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Gutschker S, Ruescher D, Rabbi IY, Rosado-Souza L, Pommerrenig B, Pauly M, Robertz S, van Doorn AM, Schlereth A, Neuhaus HE, Fernie AR, Reinert S, Sonnewald U, Zierer W. Carbon usage in yellow-fleshed Manihot esculenta storage roots shifts from starch biosynthesis to cell wall and raffinose biosynthesis via the myo-inositol pathway. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 119:2045-2062. [PMID: 38961707 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16909] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Cassava is a crucial staple crop for smallholder farmers in tropical Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Although high yield remains the top priority for farmers, the significance of nutritional values has increased in cassava breeding programs. A notable negative correlation between provitamin A and starch accumulation poses a significant challenge for breeding efforts. The negative correlation between starch and carotenoid levels in conventional and genetically modified cassava plants implies the absence of a direct genomic connection between the two traits. The competition among various carbon pathways seems to account for this relationship. In this study, we conducted a thorough analysis of 49 African cassava genotypes with varying levels of starch and provitamin A. Our goal was to identify factors contributing to differential starch accumulation. Considering carotenoid levels as a confounding factor in starch production, we found that yellow- and white-fleshed storage roots did not differ significantly in most measured components of starch or de novo fatty acid biosynthesis. However, genes and metabolites associated with myo-inositol synthesis and cell wall polymer production were substantially enriched in high provitamin A genotypes. These results indicate that yellow-fleshed cultivars, in comparison to their white-fleshed counterparts, direct more carbon toward the synthesis of raffinose and cell wall components. This finding is underlined by a significant rise in cell wall components measured within the 20 most contrasting genotypes for carotenoid levels. Our findings enhance the comprehension of the biosynthesis of starch and carotenoids in the storage roots of cassava.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindy Gutschker
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Division of Biochemistry, Erlangen, Germany
| | - David Ruescher
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Division of Biochemistry, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ismail Y Rabbi
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Markus Pauly
- Heinrich-Heine-University, Institute of Plant Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stefan Robertz
- Heinrich-Heine-University, Institute of Plant Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna M van Doorn
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Armin Schlereth
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Stephan Reinert
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Division of Biochemistry, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Uwe Sonnewald
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Division of Biochemistry, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Zierer
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Division of Biochemistry, Erlangen, Germany
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2
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Lamm CE, Rabbi IY, Medeiros DB, Rosado-Souza L, Pommerrenig B, Dahmani I, Rüscher D, Hofmann J, van Doorn AM, Schlereth A, Neuhaus HE, Fernie AR, Sonnewald U, Zierer W. Efficient sugar utilization and transition from oxidative to substrate-level phosphorylation in high starch storage roots of African cassava genotypes. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 116:38-57. [PMID: 37329210 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cassava's storage roots represent one of the most important sources of nutritional carbohydrates worldwide. Particularly, smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa depend on this crop plant, where resilient and yield-improved varieties are of vital importance to support steadily increasing populations. Aided by a growing understanding of the plant's metabolism and physiology, targeted improvement concepts already led to visible gains in recent years. To expand our knowledge and to contribute to these successes, we investigated storage roots of eight cassava genotypes with differential dry matter content from three successive field trials for their proteomic and metabolic profiles. At large, the metabolic focus in storage roots transitioned from cellular growth processes toward carbohydrate and nitrogen storage with increasing dry matter content. This is reflected in higher abundance of proteins related to nucleotide synthesis, protein turnover, and vacuolar energization in low starch genotypes, while proteins involved in sugar conversion and glycolysis were more prevalent in high dry matter genotypes. This shift in metabolic orientation was underlined by a clear transition from oxidative- to substrate-level phosphorylation in high dry matter genotypes. Our analyses highlight metabolic patterns that are consistently and quantitatively associated with high dry matter accumulation in cassava storage roots, providing fundamental understanding of cassava's metabolism as well as a data resource for targeted genetic improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian E Lamm
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Division of Biochemistry, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ismail Y Rabbi
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Laise Rosado-Souza
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | | | - Ismail Dahmani
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - David Rüscher
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Division of Biochemistry, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg Hofmann
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Division of Biochemistry, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna M van Doorn
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Armin Schlereth
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | | | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Uwe Sonnewald
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Division of Biochemistry, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Zierer
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Division of Biochemistry, Erlangen, Germany
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3
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Souza PVL, Hou LY, Sun H, Poeker L, Lehman M, Bahadar H, Domingues-Junior AP, Dard A, Bariat L, Reichheld JP, Silveira JAG, Fernie AR, Timm S, Geigenberger P, Daloso DM. Plant NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductases are crucial for the metabolism of sink leaves and plant acclimation to elevated CO 2. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2023. [PMID: 37267089 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Plants contain three NADPH-thioredoxin reductases (NTR) located in the cytosol/mitochondria (NTRA/B) and the plastid (NTRC) with important metabolic functions. However, mutants deficient in all NTRs remained to be investigated. Here, we generated and characterised the triple Arabidopsis ntrabc mutant alongside with ntrc single and ntrab double mutants under different environmental conditions. Both ntrc and ntrabc mutants showed reduced growth and substantial metabolic alterations, especially in sink leaves and under high CO2 (HC), as compared to the wild type. However, ntrabc showed higher effective quantum yield of PSII under both constant and fluctuating light conditions, altered redox states of NADH/NAD+ and glutathione (GSH/GSSG) and lower potential quantum yield of PSII in sink leaves in ambient but not high CO2 concentrations, as compared to ntrc, suggesting a functional interaction between chloroplastic and extra-chloroplastic NTRs in photosynthesis regulation depending on leaf development and environmental conditions. Our results unveil a previously unknown role of the NTR system in regulating sink leaf metabolism and plant acclimation to HC, while it is not affecting full plant development, indicating that the lack of the NTR system can be compensated, at least to some extent, by other redox mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo V L Souza
- LabPlant, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Liang-Yu Hou
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Hu Sun
- University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Louis Poeker
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Martin Lehman
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Humaira Bahadar
- LabPlant, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Avilien Dard
- Laboratoire Génome et Développement des Plantes, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5096, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | - Laetitia Bariat
- Laboratoire Génome et Développement des Plantes, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5096, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Reichheld
- Laboratoire Génome et Développement des Plantes, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5096, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Danilo M Daloso
- LabPlant, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
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4
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Daloso DDM, Morais EG, Oliveira E Silva KF, Williams TCR. Cell-type-specific metabolism in plants. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 114:1093-1114. [PMID: 36987968 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Every plant organ contains tens of different cell types, each with a specialized function. These functions are intrinsically associated with specific metabolic flux distributions that permit the synthesis of the ATP, reducing equivalents and biosynthetic precursors demanded by the cell. Investigating such cell-type-specific metabolism is complicated by the mosaic of different cells within each tissue combined with the relative scarcity of certain types. However, techniques for the isolation of specific cells, their analysis in situ by microscopy, or modeling of their function in silico have permitted insight into cell-type-specific metabolism. In this review we present some of the methods used in the analysis of cell-type-specific metabolism before describing what we know about metabolism in several cell types that have been studied in depth; (i) leaf source and sink cells; (ii) glandular trichomes that are capable of rapid synthesis of specialized metabolites; (iii) guard cells that must accumulate large quantities of the osmolytes needed for stomatal opening; (iv) cells of seeds involved in storage of reserves; and (v) the mesophyll and bundle sheath cells of C4 plants that participate in a CO2 concentrating cycle. Metabolism is discussed in terms of its principal features, connection to cell function and what factors affect the flux distribution. Demand for precursors and energy, availability of substrates and suppression of deleterious processes are identified as key factors in shaping cell-type-specific metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo de Menezes Daloso
- Lab Plant, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza-CA, 60451-970, Brazil
| | - Eva Gomes Morais
- Lab Plant, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza-CA, 60451-970, Brazil
| | - Karen Fernanda Oliveira E Silva
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Asa Norte, Brasília-DF, 70910-900, Brazil
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5
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Rosado-Souza L, Yokoyama R, Sonnewald U, Fernie AR. Understanding source-sink interactions: Progress in model plants and translational research to crops. MOLECULAR PLANT 2023; 16:96-121. [PMID: 36447435 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2022.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Agriculture is facing a massive increase in demand per hectare as a result of an ever-expanding population and environmental deterioration. While we have learned much about how environmental conditions and diseases impact crop yield, until recently considerably less was known concerning endogenous factors, including within-plant nutrient allocation. In this review, we discuss studies of source-sink interactions covering both fundamental research in model systems under controlled growth conditions and how the findings are being translated to crop plants in the field. In this respect we detail efforts aimed at improving and/or combining C3, C4, and CAM modes of photosynthesis, altering the chloroplastic electron transport chain, modulating photorespiration, adopting bacterial/algal carbon-concentrating mechanisms, and enhancing nitrogen- and water-use efficiencies. Moreover, we discuss how modulating TCA cycle activities and primary metabolism can result in increased rates of photosynthesis and outline the opportunities that evaluating natural variation in photosynthesis may afford. Although source, transport, and sink functions are all covered in this review, we focus on discussing source functions because the majority of research has been conducted in this field. Nevertheless, considerable recent evidence, alongside the evidence from classical studies, demonstrates that both transport and sink functions are also incredibly important determinants of yield. We thus describe recent evidence supporting this notion and suggest that future strategies for yield improvement should focus on combining improvements in each of these steps to approach yield optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laise Rosado-Souza
