Apoplastic H2 O2 plays a critical role in axillary bud outgrowth by altering auxin and cytokinin homeostasis in tomato plants

Integrative proteome and metabolome unveil the central role of IAA alteration in axillary bud development following topping in tobacco

Axillary bud is an important aspect of plant morphology, contributing to the final tobacco yield. However, the mechanisms of axillary bud development in tobacco remain largely unknown. To investigate this aspect of tobacco biology, the metabolome and proteome of the axillary buds before and after topping were compared. A total of 569 metabolites were differentially abundant before and 1, 3, and 5 days after topping. KEGG analyses further revealed that the axillary bud was characterized by a striking enrichment of metabolites involved in flavonoid metabolism, suggesting a strong flavonoid biosynthesis activity in the tobacco axillary bud after topping. Additionally, 9035 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified before and 1, 3, and 5 days after topping. Subsequent GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the DEPs in the axillary bud were enriched in oxidative stress, hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling pathway, and starch and sucrose metabolism. The integrated proteome and metabolome analysis revealed that the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) alteration in buds control dormancy release and sustained growth of axillary bud by regulating proteins involved in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism. Notably, the proteins related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and flavonoid biosynthesis were strongly negatively correlated with IAA content. These findings shed light on a critical role of IAA alteration in regulating axillary bud outgrowth, and implied a potential crosstalk among IAA alteration, ROS homeostasis, and flavonoid biosynthesis in tobacco axillary bud under topping stress, which could improve our understanding of the IAA alteration in axillary bud as an important regulator of axillary bud development.

H2O2 promotes trimming-induced tillering by regulating energy supply and redox status in bermudagrass

Tillering/branching pattern plays a significant role in determining the structure and diversity of grass, and trimming has been found to induce tillering in turfgrass. Recently, it has been reported that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) regulates axillary bud development. However, the role of H2O2 in trimming-induced tillering in bermudagrass, a kind of turfgrass, remains unclear. Our study unveils the significant impact of trimming on promoting the sprouting and growth of tiller buds in stolon nodes, along with an increase in the number of tillers in the main stem. This effect is accompanied by spatial-temporal changes in cytokinin and sucrose content, as well as relevant gene expression in axillary buds. In addition, the partial trimming of new-born tillers results in an increase in sucrose and starch reserves in their leaves, which can be attributed to the enhanced photosynthesis capacity. Importantly, trimming promotes a rapid H2O2 burst in the leaves of new-born tillers and axillary stolon buds. Furthermore, exogenous application of H2O2 significantly increases the number of tillers after trimming by affecting the expression of cytokinin-related genes, bolstering photosynthesis potential, energy reserves and antioxidant enzyme activity. Taken together, these results indicate that both endogenous production and exogenous addition of H2O2 enhance the inductive effects of trimming on the tillering process in bermudagrass, thus helping boost energy supply and maintain the redox state in newly formed tillers.

The role of strigolactone analog (GR24) in endogenous hormone metabolism and hormone-related gene expression in tobacco axillary buds

KEY MESSAGE

Strigolactone has the potential to influence hormone metabolism, in addition to having a role in inhibiting axillary bud elongation, which could be regulated by the expression of phytohormones-related genes. The elongation of axillary buds affects the economic benefits of tobacco. In this study, it was investigated the effect of strigolactone (SL) on the elongation of tobacco axillary buds and its endogenous hormone metabolism and related gene expression by applying the artificial analog of SL, GR24, and an inhibitor of SL synthesis, TIS-108, to the axillary buds. The results showed that the elongation of axillary buds was significantly inhibited by GR24 on day 2 and day 9. Ultra-high-performance liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry results further showed that SL significantly affected the metabolism of endogenous plant hormones, altering both their levels and the ratios between each endogenous hormone. Particularly, the levels of auxin (IAA), trans-zeatin-riboside (tZR), N6-(∆2-isopentenyl) adenine (iP), gibberellin A4 (GA4), jasmonic acid (JA), and jasmonoyl isoleucine (JA-Ile) were decreased after GR24 treatment on day 9, but the levels of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) and gibberellin A1 (GA1) were significantly increased. Further analysis of endogenous hormonal balance revealed that after the treatment with GR24 on day 9, the ratio of IAA to cytokinin (CTK) was markedly increased, but the ratios of IAA to abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), ACC, JAs, and, GAs were notably decreased. In addition, according to RNA-seq analysis, multiple differentially expressed genes were found, such as GH3.1, AUX/IAA, SUAR20, IPT, CKX1, GA2ox1, ACO3, ERF1, PR1, and HCT, which may play critical roles in the biosynthesis, deactivation, signaling pathway of phytohormones, and the biosynthesis of flavonoids to regulate the elongation of axillary buds in tobacco. This work lays the certain theoretical foundation for the application of SL in regulating the elongation of axillary buds of tobacco.

ROS: Important factor in plant stem cell fate regulation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are initially considered to be toxic byproducts of aerobic metabolic reactions. However, increasing evidence has shown that they have emerged as signaling molecules involved in several basic biological processes. Recent studies highlight the pivotal role of ROS in the maintenance of shoot and root stem cell niche. In this review, we discuss the impact of ROS distribution and their gradients on the stability of the stem cell niches (SCN) in shoot apical meristem (SAM) and root apical meristem (RAM) by determining the balance between stemness and differentiation. We also summarize several important transcription factors that are involved in the regulation of ROS balance in SAM and RAM, regulating key enzymes in ROS metabolism, especially SOD and peroxidase. ROS are also tightly interconnected with phytohormones in the control of the stem cell fate. Besides, ROS are also important regulators of the cell cycle in controlling the size of the stem cells. Understanding the regulation mechanisms of ROS production, polarization gradient distribution, homeostasis, and downstream signal transduction in cells will open exciting new perspectives for plant developmental biology.

