New Phytol , IF:10.151 , 2025 Feb , V245 (3) : P1106-1123 doi: 10.1111/nph.20058
Strigolactones positively regulate HY5-dependent autophagy and the degradation of ubiquitinated proteins in response to cold stress in tomato.
Department of Horticulture, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China.; Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agriculture Sciences at Weifang, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang, 261200, China.; Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, 572000, China.; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plants Growth, Development and Quality Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Yuhangtang Road 866, Hangzhou, 310058, China.; Shandong (Linyi) Institute of Modern Agriculture, Zhejiang University, Linyi, 276000, China.
Autophagy, involved in protein degradation and amino acid recycling, plays a key role in plant development and stress responses. However, the relationship between autophagy and phytohormones remains unclear. We used diverse methods, including CRISPR/Cas9, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, chromatin immunoprecipitation, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and dual-luciferase assays to explore the molecular mechanism of strigolactones in regulating autophagy and the degradation of ubiquitinated proteins under cold stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). We show that cold stress induced the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins. Mutants deficient in strigolactone biosynthesis were more sensitive to cold stress with increased accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins. Conversely, treatment with the synthetic strigolactone analog GR24(5DS) enhanced cold tolerance in tomato, with elevated levels of accumulation of autophagosomes and transcripts of autophagy-related genes (ATGs), and reduced accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins. Meanwhile, cold stress induced the accumulation of ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5), which was triggered by strigolactones. HY5 further trans-activated ATG18a transcription, resulting in autophagy formation. Mutation of ATG18a compromised strigolactone-induced cold tolerance, leading to decreased formation of autophagosomes and increased accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins. These findings reveal that strigolactones positively regulate autophagy in an HY5-dependent manner and facilitate the degradation of ubiquitinated proteins under cold conditions in tomato.
PMID: 39155750
Plant Biotechnol J , IF:9.803 , 2025 Feb doi: 10.1111/pbi.14598
Divergent MYB paralogs determine spatial distribution of linalool mediated by JA and DNA demethylation participating in aroma formation and cold tolerance of tea plants.
National Key Laboratory for Tea Plant Germplasm Innovation and Resource Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China.; Biotechnology Center, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China.
Linalool not only is one of characteristic flavour volatiles of tea, contributing to floral aroma, but also a kind of defensive compounds, playing essential roles in resistance against biotic/abiotic stresses. Although the linalool synthases have been identified, much is unknown about the regulation mechanism in tea plants. We identified two pairs of MYB paralogs as linalool biosynthesis activators, in which one pair (CsMYB148/CsMYB193) specifically expressed in flowers, and another (CsMYB68/CsMYB147) highly expressed in flowers, leaves, fruits and roots. These activators interacted with CsMYC2 to form MYC2-MYB complexes to regulate linalool synthase. While Jasmonate ZIM-domain (JAZ) proteins served as the linalool biosynthesis repressors by interfering MYC2-MYB complex. Further, we found that the transcripts of CsMYB68/CsMYB147 were significantly upregulated by jasmonic acid (JA) to improve linalool products during tea processing and that linalool pathway may as one of the downstream pathways of JA signalling and DNA methylation processes to participate in cold resistance. Under cold stress, JA signalling was activated to elevate the abundance of MYC-MYB complexes; meanwhile, DNA demethylation was also activated, leading to declining methylation levels and increasing transcripts of CsMYB68/CsMYB147. Our study provides a new insight into synergistically improving tea quality and tea plant resistance.
PMID: 39932489
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2025 Feb doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiaf070
The transcription factor WRKY41-FLAVONOID 3'-HYDROXYLASE module fine-tunes flavonoid metabolism and cold tolerance in potato.
Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China.; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Potato Biology, Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Development and Utilization of Biomass Energy, Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China.; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Crops Genetics and Improvement, Crop Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
Cold stress adversely affects crop growth and productivity. Resolving the genetic basis of freezing tolerance is important for crop improvement. Wild potato (Solanum commersonii) exhibits excellent freezing tolerance. However, the genetic factors underlying its freezing tolerance remain poorly understood. Here, we identified flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase (F3'H), a key gene in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, as highly expressed in S. commersonii compared to cultivated potato (S. tuberosum L.). Loss of ScF3'H function impaired freezing tolerance in S. commersonii, while ScF3'H overexpression in cultivated potato enhanced its freezing tolerance. Metabolic analysis revealed that F3'H generates more downstream products by adding hydroxyl (-OH) groups to the flavonoid ring structures. These flavonoids enhance reactive oxygen species scavenging, thereby contributing to freezing tolerance. Furthermore, the W-box element in the F3'H promoter plays a critical role in cold responses. Cold-induced transcription factor ScWRKY41 directly binds to the ScF3'H promoter region and recruits histone acetyltransferase 1 (ScHAC1), which enhances histone acetylation at the F3'H locus and activates its transcription. Overall, we identified the cold-responsive WRKY41-F3'H module that enhances freezing tolerance by augmenting the antioxidant capacity of flavonoids. This study reveals a valuable natural gene module for breeding enhanced freezing tolerance in potato and other crops.
PMID: 39977116
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2025 Feb , V197 (2) doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiaf035
Phosphorylation-dependent VaMYB4a regulates cold stress in grapevine by inhibiting VaPIF3 and activating VaCBF4.
School of Life Sciences, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, China.; College of Enology and Horticulture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, China.; Engineering Research Center of Grape and Wine, Ministry of Education, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, China.; Ningxia Grape and Wine Research Institute, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, China.
Cold stress severely impacts the quality and yield of grapevine (Vitis L.). In this study, we extend our previous work to elucidate the role and regulatory mechanisms of Vitis amurensis MYB transcription factor 4a (VaMYB4a) in grapevine's response to cold stress. Our results identified VaMYB4a as a key positive regulator of cold stress. We demonstrated that VaMYB4a undergoes phosphorylation by V. amurensis calcineurin B-like (CBL) proteins-interacting protein kinase 18 (VaCIPK18) under cold stress, a process that activates VaMYB4a transcriptional activity. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq). We performed a comprehensive genomic search to identify downstream components that interact with VaMYB4a, leading to the discovery of a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, V. amurensis phytochrome-interacting factor 3 (VaPIF3). VaMYB4a attenuated the transcriptional activity of VaPIF3 through a phosphorylation-dependent interaction under cold conditions. Furthermore, VaPIF3, which interacts with and inhibits V. amurensis C-repeat binding factor 4 (VaCBF4, a known positive regulator of cold stress), has its activity attenuated by VaMYB4a, which mediates the modulation of this pathway. Notably, VaMYB4a also interacted with and promoted the expression of VaCBF4 in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. Our study shows that VaMYB4a positively modulates cold tolerance in plants by simultaneously downregulating VaPIF3 and upregulating VaCBF4. These findings provide a nuanced understanding of the transcriptional response in grapevine under cold stress and contribute to the broader field of plant stress physiology.
PMID: 39854635
Plant Physiol , IF:8.34 , 2025 Feb , V197 (2) doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiae511
m5C and m6A modifications regulate the mobility of pumpkin CHOLINE KINASE 1 mRNA under chilling stress.
Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.; College of Life Science and Technology, Honghe University, Mengzi, Yunnan, 661100, China.; Institut de Biologie Moleculaire des Plantes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UPR 2357, Universite de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67084, France.
Mobile messenger RNAs (mRNAs) serve as crucial long-distance signaling molecules, responding to environmental stimuli in plants. Although many mobile transcripts have been identified, only a limited subset has been characterized as functional long-distance signals within specific plant species, raising an intriguing question about whether the prevalence of species specificity in mobile transcripts implies a divergence in the mechanisms governing mRNA mobility across distinct plant species. Our study delved into the notable case of CHOLINE KINASE 1 (CK1), an extensively studied instance of mobile mRNAs regulated by a transfer RNA-like sequence (TLS) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We established an association between mRNA mobility and length, independent of TLS numbers. Notably, neither the mobile mRNAs nor the mechanisms underpinning their mobility proved to be conserved across different plant species. The exclusive mobility of pumpkin CK1 mRNA under chilling stress was pivotal in enhancing the chilling tolerance of cucumber/pumpkin heterografts. Distinct from the TLS-mediated mobility of AtCK1 mRNA, the mobility of CmoCK1 mRNA is orchestrated by both m5C and m6A modifications, adding dimensions to our understanding of mRNA transport mechanisms.
PMID: 39325727
mBio , IF:7.867 , 2025 Feb : Pe0141824 doi: 10.1128/mbio.01418-24
Amplicon sequencing and culture-dependent approaches reveal core bacterial endophytes aiding freezing stress tolerance in alpine Rosaceae plants.
Center Agriculture Food Environment (C3A), University of Trento, San Michele all'Adige, Italy.; Center for Health & Bioresources, Bioresources Unit, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Tulln, Austria.; Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Italy.
Wild plants growing in alpine regions are associated with endophytic microbial communities that may support plant growth and survival under cold conditions. The structure and function of endophytic bacterial communities were characterized in flowers, leaves, and roots of three alpine Rosaceae plants in Alpine areas using a combined amplicon sequencing and culture-dependent approaches to determine the role of core taxa on plant freezing stress tolerance. Amplicon sequencing analysis revealed that plant tissue, collection site, and host plant are the main factors affecting the richness, diversity, and taxonomic structure of endophytic bacterial communities in alpine Rosaceae plants. Core endophytic bacterial taxa were identified as 31 amplicon sequence variants highly prevalent across all plant tissues. Psychrotolerant bacterial endophytes belonging to the core taxa of Duganella, Erwinia, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobium genera mitigated freezing stress in strawberry plants, demonstrating the beneficial role of endophytic bacterial communities and their potential use for cold stress mitigation in agriculture.IMPORTANCEFreezing stress is one of the major abiotic stresses affecting fruit production in Rosaceae crops. Current strategies to reduce freezing damage include physical and chemical methods, which have several limitations in terms of costs, efficacy, feasibility, and environmental impacts. The use or manipulation of plant-associated microbial communities was proposed as a promising sustainable approach to alleviate cold stress in crops, but no information is available on the possible mitigation of freezing stress in Rosaceae plants. A combination of amplicon sequencing, culture-dependent, and plant bioassay approaches revealed the beneficial role of the endophytic bacterial communities in alpine Rosaceae plants. In particular, we showed that culturable psychrotolerant bacterial endophytes belonging to the core taxa of Duganella, Erwinia, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobium genera can mitigate freezing stress on strawberry seedlings. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential use of psychrotolerant bacterial endophytes for the development of biostimulants for cold stress mitigation in agriculture.
PMID: 39998219
Food Chem , IF:7.514 , 2025 Feb , V466 : P142198 doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.142198
Preharvest phenylalanine spraying alleviates chilling injury in harvested muskmelons by maintaining reactive oxygen species homeostasis.
College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China.; Department of Postharvest and Food Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel.; College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China. Electronic address: biyang@gsau.edu.cn.
In this study, muskmelon plant and fruit were sequentially sprayed with 8 mM phenylalanine (Phe) four times during fruit development. The effect of preharvest Phe spraying on chilling injury (CI) of harvested muskmelons was assessed and the mechanism involved was investigated. We found that Phe spray activated NADPH oxidase (NOX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR), and increased glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AsA) levels during fruit chilling. The spray increased endogenous Phe, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and DPPH and ABTS(+) scavenging capacity. In addition, the spray decreased O(2)(.-) production rate, H(2)O(2) levels, cell membrane permeability and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and significantly reduced CI index in fruit, which was 16.5 %, 16.6 %, 13.5 %, 20.2 % and 26.5 % lower than the control after 28 d, respectively. In conclusion, Phe spraying alleviates CI in harvested muskmelons by maintaining ROS homeostasis.
PMID: 39612840
Food Chem , IF:7.514 , 2025 Mar , V468 : P142335 doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.142335
Cooked germ-remained milled rice presents high stability in water-holding capacity and textural properties during frozen storage-The protection effect of oil-phase reabsorption.
School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Lihu Avenue 1800, Wuxi 214122, China; National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Lihu Avenue 1800, Wuxi 214122, China.; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Lihu Avenue 1800, Wuxi 214122, China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Lihu Avenue 1800, Wuxi 214122, China; National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Lihu Avenue 1800, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Lihu Avenue 1800, Wuxi 214122, China. Electronic address: wangli0318@jiangnan.edu.cn.
To enhance the stability in textural attributes of frozen cooked rice, this study has found and proposed a new strategy: retaining the rice germ in milling process. Each rice germ is comparable to a native lipid-rich microcapsule attached to the endosperm part. In the gelatinization process, leached germ oil was reabsorbed in the outer layer of rice granule. Small lipidic molecules complexed with amylose and formed type I complex, while big lipidic molecules formed separate oil phase in the matrix. This mixed construction endowed cooked germ-remained milled rice with smaller magnitude of change in the water holding capacity and the ratio of stickiness/hardness, and fewer freezable water content than white rice. This work opens an attractive field to reinforce the structural stability of cooked rice against freezing stress without exogenous additives, and benefits to screen suitable raw materials for the development of frozen rice products.
PMID: 39667230
Plant Cell Environ , IF:7.228 , 2025 Mar , V48 (3) : P2221-2239 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 , 2025 Feb , V48 (2) : P1130-1148 doi: 10.1111/pce.15196
Amur Grape VaMYB4a-VaERF054-Like Module Regulates Cold Tolerance Through a Regulatory Feedback Loop.
College of Enology and Horticulture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.; School of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.; Engineering Research Center of Grape and Wine, Ministry of Education, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.; Key Laboratory of Modern Molecular Breeding for Dominant and Special Crops in Ningxia, Yinchuan, China.; State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Yinchuan, China.
Cold stress can limit the growth and development of grapevines, which can ultimately reduce productivity. However, the mechanisms by which grapevines respond to cold stress are not yet fully understood. Here, we characterized an APETALA2/ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF) which was shown to be a target gene of our previously identified VaMYB4a from Amur grape. We further investigated the molecular interactions between VaMYB4a and VaERF054-like transcription factors in grapes and their role in cold stress tolerance. Our results demonstrated that VaMYB4a directly binds to and activates the VaERF054-like gene promoter, leading to its enhanced expression. Moreover, we also explored the influence of ethylene precursors and inhibitors on VaERF054-like expression and grape cold tolerance. Our findings indicate that VaERF054-like contribute to cold tolerance in grapes through modulation of the ethylene pathway and the CBF signal pathway. Overexpression of VaERF054-like in Vitis vinifera 'Chardonnay' calli and transgenic grape lines resulted in increased freezing stress tolerance, confirming its role in the cold stress response. We further confirmed the interaction between VaMYB4a and VaERF054-like in vivo and in vitro. The co-transformation of VaMYB4a and VaERF054-like in grape calli demonstrates a synergistic interaction, enhancing the cold tolerance through a regulatory feedback mechanism. Our finding provides new insights into grape cold tolerance mechanisms, potentially contributing to the development of cold-resistant grape varieties.
PMID: 39412230
Int J Biol Macromol , IF:6.953 , 2025 Feb : P141223 doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.141223
Interaction of R2R3-MYB transcription factor EgMYB111 with ABA receptors enhances cold tolerance in oil palm.
National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology/Coconut Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang 571339, China. Electronic address: lxzhou@catas.cn.; National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology/Coconut Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang 571339, China.; National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China.; National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China.; National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China; Melbourne Integrative Genomics, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology/Coconut Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang 571339, China; Department of Food Science & Technology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan.
The oil palm is a prominent tropical oil crop with holds considerable economic value. MYB transcription factors are key regulators in growth and plant stress adaptation mechanisms in plants. However, the roles and operational mechanisms of MYB genes in oil palm are not yet well understood. In this study, EgMYB111 was cloned from oil palm, and its behavior under cold stress was examined in genetically engineered tobacco and oil palm embryoids. Physiological and biochemical analysis demonstrated that genetically engineered lines exhibited substantially greater cold tolerance than control plants. EgMYB111 was noticed to localize within the nucleus, and cold stress significantly enhanced the expression of the GUS gene managed by the EgMYB111 expression regulator. Interestingly, EgMYB111 was involved in the reaction to stress via an abscisic acid (ABA)-mediated pathway. Yeast two-hybrid experiments confirmed the involvement of EgMYB111 and the ABA receptor proteins PYR1 and PYL9. Moreover, the transient transformation of oil palm protoplasts combined with qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the over-activity of EgMYB111 induced a significant induction of the genes EgSnRK2.1, EgSnRK2.3, and EgSnRK2.5. In addition, dual-luciferase analyses, yeast one-hybrid assays, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) established that EgMYB111 binds to the promoters of EgSnRK2.1, EgSnRK2.3, and EgSnRK2.5, thereby regulating their transcription and enhancing low-temperature resilience in oil palm. The work concludes that the EgMYB111 performs a key role in augmenting cold adaptability in oil palm by governing the transcription of key genes utilizing an ABA-regulated pathway.
PMID: 39984081
Int J Biol Macromol , IF:6.953 , 2025 Feb , V304 (Pt 1) : P140835 doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.140835
Systematic characterization of the calmodulin-like (CML) gene family in alfalfa and functional analysis of MsCML70 under salt stress.
