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Chen L, Cai M, Liu J, Jiang X, Liu J, Zhenxing W, Wang Y, Li Y. Genome-wide identification and expression analyses of SWEET gene family reveal potential roles in plant development, fruit ripening and abiotic stress responses in cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait). PeerJ 2024; 12:e17974. [PMID: 39308825 PMCID: PMC11416763 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The sugars will eventually be exported transporter (SWEET) family is a novel class of sugar transporters that play a crucial role in plant growth, development, and responses to stress. Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is a nutritious berry with economic importance, but little is known about SWEET gene family functions in this small fruit. In this research, 13 VmSWEET genes belonging to four clades were identified in the cranberry genome for the first time. In the conserved domains, we observed seven phosphorylation sites and four amino acid residues that might be crucial for the binding function. The majority of VmSWEET genes in each clade shared similar gene structures and conserved motifs, showing that the VmSWEET genes were highly conserved during evolution. Chromosomal localization and duplication analyses showed that VmSWEET genes were unevenly distributed in eight chromosomes and two pairs of them displayed synteny. A total of 79 cis-acting elements were predicted in the promoter regions of VmSWEETs including elements responsive to plant hormones, light, growth and development and stress responses. qRT-PCR analysis showed that VmSWEET10.1 was highly expressed in flowers, VmSWEET16 was highly expressed in upright and runner stems, and VmSWEET3 was highly expressed in the leaves of both types of stems. In fruit, the expression of VmSWEET14 and VmSWEET16 was highest of all members during the young fruit stage and were downregulated as fruit matured. The expression of VmSWEET4 was higher during later developmental stages than earlier developmental stages. Furthermore, qRT-PCR results revealed a significant up-regulation of VmSWEET10.2, under osmotic, saline, salt-alkali, and aluminum stress conditions, suggesting it has a crucial role in mediating plant responses to various environmental stresses. Overall, these results provide new insights into the characteristics and evolution of VmSWEET genes. Moreover, the candidate VmSWEET genes involved in the growth, development and abiotic stress responses can be used for molecular breeding to improve cranberry fruit quality and abiotic stress resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Jilin Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Changchun, China
| | - Mingyu Cai
- Jilin Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Changchun, China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- Jilin Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Changchun, China
| | - Xuxin Jiang
- Jilin Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Changchun, China
| | - Jiayi Liu
- Jilin Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Changchun, China
| | - Wang Zhenxing
- Jilin Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Changchun, China
| | - Yunpeng Wang
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Yadong Li
- Jilin Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Changchun, China
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Cao L, Wang J, Wang L, Liu H, Wu W, Hou F, Liu Y, Gao Y, Cheng X, Li S, Xing G. Genome-wide analysis of the SWEET gene family in Hemerocallis citrina and functional characterization of HcSWEET4a in response to salt stress. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:661. [PMID: 38987684 PMCID: PMC11238388 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05376-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Sugars will be eventually effluxed transporters (SWEETs) have been confirmed to play diverse physiological roles in plant growth, development and stress response. However, the characteristics and functions of the SWEET genes in Hemerocallis citrina remain unclear and poorly elucidated. In this study, the whole genome of Hemerocallis citrina was utilized to conduct bioinformatics analysis and a total of 19 HcSWEET genes were successfully identified. Analysis of the physicochemical properties indicated dominant differences among these HcSWEETs. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that HcSWEET proteins can be divided into 4 clades ranging from Clade I to IV, where proteins within the same clade exhibited shared conserved motifs and gene structures. Five to six exons were contained in the majority of HcSWEET genes, which were unevenly distributed across 11 chromosomes. The gene duplication analysis showed the presence of 4 gene pairs. Comparative syntenic maps revealed that the HcSWEET gene family might present more closed homology in monocotyledons than dicotyledons. Cis-acting element analysis of HcSWEET genes indicated key responsiveness to various hormones, light, and stresses. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing analysis suggested that most HcSWEET genes had a relatively higher expression in roots, and HcSWEET4a was significantly up-regulated under salt stress. Overexpression further verified the possibility that HcSWEET4a was involved in response to salt stress, which provides novel insights and facilitates in-depth studies of the functional analysis of HcSWEETs in resistance to abiotic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Cao
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Jinzhong, China
| | - Jinyao Wang
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Jinzhong, China
| | - Lixuan Wang
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Jinzhong, China
| | - Huili Liu
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Jinzhong, China
| | - Wenjing Wu
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Jinzhong, China
| | - Feifan Hou
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Jinzhong, China
| | - Yuting Liu
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Jinzhong, China
| | - Yang Gao
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xiaojing Cheng
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Jinzhong, China
| | - Sen Li
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Jinzhong, China.