OsRbohI Regulates Rice Growth and Development via Jasmonic Acid Signalling

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules, generated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases encoded by respiratory burst oxidase homologs. The functions of the OsRbohs gene family in rice are diverse and poorly understood. OsRbohI was recently identified as a newly evolved gene in the rice OsRbohs gene family. However, the function of OsRbohI in regulating rice growth is not yet reported. In this study, our results indicate that knockout (KO) OsRbohI mutants showed significantly shorter shoot and primary roots, along with lower ROS content than the control lines, whereas the overexpression (OE) lines displayed contrasting results. Further experiments showed that the abnormal length of the shoot and root is mainly caused by altered cell size. These results indicate that OsRbohI regulates rice shoot and root growth through the ROS signal. More importantly, RNA-seq analysis and jasmonic acid (JA) treatment demonstrated that OsRbohI regulates rice growth via the JA synthesis and signaling pathways. Compared with the control, the results showed that the KO mutants were more sensitive to JA, whereas the OE lines were less sensitive to JA. Collectively, our results reveal a novel pathway in which OsRbohI regulates rice growth and development by affecting their ROS homeostasis through JA synthesis and signaling pathway.

Metabolic regulation of quiescence in plants

Quiescence is a crucial survival attribute in which cell division is repressed in a reversible manner. Although quiescence has long been viewed as an inactive state, recent studies have shown that it is an actively monitored process that is influenced by environmental stimuli. Here, we provide a perspective of the quiescent state and discuss how this process is tuned by energy, nutrient and oxygen status, and the pathways that sense and transmit these signals. We not only highlight the governance of canonical regulators and signalling mechanisms that respond to changes in nutrient and energy status, but also consider the central significance of mitochondrial functions and cues as key regulators of nuclear gene expression. Furthermore, we discuss how reactive oxygen species and the associated redox processes, which are intrinsically linked to energy carbohydrate metabolism, also play a key role in the orchestration of quiescence.

Spectral light quality regulates the morphogenesis, architecture, and flowering in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Transparent plastic films with poor light transmittance seriously affect the mass composition of visible light in many greenhouses, which leads to the reduction of photosynthesis in vegetable crops. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of monochromatic light in the vegetative and reproductive growth of vegetable crops is of great importance for the application of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the greenhouse. In this study, three monochromatic light treatments (red-, green- and blue-light) were simulated by using LEDs to explore light quality-dependent regulation from the stage of seedling to flowering in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). The results showed that light quality-dependent regulation guides the growth and morphogenesis in pepper plants. Red- and blue-light played opposite roles in determining the plant height, stomatal density, axillary bud growth, photosynthetic characteristics, flowering time and hormone metabolism, while green light treatment resulted in taller plants and fewer branches, which was similar to the red-light treatment. The weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) based on mRNA-seq results revealed that the two modules named "MEred" and "MEmidnightblue" were positively correlated with red- and blue-light treatment, respectively, exhibiting high correlations with the traits such as plant hormone content, branching and flowering. Moreover, our results suggest that the light response factor ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) is essential for blue light-induced plant growth and development by regulating photosynthesis in pepper plants. Hence, this study uncovers crucial molecular mechanisms of how light quality determines the morphogenesis, architecture, and flowering in pepper plants, thus providing a basic concept of manipulating light quality to regulate pepper plant growth and flowering under greenhouse conditions.

Expression and functional analysis of CsA-IPT5 splice variants during shoot branching in Camellia sinensis

Alternative splicing (AS) is a process by which several functional splice variants are generated from the same precursor mRNA. In our recent study, five CsA-IPT5 splice variants with various numbers of ATTTA motifs in the untranslated regions (UTRs) were cloned. Meanwhile, their transient expression, as well as the expression and functional analysis in the two shoot branching processes were studied. Here, we examined how these splice variants regulate the other three important shoot branching processes, including the spring tea development, the distal branching of new shoots, and the shoot branching induced by 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) spraying, and thus unraveling the key CsA-IPT5 transcripts which play the most important roles in the shoot branching of tea plants. The results showed that the increased expression of 5' UTR AS3, 3' UTR AS1 and 3' UTR AS2 could contribute to the increased synthesis of tZ/iP-type cytokinins (CKs), thus promoting the spring tea development. Meanwhile, in the TIBA-induced shoot branching or in the distal branching of the new shoots, CsA-IPT5 transcripts regulated the synthesis of CsA-IPT5 protein and CKs through transcriptional regulation of the ratios of its splice variants. Moreover, 3' UTR AS1 and 3' UTR AS2 both play key roles in these two processes. In summary, it is revealed that 3' UTR AS1 and 3' UTR AS2 of CsA-IPT5 might act as the predominant splice variants in shoot branching of the tea plant, and they both can serve as gene resources for tea plant breeding.

Environmentally driven transcriptomic and metabolic changes leading to color differences in "Golden Reinders" apples

Apple is characterized by its high adaptation to diverse growing environments. However, little is still known about how different environments can regulate at the metabolic or molecular level specific apple quality traits such as the yellow fruit peel color. In this study, changes in carotenoids and chlorophylls, antioxidants as well as differences in the transcriptome were investigated by comparing the peel of "Golden Reinders" apples grown at different valley and mountain orchards. Mountain environment favored the development of yellow color, which was not caused by an enhanced accumulation of carotenoids but rather by a decrease in the chlorophyll content. The yellow phenotype was also associated to higher expression of genes related to chloroplast functions and oxidative stress. Time-course analysis over the last stages of apple development and ripening, in fruit from both locations, further revealed that the environment differentially modulated isoprenoids and phenylpropanoid metabolism and pointed out a key role for H₂O₂ in triggering apple peel degreening. Overall, the results presented herein provide new insights into how different environmental conditions regulate pigment and antioxidant metabolism in apple leading to noticeable differences in the apple peel color.

