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Borowsky AT, Bailey-Serres J. Rewiring gene circuitry for plant improvement. Nat Genet 2024:10.1038/s41588-024-01806-7. [PMID: 39075207 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01806-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Aspirations for high crop growth and yield, nutritional quality and bioproduction of materials are challenged by climate change and limited adoption of new technologies. Here, we review recent advances in approaches to profile and model gene regulatory activity over developmental and response time in specific cells, which have revealed the basis of variation in plant phenotypes: both redeployment of key regulators to new contexts and their repurposing to control different slates of genes. New synthetic biology tools allow tunable, spatiotemporal regulation of transgenes, while recent gene-editing technologies enable manipulation of the regulation of native genes. Ultimately, understanding how gene circuitry is wired to control form and function across varied plant species, combined with advanced technology to rewire that circuitry, will unlock solutions to our greatest challenges in agriculture, energy and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander T Borowsky
- Center for Plant Cell Biology, Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Julia Bailey-Serres
- Center for Plant Cell Biology, Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
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2
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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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3
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Galli M, Chen Z, Ghandour T, Chaudhry A, Gregory J, Li M, Zhang X, Dong Y, Song G, Walley JW, Chuck G, Whipple C, Kaeppler HF, Huang SSC, Gallavotti A. Transcription factor binding site divergence across maize inbred lines drives transcriptional and phenotypic variation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.31.596834. [PMID: 38895211 PMCID: PMC11185568 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.31.596834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Regulatory elements are important constituents of plant genomes that have shaped ancient and modern crops. Their identification, function, and diversity in crop genomes however are poorly characterized, thus limiting our ability to harness their power for further agricultural advances using induced or natural variation. Here, we use DNA affinity purification-sequencing (DAP-seq) to map transcription factor (TF) binding events for 200 maize TFs belonging to 30 distinct families and heterodimer pairs in two distinct inbred lines historically used for maize hybrid plant production, providing empirical binding site annotation for 5.3% of the maize genome. TF binding site comparison in B73 and Mo17 inbreds reveals widespread differences, driven largely by structural variation, that correlate with gene expression changes. TF binding site presence-absence variation helps clarify complex QTL such as vgt1, an important determinant of maize flowering time, and DICE, a distal enhancer involved in herbivore resistance. Modification of TF binding regions via CRISPR-Cas9 mediated editing alters target gene expression and phenotype. Our functional catalog of maize TF binding events enables collective and comparative TF binding analysis, and highlights its value for agricultural improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Galli
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854-8020, USA
| | - Zongliang Chen
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854-8020, USA
| | - Tara Ghandour
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Amina Chaudhry
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854-8020, USA
| | - Jason Gregory
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854-8020, USA
| | - Miaomiao Li
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Yinxin Dong
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Gaoyuan Song
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology, Iowa State University; Ames, IA, 50011
| | - Justin W. Walley
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology, Iowa State University; Ames, IA, 50011
| | - George Chuck
- Plant Gene Expression Center, Albany, CA 94710, USA
| | - Clinton Whipple
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, 4102 LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Heidi F. Kaeppler
- Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center, University of Wisconsin, Middleton, WI, USA
| | - Shao-shan Carol Huang
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, 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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4
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Gauley A, Pasquariello M, Yoshikawa GV, Alabdullah AK, Hayta S, Smedley MA, Dixon LE, Boden SA. Photoperiod-1 regulates the wheat inflorescence transcriptome to influence spikelet architecture and flowering time. Curr Biol 2024; 34:2330-2343.e4. [PMID: 38781956 PMCID: PMC11149547 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.04.029] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Photoperiod insensitivity has been selected by breeders to help adapt crops to diverse environments and farming practices. In wheat, insensitive alleles of Photoperiod-1 (Ppd-1) relieve the requirement of long daylengths to flower by promoting expression of floral promoting genes early in the season; however, these alleles also limit yield by reducing the number and fertility of grain-producing florets through processes that are poorly understood. Here, we performed transcriptome analysis of the developing inflorescence using near-isogenic lines that contain either photoperiod-insensitive or null alleles of Ppd-1, during stages when spikelet number is determined and floret development initiates. We report that Ppd-1 influences the stage-specific expression of genes with roles in auxin signaling, meristem identity, and protein turnover, and analysis of differentially expressed transcripts identified bZIP and ALOG transcription factors, namely PDB1 and ALOG1, which regulate flowering time and spikelet architecture. These findings enhance our understanding of genes that regulate inflorescence development and introduce new targets for improving yield potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Gauley
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK; Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Marianna Pasquariello
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Guilherme V Yoshikawa
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Hartley Grove, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Abdul Kader Alabdullah
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Sadiye Hayta
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Mark A Smedley
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Laura E Dixon
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK; Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Scott A Boden
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK; School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Hartley Grove, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia.
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5
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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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6
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Brooks MD, Szeto RC. Biological nitrogen fixation maintains carbon/nitrogen balance and photosynthesis at elevated CO 2. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024; 47:2178-2191. [PMID: 38481026 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14873] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Understanding crop responses to elevated CO2 is necessary to meet increasing agricultural demands. Crops may not achieve maximum potential yields at high CO2 due to photosynthetic downregulation, often associated with nitrogen limitation. Legumes have been proposed to have an advantage at elevated CO2 due to their ability to exchange carbon for nitrogen. Here, the effects of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) on the physiological and gene expression responses to elevated CO2 were examined at multiple nitrogen levels by comparing alfalfa mutants incapable of nitrogen fixation to wild-type. Elemental analysis revealed a role for BNF in maintaining shoot carbon/nitrogen (C/N) balance under all nitrogen treatments at elevated CO2, whereas the effect of BNF on biomass was only observed at elevated CO2 and the lowest nitrogen dose. Lower photosynthetic rates at were associated with the imbalance in shoot C/N. Genome-wide transcriptional responses were used to identify carbon and nitrogen metabolism genes underlying the traits. Transcription factors important to C/N signalling were identified from inferred regulatory networks. This work supports the hypothesis that maintenance of C/N homoeostasis at elevated CO2 can be achieved in plants capable of BNF and revealed important regulators in the underlying networks including an alfalfa (Golden2-like) GLK ortholog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Brooks
- Global Change and Photosynthesis Research Unit, USDA ARS, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Ronnia C Szeto
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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Yoshikawa GV, Boden SA. Finding the right balance: The enduring role of florigens during cereal inflorescence development and their influence on fertility. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 79:102539. [PMID: 38599051 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2024.102539] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Flowering is a vital process in a plant's lifecycle and variation for flowering-time has helped cereals adapt to diverse environments. Much cereal research has focused on understanding how flowering signals, or florigens, regulate the floral transition and timing of ear emergence. However, flowering genes also perform an enduring role during inflorescence development, with genotypes that elicit a weaker flowering signal producing more elaborately branched inflorescences with extra floret-bearing spikelets. While this outcome indicates that variable expression of flowering genes could boost yield potential, further analysis has shown that dampened florigen levels can compromise fertility, negating the benefit of extra grain-producing sites. Here, we discuss ways that florigens contribute to early and late inflorescence development, including their influence on branch/spikelet architecture and fertility. We propose that a deeper understanding of the role for florigens during inflorescence development could be used to balance the effects of florigens throughout flowering to improve productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme V Yoshikawa
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Scott A Boden
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia.
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8
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Yang X, Feng K, Wang G, Zhang S, Zhao J, Yuan X, Ren J. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles alleviates polystyrene nanoplastics induced growth inhibition by modulating carbon and nitrogen metabolism via melatonin signaling in maize. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:262. [PMID: 38760823 PMCID: PMC11100085 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02537-x] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanoplastics, are emerging pollutants, present a potential hazard to food security and human health. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (Nano-TiO2), serving as nano-fertilizer in agriculture, may be important in alleviating polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) toxicity. RESULTS Here, we performed transcriptomic, metabolomic and physiological analyzes to identify the role of Nano-TiO2 in regulating the metabolic processes in PSNPs-stressed maize seedlings (Zea mays L.). The growth inhibition by PSNPs stress was partially relieved by Nano-TiO2. Furthermore, when considering the outcomes obtained from RNA-seq, enzyme activity, and metabolite content analyses, it becomes evident that Nano-TiO2 significantly enhance carbon and nitrogen metabolism levels in plants. In comparison to plants that were not subjected to Nano-TiO2, plants exposed to Nano-TiO2 exhibited enhanced capabilities in maintaining higher rates of photosynthesis, sucrose synthesis, nitrogen assimilation, and protein synthesis under stressful conditions. Meanwhile, Nano-TiO2 alleviated the oxidative damage by modulating the antioxidant systems. Interestingly, we also found that Nano-TiO2 significantly enhanced the endogenous melatonin levels in maize seedlings. P-chlorophenylalanine (p-CPA, a melatonin synthesis inhibitor) declined Nano-TiO2-induced PSNPs tolerance. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our data show that melatonin is involved in Nano-TiO2-induced growth promotion in maize through the regulation of carbon and nitrogen metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030800, Shanxi, China
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ke Feng
- College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030800, Shanxi, China
| | - Guo Wang
- College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030800, Shanxi, China
| | - Shifang Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030800, Shanxi, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030800, Shanxi, China.
| | - Xiangyang Yuan
- College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030800, Shanxi, China.
| | - Jianhong Ren
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030800, Shanxi, China.
