nauni, Solan, HP, 173230, India. verma.pramod92@gmail.com.; Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar UHF, Nauni, Solan, HP, 173230, India.; Department of Biotechnology, College of Horticulture, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar UHF, Nauni, Solan, HP, 173230, India.
The dwarfing mechanism in apple clonal rootstocks is driven by complex interactions between anatomical, hormonal, genetic, and phenolic factors, offering potential for advanced genetic manipulation to optimize tree size and enhance orchard productivity. The widespread adoption of dwarfing rootstocks is pivotal to modern commercial apple (Malus x domestica Borkh) orchards due to their ability to control tree size, shorten the juvenile period, and enhance reproductive growth and overall productivity. The underlying mechanisms of rootstock-induced dwarfism are multifaceted and involve interactions between phenotypic, anatomical, genetic, and phytohormonal factors. This review consolidates current understanding, highlighting the importance of auxin (IAA), cytokinins (CKs), gibberellins (GAs), and abscisic acid (ABA) in mediating growth suppression through impaired transport and hormone signaling. The phenotypic impacts, including reduced root growth, shorter sylleptic shoots, and higher floral bud densities, are discussed alongside genetic loci such as Dw1, Dw2, and Dw3, and the influence of key genes/TFs like MdWRKY9, RGL, and PIN. Anatomically, dwarf rootstocks exhibit a higher bark-to-wood ratio and restricted hydraulic conductivity, which contribute to reduced scion vigour. Furthermore, the accumulation of phenolic compounds in the graft union of dwarfing rootstocks further modulates the growth inhibition. These insights lay the groundwork for advanced molecular breeding strategies, incorporating gene-editing technologies to improve dwarf rootstock development, providing avenues for enhanced orchard management and apple productivity.
PMID: 39503906
Phytochemistry , IF:4.072 , 2024 Nov , V230 : P114332 doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114332
Biochemical and proteomic approaches to investigating effects of IAA-aspartate in pea (Pisum sativum L.) seedlings during osmotic shock.
Department of Biochemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Torun, Poland. Electronic address: wojtaczka@umk.pl.; Department of Biochemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Torun, Poland.; Department of Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Torun, Poland.; Biopolymer Analytics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24/25, Building 20, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
Osmotic shock is the first step of high salt or drought action that involves biochemical and molecular changes during plant response to these unfavorable conditions. Indole-3-acetyl-aspartate (IAA-aspartate, IAA-Asp) is the main amide conjugate of auxin in pea (Pisum sativum L.) tissues. Although the exact molecular mechanism of the IAA-Asp action is unknown, this conjugate's indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-independent biological activity has been observed during physiological and stress conditions. In this work, we investigated the effect of IAA-Asp alone, as well as in combination with NaCl or polyethylene glycol (PEG) (osmotic shock) on reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio, activities of enzymes modulating glutathione concentration, protein S-glutathionylation, and IAA homeostasis. We did not observe the hydrolysis of IAA-Asp to IAA in pea seedlings, which, together with other results, suggests that IAA-Asp modulates plant response to abiotic stimuli independently of IAA. Moreover, despite the effect of IAA-Asp on the enzymes responsible for IAA conjugation, no changes in this phytohormone level were visible. Furthermore, 3h plant treatment with IAA-Asp increased the activity of glutathione reductase (GR), which correlates with an elevated GSH/GSSG ratio. On the contrary, more extended (48h) incubation with IAA-Asp diminished the GSH/GSSG ratio and increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX). IAA-Asp reduced GR activity during salt treatment but did not affect the GSH/GSSG ratio. Similarly, under plant incubation with PEG, IAA-Asp did not change the GSH/GSSG ratio but increased glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity. We also analyzed the effect of IAA-Asp on pea protein S-glutathionylation. Increased S-glutathionylation of heat shock 70 kDa protein (HSP70) was observed after plant treatment with IAA-Asp, PEG, or IAA-Asp combined with PEG. The proteomic analysis also revealed that IAA-Asp diminished S-glutathionylation of lipoxygenase during plant incubation with PEG. Thus, we suggest that IAA-Asp modulates redox status in pea during oxidative stress and under normal physiological conditions.
PMID: 39547494
Phytopathology , IF:4.025 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1094/PHYTO-09-23-0334-R
Reduction of Plasmodiophora brassicae infection on Brassica rapa through host-induced gene silencing of two secreted genes.
Sichuan Agricultural University - Chengdu Campus, College of Agronomy & Key Laboratory for Major Crop Diseases, Road 211 Huiming, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, 611130.; China; yanghui981@126.com.; Chengdu, China; 952898296@qq.com.; Chengdu, China; 1132160955@qq.com.; Chengdu, China; 1753604408@qq.com.; Chengdu, China; 483458390@qq.com.; Chengdu, China; 3194729917@qq.com.; Chengdu, China; 85597654@qq.com.; Chengdu, China; j316wenmingwang@sicau.edu.cn.
Clubroot disease caused by the biotrophic pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae, is one of the most serious threats to cruciferous crops production worldwide. P. brassicae is known for rapid adaptive evolution to overcome resistance in varieties. It is urgent to establish alternative management to control P. brassicae. In this study, we identified two P. brassicae secretory proteins that were up-regulated during infection and effected plant defense. We established a method for transient expression in the roots of seedlings and demonstrated that P. brassicae could take up substances from the environment of root cells. Using a RNA interference (RNAi)-based host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) by expression of hairpin RNAi constructs with sequence homology to P. brassicae effector Pb48 or Pb52 in susceptible Brassica rapa plants enhanced host disease resistance. After silencing these two effectors, the transcription levels of cytokinin biosynthesis gene IPT1 and the regulation gene of auxin homeostasis GH3.5 were down-regulated. These results suggested that RNAi-based HIGS of effectors has a great practical application of improving crop resistance against P. brassicae and can contribute to environmentally sustainable agriculture.
PMID: 39560981
BMC Genomics , IF:3.969 , 2024 Nov , V25 (1) : P1112 doi: 10.1186/s12864-024-11010-w
Transcriptomics integrated with targeted metabolomics reveals endogenous hormone changes in tuberous root expansion of Pueraria.
College of Agronomy, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China.; School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China.; Department of Animal Science, Jiangxi Biotech Vocational College, Nanchang, 330200, China.; College of Agronomy, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China. xiaoxf@jxau.edu.cn.
BACKGROUND: Pueraria is a widely cultivated medicinal and edible homologous plant in Asia, and its tuberous roots are commonly used in the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. "Gange No. 5" is a local variety of Pueraria montana var. thomsonii (Bentham) M.R. Almeida (PMT) in Jiangxi Province, China. After optimizing its cultivation technique, we shortened the cultivation cycle of this variety from two years to one year, suggesting that the regulatory mechanism of the endogenous hormone system during tuberous root expansion may have changed significantly. In this study, we focused on the molecular mechanisms of endogenous hormones in promoting tuberous root expansion during one-year cultivation of "Gange No. 5". RESULTS: The mid-late expansion period (S4) is critical for the rapid swelling of "Gange No. 5" tuberous roots during annual cultivation. At S4, the number of cells increased dramatically and their volume enlarged rapidly in the tuberous roots, the fresh weight of a single root quickly increased, and the contents of multiple nutrients (total protein, total phenol, isoflavones) and medicinal components (puerarin, puerarin apigenin, and soy sapogenin) were at their peak values. We compared the transcriptomes and metabolomes of S1 (the pre-expansion period), S4, and S6 (the final expansion period), and screened 42 differentially accumulated hormone metabolites and 1,402 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with hormone biosynthesis, metabolism, and signaling. Most Auxin, cytokinins (CKs), jasmonic acids (JAs), salicylic acid (SA), melatonin (MLT), and ethylene (ETH), reached their maximum levels at S1 and then gradually decreased; however, abscisic acid (ABA) appeared in S6, indicating that most of the endogenous hormones may play a key role in regulating the initiation of tuberous root expansion, while ABA mainly promotes tuberous root maturation. Notably, multiple key genes of the 'Tryptophan metabolism' pathway (ko00380) were significantly differentially expressed, and COBRA1, COBRA2, YUCCA10, IAA13, IAA16, IAA20, IAA27, VAN3, ACAA2, and ARF were also identified to be significantly correlated with the expansion of "Gange No. 5" tuberous roots. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has revealed how endogenous hormone regulation affects the expansion of "Gange No. 5" tuberous roots. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for improving the yield of PMT tuberous roots.
