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Zhu C, Lin Z, Liu Y, Li H, Di X, Li T, Wang J, Gao Z. A bamboo bHLH transcription factor PeRHL4 has dual functions in enhancing drought and phosphorus starvation tolerance. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024; 47:3015-3029. [PMID: 38644587 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
ROOTHAIRLESS (RHL) is a typical type of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor (TF), which has been reported to participate in various aspects of plant growth and in response to stress. However, the functions of RHL subfamily members in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) remain unknown. In this study, we identified 14 bHLH genes (PeRHL1-PeRHL14) in moso bamboo. Phylogenetic tree and conserved motif analyses showed that PeRHLs were clustered into three clades. The expression analysis suggested that PeRHL4 was co-expressed with PeTIP1-1 and PePHT1-1 in moso bamboo. Moreover, these three genes were all up-regulated in moso bamboo under drought stress and phosphate starvation. Y1H, DLR and EMSA assays demonstrated that PeRHL4 could activate the expression of PeTIP1-1 and PePHT1-1. Furthermore, overexpression of PeRHL4 could increase both drought and phosphate starvation tolerance in transgenic rice, in which the expression of OsTIPs and OsPHT1s was significantly improved, respectively. Overall, our results indicated that drought stress and phosphate starvation could induce the expression of PeRHL4, which in turn activated downstream genes involved in water and phosphate transport. Collectively, our findings reveal that PeRHL4 acting as a positive regulator contributes to enhancing the tolerance of moso bamboo under drought stress and phosphate starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration/Beijing on Bamboo and Rattan Science and Technology, Beijing, China
- Institute of Gene Science and Industrialization for Bamboo and Rattan Resources, International Center for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing, China
| | - Zeming Lin
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration/Beijing on Bamboo and Rattan Science and Technology, Beijing, China
- Institute of Gene Science and Industrialization for Bamboo and Rattan Resources, International Center for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration/Beijing on Bamboo and Rattan Science and Technology, Beijing, China
- Institute of Gene Science and Industrialization for Bamboo and Rattan Resources, International Center for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration/Beijing on Bamboo and Rattan Science and Technology, Beijing, China
- Institute of Gene Science and Industrialization for Bamboo and Rattan Resources, International Center for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Di
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration/Beijing on Bamboo and Rattan Science and Technology, Beijing, China
- Institute of Gene Science and Industrialization for Bamboo and Rattan Resources, International Center for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing, China
| | - Tiankuo Li
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration/Beijing on Bamboo and Rattan Science and Technology, Beijing, China
- Institute of Gene Science and Industrialization for Bamboo and Rattan Resources, International Center for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration/Beijing on Bamboo and Rattan Science and Technology, Beijing, China
- Institute of Gene Science and Industrialization for Bamboo and Rattan Resources, International Center for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing, China
| | - Zhimin Gao
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration/Beijing on Bamboo and Rattan Science and Technology, Beijing, China
- Institute of Gene Science and Industrialization for Bamboo and Rattan Resources, International Center for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing, China
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Tan J, Muhammad S, Zhang L, He H, Bian J. Functional divergence of FTL9 and FTL10 in flowering control in rice. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:562. [PMID: 38840036 PMCID: PMC11151565 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10441-9] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Floral transition in cereals is a critical phenomenon influenced by exogenous and endogenous signals, determining crop yield and reproduction. Flowering Locus T-like (FT-like) genes encode a mobile florigen, the main signaling molecule for flowering. RESULTS In this study, we characterized two FT-like genes, FTL9 and FTL10, to study their functional diversity in flowering control in rice. We compared independent mutant lines of ftl10 with WT and observed negligible differences in the flowering phenotype, or agronomic traits implying potentially redundant roles of FTL10 loss-of-function in flowering control in rice. Nevertheless, we found that overexpression of FTL10, but not FTL9, substantially accelerated flowering, indicating the flowering-promoting role of FTL10 and the divergent functions between FTL9 and FTL10 in flowering. Besides flowering, additive agronomic roles were observed for FTL10-OE regulating the number of effective panicles per plant, the number of primary branches per panicle, and spikelets per panicle without regulating seed size. Mechanistically, our Y2H and BiFC analyses demonstrate that FTL10, in contrast to FTL9, can interact with FD1 and GF14c, forming a flowering activation complex and thereby regulating flowering. CONCLUSION Altogether, our results elucidate the regulatory roles of FTL9 and FTL10 in flowering control, unveiling the molecular basis of functional divergence between FTL10 and FTL9, which provides mechanistic insights into shaping the dynamics of flowering time regulation in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingai Tan
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Sajid Muhammad
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Lantian Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Haohua He
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China.
