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Shen E, Zhao T, Zhu QH. Are miRNAs applicable for balancing crop growth and defense trade-off? THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 243:1670-1680. [PMID: 38952260 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19939] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Securing agricultural supplies for the increasing population without negative impacts on environment demands new crop varieties with higher yields, better quality, and stronger stress resilience. But breeding such super crop varieties is restrained by growth-defense (G-D) trade-off. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are versatile regulators of plant growth and immune responses, with several being demonstrated to simultaneously regulate crop growth and defense against biotic stresses and to balance G-D trade-off. Increasing evidence also links miRNAs to the metabolism and signaling of phytohormones, another type of master regulator of plant growth and defense. Here, we synthesize the reported functions of miRNAs in crop growth, development, and responses to bio-stressors, summarize the regulatory scenarios of miRNAs based on their relationship with target(s), and discuss how miRNAs, particularly those involved in crosstalk with phytohormones, can be applied in balancing G-D trade-off in crops. We also propose several open questions to be addressed for adopting miRNAs in balancing crop G-D trade-off.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enhui Shen
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- The Rural Development Academy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Tianlun Zhao
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Institute of Hainan, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qian-Hao Zhu
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
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2
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Li B, Sun C, Li J, Gao C. Targeted genome-modification tools and their advanced applications in crop breeding. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:603-622. [PMID: 38658741 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-024-00720-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Crop improvement by genome editing involves the targeted alteration of genes to improve plant traits, such as stress tolerance, disease resistance or nutritional content. Techniques for the targeted modification of genomes have evolved from generating random mutations to precise base substitutions, followed by insertions, substitutions and deletions of small DNA fragments, and are finally starting to achieve precision manipulation of large DNA segments. Recent developments in base editing, prime editing and other CRISPR-associated systems have laid a solid technological foundation to enable plant basic research and precise molecular breeding. In this Review, we systematically outline the technological principles underlying precise and targeted genome-modification methods. We also review methods for the delivery of genome-editing reagents in plants and outline emerging crop-breeding strategies based on targeted genome modification. Finally, we consider potential future developments in precise genome-editing technologies, delivery methods and crop-breeding approaches, as well as regulatory policies for genome-editing products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boshu Li
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Sun
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayang Li
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya, China
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Caixia Gao
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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3
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Ning K, Sun T, Wang Z, Li H, Fang P, Cai X, Wu X, Xu M, Xu P. Selective penetration of fullerenol through pea seed coats mitigates osmosis-repressed germination via chromatin remodeling and transcriptional reprograming. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024; 104:6008-6017. [PMID: 38437455 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13429] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The alteration of chromatin accessibility plays an important role in plant responses to abiotic stress. Carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNMs) have attracted increasing interest in agriculture due to their potential impact on crop productivity, showcasing effects on plant biological processes at transcriptional levels; however, their impact on chromatin accessibility remains unknown. RESULTS This study found that fullerenol can penetrate the seed coat of pea to mitigate the reduction of seed germination caused by osmotic stress. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that the application of fullerenol caused the high expression of genes related to oxidoreduction to return to a normal level. Assay for transposase accessible chromatin sequencing (ATAC-seq) confirmed that fullerenol application reduced the overall levels of chromatin accessibility of numerous genes, including those related to environmental signaling, transcriptional regulation, and metabolism. CONCLUSION This study suggests that fullerenol alleviates osmotic stress on various fronts, encompassing antioxidant, transcriptional, and epigenetic levels. This advances knowledge of the working mechanism of this nanomaterial within plant cells. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Ning
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-product Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Sun
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-product Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuoyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-product Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailan Li
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-product Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Pingping Fang
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-product Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqi Cai
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-product Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-product Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Xu
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-product Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-product Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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4
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Long Y, Wang C, Liu C, Li H, Pu A, Dong Z, Wei X, Wan X. Molecular mechanisms controlling grain size and weight and their biotechnological breeding applications in maize and other cereal crops. J Adv Res 2024; 62:27-46. [PMID: 37739122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cereal crops are a primary energy source for humans. Grain size and weight affect both evolutionary fitness and grain yield of cereals. Although studies on gene mining and molecular mechanisms controlling grain size and weight are constantly emerging in cereal crops, only a few systematic reviews on the underlying molecular mechanisms and their breeding applications are available so far. AIM OF REVIEW This review provides a general state-of-the-art overview of molecular mechanisms and targeted strategies for improving grain size and weight of cereals as well as insights for future yield-improving biotechnology-assisted breeding. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW In this review, the evolution of research on grain size and weight over the last 20 years is traced based on a bibliometric analysis of 1158 publications and the main signaling pathways and transcriptional factors involved are summarized. In addition, the roles of post-transcriptional regulation and photosynthetic product accumulation affecting grain size and weight in maize and rice are outlined. State-of-the-art strategies for discovering novel genes related to grain size and weight in maize and other cereal crops as well as advanced breeding biotechnology strategies being used for improving yield including marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, transgenic breeding, and genome editing are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Long
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Industry Research Institute of Biotechnology Breeding, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Huangai Li
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Aqing Pu
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Zhenying Dong
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Industry Research Institute of Biotechnology Breeding, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Xun Wei
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Industry Research Institute of Biotechnology Breeding, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Xiangyuan Wan
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Industry Research Institute of Biotechnology Breeding, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China.
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5
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Gao Y, Zhang Y, Ma C, Chen Y, Liu C, Wang Y, Wang S, Chen X. Editing the nuclear localization signals of E1 and E1Lb enables the production of tropical soybean in temperate growing regions. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:2145-2156. [PMID: 38511622 PMCID: PMC11258983 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14335] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Soybean is a typical short-day crop, and most commercial soybean cultivars are restricted to a relatively narrow range of latitudes due to photoperiod sensitivity. Photoperiod sensitivity hinders the utilization of soybean germplasms across geographical regions. When grown in temperate regions, tropical soybean responds to prolonged day length by increasing the vegetative growth phase and delaying flowering and maturity, which often pushes the harvest window past the first frost date. In this study, we used CRISPR/LbCas12a to edit a North American subtropical soybean cultivar named 06KG218440 that belongs to maturity group 5.5. By designing one gRNA to edit the nuclear localization signal (NLS) regions of both E1 and E1Lb, we created a series of new germplasms with shortened flowering time and time to maturity and determined their favourable latitudinal zone for cultivation. The novel partial function alleles successfully achieve yield and early maturity trade-offs and exhibit good agronomic traits and high yields in temperate regions. This work offers a straightforward editing strategy to modify subtropical and tropical soybean cultivars for temperate growing regions, a strategy that could be used to enrich genetic diversity in temperate breeding programmes and facilitate the introduction of important crop traits such as disease tolerance or high yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Molecular BreedingSyngenta Biotechnology (China) Co., LtdBeijingChina
| | - Yuguo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Molecular BreedingSyngenta Biotechnology (China) Co., LtdBeijingChina
| | - Chuanyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Molecular BreedingSyngenta Biotechnology (China) Co., LtdBeijingChina
| | - Yanhui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Molecular BreedingSyngenta Biotechnology (China) Co., LtdBeijingChina
| | - Chunxia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Molecular BreedingSyngenta Seed Technology China Co., Ltd.YanglingChina
| | - Yanli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Molecular BreedingSyngenta Biotechnology (China) Co., LtdBeijingChina
| | - Songyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Molecular BreedingSyngenta Biotechnology (China) Co., LtdBeijingChina
| | - Xi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Molecular BreedingSyngenta Biotechnology (China) Co., LtdBeijingChina
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6
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Liu L, Zhan J, Yan J. Engineering the future cereal crops with big biological data: toward intelligence-driven breeding by design. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:781-789. [PMID: 38531485 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
How to feed 10 billion human populations is one of the challenges that need to be addressed in the following decades, especially under an unpredicted climate change. Crop breeding, initiating from the phenotype-based selection by local farmers and developing into current biotechnology-based breeding, has played a critical role in securing the global food supply. However, regarding the changing environment and ever-increasing human population, can we breed outstanding crop varieties fast enough to achieve high productivity, good quality, and widespread adaptability? This review outlines the recent achievements in understanding cereal crop breeding, including the current knowledge about crop agronomic traits, newly developed techniques, crop big biological data research, and the possibility of integrating them for intelligence-driven breeding by design, which ushers in a new era of crop breeding practice and shapes the novel architecture of future crops. This review focuses on the major cereal crops, including rice, maize, and wheat, to explain how intelligence-driven breeding by design is becoming a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
| | - Jimin Zhan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Jianbing Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
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7
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Vanhevel Y, De Moor A, Muylle H, Vanholme R, Boerjan W. Breeding for improved digestibility and processing of lignocellulosic biomass in Zea mays. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1419796. [PMID: 39129761 PMCID: PMC11310149 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1419796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Forage maize is a versatile crop extensively utilized for animal nutrition in agriculture and holds promise as a valuable resource for the production of fermentable sugars in the biorefinery sector. Within this context, the carbohydrate fraction of the lignocellulosic biomass undergoes deconstruction during ruminal digestion and the saccharification process. However, the cell wall's natural resistance towards enzymatic degradation poses a significant challenge during both processes. This so-called biomass recalcitrance is primarily attributed to the presence of lignin and ferulates in the cell walls. Consequently, maize varieties with a reduced lignin or ferulate content or an altered lignin composition can have important beneficial effects on cell wall digestibility. Considerable efforts in genetic improvement have been dedicated towards enhancing cell wall digestibility, benefiting agriculture, the biorefinery sector and the environment. In part I of this paper, we review conventional and advanced breeding methods used in the genetic improvement of maize germplasm. In part II, we zoom in on maize mutants with altered lignin for improved digestibility and biomass processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Vanhevel
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Astrid De Moor
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hilde Muylle
- Plant Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Melle, Belgium
| | - Ruben Vanholme
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wout Boerjan
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
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8
