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Wang Y, Cheng J, Guo Y, Li Z, Yang S, Wang Y, Gong Z. Phosphorylation of ZmAL14 by ZmSnRK2.2 regulates drought resistance through derepressing ZmROP8 expression. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38804844 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Drought stress has negative effects on crop growth and production. Characterization of transcription factors that regulate the expression of drought-responsive genes is critical for understanding the transcriptional regulatory networks in response to drought, which facilitates the improvement of crop drought tolerance. Here, we identified an Alfin-like (AL) family gene ZmAL14 that negatively regulates drought resistance. Overexpression of ZmAL14 exhibits susceptibility to drought while mutation of ZmAL14 enhances drought resistance. An abscisic acid (ABA)-activated protein kinase ZmSnRK2.2 interacts and phosphorylates ZmAL14 at T38 residue. Knockout of ZmSnRK2.2 gene decreases drought resistance of maize. A dehydration-induced Rho-like small guanosine triphosphatase gene ZmROP8 is directly targeted and repressed by ZmAL14. Phosphorylation of ZmAL14 by ZmSnRK2.2 prevents its binding to the ZmROP8 promoter, thereby releasing the repression of ZmROP8 transcription. Overexpression of ZmROP8 stimulates peroxidase activity and reduces hydrogen peroxide accumulation after drought treatment. Collectively, our study indicates that ZmAL14 is a negative regulator of drought resistance, which can be phosphorylated by ZmSnRK2.2 through the ABA signaling pathway, thus preventing its suppression on ZmROP8 transcription during drought stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jinkui Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yazhen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shuhua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhizhong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
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2
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Peng D, Pan S, Du X, Chen E, He J, Zhang Z. Central Roles of ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 in Nutrient Uptake and Storage during Maize Grain Filling. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:663. [PMID: 38927600 PMCID: PMC11203180 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060663] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Grain filling is critical for determining yield and quality, raising the question of whether central coordinators exist to facilitate the uptake and storage of various substances from maternal to filial tissues. The duplicate NAC transcription factors ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 could potentially serve as central coordinators. By analyzing differentially expressed genes from zmnac128 zmnac130 mutants across different genetic backgrounds and growing years, we identified 243 highly and differentially expressed genes (hdEGs) as the core target genes. These 243 hdEGs were associated with storage metabolism and transporters. ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 play vital roles in storage metabolism, and this study revealed two additional starch metabolism-related genes, sugary enhancer1 and hexokinase1, as their direct targets. A key finding of this study was the inclusion of 17 transporter genes within the 243 hdEGs, with significant alterations in the levels of more than 10 elements/substances in mutant kernels. Among them, six out of the nine upregulated transporter genes were linked to the transport of heavy metals and metalloids (HMMs), which was consistent with the enrichment of cadmium, lead, and arsenic observed in mutant kernels. Interestingly, the levels of Mg and Zn, minerals important to biofortification efforts, were reduced in mutant kernels. In addition to their direct involvement in sugar transport, ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 also activate the expression of the endosperm-preferential nitrogen and phosphate transporters ZmNPF1.1 and ZmPHO1;2. This coordinated regulation limits the intake of HMMs, enhances biofortification, and facilitates the uptake and storage of essential nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; (D.P.); (S.P.); (X.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Shuxing Pan
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; (D.P.); (S.P.); (X.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Xin Du
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; (D.P.); (S.P.); (X.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Erwang Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; (D.P.); (S.P.); (X.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Junjun He
- South Subtropical Crop Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Science, Zhanjiang 524091, China;
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; (D.P.); (S.P.); (X.D.); (E.C.)