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
| | - Ryo Yokoyama
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Uwe Sonnewald
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Staudtstrasse 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
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6
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Zierer W, Anjanappa RB, Lamm CE, Chang SH, Gruissem W, Sonnewald U. A promoter toolbox for tissue-specific expression supporting translational research in cassava ( Manihot esculenta). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1042379. [PMID: 36605961 PMCID: PMC9807883 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1042379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to stimulate agricultural output in many tropical and subtropical countries of the world to combat hunger and malnutrition. The starchy crop cassava (Manihot esculenta), growing even under sub-optimal conditions, is a key staple food in these regions, providing millions of people with food. Cassava biotechnology is an important technique benefiting agricultural progress, but successful implementation of many biotechnological concepts depends on the availability of the right spatiotemporal expression tools. Yet, well-characterized cassava promoters are scarce in the public domain. In this study, we investigate the promoter activity and tissue specificity of 24 different promoter elements in stably transformed cassava plants. We show that many of the investigated promoters, especially from other species, have surprisingly low activity and/or tissue specificity, but feature several promoter sequences that can drive tissue-specific expression in either autotrophic-, transport- or storage tissues. We especially highlight pAtCAB1, pMePsbR, and pSlRBCS2 as strong and specific source promoters, pAtSUC2, pMeSWEET1-like, and pMeSUS1 as valuable tools for phloem and phloem parenchyma expression, and pStB33, pMeGPT, pStGBSS1, as well as pStPatatin Class I, as strong and specific promoters for heterotrophic storage tissues. We hope that the provided information and sequences prove valuable to the cassava community by contributing to the successful implementation of biotechnological concepts aimed at the improvement of cassava nutritional value and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Zierer
- Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ravi Bodampalli Anjanappa
- Plant Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Erwin Lamm
- Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Shu-Heng Chang
- Advanced Plant Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wilhelm Gruissem
- Plant Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Advanced Plant Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Uwe Sonnewald
- Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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7
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Recent Advances in Molecular Improvement for Potato Tuber Traits. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179982. [PMID: 36077378 PMCID: PMC9456189 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Potato is an important crop due to its nutritional value and high yield potential. Improving the quality and quantity of tubers remains one of the most important breeding objectives. Genetic mapping helps to identify suitable markers for use in the molecular breeding, and combined with transgenic approaches provides an efficient way for gaining desirable traits. The advanced plant breeding tools and molecular techniques, e.g., TALENS, CRISPR-Cas9, RNAi, and cisgenesis, have been successfully used to improve the yield and nutritional value of potatoes in an increasing world population scenario. The emerging methods like genome editing tools can avoid incorporating transgene to keep the food more secure. Multiple success cases have been documented in genome editing literature. Recent advances in potato breeding and transgenic approaches to improve tuber quality and quantity have been summarized in this review.
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8
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Systemic Signaling: A Role in Propelling Crop Yield. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11111400. [PMID: 35684173 PMCID: PMC9182853 DOI: 10.3390/plants11111400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Food security has become a topic of great concern in many countries. Global food security depends heavily on agriculture that has access to proper resources and best practices to generate higher crop yields. Crops, as with other plants, have a variety of strategies to adapt their growth to external environments and internal needs. In plants, the distal organs are interconnected through the vascular system and intricate hierarchical signaling networks, to communicate and enhance survival within fluctuating environments. Photosynthesis and carbon allocation are fundamental to crop production and agricultural outputs. Despite tremendous progress achieved by analyzing local responses to environmental cues, and bioengineering of critical enzymatic processes, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms underlying carbon assimilation, allocation, and utilization. This review provides insights into vascular-based systemic regulation of photosynthesis and resource allocation, thereby opening the way for the engineering of source and sink activities to optimize the yield performance of major crops.
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9
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Paul MJ. What are the regulatory targets for intervention in assimilate partitioning to improve crop yield and resilience? JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 266:153537. [PMID: 34619557 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2021.153537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sucrose utilisation for the synthesis of cellular components involved in growth and development and the accumulation of biomass determines diversity in the plant kingdom; sucrose utilisation and partitioning also underpin crop yields. As a complex process the use of sucrose for the partitioning of plant products for yield is decided by the interaction of several regulatory hubs and the integration of metabolism and development. Understanding the regulation of assimilate partitioning has been a grand challenge in plant and crop science. There are emerging examples of genes and processes that appear important for assimilate partitioning that underpin yield in crops and which are amenable to intervention. Enzymes of carbon metabolism were some of the first targets in attempts to modify assimilate partitioning at the beginning (source) and end (sink) of the whole plant assimilate partitioning process. Metabolic enzymes are subject to regulatory and homeostatic mechanisms, a key factor to consider in modifying assimilate partitioning. Trehalose 6-phosphate, as a sucrose signal, may represent a special case in its ability to regulate and coordinate source and sink processes. This review summarises recent progress in understanding the underlying regulators of assimilate partitioning and the current and potentially most promising routes to crop yield enhancement with a main focus on cereals. A framework for how source-sink may regulate whole plant assimilate partitioning involving a few key elements and the central importance of reproductive development is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Paul
- Plant Science, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK.
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10
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Luo A, Zhou C, Chen J. The Associated With Carbon Conversion Rate and Source-Sink Enzyme Activity in Tomato Fruit Subjected to Water Stress and Potassium Application. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:681145. [PMID: 34220901 PMCID: PMC8245005 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.681145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Carbon metabolism in higher plants is a basic physiological metabolism, and carbon allocation and conversion require the activity of various enzymes in metabolic processes that alter the content and overall composition of sugars in the sink organ. However, it is not known how various enzymes affect carbon metabolism when tomato plants are subjected to water stress or treated with potassium. Although the process of carbon metabolism is very complex, we used the carbon conversion rate to compare and analyze the enzyme activities related to sugar metabolism and find out which carbon conversion rate are the most important. Results showed that water stress and potassium increased carbon import flux in the fruit, which was beneficial to carbon accumulation. Water deficit increased the activity of sucrose synthase (SuSy) and starch phosphorylase (SP) and decreased the activity of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and adenosine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) in the source. Water stress increased the activity of acid invertase (AI), SuSy and SP but decreased the activity of AGPase in the sink. Potassium modified the balance of enzymes active in sugar and starch metabolism by increasing the activity of AI, SuSy, SPS and SP and significantly decreasing the activity of AGPase, resulting in increase of hexose. Canonical correlational analysis revealed that the carbon conversion rate was mainly affected by the relative rate of conversion of sucrose to fructose and glucose [p1(t)] and glucose to starch [p5m(t)]. SuSy and AGPase had the greatest effect on enzyme activity in the fruit; respectively regulated p 1(t) and p 5m(t).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anrong Luo
- Center for Agricultural Water Research in China, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chenni Zhou
- Institute of Tibet Plateau Ecology, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Nyingchi, China
- Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology in Tibet Plateau (Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University), Ministry of Education, Nyingchi, China
| | - Jinliang Chen
- Center for Agricultural Water Research in China, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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11
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Aluko OO, Li C, Wang Q, Liu H. Sucrose Utilization for Improved Crop Yields: A Review Article. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4704. [PMID: 33946791 PMCID: PMC8124652 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Photosynthetic carbon converted to sucrose is vital for plant growth. Sucrose acts as a signaling molecule and a primary energy source that coordinates the source and sink development. Alteration in source-sink balance halts the physiological and developmental processes of plants, since plant growth is mostly triggered when the primary assimilates in the source leaf balance with the metabolic needs of the heterotrophic sinks. To measure up with the sink organ's metabolic needs, the improvement of photosynthetic carbon to synthesis sucrose, its remobilization, and utilization at the sink level becomes imperative. However, environmental cues that influence sucrose balance within these plant organs, limiting positive yield prospects, have also been a rising issue over the past few decades. Thus, this review discusses strategies to improve photosynthetic carbon assimilation, the pathways actively involved in the transport of sucrose from source to sink organs, and their utilization at the sink organ. We further emphasize the impact of various environmental cues on sucrose transport and utilization, and the strategic yield improvement approaches under such conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun Olayemi Aluko
- Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China; (O.O.A.); (C.L.)
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chuanzong Li
- Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China; (O.O.A.); (C.L.)
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China; (O.O.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Haobao Liu
- Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China; (O.O.A.); (C.L.)
