Mol Cell , IF:17.97 , 2024 Nov , V84 (21) : P4224-4238.e9 doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.09.031
COLD6-OSM1 module senses chilling for cold tolerance via 2',3'-cAMP signaling in rice.
Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China.; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.; State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China.; State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry (SKLPPB), College of Biological Sciences, National Plant Gene Research Centre (Beijing), China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Co-Innovation Centre for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.; State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China.; Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China. Electronic address: chongk@ibcas.ac.cn.
While it is known that temperature sensors trigger calcium (Ca(2+)) signaling to confer cold tolerance in cells, less is known about sensors that couple with other secondary messengers. Here, we identify a cold sensor complex of CHILLING-TOLERANCE DIVERGENCE 6 (COLD6) and osmotin-like 1 (OSM1), which triggers 2',3'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (2',3'-cAMP) production to enhance cold tolerance in rice. COLD6, which is encoded by a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) gene, interacts with the rice G protein alpha subunit (RGA1) at the plasma membrane under normal conditions. Upon exposure to chilling, cold-induced OSM1 binds to COLD6, kicking out RGA1 from interaction. This triggers an elevation of 2',3'-cAMP levels for enhancing chilling tolerance. Genetic data show that COLD6 negatively regulates cold tolerance and functionally depends on OSM1 in chilling stress. COLD6 alleles were selected during rice domestication. Knockout and natural variation of COLD6 in hybrid rice enhanced chilling tolerance, hinting design potential for breeding. This highlighted a module triggering 2',3'-cAMP to improve chilling tolerance in crops.
PMID: 39481382
Annu Rev Genet , IF:16.83 , 2024 Nov , V58 (1) : P43-65 doi: 10.1146/annurev-genet-111523-102226
Regulatory Networks Underlying Plant Responses and Adaptation to Cold Stress.
State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; email: ding_yanglin@cau.edu.cn, yangshuhua@cau.edu.cn.
Cold is an important environmental factor limiting plant growth and development. Recent studies have revealed the complex regulatory networks associated with plant responses to cold and identified their interconnections with signaling pathways related to light, the circadian clock, plant hormones, and pathogen defense. In this article, we review recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of cold perception and signal transduction pathways. We also summarize recent developments in the study of cold-responsive growth and flowering. Finally, we propose future directions for the study of long-term cold sensing, RNA secondary structures in response to cold, and the development of cold-tolerant and high-yield crops.
PMID: 39018466
New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2024 Nov , V244 (3) : P798-810 doi: 10.1111/nph.20062
HOS15-mediated turnover of PRR7 enhances freezing tolerance.
Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.; Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Plant Biological Rhythm Research Center (PBRRC), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Korea.
Arabidopsis PSEUDORESPONSE REGULATOR7 (PRR7) is a core component of the circadian oscillator which also plays a crucial role in freezing tolerance. PRR7 undergoes proteasome-dependent degradation to discretely phase maximal expression in early evening. While its repressive activity on downstream genes is integral to cold regulation, the mechanism of the conditional regulation of the PRR7 abundance is unknown. We used mutant analysis, protein interaction and ubiquitylation assays to establish that the ubiquitin ligase adaptor, HIGH EXPRESSION OF OSMOTICALLY RESPONSIVE GENE 15 (HOS15), controls the protein accumulation pattern of PRR7 through direct protein-protein interactions at low temperatures. Freezing tolerance and electrolyte leakage assays show that PRR7 enhances cold temperature sensitivity, supported by ChIP-qPCR at C-REPEAT BINDING FACTOR1 (CBF1) and COLD-REGULATED 15A (COR15A) promoters where PRR7 levels were higher in hos15 mutants. HOS15 mediates PRR7 turnover through enhanced ubiquitylation at low temperature in the dark. Under the same conditions, increased PRR7 association with the promoters of CBFs and COR15A in hos15 correlates with decreased CBF1 and COR15A transcription and enhanced freezing sensitivity. We propose a novel mechanism whereby HOS15-mediated degradation of PRR7 provides an intersection between the circadian system and other cold acclimation pathways that lead to increased freezing tolerance.
PMID: 39155726
Plant Biotechnol J , IF:9.803 , 2024 Nov , V22 (11) : P3037-3050 doi: 10.1111/pbi.14426
Genetic variation in the aquaporin TONOPLAST INTRINSIC PROTEIN 4;3 modulates maize cold tolerance.
State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.; Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Northeast Agricultural Research Center of China), Changchun, China.; National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
Cold stress is a major abiotic stress that threatens maize (Zea mays L.) production worldwide. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cold tolerance is crucial for breeding resilient maize varieties. Tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs) are a subfamily of aquaporins in plants. Here, we report that TIP family proteins are involved in maize cold tolerance. The expression of most TIP genes was responsive to cold stress. Overexpressing TIP2;1, TIP3;2 or TIP4;3 reduced the cold tolerance of maize seedlings, while loss-of-function mutants of TIP4;3 exhibited enhanced cold tolerance. Candidate gene-based association analysis revealed that a 328-bp transposon insertion in the promoter region of TIP4;3 was strongly associated with maize cold tolerance. This transposon insertion conferred cold tolerance by repressing TIP4;3 expression through increased methylation of its promoter region. Moreover, TIP4;3 was found to suppress stomatal closure and facilitate reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation under cold stress, thereby inhibiting the expression of cold-responsive genes, including DEHYDRATION-RESPONSIVE ELEMENT BINDING FACTOR 1 (DREB1) genes and a subset of peroxidase genes, ultimately attenuating maize cold tolerance. This study thus elucidates the mechanism underlying TIP-mediated cold tolerance and identifies a favourable TIP4;3 allele as a potential genetic resource for breeding cold-tolerant maize varieties.
PMID: 39024420
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiae630
Cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel 20 regulates melatonin-induced calcium signaling and cold tolerance in watermelon.
State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.; Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetable, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Science, Guangzhou 510640, China.; College of Forestry, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, Henan, China.; College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150000, China.; Zhongguancun Xuyue Non-invasive Micro-test Technology Industrial Alliance, Beijing 10080, China.
Melatonin plays a crucial role in regulating plant cold tolerance, but the mechanisms underlying signal transduction remain elusive. In this study, we discovered that overexpression of the melatonin biosynthetic gene caffeic acid O-methyltransferase1 (COMT1) enhanced watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cold tolerance, accompanied by the accumulation of cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]cyt), a stimulation of Ca2+ influx, and upregulation of four Ca2+-permeable channel genes (CNGC2/10/17/20). Conversely, knockout of COMT1 exhibited contrasting effects compared to its overexpression. Knocking out the four CNGC genes revealed that only CNGC20 mediates melatonin-induced Ca2+ influx in response to cold stimuli. CNGC20 deletion impeded watermelon callus redifferentiation, prompting us to employ a virus-induced gene silencing strategy to suppress its expression. Silencing CNGC20 compromised COMT1 overexpression-induced [Ca2+]cyt accumulation, Ca2+ influx, and watermelon cold tolerance. Yeast two-hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, firefly luciferase complementation imaging, and pull-down assays revealed an interaction between CNGC20 and calmodulin7 (CaM7). Overexpressing CaM7 inhibited melatonin-induced [Ca2+]cyt accumulation, Ca2+ influx, and watermelon cold tolerance. Conversely, silencing CaM7 increased [Ca2+]cyt accumulation, Ca2+ influx, and cold tolerance, whereas COMT1 overexpression failed to further enhance these responses in CaM7-silenced plants, indicating the negative regulation role of CaM7 in melatonin-mediated cold responses. Overall, these findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying melatonin-enhanced plant cold tolerance via Ca2+ signaling, holding potential for breeding/engineering cold-tolerant cucurbit varieties.
PMID: 39590516
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiae604
WD40 protein OsTTG1 promotes anthocyanin accumulation and CBF transcription factor-dependent pathways for rice cold tolerance.
Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rice Genetics and Breeding, Rice Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning 530007, China.; College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.; Institute of Microbiology, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning 530007, China.
Temperature is a critical abiotic factor affecting rice (Oryza sativa L.) yields, and cold stress at the seedling stage can inhibit plant growth or even be fatal. Antioxidants such as anthocyanins accumulate in a variety of plants during cold stress, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we report that rice TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA 1 (OsTTG1), a major regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis in rice, responds to short- and long-term cold stress at both the transcriptional and protein levels. Metabolomic and transcriptomic data indicate that OsTTG1 activates the expression of anthocyanidin synthase (OsANS) genes under cold stress. Our data also suggest that OsTTG1 forms a MYB-bHLH-WD (MBW) complex with Basic helix-loop-helix 148 (OsbHLH148) and Myb-related S3 (OsMYBS3), and this complex activates the expression of Dehydration-responsive element-binding protein 1 (OsDREB1) and OsANS genes. Together, our findings reveal the mechanisms by which OsTTG1 coordinates both anthocyanin biosynthesis and the expression of cold-responsive genes in colored rice, providing genetic resources for future cold resistance breeding in rice.
PMID: 39589910
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiae600
Epigenetic memory of temperature sensed during somatic embryo maturation in 2-year-old maritime pine trees.
BioForBois, FCBA, Pole Industrie Bois & Construction, Cestas, 33610, France.; P2e, Universite d'Orleans, INRAE, EA 1207 USC 1328, 45067 Orleans, France.; Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciencias, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.; BioForA, INRAE, ONF, UMR 0588, 45075 Orleans, France.; Sylviculture Avancee, FCBA, Pole Ressources Forestieres des Territoires, Cestas, 33610, France.; IHPE, Universite de Perpignan, UMR 5244, 66100, Perpignan, France.; Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, Centre National de Recherche en Genomique Humaine, CEA - Institut de Biologie Francois Jacob, Universite Paris Saclay, 91000 Evry, France.
Embryogenesis is a brief but potentially critical phase in the tree life cycle for adaptive phenotypic plasticity. Using somatic embryogenesis in maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.), we found that temperature during the maturation phase affects embryo development and post-embryonic tree growth for up to three years. We examined whether this somatic stress memory could stem from temperature- and/or development-induced changes in DNA methylation. For this, we developed a 200 Mb custom sequence capture bisulfite analysis of genes and promoters to identify differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) between temperature treatments (18, 23, and 28 degrees C) and developmental stages (immature and cotyledonary embryos, shoot apical meristem of 2-year-old plants) and investigate if these differences can be mitotically transmitted from embryonic to post-embryonic development (epigenetic memory). We revealed a high prevalence of temperature-induced DMCs in genes (8-14%) compared to promoters (less than 1%) in all 3 cytosine contexts. Developmental DMCs showed a comparable pattern but only in the CG context and with a strong trend towards hypomethylation, particularly in the promoters. A high percentage of DMCs induced by developmental transitions were found memorized in genes (up to 45-50%) and promoters (up to 90%). In contrast, temperature-induced memory was lower and confined to genes after both embryonic (up to 14%) and post-embryonic development (up to 8%). Using stringent criteria, we identified ten genes involved in defense responses and adaptation, embryo development, and chromatin regulation that are candidates for the establishment of a persistent epigenetic memory of temperature sensed during embryo maturation in maritime pine. Here, we provide evidence that DNA methylation marks established during the embryonic phase are transmitted to the post-embryonic plant development phase.
PMID: 39511700
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiae578
A role for aquaporins in the modulation of cold stress tolerance in oriental melon.
Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States.; Assistant Feature Editor, Plant Physiology, American Society of Plant Biologist, USA.
PMID: 39484985
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2024 Nov , V196 (3) : P2105-2120 doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiae449
Cold mediates maize root hair developmental plasticity via epidermis-specific transcriptomic responses.
INRES, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Crop Functional Genomics, University of Bonn, Bonn 53113, Germany.; INRES, Emmy Noether Group Root Functional Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn 53113, Germany.; INRES, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Crop Bioinformatics, University of Bonn, Bonn 53115, Germany.; Plant Genome and System Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg 85764, Germany.; Plant Breeding, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising 85354, Germany.
Cold stress during early development limits maize (Zea mays L.) production in temperate zones. Low temperatures restrict root growth and reprogram gene expression. Here, we provide a systematic transcriptomic landscape of maize primary roots, their tissues, and cell types in response to cold stress. The epidermis exhibited a unique transcriptomic cold response, and genes involved in root hair formation were dynamically regulated in this cell type by cold. Consequently, activation of genes involved in root hair tip growth contributed to root hair recovery under moderate cold conditions. The maize root hair defective mutants roothair defective 5 (rth5) and roothair defective 6 (rth6) displayed enhanced cold tolerance with respect to primary root elongation. Furthermore, DEHYDRATION RESPONSE ELEMENT-BINDING PROTEIN 2.1 (DREB2.1) was the only member of the dreb subfamily of AP2/EREB transcription factor genes upregulated in primary root tissues and cell types but exclusively downregulated in root hairs upon cold stress. Plants overexpressing dreb2.1 significantly suppressed root hair elongation after moderate cold stress. Finally, the expression of rth3 was regulated by dreb2.1 under cold conditions, while rth6 transcription was regulated by DREB2.1 irrespective of the temperature regime. We demonstrated that dreb2.1 negatively regulates root hair plasticity at low temperatures by coordinating the expression of root hair defective genes in maize.
PMID: 39190817
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2024 Nov , V196 (3) : P1737-1757 doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiae382
From sensing to acclimation: The role of membrane lipid remodeling in plant responses to low temperatures.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Biochemistry and Center for Plant Science Innovation, Lincoln, NE 68516, USA.; Nyack High School, Nyack, NY 10960, USA.
Low temperatures pose a dramatic challenge to plant viability. Chilling and freezing disrupt cellular processes, forcing metabolic adaptations reflected in alterations to membrane compositions. Understanding the mechanisms of plant cold tolerance is increasingly important due to anticipated increases in the frequency, severity, and duration of cold events. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the adaptive changes of membrane glycerolipids, sphingolipids, and phytosterols in response to cold stress. We delve into key mechanisms of low-temperature membrane remodeling, including acyl editing and headgroup exchange, lipase activity, and phytosterol abundance changes, focusing on their impact at the subcellular level. Furthermore, we tabulate and analyze current gycerolipidomic data from cold treatments of Arabidopsis, maize, and sorghum. This analysis highlights congruencies of lipid abundance changes in response to varying degrees of cold stress. Ultimately, this review aids in rationalizing observed lipid fluctuations and pinpoints key gaps in our current capacity to fully understand how plants orchestrate these membrane responses to cold stress.
PMID: 39028871
Sci Total Environ , IF:7.963 , 2024 Nov , V951 : P175554 doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175554
Adaptation of Rhizobium leguminosarum sv. trifolii strains to low temperature stress in both free-living stage and during symbiosis with clover.
Department of Industrial and Environmental Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, 19 Akademicka, 20-033 Lublin, Poland. Electronic address: monika.janczarek@mail.umcs.pl.; Department of Industrial and Environmental Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, 19 Akademicka, 20-033 Lublin, Poland. Electronic address: paulina.adamczyk@mail.umcs.pl.; Department of Industrial and Environmental Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, 19 Akademicka, 20-033 Lublin, Poland. Electronic address: anna.gromada@mail.umcs.pl.; Department of Natural Environment Biogeochemistry, Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 4 Doswiadczalna, 20-290 Lublin, Poland. Electronic address: c.polakowski@ipan.lublin.pl.; Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 13 Akademicka Street, 20-950 Lublin, Poland. Electronic address: karolina.wengerska@up.lublin.pl.; Department of Natural Environment Biogeochemistry, Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 4 Doswiadczalna, 20-290 Lublin, Poland. Electronic address: a.bieganowski@ipan.lublin.pl.
