CHOTTO1, a putative double APETALA2 repeat transcription factor, is involved in abscisic acid-mediated repression of gibberellin biosynthesis during seed germination in Arabidopsis

AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE genes regulate reproductive growth and bud dormancy in Platanus acerifolia

KEY MESSAGE

Platanus acerifolia AIL genes PaAIL5a/b and PaAIL6b participate in FT-AP1/FUL-AIL pathways to regulate bud dormancy. In addition, PaAIL6a/b can promote flowering, and PaAIL5b and PaAIL6b affect floral development. Bud dormancy and floral induction are essential processes for perennial plants, they are both regulated by photoperiod, temperature, and hormones, indicating the existence of common regulators for both processes. AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE (AIL) genes regulate reproductive growth of annual plants, including floral induction and flower development, and their homologs in poplar and grape act downstream of the florigen gene FT and the floral meristem identity genes AP1/FUL and function to maintain growth and thus inhibit dormancy induction. However, it is not known whether AIL homologs participate in the reproduction processes in perennials and whether the Platanus acerifolia AIL genes are involved in dormancy. P. acerifolia is a perennial woody plant whose reproductive growth is strongly associated with dormancy. Here, we isolated four AIL homologs from P. acerifolia, PaAIL5a, PaAIL5b, PaAIL6a, and PaAIL6b, and systematically investigated their functions by ectopic-overexpression in tobacco. The findings demonstrate that PaAIL5a/b and PaAIL6b respond to short day, low temperature, and hormone signals and act as the components of the FT-AP1/FUL-AIL pathway to regulate the bud dormancy in P. acerifolia. Notably, PaAIL5a/b and PaAIL6b function downstream of PaFTL-PaFUL1/2/3 to inhibit the dormancy induction and downstream of PaFT-PaFUL2/3 to promote the dormancy release. In addition, PaAIL6a/b were found to accelerate flowering in transgenic tobacco, whereas PaAIL5b and PaAIL6b affected the flower development. Together, our results suggest that PaAIL genes may act downstream of different PaFT/PaFTL and PaFUL proteins to fulfill conservative and diverse roles in floral initiation, floral development, and dormancy regulation in P. acerifolia.

PLETHORA transcription factors promote early embryo development through induction of meristematic potential

Plants are dependent on divisions of stem cells to establish cell lineages required for growth. During embryogenesis, early division products are considered to be stem cells, whereas during post-embryonic development, stem cells are present in meristems at the root and shoot apex. PLETHORA/AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE (PLT/AIL) transcription factors are regulators of post-embryonic meristem function and are required to maintain stem cell pools. Despite the parallels between embryonic and post-embryonic stem cells, the role of PLTs during early embryogenesis has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we demonstrate that the PLT regulome in the zygote, and apical and basal cells is in strong congruence with that of post-embryonic meristematic cells. We reveal that out of all six PLTs, only PLT2 and PLT4/BABY BOOM (BBM) are expressed in the zygote, and that these two factors are essential for progression of embryogenesis beyond the zygote stage and first divisions. Finally, we show that other PLTs can rescue plt2 bbm defects when expressed from the PLT2 and BBM promoters, establishing upstream regulation as a key factor in early embryogenesis. Our data indicate that generic PLT factors facilitate early embryo development in Arabidopsis by induction of meristematic potential.

PIF4 interacts with ABI4 to serve as a transcriptional activator complex to promote seed dormancy by enhancing ABA biosynthesis and signaling

Transcriptional regulation plays a key role in the control of seed dormancy, and many transcription factors (TFs) have been documented. However, the mechanisms underlying the interactions between different TFs within a transcriptional complex regulating seed dormancy remain largely unknown. Here, we showed that TF PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR4 (PIF4) physically interacted with the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling responsive TF ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE4 (ABI4) to act as a transcriptional complex to promote ABA biosynthesis and signaling, finally deepening primary seed dormancy. Both pif4 and abi4 single mutants exhibited a decreased primary seed dormancy phenotype, with a synergistic effect in the pif4/abi4 double mutant. PIF4 binds to ABI4 to form a heterodimer, and ABI4 stabilizes PIF4 at the protein level, whereas PIF4 does not affect the protein stabilization of ABI4. Subsequently, both TFs independently and synergistically promoted the expression of ABI4 and NCED6, a key gene for ABA anabolism. The genetic evidence is also consistent with the phenotypic, physiological and biochemical analysis results. Altogether, this study revealed a transcriptional regulatory cascade in which the PIF4-ABI4 transcriptional activator complex synergistically enhanced seed dormancy by facilitating ABA biosynthesis and signaling.

MdAIL5 overexpression promotes apple adventitious shoot regeneration by regulating hormone signaling and activating the expression of shoot development-related genes

Adventitious shoot (AS) regeneration is a significant factor in the genetic transformation of horticultural plants. It is also a noteworthy approach to their vegetative propagation. AS regeneration remains highly dependent on the genotype or maturity of explants. We here found that the AS regeneration abilities of apple leaves were positively correlated with MdAIL5 expression. MdAIL5 overexpression dramatically increased AS regeneration efficiency. Notably, MdAIL5 overexpression could restore the AS formation ability of explants to a certain extent, which was lost with an increase in maturity. Endogenous hormone detection revealed that MdAIL5 overexpression changed the contents of auxin, cytokinin (CK), and other hormones in apple leaves. Transcriptome analysis revealed that many genes related to auxin, CK, and brassinolide signaling pathways were significantly and differentially expressed between MdAIL5-overexpressing transgenic apple and wild-type apple plants. Yeast one-hybrid assays, the electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and the dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that MdAIL5 directly binds to MdARF9 and MdHB14 promoters and positively affects their expression. We here established a model of MdAIL5 regulating AS formation, which acts as a theoretical basis for facilitating genotype- or explant maturity-independent AS regeneration in the future.

Differences in both expression and protein activity contribute to the distinct functions of AINTEGUMENTA compared with AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE 5 and AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE 7

Three members of the Arabidopsis AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE/PLETHORA (AIL/PLT) transcription factor family, AIL5/PLT5, AIL6/PLT3, and AIL7/PLT7, exhibit partially overlapping roles with AINTEGUMENTA (ANT) during flower development. Loss of ANT function alone results in smaller floral organs and female sterility indicating that some ANT functions cannot be provided by these related transcription factors. Previously, we showed that expression of AIL6 at the same levels and spatial pattern as ANT could largely rescue the defects of ant mutants. This suggested that the functional differences between ANT and AIL6 were primarily a consequence of expression differences. Here, we investigated the functional differences between ANT and both AIL5 and AIL7 by expressing these two AILs under the control of the ANT promoter. We found that only ANT:gAIL5 lines with much higher amounts of AIL5 mRNA as compared with ANT could compensate for loss of ANT function. ANT:gAIL7 lines with AIL7 mRNA levels similar to those of ANT were able to rescue some but not all aspects of the ant mutant phenotype. Thus, expression differences alone cannot explain the functional differences between ANT and these two related proteins. Studies in yeast show that AIL5 and AIL7 have lower transcriptional activation activities as compared with ANT and AIL6 when bound to the consensus ANT DNA binding site. Our results suggest that differences in both expression and protein activity contribute to the functional specificity of ANT compared with AIL5 and AIL7.

OsMFT1 Inhibits Seed Germination by Modulating Abscisic Acid Signaling and Gibberellin Biosynthesis under Salt Stress in Rice

Seed dormancy and germination are regulated by endogenous gene expression as well as hormonal and environmental conditions, such as salinity, which greatly inhibits seed germination. MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1 (MFT), which encodes a phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein, is a key regulator of seed germination in Arabidopsis thaliana. There are two orthologous genes of AtMFT in rice (Oryza sativa), namely, OsMFT1 and OsMFT2. However, the functions of these two genes in regulating rice seed germination under salt stress remain unknown. In this study, we found that seeds of loss-of-function osmft1 mutants germinated faster than wild-type (WT) seeds under salt stress, but this was not the case for loss-of-function osmft2 mutants. Overexpression of OsMFT1 (OsMFT1OE) or OsMFT2 increased the sensitivity to salt stress during seed germination. Transcriptome comparisons of osmft1 vs WT in the absence and presence of salt stress yielded several differentially expressed genes, which were associated with salt stress, plant hormone metabolism and signaling pathways, such as B-BOX ZINC FINGER 6, O. sativa bZIP PROTEIN 8 and GIBBERELLIN (GA) 20-oxidase 1. In addition, the sensitivity of OsMFT1OE seeds to GA and osmft1 seeds to abscisic acid (ABA) during seed germination increased under salt stress. Overall, our results indicate that ABA and GA metabolism and their signaling pathways are regulated by OsMFT1, modulating seed germination in rice under salt stress.