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Li X, Wu ME, Zhang J, Xu J, Diao Y, Li Y. The OsCLV2s-OsCRN1 co-receptor regulates grain shape in rice. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:691-702. [PMID: 38575110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The highly conserved CLV-WUS negative feedback pathway plays a decisive role in regulating stem cell maintenance in shoot and floral meristems in higher plants, including Arabidopsis, rice, maize, and tomato. Here, we find significant natural variations in the OsCLV2c, OsCLV2d, and OsCRN1 loci in a genome-wide association study of grain shape in rice. OsCLV2a, OsCLV2c, OsCLV2d, and OsCRN1 negatively regulate grain length-width ratio and show distinctive geographical distribution, indica-japonica differentiation, and artificial selection signatures. Notably, OsCLV2a and OsCRN1 interact biochemically and genetically, suggesting that the two components function in a complex to regulate grain shape of rice. Furthermore, the genetic contributions of the haplotypes combining OsCLV2a, OsCLV2c, and OsCRN1 are significantly higher than those of each single gene alone in controlling key yield traits. These findings identify two groups of receptor-like kinases that may function as distinct co-receptors to control grain size in rice, thereby revealing a previously unrecognized role of the CLV class genes in regulating seed development and proposing a framework to understand the molecular mechanisms of the CLV-WUS pathway in rice and other crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Meng-En Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Juncheng Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Jingyue Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yuanfei Diao
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yibo Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
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9
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Sun Y, Dong L, Kang L, Zhong W, Jackson D, Yang F. Progressive meristem and single-cell transcriptomes reveal the regulatory mechanisms underlying maize inflorescence development and sex differentiation. MOLECULAR PLANT 2024; 17:1019-1037. [PMID: 38877701 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.06.007] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Maize develops separate ear and tassel inflorescences with initially similar morphology but ultimately different architecture and sexuality. The detailed regulatory mechanisms underlying these changes still remain largely unclear. In this study, through analyzing the time-course meristem transcriptomes and floret single-cell transcriptomes of ear and tassel, we revealed the regulatory dynamics and pathways underlying inflorescence development and sex differentiation. We identified 16 diverse gene clusters with differential spatiotemporal expression patterns and revealed biased regulation of redox, programmed cell death, and hormone signals during meristem differentiation between ear and tassel. Notably, based on their dynamic expression patterns, we revealed the roles of two RNA-binding proteins in regulating inflorescence meristem activity and axillary meristem formation. Moreover, using the transcriptional profiles of 53 910 single cells, we uncovered the cellular heterogeneity between ear and tassel florets. We found that multiple signals associated with either enhanced cell death or reduced growth are responsible for tassel pistil suppression, while part of the gibberellic acid signal may act non-cell-autonomously to regulate ear stamen arrest during sex differentiation. We further showed that the pistil-protection gene SILKLESS 1 (SK1) functions antagonistically to the known pistil-suppression genes through regulating common molecular pathways, and constructed a regulatory network for pistil-fate determination. Collectively, our study provides a deep understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying inflorescence development and sex differentiation in maize, laying the foundation for identifying new regulators and pathways for maize hybrid breeding and improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghao Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Liang Dong
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Lu Kang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wanshun Zhong
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - David Jackson
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Fang Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; School of Agriculture, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
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10
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Demesa-Arevalo E, Narasimhan M, Simon R. Intercellular Communication in Shoot Meristems. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 75:319-344. [PMID: 38424066 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-070523-035342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The shoot meristem of land plants maintains the capacity for organ generation throughout its lifespan due to a group of undifferentiated stem cells. Most meristems are shaped like a dome with a precise spatial arrangement of functional domains, and, within and between these domains, cells interact through a network of interconnected signaling pathways. Intercellular communication in meristems is mediated by mobile transcription factors, small RNAs, hormones, and secreted peptides that are perceived by membrane-localized receptors. In recent years, we have gained deeper insight into the underlying molecular processes of the shoot meristem, and we discuss here how plants integrate internal and external inputs to control shoot meristem activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Demesa-Arevalo
- Institute for Developmental Genetics, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Madhumitha Narasimhan
- Institute for Developmental Genetics, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Rüdiger Simon
- Institute for Developmental Genetics, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany;
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11
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Shen S, Jiao B, Li Y. The CLAVATA signaling: a roadmap to optimize grain shape in rice. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:677-679. [PMID: 38971580 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyan Shen
- Key Laboratory of Seed Innovation, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bingyang Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Seed Innovation, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Advanced Agriculture, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Yunhai Li
- Key Laboratory of Seed Innovation, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Advanced Agriculture, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China.
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12
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Li T, Xu H, Teng S, Suo M, Bahitwa R, Xu M, Qian Y, Ramstein GP, Song B, Buckler ES, Wang H. Modeling 0.6 million genes for the rational design of functional cis-regulatory variants and de novo design of cis-regulatory sequences. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2319811121. [PMID: 38889146 PMCID: PMC11214048 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2319811121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Rational design of plant cis-regulatory DNA sequences without expert intervention or prior domain knowledge is still a daunting task. Here, we developed PhytoExpr, a deep learning framework capable of predicting both mRNA abundance and plant species using the proximal regulatory sequence as the sole input. PhytoExpr was trained over 17 species representative of major clades of the plant kingdom to enhance its generalizability. Via input perturbation, quantitative functional annotation of the input sequence was achieved at single-nucleotide resolution, revealing an abundance of predicted high-impact nucleotides in conserved noncoding sequences and transcription factor binding sites. Evaluation of maize HapMap3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by PhytoExpr demonstrates an enrichment of predicted high-impact SNPs in cis-eQTL. Additionally, we provided two algorithms that harnessed the power of PhytoExpr in designing functional cis-regulatory variants, and de novo creation of species-specific cis-regulatory sequences through in silico evolution of random DNA sequences. Our model represents a general and robust approach for functional variant discovery in population genetics and rational design of regulatory sequences for genome editing and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shouzhen Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingrui Suo
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, People’s Republic of China
| | - Revocatus Bahitwa
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, People’s Republic of China
- Legumes Research Program, Research and Innovation Division, Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute, Ilonga, Kilosa, Morogoro67410, Tanzania
| | - Mingchi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiheng Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guillaume P. Ramstein
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, Aarhus8000, Denmark
| | - Baoxing Song
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agriculture Sciences in Weifang, Weifang, Shandong261325, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Maize Biology and Genetic Breeding in Arid Area of Northwest Region of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi712100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Edward S. Buckler
- Institute for Genomic Diversity, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ithaca, NY14853
| | - Hai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, People’s Republic of China
- Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya572025, People’s Republic of China
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13
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Liu B, Xu C, He Q, Zhang K, Qi S, Jin Z, Cheng W, Ding Z, Chen D, Zhao X, Zhang W, Zhang K, Li K. Membralin is required for maize development and defines a branch of the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation pathway in plants. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2406090121. [PMID: 38865274 PMCID: PMC11194580 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2406090121] [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: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) plays key roles in controlling protein levels and quality in eukaryotes. The Ring Finger Protein 185 (RNF185)/membralin ubiquitin ligase complex was recently identified as a branch in mammals and is essential for neuronal function, but its function in plant development is unknown. Here, we report the map-based cloning and characterization of Narrow Leaf and Dwarfism 1 (NLD1), which encodes the ER membrane-localized protein membralin and specifically interacts with maize homologs of RNF185 and related components. The nld1 mutant shows defective leaf and root development due to reduced cell number. The defects of nld1 were largely restored by expressing membralin genes from Arabidopsis thaliana and mice, highlighting the conserved roles of membralin proteins in animals and plants. The excessive accumulation of β-hydroxy β-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase in nld1 indicates that the enzyme is a membralin-mediated ERAD target. The activation of bZIP60 mRNA splicing-related unfolded protein response signaling and marker gene expression in nld1, as well as DNA fragment and cell viability assays, indicate that membralin deficiency induces ER stress and cell death in maize, thereby affecting organogenesis. Our findings uncover the conserved, indispensable role of the membralin-mediated branch of the ERAD pathway in plants. In addition, ZmNLD1 contributes to plant architecture in a dose-dependent manner, which can serve as a potential target for genetic engineering to shape ideal plant architecture, thereby enhancing high-density maize yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiyu Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Development and Environment Adaptation Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, China
| | - Changzheng Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing400715, China
| | - Qiuxia He
- Science and Technology Service Platform, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan250103, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Development and Environment Adaptation Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, China
| | - Shoumei Qi
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Development and Environment Adaptation Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, China
| | - Zhe Jin
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Development and Environment Adaptation Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, China
| | - Wen Cheng
- Maize Institute of Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong250100, China
| | - Zhaohua Ding
- Maize Institute of Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong250100, China
| | - Donghua Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Development and Environment Adaptation Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong271018, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Development and Environment Adaptation Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, China
| | - Kewei Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Development and Environment Adaptation Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, China
| | - Kunpeng Li
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Development and Environment Adaptation Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, China
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14
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Wang Z, Peng Y, Li J, Li J, Yuan H, Yang S, Ding X, Xie A, Zhang J, Wang S, Li K, Shi J, Xing G, Shi W, Yan J, Liu J. DeepCBA: A deep learning framework for gene expression prediction in maize based on DNA sequences and chromatin interactions. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024:100985. [PMID: 38859587 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.100985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Chromatin interactions create spatial proximity between distal regulatory elements and target genes in the genome, which has an important impact on gene expression, transcriptional regulation, and phenotypic traits. To date, several methods have been developed for predicting gene expression. However, existing methods do not take into consideration the effect of chromatin interactions on target gene expression, thus potentially reducing the accuracy of gene expression prediction and mining of important regulatory elements. In this study, we developed a highly accurate deep learning-based gene expression prediction model (DeepCBA) based on maize chromatin interaction data. Compared with existing models, DeepCBA exhibits higher accuracy in expression classification and expression value prediction. The average Pearson correlation coefficients (PCCs) for predicting gene expression using gene promoter proximal interactions, proximal-distal interactions, and both proximal and distal interactions were 0.818, 0.625, and 0.929, respectively, representing an increase of 0.357, 0.16, and 0.469 over the PCCs obtained with traditional methods that use only gene proximal sequences. Some important motifs were identified through DeepCBA; they were enriched in open chromatin regions and expression quantitative trait loci and showed clear tissue specificity. Importantly, experimental results for the maize flowering-related gene ZmRap2.7 and the tillering-related gene ZmTb1 demonstrated the feasibility of DeepCBA for exploration of regulatory elements that affect gene expression. Moreover, promoter editing and verification of two reported genes (ZmCLE7 and ZmVTE4) demonstrated the utility of DeepCBA for the precise design of gene expression and even for future intelligent breeding. DeepCBA is available at http://www.deepcba.com/ or http://124.220.197.196/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenye Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yong Peng
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jie Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiying Li
- Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA 98052, USA
| | - Hao Yuan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shangpo Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xinru Ding
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ao Xie
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiangling Zhang
- College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shouzhe Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China; WIMI Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Keqin Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiaqi Shi
- College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Guangjie Xing
- College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Weihan Shi
- College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jianbing Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jianxiao Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China.