PMID: 39563238
BMC Genomics , IF:3.969 , 2024 Nov , V25 (1) : P1098 doi: 10.1186/s12864-024-10989-6
Comparative transcriptomic and hormonal analyses reveal potential regulation networks of adventitious root formation in Metasequoia glyptostroboides Hu et Cheng.
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China, Botanical Garden , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China.; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, China.; Independent Researcher, Ikenobe 3011-2, Miki-Cho, Kagawa-Ken, 761-0799, Japan.; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China, Botanical Garden , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China. magh@scib.ac.cn.
BACKGROUND: The extract from Metasequoia glyptostroboides Hu et Cheng, a rare and endangered species native to China, exhibits numerous biological and pharmacological activities. The species is recalcitrant to rooting during micropropagation, a challenge that has yet to be resolved. In this study, transcriptomic and hormonal analyses were conducted to appreciate the molecular mechanism of adventitious root (AR) formation in optimized rooting conditions. RESULTS: The use of 2/5-strength Woody Plant Medium (WPM) significantly promoted AR formation of M. glyptostroboides shoots while the content of endogenous auxin, cytokinins and gibberellins (GAs) varied at different stages of AR formation. Transcriptomic analysis showed the significant up- or down-regulation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with plant hormone signal transduction and the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway in response to 2/5-strength WPM. DEGs related to the biosynthesis of indole-3-acetic acid, cytokinins and GAs were identified. Transcript factors involved in 13 families were also revealed. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis indicated a strong correlation between hormones and genes involved in plant hormone signal transduction and the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the AR-promoting potential of 2/5-strength WPM in M. glyptostroboides was due to complex interactions between hormones and the expression of genes related to plant hormone signal transduction and the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway.
PMID: 39558286
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2024 Nov , V13 (22) doi: 10.3390/plants13223138
Effects of a Novel Tripyrasulfone Herbicide on Key Soil Enzyme Activities in Paddy Rice Soil.
State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.; College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China.; Shandong Province Higher Education Provincial Key Pesticide Toxicology and Application Technology Laboratory, Tai'an 271018, China.; Qingdao Kingagroot Crop Science Co., Ltd., Qingdao 266000, China.
Weeds significantly impact paddy yields, and herbicides offer a cost-effective, rapid, and efficient solution compared to manual weeding, ensuring agricultural productivity. Tripyrasulfone, a novel 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitor developed by Qingdao Kingagroot Chemicals Co., Ltd., has demonstrated high efficacy when applied post-emergence, causing characteristic foliar bleaching in susceptible weed species, distinct from conventional acetolactate synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and synthetic auxin herbicides. This study investigates the impact of tripyrasulfone on the activity of key soil enzymes (urease (UE), acid phosphatase (ACP), sucrase (SC), catalase (CAT), and dehydrogenase (DHA)) in paddy soils from Jilin Province and Shandong Province. Different doses of tripyrasulfone (0.1, 1.0, and 2.5 mg kg(-1)) were applied, and the enzymatic activities were measured. Results indicated that tripyrasulfone initially inhibited UE and ACP activities before activating them. On the 20th day after treatment, UE activity had returned to control levels, whereas ACP activity remained significantly higher, showing long-lasting activation. SC and CAT activities were inhibited but gradually recovered to control levels. Furthermore, DHA activity was activated with a sustained effect, remaining significantly higher than the control group even 20 days after treatment. Overall, the impact of tripyrasulfone on soil enzyme activities diminished over time, suggesting that tripyrasulfone posed minimal long-term ecological risk to soil health.
PMID: 39599347
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2024 Nov , V13 (21) doi: 10.3390/plants13213095
Identification and Expression Analysis of TCP Transcription Factors Under Abiotic Stress in Phoebe bournei.
College of Jun Cao Science and Ecology (College of Carbon Neutrality), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.; College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.; College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.; Shandong Analysis and Test Center, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China.; College of Computer and Information Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.; Metabolomics Center, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
The TCP gene family encodes plant transcription factors crucial for regulating growth and development. While TCP genes have been identified in various species, they have not been studied in Phoebe bournei (Hemsl.). This study identified 29 TCP genes in the P. bournei genome, categorizing them into Class I (PCF) and Class II (CYC/TB1 and CIN). We conducted analyses on the PbTCP gene at both the protein level (physicochemical properties) and the gene sequence level (subcellular localization, chromosomal distribution, phylogenetic relationships, conserved motifs, and gene structure). Most P. bournei TCP genes are localized in the nucleus, except PbTCP9 in the mitochondria and PbTCP8 in both the chloroplast and nucleus. Chromosomal mapping showed 29 TCP genes unevenly distributed across 10 chromosomes, except chromosome 8 and 9. We also analyzed the promoter cis-regulatory elements, which are mainly involved in plant growth and development and hormone responses. Notably, most PbTCP transcription factors respond highly to light. Further analysis revealed three subfamily genes expressed in five P. bournei tissues: leaves, root bark, root xylem, stem xylem, and stem bark, with predominant PCF genes. Using qRT-PCR, we examined six representative genes-PbTCP16, PbTCP23, PbTCP7, PbTCP29, PbTCP14, and PbTCP15-under stress conditions such as high temperature, drought, light exposure, and dark. PbTCP14 and PbTCP15 showed significantly higher expression under heat, drought, light and dark stress. We hypothesize that TCP transcription factors play a key role in growth under varying light conditions, possibly mediated by auxin hormones. This work provides insights into the TCP gene family's functional characteristics and stress resistance regulation in P. bournei.
PMID: 39520013
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2024 Nov , V13 (21) doi: 10.3390/plants13213086
Transcriptomic Profile of Tef (Eragrostis tef) in Response to Drought.
Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, 3013 Bern, Switzerland.; Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 2003, Ethiopia.
The threat to world food security posed by drought is ever increasing. Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] is an allotetraploid cereal crop that is a staple food for a large population in the Horn of Africa. While the grain of tef provides quality food for humans, its straw is the most palatable and nutritious feed for livestock. In addition, the tef plant is resilient to several biotic and abiotic stresses, especially to drought, making it an ideal candidate to study the molecular mechanisms conferring these properties. The transcriptome expression of tef leaf collected from plants grown under drought conditions was profiled using RNA-Seq and key genes were verified using RT-qPCR. This study revealed that tef exhibits a complex molecular network involving membrane receptors and transcription factors that regulate drought responses. We identified target genes related to hormones like ABA, auxin, and brassinosteroids and genes involved in antioxidant activity. The findings were compared to physiological measurements such as changes in stomatal conductance and contents of proline, chlorophyll and carotenoid. The insights gained from this work could play vital role in enhancing drought tolerance in other economically important cereals such as maize and rice.
PMID: 39520004
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2024 Oct , V13 (21) doi: 10.3390/plants13213051
Research on the Mechanisms of Phytohormone Signaling in Regulating Root Development.
Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Cell Signaling and Environmental Adaptation, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China.; Institute of Biotechnology and Food Science, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050051, China.
Phytohormones are organic compounds produced in trace amounts within plants that regulate their physiological processes. Their physiological effects are highly complex and diverse. They influence processes ranging from cell division, elongation, and differentiation to plant germination and rooting. Therefore, phytohormones play a crucial regulatory role in plant growth and development. Recently, various studies have highlighted the role of PHs, such as auxin, cytokinin (CK), and abscisic acid (ABA), and newer classes of PHs, such as brassinosteroid (BR) and peptide hormone, in the plant responses toward environmental stresses. These hormones not only have distinct roles at different stages of plant growth but also interact to promote or inhibit each other, thus effectively regulating plant development. Roots are the primary organs for water and mineral absorption in plants. During seed germination, the radicle breaks through the seed coat and grows downward to form the primary root. This occurs because the root needs to quickly penetrate the soil to absorb water and nutrients, providing essential support for the plant's subsequent growth. Root development is a highly complex and precisely regulated process influenced by various signals. Changes in root architecture can affect the plant's ability to absorb nutrients and water, which in turn impacts crop yield. Thus, studying the regulation of root development is of great significance. Numerous studies have reported on the role of phytohormones, particularly auxins, in root regulation. This paper reviews recent studies on the regulation of root development by various phytohormones, both individually and in combination, providing a reference for researchers in this field and offering perspectives on future research directions for improving crop yields.
PMID: 39519969
Plant Reprod , IF:3.767 , 2024 Nov , V38 (1) : P1 doi: 10.1007/s00497-024-00513-x
Cellular mechanism of polarized auxin transport on fruit shape determination revealed by time-lapse live imaging.
State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 20 Nanxincun, Xiangshan, Beijing, 100093, China.; China National Botanical Garden, Beijing, 100093, China.; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.; State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 20 Nanxincun, Xiangshan, Beijing, 100093, China. Yang.Dong@ibcas.ac.cn.; China National Botanical Garden, Beijing, 100093, China. Yang.Dong@ibcas.ac.cn.; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China. Yang.Dong@ibcas.ac.cn.
Polarized auxin transport regulates fruit shape determination by promoting anisotropic cell growth. Angiosperms produce organs with distinct shape resultant from adaptive evolution. Understanding the cellular basis underlying the development of plant organ has been a central topic in plant biology as it is key to unlock the mechanisms leading to the diversification of plants. Variations in the location of synthesis, polarized auxin transport (PAT) have been proposed to account for the development of diverse organ shapes, but the exact cellular mechanism has yet to be elucidated. The Capsella rubella develops a perfect heart-shaped fruit from an ovate shape gynoecium that is tightly linked to the localized auxin synthesis in the valve tips and provides a unique opportunity to address this question. In this study, we studied auxin movement in the fruits and the cellular effect of N-1-Naphthylphthalamic Acid (NPA) on the fruit shape determination by constructing the pCrPIN3:PIN3:GFP reporter and live-imaging. We found PAT in the valve epidermis is in congruent with fruit shape development and NPA treatment disrupts the heat-shaped fruit development mainly by repressing cell anisotropic growth with minor effect on division. As the Capsella fruit is unusually big in size, we also included a detailed step-by-step protocol on how to conduct live-imaging experiment. We further test the utility of this protocol by conducting a live-imaging analysis of the gynophore in Arachis hypogaea. Collectively, the results of this study elucidated the mechanism on how auxin signal was translated into instructions guiding cell growth during organ shape determination. In addition, the description of the detailed live-imaging protocol will encourage further studies of the cellular mechanisms underlying shape diversification in angiosperms.
PMID: 39570478
Plant Reprod , IF:3.767 , 2024 Dec , V37 (4) : P489-506 doi: 10.1007/s00497-024-00503-z
Identification of male sterility-related genes in Saccharum officinarum and Saccharum spontaneum.
Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.; The Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.; Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, Waipahu, HI, 96797, USA.; Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA. rayming@illinois.edu.; Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, Fujian, China. rayming@illinois.edu.
Candidate male sterility genes were identified in sugarcane, which interacts with kinase-related proteins, transcription factors, and plant hormone signaling pathways to regulate stamen and anther development. Saccharum officinarum is a cultivated sugarcane species that its predominant feature is high sucrose content in stems. Flowering is necessary for breeding new cultivars but will terminate plant growth and reduce sugar yield. The wild sugarcane species Saccharum spontaneum has robust and viable pollen, whereas most S. officinarum accessions are male sterile, which is a desirable trait of a maternal parent in sugarcane breeding. To study male sterility and related regulatory pathways in sugarcane, we carried out RNAseq using flowers in different developmental stages between male-sterile S. officinarum accession 'LA Purple' and fertile S. spontaneum accession 'SES208'. Gene expression profiles were used to detect how genes are differentially expressed between male sterile and fertile flowers and to identify candidate genes for male sterility. Weighted gene correlation networks analysis (WGCNA) was conducted to investigate the regulatory networks. Transcriptomic analyses showed that 988 genes and 2888 alleles were differentially expressed in S. officinarum compared to S. spontaneum. Ten differentially expressed genes and thirty alleles were identified as candidate genes and alleles for male sterility in sugarcane. The gene Sspon.03G0007630 and two alleles of the gene Sspon.08G0002270, Sspon.08G0002270-2B and Sspon.08G0014700-1A, were involved in the early stamen or carpel development stages, while the remaining genes were classified into the post-meiosis stage. Gibberellin, auxin, and jasmonic acid signaling pathways are involved in the stamen development in sugarcane. The results expanded our knowledge of male sterility-related genes in sugarcane and generated genomic resources to facilitate the selection of ideal maternal parents to improve breeding efficiency.
PMID: 38844561
Plant Reprod , IF:3.767 , 2024 Dec , V37 (4) : P463-468 doi: 10.1007/s00497-024-00504-y
An epiQTL underlying asexual seed formation in Arabidopsis.
Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam Science Park, Am Muhlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.; Business Academy Aarhus, 8260, Viby J, Denmark.; Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam Science Park, Am Muhlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany. figueiredo@mpimp-golm.mpg.de.
The DNA methylation status at an epigenetic quantitative trait locus in the Arabidopsis chromosome 2 is linked to the formation of apomictic-like endosperms. Seed development in most angiosperms is coupled to fertilization of the maternal gametes by two sperm cells. However, apomictic species can reproduce asexually via seeds. This trait is of great agricultural interest, as it would fix complex genotypes and allow for pollen-independent seed production. However, engineering full apomixis requires three independent processes: apomeiosis, parthenogenesis and autonomous endosperm development. While the first two have been successfully engineered in some crops, the formation of autonomous endosperms remains a challenge. Although it is known that this trait is under epigenetic control, such as of DNA methylation, the underlying mechanisms remain mostly undiscovered. Here, using epigenetic recombinant inbred lines, we identified an epigenetic quantitative trait locus in the Arabidopsis chromosome 2, which correlates with permissiveness for the formation of asexual seeds: hypomethylation at this genomic region allows the formation of larger autonomous endosperms. Importantly, the methylation at this locus only correlates with asexual seed size, and not to the size of sexual seeds or that of other organs. With this, we aim to show that screening for epialleles is a promising strategy to uncover loci underlying relevant traits and could pave the way to identifying genes necessary for the engineering of apomixis.
PMID: 38836892
Gene , IF:3.688 , 2025 Jan , V933 : P149003 doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.149003
Investigation of the potential regulation of the UDP-glycosyltransferase genes on rice grain size and abiotic stress response.