Genome-Wide Association Study for Seed Dormancy Using Re-Sequenced Germplasm under Multiple Conditions in Rice

Seed dormancy is a key factor used to determine seed germination in rice production. So far, only a few genes controlling seed dormancy have been reported, and the genetic mechanism of rice seed dormancy is still elusive. In this study, a population of 195 diverse re-sequenced accessions from 40 countries was evaluated for the seed germination rate (GR) without dormancy breaking (WDB) as a control and under dry heating (DH) and gibberellic acid (GA) treatments, as dormancy breaking agents to identify QTLs for seed dormancy. Phenotypic assessment revealed that these accessions had abundant variations in seed dormancy. GWAS using 1,120,223 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a mixed linear model (MLM) incorporating both principal components (PCs) and kinship (K) identified 30 QTLs on 10 chromosomes, accounting for 7.3-20.4% of the phenotypic variance in GR. Ten of the QTLs were located in the regions of previously reported QTLs, while the rest were novel ones. Thirteen high-confidence candidate genes were predicted for the four QTLs detected in two or three conditions (qGR4-4, qGR4-5, qGR8 and qGR11-4) and one QTL with a large effect (qGR3). These genes were highly expressed during seed development and were significantly regulated by various hormone treatments. This study provides new insights into the genetic and molecular basis of rice seed dormancy/germination. The accessions with moderate and strong dormancy and markers for the QTLs and candidate genes are useful for attaining a proper level of seed dormancy.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis provides insights into the molecular basis underlying pre-harvest sprouting in rice

BACKGROUND

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is one of the most serious rice production constraints in areas where prolonged rainfall occurs during harvest. However, the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional regulation underlying PHS remain largely unknown.

RESULTS

In the current study, comparative transcriptome analyses were performed to characterize the similarities and differences between two rice varieties: PHS-sensitive Jiuxiangzhan (JXZ) and PHS-resistant Meixiangxinzhan (MXXZ). The physiological experimental results indicated that PHS causes a significant decrease in starch content and, in contrast, a significant increase in soluble sugar content and amylase activity. The extent of change in these physiological parameters in the sensitive variety JXZ was greater than that in the resistant variety MXXZ. A total of 9,602 DEGs were obtained from the transcriptome sequencing data, and 5,581 and 4,021 DEGs were identified in JXZ and MXXZ under high humidity conditions, respectively. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that many DEGs under high humidity treatment were mainly linked to plant hormone signal transduction, carbon metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Furthermore, the number of upregulated genes involved in these pathways was much higher in JXZ than in MXXZ, while the number of downregulated genes was higher in MXXZ than in JXZ. These results suggest that the physiological and biochemical processes of these pathways are more active in the PHS-sensitive JXZ than in the PHS-resistant MXXZ.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, we inferred that PHS in rice results from altered phytohormone regulation, more active carbon metabolism and energy production, and enhanced phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Our study provides a theoretical foundation for further elucidation of the complex regulatory mechanism of PHS in rice and the molecular breeding of PHS-resistant rice varieties.

Transcriptome analysis and identification of abscisic acid and gibberellin-related genes during seed development of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

BACKGROUND

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a widely cultivated plant. Unlike many crops, the main goal of breeding alfalfa is to increase its aboveground biomass rather than the biomass of its seeds. However, the low yield of alfalfa seeds limits alfalfa production. Many studies have explored the factors affecting seed development, in which phytohormones, especially ABA and GAs, play an important role in seed development.

RESULTS

Here, we performed a transcriptome analysis of alfalfa seeds at five development stages. A total of 16,899 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and classified into 10 clusters, and the enriched Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were determined. The contents of ABA, GA₁, GA₃, GA₄ and GA₇ in alfalfa seeds at five development stages were determined. In addition, 14 ABA-related DEGs and 20 GA-related DEGs were identified and analysed. These DEGs are involved in plant hormone pathways and play an important role in seed development. Moreover, morphological and physiological analyses revealed the dynamic changes during the development of alfalfa seeds.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our study is the first to analyse the transcriptome across various stages of seed development in alfalfa. The results of our study could be used to improve alfalfa seed yield. The key ABA and GA related-genes are potential targets for improving alfalfa seed yield via genetic engineering in the future.

Application of developmental regulators to improve in planta or in vitro transformation in plants

Plant genetic transformation is a crucial step for applying biotechnology such as genome editing to basic and applied plant science research. Its success primarily relies on the efficiency of gene delivery into plant cells and the ability to regenerate transgenic plants. In this study, we have examined the effect of several developmental regulators (DRs), including PLETHORA (PLT5), WOUND INDUCED DEDIFFERENTIATION 1 (WIND1), ENHANCED SHOOT REGENERATION (ESR1), WUSHEL (WUS) and a fusion of WUS and BABY-BOOM (WUS-P2A-BBM), on in planta transformation through injection of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus). The results showed that PLT5, WIND1 and WUS promoted in planta transformation of snapdragons. An additional test of these three DRs on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) further demonstrated that the highest in planta transformation efficiency was observed from PLT5. PLT5 promoted calli formation and regeneration of transformed shoots at the wound positions of aerial stems, and the transgene was stably inherited to the next generation in snapdragons. Additionally, PLT5 significantly improved the shoot regeneration and transformation in two Brassica cabbage varieties (Brassica rapa) and promoted the formation of transgenic calli and somatic embryos in sweet pepper (Capsicum annum) through in vitro tissue culture. Despite some morphological alternations, viable seeds were produced from the transgenic Bok choy and snapdragons. Our results have demonstrated that manipulation of PLT5 could be an effective approach for improving in planta and in vitro transformation efficiency, and such a transformation system could be used to facilitate the application of genome editing or other plant biotechnology application in modern agriculture.

Underlying Biochemical and Molecular Mechanisms for Seed Germination

With the burgeoning population of the world, the successful germination of seeds to achieve maximum crop production is very important. Seed germination is a precise balance of phytohormones, light, and temperature that induces endosperm decay. Abscisic acid and gibberellins—mainly with auxins, ethylene, and jasmonic and salicylic acid through interdependent molecular pathways—lead to the rupture of the seed testa, after which the radicle protrudes out and the endosperm provides nutrients according to its growing energy demand. The incident light wavelength and low and supra-optimal temperature modulates phytohormone signaling pathways that induce the synthesis of ROS, which results in the maintenance of seed dormancy and germination. In this review, we have summarized in detail the biochemical and molecular processes occurring in the seed that lead to the germination of the seed. Moreover, an accurate explanation in chronological order of how phytohormones inside the seed act in accordance with the temperature and light signals from outside to degenerate the seed testa for the thriving seed’s germination has also been discussed.

My favorite flowering image: 'giant' Arabidopsis flowers

A fascinating aspect of floral diversity is the dramatic difference in flower size observed in nature. The largest flowers in the world, Rafflesia arnoldii, span several feet while flowers of the genus Wolffia are microscopic. My own particular interest in flower size started when I overexpressed the Arabidopsis gene AINTEGUMENTA (ANT) and observed a larger flower phenotype.

Interactions of Gibberellins with Phytohormones and Their Role in Stress Responses

Gibberellins are amongst the main plant growth regulators. Discovered over a century ago, the interest in gibberellins research is growing due to their current and potential applications in crop production and their role in the responses to environmental stresses. In the present review, the current knowledge on gibberellins’ homeostasis and modes of action is outlined. Besides this, the complex interrelations between gibberellins and other plant growth regulators are also described, providing an intricate network of interactions that ultimately drives towards precise and specific gene expression. Thus, genes and proteins identified as being involved in gibberellin responses in model and non-model species are highlighted. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms governing the gibberellins’ relation to stress responses are also depicted. This review aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the state-of-the-art of the current perceptions of the interactions of gibberellins with other phytohormones, and their responses to plant stresses, thus allowing for the identification of the specific mechanisms involved. This knowledge will help us to improve our understanding of gibberellins’ biology, and might help increase the biotechnological toolbox needed to refine plant resilience, particularly under a climate change scenario.

Updated role of ABA in seed maturation, dormancy, and germination

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Functional ABA biosynthesis genes show specific roles for ABA accumulation at different stages of seed development and seedling establishment.

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De novo ABA biosynthesis during embryogenesis is required for late seed development, maturation, and induction of primary dormancy.

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ABA plays multiple roles with the key LAFL hub to regulate various downstream signaling genes in seed and seedling development.

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Key ABA signaling genes ABI3, ABI4, and ABI5 play important multiple functions with various cofactors during seed development such as de-greening, desiccation tolerance, maturation, dormancy, and seed vigor.