A novel adenylate isopentenyltransferase 5 regulates shoot branching via the ATTTA motif in Camellia sinensis

BACKGROUND

Shoot branching is one of the important agronomic traits affecting yields and quality of tea plant (Camellia sinensis). Cytokinins (CTKs) play critical roles in regulating shoot branching. However, whether and how differently alternative splicing (AS) variant of CTKs-related genes can influence shoot branching of tea plant is still not fully elucidated.

RESULTS

In this study, five AS variants of CTK biosynthetic gene adenylate isopentenyltransferase (CsA-IPT5) with different 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) and 5' UTR from tea plant were cloned and investigated for their regulatory effects. Transient expression assays showed that there were significant negative correlations between CsA-IPT5 protein expression, mRNA expression of CsA-IPT5 AS variants and the number of ATTTA motifs, respectively. Shoot branching processes induced by exogenous 6-BA or pruning were studied, where CsA-IPT5 was demonstrated to regulate protein synthesis of CsA-IPT5, as well as the biosynthesis of trans-zeatin (tZ)- and isopentenyladenine (iP)-CTKs, through transcriptionally changing ratios of its five AS variants in these processes. Furthermore, the 3' UTR AS variant 2 (3AS2) might act as the predominant AS transcript.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, our results indicate that 3AS2 of the CsA-IPT5 gene is potential in regulating shoot branching of tea plant and provides a gene resource for improving the plant-type of woody plants.

Cold plasma seed treatment improves chilling resistance of tomato plants through hydrogen peroxide and abscisic acid signaling pathway

How to develop a simple and economic approach to improve plant cold stress tolerance is an important scientific problem. With the hope that we explored the effect and metabolism of cold plasma (CP) seed treatment on the chilling tolerance in tomato plants. 75 W CP seed treatment showed the best mitigative effect on cold-induced injury of tomato seedlings, as evidenced by the higher maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (F_v/F_m), lower ion leakage and chilling injury index. Moreover, the results showed that CP-induced chilling tolerance was related to the hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) mediated by respiratory burst oxidase homologue 1 (RBOH1), which was proved by the decrease low temperature tolerance observed in RBOH1 silence or chemical scavenging of H₂O₂ seedlings. Furthermore, RBOH1-mediated H₂O₂ acted as the downstream signaling of CP treatment to enhance the levels of abscisic acid (ABA) by increasing the transcript of 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 1 (NCED1). Mutation of NCED1 completely abolished CP-induced cold resistance. Genetic evidence showed that H₂O₂ and ABA were positive regulators of cold stress tolerance. Thus, CP-induced H₂O₂ and ABA cascade signal up-regulated the regulatory genes (ICE1 and CBF1) of cold acclimation, which increased the osmotic adjustment substances (proline and soluble sugar) accumulation and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, APX and CAT) activities. Our results indicate that H₂O₂ and ABA signals are involved in conferring cold stress tolerance induced by CP seed treatment in tomato plants.

Stress effects on the reactive oxygen species-dependent regulation of plant growth and development

Plant growth is mediated by cell proliferation and expansion. Both processes are controlled by a network of endogenous factors such as phytohormones, reactive oxygen species (ROS), sugars, and other signals, which influence gene expression and post-translational regulation of proteins. Stress resilience requires rapid and appropriate responses in plant growth and development as well as defence. Regulation of ROS accumulation in different cellular compartments influences growth responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. While ROS are essential for growth, they are also implicated in the stress-induced cessation of growth and, in some cases, programmed cell death. It is widely accepted that redox post-translational modifications of key proteins determine the growth changes and cell fate responses to stress, but the molecular pathways and factors involved remain poorly characterized. Here we discuss ROS as a signalling molecule, the mechanisms of ROS-dependent regulation that influence protein-protein interactions, protein function, and turnover, together with the relocation of key proteins to different intracellular compartments in a manner that can alter cell fate. Understanding how the redox interactome responds to stress-induced increases in ROS may provide a road map to tailoring the dynamic ROS interactions that determine growth and cell fate in order to enhance stress resilience.

Redox-related gene expression and sugar accumulation patterns are altered in the edible inflorescence produced by the cultivated form of pacaya palm (Chamaedorea tepejilote)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The pacaya palm is a dioecious neotropical palm species that is exploited in Latin America for its male inflorescence, which is edible when immature. It is cultivated, in a non-intensive manner, in Guatemala, where a morphotype occurs that produces much larger, more highly branched inflorescences compared with wild palms. We sought to identify molecular factors underlying this phenotypic divergence, which is likely to be a product of domestication.

METHODS

We performed RNA-seq-based studies on immature pacaya palm male inflorescences in order to identify genes that might be directly or indirectly affected in their expression in relation to domestication. We also measured the accumulation of a range of soluble sugar molecules to provide information on the biochemical status of the two different types of material.

KEY RESULTS

A total of 408 genes were found to display significantly different expression levels between the wild and cultivated morphotypes. Three different functional categories were found to be enriched in the gene set that was upregulated in the cultivated morphotype: redox balance; secondary metabolism; and transport. Several sugars were found to accumulate at higher levels in inflorescences of the cultivated morphotype, in particular myo-inositol, fructose and glucose.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed upregulation of redox-related genes in the cultivated morphotype is corroborated by the observation of higher myo-inositol accumulation, which has been shown to be associated with enhanced scavenging of reactive oxygen species in other plants and which may affect meristem activity.