| | - Jianmin Bian
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China.
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Zhu L, Li F, Xie T, Li Z, Tian T, An X, Wei X, Long Y, Jiao Z, Wan X. Receptor-like kinases and their signaling cascades for plant male fertility: loyal messengers. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 241:1421-1434. [PMID: 38174365 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19527] [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: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) are evolved for plant cell-cell communications. The typical RLK protein contains an extracellular and hypervariable N-terminus to perceive various signals, a transmembrane domain to anchor into plasma membrane, and a cytoplasmic, highly conserved kinase domain to phosphorylate target proteins. To date, RLKs have manifested their significance in a myriad of biological processes during plant reproductive growth, especially in male fertility. This review first summarizes a recent update on RLKs and their interacting protein partners controlling anther and pollen development, pollen release from dehisced anther, and pollen function during pollination and fertilization. Then, regulatory networks of RLK signaling pathways are proposed. In addition, we predict RLKs in maize and rice genome, obtain homologs of well-studied RLKs from phylogeny of three subfamilies and then analyze their expression patterns in developing anthers of maize and rice to excavate potential RLKs regulating male fertility in crops. Finally, current challenges and future prospects regarding RLKs are discussed. This review will contribute to a better understanding of plant male fertility control by RLKs, creating potential male sterile lines, and inspiring innovative crop breeding methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhu
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Innovation School, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
- Industry Research Institute of Biotechnology Breeding, Yili Normal University, Yining, 835000, China
| | - Fan Li
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Innovation School, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Tianle Xie
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Innovation School, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Ziwen Li
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Innovation School, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
- Industry Research Institute of Biotechnology Breeding, Yili Normal University, Yining, 835000, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Innovation School, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xueli An
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Innovation School, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
- Industry Research Institute of Biotechnology Breeding, Yili Normal University, Yining, 835000, China
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co. Ltd, Beijing, 100192, China
| | - Xun Wei
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Innovation School, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
- Industry Research Institute of Biotechnology Breeding, Yili Normal University, Yining, 835000, China
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co. Ltd, Beijing, 100192, China
| | - Yan Long
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Innovation School, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
- Industry Research Institute of Biotechnology Breeding, Yili Normal University, Yining, 835000, China
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co. Ltd, Beijing, 100192, China
| | - Ziwei Jiao
- Industry Research Institute of Biotechnology Breeding, Yili Normal University, Yining, 835000, China
| | - Xiangyuan Wan
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Innovation School, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
- Industry Research Institute of Biotechnology Breeding, Yili Normal University, Yining, 835000, China
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co. Ltd, Beijing, 100192, China
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Zhang X, Chen JX, Lian WT, Zhou HW, He Y, Li XX, Liao H. Molecular module GmPTF1a/b-GmNPLa regulates rhizobia infection and nodule formation in soybean. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 241:1813-1828. [PMID: 38062896 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Nodulation begins with the initiation of infection threads (ITs) in root hairs. Though mutual recognition and early symbiotic signaling cascades in legumes are well understood, molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial infection processes and successive nodule organogenesis remain largely unexplored. We functionally investigated a novel pectate lyase enzyme, GmNPLa, and its transcriptional regulator GmPTF1a/b in soybean (Glycine max), where their regulatory roles in IT development and nodule formation were elucidated through investigation of gene expression patterns, bioinformatics analysis, biochemical verification of genetic interactions, and observation of phenotypic impacts in transgenic soybean plants. GmNPLa was specifically induced by rhizobium inoculation in root hairs. Manipulation of GmNPLa produced remarkable effects on IT and nodule formation. GmPTF1a/b displayed similar expression patterns as GmNPLa, and manipulation of GmPTF1a/b also severely influenced nodulation traits. LI soybeans with low nodulation phenotypes were nearly restored to HI nodulation level by complementation of GmNPLa and/or GmPTF1a. Further genetic and biochemical analysis demonstrated that GmPTF1a can bind to the E-box motif to activate transcription of GmNPLa, and thereby facilitate nodulation. Taken together, our findings potentially reveal novel mediation of cell wall gene expression involving the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor GmPTF1a/b acts as a key early regulator of nodulation in soybean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Root Biology Center, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Jia-Xin Chen