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The crosstalk between ABA and other phytohormones are complicated and important for seed development and seedling establishment.

Background

Seed is vital for plant survival and dispersion, however, its development and germination are influenced by various internal and external factors. Abscisic acid (ABA) is one of the most important phytohormones that influence seed development and germination. Until now, impressive progresses in ABA metabolism and signaling pathways during seed development and germination have been achieved. At the molecular level, ABA biosynthesis, degradation, and signaling genes were identified to play important roles in seed development and germination. Additionally, the crosstalk between ABA and other hormones such as gibberellins (GA), ethylene (ET), Brassinolide (BR), and auxin also play critical roles. Although these studies explored some actions and mechanisms by which ABA-related factors regulate seed morphogenesis, dormancy, and germination, the complete network of ABA in seed traits is still unclear.

Aim of review

Presently, seed faces challenges in survival and viability. Due to the vital positive roles in dormancy induction and maintenance, as well as a vibrant negative role in the seed germination of ABA, there is a need to understand the mechanisms of various ABA regulators that are involved in seed dormancy and germination with the updated knowledge and draw a better network for the underlying mechanisms of the ABA, which would advance the understanding and artificial modification of the seed vigor and longevity regulation.

Key scientific concept of review

Here, we review functions and mechanisms of ABA in different seed development stages and seed germination, discuss the current progresses especially on the crosstalk between ABA and other hormones and signaling molecules, address novel points and key challenges (e.g., exploring more regulators, more cofactors involved in the crosstalk between ABA and other phytohormones, and visualization of active ABA in the plant), and outline future perspectives for ABA regulating seed associated traits.

Role of ethylene and proteolytic N-degron pathway in the regulation of Arabidopsis seed dormancy

Primary dormant seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana did not germinate in darkness at temperature higher than 10-15°C. Ethylene improved the germination of dormant wild-type (Col-0) seeds at 25°C in darkness but seeds of the mutant affected in the proteolytic N-degron pathway, proteolysis6 (prt6), were insensitive to ethylene suggesting that PRT6 was involved in dormancy release by ethylene. The substrates of the N-degron pathway, the Ethylene Response Factors from group VII (HRE1, HRE2, RAP2.2, RAP2.3, and RAP2.12), were identified to be involved in this insensitivity with an increased germination in prt6 rap2.2 rap2.3 rap2.12 rather than in prt6 hre1 hre2, which also indicated that the three RAPs acted downstream of PRT6, while the two HREs acted upstream of PRT6. Ethylene reduced the expression of the three RAPs in Col-0 seeds but they were maintained or induced by ethylene in prt6 seeds. The promoting effect of ethylene was associated with a down-regulation of dormancy-related genes in gibberellins (GAs) and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, such as RGA, RGL2, and ABI5, and with a strong decrease in ABA/GA₄ ratio in the presence of ethylene. In contrast, we show that the insensitivity of prt6 seeds to ethylene was mainly related to GA signaling disturbance.

Genome-wide characterization and expression analysis of AP2/ERF genes in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

The AP2/ERF (APETALA2/Ethylene Response Factor) transcription factor superfamily plays crucial roles in a slew of physiological processes, such as plant growth and development, stress response, and secondary metabolites biosynthesis. Eggplant, especially the one rich with anthocyanins, is an economically important horticultural vegetable cultivated worldwide. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the putative AP2/ERF gene family members and their response to abiotic stress in eggplant. As per the phylogenetic, conserved domains, and motif analysis, 178 AP2/ERF genes in this study belonged to five subfamilies. Chromosomal distributions analysis elucidated stochastic distribution of 178 putative SmAP2/ERF genes across the twelve chromosomes of eggplant. Expression profiles of sixteen selected AP2/ERF genes response to low temperature, drought, salt, abscisic acid, and ethylene treatments were analyzed, which revealed the involvement of SmAP2/ERF genes in diverse signaling pathways. In addition, we integrated RNA-Seq data on anthocyanin biosynthesis in eggplant with yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays and identified involvement of the SmAP2/ERF genes (Smechr0902114.1 and Smechr1102075.1) in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. This study will enable further functional characterization of AP2/ERF genes in eggplant and extend the current understanding of the role played by AP2/ERF genes in anthocyanin biosynthesis regulation.

A Novel Epigenetic Regulator ZRF1: Insight into Its Functions in Plants

Recently, Zuotin-related factor 1 (ZRF1), an epigenetic regulator, was found to be involved in transcriptional regulation. In animals and humans, ZRF1 specifically binds to monoubiquitinated histone H2A through a ubiquitin-binding domain and derepresses Polycomb target genes at the beginning of cellular differentiation. In addition, ZRF1 can work as a tumor suppressor. According to bioinformatics analysis, ZRF1 homologs are widely found in plants. However, the current studies on ZRF1 in higher plants are limited and few in-depth studies of its functions have been reported. In this review, we aim to summarize the key role of AtZRF1a/b in Arabidopsis thaliana growth and development, as well as the research progress in this field in recent years.

Pre-harvest sprouting in cereals: genetic and biochemical mechanisms

With the growth of the global population and the increasing frequency of natural disasters, crop yields must be steadily increased to enhance human adaptability to risks. Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS), a term mainly used to describe the phenomenon in which grains germinate on the mother plant directly before harvest, is a serious global problem for agricultural production. After domestication, the dormancy level of cultivated crops was generally lower than that of their wild ancestors. Although the shortened dormancy period likely improved the industrial performance of cereals such as wheat, barley, rice, and maize, the excessive germination rate has caused frequent PHS in areas with higher rainfall, resulting in great economic losses. Here, we systematically review the causes of PHS and its consequences, the major indicators and methods for PHS assessment, and emphasize the biological significance of PHS in crop production. Wheat quantitative trait loci functioning in the control of PHS are also comprehensively summarized in a meta-analysis. Finally, we use Arabidopsis as a model plant to develop more complete PHS regulatory networks for wheat. The integration of this information is conducive to the development of custom-made cultivated lines suitable for different demands and regions, and is of great significance for improving crop yields and economic benefits.

Gene co-expression analysis of tomato seed maturation reveals tissue-specific regulatory networks and hubs associated with the acquisition of desiccation tolerance and seed vigour

BACKGROUND

During maturation seeds acquire several physiological traits to enable them to survive drying and disseminate the species. Few studies have addressed the regulatory networks controlling acquisition of these traits at the tissue level particularly in endospermic seeds such as tomato, which matures in a fully hydrated environment and does not undergo maturation drying. Using temporal RNA-seq analyses of the different seed tissues during maturation, gene network and trait-based correlations were used to explore the transcriptome signatures associated with desiccation tolerance, longevity, germination under water stress and dormancy.

RESULTS

During maturation, 15,173 differentially expressed genes were detected, forming a gene network representing 21 expression modules, with 3 being specific to seed coat and embryo and 5 to the endosperm. A gene-trait significance measure identified a common gene module between endosperm and embryo associated with desiccation tolerance and conserved with non-endospermic seeds. In addition to genes involved in protection such LEA and HSP and ABA response, the module included antioxidant and repair genes. Dormancy was released concomitantly with the increase in longevity throughout fruit ripening until 14 days after the red fruit stage. This was paralleled by an increase in SlDOG1-2 and PROCERA transcripts. The progressive increase in seed vigour was captured by three gene modules, one in common between embryo and endosperm and two tissue-specific. The common module was enriched with genes associated with mRNA processing in chloroplast and mitochondria (including penta- and tetratricopeptide repeat-containing proteins) and post-transcriptional regulation, as well several flowering genes. The embryo-specific module contained homologues of ABI4 and CHOTTO1 as hub genes associated with seed vigour, whereas the endosperm-specific module revealed a diverse set of processes that were related to genome stability, defence against pathogens and ABA/GA response genes.

CONCLUSION

The spatio-temporal co-expression atlas of tomato seed maturation will serve as a valuable resource for the in-depth understanding of the dynamics of gene expression associated with the acquisition of seed vigour at the tissue level.

Advances on Post-translational Modifications Involved in Seed Germination

Seed germination and subsequent seedling establishment are important developmental processes that undergo extremely complex changes of physiological status and are precisely regulated at transcriptional and translational levels. Phytohormones including abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellin (GA) are the critical signaling molecules that modulate the alteration from relative quiescent to a highly active state in seeds. Transcription factors such as ABA insensitive5 (ABI5) and DELLA domain-containing proteins play the central roles in response to ABA and GA, respectively, which antagonize each other during seed germination. Recent investigations have demonstrated that the regulations at translational and post-translational levels, especially post-translational modifications (PTMs), play a decisive role in seed germination. Specifically, phosphorylation and ubiquitination were shown to be involved in regulating the function of ABI5. In this review, we summarized the latest advancement on the function of PTMs involved in the regulation of seed germination, in which the PTMs for ABI5- and DELLA-containing proteins play the key roles. Meanwhile, the studies on PTM-based proteomics during seed germination and the crosstalk of different PTMs are also discussed. Hopefully, it will facilitate in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the physiological functions of different PTMs in seed germination.

