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Zhang Y, Zhao M, Tan J, Huang M, Chu X, Li Y, Han X, Fang T, Tian Y, Jarret R, Lu D, Chen Y, Xue L, Li X, Qin G, Li B, Sun Y, Deng XW, Deng Y, Zhang X, He H. Telomere-to-telomere Citrullus super-pangenome provides direction for watermelon breeding. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1750-1761. [PMID: 38977857 PMCID: PMC11319210 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01823-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
To decipher the genetic diversity within the cucurbit genus Citrullus, we generated telomere-to-telomere (T2T) assemblies of 27 distinct genotypes, encompassing all seven Citrullus species. This T2T super-pangenome has expanded the previously published reference genome, T2T-G42, by adding 399.2 Mb and 11,225 genes. Comparative analysis has unveiled gene variants and structural variations (SVs), shedding light on watermelon evolution and domestication processes that enhanced attributes such as bitterness and sugar content while compromising disease resistance. Multidisease-resistant loci from Citrullus amarus and Citrullus mucosospermus were successfully introduced into cultivated Citrullus lanatus. The SVs identified in C. lanatus have not only been inherited from cordophanus but also from C. mucosospermus, suggesting additional ancestors beyond cordophanus in the lineage of cultivated watermelon. Our investigation substantially improves the comprehension of watermelon genome diversity, furnishing comprehensive reference genomes for all Citrullus species. This advancement aids in the exploration and genetic enhancement of watermelon using its wild relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingxia Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, China
| | - Jingsheng Tan
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, China
| | - Minghan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Chu
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Li
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, China
| | - Xue Han
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, China
| | - Taohong Fang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, China
| | - Yao Tian
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, China
| | | | - Dongdong Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, China
| | - Yijun Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, China
| | - Lifang Xue
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, China
| | - Xiaoni Li
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, China
| | - Guochen Qin
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, China
| | - Bosheng Li
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, China
| | - Yudong Sun
- Vegetable Research and Development Center, Huaiyin Institute of Agricultural Sciences of Xuhuai Region in Jiangsu, Huai'an, China
| | - Xing Wang Deng
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Deng
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, China.
| | - Xingping Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, China.
| | - Hang He
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Bacelar E, Pinto T, Anjos R, Morais MC, Oliveira I, Vilela A, Cosme F. Impacts of Climate Change and Mitigation Strategies for Some Abiotic and Biotic Constraints Influencing Fruit Growth and Quality. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1942. [PMID: 39065469 PMCID: PMC11280748 DOI: 10.3390/plants13141942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Factors such as extreme temperatures, light radiation, and nutritional condition influence the physiological, biochemical, and molecular processes associated with fruit development and its quality. Besides abiotic stresses, biotic constraints can also affect fruit growth and quality. Moreover, there can be interactions between stressful conditions. However, it is challenging to predict and generalize the risks of climate change scenarios on seasonal patterns of growth, development, yield, and quality of fruit species because their responses are often highly complex and involve changes at multiple levels. Advancements in genetic editing technologies hold great potential for the agricultural sector, particularly in enhancing fruit crop traits. These improvements can be tailored to meet consumer preferences, which is crucial for commercial success. Canopy management and innovative training systems are also key factors that contribute to maximizing yield efficiency and improving fruit quality, which are essential for the competitiveness of orchards. Moreover, the creation of habitats that support pollinators is a critical aspect of sustainable agriculture, as they play a significant role in the production of many crops, including fruits. Incorporating these strategies allows fruit growers to adapt to changing climate conditions, which is increasingly important for the stability of food production. By investing in these areas, fruit growers can stay ahead of challenges and opportunities in the industry, ultimately leading to increased success and profitability. In this review, we aim to provide an updated overview of the current knowledge on this important topic. We also provide recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Bacelar
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, P-5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (T.P.); (R.A.); (M.C.M.); (I.O.)
| | - Teresa Pinto
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, P-5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (T.P.); (R.A.); (M.C.M.); (I.O.)
| | - Rosário Anjos
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, P-5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (T.P.); (R.A.); (M.C.M.); (I.O.)
| | - Maria Cristina Morais
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, P-5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (T.P.); (R.A.); (M.C.M.); (I.O.)
| | - Ivo Oliveira
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, P-5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (T.P.); (R.A.); (M.C.M.); (I.O.)