S-nitrosoglutathione Reductase-Mediated Nitric Oxide Affects Axillary Buds Outgrowth of Solanum lycopersicum L. by Regulating Auxin and Cytokinin Signaling

Auxin and cytokinin are two kinds of important phytohormones that mediate outgrowth of axillary buds in plants. How nitric oxide and its regulator of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) take part in auxin and cytokinin signaling for controlling axillary buds outgrowth remains elusive. We investigated the roles of GSNOR during tomato axillary bud outgrowth by using physiological, biochemical and genetic approaches. GSNOR negatively regulated NO homeostasis. Suppression of GSNOR promoted axillary bud outgrowth by inhibiting the expression of FZY in both apical and axillary buds. Meanwhile, AUX1 and PIN1 were down-regulated in apical buds but up-regulated in axillary buds in GSNOR-suppressed plants. Thus, reduced IAA accumulation was shown in both apical buds and axillary buds of GSNOR-suppressed plants. GSNOR-mediated changes of NO and auxin affected cytokinin biosynthesis, transport, and signaling. And a decreased ratio of auxin: cytokinin was shown in axillary buds of GSNOR-suppressed plants, leading to bud dormancy breaking. We also found that the original NO signaling was generated by nitrate reductase (NR) catalyzing nitrate as substrate. NR-mediated NO reduced the GSNOR activity through S-nitrosylation of Cys-10, then induced a further NO burst, which played the above roles to promote axillary buds outgrowth. Together, GSNOR-mediated NO played important roles in controlling axillary buds outgrowth by altering the homeostasis and signaling of auxin and cytokinin in tomato plants.

Ascorbate-glutathione pathways mediated by cytokinin regulate H2O2 levels in light-controlled rose bud burst

Rosebush (Rosa "Radrazz") plants are an excellent model to study light control of bud outgrowth since bud outgrowth only arises in the presence of light and never occurs in darkness. Recently, we demonstrated high levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) present in the quiescent axillary buds strongly repress the outgrowth process. In light, the outgrowing process occurred after H2O2 scavenging through the promotion of Ascorbic acid-Glutathione (AsA-GSH)-dependent pathways and the continuous decrease in H2O2 production. Here we showed Respiratory Burst Oxidase Homologs expression decreased in buds during the outgrowth process in light. In continuous darkness, the same decrease was observed although H2O2 remained at high levels in axillary buds, as a consequence of the strong inhibition of AsA-GSH cycle and GSH synthesis preventing the outgrowth process. Cytokinin (CK) application can evoke bud outgrowth in light as well as in continuous darkness. Furthermore, CKs are the initial targets of light in the photocontrol process. We showed CK application to cultured buds in darkness decreases bud H2O2 to a level that is similar to that observed in light. Furthermore, this treatment restores GSH levels and engages bud burst. We treated plants with buthionine sulfoximine, an inhibitor of GSH synthesis, to solve the sequence of events involving H2O2/GSH metabolisms in the photocontrol process. This treatment prevented bud burst, even in the presence of CK, suggesting the sequence of actions starts with the positive CK effect on GSH that in turn stimulates H2O2 scavenging, resulting in initiation of bud outgrowth.

Hydrogen Peroxide Increases during Endodormancy and Decreases during Budbreak in Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) Buds

Changes in the level of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a good indicator to monitor fluctuations in cellular metabolism and in the stress responses. In this study, the changes in H₂O₂ content during bud endodormancy (ED) and budbreak were analysed in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). The results showed a gradual increase in the H₂O₂ content during the development of bud ED, which was mainly due to an increase in the activity of peroxidases (PODs). The maximum H₂O₂ content reached in the grapevine buds coincided with the maximum depth of bud ED. In contrast, during budbreak, the H₂O₂ content decreased. As the plant hormones cytokinin (CK) and auxin play an important role in budbreak and growth resumption in grapevine, the effect of exogenous applications of H₂O₂ on the expression of genes involved in CK and auxin metabolism was analysed. The results showed that H₂O₂ represses the expression of the CK biosynthesis genes VvIPT3a and VvLOG1 and induces the expression of the CK-inactivating gene VvCKX3, thus reducing potentially the CK content in the grapevine bud. On the other hand, H₂O₂ induced the expression of the auxin biosynthesis genes VvAMI1 and VvYUC3 and of the auxin transporter gene VvPIN3, thus increasing potentially the auxin content and auxin transport in grapevine buds. In general, the results suggest that H₂O₂ in grapevine buds is associated with the depth of ED and negatively regulates its budbreak.

ROS regulated reversible protein phase separation synchronizes plant flowering

How aerobic organisms exploit inevitably generated but potentially dangerous reactive oxygen species (ROS) to benefit normal life is a fundamental biological question. Locally accumulated ROS have been reported to prime stem cell differentiation. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. Here, we reveal that developmentally produced H₂O₂ in plant shoot apical meristem (SAM) triggers reversible protein phase separation of TERMINATING FLOWER (TMF), a transcription factor that times flowering transition in the tomato by repressing pre-maturation of SAM. Cysteine residues within TMF sense cellular redox to form disulfide bonds that concatenate multiple TMF molecules and elevate the amount of intrinsically disordered regions to drive phase separation. Oxidation triggered phase separation enables TMF to bind and sequester the promoter of a floral identity gene ANANTHA to repress its expression. The reversible transcriptional condensation via redox-regulated phase separation endows aerobic organisms with the flexibility of gene control in dealing with developmental cues.

