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Gentile D, Serino G, Frugis G. CRF transcription factors in the trade-off between abiotic stress response and plant developmental processes. Front Genet 2024; 15:1377204. [PMID: 38694876 PMCID: PMC11062136 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1377204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change-induced environmental stress significantly affects crop yield and quality. In response to environmental stressors, plants use defence mechanisms and growth suppression, creating a resource trade-off between the stress response and development. Although stress-responsive genes have been widely engineered to enhance crop stress tolerance, there is still limited understanding of the interplay between stress signalling and plant growth, a research topic that can provide promising targets for crop genetic improvement. This review focuses on Cytokinin Response Factors (CRFs) transcription factor's role in the balance between abiotic stress adaptation and sustained growth. CRFs, known for their involvement in cytokinin signalling and abiotic stress responses, emerge as potential targets for delaying senescence and mitigating yield penalties under abiotic stress conditions. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulated by CRFs paves the way for decoupling stress responses from growth inhibition, thus allowing the development of crops that can adapt to abiotic stress without compromising development. This review highlights the importance of unravelling CRF-mediated pathways to address the growing need for resilient crops in the face of evolving climatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Gentile
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (IBBA), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘Charles Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Serino
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘Charles Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Frugis
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (IBBA), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
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Liao C, Shen H, Gao Z, Wang Y, Zhu Z, Xie Q, Wu T, Chen G, Hu Z. Overexpression of SlCRF6 in tomato inhibits leaf development and affects plant morphology. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 338:111921. [PMID: 37949361 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111921] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Cytokinin response factors (CRFs) are transcription factors (TFs) that are specific to plants and have diverse functions in plant growth and stress responses. However, the precise roles of CRFs in regulating tomato plant architecture and leaf development have not been comprehensively investigated. Here, we identified a novel CRF, SlCRF6, which is involved in the regulation of plant growth via the gibberellin (GA) signaling pathway. SlCRF6-overexpressing (SlCRF6-OE) plants displayed pleiotropic phenotypic changes, including reduced internode length and leaf size, which caused dwarfism in tomato plants. This dwarfism could be alleviated by application of exogenous GA3. Remarkably, quantitative real-time PCR (qRTPCR), a dual luciferase reporter assay and a yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assay revealed that SlCRF6 promoted the expression of SlDELLA (a GA signal transduction inhibitor) in vivo. Furthermore, transgenic plants displayed variegated leaves and diminished chlorophyll content, resulting in decreased photosynthetic efficiency and less starch than in wild-type (WT) plants. The results of transient expression assays and Y1H assays indicated that SlCRF6 suppressed the expression of SlPHAN (leaf morphology-related gene). Collectively, these findings suggest that SlCRF6 plays a crucial role in regulating tomato plant morphology, leaf development, and the accumulation of photosynthetic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changguang Liao
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Tomato, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, PR China.
| | - Hui Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Tomato, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, PR China.
| | - Zihan Gao
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Tomato, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, PR China.
| | - Yunshu Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Tomato, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, PR China.
| | - Zhiguo Zhu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Tomato, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, PR China; College of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang 332000, Jiangxi, PR China.
| | - Qiaoli Xie
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Tomato, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, PR China.
| | - Ting Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Tomato, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, PR China.
| | - Guoping Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Tomato, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, PR China.
| | - Zongli Hu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Tomato, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, PR China.
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Sunseri F, Aci MM, Mauceri A, Caldiero C, Puccio G, Mercati F, Abenavoli MR. Short-term transcriptomic analysis at organ scale reveals candidate genes involved in low N responses in NUE-contrasting tomato genotypes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1125378. [PMID: 36938018 PMCID: PMC10020590 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1125378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the complex regulatory network underlying plant nitrogen (N) responses associated with high Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) is one of the main challenges for sustainable cropping systems. Nitrate (NO3 -), acting as both an N source and a signal molecule, provokes very fast transcriptome reprogramming, allowing plants to adapt to its availability. These changes are genotype- and tissue-specific; thus, the comparison between contrasting genotypes is crucial to uncovering high NUE mechanisms. METHODS Here, we compared, for the first time, the spatio-temporal transcriptome changes in both root and shoot of two NUE contrasting tomato genotypes, Regina Ostuni (high-NUE) and UC82 (low-NUE), in response to short-term (within 24 h) low (LN) and high (HN) NO3 - resupply. RESULTS Using time-series transcriptome data (0, 8, and 24 h), we identified 395 and 482 N-responsive genes differentially expressed (DEGs) between RO and UC82 in shoot and root, respectively. Protein kinase signaling plant hormone signal transduction, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were the main enriched metabolic pathways in shoot and root, respectively, and were upregulated in RO compared to UC82. Interestingly, several N transporters belonging to NRT and NPF families, such as NRT2.3, NRT2.4, NPF1.2, and NPF8.3, were found differentially expressed between RO and UC82 genotypes, which might explain the contrasting NUE performances. Transcription factors (TFs) belonging to several families, such as ERF, LOB, GLK, NFYB, ARF, Zinc-finger, and MYB, were differentially expressed between genotypes in response to LN. A complementary Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) allowed the identification of LN-responsive co-expression modules in RO shoot and root. The regulatory network analysis revealed candidate genes that might have key functions in short-term LN regulation. In particular, an asparagine synthetase (ASNS), a CBL-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (CIPK1), a cytokinin riboside 5'-monophosphate phosphoribohydrolase (LOG8), a glycosyltransferase (UGT73C4), and an ERF2 were identified in the shoot, while an LRR receptor-like serine/threonine-protein kinase (FEI1) and two TFs NF-YB5 and LOB37 were identified in the root. DISCUSSION Our results revealed potential candidate genes that independently and/or concurrently may regulate short-term low-N response, suggesting a key role played by cytokinin and ROS balancing in early LN regulation mechanisms adopted by the N-use efficient genotype RO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sunseri
- Dipartimento Agraria, Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (CNR-IBBR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Meriem Miyassa Aci
- Dipartimento Agraria, Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Antonio Mauceri
- Dipartimento Agraria, Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Ciro Caldiero
- Dipartimento Agraria, Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Puccio
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (CNR-IBBR), Palermo, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Mercati
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (CNR-IBBR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Abenavoli