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3
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Fuertes-Aguilar J, Matilla AJ. Transcriptional Control of Seed Life: New Insights into the Role of the NAC Family. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5369. [PMID: 38791407 PMCID: PMC11121595 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105369] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene expression by binding to specific sequences on DNA through their DNA-binding domain (DBD), a universal process. This update conveys information about the diverse roles of TFs, focusing on the NACs (NAM-ATAF-CUC), in regulating target-gene expression and influencing various aspects of plant biology. NAC TFs appeared before the emergence of land plants. The NAC family constitutes a diverse group of plant-specific TFs found in mosses, conifers, monocots, and eudicots. This update discusses the evolutionary origins of plant NAC genes/proteins from green algae to their crucial roles in plant development and stress response across various plant species. From mosses and lycophytes to various angiosperms, the number of NAC proteins increases significantly, suggesting a gradual evolution from basal streptophytic green algae. NAC TFs play a critical role in enhancing abiotic stress tolerance, with their function conserved in angiosperms. Furthermore, the modular organization of NACs, their dimeric function, and their localization within cellular compartments contribute to their functional versatility and complexity. While most NAC TFs are nuclear-localized and active, a subset is found in other cellular compartments, indicating inactive forms until specific cues trigger their translocation to the nucleus. Additionally, it highlights their involvement in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced programmed cell death (PCD) by activating the vacuolar processing enzyme (VPE) gene. Moreover, this update provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse roles of NAC TFs in plants, including their participation in ER stress responses, leaf senescence (LS), and growth and development. Notably, NACs exhibit correlations with various phytohormones (i.e., ABA, GAs, CK, IAA, JA, and SA), and several NAC genes are inducible by them, influencing a broad spectrum of biological processes. The study of the spatiotemporal expression patterns provides insights into when and where specific NAC genes are active, shedding light on their metabolic contributions. Likewise, this review emphasizes the significance of NAC TFs in transcriptional modules, seed reserve accumulation, and regulation of seed dormancy and germination. Overall, it effectively communicates the intricate and essential functions of NAC TFs in plant biology. Finally, from an evolutionary standpoint, a phylogenetic analysis suggests that it is highly probable that the WRKY family is evolutionarily older than the NAC family.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angel J. Matilla
- Departamento de Biología Funcional, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 14971 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Yang T, Huang Y, Liao L, Wang S, Zhang H, Pan J, Huang Y, Li X, Chen D, Liu T, Lu X, Wu Y. Sucrose-associated SnRK1a1-mediated phosphorylation of Opaque2 modulates endosperm filling in maize. MOLECULAR PLANT 2024; 17:788-806. [PMID: 38615195 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
During maize endosperm filling, sucrose not only serves as a source of carbon skeletons for storage-reserve synthesis but also acts as a stimulus to promote this process. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying sucrose and endosperm filling are poorly understood. In this study, we found that sucrose promotes the expression of endosperm-filling hub gene Opaque2 (O2), coordinating with storage-reserve accumulation. We showed that the protein kinase SnRK1a1 can attenuate O2-mediated transactivation, but sucrose can release this suppression. Biochemical assays revealed that SnRK1a1 phosphorylates O2 at serine 41 (S41), negatively affecting its protein stability and transactivation ability. We observed that mutation of SnRK1a1 results in larger seeds with increased kernel weight and storage reserves, while overexpression of SnRK1a1 causes the opposite effect. Overexpression of the native O2 (O2-OE), phospho-dead (O2-SA), and phospho-mimetic (O2-SD) variants all increased 100-kernel weight. Although O2-SA seeds exhibit smaller kernel size, they have higher accumulation of starch and proteins, resulting in larger vitreous endosperm and increased test weight. O2-SD seeds display larger kernel size but unchanged levels of storage reserves and test weight. O2-OE seeds show elevated kernel dimensions and nutrient storage, like a mixture of O2-SA and O2-SD seeds. Collectively, our study discovers a novel regulatory mechanism of maize endosperm filling. Identification of S41 as a SnRK1-mediated phosphorylation site in O2 offers a potential engineering target for enhancing storage-reserve accumulation and yield in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yunqin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Longyu Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Haoyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingying Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongcai Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Di Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Institute of Molecular Breeding for Maize, Qilu Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoduo Lu
- Institute of Molecular Breeding for Maize, Qilu Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Yongrui Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
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5