| | - Alice Vilela
- Chemistry Research Centre–Vila Real (CQ-VR), Department of Agronomy, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, P-5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Fernanda Cosme
- Chemistry Research Centre–Vila Real (CQ-VR), Department of Biology and Environment, School of Life Sciences and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, P-5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
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Xia P, Zhou S, Zhao X, Zhao C. Characterization and Expression Analysis of Sugar Transporters through Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) Revealed Their Role in Pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1825. [PMID: 38999665 PMCID: PMC11243835 DOI: 10.3390/plants13131825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most important economic crops in the world. By controlling the transport and distribution of photosynthetic products between cells and organs, sugar transporters are widely involved in growth and development, environmental adaptation, and microbial interactions. The present study was carried out at the genome-wide level to systematically characterize sugar transporters. As a result, 50 MST, 3 SUT, and 29 SWEET genes were identified and classified. The expression pattern of sugar transporters in pepper was analyzed by transcriptomic data. The expression properties of sugar transporters were further explored in pepper varieties with significant differences in weight, shape, and pungency. It was shown that the pepper sugar transporter genes had obvious spatiotemporal specific expression characteristics and exhibited variety-specific expression preferences. We focus on analyzing candidate genes that may be involved in fruit development and expansion. We further explore the response of pepper sugar transporters to adversity stress using a structural equation model. Finally, we found that the MST, SUT, and SWEET families are collectively involved in balancing pepper resistance to abiotic stress by coordinating the expression strengths of different family members. Our study may contribute to the functional study of pepper sugar transporter genes and create the prospect of utilizing sugar transporter gene resources to improve pepper variety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Xia
- Faculty of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Shiyong Zhou
- Faculty of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Xiaoxue Zhao
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Changling Zhao
- Faculty of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
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Nie P, Wang L, Li M, Lyu D, Qin S, Xue X. MdSWEET23, a sucrose transporter from apple ( Malus × domestica Borkh.), influences sugar metabolism and enhances cold tolerance in tomato. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1266194. [PMID: 37854110 PMCID: PMC10579938 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1266194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthetic products in most fleshy fruits are unloaded via the apoplasmic pathway. Sugar transporters play an important role in the apoplasmic unloading pathway and are involved in sugar transport for fruit development. The MdSWEET23, cloned from ''Hanfu'' apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) fruits, belongs to Clade III of the SWEET family. Subcellular localization revealed that MdSWEET23 is localized on the plasma membrane. β-glucuronidase activity assays showed that MdSWEET23 was primarily expressed in the sepal and carpel vascular bundle of apple fruits. Heterologous expression assays in yeast showed that MdSWEET23 functions in sucrose transport. The overexpression of MdSWEET23 in the ''Orin" calli increased the soluble sugar content. The silencing of MdSWEET23 significantly reduced the contents of sucrose and sorbitol in apple fruits. Ectopic overexpression of MdSWEET23 in tomato altered sugar metabolism and distribution in leaves and fruits, causing a reduction in photosynthetic rates and plant height, enhanced cold stress tolerance, and increased the content of sucrose, fructose, and glucose in breaking color fruits, but did not increase sugar sink potency of tomato fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peixian Nie
- Shandong Institute of Pomology, Taian, China
| | | | - Miao Li
- Shandong Institute of Pomology, Taian, China
| | - Deguo Lyu
- College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Sijun Qin
- College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaomin Xue
- Shandong Institute of Pomology, Taian, China
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Ren Y, Liao S, Xu Y. An update on sugar allocation and accumulation in fruits. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 193:888-899. [PMID: 37224524 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Fruit sweetness is determined by the amount and composition of sugars in the edible flesh. The accumulation of sugar is a highly orchestrated process that requires coordination of numerous metabolic enzymes and sugar transporters. This coordination enables partitioning and long-distance translocation of photoassimilates from source tissues to sink organs. In fruit crops, sugars ultimately accumulate in the sink fruit. Whereas tremendous progress has been achieved in understanding the function of individual genes associated with sugar metabolism and sugar transport in non-fruit crops, there is less known about the sugar transporters and metabolic enzymes responsible for sugar accumulation in fruit crop species. This review identifies knowledge gaps and can serve as a foundation for future studies, with comprehensive updates focusing on (1) the physiological roles of the metabolic enzymes and sugar transporters responsible for sugar allocation and partitioning and that contribute to sugar accumulation in fruit crops; and (2) the molecular mechanisms underlying the transcriptional and posttranslational regulation of sugar transport and metabolism. We also provide insights into the challenges and future directions of studies on sugar transporters and metabolic enzymes and name several promising genes that should be targeted with gene editing in the pursuit of optimized sugar allocation and partitioning to enhance sugar accumulation in fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ren
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (BAAFS), State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Shengjin Liao
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (BAAFS), State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Yong Xu
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (BAAFS), State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing 100097, China
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6
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Yan H, Wang K, Wang M, Feng L, Zhang H, Wei X. QTL Mapping and Genome-Wide Association Study Reveal Genetic Loci and Candidate Genes Related to Soluble Solids Content in Melon. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:7110-7129. [PMID: 37754234 PMCID: PMC10530127 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45090450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is an economically important Cucurbitaceae crop grown around the globe. The sweetness of melon is a significant factor in fruit quality and consumer appeal, and the soluble solids content (SSC) is a key index of melon sweetness. In this study, 146 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from two oriental melon materials with different levels of sweetness containing 1427 bin markers, and 213 melon accessions containing 1,681,775 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used to identify genomic regions influencing SSC. Linkage mapping detected 10 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) distributed on six chromosomes, seven of which were overlapped with the reported QTLs. A total of 211 significant SNPs were identified by genome-wide association study (GWAS), 138 of which overlapped with the reported QTLs. Two new stable, co-localized regions on chromosome 3 were identified by QTL mapping and GWAS across multiple environments, which explained large phenotypic variance. Five candidate genes related to SSC were identified by QTL mapping, GWAS, and qRT-PCR, two of which were involved in hydrolysis of raffinose and sucrose located in the new stable loci. The other three candidate genes were involved in raffinose synthesis, sugar transport, and production of substrate for sugar synthesis. The genomic regions and candidate genes will be helpful for molecular breeding programs and elucidating the mechanisms of sugar accumulation.