- Dipartimento Agraria, Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy
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Mandal S, Ghorai M, Anand U, Samanta D, Kant N, Mishra T, Rahman MH, Jha NK, Jha SK, Lal MK, Tiwari RK, Kumar M, Radha, Prasanth DA, Mane AB, Gopalakrishnan AV, Biswas P, Proćków J, Dey A. Cytokinin and abiotic stress tolerance -What has been accomplished and the way forward? Front Genet 2022; 13:943025. [PMID: 36017502 PMCID: PMC9395584 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.943025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
More than a half-century has passed since it was discovered that phytohormone cytokinin (CK) is essential to drive cytokinesis and proliferation in plant tissue culture. Thereafter, cytokinin has emerged as the primary regulator of the plant cell cycle and numerous developmental processes. Lately, a growing body of evidence suggests that cytokinin has a role in mitigating both abiotic and biotic stress. Cytokinin is essential to defend plants against excessive light exposure and a unique kind of abiotic stress generated by an altered photoperiod. Secondly, cytokinin also exhibits multi-stress resilience under changing environments. Furthermore, cytokinin homeostasis is also affected by several forms of stress. Therefore, the diverse roles of cytokinin in reaction to stress, as well as its interactions with other hormones, are discussed in detail. When it comes to agriculture, understanding the functioning processes of cytokinins under changing environmental conditions can assist in utilizing the phytohormone, to increase productivity. Through this review, we briefly describe the biological role of cytokinin in enhancing the performance of plants growth under abiotic challenges as well as the probable mechanisms underpinning cytokinin-induced stress tolerance. In addition, the article lays forth a strategy for using biotechnological tools to modify genes in the cytokinin pathway to engineer abiotic stress tolerance in plants. The information presented here will assist in better understanding the function of cytokinin in plants and their effective investigation in the cropping system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayanti Mandal
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mimosa Ghorai
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Uttpal Anand
- CytoGene Research & Development LLP, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dipu Samanta
- Department of Botany, Dr. Kanailal Bhattacharyya College, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Nishi Kant
- School of Health and Allied Science, ARKA Jain University, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India
| | - Tulika Mishra
- Department of Botany, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Md. Habibur Rahman
- Department of Global Medical Science, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied and Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied and Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | - Milan Kumar Lal
- Division of Crop Physiology, Biochemistry and Post Harvest Technology, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Rahul Kumar Tiwari
- Division of Crop Physiology, Biochemistry and Post Harvest Technology, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Chemical and Biochemical Processing Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Radha
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | | | - Abhijit Bhagwan Mane
- Department of Zoology, Dr. Patangrao Kadam Mahavidhyalaya (affiliated to Shivaji University Kolhapur), Ramanandnagar (Burli), Sangli, Maharashtra, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Protha Biswas
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Jarosław Proćków
- Department of Plant Biology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Wang L, Liu X, Li Q, Xu N, He C. A lineage-specific arginine in POS1 is required for fruit size control in Physaleae (Solanaceae) via gene co-option. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 111:183-204. [PMID: 35481627 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Solanaceae have important economic value mainly due to their edible fruits. Physalis organ size 1/cytokinin response factor 3 (POS1/CRF3), a unique gene in Solanaceae, is involved in fruit size variation in Physalis but not in Solanum. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we found that POS1/CRF3 was likely created via the fusion of CRF7 and CRF8 duplicates. Multiple genetic manipulations revealed that only POS1 and Capsicum POS1 (CaPOS1) functioned in fruit size control via the positive regulation of cell expansion. Comparative studies in a phylogenetic framework showed the directional enhancement of POS1-like expression in the flowers and fruits of Physaleae and the specific gain of certain interacting proteins associated with cell expansion by POS1 and CaPOS1. A lineage-specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) caused the 68th amino acid histidine in the POS1 orthologs of non-Physaleae (Nicotiana and Solanum) to change to arginine in Physaleae (Physalis and Capsicum). Substituting the arginine in Physaleae POS1-like by histidine completely abolished their function in the fruits and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) with calreticulin-3. Transcriptomic comparison revealed the potential downstream pathways of POS1, including the brassinosteroid biosynthesis pathway. However, POS1-like may have functioned ancestrally in abiotic stress within Solanaceae. Our work demonstrated that heterometric expression and a SNP caused a single amino acid change to establish new PPIs, which contributed to the co-option of POS1 in multiple regulatory pathways to regulate cell expansion and thus fruit size in Physaleae. These results provide new insights into fruit morphological evolution and fruit yield control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanxincun 20, Xiangshan, 100093, Beijing, China
| | - Xueyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanxincun 20, Xiangshan, 100093, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Road 19, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaoru Li
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanxincun 20, Xiangshan, 100093, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Road 19, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanxincun 20, Xiangshan, 100093, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Road 19, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Chaoying He
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanxincun 20, Xiangshan, 100093, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Road 19, 100049, Beijing, China
- The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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6
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Wu R, Xu B, Shi F. MrERF, MrbZIP, and MrSURNod of Medicago ruthenica Are Involved in Plant Growth and Abiotic Stress Response. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:907674. [PMID: 35720590 PMCID: PMC9203031 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.907674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Abiotic stresses affect plant growth and productivity. The outstanding stress resistance of Medicago ruthenica makes it a desirable gene resource to improve the stress tolerance of other plants. The roles of three differently expressed genes [(DEGs) (MrERF, MrbZIP, and MrSURNod)] from M. ruthenica in stress resistance have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we constructed their expression vectors, transformed them into tobacco, and subjected transgenic lines to abiotic stresses. Through comprehensive bioinformatics, transcriptomic, morphological, and physiological analyses of transgenic lines, we have revealed the critical role of these three DEGs in plant growth and abiotic stress response. The upregulation of genes enhanced the germination rate, biomass, root length number, etc. Additionally, the accumulation of osmolytes increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes. These genes are also associated with improved seed yield, increased branching, and early flowering, thereby shortening the growth period. Potentially, this is one of the ways for tobacco to cope with stress. Furthermore, the resistance of transgenic tobacco expressing MrERF or MrbZIP was better than that with MrSURNod. MrERF and MrbZIP can improve drought and salt tolerance of plants, whereas MrSURNod is beneficial in improving drought and cold resistance. Moreover, MrERF or MrbZIP can promote root elongation and increase the root number, whereas MrSURNod mainly promotes root elongation. This may be the reason why stress resistance conferred by MrSURNod is weaker than that associated with the other two genes. Overall, MrERF, MrbZIP, and MrSURNod positively modulate plant growth and stress tolerance.