Crop Stress Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China.; National Coarse Cereals Engineering Research Center, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China.; Crop Stress Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China. Electronic address: sunmingzhe@byau.edu.cn.; Crop Stress Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China. Electronic address: csmbl2016@126.com.
Uridine diphosphate (UDP) glycosyltransferases (UGTs) are widely involved in various metabolic processes. In the present study, we performed a genome-wide survey and identified 199 Oryza sativa UGT genes (OsUGTs), which were classified into 17 groups. We showed that tandem duplication played a major role in the expansion of the OsUGT family, which experienced purifying selection during the evolution process. 163 OsUGTs were expressed in at least one of the six tested tissues, and were clustered into three groups according to their tissue expression profiles. By using the RFGB database, we identified different haplotypes of seven OsUGTs that were highly expressed in seeds, and showed significant differences in grain size among different haplotypes. Moreover, our results also uncovered differential responses of OsUGTs expression to abiotic stresses and hormone treatments, including drought, salt, cold, heat, ABA, JA and AUXIN. By using quantitative real-time PCR, we further confirmed the differential expression of nine selected OsUGTs under ABA, JA, salt, drought and cold treatments, among which OsUGT5 and OsUGT182 were induced by all these five treatments. Our results provide insight into the role of several UGT genes for physiological responses, which will facilitate to investigate their function in regulating rice development and abiotic stress responses.
PMID: 39406292
Gene , IF:3.688 , 2024 Oct , V926 : P148623 doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148623
Transcriptome analysis reveals the key network of axillary bud outgrowth modulated by topping in citrus.
National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops / College of Horticulture & Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China.; National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops / College of Horticulture & Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China. Electronic address: liuyongzhong@mail.hzau.edu.cn.
Topping, an important tree shaping and pruning technique, can promote the outgrowth of citrus axillary buds. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is still unclear. In this study, spring shoots of Citrus reticulata 'Huagan No.2' were topped and transcriptome was compared between axillary buds of topped and untopped shoots at 6 and 11 days after topping (DAT). 1944 and 2394 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found at 6 and 11 DAT, respectively. KEGG analysis revealed that many DEGs were related to starch and sucrose metabolism, signal transduction of auxin, cytokinin and abscisic acid. Specially, transcript levels of auxin synthesis, transport, and signaling-related genes (SAURs and ARF5), cytokinin signal transduction related genes (CRE1, AHP and Type-A ARRs), ABA signal responsive genes (PYL and ABF) were up-regulated by topping; while transcript levels of auxin receptor TIR1, auxin responsive genes AUX/IAAs, ABA signal transduction related gene PP2Cs and synthesis related genes NCED3 were down-regulated. On the other hand, the contents of sucrose and fructose in axillary buds of topped shoots were significantly higher than those in untopped shoots; transcript levels of 16 genes related to sucrose synthase, hexokinase, sucrose phosphate synthase, endoglucanase and glucosidase, were up-regulated in axillary buds after topping. In addition, transcript levels of genes related to trehalose 6-phosphate metabolism and glycolysis/tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, as well to some transcription factors including Pkinase, Pkinase_Tyr, Kinesin, AP2/ERF, P450, MYB, NAC and Cyclin_c, significantly responded to topping. Taken together, the present results suggested that topping promoted citrus axillary bud outgrowth through comprehensively regulating plant hormone and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as signal transduction. These results deepened our understanding of citrus axillary bud outgrowth by topping and laid a foundation for further research on the molecular mechanisms of citrus axillary bud outgrowth.
PMID: 38821328
J Sci Food Agric , IF:3.638 , 2024 Dec , V104 (15) : P9569-9580 doi: 10.1002/jsfa.13781
The response of Midknight Valencia oranges to ethephon degreening varies in the turning and regreening stages.
College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, PR China.; National Citrus Engineering Research Center, Chongqing, PR China.
BACKGROUND: Late-ripening citrus plays an important role in the stability of the global citrus industry. However, the regreening phenomenon in Valencia oranges impacts the peel color and commercial value. Ethylene degreening is an effective technique to improve the color of citrus fruits, but this effect may be delayed in regreened oranges. To better clarify this phenomenon, plastid morphology, pigment and phytohormone content in ethephon-degreened Midknight Valencia oranges harvested in different stages were evaluated. RESULTS: Results showed that in fruits harvested at the turning stage, ethephon degreening treatment induced a chloroplast-to-chromoplast transition, and chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid accumulation were accelerated. Conversely, in fruits harvested at the regreening stage, the changes in plastid morphology were minimal, with delayed changes in chlorophyll and carotenoids. Genes related to ethylene biosynthesis and signaling pathways supported these responses. Variations in endogenous auxin, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid and gibberellins could partially explain this phenomenon. CONCLUSION: The response of Midknight Valencia oranges to ethephon degreening was delayed in the regreening stage, possibly due to the dynamic variations in endogenous phytohormones. (c) 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
PMID: 39078023
Biochem Biophys Res Commun , IF:3.575 , 2024 Nov , V735 : P150731 doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150731
Identification of the 4CL family in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and expression pattern analysis of the Me4CL32 gene.
School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan Province Key Laboratory of One Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China.; Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Science, Key Laboratory of Agriculture for Germplasm Resources Conservation and Utilization of Cassava, Haikou, 571101, China.; Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China. Electronic address: wangdy@hainanu.edu.cn.; School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan Province Key Laboratory of One Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China. Electronic address: 992601@hainanu.edu.cn.
The 4-coumarate coenzyme A ligase (4CL) plays a critical role in the phenylpropane metabolic pathway and is a key enzyme in plant growth metabolism and stress responses. Using bioinformatics methods, 50 Me4CL gene were identified within the cassava genome u, and a comprehensive analysis of the cassava 4CL gene family was conducted. The results showed that these 50 4CL proteins are divided into four subfamilies, with members within the same subfamily sharing similar or identical gene structures. Co-linearity analysis revealed that cassava and rubber trees have the highest number of homologous genes, indicating a close homologous relationship between them. Analysis of 20 cis-acting elements in the promoter region of Me4CL32 revealed the presence of hormone-responsive elements such as gibberellin, auxin, abscisic acid, and as well as elements related to meristematic tissue regulation. results Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results showed that Me4CL32 gene expression changes in response to abiotic stressors (drought, salt, cold, heat) and hormonal stimuli(GA3 and ABA), indicating that Me4CL32 can respond to both environmental pressures and hormone signals. RNA-seq transcriptome and single-cell transcriptome analyses were used to examine the expression patterns of Me4CLs. Additionally, subcellular localization studies demonstrated that the Me4CL32 protein is confined to the chloroplasts of cassava leaves.Investigating the functionality of this gene family aids in comprehending plant growth, development, and stress resistance mechanisms. Furthermore, it furnishes a theoretical basis for future research on developing resilient cassava germplasm and the enhancing cassava's environmental tolerance.
PMID: 39423574
J Plant Physiol , IF:3.549 , 2024 Nov , V302 : P154318 doi: 10.1016/j.jplph.2024.154318
NHX5/NHX6/SPY22 complex regulates BRI1 and brassinosteroid signaling in Arabidopsis.
Academy of Plateau Science and Sustainability, School of Life Sciences, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China.; MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.; MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, China.; MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China. Electronic address: qiuqsh@lzu.edu.cn.