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Zhou Y, Li K, Wen S, Yang D, Gao J, Wang Z, Zhu P, Bie Z, Cheng J. Phloem unloading in cultivated melon fruits follows an apoplasmic pathway during enlargement and ripening. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2023; 10:uhad123. [PMID: 37554344 PMCID: PMC10405131 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Melon (Cucumis melo L.) has a long history of cultivation worldwide. During cultivation, domestication, and selection breeding, the sugar content of mature melon fruits has been significantly increased. Compared with unsweet melon and wild melon, rapid sucrose accumulation can occur in the middle and late stages of sweet melon fruit development. The phloem unloading pathway during the evolution and development of melon fruit has not been identified and analyzed. In this study, the phloem unloading pathway and the function of related sugar transporters in cultivated and wild melon fruits were analyzed by CFDA [5(6)-carbofluorescein diacetate] and esculin tracing, cytological pathway observation, qRT-PCR, and gene function analysis, etc. Results show that the phloem unloading pathway of wild melon fruit is largely symplastic, whereas the phloem unloading pathway of cultivated melon fruit shifts from symplastic to apoplasmic during development. According to a fruit grafting experiment, the fruit sink accumulates sugars independently. Correlation analysis showed that the expression amounts of several sucrose transporter genes were positively correlated with the sucrose content of melon fruit. Furthermore, CmSWEET10 was proved to be a sucrose transporter located on the plasma membrane of the phloem and highly expressed in the premature stage of sweet melon fruits, which means it may be involved in phloem apoplast unloading and sucrose accumulation in sweet melon fruits. Finally, we summarize a functional model of related enzymes and sugar transporters involved in the apoplast unloading of sweet melon fruits during enlargement and sucrose accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Zhou
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization for Fruit and Vegetable Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Kexin Li
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization for Fruit and Vegetable Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Suying Wen
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization for Fruit and Vegetable Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dong Yang
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization for Fruit and Vegetable Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jun Gao
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization for Fruit and Vegetable Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ziwei Wang
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization for Fruit and Vegetable Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Peilu Zhu
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization for Fruit and Vegetable Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhilong Bie
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization for Fruit and Vegetable Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jintao Cheng
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization for Fruit and Vegetable Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
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Zhang S, Wang H, Wang T, Zhang J, Liu W, Fang H, Zhang Z, Peng F, Chen X, Wang N. Abscisic acid and regulation of the sugar transporter gene MdSWEET9b promote apple sugar accumulation. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 192:2081-2101. [PMID: 36815241 PMCID: PMC10315282 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Enhancing fruit sugar contents, especially for high-flavonoid apples with a sour taste, is one of the main goals of horticultural crop breeders. This study analyzed sugar accumulation and the underlying mechanisms in the F2 progenies of a hybridization between the high-sugar apple (Malus × domestica) variety "Gala" and high-flavonoid apple germplasm "CSR6R6". We revealed that MdSWEET9b (sugars will eventually be exported transporter) helps mediate sugar accumulation in fruits. Functional characterization of MdSWEET9b in yeast mutants lacking sugar transport as well as in overexpressing and CRISPR/Cas9 knockdown apple calli revealed MdSWEET9b could transport sucrose specifically, ultimately promoting normal yeast growth and accumulation of total sugar contents. Moreover, MdWRKY9 bound to the MdSWEET9b promoter and regulated its activity, which responded to abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. Furthermore, MdWRKY9 interacted with MdbZIP23 (basic leucine zipper) and MdbZIP46, key ABA signal transducers, at the protein and DNA levels to enhance its regulatory effect on MdSWEET9b expression, thereby influencing sugar accumulation. Based on the contents of ABA in lines with differing sugar contents and the effects of ABA treatments on fruits and calli, we revealed ABA as one of the main factors responsible for the diversity in apple fruit sugar content. The results of this study have clarified how MdSWEET9b influences fruit sugar accumulation, while also further elucidating the regulatory effects of the ABA-signaling network on fruit sugar accumulation. This work provides a basis for future explorations of the crosstalk between hormone and sugar metabolism pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Sciences and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shanxi, China
| | - Tong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Sciences and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Sciences and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Sciences and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Hongcheng Fang
- State Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Silviculture in the Downstream Areas of the Yellow River, College of Forestry, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Zongying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Sciences and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, Shandong, China
| | | | - Xuesen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Sciences and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Nan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Sciences and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, Shandong, China
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Zhang S, Wang H, Wang T, Liu W, Zhang J, Fang H, Zhang Z, Peng F, Chen X, Wang N. MdMYB305-MdbHLH33-MdMYB10 regulates sugar and anthocyanin balance in red-fleshed apple fruits. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 113:1062-1079. [PMID: 36606413 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Sugar and anthocyanin are important indicators of fruit quality, and understanding the mechanism underlying their accumulation is essential for breeding high-quality fruit. We identified an R2R3-MYB transcription factor MdMYB305 in the red-fleshed apple progeny, which was positively correlated with fruit sugar content but negatively correlated with anthocyanin content. Transient injection, stable expression [overexpressing and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)], and heterologous transformation of tomato confirmed that MdMYB305 promotes the accumulation of sugar and inhibits the synthesis of anthocyanin. A series of molecular experiments (such as electrophoretic mobility shift and luciferase assays) confirmed that MdMYB305 combines with sugar-related genes (MdCWI1/MdVGT3/MdTMT2) and anthocyanin-related genes (MdF3H/MdDFR/MdUFGT), promoting and inhibiting their activities, and finally regulating the sugar and anthocyanin content of fruits. In addition, the study also found that MdMYB305 competes with MdMYB10 for the MdbHLH33 binding site to balance sugar and anthocyanin accumulation in the fruits, which provides a reference value for exploring more functions of the MYB-bHLH-MYB complex and the balance relationship between sugar and anthocyanin in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Sciences and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shanxi, 712100, China
| | - Tong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Sciences and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Sciences and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Sciences and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Hongcheng Fang