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Keshishian EA, Cliver BR, McLaughlin WF, Hallmark HT, Plačková L, Goertzen LR, Novák O, Cobine PA, Leisner CP, Rashotte AM. CYTOKININ RESPONSE FACTOR 2 is involved in modulating the salt stress response. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 110:1097-1110. [PMID: 35262971 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cytokinin has strong connections to development and a growing role in the abiotic stress response. Here we show that CYTOKININ RESPONSE FACTOR 2 (CRF2) is additionally involved in the salt (NaCl) stress response. CRF2 promoter-GUS expression indicates CRF2 involvement in the response to salt stress as well as the previously known cytokinin response. Interestingly, CRF2 mutant seedlings are quite similar to the wild type (WT) under non-stressed conditions yet have many distinct changes in response to salt stress. Cytokinin levels measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) that increased in the WT after salt stress are decreased in crf2, potentially from CRF2 regulation of cytokinin biosynthesis genes. Ion content measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was increased in the WT for Na, K, Mn, Ca and Mg after salt stress, whereas the corresponding Ca and Mg increases are lacking in crf2. Many genes examined by RNA-seq analysis were altered transcriptionally by salt stress in both the WT and crf2, yet interestingly approximately one-third of salt-modified crf2 transcripts (2655) showed unique regulation. Different transcript profiles for salt stress in crf2 compared with the WT background was further supported through an examination of co-expressed genes by weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCMA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Additionally, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment terms found from salt-treated transcripts revealed most photosynthesis-related terms as only being affected in crf2, leading to an examination of chlorophyll levels and the efficiency of photosystem II (via the ratio of variable fluorescence to maximum fluorescence, Fv /Fm ) as well as physiology after salt treatment. Salt stress-treated crf2 plants had both reduced chlorophyll levels and lower Fv /Fm values compared with the WT, suggesting that CRF2 plays a role in the modulation of salt stress responses linked to photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika A Keshishian
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Brannan R Cliver
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | | | - H Tucker Hallmark
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Lenka Plačková
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-783 71, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Leslie R Goertzen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Ondřej Novák
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-783 71, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Paul A Cobine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Courtney P Leisner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Aaron M Rashotte
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
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8
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Soliman SA, Hafez EE, Al-Kolaibe AMG, Abdel Razik ESS, Abd-Ellatif S, Ibrahim AA, Kabeil SSA, Elshafie HS. Biochemical Characterization, Antifungal Activity, and Relative Gene Expression of Two Mentha Essential Oils Controlling Fusarium oxysporum, the Causal Agent of Lycopersicon esculentum Root Rot. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11020189. [PMID: 35050077 PMCID: PMC8781374 DOI: 10.3390/plants11020189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is important food in daily human diets. Root rot disease by Fusarium oxysporum caused huge losses in tomato quality and yield annually. The extensive use of synthetic and chemical fungicides has environmental risks and health problems. Recent studies have pointed out the use of medicinal plant essential oils (EOs) and extracts for controlling fungal diseases. In the current research, Mentha spicata and Mentha longifolia EOs were used in different concentrations to control F. oxysporum. Many active compounds are present in these two EOs such as: thymol, adapic acid, menthol and menthyl acetate. These compounds possess antifungal effect through malformation and degradation of the fungal cell wall. The relative expression levels of distinctly upregulated defense-related WRKY genes (WRKY1, WRKY4, WRKY33 and WRKY53) in seedling root were evaluated as a plant-specific transcription factor (TF) group in different response pathways of abiotic stress. Results showed significant expression levels of WRKY, WRKY53, WRKY33, WRKY1 and WRKY4 genes. An upregulation was observed in defense-related genes such as chitinase and defensin in roots by application EOs under pathogen condition. In conclusion, M. spicata and M. longifolia EOs can be used effectively to control this plant pathogen as sustainable and eco-friendly botanical fungicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seham A. Soliman
- Plant Protection and Biomolecular Diagnosis Department, Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technology Applications, Borg EL-Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt; (S.A.S.); (E.E.H.); (E.-S.S.A.R.); (A.A.I.)
| | - Elsayed E. Hafez
- Plant Protection and Biomolecular Diagnosis Department, Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technology Applications, Borg EL-Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt; (S.A.S.); (E.E.H.); (E.-S.S.A.R.); (A.A.I.)
| | | | - El-Sayed S. Abdel Razik
- Plant Protection and Biomolecular Diagnosis Department, Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technology Applications, Borg EL-Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt; (S.A.S.); (E.E.H.); (E.-S.S.A.R.); (A.A.I.)
| | - Sawsan Abd-Ellatif
- Bioprocess Development Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technology Applications, Borg EL-Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt;
| | - Amira A. Ibrahim
- Plant Protection and Biomolecular Diagnosis Department, Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technology Applications, Borg EL-Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt; (S.A.S.); (E.E.H.); (E.-S.S.A.R.); (A.A.I.)