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Li J, Gu W, Yang Z, Chen J, Yi F, Li T, Li J, Zhou Y, Guo Y, Song W, Lai J, Zhao H. ZmELP1, an Elongator complex subunit, is required for the maintenance of histone acetylation and RNA Pol II phosphorylation in maize kernels. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:1251-1268. [PMID: 38098341 PMCID: PMC11022810 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14262] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The Elongator complex was originally identified as an interactor of hyperphosphorylated RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) in yeast and has histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity. However, the genome-wide regulatory roles of Elongator on transcriptional elongation and histone acetylation remain unclear. We characterized a maize miniature seed mutant, mn7 and map-based cloning revealed that Mn7 encodes one of the subunits of the Elongator complex, ZmELP1. ZmELP1 deficiency causes marked reductions in the kernel size and weight. Molecular analyses showed that ZmELP1 interacts with ZmELP3, which is required for H3K14 acetylation (H3K14ac), and Elongator complex subunits interact with RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) C-terminal domain (CTD). Genome-wide analyses indicated that loss of ZmELP1 leads to a significant decrease in the deposition of H3K14ac and the CTD of phosphorylated RNAPII on Ser2 (Ser2P). These chromatin changes positively correlate with global transcriptomic changes. ZmELP1 mutation alters the expression of genes involved in transcriptional regulation and kernel development. We also showed that the decrease of Ser2P depends on the deposition of Elongator complex-mediated H3K14ac. Taken together, our results reveal an important role of ZmELP1 in the H3K14ac-dependent transcriptional elongation, which is critical for kernel development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianrui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio‐breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Wei Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio‐breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- Crop Breeding, Cultivation Research Institution/CIMMYT‐China Specialty Maize Research Center, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Specialty Maize, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetics and BreedingShanghai Academy of Agricultural SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Zhijia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio‐breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio‐breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Fei Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio‐breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- Engineering Research Center of Plant Growth Regulator, Ministry of Education, College of Agronomy and BiotechnologyChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Tong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio‐breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jingrui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yue Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Weibin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio‐breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jinsheng Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio‐breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Haiming Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio‐breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
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6
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Xie S, Luo H, Huang W, Jin W, Dong Z. Striking a growth-defense balance: Stress regulators that function in maize development. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 66:424-442. [PMID: 37787439 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13570] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays) cultivation is strongly affected by both abiotic and biotic stress, leading to reduced growth and productivity. It has recently become clear that regulators of plant stress responses, including the phytohormones abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ET), and jasmonic acid (JA), together with reactive oxygen species (ROS), shape plant growth and development. Beyond their well established functions in stress responses, these molecules play crucial roles in balancing growth and defense, which must be finely tuned to achieve high yields in crops while maintaining some level of defense. In this review, we provide an in-depth analysis of recent research on the developmental functions of stress regulators, focusing specifically on maize. By unraveling the contributions of these regulators to maize development, we present new avenues for enhancing maize cultivation and growth while highlighting the potential risks associated with manipulating stress regulators to enhance grain yields in the face of environmental challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Xie
- Maize Engineering and Technology Research Center of Hunan Province, College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hongbing Luo
- Maize Engineering and Technology Research Center of Hunan Province, College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Weiwei Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Breeding of Major Crops, Fresh Corn Research Center of BTH, College of Agronomy & Resources and Environment, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Zhaobin Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
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7
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Cao S, Liu B, Wang D, Rasheed A, Xie L, Xia X, He Z. Orchestrating seed storage protein and starch accumulation toward overcoming yield-quality trade-off in cereal crops. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 66:468-483. [PMID: 38409921 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13633] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Achieving high yield and good quality in crops is essential for human food security and health. However, there is usually disharmony between yield and quality. Seed storage protein (SSP) and starch, the predominant components in cereal grains, determine yield and quality, and their coupled synthesis causes a yield-quality trade-off. Therefore, dissection of the underlying regulatory mechanism facilitates simultaneous improvement of yield and quality. Here, we summarize current findings about the synergistic molecular machinery underpinning SSP and starch synthesis in the leading staple cereal crops, including maize, rice and wheat. We further evaluate the functional conservation and differentiation of key regulators and specify feasible research approaches to identify additional regulators and expand insights. We also present major strategies to leverage resultant information for simultaneous improvement of yield and quality by molecular breeding. Finally, future perspectives on major challenges are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanghe Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Wheat Improvement Center, Institute of Crop Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Bingyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Wheat Improvement Center, Institute of Crop Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Daowen Wang