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12
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van den Herik B, Bergonzi S, Bachem CWB, ten Tusscher K. Modelling the physiological relevance of sucrose export repression by an Flowering Time homolog in the long-distance phloem of potato. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2021; 44:792-806. [PMID: 33314152 PMCID: PMC7986384 DOI: 10.1111/pce.13977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Yield of harvestable plant organs depends on photosynthetic assimilate production in source leaves, long-distance sucrose transport and sink-strength. While photosynthesis optimization has received considerable interest for optimizing plant yield, the potential for improving long-distance sucrose transport has received far less attention. Interestingly, a recent potato study demonstrates that the tuberigen StSP6A binds to and reduces activity of the StSWEET11 sucrose exporter. While the study suggested that reducing phloem sucrose efflux may enhance tuber yield, the precise mechanism and physiological relevance of this effect remained an open question. Here, we develop the first mechanistic model for sucrose transport, parameterized for potato plants. The model incorporates SWEET-mediated sucrose export, SUT-mediated sucrose retrieval from the apoplast and StSP6A-StSWEET11 interactions. Using this model, we were able to substantiate the physiological relevance of the StSP6A-StSWEET11 interaction in the long-distance phloem for potato tuber yield, as well as to show the non-linear nature of this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas van den Herik
- Computational Developmental BiologyUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Sara Bergonzi
- Plant BreedingWageningen University & ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
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13
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Association Mapping of Verticillium Wilt Disease in a Worldwide Collection of Cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.). PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10020306. [PMID: 33562629 PMCID: PMC7916069 DOI: 10.3390/plants10020306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is the best plant fiber source in the world and provides the raw material for industry. Verticillium wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae Kleb. is accepted as a major disease of cotton production. The most practical way to deal with verticillium wilt is to develop resistant/tolerant varieties after cultural practices. One of the effective selections in plant breeding is the use of marker-assisted selection (MAS) via quantitative trait loci (QTL). Therefore, in this study, we aimed to discover the genetic markers associated with the disease. Through the association mapping analysis, common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were obtained using 4730 SNP alleles. As a result, twenty-three markers were associated with defoliating (PYDV6 isolate) pathotype, twenty-one markers with non-defoliating (Vd11 isolate) pathotype, ten QTL with Disease Severity Index (DSI) of the leaves at the 50–60% boll opening period and eight markers were associated with DSI in the stem section. Some of the markers that show significant associations are located on protein coding genes such as protein Mpv17-like, 21 kDa protein-like, transcription factor MYB113-like, protein dehydration-induced 19 homolog 3-like, F-box protein CPR30-like, extracellular ribonuclease LE-like, putative E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase LIN, pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein At3g62890-like, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, tubby-like F-box protein 8, endoglucanase 16-like, glucose-6-phosphate/phosphate translocator 2, metal tolerance protein 11-like, VAN3-binding protein-like, transformation/transcription domain-associated protein-like, pyruvate kinase isozyme A, ethylene-responsive transcription factor CRF2-like, molybdate transporter 2-like, IRK-interacting protein-like, glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor attachment 1 protein, U3 small nucleolar RNA-associated protein 4-like, microtubule-associated protein futsch-like, transport and Golgi organization 2 homolog, splicing factor 3B subunit 3-like, mediator of RNA polymerase II transcription subunit 15a-like, putative ankyrin repeat protein, and protein networked 1D-like. It has been reported in previous studies that most of these genes are associated with biotic and abiotic stress factors. As a result, once validated, it would be possible to use the markers obtained in the study in Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) breeding.
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Beuchat G, Xue X, Chen LQ. Review: The Next Steps in Crop Improvement: Adoption of Emerging Strategies to Identify Bottlenecks in Sugar Flux. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 301:110675. [PMID: 33218639 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2020.110675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Sugar allocation in plants is the fundamental process that transports sugar from source to sink tissues and has a dramatic impact on crop yields. Controlling sugar allocation is required to increase crop yields, as well as biomass for biofuel production. Successful examples have demonstrated that genetic engineering of sugar partitioning offers a promising strategy to achieve this goal. However, improvement has thus far been limited by gaps in understanding of the underlying mechanisms controlling the allocation of sugars. The dynamics of sugar partitioning are minimally predictable under different conditions, between species, or in response to abiotic stresses. Here, we discuss four methodologies that have not been sufficiently exploited for the identification of bottlenecks in sugar flux. Furthermore, we suggest how these strategies can be used and combined to provide the insight needed to maximize crop yields or biomass, especially under conditions of environmental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Beuchat
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA; DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Xueyi Xue
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA; DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Li-Qing Chen
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA; DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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15
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Multi-gene metabolic engineering of tomato plants results in increased fruit yield up to 23%. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17219. [PMID: 33057137 PMCID: PMC7560729 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73709-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The capacity to assimilate carbon and nitrogen, to transport the resultant sugars and amino acids to sink tissues, and to convert the incoming sugars and amino acids into storage compounds in the sink tissues, are key determinants of crop yield. Given that all of these processes have the potential to co-limit growth, multiple genetic interventions in source and sink tissues, plus transport processes may be necessary to reach the full yield potential of a crop. We used biolistic combinatorial co-transformation (up to 20 transgenes) for increasing C and N flows with the purpose of increasing tomato fruit yield. We observed an increased fruit yield of up to 23%. To better explore the reconfiguration of metabolic networks in these transformants, we generated a dataset encompassing physiological parameters, gene expression and metabolite profiling on plants grown under glasshouse or polytunnel conditions. A Sparse Partial Least Squares regression model was able to explain the combination of genes that contributed to increased fruit yield. This combinatorial study of multiple transgenes targeting primary metabolism thus offers opportunities to probe the genetic basis of metabolic and phenotypic variation, providing insight into the difficulties in choosing the correct combination of targets for engineering increased fruit yield.
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16
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Sonnewald U, Fernie AR, Gruissem W, Schläpfer P, Anjanappa RB, Chang SH, Ludewig F, Rascher U, Muller O, van Doorn AM, Rabbi IY, Zierer W. The Cassava Source-Sink project: opportunities and challenges for crop improvement by metabolic engineering. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 103:1655-1665. [PMID: 32502321 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of the important staple foods in Sub-Saharan Africa. It produces starchy storage roots that provide food and income for several hundred million people, mainly in tropical agriculture zones. Increasing cassava storage root and starch yield is one of the major breeding targets with respect to securing the future food supply for the growing population of Sub-Saharan Africa. The Cassava Source-Sink (CASS) project aims to increase cassava storage root and starch yield by strategically integrating approaches from different disciplines. We present our perspective and progress on cassava as an applied research organism and provide insight into the CASS strategy, which can serve as a blueprint for the improvement of other root and tuber crops. Extensive profiling of different field-grown cassava genotypes generates information for leaf, phloem, and root metabolic and physiological processes that are relevant for biotechnological improvements. A multi-national pipeline for genetic engineering of cassava plants covers all steps from gene discovery, cloning, transformation, molecular and biochemical characterization, confined field trials, and phenotyping of the seasonal dynamics of shoot traits under field conditions. Together, the CASS project generates comprehensive data to facilitate conventional breeding strategies for high-yielding cassava genotypes. It also builds the foundation for genome-scale metabolic modelling aiming to predict targets and bottlenecks in metabolic pathways. This information is used to engineer cassava genotypes with improved source-sink relations and increased yield potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Sonnewald
- Department of Biology, Division of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Staudtstrasse 5, Erlangen, 91058, Germany
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, Potsdam, 14476, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Gruissem
- Department of Biology, Plant Biotechnology, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
- Advanced Plant Biotechnology Center, Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Xingda Road, South District, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan
| | - Pascal Schläpfer
- Department of Biology, Plant Biotechnology, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Ravi B Anjanappa
- Department of Biology, Plant Biotechnology, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Shu-Heng Chang
- Advanced Plant Biotechnology Center, Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Xingda Road, South District, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan
| | - Frank Ludewig
- Department of Biology, Division of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Staudtstrasse 5, Erlangen, 91058, Germany
| | - Uwe Rascher
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-2: Plant Sciences, Leo-Brandt-Str, Jülich, 52425, Germany
| | - Onno Muller
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-2: Plant Sciences, Leo-Brandt-Str, Jülich, 52425, Germany
| | - Anna M van Doorn
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-2: Plant Sciences, Leo-Brandt-Str, Jülich, 52425, Germany
| | - Ismail Y Rabbi
- International Institue for Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, Ibadan, Oyo State, 200001, Nigeria
| | - Wolfgang Zierer
- Department of Biology, Division of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Staudtstrasse 5, Erlangen, 91058, Germany
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17
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Benes B, Guan K, Lang M, Long SP, Lynch JP, Marshall-Colón A, Peng B, Schnable J, Sweetlove LJ, Turk MJ. Multiscale computational models can guide experimentation and targeted measurements for crop improvement. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 103:21-31. [PMID: 32053236 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Computational models of plants have identified gaps in our understanding of biological systems, and have revealed ways to optimize cellular processes or organ-level architecture to increase productivity. Thus, computational models are learning tools that help direct experimentation and measurements. Models are simplifications of complex systems, and often simulate specific processes at single scales (e.g. temporal, spatial, organizational, etc.). Consequently, single-scale models are unable to capture the critical cross-scale interactions that result in emergent properties of the system. In this perspective article, we contend that to accurately predict how a plant will respond in an untested environment, it is necessary to integrate mathematical models across biological scales. Computationally mimicking the flow of biological information from the genome to the phenome is an important step in discovering new experimental strategies to improve crops. A key challenge is to connect models across biological, temporal and computational (e.g. CPU versus GPU) scales, and then to visualize and interpret integrated model outputs. We address this challenge by describing the efforts of the international Crops in silico consortium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bedrich Benes