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15
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Patel-Tupper D, Kelikian A, Leipertz A, Maryn N, Tjahjadi M, Karavolias NG, Cho MJ, Niyogi KK. Multiplexed CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis of rice PSBS1 noncoding sequences for transgene-free overexpression. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadm7452. [PMID: 38848363 PMCID: PMC11160471 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adm7452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Understanding CRISPR-Cas9's capacity to produce native overexpression (OX) alleles would accelerate agronomic gains achievable by gene editing. To generate OX alleles with increased RNA and protein abundance, we leveraged multiplexed CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis of noncoding sequences upstream of the rice PSBS1 gene. We isolated 120 gene-edited alleles with varying non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) capacity in vivo-from knockout to overexpression-using a high-throughput screening pipeline. Overexpression increased OsPsbS1 protein abundance two- to threefold, matching fold changes obtained by transgenesis. Increased PsbS protein abundance enhanced NPQ capacity and water-use efficiency. Across our resolved genetic variation, we identify the role of 5'UTR indels and inversions in driving knockout/knockdown and overexpression phenotypes, respectively. Complex structural variants, such as the 252-kb duplication/inversion generated here, evidence the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 to facilitate significant genomic changes with negligible off-target transcriptomic perturbations. Our results may inform future gene-editing strategies for hypermorphic alleles and have advanced the pursuit of gene-edited, non-transgenic rice plants with accelerated relaxation of photoprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruv Patel-Tupper
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Armen Kelikian
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Anna Leipertz
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Nina Maryn
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Michelle Tjahjadi
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Nicholas G. Karavolias
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Myeong-Je Cho
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Krishna K. Niyogi
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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16
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Shi Y, Wang J, Yu T, Song R, Qi W. Callus-specific CRISPR/Cas9 system to increase heritable gene mutations in maize. PLANTA 2024; 260:16. [PMID: 38833022 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04451-w] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION A callus-specific CRISPR/Cas9 (CSC) system with Cas9 gene driven by the promoters of ZmCTA1 and ZmPLTP reduces somatic mutations and improves the production of heritable mutations in maize. The CRISPR/Cas9 system, due to its editing accuracy, provides an excellent tool for crop genetic breeding. Nevertheless, the traditional design utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 with ubiquitous expression leads to an abundance of somatic mutations, thereby complicating the detection of heritable mutations. We constructed a callus-specific CRISPR/Cas9 (CSC) system using callus-specific promoters of maize Chitinase A1 and Phospholipid transferase protein (pZmCTA1 and pZmPLTP) to drive Cas9 expression, and the target gene chosen for this study was the bZIP transcription factor Opaque2 (O2). The CRISPR/Cas9 system driven by the maize Ubiquitin promoter (pZmUbi) was employed as a comparative control. Editing efficiency analysis based on high-throughput tracking of mutations (Hi-TOM) showed that the CSC systems generated more target gene mutations than the ubiquitously expressed CRISPR/Cas9 (UC) system in calli. Transgenic plants were generated for the CSC and UC systems. We found that the CSC systems generated fewer target gene mutations than the UC system in the T0 seedlings but reduced the influence of somatic mutations. Nearly 100% of mutations in the T1 generation generated by the CSC systems were derived from the T0 plants. Only 6.3-16.7% of T1 mutations generated by the UC system were from the T0 generation. Our results demonstrated that the CSC system consistently produced more stable, heritable mutants in the subsequent generation, suggesting its potential application across various crops to facilitate the genetic breeding of desired mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Tante Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Rentao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-Breeding, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Joint International Research Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
- Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya, People's Republic of China.
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya, People's Republic of China.
| | - Weiwei Qi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
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17
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Deng K, Li Z, Huang T, Huang J. Noncoding RNAs in regulation of plant secondary metabolism. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 211:108718. [PMID: 38733939 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108718] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) are a large class of structurally diverse molecules, mainly consisting of terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and nitrogen-containing compounds, which play active roles in plant development and stress responses. The biosynthetic processes of PSMs are governed by a sophisticated regulatory network at multiple levels. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) may serve as post-transcriptional regulators for plant secondary metabolism through acting on genes encoding either transcription factors or participating enzymes in relevant metabolic pathways. High-throughput sequencing technologies have facilitated the large-scale identifications of ncRNAs potentially involved in plant secondary metabolism in model plant species as well as certain species with enriched production of specific types of PSMs. Moreover, a series of miRNA-target modules have been functionally characterized to be responsible for regulating PSM biosynthesis and accumulation in plants under abiotic or biotic stresses. In this review, we will provide an overview of current findings on the ncRNA-mediated regulation of plant secondary metabolism with special attention to its participation in plant stress responses, and discuss possible issues to be addressed in future fundamental research and breeding practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyin Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Ziwei Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Tengbo Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jianzi Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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18
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Wang H, Ding J, Zhu J, Liu X, Xu R, Qin R, Gu D, Li M, Wei P, Li J. Developing a CRISPR/FrCas9 system for core promoter editing in rice. ABIOTECH 2024; 5:189-195. [PMID: 38974872 PMCID: PMC11224051 DOI: 10.1007/s42994-024-00157-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Small mutations in the core promoter region of a gene may result in substantial changes in expression strengths. However, targeting TA-rich sequences of core promoters may pose a challenge for Cas9 variants such as SpCas9 and other G-rich PAM-compatible Cas9s. In this study, we engineered a unique FrCas9 system derived from Faecalibaculum rodentium for plant genome editing. Our findings indicate that this system is efficient in rice when the TATA sequence is used as a PAM. In addition, FrCas9 demonstrated activity against all 16 possible NNTA PAMs, achieving an efficiency of up to 35.3% in calli and generating homozygous or biallelic mutations in 31.3% of the T0 transgenic plants. A proof-of-concept experiment to examine editing of the rice WX core promoter confirmed that FrCas9-induced mutations could modify gene expression and amylose content. Multiplex mutations and deletions were produced by bidirectional editing, mediated by FrCas9, using a single palindromic TATA sequence as a PAM. Moreover, we developed FrCas9-derived base editors capable of programmable conversion between A·T and G·C pairs in plants. This study highlights a versatile FrCas9 toolset for plant core promoter editing, offering great potential for the fine-tuning of gene expression and creating of new germplasms. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42994-024-00157-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- College of Agronomy, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036 China
- Key Laboratory of Rice Genetic Breeding of Anhui Province, Rice Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031 China
| | - Jian Ding
- College of Agronomy, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036 China
- Key Laboratory of Rice Genetic Breeding of Anhui Province, Rice Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031 China
| | - Jingyan Zhu
- College of Agronomy, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036 China
- Key Laboratory of Rice Genetic Breeding of Anhui Province, Rice Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031 China
| | - Xiaoshuang Liu
- College of Agronomy, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036 China
| | - Rongfang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Rice Genetic Breeding of Anhui Province, Rice Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031 China
| | - Ruiying Qin
- Key Laboratory of Rice Genetic Breeding of Anhui Province, Rice Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031 China
| | - Dongfang Gu
- Key Laboratory of Rice Genetic Breeding of Anhui Province, Rice Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031 China
| | - Min Li
- College of Agronomy, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036 China
| | - Pengcheng Wei
- College of Agronomy, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036 China
- Research Centre for Biological Breeding Technology, Advance Academy, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036 China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Rice Genetic Breeding of Anhui Province, Rice Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031 China
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19
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Guerrero-Méndez C, Abraham-Juárez MJ. Factors specifying sex determination in maize. PLANT REPRODUCTION 2024; 37:171-178. [PMID: 37966579 PMCID: PMC11180155 DOI: 10.1007/s00497-023-00485-4] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Plant architecture is an important feature for agronomic performance in crops. In maize, which is a monoecious plant, separation of floral organs to produce specific gametes has been studied from different perspectives including genetic, biochemical and physiological. Maize mutants affected in floral organ development have been key to identifying genes, hormones and other factors like miRNAs important for sex determination. In this review, we describe floral organ formation in maize, representative mutants and genes identified with a function in establishing sexual identity either classified as feminizing or masculinizing, and its relationship with hormones associated with sexual organ identity as jasmonic acid, brassinosteroid and gibberellin. Finally, we discuss the challenges and scopes of future research in maize sex determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Guerrero-Méndez
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad (LANGEBIO), Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV), 36821, Irapuato, Mexico
| | - María Jazmín Abraham-Juárez
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad (LANGEBIO), Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV), 36821, Irapuato, Mexico.