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Wei C, Hu Z, Wang S, Tan X, Jin Y, Yi Z, He K, Zhao L, Chu Z, Fang Y, Chen S, Liu P, Zhao H. An endogenous promoter LpSUT2 discovered in duckweed: a promising transgenic tool for plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1368284. [PMID: 38638348 PMCID: PMC11025394 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1368284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Promoters are one of the most critical elements in regulating gene expression. They are considered essential biotechnological tools for heterologous protein production. The one most widely used in plants is the 35S promoter from cauliflower mosaic virus. However, our study for the first time discovered the 35S promoter reduced the expression of exogenous proteins under increased antibiotic stress. We discovered an endogenous strong promoter from duckweed named LpSUT2 that keeps higher initiation activity under antibiotic stress. Stable transformation in duckweed showed that the gene expression of eGFP in the LpSUT2:eGFP was 1.76 times that of the 35S:eGFP at 100 mg.L-1 G418 and 6.18 times at 500 mg.L-1 G418. Notably, with the increase of G418 concentration, the gene expression and the fluorescence signal of eGFP in the 35S:eGFP were weakened, while the LpSUT2:eGFP only changed slightly. This is because, under high antibiotic stress, the 35S promoter was methylated, leading to the gene silencing of the eGFP gene. Meanwhile, the LpSUT2 promoter was not methylated and maintained high activity. This is a previously unknown mechanism that provides us with new insights into screening more stable promoters that are less affected by environmental stress. These outcomes suggest that the LpSUT2 promoter has a high capacity to initiate the expression of exogenous proteins. In conclusion, our study provides a promoter tool with potential application for plant genetic engineering and also provides new insights into screening promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuicui Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhubin Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Songhu Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Horticultural Crop Quality Biology, School of Horticulture, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao Tan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanling Jin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhuolin Yi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Kaize He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Leyi Zhao
- Pitzer College, Claremont, CA, United States
| | - Ziyue Chu
- Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yang Fang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuang Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Penghui Liu
- School of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya, China
| | - Hai Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Mullins E, Bresson J, Dalmay T, Dewhurst IC, Epstein MM, Firbank LG, Guerche P, Hejatko J, Moreno FJ, Naegeli H, Nogué F, Rostoks N, Sánchez Serrano JJ, Savoini G, Veromann E, Veronesi F, Ardizzone M, Camargo AM, De Sanctis G, Federici S, Fernandez A, Gennaro A, Gómez Ruiz JÁ, Goumperis T, Grammatikou P, Kagkli DM, Lenzi P, Neri FM, Papadopoulou N, Raffaello T. Assessment of genetically modified maize DP202216 for food and feed uses, under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA-GMO-NL-2019-159). EFSA J 2024; 22:e8655. [PMID: 38510324 PMCID: PMC10952026 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified maize DP202216 was developed to confer tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium-containing herbicides and to provide an opportunity for yield enhancement under field conditions. These properties were achieved by introducing the mo-pat and zmm28 expression cassettes. The molecular characterisation data and bioinformatic analyses do not identify issues requiring food/feed safety assessment. None of the identified differences in the agronomic/phenotypic and compositional characteristics tested between maize DP202216 and its comparator needs further assessment, except for the levels of stearic acid (C18:0), which do not raise nutritional and safety concerns. The GMO Panel does not identify safety concerns regarding the toxicity and allergenicity of the PAT and ZMM28 proteins as expressed in maize DP202216, and finds no evidence that the genetic modification would change the overall allergenicity of maize DP202216. In the context of this application, the consumption of food and feed from maize DP202216 does not represent a nutritional concern in humans and animals. The GMO Panel concludes that maize DP202216 is as safe as the comparator and non-GM reference varieties tested, and no post-market monitoring of food/feed is considered necessary. In the case of accidental release of viable maize DP202216 grains into the environment, this would not raise environmental safety concerns. The post-market environmental monitoring plan and reporting intervals are in line with the intended uses of maize DP202216. The GMO Panel concludes that maize DP202216 is as safe as its comparator and the tested non-GM reference varieties with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment.
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11
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Sarker PK, Paul AS, Karmoker D. Mitigating climate change and pandemic impacts on global food security: dual sustainable agriculture approach (2S approach). PLANTA 2023; 258:104. [PMID: 37878120 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-023-04257-2] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION Simultaneous application of two sustainability approaches such as the application of biofertilizers to GM plants and microbe bioengineering to enhance physiological response and beneficial interaction with GM plants may have a significant impact on strengthening global food security amid climate change and the pandemic. The second sustainable development goal (SDG 02, Zero Hunger) aims global agricultural sustainability and food security challenges. The agriculture sector has been an integral part of developing countries for millions of farmers and their families. Their contribution provides stability of raw matter related to food availability. But climate change, higher population growth and worldwide pandemics are the main obstacles to food quality, higher crop productivity and global food security. Scientists are concerned with the manifestation of agriculture sustainability in the modern crop management approach to resolving the issues. It is the only way to higher yield productivity by protecting the environment, conserving natural resources, and slowing climate change. Several strategies can be an option to implement, yet the proposed two sustainability approach or 2S approach will be the significant way toward the goal of zero hunger. The first sustainability approach is an application of genetically modified (S1: GMO) Plants and the other is an application of beneficiary plant growth-promoting microbes (S2: Biofertilizers) to the plants for both higher crops and maintenance of the environment. This study summarizes the essential points of S1 and S2 for the widespread utilization of the 2S approach in agriculture and recommends the potential alternatives to be implemented to produce food for all. Simultaneous application of the 2S approach can defeat all threats to gain sustainability in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Protup Kumer Sarker
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, 470-1192, Japan.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - Archi Sundar Paul
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin's, Milwaukee, WI53226, USA
| | - Dola Karmoker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Van Gelder K, Oliveira-Filho ER, Messina CD, Venado RE, Wilker J, Rajasekar S, Ané JM, Amthor JS, Hanson AD. Running the numbers on plant synthetic biology solutions to global problems. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 335:111815. [PMID: 37543223 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology and metabolic engineering promise to deliver sustainable solutions to global problems such as phasing out fossil fuels and replacing industrial nitrogen fixation. While this promise is real, scale matters, and so do knock-on effects of implementing solutions. Both scale and knock-on effects can be estimated by 'Fermi calculations' (aka 'back-of-envelope calculations') that use uncontroversial input data plus simple arithmetic to reach rough but reliable conclusions. Here, we illustrate how this is done and how informative it can be using two cases: oilcane (sugarcane engineered to accumulate triglycerides instead of sugar) as a source of bio-jet fuel, and nitrogen fixation by bacteria in mucilage secreted by maize aerial roots. We estimate that oilcane could meet no more than about 1% of today's U.S. jet fuel demand if grown on all current U.S. sugarcane land and that, if cane land were expanded to meet two-thirds of this demand, the fertilizer and refinery requirements would create a large carbon footprint. Conversely, we estimate that nitrogen fixation in aerial-root mucilage could replace up to 10% of the fertilizer nitrogen applied to U.S. maize, that 2% of plant carbon income used for growth would suffice to fuel the fixation, and that this extra carbon consumption would likely reduce grain yield only slightly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Van Gelder
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | | | - Carlos D Messina
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Rafael E Venado
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jennifer Wilker
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Shanmugam Rajasekar
- Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jean-Michel Ané
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Amthor
- Center for Ecosystem Science and Society, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Andrew D Hanson
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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13
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Khaipho-Burch M, Cooper M, Crossa J, de Leon N, Holland J, Lewis R, McCouch S, Murray SC, Rabbi I, Ronald P, Ross-Ibarra J, Weigel D, Buckler ES. Genetic modification can improve crop yields - but stop overselling it. Nature 2023; 621:470-473. [PMID: 37773222 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-02895-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
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14
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McFarland FL, Collier R, Walter N, Martinell B, Kaeppler SM, Kaeppler HF. A key to totipotency: Wuschel-like homeobox 2a unlocks embryogenic culture response in maize (Zea mays L.). PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2023; 21:1860-1872. [PMID: 37357571 PMCID: PMC10440991 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
The ability of plant somatic cells to dedifferentiate, form somatic embryos and regenerate whole plants in vitro has been harnessed for both clonal propagation and as a key component of plant genetic engineering systems. Embryogenic culture response is significantly limited, however, by plant genotype in most species. This impedes advancements in both plant transformation-based functional genomics research and crop improvement efforts. We utilized natural variation among maize inbred lines to genetically map somatic embryo generation potential in tissue culture and identify candidate genes underlying totipotency. Using a series of maize lines derived from crosses involving the culturable parent A188 and the non-responsive parent B73, we identified a region on chromosome 3 associated with embryogenic culture response and focused on three candidate genes within the region based on genetic position and expression pattern. Two candidate genes showed no effect when ectopically expressed in B73, but the gene Wox2a was found to induce somatic embryogenesis and embryogenic callus proliferation. Transgenic B73 cells with strong constitutive expression of the B73 and A188 coding sequences of Wox2a were found to produce somatic embryos at similar frequencies, demonstrating that sufficient expression of either allele could rescue the embryogenic culture phenotype. Transgenic B73 plants were regenerated from the somatic embryos without chemical selection and no pleiotropic effects were observed in the Wox2a overexpression lines in the regenerated T0 plants or in the two independent events which produced T1 progeny. In addition to linking natural variation in tissue culture response to Wox2a, our data support the utility of Wox2a in enabling transformation of recalcitrant genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank L. McFarland