Legume-rhizobial symbiosis plays an important role in agriculture and ecological restoration. This process occurs within special new structures, called nodules, formed mainly on legume roots. Soil bacteria, commonly known as rhizobia, fix atmospheric dinitrogen, converting it into a form that can be assimilated by plants. Various environmental factors, including a low temperature, have an impact on the symbiotic efficiency. Nevertheless, the effect of temperature on the phenotypic and symbiotic traits of rhizobia has not been determined in detail to date. Therefore, in this study, the influence of temperature on different cell surface and symbiotic properties of rhizobia was estimated. In total, 31 Rhizobium leguminosarum sv. trifolii strains isolated from root nodules of red clover plants growing in the subpolar and temperate climate regions, which essentially differ in year and day temperature profiles, were chosen for this analysis. Our results showed that temperature has a significant effect on several surface properties of rhizobial cells, such as hydrophobicity, aggregation, and motility. Low temperature also stimulated EPS synthesis and biofilm formation in R. leguminosarum sv. trifolii. This extracellular polysaccharide is known to play an important protective role against different environmental stresses. The strains produced large amounts of EPS under tested temperature conditions that facilitated adherence of rhizobial cells to different surfaces. The high adaptability of these strains to cold stress was also confirmed during symbiosis. Irrespective of their climatic origin, the strains proved to be highly effective in attachment to legume roots and were efficient microsymbionts of clover plants. However, some diversity in the response to low temperature stress was found among the strains. Among them, M16 and R137 proved to be highly competitive and efficient in nodule occupancy and biomass production; thus, they can be potential yield-enhancing inoculants of legumes.
PMID: 39151610
Sci Total Environ , IF:7.963 , 2024 Nov , V949 : P175184 doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175184
A novel strategy of artificially regulating plant rhizosphere microbial community to promote plant tolerance to cold stress.
College of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Straw Comprehensive Utilization and Black Soil Conservation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.; College of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Straw Comprehensive Utilization and Black Soil Conservation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China. Electronic address: zjjx124@163.com.
Artificial regulation of plant rhizosphere microbial communities through the synthesis of microbial communities is one of the effective ways to improve plant stress resistance. However, the process of synthesizing stress resistant microbial communities with excellent performance is complex, time-consuming, and costly. To address this issue, we proposed a novel strategy for preparing functional microbial communities. We isolated a cultivable cold tolerant bacterial community (PRCBC) from the rhizosphere of peas, and studied its effectiveness in assisting rice to resist stress. The results indicate that PRCBC can not only improve the ability of rice to resist cold stress, but also promote the increase of rice yield after cold stress relieved. This is partly because PRCBC increases the nitrogen content in the rhizosphere soil, and promotes rice's absorption of nitrogen elements, thereby promoting rice growth and enhancing its ability to resist osmotic stress. More importantly, the application of PRCBC drives the succession of rice rhizosphere microbial communities, and promotes the succession of rice rhizosphere microbial communities towards stress resistance. Surprisingly, PRCBC drives the succession of rice rhizosphere microbial communities towards a composition similar to PRCBC. This provides a feasible novel method for artificially and directionally driving microbial succession. In summary, we not only proposed a novel and efficient strategy for preparing stress resistant microbial communities to promote plant stress resistance, but also unexpectedly discovered a possible directionally driving method for soil microbial community succession.
PMID: 39089386
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1111/pce.15284
Whole-Genome Identification of the Flax Fatty Acid Desaturase Gene Family and Functional Analysis of the LuFAD2.1 Gene Under Cold Stress Conditions.
Faculty of Agronomy, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.; College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.; College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.; Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.
Fatty acid desaturase (FAD) is essential for plant growth and development and plant defence response. Although flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an important oil and fibre crop, but its FAD gene remains understudied. This study identified 43 LuFAD genes in the flax genome. The phylogenetic analysis divided the FAD genes into seven subfamilies. LuFAD is unevenly distributed on 15 chromosomes, and fragment duplication is the only driving force for the amplification of the LuFAD gene family. In the LuFAD gene promoter region, most elements respond to plant hormones (MeJA, ABA) and abiotic stresses (anaerobic and low temperature). The expression pattern analysis showed that the temporal and spatial expression patterns of all LuFAD genes in different tissues and the response patterns to abiotic stresses (heat and salt) were identified. Subcellular localisation showed that all LuFAD2-GFP were expressed in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that LuFAD2 was significantly upregulated under cold, salt and drought stress, and its overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana enhanced cold tolerance genes and reduced ROS accumulation. This study offers key insights into the FAD gene family's role in flax development and stress adaptation.
PMID: 39564899
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2024 Dec , V47 (12) : P4786-4799 doi: 10.1111/pce.15070
CIPK11 phosphorylates GSTU23 to promote cold tolerance in Camellia sinensis.
Key Laboratory of Biology, Genetics and Breeding of Special Economic Animals and Plants, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Center for Tea Plant Improvement, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China.; State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Cold stress negatively impacts the growth, development, and quality of Camellia sinensis (Cs, tea) plants. CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPK) comprise a pivotal protein family involved in plant development and response to multiple environmental stimuli. However, their roles and regulatory mechanisms in tea plants (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) remain unknown. Here we show that CsCBL-interacting protein kinase 11 (CsCIPK11), whose transcript abundance was significantly induced at low temperatures, interacts and phosphorylates tau class glutathione S-transferase 23 (CsGSTU23). CsGSTU23 was also a cold-inducible gene and has significantly higher transcript abundance in cold-resistant accessions than in cold-susceptible accessions. CsCIPK11 phosphorylated CsGSTU23 at Ser37, enhancing its stability and enzymatic activity. Overexpression of CsCIPK11 in Arabidopsis thaliana resulted in enhanced cold tolerance under freezing conditions, while transient knockdown of CsCIPK11 expression in tea plants had the opposite effect, resulting in decreased cold tolerance and suppression of the C-repeat-binding transcription factor (CBF) transcriptional pathway under freezing stress. Furthermore, the transient overexpression of CsGSTU23 in tea plants increased cold tolerance. These findings demonstrate that CsCIPK11 plays a central role in the signaling pathway to cold signals and modulates antioxidant capacity by phosphorylating CsGSTU23, leading to improved cold tolerance in tea plants.
PMID: 39087790
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2024 Dec , V47 (12) : P4630-4650 doi: 10.1111/pce.15052
FveDREB1B improves cold tolerance of woodland strawberry by positively regulating FveSCL23 and FveCHS.
Liaoning Key Laboratory of Strawberry Breeding and Cultivation, College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China.
Cold stress has seriously inhibited the growth and development of strawberry during production. CBF/DREB1 is a key central transcription factor regulating plant cold tolerance, but its regulatory mechanisms are varied in different plants. Especially in strawberry, the molecular mechanism of CBF/DREB1 regulating cold tolerance is still unclear. In this study, we found that FveDREB1B was most significantly induced by cold stress in CBF/DREB1 family of diploid woodland strawberry. FveDREB1B was localized to the nucleus, and DREB1B sequences were highly conserved in diploid and octoploid strawberry, and even similar in Rosaceae. And FveDREB1B overexpressed strawberry plants showed delayed flowering and increased cold tolerance, while FveDREB1B silenced plants showed early flowering and decreased cold tolerance. Under cold stress, FveDREB1B activated FveSCL23 expression by directly binding to its promoter. Meanwhile, FveDREB1B and FveSCL23 interacted with FveDELLA, respectively. In addition, we also found that FveDREB1B promoted anthocyanin accumulation in strawberry leaves by directly activating FveCHS expression after cold treatment and recovery to 25 degrees C. DREB1B genes were also detected to be highly expressed in cold-tolerant strawberry resources 'Fragaria mandschurica' and 'Fragaria nipponica'. In conclusion, our study reveals the molecular mechanism of FveDREB1B-FveSCL23-FveDELLA module and FveDREB1B-FveCHS module to enhance the cold tolerance of woodland strawberry. It provides a new idea for improving the cold tolerance of cultivated strawberry and evaluating the cold tolerance of strawberry germplasm resources.
PMID: 39051467
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2024 Dec , V47 (12) : P4651-4663 doi: 10.1111/pce.15053
The invertase gene PWIN1 confers chilling tolerance of rice at the booting stage via mediating pollen development.
Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.; College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.; China National Botanical Garden, Beijing, China.
Pollen fertility is a primary regulator of grain yield and is highly susceptible to cold and other environmental stress. We revealed the roles of rice cell wall invertase gene PWIN1 in pollen development and chilling tolerance. We uncovered its preferential expression in microspores and bicellular pollen and identified its knock-down and knock-out mutants. pwin1 mutants produced a higher proportion of abnormal pollen than wild-type plants. The contents of sucrose, glucose, and fructose were increased, while ATP content and primary metabolism activity were reduced in the mutant pollen. Furthermore, the loss of function of PWIN1 coincided with an increase in SnRK1 activity and a decrease in TOR activity. Under chilling conditions, pwin1 mutants displayed significantly reduced pollen viability and seed-setting rate, while overexpressing PWIN1 notably increased pollen viability and seed-setting rate as compared with the wild-type, indicating that PWIN1 is essential for rice pollen development and grain yield under cold stress. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying rice pollen fertility during chilling stress, and a new module to improve chilling tolerance of rice at the booting stage by molecular design.
PMID: 39051263
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2024 Nov , V47 (11) : P4071-4085 doi: 10.1111/pce.15005
OsJRL negatively regulates rice cold tolerance via interfering phenylalanine metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis.
State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Key Lab of the Ministry of Agriculture for Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.; Institute of Rural Development, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China.; Hainan Institute, Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, Zhejiang University, Sanya, China.
The identification of new genes involved in regulating cold tolerance in rice is urgent because low temperatures repress plant growth and reduce yields. Cold tolerance is controlled by multiple loci and involves a complex regulatory network. Here, we show that rice jacalin-related lectin (OsJRL) modulates cold tolerance in rice. The loss of OsJRL gene functions increased phenylalanine metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis under cold stress. The OsJRL knock-out (KO) lines had higher phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity and greater flavonoid accumulation than the wild-type rice, Nipponbare (NIP), under cold stress. The leaves had lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and showed significantly enhanced cold tolerance compared to NIP. In contrast, the OsJRL overexpression (OE) lines had higher levels of ROS accumulation and showed lower cold tolerance than NIP. Additionally, the OsJRL KO lines accumulated more abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA) under cold stress than NIP. The OsJRL OE lines showed increased sensitivity to ABA compared to NIP. We conclude that OsJRL negatively regulates the cold tolerance of rice via modulation of phenylalanine metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis.
PMID: 38884189
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2024 Dec , V47 (12) : P5104-5114 doi: 10.1111/pce.15081
SlWRKY51 regulates proline content to enhance chilling tolerance in tomato.
College of Horticultural Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.; College of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.; College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.; College of Agriculture and Bioengineering, Heze University, He'ze, China.; Shandong Shike Modern Agriculture Investment Co. Ltd, He'ze, China.
Chilling stress is a major environmental factor that significantly reduces crop production. To adapt to chilling stress, plants activate a series of cellular responses and accumulate an array of metabolites, particularly proline. Here, we report that the transcription factor SlWRKY51 increases proline contents in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) under chilling stress. SlWRKY51 expression is induced under chilling stress. Knockdown or knockout of SlWRKY51 led to chilling-sensitive phenotypes, with lower photosynthetic capacity and more reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation than the wild type (WT). The proline contents were significantly reduced in SlWRKY51 knockdown and knockout lines under chilling stress, perhaps explaining the phenotypes of these lines. D-1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS), which catalyses the rate-limiting step of proline biosynthesis, is encoded by two closely related P5CS genes (P5CS1 and P5CS2). We demonstrate that SlWRKY51 directly activates the expression of P5CS1 under chilling stress. In addition, the VQ (a class of plant-specific proteins containing the conserved motif FxxhVQxhTG) family member SlVQ10 physically interacts with SlWRKY51 to enhance its activation of P5CS1. Our study reveals that the chilling-induced transcription factor SlWRKY51 enhances chilling tolerance in tomato by promoting proline accumulation.
PMID: 39148214
J Exp Bot , IF:6.992 , 2024 Oct , V75 (20) : P6346-6368 doi: 10.1093/jxb/erae335
Primary multistep phosphorelay activation comprises both cytokinin and abiotic stress responses: insights from comparative analysis of Brassica type-A response regulators.
CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/A2, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.; National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/A2, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.; Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.; Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.; Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK.; PSI (Photon Systems Instruments), Ltd, Drasov, 66424 Drasov, Czech Republic.
Multistep phosphorelay (MSP) signaling integrates hormonal and environmental signals to control both plant development and adaptive responses. Type-A RESPONSE REGULATOR (RRA) genes, the downstream members of the MSP cascade and cytokinin primary response genes, are thought to mediate primarily the negative feedback regulation of (cytokinin-induced) MSP signaling. However, transcriptional data also suggest the involvement of RRA genes in stress-related responses. By employing evolutionary conservation with the well-characterized Arabidopsis thaliana RRA genes, we identified five and 38 novel putative RRA genes in Brassica oleracea and Brassica napus, respectively. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests the existence of gene-specific selective pressure, maintaining the homologs of ARR3, ARR6, and ARR16 as singletons during the evolution of Brassicaceae. We categorized RRA genes based on the kinetics of their cytokinin-mediated up-regulation and observed both similarities and specificities in this type of response across Brassicaceae species. Using bioinformatic analysis and experimental data demonstrating the cytokinin and abiotic stress responsiveness of the A. thaliana-derived TCSv2 reporter, we unveil the mechanistic conservation of cytokinin- and stress-mediated up-regulation of RRA genes in B. rapa and B. napus. Notably, we identify partial cytokinin dependency of cold stress-induced RRA transcription, thus further demonstrating the role of cytokinin signaling in crop adaptive responses.
PMID: 39171371
J Exp Bot , IF:6.992 , 2024 Oct , V75 (20) : P6625-6643 doi: 10.1093/jxb/erae333
The transcription factor EjNAC5 regulates loquat fruit chilling lignification.
College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, China.; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Integrative Biology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, China.; The State Agriculture Ministry Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development and Quality Improvement, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, China.; Division of Plant and Crop Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK.
Changes in both lignin biosynthesis and DNA methylation have been reported to be associated with chilling stress in plants. When stored at low temperatures, red-fleshed loquat is prone to lignification, with increased lignin content and fruit firmness, which has deleterious effects on taste and eating quality. Here, we found that 5 degrees C storage mitigated the increasing firmness and lignin content of red-fleshed 'Dahongpao' ('DHP') loquat fruit that occurred during 0 degrees C storage. EjNAC5 was identified by integrating RNA sequencing with whole-genome bisulfite sequencing analysis of 'DHP' loquat fruit. The transcript levels of EjNAC5 were positively correlated with changes in firmness and negatively correlated with changes in DNA methylation level of a differentially methylated region in the EjNAC5 promoter. In white-fleshed 'Baisha' ('BS') loquat fruit, which do not undergo chilling-induced lignification at 0 degrees C, the transcripts of EjNAC5 remained low and the methylation level of the differentially methylated region in the EjNAC5 promoter was higher, compared with 'DHP' loquat fruit. Transient overexpression of EjNAC5 in loquat fruit and stable overexpression in Arabidopsis and liverwort led to an increase in lignin content. Furthermore, EjNAC5 interacts with EjERF39 and EjHB1 and activates the transcription of Ej4CL1 and EjPRX12 genes involved in lignin biosynthesis. This regulatory network involves different transcription factors from those involved in the lignification pathway. Our study indicates that EjNAC5 promoter methylation modulates EjNAC5 transcript levels and identifies novel EjNAC5-EjERF39-Ej4CL1 and EjNAC5-EjHB1-EjPRX12 regulatory modules involved in chilling induced-lignification.
PMID: 39086268
J Exp Bot , IF:6.992 , 2024 Oct , V75 (20) : P6405-6422 doi: 10.1093/jxb/erae316
Evolution of drought and frost responses in cool season grasses (Pooideae): was drought tolerance a precursor to frost tolerance?
Department of Plant Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 As, Norway.; Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.; Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.; Department of Plant Biology, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
Frost tolerance has evolved many times independently across flowering plants. However, conservation of several frost tolerance mechanisms among distant relatives suggests that apparently independent entries into freezing climates may have been facilitated by repeated modification of existing traits ('precursor traits'). One possible precursor trait for freezing tolerance is drought tolerance, because palaeoclimatic data suggest plants were exposed to drought before frost and several studies have demonstrated shared physiological and genetic responses to drought and frost stress. Here, we combine ecophysiological experiments and comparative analyses to test the hypothesis that drought tolerance acted as a precursor to frost tolerance in cool-season grasses (Pooideae). Contrary to our predictions, we measured the highest levels of frost tolerance in species with the lowest ancestral drought tolerance, indicating that the two stress responses evolved independently in different lineages. We further show that drought tolerance is more evolutionarily labile than frost tolerance. This could limit our ability to reconstruct the order in which drought and frost responses evolved relative to each other. Further research is needed to determine whether our results are unique to Pooideae or general for flowering plants.