NHX5 and NHX6, Arabidopsis endosomal antiporters, play a vital role in facilitating ion and pH homeostasis in endosomal compartments. Studies have found that NHX5 and NHX6 are essential for protein trafficking, auxin homeostasis, and plant growth and development. Here, we report the role of NHX5 and NHX6 in brassinosteroid (BR) signaling. We found that hypocotyl growth was enhanced in nhx5 nhx6 under epibrassinolide (eBR) treatment. nhx5 nhx6 bri1 was insensitive to eBR treatment, indicating that NHX5 and NHX6 are downstream of the BRI1 receptor in BR signaling. Moreover, confocal observation with both hypocotyls and root tips showed that BRI1-YFP localization in the plasma membrane (PM) was reduced in nhx5 nhx6. Interestingly, brefeldin A (BFA) treatment showed that formation of the BFA bodies containing BRI1 and their disassembling were disrupted in nhx5 nhx6. Further genetic analysis showed that NHX5/NHX6 and SYP22 may act coordinately in BR signaling. NHX5 and NHX6 may regulate SYP22 function by modulating cellular K(+) and pH homeostasis. Importantly, NHX5 and NHX6 colocalize and interact with SYP22, but do not interact with BRI1. In summary, our findings indicate that NHX5/NHX6/SYP22 complex is essential for the regulation of BRI1 recycling and PM localization. The H(+)-leak facilitated by NHX5 and NHX6 offers a means of controlling BR signaling in plants.
PMID: 39059150
ACS Omega , IF:3.512 , 2024 Nov , V9 (44) : P44778-44784 doi: 10.1021/acsomega.4c07971
Dissecting the Herbicidal Mechanism of Microbial Natural Product Lydicamycins Using a Deep Learning-Based Nonlinear Regression Model.
Center for Biological Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519087, China.; Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, U.K.
The plant microbiome significantly influences plant-microbe interactions, but the mechanisms are often complex and nonlinear. Here we show the nonlinear regulatory effects of Streptomyces ginsengnesis G7 on Arabidopsis thaliana growth. We focused on lydicamycin, a molecule from this bacterium that interferes with auxin polar transport. Using a deep learning approach with a feedforward neural network, we integrated multiomics data to elucidate the mechanism of lydicamycin on plant growth and development. We also examined the impact of flavonol metabolites, particularly isorhamnetin from A. thaliana, on the PIN protein family's role in auxin transport. Our findings indicate that lydicamycin regulates auxin transport by inducing flavonol overaccumulation in A. thaliana, affecting plant development. This study identifies potential molecular targets for crop enhancement and improved agricultural productivity.
PMID: 39524666
Protoplasma , IF:3.356 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1007/s00709-024-02004-2
High-frequency shoot regeneration, assessment of genetic fidelity, and histochemical analysis of forskolin production in Coleus forskohlii Briq.
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741252, India. monisha25.mitra@gmail.com.; Department of Agriculture Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. monisha25.mitra@gmail.com.; Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741252, India.; Department of Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arak University, Arak, 38156-8-8349, Iran.; Physiology, Ecology and Environment (P2E) Laboratory, University of Orleans, INRAE, USC1328, 45067, Orleans, France. soniamalik@babafaridgroup.edu.in.; Department of Biotechnology, Baba Farid College, Bathinda, 151001, India. soniamalik@babafaridgroup.edu.in.; Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741252, India.
Forskolin, a diterpenoid found in the roots of Coleus forskohlii, has generated significant interest in the medical field due to its various therapeutic uses. This study aimed to establish an effective system for regenerating C. forskohlii plants, ensuring a year-round supply of plant material and forskolin production. We tested different concentrations of cytokinins, either alone or combined with auxin, to see their impact on shoot multiplication and growth. We found that a medium supplemented with 1.5 mg L(-1) of meta-topolin (mT) resulted in the highest number of shoots (~ 12.66) and leaves (~ 20) within about 5 days. When mT (1 mg L(-1)) was combined with a low amount of auxin (0.05 mg L(-1) NAA), we obtained an even greater number of leaves (~ 23). The shoot regeneration capacity was consistent over five subculture passages, showing minimal variation in mean shoot length and number. During acclimatization, around 91% of the plantlets grown in vermiculite + sand survived. The photosynthetic pigment concentration in the plantlets modestly increased in the first 10 days and reached its highest level after 30 days. Genetic fidelity assays using inter simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) confirmed the similarity between the in vitro derived plantlets and the mother plant. Micro-morphological features of in vitro and ex-vitro acclimated plantlets also matched those of the mother plant, further confirming genetic accuracy. Histochemical staining with vanillin confirmed the presence of forskolin in the in vitro roots, indicated by the violet coloration in the cells. Forskolin quantification was also validated by HPLC where in vitro derived roots were documented to undergo an almost ~ 1.8-fold in comparison to that of the mother plant. This established protocol can effectively address resource scarcity for commercial-scale forskolin production and sustainable conservation techniques.
PMID: 39549044
World J Microbiol Biotechnol , IF:3.312 , 2024 Nov , V40 (12) : P381 doi: 10.1007/s11274-024-04191-9
Cyanobacteria's power trio: auxin, siderophores, and nitrogen fixation to foster thriving agriculture.
Graduate Program in Microbial Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, UnB, Brasilia, DF, Brazil. aslorenz@gmail.com.; GenomaA Biotech, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. aslorenz@gmail.com.; Department of Botany, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. chia28us@yahoo.com.; Department of Ecology, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil. chia28us@yahoo.com.
Cyanobacteria, often overlooked in traditional agriculture, are gaining recognition for their roles in enhancing plant growth and soil health through diverse mechanisms. This review examines their multifaceted contributions to agricultural systems, highlighting their proficiency in auxin production, which promotes plant growth and development. Additionally, we examined cyanobacteria's ability to produce siderophores that enhance iron absorption and address micronutrient deficiencies, as well as their capacity for nitrogen fixation, which converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can utilize, all with the goal of reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. A meta-analysis of existing studies indicates significant positive effects of cyanobacteria on crop yield, although variability exists. While some research shows considerable yield increases, other studies report non-significant changes, suggesting benefits may depend on specific conditions and crop types. The overall random-effects model estimate indicates a significant aggregate effect, with a few exceptions, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize the use of cyanobacteria as biofertilizers. Although cyanobacteria-based products are limited in comparison to seaweed-derived alternatives, for instance, ongoing challenges include regulatory issues and production costs. Integrating cultivation with wastewater treatment could enhance competitiveness and viability in the agricultural market.
PMID: 39532755
J Biotechnol , IF:3.307 , 2024 Nov , V394 : P34-47 doi: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2024.07.023
System-wide analysis of groundnut's salinity resilience: Integrating plant-cell interactions with environmental stress dynamics through cutting-edge transcriptomics.
Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, India.; Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Targhadia, Rajkot (Gujarat), Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, India.; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala, India.; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, India. Electronic address: ashishvala@jau.in.
Salinity stress is a major concern in regions where irrigation relies on saline water. This study aimed to investigate the relative water content (RWC), electrolytic leakage (EL), total chlorophyll content, free amino acid content, and total soluble sugar content were analyzed in different groundnut species subjected to various salinity treatments. The results showed that salinity stress significantly reduced the RWC in groundnut leaves, with A. duranensis (wild type) exhibiting higher RWC values compared to the Arachis hypogaea species. RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during salt stress. A total of 9079 DEGs were identified, with 1372 genes upregulated and 2509 genes downregulated. Genes belonging to transcription factor families, such as WRKY, MYB, bHLH, E2F, and Auxin efflux carrier proteins, were induced under salt stress in the tolerant genotype. Conversely, genes encoding NADH dehydrogenase, glutathione S-transferase, protein kinases, UDP-glycosyltransferase, and peroxidase were downregulated. Gene ontology and pathway analyses revealed several enriched categories and metabolic pathways associated with salt stress response, including catalytic activity, response to salt stress, ATP-dependent activity, and oxidative phosphorylation. The findings of this study provide insights into the physiological and molecular responses of groundnut to salinity stress. A. duranensis exhibited better salinity tolerance than Arachis hypogaea, as indicated by higher RWC values, lower electrolytic leakage, and differential gene expression patterns. These results contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying salt stress tolerance in groundnut and may guide future efforts to develop salinity-tolerant groundnut species, ultimately improving crop yield in saline-affected regions.