- Department of AgronomyUniversity of WisconsinMadisonWIUSA
- Wisconsin Crop Innovation CenterUniversity of WisconsinMiddletonWIUSA
| | - Ray Collier
- Department of AgronomyUniversity of WisconsinMadisonWIUSA
| | | | | | - Shawn M. Kaeppler
- Department of AgronomyUniversity of WisconsinMadisonWIUSA
- Wisconsin Crop Innovation CenterUniversity of WisconsinMiddletonWIUSA
| | - Heidi F. Kaeppler
- Department of AgronomyUniversity of WisconsinMadisonWIUSA
- Wisconsin Crop Innovation CenterUniversity of WisconsinMiddletonWIUSA
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15
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Munns R, Millar AH. Seven plant capacities to adapt to abiotic stress. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:4308-4323. [PMID: 37220077 PMCID: PMC10433935 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Abiotic stresses such as drought and heat continue to impact crop production in a warming world. This review distinguishes seven inherent capacities that enable plants to respond to abiotic stresses and continue growing, although at a reduced rate, to achieve a productive yield. These are the capacities to selectively take up essential resources, store them and supply them to different plant parts, generate the energy required for cellular functions, conduct repairs to maintain plant tissues, communicate between plant parts, manage existing structural assets in the face of changed circumstances, and shape-shift through development to be efficient in different environments. By illustration, we show how all seven plant capacities are important for reproductive success of major crop species during drought, salinity, temperature extremes, flooding, and nutrient stress. Confusion about the term 'oxidative stress' is explained. This allows us to focus on the strategies that enhance plant adaptation by identifying key responses that can be targets for plant breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Munns
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - A Harvey Millar
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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16
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Taranto F, Esposito S, De Vita P. Genomics for Yield and Yield Components in Durum Wheat. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2571. [PMID: 37447132 DOI: 10.3390/plants12132571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, many efforts have been conducted to dissect the genetic basis of yield and yield components in durum wheat thanks to linkage mapping and genome-wide association studies. In this review, starting from the analysis of the genetic bases that regulate the expression of yield for developing new durum wheat varieties, we have highlighted how, currently, the reductionist approach, i.e., dissecting the yield into its individual components, does not seem capable of ensuring significant yield increases due to diminishing resources, land loss, and ongoing climate change. However, despite the identification of genes and/or chromosomal regions, controlling the grain yield in durum wheat is still a challenge, mainly due to the polyploidy level of this species. In the review, we underline that the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies coupled with improved wheat genome assembly and high-throughput genotyping platforms, as well as genome editing technology, will revolutionize plant breeding by providing a great opportunity to capture genetic variation that can be used in breeding programs. To date, genomic selection provides a valuable tool for modeling optimal allelic combinations across the whole genome that maximize the phenotypic potential of an individual under a given environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Taranto
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (CNR-IBBR), 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Esposito
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops (CREA-CI), CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Pasquale De Vita
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops (CREA-CI), CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, 71122 Foggia, Italy
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17
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Karnatam KS, Mythri B, Un Nisa W, Sharma H, Meena TK, Rana P, Vikal Y, Gowda M, Dhillon BS, Sandhu S. Silage maize as a potent candidate for sustainable animal husbandry development-perspectives and strategies for genetic enhancement. Front Genet 2023; 14:1150132. [PMID: 37303948 PMCID: PMC10250641 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1150132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Maize is recognized as the queen of cereals, with an ability to adapt to diverse agroecologies (from 58oN to 55oS latitude) and the highest genetic yield potential among cereals. Under contemporary conditions of global climate change, C4 maize crops offer resilience and sustainability to ensure food, nutritional security, and farmer livelihood. In the northwestern plains of India, maize is an important alternative to paddy for crop diversification in the wake of depleting water resources, reduced farm diversity, nutrient mining, and environmental pollution due to paddy straw burning. Owing to its quick growth, high biomass, good palatability, and absence of anti-nutritional components, maize is also one of the most nutritious non-legume green fodders. It is a high-energy, low-protein forage commonly used for dairy animals like cows and buffalos, often in combination with a complementary high-protein forage such as alfalfa. Maize is also preferred for silage over other fodders due to its softness, high starch content, and sufficient soluble sugars required for proper ensiling. With a rapid population increase in developing countries like China and India, there is an upsurge in meat consumption and, hence, the requirement for animal feed, which entails high usage of maize. The global maize silage market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.84% from 2021 to 2030. Factors such as increasing demand for sustainable and environment-friendly food sources coupled with rising health awareness are fueling this growth. With the dairy sector growing at about 4%-5% and the increasing shortage faced for fodder, demand for silage maize is expected to increase worldwide. The progress in improved mechanization for the provision of silage maize, reduced labor demand, lack of moisture-related marketing issues as associated with grain maize, early vacancy of farms for next crops, and easy and economical form of feed to sustain household dairy sector make maize silage a profitable venture. However, sustaining the profitability of this enterprise requires the development of hybrids specific for silage production. Little attention has yet been paid to breeding for a plant ideotype for silage with specific consideration of traits such as dry matter yield, nutrient yield, energy in organic matter, genetic architecture of cell wall components determining their digestibility, stalk standability, maturity span, and losses during ensiling. This review explores the available information on the underlying genetic mechanisms and gene/gene families impacting silage yield and quality. The trade-offs between yield and nutritive value in relation to crop duration are also discussed. Based on available genetic information on inheritance and molecular aspects, breeding strategies are proposed to develop maize ideotypes for silage for the development of sustainable animal husbandry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Sai Karnatam
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Bikkasani Mythri
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Wajhat Un Nisa
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Heena Sharma
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Meena
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Prabhat Rana
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Yogesh Vikal
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - M. Gowda
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Baldev Singh Dhillon
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Surinder Sandhu
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
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18
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Li R, He Y, Chen J, Zheng S, Zhuang C. Research Progress in Improving Photosynthetic Efficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119286. [PMID: 37298238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Photosynthesis is the largest mass- and energy-conversion process on Earth, and it is the material basis for almost all biological activities. The efficiency of converting absorbed light energy into energy substances during photosynthesis is very low compared to theoretical values. Based on the importance of photosynthesis, this article summarizes the latest progress in improving photosynthesis efficiency from various perspectives. The main way to improve photosynthetic efficiency is to optimize the light reactions, including increasing light absorption and conversion, accelerating the recovery of non-photochemical quenching, modifying enzymes in the Calvin cycle, introducing carbon concentration mechanisms into C3 plants, rebuilding the photorespiration pathway, de novo synthesis, and changing stomatal conductance. These developments indicate that there is significant room for improvement in photosynthesis, providing support for improving crop yields and mitigating changes in climate conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Li
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ying He
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Junyu Chen
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shaoyan Zheng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chuxiong Zhuang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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19
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Liu M, Zhang S, Li W, Zhao X, Wang XQ. Identifying yield-related genes in maize based on ear trait plasticity. Genome Biol 2023; 24:94. [PMID: 37098597 PMCID: PMC10127483 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02937-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phenotypic plasticity is defined as the phenotypic variation of a trait when an organism is exposed to different environments, and it is closely related to genotype. Exploring the genetic basis behind the phenotypic plasticity of ear traits in maize is critical to achieve climate-stable yields, particularly given the unpredictable effects of climate change. Performing genetic field studies in maize requires development of a fast, reliable, and automated system for phenotyping large numbers of samples. RESULTS Here, we develop MAIZTRO as an automated maize ear phenotyping platform for high-throughput measurements in the field. Using this platform, we analyze 15 common ear phenotypes and their phenotypic plasticity variation in 3819 transgenic maize inbred lines targeting 717 genes, along with the wild type lines of the same genetic background, in multiple field environments in two consecutive years. Kernel number is chosen as the primary target phenotype because it is a key trait for improving the grain yield and ensuring yield stability. We analyze the phenotypic plasticity of the transgenic lines in different environments and identify 34 candidate genes that may regulate the phenotypic plasticity of kernel number. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that as an integrated and efficient phenotyping platform for measuring maize ear traits, MAIZTRO can help to explore new traits that are important for improving and stabilizing the yield. This study indicates that genes and alleles related with ear trait plasticity can be identified using transgenic maize inbred populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minguo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Frontier Technology Research Institute of China Agricultural University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shuaisong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhao
- Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xi-Qing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
- Frontier Technology Research Institute of China Agricultural University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518000, China.
- Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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20
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Jing X, Liu Y, Liu X, Wang XF, You C, Chang D, Zhang S. Nitrogen-doped carbon dots enhanced seedling growth and salt tolerance with distinct requirements of excitation light. RSC Adv 2023; 13:12114-12122. [PMID: 37082373 PMCID: PMC10111579 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra01514a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous nanomaterials with optical properties have demonstrated excellent capacities to enhance plant growth and stress tolerance. However, the corresponding mechanisms have only been partially characterized, especially the excitation-light dependencies of different actions. Here, nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) were developed to explore the excitation-light dependence in N-CD-induced growth enhancement and salt tolerance. Compared to the control, N-CDs induced significant enhancements in Arabidopsis thaliana growth under excitation light, including fresh/dry weight of shoot (21.07% and 16.87%), chlorophyll content (9.17%), soluble sugar content (23.41%), leaf area (28.68%), total root length (34.07%) and root tip number (46.69%). In the absence of excitation light, N-CD-treated seedlings exhibited little differences in these parameters, except the enhancements in root length (24.51%) and root tip number (10.24%). On the other hand, N-CD-treatment could improve seedling salt tolerance with or without excitation light. Under salt stress (150 mM NaCl), in the presence of excitation light, the N-CDs treatment significantly increased shoot/root fresh weight and chlorophyll content by 43.29%, 50.66% and 22.59%, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content and relative conductivity by 17.59% and 32.58% compared to the control group. In the absence of excitation light, significant enhancements in shoot/root fresh weight (34.22%, 32.60%) and chlorophyll content (10.45%), and obvious decreases in MDA content (28.84%) and relative conductivity (16.13%) were also found. These results indicated that N-CDs only induced growth enhancement under excitation light, but they improved salt tolerance with and without excitation light, suggesting that the two effects occurred via distinct signaling pathways. This study revealed the excitation-light dependencies of nanomaterial-involved agriculture applications, providing insight into designing more efficient nanomaterials in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Green Fertilizer Technology Innovation Center, Apple Technology Innovation Center of Shandong Province, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University Taian Shandong China
| | - Yankai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Green Fertilizer Technology Innovation Center, Apple Technology Innovation Center of Shandong Province, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University Taian Shandong China
| | - Xuzhe Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Film Application of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Chemistry and Material Science, Shandong Agricultural University Taian Shandong China
| | - Xiao-Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Green Fertilizer Technology Innovation Center, Apple Technology Innovation Center of Shandong Province, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University Taian Shandong China
| | - Chunxiang You
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Green Fertilizer Technology Innovation Center, Apple Technology Innovation Center of Shandong Province, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University Taian Shandong China
| | - Dayong Chang
- Yantai Goodly Biological Technology Co., Ltd. Yantai Shandong China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Film Application of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Chemistry and Material Science, Shandong Agricultural University Taian Shandong China
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21
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Narayanan Z, Glick BR. Biotechnologically Engineered Plants. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040601. [PMID: 37106801 PMCID: PMC10135915 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The development of recombinant DNA technology during the past thirty years has enabled scientists to isolate, characterize, and manipulate a myriad of different animal, bacterial, and plant genes. This has, in turn, led to the commercialization of hundreds of useful products that have significantly improved human health and well-being. Commercially, these products have been mostly produced in bacterial, fungal, or animal cells grown in culture. More recently, scientists have begun to develop a wide range of transgenic plants that produce numerous useful compounds. The perceived advantage of producing foreign compounds in plants is that compared to other methods of producing these compounds, plants seemingly provide a much less expensive means of production. A few plant-produced compounds are already commercially available; however, many more are in the production pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zareen Narayanan
- Division of Biological Sciences, School of STEM, University of Washington, Bothell, WA 98011, USA
| | - Bernard R Glick
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L3G1, Canada
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22
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De Souza AP, Burgess SJ, Doran L, Manukyan L, Hansen J, Maryn N, Leonelli L, Niyogi KK, Stephen SP. Response to Comments on "Soybean photosynthesis and crop yield is improved by accelerating recovery from photoprotection". Science 2023; 379:eadf2189. [PMID: 36821655 DOI: 10.1126/science.adf2189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
We recently demonstrated that accelerating the relaxation of nonphotochemical quenching leads to higher soybean photosynthetic efficiency and yield. In response, Sinclair et al. assert that improved photosynthesis cannot improve crop yields and that there is only one valid experimental design for proving a genetic improvement in yield. We explain here why neither assertion is valid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda P De Souza
- Departments of Plant Biology and of Crop Sciences, Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Steven J Burgess
- Departments of Plant Biology and of Crop Sciences, Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Lynn Doran
- Departments of Plant Biology and of Crop Sciences, Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Lusya Manukyan
- Departments of Plant Biology and of Crop Sciences, Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey Hansen
- Departments of Plant Biology and of Crop Sciences, Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Nina Maryn
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Lauribel Leonelli
- Departments of Plant Biology and of Crop Sciences, Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Krishna K Niyogi
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Stephen P Stephen
- Departments of Plant Biology and of Crop Sciences, Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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23
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Liu G, Zhang R, Li S, Ullah R, Yang F, Wang Z, Guo W, You M, Li B, Xie C, Wang L, Liu J, Ni Z, Sun Q, Liang R. TaMADS29 interacts with TaNF-YB1 to synergistically regulate early grain development in bread wheat. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023:10.1007/s11427-022-2286-0. [PMID: 36802319 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2286-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Grain development is a crucial determinant of yield and quality in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying wheat grain development remain elusive. Here we report how TaMADS29 interacts with TaNF-YB1 to synergistically regulate early grain development in bread wheat. The tamads29 mutants generated by CRISPR/Cas9 exhibited severe grain filling deficiency, coupled with excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and abnormal programmed cell death that occurred in early developing grains, while overexpression of TaMADS29 increased grain width and 1,000-kernel weight. Further analysis revealed that TaMADS29 interacted directly with TaNF-YB1; null mutation in TaNF-YB1 caused grain developmental deficiency similar to tamads29 mutants. The regulatory complex composed of TaMADS29 and TaNF-YB1 exercises its possible function that inhibits the excessive accumulation of ROS by regulating the genes involved in chloroplast development and photosynthesis in early developing wheat grains and prevents nucellar projection degradation and endosperm cell death, facilitating transportation of nutrients into the endosperm and wholly filling of developing grains. Collectively, our work not only discloses the molecular mechanism of MADS-box and NF-Y TFs in facilitating bread wheat grain development, but also indicates that caryopsis chloroplast might be a central regulator of grain development rather than merely a photosynthesis organelle. More importantly, our work offers an innovative way to breed high-yield wheat cultivars by controlling the ROS level in developing grains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyu Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Runqi Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Sen Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Rehmat Ullah
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Fengping Yang
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zihao Wang
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Weilong Guo
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Mingshan You
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Baoyun Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Chaojie Xie
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Liangsheng Wang
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhongfu Ni
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qixin Sun
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Rongqi Liang
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Targeted Mutagenesis of the Multicopy Myrosinase Gene Family in Allotetraploid Brassica juncea Reduces Pungency in Fresh Leaves across Environments. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11192494. [PMID: 36235360 PMCID: PMC9572489 DOI: 10.3390/plants11192494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent breeding efforts in Brassica have focused on the development of new oilseed feedstock crop for biofuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel, bio-jet fuel), bio-industrial uses (e.g., bio-plastics, lubricants), specialty fatty acids (e.g., erucic acid), and producing low glucosinolates levels for oilseed and feed meal production for animal consumption. We identified a novel opportunity to enhance the availability of nutritious, fresh leafy greens for human consumption. Here, we demonstrated the efficacy of disarming the ‘mustard bomb’ reaction in reducing pungency upon the mastication of fresh tissue—a major source of unpleasant flavor and/or odor in leafy Brassica. Using gene-specific mutagenesis via CRISPR-Cas12a, we created knockouts of all functional copies of the type-I myrosinase multigene family in tetraploid Brassica juncea. Our greenhouse and field trials demonstrate, via sensory and biochemical analyses, a stable reduction in pungency in edited plants across multiple environments. Collectively, these efforts provide a compelling path toward boosting the human consumption of nutrient-dense, fresh, leafy green vegetables.
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25
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Ectopic Expression of the Rice Grain-Size-Affecting Gene GS5 in Maize Affects Kernel Size by Regulating Endosperm Starch Synthesis. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13091542. [PMID: 36140710 PMCID: PMC9498353 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Maize is one of the most important food crops, and maize kernel is one of the important components of maize yield. Studies have shown that the rice grain-size affecting gene GS5 increases the thousand-kernel weight by positively regulating the rice grain width and grain grouting rate. In this study, based on the GS5 transgenic maize obtained through transgenic technology with specific expression in the endosperm, molecular assays were performed on the transformed plants. Southern blotting results showed that the GS5 gene was integrated into the maize genome in a low copy number, and RT-PCR analysis showed that the exogenous GS5 gene was normally and highly expressed in maize. The agronomic traits of two successive generations showed that certain lines were significantly improved in yield-related traits, and the most significant changes were observed in the OE-34 line, where the kernel width increased significantly by 8.99% and 10.96%, the 100-kernel weight increased by 14.10% and 10.82%, and the ear weight increased by 13.96% and 15.71%, respectively; however, no significant differences were observed in the plant height, ear height, kernel length, kernel row number, or kernel number. In addition, the overexpression of the GS5 gene increased the grain grouting rate and affected starch synthesis in the rice grains. The kernels’ starch content in OE-25, OE-34, and OE-57 increased by 10.30%, 7.39%, and 6.39%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to observe changes in the starch granule size, and the starch granule diameter of the transgenic line(s) was significantly reduced. RT-PCR was performed to detect the expression levels of related genes in starch synthesis, and the expression of these genes was generally upregulated. It was speculated that the exogenous GS5 gene changed the size of the starch granules by regulating the expression of related genes in the starch synthesis pathway, thus increasing the starch content. The trans-GS5 gene was able to be stably expressed in the hybrids with the genetic backgrounds of the four materials, with significant increases in the kernel width, 100-kernel weight, and ear weight. In this study, the maize kernel size was significantly increased through the endosperm-specific expression of the rice GS5 gene, and good material for the functional analysis of the GS5 gene was created, which was of great importance in theory and application.