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20
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Mendieta JP, Tu X, Jiang D, Yan H, Zhang X, Marand AP, Zhong S, Schmitz RJ. Investigating the cis-Regulatory Basis of C 3 and C 4 Photosynthesis in Grasses at Single-Cell Resolution. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.05.574340. [PMID: 38405933 PMCID: PMC10888913 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.05.574340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
While considerable knowledge exists about the enzymes pivotal for C4 photosynthesis, much less is known about the cis-regulation important for specifying their expression in distinct cell types. Here, we use single-cell-indexed ATAC-seq to identify cell-type-specific accessible chromatin regions (ACRs) associated with C4 enzymes for five different grass species. This study spans four C4 species, covering three distinct photosynthetic subtypes: Zea mays and Sorghum bicolor (NADP-ME), Panicum miliaceum (NAD-ME), Urochloa fusca (PEPCK), along with the C3 outgroup Oryza sativa. We studied the cis-regulatory landscape of enzymes essential across all C4 species and those unique to C4 subtypes, measuring cell-type-specific biases for C4 enzymes using chromatin accessibility data. Integrating these data with phylogenetics revealed diverse co-option of gene family members between species, showcasing the various paths of C4 evolution. Besides promoter proximal ACRs, we found that, on average, C4 genes have two to three distal cell-type-specific ACRs, highlighting the complexity and divergent nature of C4 evolution. Examining the evolutionary history of these cell-type-specific ACRs revealed a spectrum of conserved and novel ACRs, even among closely related species, indicating ongoing evolution of cis-regulation at these C4 loci. This study illuminates the dynamic and complex nature of CRE evolution in C4 photosynthesis, particularly highlighting the intricate cis-regulatory evolution of key loci. Our findings offer a valuable resource for future investigations, potentially aiding in the optimization of C3 crop performance under changing climatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaoyu Tu
- Joint Center for Single Cell Biology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Daiquan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - Haidong Yan
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia
| | - Alexandre P Marand
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Development Biology, University of Michigan
| | - Silin Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
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21
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Zhan W, Cui L, Yang S, Zhang K, Zhang Y, Yang J. Natural variations of heterosis-related allele-specific expression genes in promoter regions lead to allele-specific expression in maize. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:476. [PMID: 38745122 PMCID: PMC11092226 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10395-y] [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: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heterosis has successfully enhanced maize productivity and quality. Although significant progress has been made in delineating the genetic basis of heterosis, the molecular mechanisms underlying its genetic components remain less explored. Allele-specific expression (ASE), the imbalanced expression between two parental alleles in hybrids, is increasingly being recognized as a factor contributing to heterosis. ASE is a complex process regulated by both epigenetic and genetic variations in response to developmental and environmental conditions. RESULTS In this study, we explored the differential characteristics of ASE by analyzing the transcriptome data of two maize hybrids and their parents under four light conditions. On the basis of allele expression patterns in different hybrids under various conditions, ASE genes were divided into three categories: bias-consistent genes involved in basal metabolic processes in a functionally complementary manner, bias-reversal genes adapting to the light environment, and bias-specific genes maintaining cell homeostasis. We observed that 758 ASE genes (ASEGs) were significantly overlapped with heterosis quantitative trait loci (QTLs), and high-frequency variations in the promoter regions of heterosis-related ASEGs were identified between parents. In addition, 10 heterosis-related ASEGs participating in yield heterosis were selected during domestication. CONCLUSIONS The comprehensive analysis of ASEGs offers a distinctive perspective on how light quality influences gene expression patterns and gene-environment interactions, with implications for the identification of heterosis-related ASEGs to enhance maize yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Zhan
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Editing, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Lianhua Cui
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Shuling Yang
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Kangni Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Yanpei Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
| | - Jianping Yang
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
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22
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Zhang Y, Wu X, Wang X, Dai M, Peng Y. Crop root system architecture in drought response. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00100-0. [PMID: 38723744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.05.001] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Drought is a natural disaster that profoundly impacts on global agricultural production, significantly reduces crop yields, and thereby poses a severe threat to worldwide food security. Addressing the challenge of effectively improving crop drought resistance (DR) to mitigate yield loss under drought conditions is a global issue. An optimal root system architecture (RSA) plays a pivotal role in enhancing crops' capacity to efficiently uptake water and nutrients, which consequently strengthens their resilience against environmental stresses. In this review, we discuss the compositions and roles of crop RSA and summarize the most recent developments in augmenting drought tolerance in crops by manipulating RSA-related genes. Based on the current research, we propose the potential optimal RSA configuration that could be helpful in enhancing crop DR. Lastly, we discussed the existing challenges and future directions for breeding crops with enhanced DR capabilities through genetic improvements targeting RSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China; State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China; Crop Research Institute, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China; Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Innovation in Northwest Cold and Arid Regions, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Xi Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, HuBei 430070, China
| | - Xingrong Wang
- Crop Research Institute, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China; Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Innovation in Northwest Cold and Arid Regions, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Mingqiu Dai
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, HuBei 430070, China.
| | - Yunling Peng
- College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China; State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China.
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23
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Jiang L, Guo T, Song X, Jiang H, Lu M, Luo J, Rossi V, He Y. MSH7 confers quantitative variation in pollen fertility and boosts grain yield in maize. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:1372-1386. [PMID: 38263872 PMCID: PMC11022798 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14272] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Fertile pollen is critical for the survival, fitness, and dispersal of flowering plants, and directly contributes to crop productivity. Extensive mutational screening studies have been carried out to dissect the genetic regulatory network determining pollen fertility, but we still lack fundamental knowledge about whether and how pollen fertility is controlled in natural populations. We used a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to show that ZmGEN1A and ZmMSH7, two DNA repair-related genes, confer natural variation in maize pollen fertility. Mutants defective in these genes exhibited abnormalities in meiotic or post-meiotic DNA repair, leading to reduced pollen fertility. More importantly, ZmMSH7 showed evidence of selection during maize domestication, and its disruption resulted in a substantial increase in grain yield for both inbred and hybrid. Overall, our study describes the first systematic examination of natural genetic effects on pollen fertility in plants, providing valuable genetic resources for optimizing male fertility. In addition, we find that ZmMSH7 represents a candidate for improvement of grain yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luguang Jiang
- National Maize Improvement Center of China, College of Agronomy and BiotechnologyChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Ting Guo
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Key Laboratory of Seed InnovationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xinyuan Song
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology, Agro‐Biotechnology Research InstituteJilin Academy of Agricultural SciencesChangchunChina
| | - Huan Jiang
- National Maize Improvement Center of China, College of Agronomy and BiotechnologyChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Minhui Lu
- Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jinhong Luo
- National Maize Improvement Center of China, College of Agronomy and BiotechnologyChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Key Laboratory of Seed InnovationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Vincenzo Rossi
- Council for Agricultural Research and EconomicsResearch Centre for Cereal and Industrial CropsBergamoItaly
| | - Yan He
- National Maize Improvement Center of China, College of Agronomy and BiotechnologyChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Key Laboratory of Seed InnovationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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24
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Wang Y, Luo Y, Guo X, Li Y, Yan J, Shao W, Wei W, Wei X, Yang T, Chen J, Chen L, Ding Q, Bai M, Zhuo L, Li L, Jackson D, Zhang Z, Xu X, Yan J, Liu H, Liu L, Yang N. A spatial transcriptome map of the developing maize ear. NATURE PLANTS 2024; 10:815-827. [PMID: 38745100 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-024-01683-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of inflorescence development is crucial for crop genetic improvement, as inflorescence meristems give rise to reproductive organs and determine grain yield. However, dissecting inflorescence development at the cellular level has been challenging owing to a lack of specific marker genes to distinguish among cell types, particularly in different types of meristems that are vital for organ formation. In this study, we used spatial enhanced resolution omics-sequencing (Stereo-seq) to construct a precise spatial transcriptome map of the developing maize ear primordium, identifying 12 cell types, including 4 newly defined cell types found mainly in the inflorescence meristem. By extracting the meristem components for detailed clustering, we identified three subtypes of meristem and validated two MADS-box genes that were specifically expressed at the apex of determinate meristems and involved in stem cell determinacy. Furthermore, by integrating single-cell RNA transcriptomes, we identified a series of spatially specific networks and hub genes that may provide new insights into the formation of different tissues. In summary, this study provides a valuable resource for research on cereal inflorescence development, offering new clues for yield improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuebin Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yun Luo
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Key Laboratory of Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- BGI Research, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunfu Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiali Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenwen Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Key Laboratory of Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- BGI Research, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjie Wei
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Key Laboratory of Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- China National GeneBank, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Key Laboratory of Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- China National GeneBank, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Key Laboratory of Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- China National GeneBank, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lihua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Key Laboratory of Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qian Ding
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Minji Bai
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Zhuo
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Key Laboratory of Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - David Jackson
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Zuxin Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Xun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Key Laboratory of Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianbing Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Key Laboratory of Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, BGI Research, Shenzhen, China.
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Lei Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China.
| | - Ning Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China.