Abscisic Acid Regulates the Root Growth Trajectory by Reducing Auxin Transporter PIN2 Protein Levels in Arabidopsis thaliana

The root is in direct contact with soil. Modulation of root growth in response to alterations in soil conditions is pivotal for plant adaptation. Extensive research has been conducted concerning the adjustment of root elongation and architecture in response to environmental factors. However, little is known about the modulation of the root growth trajectory, as well as its hormonal mechanism. Here we report that abscisic acid (ABA) participated in controlling root growth trajectory. The roots upon ABA treatment or from ABA-accumulation double mutant cyp707a1,3 exhibit agravitropism-like growth pattern (wavy growth trajectory). The agravitropism-like phenotype is mainly ascribed to the compromised shootward transportation of auxin since we detected a reduced fluorescence intensity of auxin reporter DR5:VENUS in the root epidermis upon exogenous ABA application or in the endogenous ABA-accumulation double mutant cyp707a1,3. We then tried to decipher the mechanism by which ABA suppressed shootward auxin transport. The membrane abundance of PIN2, a facilitator of shootward auxin transport, was significantly reduced following ABA treatment and in cyp707a1,3. Finally, we revealed that ABA reduced the membrane PIN2 intensity through suppressing the PIN2 expression rather than accelerating PIN2 degradation. Ultimately, our results suggest a pivotal role for ABA in the root growth trajectory and the hormonal interactions orchestrating this process.

flasher, a novel mutation in a glucosinolate modifying enzyme, conditions changes in plant architecture and hormone homeostasis

Meristem function is underpinned by numerous genes that affect hormone levels, ultimately controlling phyllotaxy, the transition to flowering and general growth properties. Class I KNOX genes are major contributors to this process, promoting cytokinin biosynthesis but repressing gibberellin production to condition a replication competent state. We identified a suppressor mutant of the KNOX1 mutant brevipedicellus (bp) that we termed flasher (fsh), which promotes stem and pedicel elongation, suppresses early senescence, and negatively affects reproductive development. Map-based cloning and complementation tests revealed that fsh is due to an E40K change in the flavin monooxygenase GS-OX5, a gene encoding a glucosinolate (GSL) modifying enzyme. In vitro enzymatic assays revealed that fsh poorly converts substrate to product, yet the levels of several GSLs are higher in the suppressor line, implicating FSH in feedback control of GSL flux. FSH is expressed predominantly in the vasculature in patterns that do not significantly overlap those of BP, implying a non-cell autonomous mode of meristem control via one or more GSL metabolites. Hormone analyses revealed that cytokinin levels are low in bp, but fsh restores cytokinin levels to near normal by activating cytokinin biosynthesis genes. In addition, jasmonate levels in the fsh suppressor are significantly lower than in bp, which is likely due to elevated expression of JA inactivating genes. These observations suggest the involvement of the GSL pathway in generating one or more negative effectors of growth that influence inflorescence architecture and fecundity by altering the balance of hormonal regulators.

An Updated Overview on the Regulation of Seed Germination

The ability of a seed to germinate and establish a plant at the right time of year is of vital importance from an ecological and economical point of view. Due to the fragility of these early growth stages, their swiftness and robustness will impact later developmental stages and crop yield. These traits are modulated by a continuous interaction between the genetic makeup of the plant and the environment from seed production to germination stages. In this review, we have summarized the established knowledge on the control of seed germination from a molecular and a genetic perspective. This serves as a “backbone” to integrate the latest developments in the field. These include the link of germination to events occurring in the mother plant influenced by the environment, the impact of changes in the chromatin landscape, the discovery of new players and new insights related to well-known master regulators. Finally, results from recent studies on hormone transport, signaling, and biophysical and mechanical tissue properties are underscoring the relevance of tissue-specific regulation and the interplay of signals in this crucial developmental process.

Plant hormonal changes and differential expression profiling reveal seed dormancy removal process in double dormant plant-herbaceous peony

Herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) is a popular ornamental and medicinal plant. Taking approximately six to seven months, the seeds germination under natural conditions experiences dual dormancies, which seriously affects horticultural cultivation. Few studies have been conducted on exploring both biological and molecular mechanism that regulates dormancy removal process in hypocotyls double dormant plants. Here, we first measured ABA and GA₃ content changes at four key dormancy break stages, and then performed transcriptomic analyses to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using RNA-seq. We subsequently carried out Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to validate RNA-seq data. ABA content decreased during the whole dormancy removal process and GA₃ content exhibited decreasing slightly and then increasing trend. RNA sequencing de novo assembly generated a total of 99,577 unigenes. 20,344 unigenes were differentially expressed in the whole dormancy release process. The qPCR results of 54 selected unigenes were consistent with the FPKM values obtained from RNA-seq. Our results summarize a valuable collection of gene expression profiles characterizing the dormancy release process. The DEGs are candidates for functional analyses of genes affecting the dormancy release, which is a precious resource for the on-going physiological and molecular investigation of seeds dormancy removal in other perennial plants.

AtPER1 enhances primary seed dormancy and reduces seed germination by suppressing the ABA catabolism and GA biosynthesis in Arabidopsis seeds

Seed is vital to the conservation of germplasm and plant biodiversity. Seed dormancy is an adaptive trait in numerous seed-plant species, enabling plants to survive under stressful conditions. Seed dormancy is mainly controlled by abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellin (GA) and can be classified as primary and secondary seed dormancy. The primary seed dormancy is induced by maternal ABA. Here we found that AtPER1, a seed-specific peroxiredoxin, is involved in enhancing primary seed dormancy. Two loss-of-function atper1 mutants, atper1-1 and atper1-2, displayed suppressed primary seed dormancy accompanied with reduced ABA and increased GA contents in seeds. Furthermore, atper1 mutant seeds were insensitive to abiotic stresses during seed germination. The expression of several ABA catabolism genes (CYP707A1, CYP707A2, and CYP707A3) and GA biosynthesis genes (GA20ox1, GA20ox3, and KAO3) in atper1 mutant seeds was increased compared to wild-type seeds. The suppressed primary seed dormancy of atper1-1 was completely reduced by deletion of CYP707A genes. Furthermore, loss-of-function of AtPER1 cannot enhance the seed germination ratio of aba2-1 or ga1-t, suggesting that AtPER1-enhanced primary seed dormancy is dependent on ABA and GA. Additionally, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in atper1 mutant seeds was significantly higher than that in wild-type seeds. Taken together, our results demonstrate that AtPER1 eliminates ROS to suppress ABA catabolism and GA biosynthesis, and thus improves the primary seed dormancy and make the seeds less sensitive to adverse environmental conditions.

ARABIDOPSIS NITRATE REGULATED 1 acts as a negative modulator of seed germination by activating ABI3 expression

Seed germination is a crucial transition point in plant life and is tightly regulated by environmental conditions through the coordination of two phytohormones, gibberellin and abscisic acid (ABA). To avoid unfavorable conditions, plants have evolved safeguard mechanisms for seed germination. The present contribution reports a novel function of the Arabidopsis MCM1/AGAMOUS/DEFICIENS/SRF(MADS)-box transcription factor ARABIDOPSIS NITRATE REGULATED 1 (ANR1) in seed germination. ANR1 knockout mutant is insensitive to ABA, salt and osmotic stress during the seed germination and early seedling development stages, whereas ANR1-overexpressing lines are hypersensitive. ANR1 is responsive to ABA and abiotic stresses and upregulates the expression of ABA Intolerant (ABI)3 to suppress seed germination. ANR1 and ABI3 have similar expression pattern during seed germination. Genetically, ABI3 acts downstream of ANR1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and yeast-one-hybrid assays showed that ANR1 could bind to the ABI3 promoter to regulate its expression. In addition, ANR1 acts synergistically with AGL21 to suppress seed germination in response to ABA as evidenced by anr1 agl21 double mutant. Taken together, the results herein demonstrate that the ANR1 plays an important role in regulating seed germination and early postgermination growth. ANR1 and AGL21 together constitutes a safeguard mechanism for seed germination to avoid unfavorable conditions.