- State Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Silviculture in the Downstream Areas of the Yellow River, College of Forestry, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Zongying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Sciences and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Futian Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Sciences and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Xuesen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Sciences and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Nan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Sciences and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, China
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10
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Bai Q, Chen X, Zheng Z, Feng J, Zhang Y, Shen Y, Huang Y. Vacuolar Phosphate Transporter1 (VPT1) may transport sugar in response to soluble sugar status of grape fruits. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2023; 10:uhac260. [PMID: 37533675 PMCID: PMC10392026 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhac260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Vacuolar Phosphate Transporter1 (VPT1)-mediated phosphate uptake in the vacuoles is essential to plant development and fruit ripening. Interestingly, here we find that the VPT1 may transport sugar in response to soluble sugar status of fruits. The VvVPT1 protein isolated from grape (Vitis vinifera) berries was tonoplast-localized and contains SPX (Syg1/Pho81/XPR1) and MFS (major facilitator superfamily) domains. Its mRNA expression was significantly increased during fruit ripening and induced by sucrose. Functional analyses based on transient transgenic systems in grape berry showed that VvVPT1 positively regulated berry ripening and significantly affected hexose contents, fruit firmness, and ripening-related gene expression. The VPT1 proteins (Grape VvVPT1, strawberry FaVPT1, and Arabidopsis AtVPT1) all showed low affinity for phosphate verified in yeast system, while they appear different in sugar transport capacity, consistent with fruit sugar status. Thus, our findings reveal a role for VPT1 in fruit ripening, associated to its SPX and MFS domains in direct transport of soluble sugar available into the vacuole, and open potential avenues for genetic improvement in fleshy fruit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jinjing Feng
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Agricultural Application and New Technique, College of Plant Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Agricultural Application and New Technique, College of Plant Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yuanyue Shen
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Agricultural Application and New Technique, College of Plant Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
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11
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Vegetable biology and breeding in the genomics era. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 66:226-250. [PMID: 36508122 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2248-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Vegetable crops provide a rich source of essential nutrients for humanity and represent critical economic values to global rural societies. However, genetic studies of vegetable crops have lagged behind major food crops, such as rice, wheat and maize, thereby limiting the application of molecular breeding. In the past decades, genome sequencing technologies have been increasingly applied in genetic studies and breeding of vegetables. In this review, we recapitulate recent progress on reference genome construction, population genomics and the exploitation of multi-omics datasets in vegetable crops. These advances have enabled an in-depth understanding of their domestication and evolution, and facilitated the genetic dissection of numerous agronomic traits, which jointly expedites the exploitation of state-of-the-art biotechnologies in vegetable breeding. We further provide perspectives of further directions for vegetable genomics and indicate how the ever-increasing omics data could accelerate genetic, biological studies and breeding in vegetable crops.
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12
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Dai H, Zhang W, Hua B, Zhu Z, Zhang J, Zhang Z, Miao M. Cucumber STACHYOSE SYNTHASE is regulated by its cis-antisense RNA asCsSTS to balance source-sink carbon partitioning. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:435-452. [PMID: 36342214 PMCID: PMC9806573 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthate partitioning between source and sink is a key determinant of crop yield. In contrast to sucrose-transporting plants, cucumber (Cucumis sativus) plants mainly transport stachyose and stachyose synthase (CsSTS) synthesizes stachyose in the vasculature for loading. Therefore, CsSTS is considered a key regulator of carbon partitioning. We found that CsSTS expression and CsSTS enzyme activity were upregulated in the vasculature and downregulated in mesophyll tissues at fruiting. In situ hybridization and tissue enrichment experiments revealed that a cis-natural antisense noncoding transcript of CsSTS, named asCsSTS, is mainly expressed in mesophyll tissues. In vitro overexpression (OE), RNA interference (RNAi), and dual luciferase reporter experiments indicated that CsSTSs are negatively regulated by asCsSTS. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that asCsSTS transcript localized in leaf cytoplasm, indicating that the regulation of CsSTS by asCsSTS is a posttranscriptional process. Further investigation revealed that this regulation occurred by reducing CsSTS transcript stability through a DICER-like protein-mediated pathway. Chemically induced OE and RNAi of asCsSTS led to promotion or inhibition, respectively, of assimilate export from leaves and altered fruit growth rates. Our results suggest that the regulation of CsSTSs between the mesophyll and vasculature reduces sugar storage in mesophyll tissue and promotes assimilate export from the leaf when the plant carries fruit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Dai
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Wenyan Zhang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Bing Hua
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Zihui Zhu
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Jinji Zhang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Zhiping Zhang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Minmin Miao
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
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13
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Singh J, Das S, Jagadis Gupta K, Ranjan A, Foyer CH, Thakur JK. Physiological implications of SWEETs in plants and their potential applications in improving source-sink relationships for enhanced yield. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2022. [PMID: 36529911 PMCID: PMC10363763 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The sugars will eventually be exported transporters (SWEET) family of transporters in plants is identified as a novel class of sugar carriers capable of transporting sugars, sugar alcohols and hormones. Functioning in intercellular sugar transport, SWEETs influence a wide range of physiologically important processes. SWEETs regulate the development of sink organs by providing nutritional support from source leaves, responses to abiotic stresses by maintaining intracellular sugar concentrations, and host-pathogen interactions through the modulation of apoplastic sugar levels. Many bacterial and fungal pathogens activate the expression of SWEET genes in species such as rice and Arabidopsis to gain access to the nutrients that support virulence. The genetic manipulation of SWEETs has led to the generation of bacterial blight (BB)-resistant rice varieties. Similarly, while the overexpression of the SWEETs involved in sucrose export from leaves and pathogenesis led to growth retardation and yield penalties, plants overexpressing SWEETs show improved disease resistance. Such findings demonstrate the complex functions of SWEETs in growth and stress tolerance. Here, we review the importance of SWEETs in plant-pathogen and source-sink interactions and abiotic stress resistance. We highlight the possible applications of SWEETs in crop improvement programmes aimed at improving sink and source strengths important for enhancing the sustainability of yield. We discuss how the adverse effects of the overexpression of SWEETs on plant growth may be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender Singh
