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Xu M, Li L, Yan J, Li D, Liu Y, Zhang W, Liu Y. Blocking miR396 activity by overexpression MIM396 improved switchgrass tiller number and biomass yield. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2024; 17:69. [PMID: 38802880 PMCID: PMC11131217 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-024-02514-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNA396 (miR396) plays an important role in the regulation of plant growth and development by repressing the expression level of its target growth-regulating factor (GRF) family genes. In our previous study, we found that overexpression of miR396 negatively regulated both tillering and biomass yield in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). We, therefore, speculated that blocking the expression of miR396 could enhance switchgrass tillering and biomass yield. Here, we produced transgenic switchgrass plants overexpressing a target mimicry form of miR396 (MIM396) in wild type (WT) and Os-MIR319b overexpressing switchgrass plant (with higher enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency, but reduced tillering), in which the expression of miR396 was blocked. The phenotype and biological yields of these plants were analyzed. RESULTS Blocking miR396 to improve its target PvGRFs expression in switchgrass improved the tiller number and dry weight of transgenic plants. Further morphological analysis revealed that MIM396 plants increased the number of aerial branches and basal tillers compared to those of wild-type plants. The enzymatic efficiency of MIM396 plants was reduced; however, the total sugar production per plant was still significantly higher than that of wild-type plants due to the increase in biomass. In addition, blocking miR396 in a transgenic switchgrass plant overexpressing Os-MIR319b (TG21-Ms) significantly increased the PvGRF1/3/5 expression level and tiller number and biomass yield. The miR156-target gene PvSPL4, playing a negative role in aerial and basal buds outgrowth, showed significant downregulated in MIM396 and TG21-Ms. Those results indicate that miR396-PvGRFs, through disrupting the PvSPL4 expression, are involved in miR319-PvPCFs in regulating tiller number, at least partly. CONCLUSIONS MIM396 could be used as a molecular tool to improving tiller number and biomass yield in switchgrass wild type and miR319b transgenic plants. This finding may be applied to other graminaceous plants to regulate plant biological yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhi Xu
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lin Li
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jianping Yan
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Dayong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Beijing, 100097, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaling Liu
- National Center of Pratacultural Technology Innovation (Under Preparation), Hohhot, 010010, China
| | - Wanjun Zhang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yanrong Liu
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Asadi M, Millar AA. Review: Plant microRNAs in pathogen defense: A panacea or a piece of the puzzle? PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 341:111993. [PMID: 38266718 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.111993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Plant microRNAs (miRNAs) control key agronomic traits that are associated with their conserved role(s) in development. However, despite a multitude of studies, the utility of miRNAs in plant-pathogen resistance remains less certain. Reviewing the literature identifies three general classes of miRNAs regarding plant pathogen defense. Firstly, a number of evolutionary dynamic 22 nucleotide miRNA families that repress large numbers of plant immunity genes, either directly, or through triggering the biogenesis of secondary siRNAs. However, understanding of their role in defense and of their manipulation to enhance pathogen resistance are still lacking. Secondly, highly conserved miRNAs that indirectly impact disease resistance through their targets that are primarily regulating development or hormone signaling. Any alteration of these miRNAs usually results in pleiotropic impacts, which may alter disease resistance in some plant species, and against some pathogens. Thirdly, are the comparatively diverse and evolutionary dynamic set of non-conserved miRNAs, some of which contribute to pathogen resistance, but whose narrow evolutionary presence will likely restrict their utility. Therefore, reflecting the diverse and evolving nature of plant-pathogen interactions, a complex interplay of plant miRNAs with pathogen responses exists. Any miRNA-based solution for pathogen resistance will likely be highly specific, rather than a general panacea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Asadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran; Department of Agricultural Science, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Anthony A Millar
- Division of Plant Science, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia; ARC Training Centre for Accelerated Future Crop development, ANU, Canberra, Australia.