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Awais Rasheed
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Wheat Improvement Center, Institute of Crop Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) China Office, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Lina Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Wheat Improvement Center, Institute of Crop Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xianchun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Wheat Improvement Center, Institute of Crop Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zhonghu He
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Wheat Improvement Center, Institute of Crop Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) China Office, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
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8
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Huang X, Huang Y, Qin L, Xiao Q, Wang Q, Wang J, Wang W, Lu X, Wu Y. Maize DDK1 encoding an Importin-4 β protein is essential for seed development and grain filling by mediating nuclear exporting of eIF1A. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 241:2075-2089. [PMID: 38095260 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19475] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear-cytoplasmic trafficking is crucial for protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells due to the spatial separation of transcription and translation by the nuclear envelope. However, the mechanism underlying this process remains largely unknown in plants. In this study, we isolated a maize (Zea mays) mutant designated developmentally delayed kernel 1 (ddk1), which exhibits delayed seed development and slower filling. Ddk1 encodes a plant-specific protein known as Importin-4 β, and its mutation results in reduced 80S monosomes and suppressed protein synthesis. Through our investigations, we found that DDK1 interacts with eIF1A proteins in vivo. However, in vitro experiments revealed that this interaction exhibits low affinity in the absence of RanGTP. Additionally, while the eIF1A protein primarily localizes to the cytoplasm in the wild-type, it remains significantly retained within the nuclei of ddk1 mutants. These observations suggest that DDK1 functions as an exportin and collaborates with RanGTP to facilitate the nuclear export of eIF1A, consequently regulating endosperm development at the translational level. Importantly, both DDK1 and eIF1A are conserved among various plant species, implying the preservation of this regulatory module across diverse plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yongcai Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Li Qin
- Institute of Molecular Breeding for Maize, Qilu Normal University, Jinan, 250200, China
| | - Qiao Xiao
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiechen Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenqin Wang
- College of Life Science, Shanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Xiaoduo Lu
- Institute of Molecular Breeding for Maize, Qilu Normal University, Jinan, 250200, China
| | - Yongrui Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
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9
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Song Z, Li S, Li Y, Zhou X, Liu X, Yang W, Chen R. Identification and characterization of yellow stripe-like genes in maize suggest their roles in the uptake and transport of zinc and iron. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:3. [PMID: 38163880 PMCID: PMC10759363 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04691-0] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Yellow Stripe-Like (YSL) proteins are involved in the uptake and transport of metal ions. They play important roles in maintaining the zinc and iron homeostasis in Arabidopsis, rice (Oryza sativa), and barley (Hordeum vulgare). However, proteins in this family have not been fully identified and comprehensively analyzed in maize (Zea mays L.). RESULTS In this study, we identified 19 ZmYSLs in the maize genome and analyzed their structural features. The results of a phylogenetic analysis showed that ZmYSLs are homologous to YSLs of Arabidopsis and rice, and these proteins are divided into four independent branches. Although their exons and introns have structural differences, the motif structure is relatively conserved. Analysis of the cis-regulatory elements in the promoters indicated that ZmYSLs might play a role in response to hypoxia and light. The results of RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that ZmYSLs are expressed in various tissues and respond differently to zinc and iron deficiency. The subcellular localization of ZmYSLs in the protoplast of maize mesophyll cells showed that they may function in the membrane system. CONCLUSIONS This study provided important information for the further functional analysis of ZmYSL, especially in the spatio-temporal expression and adaptation to nutrient deficiency stress. Our findings provided important genes resources for the maize biofortification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizhao Song
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Suzhen Li
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yu Li
- College of Food Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071000, China
| | - Xiaojin Zhou
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Wenzhu Yang
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Rumei Chen
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