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De Souza AP, Burgess SJ, Doran L, Hansen J, Manukyan L, Maryn N, Gotarkar D, Leonelli L, Niyogi KK, Long SP. Soybean photosynthesis and crop yield are improved by accelerating recovery from photoprotection. Science 2022; 377:851-854. [PMID: 35981033 DOI: 10.1126/science.adc9831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Crop leaves in full sunlight dissipate damaging excess absorbed light energy as heat. This protective dissipation continues after the leaf transitions to shade, reducing crop photosynthesis. A bioengineered acceleration of this adjustment increased photosynthetic efficiency and biomass in tobacco in the field. But could that also translate to increased yield in a food crop? Here we bioengineered the same change into soybean. In replicated field trials, photosynthetic efficiency in fluctuating light was higher and seed yield in five independent transformation events increased by up to 33%. Despite increased seed quantity, seed protein and oil content were unaltered. This validates increasing photosynthetic efficiency as a much needed strategy toward sustainably increasing crop yield in support of future global food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda P De Souza
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Steven J Burgess
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Department of Plant Biology, Morrill Hall, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Lynn Doran
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey Hansen
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Lusya Manukyan
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Nina Maryn
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Dhananjay Gotarkar
- Department of Plant Biology, Morrill Hall, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Lauriebeth Leonelli
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Krishna K Niyogi
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Stephen P Long
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
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27
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Tong L, Yan M, Zhu M, Yang J, Li Y, Xu M. ZmCCT haplotype H5 improves yield, stalk-rot resistance, and drought tolerance in maize. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:984527. [PMID: 36046586 PMCID: PMC9421135 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.984527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The ZmCCT locus underlies both stalk-rot resistance and photoperiod sensitivity in maize (Zea mays L.). We previously introduced nine resistant ZmCCT haplotypes into seven elite but susceptible maize inbred lines (containing the haplotype H1) to generate 63 backcross families. Here, we continued backcrossing, followed by selfing, to develop 63 near-isogenic lines (NILs). We evaluated 22 of these NILs for stalk-rot resistance and flowering time under long-day conditions. Lines harboring the haplotype H5 outperformed the others, steadily reducing disease severity, while showing less photoperiod sensitivity. To demonstrate the value of haplotype H5 for maize production, we selected two pairs of NILs, 83B28 H1 /83B28 H5 and A5302 H1 /A5302 H5 , and generated F1 hybrids with the same genetic backgrounds but different ZmCCT alleles: 83B28 H1 × A5302 H1 , 83B28 H1 × A5302 H5 , 83B28 H5 × A5302 H1 , and 83B28 H5 × A5302 H5 . We performed field trials to investigate yield/yield-related traits, stalk-rot resistance, flowering time, and drought/salt tolerance in these four hybrids. 83B28 H5 × A5302 H1 performed the best, with significantly improved yield, stalk-rot resistance, and drought tolerance compared to the control (83B28 H1 × A5302 H1 ). Therefore, the ZmCCT haplotype H5 has great value for breeding maize varieties with high yield potential, stalk-rot resistance, and drought tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixiu Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, National Maize Improvement Center, Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingzhu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, National Maize Improvement Center, Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Mang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, National Maize Improvement Center, Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, National Maize Improvement Center, Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Food Crops Research Institute, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Yipu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, National Maize Improvement Center, Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Agricultural College, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Mingliang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, National Maize Improvement Center, Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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28
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Sabharwal T, Lu Z, Slocum RD, Kang S, Wang H, Jiang HW, Veerappa R, Romanovicz D, Nam JC, Birk S, Clark G, Roux SJ. Constitutive expression of a pea apyrase, psNTP9, increases seed yield in field-grown soybean. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10870. [PMID: 35760854 PMCID: PMC9237067 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14821-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
To address the demand for food by a rapidly growing human population, agricultural scientists have carried out both plant breeding and genetic engineering research. Previously, we reported that the constitutive expression of a pea apyrase (Nucleoside triphosphate, diphosphohydrolase) gene, psNTP9, under the control of the CaMV35S promoter, resulted in soybean plants with an expanded root system architecture, enhanced drought resistance and increased seed yield when they are grown in greenhouses under controlled conditions. Here, we report that psNTP9-expressing soybean lines also show significantly enhanced seed yields when grown in multiple different field conditions at multiple field sites, including when the gene is introgressed into elite germplasm. The transgenic lines have higher leaf chlorophyll and soluble protein contents and decreased stomatal density and cuticle permeability, traits that increase water use efficiency and likely contribute to the increased seed yields of field-grown plants. These altered properties are explained, in part, by genome-wide gene expression changes induced by the transgene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Sabharwal
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | | | - Robert D Slocum
- Program in Biological Sciences, Goucher College, Towson, MD, 21204, USA
| | - Seongjoon Kang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Han-Wei Jiang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Roopadarshini Veerappa
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Dwight Romanovicz
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Ji Chul Nam
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Simon Birk
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Greg Clark
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Stanley J Roux
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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zmm28 transgenic maize increases both N uptake- and N utilization-efficiencies. Commun Biol 2022; 5:555. [PMID: 35672405 PMCID: PMC9174173 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03501-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Biotechnology has emerged as a valuable tool in the development of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids with enhanced nitrogen (N) use efficiency. Recent work has described the positive effects of an increased and extended expression of the zmm28 transcription factor (Event DP202216) on maize yield productivity. In this study, we expand on the previous findings studying maize N uptake and utilization in DP202216 transgenic hybrids compared to wild-type (WT) controls. Isotope 15N labeling demonstrates that DP202216 hybrids have an improved N uptake during late-vegetative stages (inducing N storage in lower leaves of the canopy) and, thus, N uptake efficiency (N uptake to applied N ratio) relative to WT. Through both greater N harvest index and reproductive N remobilization, transgenic plants were able to achieve better N utilization efficiency (yield to N uptake ratio). Our findings suggest the DP202216 trait could open new avenues for improving N uptake and utilization efficiencies in maize.
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Deciphering Pleiotropic Signatures of Regulatory SNPs in Zea mays L. Using Multi-Omics Data and Machine Learning Algorithms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095121. [PMID: 35563516 PMCID: PMC9100765 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Maize is one of the most widely grown cereals in the world. However, to address the challenges in maize breeding arising from climatic anomalies, there is a need for developing novel strategies to harness the power of multi-omics technologies. In this regard, pleiotropy is an important genetic phenomenon that can be utilized to simultaneously enhance multiple agronomic phenotypes in maize. In addition to pleiotropy, another aspect is the consideration of the regulatory SNPs (rSNPs) that are likely to have causal effects in phenotypic development. By incorporating both aspects in our study, we performed a systematic analysis based on multi-omics data to reveal the novel pleiotropic signatures of rSNPs in a global maize population. For this purpose, we first applied Random Forests and then Markov clustering algorithms to decipher the pleiotropic signatures of rSNPs, based on which hierarchical network models are constructed to elucidate the complex interplay among transcription factors, rSNPs, and phenotypes. The results obtained in our study could help to understand the genetic programs orchestrating multiple phenotypes and thus could provide novel breeding targets for the simultaneous improvement of several agronomic traits.
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31
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Sanchez J, Kaur PP, Pabuayon ICM, Karampudi NBR, Kitazumi A, Sandhu N, Catolos M, Kumar A, de Los Reyes BG. DECUSSATE network with flowering genes explains the variable effects of qDTY12.1 to rice yield under drought across genetic backgrounds. THE PLANT GENOME 2022; 15:e20168. [PMID: 34806842 DOI: 10.1002/tpg2.20168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The impact of qDTY12.1 in maintaining yield under drought has not been consistent across genetic backgrounds. We hypothesized that synergism or antagonism with additive-effect peripheral genes across the background genome either enhances or undermines its full potential. By modeling the transcriptional networks across sibling qDTY12.1-introgression lines with contrasting yield under drought (LPB = low-yield penalty; HPB = high-yield penalty), the qDTY12.1-encoded DECUSSATE gene (OsDEC) was revealed as the core of a synergy with other genes in the genetic background. OsDEC is expressed in flag leaves and induced by progressive drought at booting stage in LPB but not in HPB. The unique OsDEC signature in LPB is coordinated with 35 upstream and downstream peripheral genes involved in floral development through the cytokinin signaling pathway. Results support the differential network rewiring effects through genetic coupling-uncoupling between qDTY12.1 and other upstream and downstream peripheral genes across the distinct genetic backgrounds of LPB and HPB. The functional DEC-network in LPB defines a mechanism for early flowering as a means for avoiding the drought-induced depletion of photosynthate needed for reproductive growth. Its impact is likely through the timely establishment of stronger source-sink dynamics that sustains a robust reproductive transition under drought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacobo Sanchez
- Dep. of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ai Kitazumi
- Dep. of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Nitika Sandhu
- International Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Philippines
- Current address: School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural Univ., Ludhiana, India
| | | | - Arvind Kumar
- International Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Philippines
- Current address: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Petancheru, India
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32
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Gong C, Zhao S, Yang D, Lu X, Anees M, He N, Zhu H, Zhao Y, Liu W. Genome-wide association analysis provides molecular insights into the natural variation of watermelon seed size. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2022; 9:uhab074. [PMID: 35043154 PMCID: PMC8923815 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhab074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Seed-consumption watermelon tend to have larger-sized seeds, while flesh-consumed watermelon often require relatively smaller seed. Therefore, the seed size of watermelon has received extensive attention from consumers and breeders. However, the study on the natural variation and genetic mechanism of watermelon seed size is not clear enough. In the present study, 100 seed weight, seed hilum length, seed length, seed width, and seed thickness in 197 watermelon accessions were examined. Furthermore, association analysis was conducted between seed size traits and high-quality SNP data. The results revealed that there was a strong correlation between the five seed traits. And seed enlargement was an important feature during watermelon seed size domestication. Meanwhile, the seed consumption biological species C. mucosospermu and C. lanatus edible seed watermelon had a significantly bigger seed size than other species's. Eleven non-repeating significant SNPs above the threshold line were obtained by GWAS analysis. Four of them on chromosome 5 were considered to be closely associated with seed size traits, i.e. S5: 32250307, S5: 32250454, S5: 32256177, S5: 32260870, which could be used as potential molecular markers for the breeding of watermelon cultivars with target seed size. In addition, combined with gene annotation information and previous reports, five genes near the four significant SNPs may regulate seed size. And qRT-PCR analysis showed that two genes Cla97C05G104360 and Cla97C05G104380, which may be involved in abscisic acid metabolism, may play an important role in regulating the seed size of watermelon. Our findings provide molecular insights into natural variation in watermelon seed size, and gives valuable information of molecular marker-assisted breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengsheng Gong
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450009, China
| | - Shengjie Zhao
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450009, China
| | - Dongdong Yang
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450009, China
| | - Xuqiang Lu
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450009, China
| | - Muhammad Anees
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450009, China
| | - Nan He
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450009, China
| | - Hongju Zhu
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450009, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450009, China
| | - Wenge Liu
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450009, China
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33
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Motto M, Sahay S. Energy plants (crops): potential natural and future designer plants. HANDBOOK OF BIOFUELS 2022:73-114. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-822810-4.00004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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34
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Zhao D, Chen Z, Xu L, Zhang L, Zou Q. Genome-Wide Analysis of the MADS-Box Gene Family in Maize: Gene Structure, Evolution, and Relationships. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12121956. [PMID: 34946905 PMCID: PMC8701013 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The MADS-box gene family is one of the largest families in plants and plays an important roles in floral development. The MADS-box family includes the SRF-like domain and K-box domain. It is considered that the MADS-box gene family encodes a DNA-binding domain that is generally related to transcription factors, and plays important roles in regulating floral development. Our study identified 211 MADS-box protein sequences in the Zea mays proteome and renamed all the genes based on the gene annotations. All the 211 MADS-box protein sequences were coded by 98 expressed genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the MADS-box genes showed that all the family members were categorized into five subfamilies: MIKC-type, Mα, Mβ, Mγ, and Mδ. Gene duplications are regarded as products of several types of errors during the period of DNA replication and reconstruction; in our study all the 98 MADS-box genes contained 22 pairs of segmentally duplicated events which were distributed on 10 chromosomes. We compared expression data in different tissues from the female spikelet, silk, pericarp aleurone, ear primordium, leaf zone, vegetative meristem, internode, endosperm crown, mature pollen, embryo, root cortex, secondary root, germination kernels, primary root, root elongation zone, and root meristem. According to analysis of gene ontology pathways, we found a total of 41 pathways in which MADS-box genes in maize are involved. All the studies we conducted provided an overview of MADS-box gene family members in maize and showed multiple functions as transcription factors. The related research of MADS-box domains has provided the theoretical basis of MADS-box domains for agricultural applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Zhao
- School of Applied Chemistry and Biological Technology, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen 518055, China; (D.Z.); (Z.C.); (L.Z.)