School of Grassland Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.; School of Grassland Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China. Electronic address: yinsx369@bjfu.edu.cn.; Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China. Electronic address: chenlin@caas.cn.
Calmodulin-like proteins (CMLs), which are widely involved in various abiotic stress responses, are important calcium ion sensors in plants. However, systematic identification and functional analysis of these proteins have not been performed in alfalfa. Here, a total of 211 MsCMLs were identified in the alfalfa genome. Conserved domain analysis revealed that most MsCMLs contained three EF-hand domains. A total of 17 tandem duplication events and 292 segmental duplication events were identified, indicating that segmental duplications were the major factor in the expansion of MsCMLs. There were 28, 36 and 18 MsCMLs that responded to drought, salt and cold stress, respectively, in alfalfa. In addition, MsCML70 overexpression significantly increased salt tolerance in Arabidopsis. MsCML70 participates in the plant salt stress response through various biological pathways, including transcriptional regulation, protein modification, plant hormone metabolism and secondary metabolism. Moreover, MsCML70 significantly increased the expression of HKT1 (high-affinity K(+)transporter 1), DREB19 (dehydration responsive element binding protein 19), PRX32 (peroxidase 32), JAL10 (jacalin-associated lectins 10), HB17 (homeobox 17), and NPF2.3 (nitrate transporter 2.3) under salt stress to promote tolerance to salt stress in Arabidopsis. The results of this study help elucidate the function of alfalfa CML genes and provide a new gene resource for the breeding of stress-resistant alfalfa.
PMID: 39938825
Int J Biol Macromol , IF:6.953 , 2025 Feb , V303 : P140460 doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.140460
Novel insights into the unique characterization of N6-methyladenosine RNA modification and regulating cold tolerance in winter Brassica rapa.
State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science/ College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China. Electronic address: mal@gsau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science/ College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China.; State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science/ College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China. Electronic address: puyy@gsau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science/ College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China. Electronic address: wtwang@gsau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science/ College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China. Electronic address: fantt@gsau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science/ College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China. Electronic address: wujuny@gsau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science/ College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China. Electronic address: sunwanc@gsau.edu.cn.
N6-methyladenosine (m(6)A) is an mRNA modification considered essential in plants, and is a key player in gene regulation at the transcriptional and translational levels. In present study, we mapped Brassica rapa's whole transcriptome m(6)A profile under low-temperature stress in different cold tolerant varieties to elucidate the m(6)A methylation pattern. The distribution of m(6)A modifications changed significantly under low temperature stress. More 5'UTR m(6)A was deposited in strong cold-resistant varieties and responded positively to cold resistance by regulating mRNA expression abundance. The increase in m(6)A abundance was correlated with the increase in mRNA abundance after low temperature stress. ZAT12 might positively regulate its mRNA expression through m(6)A methylation. MYBC1 might be a negative regulator to cope with low-temperature stress. The hypothetical protein was involved in starch and sucrose metabolic pathways, and that the Low-quality protein was involved in the regulation of DNA binding, DNA-binding, transcription factor activity, and proline biosynthetic processes and leaf senescence pathways. In addition, a number of m(6)A methyltransferases and m(6)A demethylases play crucial roles in response to cold stress. These results revealed the critical role of m(6)A -modified genes under cold stress and provide new insights into the study of cold resistance in winter Brassica rapa.
PMID: 39919396
Int J Biol Macromol , IF:6.953 , 2025 Feb , V290 : P139979 doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.139979
The CaCAD1-CaPOA1 module positively regulates pepper resistance to cold stress by increasing lignin accumulation.
College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.; College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China. Electronic address: lihuanxiu@sicau.edu.cn.
Low-temperature stress is a major environmental constraint, limiting the growth, development, and yield of peppers. Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) and peroxidase (POA) are two key enzymes in lignin synthesis, participating in monolignol biosynthesis and monolignol polymerization, respectively. Although CAD and POA are known to play central roles in lignin biosynthesis and plant responses to abiotic stress, their functions in peppers remain poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated the interaction between CaCAD1 and CaPOA1, which collectively positively regulated lignin biosynthesis in peppers. Additionally, CaCAD1 and CaPOA1 expression was induced by low temperatures, with expression levels gradually increasing with prolonged cold treatment. Silencing of CaCAD1 or CaPOA1 increased the sensitivity of pepper plants to low temperatures. On the other hand, overexpression of CaCAD1 and CaPOA1 in Arabidopsis enhanced its reactive oxygen species scavenging ability and improved plant tolerance to freezing conditions. In summary, the CaCAD1-CaPOA1 module was shown to play a crucial role in pepper cold tolerance, providing valuable insights and targets for future molecular breeding efforts aimed at enhancing pepper cold tolerance.
PMID: 39826724
Int J Biol Macromol , IF:6.953 , 2025 Mar , V294 : P139473 doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.139473
A CCA1-like MYB subfamily member CsMYB128 participates in chilling sensitivity and cold tolerance in tea plants (Camellia sinensis).
Tea Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China.; State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China.; Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China.; Tea Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China. Electronic address: songlubin@saas.ac.cn.; Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China. Electronic address: zhaojian@hunau.edu.cn.
While flavonoid accumulation, light radiation, and cold stress are intrinsically connected in tea plants, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The circadian protein CCA1 and CCA1-like MYB transcription factors (TFs) play important roles in coordinating light and temperature signals in plant-environment interactions, their homologs in tea plants have not been addressed. Here we analyzed CsCCA1-like MYB subfamily in tea genome and found one member, a circadian gene CsMYB128 responding to cold stress. Antisense knockdown of CsMYB128 in tea buds rendered cold tolerance in cold tolerance tests. Metabolite profiling, yeast hybrid and promoter trans-activation assays further demonstrated that CsMYB128 negatively regulated flavonol biosynthesis by repressing CsFLS1 in flavonol biosynthesis and CsCBF1 in cold tolerance. Given CsCBF1 also activated CsMYB128 transcription, the negative feedback regulation loop indicates a balance between tea plant growth promoted by CsMYB128 and cold tolerance meanwhile growth inhibition by CsCBF1. Moreover, CsICE1 interacted with and inhibited CsMYB128 repressor activity to promote cold tolerance. CsMYB128 is thus characterized as an early cold-responsive gene negatively regulating tea plant cold response and balancing tea plant growth and cold tolerance. This study provides insights into the roles of CCA1-like subfamily MYB TFs in regulating tea plant growth and interactions with environments.
PMID: 39756759
Int J Biol Macromol , IF:6.953 , 2025 Mar , V293 : P139365 doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.139365
Construction of the KNOX-BELL interaction network and functional analysis of CmBLH2 under cold stress in Chrysanthemum morifolium.
State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No.50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing 210014, China. Electronic address: liupeixue@stu.njau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No.50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing 210014, China. Electronic address: jingtang@stu.njau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No.50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing 210014, China. Electronic address: leiyating@stu.njau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No.50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing 210014, China. Electronic address: 2021204041@stu.njau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No.50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing 210014, China. Electronic address: 2022804250@stu.njau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No.50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing 210014, China. Electronic address: 2022804249@stu.njau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No.50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing 210014, China. Electronic address: zhoulijie@njau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No.50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing 210014, China. Electronic address: liuye@njau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No.50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing 210014, China. Electronic address: wangzx@njau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No.50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing 210014, China. Electronic address: jiangjiafu@njau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No.50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing 210014, China. Electronic address: chenfd@njau.edu.cn.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No.50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing 210014, China. Electronic address: aiping_song@njau.edu.cn.
The three-amino-acid-loop-extension (TALE) homeodomain transcription factor family, including the KNOX and BELL subfamilies, is one of the largest gene families in plants. This family encodes plant-specific transcription factors that play critical roles in regulating plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, their interaction network, as well as resistant functional mechanism in is rarely reported. In this study, 60 members of the TALE transcription factor family in chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) were systematically identified. These genes are distributed across 27 chromosomes, with most originating from whole-genome duplication events. Through comprehensive analyses of evolution, gene structure, and cis-regulatory elements, the expression patterns of these genes were elucidated, highlighting their roles in various developmental stages and stress responses, thereby expanding our understanding of the TALE gene family's functions in plants. Additionally, a KNOX-BELL protein interaction network in chrysanthemum was constructed, revealing 31 interaction pairs, including seven previously unreported combinations. The study also finds that the overexpression of CmBLH2 enhanced the activity of antioxidant system, reducing cellular damage under cold stress, while RNAi lines exhibited lower reactive oxygen species scavenging capacity. This research lays the foundation for further investigation of the TALE gene family's roles in development and stress responses in chrysanthemum and other species.
PMID: 39743079
Int J Biol Macromol , IF:6.953 , 2025 Mar , V292 : P139058 doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.139058
Identification of the cysteine-rich transmembrane module CYSTM family in upland cotton and functional analysis of GhCYSTM5_A in cold and drought stresses.
Institute of Cotton, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology and Genetic breeding in Huanghuaihai Semiarid Area, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei, China.; Institute of Cotton, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology and Genetic breeding in Huanghuaihai Semiarid Area, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei, China. Electronic address: mhszjh@163.com.
Abiotic stress poses adverse impacts on cotton production, raising demands for a better understanding of stress-response mechanisms and developing strategies to improve plant performance to cope with stress. CYSTM (Cysteine-rich transmembrane module) is a widely distributed and conserved family in eukaryotes that performs potential functions in stress tolerance. However, CYSTM genes and their role in stress response is uncharacterized in cotton. Herein, we identified a total of 23 CYSTM genes from upland cotton. They underwent mainly segmental duplications and experienced purifying selection during evolution. Expression profiles revealed GhCYSTMs were closely related to abiotic stress response. Furthermore, GhCYSTM5_A overexpression enhanced the cold and drought tolerance of cotton, while RNAi-mediated knockdown of GhCYSTM5_A decreased stress tolerance. Transcriptome analysis revealed GhCYSTM5_A may contribute to cold and drought tolerance by regulating the expression of oxidative stress-related genes through MAPK signaling. GhCYSTM5_A, localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm interacted with a secreted cysteine-rich peptide GhGASA14. Moreover, GhGASA14 silencing rendered cotton plants vulnerable to cold and drought. These results suggested the potential functions of GhCYSTM genes in abiotic stress and a positive role of GhCYSTM5_A in cold and drought tolerance. This study sheds light on comprehensive characteristics of GhCYSTM, and provides candidate genes for genetic breeding.
PMID: 39710036
Int J Biol Macromol , IF:6.953 , 2025 Feb , V290 : P138882 doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.138882
Comprehensive analysis of amino acid/auxin permease family genes reveal the positive role of GhAAAP128 in cotton tolerance to cold stress.
National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China. Electronic address: sunlr9208@henu.edu.cn.; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China. Electronic address: haofsh@henu.edu.cn.
Amino acid/auxin permeases (AAAPs) play crucial roles in plant development and response to environmental stimuli. They have been characterized at genome-wide levels in several plant species. However, little is known about the AAAP genes in Gossypium. Here, we identified 149, 141, 73, and 70 AAAPs from G. hirsutum, G. barbadense, G. arboreum, and G. raimondii, respectively. All the AAAPs were categorized into eight subfamilies (Groups I-VIII). Moreover, we found that 182 and 179 AAAP paralogous gene pairs existed within G. hirsutum and G. barbadense genomes, respectively, and whole genome duplication (WGD) or segmental duplication contributed to the expansion of these AAAPs during evolution. Additionally, many cis-elements related to abiotic stress responses were detected in the promoter regions of GhAAAPs and GbAAAPs. Consistently, the expression of multiple AAAPs was significantly induced by NaCl, polyethylene glycol 6000, and especially cold stress. Among these GhAAAPs, GhAAAP128 had clearly positive roles in cotton and Arabidopsis seedling tolerance to cold stress. It may improve plant cold tolerance by up-regulating the expression of some anthocyanin synthesis genes rather than CBF (C-repeat binding factor) signaling genes. Our findings provide important information for further functional analysis of GhAAAPs in response to stressful cues, particularly cold stress in cotton plants.
PMID: 39706393
Int J Biol Macromol , IF:6.953 , 2025 Feb , V290 : P138748 doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.138748
The banana MaFLA27 confers cold tolerance partially through modulating cell wall remodeling.
College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; College of Horticulture, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, China.; College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.; College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China. Electronic address: chxxu@scau.edu.cn.
Fasciclin-like arabinogalactan proteins (FLAs) have been shown to improve plant tolerance to salt stress. However, their role in cold tolerance (CT) remains unclear. Here, we report that banana MaFLA27 positively regulates CT in Arabidopsis. MaFLA27-overexpression (OE) caused the upregulation of differentially expressed arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) and genes involved in the biosynthesis of cellulose, lignin, and xylan, as well as the degradation of pectin and xyloglucan. Correspondingly, MaFLA27-OE plants exhibited increased cell wall thickness, enhanced cellulose lignin and starch granule content, elevated levels of partially homogalacturonans recognized by JIM5 and JIM7 antibodies, xyloglucan components recognized by CCRC-M39/104 and LM15 antibodies, LM14 antibody binding AGPs. In contrast, transgenic plants showed a decreased degree of pectin methyl-esterification and accumulated less reactive oxygen species after cold acclimation when compared to wild-type plants. A higher number of pectin methylesterases and cellulose and xylan biosynthesis genes were elevated after cold acclimation. Additionally, both Arabidopsis mutant cesa8 and cellulose inhibitor-treated plants displayed decreased freezing tolerance. Our data suggested that MaFLA27-OE in Arabidopsis may perceive and transmit low-temperature stress signals to the cellulose synthase complexes, activating cellulose synthesis and enhancing cold tolerance. These findings reveal a previously unreported cold-tolerance function of FLAs and highlight associated cell wall-mediated tolerance mechanisms.
PMID: 39708882
Hortic Res , IF:6.793 , 2025 Feb , V12 (2) : Puhae297 doi: 10.1093/hr/uhae297
The ubiquitin ligase VviPUB19 negatively regulates grape cold tolerance by affecting the stability of ICEs and CBFs.
State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.; Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (Northwest Region), Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.; College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China.; College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
Cold stress seriously affects plant growth and development. The ubiquitination system plays an important role by degrading and modifying substrates at the protein level. In this study, the U-box type ubiquitin ligase VviPUB19 gene was induced by low temperature (4 degrees C) in grapevine. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the pub19 mutant, a homologous mutation of VviPUB19, exhibited enhanced cold tolerance, and the resistance phenotype of the mutant could be attenuated by VviPUB19. VviPUB19-overexpressing grape lines exhibited lower cold tolerance. Furthermore, it was revealed that VviPUB19 interacted with the cold-related transcription factors VviICE1, 2, and 3 and VviCBF1 and 2, and was involved in the degradation of them. This is the first time that an E3 ligase (VviPUB19) that interacts with CBFs and affects its protein stability has been identified. It was also shown that VviICE1, 2, and 3 positively regulated VviPUB19 promoter activity. Therefore, our results suggest that VviPUB19 reduces grape cold tolerance via participating in the CBF-dependent pathway.
PMID: 39949877
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2025 Feb , V121 (4) : Pe70025 doi: 10.1111/tpj.70025
A self-amplifying NO-H(2)S loop mediates melatonin-induced CBF-responsive pathway and cold tolerance in watermelon.
State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.; Research Institute of Grape and Melon of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Turpan, 838000, Xinjiang, China.; College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150000, China.
Melatonin is a pivotal bioactive molecule that enhances plant cold stress tolerance, but the precise mechanisms remain enigmatic. Here, we have discovered that overexpressing melatonin biosynthetic gene ClCOMT1 or applying exogenous melatonin activates the C-repeat binding factor (CBF)-responsive pathway and enhances watermelon cold tolerance. This enhancement is accompanied by elevated levels of nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S), along with upregulation of nitrate reductase 1 (ClNR1) and L-cysteine desulfhydrase (ClLCD) genes involved in NO and H(2)S generation respectively. Conversely, knockout of ClCOMT1 exhibits contrasting effects compared to its overexpression. Furthermore, application of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a NO donor) and NaHS (a H(2)S donor) promotes the accumulation of H(2)S and NO, respectively, activating the CBF pathway and enhancing cold tolerance. However, knockout of ClNR1 or ClLCD abolished melatonin-induced H(2)S or NO production respectively and abrogated melatonin-induced CBF pathway and cold tolerance. Conversely, supplementation with SNP and NaHS restored the diminished cold response caused by ClCOMT1 deletion. Additionally, deletion of either ClNR1 or ClLCD eliminated NaHS- or SNP-induced cold response, respectively. Overall, these findings suggest a reciprocal positive-regulatory loop between ClNR1-mediated NO and ClLCD-mediated H(2)S, which plays a crucial role in mediating the melatonin-induced enhancement of cold tolerance.
PMID: 39993061
Plant J , IF:6.417 , 2025 Feb , V121 (3) : Pe17238 doi: 10.1111/tpj.17238
Extensive remodeling during Chlamydomonas reinhardtii zygote maturation leads to highly resistant zygospores.
Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.; Biozentrum, Microscopy Unit, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.; Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Department for Physiological Diversity, Leipzig, Germany.; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.; Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.; Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig, Germany.
The unicellular soil alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii forms diploid zygotes during its sexual cycle. The process of a zygote maturing into a highly resistant zygospore remains poorly understood despite its importance for survival under adverse environmental conditions. Here we describe the detailed timeline of morphological and physiological changes during zygote maturation in darkness on ammonium-free Tris-acetate-phosphate agar plates. The formation of a multilayered cell wall is primarily responsible for the increase in cell size in the first few days after zygote formation. Desiccation and freezing tolerance also develop in the period 3-7 days. Photosynthetic and respiratory activity decrease to reach minimal levels after 7-10 days, accompanied by a partial dedifferentiation of the chloroplast that includes chlorophyll degradation followed by the possible disappearance of the pyrenoid. In contrast to the decreasing concentrations of most carotenoids in the first few days after zygote formation, ketocarotenoids can first be detected after 3 days and their accumulation is completed after 10 days. Furthermore, the zygote degrades a large proportion of its starch and enriches oligosaccharides that may serve as osmoprotectants. The storage lipid triacylglycerol is accumulated at the expense of thylakoid membrane lipids, which mirrors the conversion of a metabolically active cell into a dormant spore on the metabolic level. Taken together, zygote maturation is a multifaceted process that yields mature zygospores after ~ 3 weeks. This work sheds light on the complete time course of the remodeling of a photosynthetically active eukaryotic cell into a dormant, highly resistant spore.
PMID: 39924694
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2025 Feb , V26 (4) doi: 10.3390/ijms26041727
A Starch Phosphorylase, ZmPHOH, Improves Photosynthetic Recovery from Short-Term Cold Exposure in Maize.
Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.; State Key Laboratory of Wheat Breeding, College of Agronomy, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China.; State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China.
The photosynthetic system of maize (Zea mays) leaves is sensitive to low temperatures and suffers from irreversible damage induced by cold exposure, making cold stress a major factor limiting maize yield. Identifying genes that improve the recovery of photosynthesis from low temperatures in maize will help enhance the cold tolerance of this crop and ensure stable yields. Here, we demonstrate the role of starch phosphorylase 2 (ZmPHOH) in promoting photosynthetic recovery from cold damage. Chlorotic leaf3 (chl3), a null mutant of ZmPHOH, which undergoes chlorophyll degradation and chlorosis earlier than under normal growth conditions after brief exposure to 8 degrees C and restoration to normal. We determined that chl3 plants could not repair the damage to their photosynthetic system caused by short-term cold exposure after the temperature returned to normal. Metabolome and transcriptome profiling indicated that the soluble sugar content in chl3 leaves was significantly increased after cold treatment and could not be catabolized promptly, leading to repression of photosynthetic gene expression. Our results reveal that ZmPHOH enhances post-cold photosynthetic recovery by promoting the decomposition and metabolism of soluble sugars, thereby regulating the low-temperature resilience in maize, which provides new insights into the chilling tolerance mechanism of maize.
PMID: 40004188
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2025 Feb , V26 (4) doi: 10.3390/ijms26041695
Arabidopsis thaliana Plants' Overexpression of the MYB Transcription Factor VhMYB60 in the Face of Stress Hazards Enhances Salt and Cold Tolerance.
Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (Northeast Region), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Development and Utilization of Small Fruits in Cold Regions, College of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
'Beta' (Vitisriparia x V. labrusca) is a vine fruit tree of the genus Vitis which is a cross between American and riparian grapes. In the current situation of grape production in northern regions, cold, drought, and salinity are important bottlenecks restricting its development, while some grape rootstocks with excellent traits show the disadvantage of poor resilience. 'Beta' (Vitis riparia x V. labrusca), one of the most extensively utilized rootstocks in viticulture, has demonstrated remarkable resilience to adverse conditions. However, the mechanisms by which 'Beta' rootstocks resist abiotic stresses are unknown and need to be further investigated. In this study, we successfully isolated and cloned a novel MYB transcription factor, VhMYB60, from the 'Beta' grapevine. This factor spans 972 base pairs and encodes a protein comprising 323 amino acids. Subcellular localization studies revealed that VhMYB60 is predominantly expressed within the nucleus. Furthermore, tissue-specific expression analysis demonstrated that VhMYB60 is more abundantly expressed in the mature leaves and roots of the grape plant. Further studies showed that salt and cold stress notably increased VhMYB60 gene expression in both mature leaves and grape roots. Compared with the control, Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) plants molecularly modified to overexpress VhMYB60 exhibited enhanced salt and cold resistance and improved survival rates. Moreover, notable changes were detected in chlorophyll, malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Concurrently, the expression levels of structural genes that are positively correlated with resistance to adversity stress were markedly elevated in Arabidopsis plants that overexpress VhMYB60. Consequently, VhMYB60 may serve as a pivotal transcription factor in the regulation of 'Beta' resistance.
PMID: 40004159
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2025 Feb , V26 (4) doi: 10.3390/ijms26041680
Genome-Wide Investigation of MADS-Box Genes in Flower Development and Environmental Acclimation of Lumnitzera littorea (Jack) Voigt.
School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.; School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.; School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, China.
Lumnitzera littorea (Jack) Voigt is an endangered mangrove species in China. Low fecundity and environmental pressure are supposed to be key factors limiting the population expansion of L. littorea. Transcription factors with the MADS-box domain are crucial regulators of plant flower development, reproduction, and stress response. In this study, we performed a comprehensive investigation into the features and functions of MADS-box genes of L. littorea. Sixty-three LlMADS genes with similar structure and motif composition were identified in the L. littorea genome, and these genes were unevenly distributed on the 11 chromosomes. Segmental duplication was suggested to make a main contribution to the expansion of the LlMADS gene family. Some LIMADS genes exhibited differential expression in different flower types or in response to cold stress. Overexpression of the B-class gene LlMADS37 had substantial effects on the flower morphology and flowering time of transgenic Arabidopsis plants, demonstrating its key role in regulating flower morphogenesis and inflorescence. These findings largely enrich our understanding of the functional importance of MADS-box genes in the inflorescence and stress acclimation of L. littorea and provide valuable resources for future genetic research to improve the conservation of this species.
PMID: 40004145
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2025 Feb , V26 (4) doi: 10.3390/ijms26041635
Serotonin Mitigates ColdStress-Induced Damage in Kandelia obovata Through Modulating the Endogenous Melatonin- and Abscisic Acid Biosynthesis.
National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China.; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Coastal Biological Germplasm Resources Conservation and Utilization, Zhejiang Mariculture Research Institute, Wenzhou 325035, China.; Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Marine Biological Genetics and Breeding, Zhejiang Mariculture Research Institute, Wenzhou 325000, China.
Endogenous melatonin (MEL) and abscisic acid (ABA) are involved in the adaptation of plants to environmental stresses. The application of exogenous serotonin (SER) to plants can enhance their tolerance to abiotic stress, such as cold. However, the mechanism associated with serotonin-mediated defense against cold-induced damage in mangroves is still poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that mangrove (Kandelia obovata) seedlings sprayed with 200 mumol.L(-1) serotonin exhibited enhanced cold tolerance, as shown by reduced damage to leaves and loss of photosynthesis when exposed to low-temperature conditions. The mechanism associated with the cold adaptation of K. obovata seedlings upon treatment with serotonin was subsequently investigated by transcriptomic analysis. Serotonin treatment caused changes in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in the regulation of melatonin (MEL) and ABA biosynthesis and defense responses against cold stress. Under low-temperature stress, serotonin-treated seedlings showed a significant increase in the endogenous levels of melatonin and ABA. By contrast, under normal growth conditions, K. obovata seedlings treated with serotonin displayed no substantial change in melatonin level, whereas ABA level significantly increased. These findings demonstrated that serotonin treatment might play an important role in the enhanced resistance to cold in K. obovata and that such an effect would depend on the activation of endogenous melatonin and ABA synthesis.
PMID: 40004098
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2025 Feb , V26 (4) doi: 10.3390/ijms26041633
OsEL2 Regulates Rice Cold Tolerance by MAPK Signaling Pathway and Ethylene Signaling Pathway.
State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Rice Research Institute of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.; Demonstration Base for International Science & Technology Cooperation of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.; Crop Ecophysiology and Cultivation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Rice Research Institute of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
Low temperature stress represents a significant abiotic stress factor affecting rice yields. While the structure and some of the functions of cell cycle protein-dependent protein kinase inhibitor (CKI) family proteins have been the subject of study, their relevance to cold tolerance in rice has been less investigated. In this study, we cloned OsEL2 (LOC_Os03g01740) and constructed anti-expression lines of this gene. The resulting lines exhibited significant cold sensitivity and displayed greater oxidative damage than wild type Nippobare (Nip). However, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), were significantly elevated in OsEL2-AX plants in comparison to Nip following exposure to 4 degrees C stress. RNA sequencing revealed the presence of 18,822 differential genes, with the majority of them being expressed with temporal specificity. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that a considerable number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are involved in the metabolism of amino acids, lipids, and terpenoids. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed a close relationship between the genes in the turquoise and light green modules and rice cold tolerance traits. These genes were predominantly enriched in terpene metabolism and the metabolism of various plant secondary metabolites, suggesting that OsEL2 influences rice cold tolerance through the metabolism of these two classes of substances. An analysis of the genes within these two modules using transcription factor (TF) enrichment and KEGG enrichment revealed that they are predominantly regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and ethylene signaling pathways. Furthermore, we found that tryptophan metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, and monoterpene synthesis were enriched in down-regulated pathway enrichment analysis. In addition, we also found that the MAPK signaling pathway was enriched in the KEGG enrichment analysis of AX2 with Nip. The results demonstrate that anti-expression of OsEL2 is associated with a notable decline in rice tolerance to cold stress.
PMID: 40004096
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2025 Feb , V26 (4) doi: 10.3390/ijms26041599
Regulation of NO-Generating System Activity in Cucumber Root Response to Cold.
Department of Plant Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, Kanonia 6/8, 50-328 Wroclaw, Poland.
Nitric oxide (NO) functions as a signaling molecule in plant adaptation to changing environmental conditions. NO levels were found to increase in plants in response to low temperatures (LTs). However, knowledge of the pathways involved in enhanced NO production under cold stress is still limited. For this reason, we aimed to determine the role of different NO sources in NO generation in cucumber roots exposed to 10 degrees C for short (1 d) and long (6 d) periods. The short-term treatment of seedlings with LT markedly increased plasma membrane-bound nitrate reductase (PM-NR) activity and induced the expression of three genes encoding NR in cucumber (CsNR1-3). On the other hand, long-term exposure was related to both increased cytoplasmic NR (cNR) activity and induced expression of the CsARC gene, encoding the amidoxime-reducing component (ARC) protein. The decrease in nitrite reductase (NiR) activity and the higher NO(2)(-)/NO(3)(-) ratio in the roots of plants exposed to LTs for 1 d suggest that tissue conditions may favor NR-dependent NO production. Regardless of NR stimulation, a significant increase in NOS-like activity was observed in the roots, especially during the long-term treatment of plants with LT. These results indicate that diverse NO-producing routes, both reductive and oxidative, are activated in cucumber tissues at different stages of cold stress.
PMID: 40004064
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2025 Jan , V26 (3) doi: 10.3390/ijms26031157
Molecular and Physiological Responses of Plants that Enhance Cold Tolerance.
National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China.; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology, Coconut Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang 571339, China.; College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
Low-temperature stress, including chilling and freezing injuries, significantly impacts plant growth in tropical and temperate regions. Plants respond to cold stress by activating mechanisms that enhance freezing tolerance, such as regulating photosynthesis, metabolism, and protein pathways and producing osmotic regulators and antioxidants. Membrane stability is crucial, with cold-resistant plants exhibiting higher lipid unsaturation to maintain fluidity and normal metabolism. Low temperatures disrupt reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, leading to oxidative damage, which is mitigated by antioxidant defenses. Hormonal regulation, involving ABA, auxin, gibberellins, and others, further supports cold adaptation. Plants also manage osmotic balance by accumulating osmotic regulators like proline and sugars. Through complex regulatory pathways, including the ICE1-CBF-COR cascade, plants optimize gene expression to survive cold stress, ensuring adaptability to freezing conditions. This study reviews the recent advancements in genetic engineering technologies aimed at enhancing the cold resistance of agricultural crops. The goal is to provide insights for further improving plant cold tolerance and developing new cold-tolerant varieties.
PMID: 39940925
Int J Mol Sci , IF:5.923 , 2025 Jan , V26 (3) doi: 10.3390/ijms26031148
Combined Bulked Segregant Analysis-Sequencing and Transcriptome Analysis to Identify Candidate Genes Associated with Cold Stress in Brassica napus L.
Xianghu Laboratory, Hangzhou 311231, China.; College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
Cold tolerance in rapeseed is closely related to its growth, yield, and geographical distribution. However, the mechanisms underlying cold resistance in rapeseed remain unclear. This study aimed to explore cold resistance genes and provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of cold resistance in rapeseed. Rapeseed M98 (cold-sensitive line) and D1 (cold-tolerant line) were used as parental lines. In their F(2) population, 30 seedlings with the lowest cold damage levels and 30 with the highest cold damage levels were selected to construct cold-tolerant and cold-sensitive pools, respectively. The two pools and parental lines were analyzed using bulk segregant sequencing (BSA-seq). The G'-value analysis indicated a single peak on Chromosome C09 as the candidate interval, which had a 2.59 Mb segment with 69 candidate genes. Combined time-course and weighted gene co-expression network analyses were performed at seven time points to reveal the genetic basis of the two-parent response to low temperatures. Twelve differentially expressed genes primarily involved in plant cold resistance were identified. Combined BSA-seq and transcriptome analysis revealed BnaC09G0354200ZS, BnaC09G0353200ZS, and BnaC09G0356600ZS as the candidate genes. Quantitative real-time PCR validation of the candidate genes was consistent with RNA-seq. This study facilitates the exploration of cold tolerance mechanisms in rapeseed.
PMID: 39940915
Front Plant Sci , IF:5.753 , 2024 , V15 : P1520474 doi: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1520474
Flavonoids and anthocyanins in seagrasses: implications for climate change adaptation and resilience.
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.; Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.; Centre for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.; Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.; College of Horticulture, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.
Seagrasses are a paraphyletic group of marine angiosperms and retain certain adaptations from the ancestors of all embryophytes in the transition to terrestrial environments. Among these adaptations is the production of flavonoids, versatile phenylpropanoid secondary metabolites that participate in a variety of stress responses. Certain features, such as catalytic promiscuity and metabolon interactions, allow flavonoid metabolism to expand to produce novel compounds and respond to a variety of stimuli. As marine environments expose seagrasses to a unique set of stresses, these plants display interesting flavonoid profiles, the functions of which are often not completely clear. Flavonoids will likely prove to be effective and versatile agents in combating the new host of stress conditions introduced to marine environments by anthropogenic climate change, which affects marine environments differently from terrestrial ones. These new stresses include increased sulfate levels, changes in salt concentration, changes in herbivore distributions, and ocean acidification, which all involve flavonoids as stress response mechanisms, though the role of flavonoids in combatting these climate change stresses is seldom discussed directly in the literature. Flavonoids can also be used to assess the health of seagrass meadows through an interplay between flavonoid and simple phenolic levels, which may prove to be useful in monitoring the response of seagrasses to climate change. Studies focusing on the genetics of flavonoid metabolism are limited for this group, but the large chalcone synthase gene families in some species may provide an interesting topic of research. Anthocyanins are typically studied separately from other flavonoids. The phenomenon of reddening in certain seagrass species typically focuses on the importance of anthocyanins as a UV-screening mechanism, while the role of anthocyanins in cold stress is discussed less often. Both of these stress response functions would be useful for adaptation to climate change-induced deviations in tidal patterns and emersion. However, ocean warming will likely lead to a decrease in anthocyanin content, which may impact the performance of intertidal seagrasses. This review highlights the importance of flavonoids in angiosperm stress response and adaptation, examines research on flavonoids in seagrasses, and hypothesizes on the importance of flavonoids in these organisms under climate change.
PMID: 39935685
Plant Cell Physiol , IF:4.927 , 2025 Feb doi: 10.1093/pcp/pcaf020
Abiotic stress-regulated LEA gene mediates the response to drought, salinity, and cold stress in Medicago sativa L.
College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266590, China.; College of Life Sciences/State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, Shannxi 712100, China.
Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are typical stress-related proteins widely distributed across various organisms. Their anti-stress functions in higher plants have garnered significant attention and have been extensively studied; however, no such studies have been reported on the entire protein family in Medicago sativa. In this study, we identified a total of 83 MsLEA proteins in M. sativa and conducted a comprehensive analysis to elucidate their functions in response to abiotic stresses. The results indicated that these proteins could be classified into seven groups and were distributed across eight chromosomes. Collineation analysis revealed that segmental duplication primarily drove the expansion of MsLEA genes. Furthermore, the promoters of MsLEA genes were found to be enriched with cis-elements associated with various stress responses. Through transcriptome and qRT-PCR analysis, nine MsLEA genes related to drought, salinity, and cold stress were identified, with MsLEA69 selected for further validation. The ectopic expression of MsLEA69 improves osmotic and extreme temperature tolerance by increasing the activity of stress-related enzymes in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. These comprehensive analyses and identifications lay the groundwork for future research into the functional mechanisms of MsLEA proteins and offer potential candidate genes for enhancing resistance breeding in M. sativa.