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Liu Y, Xi W, Wang X, Li H, Liu H, Li T, Hou J, Liu X, Hao C, Zhang X. TabHLH95-TaNF-YB1 module promotes grain starch synthesis in bread wheat. J Genet Genomics 2023; 50:883-894. [PMID: 37062449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.04.002] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Starch is the most abundant substance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) endosperm and provides the major carbohydrate energy for human daily life. Starch synthesis-related (SSR) genes are believed to be spatiotemporally specific, but their transcriptional regulation remains unclear in wheat. Here, we investigate the role of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor TabHLH95 in starch synthesis. TabHLH95 is preferentially expressed in the developing grains in wheat and encodes a nucleus localized protein without autoactivation activity. The Tabhlh95 knockout mutants display smaller grain size and less starch content than wild type, whereas overexpression of TabHLH95 enhances starch accumulation and significantly improves thousand grain weight. Transcriptome analysis reveals that the expression of multiple SSR genes is significantly reduced in the Tabhlh95 mutants. TabHLH95 binds to the promoters of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase large subunit 1 (AGPL1-1D/-1B), AGPL2-5D, and isoamylase (ISA1-7D) and enhances their transcription. Intriguingly, TabHLH95 interacts with the nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) family transcription factor TaNF-YB1, thereby synergistically regulating starch synthesis. These results suggest that the TabHLH95-TaNF-YB1 complex positively modulates starch synthesis and grain weight by regulating the expression of a subset of SSR genes, thus providing a good potential approach for genetic improvement of grain productivity in wheat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunchuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Wei Xi
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science (Gansu Agricultural University)/Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Improvement & Germplasm Enhancement, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China; College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Xiaolu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Huifang Li
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hongxia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Tian Li
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jian Hou
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Chenyang Hao
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Xueyong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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Chen E, Yu H, He J, Peng D, Zhu P, Pan S, Wu X, Wang J, Ji C, Chao Z, Xu Z, Wu Y, Chao D, Wu Y, Zhang Z. The transcription factors ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 coordinate with Opaque2 to promote endosperm filling in maize. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:4066-4090. [PMID: 37542515 PMCID: PMC10615213 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Endosperm filling in maize (Zea mays), which involves nutrient uptake and biosynthesis of storage reserves, largely determines grain yield and quality. However, much remains unclear about the synchronization of these processes. Here, we comprehensively investigated the functions of duplicate NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2 (NAC)-type transcription factors, namely, ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130, in endosperm filling. The gene-edited double mutant zmnac128 zmnac130 exhibits a poorly filled kernel phenotype such that the kernels have an inner cavity. RNA sequencing and protein abundance analysis revealed that the expression of many genes involved in the biosynthesis of zein and starch is reduced in the filling endosperm of zmnac128 zmnac130. Further, DNA affinity purification and sequencing combined with chromatin-immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR and promoter transactivation assays demonstrated that ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 are direct regulators of 3 (16-, 27-, and 50-kD) γ-zein genes and 6 important starch metabolism genes (Brittle2 [Bt2], pullulanase-type starch debranching enzyme [Zpu1], granule-bound starch synthase 1 [GBSS1], starch synthase 1 [SS1], starch synthase IIa [SSIIa], and sucrose synthase 1 [Sus1]). ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 recognize an additional cis-element in the Opaque2 (O2) promoter to regulate its expression. The triple mutant zmnac128 zmnac130 o2 exhibits extremely poor endosperm filling, which results in more than 70% of kernel weight loss. ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 regulate the expression of the transporter genes sugars that will eventually be exported transporter 4c (ZmSWEET4c), sucrose and glucose carrier 1 (ZmSUGCAR1), and yellow stripe-like2 (ZmYSL2) and in turn facilitate nutrient uptake, while O2 plays a supporting role. In conclusion, ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 cooperate with O2 to facilitate endosperm filling, which involves nutrient uptake in the basal endosperm transfer layer (BETL) and the synthesis of zeins and starch in the starchy endosperm (SE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwang Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Huiqin Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Juan He
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Di Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Panpan Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Shuxing Pan
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Xu Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Jincang Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Chen Ji
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032,China
| | - Zhenfei Chao
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032,China
| | - Zhuopin Xu
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031,China
| | - Yuejin Wu
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031,China
| | - Daiyin Chao
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032,China
| | - Yongrui Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032,China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