- Root Biology Center, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Wen-Ting Lian
- Root Biology Center, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Hui-Wen Zhou
- Root Biology Center, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Ying He
- Root Biology Center, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Xin-Xin Li
- Root Biology Center, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Hong Liao
- Root Biology Center, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
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5
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Vaucheret H, Voinnet O. The plant siRNA landscape. THE PLANT CELL 2024; 36:246-275. [PMID: 37772967 PMCID: PMC10827316 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Whereas micro (mi)RNAs are considered the clean, noble side of the small RNA world, small interfering (si)RNAs are often seen as a noisy set of molecules whose barbarian acronyms reflect a large diversity of often elusive origins and functions. Twenty-five years after their discovery in plants, however, new classes of siRNAs are still being identified, sometimes in discrete tissues or at particular developmental stages, making the plant siRNA world substantially more complex and subtle than originally anticipated. Focusing primarily on the model Arabidopsis, we review here the plant siRNA landscape, including transposable elements (TE)-derived siRNAs, a vast array of non-TE-derived endogenous siRNAs, as well as exogenous siRNAs produced in response to invading nucleic acids such as viruses or transgenes. We primarily emphasize the extraordinary sophistication and diversity of their biogenesis and, secondarily, the variety of their known or presumed functions, including via non-cell autonomous activities, in the sporophyte, gametophyte, and shortly after fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Vaucheret
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), 78000 Versailles, France
| | - Olivier Voinnet
- Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH-Zurich), 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
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Hou Q, An X, Ma B, Wu S, Wei X, Yan T, Zhou Y, Zhu T, Xie K, Zhang D, Li Z, Zhao L, Niu C, Long Y, Liu C, Zhao W, Ni F, Li J, Fu D, Yang ZN, Wan X. ZmMS1/ZmLBD30-orchestrated transcriptional regulatory networks precisely control pollen exine development. MOLECULAR PLANT 2023; 16:1321-1338. [PMID: 37501369 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2023.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Because of its significance for plant male fertility and, hence, direct impact on crop yield, pollen exine development has inspired decades of scientific inquiry. However, the molecular mechanism underlying exine formation and thickness remains elusive. In this study, we identified that a previously unrecognized repressor, ZmMS1/ZmLBD30, controls proper pollen exine development in maize. Using an ms1 mutant with aberrantly thickened exine, we cloned a male-sterility gene, ZmMs1, which encodes a tapetum-specific lateral organ boundary domain transcription factor, ZmLBD30. We showed that ZmMs1/ZmLBD30 is initially turned on by a transcriptional activation cascade of ZmbHLH51-ZmMYB84-ZmMS7, and then it serves as a repressor to shut down this cascade via feedback repression to ensure timely tapetal degeneration and proper level of exine. This activation-feedback repression loop regulating male fertility is conserved in maize and sorghum, and similar regulatory mechanism may also exist in other flowering plants such as rice and Arabidopsis. Collectively, these findings reveal a novel regulatory mechanism of pollen exine development by which a long-sought master repressor of upstream activators prevents excessive exine formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quancan Hou
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Xueli An
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Biao Ma
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Suowei Wu
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Xun Wei
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Tingwei Yan
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Taotao Zhu
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ke Xie
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Danfeng Zhang
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Ziwen Li
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Lina Zhao
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Canfang Niu
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Yan Long
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Fei Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Agronomy, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Jinping Li
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Daolin Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Agronomy, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Zhong-Nan Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Xiangyuan Wan
- Research Institute of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Beijing 100192, China.