PMID: 39927691
Plant Cell Physiol , IF:4.927 , 2025 Feb doi: 10.1093/pcp/pcaf018
A C2H2 Zinc Finger Protein, OsZOS2-19, Modulates ABA Sensitivity and Cold Response in Rice.
College of Agriculture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, 410128, China.; State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Center, Changsha, Hunan, 410125, China.; Hunan Women's University, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China.
Cold stress is a major factor limiting rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity, making it crucial to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying stress responses to develop resilient crops. In this study, we characterized OsZOS2-19, a cold- and abscisic acid (ABA) -responsive C2H2 zinc finger protein, which functions as a transcriptional repressor. Overexpression of OsZOS2-19 in rice lines increases sensitivity both cold and ABA, reducing cold tolerance, disrupting osmotic balance, and impairing reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. RNA sequencing revealed that OsZOS2-19 overexpression interfered with key stress-response pathways, including those associated with sugar metabolism and glutathione biosynthesis. These findings suggest that OsZOS2-19 negatively regulates cold tolerance and ABA sensitivity by modulating ROS accumulation and osmotic balance, offering new insights into cold adaptation in rice.
PMID: 39916472
Plant Sci , IF:4.729 , 2025 Mar , V352 : P112399 doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2025.112399
Regulatory networks of bZIPs in drought, salt and cold stress response and signaling.
Department of Life Sciences, Yuncheng University, Yuncheng, Shanxi 044000, PR China.; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China.; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China. Electronic address: whling@bjfu.edu.cn.
Abiotic stresses adversely impact plants survival and growth, which in turn affect plants especially crop yields worldwide. To cope with these stresses, plant responses depend on the activation of molecular networks cascades, including stress perception, signal transduction, and the expression of specific stress-related genes. Plant bZIP (basic leucine zipper) transcription factors are important regulators that respond to diverse abiotic stresses.By binding to specific cis-elements, bZIPs can control the transcription of target genes, giving plants stress resistance. This review describes the structural characteristics of bZIPs and summarizes recent progress in analyzing the molecular mechanisms regulating plant responses to salinity, drought, and cold in different plant species. The main goal is to deepen the understanding of bZIPs and explore their value in genetic improvement of plants.
PMID: 39874989
Plant Sci , IF:4.729 , 2025 Mar , V352 : P112390 doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2025.112390
Molecular mechanisms of cold stress response in cotton: Transcriptional reprogramming and genetic strategies for tolerance.
National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China.; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, Hainan 57202, China.; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, Hainan 57202, China. Electronic address: dujeffrey8848@hotmail.com.
Cold stress has a huge impact on the growth and development of cotton, presenting a significant challenge to its productivity. Comprehending the complex molecular mechanisms that control the reaction to CS is necessary for developing tactics to improve cold tolerance in cotton. This review paper explores how cotton responds to cold stress by regulating gene expression, focusing on both activating and repressing specific genes. We investigate the essential roles that transcription factors and regulatory elements have in responding to cold stress and controlling gene expression to counteract the negative impacts of low temperatures. Through a comprehensive examination of new publications, we clarify the intricacies of transcriptional reprogramming induced by cold stress, emphasizing the connections between different regulatory elements and signaling pathways. Additionally, we investigate the consecutive effects of cold stress on cotton yield, highlighting the physiological and developmental disturbances resulting from extended periods of low temperatures. The knowledge obtained from this assessment allows for a more profound comprehension of the molecular mechanisms that regulate cold stress responses, suggesting potential paths for future research to enhance cold tolerance in cotton by utilizing targeted genetic modifications and biotechnological interventions.
PMID: 39827949
Plant Sci , IF:4.729 , 2025 Mar , V352 : P112380 doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112380
Overexpression of SikPsaF can increase the biomass of Broussonetia papyrifera by improving its photosynthetic efficiency and cold tolerance.
College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, PR China. Electronic address: wm78966026@163.com.; College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, PR China. Electronic address: 1473116055@qq.com.; College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, PR China. Electronic address: 1123992958@qq.com.; College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, PR China. Electronic address: 1124454462@qq.com.; College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, PR China. Electronic address: 2715081849@qq.com.; College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, PR China. Electronic address: 2640634187@qq.com.; Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, PR China. Electronic address: 84861195@qq.com.; College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, PR China. Electronic address: zhangfanfan@shzu.edu.cn.; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, PR China. Electronic address: zl491191385@163.com.; College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, PR China. Electronic address: guoxinyong2013@163.com.
Photosynthesis is essential for the accumulation of organic compounds in plant leaves. Study of photosynthesis in the leaves of Broussonetia papyrifera is crucial for enhancing its biomass production, growth, and development. Here, we cloned the SikPsaF gene associated with photosynthesis from Saussurea involucrata and constructed a vector that was introduced into B. papyrifera to generate a transgenic strain. We then assessed various photosynthesis-related parameters in the transgenic plants and examined the function of this gene and its expression patterns under cold stress. The results showed that SikPsaF was localized to chloroplasts. Its expression was induced by light, and its expression was higher in the leaves than in other tissues. Furthermore, SikPsaF expression increased significantly under cold stress. The biomass of transgenic lines was greater than that of wild-type plants. Overexpression of this gene led to increases in the chlorophyll content and photosynthetic indices, which mitigated cell membrane damage and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. SikPsaF overexpression also helped maintain high antioxidant enzyme activity and a high content of osmoregulatory substances during stress; the increased enzyme activities were due to up-regulated gene expression. Overexpression of SikPsaF has a major effect on growth and development by enhancing photosynthetic efficiency, improving yield, conferring cold resistance, and reducing damage to the cell membrane and ROS accumulation at low temperatures. In summary, our findings indicate that these transgenic plants have enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and resilience against biotic stresses.
PMID: 39756483
Front Genet , IF:4.599 , 2025 , V16 : P1436285 doi: 10.3389/fgene.2025.1436285
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of GRAS transcription factors under cold stress in diploid and triploid Eucalyptus.
State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants of Ministry of Education, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
The GRAS [GRI (Gibberellic Acid Insensitive), RGA (Repressor of GAI-3 mutant), and SCR (Scarecrow)] transcription factors play a pivotal role in the development and stress responses of plants. Eucalyptus is an important fast-growing tree species worldwide, yet its poor cold tolerance limits its cultivation range. This study conducted a bioinformatics analysis of Eucalyptus grandis GRAS family and investigated the expression patterns of GRAS genes in different ploidy Eucalyptus under cold treatment. This study identified 92 EgrGRAS genes, which were divided into eight subfamilies. Interspecies synteny analysis found that E. grandis and Populus trichocarpa have more syntenic GRAS gene pairs. Chromosome localization analysis revealed that 90 EgrGRAS genes were found to be unevenly distributed across 11 chromosomes. Gene structure analysis found similar intron-exon structures in EgrGRAS genes. Protein motif analysis revealed that proteins within the same subfamily have certain structural similarities. The physical and chemical properties of the proteins encoded by EgrGRAS genes vary, but the ranges of amino acid numbers, molecular weights, and isoelectric points (pI) are similar to those of GRAS proteins from other species. Subcellular localization prediction using software found that 56 members of EgrGRAS family are localized in the nucleus, with a few members localized in the cytoplasm, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. Tobacco subcellular localization experiments verified a nuclear-localized GRAS transcription factor. Cis-acting element analysis predicted that EgrGRAS genes are involved in the growth as well as the response to hormones, light induction, and low-temperature stress. Transcriptome data analysis and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) experiments in diploid and triploid Eucalyptus urophylla found that some EgrGRAS genes exhibited upregulated expression under different cold treatment durations, with certain genes from the LISCL, PAT1, and DELLA subfamilies significantly upregulated in triploid Eucalyptus. These EgrGRAS transcription factors may play an important role in Eucalyptus response to cold stress. The study lays a molecular foundation for the breeding of cold-resistant Eucalyptus varieties.
PMID: 39944594
Sci Rep , IF:4.379 , 2025 Feb , V15 (1) : P5711 doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-89119-5
The evolution, variation and expression patterns of the annexin gene family in the maize pan-genome.
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. weiqin2001-67@163.com.; Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, 644000, Sichuan, China. weiqin2001-67@163.com.
Annexins (Anns) are a family of evolutionarily conserved, calcium-dependent, phospholipid-binding proteins that play critical roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. Utilizing the pan-genome of 26 high-quality maize genomes, we identified 12 Ann genes, comprising 9 core genes (present in all 26 lines) and 3 near-core genes (present in 24-25 lines). This highlights the limitations of studying ZmAnn genes based on a single reference genome. Evaluating the Ka/Ks values of Ann genes in 26 varieties revealed that ZmAnn10 was under positive selection in certain varieties, while the remaining genes had Ka/Ks values less than 1, indicating purifying selection. Phylogenetic analysis divided ZmAnn proteins into six groups, with group VI containing only ZmAnn12. Structural variation in certain varieties altered the conserved domains, generating many atypical genes. Transcriptome analysis showed that different Ann members have distinct expression patterns in various tissues and under different abiotic and biotic stress treatments. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis of transcriptome data from various maize tissues under cold stress identified four Ann genes (ZmAnn2, ZmAnn6, ZmAnn7, ZmAnn9) involved in co-expression modules. Overall, this study utilized high-quality maize pangenomes to perform a bioinformatic analysis of ZmAnn genes, providing a foundation for further research on ZmAnn genes.
PMID: 39962090
Sci Rep , IF:4.379 , 2025 Feb , V15 (1) : P3972 doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-88346-0
Enhancing maize seed resistance to chilling stress through seed germination and surface morphological changes using high voltage electrostatic field.
College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, China.; Shandong Key Laboratory of Intelligent Production Technology and Equipment for Facility Horticulture, Tai'an, 271018, China.; Shandong Taikai Transformer Co., Ltd, Tai'an, 271000, China.; College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, China. yanyinfa@sdau.edu.cn.; Shandong Key Laboratory of Intelligent Production Technology and Equipment for Facility Horticulture, Tai'an, 271018, China. yanyinfa@sdau.edu.cn.; College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, China. liu_mochen@sdau.edu.cn.; Shandong Engineering Research Center of Agricultural Equipment Intelligentization, Tai'an, 271018, China. liu_mochen@sdau.edu.cn.
The effect of high-voltage electrostatic field (HVEF) on maize seeds' resistance to chilling injury remains unclear. This study investigates the chemical and spatial changes induced by HVEF at macroscopic and microscopic levels via the combination of physiological assessments and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Maize samples were categorized into low and normal-temperature groups. At an HVEF strength of 1.6 kV/cm, all indices in the low-temperature group significantly improved relative to the control (P < 0.01), with germination potential, rate, index, and vigor index increasing by 11.7%, 11.2%, 10.5%, and 31.7%, respectively. Root length, shoot length, and dry weight of maize seedlings rose by 20.3%, 19.2%, and 16.6%. Further analysis revealed a 62.7% increase in soluble sugar content in HVEF-treated seeds and the lowest leaching solution conductivity of 1.6 kV/cm. These results demonstrate that HVEF treatment enhances soluble sugar accumulation during seed germination, regulating osmotic balance within the cells. Furthermore, SEM assessed maize microtissue morphology after chilling injury and HVEF treatment. Optimal HVEF treatment resulted in cell wall expansion, enhanced fiber elasticity, reduced interstitial spaces, and swollen cells, indicating improved hydrophilicity and protease activity. This study offers valuable insights into the mechanisms by which HVEF improves seed performance under low-temperature stress.
PMID: 39893241
Ann Bot , IF:4.357 , 2025 Feb , V135 (1-2) : P305-316 doi: 10.1093/aob/mcae117
Floral freezing tolerance is tied to flowering time in North American woody plant species.
Biology Department, University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN 55812, USA.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: As winter and spring temperatures continue to increase, the timing of flowering and leaf-out is advancing in many seasonally cold regions. This advancement could put plants that flower early in the spring at risk of decreased reproduction in years when there are late freeze events. Unfortunately, relatively little is known about floral freezing tolerance in forest communities. In this study, we examined the impact of freezing temperatures on the flowers of woody plants in a region where there is rapid winter warming in North America. METHODS: We subjected the flowers of 25 woody species to a hard (-5 degrees C) and a light freeze (0 degrees C). We assessed tissue damage using electrolyte leakage. In a subset of species, we also examined the impact of a hard freeze on pollen tube growth. To determine if the vulnerability of flowers to freezing damage relates to flowering time and to examine the responsiveness of flowering time to spring temperature, we recorded the date of first flower for our study species for 3 years. KEY RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Across species, we found that floral freezing tolerance was strongly tied to flowering time, with the highest freezing tolerance occurring in plants that bloomed earlier in the year. We hypothesize that these early blooming species are unlikely to be impacted by a false spring. Instead, the most vulnerable species to a false spring should be those that bloom later in the season. The flowering time in these species is also more sensitive to temperature, putting them at a great risk of experiencing a false spring. Ultimately, floral damage in one year will not have a large impact on species fitness, but if false springs become more frequent, there could be long-term impacts on reproduction of vulnerable species.
PMID: 39066503
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Feb , V221 : P109632 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109632
Molecular insights into DaERF108-mediated regulation on asperosaponin VI biosynthesis under cold tolerance in Dipsacus asper.
Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China. Electronic address: 3090380971@qq.com.; Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China. Electronic address: xujiao2008mzk@163.com.; Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China. Electronic address: 3122983275@qq.com.; Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China. Electronic address: 3507547940@qq.com.; Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China. Electronic address: taozhou88@163.com.; Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China. Electronic address: xiaochenghong1986@126.com.
Plants frequently modulate their hormonal signaling pathways in response to stress, thereby regulating the synthesis of secondary metabolites and adapting to fluctuations in their surroundings. The APETALA2/ethylene-responsive factor (AP2/ERF) domain transcription factors are important in regulating abiotic stress tolerance. The accumulation of asperosaponin VI in the root was significantly enhanced under low temperature stress, which exhibited a correlation with the AP2/ERF family. However, the involvement of AP2/ERF in regulating asperosaponin VI biosynthesis under cold stress remains ambiguous. Under cold stress conditions below 10 degrees C, we observed the accumulation of asperosaponin VI and an increase in jasmonic acid (JA) levels. This response was attributed to the activation of the JA synthesis pathway induced by low temperatures. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis of the full-length transcriptome of Dipsacus asper identified a total of 80 DaAP2/ERF transcription factors, which exhibited significant homology with Arabidopsis thaliana and Citrus ERFs based on phylogenetic analysis. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that both cold stress and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) induction upregulated DaERF108 expression. The expression of DaERF108 is notably upregulated in the leaves and during the early stages of growth and development of D. asper, while subcellular localization analysis confirmed its presence in the nucleus. The overexpression of DaERF108 significantly enhanced the accumulation of oleanolic acid, a precursor of asperosaponin VI, and activated the triterpenoid biosynthesis pathway in Arabidopsis roots. Additionally, the overexpression of DaERF108 induced the activation of the terpenoid synthesis pathway under cold stress conditions. Notably, there was a positive correlation between DaERF108 expression and genes involved in asperosaponin VI biosynthesis, particularly with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase (DaHMGS). The interaction between DaERF108 and the GCC-box element in the DaHMGS promoter was demonstrated by LUC and Y1H assays, leading to enhanced activity. These findings suggest that DaERF108 specifically binds to the G-box element, thereby regulating DaHMGS gene expression, activating the JA signaling pathway, and promoting asperosaponin VI biosynthesis in response to cold stress.
PMID: 39965409
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Feb , V221 : P109610 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109610
CsERF21-l-CsASA2 module positively regulates cold tolerance by promoting tryptophan biosynthesis in tea plants.
College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China. Electronic address: z15684798829@163.com.; College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China. Electronic address: gaoyingrui00@163.com.; College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China. Electronic address: 1391992716@qq.com.; College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China. Electronic address: gsy1695482901@163.com.; College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China. Electronic address: 18991043565@163.com.; College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China. Electronic address: wei61972995214@163.com.; College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China. Electronic address: gcm228@nwsuaf.edu.cn.; College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China. Electronic address: baijuan@nwsuaf.edu.cn.
