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Wang Y, Liao X, Shang W, Qin J, Xu X, Hu X. The secreted feruloyl esterase of Verticillium dahliae modulates host immunity via degradation of GhDFR. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2024; 25:e13431. [PMID: 38353627 PMCID: PMC10866084 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Feruloyl esterase (ferulic acid esterase, FAE) is an essential component of many biological processes in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. This research aimed to investigate the role of FAE and its regulation mechanism in plant immunity. We identified a secreted feruloyl esterase VdFAE from the hemibiotrophic plant pathogen Verticillium dahliae. VdFAE acted as an important virulence factor during V. dahliae infection, and triggered plant defence responses, including cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana. Deletion of VdFAE led to a decrease in the degradation of ethyl ferulate. VdFAE interacted with Gossypium hirsutum protein dihydroflavanol 4-reductase (GhDFR), a positive regulator in plant innate immunity, and promoted the degradation of GhDFR. Furthermore, silencing of GhDFR led to reduced resistance of cotton plants against V. dahliae. The results suggested a fungal virulence strategy in which a fungal pathogen secretes FAE to interact with host DFR and interfere with plant immunity, thereby promoting infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High‐Efficiency Production, Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Integrated Management of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingChina
| | - Xiwen Liao
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High‐Efficiency Production, Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Integrated Management of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingChina
| | - Wenjing Shang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High‐Efficiency Production, Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Integrated Management of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingChina
| | - Jun Qin
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High‐Efficiency Production, Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Integrated Management of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingChina
| | - Xiangming Xu
- Pest & Pathogen Ecology, NIAB East MallingWest MallingUK
| | - Xiaoping Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High‐Efficiency Production, Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Integrated Management of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingChina
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Baranov D, Timerbaev V. Recent Advances in Studying the Regulation of Fruit Ripening in Tomato Using Genetic Engineering Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:760. [PMID: 38255834 PMCID: PMC10815249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most commercially essential vegetable crops cultivated worldwide. In addition to the nutritional value, tomato is an excellent model for studying climacteric fruits' ripening processes. Despite this, the available natural pool of genes that allows expanding phenotypic diversity is limited, and the difficulties of crossing using classical selection methods when stacking traits increase proportionally with each additional feature. Modern methods of the genetic engineering of tomatoes have extensive potential applications, such as enhancing the expression of existing gene(s), integrating artificial and heterologous gene(s), pointing changes in target gene sequences while keeping allelic combinations characteristic of successful commercial varieties, and many others. However, it is necessary to understand the fundamental principles of the gene molecular regulation involved in tomato fruit ripening for its successful use in creating new varieties. Although the candidate genes mediate ripening have been identified, a complete picture of their relationship has yet to be formed. This review summarizes the latest (2017-2023) achievements related to studying the ripening processes of tomato fruits. This work attempts to systematize the results of various research articles and display the interaction pattern of genes regulating the process of tomato fruit ripening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Baranov
- Laboratory of Expression Systems and Plant Genome Modification, Branch of Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
- Laboratory of Plant Genetic Engineering, All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, 127550 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vadim Timerbaev
- Laboratory of Expression Systems and Plant Genome Modification, Branch of Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
- Laboratory of Plant Genetic Engineering, All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, 127550 Moscow, Russia
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Zou T, Zhang K, Zhang J, Liu S, Liang J, Liu J, Zhu J, Liang Y, Wang S, Deng Q, Liu H, Jin J, Li P, Li S. DWARF AND LOW-TILLERING 2 functions in brassinosteroid signaling and controls plant architecture and grain size in rice. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 116:1766-1783. [PMID: 37699038 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a class of steroid phytohormones that control various aspects of plant growth and development. Several transcriptional factors (TFs) have been suggested to play roles in BR signaling. However, their possible relationship remains largely unknown. Here, we identified a rice mutant dwarf and low-tillering 2 (dlt2) with altered plant architecture, increased grain width, and reduced BR sensitivity. DLT2 encodes a GIBBERELLIN INSENSITIVE (GAI)-REPRESSOR OF GAI (RGA)-SCARECROW (GRAS) TF that is mainly localized in the nucleus and has weak transcriptional activity. Our further genetic and biochemical analyses indicate that DLT2 interacts with two BR-signaling-related TFs, DLT and BRASSINAZOLE-RESISTANT 1, and probably modulates their transcriptional activity. These findings imply that DLT2 is implicated in a potentially transcriptional complex that mediates BR signaling and rice development and suggests that DLT2 could be a potential target for improving rice architecture and grain morphology. This work also sheds light on the role of rice GRAS members in regulating numerous developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Kaixuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Technical Center of Chengdu Customs, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Sijing Liu