PMID: 39066622
Int J Biol Macromol , IF:6.953 , 2024 Nov , V283 (Pt 4) : P137952 doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.137952
The high-affinity pineapple sucrose transporter AcSUT1B, regulated by AcCBF1, exhibited enhanced cold tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis.
State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, Key Laboratory of Biology and Germplasm Enhancement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.; State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, Key Laboratory of Biology and Germplasm Enhancement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Institute of South Subtropical Crops, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Zhanjiang 524091, Guangdong, China.; State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, Key Laboratory of Biology and Germplasm Enhancement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China. Electronic address: liuchaoyang@scau.edu.cn.
Sucrose transporter (SUT) plays essential roles in plant growth and development, as well as responses to diverse abiotic stresses. However, limited information about the function of SUT was available in pineapple, an important tropical fruit crop with crassulacean acid metabolism. Here, four AcSUT genes were identified in pineapple genome, and divided into three clades according to the phylogenetic analysis. The expression profiles of AcSUTs were systemically examined, and they were all localized to plasma membrane. Transport activity assay by two-electrode voltage clamp of Xenopus oocytes showed that AcSUT1A and AcSUT1B were capable of transporting a range of glucosides, and they were exhibited high affinity for sucrose with Km value of 0.09 mM and 0.41 mM at pH 5.0, respectively. Overexpression of the cold-induced AcSUT1B conferred enhanced cold tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis. DNA-protein interaction analysis further demonstrated that AcCBF1 directly binds the CRT/DRE element of the AcSUT1B promoter and activated its expression. Heterologous expression of AcCBF1 in Arabidopsis also increased cold tolerance. In this study, we investigated the transport activities of AcSUTs in pineapple and identified the AcCBF1-AcSUT1B module involved in cold stress, which provided new insights into the molecular mechanism of the cold response in pineapple.
PMID: 39579829
Int J Biol Macromol , IF:6.953 , 2024 Nov , V279 (Pt 3) : P133245 doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133245
Genome-wide and functional analysis of late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) genes during dormancy and sprouting periods of kernel consumption apricots (P. armeniaca L. x P. sibirica L.).
State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Experimental Center of Forestry in North China, National Permanent Scientific Research Base for Warm Temperate Zone Forestry of Jiulong Mountain in Beijing, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, PR China. Electronic address: Lisf@caf.ac.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Non-timber Forestry Research and Development Center, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Zhengzhou 450003, PR China. Electronic address: tanatanan@caf.ac.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Non-timber Forestry Research and Development Center, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Zhengzhou 450003, PR China. Electronic address: wanglinjt@caf.ac.cn.; Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China.; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Experimental Center of Forestry in North China, National Permanent Scientific Research Base for Warm Temperate Zone Forestry of Jiulong Mountain in Beijing, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, PR China. Electronic address: happyth@caf.ac.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Experimental Center of Forestry in North China, National Permanent Scientific Research Base for Warm Temperate Zone Forestry of Jiulong Mountain in Beijing, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, PR China. Electronic address: zhangyaodan@caf.ac.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Experimental Center of Forestry in North China, National Permanent Scientific Research Base for Warm Temperate Zone Forestry of Jiulong Mountain in Beijing, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, PR China. Electronic address: wshaoli@iccas.ac.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Experimental Center of Forestry in North China, National Permanent Scientific Research Base for Warm Temperate Zone Forestry of Jiulong Mountain in Beijing, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, PR China. Electronic address: yxxia@caf.ac.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Experimental Center of Forestry in North China, National Permanent Scientific Research Base for Warm Temperate Zone Forestry of Jiulong Mountain in Beijing, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, PR China. Electronic address: liuxx@caf.ac.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Experimental Center of Forestry in North China, National Permanent Scientific Research Base for Warm Temperate Zone Forestry of Jiulong Mountain in Beijing, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, PR China.; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botany Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, PR China. Electronic address: fennilv@cnbg.net.; Experimental Center of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Pingxiang 532600, PR China. Electronic address: xjhsoso@163.com.; Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100093, PR China. Electronic address: tangzm@caf.ac.cn.
Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins play a crucial role in protecting cells from stress, making them potential contributors to abiotic stress tolerance. This study focuses on apricot (P. armeniaca L. x P. sibirica L.), where a comprehensive genome-wide analysis identified 54 LEA genes, categorized into eight subgroups based on phylogenetic relationships. Synteny analysis revealed 14 collinear blocks containing LEA genes between P. armeniaca x P. sibirica and Arabidopsis thaliana, with an additional 9 collinear blocks identified between P. armeniaca x P. sibirica and poplar. Examination of gene structure and conserved motifs indicated that these subgroups exhibit consistent exon-intron patterns and shared motifs. The expansion and duplication of LEA genes in P. armeniaca x P. sibirica were driven by whole-genome duplication (WGD), segmental duplication, and tandem duplication events. Expression analysis, utilizing RNA-seq data and quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), indicated induction of PasLEA2-20, PasLEA3-2, PasLEA6-1, Pasdehydrin-3, and Pasdehydrin-5 in flower buds during dormancy and sprouting phases. Coexpression network analysis linked LEA genes with 15 cold-resistance genes. Remarkably, during the four developmental stages of flower buds in P. armeniaca x P. sibirica - physiological dormancy, ecological dormancy, sprouting period, and germination stage - the expression patterns of all PasLEAs coexpressed with cold stress-related genes remained consistent. Protein-protein interaction networks, established using Arabidopsis orthologs, emphasized connections between PasLEA proteins and cold resistance pathways. Overexpression of certain LEA genes in yeast and Arabidopsis conferred advantages under cold stress, including increased pod length, reduced bolting time and flowering time, improved survival and seed setting rates, elevated proline accumulation, and enhanced antioxidative enzymatic activities. Furthermore, these overexpressed plants exhibited upregulation of genes related to flower development and cold resistance. The Y1H assay confirmed that PasGBF4 and PasDOF3.5 act as upstream regulatory factors by binding to the promoter region of PasLEA3-2. PasDOF2.4, PasDnaJ2, and PasAP2 were also found to bind to the promoter of Pasdehydrin-3, regulating the expression levels of downstream genes. This comprehensive study explores the evolutionary relationships among PasLEA genes, protein interactions, and functional analyses during various stages of dormancy and sprouting in P. armeniaca x P. sibirica. It offers potential targets for enhancing cold resistance and manipulating flower bud dormancy in this apricot hybrid.
PMID: 38977045
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1111/tpj.17172
ERD14 regulation by the HY5- or HY5-MED2 module mediates the cold signal transduction of asparagus bean.
College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
Cold stress affects the growth, development, and yield of asparagus bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis). Mediator (MED) complex subunits regulate the cold tolerance of asparagus bean, but the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Here, VunMED2 positively responds to cold stress of asparagus beans. Under cold acclimation and freezing treatment, the survival rate, ROS scavenging activity, and expression levels of VunMED2 were increased in VunMED2 transgenic plants. Natural variation in the promoter of VunMED2 in two different cold-tolerant asparagus beans was observed. Under cold stress, the expression of the GUS reporter gene was higher in cold-tolerant plants than in cold-sensitive plants, and the expression of the GUS reporter gene was tissue-specific. VunHY5 positively influenced the expression of VunMED2 by binding to the E-box motif, and the transcriptional activation of the promoter was stronger in the cold-tolerant variety than in cold-sensitive plants. VunHY5 overexpression improved plant freezing resistance by increasing the antioxidant capacity and expression of dehydrin genes. VunHY5 and VunMED2 play a synergistic role in binding to the G-box/ABRE motif and transcriptionally activating the expression of VunERD14. VunERD14 complemented the med2 mutant, which could positively respond to plant freezing resistance by reducing membrane lipid peroxidation and improving the antioxidant capacity. Therefore, the VunHY5-VunERD14 module and the VunHY5-VunMED2-VunERD14 positive cascade effect are involved in the cold signal transduction in asparagus bean. Our findings have implications for the breeding of asparagus bean varieties with improved cold tolerance.
PMID: 39589925
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2024 Nov , V120 (3) : P1112-1124 doi: 10.1111/tpj.17040
SlBTB19 interacts with SlWRKY2 to suppress cold tolerance in tomato via the CBF pathway.
Department of Horticulture, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China.; Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, 572025, People's Republic of China.; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth and Development, Agricultural Ministry of China, Yuhangtang Road 866, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China.
Cold stress restricts the metabolic and physiological activities of plants, thereby affecting their growth and development. Although broad-complex, tramtrack, and bric-a-brac (BTB) proteins are essential for diverse biological processes and stress responses, the mechanisms underlying BTB-mediated cold responses remain not fully understood. Here, we characterize the function of the cold-induced SlBTB19 protein in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Overexpression of SlBTB19 resulted in increased plant sensitivity to cold stress, whereas SlBTB19 knockout mutants exhibited a cold-tolerance phenotype. Further analyses, including protein-protein interaction studies and cell-free degradation assays, revealed that SlBTB19 interacts with and destabilizes the transcription factor SlWRKY2. Using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) to silence SlWRKY2 in both wild-type and slbtb19 mutants, we provided genetic evidence that SlWRKY2 acts downstream of SlBTB19 in regulating cold tolerance. Importantly, we demonstrated that SlWRKY2 positively regulates cold tolerance in a CRT/DRE binding factor (CBF)-dependent manner. Under cold stress, SlWRKY2 binds to the W-box in the CBF1 and CBF3 promoters, directly activating their expression. In summary, our findings identify a SlBTB19-SlWRKY2 module that negatively regulates the CBF-dependent cold tolerance pathway in tomato.
PMID: 39323012
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2024 Nov , V25 (22) doi: 10.3390/ijms252212324
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) U-Box Gene Family in Response to Abiotic Stresses.
Key Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics and Genetic Breeding of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China.; International Agriculture Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming 650200, China.; National Engineering Research Center for Ornamental Horticulture, Yunnan Flower Breeding Key Laboratory, Flower Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming 650200, China.
E3 ubiquitin ligases known as plant U-box (PUB) proteins regulate a variety of aspects of plant growth, development, and stress response. However, the functions and characteristics of the PUB gene family in alfalfa remain unclear. This work involved a genome-wide examination of the alfalfa U-box E3 ubiquitin ligase gene. In total, 210 members were identified and divided into five categories according to their homology with the members of the U-box gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana. The phylogenetic analysis, conserved motifs, chromosomal localization, promoters, and regulatory networks of this gene were investigated. Chromosomal localization and covariance analyses indicated that the MsPUB genes expanded MsPUB gene family members through gene duplication events during evolution. MsPUB genes may be involved in the light response, phytohormone response, growth, and development of several biological activities, according to cis-acting element analysis of promoters. In addition, transcriptome analysis and expression analysis by qRT-PCR indicated that most MsPUB genes were significantly upregulated under cold stress, drought stress, and salt stress treatments. Among them, MsPUBS106 and MsPUBS185 were significantly and positively correlated with cold resistance in alfalfa. MsPUBS110, MsPUBS067, MsPUBS111 and MsPUB155 were comprehensively involved in drought stress, low temperature, and salt stress resistance. All things considered, these discoveries offer fresh perspectives on the composition, development, and roles of the PUB gene family in alfalfa. They also provide theoretical guidance for further investigations into the mechanisms regulating the development, evolution, and stress tolerance of MsPUB.
PMID: 39596388
Front Plant Sci , IF:5.753 , 2024 , V15 : P1443317 doi: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1443317
Understanding cold stress response mechanisms in plants: an overview.
College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.; The Key Laboratory for Crop Production and Smart Agriculture of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.
Low-temperature stress significantly impacts plant growth, development, yield, and geographical distribution. However, during the long-term process of evolution, plants have evolved complicated mechanisms to resist low-temperature stress. The cold tolerance trait is regulated by multiple pathways, such as the Ca(2+) signaling cascade, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, inducer of CBF expression 1 (ICE1)-C-repeat binding factor (CBF)-cold-reulated gene (COR) transcriptional cascade, reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis regulation, and plant hormone signaling. However, the specific responses of these pathways to cold stress and their interactions are not fully understood. This review summarizes the response mechanisms of plants to cold stress from four aspects, including cold signal perception and transduction, ICE1-CBF-COR transcription cascade regulation, ROS homeostasis regulation and plant hormone signal regulation. It also elucidates the mechanism of cold stress perception and Ca(2+) signal transduction in plants, and proposes the important roles of transcription factors (TFs), post-translational modifications (PTMs), light signals, circadian clock factors, and interaction proteins in the ICE1-CBF-COR transcription cascade. Additionally, we analyze the importance of ROS homeostasis and plant hormone signaling pathways in plant cold stress response, and explore the cross interconnections among the ICE1-CBF-COR cascade, ROS homeostasis, and plant hormone signaling. This comprehensive review enhances our understanding of the mechanism of plant cold tolerance and provides a molecular basis for genetic strategies to improve plant cold tolerance.
PMID: 39568458
Microbiol Res , IF:5.415 , 2024 Dec , V289 : P127908 doi: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127908
The seed endophytic microbe Microbacterium testaceum M15 enhances the cold tolerance and growth of rice (Oryza sativa L.).
Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege, TERRA - Teaching & Research Center, Plant Sciences, Gembloux 5030, Belgium; Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.; Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.; Rice Research Institute, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gongzhuling, Jilin 136100, China.; Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.; Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Sanya Institute, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya 572000, China.; Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege, TERRA - Teaching & Research Center, Plant Sciences, Gembloux 5030, Belgium.; Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China. Electronic address: tianjian@caas.cn.
The potential of seed endophytic microbes to enhance plant growth and resilience is well recognized, yet their role in alleviating cold stress in rice remains underexplored due to the complexity of these microbial communities. In this study, we investigated the diversity of seed endophytic microbes in two rice varieties, the cold-sensitive CB9 and the cold-tolerant JG117. Our results revealed significant differences in the abundance of Microbacteriaceae, with JG117 exhibiting a higher abundance under both cold stress and room temperature conditions compared to CB9. Further analysis led to the identification of a specific cold-tolerant microbe, Microbacterium testaceum M15, in JG117 seeds. M15-inoculated CB9 plants showed enhanced growth and cold tolerance, with a germination rate increase from 40 % to 56.67 % at 14℃ and a survival rate under cold stress (4℃) doubling from 22.67 % to 66.67 %. Additionally, M15 significantly boosted chlorophyll content by over 30 %, increased total protein by 16.31 %, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels by 37.76 %, and increased catalase activity by 26.15 %. Overall, our study highlights the potential of beneficial endophytic microbes like M. testaceum M15 in improving cold tolerance in rice, which could have implications for sustainable agricultural practices and increased crop productivity in cold-prone regions.
PMID: 39321593
Environ Microbiome , IF:5.286 , 2024 Nov , V19 (1) : P82 doi: 10.1186/s40793-024-00614-0
Alpine and subalpine plant microbiome mediated plants adapt to the cold environment: A systematic review.
Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China.; Xinjiang Institute of Chinese and Ethnic Medicine, Urumqi, 830002, People's Republic of China.; Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China. kibchenjuan@126.com.; School of Pharmacy, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People's Republic of China. kibchenjuan@126.com.
With global climate change, ecosystems are affected, some of which are more vulnerable than others, such as alpine ecosystems. Microbes play an important role in environmental change in global ecosystems. Plants and microbes are tightly associated, and symbiotic or commensal microorganisms are crucial for plants to respond to stress, particularly for alpine plants. The current study of alpine and subalpine plant microbiome only stays at the community structure scale, but its ecological function and mechanism to help plants to adapt to the harsh environments have not received enough attention. Therefore, it is essential to systematically understand the structure, functions and mechanisms of the microbial community of alpine and subalpine plants, which will be helpful for the conservation of alpine and subalpine plants using synthetic microbial communities in the future. This review mainly summarizes the research progress of the alpine plant microbiome and its mediating mechanism of plant cold adaptation from the following three perspectives: (1) Microbiome community structure and their unique taxa of alpine and subalpine plants; (2) The role of alpine and subalpine plant microbiome in plant adaptation to cold stress; (3) Mechanisms by which the microbiome of alpine and subalpine plants promotes plant adaptation to low-temperature environments. Finally, we also discussed the future application of high-throughput technologies in the development of microbial communities for alpine and subalpine plants. The existing knowledge could improve our understanding of the important role of microbes in plant adaptation to harsh environments. In addition, perspective further studies on microbes' function confirmation and microbial manipulations in microbiome engineering were also discussed.