Cold stress is a widely distributed abiotic stress that severely limits the yield and quality of tea plants. Tryptophan (Trp) and downstream indole compounds play an important role in plant growth and stress response. However, beyond its involvement in indole compounds synthesis, the other physiological functions of Trp in tea plants remain unknown. In this study, anthranilate synthetase (ASA2) was a positive regulator to enhance cold stress tolerance in Camellia sinensis. The expression of CsASA2 was strongly induced by cold stress. Suppression of CsASA2 expression in C. sinensis reduced the accumulation of Trp, lowered reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity, and ultimately impaired cold stress tolerance. Heterologous overexpression of CsASA2 increased the endogenous Trp and melatonin content in response to cold stress and then showed the opposite cold resistance trend. Further study revealed that CsASA2 expression was positively regulated by the transcription factor CsERF21-l. Low temperature induced and kept CsERF21-l expression at a relatively high level. Suppression of CsERF21-l expression in tea plant reduced the accumulation of IAA and melatonin, increased the extent of cytoplasmic membrane damage, and weakened the cold tolerance of tea plant. Further, our study demonstrated that CsERF21-l enhanced cold tolerance in tea plants by promoting CsASA2 transcription. Overall, our results showed that the CsERF21-l-CsASA2 model balances the growth and cold tolerance in tea plants by regulating melatonin and IAA levels by recruiting Trp under cold stress.
PMID: 39946911
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Feb , V221 : P109603 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109603
Hexokinase gene CsHXK4 positively regulates cold resistance in tea plants (Camellia sinensis).
National Center for Tea Plant Improvement, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/National Key Laboratory for Tea Plant Germplasm Innovation and Resource Utilization/Key Laboratory of Biology, Genetics and Breeding of Special Economic Animals and Plants, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hangzhou, 310008, Zhejiang, China.; National Center for Tea Plant Improvement, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/National Key Laboratory for Tea Plant Germplasm Innovation and Resource Utilization/Key Laboratory of Biology, Genetics and Breeding of Special Economic Animals and Plants, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hangzhou, 310008, Zhejiang, China; College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China.; National Center for Tea Plant Improvement, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/National Key Laboratory for Tea Plant Germplasm Innovation and Resource Utilization/Key Laboratory of Biology, Genetics and Breeding of Special Economic Animals and Plants, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hangzhou, 310008, Zhejiang, China. Electronic address: nanali@tricaas.com.
Low temperatures are a major abiotic stress factor that adversely affects the growth, development, and productivity of tea plants. Soluble sugars play a critical role in enhancing tea plants' resistance to cold stress. However, the mechanisms by which tea plants perceive and transmit sugar signals remain poorly understood. In this study, the transcription of CsHXK4, a type B hexokinase (HXK) gene in tea plants, was significantly upregulated by low temperatures and glucose signaling. CsHXK4 exhibited multiple subcellular localizations, particularly in the nucleus and mitochondria, and was ubiquitously expressed across various tissues, with predominant expression in younger organs. Hexose phosphorylation analysis using the HXK-deficient yeast triple mutant YSH7.4-3C demonstrated that CsHXK4 functions as a hexokinase with catalytic activity. Overexpression (OE) of CsHXK4 in Arabidopsis resulted in hypersensitivity to glucose, suggesting its role in sugar signal transduction. Furthermore, CsHXK4-OE Arabidopsis plants exhibited enhanced cold tolerance compared to wild-type plants, as evidenced by increased photosynthetic capacity, elevated sugar content, and stable cell membrane permeability. Transient induction of CsHXK4 expression in tea leaves improved freezing tolerance and activated the expression of cold-responsive marker genes, including CsCBF1/2/3/4, CsKIN2.2, CsCOR413, CsLEA14, and CsGOLS1, compared to the empty vector control. Overall, our findings reveal that CsHXK4 positively regulates cold resistance in tea plants by mediating sugar signaling and CBF signaling pathways.
PMID: 39923416
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Mar , V220 : P109432 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109432
CmTGA8-CmAPX1/CmGSTU25 regulatory model involved in trehalose induced cold tolerance in oriental melon seedlings.
College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China; Key Laboratory of Protected Horticulture of Education of Ministry and Liaoning Province, China; Northern National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Horticultural Facilities Design and Application Technology, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110866, China.; Department of Horticulture, The University of Haripur, Haripur, Pakistan.; College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China; Key Laboratory of Protected Horticulture of Education of Ministry and Liaoning Province, China; Northern National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Horticultural Facilities Design and Application Technology, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110866, China. Electronic address: taoliu@syau.edu.cn.; College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China; Key Laboratory of Protected Horticulture of Education of Ministry and Liaoning Province, China; Northern National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Horticultural Facilities Design and Application Technology, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110866, China. Electronic address: qihongyan@syau.edu.cn.
Plants have developed complex regulatory networks to adapt to various stresses, including cold stress. Trehalose (Tre), known as the "sugar of life," plays a crucial role in enhancing cold tolerance by triggering antioxidation. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. This study examines the transcription factor gene CmTGA8, which is induced by Tre under normal and cold conditions in melon seedlings (Cucumis melo L.), through transcriptome analysis and RT-qPCR. Reverse genetic analyses showed that silencing CmTGA8 reduced ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities, suppressed CmAPX1 and CmGSTU25 expression, and increased cold susceptibility in melon seedlings. Our previous reports illustrated that Tre treatment significantly induced the expression of respiratory burst oxidase homologues (CmRBOHD) gene, encoding NADPH oxidases responsible for generating apoplastic H(2)O(2). Silencing CmRBOHD markedly inhibited CmTGA8, CmAPX1, and CmGSTU25 expression and reduced cold tolerance. Moreover, H(2)O(2) treatment upregulated CmTGA8 expression, while the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) treatment downregulated it. Additionally, CmTGA8 physically interacted with CmAPX1 and CmGSTU25 to promote their expression. Silencing CmGSTU25 decreased GST activity and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), further increasing cold sensitivity. These findings identify a novel regulatory hierarchy of the H(2)O(2)-CmTGA8-CmAPX1/CmGSTU25 cascade in the Tre-mediated cold response pathway in melon seedlings.
PMID: 39884148
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Mar , V220 : P109541 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109541
How to survive mild winters: Cold acclimation, deacclimation, and reacclimation in winter wheat and barley.
Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Plant Genetics and Crop Breeding, Czech Agrifood Research Center, Drnovska 507, 161 06, Prague 6, Ruzyne, Czech Republic. Electronic address: kosova@vurv.cz.; Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Plant Genetics and Crop Breeding, Czech Agrifood Research Center, Drnovska 507, 161 06, Prague 6, Ruzyne, Czech Republic; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic.; Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Plant Genetics and Crop Breeding, Czech Agrifood Research Center, Drnovska 507, 161 06, Prague 6, Ruzyne, Czech Republic.; Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Plant Genetics and Crop Breeding, Czech Agrifood Research Center, Drnovska 507, 161 06, Prague 6, Ruzyne, Czech Republic; Faculty of Forestry and Wood Science, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
Cold acclimation and vernalization represent the major evolutionary adaptive responses to ensure winter survival of temperate plants. Due to climate change, mild winters can paradoxically worsen plant winter survival due to cold deacclimation induced by warm periods during winter. It seems that the ability of cold reacclimation in overwintering Triticeae cereals is limited, especially in vernalized plants. In the present review, the major factors determining cold acclimation (CA), deacclimation (DA) and reacclimation (RA) processes in winter-type Triticeae, namely wheat and barley, are discussed. Recent knowledge on cold sensing and signaling is briefly summarized. The impacts of chilling temperatures, photoperiod and light spectrum quality as the major environmental factors, and the roles of soluble proteins and sugars (carbohydrates) as well as cold stress memory molecular mechanisms as the major plant-based factors determining CA, DA, and RA processes are discussed. The roles of plant stress memory mechanisms and development processes, namely vernalization, in winter Triticeae reacclimation are elucidated. Recent findings about the role of O-glucose N-acetylation of target proteins during vernalization and their impacts on the expression of VRN1 gene and other target proteins resulting in cold-responsive modules reprogramming are presented.
PMID: 39862458
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Mar , V220 : P109478 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109478
Genome-wide identification and characterization of the thioredoxin (TRX) gene family in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and a functional analysis of SlTRX2 under salt stress.
The Modern Facilities Horticultural Engineering Technology Center, Shenyang Agricultural University, 110866, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; The Key Laboratory of Protected Horticulture, Ministry of Education, 110866, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.; The Modern Facilities Horticultural Engineering Technology Center, Shenyang Agricultural University, 110866, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; The Key Laboratory of Protected Horticulture, Ministry of Education, 110866, Shenyang, Liaoning, China. Electronic address: yufengliu@syau.edu.cn.; The Modern Facilities Horticultural Engineering Technology Center, Shenyang Agricultural University, 110866, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; The Key Laboratory of Protected Horticulture, Ministry of Education, 110866, Shenyang, Liaoning, China. Electronic address: tianlaili@126.com.
Thioredoxin is a multifunctional acidic protein widely presented in organisms that regulates intracellular redox processes, participating in a series of biochemical reactions in cells to affect the growth and development of plants. Although the thioredoxin (TRX) gene family has been widespread recognized across various plant species, and the tomato genome has been sequenced for years now, of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) has remained largely uncharted in terms of identifying and unraveling the functional intricacies of is TRX genes. In this study, 53 SlTRX genes were identified, unevenly distributed across 11 of the 12 tomato chromosomes. These 53 SlTRX genes were categorized into 4 distinct subfamilies based on their evolutionary kinship and phylogenetic development. Expression profiling reveals that most of SlTRX genes exhibited distinct expression patterns across various tissues and developmental stages. In addition, the gene structure, conserved protein motifs and cis-elements of 53 SlTRX genes were analyzed simultaneously. In our rigorous in silico expression analysis, 8 SlTRX genes were meticulously selected for subsequent experiments. Subcellular localization indicated that these 8 SlTRX genes were localized in chloroplasts. Furthermore, these 8 SlTRX genes were responsive to abiotic stress (salt, drought and cold stress) under the qRT-PCR analysis, and their different expression patterns under diverse types of treatments indicated their possible roles in stress tolerance in tomato. Based on these results, SlTRX2, whose expression level continued to increase under salt stress, was selected for silencing to further investigate its function, and furthermore, silencing SlTRX2 inhibited plant growth and led to a significant reduction in photosynthesis under salt stress. Yeast two-hybrid and luciferase complementation imaging assays demonstrated that SlTRX2 may regulate tomato salt resistance by affecting related photosynthetic genes. Thus, our study establishes a valuable resource for further analysis on biological functions of SlTRX genes and will provide important insights in the mechanism of action under stress.
PMID: 39826344
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Mar , V220 : P109448 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109448
Effects of exogenous calcium pretreatment on the cold resistance of Phoebe zhennan seedlings.
School of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, PR China.; School of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, PR China; Jixi County Forestry Bureau of Anhui Province, 245300, PR China.; School of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, PR China. Electronic address: bdeng2008@sohu.com.
Phoebe zhennan is a high-quality timber tree species mainly distributed in the subtropical regions of China. It is very important to study and improve the cold resistance of P. zhennan from the mechanism and practice for expanding its introduction and cultivation range. However, there is a lack of research on the cold resistance mechanisms of Zhennan seedlings. The present study investigated the effects of exogenous Ca(2+) on the cold resistance in Zhennan. The results showed that Ca(2+) pretreatment increased the levels of abscisic acid, peroxidase, catalase, proline, and soluble sugar and decreased the levels of malondialdehyde and relative electrical conductivity. In addition, RNA sequencing was used to investigate the global transcriptome response to cold stress. Gene set enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis, and gene ontology analysis were used to compare the differentially expressed genes before and after calcium treatment and before and after cold stress. These analyses together with the short time sequence clustering analysis of transcriptome data and predictive protein interaction analysis showed that the transcription factors PzWRKY71, PzTAF, and PzMYB7 play key roles in the regulation of and balance between cold resistance and growth in immune system. Moreover, it was found that the mechanisms of protein phosphorylation and ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation significantly affected the calcium ion-mediated cold resistance mechanism, and there was a complex regulatory relationship between them. The results provide valuable insights into the Ca(2+)-mediated cold resistance mechanism and have potential applications for improving cold stress tolerance in Zhennan seedlings.
PMID: 39787815
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Mar , V220 : P109479 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109479
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) growth and photosynthetic response to high and low temperature extremes.
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia-Tifton Campus, 31793, Tifton, GA, USA. Electronic address: ved.parkash@uga.edu.; Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia-Tifton Campus, 31793, Tifton, GA, USA.; Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia-Tifton Campus, 31793, Tifton, GA, USA; Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, University of Georgia-Tifton Campus, 31793, Tifton, GA, USA.; College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, 30223, Griffin, GA, USA.
In some peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) producing regions, growth and photosynthesis-limiting low and high temperature extremes are common. Heat acclimation potential of photosynthesis and respiration is a coping mechanism that is species-dependent and should be further explored for peanut. The objectives of the current study are (1) to evaluate the response of photosynthesis, its component processes, and respiration to low and high temperatures, and (2) to determine the heat acclimation potential of photosynthesis and respiration during early vegetative growth of peanut. Peanut was exposed to four different growth temperature regimes: (1) optimum temperature (30/20 degrees C day/night), (2) low temperature (20/15 degrees C), (3) moderately high temperature (35/25 degrees C), and (4) a high temperature extreme (40/30 degrees C). Low temperature and both high temperatures caused substantial reductions in growth and net photosynthetic rate. Mesophyll conductance and RuBP regeneration co-limited net photosynthetic rate under low temperature. Rubisco carboxylation was the most negatively impacted biochemical processes by high temperatures; however, diffusional limitations were not evident under high temperature conditions. Photosynthesis did not acclimate to high temperatures, while respiration and photorespiration exhibited heat acclimation. The inability of photosynthesis to acclimate to high temperature is likely a major constraint to early season growth in peanut.
PMID: 39778375
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Mar , V220 : P109440 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109440
PsHB7/12 gene participated in the overwintering process of Pyrus sinkiangensis through negative feedback regulation of ABA.
Gansu Engineering Technology Research Center for Microalgae, Hexi University, Zhangye, 734000, China; College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, China. Electronic address: shz2020007@163.com.; College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, China. Electronic address: liaoweishzu@163.com.; College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, China. Electronic address: 1543350617@qq.com.; Gansu Engineering Technology Research Center for Microalgae, Hexi University, Zhangye, 734000, China. Electronic address: 13993693452@163.com.; College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, China. Electronic address: jianbozh@shzu.edu.cn.
Pyrus sinkiangensis, a crucial economic fruit tree in Xinjiang, China, experiences winter hardiness that significantly influences its yield and fruit quality. This study aimed to investigate the role of PsHB7/12 in cold resistance of Pyrus sinkiangensis and its regulation of abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. Through physiological assessments and transcriptome analysis, we identified a peak expression of PsHB7/12 in January, which was strongly induced by ABA. We found a correlation between ABA concentrations and changes in water content and soluble protein levels during overwintering process. Further analysis of yeast one-hybrid and the luciferase assay revealed that PsHB7/12 was involved in the negative regulation of ABA signal by inhibiting the expression of PsPYL4. Additionally, the overexpression of the PsHB7/12 may have complex effects on ABA signaling through the modulation of expression of members of the PsPP2Cs family. In summary, PsHB7/12 regulates the ABA signaling pathway through a negative feedback mechanism. These findings reveal the critical role of PsHB7/12 in cold stress adaptation in Pyrus sinkiangensis and provide new molecular markers for breeding stress-resistant fruit trees.
PMID: 39756183
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Mar , V220 : P109455 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109455
OsNCED5 confers cold stress tolerance through regulating ROS homeostasis in rice.
School of Biological Science and Agriculture, Qiannan Normal University for Nationalities, Duyun, 558000, China; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Crop Sterile Germplasm Resource Innovation and Application, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China. Electronic address: 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.; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Crop Sterile Germplasm Resource Innovation and Application, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China.
Cold stress is one of the most serious abiotic stresses that affects the growth and yield in rice. However, the molecular mechanism by which abscisic acid (ABA) regulates plant cold stress tolerance is not yet clear. In this study, we identified a member of the OsNCED (9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase) gene family, OsNCED5, which confers cold stress tolerance in rice. OsNCED5 encodes a chloroplast-localized ABA biosynthetic enzyme and its expression is strongly induced by cold stress. Disruption of OsNCED5 by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis led to a significant decrease in ABA content and exhibited significant reduced cold stress tolerance at the seedling stage. Exogenous ABA restored the cold stress tolerance of the osnced5 mutants. Overexpression of OsNCED5 gene significantly improved the cold stress tolerance of rice seedlings. Moreover, OsNCED5 mainly regulates cold stress tolerance through regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. Taken together, we identified a new OsNCED regulator involved in cold stress tolerance, and provided a potential target gene for enhancing cold stress tolerance in rice.
PMID: 39752938
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Feb , V219 : P109459 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109459
Integrated comparative physiological and transcriptomic analyses of Elymus sibiricus L. reveal the similarities and differences in the molecular mechanisms in response to drought and cold stress.
College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China; School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China; Sichuan Academy of Grassland Science, Chengdu, 610097, China.; Sichuan Provincial Work Station of Grassland, Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Forestry and Grassland, Chengdu, 610081, China.; Sichuan Academy of Grassland Science, Chengdu, 610097, China.; School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China.; College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.; School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China. Electronic address: baishiqie@126.com.; College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China. Electronic address: pengyanlee@163.com.