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yueyang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Shiquan Wang
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiming Deng
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Huainian Liu
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinghua Jin
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Ping Li
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuangcheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
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Mellidou I, Koukounaras A, Frusciante S, Rambla JL, Patelou E, Ntoanidou S, Pons C, Kostas S, Nikoloudis K, Granell A, Diretto G, Kanellis AK. A metabolome and transcriptome survey to tap the dynamics of fruit prolonged shelf-life and improved quality within Greek tomato germplasm. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1267340. [PMID: 37818313 PMCID: PMC10560995 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1267340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Tomato is a high economic value crop worldwide with recognized nutritional properties and diverse postharvest potential. Nowadays, there is an emerging awareness about the exploitation and utilization of underutilized traditional germplasm in modern breeding programs. In this context, the existing diversity among Greek accessions in terms of their postharvest life and nutritional value remains largely unexplored. Methods Herein, a detailed evaluation of 130 tomato Greek accessions for postharvest and nutritional characteristics was performed, using metabolomics and transcriptomics, leading to the selection of accessions with these interesting traits. Results The results showed remarkable differences among tomato Greek accessions for overall ripening parameters (color, firmness) and weight loss. On the basis of their postharvest performance, a balance between short shelf life (SSL) and long shelf life (LSL) accessions was revealed. Metabolome analysis performed on 14 selected accessions with contrasting shelf-life potential identified a total of 206 phytonutrients and volatile compounds. In turn, transcriptome analysis in fruits from the best SSL and the best LSL accessions revealed remarkable differences in the expression profiles of transcripts involved in key metabolic pathways related to fruit quality and postharvest potential. Discussion The pathways towards cell wall synthesis, polyamine synthesis, ABA catabolism, and steroidal alkaloids synthesis were mostly induced in the LSL accession, whereas those related to ethylene biosynthesis, cell wall degradation, isoprenoids, phenylpropanoids, ascorbic acid and aroma (TomloxC) were stimulated in the SSL accession. Overall, these data would provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanism towards enhancing shelf-life and improving flavor and aroma of modern tomato cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifigeneia Mellidou
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization – DEMETER, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Group of Biotechnology of Pharmaceutical Plants, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios Koukounaras
- Group of Biotechnology of Pharmaceutical Plants, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Horticulture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sarah Frusciante
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Development (ENEA), Biotechnology Laboratory, Casaccia Research Center, Rome, Italy
| | - José L. Rambla
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universitat Politècnica de València, València, Spain
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Natural Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Efstathia Patelou
- Group of Biotechnology of Pharmaceutical Plants, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Symela Ntoanidou
- Group of Biotechnology of Pharmaceutical Plants, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Clara Pons
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universitat Politècnica de València, València, Spain
- Instituto de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana (COMAV), Universitat Politècnica de València, València, Spain
| | - Stefanos Kostas
- Group of Biotechnology of Pharmaceutical Plants, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Horticulture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Antonio Granell
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universitat Politècnica de València, València, Spain
| | - Gianfranco Diretto
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Development (ENEA), Biotechnology Laboratory, Casaccia Research Center, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelos K. Kanellis
- Group of Biotechnology of Pharmaceutical Plants, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Peng Z, Li H, Liu G, Jia W, Fu D. NAC transcription factor NOR-like1 regulates tomato fruit size. PLANTA 2023; 258:9. [PMID: 37256357 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-023-04166-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION NOR-like1 regulates tomato fruit size by targeting SlARF9, SlGRAS2, SlFW3.2, and SlFW11.3 genes involved in cell division and cell expansion. Fruit size is an important agricultural character that determines the yield of crops. Here, we found that NAC transcription factor NOR-like1 regulated fruit size by regulating cell layer number and cell area in tomato. Over-expressing NOR-like1 gene in tomato reduced fruit weight and size, whereas the knock-out of NOR-like1 increased fruit weight and size. At the molecular level, NOR-like1 binds to the promoter of SlGRAS2, SlFW3.2, and SlFW11.3 to repress their transcription, while it also binds to the promoter of ARF9 to activate its transcription. Overall, these results expand the biological function of NOR-like1 and deepen our understanding of the transcriptional network that regulates tomato fruit size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Peng
- Laboratory of Fruit Biology, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hongli Li
- Laboratory of Fruit Biology, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Gangshuai Liu
- Laboratory of Fruit Biology, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Wen Jia
- Laboratory of Fruit Biology, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Daqi Fu
- Laboratory of Fruit Biology, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China.