| | - Sanaa S. A. Kabeil
- Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technology Applications, Borg EL-Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt;
| | - Hazem S. Elshafie
- School of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0971-205522; Fax: +39-0971-205503
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9
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Hughes AM, Hallmark HT, Plačková L, Novák O, Rashotte AM. Clade III cytokinin response factors share common roles in response to oxidative stress responses linked to cytokinin synthesis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:3294-3306. [PMID: 33617640 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cytokinin response factors (CRFs) are transcription factors that are involved in cytokinin (CK) response, as well as being linked to abiotic stress tolerance. In particular, oxidative stress responses are activated by Clade III CRF members, such as AtCRF6. Here we explored the relationships between Clade III CRFs and oxidative stress. Transcriptomic responses to oxidative stress were determined in two Clade III transcription factors, Arabidopsis AtCRF5 and tomato SlCRF5. AtCRF5 was required for regulated expression of >240 genes that are involved in oxidative stress response. Similarly, SlCRF5 was involved in the regulated expression of nearly 420 oxidative stress response genes. Similarities in gene regulation by these Clade III members in response to oxidative stress were observed between Arabidopsis and tomato, as indicated by Gene Ontology term enrichment. CK levels were also changed in response to oxidative stress in both species. These changes were regulated by Clade III CRFs. Taken together, these findings suggest that Clade III CRFs play a role in oxidative stress response as well as having roles in CK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel M Hughes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn AL 36849, USA
| | - H Tucker Hallmark
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn AL 36849, USA
| | - Lenka Plačková
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, CZ-783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Novák
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, CZ-783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Aaron M Rashotte
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn AL 36849, USA
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10
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Skalak J, Nicolas KL, Vankova R, Hejatko J. Signal Integration in Plant Abiotic Stress Responses via Multistep Phosphorelay Signaling. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:644823. [PMID: 33679861 PMCID: PMC7925916 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.644823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Plants growing in any particular geographical location are exposed to variable and diverse environmental conditions throughout their lifespan. The multifactorial environmental pressure resulted into evolution of plant adaptation and survival strategies requiring ability to integrate multiple signals that combine to yield specific responses. These adaptive responses enable plants to maintain their growth and development while acquiring tolerance to a variety of environmental conditions. An essential signaling cascade that incorporates a wide range of exogenous as well as endogenous stimuli is multistep phosphorelay (MSP). MSP mediates the signaling of essential plant hormones that balance growth, development, and environmental adaptation. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which specific signals are recognized by a commonly-occurring pathway are not yet clearly understood. Here we summarize our knowledge on the latest model of multistep phosphorelay signaling in plants and the molecular mechanisms underlying the integration of multiple inputs including both hormonal (cytokinins, ethylene and abscisic acid) and environmental (light and temperature) signals into a common pathway. We provide an overview of abiotic stress responses mediated via MSP signaling that are both hormone-dependent and independent. We highlight the mutual interactions of key players such as sensor kinases of various substrate specificities including their downstream targets. These constitute a tightly interconnected signaling network, enabling timely adaptation by the plant to an ever-changing environment. Finally, we propose possible future directions in stress-oriented research on MSP signaling and highlight its potential importance for targeted crop breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Skalak
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology and National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Katrina Leslie Nicolas
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology and National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Radomira Vankova
- Laboratory of Hormonal Regulations in Plants, Institute of Experimental Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jan Hejatko
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology and National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Jan Hejatko,
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11
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Luo Q, Liu R, Zeng L, Wu Y, Jiang Y, Yang Q, Nie Q. Isolation and molecular characterization of NtMYB4a, a putative transcription activation factor involved in anthocyanin synthesis in tobacco. Gene 2020; 760:144990. [PMID: 32721476 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The MYB transcription factors are involved in the regulation of plant secondary metabolism, cell development and morphogenesis, and stress response. Here, a full-length, 816-bp NtMYB4a cDNA, which encodes a protein comprising 271 amino acids, was isolated from tobacco leaves. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that NtMYB4a is most similar to Nicotiana. attenuata MYB4, followed by Eriobotrya japonica MYB4, and NtMYB4a clustered with transcriptional activators rather than repressors. Subcellular localization assays showed that NtMYB4 localized in the nucleus, membrane, and cytoplasm. Expression analyses revealed differential expression of NtMYB4a among different tissues and organs and between different developmental stages, with most expression occurring in the stems and leaves during the full-bloom stage. Moreover, NtMYB4a expression was induced by cold, NaCl, PEG, abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, and dark stressors, and the expression patterns and maximum expression levels varied with the type of stress. Overexpression of NtMYB4a upregulated NtPAL, Nt4CL, NtCHS, NtCHI, NtF3H, NtDFR, NtANS, and NtUFGT, which resulted in increased anthocyanin content in the tobacco corolla and darker colors. However, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of NtMYB4a downregulated NtPAL, NtC4H, Nt4CL, NtCHS, NtCHI, NtF3H, NtANS, and NtUFGT, which resulted in reduced anthocyanin content, and lighter corolla colors. These results indicated that NtMYB4a positively regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis and is involved in abiotic stress responses in tobacco plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Quality in Guizhou Province, College of Tobacco, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Renxiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Quality in Guizhou Province, College of Tobacco, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Lugui Zeng
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yuyao Wu
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yue Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Quality in Guizhou Province, College of Tobacco, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Qin Yang
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Qiong Nie
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Quality in Guizhou Province, College of Tobacco, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
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12
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Research Progress on the Roles of Cytokinin in Plant Response to Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186574. [PMID: 32911801 PMCID: PMC7555750 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokinins promote plant growth and development under normal plant growth conditions and also play an important role in plant resistance to stress. Understanding the working mechanisms of cytokinins under adverse conditions will help to make full use of cytokinins in agriculture to increase production and efficiency of land use. In this article, we review the progress that has been made in cytokinin research in plant response to stress and propose its future application prospects.
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13
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Wang S, Zhang H, Shi L, Xu F, Ding G. Genome-Wide Dissection of the CRF Gene Family in Brassica napus Indicates that BnaCRF8s Specifically Regulate Root Architecture and Phosphate Homeostasis against Phosphate Fluctuation in Plants. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3660. [PMID: 32455955 PMCID: PMC7279159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient required for plant growth and development. The involvement of cytokinin response factors (CRFs) in phosphate (Pi) homeostasis and lateral root (LR) initiation in Arabidopsis has been revealed. However, little is known in oil crops. Here, we performed genome-wide dissection of the CRF family in Brassica napus to identify 44 members, which were evolutionally classified into 6 subgroups. Among them, four BnaCRF8 genes were strongly upregulated by P deprivation, and were selected to be further investigated. Time course qRT-PCR analyses showed that four BnaCRF8 genes were enhanced dramatically after 12 h of P stress. Analyses of the subcellular localization in tobacco leaves indicated that BnaA7.CRF8 and BnaC2.CRF8 were localized in the nucleus. The expression of BnaCRF8 genes had constant negative effects on primary root growth and LR initiation and growth, and it reduced Pi acquisition and plant growth in Arabidopsis. Moreover, the expression of Pi homeostasis-related genes was modulated in BnaA7.CRF8 overexpression plants. These results suggest that BnaCRF8 genes might negatively regulate root architecture and plant growth through transcriptional modification of Pi homeostasis-related components. Overall, this study suggests that upregulation of BnaCRF8 genes might be a smart adaptive strategy to cope with continuous Pi deficiency in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Guangda Ding
- Microelement Research Centre, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (S.W.); (H.Z.); (L.S.); (F.X.)