PMID: 39487507
Rice (N Y) , IF:4.783 , 2024 Nov , V17 (1) : P69 doi: 10.1186/s12284-024-00744-6
Multifunctional Transcription Factor YABBY6 Regulates Morphogenesis, Drought and Cold Stress Responses in Rice.
School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China.; College of Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang, China.; School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China. libojiang@sdut.edu.cn.; , 266 Xincun West Road, Zibo, 255000, China. libojiang@sdut.edu.cn.; School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China. gaojing@sdut.edu.cn.; , 266 Xincun West Road, Zibo, 255000, China. gaojing@sdut.edu.cn.
The roles of plant-specific transcription factor family YABBY may vary among different members. OsYABBY6 is a rice YABBY gene, whose function is not well elucidated so far. In this paper, we show that OsYABBY6 is a nucleus-localized protein with transcriptional activation activity. OsYABBY6 is predominantly expressed in the palea and lemma, as well as in the sheath, culm and node. OsYABBY6 RNA interference (RNAi) plants exhibited altered plant height and larger grain size. Under cold treatment, OsYABBY6 overexpression (OE) plants had up-regulated expression of cold responsive genes, and accumulated less reactive oxygen species but more proline compared to wild type, resulting in improved cold tolerance. On the other hand, RNAi plants showed enhanced drought tolerance compared to the wild type by slower water loss, less reactive oxygen species but more proline and soluble sugar accumulation. In addition, endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) level was reduced in OsYABBY6 RNAi plants, and RNAi and OE plants were more and less sensitive to ABA treatment, respectively. Accordingly, we deduce that OsYABBY6 positively regulates cold response but negatively regulates drought response through different pathways. Our study reveals the crucial roles of OsYABBY6 in plant architecture and grain development, as well as in abiotic stress response, providing new insights into the functions of YABBYs in rice.
PMID: 39509069
Plant Sci , IF:4.729 , 2024 Dec , V349 : P112260 doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112260
Lack of Arabidopsis chloroplastic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase 1 (G6PD1) affects lipid synthesis during cold stress response.
Università di Napoli ''Federico II'', Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Cinthia, Napoli I-80126, Italy.; Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, Napoli 80078, Italy.; Università di Napoli ''Federico II'', Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Cinthia, Napoli I-80126, Italy; Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, Napoli 80078, Italy.; Università di Napoli ''Federico II'', Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Cinthia, Napoli I-80126, Italy. Electronic address: sergio.esposito@unina.it.
Cold stress represents one of the major constraints for agricultural systems and crops productivity, inducing a wide range of negative effects. Particularly, long-term cold stress affects lipid metabolism, modifying the lipids/proteins ratio, the levels of phospholipids and glycolipids, and increasing lipids' unsaturation in bio-membranes. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) reported prominent roles as NADPH suppliers in response to oxidative perturbations. Cytosolic G6PDH was suggested as the main isoform involved in cold stress response, while a down-regulation of the chloroplastic P1-G6PDH was observed. We thus investigated an Arabidopsis mutant defective for the P1-G6PDH (KO-P1) using integrated approaches to verify a possible role of this isoform in low temperature tolerance. KO-P1 genotype showed an improved tolerance to cold stress, highlighting a better photosynthetic efficiency, a reduction in stress markers content and a different regulation of genes involved in stress response. Intriguingly, the lack of P1-G6PDH induced modification in the levels of the main fatty acid and lipid species affecting the morphology of chloroplasts and mitochondria, which was restored under cold. Globally, these results indicate a priming effect induced by the absence of P1-G6PDH able to improve the tolerance to abiotic stress. Our results suggest novel and specific abilities of P1-G6PDH, highlighting its central role in different aspects of plant physiology and metabolism.
PMID: 39277046
Plant Sci , IF:4.729 , 2024 Nov , V348 : P112237 doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112237
Characterization and fine mapping of cold-inducible parthenocarpy in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).
State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang Campus, Nanjing, 210095, China. Electronic address: 2018204015@njau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang Campus, Nanjing, 210095, China. Electronic address: liji1981@njau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang Campus, Nanjing, 210095, China. Electronic address: 2019204025@njau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang Campus, Nanjing, 210095, China. Electronic address: yuhui_wang@njau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang Campus, Nanjing, 210095, China. Electronic address: chunyancheng@njau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang Campus, Nanjing, 210095, China. Electronic address: qzzhao@njau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang Campus, Nanjing, 210095, China. Electronic address: jfchen@njau.edu.cn.
Cold stress detrimentally influences fruit development, leading to a substantial yield reduction in many fruit-bearing vegetables. Cucumber, a vegetable of subtropical origin, is especially sensitive to cold. Cold-inducible parthenocarpy (CIP) promises fruit yield under cold conditions. Previously, we identified a CIP line EC5 in cucumber, which showed strong parthenocarpy and sustained fruit growth under cold conditions (16 degrees C day/10 degrees C night). However, the candidate gene and genetic mechanism underlying CIP in cucumber remain unknown. In this study, both BSA-seq and conventional QTL mapping strategies were employed on F(2) populations to delve into the genetic control of CIP. A single QTL, CIP5.1, was consistently mapped across two winter seasons in 2021 and 2022. Fine mapping delimited the CIP locus into a 38.3 kb region on chromosome 5, harboring 8 candidate genes. Among these candidates, CsAGL11 (CsaV3_5G040370) was identified, exhibiting multiple deletions/insertions in the promoter and 5'UTR region. The CsAGL11 gene encodes a MADS-box transcription factor protein, which is homologous to the genes previously recognized as negative regulators in ovule and fruit development of Arabidopsis and tomato. Correspondingly, cold treatment resulted in decreased expression of CsAGL11 during the early developmental stage of the fruit in EC5. A promoter activity assay confirmed promoter polymorphisms leading to weak transcriptional activation of CsAGL11 under cold conditions. This study deepens our understanding of the genetic characteristics of CIP and elucidates the potential role of the CsAGL11 gene in developing cucumber cultivars with enhanced fruiting under cold conditions.
PMID: 39182620
Plant Cell Rep , IF:4.57 , 2024 Nov , V43 (12) : P297 doi: 10.1007/s00299-024-03382-w
Ectopic expression of HvbHLH132 from hulless barley reduces cold tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana.
State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China.; Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Qinghai Key Laboratory of Hulless Barley Genetics and Breeding, Laboratory for Research and Utilization of Qinghai Tibet Plateau Germplasm Resources, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China.; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China.; State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China. 15251892177@163.com.; Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Qinghai Key Laboratory of Hulless Barley Genetics and Breeding, Laboratory for Research and Utilization of Qinghai Tibet Plateau Germplasm Resources, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China. 15251892177@163.com.
Overexpression of HvbHLH132 from hulless barley impairs in chilling and freezing tolerance at the seedlings stage in Arabidopsis thaliana The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TF) are ubiquitously existed in eukaryote and play crucial roles in numerous biological processes. However, the characterization of their members and functions in hulless barley remains limited. Here, we conducted a genome-wide identification of the HvbHLH gene family and assessed the role of HvbHLH132 in cold stress tolerance. We identified 141 HvbHLH genes, which were categorized into twelve subfamilies. Subcellular localization predictions indicated that the majority of HvbHLH proteins were localized in the nucleus. cis-Acting element analysis revealed that the promoter regions of the HvbHLH family contain diverse elements associated with various biological processes. Expression profiling of the 141 HvbHLH genes in two extreme varieties revealed that HvbHLH132 was significantly induced and exhibited substantial differential expression under cold stress. Analyses of subcellular localization and transactivation activity confirmed that HvbHLH132 specifically localized in the nucleus and contributed to transcriptional activation. Furthermore, overexpression of HvbHLH132 in Arabidopsis resulted in impaired chilling and freezing tolerance at the seedling stage, leading to biochemical changes unfavorable for freezing stress. Additionally, the expression of some cold-responsive genes (COR) genes was significantly less induced compared to wild type under freezing stress. This study provides comprehensive insight into the HvbHLH gene family and reveals a critical role of HvbHLH132 in regulating cold tolerance in plants.
PMID: 39585367
Plant Cell Rep , IF:4.57 , 2024 Nov , V43 (12) : P279 doi: 10.1007/s00299-024-03332-6
Hydrogen peroxide mediates melatonin-induced chilling tolerance in cucumber seedlings.
Key Laboratory of Horticultural Crop Biology and Germplasm Innovation in Huanghuai Region of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Ministry, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Crop Biology and Germplasm Innovation in Huanghuai Region of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Ministry, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China. bhg163@163.com.; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Crop Biology and Germplasm Innovation in Huanghuai Region of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Ministry, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China. axz@sdau.edu.cn.
MT mitigates chilling damage by enhancing antioxidant system and photosystem activities, and cold-responsive genes expression in cucumbers. H(2)O(2) may act as a downstream signaling molecule in the MT-induced chilling tolerance. Melatonin (MT) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) are important endogenous signaling molecules that play multifaceted roles in plant responses to abiotic stress. However, the interactive mechanism by which MT and H(2)O(2) regulate chilling tolerance remains unclear. Here we found that MT exhibited a positive regulatory effect on the chilling tolerance of cucumbers, with an optimum concentration of 100 microM. MT markedly enhanced RBOH1 mRNA expression, activity and endogenous H(2)O(2) accumulation in cucumber seedlings. However, 1.0 mM H(2)O(2) had no significant effect on mRNA levels of TDC and ASMT, the key genes for MT synthesis, and endogenous MT content. Both MT and H(2)O(2) significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), electrolyte leakage (EL) and chilling injury index (CI) by activating the antioxidant system, thereby alleviating chilling damage in cucumber seedlings. MT and H(2)O(2) improved photosynthetic carbon assimilation, which was primarily attributed to an increase in activity, mRNA expression, and protein levels of RuBPCase and RCA. Meanwhile, MT and H(2)O(2) induced the photoprotection for both PSII and PSI by enhancing the QA's electron transport capacity and elevating protein levels of the photosystems. Moreover, MT and H(2)O(2) significantly upregulated the expression of cold response genes. MT-induced chilling tolerance was attenuated by N', N'-dimethylthiourea (DMTU), a H(2)O(2) specific scavenger. Whereas, the MT synthesis inhibitor (p-chlorophenylalanine, p-CPA) did not influence H(2)O(2)-induced chilling tolerance. The positive regulation of MT on the antioxidant system, photosynthesis and cold response gene levels were significantly attenuated in RBOH1-RNAi plants compared with WT plants. These findings suggest that H(2)O(2) may functions as a downstream signaling molecule in MT-induced chilling tolerance in cucumber plants.
PMID: 39537999
Physiol Plant , IF:4.5 , 2024 Nov-Dec , V176 (6) : Pe14628 doi: 10.1111/ppl.14628
CmPYL7 positively regulates the cold tolerance via interacting with CmPP2C24-like in oriental melon.
Vegetable Research Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China.; Flower Research Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China.; Institute of Agricultural Quality Standards and Testing Technology, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China.
Pyrabactin or Actin Resistance1/PYR1-Like/Regulatory Components of abscisic acid (ABA) Receptors (PYR/PYL/RCARs, referred to as PYLs) are direct receptors of ABA that function pivotally in the ABA-signaling pathway. Previously, we discovered that CmPYL7 was strongly upregulated by cold stress in oriental melon (Cucumis melo). In this study, we demonstrated that CmPYL7 was strongly induced by cold treatment (Cold), Cold+ABA, and Cold+fluridone (Flu, an ABA inhibitor) treatments, while the expression level of CmPYL7 under Cold+Flu is lower than that of cold treatment. Silencing CmPYL7 in oriental melon seedlings significantly decreased cold tolerance due to the reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD); catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)] and the accumulation of H(2)O(2), accompanied by higher electrolyte leakage and MDA content, but lower proline and soluble sugar content. In contrast, overexpressing CmPYL7 in Arabidopsis plants significantly increased cold tolerance owing to the enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and APX) and limited H(2)O(2), accompanied by lower electrolyte leakage and MDA content, but higher proline and soluble sugar contents. CmPYL7 was found to interact with CmPP2C24-like in vivo and in vitro, whose expression is downregulated under cold stress. Furthermore, silenced CmPP2C24-like in oriental melon plants significantly increased cold tolerance, exhibiting lower electrolyte leakage and MDA content and higher proline and soluble sugar contents. The activities of SOD, CAT, and APX were further enhanced and contents of H(2)O(2) were significantly limited from increasing in TRV-CmPP2C24-like seedlings. These results demonstrated that CmPYL7 functions positively in the ABA-signaling pathway to regulate cold tolerance by interacting with CmPP2C24-like protein.
PMID: 39563615
Physiol Plant , IF:4.5 , 2024 Nov-Dec , V176 (6) : Pe14607 doi: 10.1111/ppl.14607
Physiological and transcriptomic characterization of cold acclimation in endodormant grapevine under different temperature regimes.
School of Integrative Plant Science, Horticulture Section, Cornell University-Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY, USA.; Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
It is essential for the survival of grapevines in cool climate viticultural regions where vines properly acclimate in late fall and early winter and develop freezing tolerance. Climate change-associated abnormities in temperature during the dormant season, including oscillations between prolonged warmth in late fall and extreme cold in midwinter, impact cold acclimation and threaten the sustainability of the grape and wine industry. We conducted two experiments in controlled environment to investigate the impacts of different temperature regimes on cold acclimation ability in endodormant grapevine buds through a combination of freezing tolerance-based physiological and RNA-seq-based transcriptomic monitoring. Results show that exposure to a constant temperature, whether warm (22 and 11 degrees C), moderate (7 degrees C), or cool (4 and 2 degrees C) was insufficient for triggering cold acclimation and increasing freezing tolerance in dormant buds. However, when the same buds were exposed to temperature cycling (7+/-5 degrees C), acclimation occurred, and freezing tolerance was increased by 5 degrees C. We characterized the transcriptomic response of endodormant buds to high and low temperatures and temperature cycling and identified new potential roles for the ethylene pathway, starch and sugar metabolism, phenylpropanoid regulation, and protein metabolism in the genetic control of endodormancy maintenance. Despite clear evidence of temperature-responsive transcription in endodormant buds, our current understanding of the genetic control of cold acclimation remains a challenge when generalizing across grapevine tissues and phenological stages.
PMID: 39489599
Sci Rep , IF:4.379 , 2024 Nov , V14 (1) : P28446 doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-79950-7
Genome-wide identification of CRF gene family members in four rice subspecies and expression analysis of OsCRF members in response to cold stress at seedling stage.
Institute of Crop Cultivation and Tillage, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, 150028, China.; Heilongjiang Rice Quality Improvement and Genetic Breeding Engineering Research Center, Harbin, 150086, China.; Northeast of National Center of Technology Innovation for Saline-Alkali Tolerant Rice, Harbin, 150086, China.; Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, 150086, China.; Branch of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qiqihar, 161005, China.; Institute of Crop Cultivation and Tillage, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, 150028, China. sunshichen1979@163.com.; Heilongjiang Rice Quality Improvement and Genetic Breeding Engineering Research Center, Harbin, 150086, China. sunshichen1979@163.com.; Northeast of National Center of Technology Innovation for Saline-Alkali Tolerant Rice, Harbin, 150086, China. sunshichen1979@163.com.