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6
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Huang M, Zhu X, Bai H, Wang C, Gou N, Zhang Y, Chen C, Yin M, Wang L, Wuyun T. Comparative Anatomical and Transcriptomics Reveal the Larger Cell Size as a Major Contributor to Larger Fruit Size in Apricot. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108748. [PMID: 37240096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fruit size is one of the essential quality traits and influences the economic value of apricots. To explore the underlying mechanisms of the formation of differences in fruit size in apricots, we performed a comparative analysis of anatomical and transcriptomics dynamics during fruit growth and development in two apricot cultivars with contrasting fruit sizes (large-fruit Prunus armeniaca 'Sungold' and small-fruit P. sibirica 'F43'). Our analysis identified that the difference in fruit size was mainly caused by the difference in cell size between the two apricot cultivars. Compared with 'F43', the transcriptional programs exhibited significant differences in 'Sungold', mainly in the cell expansion period. After analysis, key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) most likely to influence cell size were screened out, including genes involved in auxin signal transduction and cell wall loosening mechanisms. Furthermore, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that PRE6/bHLH was identified as a hub gene, which interacted with 1 TIR1, 3 AUX/IAAs, 4 SAURs, 3 EXPs, and 1 CEL. Hence, a total of 13 key candidate genes were identified as positive regulators of fruit size in apricots. The results provide new insights into the molecular basis of fruit size control and lay a foundation for future breeding and cultivation of larger fruits in apricot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengzhen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Non-Timber Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Kernel-Apricot Engineering and Technology Research Center of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Key Laboratory of Non-Timber Forest Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Xuchun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Non-Timber Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Kernel-Apricot Engineering and Technology Research Center of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Key Laboratory of Non-Timber Forest Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Haikun Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Non-Timber Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Kernel-Apricot Engineering and Technology Research Center of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Key Laboratory of Non-Timber Forest Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Chu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Non-Timber Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Kernel-Apricot Engineering and Technology Research Center of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Key Laboratory of Non-Timber Forest Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Ningning Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Non-Timber Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Kernel-Apricot Engineering and Technology Research Center of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Key Laboratory of Non-Timber Forest Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Non-Timber Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Kernel-Apricot Engineering and Technology Research Center of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Key Laboratory of Non-Timber Forest Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Chen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Non-Timber Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Kernel-Apricot Engineering and Technology Research Center of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Key Laboratory of Non-Timber Forest Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Mingyu Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Non-Timber Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Kernel-Apricot Engineering and Technology Research Center of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Key Laboratory of Non-Timber Forest Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Lin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Non-Timber Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Kernel-Apricot Engineering and Technology Research Center of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Key Laboratory of Non-Timber Forest Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Tana Wuyun
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Non-Timber Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Kernel-Apricot Engineering and Technology Research Center of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Key Laboratory of Non-Timber Forest Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Zhengzhou 450003, China
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7
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Bertram J, Fulton B, Tourigny JP, Peña-Garcia Y, Moyle LC, Hahn MW. CAGEE: Computational Analysis of Gene Expression Evolution. Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad106. [PMID: 37158385 PMCID: PMC10195155 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the increasing abundance of whole transcriptome data, few methods are available to analyze global gene expression across phylogenies. Here, we present a new software package (Computational Analysis of Gene Expression Evolution [CAGEE]) for inferring patterns of increases and decreases in gene expression across a phylogenetic tree, as well as the rate at which these changes occur. In contrast to previous methods that treat each gene independently, CAGEE can calculate genome-wide rates of gene expression, along with ancestral states for each gene. The statistical approach developed here makes it possible to infer lineage-specific shifts in rates of evolution across the genome, in addition to possible differences in rates among multiple tissues sampled from the same species. We demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of our method on simulated data and apply it to a data set of ovule gene expression collected from multiple self-compatible and self-incompatible species in the genus Solanum to test hypotheses about the evolutionary forces acting during mating system shifts. These comparisons allow us to highlight the power of CAGEE, demonstrating its utility for use in any empirical system and for the analysis of most morphological traits. Our software is available at https://github.com/hahnlab/CAGEE/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Bertram
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
- Department of Mathematics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ben Fulton
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
- University Information Technology Services, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
| | - Jason P Tourigny
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
- Department of Computer Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
| | | | - Leonie C Moyle
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
| | - Matthew W Hahn