| | - Zheng Chen
- School of Applied Chemistry and Biological Technology, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen 518055, China; (D.Z.); (Z.C.); (L.Z.)
| | - Lei Xu
- School of Electronic and Communication Engineering, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Correspondence: (L.X.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Lijun Zhang
- School of Applied Chemistry and Biological Technology, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen 518055, China; (D.Z.); (Z.C.); (L.Z.)
| | - Quan Zou
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
- Correspondence: (L.X.); (Q.Z.)
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35
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Yang J, Bertolini E, Braud M, Preciado J, Chepote A, Jiang H, Eveland AL. The SvFUL2 transcription factor is required for inflorescence determinacy and timely flowering in Setaria viridis. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 187:1202-1220. [PMID: 33871654 PMCID: PMC8566296 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Inflorescence architecture in cereal crops directly impacts yield potential through regulation of seed number and harvesting ability. Extensive architectural diversity found in inflorescences of grass species is due to spatial and temporal activity and determinacy of meristems, which control the number and arrangement of branches and flowers, and underlie plasticity. Timing of the floral transition is also intimately associated with inflorescence development and architecture, yet little is known about the intersecting pathways and how they are rewired during development. Here, we show that a single mutation in a gene encoding an AP1/FUL-like MADS-box transcription factor significantly delays flowering time and disrupts multiple levels of meristem determinacy in panicles of the C4 model panicoid grass, Setaria viridis. Previous reports of AP1/FUL-like genes in cereals have revealed extensive functional redundancy, and in panicoid grasses, no associated inflorescence phenotypes have been described. In S. viridis, perturbation of SvFul2, both through chemical mutagenesis and gene editing, converted a normally determinate inflorescence habit to an indeterminate one, and also repressed determinacy in axillary branch and floral meristems. Our analysis of gene networks connected to disruption of SvFul2 identified regulatory hubs at the intersection of floral transition and inflorescence determinacy, providing insights into the optimization of cereal crop architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Yang
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63132, USA
| | - Edoardo Bertolini
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63132, USA
| | - Max Braud
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63132, USA
| | - Jesus Preciado
- National Science Foundation Research Experiences in Plant Science at the Danforth Center, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63132, USA
| | - Adriana Chepote
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63132, USA
| | - Hui Jiang
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63132, USA
| | - Andrea L Eveland
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63132, USA
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36
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Paul MJ. What are the regulatory targets for intervention in assimilate partitioning to improve crop yield and resilience? JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 266:153537. [PMID: 34619557 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2021.153537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sucrose utilisation for the synthesis of cellular components involved in growth and development and the accumulation of biomass determines diversity in the plant kingdom; sucrose utilisation and partitioning also underpin crop yields. As a complex process the use of sucrose for the partitioning of plant products for yield is decided by the interaction of several regulatory hubs and the integration of metabolism and development. Understanding the regulation of assimilate partitioning has been a grand challenge in plant and crop science. There are emerging examples of genes and processes that appear important for assimilate partitioning that underpin yield in crops and which are amenable to intervention. Enzymes of carbon metabolism were some of the first targets in attempts to modify assimilate partitioning at the beginning (source) and end (sink) of the whole plant assimilate partitioning process. Metabolic enzymes are subject to regulatory and homeostatic mechanisms, a key factor to consider in modifying assimilate partitioning. Trehalose 6-phosphate, as a sucrose signal, may represent a special case in its ability to regulate and coordinate source and sink processes. This review summarises recent progress in understanding the underlying regulators of assimilate partitioning and the current and potentially most promising routes to crop yield enhancement with a main focus on cereals. A framework for how source-sink may regulate whole plant assimilate partitioning involving a few key elements and the central importance of reproductive development is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Paul
- Plant Science, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK.
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37
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Renk JS, Gilbert AM, Hattery TJ, O'Connor CH, Monnahan PJ, Anderson N, Waters AJ, Eickholt DP, Flint-Garcia SA, Yandeau-Nelson MD, Hirsch CN. Genetic control of kernel compositional variation in a maize diversity panel. THE PLANT GENOME 2021; 14:e20115. [PMID: 34197039 DOI: 10.1002/tpg2.20115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.) is a multi-purpose row crop grown worldwide, which, over time, has often been bred for increased yield at the detriment of lower composition grain quality. Some knowledge of the genetic factors that affect quality traits has been discovered through the study of classical maize mutants; however, much of the underlying genetic control of these traits and the interaction between these traits remains unknown. To better understand variation that exists for grain compositional traits in maize, we evaluated 501 diverse temperate maize inbred lines in five unique environments and predicted 16 compositional traits (e.g., carbohydrates, protein, and starch) based on the output of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Phenotypic analysis found substantial variation for compositional traits and the majority of variation was explained by genetic and environmental factors. Correlations and trade-offs among traits in different maize types (e.g., dent, sweetcorn, and popcorn) were explored, and significant differences and meaningful correlations were detected. In total, 22.9-71.0% of the phenotypic variation across these traits could be explained using 2,386,666 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers generated from whole-genome resequencing data. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using these same markers and found 72 statistically significant SNPs for 11 compositional traits. This study provides valuable insights in the phenotypic variation and genetic control underlying compositional traits that can be used in breeding programs for improving maize grain quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S Renk
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Amanda M Gilbert
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Travis J Hattery
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Christine H O'Connor
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Patrick J Monnahan
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sherry A Flint-Garcia
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Marna D Yandeau-Nelson
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Candice N Hirsch
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
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38
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Yassitepe JEDCT, da Silva VCH, Hernandes-Lopes J, Dante RA, Gerhardt IR, Fernandes FR, da Silva PA, Vieira LR, Bonatti V, Arruda P. Maize Transformation: From Plant Material to the Release of Genetically Modified and Edited Varieties. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:766702. [PMID: 34721493 PMCID: PMC8553389 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.766702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, advances in plant biotechnology have allowed the development of genetically modified maize varieties that have significantly impacted agricultural management and improved the grain yield worldwide. To date, genetically modified varieties represent 30% of the world's maize cultivated area and incorporate traits such as herbicide, insect and disease resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, high yield, and improved nutritional quality. Maize transformation, which is a prerequisite for genetically modified maize development, is no longer a major bottleneck. Protocols using morphogenic regulators have evolved significantly towards increasing transformation frequency and genotype independence. Emerging technologies using either stable or transient expression and tissue culture-independent methods, such as direct genome editing using RNA-guided endonuclease system as an in vivo desired-target mutator, simultaneous double haploid production and editing/haploid-inducer-mediated genome editing, and pollen transformation, are expected to lead significant progress in maize biotechnology. This review summarises the significant advances in maize transformation protocols, technologies, and applications and discusses the current status, including a pipeline for trait development and regulatory issues related to current and future genetically modified and genetically edited maize varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Erika de Carvalho Teixeira Yassitepe
- Embrapa Informática Agropecuária, Campinas, Brazil
- Genomics for Climate Change Research Center (GCCRC), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Viviane Cristina Heinzen da Silva
- Genomics for Climate Change Research Center (GCCRC), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - José Hernandes-Lopes
- Embrapa Informática Agropecuária, Campinas, Brazil
- Genomics for Climate Change Research Center (GCCRC), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Augusto Dante
- Embrapa Informática Agropecuária, Campinas, Brazil
- Genomics for Climate Change Research Center (GCCRC), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Isabel Rodrigues Gerhardt
