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Fan N, Su L, Lv A, Wen W, Gao L, You X, Zhou P, An Y. PECTIN ACETYLESTERASE12 regulates shoot branching via acetic acid and auxin accumulation in alfalfa shoots. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 195:518-533. [PMID: 38365203 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Shoot branching is an important biological trait affecting alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) production, but its development is complicated and the mechanism is not fully clear. In the present study, pectin acetylesterase 12 (MsPAE12) and NAM/ATAF/CUC-domain transcription factor gene (MsNAC73) were isolated from alfalfa. MsPAE12 was highly expressed in shoot apexes, and MsNAC73 was found to be a key transcriptional repressor of MsPAE12 by directly binding to salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) elements in the MsPAE12 promoter. The biological functions of MsPAE12 and MsNAC73 were studied through overexpression (OE) and down-expression (RNAi) of the 2 genes in alfalfa. The numbers of shoot branches increased in MsPAE12-OE lines but decreased in MsPAE12-RNAi and MsNAC73-OE plants, which was negatively related to their indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) accumulation in shoot apexes. Furthermore, the contents of acetic acid (AA) in shoot apexes decreased in MsPAE12-OE plants but increased in MsPAE12-RNAi and MsNAC73-OE plants. The changes of AA contents were positively related to the expression of TRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASE 1 (MsTAA1), TRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASE-RELATED 2 (MsTAR2), and YUCCA flavin monooxygenase (MsYUCC4) and the contents of tryptophan (Trp), indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPA), and IAA in shoot apexes of MsPAE12-OE, MsPAE12-RNAi, and MsNAC73-OE plants. Exogenous application of AA to wild type (WT) and MsPAE12-OE plants increased Trp, IPA, and IAA contents and decreased branch number. Exogenous IAA suppressed shoot branching in MsPAE12-OE plants, but exogenous IAA inhibitors increased shoot branching in MsPAE12-RNAi plants. These results indicate that the MsNAC73-MsPAE12 module regulates auxin-modulated shoot branching via affecting AA accumulation in shoot apexes of alfalfa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Fan
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- College of Life Science, Yulin University, Yulin 719000, China
| | - Liantai Su
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Aimin Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Wuwu Wen
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Li Gao
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiangkai You
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yuan An
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201101, China
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2
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Shi K, Liu J, Liang H, Dong H, Zhang J, Wei Y, Zhou L, Wang S, Zhu J, Cao M, Jones CS, Ma D, Wang Z. An alfalfa MYB-like transcriptional factor MsMYBH positively regulates alfalfa seedling drought resistance and undergoes MsWAV3-mediated degradation. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 66:683-699. [PMID: 38358036 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Drought is a major threat to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) production. The discovery of important alfalfa genes regulating drought response will facilitate breeding for drought-resistant alfalfa cultivars. Here, we report a genome-wide association study of drought resistance in alfalfa. We identified and functionally characterized an MYB-like transcription factor gene (MsMYBH), which increases the drought resistance in alfalfa. Compared with the wild-types, the biomass and forage quality were enhanced in MsMYBH overexpressed plants. Combined RNA-seq, proteomics and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that MsMYBH can directly bind to the promoters of MsMCP1, MsMCP2, MsPRX1A and MsCARCAB to improve their expression. The outcomes of such interactions include better water balance, high photosynthetic efficiency and scavenge excess H2O2 in response to drought. Furthermore, an E3 ubiquitin ligase (MsWAV3) was found to induce MsMYBH degradation under long-term drought, via the 26S proteasome pathway. Furthermore, variable-number tandem repeats in MsMYBH promoter were characterized among a collection of germplasms, and the variation is associated with promoter activity. Collectively, our findings shed light on the functions of MsMYBH and provide a pivotal gene that could be leveraged for breeding drought-resistant alfalfa. This discovery also offers new insights into the mechanisms of drought resistance in alfalfa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Shi
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jia Liu
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Huan Liang
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hongbin Dong
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jinli Zhang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yuanhong Wei
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Le Zhou
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shaopeng Wang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jiahao Zhu
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Mingshu Cao
- AgResearch Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Chris S Jones
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Dongmei Ma
- School of Ecology and Environment, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Zan Wang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
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3