Cytokinin Response Factors (CRFs) play a crucial role in plant growth and development, hormone signaling, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, there have been no reports on CRF genes in rice until now. We analyzed the CRF families in four rice subspecies: cultivated rice Oryza sativa Japonica Group, Oryza sativa Indica Group, and Oryza sativa (circum-Aus1 var. N22), as well as wild rice Oryza rufipogon. We identified 7, 6, 6, and 7 CRF in their genomes, respectively, distributed across different chromosomes. The protein motifs and gene structures of CRF in these four types of rice show high conservation. Cis-regulatory element analysis revealed that the promoter regions of the CRF contain numerous hormone and stress-related elements. The number of CRF in these four types of rice is not influenced by gene duplication. The expression pattern showed that OsCRF exhibit significant tissue-specific expression. The qRT-PCR results showed that OsCRF strongly responded to low-temperature stress and can be induced by melatonin and cytokinin to increase expression levels. In addition, the nuclear localisation of OsCRF4/5 was confirmed to be as predicted. The results above will provide a foundation for further and deeper investigation of CRFs.
PMID: 39557893
Sci Rep , IF:4.379 , 2024 Nov , V14 (1) : P26627 doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-77962-x
Genome-wide analysis of the PYL gene family and identification of PYL genes that respond to cold stress in Triticum monococcum L. Subsp. Aegilopoides.
Sichuan Oil Cinnamon Engineering Technology Research Center, Yibin, 644000, Sichuan, China.; Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, 644000, Sichuan, China.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Chengdu, China.; Sichuan Oil Cinnamon Engineering Technology Research Center, Yibin, 644000, Sichuan, China. 1026057174@qq.com.; Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, 644000, Sichuan, China. 1026057174@qq.com.
Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key plant hormone that regulates plant growth and response to stress . Pyrabactin resistance 1-like (PYR/PYL) proteins are ABA receptors involved in the initial steps of ABA signaling. Triticum monococcum L. subsp. aegilopoides is an important germplasm resource for wheat. In this study, we identified 15 PYL genes from T. monococcum L. subsp. aegilopoides and found that they were distributed across five chromosomes. Based on phylogenetic analysis, we classified these genes into three subfamilies. Members of each subfamily have similar gene structures and contain a common motif. Further analysis revealed that the promoters have multiple hormone-related elements. We found 7, 33, and 49 collinear gene pairs in three different ploidy wheat species (T. urartu, T. turgidum and T. aestivum), indicating that PYL genes are relatively conserved during the process of wheat polyploidization. Additionally, interaction networks and miRNA targets were predicted, revealing interactions between PYL proteins and key components of the abscisic acid signaling network. miR9666b-3p may serve as a central factor in PYL involvement in the abscisic acid network. Through RNA-seq analysis and qPCR validation, three genes (TbPYL2, TbPYL5, and TbPYL12) were found to potentially play a role in cold stress. These findings lay the groundwork for further research on PYL genes in T. monococcum L. subsp. aegilopoides.
PMID: 39496812
Sci Rep , IF:4.379 , 2024 Nov , V14 (1) : P26711 doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-78121-y
An ABA biosynthesis enzyme gene OsNCED4 regulates NaCl and cold stress tolerance in rice.
School of Biological Science and Agriculture, Qiannan Normal University for Nationalities, Duyun, 558000, China. xzp0906@126.com.; College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.; School of Biological Science and Agriculture, Qiannan Normal University for Nationalities, Duyun, 558000, China.
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is susceptible to various abiotic stresses, such as salt, cold, and drought. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore the relevant genes that enhance tolerance to these stresses. In this study, we identified a gene, OsNCED4 (9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 4), which regulates tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses. OsNCED4 encodes a chloroplast-localized abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthetic enzyme. The expression of OsNCED4 gene was significantly induced by 150 mM NaCl and cold stress. Disruption of OsNCED4 by CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis resulted in significant sensitivity to NaCl and cold stress. The salt and cold sensitivity of osnced4 mutant was due to the reduction of ABA content and the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under stress. Moreover, OsNCED4 also regulates drought stress tolerance of rice seedlings. Taken together, these results indicate that OsNCED4 is a new regulator for multiple abiotic stress tolerance in rice, and provided a potential target gene for enhancing multiple stress tolerance in the future.
PMID: 39496751
Sci Rep , IF:4.379 , 2024 Nov , V14 (1) : P28620 doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-80143-5
CsWRKY29, a key transcription factor in tea plant for freezing tolerance, ABA sensitivity, and sugar metabolism.
College of Tea Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.; Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.; College of Tea Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China. xzhuang@gzu.edu.cn.; Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China. xzhuang@gzu.edu.cn.; College of Tea Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China. yczhao@gzu.edu.cn.; Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China. yczhao@gzu.edu.cn.
Tea plants (Camellia sinensis L.) are prone to spring frosts, leading to substantial economic damage. WRKY transcription factors are key in plant abiotic stress responses, yet the role of CsWRKY29 in freezing tolerance is unclear. In this study, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and transient green fluorescent protein assay revealed that CsWRKY29 localizes to the nucleus and its expression is induced by cold and abscisic acid (ABA). CsWRKY29 overexpression in Arabidopsis enhanced freezing tolerance, reduced electrolyte leakage, increased soluble sugars, and boosted superoxide dismutase activity, with upregulated COR genes. These lines also showed heightened ABA and glucose sensitivity. Cold treatment of CsWRKY29-overexpressing lines upregulated AtABI5, AtHXK1, and AtSUS4 compared to wild type, and yeast one-hybrid assays confirmed CsWRKY29 binding to the W-box in the CsABI5 promoter. Furthermore, the application of virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technology to reduce CsWRKY29 expression in tea plants revealed a significant decrease in the transcript levels of CsCBFs, CsABI5, CsHXK1, and CsSUS4 in the silenced plants. In summary, our findings indicate that CsWRKY29 may serve as a critical transcription factor that contributes to freezing tolerance, ABA responsiveness, and sugar metabolism within tea plants.
PMID: 39562785
Sci Rep , IF:4.379 , 2024 Nov , V14 (1) : P26301 doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-77397-4
Comprehensive evaluation of freezing tolerance in prickly ash and its correlation with ecological and geographical origin factors.
College of Smart Agriculture/Institute of Special Plants, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, 402160, China.; Geological Team 607, Chongqing Geological and Mineral Exploration and Development Bureau, Chongqing, 401300, China.; College of Smart Agriculture/Institute of Special Plants, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, 402160, China. liqiangxj@163.com.; College of Smart Agriculture/Institute of Special Plants, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, 402160, China. chenzexiong1979@163.com.
Low temperatures are a key factor affecting the growth, development, and geographical distribution of prickly ash. This study investigated the impact of ecological and geographical factors on the freezing tolerance of prickly ash germplasm. Thirty-seven germplasm samples from 18 different origins were collected, and their freezing tolerance was comprehensively evaluated. The correlation between freezing tolerance and the ecological and geographical factors of their origins was also analyzed. Significant differences in freezing tolerance were observed among germplasm from different origins. The semi-lethal temperature of the germplasm ranged from - 12.37 to 1.08 degrees C. As temperatures decreased, the relative conductivity (REC) and catalase (CAT) activity of the germplasm gradually increased, while soluble sugar (SS), soluble protein (SP), free proline (Pro), and Peroxidase (POD) activities decreased and then increased. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity initially increased and then decreased. A comprehensive evaluation of freezing tolerance was conducted using a logistic equation, membership function, and cluster analysis. Germplasm from Tongchuan and Hancheng (Shaanxi Province, China), Asakura (Japan), and Yuncheng (Shanxi Province, China) exhibited the highest freezing tolerance, whereas those from Rongchang (Chongqing Municipality, China), Qujing (Yunnan Province, China), and Honghe (Yunnan Province, China) had the lowest. The correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between freezing tolerance and latitude, and a significant negative correlation with the temperature of origin. Germplasm from higher latitudes showed higher SS content, SOD and CAT activities, stronger antioxidant enzyme activity, and better freezing tolerance compared to those from lower latitudes. REC was lower in germplasm originating from low-temperature areas than in those from high-temperature areas. Additionally, SP, Pro content, SOD, and POD activities were higher, indicating effective scavenging of active oxygen free radicals. No significant correlation was found between altitude and longitude of origin and freezing tolerance. However, at similar latitudes, prickly ash from higher altitudes displayed higher antioxidant enzyme activity and stronger freezing tolerance compared to those from lower altitudes. These findings provide a scientific basis for breeding prickly ash cultivars suited to different ecological regions.
PMID: 39487305
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2024 Nov , V218 : P109320 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109320
Gene expression modules during the emergence stage of upland cotton under low-temperature stress and identification of the GhSPX9 cold-tolerance gene.
State Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, 455000, China.; State Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, 455000, China. Electronic address: wxx1991@126.com.; State Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, 455000, China. Electronic address: maxf_caas@163.com.
Cotton originates from tropical and subtropical regions, and low temperatures are one of the main stress factors restricting its growth, particularly during the seedling stage. However, the mechanism of cold resistance is complex, and the research on gene expression modules under low temperatures during the seedling emergence stage of cotton remains unexplored, and identified vital cold-tolerant genes remain scarce. Here, we revealed the dynamic changes of differentially expressed genes during seed germination under cold stress through transcriptome analysis, with 5140 genes stably differentiating across more than five time points, among which 2826 genes are up-regulated, and 2314 genes are down-regulated. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of transcriptome profiles revealed three major cold-responsive modules and identified 98 essential node genes potentially involved in cold response. Genome-wide association analysis further confirmed that the hub gene GhSPX9 is crucial for cold tolerance. Virus-induced gene silencing in cotton demonstrated that GhSPX9 is a positive regulator of cold tolerance in cotton, with interference in its expression significantly enhancing sensitivity to cold stress in germination and seedlings. These results can be applied to identify cold tolerance loci and genes in cotton, promoting research into cold tolerance mechanisms.
PMID: 39579718
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 , V216 : P109168 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109168
gamma-aminobutyric acid contributes to a novel long-distance signaling in figleaf gourd rootstock-induced cold tolerance of grafted cucumber seedlings.
College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China.; College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China.; College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China. Electronic address: piao1203@henau.edu.cn.; College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China. Electronic address: guozhixin666@henau.edu.cn.
Long-distance signals play a vital role in plant stress response. gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been proposed to be a signal and protects crops against diverse stresses. However, whether GABA acts as a long-distance signal to plant response to stresses remains unknown. Here, we found that the GABA content in cucurbita rootstocks, especially figleaf gourd, was significantly higher than that in cucumber. Figleaf gourd rootstock obviously enhanced cold tolerance and GABA accumulation in roots, xylem sap and leaves of grafting cucumber seedlings. Conversely, GABA synthesis inhibitor 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA) irrigation was more effective than its foliar application in inhibiting grafting-induced cold tolerance. Moreover, fluorescence microscopy confirmed that GABA can be transported from root to shoot through the xylem when the roots of grafted seedlings were fed with fluorescein isothiocyatate-labeled GABA under normal and cold stress conditions. Importantly, 3-MPA irrigation attenuated grafting-induced cold tolerance, as revealed by a decline in the GABA accumulation, the transcripts of ICE1, CBF1 and COR47, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes, and an increase in stomatal aperture. Collectively, our findings strongly support that GABA functions as a novel long-distance signal in figleaf gourd rootstock-induced cold tolerance of grafted cucumber seedlings by modulating CBF-signalling pathways, antioxidant system and stomatal aperture, providing new evidence for long-distance signaling-mediated cold response of plants.
PMID: 39366198
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2024 Nov , V216 : P109096 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109096
Involvement of epigenetic factors in flavonoid accumulation during plant cold adaptation.
Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 159 Stoletija Str., Vladivostok, 690022, Russia; Institute of Automation and Control Processes, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 5 Radio Str., Vladivostok, 690041, Russia. Electronic address: bulgakov@biosoil.ru.; Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 159 Stoletija Str., Vladivostok, 690022, Russia; Institute of Automation and Control Processes, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 5 Radio Str., Vladivostok, 690041, Russia.; Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 159 Stoletija Str., Vladivostok, 690022, Russia.
Plant responses to cold stress include either induction of flavonoid biosynthesis as part of defense responses or initially elevated levels of these substances to mitigate sudden temperature fluctuations. The role of chromatin modifying factors and, in general, epigenetic variability in these processes is not entirely clear. In this work, we review the literature to establish the relationship between flavonoids, cold and chromatin modifications. We demonstrate the relationship between cold acclimation and flavonoid accumulation, and then describe the cold adaptation signaling pathways and their relationship with chromatin modifying factors. Particular attention was paid to the cold signaling module OST1-HOS1-ICE1 and the novel function of the E3 ubiquitin protein ligase HOS1 (a protein involved in chromatin modification during cold stress) in flavonoid regulation.
PMID: 39250844
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2024 Nov , V216 : P109152 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109152
CfSGR1 and CfSGR2 from Cryptomeria fortunei exhibit contrasting responses to hormones and abiotic stress in transgenic Arabidopsis.
State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China; National Forestry and Grassland Administration Engineering Research Center for Osmanthus Fragrans, Osmanthus Innovation Center of National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China. Electronic address: ytzhang0308@163.com.; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China. Electronic address: wgq99526@163.com.; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China. Electronic address: xjinyu@njfu.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China. Electronic address: xjinhsh@njfu.edu.cn.
Stay-green (SGR) genes are pivotal regulatory genes in the context of plant chlorophyll metabolism, but few studies on SGR homologues in Cryptomeria fortunei have been previously reported. We cloned two CfSGR genes and overexpressed them in Arabidopsis to explore their functions. Full-length CfSGR1 and CfSGR2 are 1265 and 1197 bp, encompassing open reading frames (ORFs) encoding 274 and 276 amino acids, respectively. SGRs exhibited high conservation in higher plants, and phylogenetic analysis indicated that SGRs from monocots and gymnosperms cluster in a clade. The proteins localized to chloroplasts and showed no transcriptional activity in yeast cells. The CfSGR gene expressions were induced by abiotic stresses and hormones. Under conditions of darkness, abscisic acid (ABA), salt, drought, or freezing stress, CfSGR2-transgenic Arabidopsis exhibited a delay in leaf yellowing compared to the WT, which was attributed to increased chlorophyll content and enhanced photosynthetic capacity. These transgenic plants exhibited improved resistance to stress via upregulated expression of resistance-related genes, increased antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage rate. In contrast, CfSGR1-transgenic plants may accelerate leaf yellowing and exhibit reduced stress resistance. Our findings highlight potential divergence in the functions of CfSGR genes concerning plant growth and development and responses to abiotic stresses or hormones, providing a scientific foundation for future breeding of stress-resistant C. fortunei cultivars.
PMID: 39423720
BMC Plant Biol , IF:4.215 , 2024 Nov , V24 (1) : P1114 doi: 10.1186/s12870-024-05818-7
Enhanced HSP70 binding to m(6)A-methylated RNAs facilitates cold stress adaptation in mango seedlings.
College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524088, China.; College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524088, China. mingming.chen@gdou.edu.cn.; Shenzhen Research Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518108, China. mingming.chen@gdou.edu.cn.
BACKGROUND: Cold stress poses a serious challenge to tropical fruit production, particularly in mango. N(6)-methyladenosine (m(6)A) modifications are key regulators of gene expression, enabling plants to respond to stress responses, enhance adaptation and improve resilience to environmental challenges. RESULTS: In our study, transcriptome-wide m(6)A methylation profiling under cold stress identified 6,499 differentially methylated m(6)A peaks and 2,164 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in mango seedlings. Among these genes, six exhibited both significant increases in m(6)A modification levels and gene expression, 21 showed a significant increase in m(6)A levels but a concurrent downregulation of gene expression, and 26 showed reduced m(6)A levels but exhibited increased gene expression, highlighting distinct regulatory patterns in m(6)A-mediated gene expression control. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed significant involvement in pathways such as potassium ion import, nitrate response, and transcription regulation. Notably, HSP70 was one of the upregulated genes in response to cold stress. RNA immunoprecipitation (RNA-IP) assays confirmed the association of HSP70 with m(6)A-modified RNAs in vivo, supporting its role in regulating stress-responsive transcripts. Additionally, immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated the formation of HSP70 condensates in plant cells under cold stress, indicating a potential mechanism for localized RNA stabilization. Fluorescence polarization assays demonstrated that HSP70 binds preferentially to m(6)A-modified RNAs, suggesting its role in forming protective condensates under cold conditions. This interaction between m(6)A modification and HSP70 points to a potential mechanism that helps stabilize stress-responsive transcripts, contributing to the plant's enhanced cold tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: m(6)A modifications play a vital role in regulating gene expression under cold stress, offering new insights into mango's stress responses and potential breeding strategies for cold tolerance.
