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Zhou C, Yang N, Tian C, Wen S, Zhang C, Zheng A, Hu X, Fang J, Zhang Z, Lai Z, Lin Y, Guo Y. The miR166 targets CsHDZ3 genes to negatively regulate drought tolerance in tea plant (Camellia sinensis). Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130735. [PMID: 38471611 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Drought is the stressor with a significant adverse impact on the yield stability of tea plants. HD-ZIP III transcription factors (TFs) play important regulatory roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, whether and how HD-ZIP III TFs are involved in drought response and tolerance in tea plants remains unclear. Here, we identified seven HD-ZIP III genes (CsHDZ3-1 to CsHDZ3-7) in tea plant genome. The evolutionary analysis demonstrated that CsHDZ3 members were subjected to purify selection. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that all seven CsHDZ3s located in the nucleus. Yeast self-activation and dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that CsHDZ3-1 to CsHDZ3-4 have trans-activation ability whereas CsHDZ3-5 to CsHDZ3-7 served as transcriptional inhibitors. The qRT-PCR assay showed that all seven CsHDZ3 genes could respond to simulated natural drought stress and polyethylene glycol treatment. Further assays verified that all CsHDZ3 genes can be cleaved by csn-miR166. Overexpression of csn-miR166 inhibited the expression of seven CsHDZ3 genes and weakened drought tolerance of tea leaves. In contrast, suppression of csn-miR166 promoted the expression of seven CsHDZ3 genes and enhanced drought tolerance of tea leaves. These findings established the foundation for further understanding the mechanism of CsHDZ3-miR166 modules' participation in drought responses and tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhe Zhou
- Anxi College of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Horticultural Biotechnology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Niannian Yang
- Anxi College of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Caiyun Tian
- Anxi College of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shengjing Wen
- Anxi College of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Anxi College of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Anru Zheng
- Anxi College of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiaowen Hu
- Anxi College of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jiaxin Fang
- Anxi College of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhendong Zhang
- Anxi College of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhongxiong Lai
- Anxi College of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Horticultural Biotechnology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yuling Lin
- Anxi College of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Horticultural Biotechnology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yuqiong Guo
- Anxi College of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Tea Industry Research Institute, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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Mierziak J, Wojtasik W. Epigenetic weapons of plants against fungal pathogens. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:175. [PMID: 38443788 PMCID: PMC10916060 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-04829-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
In the natural environment, plants face constant exposure to biotic stress caused by fungal attacks. The plant's response to various biotic stresses relies heavily on its ability to rapidly adjust the transcriptome. External signals are transmitted to the nucleus, leading to activation of transcription factors that subsequently enhance the expression of specific defense-related genes. Epigenetic mechanisms, including histone modifications and DNA methylation, which are closely linked to chromatin states, regulate gene expression associated with defense against biotic stress. Additionally, chromatin remodelers and non-coding RNA play a significant role in plant defense against stressors. These molecular modifications enable plants to exhibit enhanced resistance and productivity under diverse environmental conditions. Epigenetic mechanisms also contribute to stress-induced environmental epigenetic memory and priming in plants, enabling them to recall past molecular experiences and utilize this stored information for adaptation to new conditions. In the arms race between fungi and plants, a significant aspect is the cross-kingdom RNAi mechanism, whereby sRNAs can traverse organismal boundaries. Fungi utilize sRNA as an effector molecule to silence plant resistance genes, while plants transport sRNA, primarily through extracellular vesicles, to pathogens in order to suppress virulence-related genes. In this review, we summarize contemporary knowledge on epigenetic mechanisms of plant defense against attack by pathogenic fungi. The role of epigenetic mechanisms during plant-fungus symbiotic interactions is also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Mierziak
- Department of Genetic Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63, Wroclaw, 51-148, Poland
| | - Wioleta Wojtasik
- Department of Genetic Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63, Wroclaw, 51-148, Poland.
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Wen S, Zhou C, Tian C, Yang N, Zhang C, Zheng A, Chen Y, Lai Z, Guo Y. Identification and Validation of the miR156 Family Involved in Drought Responses and Tolerance in Tea Plants ( Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:201. [PMID: 38256754 PMCID: PMC10819883 DOI: 10.3390/plants13020201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The microRNA156 (miR156) family, one of the first miRNA families discovered in plants, plays various important roles in plant growth and resistance to various abiotic stresses. Previously, miR156s were shown to respond to drought stress, but miR156s in tea plants (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) have not been comprehensively identified and analyzed. Herein, we identify 47 mature sequences and 28 precursor sequences in tea plants. Our evolutionary analysis and multiple sequence alignment revealed that csn-miR156s were highly conserved during evolution and that the rates of the csn-miR156 members' evolution were different. The precursor sequences formed typical and stable stem-loop structures. The prediction of cis-acting elements in the CsMIR156s promoter region showed that the CsMIR156s had diverse cis-acting elements; of these, 12 CsMIR156s were found to be drought-responsive elements. The results of reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) testing showed that csn-miR156 family members respond to drought and demonstrate different expression patterns under the conditions of drought stress. This suggests that csn-miR156 family members may be significantly involved in the response of tea plants to drought stress. Csn-miR156f-2-5p knockdown significantly reduced the Fv/Fm value and chlorophyll content and led to the accumulation of more-reactive oxygen species and proline compared with the control. The results of target gene prediction showed that csn-miR156f-2-5p targeted SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like (SPL) genes. Further analyses showed that CsSPL14 was targeted by csn-miR156f-2-5p, as confirmed through RT-qPCR, 5' RLM-RACE, and antisense oligonucleotide validation. Our results demonstrate that csn-miR156f-2-5p and CsSPL14 are involved in drought response and represent a new strategy for increasing drought tolerance via the breeding of tea plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengjing Wen
- College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (S.W.); (C.Z.); (C.T.); (N.Y.); (C.Z.); (A.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.L.)