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Shubhashis Das
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Aashish Ranjan
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Christine H Foyer
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Jitendra Kumar Thakur
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
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14
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Yang J, Zhang J, Du H, Zhao H, Li H, Xu Y, Mao A, Zhang X, Fu Y, Xia Y, Wen C. The vegetable SNP database: An integrated resource for plant breeders and scientists. Genomics 2022; 114:110348. [PMID: 35339630 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are widely used in genetic research and molecular breeding. To date, the genomes of many vegetable crops have been assembled, and hundreds of core germplasms for each vegetable have been sequenced. However, these data are not currently easily accessible because they are stored on different public databases. Therefore, a vegetable crop SNP database should be developed that hosts SNPs demonstrated to have a high success rate in genotyping for genetic research (herein, "alpha SNPs"). We constructed a database (VegSNPDB, http://www.vegsnpdb.cn/) containing the sequence data of 2032 germplasms from 16 vegetable crop species. VegSNPDB hosts 118,725,944 SNPs of which 4,877,305 were alpha SNPs. SNPs can be searched by chromosome number, position, SNP type, genetic population, or specific individuals, as well as the values of MAF, PIC, and heterozygosity. We hope that VegSNPDB will become an important SNP database for the vegetable research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Yang
- Beijing Vegetable Research Center (BVRC), Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing 100097, China; Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing 100097, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Beijing Vegetable Research Center (BVRC), Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing 100097, China; Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing 100097, China
| | - Heshan Du
- Beijing Vegetable Research Center (BVRC), Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing 100097, China; Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing 100097, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Beijing Vegetable Research Center (BVRC), Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing 100097, China; Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing 100097, China
| | - Haizhen Li
- Beijing Vegetable Research Center (BVRC), Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing 100097, China; Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing 100097, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Beijing Vegetable Research Center (BVRC), Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing 100097, China; Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing 100097, China
| | - Aijun Mao
- Beijing Vegetable Research Center (BVRC), Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing 100097, China; Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing 100097, China
| | - Xiaofei Zhang
- Beijing Vegetable Research Center (BVRC), Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing 100097, China; Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing 100097, China
| | - Yiqian Fu
- Beijing Vegetable Research Center (BVRC), Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing 100097, China; Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing 100097, China
| | - Yang Xia
- Beijing Vegetable Research Center (BVRC), Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing 100097, China; Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing 100097, China
| | - Changlong Wen
- Beijing Vegetable Research Center (BVRC), Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, Beijing 100097, China; Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing 100097, China; State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Innovation, Tianjin 300380, China.
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15
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Wen S, Neuhaus HE, Cheng J, Bie Z. Contributions of sugar transporters to crop yield and fruit quality. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:2275-2289. [PMID: 35139196 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The flux, distribution, and storage of soluble sugars regulate crop yield in terms of starch, oil, protein, and total carbohydrates, and affect the quality of many horticultural products. Sugar transporters contribute to phloem loading and unloading. The mechanisms of phloem loading have been studied in detail, but the complex and diverse mechanisms of phloem unloading and sugar storage in sink organs are less explored. Unloading and subsequent transport mechanisms for carbohydrates vary in different sink organs. Analyzing the transport and storage mechanisms of carbohydrates in important storage organs, such as cereal seeds, fruits, or stems of sugarcane, will provide information for genetic improvements to increase crop yield and fruit quality. This review discusses current research progress on sugar transporters involved in carbohydrate unloading and storage in sink organs. The roles of sugar transporters in crop yield and the accumulation of sugars are also discussed to highlight their contribution to efficient breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suying Wen
- College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University and Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - H Ekkehard Neuhaus
- Plant Physiology, University of Kaiserslautern, D-67653 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Jintao Cheng
- College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University and Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Zhilong Bie
- College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University and Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
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16
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Yu Y, Guo S, Ren Y, Zhang J, Li M, Tian S, Wang J, Sun H, Zuo Y, Chen Y, Gong G, Zhang H, Xu Y. Quantitative Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analysis of Fruit Development and Ripening in Watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:818392. [PMID: 35392508 PMCID: PMC8980866 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.818392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fruit ripening is a highly complicated process, which is modulated by phytohormones, signal regulators and environmental factors playing in an intricate network that regulates ripening-related genes expression. Although transcriptomics is an effective tool to predict protein levels, protein abundances are also extensively affected by post-transcriptional and post-translational regulations. Here, we used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics to study the comprehensive mRNA and protein expression changes during fruit development and ripening in watermelon, a non-climacteric fruit. A total of 6,226 proteins were quantified, and the large number of quantitative proteins is comparable to proteomic studies in model organisms such as Oryza sativa L. and Arabidopsis. Base on our proteome methodology, integrative analysis of the transcriptome and proteome showed that the mRNA and protein levels were poorly correlated, and the correlation coefficients decreased during fruit ripening. Proteomic results showed that proteins involved in alternative splicing and the ubiquitin proteasome pathway were dynamically expressed during ripening. Furthermore, the spliceosome and proteasome were significantly enriched by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, suggesting that post-transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms might play important roles in regulation of fruit ripening-associated genes expression, which might account for the poor correlation between mRNAs and proteins during fruit ripening. Our comprehensive transcriptomic and proteomic data offer a valuable resource for watermelon research, and provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the complex regulatory networks of fruit ripening.