- Computer Graphics Technology and Computer Science, Purdue University, Knoy Hall of Technology, West Lafayette, IN, 47906, USA
| | - Kaiyu Guan
- College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- National Center of Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Meagan Lang
- National Center of Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Stephen P Long
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, 1206 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Lancaster Environment Centre, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LA1 1YX, UK
| | - Jonathan P Lynch
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Amy Marshall-Colón
- National Center of Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 265 Morrill Hall, MC-116, 505 South Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Bin Peng
- College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- National Center of Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - James Schnable
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Lee J Sweetlove
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK
| | - Matthew J Turk
- National Center of Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- School of Information Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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18
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Obata T, Klemens PAW, Rosado-Souza L, Schlereth A, Gisel A, Stavolone L, Zierer W, Morales N, Mueller LA, Zeeman SC, Ludewig F, Stitt M, Sonnewald U, Neuhaus HE, Fernie AR. Metabolic profiles of six African cultivars of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) highlight bottlenecks of root yield. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 102:1202-1219. [PMID: 31950549 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Cassava is an important staple crop in sub-Saharan Africa, due to its high productivity even on nutrient poor soils. The metabolic characteristics underlying this high productivity are poorly understood including the mode of photosynthesis, reasons for the high rate of photosynthesis, the extent of source/sink limitation, the impact of environment, and the extent of variation between cultivars. Six commercial African cassava cultivars were grown in a greenhouse in Erlangen, Germany, and in the field in Ibadan, Nigeria. Source leaves, sink leaves, stems and storage roots were harvested during storage root bulking and analyzed for sugars, organic acids, amino acids, phosphorylated intermediates, minerals, starch, protein, activities of enzymes in central metabolism and yield traits. High ratios of RuBisCO:phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity support a C3 mode of photosynthesis. The high rate of photosynthesis is likely to be attributed to high activities of enzymes in the Calvin-Benson cycle and pathways for sucrose and starch synthesis. Nevertheless, source limitation is indicated because root yield traits correlated with metabolic traits in leaves rather than in the stem or storage roots. This situation was especially so in greenhouse-grown plants, where irradiance will have been low. In the field, plants produced more storage roots. This was associated with higher AGPase activity and lower sucrose in the roots, indicating that feedforward loops enhanced sink capacity in the high light and low nitrogen environment in the field. Overall, these results indicated that carbon assimilation rate, the K battery, root starch synthesis, trehalose, and chlorogenic acid accumulation are potential target traits for genetic improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Obata
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1901 Vine Street, Lincoln, 68588, NE, USA
| | - Patrick A W Klemens
- Plant Physiology, University of Kaiserslautern, Erwin-Schrödinger-Str, D-67653, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Laise Rosado-Souza
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Armin Schlereth
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Andreas Gisel
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, 200001, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, CNR, Via Amendola 122D, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Livia Stavolone
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, 200001, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, CNR, Via Amendola 122D, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Wolfgang Zierer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Staudtstr. 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicolas Morales
- Boyce Thompson Institute, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Lukas A Mueller
- Boyce Thompson Institute, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Samuel C Zeeman
- Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Frank Ludewig
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, CNR, Via Amendola 122D, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Mark Stitt
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Uwe Sonnewald
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Staudtstr. 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - H Ekkehard Neuhaus
- Plant Physiology, University of Kaiserslautern, Erwin-Schrödinger-Str, D-67653, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
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19
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Xu XY, Akbar S, Shrestha P, Venugoban L, Devilla R, Hussain D, Lee J, Rug M, Tian L, Vanhercke T, Singh SP, Li Z, Sharp PJ, Liu Q. A Synergistic Genetic Engineering Strategy Induced Triacylglycerol Accumulation in Potato ( Solanum tuberosum) Leaf. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:215. [PMID: 32210994 PMCID: PMC7069356 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Potato is the 4th largest staple food in the world currently. As a high biomass crop, potato harbors excellent potential to produce energy-rich compounds such as triacylglycerol as a valuable co-product. We have previously reported that transgenic potato tubers overexpressing WRINKLED1, DIACYLGLYCEROL ACYLTRANSFERASE 1, and OLEOSIN genes produced considerable levels of triacylglycerol. In this study, the same genetic engineering strategy was employed on potato leaves. The overexpression of Arabidopsis thaliana WRINKED1 under the transcriptional control of a senescence-inducible promoter together with Arabidopsis thaliana DIACYLGLYCEROL ACYLTRANSFERASE 1 and Sesamum indicum OLEOSIN driven by the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35S promoter and small subunit of Rubisco promoter respectively, resulted in an approximately 30- fold enhancement of triacylglycerols in the senescent transgenic potato leaves compared to the wild type. The increase of triacylglycerol in the transgenic potato leaves was accompanied by perturbations of carbohydrate accumulation, apparent in a reduction in starch content and increased total soluble sugars, as well as changes of polar membrane lipids at different developmental stages. Microscopic and biochemical analysis further indicated that triacylglycerols and lipid droplets could not be produced in chloroplasts, despite the increase and enlargement of plastoglobuli at the senescent stage. Possibly enhanced accumulation of fatty acid phytyl esters in the plastoglobuli were reflected in transgenic potato leaves relative to wild type. It is likely that the plastoglobuli may have hijacked some of the carbon as the result of WRINKED1 expression, which could be a potential factor restricting the effective accumulation of triacylglycerols in potato leaves. Increased lipid production was also observed in potato tubers, which may have affected the tuberization to a certain extent. The expression of transgenes in potato leaf not only altered the carbon partitioning in the photosynthetic source tissue, but also the underground sink organs which highly relies on the leaves in development and energy deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-yu Xu
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Plant Breeding Institute and Sydney Institute of Agriculture, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Sehrish Akbar
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Dawar Hussain
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Jiwon Lee
- Center for Advanced Microscopy, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Melanie Rug
- Center for Advanced Microscopy, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Lijun Tian
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | | | - Zhongyi Li
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Peter J. Sharp
- Plant Breeding Institute and Sydney Institute of Agriculture, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Qing Liu
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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20
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De Souza AP, Wang Y, Orr DJ, Carmo-Silva E, Long SP. Photosynthesis across African cassava germplasm is limited by Rubisco and mesophyll conductance at steady state, but by stomatal conductance in fluctuating light. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 225:2498-2512. [PMID: 31446639 PMCID: PMC7065220 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to see a 55% increase in food demand by 2035, where cassava (Manihot esculenta) is the most widely planted crop and a major calorie source. Yet, cassava yield in this region has not increased significantly for 13 yr. Improvement of genetic yield potential, the basis of the first Green Revolution, could be realized by improving photosynthetic efficiency. First, the factors limiting photosynthesis and their genetic variability within extant germplasm must be understood. Biochemical and diffusive limitations to leaf photosynthetic CO2 uptake under steady state and fluctuating light in 13 farm-preferred and high-yielding African cultivars were analyzed. A cassava leaf metabolic model was developed to quantify the value of overcoming limitations to leaf photosynthesis. At steady state, in vivo Rubisco activity and mesophyll conductance accounted for 84% of the limitation. Under nonsteady-state conditions of shade to sun transition, stomatal conductance was the major limitation, resulting in an estimated 13% and 5% losses in CO2 uptake and water use efficiency, across a diurnal period. Triose phosphate utilization, although sufficient to support observed rates, would limit improvement in leaf photosynthesis to 33%, unless improved itself. The variation of carbon assimilation among cultivars was three times greater under nonsteady state compared to steady state, pinpointing important overlooked breeding targets for improved photosynthetic efficiency in cassava.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda P. De Souza
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Yu Wang
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Douglas J. Orr
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University,
Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | | | - Stephen P. Long
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University,
Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
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21
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Fernie AR, Bachem CWB, Helariutta Y, Neuhaus HE, Prat S, Ruan YL, Stitt M, Sweetlove LJ, Tegeder M, Wahl V, Sonnewald S, Sonnewald U. Synchronization of developmental, molecular and metabolic aspects of source-sink interactions. NATURE PLANTS 2020; 6:55-66. [PMID: 32042154 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-020-0590-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Plants have evolved a multitude of strategies to adjust their growth according to external and internal signals. Interconnected metabolic and phytohormonal signalling networks allow adaption to changing environmental and developmental conditions and ensure the survival of species in fluctuating environments. In agricultural ecosystems, many of these adaptive responses are not required or may even limit crop yield, as they prevent plants from realizing their fullest potential. By lifting source and sink activities to their maximum, massive yield increases can be foreseen, potentially closing the future yield gap resulting from an increasing world population and the transition to a carbon-neutral economy. To do so, a better understanding of the interplay between metabolic and developmental processes is required. In the past, these processes have been tackled independently from each other, but coordinated efforts are required to understand the fine mechanics of source-sink relations and thus optimize crop yield. Here, we describe approaches to design high-yielding crop plants utilizing strategies derived from current metabolic concepts and our understanding of the molecular processes determining sink development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisdair R Fernie
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, Germany.