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Lin S, Yang J, Liu Y, Zhang W. MsSPL12 is a positive regulator in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) salt tolerance. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2024; 43:101. [PMID: 38498195 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-024-03175-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Over expression of MsSPL12 improved alfalfa salt tolerance by reducing Na+ accumulation and increasing antioxidant enzyme activity and regulating down-stream gene expression. Improvement of salt tolerance is one of the major goals in alfalfa breeding. Here, we demonstrated that MsSPL12, an alfalfa transcription factor gene highly expressed in the stem cells, plays a positive role in alfalfa salt tolerance. MsSPL12 is localized in the nucleus and shows transcriptional activity in the presence of its C-terminus. To investigate MsSPL12 function in plant response to salt stress, we generated transgenic plants overexpressing either MsSPL12 or a chimeric MsSPL12-SRDX gene that represses the function of MsSPL12 by using the Chimeric REpressor gene-Silencing Technology (CRES-T), and observed that overexpression of MsSPL12 increased the salt tolerance of alfalfa transgenic plants associated with an increase in K+/Na+ ratio and relative water content (RWC) under salt stress treatment, but a reduction in electrolyte leakage (EL), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and proline (Pro) compared to wild type (WT) plants. However, transgenic plants overexpressing MsSPL12-SRDX showed an inhibited plant growth and a reduced salt tolerance. RNA-sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR analyses revealed that MsSPL12 affected the expression of plant abiotic resistance-related genes in multiple physiological pathways. The potential MsSPL12-mediated regulatory pathways based on the differentially expressed genes between the MsSPL12 overexpression transgenics and WT controls were predicted. In summary, our study proves that MsSPL12 is a positive regulator in alfalfa salt tolerance and can be used as a new candidate for manipulation to develop forage crops with enhanced salt tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Lin
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jie Yang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yanrong Liu
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Wanjun Zhang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
- Key Lab of Grassland Science in Beijing, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Wolabu TW, Mahmood K, Chen F, Torres-Jerez I, Udvardi M, Tadege M, Cong L, Wang Z, Wen J. Mutating alfalfa COUMARATE 3-HYDROXYLASE using multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 leads to reduced lignin deposition and improved forage quality. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1363182. [PMID: 38504900 PMCID: PMC10948404 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1363182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) forage quality is adversely affected by lignin deposition in cell walls at advanced maturity stages. Reducing lignin content through RNA interference or antisense approaches has been shown to improve alfalfa forage quality and digestibility. We employed a multiplex CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene-editing system to reduce lignin content and alter lignin composition in alfalfa by targeting the COUMARATE 3-HYDROXYLASE (MsC3H) gene, which encodes a key enzyme in lignin biosynthesis. Four guide RNAs (gRNAs) targeting the first exon of MsC3H were designed and clustered into a tRNA-gRNA polycistronic system and introduced into tetraploid alfalfa via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Out of 130 transgenic lines, at least 73 lines were confirmed to contain gene-editing events in one or more alleles of MsC3H. Fifty-five lines were selected for lignin content/composition analysis. Amongst these lines, three independent tetra-allelic homozygous lines (Msc3h-013, Msc3h-121, and Msc3h-158) with different mutation events in MsC3H were characterized in detail. Homozygous mutation of MsC3H in these three lines significantly reduced the lignin content and altered lignin composition in stems. Moreover, these lines had significantly lower levels of acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber as well as higher levels of total digestible nutrients, relative feed values, and in vitro true dry matter digestibility. Taken together, these results showed that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of MsC3H successfully reduced shoot lignin content, improved digestibility, and nutritional values without sacrificing plant growth and biomass yield. These lines could be used in alfalfa breeding programs to generate elite transgene-free alfalfa cultivars with reduced lignin and improved forage quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tezera W. Wolabu
- Institute for Agricultural Bioscience, Oklahoma State University, Ardmore, OK, United States
| | - Kashif Mahmood
- Institute for Agricultural Bioscience, Oklahoma State University, Ardmore, OK, United States
| | - Fang Chen
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Ivone Torres-Jerez
- Institute for Agricultural Bioscience, Oklahoma State University, Ardmore, OK, United States
| | - Michael Udvardi
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Million Tadege
- Institute for Agricultural Bioscience, Oklahoma State University, Ardmore, OK, United States
| | - Lili Cong
- College of Grassland Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Zengyu Wang
- College of Grassland Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jiangqi Wen
- Institute for Agricultural Bioscience, Oklahoma State University, Ardmore, OK, United States