Differential gene expression among three sex types reveals a MALE STERILITY 1 (CpMS1) for sex differentiation in papaya

BACKGROUND

Carica papaya is a trioecious plant species with a genetic sex-determination system defined by sex chromosomes. Under unfavorable environmental conditions male and hermaphrodite exhibit sex-reversal. Previous genomic research revealed few candidate genes for sex differentiation in this species. Nevertheless, more analysis is still needed to identify the mechanism responsible for sex flower organ development in papaya.

RESULTS

The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes among male, female and hermaphrodite flowers in papaya during early (pre-meiosis) and later (post-meiosis) stages of flower development. RNA-seq was used to evaluate the expression of differentially expressed genes and RT-qPCR was used to verify the results. Putative functions of these genes were analyzed based on their homology with orthologs in other plant species and their expression patterns. We identified a Male Sterility 1 gene (CpMS1) highly up-regulated in male and hermaphrodite flower buds compared to female flower buds, which expresses in small male flower buds (3-8 mm), and that might be playing an important role in male flower organ development due to its homology to MS1 genes previously identified in other plants. This is the first study in which the sex-biased expression of genes related to tapetum development in the anther developmental pathway is being reported in papaya. Besides important transcription factors related to flower organ development and flowering time regulation, we identified differential expression of genes that are known to participate in ABA, ROS and auxin signaling pathways (ABA-8-hydroxylases, AIL5, UPBEAT 1, VAN3-binding protein).

CONCLUSIONS

CpMS1 was expressed in papaya male and hermaphrodite flowers at early stages, suggesting that this gene might participate in male flower organ development processes, nevertheless, this gene cannot be considered a sex-determination gene. Due to its homology with other plant MS1 proteins and its expression pattern, we hypothesize that this gene participates in anther development processes, like tapetum and pollen development, downstream gender specification. Further gene functional characterization studies in papaya are required to confirm this hypothesis. The role of ABA and ROS signaling pathways in papaya flower development needs to be further explored as well.

Re-localization of hormone effectors is associated with dormancy alleviation by temperature and after-ripening in sunflower seeds

Temperature is the primary factor that affects seed dormancy and germination. However, the molecular mechanism that underlies its effect on dormancy alleviation remained largely unknown. In this study, we investigate hormone involvement in temperature induced germination as compared to that caused by after-ripening. Dormant (D) sunflower seeds cannot germinate at 10 °C but fully germinate at 20 °C. After-ripened seeds become non-dormant (ND), i.e. able to germinate at 10 °C. Pharmacological experiments showed the importance of abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellins (GAs) and ethylene in temperature- and after-ripening-induced germination of sunflower seeds. Hormone quantification showed that after-ripening is mediated by a decline in both ABA content and sensitivity while ABA content is increased in D seeds treated at 10 or 20 °C, suggesting that ABA decrease is not a prerequisite for temperature induced dormancy alleviation. GAs and ethylene contents were in accordance with germination potential of the three conditions (GA₁ was higher in D 20 °C and ND 10 °C than in D 10 °C). Transcripts analysis showed that the major change concerns ABA and GAs metabolism genes, while ABA signalling gene expression was significantly unchanged. Moreover, another level of hormonal regulation at the subcellular localization has been revealed by immunocytolocalization study. Indeed, ABA, protein Abscisic acid-Insensitive 5 (ABI5), involved in ABA-regulated gene expression and DELLA protein RGL2, a repressor of the gibberellins signalling pathway, localized mainly in the nucleus in non-germinating seeds while they localized in the cytosol in germinating seeds. Furthermore, ACC-oxidase (ACO) protein, the key ethylene biosynthesis enzyme, was detected in the meristem only in germinating seeds. Our results reveal the importance of hormone actors trafficking in the cell and their regulation in specialized tissue such as the meristem in dormancy alleviation and germination.

Trichostatin A Triggers an Embryogenic Transition in Arabidopsis Explants via an Auxin-Related Pathway

Auxin is an important regulator of plant ontogenies including embryo development and the exogenous application of this phytohormone has been found to be necessary for the induction of the embryogenic response in plant explants that have been cultured in vitro. However, in the present study, we show that treatment of Arabidopsis explants with trichostatin A (TSA), which is a chemical inhibitor of histone deacetylases, induces somatic embryogenesis (SE) without the exogenous application of auxin. We found that the TSA-treated explants generated somatic embryos that developed efficiently on the adaxial side of the cotyledons, which are the parts of an explant that are involved in auxin-induced SE. A substantial reduction in the activity of histone deacetylase (HDAC) was observed in the TSA-treated explants, thus confirming a histone acetylation-related mechanism of the TSA-promoted embryogenic response. Unexpectedly, the embryogenic effect of TSA was lower on the auxin-supplemented media and this finding further suggests an auxin-related mechanism of TSA-induced SE. Congruently, we found a significantly increased content of indolic compounds, which is indicative of IAA and an enhanced DR5::GUS signal in the TSA-treated explants. In line with these results, two of the YUCCA genes (YUC1 and YUC10), which are involved in auxin biosynthesis, were found to be distinctly up-regulated during TSA-induced SE and their expression was colocalised with the explant sites that are involved in SE. Beside auxin, ROS were extensively accumulated in response to TSA, thereby indicating that a stress-response is involved in TSA-triggered SE. Relevantly, we showed that the genes encoding the transcription factors (TFs) that have a regulatory function in auxin biosynthesis including LEC1, LEC2, BBM, and stress responses (MYB118) were highly up-regulated in the TSA-treated explants. Collectively, the results provide several pieces of evidence about the similarities between the molecular pathways of SE induction that are triggered by TSA and 2,4-D that involve the activation of the auxin-responsive TF genes that have a regulatory function in auxin biosynthesis and stress responses. The study suggests the involvement of histone acetylation in the auxin-mediated release of the embryogenic program of development in the somatic cells of Arabidopsis.

Wheat miR9678 Affects Seed Germination by Generating Phased siRNAs and Modulating Abscisic Acid/Gibberellin Signaling

Seed germination is important for grain yield and quality and rapid, near-simultaneous germination helps in cultivation; however, cultivars that germinate too readily can undergo preharvest sprouting (PHS), which causes substantial losses in areas that tend to get rain around harvest time. Moreover, our knowledge of mechanisms regulating seed germination in wheat (Triticum aestivum) remains limited. In this study, we analyzed function of a wheat-specific microRNA 9678 (miR9678), which is specifically expressed in the scutellum of developing and germinating seeds. Overexpression of miR9678 delayed germination and improved resistance to PHS in wheat through reducing bioactive gibberellin (GA) levels; miR9678 silencing enhanced germination rates. We provide evidence that miR9678 targets a long noncoding RNA (WSGAR) and triggers the generation of phased small interfering RNAs that play a role in the delay of seed germination. Finally, we found that abscisic acid (ABA) signaling proteins bind the promoter of miR9678 precursor and activate its expression, indicating that miR9678 affects germination by modulating the GA/ABA signaling.

APETALA 2-domain-containing transcription factors: focusing on abscisic acid and gibberellins antagonism

The phytohormones abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellin (GA) antagonistically mediate diverse plant developmental processes including seed dormancy and germination, root development, and flowering time control, and thus the optimal balance between ABA and GA is essential for plant growth and development. Although more than a half and one century have passed since the initial discoveries of ABA and GA, respectively, the precise mechanisms underlying ABA-GA antagonism still need further investigation. Emerging evidence indicates that two APETALA 2 (AP2)-domain-containing transcription factors (ATFs), ABI4 in Arabidopsis and OsAP2-39 in rice, play key roles in ABA and GA antagonism. These two transcription factors precisely regulate the transcription pattern of ABA and GA biosynthesis or inactivation genes, mediating ABA and GA levels. In this Viewpoint article, we try to shed light on the effects of ATFs on ABA-GA antagonism, and summarize the overlapping but distinct biological functions of these ATFs in the antagonism between ABA and GA. Finally, we strongly propose that further research is needed into the detailed roles of additional numerous ATFs in ABA and GA crosstalk, which will improve our understanding of the antagonism between these two phytohormones.

Regulation of Seed Germination and Abiotic Stresses by Gibberellins and Abscisic Acid

Overall growth and development of a plant is regulated by complex interactions among various hormones, which is critical at different developmental stages. Some of the key aspects of plant growth include seed development, germination and plant survival under unfavorable conditions. Two of the key phytohormones regulating the associated physiological processes are gibberellins (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA). GAs participate in numerous developmental processes, including, seed development and seed germination, seedling growth, root proliferation, determination of leaf size and shape, flower induction and development, pollination and fruit expansion. Despite the association with abiotic stresses, ABA is essential for normal plant growth and development. It plays a critical role in different abiotic stresses by regulating various downstream ABA-dependent stress responses. Plants maintain a balance between GA and ABA levels constantly throughout the developmental processes at different tissues and organs, including under unfavorable environmental or physiological conditions. Here, we will review the literature on how GA and ABA control different stages of plant development, with focus on seed germination and selected abiotic stresses. The possible crosstalk of ABA and GA in specific events of the above processes will also be discussed, with emphasis on downstream stress signaling components, kinases and transcription factors (TFs). The importance of several key ABA and GA signaling intermediates will be illustrated. The knowledge gained from such studies will also help to establish a solid foundation to develop future crop improvement strategies.

