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Guo Y, He S, Wang HL, Lin H, Zhang Y, Zhao Y. MicroRNA257 promotes secondary growth in hybrid poplar. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 213:108870. [PMID: 38914038 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Populus, a significant fast-growing tree species with global afforestation and energy potential, holds considerable economic value. The abundant production of secondary xylem by trees, which serves as a vital resource for industrial purposes and human sustenance, necessitates the orchestration of various regulatory mechanisms, encompassing transcriptional regulators and microRNAs (miRNAs). Nevertheless, the investigation of microRNA-mediated regulation of poplar secondary growth remains limited. In this study, we successfully isolated a novel microRNA (Pag-miR257) from 84 K poplar and subsequently integrated it into the 35 S overexpression vector. The overexpression of Pag-miR257 resulted in notable increases in plant height, stem diameter, and fresh weight. Additionally, the overexpression of Pag-miR257 demonstrated a significant enhancement in net photosynthetic rate. The findings from the examination of cell wall autofluorescence indicated a substantial increase in both xylem area and the number of vessels in poplar plants overexpressing Pag-miR257. Furthermore, the cell wall of the Pag-miR257 overexpressing plants exhibited thickening as observed through transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, the Fourier Transforms Infrared (FTIR) analysis and phloroglucinol-HCl staining revealed an elevation in lignin content in Pag-miR257 overexpressing poplar plants. The findings of this study suggest that microRNA257 may play a role in the control of secondary growth in poplar stems, thereby potentially enhancing the development of wood engineering techniques for improved material and energy production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center for Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Shuhang He
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center for Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; Dongguan No.1 Senior High School, China
| | - Hou-Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center for Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hongxia Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center for Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yuqian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center for Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center for Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
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2
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Keret R, Drew DM, Hills PN. Xylem cell size regulation is a key adaptive response to water deficit in Eucalyptus grandis. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 44:tpae068. [PMID: 38896029 PMCID: PMC11247191 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpae068] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Future climatic scenarios forecast increasingly frequent droughts that will pose substantial consequences on tree mortality. In light of this, drought-tolerant eucalypts have been propagated; however, the severity of these conditions will invoke adaptive responses, impacting the commercially valuable wood properties. To determine what mechanisms govern the wood anatomical adaptive response, highly controlled drought experiments were conducted in Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden, with the tree physiology and transcriptome closely monitored. In response to water deficit, E. grandis displays an isohydric stomatal response to conserve water and enable stem growth to continue, albeit at a reduced rate. Maintaining gaseous exchange is likely a critical short-term response that drives the formation of hydraulically safer xylem. For instance, the development of significantly smaller fibers and vessels was found to increase cellular density, thereby promoting drought tolerance through improved functional redundancy, as well as implosion and cavitation resistance. The transcriptome was explored to identify the molecular mechanisms responsible for controlling xylem cell size during prolonged water deficit. Downregulation of genes associated with cell wall remodeling and the biosynthesis of cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin appeared to coincide with a reduction in cellular enlargement during drought. Furthermore, transcript levels of NAC and MYB transcription factors, vital for cell wall component biosynthesis, were reduced, while those linked to lignification increased. The upregulation of EgCAD and various peroxidases under water deficit did not correlate with an increased lignin composition. However, with the elevated cellular density, a higher lignin content per xylem cross-sectional area was observed, potentially enhancing hydraulic safety. These results support the requirement for higher density, drought-adapted wood as a long-term adaptive response in E. grandis, which is largely influenced by the isohydric stomatal response coupled with cellular expansion-related molecular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Keret
- Institute for Plant Biotechnology, Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
- Department of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Bosman St, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa
| | - David M Drew
- Department of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Bosman St, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa
| | - Paul N Hills
- Institute for Plant Biotechnology, Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
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Kong L, Song Q, Wei H, Wang Y, Lin M, Sun K, Zhang Y, Yang J, Li C, Luo K. The AP2/ERF transcription factor PtoERF15 confers drought tolerance via JA-mediated signaling in Populus. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 240:1848-1867. [PMID: 37691138 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Drought stress is one of the major limiting factors for the growth and development of perennial trees. Xylem vessels act as the center of water conduction in woody species, but the underlying mechanism of its development and morphogenesis under water-deficient conditions remains elucidation. Here, we identified and characterized an osmotic stress-induced ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR 15 (PtoERF15) and its target, PtoMYC2b, which was involved in mediating vessel size, density, and cell wall thickness in response to drought in Populus tomentosa. PtoERF15 is preferentially expressed in differentiating xylem of poplar stems. Overexpression of PtoERF15 contributed to stem water potential maintaining, thus promoting drought tolerance. RNA-Seq and biochemical analysis further revealed that PtoERF15 directly regulated PtoMYC2b, encoding a switch of JA signaling pathway. Additionally, our findings verify that three sets of homologous genes from NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) gene family: PtoSND1-A1/A2, PtoVND7-1/7-2, and PtoNAC118/120, as the targets of PtoMYC2b, are involved in the regulation of vessel morphology in poplar. Collectively, our study provides molecular evidence for the involvement of the PtoERF15-PtoMYC2b transcription cascade in maintaining stem water potential through the regulation of xylem vessel development, ultimately improving drought tolerance in poplar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfei Kong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creationin Western China (Chongqing) Science City, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments of Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Qin Song
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creationin Western China (Chongqing) Science City, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments of Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongbin Wei
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creationin Western China (Chongqing) Science City, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments of Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creationin Western China (Chongqing) Science City, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments of Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Minghui Lin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creationin Western China (Chongqing) Science City, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Kuan Sun
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creationin Western China (Chongqing) Science City, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments of Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yuqian Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creationin Western China (Chongqing) Science City, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments of Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jiarui Yang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creationin Western China (Chongqing) Science City, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments of Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chaofeng Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creationin Western China (Chongqing) Science City, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Maize Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Keming Luo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creationin Western China (Chongqing) Science City, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments of Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
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Ferguson JN, Jithesh T, Lawson T, Kromdijk J. Excised leaves show limited and species-specific effects on photosynthetic parameters across crop functional types. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:6662-6676. [PMID: 37565685 PMCID: PMC10662226 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthesis is increasingly becoming a recognized target for crop improvement. Phenotyping photosynthesis-related traits on field-grown material is a key bottleneck to progress here due to logistical barriers and short measurement days. Many studies attempt to overcome these challenges by phenotyping excised leaf material in the laboratory. To date there are no demonstrated examples of the representative nature of photosynthesis measurements performed on excised leaves relative to attached leaves in crops. Here, we tested whether standardized leaf excision on the day prior to phenotyping affected a range of common photosynthesis-related traits across crop functional types using tomato (C3 dicot), barley (C3 monocot), and maize (C4 monocot). Potentially constraining aspects of leaf physiology that could be predicted to impair photosynthesis in excised leaves, namely leaf water potential and abscisic acid accumulation, were not different between attached and excised leaves. We also observed non-significant differences in spectral reflectance and chlorophyll fluorescence traits between the treatments across the three species. However, we did observe some significant differences between traits associated with gas exchange and photosynthetic capacity across all three species. This study represents a useful reference for those who perform measurements of this nature and the differences reported should be considered in associated experimental design and statistical analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- John N Ferguson
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3EA, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Tamanna Jithesh
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Tracy Lawson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Johannes Kromdijk
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3EA, UK
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, 61801, USA
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The Course of Mechanical Stress: Types, Perception, and Plant Response. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020217. [PMID: 36829495 PMCID: PMC9953051 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical stimuli, together with the corresponding plant perception mechanisms and the finely tuned thigmomorphogenetic response, has been of scientific and practical interest since the mid-17th century. As an emerging field, there are many challenges in the research of mechanical stress. Indeed, studies on different plant species (annual/perennial) and plant organs (stem/root) using different approaches (field, wet lab, and in silico/computational) have delivered insufficient findings that frequently impede the practical application of the acquired knowledge. Accordingly, the current work distils existing mechanical stress knowledge by bringing in side-by-side the research conducted on both stem and roots. First, the various types of mechanical stress encountered by plants are defined. Second, plant perception mechanisms are outlined. Finally, the different strategies employed by the plant stem and roots to counteract the perceived mechanical stresses are summarized, depicting the corresponding morphological, phytohormonal, and molecular characteristics. The comprehensive literature on both perennial (woody) and annual plants was reviewed, considering the potential benefits and drawbacks of the two plant types, which allowed us to highlight current gaps in knowledge as areas of interest for future research.