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
- Department of Computer Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
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8
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He R, Tang Y, Wang D. Coordinating Diverse Functions of miRNA and lncRNA in Fleshy Fruit. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:411. [PMID: 36679124 PMCID: PMC9866404 DOI: 10.3390/plants12020411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs play vital roles in the diverse biological processes of plants, and they are becoming key topics in horticulture research. In particular, miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are receiving increased attention in fruit crops. Recent studies in horticulture research provide both genetic and molecular evidence that miRNAs and lncRNAs regulate biological function and stress responses during fruit development. Here, we summarize multiple regulatory modules of miRNAs and lncRNAs and their biological roles in fruit sets and stress responses, which would guide the development of molecular breeding techniques on horticultural crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reqing He
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Gene Engineering in Jiangxi Province, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Yajun Tang
- Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang 261325, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Gene Engineering in Jiangxi Province, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
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9
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Genome–Wide Identification of the GRAS Family Genes in Melilotus albus and Expression Analysis under Various Tissues and Abiotic Stresses. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137403. [PMID: 35806414 PMCID: PMC9267034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The GRAS gene family is a plant–specific family of transcription factors, which play an important role in many metabolic pathways, such as plant growth and development and stress response. However, there is no report on the comprehensive study of the GRAS gene family of Melilotus albus. Here, we identified 55 MaGRAS genes, which were classified into 8 subfamilies by phylogenetic analysis, and unevenly distributed on 8 chromosomes. The structural analysis indicated that 87% of MaGRAS genes have no intron, which is highly conservative in different species. MaGRAS proteins of the same subfamily have similar protein motifs, which are the source of functional differences of different genomes. Transcriptome and qRT–PCR data were combined to determine the expression of 12 MaGRAS genes in 6 tissues, including flower, seed, leaf, stem, root and nodule, which indicated the possible roles in plant growth and development. Five and seven MaGRAS genes were upregulated under ABA, drought, and salt stress treatments in the roots and shoots, respectively, indicating that they play vital roles in the response to ABA and abiotic stresses in M. albus. Furthermore, in yeast heterologous expression, MaGRAS12, MaGRAS34 and MaGRAS33 can enhance the drought or salt tolerance of yeast cells. Taken together, these results provide basic information for understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of GRAS proteins and valuable information for further studies on the growth, development and stress responses of GRAS proteins in M. albus.
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10
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Ma L, Wang Q, Zheng Y, Guo J, Yuan S, Fu A, Bai C, Zhao X, Zheng S, Wen C, Guo S, Gao L, Grierson D, Zuo J, Xu Y. Cucurbitaceae genome evolution, gene function and molecular breeding. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2022; 9:uhab057. [PMID: 35043161 PMCID: PMC8969062 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhab057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The Cucurbitaceae is one of the most genetically diverse plant families in the world. Many of them are important vegetables or medicinal plants and are widely distributed worldwide. The rapid development of sequencing technologies and bioinformatic algorithms has enabled the generation of genome sequences of numerous important Cucurbitaceae species. This has greatly facilitated research on gene identification, genome evolution, genetic variation and molecular breeding of cucurbit crops. So far, genome sequences of 18 different cucurbit species belonging to tribes Benincaseae, Cucurbiteae, Sicyoeae, Momordiceae and Siraitieae have been deciphered. This review summarizes the genome sequence information, evolutionary relationship, and functional genes associated with important agronomic traits (e.g., fruit quality). The progress of molecular breeding in cucurbit crops and prospects for future applications of Cucurbitaceae genome information are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Ma
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China) of Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (North) of Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Institute of Agro-Products Processing and Food Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
- Department of Food Biotechnology, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China) of Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (North) of Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Institute of Agro-Products Processing and Food Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Yanyan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China) of Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (North) of Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Institute of Agro-Products Processing and Food Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Sciences and Ecological Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Biodiversity Sciences and Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Shuzhi Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China) of Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (North) of Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Institute of Agro-Products Processing and Food Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Anzhen Fu
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China) of Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (North) of Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Institute of Agro-Products Processing and Food Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Chunmei Bai
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China) of Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (North) of Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Institute of Agro-Products Processing and Food Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China) of Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (North) of Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Institute of Agro-Products Processing and Food Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Shufang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China) of Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (North) of Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Institute of Agro-Products Processing and Food Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Changlong Wen