- Datong Daylily Industrial Development Research Institute, Datong, 037000, China.
| | - Guoming Xing
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Jinzhong, China.
- Datong Daylily Industrial Development Research Institute, Datong, 037000, China.
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Wu B, Jia X, Zhu W, Gao Y, Tan K, Duan Y, Chen L, Fan H, Wang Y, Liu X, Xuan Y, Zhu X. Light signaling regulates root-knot nematode infection and development via HY5-SWEET signaling. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:664. [PMID: 38992595 PMCID: PMC11238492 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05356-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meloidogyne incognita is one of the most important plant-parasitic nematodes and causes tremendous losses to the agricultural economy. Light is an important living factor for plants and pathogenic organisms, and sufficient light promotes root-knot nematode infection, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. RESULTS Expression level and genetic analyses revealed that the photoreceptor genes PHY, CRY, and PHOT have a negative impact on nematode infection. Interestingly, ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5), a downstream gene involved in the regulation of light signaling, is associated with photoreceptor-mediated negative regulation of root-knot nematode resistance. ChIP and yeast one-hybrid assays supported that HY5 participates in plant-to-root-knot nematode responses by directly binding to the SWEET negative regulatory factors involved in root-knot nematode resistance. CONCLUSIONS This study elucidates the important role of light signaling pathways in plant resistance to nematodes, providing a new perspective for RKN resistance research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohong Wu
- Nematology Institute of Northern China, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xueying Jia
- Nematology Institute of Northern China, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Nematology Institute of Northern China, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yin Gao
- Nematology Institute of Northern China, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China
| | - Kefei Tan
- Helongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qiqihar, China
| | - Yuxi Duan
- Nematology Institute of Northern China, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lijie Chen
- Nematology Institute of Northern China, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China
| | - Haiyan Fan
- Nematology Institute of Northern China, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- College of Sciences, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuanhu Xuan
- Nematology Institute of Northern China, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Nematology Institute of Northern China, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China.
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Huang J, Fu X, Li W, Ni Z, Zhao Y, Zhang P, Wang A, Xiao D, Zhan J, He L. Molecular Cloning, Expression Analysis, and Functional Analysis of Nine IbSWEETs in Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16615. [PMID: 38068939 PMCID: PMC10706379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Sugar Will Eventually be Exported Transporter (SWEET) genes play an important regulatory role in plants' growth and development, stress response, and sugar metabolism, but there are few reports on the role of SWEET proteins in sweet potato. In this study, nine IbSWEET genes were obtained via PCR amplification from the cDNA of sweet potato. Phylogenetic analysis showed that nine IbSWEETs separately belong to four clades (Clade I~IV) and contain two MtN3/saliva domains or PQ-loop superfamily and six~seven transmembrane domains. Protein interaction prediction showed that seven SWEETs interact with other proteins, and SWEETs interact with each other (SWEET1 and SWEET12; SWEET2 and SWEET17) to form heterodimers. qRT-PCR analysis showed that IbSWEETs were tissue-specific, and IbSWEET1b was highly expressed during root growth and development. In addition to high expression in leaves, IbSWEET15 was also highly expressed during root expansion, and IbSWEET7, 10a, 10b, and 12 showed higher expression in the leaves. The expression of SWEETs showed a significant positive/negative correlation with the content of soluble sugar and starch in storage roots. Under abiotic stress treatment, IbSWEET7 showed a strong response to PEG treatment, while IbSWEET10a, 10b, and 12 responded significantly to 4 °C treatment and, also, at 1 h after ABA, to NaCl treatment. A yeast mutant complementation assay showed that IbSWEET7 had fructose, mannose, and glucose transport activity; IbSWEET15 had glucose transport activity and weaker sucrose transport activity; and all nine IbSWEETs could transport 2-deoxyglucose. These results provide a basis for further elucidating the functions of SWEET genes and promoting molecular breeding in sweet potato.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingli Huang
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (J.H.); (X.F.); (W.L.); (Z.N.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.); (A.W.); (D.X.); (J.Z.)
- Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Industry Development Research Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xuezhen Fu
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (J.H.); (X.F.); (W.L.); (Z.N.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.); (A.W.); (D.X.); (J.Z.)
| | - Wenyan Li
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (J.H.); (X.F.); (W.L.); (Z.N.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.); (A.W.); (D.X.); (J.Z.)
| | - Zhongwang Ni
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (J.H.); (X.F.); (W.L.); (Z.N.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.); (A.W.); (D.X.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yanwen Zhao
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (J.H.); (X.F.); (W.L.); (Z.N.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.); (A.W.); (D.X.); (J.Z.)
| | - Pinggang Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (J.H.); (X.F.); (W.L.); (Z.N.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.); (A.W.); (D.X.); (J.Z.)
- Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Industry Development Research Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Aiqin Wang
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (J.H.); (X.F.); (W.L.); (Z.N.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.); (A.W.); (D.X.); (J.Z.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Tillage, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Dong Xiao
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (J.H.); (X.F.); (W.L.); (Z.N.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.); (A.W.); (D.X.); (J.Z.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Tillage, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Jie Zhan
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (J.H.); (X.F.); (W.L.); (Z.N.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.); (A.W.); (D.X.); (J.Z.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Tillage, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Longfei He
- Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Industry Development Research Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Tillage, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
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Jiang R, Wu L, Zeng J, Shah K, Zhang R, Hu G, Qin Y, Zhang Z. Identification of HuSWEET Family in Pitaya ( Hylocereus undatus) and Key Roles of HuSWEET12a and HuSWEET13d in Sugar Accumulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12882. [PMID: 37629062 PMCID: PMC10454816 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612882] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The sugar composition and content of fruit have a significant impact on their flavor and taste. In pitaya, or dragon fruit, sweetness is a crucial determinant of fruit taste and consumer preference. The sugars will eventually be exported transporters (SWEETs), a novel group of sugar transporters that have various physiological functions, including phloem loading, seed filling, nectar secretion, and fruit development. However, the role of SWEETs in sugar accumulation in pitaya fruit is not yet clear. Here, we identified 19 potential members (HuSWEET genes) of the SWEET family in pitaya and analyzed their conserved motifs, physiochemical characteristics, chromosomal distribution, gene structure, and phylogenetic relationship. Seven highly conserved α-helical transmembrane domains (7-TMs) were found, and the HuSWEET proteins can be divided into three clades based on the phylogenetic analysis. Interestingly, we found two HuSWEET genes, HuSWEET12a and HuSWEET13d, that showed strong preferential expressions in fruits and an upward trend during fruit maturation, suggesting they have key roles in sugar accumulation in pitaya. This can be further roughly demonstrated by the fact that transgenic tomato plants overexpressing HuSWEET12a/13d accumulated high levels of sugar in the mature fruit. Together, our result provides new insights into the regulation of sugar accumulation by SWEET family genes in pitaya fruit, which also set a crucial basis for the further functional study of the HuSWEETs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yonghua Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (R.J.); (L.W.); (J.Z.); (K.S.); (R.Z.); (G.H.)
| | - Zhike Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (R.J.); (L.W.); (J.Z.); (K.S.); (R.Z.); (G.H.)
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Transcription Factor ZmNAC20 Improves Drought Resistance by Promoting Stomatal Closure and Activating Expression of Stress-Responsive Genes in Maize. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054712. [PMID: 36902144 PMCID: PMC10003513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Drought is a major environmental threat that limits crop growth, development, and productivity worldwide. Improving drought resistance with genetic engineering methods is necessary to tackle global climate change. It is well known that NAC (NAM, ATAF and CUC) transcription factors play a critical role in coping with drought stress in plants. In this study, we identified an NAC transcription factor ZmNAC20, which regulates drought stress response in maize. ZmNAC20 expression was rapidly upregulated by drought and abscisic acid (ABA). Under drought conditions, the ZmNAC20-overexpressing plants had higher relative water content and survival rate than the wild-type maize inbred B104, suggesting that overexpression of ZmNAC20 improved drought resistance in maize. The detached leaves of ZmNAC20-overexpressing plants lost less water than those of wild-type B104 after dehydration. Overexpression of ZmNAC20 promoted stomatal closure in response to ABA. ZmNAC20 was localized in the nucleus and regulated the expression of many genes involved in drought stress response using RNA-Seq analysis. The study indicated that ZmNAC20 improved drought resistance by promoting stomatal closure and activating the expression of stress-responsible genes in maize. Our findings provide a valuable gene and new clues on improving crop drought resistance.
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