Photocontrol of Axillary Bud Outgrowth by MicroRNAs: Current State-of-the-Art and Novel Perspectives Gained From the Rosebush Model

Shoot branching is highly dependent on environmental factors. While many species show some light dependence for branching, the rosebush shows a strict requirement for light to allow branching, making this species an excellent model to further understand how light impinges on branching. Here, in the first part, we provide a review of the current understanding of how light may modulate the complex regulatory network of endogenous factors like hormones (SL, IAA, CK, GA, and ABA), nutrients (sugar and nitrogen), and ROS to control branching. We review the regulatory contribution of microRNAs (miRNAs) to branching in different species, highlighting the action of such evolutionarily conserved factors. We underline some possible pathways by which light may modulate miRNA-dependent regulation of branching. In the second part, we exploit the strict light dependence of rosebush for branching to identify putative miRNAs that could contribute to the photocontrol of branching. For this, we first performed a profiling of the miRNAs expressed in early light-induced rosebush buds and next tested whether they were predicted to target recognized regulators of branching. Thus, we identified seven miRNAs (miR156, miR159, miR164, miR166, miR399, miR477, and miR8175) that could target nine genes (CKX1/6, EXPA3, MAX4, CYCD3;1, SUSY, 6PFK, APX1, and RBOHB1). Because these genes are affecting branching through different hormonal or metabolic pathways and because expression of some of these genes is photoregulated, our bioinformatic analysis suggests that miRNAs may trigger a rearrangement of the regulatory network to modulate branching in response to light environment.

Transcriptome analysis provides insights into the molecular bases in response to different nitrogen forms-induced oxidative stress in tea plant roots (Camellia sinensis)

Previous studies have suggested that the maintenance of redox homeostasis is essential for plant growth. Here we investigated how redox homeostasis and signalling is modulated in response to different nitrogen (N) forms in tea plant roots. Our results showed that both N deficiency and nitrate (NO3-) can trigger the production of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation in roots. In contrast, these responses were not altered by NH4+. Further, N deficiency and NO3--triggered redox imbalance was re-established by increased of proanthocyanidins (PAs) and glutathione (GSH), as well as upregulation of representative antioxidant enzyme activities and genes. To further explore the molecular bases of these responses, comparative transcriptome analysis was performed, and redox homeostasis-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected for bioinformatics analysis. Most of these genes were involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis, GSH metabolism and the antioxidant system, which was specifically altered by N deficiency or NO3-. Moreover, the interplay between H2O2 (generated by RBOH and Ndufab1) and hormones (including abscisic acid, auxin, cytokinin and ethylene) in response to different N forms was suggested. Collectively, the above findings contribute to an understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of redox homeostasis and signalling in alleviating oxidative stress in tea plant roots.

Ascorbate glutathione-dependent H2O2 scavenging is an important process in axillary bud outgrowth in rosebush

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Branching is an important mechanism of plant shape establishment and the direct consequence of axillary bud outgrowth. Recently, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) metabolism, known to be involved in plant growth and development, has been proposed to contribute to axillary bud outgrowth. However, the involvement of H2O2 in this process remains unclear.

METHODS

We analysed the content of H2O2 during bud outgrowth and characterized its catabolism, both at the transcriptional level and in terms of its enzymatic activities, using RT-qPCR and spectrophotometric methods, respectively. In addition, we used in vitro culture to characterize the effects of H2O2 application and the reduced glutathione (GSH) synthesis inhibitor l-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) on bud outgrowth in relation to known molecular markers involved in this process.

KEY RESULTS

Quiescent buds displayed a high content of H2O2 that declined when bud outgrowth was initiated, as the consequence of an increase in the scavenging activity that is associated with glutathione pathways (ascorbate-glutathione cycle and glutathione biosynthesis); catalase did not appear to be implicated. Modification of bud redox state after the application of H2O2 or BSO prevented axillary bud outgrowth by repressing organogenesis and newly formed axis elongation. Hydrogen peroxide also repressed bud outgrowth-associated marker gene expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that high levels of H2O2 in buds that are in a quiescent state prevents bud outgrowth. Induction of ascorbate-glutathione pathway scavenging activities results in a strong decrease in H2O2 content in buds, which finally allows bud outgrowth.

Hydrogen peroxide as a signalling molecule in plants and its crosstalk with other plant growth regulators under heavy metal stress

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) acts as a significant regulatory component interrelated with signal transduction in plants. The positive role of H₂O₂ in plants subjected to myriad of abiotic factors has led us to comprehend that it is not only a free radical, generated as a product of oxidative stress, but also helpful in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis in crop plants. Studies over the last two centuries has indicated that H₂O₂ is a key molecule which regulate photosynthesis, stomatal movement, pollen growth, fruit and flower development and leaf senescence. Exogenously-sourced H₂O₂ at nanomolar levels functions as a signalling molecule, facilitates seed germination, chlorophyll content, stomatal opening, and delays senescence, while at elevated levels, it triggers oxidative burst to organic molecules, which could lead to cell death. Furthermore, H₂O₂ is also known to interplay synergistically or antagonistically with other plant growth regulators such as auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, ethylene and salicylic acid, nitric oxide and Ca²⁺ (as signalling molecules), and brassinosteroids (steroidal PGRs) under myriad of environmental stresses and thus, mediate plant growth and development and reactions to abiotic factors. The purpose of this review is to specify accessible knowledge on the role and dynamic mechanisms of H₂O₂ in mediating growth responses and plant resilience to HM stresses, and its crosstalk with other significant PGRs in controlling various processes. More recently, signal transduction by mitogen activated protein kinases and other transcription factors which attenuate HM stresses in plants have also been dissected.