- Embrapa Informática Agropecuária, Campinas, Brazil
- Genomics for Climate Change Research Center (GCCRC), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Rausch Fernandes
- Embrapa Informática Agropecuária, Campinas, Brazil
- Genomics for Climate Change Research Center (GCCRC), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Priscila Alves da Silva
- Genomics for Climate Change Research Center (GCCRC), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Leticia Rios Vieira
- Genomics for Climate Change Research Center (GCCRC), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Bonatti
- Genomics for Climate Change Research Center (GCCRC), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Paulo Arruda
- Genomics for Climate Change Research Center (GCCRC), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- Departamento de Genética, Evolução, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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Song GQ, Han X, Ryner JT, Thompson A, Wang K. Utilizing MIKC-type MADS-box protein SOC1 for yield potential enhancement in maize. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2021; 40:1679-1693. [PMID: 34091722 PMCID: PMC8376726 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-021-02722-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of Zea mays SOC gene promotes flowering, reduces plant height, and leads to no reduction in grain production per plant, suggesting enhanced yield potential, at least, through increasing planting density. MIKC-type MADS-box gene SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1 (SOC1) is an integrator conserved in the plant flowering pathway. In this study, the maize SOC1 (ZmSOC1) gene was cloned and overexpressed in transgenic maize Hi-II genotype. The T0 plants were backcrossed with nontransgenic inbred B73 to produce first generation backcross (BC1) seeds. Phenotyping of both transgenic and null segregant (NT) BC1 plants was conducted in three independent experiments. The BC1 transgenic plants showed new attributes such as increased vegetative growth, accelerated flowering time, reduced overall plant height, and increased grain weight. Second generation backcross (BC2) plants were evaluated in the field using two planting densities. Compared to BC2 NT plants, BC2 transgenic plants, were 12-18% shorter, flowered 5 days earlier, and showed no reduction in grain production per plant and an increase in fat, starch, and simple sugars in the grain. Transcriptome comparison in young leaves of 56-day-old BC1 plants revealed that the overexpressed ZmSOC1 resulted in 107 differentially expressed genes. The upregulated transcription factor DNA BINDING WITH ONE FINGER 5.4 (DOF5.4) was among the genes responsible for the reduced plant height. Modulating expression of SOC1 opens a new and effective approach to promote flowering and reduce plant height, which may have potential to enhance crop yield and improve grain quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Qing Song
- Department of Horticulture, Plant Biotechnology Resource and Outreach Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - Xue Han
- Department of Horticulture, Plant Biotechnology Resource and Outreach Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - John T Ryner
- Department of Horticulture, Plant Biotechnology Resource and Outreach Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Addie Thompson
- Department of Plant Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Kan Wang
- Department of Agronomy, Crop Bioengineering Center, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011-1051, USA
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40
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Adamski NM, Simmonds J, Brinton JF, Backhaus AE, Chen Y, Smedley M, Hayta S, Florio T, Crane P, Scott P, Pieri A, Hall O, Barclay JE, Clayton M, Doonan JH, Nibau C, Uauy C. Ectopic expression of Triticum polonicum VRT-A2 underlies elongated glumes and grains in hexaploid wheat in a dosage-dependent manner. THE PLANT CELL 2021; 33:2296-2319. [PMID: 34009390 PMCID: PMC8364232 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koab119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Flower development is an important determinant of grain yield in crops. In wheat (Triticum spp.), natural variation for the size of spikelet and floral organs is particularly evident in Triticum turgidum ssp. polonicum (also termed Triticum polonicum), a tetraploid subspecies of wheat with long glumes, lemmas, and grains. Using map-based cloning, we identified VEGETATIVE TO REPRODUCTIVE TRANSITION 2 (VRT2), which encodes a MADS-box transcription factor belonging to the SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE family, as the gene underlying the T. polonicum long-glume (P1) locus. The causal P1 mutation is a sequence rearrangement in intron-1 that results in ectopic expression of the T. polonicum VRT-A2 allele. Based on allelic variation studies, we propose that the intron-1 mutation in VRT-A2 is the unique T. polonicum subspecies-defining polymorphism, which was later introduced into hexaploid wheat via natural hybridizations. Near-isogenic lines differing for the P1 locus revealed a gradient effect of P1 across spikelets and within florets. Transgenic lines of hexaploid wheat carrying the T. polonicum VRT-A2 allele show that expression levels of VRT-A2 are highly correlated with spike, glume, grain, and floral organ length. These results highlight how changes in expression profiles, through variation in cis-regulation, can affect agronomic traits in a dosage-dependent manner in polyploid crops.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James Simmonds
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | | | | | - Yi Chen
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Mark Smedley
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Sadiye Hayta
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Tobin Florio
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Pamela Crane
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Peter Scott
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Alice Pieri
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Olyvia Hall
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | | | - Myles Clayton
- The National Plant Phenomics Centre, Institute of Biological, Rural and Environmental Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, SY23 3EE, UK
| | - John H. Doonan
- The National Plant Phenomics Centre, Institute of Biological, Rural and Environmental Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, SY23 3EE, UK
| | - Candida Nibau
- The National Plant Phenomics Centre, Institute of Biological, Rural and Environmental Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, SY23 3EE, UK
| | - Cristobal Uauy
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
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41
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Tardieu F. Different avenues for progress apply to drought tolerance, water use efficiency and yield in dry areas. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 73:128-134. [PMID: 34365080 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Drought tolerance, water use efficiency (WUE) and yield in dry areas are often considered as synonyms. However, they correspond to markedly different suites of physiological mechanisms, based on combinations of alleles constrained by evolution into consistent strategies. Improving (i) drought tolerance, sensu stricto, involves extreme conservative strategy with protection and repair mechanisms; (ii) WUE most often results in small plants but avenues exist with lower penalties for growth, that is, by reducing night transpiration; (iii) yield for drought prone areas involves both constititutive traits (e.g. phenology or plant architecture), favourable for most environmental scenarios, and adaptive physiological traits whose effects suited to a given scenario. Genetic improvement of the latter would requires identification of scenario-dependent combinations of alleles, involving phenomics, modelling and genomic prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois Tardieu
- LEPSE, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France.
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42
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Maize (Zea mays L.) yield response to the effect of blended fertilizer and varieties under supplemental irrigation at Hadero Zuria Kebele, southern Ethiopia. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07697. [PMID: 34401580 PMCID: PMC8350537 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Maize is one of the staple cereal crops in Ethiopia. However, in southern Ethiopia, the productivity of the crop is very low as compared to the average national productivity, which is mainly attributed to poor soil fertility and the use of low yielding varieties. Hence, a field experiment was conducted at Hadero Zuria kebele, southern Ethiopia under supplemental irrigation to investigate the effects of different rates of blended Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulphur, and Boron (NPSB) fertilizer on the performance of maize varieties. Treatments involving three varieties of maize (30G19, BH-546, and BH-547) and six rates of NPSB fertilizer (0, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150) kg ha-1 were tested in RCBD using a factorial arrangement with three replications. Data on crop Phenological, growth, yield, and yield components were collected. The results showed that the blended NPSB fertilizer rates and varieties of maize affected days to physiological maturity, leaf area, leaf area index, hundred kernels weight (HKW), dry biomass yield (DBY), and grain yield (GY). The highest mean values for HKW, DBY, and GY were obtained from the 150 kg ha-1 NPSB rate. Similarly, the highest values for DBY and GY were obtained from the BH-546 variety. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were obtained on days to tasseling, days to silking, and harvest index (HI) due to the interaction effect of NPSB rates and varieties. As the NPSB rates increased from 0 to 150 kg ha-1, HKW and DBY increased consistently from 29.62 to 36.62 g and 31.41 to 43.70 t ha-,1 respectively. Grain yield showed a highly significant and positive correlation with cob length, leaf number, HI, HKW, and DBY. Also, maximized economic profitability was gained at a rate of 150 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer. Thus, from this result, the NPSB rate of 150 kg ha-1 with the hybrid maize variety BH-546 could be better for the study area.