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14
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Hallmark HT, Rashotte AM. Review - Cytokinin Response Factors: Responding to more than cytokinin. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 289:110251. [PMID: 31623789 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2019.110251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Cytokinin Response Factors (CRFs) are a family of transcription factors which make up a side branch of the classical cytokinin two-component signaling pathway. CRFs were originally identified and have been primarily studied in Arabidopsis thaliana, although orthologs have be found throughout all land plants. Research into the evolution of CRFs as sub-group members of the larger APETALA2/Ethylene Response Factor (AP2/ERF) family has yielded interesting and useful insights related to the functional roles of CRFs in plants. Recent studies of CRFs suggest that these transcription factors are a lot more than just a group of cytokinin related genes and play important roles in both plant development and environmental stress response. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the roles of CRFs beyond cytokinin, in reproductive development and abiotic stress response, as well as to other environmental cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Tucker Hallmark
- 101 Rouse Life Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, USA
| | - Aaron M Rashotte
- 101 Rouse Life Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, USA.
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15
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Lineage specific conservation of cis-regulatory elements in Cytokinin Response Factors. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13387. [PMID: 31527685 PMCID: PMC6746799 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49741-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Expression patterns of genes are controlled by short regions of DNA in promoter regions known as cis-regulatory elements. How expression patterns change due to alterations in cis-regulatory elements in the context of gene duplication are not well studied in plants. Over 300 promoter sequences from a small, well-conserved family of plant transcription factors known as Cytokinin Response Factors (CRFs) were examined for conserved motifs across several known clades present in Angiosperms. General CRF and lineage specific motifs were identified. Once identified, significantly enriched motifs were then compared to known transcription factor binding sites to elucidate potential functional roles. Additionally, presence of similar motifs shows that levels of conservation exist between different CRFs across land plants, likely occurring through processes of neo- or sub-functionalization. Furthermore, significant patterns of motif conservation are seen within and between CRF clades suggesting cis-regulatory regions have been conserved throughout CRF evolution.
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16
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Wang L, Ma H, Lin J. Angiosperm-Wide and Family-Level Analyses of AP2/ ERF Genes Reveal Differential Retention and Sequence Divergence After Whole-Genome Duplication. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:196. [PMID: 30863419 PMCID: PMC6399210 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Plants are immobile and often face stressful environmental conditions, prompting the evolution of genes regulating environmental responses. Such evolution is achieved largely through gene duplication and subsequent divergence. One of the most important gene families involved in regulating plant environmental responses and development is the AP2/ERF superfamily; however, the evolutionary history of these genes is unclear across angiosperms and in major angiosperm families adapted to various ecological niches. Specifically, the impact on gene copy number of whole-genome duplication events occurring around the time of the origins of several plant families is unknown. Here, we present the first angiosperm-wide comparative study of AP2/ERF genes, identifying 75 Angiosperm OrthoGroups (AOGs), each derived from an ancestral angiosperm gene copy. Among these AOGs, 21 retain duplicates with increased copy number in many angiosperm lineages, while the remaining 54 AOGs tend to maintain low copy number. Further analyses of multiple species in the Brassicaceae family indicated that family-specific duplicates experienced differential selective pressures in coding regions, with some paralogs showing signs of positive selection. Further, cis regulatory elements also exhibit extensive divergence between duplicates in Arabidopsis. Moreover, comparison of expression levels suggested that AP2/ERF genes with frequently retained duplicates are enriched for broad expression patterns, offering increased opportunities for functional diversification via changes in expression patterns, and providing a mechanism for repeated duplicate retention in some AOGs. Our results represent the most comprehensive evolutionary history of the AP2/ERF gene family, and support the hypothesis that AP2/ERF genes with broader expression patterns are more likely to be retained as duplicates than those with narrower expression profiles, which could lead to a higher chance of duplicate gene subfunctionalization. The greater tendency of some AOGs to retain duplicates, allowing expression and functional divergence, may facilitate the evolution of complex signaling networks in response to new environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Sciences and Ecological Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, Institute of Plant Biology, Institute of Biodiversity Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Sciences and Ecological Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, Institute of Plant Biology, Institute of Biodiversity Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Juan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Sciences and Ecological Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, Institute of Plant Biology, Institute of Biodiversity Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Aamir M, Singh VK, Dubey MK, Meena M, Kashyap SP, Katari SK, Upadhyay RS, Umamaheswari A, Singh S. In silico Prediction, Characterization, Molecular Docking, and Dynamic Studies on Fungal SDRs as Novel Targets for Searching Potential Fungicides Against Fusarium Wilt in Tomato. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1038. [PMID: 30405403 PMCID: PMC6204350 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular wilt of tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (FOL) is one of the most devastating diseases, that delimits the tomato production worldwide. Fungal short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs) are NADP(H) dependent oxidoreductases, having shared motifs and common functional mechanism, have been demonstrated as biochemical targets for commercial fungicides. The 1,3,6,8 tetra hydroxynaphthalene reductase (T4HNR) protein, a member of SDRs family, catalyzes the naphthol reduction reaction in fungal melanin biosynthesis. We retrieved an orthologous member of T4HNR, (complexed with NADP(H) and pyroquilon from Magnaporthe grisea) in the FOL (namely; FOXG_04696) based on homology search, percent identity and sequence similarity (93% query cover; 49% identity). The hypothetical protein FOXG_04696 (T4HNR like) had conserved T-G-X-X-X-G-X-G motif (cofactor binding site) at N-terminus, similar to M. grisea (1JA9) and Y-X-X-X-K motif, as a part of the active site, bearing homologies with two fungal keto reductases T4HNR (M. grisea) and 17-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Curvularia lunata (teleomorph: Cochliobolus lunatus PDB ID: 3IS3). The catalytic tetrad of T4HNR was replaced with ASN115, SER141, TYR154, and LYS158 in the FOXG_04696. The structural alignment and superposition of FOXG_04696 over the template proteins (3IS3 and 1JA9) revealed minimum RMSD deviations of the C alpha atomic coordinates, and therefore, had structural conservation. The best protein model (FOXG_04696) was docked with 37 fungicides, to evaluate their binding affinities. The Glide XP and YASARA docked complexes showed discrepancies in results, for scoring and ranking the binding affinities of fungicides. The docked complexes were further refined and rescored from their docked poses through 50 ns long MD simulations, and binding free energies (ΔGbind) calculations, using MM/GBSA analysis, revealed Oxathiapiprolin and Famoxadone as better fungicides among the selected one. However, Famoxadone had better interaction of the docked residues, with best protein ligand contacts, minimum RMSD (high accuracy of the docking pose) and RMSF (structural integrity and conformational flexibility of docking) at the specified docking site. The Famoxadone was found to be acceptable based on in silico toxicity and in vitro growth inhibition assessment. We conclude that the FOXG_04696, could be employed as a novel candidate protein, for structure-based design, and screening of target fungicides against the FOL pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Aamir