Drought and cold crucially affect plant growth and distribution. Plants have evolved complex molecular mechanisms to adapt to such adverse environmental conditions. This study examines two Elymus sibiricus (Es) germplasms differing in resilience to these stresses. Analyzing physiological responses and gene expression changes under drought and cold, it reveals the similarities and differences in their molecular mechanisms that underlie these responses. The results indicate that both drought stress and cold stress severely damage the integrity of the cell membrane in Es. Notably, under cold stress, the accumulation of osmotic regulation substances in Es is more significant, which may be related to the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism (CM)-related genes in cold environments. Furthermore, the response to oxidative stress triggered by cold stress in Es is partially inhibited. The enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs responsive to drought stress in Es were mainly related to the pathway of photosynthesis, whereas the DEGs responsive to cold stress were more associated with the protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum (PPER), highlighting distinct molecular responses. In addition, we discovered that the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling transduction plays a dominant role in mediating the drought resistance mechanism of Es. We have identified 86 key candidate genes related to photosynthesis, Phst, CM, and PPER, including 5 genes that can respond to both drought and cold stress. This study provides a foundation for the molecular mechanisms underlying cold and drought resistance in Es, with insight into its future genetic improvement for stress resistance.
PMID: 39736257
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Feb , V219 : P109454 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109454
Enhancement of cold tolerance in tea plants (Camellia sinensis) by glycine betaine accumulation through CsBADH overexpression.
College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266109, China.; State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.; College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266109, China. Electronic address: zhaolei_tea@163.com.
Cold stress significantly limits the growth and yield of tea plants (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze), particularly in northern China, may lead to huge economic losses. Glycine betaine (GB), an osmotic regulator, is widely applied in crop resistance to abiotic stress. This study investigates the role of GB and its biosynthetic enzyme CsBADH in enhancing cold tolerance in tea plants. Two cultivars, 'Shuchazao' (cold-resistant) and 'Baiye 1' (cold-sensitive), were subjected to low temperature stress (0 degrees C). GB accumulation was measured, revealing that 'Shuchazao' exhibited 1.4-fold higher GB levels than 'Baiye 1', suggesting a link between higher GB accumulation and cold tolerance. Exogenous GB treatment improved cold resistance, especially in the cold-sensitive cultivar 'Baiye 1'. The CsBADH gene, a key enzyme in GB biosynthesis, was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, confirming its activity. Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana, Nicotiana tabacum, and C. sinensis plants overexpressing CsBADH showed increased GB levels (1.5- to 2.4-fold), proline content, peroxidase (POD) activities, and enhanced cold tolerance, while silencing CsBADH decreased GB accumulation and cold resistance. These findings demonstrate that CsBADH plays a critical role in cold stress response by promoting GB accumulation, offering potential strategies for improving the resilience of tea and other leaf crops to cold stress.
PMID: 39731981
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Feb , V219 : P109431 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109431
High-throughput identification of Prunus mume freezing-tolerance genes based on yeast screening system and functional verification of PmRCI2-3 in Arabidopsis.
Beijing Key Laboratory of Ornamental Plants Germplasm Innovation & Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture, State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Engineering Research Center of Landscape Environment of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants of Ministry of Education, School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.; Beijing Key Laboratory of Ornamental Plants Germplasm Innovation & Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture, State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Engineering Research Center of Landscape Environment of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants of Ministry of Education, School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China. Electronic address: zhengtangchun@bjfu.edu.cn.
Prunus mume tops the ten most famous flowers of China with high ornamental value, and low temperature is the main factor limiting its northward migration. Cold resistance improvement is one of the important breeding directions of Rosaceae ornamental plants, especially the Prunus mume. Here, 29 genes from P. mume were screened by yeast screening system under -20 degrees C for 96 h. Based on GO and KEGG analysis, rare cold-inducible 2 family gene member PmRCI2-3 was first cloned for functional verification. Subcellular localization results showed the PmRCI2-3 was located in the membrane structure, and GUS staining showed that the activity of the PmRCI2-3 promoter was spatiotemporally specific. Overexpression PmRCI2-3 in Arabidopsis thaliana can reduce plant damage at low temperatures. The expression levels of endogenous genes (AtCBF1, AtCBF2, AtCBF3, AtCOR15A, and AtRD29A) related to cold response were all up-regulated, except AtKIN was down-regulated. These results lay the foundation for further providing key candidate genes for cold resistance breeding of P. mume and other Prunus species.
PMID: 39721189
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Feb , V219 : P109413 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109413
Genome-wide identification, classification, and expression profiling of the aldehyde dehydrogenase gene family in pepper.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, 3114, Bangladesh.; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, 3114, Bangladesh. Electronic address: aghosh-bmb@sust.edu.
Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most significant vegetable crops worldwide which is known for its pungency and nutritional value. The aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) superfamily encompasses enzymes critical for the detoxification of toxic aldehydes into non-toxic carboxylic acids. A comprehensive genome-wide approach in pepper identified a total of 27 putative ALDH genes grouped into ten families based on the criteria of the ALDH gene nomenclature committee. Both segmental and tandem duplication assisted in the enhancement of CaALDH gene family members. The identified CaALDH members were found to be more closely related to the dicot plants, however, the members were distributed across the phylogenetic tree suggesting the pre-eudicot-monocot separation of the ALDH superfamily members. The gene structure and protein domain were found to be mostly conserved in separate phylogenetic classes, indicating that each family played an important role in evolution. Expression analysis revealed that CaALDHs were expressed in various tissues, developmental stages, and in response to abiotic stresses, indicating that they can play roles in plant growth, development, and stress adaptation. Interestingly, the majority of the CaALDH genes were found to be highly responsive to salinity stress, and only the CaALDH11A1 transcript showed upregulation in cold stress conditions. The presence of cis-acting elements in the promoter region of these genes might have a significant role in abiotic stress tolerance. Overall, these findings add to the current understanding, evolutionary history, and contribution of CaALDHs in stress tolerance, and smooth the path of further functional validation of these genes.
PMID: 39705863
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Feb , V219 : P109398 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109398
BcWRKY53 promotes chlorophyll biosynthesis and cold tolerance of non-heading Chinese cabbage under cold stress.
National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (East China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Engineering Research Center of Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Education of China, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Institute of Economic Crops, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China. Electronic address: 2019204020@njau.edu.cn.; National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (East China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Engineering Research Center of Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Education of China, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Nanjing Suman Plasma Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd., Nanjing, 211162, China. Electronic address: 2021204025@stu.njau.edu.cn.; National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (East China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Engineering Research Center of Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Education of China, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China. Electronic address: 2018204024@njau.edu.cn.; National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (East China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Engineering Research Center of Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Education of China, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China. Electronic address: 2019204024@njau.edu.cn.; National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (East China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Engineering Research Center of Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Education of China, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Nanjing Suman Plasma Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd., Nanjing, 211162, China. Electronic address: 2022104060@stu.njau.edu.cn.; National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (East China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Engineering Research Center of Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Education of China, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China. Electronic address: 2022104057@stu.njau.edu.cn.; National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (East China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Engineering Research Center of Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Education of China, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China. Electronic address: 2022104062@stu.njau.edu.cn.; National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (East China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Engineering Research Center of Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Education of China, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China. Electronic address: 2022104074@stu.njau.edu.cn.; National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (East China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Engineering Research Center of Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Education of China, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China. Electronic address: changweizh@njau.edu.cn.; National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (East China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Engineering Research Center of Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Education of China, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China. Electronic address: yingli@njau.edu.cn.; National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (East China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Engineering Research Center of Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Education of China, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Nanjing Suman Plasma Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd., Nanjing, 211162, China. Electronic address: hxl@njau.edu.cn.
WRKY transcription factors are widely involved in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, including cold stress. However, they have not been well studied in the regulation of chlorophyll synthesis and cold tolerance. So it is meaningful to analyze the mechanism under cold stress in non-heading Chinese cabbage. Here, BcWRKY53, a transcriptional activator WRKY-III gene, was identified by a screen upstream of the key chlorophyll synthesis genes BcCHLH and BcGUN4. BcWRKY53 was localized in the cell nucleus and induced to a significant extent by cold treatment. Ectopic expression of BcWRKY53 in Arabidopsis not only increased the chlorophyll content under cold stress, but also improved the cold tolerance. After silencing of BcWRKY53, there was a decrease in chlorophyll content and an increase in cold sensitivity. BcWRKY53 could inhibit self-expression by binding W-boxes in its own promoter. In addition, histone deacetylase 9 (BcHDA9) interacted with BcWRKY53 to inhibit BcWRKY53-mediated transcriptional activation. When ectopically overexpressed, BcHDA9 negatively regulates chlorophyll content and cold tolerance under cold treatment. Taken together, this study demonstrated that the cold-inducible transcription factor BcWRKY53 positively regulates BcCHLH and BcGUN4 under the regulation of self-regulation and BcHDA9 interactions. In this way, BcWRKY53 is actively involved in chlorophyll synthesis and the establishment of cold tolerance, which providing practical theoretical support in molecular characterization of cold tolerance and variety selection of non-heading Chinese cabbage.
PMID: 39673938
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Feb , V219 : P109397 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109397
Ethylene negatively regulates cold tolerance through HbEIN3-HbICE2 regulatory module in Hevea brasiliensis.
National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, School of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Sanya, 572025, China; Key Laboratory of Banana Genetic Improvement of Hainan Province , Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China.; National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, School of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Sanya, 572025, China.; National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, School of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Sanya, 572025, China. Electronic address: yuanhongmei@hainanu.edu.cn.
Cold stress can result in reduced growth rates, decreased latex production, and restricted areas for the Para rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). However, the molecular mechanisms governing the response of Hevea brasiliensis to cold stress remain elusive. Here, we found that ethylene plays a negative role in Hevea brasiliensis responses to cold stress. Treatment with the ethylene synthesis precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) decreased the cold tolerance of Hevea brasiliensis, while exogenous treatment with Ag(+) (an ethylene signal inhibitor) had the opposite effect. Additionally, overexpressing HbEIN3 decreased cold stress tolerance in Arabidopsis and Taraxacum koksaghyz plants. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that HbEIN3-1 and HbEIN3-2 repress the expression of the cold-responsive genes HbCBF1-3 in Hevea brasiliensis. Moreover, HbEIN3-1 and HbEIN3-2 directly bind to the HbCBF1 promoter to suppress its transcription. Further investigation revealed that HbEIN3s interact with and dampen the transcriptional activity of HbICE2, a crucial transcription factor that positively regulates the cold signaling pathway, thereby attenuating the expression of HbICE2-targeted genes. Collectively, these findings indicate that HbEIN3s play a crucial role in ethylene-regulated cold tolerance through the repression of HbCBF1 expression and HbICE2 transcriptional activity.
PMID: 39671782
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Feb , V219 : P109353 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109353
TaTCP21-A negatively regulates wheat cold tolerance via repressing expression of TaDREB1C.
College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China.; College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China. Electronic address: cangjing2003@163.com.
Cold stress is one of the important harmful factors that seriously affect wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield and quality. TCP transcription factor plays important roles in the process of plant cell proliferation and growth. In this study, we identified 60 TaTCP genes expressed in strong cold resistant winter wheat variety Dongnongdongmai1 (Dn1) under cold stress by previous transcriptome data, of which 13 TaTCPs showed significant differences in expression. The evolution of TaTCPs was analyzed, and the results showed that there were 2 homologous pairs in TaTCPs with AtTCPs and 90 homologous pairs in TaTCPs with OsTCPs. Expression patterns of 20 TaTCPs under cold stress were analyzed by qRT-PCR, and TCP21-A with significant expression differences was screened. We obtained tcp21-A mutant from the EMS mutant library of winter wheat Kenong9204. We observed that the mutation of TaTCP21-A significantly improved its cold resistance. Subsequently, transcriptome analysis revealed that TCP21-A inhibited expression of cold responsive gene TaDREB1C. Finally, subcellular localization and yeast one hybrid were used to verify that TCP21-A can act as a transcription factor to bind to the GGTCCC promoter element. Luciferase reporter gene experiment showed that TCP21-A inhibits the transcriptional activity of the TaDREB1C promoter. In summary, we systematically analyzed the expression patterns of TaTCP family members in Dn1 under cold stress and demonstrated that TaTCP21-A negatively regulated wheat cold tolerance by inhibiting expression of TaDREB1C. These results provide new insights into the functional mechanism of TaTCP transcription factors in response to cold stress.
PMID: 39616803
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Feb , V219 : P109334 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109334
NtSAP9 confers freezing tolerance in Nicotiana tabacum plants.
Hunan Tobacco Research Institute, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China.; College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, 410128, China.; Chenzhou Tobacco Company, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China.; Guangdong Tobacco Shaoguan City Co., Ltd, Shaoguan, 512026, China.; Changsha Tobacco Company, Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.; Technology Center, China Tobacco Hunan Industrial Co., Ltd., Changsha, Hunan, 410021, China.; Hunan Tobacco Research Institute, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China. Electronic address: hrsh721204@163.com.; Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China. Electronic address: huangxuebing@wbgcas.cn.
Abiotic stresses, such as extreme temperatures, drought, and salinity, significantly affect plant growth and productivity. Among these, cold stress is particularly detrimental, impairing cellular processes and leading to reduced crop yields. In recent years, stress-associated proteins (SAPs) containing A20 and AN1 zinc-finger domains have emerged as crucial regulators in plant stress responses. However, the functions of SAPs in tobacco plants remain unclear. Here, we isolated Nicotiana tabacum SAP9 (NtSAP9), whose expression was induced by cold treatment, based on RNA-sequences data. Knock down of NtSAP9 expression reduced freezing tolerance, while overexpression conferred freezing tolerance in transgenic tobacco plants, as indicated by relative electrolytic leakage and photosystem II photochemical efficiency. Untargeted metabolomics via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry revealed distinct metabolic profiles between WT and NtSAP9-overexpressing tobacco plants under normal and low temperature conditions. Upregulation of amino acids like D-Glutamine, DL-Glutamine, and O-Acetyl-L-serine suggests NtSAP9 enhances cold tolerance. Further expression analysis by quantitative real-time PCR indicated that NtSAP9 participates in cold stress response possibly through amino acid synthesis-related genes expression, such as glutamine synthetase and glutamate dehydrogenase. These findings improve our understanding of SAP proteins in tobacco's response to cold stress.
PMID: 39616799
Plant Physiol Biochem , IF:4.27 , 2025 Feb , V219 : P109423 doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109423
BnaHSFA2, a heat shock transcription factor interacting with HSP70 and MPK11, enhances freezing tolerance in transgenic rapeseed.
State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.; State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China. Electronic address: lzgworking@163.com.
Heat shock transcription factors (Hsfs) play important roles in plant developmental regulations and various abiotic stress responses. However, their evolutionary mechanism of freezing tolerance remains poorly understood. In our previous transcriptomics study based on DNA methylation sequencing, the BnaHsfA2 was found to be significantly accumulated in winter rapeseed (Brassica rapa L.) under freezing stress, and the expression levels of BnaHsfA2 showed a gradual increasing trend over three years. In this study, BnaHsfA2 was isolated and characterized. Its' encoding protein has a relatively high phylogenetic relationship with the AtHsfA2; Subcellular localization results indicated that BnaHsfA2 was a nuclear protein; BnaHsfA2 exhibited higher expression levels in mature seed coats and seeds, seedling leaves, flowering filaments as well as anthers. The transcription level of BnaHsfA2 in leaves of rapeseed seedling was significantly increased at -4 degrees C stress for 12h and 24h. BnaHsfA2 promoter has many stress-responsive cis-regulatory elements. beta-glucuronidase (GUS) staining assays indicated that the BnaHsfA2 promoter was induced under freezing stress, and it's 5'-deletion fragment from 465 to 1284 was essential for the transcriptional expression in response to freezing stress. The BnaHsfA2-transgenic rapeseed lines showed greater freezing resistance in comparison with the wild type (WT); the BnaHsfA2 overexpression lines showed increased antioxidant enzyme activities, decreased level of lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation compared to the WT. Finally, yeast two-hybrid assay demonstrated that BnaHsfA2 interacted with rapeseed mitogen-activated protein kinase 11 (BnaMPK11) and heat shock factor-binding protein (BnaHsp70). The study will pave the way for further understanding the regulatory networks of BnaHsfA2 in plants under abiotic stress.
PMID: 39719774
BMC Plant Biol , IF:4.215 , 2025 Feb , V25 (1) : P262 doi: 10.1186/s12870-025-06271-w
A cysteine-rich transmembrane module peptide GhCYSTM9 is involved in cold stress response.
Institute of Cotton, Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology and Genetic Breeding in Huanghuaihai Semiarid Area, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, No. 598 Heping west Road, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei, China.; Institute of Cotton, Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology and Genetic Breeding in Huanghuaihai Semiarid Area, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, No. 598 Heping west Road, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei, China. mhszjh@163.com.