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Zhu J, Li Y, Zhang Y, Xia L, Hu W, Huang X, Li K, He X, Luo C. Overexpression of MiSPL3a and MiSPL3b confers early flowering and stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 262:129913. [PMID: 38336312 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129913] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like (SPL) family genes play an important role in regulating plant flowering and resistance to stress. However, understanding the function of the SPL family in mango is still limited. In a previous study, two MiSPL3 genes, MiSPL3a and MiSPL3b (MiSPL3a/b), were identified in 'SiJiMi' mango and exhibited the highest expression in flowers at the initial flowering stage [24]. Therefore, in this study, we further investigated the expression pattern and gene function of MiSPL3a/b. The results showed that the expression of MiSPL3a was greatest at the end of floral bud differentiation, and MiSPL3b was expressed mainly during the flowering induction and vegetative growth stages. Subcellular localization showed that MiSPL3a/b localized to the nucleus. In addition, ectopic expression of MiSPL3a/b promoted earlier flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana by 3 d-6 d than in wild-type (WT) plants, which increased the expression of SUPPRESSOR OF CONSTANS1 (AtSOC1), FRUITFULL (AtFUL), and APETALA1 (AtAP1). MiSPL3a/b transgenic lines exhibited increased tolerance to drought, GA3, and abscisic acid (ABA) treatments but were sensitive to Pro-Ca treatment. Furthermore, protein interaction analysis revealed that MiSPL3a/b could interact with several stress-related proteins, flowering-related proteins, and the bridge protein 14-3-3. Taken together, MiSPL3a and MiSPL3b acted as positive regulators of flowering time and stress tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Plant Science Education, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China; College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuze Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Plant Science Education, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Yili Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Plant Science Education, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - LiMing Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Plant Science Education, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Wanli Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Plant Science Education, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Xing Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Plant Science Education, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Kaijiang Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Plant Science Education, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Xinhua He
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Plant Science Education, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China.
| | - Cong Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Plant Science Education, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China.
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6
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Yin F, Li J, Wang Y, Yang Z. Biodegradable chelating agents for enhancing phytoremediation: Mechanisms, market feasibility, and future studies. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 272:116113. [PMID: 38364761 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Heavy metals in soil significantly threaten human health, and their remediation is essential. Among the various techniques used, phytoremediation is one of the safest, most innovative, and effective. In recent years, the use of biodegradable chelators to assist plants in improving their remediation efficiency has gained popularity. These biodegradable chelators aid in the transformation of metal ions or metalloids, thereby facilitating their mobilization and uptake by plants. Developed countries are increasingly adopting biodegradable chelators for phytoremediation, with a growing emphasis on green manufacturing and technological innovation in the chelating agent market. Therefore, it is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and market prospects of biodegradable chelators for phytoremediation. This review focuses on elucidating the uptake, translocation, and detoxification mechanisms of chelators in plants. In this study, we focused on the effects of biodegradable chelators on the growth and environmental development of plants treated with phytoremediation agents. Finally, the potential risks associated with biodegradable chelator-assisted phytoremediation are presented in terms of their availability and application prospects in the market. This study provides a valuable reference for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengwei Yin
- School of Life Sciences, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianbin Li