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China) of Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (North) of Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Institute of Agro-Products Processing and Food Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Shaogui Guo
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China) of Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (North) of Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Institute of Agro-Products Processing and Food Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Lipu Gao
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China) of Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (North) of Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Institute of Agro-Products Processing and Food Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Donald Grierson
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Jinhua Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China) of Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (North) of Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Institute of Agro-Products Processing and Food Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China) of Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (North) of Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Institute of Agro-Products Processing and Food Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
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11
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Mauxion JP, Chevalier C, Gonzalez N. Complex cellular and molecular events determining fruit size. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 26:1023-1038. [PMID: 34158228 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of plant organ-size determination represents an important challenge, especially because of the significant role of plants as food and renewable energy sources and the increasing need for plant-derived products. Most of the knowledge on the regulation of organ growth and the molecular network controlling cell division and cell expansion, the main drivers of growth, is derived from arabidopsis. The increasing use of crops such as tomato for research is now bringing essential information on the mechanisms underlying size control in agronomically important organs. This review describes our current knowledge, still very scarce, of the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing tomato fruit size and proposes future research to better understand the regulation of growth in this important crop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Mauxion
- INRAE, Univ. Bordeaux, UMR1332 Biologie du fruit et Pathologie, F33882 Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Christian Chevalier
- INRAE, Univ. Bordeaux, UMR1332 Biologie du fruit et Pathologie, F33882 Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Nathalie Gonzalez
- INRAE, Univ. Bordeaux, UMR1332 Biologie du fruit et Pathologie, F33882 Villenave d'Ornon, France. @inrae.fr
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12
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Ye J, Wang X, Wang W, Yu H, Ai G, Li C, Sun P, Wang X, Li H, Ouyang B, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Han H, Giovannoni JJ, Fei Z, Ye Z. Genome-wide association study reveals the genetic architecture of 27 agronomic traits in tomato. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 186:2078-2092. [PMID: 34618111 PMCID: PMC8331143 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a highly valuable fruit crop, and yield is one of the most important agronomic traits. However, the genetic architecture underlying tomato yield-related traits has not been fully addressed. Based on ∼4.4 million single nucleotide polymorphisms obtained from 605 diverse accessions, we performed a comprehensive genome-wide association study for 27 agronomic traits in tomato. A total of 239 significant associations corresponding to 129 loci, harboring many previously reported and additional genes related to vegetative and reproductive development, were identified, and these loci explained an average of ∼8.8% of the phenotypic variance. A total of 51 loci associated with 25 traits have been under selection during tomato domestication and improvement. Furthermore, a candidate gene, Sl-ACTIVATED MALATE TRANSPORTER15, that encodes an aluminum-activated malate transporter was functionally characterized and shown to act as a pivotal regulator of leaf stomata formation, thereby affecting photosynthesis and drought resistance. This study provides valuable information for tomato genetic research and breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ye
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Wenqian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Huiyang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Guo Ai
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Changxing Li
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Pengya Sun
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xianyu Wang
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Hanxia Li
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Bo Ouyang
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Junhong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yuyang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Heyou Han
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - James J Giovannoni
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Zhangjun Fei
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Zhibiao Ye
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Author for communication:
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13
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Genome-Wide Identification of GRAS Gene Family and Their Responses to Abiotic Stress in Medicago sativa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147729. [PMID: 34299352 PMCID: PMC8304046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a high-quality legume forage crop worldwide, and alfalfa production is often threatened by abiotic environmental stresses. GRAS proteins are important transcription factors that play a vital role in plant development, as well as in response to environmental stress. In this study, the availability of alfalfa genome "Zhongmu No.1" allowed us to identify 51 GRAS family members, i.e., MsGRAS. MsGRAS proteins could be classified into nine subgroups with distinct conserved domains, and tandem and segmental duplications were observed as an expansion strategy of this gene family. In RNA-Seq analysis, 14 MsGRAS genes were not expressed in the leaf or root, 6 GRAS genes in 3 differentially expressed gene clusters were involved in the salinity stress response in the leaf. Moreover, qRT-PCR results confirmed that MsGRAS51 expression was induced under drought stress and hormone treatments (ABA, GA and IAA) but down-regulated in salinity stress. Collectively, our genome-wide characterization, evolutionary, and expression analysis suggested that the MsGRAS proteins might play crucial roles in response to abiotic stresses and hormonal cues in alfalfa. For the breeding of alfalfa, it provided important information on stress resistance and functional studies on MsGRAS and hormone signaling.