PMID: 39578738
BMC Plant Biol , IF:4.215 , 2024 Nov , V24 (1) : P1090 doi: 10.1186/s12870-024-05808-9
Disruption of the OsWRKY71 transcription factor gene results in early rice seed germination under normal and cold stress conditions.
School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154-4004, USA.; School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154-4004, USA. jeffery.shen@unlv.edu.
BACKGROUND: Early seed germination in crops can confer a competitive advantage against weeds and reduce the time to maturation and harvest. WRKY transcription factors regulate many aspects of plant development including seed dormancy and germination. Both positive and negative regulators of seed germination have been reported in many plants such as rice and Arabidopsis. Using a transient expression system, we previously demonstrated that OsWRKY71 is a negative regulator of gibberellin (GA) signaling in aleurone cells and likely forms a "repressosome" complex with other transcriptional repressors. Hence, it has the potential to impact seed germination properties. RESULTS: In this study, we demonstrate that OsWRKY71, a Group IIa WRKY gene, appeared at the same time as seed-bearing plants. Rice mutants lacking OsWRKY71 have seeds and embryos that germinate earlier than wildtype controls. In oswrky71 aleurone layers, alpha-amylase activity was hypersensitive to stimulation by GA(3) and hyposensitive to inhibition by abscisic acid (ABA). Early germination in oswrky71 intact seeds was also hyposensitive to ABA. Transcriptomic profiling during embryo germination and early post-germination growth demonstrates that OsWRKY71 influences the expression of 9-17% of genes in dry and imbibing embryos. Compared to wildtype embryos, the mutant transcriptomes have large temporal shifts at 4, 8 and 12 h after imbibition (HAI). Importantly, many genes involved in the ABA-dependent inhibition of seed germination were downregulated in oswrky71-1. This mutant also displayed altered expression of multiple ABA receptors (OsPYLs/RCARs) that control ABA signaling and the VP1-SDR4-DOG1L branch of ABA signaling that promotes seed dormancy. Association studies reveal an OsWRKY71-containing quantitative trait locus involved in low-temperature seed germinability, qLTG-2. Indeed, oswrky71 seeds germinated early at 15 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS: Rice Group-IIa WRKY transcription factor OsWRKY71 is a master regulator of germination that influences the expression of 9-17% of genes in dry and imbibing embryos. It is also most likely the primary candidate of low-temperature seed germinability QTL, qLTG-2. We propose that knockouts of OsWRKY71 can generate rice varieties with improved germination properties under normal or low-temperature conditions.
PMID: 39551730
Tree Physiol , IF:4.196 , 2024 Nov doi: 10.1093/treephys/tpae149
CsCBF2 contributes to cold repression of chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis in albino Camellia sinensis cv. Baiye 1.
State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China.; Summit Angeltea Company, Anji, 42200, Zhejiang, China.
C-repeat binding factors (CBFs) play a pivotal role in regulating cold response in higher plants. Camellia sinensis cv. Baiye 1, a representative albino tea cultivar, has been identified as temperature-sensitive based on long-term observations by tea farmers. However, it remains unclear whether CsCBFs are involved in temperature-mediated albinism and seasonal greening in 'Baiye 1', and the mechanisms by which CBFs regulate cold responses in albino leaves are unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that CsCBF2 suppresses the seasonal greening of albino leaves by inhibiting chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis under cold stress. In tea plantations, the accumulation of chlorophylls and carotenoids in the albino shoots of 'Baiye 1' is closely correlated with the effective accumulated temperature during its seasonal greening process. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis revealed negative associations between CsCBF expression and chlorophylls, carotenoids, as well as their biosynthetic genes REVEILLE 1 (CsRVE1) and Zeaxanthin epoxidase 1 (CsZEP1) under temperature fluctuations during seasonal greening. Cold-induced upregulation of CsCBF2 expression and decreased chlorophylls and carotenoids under controlled climate conditions. Transient suppression of CsCBF2 by antisense oligodeoxynucleotide elevated expressions of target genes, and increased chlorophylls and carotenoids. CBF-binding cis-elements were identified in CsRVE1, Protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase A (CsPORA), and CsZEP1 promoters. Luciferase assays suggested CsCBF2 binding to the CRT/DRE cis-elements and repressing expression of CsRVE1, CsPORA, and CsZEP1. These findings highlight CsCBF2 as a key transcriptional repressor involved in the seasonal greening of albino 'Baiye 1' under cold stress, by modulating cold responses and inhibiting genes associated with chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis.
PMID: 39566078
Tree Physiol , IF:4.196 , 2024 Nov , V44 (11) doi: 10.1093/treephys/tpae132
Seasonal changes in hydraulic functions of eight temperate tree species: divergent responses to freeze-thaw cycles in spring and autumn.
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 723 Xingke Road, Guangzhou 510650, China.; Center for Ecological Research, College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, 26 Hexing Road, Harbin 150040, China.; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, 26 Hexing Road, Harbin 150040, China.
Freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) are the major seasonal environment stress in the temperate and boreal forests, inducing hydraulic dysfunction and limiting tree growth and distribution. There are two types of FTCs in the field: FTCs with increasing temperature from winter to spring (spring FTCs); and FTCs with decreasing temperature from autumn to winter (autumn FTCs). While previous studies have evaluated the hydraulic function during the growing season, its seasonal changes and how it adapts to different types of FTCs remain unverified. To fill this knowledge gap, the eight tree species from three wood types (ring- and diffuse-porous, tracheid) were selected in a temperate forest undergoing seasonal FTCs. We measured the branch hydraulic traits in spring, summer, autumn, and early, middle and late winter. Ring-porous trees always showed low native hydraulic conductance (Kbranch), and high percentage loss of maximum Kbranch (PLCB) and water potential that loss of 50% maximum Kbranch (P50B) in non-growing seasons (except summer). Kbranch decreased, and PLCB and P50B increased in diffuse-porous trees after several spring FTCs. In tracheid trees, Kbranch decreased after spring FTCs while the P50B did not change. All sampled trees gradually recovered their hydraulic functions from spring to summer. Kbranch, PLCB and P50B of diffuse-porous and tracheid trees were relatively constant after autumn FTCs, indicating almost no effect of autumn FTCs on hydraulic functions. These results suggested that hydraulic functions of temperate trees showed significant seasonal changes, and spring FTCs induced more hydraulic damage (except ring-porous trees) than autumn FTCs, which should be determined by the number of FTCs and trees' vitality before FTCs. These findings advance our understanding of seasonal changes in hydraulic functions and how they cope with different types of FTC in temperate forests.
PMID: 39394964
Planta , IF:4.116 , 2024 Nov , V261 (1) : P2 doi: 10.1007/s00425-024-04578-w
Engineering cold resilience: implementing gene editing tools for plant cold stress tolerance.
Division of Biotechnology, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176061, India.; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.; Division of Biotechnology, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176061, India. joshirohit6@gmail.com.; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India. joshirohit6@gmail.com.
This paper highlights the need for innovative approaches to enhance cold tolerance. It underscores how genome-editing tools can deepen our understanding of genes involved in cold stress. Cold stress is a significant abiotic factor in high-altitude regions, adversely affecting plant growth and limiting crop productivity. Plants have evolved various mechanisms in response to low temperatures that enable resistance at both physiological and molecular levels during chilling and freezing stress. Several cold-inducible genes have been isolated and characterized, with most playing key roles in providing tolerance against low-temperature stress. However, many plants fail to survive at low temperatures due to the absence of cold acclimatization mechanisms. Conventional breeding techniques, such as inter-specific or inter-genic hybridization, have had limited effectiveness in enhancing the cold resistance of essential crops. Thus, it is crucial to develop crops with improved adaptability, high yields and resistance to cold stress using advanced genomic approaches. The current availability of gene editing tools offers the opportunity to introduce targeted modifications in plant genomes efficiently, thereby developing cold-tolerant varieties. This review discusses advancements in gene editing tools, including zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)/Cas12a(Cpf1), prime editing (PE) and retron library recombineering (RLR). We focus specifically on the CRISPR/Cas system, which has garnered significant attention in recent years as a groundbreaking tool for genome editing across various species. These techniques will enhance our understanding of molecular interactions under low-temperature stress response and highlight the progress of genome editing in designing future climate-resilient crops.
PMID: 39579237
Planta , IF:4.116 , 2024 Nov , V260 (6) : P134 doi: 10.1007/s00425-024-04567-z
Molecular identification and expression patterns of sweet cherry HIPPs and functional analysis of PavHIPP16 in cold stress.
Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China.; Institute of Pomology Science, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang, 550006, People's Republic of China.; Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China. gqiao@gzu.edu.cn.
The HIPP proteins are involved in low-temperature stress, the growth of sweet cherry, and may be potential targets for genetic improvement. PavHIPP16 improved cold resistance in Arabidopsis. In response to abiotic stressors, the heavy metal-associated isoprenylated plant protein (HIPP) proteins play a crucial regulatory role. Although the function of HIPP has been identified in some plants, there have been fewer systematic studies conducted on sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.). Therefore, we performed a comprehensive analysis and expression profiling of PavHIPPs using bioinformatics, RT-PCR, and qRT-PCR techniques. Our findings revealed that 28 PavHIPP genes were unevenly distributed across eight chromosomes. We predicted nine motifs in PavHIPP proteins and observed similar gene structures among highly homologous proteins. The promoter sequences of PavHIPPs contained numerous regulatory elements associated with an adversity of stress. The expression levels of some members showed varying degrees of change under low-temperature treatment. These genes were differentially expressed during flower and fruit development. Arabidopsis overexpressing the PavHIPP16 (OE) gene showed significantly lower relative conductivity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content compared with the wild-type (WT) plants under cold environment. Conversely, peroxidase (POD) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and proline content were significantly higher in OE Arabidopsis than in WT plants. Overall, our results suggest that PavHIPP16 OE Arabidopsis thaliana exhibited enhanced adaptability compared to WT plants under cold conditions. This study provides a foundation for future investigations of the pathways regulating sweet cherry growth and development mediated by the HIPP genes.
PMID: 39505755
Genes (Basel) , IF:4.096 , 2024 Nov , V15 (11) doi: 10.3390/genes15111443
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of TCP Genes in Eight Prunus Species and Their Expression Patterns Under Cold Stress in P. tenella var. tenella.
Institute of Marine Science and technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266215, China.; College of Landscape Architecture and Forestry, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.; Research Institute of Non-Timber Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Zhengzhou 450014, China.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Teosinte branched1/Cycloidea/Proliferating cell nuclear antigen factors (TCPs) are plant-specific transcription factors involved in leaf development, flowering, branching, hormone signaling, and stress responses. Prunus a key temperate fruit tree with ornamental spring blooms, still lacks comprehensive TCP gene studies across many species. METHODS: We identified 154 TCP genes in eight Prunus species: 19 in Prunus tenella var. tenella, 19 in P. amygdalus, 17 in P. armeniaca 'Rojo Pasion', 19 in P. mira, 20 in P. jamasakura var. jamasakura, 19 in P. fruticosa, 19 in P. mume var. tortuosa, and 22 in P. x yedoensis 'Somei-yoshino'. These genes were classified into PCF, CIN, and CYC/TB1 groups. We examined segmental duplication, conserved motifs, and cis-acting elements. Expression patterns of 12 TCPs in P. tenella var. tenella were tested under low-temperature stress (25 degrees C, 5 degrees C, -5 degrees C, and -10 degrees C), and PtTCP9's subcellular localization was determined. RESULTS: TCP genes within the same groups showed similar motifs and cis-acting elements. Cold stress analysis identified multiple low-temperature-responsive elements in gene promoters. Four genes (PtTCP2, PtTCP6, PtTCP14, and PtTCP16) increased expression under cold stress, while six genes (PtTCP1, PtTCP5, PtTCP8, PtTCP9, PtTCP17, and PtTCP19) decreased. PtTCP9 was localized to the nucleus. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first genome-wide study of the TCP gene family in these eight Prunus species, providing valuable insights into the characteristics and functions of TCP genes within this important genus.
PMID: 39596643
Res Microbiol , IF:3.992 , 2024 Nov-Dec , V175 (8) : P104230 doi: 10.1016/j.resmic.2024.104230
Effect of gamma irradiation on the proteogenome of cold-acclimated Kocuria rhizophila PT10.
National Agronomy Institute (INAT), Avenue Charles Nicolle, 1082, Tunis, Mahrajene, Tunisia; Laboratory "Energy and Matter for Development of Nuclear Sciences" (LR16CNSTN02), National Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technology (CNSTN), Sidi Thabet Technopark, 2020, Tunisia. Electronic address: guesmisihem152@gmail.com.; Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and Biostatistics - LR16IPT09, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, 13, Place Pasteur, Tunis, 1002, Tunisia. Electronic address: kais.ghedira@pasteur.tn.; Univ Lyon, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Ecologie Microbienne, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France; CNRS, UMR 5557, Ecologie Microbienne, 69622 Villeurbanne, Cedex, INRA, UMR1418, Villeurbanne, France. Electronic address: petar.pujic@univ-lyon1.fr.; Universite de Tunis El Manar, Faculte des Sciences de Tunis, LR03ES03 Microorganismes et Biomolecules Actives, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia. Electronic address: najjariafef@gmail.com.; Universite Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Departement Medicaments et Technologies pour la Sante (DMTS), SPI, F-30200, Bagnols sur Ceze, France. Electronic address: guylaine.miotello@cea.fr.; Univ. Manouba, ISBST, BVBGR-LR11ES31, Biotechpole Sidi Thabet, 2020, Ariana, Tunisia. Electronic address: ameur.cherif@uma.tn.; Radiation Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Toyo University, 48-1 Oka, Asaka, Saitama, 351-8510, Japan. Electronic address: narumi@toyo.jp.; Universite Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Departement Medicaments et Technologies pour la Sante (DMTS), SPI, F-30200, Bagnols sur Ceze, France. Electronic address: jean.armengaud@cea.fr.; Univ Lyon, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Ecologie Microbienne, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France; CNRS, UMR 5557, Ecologie Microbienne, 69622 Villeurbanne, Cedex, INRA, UMR1418, Villeurbanne, France. Electronic address: philippe.normand@univ-lyon1.fr.; Laboratory "Energy and Matter for Development of Nuclear Sciences" (LR16CNSTN02), National Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technology (CNSTN), Sidi Thabet Technopark, 2020, Tunisia; Univ. Manouba, ISBST, BVBGR-LR11ES31, Biotechpole Sidi Thabet, 2020, Ariana, Tunisia. Electronic address: haitham.sghaier@cnstn.rnrt.tn.
The effects of ionizing radiation (IR) on the protein dynamics of cold-stressed cells of a radioresistant actinobacterium, Kocuria rhizophila PT10, isolated from the rhizosphere of the desert plant Panicum turgidum were investigated using a shotgun methodology based on nanoflow liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Overall, 1487 proteins were certified, and their abundances were compared between the irradiated condition and control. IR of cold-acclimated PT10 triggered the over-abundance of proteins involved in (1) a strong transcriptional regulation, (2) amidation of peptidoglycan and preservation of cell envelope integrity, (3) detoxification of reactive electrophiles and regulation of the redox status of proteins, (4) base excision repair and prevention of mutagenesis and (5) the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and production of fatty acids. Also, one of the more significant findings to emerge from this study is the SOS response of stressed PT10. Moreover, a comparison of top hits radio-modulated proteins of cold-acclimated PT10 with proteomics data from gamma-irradiated Deinococcus deserti showed that stressed PT10 has a specific response characterised by a high over-abundance of NemA, GatD, and UdgB.
PMID: 39089347
Biochim Biophys Acta Bioenerg , IF:3.991 , 2024 Nov , V1865 (4) : P149490 doi: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2024.149490
Photo-oxidative damage of photosystem I by repetitive flashes and chilling stress in cucumber leaves.
Universite Paris-Saclay, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; Graduate School for Agricultural Science, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan.; Universite Paris-Saclay, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France.; Graduate School for Agricultural Science, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan.; Universite Paris-Saclay, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France. Electronic address: anja.liszkay@i2bc.paris-saclay.fr.