| | - Chengzhe Zhou
- College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (S.W.); (C.Z.); (C.T.); (N.Y.); (C.Z.); (A.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.L.)
| | - Caiyun Tian
- College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (S.W.); (C.Z.); (C.T.); (N.Y.); (C.Z.); (A.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.L.)
| | - Niannian Yang
- College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (S.W.); (C.Z.); (C.T.); (N.Y.); (C.Z.); (A.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.L.)
| | - Cheng Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (S.W.); (C.Z.); (C.T.); (N.Y.); (C.Z.); (A.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.L.)
| | - Anru Zheng
- College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (S.W.); (C.Z.); (C.T.); (N.Y.); (C.Z.); (A.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.L.)
| | - Yixing Chen
- College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (S.W.); (C.Z.); (C.T.); (N.Y.); (C.Z.); (A.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.L.)
| | - Zhongxiong Lai
- College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (S.W.); (C.Z.); (C.T.); (N.Y.); (C.Z.); (A.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.L.)
- Institute of Horticultural Biotechnology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yuqiong Guo
- College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (S.W.); (C.Z.); (C.T.); (N.Y.); (C.Z.); (A.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.L.)
- Anxi College of Tea Science (College of Digital Economy), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Quanzhou 362400, China
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Zhu K, Feng Y, Huang Y, Zhang D, Ateeq M, Zheng X, Al-Babili S, Li G, Liu J. β-Cyclocitric acid enhances drought tolerance in peach (Prunus persica) seedlings. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 43:1933-1949. [PMID: 37561416 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpad093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The β-cyclocitric acid (β-CCA) is a bioactive apocarotenoid previously shown to improve drought tolerance in annual plants. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of this process remains largely elusive. Moreover, the question about the activity of β-CCA in perennial fruit crops is still open. Here, we found that treatment of β-CCA enhances drought tolerance in peach seedlings. The application of β-CCA significantly increased the relative water content and root activity and reduced the electrolyte leakage of peach seedlings under drought stress. Moreover, treatment with β-CCA under drought stress increased chlorophyll fluorescence, indicating a positive effect on photosynthesis, while also enhancing superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Consistent with these alterations, transcriptome analysis revealed an up-regulation of photosynthesis and antioxidant-related genes upon the application of β-CCA under drought stress. We also detected an induction in genes related to detoxification, environmental adaptation, primary metabolism, phytohormone, phenylpropanoid and the biosynthesis of cutin, suberine and wax, which might contribute to the induction of drought resistance. Altogether, our study reveals that β-CCA positively modulates peach drought tolerance, which is mainly mediated by enhancing photosynthesis and reducing ROS, indicating the potential of utilizing β-CCA for drought control in peach and perhaps other fruit crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaijie Zhu
- National Key Lab for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China
| | - Yimei Feng
- National Key Lab for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China
| | - Yufeng Huang
- National Key Lab for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- National Key Lab for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China
| | - Muhammad Ateeq
- National Key Lab for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China
| | - Xiongjie Zheng
- Center for Desert Agriculture, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salim Al-Babili
- Center for Desert Agriculture, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guohuai Li
- National Key Lab for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China
| | - Junwei Liu
- National Key Lab for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China
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Li H, Song K, Zhang X, Wang D, Dong S, Liu Y, Yang L. Application of Multi-Perspectives in Tea Breeding and the Main Directions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12643. [PMID: 37628823 PMCID: PMC10454712 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Tea plants are an economically important crop and conducting research on tea breeding contributes to enhancing the yield and quality of tea leaves as well as breeding traits that satisfy the requirements of the public. This study reviews the current status of tea plants germplasm resources and their utilization, which has provided genetic material for the application of multi-omics, including genomics and transcriptomics in breeding. Various molecular markers for breeding were designed based on multi-omics, and available approaches in the direction of high yield, quality and resistance in tea plants breeding are proposed. Additionally, future breeding of tea plants based on single-cellomics, pangenomics, plant-microbe interactions and epigenetics are proposed and provided as references. This study aims to provide inspiration and guidance for advancing the development of genetic breeding in tea plants, as well as providing implications for breeding research in other crops.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Long Yang
- College of Plant Protection and Agricultural Big-Data Research Center, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
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