- Laboratory of Mycopathology and Microbial Technology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Vinay Kumar Singh
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Manish Kumar Dubey
- Laboratory of Mycopathology and Microbial Technology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Mukesh Meena
- Laboratory of Mycopathology and Microbial Technology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.,Department of Botany, University College of Science, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, India
| | - Sarvesh Pratap Kashyap
- Division of Crop Improvement and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Varanasi, India
| | - Sudheer Kumar Katari
- Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Bioinformatics, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences University, Tirupati, India
| | - Ram Sanmukh Upadhyay
- Laboratory of Mycopathology and Microbial Technology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Amineni Umamaheswari
- Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Bioinformatics, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences University, Tirupati, India
| | - Surendra Singh
- Laboratory of Mycopathology and Microbial Technology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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18
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Kong L, Zhao K, Gao Y, Miao L, Chen C, Deng H, Liu Z, Yu X. Comparative analysis of cytokinin response factors in Brassica diploids and amphidiploids and insights into the evolution of Brassica species. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:728. [PMID: 30285607 PMCID: PMC6171139 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5114-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cytokinin is a classical phytohormone that plays important roles in numerous plant growth and development processes. In plants, cytokinin signals are transduced by a two-component system, which involves many genes, including cytokinin response factors (CRFs). Although CRFs take vital part in the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana and Solanum lycopersicum, little information of the CRFs in the Brassica U-triangle species has been known yet. Results We identified and compared 141 CRFs in the diploids and amphidiploids of Brassica species, including B. rapa, B. oleracea, B. nigra, B. napus, and B. juncea. For all the 141 CRFs, the sequence and structure analysis, physiological and biochemical characteristics analysis were performed. Meanwhile, the Ka/Ks ratios of orthologous and paralogous gene pairs were calculated, which indicated the natural selective pressure upon the overall length or a certain part of the CRFs. The expression profiles of CRFs in different tissues and under various stresses were analyzed in B. oleracea, B. nigra, and B. napus. The similarities and differences in gene sequences and expression profiles among the homologous genes of these species were discussed. In addition, AtCRF11 and its ortholog BrCRF11a were identified to be related to primary root growth in Arabidopsis. Conclusion This study performed a genome-wide comparative analysis of the CRFs in the diploids and amphidiploids of the Brassica U-triangle species. Many similarities and differences in gene sequences and expression profiles existed among the CRF homologous genes of these species. In the bioinformatics analysis, we found the close relativity of the CRF homologous genes in the Brassica A and C genomes and the distinctiveness of those in the B genome, and the CRF homologous genes in B subgenome were considerably influenced by the A subgenome of B. juncea. In addition, we identified a new function of the Clade V CRFs related to root growth, which also clarified the functional conservation between Arabidopsis and B. rapa. These results not only offer useful information on the functional analysis of CRFs but also provide new insights into the evolution of Brassica species. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5114-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Kong
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development, and Quality Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Integrative Biology, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kun Zhao
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development, and Quality Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Integrative Biology, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingying Gao
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development, and Quality Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Integrative Biology, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liming Miao
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development, and Quality Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Integrative Biology, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chaoquan Chen
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development, and Quality Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Integrative Biology, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hang Deng
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development, and Quality Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Integrative Biology, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhenning Liu
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Linyi University, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaolin Yu
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China. .,Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development, and Quality Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Integrative Biology, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
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19
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Nie J, Wen C, Xi L, Lv S, Zhao Q, Kou Y, Ma N, Zhao L, Zhou X. The AP2/ERF transcription factor CmERF053 of chrysanthemum positively regulates shoot branching, lateral root, and drought tolerance. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2018; 37:1049-1060. [PMID: 29687169 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-018-2290-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
We find that the DREB subfamily transcription factor, CmERF053, has a novel function to regulate the development of shoot branching and lateral root in addition to affecting abiotic stress. Dehydration-responsive element binding proteins (DREBs) are important plant transcription factors that regulate various abiotic stresses. Here, we isolated an APETALA2/ethylene-responsive factor (AP2/ERF) transcription factor from chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Jinba'), CmERF053, the expression of which was rapidly up-regulated by main stem decapitation. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that it belongs to the A-6 group of the DREB subfamily, and the subcellular localization assay confirmed that CmERF053 was a nuclear protein. Overexpression of CmERF053 in Arabidopsis exhibited positive effects of plant lateral organs, which had more shoot branching and lateral roots than did the wild type. We also found that the expression of CmERF053 in axillary buds was induced by exogenous cytokinins. These results suggested that CmERF053 may be involved in cytokinins-related shoot branching pathway. In this study, an altered auxin distribution was observed during root elongation in the seedlings of the overexpression plants. Furthermore, overexpress CmERF053 gene could enhance drought tolerance. Together, these findings indicated that CmERF053 plays crucial roles in regulating shoot branching, lateral root, and drought stress in plant. Moreover, our study provides potential application value for improving plant productivity, ornamental traits, and drought tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Nie