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25
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Liang Z, Xi N, Liu T, Li M, Sang M, Zou C, Chen Z, Yuan G, Pan G, Ma L, Shen Y. A combination of QTL mapping and genome-wide association study revealed the key gene for husk number in maize. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2024; 137:112. [PMID: 38662228 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-024-04617-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Two key genes Zm00001d021232 and Zm00001d048138 were identified by QTL mapping and GWAS. Additionally, they were verified to be significantly associated with maize husk number (HN) using gene-based association study. As a by-product of maize production, maize husk is an important industrial raw material. Husk layer number (HN) is an important trait that affects the yield of maize husk. However, the genetic mechanism underlying HN remains unclear. Herein, a total of 13 quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling HN were identified in an IBM Syn 10 DH population across different locations. Among these, three QTL were individually repeatedly detected in at least two environments. Meanwhile, 26 unique single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected to be significantly (p < 2.15 × 10-6) associated with HN in an association pool. Of these SNPs, three were simultaneously detected across multiple environments or environments and best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP). We focused on these environment-stable and population-common genetic loci for excavating the candidate genes responsible for maize HN. Finally, 173 initial candidate genes were identified, of which 22 were involved in both multicellular organism development and single-multicellular organism process and thus confirmed as the candidate genes for HN. Gene-based association analyses revealed that the variants in four genes were significantly (p < 0.01/N) correlated with HN, of which Zm00001d021232 and Zm00001d048138 were highly expressed in husks and early developing ears among different maize tissues. Our study contributes to the understanding of genetic and molecular mechanisms of maize husk yield and industrial development in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjuan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Na Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Tao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Minglin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Mengxiang Sang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Chaoying Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Guangsheng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Guangtang Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Langlang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yaou Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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26
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Tao B, Ma Y, Wang L, He C, Chen J, Ge X, Zhao L, Wen J, Yi B, Tu J, Fu T, Shen J. Developmental pleiotropy of SDP1 from seedling to mature stages in B. napus. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 114:49. [PMID: 38642182 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-024-01447-8] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Rapeseed, an important oil crop, relies on robust seedling emergence for optimal yields. Seedling emergence in the field is vulnerable to various factors, among which inadequate self-supply of energy is crucial to limiting seedling growth in early stage. SUGAR-DEPENDENT1 (SDP1) initiates triacylglycerol (TAG) degradation, yet its detailed function has not been determined in B. napus. Here, we focused on the effects of plant growth during whole growth stages and energy mobilization during seedling establishment by mutation in BnSDP1. Protein sequence alignment and haplotypic analysis revealed the conservation of SDP1 among species, with a favorable haplotype enhancing oil content. Investigation of agronomic traits indicated bnsdp1 had a minor impact on vegetative growth and no obvious developmental defects when compared with wild type (WT) across growth stages. The seed oil content was improved by 2.0-2.37% in bnsdp1 lines, with slight reductions in silique length and seed number per silique. Furthermore, bnsdp1 resulted in lower seedling emergence, characterized by a shrunken hypocotyl and poor photosynthetic capacity in the early stages. Additionally, impaired seedling growth, especially in yellow seedlings, was not fully rescued in medium supplemented with exogenous sucrose. The limited lipid turnover in bnsdp1 was accompanied by induced amino acid degradation and PPDK-dependent gluconeogenesis pathway. Analysis of the metabolites in cotyledons revealed active amino acid metabolism and suppressed lipid degradation, consistent with the RNA-seq results. Finally, we proposed strategies for applying BnSDP1 in molecular breeding. Our study provides theoretical guidance for understanding trade-off between oil accumulation and seedling energy mobilization in B. napus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baolong Tao
- Huazhong Agricultural University, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/National Engineering Research Center of Rapeseed, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yina Ma
- Huazhong Agricultural University, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/National Engineering Research Center of Rapeseed, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Liqin Wang
- Huazhong Agricultural University, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/National Engineering Research Center of Rapeseed, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Chao He
- Huazhong Agricultural University, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/National Engineering Research Center of Rapeseed, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Junlin Chen
- Huazhong Agricultural University, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/National Engineering Research Center of Rapeseed, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ge
- Huazhong Agricultural University, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/National Engineering Research Center of Rapeseed, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Lun Zhao
- Huazhong Agricultural University, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/National Engineering Research Center of Rapeseed, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jing Wen
- Huazhong Agricultural University, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/National Engineering Research Center of Rapeseed, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Bin Yi
- Huazhong Agricultural University, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/National Engineering Research Center of Rapeseed, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jinxing Tu
- Huazhong Agricultural University, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/National Engineering Research Center of Rapeseed, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Tingdong Fu
- Huazhong Agricultural University, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/National Engineering Research Center of Rapeseed, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jinxiong Shen
- Huazhong Agricultural University, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/National Engineering Research Center of Rapeseed, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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27
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Galindo-Trigo S, Bågman AM, Ishida T, Sawa S, Brady SM, Butenko MA. Dissection of the IDA promoter identifies WRKY transcription factors as abscission regulators in Arabidopsis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:2417-2434. [PMID: 38294133 PMCID: PMC11016851 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erae014] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Plants shed organs such as leaves, petals, or fruits through the process of abscission. Monitoring cues such as age, resource availability, and biotic and abiotic stresses allow plants to abscise organs in a timely manner. How these signals are integrated into the molecular pathways that drive abscission is largely unknown. The INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION (IDA) gene is one of the main drivers of floral organ abscission in Arabidopsis and is known to transcriptionally respond to most abscission-regulating cues. By interrogating the IDA promoter in silico and in vitro, we identified transcription factors that could potentially modulate IDA expression. We probed the importance of ERF- and WRKY-binding sites for IDA expression during floral organ abscission, with WRKYs being of special relevance to mediate IDA up-regulation in response to biotic stress in tissues destined for separation. We further characterized WRKY57 as a positive regulator of IDA and IDA-like gene expression in abscission zones. Our findings highlight the promise of promoter element-targeted approaches to modulate the responsiveness of the IDA signaling pathway to harness controlled abscission timing for improved crop productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Galindo-Trigo
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne-Maarit Bågman
- Department of Plant Biology and Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Takashi Ishida
- International Research Organization for Advanced Science and Technology (IROAST), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Sawa
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Siobhán M Brady
- Department of Plant Biology and Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Melinka A Butenko
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Norway
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28
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Wang X, Li X, Zhao W, Hou X, Dong S. Current views of drought research: experimental methods, adaptation mechanisms and regulatory strategies. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1371895. [PMID: 38638344 PMCID: PMC11024477 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1371895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Drought stress is one of the most important abiotic stresses which causes many yield losses every year. This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent advances in international drought research. First, the main types of drought stress and the commonly used drought stress methods in the current experiment were introduced, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method were evaluated. Second, the response of plants to drought stress was reviewed from the aspects of morphology, physiology, biochemistry and molecular progression. Then, the potential methods to improve drought resistance and recent emerging technologies were introduced. Finally, the current research dilemma and future development direction were summarized. In summary, this review provides insights into drought stress research from different perspectives and provides a theoretical reference for scholars engaged in and about to engage in drought research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyue Wang
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaomei Li
- College of Agriculture, Heilongjiang Agricultural Engineering Vocational College, Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaomin Hou
- Millet Research Institute, Qiqihar Sub-Academy of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Heilongjiang, Qiqihar, China
| | - Shoukun Dong
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
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29
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Chen Z, Cortes L, Gallavotti A. Genetic dissection of cis-regulatory control of ZmWUSCHEL1 expression by type B RESPONSE REGULATORS. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 194:2240-2248. [PMID: 38060616 PMCID: PMC10980522 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in cis-regulatory regions play an important role in the domestication and improvement of crops by altering gene expression. However, assessing the in vivo impact of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) on transcriptional regulation and phenotypic outcomes remains challenging. Previously, we showed that the dominant Barren inflorescence3 (Bif3) mutant of maize (Zea mays) contains a duplicated copy of the homeobox transcription factor gene ZmWUSCHEL1 (ZmWUS1), named ZmWUS1-B. ZmWUS1-B is controlled by a spontaneously generated novel promoter region that dramatically increases its expression and alters patterning and development of young ears. Overexpression of ZmWUS1-B is caused by a unique enhancer region containing multimerized binding sites for type B RESPONSE REGULATORs (RRs), key transcription factors in cytokinin signaling. To better understand how the enhancer increases the expression of ZmWUS1 in vivo, we specifically targeted the ZmWUS1-B enhancer region by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated editing. A series of deletion events with different numbers of type B RR DNA binding motifs (AGATAT) enabled us to determine how the number of AGATAT motifs impacts in vivo expression of ZmWUS1-B and consequently ear development. In combination with dual-luciferase assays in maize protoplasts, our analysis reveals that AGATAT motifs have an additive effect on ZmWUS1-B expression, while the distance separating AGATAT motifs does not appear to have a meaningful impact, indicating that the enhancer activity derives from the sum of individual CREs. These results also suggest that in maize inflorescence development, there is a threshold of buffering capacity for ZmWUS1 overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongliang Chen
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8020, USA
| | - Liz Cortes
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8020, USA
| | - Andrea Gallavotti
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8020, USA
- Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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30
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Swentowsky KW. A bushel of WUSCHEL is too much: Uncovering the role of cytokinin cis-regulatory elements in the maize WUSCHEL promoter. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 194:2183-2184. [PMID: 38214212 PMCID: PMC10980390 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle W Swentowsky
- Assistant Features Editor, Plant Physiology, American Society of Plant Biologists
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
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31
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Feng X, Guan H, Wen Y, Zhou H, Xing X, Li Y, Zheng D, Wang Q, Zhang W, Xiong H, Hu Y, Jia L, Luo S, Zhang X, Guo W, Wu F, Xu J, Liu Y, Lu Y. Profiling the selected hotspots for ear traits in two maize-teosinte populations. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2024; 137:74. [PMID: 38451289 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-024-04554-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Eight selected hotspots related to ear traits were identified from two maize-teosinte populations. Throughout the history of maize cultivation, ear-related traits have been selected. However, little is known about the specific genes involved in shaping these traits from their origins in the wild progenitor, teosinte, to the characteristics observed in modern maize. In this study, five ear traits (kernel row number [KRN], ear length [EL], kernel number per row [KNR], cob diameter [CD], and ear diameter [ED]) were investigated, and eight quantitative trait loci (QTL) hotspots were identified in two maize-teosinte populations. Notably, our findings revealed a significant enrichment of genes showing a selection signature and expressed in the ear in qbdCD1.1, qbdCD5.1, qbpCD2.1, qbdED1.1, qbpEL1.1, qbpEL5.1, qbdKNR1.1, and qbdKNR10.1, suggesting that these eight QTL are selected hotspots involved in shaping the maize ear. By combining the results of the QTL analysis with data from previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving two natural panels, we identified eight candidate selected genes related to KRN, KNR, CD, and ED. Among these, considering their expression pattern and sequence variation, Zm00001d025111, encoding a WD40/YVTN protein, was proposed as a positive regulator of KNR. This study presents a framework for understanding the genomic distribution of selected loci crucial in determining ear-related traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanjun Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Huarui Guan
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Wen
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Hanmei Zhou
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaobin Xing
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yinzhi Li
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Zheng
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Qingjun Wang
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Weixiao Zhang
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Hao Xiong
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Jia
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuang Luo
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Fengkai Wu
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yaxi Liu
- Triticeae Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanli Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China.
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, Sichuan, China.