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14
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Liu Y, Wang W. Characterization of the GRAS gene family reveals their contribution to the high adaptability of wheat. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10811. [PMID: 33665016 PMCID: PMC7908883 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
GRAS transcription factors play important roles in many processes of plant development as well as abiotic and biotic stress responses. However, little is known about this gene family in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), one of the most important crops worldwide. The completion of a quality draft genome allows genome-wide detection and evolutionary analysis of the GRAS gene family in wheat. In this study, 188 TaGRAS genes were detected and divided into 12 subfamilies based on phylogenetic analyses: DELLA, DLT, HAM, LISCL, SCL3, SCL4/7, SCR, SHR, PAT1, Os19, Os4 and LAS. Tandem and segmental duplications are the main contributors to the expansion of TaGRAS, which may contribute to the adaptation of wheat to various environmental conditions. A high rate of homoeolog retention during hexaploidization was detected, suggesting the nonredundancy and biological importance of TaGRAS homoeologs. Systematic analyses of TaGRAS indicated the conserved expression pattern and function of the same subfamily during evolution. In addition, we detected five genes belonging to the LISCL subfamily induced by both biotic and abiotic stresses and they may be potential targets for further research through gene editing. Using degradome and ChIP-seq data, we identified the targets of miR171 and histone modifications and further analyzed the contribution of epigenetic modification to the subfunctionalization of TaGRAS. This study laid a foundation for further functional elucidation of TaGRAS genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Liu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai, Shandong, China
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15
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Liu Y, Shi Y, Su D, Lu W, Li Z. SlGRAS4 accelerates fruit ripening by regulating ethylene biosynthesis genes and SlMADS1 in tomato. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2021; 8:3. [PMID: 33384413 PMCID: PMC7775462 DOI: 10.1038/s41438-020-00431-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
GRAS proteins are plant-specific transcription factors that play crucial roles in plant development and stress responses. However, their involvement in the ripening of economically important fruits and their transcriptional regulatory mechanisms remain largely unclear. Here, we demonstrated that SlGRAS4, encoding a transcription factor of the GRAS family, was induced by the tomato ripening process and regulated by ethylene. Overexpression of SlGRAS4 accelerated fruit ripening, increased the total carotenoid content and increased PSY1 expression in SlGRAS4-OE fruit compared to wild-type fruit. The expression levels of key ethylene biosynthesis genes (SlACS2, SlACS4, SlACO1, and SlACO3) and crucial ripening regulators (RIN and NOR) were increased in SlGRAS4-OE fruit. The negative regulator of tomato fruit ripening, SlMADS1, was repressed in OE fruit. Exogenous ethylene and 1-MCP treatment revealed that more endogenous ethylene was derived in SlGRAS4-OE fruit. More obvious phenotypes were observed in OE seedlings after ACC treatment. Yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays confirmed that SlGRAS4 can directly bind SlACO1 and SlACO3 promoters to activate their transcription, and SlGRAS4 can also directly repress SlMADS1 expression. Our study identified that SlGRAS4 acts as a new regulator of fruit ripening by regulating ethylene biosynthesis genes in a direct manner. This provides new knowledge of GRAS transcription factors involved in regulating fruit ripening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Hormones and Development Regulation of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331, Chongqing, China
- Center of Plant Functional Genomics, Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Chongqing University, 401331, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Plant Hormones and Development Regulation of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331, Chongqing, China
- Center of Plant Functional Genomics, Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Chongqing University, 401331, Chongqing, China
| | - Deding Su
- Key Laboratory of Plant Hormones and Development Regulation of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331, Chongqing, China
- Center of Plant Functional Genomics, Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Chongqing University, 401331, Chongqing, China
| | - Wang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Hormones and Development Regulation of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331, Chongqing, China
- Center of Plant Functional Genomics, Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Chongqing University, 401331, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengguo Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Hormones and Development Regulation of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331, Chongqing, China.