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Development and Quality Control of Ornamental Crops, Department of Ornamental Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Chao Wen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Development and Quality Control of Ornamental Crops, Department of Ornamental Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lin Xi
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Development and Quality Control of Ornamental Crops, Department of Ornamental Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Suhui Lv
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Development and Quality Control of Ornamental Crops, Department of Ornamental Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qingcui Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Development and Quality Control of Ornamental Crops, Department of Ornamental Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yaping Kou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Development and Quality Control of Ornamental Crops, Department of Ornamental Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Nan Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Development and Quality Control of Ornamental Crops, Department of Ornamental Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Liangjun Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Development and Quality Control of Ornamental Crops, Department of Ornamental Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Development and Quality Control of Ornamental Crops, Department of Ornamental Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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20
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Structural and functional dissection of differentially expressed tomato WRKY transcripts in host defense response against the vascular wilt pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193922. [PMID: 29709017 PMCID: PMC5927432 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The WRKY transcription factors have indispensable role in plant growth, development and defense responses. The differential expression of WRKY genes following the stress conditions has been well demonstrated. We investigated the temporal and tissue-specific (root and leaf tissues) differential expression of plant defense-related WRKY genes, following the infection of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) in tomato. The genome-wide computational analysis revealed that during the Fol infection in tomato, 16 different members of WRKY gene superfamily were found to be involved, of which only three WRKYs (SolyWRKY4, SolyWRKY33, and SolyWRKY37) were shown to have clear-cut differential gene expression. The quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) studies revealed different gene expression profile changes in tomato root and leaf tissues. In root tissues, infected with Fol, an increased expression for SolyWRKY33 (2.76 fold) followed by SolyWRKY37 (1.93 fold) gene was found at 24 hrs which further increased at 48 hrs (5.0 fold). In contrast, the leaf tissues, the expression was more pronounced at an earlier stage of infection (24 hrs). However, in both cases, we found repression of SolyWRKY4 gene, which further decreased at an increased time interval. The biochemical defense programming against Fol pathogenesis was characterized by the highest accumulation of H2O2 (at 48 hrs) and enhanced lignification. The functional diversity across the characterized WRKYs was explored through motif scanning using MEME suite, and the WRKYs specific gene regulation was assessed through the DNA protein docking studies The functional WRKY domain modeled had β sheets like topology with coil and turns. The DNA-protein interaction results revealed the importance of core residues (Tyr, Arg, and Lys) in a feasible WRKY-W-box DNA interaction. The protein interaction network analysis revealed that the SolyWRKY33 could interact with other proteins, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase 5 (MAPK), sigma factor binding protein1 (SIB1) and with other WRKY members including WRKY70, WRKY1, and WRKY40, to respond various biotic and abiotic stresses. The STRING results were further validated through Predicted Tomato Interactome Resource (PTIR) database. The CELLO2GO web server revealed the functional gene ontology annotation and protein subcellular localization, which predicted that SolyWRKY33 is involved in amelioration of biological stress (39.3%) and other metabolic processes (39.3%). The protein (SolyWRKY33) most probably located inside the nucleus (91.3%) with having transcription factor binding activity. We conclude that the defense response following the Fol challenge was accompanied by differential expression of the SolyWRKY4(↓), SolyWRKY33(↑) and SolyWRKY37(↑) transcripts. The biochemical changes are occupied by elicitation of H2O2 generation and accumulation and enhanced lignified tissues.
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Qin L, Wang L, Guo Y, Li Y, Ümüt H, Wang Y. An ERF transcription factor from Tamarix hispida, ThCRF1, can adjust osmotic potential and reactive oxygen species scavenging capability to improve salt tolerance. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2017; 265:154-166. [PMID: 29223337 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Ethylene-Responsive Factors (ERFs) are plant-specific transcription factors (TFs) involved in multiple biological processes, especially in abiotic stress tolerance. However, the ERFs from woody halophytes that are involved in salt stress have been little studied. In the present investigation, we characterized a subfamily member of ERF TFs from Tamarix hispida, ThCRF1, which responds to salt stress. ThCRF1 is a nuclear protein that binds to the motifs including TTG, DRE and GCC-box. Transient transformation was performed to generate T. hispida overexpressing ThCRF1 and RNA interference (RNAi)-silenced ThCRF1 to analyze its function using gain- and loss-of-function methods. Overexpression of ThCRF1 in T. hispida significantly improved tolerance to salt-shock-induced stress; by contrast, RNAi-silence of ThCRF1 significantly decreased tolerance to salt-shock-induced stress. Further experiments showed that ThCRF1 induces the expression of genes including those encoding pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS), trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS), trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD), which lead to enhanced proline and trehalose levels and increased SOD and POD activities. These results were further confirmed by studying transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing ThCRF1. Therefore, the results suggested that ThCRF1 improves tolerance to salt-shock-induced stress by enhancing trehalose and proline biosynthesis to adjust the osmotic potential, and by improving SOD and POD activities to increase reactive oxygen species scavenging capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Qin
- Key Laboratory of Biogeography and Bioresource in Arid Land, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology, College of Resources & Environmental Sciences, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liuqiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Yong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Biogeography and Bioresource in Arid Land, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Halik Ümüt
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology, College of Resources & Environmental Sciences, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Yucheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biogeography and Bioresource in Arid Land, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China.