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7
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Chow HT, Mosher RA. Small RNA-mediated DNA methylation during plant reproduction. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:1787-1800. [PMID: 36651080 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive tissues are a rich source of small RNAs, including several classes of short interfering (si)RNAs that are restricted to this stage of development. In addition to RNA polymerase IV-dependent 24-nt siRNAs that trigger canonical RNA-directed DNA methylation, abundant reproductive-specific siRNAs are produced from companion cells adjacent to the developing germ line or zygote and may move intercellularly before inducing methylation. In some cases, these siRNAs are produced via non-canonical biosynthesis mechanisms or from sequences with little similarity to transposons. While the precise role of these siRNAs and the methylation they trigger is unclear, they have been implicated in specifying a single megaspore mother cell, silencing transposons in the male germ line, mediating parental dosage conflict to ensure proper endosperm development, hypermethylation of mature embryos, and trans-chromosomal methylation in hybrids. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of reproductive siRNAs, including their biosynthesis, transport, and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiu Tung Chow
- The School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721-0036, USA
| | - Rebecca A Mosher
- The School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721-0036, USA
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8
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Nie H, Cheng C, Kong J, Li H, Hua J. Plant non-coding RNAs function in pollen development and male sterility. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1109941. [PMID: 36875603 PMCID: PMC9975556 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1109941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Male sterility is classified as either cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) or genic male sterility (GMS). Generally, CMS involves mitochondrial genomes interacting with the nuclear genome, while GMS is caused by nuclear genes alone. Male sterility is regulated by multilevel mechanisms in which non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and phased small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs), which have been proven to be critical elements. The development of high-throughput sequencing technology offers new opportunities to evaluate the genetic mechanism of ncRNAs in plant male sterility. In this review, we summarize the critical ncRNAs that regulate gene expression in ways dependent on or independent of hormones, which involve the differentiation of the stamen primordia, degradation of the tapetum, formation of microspores, and the release of pollen. In addition, the key mechanisms of the miRNA-lncRNA-mRNA interaction networks mediating male sterility in plants are elaborated. We present a different perspective on exploring the ncRNA-mediated regulatory pathways that control CMS in plants and create male-sterile lines through hormones or genome editing. A refined understanding of the ncRNA regulatory mechanisms in plant male sterility for the development of new sterile lines would be conducive to improve hybridization breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hushuai Nie
- Agricultural College, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- Laboratory of Cotton Genetics, Genomics and Breeding/Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization of Ministry of Education/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Laboratory of Cotton Genetics, Genomics and Breeding/Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization of Ministry of Education/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Kong
- Institute of Economic Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Huijing Li
- Laboratory of Cotton Genetics, Genomics and Breeding/Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization of Ministry of Education/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinping Hua
- Laboratory of Cotton Genetics, Genomics and Breeding/Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization of Ministry of Education/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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9
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Characterization and expression analysis of bHLH transcription factors reveal their putative regulatory effects on nectar spur development in Aquilegia species. Gene 2023; 852:147057. [PMID: 36410606 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Nectar spur is a hollow extension of certain flower parts and shows strikingly diverse size and shape in Aquilegia. Nectar spur development is involved in cell division and expansion processes. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs) control a diversity of organ morphogenesis, including cell division and cell expansion processes. However, the role of bHLH genes in nectar spur development in Aquilegia is mainly unknown. We conducted a genome-wide identification of the bHLH gene family in Aquilegia to determine structural characteristics and phylogenetic relationships, and to analyze expression profiles of these genes during the development of nectar spur in spurless and spurred species. A total of 120 AqbHLH genes were identified from the Aquilegia coerulea genome. The phylogenetic tree showed that AqbHLH proteins were divided into 15 subfamilies, among which S7 and S8 subfamilies occurred marked expansion. The AqbHLH genes in the same clade had similar motif composition and gene structure characteristics. Conserved residue analysis indicated nineteen residues with conservation of more than 50% were found in the four conserved regions. In the upstream sequence of AqbHLH genes, the light-responsive element was the most abundant cis-acting element. Eighteen AqbHLH genes showed syntenic relationships, and eight genes from four syntenic pairs underwent tandem duplications. According to the expression profiling analysis by public RNA-Seq data and qRT-PCR results, five AqbHLH genes, including AqbHLH027, AqbHLH046, AqbHLH082, AqbHLH083 and AqbHLH092, were differentially expressed between different tissues in A. coerulea at early developmental stages, as well as between spurless and spurred Aquilegia species. Of them, AqbHLH046 was not only highly expressed in spur compared with blade, but also showed higher expression levels in spurred species than spurless specie, suggesting it plays an essential role in the development of spur by regulating cell division. This study lays a foundation to investigate the function of AqbHLH genes family in nectar spur development, and has potential implications for speciation and genetic breeding in the genus Aquilegia.
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Zhan J, O'Connor L, Marchant DB, Teng C, Walbot V, Meyers BC. Coexpression network and trans-activation analyses of maize reproductive phasiRNA loci. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 113:160-173. [PMID: 36440497 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The anther-enriched phased, small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs) play vital roles in sustaining male fertility in grass species. Their long non-coding precursors are synthesized by RNA polymerase II and are likely regulated by transcription factors (TFs). A few putative transcriptional regulators of the 21- or 24-nucleotide phasiRNA loci (referred to as 21- or 24-PHAS loci) have been identified in maize (Zea mays), but whether any of the individual TFs or TF combinations suffice to activate any PHAS locus is unclear. Here, we identified the temporal gene coexpression networks (modules) associated with maize anther development, including two modules highly enriched for the 21- or 24-PHAS loci. Comparisons of these coexpression modules and gene sets dysregulated in several reported male sterile TF mutants provided insights into TF timing with regard to phasiRNA biogenesis, including antagonistic roles for OUTER CELL LAYER4 and MALE STERILE23. Trans-activation assays in maize protoplasts of individual TFs using bulk-protoplast RNA-sequencing showed that two of the TFs coexpressed with 21-PHAS loci could activate several 21-nucleotide phasiRNA pathway genes but not transcription of 21-PHAS loci. Screens for combinatorial activities of these TFs and, separately, the recently reported putative transcriptional regulators of 24-PHAS loci using single-cell (protoplast) RNA-sequencing, did not detect reproducible activation of either 21-PHAS or 24-PHAS loci. Collectively, our results suggest that the endogenous transcriptional machineries and/or chromatin states in the anthers are necessary to activate reproductive PHAS loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpeng Zhan
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St Louis, MO, 63132, USA
| | - Lily O'Connor
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St Louis, MO, 63132, USA
- Department of Biology, Washington University, St Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - D Blaine Marchant
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Chong Teng
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St Louis, MO, 63132, USA
| | - Virginia Walbot
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Blake C Meyers
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St Louis, MO, 63132, USA
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
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11
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Marchant DB, Walbot V. Anther development-The long road to making pollen. THE PLANT CELL 2022; 34:4677-4695. [PMID: 36135809 PMCID: PMC9709990 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Anthers express the most genes of any plant organ, and their development involves sequential redifferentiation of many cell types to perform distinctive roles from inception through pollen dispersal. Agricultural yield and plant breeding depend on understanding and consequently manipulating anthers, a compelling motivation for basic plant biology research to contribute. After stamen initiation, two theca form at the tip, and each forms an adaxial and abaxial lobe composed of pluripotent Layer 1-derived and Layer 2-derived cells. After signal perception or self-organization, germinal cells are specified from Layer 2-derived cells, and these secrete a protein ligand that triggers somatic differentiation of their neighbors. Historically, recovery of male-sterile mutants has been the starting point for studying anther biology. Many genes and some genetic pathways have well-defined functions in orchestrating subsequent cell fate and differentiation events. Today, new tools are providing more detailed information; for example, the developmental trajectory of germinal cells illustrates the power of single cell RNA-seq to dissect the complex journey of one cell type. We highlight ambiguities and gaps in available data to encourage attention on important unresolved issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Blaine Marchant