- Center of Plant Functional Genomics, Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Chongqing University, 401331, Chongqing, China.
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16
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Naeem M, Waseem M, Zhu Z, Zhang L. Downregulation of SlGRAS15 manipulates plant architecture in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Dev Genes Evol 2019; 230:1-12. [PMID: 31828522 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-019-00643-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
GRAS family transcription factors (TF) are involved in multiple biological processes in plants. In recent years among the 54 identified GRAS proteins, only few have been studied functionally in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). In the present study, a novel and previously uncharacterized member of tomato GRAS transcription factors family SlGRAS15 was isolated and functionally characterized. It was observed that SlGRAS15 preferably expressed in roots, followed by young leaves, stem, and comparatively low transcripts levels were noticed in all other tissues. To explore the SlGRAS15 function in detail, an RNA interference (RNAi) vector targeting SlGRAS15 was constructed and transformed into tomato plants. The transgenic plants carrying SlGRAS15-RNAi displayed pleiotropic phenotypes associated with multiple agronomical traits including reduced plant height and small leaf size with pointed margins, increased node number, lateral shoots, and petiolules length. In addition, transcriptional analysis revealed that silencing SlGRAS15 altered vegetative growth by downregulating gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis genes and stimulating the GA deactivating genes, thus lowering the endogenous GA content in tomato transgenic lines. Moreover, the GA signaling downstream gene (SlGAST1) was downregulated but the negative regulator of GA signaling (SlDELLA) was upregulated by SlGRAS15 silencing. The root and hypocotyl length in SlGRAS15-RNAi lines showed reduced growth under normal conditions (Mock) as compared with the wild type (WT) control plants. Taken together, these findings enhanced our understanding that suppression of SlGRAS15 lead to a series of developmental processes by modulating gibberellin signaling and demonstrate an association between the SlGRAS15 and GA signaling pathway during vegetative growth in tomato.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Naeem
- Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Campus B, 174 Shapingba Main Street, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Muhammad Waseem
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Huxi Campus, Daxuecheng, Shapingba, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiguo Zhu
- Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Campus B, 174 Shapingba Main Street, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lincheng Zhang
- Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Campus B, 174 Shapingba Main Street, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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17
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Li W, Bai Z, Pei T, Yang D, Mao R, Zhang B, Liu C, Liang Z. SmGRAS1 and SmGRAS2 Regulate the Biosynthesis of Tanshinones and Phenolic Acids in Salvia miltiorrhiza. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1367. [PMID: 31737003 PMCID: PMC6831727 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Salvia miltiorrhiza is one of the most widely used traditional Chinese medicinal plants because of its excellent performance in treating heart diseases. Tanshinones and phenolic acids are two important classes of effective metabolites, and their biosynthesis has attracted widespread interest. Here, we functionally characterized SmGRAS1 and SmGRAS2, two GRAS family transcription factors from S. miltiorrhiza. SmGRAS1/2 were highly expressed in the root periderm, where tanshinones mainly accumulated in S. miltiorrhiza. Overexpression of SmGRAS1/2 upregulated tanshinones accumulation and downregulated GA, phenolic acids contents, and root biomass. However, antisense expression of SmGRAS1/2 reduced the tanshinones accumulation and increased the GA, phenolic acids contents, and root biomass. The expression patterns of biosynthesis genes were consistent with the changes in compounds accumulation. GA treatment increased tanshinones, phenolic acids, and GA contents in the overexpression lines, and restored the root growth inhibited by overexpressing SmGRAS1/2. Subsequently, yeast one-hybrid, dual-luciferase, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) showed SmGRAS1 promoted tanshinones biosynthesis by directly binding to the GARE motif in the SmKSL1 promoter and activating its expression. Yeast two-hybrid assays showed SmGRAS1 interacted physically with SmGRAS2. Taken together, the results revealed that SmGRAS1/2 acted as repressors in root growth and phenolic acids biosynthesis but as positive regulators in tanshinones biosynthesis. Overall, our findings revealed the potential value of SmGRAS1/2 in genetically engineering changes in secondary metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenrui Li
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenqing Bai
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Tianlin Pei
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Dongfeng Yang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Renjun Mao
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Bingxue Zhang
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chuangfeng Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Zongsuo Liang