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43
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Hammer GL, Cooper M, Reynolds MP. Plant production in water-limited environments. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:5097-5101. [PMID: 34245562 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Graeme L Hammer
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Centre for Crop Science, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Mark Cooper
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Centre for Crop Science, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Matthew P Reynolds
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco, Mexico
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44
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Wang Y, Chan KX, Long SP. Towards a dynamic photosynthesis model to guide yield improvement in C4 crops. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 107:343-359. [PMID: 34087011 PMCID: PMC9291162 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The most productive C4 food and biofuel crops, such as Saccharum officinarum (sugarcane), Sorghum bicolor (sorghum) and Zea mays (maize), all use NADP-ME-type C4 photosynthesis. Despite high productivities, these crops fall well short of the theoretical maximum solar conversion efficiency of 6%. Understanding the basis of these inefficiencies is key for bioengineering and breeding strategies to increase the sustainable productivity of these major C4 crops. Photosynthesis is studied predominantly at steady state in saturating light. In field stands of these crops light is continually changing, and often with rapid fluctuations. Although light may change in a second, the adjustment of photosynthesis may take many minutes, leading to inefficiencies. We measured the rates of CO2 uptake and stomatal conductance of maize, sorghum and sugarcane under fluctuating light regimes. The gas exchange results were combined with a new dynamic photosynthesis model to infer the limiting factors under non-steady-state conditions. The dynamic photosynthesis model was developed from an existing C4 metabolic model for maize and extended to include: (i) post-translational regulation of key photosynthetic enzymes and their temperature responses; (ii) dynamic stomatal conductance; and (iii) leaf energy balance. Testing the model outputs against measured rates of leaf CO2 uptake and stomatal conductance in the three C4 crops indicated that Rubisco activase, the pyruvate phosphate dikinase regulatory protein and stomatal conductance are the major limitations to the efficiency of NADP-ME-type C4 photosynthesis during dark-to-high light transitions. We propose that the level of influence of these limiting factors make them targets for bioengineering the improved photosynthetic efficiency of these key crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts InnovationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Kher Xing Chan
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts InnovationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Stephen P. Long
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts InnovationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Departments of Plant Biology and of Crop SciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Lancaster Environment CentreLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YQUK
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45
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Han X, Wang D, Song GQ. Expression of a maize SOC1 gene enhances soybean yield potential through modulating plant growth and flowering. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12758. [PMID: 34140602 PMCID: PMC8211702 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92215-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Yield enhancement is a top priority for soybean (Glycine max Merr.) breeding. SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1 (SOC1) is a major integrator in flowering pathway, and it is anticipated to be capable of regulating soybean reproductive stages through its interactions with other MADS-box genes. Thus, we produced transgenic soybean for a constitutive expression of a maize SOC1 (ZmSOC1). T1 transgenic plants, in comparison with the nontransgenic plants, showed early flowering, reduced height of mature plants, and no significant impact on grain quality. The transgenic plants also had a 13.5-23.2% of higher grain weight per plant than the nontransgenic plants in two experiments. Transcriptome analysis in the leaves of 34-day old plants revealed 58 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) responding to the expression of the ZmSOC1, of which the upregulated FRUITFULL MADS-box gene, as well as the transcription factor VASCULAR PLANT ONE-ZINC FINGER1, contributed to the promoted flowering. The downregulated gibberellin receptor GID1B could play a major role in reducing the plant height. The remaining DEGs suggested broader effects on the other unmeasured traits (e.g., photosynthesis efficiency and abiotic tolerance), which could contribute to yield increase. Overall, modulating expression of SOC1 in soybean provides a novel and promising approach to regulate plant growth and reproductive development and thus has a potential either to enhance grain yield or to change plant adaptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Han
- Plant Biotechnology Resource and Outreach Center, Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Dechun Wang
- Department of Plant Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Guo-Qing Song
- Plant Biotechnology Resource and Outreach Center, Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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Simmons CR, Lafitte HR, Reimann KS, Brugière N, Roesler K, Albertsen MC, Greene TW, Habben JE. Successes and insights of an industry biotech program to enhance maize agronomic traits. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 307:110899. [PMID: 33902858 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2021.110899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Corteva Agriscience™ ran a discovery research program to identify biotech leads for improving maize Agronomic Traits such as yield, drought tolerance, and nitrogen use efficiency. Arising from many discovery sources involving thousands of genes, this program generated over 3331 DNA cassette constructs involving a diverse set of circa 1671 genes, whose transformed maize events were field tested from 2000 to 2018 under managed environments designed to evaluate their potential for commercialization. We demonstrate that a subgroup of these transgenic events improved yield in field-grown elite maize breeding germplasm. A set of at least 22 validated gene leads are identified and described which represent diverse molecular and physiological functions. These leads illuminate sectors of biology that could guide crop improvement in maize and perhaps other crops. In this review and interpretation, we share some of our approaches and results, and key lessons learned in discovering and developing these maize Agronomic Traits leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl R Simmons
- Corteva Agriscience, 7300 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA, 50131, USA.
| | - H Renee Lafitte
- Corteva Agriscience, 7300 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA, 50131, USA
| | - Kellie S Reimann
- Corteva Agriscience, 7300 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA, 50131, USA
| | - Norbert Brugière
- Corteva Agriscience, 7300 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA, 50131, USA
| | - Keith Roesler
- Corteva Agriscience, 7300 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA, 50131, USA
| | - Marc C Albertsen
- Corteva Agriscience, 7300 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA, 50131, USA
| | - Thomas W Greene
- Corteva Agriscience, 7300 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA, 50131, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Habben
- Corteva Agriscience, 7300 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA, 50131, USA
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Harfouche AL, Petousi V, Meilan R, Sweet J, Twardowski T, Altman A. Promoting Ethically Responsible Use of Agricultural Biotechnology. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 26:546-559. [PMID: 33483266 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2020.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Growing global demands for food, bioenergy, and specialty products, along with the threat posed by various environmental changes, present substantial challenges for agricultural production. Agricultural biotechnology offers a promising avenue for meeting these challenges; however, ethical and sociocultural concerns must first be addressed, to ensure widespread public trust and uptake. To be effective, we need to develop solutions that are ethically responsible, socially responsive, relevant to people of different cultural and social backgrounds, and conveyed to the public in a convincing and straightforward manner. Here, we highlight how ethical approaches, principled decision-making strategies, citizen-stakeholder participation, effective science communication, and bioethics education should be used to guide responsible use of agricultural biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine L Harfouche
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems, University of Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis, Viterbo 01100, Italy.
| | - Vasiliki Petousi
- Department of Sociology, University of Crete, Gallos Campus, 74100 Rethymno, Greece
| | - Richard Meilan
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Jeremy Sweet
- Sweet Environmental Consultants, 6 Green Street, Willingham, CB24 5JA Cambridge, UK
| | - Tomasz Twardowski
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Zygmunta Noskowskiego Street 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Arie Altman
- The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Quality Sciences, PO Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel; The Lester and Sally Entin Faculty of Humanities, Unit of Culture Research, Tel Aviv University, PO Box 39040, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
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Technow F, Podlich D, Cooper M. Back to the future: Implications of genetic complexity for the structure of hybrid breeding programs. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2021; 11:6265599. [PMID: 33950172 PMCID: PMC8495936 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Commercial hybrid breeding operations can be described as decentralized networks of smaller, more or less isolated breeding programs. There is further a tendency for the disproportionate use of successful inbred lines for generating the next generation of recombinants, which has led to a series of significant bottlenecks, particularly in the history of the North American and European maize germplasm. Both the decentralization and the disproportionate contribution of inbred lines reduce effective population size and constrain the accessible genetic space. Under these conditions, long-term response to selection is not expected to be optimal under the classical infinitesimal model of quantitative genetics. In this study, we therefore aim to propose a rationale for the success of large breeding operations in the context of genetic complexity arising from the structure and properties of interactive genetic networks. For this, we use simulations based on the NK model of genetic architecture. We indeed found that constraining genetic space through program decentralization and disproportionate contribution of parental inbred lines, is required to expose additive genetic variation and thus facilitate heritable genetic gains under high levels of genetic complexity. These results introduce new insights into why the historically grown structure of hybrid breeding programs was successful in improving the yield potential of hybrid crops over the last century. We also hope that a renewed appreciation for “why things worked” in the past can guide the adoption of novel technologies and the design of future breeding strategies for navigating biological complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Technow
- Plant Breeding, Corteva Agriscience, Tavistock, ON, N0B 2R0, Canada
| | - Dean Podlich
- Systems and Innovation for Breeding and Seed Products, Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA, 50131, USA
| | - Mark Cooper
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
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Yang N, Yan J. New genomic approaches for enhancing maize genetic improvement. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 60:101977. [PMID: 33418269 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays) is one of the most widely grown crops in the world, with an annual global production of over 1147 million tons. Genomics approaches are thought to be the best solution for accelerating yield improvement to meet the challenges of a growing population and global climate change. Here, we review current approaches to the exploration of novel genetic variation in genomes, DNA modifications, and transcription levels of cultivated maize, landraces, and wild relatives. We discuss applications of genetic engineering to maize yield improvement and highlight future directions for maize genomics studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Jianbing Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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Shahzad R, Jamil S, Ahmad S, Nisar A, Amina Z, Saleem S, Zaffar Iqbal M, Muhammad Atif R, Wang X. Harnessing the potential of plant transcription factors in developing climate resilient crops to improve global food security: Current and future perspectives. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:2323-2341. [PMID: 33911947 PMCID: PMC8071895 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Crop plants should be resilient to climatic factors in order to feed ever-increasing populations. Plants have developed stress-responsive mechanisms by changing their metabolic pathways and switching the stress-responsive genes. The discovery of plant transcriptional factors (TFs), as key regulators of different biotic and abiotic stresses, has opened up new horizons for plant scientists. TFs perceive the signal and switch certain stress-responsive genes on and off by binding to different cis-regulatory elements. More than 50 families of plant TFs have been reported in nature. Among them, DREB, bZIP, MYB, NAC, Zinc-finger, HSF, Dof, WRKY, and NF-Y are important with respect to biotic and abiotic stresses, but the potential of many TFs in the improvement of crops is untapped. In this review, we summarize the role of different stress-responsive TFs with respect to biotic and abiotic stresses. Further, challenges and future opportunities linked with TFs for developing climate-resilient crops are also elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahil Shahzad
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Shakra Jamil
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Shakeel Ahmad
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Amina Nisar
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Zarmaha Amina
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Shazmina Saleem
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zaffar Iqbal
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Rana Muhammad Atif
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CAS-AFS), University of Agriculture Faisalabad, University Road, 38040, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Xiukang Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China
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