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94505, USA
| | - Virginia Walbot
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94505, USA
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12
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Fang C, Wu S, Niu C, Hou Q, An X, Wei X, Zhao L, Jiang Y, Liu X, Wan X. Triphasic regulation of ZmMs13 encoding an ABCG transporter is sequentially required for callose dissolution, pollen exine and anther cuticle formation in maize. J Adv Res 2022:S2090-1232(22)00208-9. [PMID: 36130683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION ATP Binding Cassette G (ABCG) transporters are associated with plant male reproduction, while their regulatory mechanisms underlying anther and pollen development remain largely unknown. OBJECTIVES Identify and characterize a male-sterility gene ZmMs13 encoding an ABCG transporter in modulating anther and pollen development in maize. METHODS Phenotypic, cytological observations, and histochemistry staining were performed to characterize the ms13-6060 mutant. Map-based cloning and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing were used to identify ZmMs13 gene. RNA-seq data and qPCR analyses, phylogenetic and microsynteny analyses, transient dual-luciferase reporter and EMSA assays, subcellular localization, and ATPase activity and lipidomic analyses were carried out to determine the regulatory mechanisms of ZmMs13 gene. RESULTS Maize ms13-6060 mutant displays complete male sterility with delayed callose degradation, premature tapetal programmed cell death (PCD), and defective pollen exine and anther cuticle formation. ZmMs13 encodes a plasm membrane (PM)- and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized half-size ABCG transporter (ZmABCG2a). The allele of ZmMs13 in ms13-6060 mutant has one amino acid (I311) deletion due to a 3-bp deletion in its fourth exon. The I311 and other conserved amino acid K99 are essential for the ATPase and lipid binding activities of ZmMS13. ZmMs13 is specifically expressed in anthers with three peaks at stages S5, S8b, and S10, which are successively regulated by transcription factors ZmbHLH122, ZmMYB84, and ZmMYB33-1/-2 at these three stages. The triphasic regulation of ZmMs13 is sequentially required for callose dissolution, tapetal PCD and pollen exine development, and anther cuticle formation, corresponding to transcription alterations of callose-, ROS-, PCD-, sporopollenin-, and anther cuticle-related genes in ms13-6060 anthers. CONCLUSION ms13-6060 mutation with one key amino acid (I311) deletion greatly reduces ZmMS13 ATPase and lipid binding activities and displays multiple effects during maize male reproduction. Our findings provide new insights into molecular mechanisms of ABCG transporters controlling anther and pollen development and male fertility in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaowei Fang
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, Shunde Graduate School, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Suowei Wu
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, Shunde Graduate School, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100096, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co. Ltd., Beijing 100192, China
| | - Canfang Niu
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, Shunde Graduate School, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Quancan Hou
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, Shunde Graduate School, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Xueli An
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, Shunde Graduate School, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100096, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co. Ltd., Beijing 100192, China
| | - Xun Wei
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, Shunde Graduate School, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100096, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co. Ltd., Beijing 100192, China
| | - Lina Zhao
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, Shunde Graduate School, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100096, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co. Ltd., Beijing 100192, China
| | - Yilin Jiang
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, Shunde Graduate School, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Xinze Liu
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, Shunde Graduate School, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Xiangyuan Wan
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, Shunde Graduate School, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100096, China; Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co. Ltd., Beijing 100192, China.