PMID: 39128505
Environ Technol , IF:3.247 , 2024 Nov , V45 (26) : P5558-5567 doi: 10.1080/09593330.2023.2298663
Study on the auxin-like activity of organic compounds extracted from corn waste hydrochar prepared by hydrothermal carbonization.
Department of Chemistry, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.; Academic Unit of Serra Talhada, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Serra Talhada, Brazil.; Teacher Training Institute, Federal University of Cariri, Brejo Santo, Brazil.
This work studied the auxin-like activity of liquid and solid hydrochar from aboveground corn biomass prepared using hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). Understanding the action of organic compounds in regulating plant metabolism is important to develop strategies to improve plant growth and production. Bioassays were performed by testing liquid hydrochar concentrations in the range of 0.0557-5570.0 mg carbon L(-1); and solid hydrochar (via extracted dissolved organic matter, DOM) in the range of 0.026-2600.0 mg carbon L(-1), using seeds of Lactuca sativa. SEM, ATR-FTIR, and Py-GC/MS were applied to assess the effect of HTC on hydrochar production/composition. Liquid hydrochar presented an intense bioactivity, completely inhibiting the germination of testing seeds at higher concentrations. Liquid hydrochar also was considerably more bioactive. Py-GC/MS allowed the identification of the molecules involved in IAA-like effects: carboxylic acids (linear and aromatic) and amino acids. The concentration of more bioactive molecules, rather than their simple presence in the hydrochar fraction, determined the bio-stimulating effect, besides an excellent linear regression between the auxin-like effect and the concentration of active molecules.
PMID: 38190259
PeerJ , IF:2.984 , 2024 , V12 : Pe18372 doi: 10.7717/peerj.18372
Protein profile changes during priming explants to embryogenic response in Coffea canephora: identification of the RPN12 proteasome subunit involved in the protein degradation.
Unidad de Biologia Integrativa, Centro de Investigacion Cientifica de Yucatan (CICY), Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.; Unidad de Biotecnologia, Centro de Investigacion Cientifica de Yucatan (CICY), Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.
Plant somatic embryogenesis encompasses somatic cells switch into embryogenic cells that can later produce somatic embryos with the ability to produce plantlets. Previously, we defined in vitro culture settings for the somatic embryogenesis process of Coffea canephora that comprise adequate plantlets with auxin plus cytokinin followed by cut-leaf explant cultivation with cytokinin, producing embryos with the ability to regenerate plantlets. Here, we confirmed that cultivating cut-leaf explants with cytokinin is sufficient to promote somatic embryos proliferation and the high yield of somatic embryos in the protocol requires adequate plantlets with auxin plus cytokinin. Two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gels reveal auxin-plus cytokinin-dependent regulated proteins in plantlets with up and down abundance. Chitinase A class III, proteins involved in the metabolism and folding of proteins, photosynthesis, antioxidant activity, and chromatin organization were identified. The RPN12 protein, which is a subunit of the proteasome 26S, has an abundance that is not associated with transcript changes, suggesting post-translational regulation.
PMID: 39544425
J Basic Microbiol , IF:2.281 , 2024 Nov : Pe2400446 doi: 10.1002/jobm.202400446
Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria Associated With Some Salt-Tolerant Plants.
Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.; Department of Plant Production Engineering and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
Given the benefits of bacteria associated with the rhizosphere and phytoplane of halophytes, this research focused on examining the plant growth-promoting characteristics of bacteria isolated from Cressa cretica, Suaeda aegyptiaca, and Alhagi graecorum. From the 33 isolates tested, 9 exhibited plant growth-promoting traits. Bacillus rugosus strain CS5 and Bacillus sp. strain SS4 exhibited the notable growth inhibition of the pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum, with values of 47% and 45%, respectively. Bacillus sp. strains SS4 and CS1 demonstrated impressive results in solubilizing phosphorus and zinc, respectively, achieving concentrations of 259 and 271 mg L(-1). Additionally, Staphylococcus xylosus strain SR2, Bacillus sp. strain SS4, and Bacillus paralicheniformis strain CR1 thrived in nitrogen-free media. The Priestia filamentosa strain AL4 showed the greatest HCN production, whereas B. paralicheniformis strain CR1 was notable for higher auxin production. The Bacillus sp. strains SS4 and CS1 exhibited greater tolerance than other isolates in a medium containing 600 mM of NaCl. Additionally, inoculating these isolates into soil significantly alleviated the salinity and drought stress on Zea mays seedlings. These findings suggest that further investigation into these strains as microbial inoculants could be beneficial for mitigating salt and drought stress in plants.
PMID: 39551977
Plant Signal Behav , IF:2.247 , 2024 Dec , V19 (1) : P2404807 doi: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2404807
Crosstalk among plant hormone regulates the root development.
Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology; Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Cell Signaling and Environmental Adaptation; Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China.; College of Life Sciences, Hengshui University, Hengshui, China.
The plant root absorbs water and nutrients, anchors the plant in the soil, and promotes plant development. Root is developed from root apical meristem (RAM), which is formed during embryo stage and is maintained by dividing stem cells. Plant hormones have a predominant role in RAM maintenance. This review evaluates the functional crosstalk among three major hormones (auxin, cytokinin, and brassinolide) in RAM development in Arabidopsis, integrating a variety of experimental data into a regulatory network and revealing multiple layers of complexity in the crosstalk among these three hormones. We also discuss possible directions for future research on the roles of hormones in regulating RAM development and maintenance.
PMID: 39279500
Plant Signal Behav , IF:2.247 , 2024 Dec , V19 (1) : P2391658 doi: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2391658
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of SMALL AUXIN UP RNA (SAUR) genes in rice (Oryza sativa).
Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Breeding of Major Crops, College of Agronomy & Resources and Environment, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, China.; College of Basic Sciences, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, China.
SMALL AUXIN UP RNAs (SAURs), the largest family of early auxin response genes, plays crucial roles in multiple processes, including cell expansion, leaf growth and senescence, auxin transport, tropic growth and so on. Although the rice SAUR gene family was identified in 2006, it is necessary to identify the rice SAUR gene due to the imperfection of its analysis methods. In this study, a total of 60 OsSAURs (including two pseudogenes) distributed on 10 chromosomes were identified in rice (Oryza sativa). Bioinformatics tools were used to systematically analyze the physicochemical properties, subcellular localization, motif compositions, chromosomal location, gene duplication, evolutionary relationships, auxin-responsive cis-elements of the OsSAURs. In addition, the expression profiles obtained from microarray data analysis showed that OsSAUR genes had different expression patterns in different tissues and responded to auxin treatment, indicating functional differences among members of OsSAUR gene family. In a word, this study provides basic information for SAUR gene family of rice and lays a foundation for further study on the role of SAUR in rice growth and development.
PMID: 39148317
Plant Signal Behav , IF:2.247 , 2024 Dec , V19 (1) : P2383822 doi: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2383822
Highly efficient CRISPR/Cas9-RNP mediated CaPAD1 editing in protoplasts of three pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars.
Department of Biological Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea.; Interdisciplinary Program of Genomic Data Science, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea.; Graduate School of Medical AI, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea.; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in BIT Medical Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea.