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32
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Xu X, Passalacqua M, Rice B, Demesa-Arevalo E, Kojima M, Takebayashi Y, Harris B, Sakakibara H, Gallavotti A, Gillis J, Jackson D. Large-scale single-cell profiling of stem cells uncovers redundant regulators of shoot development and yield trait variation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.04.583414. [PMID: 38496543 PMCID: PMC10942292 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.04.583414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Stem cells in plant shoots are a rare population of cells that produce leaves, fruits and seeds, vital sources for food and bioethanol. Uncovering regulators expressed in these stem cells will inform crop engineering to boost productivity. Single-cell analysis is a powerful tool for identifying regulators expressed in specific groups of cells. However, accessing plant shoot stem cells is challenging. Recent single-cell analyses of plant shoots have not captured these cells, and failed to detect stem cell regulators like CLAVATA3 and WUSCHEL . In this study, we finely dissected stem cell-enriched shoot tissues from both maize and arabidopsis for single-cell RNA-seq profiling. We optimized protocols to efficiently recover thousands of CLAVATA3 and WUSCHEL expressed cells. A cross-species comparison identified conserved stem cell regulators between maize and arabidopsis. We also performed single-cell RNA-seq on maize stem cell overproliferation mutants to find additional candidate regulators. Expression of candidate stem cell genes was validated using spatial transcriptomics, and we functionally confirmed roles in shoot development. These candidates include a family of ribosome-associated RNA-binding proteins, and two families of sugar kinase genes related to hypoxia signaling and cytokinin hormone homeostasis. These large-scale single-cell profiling of stem cells provide a resource for mining stem cell regulators, which show significant association with yield traits. Overall, our discoveries advance the understanding of shoot development and open avenues for manipulating diverse crops to enhance food and energy security.
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He J, Zeng C, Li M. Plant Functional Genomics Based on High-Throughput CRISPR Library Knockout Screening: A Perspective. ADVANCED GENETICS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2024; 5:2300203. [PMID: 38465224 PMCID: PMC10919289 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.202300203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Plant biology studies in the post-genome era have been focused on annotating genome sequences' functions. The established plant mutant collections have greatly accelerated functional genomics research in the past few decades. However, most plant genome sequences' roles and the underlying regulatory networks remain substantially unknown. Clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated systems are robust, versatile tools for manipulating plant genomes with various targeted DNA perturbations, providing an excellent opportunity for high-throughput interrogation of DNA elements' roles. This study compares methods frequently used for plant functional genomics and then discusses different DNA multi-targeted strategies to overcome gene redundancy using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Next, this work summarizes recent reports using CRISPR libraries for high-throughput gene knockout and function discoveries in plants. Finally, this work envisions the future perspective of optimizing and leveraging CRISPR library screening in plant genomes' other uncharacterized DNA sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjie He
- Department of BiotechnologyCollege of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430074China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of EducationWuhan430074China
| | - Can Zeng
- Department of BiotechnologyCollege of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430074China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of EducationWuhan430074China
| | - Maoteng Li
- Department of BiotechnologyCollege of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430074China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of EducationWuhan430074China
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Zhou S, Cai L, Wu H, Wang B, Gu B, Cui S, Huang X, Xu Z, Hao B, Hou H, Hu Y, Li C, Tian Y, Liu X, Chen L, Liu S, Jiang L, Wan J. Fine-tuning rice heading date through multiplex editing of the regulatory regions of key genes by CRISPR-Cas9. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:751-758. [PMID: 37932934 PMCID: PMC10893950 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Heading date (or flowering time) is a key agronomic trait that affects seasonal and regional adaption of rice cultivars. An unoptimized heading date can either not achieve a high yield or has a high risk of encountering abiotic stresses. There is a strong demand on the mild to moderate adjusting the heading date in breeding practice. Genome editing is a promising method which allows more precise and faster changing the heading date of rice. However, direct knock out of major genes involved in regulating heading date will not always achieve a new germplasm with expected heading date. It is still challenging to quantitatively adjust the heading date of elite cultivars with best adaption for broader region. In this study, we used a CRISPR-Cas9 based genome editing strategy called high-efficiency multiplex promoter-targeting (HMP) to generate novel alleles at cis-regulatory regions of three major heading date genes: Hd1, Ghd7 and DTH8. We achieved a series of germplasm with quantitative variations of heading date by editing promoter regions and adjusting the expression levels of these genes. We performed field trials to screen for the best adapted lines for different regions. We successfully expanded an elite cultivar Ningjing8 (NJ8) to a higher latitude region by selecting a line with a mild early heading phenotype that escaped from cold stress and achieved high yield potential. Our study demonstrates that HMP is a powerful tool for quantitatively regulating rice heading date and expanding elite cultivars to broader regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm ResourcesNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Liang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm ResourcesNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Haoqin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm ResourcesNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Baoxiang Wang
- Institute of Lianyungang Agricultural Science of Xuhuai Area/Lianyungang Institute of Agricultural SciencesLianyungangChina
| | - Biao Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm ResourcesNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Song Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm ResourcesNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xiaolong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm ResourcesNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhuang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm ResourcesNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Benyuan Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm ResourcesNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Haigang Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm ResourcesNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm ResourcesNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Chao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm ResourcesNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yunlu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm ResourcesNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm ResourcesNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Liangming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm ResourcesNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Shijia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm ResourcesNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Ling Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm ResourcesNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jianmin Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm ResourcesNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop ScienceChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijingChina
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Miret JA, Griffiths CA, Paul MJ. Sucrose homeostasis: Mechanisms and opportunity in crop yield improvement. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 294:154188. [PMID: 38295650 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2024.154188] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Sugar homeostasis is a critical feature of biological systems. In humans, raised and dysregulated blood sugar is a serious health issue. In plants, directed changes in sucrose homeostasis and allocation represent opportunities in crop improvement. Plant tissue sucrose varies more than blood glucose and is found at higher concentrations (cytosol and phloem ca. 100 mM v 3.9-6.9 mM for blood glucose). Tissue sucrose varies with developmental stage and environment, but cytosol and phloem exhibit tight sucrose control. Sucrose homeostasis is a consequence of the integration of photosynthesis, synthesis of storage end-products such as starch, transport of sucrose to sinks and sink metabolism. Trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P)-SnRK1 and TOR play central, still emerging roles in regulating and coordinating these processes. Overall, tissue sucrose levels are more strongly related to growth than to photosynthesis. As a key sucrose signal, T6P regulates sucrose levels, transport and metabolic pathways to coordinate source and sink at a whole plant level. Emerging evidence shows that T6P interacts with meristems. With careful targeting, T6P manipulation through exploiting natural variation, chemical intervention and genetic modification is delivering benefits for crop yields. Regulation of cereal grain set, filling and retention may be the most strategically important aspect of sucrose allocation and homeostasis for food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A Miret
- Sustainable Soils and Crops, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - Cara A Griffiths
- Sustainable Soils and Crops, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - Matthew J Paul
- Sustainable Soils and Crops, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK.
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36
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Bashyal S, Gautam CK, Müller LM. CLAVATA signaling in plant-environment interactions. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 194:1336-1357. [PMID: 37930810 PMCID: PMC10904329 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Plants must rapidly and dynamically adapt to changes in their environment. Upon sensing environmental signals, plants convert them into cellular signals, which elicit physiological or developmental changes that allow them to respond to various abiotic and biotic cues. Because plants can be simultaneously exposed to multiple environmental cues, signal integration between plant cells, tissues, and organs is necessary to induce specific responses. Recently, CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION-related (CLE) peptides and their cognate CLAVATA-type receptors received increased attention for their roles in plant-environment interactions. CLE peptides are mobile signaling molecules, many of which are induced by a variety of biotic and abiotic stimuli. Secreted CLE peptides are perceived by receptor complexes on the surface of their target cells, which often include the leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase CLAVATA1. Receptor activation then results in cell-type and/or environment-specific responses. This review summarizes our current understanding of the diverse roles of environment-regulated CLE peptides in modulating plant responses to environmental cues. We highlight how CLE signals regulate plant physiology by fine-tuning plant-microbe interactions, nutrient homeostasis, and carbon allocation. Finally, we describe the role of CLAVATA receptors in the perception of environment-induced CLE signals and discuss how diverse CLE-CLAVATA signaling modules may integrate environmental signals with plant physiology and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Bashyal
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | | | - Lena Maria Müller
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
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37
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Wang G, Wang F, Xu Z, Wang Y, Zhang C, Zhou Y, Hui F, Yang X, Nie X, Zhang X, Jin S. Precise fine-turning of GhTFL1 by base editing tools defines ideal cotton plant architecture. Genome Biol 2024; 25:59. [PMID: 38409014 PMCID: PMC10895741 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03189-8] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CRISPR/Cas-derived base editor enables precise editing of target sites and has been widely used for basic research and crop genetic improvement. However, the editing efficiency of base editors at different targets varies greatly. RESULTS Here, we develop a set of highly efficient base editors in cotton plants. GhABE8e, which is fused to conventional nCas9, exhibits 99.9% editing efficiency, compared to GhABE7.10 with 64.9%, and no off-target editing is detected. We further replace nCas9 with dCpf1, which recognizes TTTV PAM sequences, to broaden the range of the target site. To explore the functional divergence of TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1), we edit the non-coding and coding regions of GhTFL1 with 26 targets to generate a comprehensive allelic population including 300 independent lines in cotton. This allows hidden pleiotropic roles for GhTFL1 to be revealed and allows us to rapidly achieve directed domestication of cotton and create ideotype germplasm with moderate height, shortened fruiting branches, compact plant, and early-flowering. Further, by exploring the molecular mechanism of the GhTFL1L86P and GhTFL1K53G+S78G mutations, we find that the GhTFL1L86P mutation weakens the binding strength of the GhTFL1 to other proteins but does not lead to a complete loss of GhTFL1 function. CONCLUSIONS This strategy provides an important technical platform and genetic information for the study and creation of ideal plant architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanying Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Fuqiu Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Zhongping Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Ying Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Can Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Fengjiao Hui
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Xiyan Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Xinhui Nie
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology Agricultural of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Agricultural College, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832003, China.
| | - Xianlong Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China.
| | - Shuangxia Jin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China.