BACKGROUND: Cysteine-rich transmembrane module (CYSTM) peptides, which are widely distributed and highly conserved in eukaryotes, are largely involved in stress response and defence. However, the role of cotton CYSTM genes in the stress response has not been functionally characterized. RESULTS: In this study, we identified GhCYSTM9 as a cold stress-responsive CYSTM member from upland cotton. Compared with that in control cotton plants, GhCYSTM9 silencing in cotton resulted in reduced tolerance under cold stress, accompanied by higher MDA contents and lower proline contents and SOD activities in leaves. Overexpressing GhCYTMS9 in Arabidopsis significantly increased the seed germination rates and root elongation at the germination stage. Compared with wild-type seedlings, GhCYSTM9-overexpressing seedlings presented lower MDA contents and greater proline contents in leaves under cold stress. Transcriptome analysis of transgenic Arabidopsis revealed that GhCYSTM9 may contribute to the cold response by regulating oxidative stress-related genes to mediate ROS levels. Yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays confirmed that GhCYSTM9 interacted with the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-binding protein GhLHBC2A1. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our results revealed a positive role of GhCYSTM9 in cold stress defence and suggested candidate genes for the genetic breeding of cold defence.
PMID: 40011827
BMC Plant Biol , IF:4.215 , 2025 Feb , V25 (1) : P191 doi: 10.1186/s12870-025-06198-2
Diverse coping modes of maize in cool environment at early growth.
Department of Plant Molecular Ecophysiology, Institute of Plant Experimental Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, Warsaw, 02-096, Poland. pm.sowinski@uw.edu.pl.; Department of Plant Molecular Ecophysiology, Institute of Plant Experimental Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, Warsaw, 02-096, Poland.; University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Okopowa 59, Warsaw, 01-043, Poland.; Plant Breeding Smolice Co. Ltd., Smolice 146, Kobylin, 63-740, Poland.
BACKGROUND: Maize cultivation has considerably expanded beyond its place of origin in Central America. The successful adaptation of maize to temperate climates can be achieved by selecting genotypes that demonstrate tolerance to low temperatures, especially in cold springs. In maize, cold tolerance at the early growth stages enables early sowing, a long growing season, and eventually high yields, even in temperate climates. Maize adaptation during early growth has not been thoroughly investigated; therefore, we tested the working hypothesis that several distinct and independent adaptation strategies may be involved in maize habituation to cool temperate climates during seedling establishment. RESULTS: We studied the effect of mild cold stress (day/night 16/12 degrees C) on early growth stage followed by regrowth at optimal daily temperatures (24/21 degrees C). Automated plant phenotyping was performed on 30 inbred lines selected from a diverse genetic pool during preliminary studies. As a result, we generated time series based on selected morphological parameters, spectral parameters, and spectral vegetation indices. These curves were clustered and four classes of maize with clearly contrasting growth modes and changes in their physiological status were distinguished at low temperatures and during regrowth. Two classes comprised either cold-sensitive (slow growth and poor physiological status in cold) or cold-tolerant (moderately fast growth and good physiological status in cold) lines. However, two other classes showed that growth rate and physiological status at low temperature is not necessarily related, for instance one class included lines with small seedlings but good physiological status and the other grouped seedlings with rapid growth despite poor physiological status. These classes clearly exhibited different modes of cold adaptation. Moreover, a class containing cold-sensitive inbred lines may represent a distinct and novel type of cold-adaptation strategy related to the arrest of coleoptile emerge related with ability to recover rapidly under favourable conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the hypothesis that maize may have several adaptation strategies to cold environments at early growth stages based on independent mechanisms. These findings suggest that maize adaptability to adverse environments is likely more complex than previously understood.
PMID: 39948440
BMC Plant Biol , IF:4.215 , 2025 Feb , V25 (1) : P171 doi: 10.1186/s12870-025-06169-7
Unveiling tolerance mechanisms in pepper to combined low-temperature and low-light stress: a physiological and transcriptomic approach.
Cash Crop Research Laboratory, Lixiahe Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225007, China.; School of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China.; Cash Crop Research Laboratory, Lixiahe Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225007, China. zhangyongji85@126.com.; Cash Crop Research Laboratory, Lixiahe Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225007, China. 446626671@qq.com.
BACKGROUND: Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a vegetable crop of significant economic importance, but its yield and quality are severely affected by the combined stress of low temperature and low light (LL), particularly in greenhouse environments. Despite this, the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying pepper's response to LL stress remain poorly understood. In this study, we conducted physiological and transcriptomic analyses on two pepper genotypes: Y2, a LL-sensitive genotype, and Y425, a LL-tolerant genotype. These genotypes were subjected to LL stress conditions (10 degrees C/5 degrees C, 100 micromol m(-)(2)s(-)(1)) and control (CK) conditions (28 degrees C/18 degrees C, 300 micromol m(-)(2)s(-)(1)). RESULTS: Three days after treatment, the phenotypes of the two pepper genotypes began to show clear distinctions, with Y425 seedlings exhibiting greater root length, shoot fresh weight, and root fresh weight compared to Y2. Additionally, comparative transcriptome analysis of leaf samples from both genotypes identified a total of 13,190 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that genes associated with photosynthesis, osmotic stress response, reactive oxygen species response, and other GO terms potentially contribute to LL tolerance. Moreover, three key pathways involved in the response to LL stress were identified: photosynthesis-antenna proteins, zeatin biosynthesis, and circadian rhythm pathways. The key DEGs in these pathways were expressed at higher levels in Y425 as compared with Y2. Furthermore, physiological indicators such as chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, chlorophyll content, osmoregulatory substances, and antioxidant enzyme activities decreased under LL stress; however, the reduction was significantly greater in Y2 compared to Y425, further validating the molecular findings from the transcriptome analysis. CONCLUSION: This study identified significant physiological and transcriptomic differences in two pepper genotypes under LL stress. It highlighted key pathways and provide novel insights into the molecular and physiological mechanisms of pepper's LL tolerance. These results emphasize the importance of optimizing greenhouse conditions for better crop productivity.
PMID: 39924505
BMC Genomics , IF:3.969 , 2025 Jan , V26 (1) : P95 doi: 10.1186/s12864-025-11275-9
Genome-wide identification and comparative analysis of the AP2/ERF gene family in Prunus dulcis and Prunus tenella: expression of PdAP2/ERF genes under freezing stress during dormancy.
College of Horticulture, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, China.; Forestry and Landscape Architecture College, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, China.; College of Horticulture, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, China. zhenfan.yu@xjau.edu.cn.
The AP2/ERF (APETALA2/ethylene responsive factor) transcription factor family, one of the largest in plants, plays a crucial role in regulating various biological processes, including plant growth and development, hormone signaling, and stress response. This study identified 114 and 116 AP2/ERF genes in the genomes of 'Wanfeng' almond (Prunus dulcis) and 'Yumin' wild dwarf almond (Prunus tenella), respectively. These genes were categorized into five subfamilies: AP2, DREB, ERF, RAV, and Soloist. The PdAP2/ERF and PtAP2/ERF members both demonstrated high conservation in protein motifs and gene structures. Members of both families were unevenly distributed across eight chromosomes, with 30 and 27 pairs of segmental duplications and 15 and 18 pairs of tandem repeated genes, respectively. The promoter regions of PdAP2/ERF and PtAP2/ERF family members contained numerous important cis-elements related to growth and development, hormone regulation, and stress response. Expression pattern analysis revealed that PdAP2/ERF family members exhibited responsive characteristics under freezing stress at different temperatures in perennial dormant branches. Quantitative fluorescence analysis indicated that PdAP2/ERF genes might be more intensely expressed in the phloem of perennial dormant branches of almond, with the opposite trend observed in the xylem. This study compared the characteristics of PdAP2/ERF and PtAP2/ERF gene family members and initially explored the expression patterns of PdAP2/ERF genes in the phloem and xylem of perennial dormant branches. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for future research on almond improvement and breeding, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to freezing stress.
PMID: 39891077
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2025 Feb , V14 (4) doi: 10.3390/plants14040604
ATP Synthase Members of Chloroplasts and Mitochondria in Rubber Trees (Hevea brasiliensis) Response to Plant Hormones.
Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Key Laboratory Incubation Base for Cultivation & Physiology of Tropical Crops, Special Natural Rubber Processing Technology Innovation Center, Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China.
ATP synthase is a key enzyme in photophosphorylation in photosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation in respiration, which can catalyze the synthesis of ATP and supply energy to organisms. ATP synthase has been well studied in many animal species but has been poorly characterized in plants. This research identified forty ATP synthase family members in the rubber tree, and the phylogenetic relationship, gene structure, cis-elements, and expression pattern were analyzed. These results indicated that the ATP synthase of mitochondria was divided into three subgroups and the ATP synthase of chloroplast was divided into two subgroups, respectively. ATP synthase in the same subgroup shared a similar gene structure. Evolutionary relationships were consistent with the introns and exons domains, which were highly conserved patterns. A large number of cis elements related to light, phytohormones and stress resistance were present in the promoters of ATP synthase genes in rubber trees, of which the light signal accounts for the most. Transcriptome and qRT-PCR analysis showed that HbATP synthases responded to cold stress and hormone stimulation, and the response to ethylene was most significant. HbMATPR3 was strongly induced by ethylene and salicylic acid, reaching 122-fold and 17-fold, respectively. HbMATP7-1 was 41 times higher than the control after induction by jasmonic acid. These results laid a foundation for further studies on the function of ATP synthase, especially in plant hormone signaling in rubber trees.
PMID: 40006862
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2025 Feb , V14 (4) doi: 10.3390/plants14040513
Agave macroacantha Transcriptome Reveals Candidate CNGC Genes Responsive to Cold Stress in Agave.
School of Tropical Agricultural and Forestry, Hainan University, Danzhou 571737, China.; National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China.; College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.; Mlingano Centre, Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), Tanga P.O. Box 5088, Tanzania.; Pengshui Miao Tujia Autonomous County of Chongqing Agriculture and Rural Committee, Chongqing 409600, China.; Hubei Key Laboratory of Edible Wild Plants Conservation and Utilization, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi 435002, China.; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China.; Hainan Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Control of Tropical Agricultural Pests, Haikou 571101, China.; Sanya Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Sanya 572025, China.
Agave, with its unique appearance and ability to produce hard fibers, holds high economic value. However, low temperatures during winter can restrict its growth and even damage the leaves, causing a loss of ornamental appeal or affecting the fiber quality. Conversely, the plant cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (CNGC) family plays an important role in the growth and development of plants and the response to stress. Studying the CNGC family genes is of great importance for analyzing the mechanism by which agave responds to cold stress. This research conducted a transcriptomic analysis of the ornamental plant Agave macroacantha. Through assembly via Illumina sequencing, 119,911 transcripts were obtained, including 78,083 unigenes. In total, 6, 10, 11, and 13 CNGC genes were successfully identified from A. macroacantha, Agave. H11648, Agave. deserti, and Agave. tequilana, respectively. These CNGC genes could be divided into four groups (I, II, III, and IV), and group IV could be divided into two subgroups (IV-A and IV-B). The relative expression levels were quantified by qRT-PCR assays, which revealed that AhCNGC4.1 was significantly upregulated after cold treatment and Ca(NO(3))(2) treatment, suggesting its importance in cold stress and calcium signaling. Additionally, the Y2H assay has preliminarily identified interacting proteins of AhCNGC4.1, including AhCML19 and AhCBSX3. This study has established a completely new transcriptome dataset of A. macroacantha for the first time, enriching the bioinformatics of agave's transcriptome. The identified CNGC genes are of great significance for understanding the evolution of agave species. The cloned CNGC genes, expression pattern analysis, and protein interaction results laid a foundation for future research related to the molecular functions of agave CNGC genes in cold tolerance.
PMID: 40006772
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2025 Feb , V14 (4) doi: 10.3390/plants14040498
Identifications of Genes Involved in ABA and MAPK Signaling Pathways Positively Regulating Cold Tolerance in Rice.
Institute of Crop Cultivation and Tillage, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Heilongjiang Rice Quality Improvement and Genetic Breeding Engineering Research Center, Harbin 150086, China.; Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Northeast Center of National Salt-Alkali Tolerant Rice Technology Innovation Center, Harbin 150086, China.; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.; Design and Germplasm Innovation/Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetic Improvement and High Quality and Efficiency Production of Northeast Japonica Rice in China, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110161, China.; Nanfan Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya 572024, China.
Cold stress (CS) significantly impacts rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth during seedling and heading stages. Based on two-year field observations, this study identified two rice lines, L9 (cold stress-sensitive) and LD18 (cold stress-tolerant), showing contrasting CS responses. L9 exhibited a 38% reduction in photosynthetic efficiency, whereas LD18 remained unchanged, correlating with seed rates. Transcriptome analysis identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with LD18 showing enriched pathways (carbon fixation, starch/sucrose metabolism, and glutathione metabolism). LD18 displayed dramatically enhanced expression of MAPK-related genes (LOC4342017, LOC9267741, and LOC4342267) and increased ABA signaling genes (LOC4333690, LOC4345611, and LOC4335640) compared with L9 exposed to CS. Results from qPCR confirmed the enhanced expression of the three MAPK-related genes in LD18 with a dramatic reduction in L9 under CS relative to that under CK. We also observed up to 66% reduction in expression levels of the three genes related to the ABA signaling pathway in L9 relative to LD18 under CS. Consistent with the results of photosynthetic efficiency, metabolic analysis suggests pyruvate metabolism, TCA cycle, and carbon metabolism enrichment in LD18 under CS. The study reveals reprogramming of the carbon assimilation metabolic pathways, emphasizing the critical roles of the key DEGs involved in ABA and MAPK signaling pathways in positive regulation of LD18 response to CS, offering the foundation toward cold tolerance breeding through targeted gene editing.
PMID: 40006757
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2025 Feb , V14 (3) doi: 10.3390/plants14030422
Phylogenetic and Expression Analysis of SBP-Box Gene Family to Enhance Environmental Resilience and Productivity in Camellia sinensis cv. Tie-guanyin.
College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.; College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.; College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.; College of Chemical Engineering, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China.; College of Computer and Information Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
Tieguanyin tea, a renowned oolong tea, is one of the ten most famous teas in China. The Squamosa Promoter Binding Protein (SBP)-box transcription factor family, widely present in plants, plays a crucial role in plant development, growth, and stress responses. In this study, we identify and analyze 22 CsSBP genes at the genome-wide level. These genes were distributed unevenly across 11 chromosomes. Using Arabidopsis thaliana and Solanum lycopersicum L. as model organisms, we constructed a phylogenetic tree to classify these genes into six distinct subfamilies. Collinearity analysis revealed 20 homologous gene pairs between AtSBP and CsSBP, 21 pairs between SiSBP and CsSBP, and 14 pairs between OsSBP and CsSBP. Cis-acting element analysis indicated that light-responsive elements were the most abundant among the CsSBP genes. Protein motif, domain, and gene architecture analyses demonstrated that members of the same subgroup shared similar exon-intron structures and motif arrangements. Furthermore, we evaluated the expression profiles of nine CsSBP genes under light, shade, and cold stress using qRT-PCR analysis. Notably, CsSBP1, CsSBP17, and CsSBP19 were significantly upregulated under all three stresses. This study provides fundamental insights into the CsSBP gene family and offers a novel perspective on the mechanisms of SBP transcription factor-mediated stress responses, as well as Tieguanyin tea's adaptation to environmental variations.
PMID: 39942984
Plants (Basel) , IF:3.935 , 2025 Jan , V14 (3) doi: 10.3390/plants14030412
Comprehensive Omics Analysis Reveals Cold-Induced Metabolic Reprogramming and Alternative Splicing in Dendrobium officinale.
Institute of Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Biology and Ecological Regulation of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China.; Zhejiang Jianjiuhe Group Co., Ltd., Ningbo 315000, China.; Ningbo Shunyun Electroinic Co., Ltd., Ningbo 315000, China.
Dendrobium officinale is an economically important orchid species that is sensitive to cold stress. Understanding the molecular and metabolic mechanisms underlying its response to cold is crucial for developing strategies to improve its cold tolerance. In this study, we constructed a comprehensive cold stress response dataset for D. officinale and characterized its regulatory landscape in response to varying cold stress conditions. The glycine metabolism-related genes Dca003913 and Dca022726 play pivotal roles in both cold and drought stress adaptation, and their expression is not upregulated by hormones or fungi infection. Carbohydrate metabolism showed specific dynamic changes in freezing injury cells, which involved a variety of hormonal responses. The abundance of sphingolipids was notably higher in the freezing treatment (FT) compared to the freezing recovery (FR) plants, indicating specialized metabolic adaptations at different cold intensities. An alternative splicing (AS) analysis identified 368 DAS genes, with spliceosome pathways significantly enriched. Three key ubiquitination proteins (PKU64802, XP_020672210, and PKU75555) were found to regulate splicing factors, which showed increased abundance in cold stress. This study highlights the roles of metabolic reprogramming and RNA splicing in cold adaptation, revealing a complex molecular network activated in response to cold stress.
PMID: 39942973
Life (Basel) , IF:3.817 , 2025 Feb , V15 (2) doi: 10.3390/life15020319
Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals Key Genes Underlying Cold Stress Responses in Camphora.