Photosystem I (PSI) is an essential protein complex for oxygenic photosynthesis and is also known to be an important source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the light. When ROS are generated within PSI, the photosystem can be damaged. The so-called PSI photoinhibition is a lethal event for oxygenic phototrophs, and it is prevented by keeping the reaction center chlorophyll (P700) oxidized in excess light conditions. Whereas regulatory mechanisms for controlling P700 oxidation have been discovered already, the molecular mechanism of PSI photoinhibition is still unclear. Here, we characterized the damage mechanism of PSI photoinhibition by in vitro transient absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy in isolated PSI from cucumber leaves that had been subjected to photoinhibition treatment. Photodamage to PSI was induced by two different light treatments: 1. continuous illumination with high light at low (chilling) temperature (C/LT) and 2. repetitive flashes at room temperature (F/RT). These samples were compared to samples that had been illuminated with high light at room temperature (C/RT). The [FeS] clusters F(X) and (F(A) F(B)) were destructed in C/LT but not in F/RT. Transient absorption spectroscopy indicated that half of the charge separation was impaired in F/RT, however, low-temperature EPR revealed the light-induced F(X) signal at a similar size as in the case of C/RT. This indicates that the two branches of electron transfer in PSI were affected differently. Electron transfer at the A-branch was inhibited in F/RT and also partially in C/LT, while the B-branch remained active.
PMID: 38960078
BMC Genomics , IF:3.969 , 2024 Nov , V25 (1) : P1143 doi: 10.1186/s12864-024-11014-6
In silico analysis of L- and G-type lectin receptor kinases in tomato: evolution, diversity, and abiotic responses.
Department of Biotechnology, Africa City of Technology (ACT), Khartoum, Sudan.; Data Science Program, King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, Riyadh, 11481, Saudi Arabia.; Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan.; Medicinal, Aromatic Plants and Traditional Medicine Research Institute (MAPTRI), National Center for Research, Mek Nimr Street, Khartoum, Sudan.; Department of Biotechnology, Africa City of Technology (ACT), Khartoum, Sudan. ehkonozy@yahoo.com.; Biomedical and Clinical Research Centre, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana. ehkonozy@yahoo.com.
Solanum lycopersicum (family: Solanaceae) is a crucial crop and model organism for many phenotypic traits, and its sequenced genome provides valuable insights into plant biology and crop improvement. This study investigated lectin receptor-like kinases (LecRLKs) in tomato, focusing on L-type and G-type families. Mining the tomato genome (ITAG2.4) revealed 161 putative lectin genes across seven families, with GNA-related genes being the most abundant. Gene duplication analysis indicated that tandem and segmental duplications were the primary mechanisms driving LecRLK gene family expansion, particularly for G-type LecRLKs. These duplicated genes showed evidence of both purifying and negative selection, suggesting functional conservation and sub-functionalization. L-type and G-type LecRLKs exhibited diverse domain rearrangement architectures and subcellular localizations, with G-type LecRLKs showing greater expansion and architectural diversity. Differential expression analysis during abiotic stress (drought, heat, and cold stress) revealed key responsive genes. During drought stress, 63.2% of L-type and 18.5% of G-type LecRLK genes were expressed, with L-type Solyc09g005000.1 and G-type Solyc03g078360.1 genes showing significant 2-fold upregulation. Heat stress (42 degrees C) induced the upregulation of L-type Solyc04g071000.1 and G-type Solyc03g078360.1 and Solyc04g008400.1, particularly after 12-24 h of exposure. Promoter analysis revealed numerous stress-related cis-elements. Transcription factor predictions and miRNA targeting sites suggest complex regulatory mechanisms. This comprehensive in silico characterization of tomato LecRLKs, including their expansion patterns and evolutionary pressures, provides insights into their potential roles in abiotic stress responses and lays the groundwork for enhancing crop resilience through targeted breeding or genetic engineering approaches.
PMID: 39604848
BMC Genomics , IF:3.969 , 2024 Nov , V25 (1) : P1138 doi: 10.1186/s12864-024-11065-9
Genome-wide analysis of fatty acid desaturase genes in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) reveal their important roles in abiotic stresses responses.
Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Bamboo Pests Control and Resource Development, Leshan Normal University, Leshan, China.; College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.; College of Tourism and Geographical Science, Leshan Normal University, Leshan, China.; College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China. drxueyufei@qq.com.
BACKGROUND: Bamboo is an important nontimber forestry product worldwide, while growth, development and geographic distribution of bamboo are often affected by abiotic stresses. Fatty acid desaturases have important roles in regulating plant abiotic stress tolerance, especially low-temperature. However, there is no report on genome-wide of FAD genes in bamboo under abiotic stresses. RESULTS: A toltal of 43 PeFAD genes were identified in moso bamboo genome, which were unevenly located in 17 scaffolds. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that PeFAD genes were divided into 6 groups and ADS/FAD5 group was absence in momo bamboo, and gene structure and histidine-motifs remained highly conserved in each group. The expansion of PeFAD genes was mainly caused by tandem and segmental duplications of SAD/FAB2 group. We also identified 59 types of miRNAs targeting PeFAD genes. RNA-seq data indicated that PeFAD genes were transcribed in various organs/tissues with different degrees, and responded to abiotic stresses and hormone treatments, including cold, salt, drought, SA, ABA, BR, NAA and GA. Co-expression analysis under cold stress showed that PeCBF3 might directly bind the promoter of top cold-responsive PeSLD1 gene that contained LTR cis-element and DRE core element. The qRT-PCR assay also validated the expression pattern of PeSLD1 and its upstream regulatory gene PeCBF3. CONCLUSION: In this study, we performed comprehensive genome-wide survey of PeFAD genes in moso bamboo and analyzed their expression patterns in various tissues and organs, and under abiotic stresses and phytohormones treatment. The qRT-PCR assay validated the cold inducibility of PeSLD1 and PeCBF3. This work showed critical roles of PeFAD genes in abiotic stresses responses. This is the first report on genome-wide analysis of PeFAD genes in moso bamboo, which will provide critical gene resources for molecular breeding of stress-toleranct moso bamboo.
PMID: 39587486
BMC Genomics , IF:3.969 , 2024 Nov , V25 (1) : P1040 doi: 10.1186/s12864-024-10959-y
New insights into the evolution analysis of trihelix gene family in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and expression analysis under abiotic stress.
Vegetable Germplasm Innovation and Variety Improvement Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Horticulture Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610066, China.; Sichuan Province Engineering Technology Research Center of Vegetables, Chengdu, 611934, China.; Vegetable Germplasm Innovation and Variety Improvement Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Horticulture Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610066, China. saasfangchao@163.com.; Sichuan Province Engineering Technology Research Center of Vegetables, Chengdu, 611934, China. saasfangchao@163.com.; Vegetable Germplasm Innovation and Variety Improvement Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Horticulture Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610066, China. cp215@163.com.; Sichuan Province Engineering Technology Research Center of Vegetables, Chengdu, 611934, China. cp215@163.com.
BACKGROUND: Trihliex transcription factors (TFs) play crucial roles in plant growth and development, stress response, and plant hormone signaling network transmission. In order to comprehensively investigate the functions of trihliex genes in eggplant development and the abiotic stress response, we conducted an extensive analysis of the trihliex gene family in the eggplant genome. RESULTS: In this study, 30 trihelix gene family members were unevenly distributed on 12 chromosomes. On the basis of their phylogenetic relationships, these genes were conserved in different plant species and could be divided into six subfamilies, with trihelix genes within the same subfamily sharing similar structures. The promoter regions of trihelix genes contained cis-acting elements related to plant growth and development, plant hormones, and abiotic stress responses, suggesting potential applications in the development of more resistant crops. Selective pressure assessments indicated that trihliex genes have undergone purifying selection pressure. Expression analysis on the basis of transcriptomic profiles revealed that SmGT18, SmGT29, SmGT6, and SmGT28 are highly expressed in roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits, respectively. Expression analysis via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT‒PCR) revealed that most trihelix genes respond to low temperature, abscisic acid (ABA), and salicylic acid (SA), with SmGT29 exhibiting significant upregulation under cold stress conditions. The SmGT29 gene was subsequently successfully cloned from eggplant, which was located in the nucleus, robust transcriptional activity, and a protein molecular weight of 74.59 kDa. On the basis of these findings, SmGT29 was postulated to be a pivotal candidate gene that actively responds to biotic stress stimuli, thereby supporting the plant's innate stress resistance mechanisms. CONCLUSION: In summary, this study was the first report on trihelix genes and their potential roles in eggplant plants. These results provided valuable insights for enhancing stress resistance and quality traits in eggplant breeding, thereby serving as a crucial reference for future improvement efforts.
PMID: 39501159
BMC Genomics , IF:3.969 , 2024 Nov , V25 (1) : P1032 doi: 10.1186/s12864-024-10704-5
Genome wide identification and characterization of Bax inhibitor-1 gene family in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) under biotic and abiotic stress.
Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, P.O BOX. 54000, Lahore, Pakistan.; Seed Center and Plant Genetic Resources Bank, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Riyadh, 14712, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.; Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, P.O BOX. 54590, Lahore, Pakistan.; School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.; Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, P.O BOX. 54590, Lahore, Pakistan. shafiq.iags@pu.edu.pk.; Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, P.O BOX. 54590, Lahore, Pakistan.; Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, P.O BOX. 54590, Lahore, Pakistan. javariatabassum.pbg@pu.edu.pk.; Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, P.O BOX. 54590, Lahore, Pakistan. chairman.pbg@pu.edu.pk.
In plants, the BAX inhibitor-1 (BI-1) gene plays a crucial part in controlling cell death under stress conditions. This mechanism of Programmed Cell Death (PCD) is genetically regulated and is crucial for the elimination of unwanted or damaged cells in a controlled manner, which is essential for normal development and tissue maintenance. A study on cucumber identified and characterized five BI-1 genes: CsBI1, CsBI2, CsBI3, CsBI4, and CsBI5. These genes share conserved domains, indicating common evolutionary history and function. Physicochemical analysis revealed their molecular weights and isoelectric points, while subcellular localization showed their presence in different cellular compartments. The phylogenetic analysis highlighted evolutionary relationships with related crops. Chromosomal distribution and synteny analysis suggested segmental or tandem duplications within the gene family. Protein-protein interaction analysis revealed extensive interactions with other cucumber proteins. Cis-regulatory elements in the promoter regions provided insights into potential functions and transcriptional regulation. miRNAs showed diverse regulatory mechanisms, including mRNA cleavage and translational inhibition. The CsBI3, CsBI4 and CsBI5 genes exhibit elevated expression levels during cold stress, suggesting their vital involvement in cucumber plant defense mechanisms. The application of chitosan oligosaccharides externally confirms their distinct expression patterns. The qRT-PCR confirms the upregulation of CsBI genes in ToLCNDV-infected plants, indicating their potential to mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses. The comprehensive genome-wide exploration provides opportunities for the development of cold-tolerant and virus-resistant cucumber variants by traditional breeding or gene.
PMID: 39497028
BMC Genomics , IF:3.969 , 2024 Nov , V25 (1) : P1042 doi: 10.1186/s12864-024-10939-2
Integrative multi-omics analysis of chilling stress in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata).
College of Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China. lifengmei@qust.edu.cn.; College of Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China.; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brine Chemical Engineering and Resource Eco-utilization, College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, China.; Qingdao Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China. cuijian0217@163.com.
BACKGROUND: Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) is an important vegetable crop that often suffers from low-temperature stress during growth. However, the molecular mechanism involved in its response to chilling stress remains unknown. In this study, we comprehensively investigated the effect of chilling stress in pumpkin seedlings by conducting physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses. RESULTS: Under chilling stress, there was an overall increase in relative electrical conductivity, along with malondialdehyde, soluble sugar, and soluble protein contents, but decreased superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities and chlorophyll contents in seedling leaves compared with controls. Overall, 5,780 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 178 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified under chilling stress. Most DEGs were involved in plant hormone signal transduction and the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, and ERF, bHLH, WRKY, MYB, and HSF transcription factors were induced. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the contents of salicylic acid (SA), phenylalanine, and tyrosine increased in response to chilling stress. The findings indicated that the SA signaling and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways are key to regulating the responses to chilling stress in pumpkins. CONCLUSION: Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the comprehensive response of C. moschata to chilling stress, enriching the theoretical basis of this mechanism and facilitating the development of molecular breeding strategies for pumpkin tolerance to chilling stress.
PMID: 39501146
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2024 Nov , V13 (22) doi: 10.3390/plants13223176
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiling Analysis of the Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter Gene Family Under Abiotic Stresses in Medicago sativa.
Crop Stress Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China.; Grassland Science Laboratory, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China.; Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Chinese Education Ministry, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
The mitochondrial calcium uniporters (MCUs) are a family of calcium unidirectional transporters important for cytoplasmic Ca(2+) signals. Though the MCU proteins in several plant species have been investigated, genome-wide analysis of MCUs in alfalfa is lacking. Here, via genome-wide analysis, a total of 5, 20, and 6 MCU genes were identified in three different alfalfa cultivars, namely Medicago truncatula Jemalong A17, Medicago sativa XinJiangDaYe, and M. sativa Zhongmu No. 1, respectively. They were further phylogenetically classified into three subfamilies. Most MCU genes have only one intron, and gene duplication events of MCU genes were observed within each alfalfa accession and between different accessions. All alfalfa MCU proteins contained a highly conserved MCU domain and 10 conserved motifs, featuring two transmembrane domains and a DI/VME motif. According to the tissue expression data of M. sativa Zhongmu No. 1, MsMCU6.2 was the most abundant transcript with the highest expression in the leaf, and MsMCU5 and MsMCU1.2 showed higher expression levels in the stem than other tissues. We analyzed the expression profiles of five MCU genes (MsMCU1.1/1.2/5/6.1/6.2) under salt, drought, and cold stresses via qRT-PCR assays. All five MCU genes were induced by drought stress, except MsMCU5, whose expression was up-regulated by salt stress, while cold stress slightly altered MsMCU expression. Nine potential interacting proteins and three miRNAs targeting MtMCUs were predicted. These results provide detailed knowledge of alfalfa MCU genes and suggest their potential functions in abiotic stress response.
PMID: 39599385
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2024 Nov , V13 (22) doi: 10.3390/plants13223127
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Genes Responsive to Three Low-Temperature Treatments in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Laboratorio de Biotecnologia Molecular de Plantas, Division de Biologia Molecular, Instituto Potosino de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica, A. C., San Luis Potosi, S.L.P. 78216, Mexico.; Coordinacion Academica Region Altiplano Oeste, Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi, Salinas de Hidalgo 78600, Mexico.; Laboratorio de Bioinformatica e Inteligencia Artificial, CONAHCyT-Centro Nacional de Supercomputo, Instituto Potosino de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica, A.C., San Luis Potosi, S.L.P. 78216, Mexico.
Cold stress impedes the growth and development of plants, restricts the geographical distribution of plant species, and impacts crop productivity. In this study, we analyzed the Arabidopsis thaliana transcriptome to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in 14-day-old plantlets exposed to temperatures of 0 degrees C, 4 degrees C, and 10 degrees C for 24 h, compared to the 22 degrees C control group. Among the top 50 cold-induced genes at each temperature, we identified 31 genes that were common across all three low temperatures, with nine genes common to 0-4 degrees C, eight genes to 4-10 degrees C, and two genes to 0-10 degrees C. Using q-RTPCR, we analyzed selected genes at 24, 48, and 72 h under the three low temperatures. Our data revealed that genes, such as galactinol synthase 3 (Gols3, At1g09350), CIR1 (At5g37260), DnaJ (At1g71000), and At5g05220 (unknown function), exhibited the highest expressions at 0 degrees C and 4 degrees C throughout all time points. We also studied genes from the UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT78) family, including At5g17030 (D3), At5g17040 (D4), At5g17050 (D2), and At1g30530 (D1), which showed increased expression at low temperatures compared to plantlets at 22 degrees C for 24 h. Gene ontology analysis revealed that DEGs highly enriched were found in biological processes such as "RNA secondary structure unwinding" and "rRNA processing" induced at the three low temperatures, whereas processes related to photosynthesis were repressed. Our findings indicated upregulation in the expression of four RNA helicases (RH13, RH48, RH32, and RH29), belonging to the "RNA secondary structure unwinding" category, mainly at 0 degrees C and 4 degrees C. This study provides valuable information on the molecular mechanisms that activate Arabidopsis thaliana in its early response to these three low temperatures.