Antagonistic Regulation of ABA and GA in Metabolism and Signaling Pathways

The phytohormones gibberellic acid (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) are widely recognized as essential endogenous regulators that mostly play antagonistic roles in plant developmental processes and environmental responses. A variety of both internal and external cues oppositely regulate GA and ABA biosynthesis and catabolism, which directly and indirectly affect their signaling pathways and subsequent responses. Recent discoveries have revealed direct molecular links between GA- and ABA-signaling components, which provide novel insights into their antagonistic regulation. In this review, we mainly focus on these recent reports and the growing understanding of GA and ABA antagonism in metabolic regulation and signaling interactions, and attempt to clarify the problems and challenges involved in exploring the complicated regulatory events associated with these two phytohormones.

The BABY BOOM Transcription Factor Activates the LEC1-ABI3-FUS3-LEC2 Network to Induce Somatic Embryogenesis

Somatic embryogenesis is an example of induced cellular totipotency, where embryos develop from vegetative cells rather than from gamete fusion. Somatic embryogenesis can be induced in vitro by exposing explants to growth regulators and/or stress treatments. The BABY BOOM (BBM) and LEAFY COTYLEDON1 (LEC1) and LEC2 transcription factors are key regulators of plant cell totipotency, as ectopic overexpression of either transcription factor induces somatic embryo formation from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedlings without exogenous growth regulators or stress treatments. Although LEC and BBM proteins regulate the same developmental process, it is not known whether they function in the same molecular pathway. We show that BBM transcriptionally regulates LEC1 and LEC2, as well as the two other LAFL genes, FUSCA3 (FUS3) and ABSCISIC ACIDINSENSITIVE3 (ABI3). LEC2 and ABI3 quantitatively regulate BBM-mediated somatic embryogenesis, while FUS3 and LEC1 are essential for this process. BBM-mediated somatic embryogenesis is dose and context dependent, and the context-dependent phenotypes are associated with differential LAFL expression. We also uncover functional redundancy for somatic embryogenesis among other Arabidopsis BBM-like proteins and show that one of these proteins, PLETHORA2, also regulates LAFL gene expression. Our data place BBM upstream of other major regulators of plant embryo identity and totipotency.

The PLETHORA Gene Regulatory Network Guides Growth and Cell Differentiation in Arabidopsis Roots

Organ formation in animals and plants relies on precise control of cell state transitions to turn stem cell daughters into fully differentiated cells. In plants, cells cannot rearrange due to shared cell walls. Thus, differentiation progression and the accompanying cell expansion must be tightly coordinated across tissues. PLETHORA (PLT) transcription factor gradients are unique in their ability to guide the progression of cell differentiation at different positions in the growing Arabidopsis thaliana root, which contrasts with well-described transcription factor gradients in animals specifying distinct cell fates within an essentially static context. To understand the output of the PLT gradient, we studied the gene set transcriptionally controlled by PLTs. Our work reveals how the PLT gradient can regulate cell state by region-specific induction of cell proliferation genes and repression of differentiation. Moreover, PLT targets include major patterning genes and autoregulatory feedback components, enforcing their role as master regulators of organ development.

Dissection of Arabidopsis NCED9 promoter regulatory regions reveals a role for ABA synthesized in embryos in the regulation of GA-dependent seed germination

Nine-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) catalyzes the key step of abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis. There are five genes encoding NCED in Arabidopsis, which differentially regulate ABA biosynthesis in a spatiotemporal manner in response to endogenous and environmental stimuli. Previous studies have shown that NCED9 is expressed in testa and embryos during seed development. In the present study, we have identified promoter regions required for the expression of NCED9 in testa and embryos, respectively. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) and yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assays showed that several homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) proteins, namely ATHBs, bound to the sequence required for expression of NCED9 in testa, suggesting that they redundantly regulate NCED9 expression. By expressing the NCED9 gene under the control of a deleted NCED9 promoter in an nced9 mutant expression was limited to embryos. Transformants were complemented for the paclobutrazol resistant germination phenotype of the mutant, suggesting that the ABA synthesis mediated by NCED9 in embryos plays an important role in the regulation of gibberellin (GA)-dependent seed germination.

ABI4 mediates antagonistic effects of abscisic acid and gibberellins at transcript and protein levels

Abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellins (GAs) are plant hormones which antagonistically mediate numerous physiological processes, and their optimal balance is essential for normal plant development. However, the molecular mechanism underlying ABA and GA antagonism still needs to be determined. Here, we report that ABA-INSENSITIVE 4 (ABI4) is a central factor in GA/ABA homeostasis and antagonism in post-germination stages. ABI4 overexpression in Arabidopsis (OE-ABI4) leads to developmental defects including a decrease in plant height and poor seed production. The transcription of a key ABA biosynthetic gene, NCED6, and of a key GA catabolic gene, GA2ox7, is significantly enhanced by ABI4 overexpression. ABI4 activates NCED6 and GA2ox7 transcription by directly binding to the promoters, and genetic analysis revealed that mutation in these two genes partially rescues the dwarf phenotype of ABI4 overexpressing plants. Consistently, ABI4 overexpressing seedlings have a lower GA/ABA ratio than the wild type. We further show that ABA induces GA2ox7 transcription while GA represses NCED6 expression in an ABI4-dependent manner; and that ABA stabilizes the ABI4 protein whereas GA promotes its degradation. Taken together, these results suggest that ABA and GA antagonize each other by oppositely acting on ABI4 transcript and protein levels.

Two Faces of One Seed: Hormonal Regulation of Dormancy and Germination

Seed plants have evolved to maintain the dormancy of freshly matured seeds until the appropriate time for germination. Seed dormancy and germination are distinct physiological processes, and the transition from dormancy to germination is not only a critical developmental step in the life cycle of plants but is also important for agricultural production. These processes are precisely regulated by diverse endogenous hormones and environmental cues. Although ABA (abscisic acid) and GAs (gibberellins) are known to be the primary phytohormones that antagonistically regulate seed dormancy, recent findings demonstrate that another phytohormone, auxin, is also critical for inducing and maintaining seed dormancy, and therefore might act as a key protector of seed dormancy. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the sophisticated molecular networks involving the critical roles of phytohormones in regulating seed dormancy and germination, in which AP2-domain-containing transcription factors play key roles. We also discuss the interactions (crosstalk) of diverse hormonal signals in seed dormancy and germination, focusing on the ABA/GA balance that constitutes the central node.

AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE genes have partly overlapping functions with AINTEGUMENTA but make distinct contributions to Arabidopsis thaliana flower development

AINTEGUMENTA (ANT) is an important regulator of Arabidopsis flower development that has overlapping functions with the related AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE6 (AIL6) gene in floral organ initiation, identity specification, growth, and patterning. Two other AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE (AIL) genes, AIL5 and AIL7, are expressed in developing flowers in spatial domains that partly overlap with those of ANT. Here, it is shown that AIL5 and AIL7 also act in a partially redundant manner with ANT. The results demonstrate that AIL genes exhibit unequal genetic redundancy with roles for AIL5, AIL6, and AIL7 only revealed in the absence of ANT function. ant ail5 and ant ail7 double mutant flowers show alterations in floral organ positioning and growth, sepal fusion, and reductions in petal number. In ant ail5, petals are often replaced by filaments or dramatically reduced in size. ant ail7 double mutants produce increased numbers of carpels, which have defects in valve fusion and a loss of apical tissues. The distinct phenotypes of ant ail5, ant ail7 and the previously characterized ant ail6 indicate that AIL5, AIL6, and AIL7 make unique contributions to flower development. These distinct roles are also supported by genetic analyses of ant ail triple mutants. While ant ail5 ail6 triple mutants closely resemble ant ail6 double mutants, ant ail5 ail7 triple mutants exhibit more severe deviations from the wild type than either ant ail5 or ant ail7 double mutants. Furthermore, it is shown that AIL5, AIL6, and AIL7 act in a dose dependent manners in ant and other mutant backgrounds.