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Ding B, Yue Y, Chen X, Long X, Zhou Z. Identification and expression analysis of miR396 and its target genes in Jerusalem artichoke under temperature stress. Gene 2024; 893:147908. [PMID: 37858744 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The highly conserved miR396 plays a pivotal role in the growth, development, and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses in plants. However, research on miR396 and its targets in Jerusalem artichoke remains largely unexplored. In this study, we employed bioinformatics and experimental techniques, such as cloning and qRT-PCR, to investigate the regulatory role of miR396 on its targets, leveraging our lab's transcriptomic and degradomic data of Jerusalem artichoke. Specifically, we initially cloned and characterized the precursors (htu-MIR396a/b/c) and mature sequences (htu-miR396a/b/c) of three miR396 isoforms. Subsequently, we identified nine target genes, including seven Growth-Regulating Factors (GRFs) (HtGRF3/4/6/9/10/12/13), one WRKY transcription factor (HtWRKY40), and one Scarecrow-like (SCL) transcription factor (HtSCL33). Finally, we conducted an analysis of their expression patterns across various tissues and their responses to temperature stress. Notably, htu-MIR396s exhibited high expression in seedling stems, while htu-miR396s predominantly expressed in seedling leaves. Moreover, HtWRKY40 and HtSCL33 displayed higher expression levels than HtGRFs in most tissues, except leaves. Remarkably, HtGRF4/6/10/12/13 exhibited higher expression in leaves than in roots and stems during seedling growth. Furthermore, during tuber development, HtGRF4/6/10, HtWRKY40, and HtSCL33 were highly expressed, while HtGRF3/9/12/13 showed relatively lower expression levels. Under heat stress (42℃), htu-MIR396 expression was up-regulated, and htu-miR396 showed dynamic expression patterns in seedlings, resulting in the induction of HtGRF4/6/10/12/13 in leaves and HtSCL33 in roots, while HtWRKY40 in leaves was repressed. Conversely, under cold stress (4℃), htu-MIR396s showed fluctuating expression levels, and htu-miR396s were up-regulated in seedlings. Notably, HtGRF4/13 and HtSCL33 in seedlings were reduced, whereas HtGRF6 in roots and HtWRKY40 in leaves were enhanced. These findings offer valuable insights into the functional roles of miR396-target interactions under abiotic stress in Jerusalem artichoke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baishui Ding
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yang Yue
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xi Chen
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaohua Long
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhaosheng Zhou
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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Ding T, Li W, Li F, Ren M, Wang W. microRNAs: Key Regulators in Plant Responses to Abiotic and Biotic Stresses via Endogenous and Cross-Kingdom Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1154. [PMID: 38256227 PMCID: PMC10816238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Dramatic shifts in global climate have intensified abiotic and biotic stress faced by plants. Plant microRNAs (miRNAs)-20-24 nucleotide non-coding RNA molecules-form a key regulatory system of plant gene expression; playing crucial roles in plant growth; development; and defense against abiotic and biotic stress. Moreover, they participate in cross-kingdom communication. This communication encompasses interactions with other plants, microorganisms, and insect species, collectively exerting a profound influence on the agronomic traits of crops. This article comprehensively reviews the biosynthesis of plant miRNAs and explores their impact on plant growth, development, and stress resistance through endogenous, non-transboundary mechanisms. Furthermore, this review delves into the cross-kingdom regulatory effects of plant miRNAs on plants, microorganisms, and pests. It proceeds to specifically discuss the design and modification strategies for artificial miRNAs (amiRNAs), as well as the protection and transport of miRNAs by exosome-like nanovesicles (ELNVs), expanding the potential applications of plant miRNAs in crop breeding. Finally, the current limitations associated with harnessing plant miRNAs are addressed, and the utilization of synthetic biology is proposed to facilitate the heterologous expression and large-scale production of miRNAs. This novel approach suggests a plant-based solution to address future biosafety concerns in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianze Ding
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (T.D.); (W.L.); (F.L.)
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Wenkang Li
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (T.D.); (W.L.); (F.L.)
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Fuguang Li
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (T.D.); (W.L.); (F.L.)
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Maozhi Ren
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (T.D.); (W.L.); (F.L.)
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (T.D.); (W.L.); (F.L.)