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Wang J, Wang Y, Yu Y, Zhang J, Ren Y, Tian S, Li M, Liao S, Guo S, Gong G, Zhang H, Xu Y. ClSnRK2.3 negatively regulates watermelon fruit ripening and sugar accumulation. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 65:2336-2348. [PMID: 37219233 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) as non-climacteric fruit is domesticated from the ancestors with inedible fruits. We previously revealed that the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway gene ClSnRK2.3 might influence watermelon fruit ripening. However, the molecular mechanisms are unclear. Here, we found that the selective variation of ClSnRK2.3 resulted in lower promoter activity and gene expression level in cultivated watermelons than ancestors, which indicated ClSnRK2.3 might be a negative regulator in fruit ripening. Overexpression (OE) of ClSnRK2.3 significantly delayed watermelon fruit ripening and suppressed the accumulation of sucrose, ABA and gibberellin GA4 . Furthermore, we determined that the pyrophosphate-dependent phosphofructokinase (ClPFP1) in sugar metabolism pathway and GA biosynthesis enzyme GA20 oxidase (ClGA20ox) could be phosphorylated by ClSnRK2.3 and thereby resulting in accelerated protein degradation in OE lines and finally led to low levels of sucrose and GA4 . Besides that, ClSnRK2.3 phosphorylated homeodomain-leucine zipper protein (ClHAT1) and protected it from degradation to suppress the expression of the ABA biosynthesis gene 9'-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 3 (ClNCED3). These results indicated that ClSnRK2.3 negatively regulated watermelon fruit ripening by manipulating the biosynthesis of sucrose, ABA and GA4 . Altogether, these findings revealed a novel regulatory mechanism in non-climacteric fruit development and ripening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, National Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Yanping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, National Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Yongtao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, National Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, National Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Yi Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, National Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Shouwei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, National Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Maoying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, National Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Shengjin Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, National Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Shaogui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, National Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Guoyi Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, National Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Haiying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, National Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Yong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, National Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Beijing, 100097, China
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Wang Y, Shi D, Zhu H, Yin H, Wang G, Yang A, Song Z, Jing Q, Shuai B, Xu N, Yang J, Chen H, Wang G. Revisiting maize Brittle endosperm-2 reveals new insights in BETL development and starchy endosperm filling. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 332:111727. [PMID: 37149228 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Rerouting the starch biosynthesis pathway in maize can generate specialty types, like sweet corn and waxy corn, with a drastically increasing global demand. Hence, a fine-tuning of starch metabolism is relevant to create diverse maize cultivars for end-use applications. Here, we characterized a new maize brittle endosperm mutant, referred to as bt1774, which exhibited decreased starch content but a dramatic increase of soluble sugars at maturity. Both endosperm and embryo development was impaired in bt1774 relative to the wild-type (WT), with a prominently arrested basal endosperm transfer layer (BETL). Map-based cloning revealed that BRITTLE ENDOSPERM2 (Bt2), which encodes a small subunit of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), is the causal gene for bt1774. A MuA2 element was found to be inserted into intron 2 of Bt2, leading to a severe decrease of its expression, in bt1774. This is in line with the irregular and loosely packed starch granules in the mutant. Transcriptome of endosperm at grain filling stage identified 1, 013 differentially expressed genes in bt1774, which were notably enriched in the BETL compartment, including ZmMRP1, Miniature1, MEG1, and BETLs. Gene expression of the canonical starch biosynthesis pathway was marginally disturbed in Bt1774. Combined with the residual 60% of starch in this nearly null mutant of Bt2, this data strongly suggests that an AGPase-independent pathway compensates for starch synthesis in the endosperm. Consistent with the BETL defects, zein accumulation was impaired in bt1774. Co-expression network analysis revealed that Bt2 probably has a role in intracellular signal transduction, besides starch synthesis. Altogether, we propose that Bt2 is likely involved in carbohydrate flux and balance, thus regulating both the BETL development and the starchy endosperm filling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyan Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, CIMMYT-China (Henan) Joint Center of Wheat and Maize, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Dongsheng Shi
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hui Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, CIMMYT-China (Henan) Joint Center of Wheat and Maize, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Hanxue Yin
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, CIMMYT-China (Henan) Joint Center of Wheat and Maize, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Gaoyang Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, CIMMYT-China (Henan) Joint Center of Wheat and Maize, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Anqi Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, CIMMYT-China (Henan) Joint Center of Wheat and Maize, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Zhixuan Song
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, CIMMYT-China (Henan) Joint Center of Wheat and Maize, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Qingquan Jing
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, CIMMYT-China (Henan) Joint Center of Wheat and Maize, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Bilian Shuai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Ningkun Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, CIMMYT-China (Henan) Joint Center of Wheat and Maize, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Jianping Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, CIMMYT-China (Henan) Joint Center of Wheat and Maize, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, CIMMYT-China (Henan) Joint Center of Wheat and Maize, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China.
| | - Guifeng Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, CIMMYT-China (Henan) Joint Center of Wheat and Maize, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China.