The Arabidopsis MYB96 Transcription Factor Is a Positive Regulator of ABSCISIC ACID-INSENSITIVE4 in the Control of Seed Germination

Seed germination is a key developmental transition that initiates the plant life cycle. The timing of germination is determined by the coordinated action of two phytohormones, gibberellin and abscisic acid (ABA). In particular, ABA plays a key role in integrating environmental information and inhibiting the germination process. The utilization of embryonic lipid reserves contributes to seed germination by acting as an energy source, and ABA suppresses lipid degradation to modulate the germination process. Here, we report that the ABA-responsive R2R3-type MYB transcription factor MYB96, which is highly expressed in embryo, regulates seed germination by controlling the expression of abscisic acid-insensitive4 (ABI4) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). In the presence of ABA, germination was accelerated in MYB96-deficient myb96-1 seeds, whereas the process was significantly delayed in MYB96-overexpressing activation-tagging myb96-ox seeds. Consistently, myb96-1 seeds degraded a larger extent of lipid reserves even in the presence of ABA, while reduced lipid mobilization was observed in myb96-ox seeds. MYB96 directly regulates ABI4, which acts as a repressor of lipid breakdown, to define its spatial and temporal expression. Genetic analysis further demonstrated that ABI4 is epistatic to MYB96 in the control of seed germination. Taken together, the MYB96-ABI4 module regulates lipid mobilization specifically in the embryo to ensure proper seed germination under suboptimal conditions.

Early seedling vigour, an imperative trait for direct-seeded rice: an overview on physio-morphological parameters and molecular markers

Rapid uniform germination and accumulation of biomass during initial phase of seedling establishment is an essential phenotypic trait considered as early seedling vigour for direct seeded situation in rice irrespective of environment. Enhanced role of carbohydrate, amylase, growth hormones, antioxidant enzymes and ascorbic acid brings changes in vigour and phenotype of seedling. Early establishment and demanding life form dominate the surroundings. Crop plant that has better growth overdrives the weed plant and suppresses its growth. Seedling early vigour is the characteristic of seed quality and describes the rapid, uniform germination and the establishment of strong seedlings in any environmental condition. The phenotype of modern rice varieties has been changed into adaptable for transplanted rice with thirst toward water and selection pressure for semi-dwarf architecture resulting in reduced early vigour. Decreasing freshwater availability and rising labour cost drives the search for a suitable alternative management system to enhance grain yield productivity for the burgeoning world population. In view of these issues, much attention has been focused on dry direct-seeded rice, because it demands low input. A rice cultivar with a strong seedling vigour trait is desirable in case of direct seeding. However, seedling vigour has not been selected in crop improvement programmes in conventional breeding due to its complex nature and quantitative inheritance. Molecular markers have been proven effective in increasing selection efficiency, particularly for quantitative traits that are simply inherited. Marker-assisted selection approach has facilitated efficient and precise transfer of genes/QTL(s) into many crop species and suggests a speedy and efficient technique over conventional breeding and selection methods. In this review, we present the findings and investigations in the field of seedling vigour in rice that includes the nature of inheritance of physio-morphological and biochemical traits and QTLs to assist plant breeders who work for direct-seeded rice.

The Arabidopsis MYB96 transcription factor plays a role in seed dormancy

Seed dormancy facilitates to endure environmental disadvantages by confining embryonic growth until the seeds encounter favorable environmental conditions for germination. Abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellic acid (GA) play a pivotal role in the determination of the seed dormancy state. ABA establishes seed dormancy, while GA triggers seed germination. Here, we demonstrate that MYB96 contributes to the fine-tuning of seed dormancy regulation through the coordination of ABA and GA metabolism. The MYB96-deficient myb96-1 seeds germinated earlier than wild-type seeds, whereas delayed germination was observed in the activation-tagging myb96-1D seeds. The differences in germination rate disappeared after stratification or after-ripening. The MYB96 transcription factor positively regulates ABA biosynthesis genes 9-CIS-EPOXYCAROTENOID DIOXYGENASE 2 (NCED2), NCED5, NCED6, and NCED9, and also affects GA biosynthetic genes GA3ox1 and GA20ox1. Notably, MYB96 directly binds to the promoters of NCED2 and NCED6, primarily modulating ABA biosynthesis, which subsequently influences GA metabolism. In agreement with this, hyperdormancy of myb96-1D seeds was recovered by an ABA biosynthesis inhibitor fluridone, while hypodormancy of myb96-1 seeds was suppressed by a GA biosynthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol (PAC). Taken together, the metabolic balance of ABA and GA underlies MYB96 control of primary seed dormancy.

The zinc finger transcription factor SlZFP2 negatively regulates abscisic acid biosynthesis and fruit ripening in tomato

Abscisic acid (ABA) regulates plant development and adaptation to environmental conditions. Although the ABA biosynthesis pathway in plants has been thoroughly elucidated, how ABA biosynthetic genes are regulated at the molecular level during plant development is less well understood. Here, we show that the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) zinc finger transcription factor SlZFP2 is involved in the regulation of ABA biosynthesis during fruit development. Overexpression of SlZFP2 resulted in multiple phenotypic changes, including more branches, early flowering, delayed fruit ripening, lighter seeds, and faster seed germination, whereas down-regulation of its expression caused problematic fruit set, accelerated ripening, and inhibited seed germination. SlZFP2 represses ABA biosynthesis during fruit development through direct suppression of the ABA biosynthetic genes NOTABILIS, SITIENS, and FLACCA and the aldehyde oxidase SlAO1. We also show that SlZFP2 regulates fruit ripening through transcriptional suppression of the ripening regulator COLORLESS NON-RIPENING. Using bacterial one-hybrid screening and a selected amplification and binding assay, we identified the (A/T)(G/C)TT motif as the core binding sequence of SlZFP2. Furthermore, by RNA sequencing profiling, we found that 193 genes containing the SlZFP2-binding motifs in their promoters were differentially expressed in 2 d post anthesis fruits between the SlZFP2 RNA interference line and its nontransgenic sibling. We propose that SlZFP2 functions as a repressor to fine-tune ABA biosynthesis during fruit development and provides a potentially valuable tool for dissecting the role of ABA in fruit ripening.

AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE proteins: hubs in a plethora of networks

Members of the AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE (AIL) family of APETALA 2/ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR (AP2/ERF) domain transcription factors are expressed in all dividing tissues in the plant, where they have central roles in developmental processes such as embryogenesis, stem cell niche specification, meristem maintenance, organ positioning, and growth. When overexpressed, AIL proteins induce adventitious growth, including somatic embryogenesis and ectopic organ formation. The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genome contains eight AIL genes, including AINTEGUMENTA, BABY BOOM, and the PLETHORA genes. Studies on these transcription factors have revealed their intricate relationship with auxin as well as their involvement in an increasing number of gene regulatory networks, in which extensive crosstalk and feedback loops have a major role.

An emerging picture of the seed desiccome: confirmed regulators and newcomers identified using transcriptome comparison

Desiccation tolerance (DT) is the capacity to withstand total loss of cellular water. It is acquired during seed filling and lost just after germination. However, in many species, a germinated seed can regain DT under adverse conditions such as osmotic stress. The genes, proteins and metabolites that are required to establish this DT is referred to as the desiccome. It includes both a range of protective mechanisms and underlying regulatory pathways that remain poorly understood. As a first step toward the identification of the seed desiccome of Medicago truncatula, using updated microarrays we characterized the overlapping transcriptomes associated with acquisition of DT in developing seeds and the re-establishment of DT in germinated seeds using a polyethylene glycol treatment (-1.7 MPa). The resulting list contained 740 and 2829 transcripts whose levels, respectively, increased and decreased with DT. Fourty-eight transcription factors (TF) were identified including MtABI3, MtABI5 and many genes regulating flowering transition and cell identity. A promoter enrichment analysis revealed a strong over-representation of ABRE elements together with light-responsive cis-acting elements. In Mtabi5 Tnt1 insertion mutants, DT could no longer be re-established by an osmotic stress. Transcriptome analysis on Mtabi5 radicles during osmotic stress revealed that 13 and 15% of the up-regulated and down-regulated genes, respectively, are mis-regulated in the mutants and might be putative downstream targets of MtABI5 implicated in the re-establishment of DT. Likewise, transcriptome comparisons of the desiccation sensitive Mtabi3 mutants and hairy roots ectopically expressing MtABI3 revealed that 35 and 23% of the up-regulated and down-regulated genes are acting downstream of MtABI3. Our data suggest that ABI3 and ABI5 have complementary roles in DT. Whether DT evolved by co-opting existing pathways regulating flowering and cellular phase transition and cell identity is discussed.