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17
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Mashilo J, Shimelis H, Ngwepe RM, Thungo Z. Genetic Analysis of Fruit Quality Traits in Sweet Watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus): A Review. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:834696. [PMID: 35392511 PMCID: PMC8981301 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.834696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fruit quality traits of sweet watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus) are crucial for new product development and commercialization. Sweet watermelon fruit quality traits are affected by the compositions of phytochemical compounds, phytohormones, and fruit flesh firmness which are affected by genes, the growing environment and their interaction. These compositions determine fruit ripening, eating quality, and postharvest shelf-life. Knowledge of the genetic profile and analyses of quality traits in watermelon is vital to develop improved cultivars with enhanced nutritional compositions, consumer-preferred traits, and extended storage life. This review aims to present the opportunities and progress made on the genetic analysis of fruit quality traits in watermelon as a guide for quality breeding based on economic and end-user attributes. The first section of the review highlights the genetic mechanisms involved in the biosynthesis of phytochemical compounds (i.e., sugars, carotenoids, amino acids, organic acids, and volatile compounds), phytohormones (i.e., ethylene and abscisic acid) and fruit flesh structural components (i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin) elicited during watermelon fruit development and ripening. The second section pinpoints the progress on the development of molecular markers and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis for phytochemical compounds, phytohormones and fruit quality attributes. The review presents gene-editing technology and innovations associated with fruit quality traits for selection and accelerated cultivar development. Finally, the paper discussed gene actions conditioning fruit ripening in citron watermelon (C. lanatus var. citroides [L. H. Bailey] Mansf. ex Greb.) as reference genetic resources to guide current and future breeding. Information presented in this review is useful for watermelon variety design, product profiling and development to serve the diverse value chains of the crop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Mashilo
- Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Agriculture Regulatory and Technology Development Directorate, Crop Science Division, Towoomba Research Station, Bela-Bela, South Africa
- African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Hussein Shimelis
- African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Richard Mantlo Ngwepe
- Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Agriculture Regulatory and Technology Development Directorate, Crop Science Division, Towoomba Research Station, Bela-Bela, South Africa
- African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Zamalotshwa Thungo
- African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
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18
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Paniagua C, Sinanaj B, Benitez-Alfonso Y. Plasmodesmata and their role in the regulation of phloem unloading during fruit development. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 64:102145. [PMID: 34826657 PMCID: PMC8687135 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2021.102145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Fruit consumption is fundamental to a balanced diet. The contemporary challenge of maintaining a steady food supply to meet the demands of a growing population is driving the development of strategies to improve the production and nutritional quality of fruit. Plasmodesmata, the structures that mediate symplasmic transport between plant cells, play an important role in phloem unloading and distribution of sugars and signalling molecules into developing organs. Targeted modifications to the structures and functioning of plasmodesmata have the potential to improve fruit development; however, knowledge on the mechanisms underpinning plasmodesmata regulation in this context is scarce. In this review, we have compiled current knowledge on plasmodesmata and their structural characterisation during the development of fruit organs. We discuss key questions on phloem unloading, including the pathway shift from symplasmic to apoplastic that takes place during the onset of ripening as potential targets for improving fruit quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candelas Paniagua
- Centre for Plant Sciences, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Besiana Sinanaj
- Centre for Plant Sciences, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
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19
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Wang J, Wang Y, Zhang J, Ren Y, Li M, Tian S, Yu Y, Zuo Y, Gong G, Zhang H, Guo S, Xu Y. The NAC transcription factor ClNAC68 positively regulates sugar content and seed development in watermelon by repressing ClINV and ClGH3.6. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2021; 8:214. [PMID: 34593776 PMCID: PMC8484586 DOI: 10.1038/s41438-021-00649-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) transcription factors play important roles in fruit ripening and quality. The watermelon genome encodes 80 NAC genes, and 21 of these NAC genes are highly expressed in both the flesh and vascular tissues. Among these genes, ClNAC68 expression was significantly higher in flesh than in rind. However, the intrinsic regulatory mechanism of ClNAC68 in fruit ripening and quality is still unknown. In this study, we found that ClNAC68 is a transcriptional repressor and that the repression domain is located in the C-terminus. Knockout of ClNAC68 by the CRISPR-Cas9 system decreased the soluble solid content and sucrose accumulation in mutant flesh. Development was delayed, germination was inhibited, and the IAA content was significantly decreased in mutant seeds. Transcriptome analysis showed that the invertase gene ClINV was the only gene involved in sucrose metabolism that was upregulated in mutant flesh, and expression of the indole-3-acetic acid-amido synthetase gene ClGH3.6 in the IAA signaling pathway was also induced in mutant seeds. EMSA and dual-luciferase assays showed that ClNAC68 directly bound to the promoters of ClINV and ClGH3.6 to repress their expression. These results indicated that ClNAC68 positively regulated sugar and IAA accumulation by repressing ClINV and ClGH3.6. Our findings provide new insights into the regulatory mechanisms by which NAC transcription factors affect fruit quality and seed development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfang Wang
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Yanping Wang
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Yi Ren
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Maoying Li
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Shaowei Tian
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Yongtao Yu
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Yi Zuo
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Guoyi Gong
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Haiying Zhang
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China.