Parthenocarpy, characterized by seedless fruit development without pollination or fertilization, offers the advantage of consistent fruit formation, even under challenging conditions such as high temperatures. It can be induced by regulating auxin homeostasis; PAD1 (PARENTAL ADVICE-1) is an inducer of parthenocarpy in Solanaceae plants. However, precise editing of PAD1 is not well studied in peppers. Here, we report a highly efficient clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) ribonucleoprotein (RNP) for CaPAD1 editing in three valuable cultivars of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.): Dempsey, a gene-editable bell pepper; C15, a transformable commercial inbred line; and Younggo 4, a Korean landrace. To achieve the seedless pepper trait under high temperatures caused by unstable climate change, we designed five single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) targeting the CaPAD1 gene. We evaluated the in vitro on-target activity of the RNP complexes in three cultivars. Subsequently, we introduced five CRISPR/Cas9-RNP complexes into protoplasts isolated from three pepper leaves and compared indel frequencies and patterns through targeted deep sequencing analyses. We selected two sgRNAs, sgRNA2 and sgRNA5, which had high in vivo target efficiencies for the CaPAD1 gene across the three cultivars and were validated as potential off-targets in their genomes. These findings are expected to be valuable tools for developing new seedless pepper cultivars through precise molecular breeding of recalcitrant crops in response to climate change.
PMID: 39052485
Plant Signal Behav , IF:2.247 , 2024 Dec , V19 (1) : P2348917 doi: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2348917
Investigation of Arabidopsis root skototropism with different distance settings.
Institute of Cellular and Molecular Botany, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
Plants can activate protective and defense mechanisms under biotic and abiotic stresses. Their roots naturally grow in the soil, but when they encounter sunlight in the top-soil layers, they may move away from the light source to seek darkness. Here we investigate the skototropic behavior of roots, which promotes their fitness and survival. Glutamate-like receptors (GLRs) of plants play roles in sensing and responding to signals, but their role in root skototropism is not yet understood. Light-induced tropisms are known to be affected by auxin distribution, mainly determined by auxin efflux proteins (PIN proteins) at the root tip. However, the role of PIN proteins in root skototropism has not been investigated yet. To better understand root skototropism and its connection to the distance between roots and light, we established five distance settings between seedlings and darkness to investigate the variations in root bending tendencies. We compared differences in root skototropic behavior across different expression lines of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings (atglr3.7 ko, AtGLR3.7 OE, and pin2 knockout) to comprehend their functions. Our research shows that as the distance between roots and darkness increases, the root's positive skototropism noticeably weakens. Our findings highlight the involvement of GLR3.7 and PIN2 in root skototropism.
PMID: 38704856
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
Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) , IF:2.141 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1002/cm.21956
Actin Isovariant ACT2-Mediated Cellular Auxin Homeostasis Regulates Lateral Root Organogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana.
The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan.; Department of Plant Biosciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan.
Lateral root (LR) organogenesis is regulated by cellular flux of auxin within pericycle cells, which depends on the membrane distribution and polar localization of auxin carrier proteins. The correct distribution of auxin carrier proteins relies on the intracellular trafficking of these proteins aided by filamentous actin as a track. However, the precise role of actin in lateral root development is still elusive. Here, using vegetative class actin isovariant mutants, we revealed that loss of actin isovariant ACT8 led to increased lateral root formation. The distribution of auxin within pericycle cells was altered in act8 mutant, primarily due to the altered distribution of AUX1 and PIN7. Interestingly, incorporation of act2 mutant in act8 background (act2act8) effectively nullified the LR phenotype observed in act8 mutant, indicating that ACT2 plays an important role in LR development. To explore further, we investigated the possibility that the act8 mutant's LR phenotype and cellular auxin distribution resulted from ACT2 overexpression. Consistent with the idea, enhanced lateral root formation, altered AUX1, PIN7 expression, and auxin distribution in pericycle cells were observed in ACT2 overexpression lines. Collectively, these results suggest that actin isovariant ACT2 but not ACT8 plays a pivotal role in regulating source-to-sink auxin distribution during lateral root organogenesis.
PMID: 39548860
Curr Issues Mol Biol , IF:2.081 , 2024 Oct , V46 (11) : P12260-12278 doi: 10.3390/cimb46110728
The Adaptive Mechanism of Ginseng Rhizomes in Response to Habitat Changes.
Co-constructing Key Laboratory by Province and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Ecological Restoration and Ecosystem Management, College of Chinese Medicinal Material, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.
Panax ginseng, a perennial medicinal plant, utilizes its dried roots and rhizomes for medicinal purposes. Currently, in China, ginseng cultivation employs two methods: under-forest and farmland planting. These methods create distinct habitats, significantly influencing the ginseng's rhizome morphology and, consequently, its economic value. In this study, two-year-old ginsengs were transplanted into farmland (TCG), a larch forest (TLCG) and a Quercus mongolica forest (TQCG) to analyze the differences in rhizome phenotypes caused by habitat changes. The results showed that there were significant differences in light intensity and the soil's available phosphorus and potassium contents between farmland and forest environments. The differences in habitats led to different adaptability of the ginseng's rhizome morphology. Compared with TCG, the rhizomes of TLCG and TQCG were significantly elongated by 48.36% and 67.34%, respectively. After the rhizomes' elongation in TLCG and TQCG, there was an increase in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) contents and a decrease in lignin contents. By analyzing the expression of key genes, we found that, compared with TCG, the expression of key enzymes of lignin biosynthesis genes such as PgCOMT and PgCCR4 were down-regulated. The difference in ginseng's rhizome length is related to the signal transduction pathway of auxin and gibberellin. In addition, we preliminarily screened out transcription factors PgWRKY75, PgDIV, and PgbHLH93.1, which can actively respond to habitat changes and play important roles in the elongation of ginseng rhizomes. In summary, this study elucidates the phenotypic plasticity strategy of ginseng rhizomes in response to habitat changes and delineates the regulatory mechanism behind phenotypic adaptation, offering novel insights into ginseng's morphogenesis.
PMID: 39590322
Biosci Biotechnol Biochem , IF:2.043 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1093/bbb/zbae168
Bacillus velezensis S141 improves the root growth of soybean under drought conditions.
Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan.; College of Creative Agriculture for Society, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand.; School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Bacillus velezensis S141 helps soybean establish specific symbiosis with strains of Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens to form larger nodules and improve nitrogen fixation efficiency. In this study, we found that the dry weight of soybean roots increased significantly in the presence of S141 alone under drought conditions. Hence, S141 improved the root growth of soybean under limited water supply conditions. S141 can produce some auxin, which might be involved in the improved nodulation. Inactivating IPyAD of S141, which is required for auxin biosynthesis, did not alter the beneficial effects of S141, suggesting that the root growth was independent of auxin produced by S141. Under drought conditions, soybean exhibited some responses to resist osmotic and oxidative stresses; however, S141 was relevant to none of these responses. Although the mechanism remains unclear, S141 might produce some substances that stimulate the root growth of soybean under drought conditions.
PMID: 39544100
Genes Genomics , IF:1.839 , 2024 Dec , V46 (12) : P1387-1398 doi: 10.1007/s13258-024-01566-y
Comparative analysis of the transcriptomes from regenerated plants and root explants of endangered Oplopanax elatus.
Interdisciplinary Program in Smart Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea.; Department of Agriculture and Life Industry, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea.; Department of Applied Plant Sciences, Division of Bioresource Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea.; Department of Applied Plant Sciences, Division of Bioresource Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea. esseong@kangwon.ac.kr.