Histological, Physiological and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveal Gibberellin-Induced Axillary Meristem Formation in Garlic (Allium sativum)

The number of cloves in a garlic bulb is controlled by axillary meristem differentiation, which directly determines the propagation efficiency. Our previous study showed that injecting garlic plants with gibberellins (GA₃) solution significantly increased clove number per bulb. However, the physiological and molecular mechanism of GA-induced axillary bud formation is still unknown. Herein, dynamic changes in histology, phytohormones, sugars and related genes expression at 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 days after treatment (DAT) were investigated. Histological results indicated two stages (axillary meristem initiation and dormancy) were in the period of 0-30 days after GA₃ treatment. Application of GA₃ caused a significant increase of GA₃ and GA₄, and the downregulation of AsGA20ox expression. Furthermore, the change trends in zeatin riboside (ZR) and soluble sugar were the same, in which a high level of ZR at 2 DAT and high content of soluble sugar, glucose and fructose at 4 DAT were recorded, and a low level of ZR and soluble sugar arose at 16 and 32 DAT. Overall, injection of GA₃ firstly caused the downregulation of AsGA20ox, a significant increase in the level of ZR and abscisic acid (ABA), and the upregulation of AsCYP735 and AsAHK to activate axillary meristem initiation. Low level of ZR and soluble sugar and a high level of sucrose maintained axillary meristem dormancy.

OsFPFL4 is Involved in the Root and Flower Development by Affecting Auxin Levels and ROS Accumulation in Rice (Oryza sativa)

BACKGROUND

FPF1 (flowering-promoting factor 1) is one of the important family involved in the genetic control of flowering time in plant. Until now, limited knowledge concerning FPF1 family in rice has been understood.

RESULTS

As a homologue of AtFPF1, FPF1-like protein 4 of rice (OsFPFL4) is expressed in various tissues of plants. The functions of OsFPFL4 in rice were investigated by the reverse genetics approaches. Plants overexpressing OsFPFL4 have shorter primary root, more lateral roots and adventitious roots than wild type; however, RNA interference (RNAi) of OsFPFL4 significantly inhibits the growth of root system, and also delays the flowering time in rice. Interestingly, increased or repressed expression of OsFPFL4 leads to shrunken anthers and abnormal pollen grains. It is well recognized that auxin plays important roles in plant root and flower development, and the root elongation is also regulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. Here, our results show that rice plants overexpressing OsFPFL4 accumulate more auxin in the shoot and root, whereas RNAi lines have less auxin than wild type. As expected, the transcript levels of genes responsible for auxin biosynthesis and polar transport are altered in these OsFPFL4 transgenic plants. As to ROS, slightly higher ROS levels were detected in overexpression root and inflorescence than the counterparts of wild type; however, the ROS levels were significantly increased in the RNAi lines, due to increased expression of ROS-producers and reduced expression of ROS-scavengers.

CONCLUSION

Our results reveal that OsFPFL4 is involved in modulating the root and flower development by affecting auxin and ROS homeostasis in rice plants. OsFPFL4 controls auxin accumulation via affecting auxin biosynthesis and transport, and also modulates ROS homeostasis by balancing ROS producing and scavenging. Thus, auxin-mediated ROS production might play a role in regulating redox status, which controls plant root and flower development.

Assessment of Subcellular ROS and NO Metabolism in Higher Plants: Multifunctional Signaling Molecules

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) are produced in all aerobic life forms under both physiological and adverse conditions. Unregulated ROS/NO generation causes nitro-oxidative damage, which has a detrimental impact on the function of essential macromolecules. ROS/NO production is also involved in signaling processes as secondary messengers in plant cells under physiological conditions. ROS/NO generation takes place in different subcellular compartments including chloroplasts, mitochondria, peroxisomes, vacuoles, and a diverse range of plant membranes. This compartmentalization has been identified as an additional cellular strategy for regulating these molecules. This assessment of subcellular ROS/NO metabolisms includes the following processes: ROS/NO generation in different plant cell sites; ROS interactions with other signaling molecules, such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), phosphatase, calcium (Ca²⁺), and activator proteins; redox-sensitive genes regulated by the iron-responsive element/iron regulatory protein (IRE-IRP) system and iron regulatory transporter 1(IRT1); and ROS/NO crosstalk during signal transduction. All these processes highlight the complex relationship between ROS and NO metabolism which needs to be evaluated from a broad perspective.

Phenotypic analysis combined with tandem mass tags (TMT) labeling reveal the heterogeneity of strawberry stolon buds

BACKGROUND

Ramet propagation in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is the most effective way in production. However, the lack of systematically phenotypic observations and high-throughput methods limits our ability to analyze the key factors regulating the heterogeneity in strawberry stolon buds.

RESULTS

From observation, we found that the axillary bud located in the first node quickly stepped into dormancy (DSB), after several bract and leaf buds were differentiated. The stolon apical meristem (SAM) degenerated as the new ramet leaf buds (RLB), and the new active axillary stolon buds (ASB) differentiated continually after the differentiation of the first leaf. Using the tandem mass tags (TMT) labeling method, a total of 7271 strawberry proteins were identified. Between ASB and DSB, the spliceosome DEPs, such as Ser/Arg-rich (SR) and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (hnRNP), showed the highest enrichment and high PPI connectivity. This indicated that the differences in DEPs (e.g., SF-3A and PK) at the transcriptional level may be causing the differences between the physiological statuses of ASB and DSB. As expected, the photosynthetic pre-form RLB mainly differentiated from ASB and DSB judging by the DEP enrichment of photosynthesis. However, there are still other specialized features of DEPs between RLB and DSB and between ASB and DSB. The DEPs relative to DNA duplication [e.g., minichromosome maintenance protein (MCM 2, 3, 4, 7)], provide a strong hint of functional gene duplication leading the bud heterogeneity between RLB and DSB. In addition, the top fold change DEP of LSH 10-like might be involved in the degeneration of SAM into RLBs, based on its significant function in modulating the plant shoot initiation. As for RLB/ASB, the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway probably regulates the ramet axillary bud specialization, and further promotes the differentiation of xylem when ASB develops into a new stolon [e.g., cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase 1 (CAD1) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase 1 (PAL1)].