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
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Rumyantsev SD, Veselova SV, Burkhanova GF, Alekseev VY, Maksimov IV. Bacillus subtilis 26D Triggers Induced Systemic Resistance against Rhopalosiphum padi L. by Regulating the Expression of Genes AGO, DCL and microRNA in Bread Spring Wheat. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2983. [PMID: 38138127 PMCID: PMC10745712 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus subtilis 26D is a plant growth-promoting endophytic bacteria capable of inducing systemic resistance through the priming mechanism, which includes plant genome reprogramming and the phenomenon of RNA interference (RNAi) and microRNA (miRNAs). The phloem-feeding insect bird cherry-oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi L. is a serious pest that causes significant damage to crops throughout the world. However, the function of plant miRNAs in the response to aphid infestation remains unclear. The results of this work showed that B. subtilis 26D stimulated aphid resistance in wheat plants, inducing the expression of genes of hormonal signaling pathways ICS, WRKY13, PR1, ACS, EIN3, PR3, and ABI5. In addition, B. subtilis 26D activated the RNAi mechanism and regulated the expression of nine conserved miRNAs through activation of the ethylene, salicylic acid (SA), and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathways, which was demonstrated by using treatments with phytohormones. Treatment of plants with SA, ethylene, and ABA acted in a similar manner to B. subtilis 26D on induction of the expression of the AGO4, AGO5 and DCL2, DCL4 genes, as well as the expression of nine conserved miRNAs. Different patterns of miRNA expression were found in aphid-infested plants and in plants treated with B. subtilis 26D or SA, ethylene, and ABA and infested by aphids, suggesting that miRNAs play multiple roles in the plant response to phloem-feeding insects, associated with effects on hormonal signaling pathways, redox metabolism, and the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Our study provides new data to further elucidate the fine mechanisms of bacterial-induced priming. However, further extensive work is needed to fully unravel these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Svetlana V. Veselova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics, Ufa Federal Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Oktyabrya, 71, 450054 Ufa, Russia; (S.D.R.); (G.F.B.); (V.Y.A.); (I.V.M.)
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Kundu P, Grover S, Perez A, Raya Vaca JD, Kariyat R, Louis J. Sorghum defense responses to sequential attack by insect herbivores of different feeding guilds. PLANTA 2023; 258:35. [PMID: 37389680 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-023-04195-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION Insect herbivores of different feeding guilds induced sorghum defenses through differential mechanisms, regardless of the order of herbivore arrival on sorghum plants. Sorghum, one of the world's most important cereal crops, suffers severe yield losses due to attack by insects of different feeding guilds. In most instances, the emergence of these pests are not secluded incidents and are followed by another or can also co-infest host plants. Sugarcane aphid (SCA) and fall armyworm (FAW) are the two most important destructive pests of sorghum, which belongs to sap-sucking and chewing feeding guilds, respectively. While the order of the herbivore arriving on the plants has been found to alter the defense response to subsequent herbivores, this is seldom studied with herbivores from different feeding guilds. In this study, we investigated the effects of sequential herbivory of FAW and SCA on sorghum defense responses and their underlying mechanism(s). Sequential feeding on the sorghum RTx430 genotype by either FAW primed-SCA or SCA primed-FAW were monitored to unravel the mechanisms underlying defense priming, and its mode of action. Regardless of the order of herbivore arrival on sorghum RTx430 plants, significant defense induction was observed in the primed state compared to the non-primed condition, irrespective of their feeding guild. Additionally, gene expression and secondary metabolite analysis revealed differential modulation of the phenylpropanoid pathway upon insect attack by different feeding guilds. Our findings suggest that priming in sorghum plants upon sequential herbivory induces defense by the accumulation of the total flavonoids and lignin/salicylic acid in FAW primed-SCA and SCA primed-FAW interaction, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritha Kundu
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Sajjan Grover
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Adryenna Perez
- Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, 78539, USA
| | - Juan D Raya Vaca
- Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, 78539, USA
| | - Rupesh Kariyat
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Joe Louis
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
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