BACKGROUND: Oplopanax elatus is a plant of therapeutic significance in oriental medicine; however, its mass cultivation is limited owing to the difficulties in propagating it from seeds. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the transcriptome profiles and transcriptional regulatory factors expressed during plantlet regeneration from root tissues of the endangered O. elatus. RESULTS: The RNA-seq results for the control and regenerated plants cultured in liquid medium for 8 weeks showed that the clean length of the control group was 11,901,667,912 and that of the 8-week sample was 10,115,155,171, indicating a clean value of 97% for both samples. The number of mapped paired-end reads was 63,922,480 for the control group and 54,146,902 for the 8-week sample. The number of genes for which at least one clean data point was mapped was 43,177 in the control group and 42,970 in the 8-week sample. The results of the differentially expressed gene analysis indicate that the number of upregulated genes in the 8-week sample was 158, and the number of downregulated genes was 424. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of the upregulated genes revealed that GO terms were classified into 14 categories, and genes expressed in the biological process category occurred most frequently. GO terms of the downregulated genes were evenly distributed into two categories: biological process and molecular function. From the upregulated genes, eight reference genes with significant differences in expression were selected and analyzed using real-time PCR. The Oe38836 gene (late embryogenesis abundant protein M17-like isoform X1) showed the highest expression rate that was more than tenfold that of the control. Oe40610 (auxin-responsive protein SAUR21-like) and Oe07114 (glucose-1-phosphate adenyl transferase-like protein) genes showed expression levels that were increased eightfold relative to the control. CONCLUSIONS: The RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) results from the plants regenerated through liquid culture of O. elatus root tissue were confirmed using real-time PCR, indicating their reliability.
PMID: 39320642
Genetica , IF:1.082 , 2024 Dec , V152 (4-6) : P159-178 doi: 10.1007/s10709-024-00214-3
Systematic analysis of the ARF gene family in Fagopyrum dibotrys and its potential roles in stress tolerance.
Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism Regulation in Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China.; Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism Regulation in Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China. wangdk@zstu.edu.cn.
The auxin response factor (ARF) is a plant-specific transcription factor that regulates the expression of auxin response genes by binding directly to their promoters. They play an important role in the regulation of plant growth and development, as well as in the response to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the identification and functional analysis of ARFs in Fagopyrum dibotrys are still unclear. In this study, a total of 26 FdARF genes were identified using bioinformatic methods. Their chromosomal location, gene structure, physical and chemical properties of their encoded protein, subcellular location, phylogenetic tree, conserved motifs and cis-acting elements in FdARF promoters were analyzed. The results showed that 26 FdARF genes were unevenly distributed on 8 chromosomes, with the largest distribution on chromosome 4 and the least distribution on chromosome 3. Most FdARF proteins are located in the nucleus, except for the proteins FdARF7 and FdARF21 located to the cytoplasm and nucleus, while FdARF14, FdARF16, and FdARF25 proteins are located outside the chloroplast and nucleus. According to phylogenetic analysis, 26 FdARF genes were divided into 6 subgroups. Duplication analysis indicates that the expansion of the FdARF gene family was derived from segmental duplication rather than tandem duplication. The prediction based on cis-elements of the promoter showed that 26 FdARF genes were rich in multiple stress response elements, suggesting that FdARFs may be involved in the response to abiotic stress. Expression profiling analysis showed that most of the FdARF genes were expressed in the roots, stems, leaves, and tubers of F. dibotrys, but their expression exhibits a certain degree of tissue specificity. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that most members of the FdARF gene were up- or down-regulated in response to abiotic stress. The results of this study expand our understanding of the functional role of FdARFs in response to abiotic stress and lay a theoretical foundation for further exploration of other functions of FdARF genes.
PMID: 39365431
BMC Res Notes , 2024 Nov , V17 (1) : P350 doi: 10.1186/s13104-024-07002-4
Development of an in vitro regeneration system for Heinsia crinita (Afz.) G. Taylor via direct induction of shoot proliferation from explants.
Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria. pnchukwurah@unical.edu.ng.; Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.; Department of Pure and Applied Botany, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
OBJECTIVE: The African bush apple (Heinsia crinita) is a highly valued orphan shrub that supports the nutritional and natural medicine needs of many sub-Saharan African communities. However, the crop remains poorly conserved and without any known genetic improvement. Accordingly, the current study sought to develop for the first time, an in vitro regeneration system based on direct shoot proliferation from its stem and hypocotyledonary explants using combinations of two cytokinins (benzyl adenine - BA, thidiazuron - TDZ) and the auxin (naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. RESULTS: Combinations of BA and NAA effectively induced multiple shoot formation from stem and hypocotyledonary explants of the crop. The most effective treatment (1.0 mg/L BA + 0.1 mg/L NAA) induced an average of 13.77 and 30.32 shoots per responsive hypocotyl and stem explants, respectively. Combinations of TDZ and NAA were less effective in promoting shoot induction in the explants at the concentrations tested compared to BA and NAA combinations. Hypocotyledonary explants achieved complete plant regeneration without multiple shoot formation in a hormone-free MS medium. In vitro shoots regenerated from both stem and hypocotyledonary explants were 100% successfully rooted on a half-strength hormone-free medium, and acclimatized to produce H. crinita plants with over 90.0% efficiency.
PMID: 39605102
Cold Spring Harb Protoc , 2024 Oct doi: 10.1101/pdb.prot108623
The Rolled Towel Method for Hormone Response Assays in Maize.
Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA.; Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA dkelley@iastate.edu.
The rolled towel assay (RTA) is a soil-free method to evaluate juvenile phenotypes in crops such as maize and soybean. Here, we provide an updated RTA-based protocol to phenotype maize seedling responses to chemicals of interest. We exemplify the protocol with two synthetic auxin herbicides (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and picloram), an auxin precursor (indole-3-butyric acid), and an auxin inhibitor (N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid), but the method can be used with other hormones or plant growth regulators that are soluble in growth media. We also include instructions on how to annotate root traits and analyze primary root length trait data. The protocol can be scaled up for use in genetic screens, preparing tissue for gene expression analyses, carrying out genome-wide association studies (GWASs), and quantitative trait locus (QTL) identification.
PMID: 39477537
Plant Commun , 2024 Nov , V5 (11) : P101039 doi: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.101039
Quantitative imaging reveals the role of MpARF proteasomal degradation during gemma germination.
Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708WE Wageningen, the Netherlands.; School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, NG7 2RD Nottingham, UK.; Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands.; Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708WE Wageningen, the Netherlands. Electronic address: dolf.weijers@wur.nl.; Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708WE Wageningen, the Netherlands. Electronic address: janwillem.borst@wur.nl.
The auxin signaling molecule controls a variety of growth and developmental processes in land plants. Auxin regulates gene expression through a nuclear auxin signaling pathway (NAP) consisting of the ubiquitin ligase auxin receptor TIR1/AFB, its Aux/IAA degradation substrate, and DNA-binding ARF transcription factors. Although extensive qualitative understanding of the pathway and its interactions has been obtained, mostly by studying the flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana, it remains unknown how these translate to quantitative system behavior in vivo, a problem that is confounded by the large NAP gene families in most species. Here, we used the minimal NAP of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha to quantitatively map NAP protein accumulation and dynamics in vivo through the use of knockin fluorescent fusion proteins. Beyond revealing the dynamic native accumulation profile of the entire NAP protein network, we discovered that the two central ARFs, MpARF1 and MpARF2, are proteasomally degraded. This auxin-independent degradation tunes ARF protein stoichiometry to favor gene activation, thereby reprogramming auxin response during the developmental progression. Thus, quantitative analysis of the entire NAP has enabled us to identify ARF degradation and the stoichiometries of activator and repressor ARFs as a potential mechanism for controlling gemma germination.
PMID: 38988072