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Liu S, Wang J, Liu Z, Yang Y, Li X. FtbZIP85 Is Involved in the Accumulation of Proanthocyanidin by Regulating the Transcription of FtDFR in Tartary Buckwheat. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:3375-3390. [PMID: 37185745 PMCID: PMC10136674 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45040221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
As a drought-tolerant crop, Tartary buckwheat survives under adverse environmental conditions, including drought stress. Proanthocyanidins (PAs) and anthocyanins are flavonoid compounds, and they participate in the regulation of resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses by triggering genes' biosynthesis of flavonoids. In this study, a basic leucine zipper, basic leucine zipper 85 (FtbZIP85), which was predominantly expressed in seeds, was isolated from Tartary buckwheat. Our study shows that the expressions of FtDFR, FtbZIP85 and FtSnRK2.6 were tissue-specific and located in both the nucleus and the cytosol. FtbZIP85 could positively regulate PA biosynthesis by binding to the ABA-responsive element (ABRE) in the promoter of dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (FtDFR), which is a key enzyme in the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway. Additionally, FtbZIP85 was also involved in the regulation of PA biosynthesis via interactions with FtSnRK2.6 but not with FtSnRK2.2/2.3. This study reveals that FtbZIP85 is a positive regulator of PA biosynthesis in TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jianmei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Zhibin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Xiaoyi Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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Li Q, Liu N, Wu C. Novel insights into maize (Zea mays) development and organogenesis for agricultural optimization. PLANTA 2023; 257:94. [PMID: 37031436 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-023-04126-y] [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: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In maize, intrinsic hormone activities and sap fluxes facilitate organogenesis patterning and plant holistic development; these hormone movements should be a primary focus of developmental biology and agricultural optimization strategies. Maize (Zea mays) is an important crop plant with distinctive life history characteristics and structural features. Genetic studies have extended our knowledge of maize developmental processes, genetics, and molecular ecophysiology. In this review, the classical life cycle and life history strategies of maize are analyzed to identify spatiotemporal organogenesis properties and develop a definitive understanding of maize development. The actions of genes and hormones involved in maize organogenesis and sex determination, along with potential molecular mechanisms, are investigated, with findings suggesting central roles of auxin and cytokinins in regulating maize holistic development. Furthermore, investigation of morphological and structural characteristics of maize, particularly node ubiquity and the alternate attachment pattern of lateral organs, yields a novel regulatory model suggesting that maize organ initiation and subsequent development are derived from the stimulation and interaction of auxin and cytokinin fluxes. Propositions that hormone activities and sap flow pathways control organogenesis are thoroughly explored, and initiation and development processes of distinctive maize organs are discussed. Analysis of physiological factors driving hormone and sap movement implicates cues of whole-plant activity for hormone and sap fluxes to stimulate maize inflorescence initiation and organ identity determination. The physiological origins and biogenetic mechanisms underlying maize floral sex determination occurring at the tassel and ear spikelet are thoroughly investigated. The comprehensive outline of maize development and morphogenetic physiology developed in this review will enable farmers to optimize field management and will provide a reference for de novo crop domestication and germplasm improvement using genome editing biotechnologies, promoting agricultural optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglin Li
- Crop Genesis and Novel Agronomy Center, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Ning Liu
- Shandong ZhongnongTiantai Seed Co., Ltd, Pingyi, 273300, Shandong, China
| | - Chenglai Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, China.
- College of Agronomy, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, China.
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16
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Song J, Sun P, Kong W, Xie Z, Li C, Liu JH. SnRK2.4-mediated phosphorylation of ABF2 regulates ARGININE DECARBOXYLASE expression and putrescine accumulation under drought stress. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 238:216-236. [PMID: 36210523 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Arginine decarboxylase (ADC)-mediated putrescine (Put) biosynthesis plays an important role in plant abiotic stress response. SNF1-related protein kinases 2s (SnRK2s) and abscisic acid (ABA)-response element (ABRE)-binding factors (ABFs), are core components of the ABA signaling pathway involved in drought stress response. We previously reported that ADC of Poncirus trifoliata (PtrADC) functions in drought tolerance. However, whether and how SnRK2 and ABF regulate PtrADC to modulate putrescine accumulation under drought stress remains largely unclear. Herein, we employed a set of physiological, biochemical, and molecular approaches to reveal that a protein complex composed of PtrSnRK2.4 and PtrABF2 modulates putrescine biosynthesis and drought tolerance by directly regulating PtrADC. PtrABF2 was upregulated by dehydration in an ABA-dependent manner. PtrABF2 activated PtrADC expression by directly and specifically binding to the ABRE core sequence within its promoter and positively regulated drought tolerance via modulating putrescine accumulation. PtrSnRK2.4 interacts with and phosphorylates PtrABF2 at Ser93. PtrSnRK2.4-mediated PtrABF2 phosphorylation is essential for the transcriptional regulation of PtrADC. Besides, PtrSnRK2.4 was shown to play a positive role in drought tolerance by facilitating putrescine synthesis. Taken together, this study sheds new light on the regulatory module SnRK2.4-ABF2-ADC responsible for fine-tuning putrescine accumulation under drought stress, which advances our understanding on transcriptional regulation of putrescine synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Song