CONCLUSIONS

By using phenotypic observation combined with proteomic networks with different types of strawberry stolon buds, the definite dormancy phase of DSB was identified, and the biological pathways and gene networks that might be responsible for heterogeneity among different stolon buds in strawberry were also revealed.

Unravelling GSNOR-Mediated S-Nitrosylation and Multiple Developmental Programs in Tomato Plants

Nitric oxide (NO) impacts multiple developmental events and stress responses in plants. S-nitrosylation, regulated by S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), is considered as an important route for NO bioactivity. However, genetic evidence for GSNOR-mediated plant development and S-nitrosylation remains elusive in crop species. Genetic and site-specific nitrosoproteomic approach was used to obtain GSNOR-mediated phenotype and S-nitrosylated network. Knockdown of GSNOR increased the endogenous NO level and S-nitrosylation, resulting in higher germination rate, inhibition of root and hypocotyl growth, decreased photosynthesis, reduced plant growth, altered plant architecture, dysplastic pollen grains, and low fructification rate and fruit yield. For nitrosoproteomic analysis, 395 endogenously S-nitrosylated proteins with 554 S-nitrosylation sites were identified within a wide range of biological processes, especially for energy metabolism. Physiological and exogenous energy-support testing were consistent with the omic result, suggesting that GSNOR-mediated S-nitrosylation of energy metabolism plays key roles in impacting plant growth and development. Taken together, GSNOR is actively involved in the regulation of multiple developmental processes related to agronomically important traits. In addition, our results provide valuable resources and new clues for the study of S-nitrosylation-regulated metabolism in plants.

Light Regulation of Axillary Bud Outgrowth Along Plant Axes: An Overview of the Roles of Sugars and Hormones

Apical dominance, the process by which the growing apical zone of the shoot inhibits bud outgrowth, involves an intricate network of several signals in the shoot. Auxin originating from plant apical region inhibits bud outgrowth indirectly. This inhibition is in particular mediated by cytokinins and strigolactones, which move from the stem to the bud and that respectively stimulate and repress bud outgrowth. The action of this hormonal network is itself modulated by sugar levels as competition for sugars, caused by the growing apical sugar sink, may deprive buds from sugars and prevents bud outgrowth partly by their signaling role. In this review, we analyze recent findings on the interaction between light, in terms of quantity and quality, and apical dominance regulation. Depending on growth conditions, light may trigger different pathways of the apical dominance regulatory network. Studies pinpoint to the key role of shoot-located cytokinin synthesis for light intensity and abscisic acid synthesis in the bud for R:FR in the regulation of bud outgrowth by light. Our analysis provides three major research lines to get a more comprehensive understanding of light effects on bud outgrowth. This would undoubtedly benefit from the use of computer modeling associated with experimental observations to deal with a regulatory system that involves several interacting signals, feedbacks, and quantitative effects.

A novel CO2 -responsive systemic signaling pathway controlling plant mycorrhizal symbiosis

Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (eCO₂ ) concentrations promote symbiosis between roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), modifying plant nutrient acquisition and cycling of carbon, nitrogen and phosphate. However, the biological mechanisms by which plants transmit aerial eCO₂ cues to roots, to alter the symbiotic associations remain unknown. We used a range of interdisciplinary approaches, including gene silencing, grafting, transmission electron microscopy, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), biochemical methodologies and gene transcript analysis to explore the complexities of environmental signal transmission from the point of perception in the leaves at the apex to the roots. Here we show that eCO₂ triggers apoplastic hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ )-dependent auxin production in tomato shoots followed by systemic signaling that results in strigolactone biosynthesis in the roots. This redox-auxin-strigolactone systemic signaling cascade facilitates eCO₂ -induced AMF symbiosis and phosphate utilization. Our results challenge the current paradigm of eCO₂ effects on AMF and provide new insights into potential targets for manipulation of AMF symbiosis for high nutrient utilization under future climate change scenarios.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles-based colorimetric sensors for determination of hydrogen peroxide and triacetone triperoxide (TATP)

Due to its relatively simple preparation and readily available precursors, determination of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) by portable devices has become important. In this work, two different titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs)-based colorimetric sensors based on complex formation on the solid surface were developed for determination of H₂O₂ and TATP. The first sensor, (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) modified-TiO₂NPs-based paper sensor (APTES@TiO₂NPs), exploits peroxo-titanate binary complex formation between APTES@TiO₂NPs and H₂O₂ on chromatographic paper. The second sensor, 4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol-modified-TiO₂NPs-based solid sensor (PAR@TiO₂NPs), relies on the formation of a ternary complex between Ti(IV), PAR and H₂O₂. The developed sensors were also applied to TATP determination after acidic hydrolysis of samples to H₂O₂. The limits of detection (LODs) of APTES@TiO₂NPs-based paper sensor were 3.14 × 10^-4 and 5.13 × 10^-4 mol L^-1 for H₂O₂ and TATP, respectively, whereas the LODs of PAR@TiO₂NPs solid sensor were 6.06 × 10^-7 and 3.54 × 10^-7 mol L^-1 for H₂O₂ and TATP, respectively. Possible interferences of common soil ions, passenger belongings used as camouflage materials during public transport (e.g., detergent, sweetener, acetylsalicylic acid and paracetamol-caffeine based analgesic drugs) and of other explosives were examined. The developed methods were statistically validated using t- and F- tests against the titanyl sulfate (TiOSO₄) colorimetric literature method.