PMID: 39599336
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2024 Nov , V13 (22) doi: 10.3390/plants13223126
Overexpression of the Kiwifruit Transcription Factor AaMYB44 Decreases the Cold Tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana.
College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China.; National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450009, China.; Zhongyuan Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xinxiang 453500, China.
Cold stress is one of the main abiotic stresses that affect the development and growth of kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta). Herein, we analyzed the transcriptomic data of A. arguta dormant shoots in response to low-temperature treatment, identified 52 MYB genes, and constructed a phylogenetic tree based on the encoded protein sequences. Then, the effect of one MYB gene on cold tolerance was analyzed. This gene had an open reading frame of 837 bp long and encoded 279 amino acids. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed that this gene belongs to the R2R3-MYB family and was named AaMYB44 based on its homology to other MYB family members. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that AaMYB44 expression was significantly induced by low temperatures but exhibited the opposite trend in cold-tolerant genotypes. Subcellular localization assays revealed the nuclear localization of the AaMYB44 protein. Furthermore, AaMYB44 was transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana) via inflorescence infection, and physiological and biochemical tests revealed that the cold resistance and antioxidant capacity of the transgenic A. thaliana were lower than those of wild-type plants. Overall, AaMYB44 might play a negative regulatory role in response to cold stress, providing new insight into the mechanism of cold tolerance.
PMID: 39599335
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2024 Nov , V13 (21) doi: 10.3390/plants13213092
Expression Profiling Analysis of the SWEET Gene Family in In Vitro Pitaya Under Low-Temperature Stress and Study of Its Cold Resistance Mechanism.
Fruit Science Institute, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350013, China.; Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Conservation in Southwest China, National Forest and Grassland Administration, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China.
Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) fruit is an attractive, nutrient-rich tropical fruit with commercial value. However, low-temperature stress severely affects the yield and quality of pitaya. The relevant mechanisms involved in the response of pitaya to low-temperature stress remain unclear. To study whether the SWEET gene family mediates the response of H. undatus to low-temperature stress and the related mechanisms, we performed genome-wide identification of the SWEET gene family in pitaya, and we used 'Baiyulong' tissue-cultured plantlets as material in the present study. We identified 28 members of the SWEET gene family from the H. undatus genome and divided these family members into four groups. Members of this gene family presented some differences in the sequences of introns and exons, but the gene structure, especially the motifs, presented relatively conserved characteristics. The promoter regions of most HuSWEETs have multiple stress- or hormone-related cis-elements. Three duplicated gene pairs were identified, including one tandem duplication gene and two fragment duplication gene pairs. The results revealed that the SWEET genes may regulate the transport and distribution of soluble sugars in plants; indirectly regulate the enzyme activities of CAT, POD, and T-SOD through its expression products; and are involved in the response of pitaya to low-temperature stress and play vital roles in this process. After ABA and MeJA treatment, the expression of HuSWEETs changed significantly, and the cold stress was also alleviated. This study elucidated the molecular mechanism and physiological changes in the SWEET gene in sugar metabolism and distribution of pitaya when it experiences low-temperature stress and provided a theoretical basis for cold-resistant pitaya variety breeding.
PMID: 39520008
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2024 Nov , V13 (21) doi: 10.3390/plants13213109
Construction of Freezing Injury Grade Index for Nanfeng Tangerine Plants Based on Physiological and Biochemical Parameters.
Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Horticultural Crops (Fruit, Vegetable & Tea) Breeding, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanchang 330200, China.; Nanchang Key Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Fruit and Tea, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanchang 330200, China.; Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
Low-temperature freezing stress constitutes the most significant meteorological disaster during the overwintering period in the Nanfeng Tangerine (NT) production area, severely impacting the normal growth and development of the plants. Currently, the accuracy of meteorological disaster warnings and forecasts for NT orchards remains suboptimal, primarily due to the absence of quantitative meteorological indicators for low-temperature freezing stress. Therefore, this study employed NT plants as experimental subjects and conducted controlled treatment experiments under varying intensities of low-temperature freezing stress (0 degrees C, -2 degrees C, -5 degrees C, -7 degrees C, and -9 degrees C) and durations (1 h, 4 h, and 7 h). Subsequently, physiological and biochemical parameters were measured, including photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, reactive oxygen species, osmoregulatory substances, and antioxidant enzyme activities in NT plants. The results demonstrated that low-temperature freezing stress adversely affected the photosynthetic system of NT plants, disrupted the dynamic equilibrium of the antioxidant system, and compromised cellular stability. The severity of freezing damage increased with decreasing temperature and prolonged exposure. Chlorophyll (a/b) ratio (Chl (a/b)), maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (F(v)/F(m)), soluble sugar, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were identified as key indicators for assessing physiological and biochemical changes in NT plants. Utilizing these four parameters, a comprehensive score (CS) model of freezing damage was developed to quantitatively evaluate the growth status of NT plants across varying low-temperature freezing damage gradients and durations. Subsequently, the freezing damage grade index for NT plants during the overwintering period was established. Specifically, Level 1 for CS
PMID: 39520027
Plant Biol (Stuttg) , IF:3.081 , 2024 Oct doi: 10.1111/plb.13727
Metabolite analysis of peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) branches in response to freezing stress.
Changli Research Institute of Fruit Trees, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Hebei, China.
Cold resistance in fruit trees has a direct impact on food production and scientific studies. 'Donghe No.1' is an excellent cold-tolerant peach variety. Metabolomic changes under freezing stress were examined to understand the mechanisms of cold adaptation. The UPLC-MS/MS system was used to identify differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in branches of 'Donghe No.1' under freezing stress for 12 h at -5 degrees C, -20 degrees C, -25 degrees C, or -30 degrees C. In total, 1096 metabolites and 196 DEMs were obtained at -5 degrees C vs -20 degrees C, -25 degrees C, and - 30 degrees C, while 179 DEMs and eight shared DEMs obtained at -5 degrees C vs -20 degrees C, -20 degrees C vs -25 degrees C, and -25 degrees C vs -30 degrees C. KEGG enrichment identified 196 DEMs associated with amino acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis under freezing stress. A metabolic network in 1-year-old peach branches under freezing stress is proposed. Moreover, these results enhance understanding of metabolite responses and mechanisms to freezing stress in peach and will help in future breeding of freezing-tolerant varieties and investigating tolerance mechanisms.
PMID: 39476336
Plant Direct , IF:3.038 , 2024 Nov , V8 (11) : Pe70020 doi: 10.1002/pld3.70020
Cycling DOF factor mediated seasonal regulation of sexual reproduction and cold response is not conserved in Physcomitrium patens.
Biology Department Kenyon College Gambier Ohio USA.
Many land plants have evolved such that the transition from vegetative to reproductive development is synchronized with environmental cues. Examples of reproduction in response to seasonal cues can be found in both vascular and nonvascular species; however, most of our understanding of the molecular events controlling this timing has been worked out in angiosperm model systems. While the organism-level mechanisms of sexual reproduction vary dramatically between vascular and nonvascular plants, phylogenetic and transcriptomic evidence suggest paralogs in nonvascular plants may have conserved function with their vascular counterparts. Given that Physcomitrium patens undergoes sexual reproductive development in response to photoperiodic and cold temperature cues, it is well-suited for studying evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of seasonal control of reproduction. Thus, we used publicly available microarray data to identify genes differentially expressed in response to temperature cues. We identified two CDF-like (CDL) genes in the P. patens genome that are the most like the angiosperm Arabidopsis thaliana CDFs based on conservation of protein motifs and diurnal expression patterns. In angiosperms, DNA-One Finger Transcription Factors (DOFs) play an important role in regulating photoperiodic flowering, regulating physiological changes in response to seasonal temperature changes, and mediating the cold stress response. We created knockout mutations and tested their impact on sexual reproduction and response to cold stress. Unexpectedly, the timing of sexual reproduction in the ppcdl-double mutants did not differ significantly from wild type, suggesting that the PpCDLs are not necessary for seasonal regulation of this developmental transition. We also found that there was no change in expression of downstream cold-regulated genes in response to cold stress and no change in freezing tolerance in the knockout mutant plants. Finally, we observed no interaction between PpCDLs and the partial homologs of FKF1, an A. thaliana repressor of CDFs. This is different from what is observed in angiosperms, which suggests that the functions of CDF proteins in angiosperms are not conserved in P. patens.
PMID: 39600727
Plant Direct , IF:3.038 , 2024 Nov , V8 (11) : Pe70011 doi: 10.1002/pld3.70011
A strategy for identification and characterization of genic mutations using a temperature-sensitive chlorotic soybean mutant as an example.
Department of Biological, Ecological, and Earth Science University of South Carolina Aiken Aiken South Carolina USA.; Department of Agronomy and Horticulture University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln Nebraska USA.; The School of Plant Sciences University of Arizona Tucson Arizona USA.; Plant Science and Technology University of Missouri Columbia Missouri USA.; Donald Danforth Plant Science Center St. Louis Missouri USA.; USDA-ARS Plant Genetics Research Unit Danforth Plant Science Center Saint Louis Missouri USA.; Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics & Genomics and Department of Crop and Soil Sciences University of Georgia Athens Georgia USA.; Bayer Crop Science St. Louis Missouri USA.; Department of Agriculture, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences University of Nevada Reno Nevada USA.
Screening a transposon-mutagenized soybean population led to the discovery of a recessively inherited chlorotic phenotype. This "y24" phenotype results in smaller stature, weaker stems, and a smaller root system. Genome sequencing identified 15 candidate genes with mutations likely to result in a loss of function. Amplicon sequencing of a segregating population was then used to narrow the list to a single candidate mutation, a single-base change in Glyma.07G102300 that disrupts splicing of the second intron. Single cell transcriptomic profiling indicates that this gene is expressed primarily in mesophyll cells, and RNA sequencing data indicate that it is upregulated in germinating seedlings by cold stress. Previous studies have shown that mutations to Os05g34040, the rice ortholog of Glyma.07G102300, produced a chlorotic phenotype that was more pronounced in cool temperatures. Growing soybean y24 mutants at lower temperatures also resulted in a more severe phenotype. In addition, transgenic expression of wild-type Glyma.07G102300 in the knockout mutant of the Arabidopsis ortholog At4930720 rescues the chlorotic phenotype, further supporting the hypothesis that the mutation in Glyma.07G102300 is causal of the y24 phenotype. The variant analysis strategy used to identify the genes underlying this phenotype provides a template for the study of other soybean mutants.
PMID: 39513014
PeerJ , IF:2.984 , 2024 , V12 : Pe18431 doi: 10.7717/peerj.18431
Identification of common and specific cold resistance pathways from cold tolerant and non-cold tolerant mango varieties.
Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biology for Mango, College of Agriculture and Food Engineering, Baise University, Baise, China.; Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, China.; Department of Biosciences and Technology, Emerson University, Multan, Pakistan.
Mango has frequently encountered severe climate and environmental challenges such as low temperatures, seriously affecting the sustainable development of the industry. In the study, physiological measurements showed that the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) were found to be higher in Jinhuang (JH) mango plants than those of Tainong (TN) mango plants under cold stress, indicating cold tolerant (JH) and non-cold tolerant (TN) mango varieties were firstly determined. Subsequently, transcriptomics showed 8,337 and 7,996 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were respectively identified in JH and TN mango varieties treated at 4 degrees C for 36 h, while more DEGs (10,683 and 10,723) were screened when treated at 4 degrees C for 72 h. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) of the selected DEGs confirmed their transcriptional levels displayed agreement to the transcriptome data. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses showed two primary cold resistant regulation pathways, photosynthesis-antenna proteins pathway and photosynthesis pathway, were both significant annotated in the two mango varieties, indicating share the common regulation mechanism response to cold stress. However, five specific cold resistant pathways, such as amino acid and carbohydrate metabolisms, were identified in JH mango variety with cold stress for longer duration, indicating the specific regulation pathways in the cold tolerant mango varieties. Furthermore, 43 ethylene-responsive transcription factors (ERFs) were significantly annotated in JH mango after cold-treated for 72 h comparing with the control group, and three of them ERF109-1, ERF017-1 and ERF017-2 were highly expressed, which may play important regulatory roles in plant cold resistance. These results provided insights into the primary and specific molecular mechanisms of different mango varieties resistance to chill.
PMID: 39494304
Plant Signal Behav , IF:2.247 , 2024 Dec , V19 (1) : P2389496 doi: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2389496
Requirement of two simultaneous environmental signals for activation of Arabidopsis ELIP2 promoter in response to high light, cold, and UV-B stresses.
The United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.; Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.; Experimental Plant Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.; RIKEN CSRS, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Japan.
Arabidopsis EARLY LIGH-INDUCIBLE PROTEIN 2 (ELIP2) is a chlorophyll- and carotenoid-binding protein and is involved in photoprotection under stress conditions. Because its expression is induced through high light, cold, or UV-B stressors, its mechanism of induction has been studied. It is known that a functional unit found in the promoter, which is composed of Element B and Element A, is required and sufficient for full activation by these stressors. In this study, the role of each element in the unit was analyzed by introducing weak mutations in each element as synthetic promoters in addition to intensive repeat constructs of each single element. The results suggest that a stressor like cold stress generates two parallel signals in plant cells, and they merge at the promoter region for the activation of ELIP2 expression, which constitutes an "AND" gate and has a potential to realize strong response with high specificity by an environmental trigger.
PMID: 39132719
Plant Signal Behav , IF:2.247 , 2024 Dec , V19 (1) : P2362518 doi: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2362518
Exploring cotton SFR2's conundrum in response to cold stress.
Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA.; United States Department of Agriculture, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
Cotton is an important agricultural crop to many regions across the globe but is sensitive to low-temperature exposure. The activity of the enzyme SENSITIVE TO FREEZING 2 (SFR2) improves cold tolerance of plants and produces trigalactosylsyldiacylglycerol (TGDG), but its role in cold sensitive plants, such as cotton remains unknown. Recently, it was reported that cotton SFR2 produced very little TGDG under normal and cold conditions. Here, we investigate cotton SFR2 activation and TGDG production. Using multiple approaches in the native system and transformation into Arabidopsis thaliana, as well as heterologous yeast expression, we provide evidence that cotton SFR2 activates differently than previously found among other plant species. We conclude with the hypothesis that SFR2 in cotton is not activated in a similar manner regarding acidification or freezing like Arabidopsis and that other regions of SFR2 protein are critical for activation of the enzyme than previously reported.
PMID: 38836385
Plant Signal Behav , IF:2.247 , 2024 Dec , V19 (1) : P2318514 doi: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2318514
Insights on the enhancement of chilling tolerance in Rice through over-expression and knock-out studies of OsRBCS3.
Rice Research Institute, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiamusi, China.; Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, China.
Chilling stress is an important environmental factor that affects rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth and yield, and the booting stage is the most sensitive stage of rice to chilling stress. In this study, we focused on OsRBCS3, a rice gene related to chilling tolerance at the booting stage, which encodes the key enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) small subunit in photosynthesis. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role and mechanism of OsRBCS3 in rice chilling tolerance at the booting stage. The expression levels of OsRBCS3 under chilling stress were compared in two japonica rice cultivars with different chilling tolerances: Kongyu131 (KY131) and Longjing11 (LJ11). A positive correlation was found between OsRBCS3 expression and chilling tolerance. Over-expression (OE) and knock-out (KO) lines of OsRBCS3 were constructed using over-expression and CRISPR/Cas9 technology, respectively, and their chilling tolerance was evaluated at the seedling and booting stages. The results showed that OE lines exhibited higher chilling tolerance than wild-type (WT) lines at both seedling and booting stages, while KO lines showed lower chilling tolerance than WT lines. Furthermore, the antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and Rubisco activity of four rice lines under chilling stress were measured, and it was found that OE lines had stronger antioxidant and photosynthetic capacities, while KO lines had the opposite effects. This study validated that OsRBCS3 plays an important role in rice chilling tolerance at the booting stage, providing new molecular tools and a theoretical basis for rice chilling tolerance breeding.
PMID: 38375792