Towards the identification of new genes involved in ABA-dependent abiotic stresses using Arabidopsis suppressor mutants of abh1 hypersensitivity to ABA during seed germination

Abscisic acid plays a pivotal role in the abiotic stress response in plants. Although great progress has been achieved explaining the complexity of the stress and ABA signaling cascade, there are still many questions to answer. Mutants are a valuable tool in the identification of new genes or new alleles of already known genes and in elucidating their role in signaling pathways. We applied a suppressor mutation approach in order to find new components of ABA and abiotic stress signaling in Arabidopsis. Using the abh1 (ABA hypersensitive 1) insertional mutant as a parental line for EMS mutagenesis, we selected several mutants with suppressed hypersensitivity to ABA during seed germination. Here, we present the response to ABA and a wide range of abiotic stresses during the seed germination and young seedling development of two suppressor mutants—soa2 (suppressor of abh1 hypersensitivity to ABA 2) and soa3 (suppressor of abh1 hypersensitivity to ABA 3). Generally, both mutants displayed a suppression of the hypersensitivity of abh1 to ABA, NaCl and mannitol during germination. Both mutants showed a higher level of tolerance than Columbia-0 (Col-0—the parental line of abh1) in high concentrations of glucose. Additionally, soa2 exhibited better root growth than Col-0 in the presence of high ABA concentrations. soa2 and soa3 were drought tolerant and both had about 50% fewer stomata per mm² than the wild-type but the same number as their parental line—abh1. Taking into account that suppressor mutants had the same genetic background as their parental line—abh1, it was necessary to backcross abh1 with Landsberg erecta four times for the map-based cloning approach. Mapping populations, derived from the cross of abh1 in the Landsberg erecta background with each suppressor mutant, were created. Map based cloning in order to identify the suppressor genes is in progress.

ABI4 regulates primary seed dormancy by regulating the biogenesis of abscisic acid and gibberellins in arabidopsis

Seed dormancy is an important economic trait for agricultural production. Abscisic acid (ABA) and Gibberellins (GA) are the primary factors that regulate the transition from dormancy to germination, and they regulate this process antagonistically. The detailed regulatory mechanism involving crosstalk between ABA and GA, which underlies seed dormancy, requires further elucidation. Here, we report that ABI4 positively regulates primary seed dormancy, while negatively regulating cotyledon greening, by mediating the biogenesis of ABA and GA. Seeds of the Arabidopsis abi4 mutant that were subjected to short-term storage (one or two weeks) germinated significantly more quickly than Wild-Type (WT), and abi4 cotyledons greened markedly more quickly than WT, while the rates of germination and greening were comparable when the seeds were subjected to longer-term storage (six months). The ABA content of dry abi4 seeds was remarkably lower than that of WT, but the amounts were comparable after stratification. Consistently, the GA level of abi4 seeds was increased compared to WT. Further analysis showed that abi4 was resistant to treatment with paclobutrazol (PAC), a GA biosynthesis inhibitor, during germination, while OE-ABI4 was sensitive to PAC, and exogenous GA rescued the delayed germination phenotype of OE-ABI4. Analysis by qRT-PCR showed that the expression of genes involved in ABA and GA metabolism in dry and germinating seeds corresponded to hormonal measurements. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation qPCR (ChIP-qPCR) and transient expression analysis showed that ABI4 repressed CYP707A1 and CYP707A2 expression by directly binding to those promoters, and the ABI4 binding elements are essential for this repression. Accordingly, further genetic analysis showed that abi4 recovered the delayed germination phenotype of cyp707a1 and cyp707a2 and further, rescued the non-germinating phenotype of ga1-t. Taken together, this study suggests that ABI4 is a key factor that regulates primary seed dormancy by mediating the balance between ABA and GA biogenesis.

Seed dormancy prevents or delays germination in maturated seeds. The optimal level of seed dormancy is a valuable trait for agricultural production and post-harvest management. High ABA and low GA content in seeds promote seed dormancy. However, the precise molecular mechanisms controlling seed dormancy and germination remain unclear. We found that ABI4, the key transcription factor in the ABA signaling pathway, indeed controls primary seed dormancy. This result contradicts the previous conclusion that ABI4 is not involved in the control of seed dormancy. Several lines of evidence support our conclusion. For example, detailed physiological analysis of the germination of abi4 seeds that were harvested immediately and stored for various periods of time and subjected to various treatments allowed us to conclude that ABI4 negatively regulates primary seed dormancy. The molecular mechanism responsible for this control is as follows: ABI4 directly or indirectly regulates the key genes of the ABA and GA biogenesis pathways, which then regulates the ABA and GA contents in seeds. Importantly, further genetic interactions between CYP707A1, CYP707A2, GA1, and ABI4 also support our conclusion.

Combining association mapping and transcriptomics identify HD2B histone deacetylase as a genetic factor associated with seed dormancy in Arabidopsis thaliana

Seed dormancy is an important adaptive trait that enables germination at the proper time, thereby ensuring plant survival after germination. In Arabidopsis, considerable variation exists in the degree of seed dormancy among wild-type accessions (ecotypes). In this paper, we identify a plant-specific HD2 histone deacetylase gene, HD2B (At5g22650), as a genetic factor associated with seed dormancy. First, genome-wide association mapping of 113 accessions was used to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms that possibly explain natural variation for seed dormancy. Integration of genome-wide association mapping and transcriptome analysis during cold-induced dormancy cycling identified HD2B as the most plausible candidate gene, and quantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that HD2B expression was up-regulated by cold and after-ripening (dry storage of mature seed), treatments that are known to break seed dormancy. Interestingly, quantitative RT-PCR analysis in 106 accessions revealed that the expression of HD2B in imbibed seeds was significantly suppressed in most of the dormant accessions compared with less-dormant accessions, suggesting that suppression of HD2B expression may be important to maintain seed dormancy in dormant accessions. In addition, transgenic seeds of a dormant Cvi-0 accession that carried a 2.5 kb genomic DNA fragment of HD2B cloned from a less-dormant Col-0 accession ((Col)HD2B/Cvi-0) exhibited reduced seed dormancy accompanied by enhanced expression of HD2B when after-ripened or cold-imbibed. Endogenous levels of gibberellin were found to be increased in the imbibed seeds of after-ripened (Col)HD2B/Cvi-0 compared with wild-type Cvi-0. These results suggest that HD2B plays a role in seed dormancy and/or germinability in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Arabidopsis suppressor mutant of abh1 shows a new face of the already known players: ABH1 (CBP80) and ABI4-in response to ABA and abiotic stresses during seed germination

Although the importance of abscisic acid (ABA) in plant development and response to abiotic and biotic stresses is well recognized, the molecular basis of the signaling pathway has not been fully elucidated. Mutants in genes related to ABA are widely used as a tool for gaining insight into the mechanisms of ABA signal transduction and ABA-dependent stress response. We used a genetic approach of a suppressor screening in order to decipher the interaction between ABH1 (CBP80) and other components of ABA signaling. ABH1 (CBP80) encodes a large subunit of CBC (CAP BINDING COMPLEX) and the abh1 mutant is drought-tolerant and hypersensitive to ABA during seed germination. The suppressor mutants of abh1 were generated after chemical mutagenesis. The mutant named soa1 (suppressor of abh1 hypersensitivity to ABA 1) displayed an ABA-insensitive phenotype during seed germination. The genetic analysis showed that the soa1 phenotype is dominant in relation to abh1 and segregates as a single locus. Based on soa1's response to a wide spectrum of physiological assays during different stages of development, we used the candidate-genes approach in order to identify a suppressor gene. The molecular analysis revealed that mutation causing the phenotype of soa1 occurred in the ABI4 (ABA insensitive 4) gene. Analysis of pre-miR159 expression, whose processing depends on CBC, as well as targets of miR159: MYB33 and MYB101, which are positive regulators of ABA signaling, revealed a possible link between CBP80 (ABH1) and ABI4 presented here.

Gibberellin biosynthesis and its regulation

The GAs (gibberellins) comprise a large group of diterpenoid carboxylic acids that are ubiquitous in higher plants, in which certain members function as endogenous growth regulators, promoting organ expansion and developmental changes. These compounds are also produced by some species of lower plants, fungi and bacteria, although, in contrast to higher plants, the function of GAs in these organisms has only recently been investigated and is still unclear. In higher plants, GAs are synthesized by the action of terpene cyclases, cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenases and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases localized, respectively, in plastids, the endomembrane system and the cytosol. The concentration of biologically active GAs at their sites of action is tightly regulated and is moderated by numerous developmental and environmental cues. Recent research has focused on regulatory mechanisms, acting primarily on expression of the genes that encode the dioxygenases involved in biosynthesis and deactivation. The present review discusses the current state of knowledge on GA metabolism with particular emphasis on regulation, including the complex mechanisms for the maintenance of GA homoeostasis.