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Li Z, Liu S, Zhu T, An X, Wei X, Zhang J, Wu S, Dong Z, Long Y, Wan X. The Loss-Function of the Male Sterile Gene ZmMs33/ZmGPAT6 Results in Severely Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Disorder in Maize Anthers. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152318. [PMID: 35954161 PMCID: PMC9367433 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In plants, oxidative stress and metabolic reprogramming frequently induce male sterility, however our knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanism is far from complete. Here, a maize genic male-sterility (GMS) mutant (ms33-6038) with a loss-of-function of the ZmMs33 gene encoding glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 6 (GPAT6) displayed severe deficiencies in the development of a four-layer anther wall and microspores and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in anthers. In ms33-6038 anthers, transcriptome analysis identified thousands of differentially expressed genes that were functionally enriched in stress response and primary metabolism pathways. Further investigation revealed that 64 genes involved in ROS production, scavenging, and signaling were specifically changed in expression levels in ms33-6038 anthers compared to the other five investigated GMS lines. The severe oxidative stress triggered premature tapetal autophagy and metabolic reprogramming mediated mainly by the activated SnRK1-bZIP pathway, as well as the TOR and PP2AC pathways, proven by transcriptome analysis. Furthermore, 20 reported maize GMS genes were altered in expression levels in ms33-6038 anthers. The excessive oxidative stress and the metabolic reprogramming resulted in severe phenotypic deficiencies in ms33-6038 anthers. These findings enrich our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which ROS and metabolic homeostasis impair anther and pollen development in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwen Li
- Shunde Graduate School, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Z.L.); (S.L.); (T.Z.); (X.A.); (X.W.); (J.Z.); (S.W.); (Z.D.)
| | - Shuangshuang Liu
- Shunde Graduate School, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Z.L.); (S.L.); (T.Z.); (X.A.); (X.W.); (J.Z.); (S.W.); (Z.D.)
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100192, China
| | - Taotao Zhu
- Shunde Graduate School, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Z.L.); (S.L.); (T.Z.); (X.A.); (X.W.); (J.Z.); (S.W.); (Z.D.)
| | - Xueli An
- Shunde Graduate School, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Z.L.); (S.L.); (T.Z.); (X.A.); (X.W.); (J.Z.); (S.W.); (Z.D.)
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100192, China
| | - Xun Wei
- Shunde Graduate School, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Z.L.); (S.L.); (T.Z.); (X.A.); (X.W.); (J.Z.); (S.W.); (Z.D.)
| | - Juan Zhang
- Shunde Graduate School, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Z.L.); (S.L.); (T.Z.); (X.A.); (X.W.); (J.Z.); (S.W.); (Z.D.)
| | - Suowei Wu
- Shunde Graduate School, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Z.L.); (S.L.); (T.Z.); (X.A.); (X.W.); (J.Z.); (S.W.); (Z.D.)
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100192, China
| | - Zhenying Dong
- Shunde Graduate School, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Z.L.); (S.L.); (T.Z.); (X.A.); (X.W.); (J.Z.); (S.W.); (Z.D.)
| | - Yan Long
- Shunde Graduate School, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Z.L.); (S.L.); (T.Z.); (X.A.); (X.W.); (J.Z.); (S.W.); (Z.D.)
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (X.W.); Tel.: +86-158-1133-2686 (Y.L.); +86-186-0056-1850 (X.W.)
| | - Xiangyuan Wan
- Shunde Graduate School, Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Z.L.); (S.L.); (T.Z.); (X.A.); (X.W.); (J.Z.); (S.W.); (Z.D.)
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100192, China
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (X.W.); Tel.: +86-158-1133-2686 (Y.L.); +86-186-0056-1850 (X.W.)