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Bielach A, Hrtyan M, Tognetti VB. Plants under Stress: Involvement of Auxin and Cytokinin. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E1427. [PMID: 28677656 PMCID: PMC5535918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant growth and development are critically influenced by unpredictable abiotic factors. To survive fluctuating changes in their environments, plants have had to develop robust adaptive mechanisms. The dynamic and complementary actions of the auxin and cytokinin pathways regulate a plethora of developmental processes, and their ability to crosstalk makes them ideal candidates for mediating stress-adaptation responses. Other crucial signaling molecules responsible for the tremendous plasticity observed in plant morphology and in response to abiotic stress are reactive oxygen species (ROS). Proper temporal and spatial distribution of ROS and hormone gradients is crucial for plant survival in response to unfavorable environments. In this regard, the convergence of ROS with phytohormone pathways acts as an integrator of external and developmental signals into systemic responses organized to adapt plants to their environments. Auxin and cytokinin signaling pathways have been studied extensively. Nevertheless, we do not yet understand the impact on plant stress tolerance of the sophisticated crosstalk between the two hormones. Here, we review current knowledge on the function of auxin and cytokinin in redirecting growth induced by abiotic stress in order to deduce their potential points of crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Bielach
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Czech 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Monika Hrtyan
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Czech 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Vanesa B Tognetti
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Czech 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Zwack PJ, Compton MA, Adams CI, Rashotte AM. Cytokinin response factor 4 (CRF4) is induced by cold and involved in freezing tolerance. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2016; 35:573-84. [PMID: 26650835 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-015-1904-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Cytokinin response factor 4 (CRF4) shows a short-term induction by cold (4 °C) that appears to play a role in non-acclimated freezing tolerance as seen in mutant and overexpression lines. Responses to abiotic stresses, such as cold stress, are critical to plant growth and optimal production. Examination of Arabidopsis cytokinin response factors (CRFs) showed transcriptional induction after exposure to cold (4 °C). In particular, CRF4 was strongly induced in both root and shoot tissues. As CRF4 is one of several CRFs not transcriptionally regulated by cytokinin, we further investigated its response to cold. Peak CRF4 induction occurred 6 h post cold exposure, after which expression was maintained at moderately elevated levels during extended cold and subsequent treatment recovery. Examination of CRF4 mutant and overexpression lines under standard (non-cold) conditions revealed little difference from WT. One exception was a small, but significant increase in primary root growth of overexpression plants (CRF4OX). Under cold conditions, the only phenotype observed was a reduction in the rate of germination of CRF4OX seeds. The pattern of CRF4 expression along with the lack of strong phenotype at 4 °C led us to hypothesize that cold induction of CRF4 could play a role in short-term cold acclimation leading to increased freeze tolerance. Examination of CRF4OX and crf4 plants exposed to freezing temperatures revealed mutants lacking expression of CRF4 were more sensitive to freezing, while CRF4OXs with increased levels CRF4 levels were more tolerant. Altered transcript expression of CBF and COR15a cold signaling pathway genes in crf4 mutant and overexpression lines suggest that CRF4 may be potentially connected to this pathway. Overall this indicates that CRF4 plays an important role in both cold response and freezing stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Zwack
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, 101 Rouse Life Sciences Building, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Margaret A Compton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, 101 Rouse Life Sciences Building, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Cami I Adams
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, 101 Rouse Life Sciences Building, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Aaron M Rashotte
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, 101 Rouse Life Sciences Building, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
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Zwack PJ, Rashotte AM. Interactions between cytokinin signalling and abiotic stress responses. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2015; 66:4863-71. [PMID: 25911740 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erv172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Plants have evolved elaborate mechanisms for sensing and responding to sub-optimal environmental conditions. Abiotic stresses caused by these conditions trigger a wide range of local and long-distance signals which must be co-ordinated and integrated into whole-plant processes, such as development, in order for the plant to respond properly and survive. Several hormones function as key regulators of stress tolerance, connecting local stimuli to systemic responses. Cytokinin is a hormone well known for its role in numerous aspects of growth and development, although abundant evidence also indicates that cytokinin functions in stress responses as well. At present, a full understanding of the effects of cytokinin on plant resistance to stress is lacking, possibly as a result of the complex interactions between cytokinin and stress signalling. Current knowledge of the physiological relationship between cytokinin and abiotic stress, based on measurements of cytokinin levels under stress conditions and the effects of cytokinin treatment on stress tolerance, has been examined here. A pattern of transcriptional regulation of stress-related genes by cytokinin in different plant species has also been identified. In addition, research regarding the role of specific cytokinin signalling components in a variety of stress responses is presented. We discuss what this body of research collectively implies with regard to cross-talk between cytokinin and abiotic stress tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Zwack
- 101 Rouse Life Sciences Building, Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5407, USA
| | - Aaron M Rashotte
- 101 Rouse Life Sciences Building, Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5407, USA
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Cloning and analysis of expression patterns and transcriptional regulation of RghBNG in response to plant growth regulators and abiotic stresses in Rehmannia glutinosa. SPRINGERPLUS 2015; 4:60. [PMID: 25674509 PMCID: PMC4320158 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-015-0830-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
RghBNG, a gene of unknown function, was cloned from Rehmannia glutinosa by reverse transcription PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The full-length cDNA of RghBNG was 548 bp with a282-bp open reading frame. It encoded a polypeptide of 93 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 10.5 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 9.25. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that RghBNG had no homology to any known plant genes, whereas the RghBNG polypeptide was highly similar to other plant proteins and possessed one conserved B12D protein family functional domain. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that RghBNG encoded for a dicot protein. RghBNG spatial and temporal expression patterns and responses to abiotic stresses and plant growth regulators were investigated by qRT-PCR. RghBNG transcripts were detected in roots, stems, leaves, petals, receptacles, stamens and pistils with the highest and lowest levels respectively observed in petals and leaves of mature plants. Additionally, RghBNG transcripts were detected at three developmental stages of roots, stems and leaves; the highest levels were observed in roots at seedling stage; Transcript levels changed to varying degrees in different tissues and stages; We also studied the effects of abiotic stress and plant growth regulators in roots and leaves. RghBNG expression was significantly increased (p < 0.01) by chromium, gibberellic acid and NaCl, with the highest levels induced by chromium stress; In contrast, 6-benzyladenine reduced expression. These results strongly suggest that RghBNG is involved in R. glutinosa growth, development and response to plant growth regulators and abiotic stresses.
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