| | | | - Yrjö Helariutta
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - H Ekkehard Neuhaus
- University of Kaiserslautern Pflanzenphysiologie, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Salomé Prat
- Department of Plant Molecular Genetics, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yong-Ling Ruan
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Stitt
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Lee J Sweetlove
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mechthild Tegeder
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Vanessa Wahl
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Sophia Sonnewald
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Uwe Sonnewald
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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22
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Lu MZ, Snyder R, Grant J, Tegeder M. Manipulation of sucrose phloem and embryo loading affects pea leaf metabolism, carbon and nitrogen partitioning to sinks as well as seed storage pools. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 101:217-236. [PMID: 31520495 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Seed development largely depends on the long-distance transport of sucrose from photosynthetically active source leaves to seed sinks. This source-to-sink carbon allocation occurs in the phloem and requires the loading of sucrose into the leaf phloem and, at the sink end, its import into the growing embryo. Both tasks are achieved through the function of SUT sucrose transporters. In this study, we used vegetable peas (Pisum sativum L.), harvested for human consumption as immature seeds, as our model crop and simultaneously overexpressed the endogenous SUT1 transporter in the leaf phloem and in cotyledon epidermal cells where import into the embryo occurs. Using this 'Push-and-Pull' approach, the transgenic SUT1 plants displayed increased sucrose phloem loading and carbon movement from source to sink causing higher sucrose levels in developing pea seeds. The enhanced sucrose partitioning further led to improved photosynthesis rates, increased leaf nitrogen assimilation, and enhanced source-to-sink transport of amino acids. Embryo loading with amino acids was also increased in SUT1-overexpressors resulting in higher protein levels in immature seeds. Further, transgenic plants grown until desiccation produced more seed protein and starch, as well as higher seed yields than the wild-type plants. Together, the results demonstrate that the SUT1-overexpressing plants with enhanced sucrose allocation to sinks adjust leaf carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and amino acid partitioning in order to accommodate the increased assimilate demand of growing seeds. We further provide evidence that the combined Push-and-Pull approach for enhancing carbon transport is a successful strategy for improving seed yields and nutritional quality in legumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Zhu Lu
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Rachel Snyder
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Jan Grant
- New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Mechthild Tegeder
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
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23
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Rodrigues J, Inzé D, Nelissen H, Saibo NJM. Source-Sink Regulation in Crops under Water Deficit. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 24:652-663. [PMID: 31109763 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
To meet the food demands of an increasing world population, it is necessary to improve crop production; a task that is made more challenging by the changing climate. Several recent reports show that increasing the capacity of plants to assimilate carbon (source strength), or to tap into the internal carbon reservoir (sink strength), has the potential to improve plant productivity in the field under water-deficit conditions. Here, we review the effects of water deficit on the source-sink communication, as well as the respective regulatory mechanisms underpinning plant productivity. We also highlight stress-tolerant traits that can contribute to harness source and sink strengths towards producing high-yielding and drought-tolerant crops, depending on the drought scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Rodrigues
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, UNL, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dirk Inzé
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hilde Nelissen
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Nelson J M Saibo
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, UNL, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal.
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24
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Nowicka B. Target genes for plant productivity improvement. J Biotechnol 2019; 298:21-34. [PMID: 30978366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the development of high-yielding varieties enabled substantial increase in crop productivity during the 20th century. However, the increase in yield over the last two decades has been slower. It is thought that further improvement in productivity of the major crop species using traditional cultivation methods is limited. Therefore, the use of genetic engineering seems to be a promising approach. There is ongoing research concerning genes that have an impact on plant growth, development and yield. The proteins and miRNAs encoded by these genes participate in a variety of processes, such as growth regulation, assimilate transport and partitioning as well as macronutrient uptake and metabolism. This paper presents the major directions in research concerning genes that may be targets of genetic engineering aimed to improve plant productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrycze Nowicka
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
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25
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Lloyd JR, Kossmann J. Starch Trek: The Search for Yield. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 9:1930. [PMID: 30719029 PMCID: PMC6348371 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Starch is a plant storage polyglucan that accumulates in plastids. It is composed of two polymers, amylose and amylopectin, with different structures and plays several roles in helping to determine plant yield. In leaves, it acts as a buffer for night time carbon starvation. Genetically altered plants that cannot synthesize or degrade starch efficiently often grow poorly. There have been a number of successful approaches to manipulate leaf starch metabolism that has resulted in increased growth and yield. Its degradation is also a source of sugars that can help alleviate abiotic stress. In edible parts of plants, starch often makes up the majority of the dry weight constituting much of the calorific value of food and feed. Increasing starch in these organs can increase this as well as increasing yield. Enzymes involved in starch metabolism are well known, and there has been much research analyzing their functions in starch synthesis and degradation, as well as genetic and posttranslational regulatory mechanisms affecting them. In this mini review, we examine work on this topic and discuss future directions that could be used to manipulate this metabolite for improved yield.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jens Kossmann
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Plant Biotechnology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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26
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Davies JP, Christensen CA. Developing Transgenic Agronomic Traits for Crops: Targets, Methods, and Challenges. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1864:343-365. [PMID: 30415346 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8778-8_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The last two decades have witnessed a surge of investment by the agricultural biotechnology industry in the development of transgenic agronomic traits. These are traits that improve yield performance by modifying endogenous physiological processes such as energy capture, nutrient utilization, and stress tolerance. In this chapter we provide a foundation for understanding these fundamental processes and then outline approaches that have been taken to use this knowledge for yield improvement. We characterize the current status of product development pipelines in the industry and illustrate the trait discovery process with three important examples-bacterial cold-shock proteins, alanine aminotransferase, and auxin-regulated genes. The challenges with developing and commercializing an agronomic trait product are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Davies
- Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Cory A Christensen
- Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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27
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Xu X, Vanhercke T, Shrestha P, Luo J, Akbar S, Konik-Rose C, Venugoban L, Hussain D, Tian L, Singh S, Li Z, Sharp PJ, Liu Q. Upregulated Lipid Biosynthesis at the Expense of Starch Production in Potato ( Solanum tuberosum) Vegetative Tissues via Simultaneous Downregulation of ADP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase and Sugar Dependent1 Expressions. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1444. [PMID: 31781148 PMCID: PMC6861213 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Triacylglycerol is a major component of vegetable oil in seeds and fruits of many plants, but its production in vegetative tissues is rather limited. It would be intriguing and important to explore any possibility to expand current oil production platforms, for example from the plant vegetative tissues. By expressing a suite of transgenes involved in the triacylglycerol biosynthesis, we have previously observed substantial accumulation of triacylglycerol in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaf and potato (Solanum tuberosum) tuber. In this study, simultaneous RNA interference (RNAi) downregulation of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) and Sugar-dependent1 (SDP1), was able to increase the accumulation of triacylglycerol and other lipids in both wild type potato and the previously generated high oil potato line 69. Particularly, a 16-fold enhancement of triacylglycerol production was observed in the mature transgenic tubers derived from the wild type potato, and a two-fold increase in triacylglycerol was observed in the high oil potato line 69, accounting for about 7% of tuber dry weight, which is the highest triacylglycerol accumulation ever reported in potato. In addition to the alterations of lipid content and fatty acid composition, sugar accumulation, starch content of the RNAi potato lines in both tuber and leaf tissues were also substantially changed, as well as the tuber starch properties. Microscopic analysis further revealed variation of lipid droplet distribution and starch granule morphology in the mature transgenic tubers compared to their parent lines. This study reflects that the carbon partitioning between lipid and starch in both leaves and non-photosynthetic tuber tissues, respectively, are highly orchestrated in potato, and it is promising to convert low-energy starch to storage lipids via genetic manipulation of the carbon metabolism pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Xu
- Research Program of Traits, CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Plant Breeding Institute and Sydney Institute of Agriculture, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas Vanhercke
- Research Program of Traits, CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Pushkar Shrestha
- Research Program of Traits, CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Jixun Luo
- Research Program of Traits, CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Sehrish Akbar
- Research Program of Traits, CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Christine Konik-Rose
- Research Program of Traits, CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Lauren Venugoban
- Research Program of Traits, CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Dawar Hussain
- Research Program of Traits, CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Lijun Tian
- Research Program of Traits, CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Surinder Singh
- Research Program of Traits, CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Zhongyi Li
- Research Program of Traits, CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- *Correspondence: Zhongyi Li, ; Peter J. Sharp, ; Qing Liu,
| | - Peter J. Sharp
- Plant Breeding Institute and Sydney Institute of Agriculture, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Zhongyi Li, ; Peter J. Sharp, ; Qing Liu,
| | - Qing Liu
- Research Program of Traits, CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- *Correspondence: Zhongyi Li, ; Peter J. Sharp, ; Qing Liu,