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14
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Wang Y, Bao J, Wei X, Wu S, Fang C, Li Z, Qi Y, Gao Y, Dong Z, Wan X. Genetic Structure and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Formation of Tassel, Anther, and Pollen in the Male Inflorescence of Maize ( Zea mays L.). Cells 2022; 11:1753. [PMID: 35681448 PMCID: PMC9179574 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Maize tassel is the male reproductive organ which is located at the plant's apex; both its morphological structure and fertility have a profound impact on maize grain yield. More than 40 functional genes regulating the complex tassel traits have been cloned up to now. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the whole process, from male inflorescence meristem initiation to tassel morphogenesis, are seldom discussed. Here, we summarize the male inflorescence developmental genes and construct a molecular regulatory network to further reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying tassel-trait formation in maize. Meanwhile, as one of the most frequently studied quantitative traits, hundreds of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and thousands of quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) related to tassel morphology have been identified so far. To reveal the genetic structure of tassel traits, we constructed a consensus physical map for tassel traits by summarizing the genetic studies conducted over the past 20 years, and identified 97 hotspot intervals (HSIs) that can be repeatedly mapped in different labs, which will be helpful for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in improving maize yield as well as for providing theoretical guidance in the subsequent identification of the functional genes modulating tassel morphology. In addition, maize is one of the most successful crops in utilizing heterosis; mining of the genic male sterility (GMS) genes is crucial in developing biotechnology-based male-sterility (BMS) systems for seed production and hybrid breeding. In maize, more than 30 GMS genes have been isolated and characterized, and at least 15 GMS genes have been promptly validated by CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis within the past two years. We thus summarize the maize GMS genes and further update the molecular regulatory networks underlying male fertility in maize. Taken together, the identified HSIs, genes and molecular mechanisms underlying tassel morphological structure and male fertility are useful for guiding the subsequent cloning of functional genes and for molecular design breeding in maize. Finally, the strategies concerning efficient and rapid isolation of genes controlling tassel morphological structure and male fertility and their application in maize molecular breeding are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbo Wang
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Graduate School, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Y.W.); (J.B.); (X.W.); (S.W.); (C.F.); (Y.Q.); (Y.G.)
| | - Jianxi Bao
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Graduate School, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Y.W.); (J.B.); (X.W.); (S.W.); (C.F.); (Y.Q.); (Y.G.)
| | - Xun Wei
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Graduate School, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Y.W.); (J.B.); (X.W.); (S.W.); (C.F.); (Y.Q.); (Y.G.)
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100192, China;
| | - Suowei Wu
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Graduate School, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Y.W.); (J.B.); (X.W.); (S.W.); (C.F.); (Y.Q.); (Y.G.)
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100192, China;
| | - Chaowei Fang
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Graduate School, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Y.W.); (J.B.); (X.W.); (S.W.); (C.F.); (Y.Q.); (Y.G.)
| | - Ziwen Li
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100192, China;
| | - Yuchen Qi
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Graduate School, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Y.W.); (J.B.); (X.W.); (S.W.); (C.F.); (Y.Q.); (Y.G.)
| | - Yuexin Gao
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Graduate School, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Y.W.); (J.B.); (X.W.); (S.W.); (C.F.); (Y.Q.); (Y.G.)
| | - Zhenying Dong
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Graduate School, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Y.W.); (J.B.); (X.W.); (S.W.); (C.F.); (Y.Q.); (Y.G.)
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100192, China;
| | - Xiangyuan Wan
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Graduate School, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100024, China; (Y.W.); (J.B.); (X.W.); (S.W.); (C.F.); (Y.Q.); (Y.G.)
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100192, China;
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15
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Osnato M. Fantastic four: bHLH factors and the making of the pollen. THE PLANT CELL 2022; 34:1151-1152. [PMID: 35234925 PMCID: PMC8972310 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Osnato
- Assistant Features Editor, The Plant Cell, American Society of Plant Biologists, USA
- Institut de Ciencia i Tecnologia Ambientals, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB), 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
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