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Petrova A, Zakharov M, Ageeva M, McKenzie R, Gorshkova T, Deyholos M, Kozlova L. A flax mutant with impaired intrusive growth of phloem and xylem fibres demonstrates constitutive gravitropic response. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 323:111399. [PMID: 35905894 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2022.111399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Intrusive growth is a type of growth in which a cell exceeds the growth rate of its neighbours and intrudes between them, reaching a much greater length. This process provides plant fibres with their exceptional length. Fibres are the most abundant cell type in the mechanical tissues of plants. At the same time, the plant fibres are of fundamental importance for the production of textiles, paper, biocomposites, etc. Here we describe a mutant of flax (reduced fibre 1, rdf) in which intrusive growth of fibres is impaired in both phloem and xylem. In addition to the intrinsic differences in fibre length, the mutant is characterized by a constitutive gravitropic response, mechanical aberrations at the macro- and nanolevels, disruption of the cambium and uneven transition of xylem cells to secondary cell wall formation. Gelatinous cell walls in both phloem and xylem of mutant plants have disturbed structure and reduced elasticity. The existence of this mutant-control pair offers both prospects for finding the molecular players involved in triggering intrusive growth, cell wall thickening and for understanding the principles of plant mechanical tissue functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Petrova
- Laboratory of Plant Cell Growth Mechanisms, Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, Lobachevsky str., 2/31, 420111 Kazan, Russia.
| | - Mikhail Zakharov
- Laboratory of Plant Cell Growth Mechanisms, Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, Lobachevsky str., 2/31, 420111 Kazan, Russia.
| | - Marina Ageeva
- Microscopy Cabinet, Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, Lobachevsky str., 2/31, 420111 Kazan, Russia.
| | - Ryan McKenzie
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2L3, Canada.
| | - Tatyana Gorshkova
- Laboratory of Plant Cell Growth Mechanisms, Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, Lobachevsky str., 2/31, 420111 Kazan, Russia.
| | - Michael Deyholos
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada.
| | - Liudmila Kozlova
- Laboratory of Plant Cell Growth Mechanisms, Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, Lobachevsky str., 2/31, 420111 Kazan, Russia.
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Miodek A, Gizińska A, Włoch W, Kojs P. Intrusive growth of initials does not affect cambial circumference in Robinia pseudoacacia. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7428. [PMID: 35523846 PMCID: PMC9076624 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11272-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to test the hypothesis whether intrusive growth of initial cells is related to the increase in circumference of Robinia pseudoacacia vascular cambium—both qualitatively and quantitatively. The mode of intrusive growth of cambial initial cells was also studied. Samples collected from tree trunks were examined using series of semi-thin transverse sections. Anatomical reconstructions of radial and tangential planes of analysed fragments of cambial tissue were made. Observations and measurements have shown that the intrusive growth of R. pseudoacacia initial cells does not contribute to an increase in tangential dimension of observed tissue fragments where cell rearrangement occurs. Moreover, initially separated tangential walls of cells (between which cambial initial cell elongates intrusively) are transformed into obliquely oriented walls. These results stand in accordance with a statement that only symplastic growth of initials, not intrusive growth, is responsible for the increase in circumference in all woody plants with the continuous cambial cylinder. Moreover, we managed to capture the moment of transition of initial status from one cell to another for the first time. This phenomenon may be explained on the basis of the system of mechanical stresses operating not only in the secondary meristematic tissue but also in a whole plant organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Miodek
- Polish Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden - Centre for Biological Diversity Conservation in Powsin, Prawdziwka 2, 02-973, Warsaw, Poland. .,Institute of Biology, University of Opole, Oleska 22, 45-052, Opole, Poland.
| | - Aldona Gizińska
- Polish Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden - Centre for Biological Diversity Conservation in Powsin, Prawdziwka 2, 02-973, Warsaw, Poland.,Institute of Biology, University of Opole, Oleska 22, 45-052, Opole, Poland
| | - Wiesław Włoch
- Polish Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden - Centre for Biological Diversity Conservation in Powsin, Prawdziwka 2, 02-973, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Kojs
- Polish Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden - Centre for Biological Diversity Conservation in Powsin, Prawdziwka 2, 02-973, Warsaw, Poland
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