College of Landscape Architecture and Art, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China.
The genus Camphora encompasses species of significant ecological and economic importance, such as C. parthenoxylon and C. officinarum, which exhibit distinct phenotypic traits and stress responses. This study seeks to elucidate the molecular basis of cold tolerance through comparative transcriptomic analysis complemented by physiological characterization. RNA sequencing revealed 6123 differentially expressed genes between the two species, with enriched pathways related to cold stress, oxidative stress, carotenoid biosynthesis, and photosynthesis. Key genes, such as annexin D5, chlorophyll a/b-binding protein, early light-induced protein 1, 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase, were identified as critical regulators of frost resistance, photosynthetic efficiency, and carotenoid biosynthesis. Functional enrichment analyses highlighted the involvement of signal transduction, membrane stabilization, and secondary metabolism in adaptive responses. Physiological assays supported these findings, showing higher chlorophyll and carotenoid content and enhanced antioxidative enzyme activities in C. parthenoxylon. These results provide valuable insights into the genetic and biochemical mechanisms underlying stress adaptation in Camphora species and offer promising targets for enhancing resilience in economically valuable plants.
PMID: 40003727
Life (Basel) , IF:3.817 , 2025 Feb , V15 (2) doi: 10.3390/life15020227
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Divergence of CBF Family in Actinidia arguta and Functional Analysis of AaCBF4 Under Cold Stress.
School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.; National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450009, China.; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China.; Zhongyuan Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xinxiang 453500, China.
The C-repeat binding factors (CBFs) gene is essential for plants' cold response, which could not only be induced by the inducer of CBF expression (ICE) genes but also activated the expression of the cold-regulated (COR) gene, thereby participating in the ICE-CBF-COR cold response pathway. However, this gene family and its functions in Actinidia arguta remain unclear. In this study, whole-genome identification and functional analysis of CBF family members in A. arguta were performed. Eighteen CBF genes, which were located on four chromosomes and had five tandem repeats, were identified. The proteins encoded by the genes were predicted to be located in the nucleus and cytoplasm. The results of the promoter cis-acting element analysis revealed light response elements, low-temperature response elements, and hormone (methyl jasmonate, gibberellin, salicylic acid, etc.) response elements. We analyzed collinearity with other kiwifruit genomes, and, interestingly, the number of CBF family members differed across geographic locations of A. arguta. RT-qPCR revealed that the expression of the CBF gene family differed under low-temperature treatment; specifically, we observed differences in the expression of all the genes. Based on phylogenetic relationships and RT-qPCR analysis, the expression of AaCBF4.1 (AaCBF4) was found to be highly upregulated, and the function of this gene in cold resistance was further verified via overexpression in transgenic Arabidopsis. AaCBF4-overexpressing plants showed higher tolerance to cold stress, showing a higher germination rate, higher chlorophyll content and lower relative electrolyte leakage. In addition, compared with the wild-type Arabidopsis, the overexpressing plants exhibited significantly reduced oxidative damage due to the reduction in reactive oxygen species production under cold stress. Therefore, AaCBF4 plays an important role in improving the cold resistance of Actinidia arguta and can be further used to develop kiwifruit germplasm resources with strong cold resistance.
PMID: 40003636
Gene , IF:3.688 , 2025 Mar , V941 : P149225 doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2025.149225
Utilization of natural alleles and haplotypes of Ctb1 for rice cold adaptability.
College of Agriculture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China.; College of Agriculture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China. Electronic address: liucitao@hunau.edu.cn.
Cold stress during the booting stage of rice (Oryza sativa) significantly reduces yields, particularly in temperate and high-altitude regions. This study investigates the Ctb1 gene, critical for booting-stage cold tolerance, to improve breeding of resilient rice varieties. Re-sequencing the Ctb1 promoter in 202 accessions identified six Insertions and/or deletions (InDels) and four Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), with an InDel at -1,302 bp significantly boosting Ctb1 expression and cold tolerance. Accessions carrying this InDel (Haplotype I) exhibited the highest tolerance. Near-isogenic lines (NIL-Ctb1(HapI)) introduced Haplotype I into the cold-sensitive Huazhan (HZ) variety, resulting in a 5.9-fold increase in Ctb1 expression, higher seedling survival, improved pollen fertility, a 64.2 % increase in seed setting rate, and a 12 g per plant yield boost under cold stress. These findings confirm the critical role of the -1,302 InDel in cold tolerance and establish NIL-Ctb1(HapI) as a valuable breeding tool for cold-resilient rice.
PMID: 39793938
Gene , IF:3.688 , 2025 Feb , V938 : P149161 doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.149161
Evaluation of zma-miR408 and its target genes function on maize (Zea mays) leaf growth response to cold stress by VIGS-based STTM approach.
Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, Turkey.; Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, Turkey. Electronic address: faydinoglu@gtu.edu.tr.
miR408 is a conserved plant miRNA family that is known to regulate genes involved in copper metabolism. However, the function of miR408 in maize leaf growth regulation under cold stress isn't defined. In this study, endogenous maize miR408 was transiently silenced by using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) combined with short tandem target mimic (STTM) approaches. To this end, STTM-miR408a/b was designed, synthesized, and applied to maize seedlings. Subsequently, STTM-miR408a/b (STTM) and mock-treated (M) seedlings were subjected to cold stress (C) and the growth response of the seedlings was monitored. Finally, STTM-miR408a/b-treatment successfully downregulated the expression of endogenous mir408a/b and upregulated their putative targets Basic Blue Protein (BBP) and Blue Copper Protein (BCP) antagonistically in the STTM and STTM_C groups compared to M and M_C groups. On the other hand, their putative target Laccase (LAC22) gene was upregulated in the STTM group compared to the M group, but there were no significant expression differences between the M_C and STTM_C groups. The elongation rate of the STTM-miR408a/b-treated second and third leaves was reduced by 10% and 19% resulting in 19% and 11% shortening, respectively. Furthermore, the activity of catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) was decreased by 57% in STTM, M_C, and STTM_C, and 29% and 28% in the M_C and STTM_C groups and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) was increased by 15% in M_C and STTM_C groups, respectively. These findings illuminated the maize leaf growth response to cold via regulation of expression of miR408 and its target genes and antioxidant system.
PMID: 39674290
Gene , IF:3.688 , 2025 Mar , V941 : P149235 doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2025.149235
Brassica rapa receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase BrRLCK1 negatively regulates freezing tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis via the CBF pathway.
College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China. Electronic address: wangzew78@sina.cn.; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.; College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China.; Academy of Plateau Sciences and Sustainability, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810016, China.; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.; Crop Research Institute, Gansu Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Lanzhou 730070, China.
Some winter rapeseed (Brassica rapa) varieties can endure extremely low temperatures (-20 degrees C to -32 degrees C). However, because of a lack of mutant resources, the molecular mechanisms underlying cold tolerance in B. rapa remain unclear. In this study, we identified a low-temperature-sensitive mutant receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase (RLCK), BrRLCK1, using the B. rapa--Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) full-length cDNA-overexpressing gene hunting system mutant library. BrRLCK1, localized to the plasma membrane and retained its localization under low temperatures. Phylogenetic analysis showed that BrRLCK1 is highly conserved across six widely cultivated Brassica species, but exhibits complexity due to genome hybridization and polyploidization. Notably, beta-glucuronidase activity and qRT-PCR analysis showed that B. rapa BrRLCK1 and its homologous gene BrRLCK2 were mainly expressed in the main root, shoot, and leaves, with their expression being activated by low temperatures. Transgenic Arabodipsis expressing BrRLCK1 and BrRLCK2 reduced freezing tolerance and promoted root elongation. These combined results indicated that low temperatures can activate the expression of BrRLCK1 and BrRLCK2, negatively regulating freezing tolerance via the C-repeat-binding factor (CBF) pathway.
PMID: 39798825
J Food Sci , IF:3.167 , 2025 Feb , V90 (2) : Pe70047 doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.70047
Glycine betaine treatment: Effects on alleviating chilling injury and related gene expression in 'Youhou' sweet persimmon during cold storage.
School of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China.
Persimmon fruit is highly susceptible to chilling injury (CI) during cold storage. Notably, glycine betaine (GB), a compound that helps regulate cell osmotic balance, can alleviate postharvest CI in various fruits. In this study, the postharvest application of GB increased chilling tolerance, delayed CI, and reduced the CI index in 'Youhou' sweet persimmon fruit during cold storage. Moreover, GB treatment markedly decreased the O(2) (-). production rate and malondialdehyde (MDA) and H(2)O(2) content while significantly increasing the ascorbic amounts of acid and glutathione (GSH). Compared with the control group, GB treatment increased activities of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). GB treatment also reduced the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase. RNA sequencing revealed that GB treatment significantly altered gene expression linked to sugar metabolism, GSH metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. This study provides novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms of GB treatment alleviating CI in postharvest persimmon fruit. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: 'Youhou' sweet persimmons are prone to rapid softening after harvest. This softening process can be limited through cold storage; this can also result in chilling injury (CI). The research findings suggest that glycine betaine (GB) treatment delays 'Youhou' persimmon fruit softening and alleviates CI during cold storage. GB application could be a feasible technique for extending the storage life of 'Youhou' sweet persimmon fruit.
PMID: 39949272
Mar Environ Res , IF:3.13 , 2025 Feb , V204 : P106862 doi: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106862
Selection and verification of reference genes for real-time quantitative PCR in endangered mangrove species Acanthus ebracteatus under different abiotic stress conditions.
National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.; State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.; Mangrove Rare and Endangered Species Protection and Utilization Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhanjiang Key Laboratory of Mangrove Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang, 524048, China.; Mangrove Rare and Endangered Species Protection and Utilization Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhanjiang Key Laboratory of Mangrove Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang, 524048, China. Electronic address: Zhangyingred@lingnan.edu.cn.; National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China. Electronic address: 20195101@wzu.edu.cn.
Acanthus ebracteatus is an endangered true mangrove species with great ecological and medicinal values. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) has been widely used to investigate transcriptional responses in A. ebracteatus, which can facilitate its protection and medicinal usage. However, lack of prior knowledge on the optimal reference genes for RT-qPCR data normalization of A. ebracteatus, especially under stress scenarios, restricts gene expression investigations of this species. To address this issue, we evaluated the expression stability of seven candidate reference genes (ACT, PP2A, TUB, TUA, UBQ, EF-1alpha and RPS13) in leaves of A. ebracteatus upon heat, cadmium (Cd), drought, cold, flood and salt stress, respectively, using four state-of-the-art methods, GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and RefFinder. The results indicated that ACT was the most stably expressed in most scenarios, while EF-1alpha, PP2A and TUB ranked first under Cd, flood and salt stress, respectively. TUB was also the suboptimal reference gene for the samples exposed to drought and cold stress, and ACT was the second-best for Cd stress. For all the examined stress conditions, a combination of two reference genes was considered to be adequate enough for accurate expression standardization. A functional gene FLA17 was further employed to validate the performance of the candidate reference genes. The expression profiles of FLA17 displayed similar trends when using the top two stable reference genes, but were under- or overestimated when normalized by less stable genes, indicative of the importance of choosing the optimal reference genes for RT-qPCR normalization. Our findings provide a foundation for future gene expression studies of A. ebracteatus.
PMID: 39586223
GM Crops Food , IF:3.074 , 2025 Dec , V16 (1) : P28-45 doi: 10.1080/21645698.2024.2438421
ZmNF-YB10, a maize NF-Y transcription factor, positively regulates drought and salt stress response in Arabidopsis thaliana.
College of Agronomy, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.; Joint International Research Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.
Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major food and feed crop and an important raw material for energy, chemicals, and livestock. The NF-Y family of transcription factors in maize plays a crucial role in the regulation of plant development and response to environmental stress. In this study, we successfully cloned and characterized the maize NF-Y transcription factor gene ZmNF-YB10. We used bioinformatics, quantitative fluorescence PCR, and other techniques to analyze the basic properties of the gene, its tissue expression specificity, and its role in response to drought, salt, and other stresses. The results indicated that the gene was 1209 base pairs (bp) in length, with a coding sequence (CDS) region of 618 bp, encoding a polypeptide composed of 205 amino acid residues. This polypeptide has a theoretical isoelectric point of 5.85 and features a conserved structural domain unique to the NF-Y family. Quantitative fluorescence PCR results demonstrated that the ZmNF-YB10 gene was differentially upregulated under drought and salt stress treatments but exhibited a negatively regulated expression pattern under alkali and cold stress treatments. Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana subjected to drought and salt stress in soil showed greener leaves than wild-type A. thaliana. In addition, the overexpression lines showed reduced levels of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), superoxide (O(2-)), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased activities of peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Western blot analysis revealed a distinct band at 21.8 kDa. Salt and drought tolerance analyses conducted in E. coli BL21 indicated a positive regulation. In yeast cells, ZmNF-YB10 exhibited a biological function that enhances salt and drought tolerance. Protein interactions were observed among the ZmNF-YB10, ZmNF-YC2, and ZmNF-YC4 genes. It is hypothesized that the ZmNF-YB10, ZmNF-YC2, and ZmNF-YC4 genes may play a role in the response to abiotic stresses, such as drought and salt tolerance, in maize.
PMID: 39718137
Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao , 2025 Feb , V41 (2) : P791-808 doi: 10.13345/j.cjb.240616
[Identification and expression pattern analysis of alpha-glucosidase and beta-glucosidase gene family members in melon].
College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China.; Technology Service Center on Ecological Planting of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Chengde, Chengde 067000, Hebei, China.
Glucosidases are an indispensable class of enzymes in the sugar metabolism of organisms. To investigate the biological functions and expression patterns of alpha-glucosidases (AGLUs) and beta-glucosidases (BGLUs), we identified the two family members in the genome of melon (Cucumis melo). The number, location on chromosomes, gene structure, subcellular localization, conserved motifs, and phylogenetic relationship of the two family members were analyzed. Based on the cis-acting elements in the promoter region and protein interaction models, their functions were preliminarily predicted. Furthermore, the gene expression of the two family members was determined by qRT-PCR. The results showed that the melon genome contained five AGLU family members on five chromosomes, and all of the five members were located in the extracellular matrix, with the amino acid sequence lengths ranging from 899 aa to 1 060 aa. The melon genome carried 18 BGLU family members on 8 chromosomes, and all the members were located in the cell membrane or cytoplasm, with the amino acid lengths ranging from 151 aa to 576 aa. The qRT-PCR results showed that the expression of about 50% of the genes was down-regulated upon cold stress. CmAGLU5 and CmBGLU7 may be key members of the two families, respectively, in response to cold stress. The expression of all members of the two families was up-regulated under abscisic acid (ABA), high salt, and drought stress. In the AGLU family, CmAGLU3 was the key gene in response to ABA and high salt stress, while CmAGLU4 was the key gene in response to drought stress. In the BGLU family, CmBGLU18 was the key gene in response to ABA, while CmBGLU6 was the key gene in response to high salt and drought stress.
PMID: 39989071
Plant Commun , 2025 Feb , V6 (2) : P101258 doi: 10.1016/j.xplc.2025.101258
Convergent evolution in angiosperms adapted to cold climates.
National Key Laboratory for Development and Utilization of Forest Food Resources, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.; State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; Evaluation and Research Center of Daodi Herbs of Jiangxi Province, Ganjiang New District 330000, China.; State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; Evaluation and Research Center of Daodi Herbs of Jiangxi Province, Ganjiang New District 330000, China. Electronic address: yangchem2012@163.com.; National Key Laboratory for Development and Utilization of Forest Food Resources, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Plant Germplasm Resources Conservation and Utilization, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; Provincial Key Laboratory for Non-wood Forest and Quality Control and Utilization of Its Products, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China. Electronic address: wwwu@zafu.edu.cn.
Convergent and parallel evolution occur more frequently than previously thought. Here, we focus on the evolutionary adaptations of angiosperms at sub-zero temperatures. We begin by introducing the history of research on convergent and parallel evolution, defining all independent similarities as convergent evolution. Our analysis reveals that frost zones (periodic or constant), which cover 49.1% of Earth's land surface, host 137 angiosperm families, with over 90% of their species thriving in these regions. In this context, we revisit the global biogeography and evolutionary trajectories of plant traits, such as herbaceous form and deciduous leaves, that are thought to be evasion strategies for frost adaptation. At the physiological and molecular levels, many angiosperms have independently evolved cold acclimation mechanisms through multiple pathways in addition to the well-characterized C-repeat binding factor/dehydration-responsive element binding protein 1 (CBF/DREB1) regulatory pathway. These convergent adaptations have occurred across various molecular levels, including amino acid substitutions and changes in gene duplication and expression within the same or similar functional pathways; however, identical amino acid changes are rare. Our results also highlight the prevalence of polyploidy in frost zones and the occurrence of paleopolyploidization events during global cooling. These patterns suggest repeated evolution in cold climates. Finally, we discuss plant domestication and predict climate zone shifts due to global warming and their effects on plant migration and in situ adaptation. Overall, the integration of ecological and molecular perspectives is essential for understanding and forecasting plant responses to climate change.
PMID: 39849842