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28
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Kumar P, Garrido E, Zhao K, Zheng Y, Alseekh S, Vargas-Ortiz E, Fernie AR, Fei Z, Poveda K, Jander G. Tecia solanivora infestation increases tuber starch accumulation in Pastusa Suprema potatoes. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2018; 60:1083-1096. [PMID: 29888549 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.12675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In response to infestation with larvae of the Guatemalan tuber moth (Tecia solanivora), some Solanum tuberosum (potato) varieties exhibit an overcompensation response, whereby the total dry mass of uninfested tubers is increased. Here, we describe early responses, within the first few days, of T. solanivora feeding, in the Colombian potato variety Pastusa Suprema. Non-targeted metabolite profiling showed significant secondary metabolism changes in T. solanivora-infested tubers, but not in uninfested systemic tubers. In contrast, changes in primary metabolism were greater in uninfested systemic tubers than in the infested tubers, with a notable 80% decline in systemic tuber sucrose levels within 1 d of T. solanivora infestation. This suggested either decreased sucrose transport from the leaves or increased sink strength, i.e., more rapid sucrose to starch conversion in the tubers. Increased sucrose synthesis was indicated by higher rubisco activase and lower starch synthase gene expression in the leaves of infested plants. Elevated sink strength was demonstrated by 45% more total starch deposition in systemic tubers of T. solanivora-infested plants compared to uninfested control plants. Thus, rather than investing in increased defense of uninfested tubers, Pastusa Suprema promotes deposition of photoassimilates in the form of starch as a response to T. solanivora infestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Kumar
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Etzel Garrido
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Kun Zhao
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Yi Zheng
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Saleh Alseekh
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Wissenschaftspark Golm, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Erandi Vargas-Ortiz
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Wissenschaftspark Golm, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Zhangjun Fei
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Katja Poveda
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Georg Jander
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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29
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Sonnewald U, Fernie AR. Next-generation strategies for understanding and influencing source-sink relations in crop plants. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2018; 43:63-70. [PMID: 29428477 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Whether plants are source or sink limited, that is, whether carbon assimilation or rather assimilate usage is ultimately responsible for crop yield, has been the subject of intense debate over several decades. Here we provide a short review of this debate before focusing on the use of transgenic intervention as a means to influence yield by modifying either source or sink function (or both). Given the relatively low success rates of strategies targeting single genes we highlight the success of multi-target transformations. The emergence of whole plant models and the potential impact that these will have in aiding yield improvement strategies are then discussed. We end by providing our perspective for next generation strategies for improving crop plants by means of manipulating their source-sink relations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Sonnewald
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
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30
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Duan W, Wang Q, Zhang H, Xie B, Li A, Hou F, Dong S, Wang B, Qin Z, Zhang L. Differences between nitrogen-tolerant and nitrogen-susceptible sweetpotato cultivars in photosynthate distribution and transport under different nitrogen conditions. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194570. [PMID: 29596436 PMCID: PMC5875776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To characterize the differences in photosynthate distribution and transport between nitrogen(N)-tolerant and N-susceptible sweetpotato cultivars under different N conditions, three N levels, including 0 (N0), 120 (N120), and 240 kg ha-1 (N240), were used in field experiments with the Jishu26 (J26) and Xushu32 (X32) cultivars in 2015 and 2016. The results from both years revealed that high N application reduced the tuberous root yield, the tuber/vine rate of carbon-13 (13C), and top-to-base (three equal segments of stem divided from the fifth opened leaf of the shoot tip to the main stem, defined as the top, middle, and base parts, respectively) gradients such as sucrose, ammonia N and potassium along the stem. 'J26' showed a higher yield than 'X32' under N0 but lower yield than 'X32' under N120 and N240. It also exhibited a higher 13C distribution to tuberous roots compared with that of 'X32' under N0, and the opposite trend was observed under N120 and N240. Under N0, 'J26' showed a steep top-to-base amino acid gradient and a significantly lower top-to-base sucrose increase along the stem in the late growth stage. Under N120 and N240, 'X32' exhibited a greater top-to-base decrease in the ammonia N along the stem during the main growth stages, a steep top-to-base sucrose gradient along the stem in the early growth stage, and a lower top-to-base sucrose increase along the stem in the middle and late growth stages. The formation of a reasonable photosynthate distribution structure attributed to high yield was related to a desirable sucrose, ammonia N or K+ gradient downward along the stem. These results might help provide farmers with sweetpotato cultivars using less or no N fertilizer in soils of different fertility and enhance the knowledge of yield-related physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxue Duan
- Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Scientific Observation and Experimental Station of Tuber and Root Crops in Huang-Huai-Hai Region, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qingmei Wang
- Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Scientific Observation and Experimental Station of Tuber and Root Crops in Huang-Huai-Hai Region, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Scientific Observation and Experimental Station of Tuber and Root Crops in Huang-Huai-Hai Region, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Beitao Xie
- Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Scientific Observation and Experimental Station of Tuber and Root Crops in Huang-Huai-Hai Region, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Aixian Li
- Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Scientific Observation and Experimental Station of Tuber and Root Crops in Huang-Huai-Hai Region, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fuyun Hou
- Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Scientific Observation and Experimental Station of Tuber and Root Crops in Huang-Huai-Hai Region, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shunxu Dong
- Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Scientific Observation and Experimental Station of Tuber and Root Crops in Huang-Huai-Hai Region, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Baoqing Wang
- Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Scientific Observation and Experimental Station of Tuber and Root Crops in Huang-Huai-Hai Region, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhen Qin
- Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Scientific Observation and Experimental Station of Tuber and Root Crops in Huang-Huai-Hai Region, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Liming Zhang
- Scientific Observation and Experimental Station of Tuber and Root Crops in Huang-Huai-Hai Region, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- * E-mail:
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31
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Ahmed S, Zhou X, Pang Y, Jin L, Bao J. Improving Starch‐Related Traits in Potato Crops: Achievements and Future Challenges. STARCH-STARKE 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/star.201700113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sulaiman Ahmed
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural ScienceCollege of Agriculture and BiotechnologyZhejiang UniversityHuajiachi CampusHangzhou310029China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural ScienceCollege of Agriculture and BiotechnologyZhejiang UniversityHuajiachi CampusHangzhou310029China
| | - Yuehan Pang
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural ScienceCollege of Agriculture and BiotechnologyZhejiang UniversityHuajiachi CampusHangzhou310029China
| | - Liping Jin
- Department of PotatoInstitute of Vegetables and FlowersChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing100081China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Tuber and Root CropMinistry of AgricultureBeijing100081P.R. China
| | - Jinsong Bao
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural ScienceCollege of Agriculture and BiotechnologyZhejiang UniversityHuajiachi CampusHangzhou310029China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Tuber and Root CropMinistry of AgricultureBeijing100081P.R. China
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32
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Schönhals EM, Ding J, Ritter E, Paulo MJ, Cara N, Tacke E, Hofferbert HR, Lübeck J, Strahwald J, Gebhardt C. Physical mapping of QTL for tuber yield, starch content and starch yield in tetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) by means of genome wide genotyping by sequencing and the 8.3 K SolCAP SNP array. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:642. [PMID: 28830357 PMCID: PMC5567664 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3979-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tuber yield and starch content of the cultivated potato are complex traits of decisive importance for breeding improved varieties. Natural variation of tuber yield and starch content depends on the environment and on multiple, mostly unknown genetic factors. Dissection and molecular identification of the genes and their natural allelic variants controlling these complex traits will lead to the development of diagnostic DNA-based markers, by which precision and efficiency of selection can be increased (precision breeding). Results Three case-control populations were assembled from tetraploid potato cultivars based on maximizing the differences between high and low tuber yield (TY), starch content (TSC) and starch yield (TSY, arithmetic product of TY and TSC). The case-control populations were genotyped by restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) and the 8.3 k SolCAP SNP genotyping array. The allele frequencies of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were compared between cases and controls. RADseq identified, depending on data filtering criteria, between 6664 and 450 genes with one or more differential SNPs for one, two or all three traits. Differential SNPs in 275 genes were detected using the SolCAP array. A genome wide association study using the SolCAP array on an independent, unselected population identified SNPs associated with tuber starch content in 117 genes. Physical mapping of the genes containing differential or associated SNPs, and comparisons between the two genome wide genotyping methods and two different populations identified genome segments on all twelve potato chromosomes harboring one or more quantitative trait loci (QTL) for TY, TSC and TSY. Conclusions Several hundred genes control tuber yield and starch content in potato. They are unequally distributed on all potato chromosomes, forming clusters between 0.5–4 Mbp width. The largest fraction of these genes had unknown function, followed by genes with putative signalling and regulatory functions. The genetic control of tuber yield and starch content is interlinked. Most differential SNPs affecting both traits had antagonistic effects: The allele increasing TY decreased TSC and vice versa. Exceptions were 89 SNP alleles which had synergistic effects on TY, TSC and TSY. These and the corresponding genes are primary targets for developing diagnostic markers. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-017-3979-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elske Maria Schönhals
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jia Ding
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Nicolás Cara
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Jens Lübeck
- SaKa-Pflanzenzucht GmbH & Co. KG, Windeby, Germany
| | | | - Christiane Gebhardt
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany.