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38
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Dong H. Application of genome editing techniques to regulate gene expression in crops. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:100. [PMID: 38331711 PMCID: PMC10854132 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-04786-2] [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: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhanced agricultural production is urgently required to meet the food demands of the increasing global population. Abundant genetic diversity is expected to accelerate crop development. In particular, the development of the CRISPR/Cas genome editing technology has greatly enhanced our ability to improve crop's genetic diversity through direct artificial gene modification. However, recent studies have shown that most crop improvement efforts using CRISPR/Cas techniques have mainly focused on the coding regions, and there is a relatively lack of studies on the regulatory regions of gene expression. RESULTS This review briefly summarizes the development of CRISPR/Cas system in the beginning. Subsequently, the importance of gene regulatory regions in plants is discussed. The review focuses on recent developments and applications of mutations in regulatory regions via CRISPR/Cas techniques in crop breeding. CONCLUSION Finally, an outline of perspectives for future crop breeding using genome editing technologies is provided. This review provides new research insights for crop improvement using genome editing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huirong Dong
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Yunnan Agriculture University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China.
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya, Hainan, 572024, China.
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39
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Ahmar S, Usman B, Hensel G, Jung KH, Gruszka D. CRISPR enables sustainable cereal production for a greener future. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 29:179-195. [PMID: 37981496 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2023.10.016] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system has become the most important tool for targeted genome editing in many plant and animal species over the past decade. The CRISPR/Cas9 technology has also sparked a flood of applications and technical advancements in genome editing in the key cereal crops, including rice, wheat, maize, and barley. Here, we review advanced uses of CRISPR/Cas9 and derived systems in genome editing of cereal crops to enhance a variety of agronomically important features. We also highlight new technological advances for delivering preassembled Cas9-gRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-editing systems, multiplex editing, gain-of-function strategies, the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools, and combining CRISPR with novel speed breeding (SB) and vernalization strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny Ahmar
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology, and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia, Jagiellonska 28, 40-032 Katowice, Poland
| | - Babar Usman
- Graduate School of Green-Bio Science & Crop Biotech Institute, Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Goetz Hensel
- Centre for Plant Genome Engineering, Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University, D-40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; Centre of Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Ki-Hong Jung
- Graduate School of Green-Bio Science & Crop Biotech Institute, Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea; Research Center for Plant Plasticity, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Damian Gruszka
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology, and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia, Jagiellonska 28, 40-032 Katowice, Poland.
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40
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Mishra A, Pandey VP. CRISPR/Cas system: A revolutionary tool for crop improvement. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2300298. [PMID: 38403466 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
World's population is elevating at an alarming rate thus, the rising demands of producing crops with better adaptability to biotic and abiotic stresses, superior nutritional as well as morphological qualities, and generation of high-yielding varieties have led to encourage the development of new plant breeding technologies. The availability and easy accessibility of genome sequences for a number of crop plants as well as the development of various genome editing technologies such as zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) has opened up possibilities to develop new varieties of crop plants with superior desirable traits. However, these approaches has limitation of being more expensive as well as having complex steps and time-consuming. The CRISPR/Cas genome editing system has been intensively studied for allowing versatile target-specific modifications of crop genome that fruitfully aid in the generation of novel varieties. It is an advanced and promising technology with the potential to meet hunger needs and contribute to food production for the ever-growing human population. This review summarizes the usage of novel CRISPR/Cas genome editing tool for targeted crop improvement in stress resistance, yield, quality and nutritional traits in the desired crop plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayushi Mishra
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India
| | - Veda P Pandey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India
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41
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Zhang Y, Shen C, Shi J, Shi J, Zhang D. Boosting Triticeae crop grain yield by manipulating molecular modules to regulate inflorescence architecture: insights and knowledge from other cereal crops. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:17-35. [PMID: 37935244 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad386] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
One of the challenges for global food security is to reliably and sustainably improve the grain yield of cereal crops. One solution is to modify the architecture of the grain-bearing inflorescence to optimize for grain number and size. Cereal inflorescences are complex structures, with determinacy, branching patterns, and spikelet/floret growth patterns that vary by species. Recent decades have witnessed rapid advancements in our understanding of the genetic regulation of inflorescence architecture in rice, maize, wheat, and barley. Here, we summarize current knowledge on key genetic factors underlying the different inflorescence morphologies of these crops and model plants (Arabidopsis and tomato), focusing particularly on the regulation of inflorescence meristem determinacy and spikelet meristem identity and determinacy. We also discuss strategies to identify and utilize these superior alleles to optimize inflorescence architecture and, ultimately, improve crop grain yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueya Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Chaoqun Shen
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jin Shi
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jianxin Shi
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai 200240, China
- Yazhou Bay Institute of Deepsea Sci-Tech, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Dabing Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai 200240, China
- Yazhou Bay Institute of Deepsea Sci-Tech, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Sanya 572025, China
- School of Agriculture, Food, and Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5064, Australia
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Lindsay P, Swentowsky KW, Jackson D. Cultivating potential: Harnessing plant stem cells for agricultural crop improvement. MOLECULAR PLANT 2024; 17:50-74. [PMID: 38130059 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2023.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Meristems are stem cell-containing structures that produce all plant organs and are therefore important targets for crop improvement. Developmental regulators control the balance and rate of cell divisions within the meristem. Altering these regulators impacts meristem architecture and, as a consequence, plant form. In this review, we discuss genes involved in regulating the shoot apical meristem, inflorescence meristem, axillary meristem, root apical meristem, and vascular cambium in plants. We highlight several examples showing how crop breeders have manipulated developmental regulators to modify meristem growth and alter crop traits such as inflorescence size and branching patterns. Plant transformation techniques are another innovation related to plant meristem research because they make crop genome engineering possible. We discuss recent advances on plant transformation made possible by studying genes controlling meristem development. Finally, we conclude with discussions about how meristem research can contribute to crop improvement in the coming decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Lindsay
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | | | - David Jackson
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China.
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McGarry RC, Ayre BG. Cotton Meristem Transcriptomes: Constructing an RNA-Seq Pipeline to Explore Crop Architecture Regulation. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2812:215-233. [PMID: 39068365 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3886-6_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Plants stem cells, known as meristems, specify all patterns of growth and organ size. Differences in meristem activities contribute to diverse shoot architectures. As many architectural traits, such as branching patterns, flowering time, and fruit size, are yield determinants, meristem regulation is of fundamental importance to crop productivity. Cotton (Gossypium spp.) produces our most prevalent natural fiber that finds its way into products ranging from industrial cellulose, medical supplies, and paper currency, to a broad diversity of textiles, not least of which is our clothing. However, the cotton plant has growth habits that challenge management practices and limit harvest yield and quality. Unraveling and leveraging the genetic networks regulating meristem activities offers the potential to overcome these limitations. We use virus-based technologies in cotton to perturb signals regulating meristem fate and size. In this chapter, we describe our pipeline for altering cotton meristem dynamics and preparing, analyzing, and exploring the transcriptomes from isolated meristems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Róisín C McGarry
- Department of Biological Sciences and BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA.
| | - Brian G Ayre
- Department of Biological Sciences and BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
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Vu TV, Nguyen NT, Kim J, Hong JC, Kim J. Prime editing: Mechanism insight and recent applications in plants. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:19-36. [PMID: 37794706 PMCID: PMC10754014 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14188] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Prime editing (PE) technology utilizes an extended prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA) to direct a fusion peptide consisting of nCas9 (H840) and reverse transcriptase (RT) to a specific location in the genome. This enables the installation of base changes at the targeted site using the extended portion of the pegRNA through RT activity. The resulting product of the RT reaction forms a 3' flap, which can be incorporated into the genomic site through a series of biochemical steps involving DNA repair and synthesis pathways. PE has demonstrated its effectiveness in achieving almost all forms of precise gene editing, such as base conversions (all types), DNA sequence insertions and deletions, chromosomal translocation and inversion and long DNA sequence insertion at safe harbour sites within the genome. In plant science, PE could serve as a groundbreaking tool for precise gene editing, allowing the creation of desired alleles to improve crop varieties. Nevertheless, its application has encountered limitations due to efficiency constraints, particularly in dicotyledonous plants. In this review, we discuss the step-by-step mechanism of PE, shedding light on the critical aspects of each step while suggesting possible solutions to enhance its efficiency. Additionally, we present an overview of recent advancements and future perspectives in PE research specifically focused on plants, examining the key technical considerations of its applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien V. Vu
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research CenterGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuKorea
| | - Ngan Thi Nguyen
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research CenterGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuKorea
| | - Jihae Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research CenterGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuKorea
| | - Jong Chan Hong
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research CenterGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuKorea
| | - Jae‐Yean Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research CenterGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuKorea
- Division of Life ScienceGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuKorea
- Nulla Bio Inc.JinjuKorea
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Gallagher JP, Man J, Chiaramida A, Rozza IK, Patterson EL, Powell MM, Schrager-Lavelle A, Multani DS, Meeley RB, Bartlett ME. GRASSY TILLERS1 ( GT1) and SIX-ROWED SPIKE1 ( VRS1) homologs share conserved roles in growth repression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2311961120. [PMID: 38096411 PMCID: PMC10742383 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2311961120] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Crop engineering and de novo domestication using gene editing are new frontiers in agriculture. However, outside of well-studied crops and model systems, prioritizing engineering targets remains challenging. Evolution can guide us, revealing genes with deeply conserved roles that have repeatedly been selected in the evolution of plant form. Homologs of the transcription factor genes GRASSY TILLERS1 (GT1) and SIX-ROWED SPIKE1 (VRS1) have repeatedly been targets of selection in domestication and evolution, where they repress growth in many developmental contexts. This suggests a conserved role for these genes in regulating growth repression. To test this, we determined the roles of GT1 and VRS1 homologs in maize (Zea mays) and the distantly related grass brachypodium (Brachypodium distachyon) using gene editing and mutant analysis. In maize, gt1; vrs1-like1 (vrl1) mutants have derepressed growth of floral organs. In addition, gt1; vrl1 mutants bore more ears and more branches, indicating broad roles in growth repression. In brachypodium, Bdgt1; Bdvrl1 mutants have more branches, spikelets, and flowers than wild-type plants, indicating conserved roles for GT1 and VRS1 homologs in growth suppression over ca. 59 My of grass evolution. Importantly, many of these traits influence crop productivity. Notably, maize GT1 can suppress growth in arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) floral organs, despite ca. 160 My of evolution separating the grasses and arabidopsis. Thus, GT1 and VRS1 maintain their potency as growth regulators across vast timescales and in distinct developmental contexts. This work highlights the power of evolution to inform gene editing in crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P. Gallagher