BRANCHED1: A Key Hub of Shoot Branching

Shoot branching is a key process for plant growth and fitness. Newly produced axes result from axillary bud outgrowth, which is at least partly mediated through the regulation of BRANCHED1 gene expression (BRC1/TB1/FC1). BRC1 encodes a pivotal bud-outgrowth-inhibiting transcription factor belonging to the TCP family. As the regulation of BRC1 expression is a hub for many shoot-branching-related mechanisms, it is influenced by endogenous (phytohormones and nutrients) and exogenous (light) inputs, which involve so-far only partly identified molecular networks. This review highlights the central role of BRC1 in shoot branching and its responsiveness to different stimuli, and emphasizes the different knowledge gaps that should be addressed in the near future.

Mitochondrial alternative oxidase-dependent autophagy involved in ethylene-mediated drought tolerance in Solanum lycopersicum

Mitochondrial alternative oxidase (AOX) is involved in a large number of plant physiological processes, such as growth, development and stress responses; however, the exact role of AOX in response to drought remains unclear. In our study, we provide solid evidences that the activated AOX capacity positively involved in ethylene-induced drought tolerance, in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), accompanied by the changing level of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) and autophagy. In AOX1a-RNAi plants, the ethylene-induced drought tolerance was aggravated and associated with decreasing level of autophagy. The H2 O2 level was relatively higher in AOX1a-RNAi plants, whereas it was lower in AOX1a-overexpressing (35S-AOX1a-OE) plants after 1-(aminocarbonyl)-1-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (ACC) pretreatment in the 14th day under drought stress. Interestingly, the accumulation of autophagosome was accompanied by the changing level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in AOX transgenic tomato under drought stress whether or not pretreated with ACC. Pharmacological scavenging of H2 O2 accumulation in AOX1a-RNAi (aox19) stimulated autophagy acceleration under drought stress, and it seems that AOX-dependent ROS signalling is critical in triggering autophagy. Lower levels of ROS signalling positively induce autophagy activity, whereas higher ROS level would lead to rapid programmed cell death (PCD), especially in ethylene-mediated drought tolerance. Moreover, ethylene-induced autophagy during drought stress also can be through ERF5 binding to the promoters of ATG8d and ATG18h. These results demonstrated that AOX plays an essential role in ethylene-induced drought tolerance and also played important roles in mediating autophagy generation via balancing ROS level.

Hydrogen Peroxide: Its Role in Plant Biology and Crosstalk with Signalling Networks

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is steadily gaining more attention in the field of molecular biology research. It is a major REDOX (reduction⁻oxidation reaction) metabolite and at high concentrations induces oxidative damage to biomolecules, which can culminate in cell death. However, at concentrations in the low nanomolar range, H₂O₂ acts as a signalling molecule and in many aspects, resembles phytohormones. Though its signalling network in plants is much less well characterized than are those of its counterparts in yeast or mammals, accumulating evidence indicates that the role of H₂O₂-mediated signalling in plant cells is possibly even more indispensable. In this review, we summarize hydrogen peroxide metabolism in plants, the sources and sinks of this compound and its transport via peroxiporins. We outline H₂O₂ perception, its direct and indirect effects and known targets in the transcriptional machinery. We focus on the role of H₂O₂ in plant growth and development and discuss the crosstalk between it and phytohormones. In addition to a literature review, we performed a meta-analysis of available transcriptomics data which provided further evidence for crosstalk between H₂O₂ and light, nutrient signalling, temperature stress, drought stress and hormonal pathways.

Cell cycle arrest in plants: what distinguishes quiescence, dormancy and differentiated G1?

BACKGROUND

Quiescence is a fundamental feature of plant life, which enables plasticity, renewal and fidelity of the somatic cell line. Cellular quiescence is defined by arrest in a particular phase of the cell cycle, typically G1 or G2; however, the regulation of quiescence and proliferation can also be considered across wider scales in space and time. As such, quiescence is a defining feature of plant development and phenology, from meristematic stem cell progenitors to terminally differentiated cells, as well as dormant or suppressed seeds and buds. While the physiology of each of these states differs considerably, each is referred to as 'cell cycle arrest' or 'G1 arrest'.

SCOPE

Here the physiology and molecular regulation of (1) meristematic quiescence, (2) dormancy and (3) terminal differentiation (cell cycle exit) are considered in order to determine whether and how the molecular decisions guiding these nuclear states are distinct. A brief overview of the canonical cell cycle regulators is provided, and the genetic and genomic, as well as physiological, evidence is considered regarding two primary questions: (1) Are the canonical cell cycle regulators superior or subordinate in the regulation of quiescence? (2) Are these three modes of quiescence governed by distinct molecular controls?

CONCLUSION

Meristematic quiescence, dormancy and terminal differentiation are each predominantly characterized by G1 arrest but regulated distinctly, at a level largely superior to the canonical cell cycle. Meristematic quiescence is intrinsically linked to non-cell-autonomous regulation of meristem cell identity, and particularly through the influence of ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis, in partnership with reactive oxygen species, abscisic acid and auxin. The regulation of terminal differentiation shares analogous features with meristematic quiescence, albeit with specific activators and a greater role for cytokinin signalling. Dormancy meanwhile appears to be regulated at the level of chromatin accessibility, by Polycomb group-type histone modifications of particular dormancy genes.