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33
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Sweetlove LJ, Nielsen J, Fernie AR. Engineering central metabolism - a grand challenge for plant biologists. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 90:749-763. [PMID: 28004455 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.13464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The goal of increasing crop productivity and nutrient-use efficiency is being addressed by a number of ambitious research projects seeking to re-engineer photosynthetic biochemistry. Many of these projects will require the engineering of substantial changes in fluxes of central metabolism. However, as has been amply demonstrated in simpler systems such as microbes, central metabolism is extremely difficult to rationally engineer. This is because of multiple layers of regulation that operate to maintain metabolic steady state and because of the highly connected nature of central metabolism. In this review we discuss new approaches for metabolic engineering that have the potential to address these problems and dramatically improve the success with which we can rationally engineer central metabolism in plants. In particular, we advocate the adoption of an iterative 'design-build-test-learn' cycle using fast-to-transform model plants as test beds. This approach can be realised by coupling new molecular tools to incorporate multiple transgenes in nuclear and plastid genomes with computational modelling to design the engineering strategy and to understand the metabolic phenotype of the engineered organism. We also envisage that mutagenesis could be used to fine-tune the balance between the endogenous metabolic network and the introduced enzymes. Finally, we emphasise the importance of considering the plant as a whole system and not isolated organs: the greatest increase in crop productivity will be achieved if both source and sink metabolism are engineered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee J Sweetlove
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK
| | - Jens Nielsen
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE41128, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, DK2800, Lyngby, Denmark
- Science for Life Laboratory, Royal Institute of Technology, SE17121, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
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Abstract
Photosynthesis is central to all life on earth, providing not only oxygen but also organic compounds that are synthesized from atmospheric CO 2 and water using light energy as the driving force. The still-increasing world population poses a serious challenge to further enhance biomass production of crop plants. Crop yield is determined by various parameters, inter alia by the light energy conversion efficiency of the photosynthetic machinery. Photosynthesis can be looked at from different perspectives: (i) light reactions and carbon assimilation, (ii) leaves and canopy structure, and (ii) source-sink relationships. In this review, we discuss opportunities and prospects to increase photosynthetic performance at the different layers, taking into account the recent progress made in the respective fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf-Ingo Flügge
- Cologne Biocenter, Botanical Institute II and Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Westhoff
- Department of Biology and Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dario Leister
- Plant Molecular Biology, Department of Biology I, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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36
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Oiestad AJ, Martin JM, Giroux MJ. Overexpression of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase in both leaf and seed tissue synergistically increase biomass and seed number in rice (Oryza sativa ssp. japonica). FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY : FPB 2016; 43:1194-1204. [PMID: 32480538 DOI: 10.1071/fp16218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Increased expression of leaf or seed ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase activity (AGPase) has been shown to increase plant growth. However, no study has directly compared AGPase overexpression in leaves and/or seeds. In the present study, transgenic rice overexpressing AGPase in leaves or in seeds were crossed, resulting in four F2:3 homozygous genotypes with AGPase overexpression in leaves, seeds, both leaves and seeds, or neither tissue. The impact of AGPase overexpression in these genotypic groups was examined at the metabolic, transcriptomic, and plant growth levels. Leaf-specific AGPase overexpression increased flag leaf starch up to five times that of the wild type (WT) whereas overexpression of AGPase in both leaves and seeds conferred the greatest productivity advantages. Relative to the WT, AGPase overexpression in both leaves and seeds increased plant biomass and panicle number by 61% and 51%, respectively while leaf-specific AGPase overexpression alone only increased plant biomass and panicle number by 24 and 32% respectively. Extraction and analysis of RNA and leaf-specific metabolites demonstrated that carbon metabolism was broadly increased by AGPase overexpression in seeds and leaves. These findings indicate that stimulation of whole-plant growth and productivity can be best achieved by upregulation of starch biosynthesis in both leaves and seeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alanna J Oiestad
- 119 Plant Bioscience Building, Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717-3150, USA
| | - John M Martin
- 119 Plant Bioscience Building, Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717-3150, USA
| | - Michael J Giroux
- 119 Plant Bioscience Building, Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717-3150, USA
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37
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Ludewig F, Sonnewald U. Demand for food as driver for plant sink development. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 203:110-115. [PMID: 27316916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Starting with the first humans settling down to build their lives on agriculture and stock breeding, the development of food and feed became tremendously important. With increasing population, in particular boosted by industrialization, the need for more food rose further. One way to cope with the needs of people was to open up new and optimize already existing resources like the introduction of potato into the European population's diet and the development of grasses to high-yielding cereals, respectively. The process of plant improvement is still ongoing. Nowadays, yield enhancement is still an important breeding aim for several plant species as world population further increases, especially in less developed regions. However, in addition to quantity improvement, food quality is in the focus to prevent human malnutrition and resulting diseases or early death. In this review we will give a brief historical overview on how plants were developed to nourish the population and will discuss more recent approaches to secure sufficient food production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Ludewig
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Staudtstraße 5, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Uwe Sonnewald
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Staudtstraße 5, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany
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Shekhar S, Agrawal L, Mishra D, Buragohain AK, Unnikrishnan M, Mohan C, Chakraborty S, Chakraborty N. Ectopic expression of amaranth seed storage albumin modulates photoassimilate transport and nutrient acquisition in sweetpotato. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25384. [PMID: 27147459 PMCID: PMC4857128 DOI: 10.1038/srep25384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Storage proteins in plants, because of high nutrient value, have been a subject of intensive investigation. These proteins are synthesized de novo in the cytoplasm and transported to the storage organelles where they serve as reservoir of energy and supplement of nitrogen during rapid growth and development. Sweetpotato is the seventh most important food crop worldwide, and has a significant contribution to the source of nutrition, albeit with low protein content. To determine the behaviour of seed storage proteins in non-native system, a seed albumin, AmA1, was overexpressed in sweetpotato with an additional aim of improving nutritional quality of tuber proteins. Introduction of AmA1 imparted an increase in protein and amino acid contents as well as the phytophenols. The proteometabolomics analysis revealed a rebalancing of the proteome, with no significant effects on the global metabolome profile of the transgenic tubers. Additionally, the slower degradation of starch and cellulose in transgenic tubers, led to increased post-harvest durability. Present study provides a new insight into the role of a seed storage protein in the modulation of photoassimilate movement and nutrient acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhendu Shekhar
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Jawaharlal Nehru University Campus, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067, India.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Assam, India
| | - Lalit Agrawal
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Jawaharlal Nehru University Campus, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Divya Mishra
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Jawaharlal Nehru University Campus, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067, India
| | | | | | - Chokkappan Mohan
- Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Subhra Chakraborty
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Jawaharlal Nehru University Campus, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Niranjan Chakraborty
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Jawaharlal Nehru University Campus, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067, India
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39
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Vanhaeren H, Inzé D, Gonzalez N. Plant Growth Beyond Limits. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2016; 21:102-109. [PMID: 26739421 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2015.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Growth processes, governed by complex genetic networks in a coordinated manner, are determining factors for numerous crop traits. Many components of these networks, described in Arabidopsis and to a lesser extent in crops, enhance organ growth when perturbed. However, translating our understanding of plant growth into crop improvement has been very limited. We argue here that this lack of success is due to the fact that modifying the expression of single genes in a complex growth regulatory network might be buffered by other components of the network. We discuss the observation that simultaneous perturbations of multiple genes have more pronounced effects, and present novel perspectives to use knowledge of growth regulatory networks to enhance crop yield in a targeted manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Vanhaeren
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), 9052 Gent, Belgium; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | - Dirk Inzé
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), 9052 Gent, Belgium; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Gent, Belgium.
| | - Nathalie Gonzalez
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), 9052 Gent, Belgium; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Gent, Belgium
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40
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Śliwka J, Sołtys-Kalina D, Szajko K, Wasilewicz-Flis I, Strzelczyk-Żyta D, Zimnoch-Guzowska E, Jakuczun H, Marczewski W. Mapping of quantitative trait loci for tuber starch and leaf sucrose contents in diploid potato. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2016; 129:131-40. [PMID: 26467474 PMCID: PMC4703618 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-015-2615-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Most QTL for leaf sucrose content map to positions that are similar to positions of QTL for tuber starch content in diploid potato. In the present study, using a diploid potato mapping population and Diversity Array Technology (DArT) markers, we identified twelve quantitative trait loci (QTL) for tuber starch content on seven potato chromosomes: I, II, III, VIII, X, XI, and XII. The most important QTL spanned a wide region of chromosome I (42.0–104.6 cM) with peaks at 63 and 84 cM which explained 17.6 and 19.2% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) is the key enzyme for starch biosynthesis. The gene encoding the large subunit of this enzyme, AGPaseS-a, was localized to chromosome I at 102.3 cM and accounted for 15.2% of the variance in tuber starch content. A more than 100-fold higher expression of this gene was observed in RT-qPCR assay in plants with the marker allele AGPaseS-a1334. This study is the first to report QTL for sucrose content in potato leaves. QTL for sucrose content in leaves were located on eight potato chromosomes: I, II, III, V, VIII, IX, X and XII. In 5-week-old plants, only one QTL for leaf sucrose content was detected after 8 h of darkness; four QTL were detected after 8 h of illumination. In 11-week-old plants, 6 and 3 QTL were identified after dark and light phases, respectively. Of fourteen QTL for leaf sucrose content, eleven mapped to positions that were similar to QTL for tuber starch content. These results provide genetic information for further research examining the relationships between metabolic carbon molecule sources and sinks in potato plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jadwiga Śliwka
- Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, National Research Institute, Młochów, Platanowa 19, 05-831 Młochów, Poland
| | - Dorota Sołtys-Kalina
- Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, National Research Institute, Młochów, Platanowa 19, 05-831 Młochów, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Szajko
- Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, National Research Institute, Młochów, Platanowa 19, 05-831 Młochów, Poland
| | - Iwona Wasilewicz-Flis
- Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, National Research Institute, Młochów, Platanowa 19, 05-831 Młochów, Poland
| | - Danuta Strzelczyk-Żyta
- Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, National Research Institute, Młochów, Platanowa 19, 05-831 Młochów, Poland
| | - Ewa Zimnoch-Guzowska
- Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, National Research Institute, Młochów, Platanowa 19, 05-831 Młochów, Poland
| | - Henryka Jakuczun
- Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, National Research Institute, Młochów, Platanowa 19, 05-831 Młochów, Poland