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA01003
- Forage Seed and Cereal Research Unit, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Corvallis, OR97331
| | - Jarrett Man
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA01003
| | | | | | | | - Morgan M. Powell
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA01003
| | | | - Dilbag S. Multani
- Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA50131
- Napigen, Inc., Wilmington, DE19803
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Liú R, Xiāo X, Gōng J, Lǐ J, Yán H, Gě Q, Lú Q, Lǐ P, Pān J, Shāng H, Shí Y, Chén Q, Yuán Y, Gǒng W. Genetic linkage analysis of stable QTLs in Gossypium hirsutum RIL population revealed function of GhCesA4 in fiber development. J Adv Res 2023:S2090-1232(23)00379-X. [PMID: 38065406 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.12.005] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Upland cotton is an important allotetrapolyploid crop providing natural fibers for textile industry. Under the present high-level breeding and production conditions, further simultaneous improvement of fiber quality and yield is facing unprecedented challenges due to their complex negative correlations. OBJECTIVES The study was to adequately identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and dissect how they orchestrate the formation of fiber quality and yield. METHODS A high-density genetic map (HDGM) based on an intraspecific recombinant inbred line (RIL) population consisting of 231 individuals was used to identify QTLs and QTL clusters of fiber quality and yield traits. The weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) package in R software was utilized to identify WGCNA network and hub genes related to fiber development. Gene functions were verified via virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 strategies. RESULTS An HDGM consisting of 8045 markers was constructed spanning 4943.01 cM of cotton genome. A total of 295 QTLs were identified based on multi-environmental phenotypes. Among 139 stable QTLs, including 35 newly identified ones, seventy five were of fiber quality and 64 yield traits. A total of 33 QTL clusters harboring 74 QTLs were identified. Eleven candidate hub genes were identified via WGCNA using genes in all stable QTLs and QTL clusters. The relative expression profiles of these hub genes revealed their correlations with fiber development. VIGS and CRISPR/Cas9 edition revealed that the hub gene cellulose synthase 4 (GhCesA4, GH_D07G2262) positively regulate fiber length and fiber strength formation and negatively lint percentage. CONCLUSION Multiple analyses demonstrate that the hub genes harbored in the QTLs orchestrate the fiber development. The hub gene GhCesA4 has opposite pleiotropic effects in regulating trait formation of fiber quality and yield. The results facilitate understanding the genetic basis of negative correlation between cotton fiber quality and yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruìxián Liú
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, Henan, China; Engineering Research Centre of Cotton, Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Xinjiang Agricultural University, 311 Nongda East Road, Urumqi 830052, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiànghuī Xiāo
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, Henan, China; Engineering Research Centre of Cotton, Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Xinjiang Agricultural University, 311 Nongda East Road, Urumqi 830052, Xinjiang, China; College of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang 455000, Henan, China
| | - Jǔwǔ Gōng
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, Henan, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Jùnwén Lǐ
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, Henan, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Hàoliàng Yán
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, Henan, China
| | - Qún Gě
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, Henan, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Quánwěi Lú
- College of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang 455000, Henan, China
| | - Péngtāo Lǐ
- College of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang 455000, Henan, China
| | - Jìngtāo Pān
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, Henan, China
| | - Hǎihóng Shāng
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, Henan, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Yùzhēn Shí
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, Henan, China
| | - Qúanjiā Chén
- Engineering Research Centre of Cotton, Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Xinjiang Agricultural University, 311 Nongda East Road, Urumqi 830052, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Yǒulù Yuán
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, Henan, China; Engineering Research Centre of Cotton, Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Xinjiang Agricultural University, 311 Nongda East Road, Urumqi 830052, Xinjiang, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China.
| | - Wànkuí Gǒng
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, Henan, China.
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Ahmar S, Hensel G, Gruszka D. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing techniques and new breeding strategies in cereals - current status, improvements, and perspectives. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 69:108248. [PMID: 37666372 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Cereal crops, including triticeae species (barley, wheat, rye), as well as edible cereals (wheat, corn, rice, oat, rye, sorghum), are significant suppliers for human consumption, livestock feed, and breweries. Over the past half-century, modern varieties of cereal crops with increased yields have contributed to global food security. However, presently cultivated elite crop varieties were developed mainly for optimal environmental conditions. Thus, it has become evident that taking into account the ongoing climate changes, currently a priority should be given to developing new stress-tolerant cereal cultivars. It is necessary to enhance the accuracy of methods and time required to generate new cereal cultivars with the desired features to adapt to climate change and keep up with the world population expansion. The CRISPR/Cas9 system has been developed as a powerful and versatile genome editing tool to achieve desirable traits, such as developing high-yielding, stress-tolerant, and disease-resistant transgene-free lines in major cereals. Despite recent advances, the CRISPR/Cas9 application in cereals faces several challenges, including a significant amount of time required to develop transgene-free lines, laboriousness, and a limited number of genotypes that may be used for the transformation and in vitro regeneration. Additionally, developing elite lines through genome editing has been restricted in many countries, especially Europe and New Zealand, due to a lack of flexibility in GMO regulations. This review provides a comprehensive update to researchers interested in improving cereals using gene-editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9. We will review some critical and recent studies on crop improvements and their contributing factors to superior cereals through gene-editing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny Ahmar
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Goetz Hensel
- Centre for Plant Genome Engineering, Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany; Centre of Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Damian Gruszka
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
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Tan J, Shen M, Chai N, Liu Q, Liu YG, Zhu Q. Genome editing for plant synthetic metabolic engineering and developmental regulation. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 291:154141. [PMID: 38016350 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2023.154141] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Plant metabolism and development are a reflection of the orderly expression of genetic information intertwined with the environment interactions. Genome editing is the cornerstone for scientists to modify endogenous genes or introduce exogenous functional genes and metabolic pathways, holding immense potential applications in molecular breeding and biosynthesis. Over the course of nearly a decade of development, genome editing has advanced significantly beyond the simple cutting of double-stranded DNA, now enabling precise base and fragment replacements, regulation of gene expression and translation, as well as epigenetic modifications. However, the utilization of genome editing in plant synthetic metabolic engineering and developmental regulation remains exploratory. Here, we provide an introduction and a comprehensive overview of the editing attributes associated with various CRISPR/Cas tools, along with diverse strategies for the meticulous control of plant metabolic pathways and developments. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations of current approaches and future prospects for genome editing-driven plant breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Tan
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of High-Quality Rice in Southern China (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangdong Rice Engineering Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
| | - Mengyuan Shen
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of High-Quality Rice in Southern China (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangdong Rice Engineering Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Nan Chai
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of High-Quality Rice in Southern China (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangdong Rice Engineering Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Yao-Guang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qinlong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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Yadav S, Kumar H, Mahajan M, Sahu SK, Singh SK, Yadav RK. Local auxin biosynthesis promotes shoot patterning and stem cell differentiation in Arabidopsis shoot apex. Development 2023; 150:dev202014. [PMID: 38054970 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202014] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The shoot apical meristem (SAM) of higher plants comprises distinct functional zones. The central zone (CZ) is located at the meristem summit and harbors pluripotent stem cells. Stem cells undergo cell division within the CZ and give rise to descendants, which enter the peripheral zone (PZ) and become recruited into lateral organs. Stem cell daughters that are pushed underneath the CZ form rib meristem (RM). To unravel the mechanism of meristem development, it is essential to know how stem cells adopt distinct cell fates in the SAM. Here, we show that meristem patterning and floral organ primordia formation, besides auxin transport, are regulated by auxin biosynthesis mediated by two closely related genes of the TRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASE family. In Arabidopsis SAM, TAA1 and TAR2 played a role in maintaining auxin responses and the identity of PZ cell types. In the absence of auxin biosynthesis and transport, the expression pattern of the marker genes linked to the patterning of the SAM is perturbed. Our results prove that local auxin biosynthesis, in concert with transport, controls the patterning of the SAM into the CZ, PZ and RM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Yadav
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Harish Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Monika Mahajan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Sangram Keshari Sahu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Sharad Kumar Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Ram Kishor Yadav
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
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50
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Wen C, Yuan Z, Zhang X, Chen H, Luo L, Li W, Li T, Ma N, Mao F, Lin D, Lin Z, Lin C, Xu T, Lü P, Lin J, Zhu F. Sea-ATI unravels novel vocabularies of plant active cistrome. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:11568-11583. [PMID: 37850650 PMCID: PMC10681729 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The cistrome consists of all cis-acting regulatory elements recognized by transcription factors (TFs). However, only a portion of the cistrome is active for TF binding in a specific tissue. Resolving the active cistrome in plants remains challenging. In this study, we report the assay sequential extraction assisted-active TF identification (sea-ATI), a low-input method that profiles the DNA sequences recognized by TFs in a target tissue. We applied sea-ATI to seven plant tissues to survey their active cistrome and generated 41 motif models, including 15 new models that represent previously unidentified cis-regulatory vocabularies. ATAC-seq and RNA-seq analyses confirmed the functionality of the cis-elements from the new models, in that they are actively bound in vivo, located near the transcription start site, and influence chromatin accessibility and transcription. Furthermore, comparing dimeric WRKY CREs between sea-ATI and DAP-seq libraries revealed that thermodynamics and genetic drifts cooperatively shaped their evolution. Notably, sea-ATI can identify not only positive but also negative regulatory cis-elements, thereby providing unique insights into the functional non-coding genome of plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjin Wen
- College of Life Science, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Zhen Yuan
- College of Life Science, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- College of Life Science, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Hao Chen
- College of Life Science, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Lin Luo
- College of Life Science, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Wanying Li
- College of Life Science, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Tian Li
- College of Life Science, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Nana Ma
- College of Life Science, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Fei Mao
- College of Life Science, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Dongmei Lin
- College of Life Science, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Zhanxi Lin
- College of Life Science, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Chentao Lin
- College of Life Science, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Tongda Xu
- College of Life Science, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Peitao Lü
- College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Juncheng Lin
- College of Life Science, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Fangjie Zhu
- College of Life Science, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
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