| | - Shaogui Guo
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
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20
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Li X, Zuo X, Li M, Yang X, Zhi J, Sun H, Xie C, Zhang Z, Wang F. Efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in Rehmannia glutinosa. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2021; 41:277-279. [PMID: 34086068 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-021-02797-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Here, we cloned a phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene from Rehmannia glutinosa, and realized RgPDS1 knock out in R. glutinosa resulted in the generation of albino plants. Rehmannia glutinosa is a highly important traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with specific pharmacology and economic value. R. glutinosa is a tetraploid plant, to date, no report has been published on gene editing of R. glutinosa. In this study, we combined the transcriptome database of R. glutinosa and the reported phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene sequences to obtain the PDS gene of R. glutinosa. Then, the PDS gene was used as a marker gene to verify the applicability and gene editing efficiency of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in R. glutinosa. The constructed CRISPR/Cas9 system was mediated by Agrobacterium to genetically transform into R. glutinosa, and successfully regenerated fully albino and chimeric albino plants. The next-generation sequencing (NGS) confirmed that the albino phenotype was indeed caused by RgPDS gene target site editing, and it was found that base deletion was more common than insertion or replacement. Our results revealed that zCas9 has a high editing efficiency on the R. glutinosa genome. This research lays a foundation for further use of gene editing technology to study the molecular functions of genes, create excellent germplasm, accelerate domestication, and improve the yield and quality of R. glutinosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrong Li
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Xin Zuo
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Mingming Li
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Xu Yang
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Jingyu Zhi
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Hongzheng Sun
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Caixia Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Zhongyi Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Fengqing Wang
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
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21
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Gong C, Zhu H, Lu X, Yang D, Zhao S, Umer MJ, He N, Yuan P, Anees M, Diao W, Kaseb MO, Liu W. An integrated transcriptome and metabolome approach reveals the accumulation of taste-related metabolites and gene regulatory networks during watermelon fruit development. PLANTA 2021; 254:35. [PMID: 34292405 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-021-03680-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation patterns and gene regulatory networks of sugars and cucurbitacins and related primary and secondary metabolites during cultivated watermelon 'Cheng Lan' and wild watermelon 'PI 632,751' fruit development were identified. Metabolites are the end products of cellular regulatory processes and play important roles in fruit taste formation. However, comprehensive studies on the accumulation patterns of watermelon fruit metabolites and transcriptional regulatory networks are still scarce. In this study, 451 annotated metabolites were identified at four key fruit developmental stages in wild watermelon 'PI 632,751' and modern cultivated watermelon 'Cheng Lan'. Interestingly, 11 sugars and 25 major primary metabolites were mainly accumulated in 'Cheng Lan' during fruit development, which are considered to be the potential metabolites beneficial to the formation of watermelon taste. Cucurbitacins and the main flavonoids were mainly specifically accumulated in 'PI 632,751', not being considered to be responsible for the taste. Moreover, forty-seven genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, glycolysis, and TCA cycle were highly expressed in 'Cheng Lan', which was positively correlated with the accumulation of major primary metabolites. Alternatively, seven UDP-glycosyltransferase genes are closely related to the glycosylation of cucurbitacins through co-expression analysis. Our findings established a global map of metabolite accumulation and gene regulation during fruit development in wild and cultivated watermelons and provided valuable information on taste formation in watermelon fruit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengsheng Gong
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Hongju Zhu
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Xuqiang Lu
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Dongdong Yang
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Shengjie Zhao
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Muhammad Jawad Umer
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Nan He
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Pingli Yuan
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Muhammad Anees
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Weinan Diao
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - M O Kaseb
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Wenge Liu
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China.
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22
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O’Leary BM. Artificial sweetening: domestication of carbohydrate mobilization in watermelon. THE PLANT CELL 2021; 33:1405-1406. [PMID: 35234949 PMCID: PMC8254484 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koab053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Brendan M O’Leary
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, University of Western Australia
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23
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Ren Y, Li M, Guo S, Sun H, Zhao J, Zhang J, Liu G, He H, Tian S, Yu Y, Gong G, Zhang H, Zhang X, Alseekh S, Fernie AR, Scheller HV, Xu Y. Evolutionary gain of oligosaccharide hydrolysis and sugar transport enhanced carbohydrate partitioning in sweet watermelon fruits. THE PLANT CELL 2021; 33:1554-1573. [PMID: 33570606 PMCID: PMC8254481 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koab055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
How raffinose (Raf) family oligosaccharides, the major translocated sugars in the vascular bundle in cucurbits, are hydrolyzed and subsequently partitioned has not been fully elucidated. By performing reciprocal grafting of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) fruits to branch stems, we observed that Raf was hydrolyzed in the fruit of cultivar watermelons but was backlogged in the fruit of wild ancestor species. Through a genome-wide association study, the alkaline alpha-galactosidase ClAGA2 was identified as the key factor controlling stachyose and Raf hydrolysis, and it was determined to be specifically expressed in the vascular bundle. Analysis of transgenic plants confirmed that ClAGA2 controls fruit Raf hydrolysis and reduces sugar content in fruits. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the ClAGA2 promoter affect the recruitment of the transcription factor ClNF-YC2 (nuclear transcription factor Y subunit C) to regulate ClAGA2 expression. Moreover, this study demonstrates that C. lanatus Sugars Will Eventually Be Exported Transporter 3 (ClSWEET3) and Tonoplast Sugar Transporter (ClTST2) participate in plasma membrane sugar transport and sugar storage in fruit cell vacuoles, respectively. Knocking out ClAGA2, ClSWEET3, and ClTST2 affected fruit sugar accumulation. Genomic signatures indicate that the selection of ClAGA2, ClSWEET3, and ClTST2 for carbohydrate partitioning led to the derivation of modern sweet watermelon from non-sweet ancestors during domestication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ren
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing 100097, China
- Joint BioEnergy Institute and Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Maoying Li
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Shaogui Guo
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Honghe Sun