| | - Waldemar Marczewski
- Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, National Research Institute, Młochów, Platanowa 19, 05-831 Młochów, Poland
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41
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Fettke J, Fernie AR. Intracellular and cell-to-apoplast compartmentation of carbohydrate metabolism. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2015; 20:490-497. [PMID: 26008154 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2015.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In most plants, carbohydrates represent the major energy store as well as providing the building blocks for essential structural polymers. Although the major pathways for carbohydrate biosynthesis, degradation, and transport are well characterized, several key steps have only recently been discovered. In addition, several novel minor metabolic routes have been uncovered in the past few years. Here we review current studies of plant carbohydrate metabolism detailing the expanding compendium of functionally characterized transport proteins as well as our deeper comprehension of more minor and conditionally activated metabolic pathways. We additionally explore the pertinent questions that will allow us to enhance our understanding of the response of both major and minor carbohydrate fluxes to changing cellular circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joerg Fettke
- Biopolymer Analytics, University of Potsdam, Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
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42
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Rossi M, Bermudez L, Carrari F. Crop yield: challenges from a metabolic perspective. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2015; 25:79-89. [PMID: 26002068 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Considering the dual use of plants, as bio-factories for foods and feedstock for bio-refining, along with a rising world population, the plant biotechnology field is currently facing a dramatic challenge to develop crops with higher yield. Furthermore, convergent studies predict that global changes in climate will influence crop productivity by modifying most yield-associated traits. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of plant metabolism directly or indirectly impacting on yield and provide an update of the different pathways proposed as targets for metabolic engineering aiming to optimize source-sink relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Rossi
- Departamento de Botânica-IB-USP, Rua do Matão, 277, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luisa Bermudez
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (IB-INTA), B1712WAA Castelar, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), B1712WAA Castelar, Argentina; Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Carrari
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (IB-INTA), B1712WAA Castelar, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), B1712WAA Castelar, Argentina; Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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43
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Katoh A, Ashida H, Kasajima I, Shigeoka S, Yokota A. Potato yield enhancement through intensification of sink and source performances. BREEDING SCIENCE 2015; 65:77-84. [PMID: 25931982 PMCID: PMC4374566 DOI: 10.1270/jsbbs.65.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The combined total annual yield of six major crops (maize, rice, wheat, cassava, soybean, and potato; Solanum tuberosum L.) amounts to 3.1 billion tons. In recent years, staple crops have begun to be used as substitutes for fossil fuel and feedstocks. The diversion of crop products to fuels and industrial feedstocks has become a concern in many countries because of competition for arable lands and increased food prices. These concerns are definitely justified; however, if plant biotechnology succeeds in increasing crop yields to double the current yields, it will be possible to divert the surplus to purposes other than food without detrimental effects. Maize, rice, wheat, and soybean bear their sink organs in the aerial parts of the plant, and potato in the underground parts. Plants with aerial storage organs cannot accumulate products beyond their capacity to support the weight of these organs. In contrast, potato has heavy storage organs that are supported by the soil. In this mini-review, we introduce strategies of intensifying potato productivity and discuss recent advances in this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Katoh
- Center for Frontier Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology,
Takayama 8916-5, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192,
Japan
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency,
Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012,
Japan
| | - Hiroki Ashida
- Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University,
3-11 Tsurukabuto, Nada, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501,
Japan
| | - Ichiro Kasajima
- Center for Frontier Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology,
Takayama 8916-5, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192,
Japan
- Institute of Floricultural Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization,
2-1, Fujimoto, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8519,
Japan
| | - Shigeru Shigeoka
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency,
Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012,
Japan
- Department of Advanced Bioscience, Faculty of Agriculture, Kinki University,
3327-204 Nakamachi, Nara 631-8505,
Japan
| | - Akiho Yokota
- Center for Frontier Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology,
Takayama 8916-5, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192,
Japan
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency,
Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012,
Japan
- Corresponding author (e-mail: )
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44
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Zhang Y, Sun F, Fettke J, Schöttler MA, Ramsden L, Fernie AR, Lim BL. Heterologous expression of AtPAP2 in transgenic potato influences carbon metabolism and tuber development. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:3726-31. [PMID: 25173632 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Changes in carbon flow and sink/source activities can affect floral, architectural, and reproductive traits of plants. In potato, overexpression (OE) of the purple acid phosphatase 2 of Arabidopsis (AtPAP2) resulted in earlier flowering, faster growth rate, increased tubers and tuber starch content, and higher photosynthesis rate. There was a significant change in sucrose, glucose and fructose levels in leaves, phloem and sink biomass of the OE lines, consistent with an increased expression of sucrose transporter 1 (StSUT1). Furthermore, the expression levels and enzyme activity of sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPS) were also significantly increased in the OE lines. These findings strongly suggest that higher carbon supply from the source and improved sink strength can improve potato tuber yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjun Zhang
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Feng Sun
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Joerg Fettke
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Golm, Germany
| | - Mark Aurel Schöttler
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Lawrence Ramsden
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
| | - Boon Leong Lim
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
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45
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Nölke G, Houdelet M, Kreuzaler F, Peterhänsel C, Schillberg S. The expression of a recombinant glycolate dehydrogenase polyprotein in potato (Solanum tuberosum) plastids strongly enhances photosynthesis and tuber yield. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2014; 12:734-42. [PMID: 24605946 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
We have increased the productivity and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum) by developing a novel method to enhance photosynthetic carbon fixation based on expression of a polyprotein (DEFp) comprising all three subunits (D, E and F) of Escherichia coli glycolate dehydrogenase (GlcDH). The engineered polyprotein retained the functionality of the native GlcDH complex when expressed in E. coli and was able to complement mutants deficient for the D, E and F subunits. Transgenic plants accumulated DEFp in the plastids, and the recombinant protein was active in planta, reducing photorespiration and improving CO2 uptake with a significant impact on carbon metabolism. Transgenic lines with the highest DEFp levels and GlcDH activity produced significantly higher levels of glucose (5.8-fold), fructose (3.8-fold), sucrose (1.6-fold) and transitory starch (threefold), resulting in a substantial increase in shoot and leaf biomass. The higher carbohydrate levels produced in potato leaves were utilized by the sink capacity of the tubers, increasing the tuber yield by 2.3-fold. This novel approach therefore has the potential to increase the biomass and yield of diverse crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Nölke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany
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46
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Ruan YL. Sucrose metabolism: gateway to diverse carbon use and sugar signaling. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2014; 65:33-67. [PMID: 24579990 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-050213-040251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 723] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Sucrose metabolism plays pivotal roles in development, stress response, and yield formation, mainly by generating a range of sugars as metabolites to fuel growth and synthesize essential compounds (including protein, cellulose, and starch) and as signals to regulate expression of microRNAs, transcription factors, and other genes and for crosstalk with hormonal, oxidative, and defense signaling. This review aims to capture the most exciting developments in this area by evaluating (a) the roles of key sucrose metabolic enzymes in development, abiotic stress responses, and plant-microbe interactions; (b) the coupling between sucrose metabolism and sugar signaling from extra- to intracellular spaces; (c) the different mechanisms by which sucrose metabolic enzymes could perform their signaling roles; and (d) progress on engineering sugar metabolism and transport for high yield and disease resistance. Finally, the review outlines future directions for research on sugar metabolism and signaling to better understand and improve plant performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Ling Ruan
- School of Environment and Life Sciences and Australia-China Research Centre for Crop Improvement, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia;
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47
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Sonnewald U, Kossmann J. Starches--from current models to genetic engineering. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2013. [PMID: 23190212 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
As the world's second most abundant biopolymer, starch serves as food, feed and renewable resource for bioenergy production and other industrial applications. Unlike storage lipids, starch is stored in the form of semi-crystalline granules, which are tissue- and species-specific in number, shape and size. Over the last decades, most biosynthetic and degradative enzymes of starch metabolism have been identified in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana. Based on this, biotechnological applications have arisen that led to a number of transgenic crop plants with elevated starch content or improved starch quality. Irrespective of this great success, there are still numerous open questions including the regulation of starch metabolism, the initiation of granule formation, the regulation of granule shape and size and many more, which will be tackled over the next decades. Here, we briefly summarize current knowledge concerning starch metabolism and its regulation and biotechnological use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Sonnewald
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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48
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Ludewig F, Flügge UI. Role of metabolite transporters in source-sink carbon allocation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2013; 4:231. [PMID: 23847636 PMCID: PMC3698459 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2013.00231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Plants assimilate carbon dioxide during photosynthesis in chloroplasts. Assimilated carbon is subsequently allocated throughout the plant. Generally, two types of organs can be distinguished, mature green source leaves as net photoassimilate exporters, and net importers, the sinks, e.g., roots, flowers, small leaves, and storage organs like tubers. Within these organs, different tissue types developed according to their respective function, and cells of either tissue type are highly compartmentalized. Photoassimilates are allocated to distinct compartments of these tissues in all organs, requiring a set of metabolite transporters mediating this intercompartmental transfer. The general route of photoassimilates can be briefly described as follows. Upon fixation of carbon dioxide in chloroplasts of mesophyll cells, triose phosphates either enter the cytosol for mainly sucrose formation or remain in the stroma to form transiently stored starch which is degraded during the night and enters the cytosol as maltose or glucose to be further metabolized to sucrose. In both cases, sucrose enters the phloem for long distance transport or is transiently stored in the vacuole, or can be degraded to hexoses which also can be stored in the vacuole. In the majority of plant species, sucrose is actively loaded into the phloem via the apoplast. Following long distance transport, it is released into sink organs, where it enters cells as source of carbon and energy. In storage organs, sucrose can be stored, or carbon derived from sucrose can be stored as starch in plastids, or as oil in oil bodies, or - in combination with nitrogen - as protein in protein storage vacuoles and protein bodies. Here, we focus on transport proteins known for either of these steps, and discuss the implications for yield increase in plants upon genetic engineering of respective transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Ludewig
- *Correspondence: Frank Ludewig, Botanical Institute II, Cologne Biocenter, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany e-mail:
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