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, China
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
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18
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Identification and Expression Analysis of GRAS Transcription Factors to Elucidate Candidate Genes Related to Stolons, Fruit Ripening and Abiotic Stresses in Woodland Strawberry ( Fragaria vesca). Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184593. [PMID: 31533278 PMCID: PMC6770801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa), an allo-octoploid with non-climacteric fleshy fruits, is a popular Rosaceae horticultural crop worldwide that is mainly propagated via stolons during cultivation. Woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca), one of the four diploid progenitor species of cultivated strawberry, is widely used as a model plant in the study of Rosaceae fruit trees, non-climacteric fruits and stolons. One GRAS transcription factor has been shown to regulate stolon formation; the other GRAS proteins in woodland strawberry remain unknown. In this study, we identified 54 FveGRAS proteins in woodland strawberry, and divided them into 14 subfamilies. Conserved motif analysis revealed that the motif composition of FveGRAS proteins was conserved within each subfamily, but diverged widely among subfamilies. We found 56 orthologous pairs of GRAS proteins between woodland strawberry and Arabidopsis thaliana, 47 orthologous pairs between woodland strawberry and rice and 92 paralogous pairs within woodland strawberry. The expression patterns of FveGRAS genes in various organs and tissues, and changes therein under cold, heat and GA3 treatments, were characterized using transcriptomic analysis. The results showed that 34 FveGRAS genes were expressed with different degrees in at least four organs, including stolons; only a few genes displayed organ-specific expression. The expression levels of 16 genes decreased, while that of four genes increased during fruit ripening; FveGRAS54 showed the largest increase in expression. Under cold, heat and GA3 treatments, around half of the FveGRAS genes displayed increased or decreased expression to some extent, suggesting differing functions of these FveGRAS genes in the responses to cold, heat and GAs. This study provides insight into the potential functions of FveGRAS genes in woodland strawberry. A few FveGRAS genes were identified as candidate genes for further study, in terms of their functions in stolon formation, fruit ripening and abiotic stresses.
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19
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Liu M, Huang L, Ma Z, Sun W, Wu Q, Tang Z, Bu T, Li C, Chen H. Genome-wide identification, expression analysis and functional study of the GRAS gene family in Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum). BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 19:342. [PMID: 31387526 PMCID: PMC6683366 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-019-1951-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND GRAS are plant-specific transcription factors that play important roles in plant growth and development. Although the GRAS gene family has been studied in many plants, there has been little research on the GRAS genes of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum), which is an important crop rich in rutin. The recently published whole genome sequence of Tartary buckwheat allows us to study the characteristics and expression patterns of the GRAS gene family in Tartary buckwheat at the genome-wide level. RESULTS In this study, 47 GRAS genes of Tartary buckwheat were identified and divided into 10 subfamilies: LISCL, HAM, DELLA, SCR, PAT1, SCL4/7, LAS, SHR, SCL3, and DLT. FtGRAS genes were unevenly distributed on 8 chromosomes, and members of the same subfamily contained similar gene structures and motif compositions. Some FtGRAS genes may have been produced by gene duplications; tandem duplication contributed more to the expansion of the GRAS gene family in Tartary buckwheat. Real-time PCR showed that the transcription levels of FtGRAS were significantly different in different tissues and fruit development stages, implying that FtGRAS might have different functions. Furthermore, an increase in fruit weight was induced by exogenous paclobutrazol, and the transcription level of the DELLA subfamily member FtGRAS22 was significantly upregulated during the whole fruit development stage. Therefore, FtGRAS22 may be a potential target for molecular breeding or genetic editing. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, this systematic analysis lays a foundation for further study of the functional characteristics of GRAS genes and for the improvement of Tartary buckwheat crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moyang Liu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, China
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Huang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, China
| | - Zhaotang Ma
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, China
| | - Wenjun Sun
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, China
| | - Qi Wu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, China
| | - Zizhong Tang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, China
| | - Tongliang Bu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, China
| | - Chenglei Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, China
| | - Hui Chen
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, China
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