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Jianyu Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Guangmin Liu
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Hongju He
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Shouwei Tian
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Yongtao Yu
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Guoyi Gong
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Haiying Zhang
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Xiaolan Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Saleh Alseekh
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Center of Plant System Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Center of Plant System Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Henrik V Scheller
- Joint BioEnergy Institute and Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Yong Xu
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing 100097, China
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24
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Li Y, Liu H, Yao X, Wang J, Feng S, Sun L, Ma S, Xu K, Chen LQ, Sui X. Hexose transporter CsSWEET7a in cucumber mediates phloem unloading in companion cells for fruit development. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 186:640-654. [PMID: 33604597 PMCID: PMC8154047 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In the fleshy fruit of cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.), the phloem flow is unloaded via an apoplasmic pathway, which requires protein carriers to export sugars derived from stachyose and raffinose into the apoplasm. However, transporter(s) involved in this process remain unidentified. Here, we report that a hexose transporter, CsSWEET7a (Sugar Will Eventually be Exported Transporter 7a), was highly expressed in cucumber sink tissues and localized to the plasma membrane in companion cells of the phloem. Its expression level increased gradually during fruit development. Down-regulation of CsSWEET7a by RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in smaller fruit size along with reduced soluble sugar levels and reduced allocation of 14C-labelled carbon to sink tissues. CsSWEET7a overexpression lines showed an opposite phenotype. Interestingly, genes encoding alkaline α-galactosidase (AGA) and sucrose synthase (SUS) were also differentially regulated in CsSWEET7a transgenic lines. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that CsAGA2 co-localized with CsSWEET7a in companion cells, indicating cooperation between AGA and CsSWEET7a in fruit phloem unloading. Our findings indicated that CsSWEET7a is involved in sugar phloem unloading in cucumber fruit by removing hexoses from companion cells to the apoplasmic space to stimulate the raffinose family of oligosaccharides (RFOs) metabolism so that additional sugars can be unloaded to promote fruit growth. This study also provides a possible avenue towards improving fruit production in cucumber.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Department of Plant Biology, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Huan Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xuehui Yao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jiang Wang
- Department of Plant Biology, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Sheng Feng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lulu Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Si Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kang Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Li-Qing Chen
- Department of Plant Biology, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Xiaolei Sui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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25
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Chen J, Beauvoit B, Génard M, Colombié S, Moing A, Vercambre G, Gomès E, Gibon Y, Dai Z. Modelling predicts tomatoes can be bigger and sweeter if biophysical factors and transmembrane transports are fine-tuned during fruit development. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 230:1489-1502. [PMID: 33550584 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The trade-off between yield and quality, a major problem for the production of fleshy fruits, involves fruit expansive growth and sugar metabolism. Here we developed an integrative model by coupling a biophysical model of fleshy fruit growth processes, including water and carbon fluxes and organ expansion, with an enzyme-based kinetic model of sugar metabolism to better understand the interactions between these two processes. The integrative model was initially tested on tomato fruit, a model system for fleshy fruit. The integrative model closely simulated the biomass and major carbon metabolites of tomato fruit developing under optimal or stress conditions. The model also performed robustly when simulating the fruit size and sugar concentrations of different tomato genotypes including wild species. The validated model was used to explore ways of uncoupling the size-sweetness trade-off in fruit. Model-based virtual experiments suggested that larger sweeter tomatoes could be obtained by simultaneously manipulating certain biophysical factors and transmembrane transports. The integrative fleshy fruit model provides a promising tool to facilitate the targeted bioengineering and breeding of tomatoes and other fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinliang Chen
- INRAE, Bordeaux Science Agro, EGFV, UMR 1287, Univ. Bordeaux, Villenave d'Ornon, F-33140, France
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Grape Science and Enology and Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Bertrand Beauvoit
- INRAE, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, Univ. Bordeaux, Villenave d'Ornon, F-33140, France
| | - Michel Génard
- UR 1115 Plantes et Systèmes de Culture Horticoles, INRAE, Avignon Cedex 9, F-84914, France
| | - Sophie Colombié
- INRAE, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, Univ. Bordeaux, Villenave d'Ornon, F-33140, France
| | - Annick Moing
- INRAE, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, Univ. Bordeaux, Villenave d'Ornon, F-33140, France
| | - Gilles Vercambre
- UR 1115 Plantes et Systèmes de Culture Horticoles, INRAE, Avignon Cedex 9, F-84914, France
| | - Eric Gomès
- INRAE, Bordeaux Science Agro, EGFV, UMR 1287, Univ. Bordeaux, Villenave d'Ornon, F-33140, France
| | - Yves Gibon
- INRAE, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, Univ. Bordeaux, Villenave d'Ornon, F-33140, France
| | - Zhanwu Dai
- INRAE, Bordeaux Science Agro, EGFV, UMR 1287, Univ. Bordeaux, Villenave d'Ornon, F-33140, France
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Grape Science and Enology and Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
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26
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Bhatta BP, Malla S. Improving Horticultural Crops via CRISPR/Cas9: Current Successes and Prospects. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 9:E1360. [PMID: 33066510 PMCID: PMC7602190 DOI: 10.3390/plants9101360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Horticultural crops include a diverse array of crops comprising fruits, vegetables, nuts, flowers, aromatic and medicinal plants. They provide nutritional, medicinal, and aesthetic benefits to mankind. However, these crops undergo many biotic (e.g., diseases, pests) and abiotic stresses (e.g., drought, salinity). Conventional breeding strategies to improve traits in crops involve the use of a series of backcrossing and selection for introgression of a beneficial trait into elite germplasm, which is time and resource consuming. Recent new plant breeding tools such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) /CRISPR-associated protein-9 (Cas9) technique have the potential to be rapid, cost-effective, and precise tools for crop improvement. In this review article, we explore the CRISPR/Cas9 technology, its history, classification, general applications, specific uses in horticultural crops, challenges, existing resources, associated regulatory aspects, and the way forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bed Prakash Bhatta
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Uvalde, TX 78801, USA
| | - Subas Malla
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Uvalde, TX 78801, USA
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