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Peipei Sun
- School of Horticulture, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Weina Kong
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zongzhou Xie
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Chunlong Li
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ji-Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
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Zhu W, Miao X, Qian J, Chen S, Jin Q, Li M, Han L, Zhong W, Xie D, Shang X, Li L. A translatome-transcriptome multi-omics gene regulatory network reveals the complicated functional landscape of maize. Genome Biol 2023; 24:60. [PMID: 36991439 PMCID: PMC10053466 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02890-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important crops worldwide. Although sophisticated maize gene regulatory networks (GRNs) have been constructed for functional genomics and phenotypic dissection, a multi-omics GRN connecting the translatome and transcriptome is lacking, hampering our understanding and exploration of the maize regulatome. RESULTS We collect spatio-temporal translatome and transcriptome data and systematically explore the landscape of gene transcription and translation across 33 tissues or developmental stages of maize. Using this comprehensive transcriptome and translatome atlas, we construct a multi-omics GRN integrating mRNAs and translated mRNAs, demonstrating that translatome-related GRNs outperform GRNs solely using transcriptomic data and inter-omics GRNs outperform intra-omics GRNs in most cases. With the aid of the multi-omics GRN, we reconcile some known regulatory networks. We identify a novel transcription factor, ZmGRF6, which is associated with growth. Furthermore, we characterize a function related to drought response for the classic transcription factor ZmMYB31. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide insights into spatio-temporal changes across maize development at both the transcriptome and translatome levels. Multi-omics GRNs represent a useful resource for dissection of the regulatory mechanisms underlying phenotypic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanchao Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- HuBei HongShan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xinxin Miao
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- HuBei HongShan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jia Qian
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- HuBei HongShan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Sijia Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Qixiao Jin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- HuBei HongShan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Mingzhu Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- HuBei HongShan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Linqian Han
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- HuBei HongShan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Wanshun Zhong
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- HuBei HongShan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Dan Xie
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- HuBei HongShan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xiaoyang Shang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- HuBei HongShan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Lin Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
- HuBei HongShan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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Ma B, Zhang L, He Z. Understanding the regulation of cereal grain filling: The way forward. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 65:526-547. [PMID: 36648157 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
During grain filling, starch and other nutrients accumulate in the endosperm; this directly determines grain yield and grain quality in crops such as rice (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), and wheat (Triticum aestivum). Grain filling is a complex trait affected by both intrinsic and environmental factors, making it difficult to explore the underlying genetics, molecular regulation, and the application of these genes for breeding. With the development of powerful genetic and molecular techniques, much has been learned about the genes and molecular networks related to grain filling over the past decades. In this review, we highlight the key factors affecting grain filling, including both biological and abiotic factors. We then summarize the key genes controlling grain filling and their roles in this event, including regulators of sugar translocation and starch biosynthesis, phytohormone-related regulators, and other factors. Finally, we discuss how the current knowledge of valuable grain filling genes could be integrated with strategies for breeding cereal varieties with improved grain yield and quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Zuhua He
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
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19
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Yang T, Wu X, Wang W, Wu Y. Regulation of seed storage protein synthesis in monocot and dicot plants: A comparative review. MOLECULAR PLANT 2023; 16:145-167. [PMID: 36495013 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Seeds are a major source of nutrients for humans and animal livestock worldwide. With improved living standards, high nutritional quality has become one of the main targets for breeding. Storage protein content in seeds, which is highly variable depending on plant species, serves as a pivotal criterion of seed nutritional quality. In the last few decades, our understanding of the molecular genetics and regulatory mechanisms of storage protein synthesis has greatly advanced. Here, we systematically and comprehensively summarize breakthroughs on the conservation and divergence of storage protein synthesis in dicot and monocot plants. With regard to storage protein accumulation, we discuss evolutionary origins, developmental processes, characteristics of main storage protein fractions, regulatory networks, and genetic modifications. In addition, we discuss potential breeding strategies to improve storage protein accumulation and provide perspectives on some key unanswered problems that need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xingguo Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Wenqin Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yongrui Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
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