- Jiaojiang Branch of Taizhou Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau, Taizhou 318000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yilu Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongyi Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Wu JW, Zhao ZY, Hu RC, Huang YF. Genome-wide identification, stress- and hormone-responsive expression characteristics, and regulatory pattern analysis of Scutellaria baicalensis SbSPLs. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 114:20. [PMID: 38363403 PMCID: PMC10873456 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-023-01410-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKEs (SPLs) encode plant-specific transcription factors that regulate plant growth and development, stress response, and metabolite accumulation. However, there is limited information on Scutellaria baicalensis SPLs. In this study, 14 SbSPLs were identified and divided into 8 groups based on phylogenetic relationships. SbSPLs in the same group had similar structures. Abscisic acid-responsive (ABRE) and MYB binding site (MBS) cis-acting elements were found in the promoters of 8 and 6 SbSPLs. Segmental duplications and transposable duplications were the main causes of SbSPL expansion. Expression analysis based on transcriptional profiling showed that SbSPL1, SbSPL10, and SbSPL13 were highly expressed in roots, stems, and flowers, respectively. Expression analysis based on quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT‒qPCR) showed that most SbSPLs responded to low temperature, drought, abscisic acid (ABA) and salicylic acid (SA), among which the expression levels of SbSPL7/9/10/12 were significantly upregulated in response to abiotic stress. These results indicate that SbSPLs are involved in the growth, development and stress response of S. baicalensis. In addition, 8 Sba-miR156/157 s were identified, and SbSPL1-5 was a potential target of Sba-miR156/157 s. The results of target gene prediction and coexpression analysis together indicated that SbSPLs may be involved in the regulation of L-phenylalanine (L-Phe), lignin and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis. In summary, the identification and characterization of the SbSPL gene family lays the foundation for functional research and provides a reference for improved breeding of S. baicalensis stress resistance and quality traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wen Wu
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150000, China
| | - Zi-Yi Zhao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Quality Standards, Guangxi Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science, Nanning, 530022, China
| | - Ren-Chuan Hu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Quality Standards, Guangxi Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science, Nanning, 530022, China
| | - Yun-Feng Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Quality Standards, Guangxi Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science, Nanning, 530022, China.
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Zhao Y, He J, Liu M, Miao J, Ma C, Feng Y, Qian J, Li H, Bi H, Liu W. The SPL transcription factor TaSPL6 negatively regulates drought stress response in wheat. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 206:108264. [PMID: 38091935 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Environmental stresses, such as heat and drought, severely affect plant growth and development, and reduce wheat yield and quality globally. Squamosa promoter binding protein-like (SPL) proteins are plant-specific transcription factors that play a critical role in regulating plant responses to diverse stresses. In this study, we cloned and characterized TaSPL6, a wheat orthologous gene of rice OsSPL6. Three TaSPL6 homoeologs are located on the long arms of chromosomes 4A, 5B, and 5D, respectively, and share more than 98% sequence identity with each other. The TaSPL6 genes were preferentially expressed in roots, and their expression levels were downregulated in wheat seedlings subjected to heat, dehydration, and abscisic acid treatments. Subcellular localization experiments showed that TaSPL6 was localized in the nucleus. Overexpression of TaSPL6-A in wheat resulted in enhanced sensitivity to drought stress. The transgenic lines exhibited higher leaf water loss, malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, and lower antioxidant enzyme activities after drought treatment than wild-type plants. Gene silencing of TaSPL6 enhanced the drought tolerance of wheat, as reflected by better growth status. Additionally, RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that TaSPL6-A functions by decreasing the expression of a number of genes involved in stress responses. These findings suggest that TaSPL6 acts as a negative regulator of drought stress responses in plants, which may have major implications for understanding and enhancing crop tolerance to environmental stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Jinqiu He
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Mengmeng Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Jingnan Miao
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Chao Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Yajun Feng
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Jiajun Qian
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Huanhuan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Huihui Bi
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
| | - Wenxuan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
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9
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An Y, Wang Z, Liu B, Cao Y, Chen L. Translational Landscape of Medicago truncatula Seedlings under Salt Stress. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:16657-16668. [PMID: 37880959 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c03922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The expression of plant genes under salt stress at the transcriptional level has been extensively studied. However, less attention has been paid to gene translation regulation under salt stress. In this study, Ribo-seq and RNA-seq analyses were conducted in Medicago truncatula seedlings grown under normal and salt stress conditions. The results showed that salt stress significantly altered the gene expression at the transcriptional and translational levels, with 2755 genes showing significant changes only at the translational level. Salt stress significantly inhibited the gene translation efficiency. Small ORFs (including uORFs in the 5'UTR, dORFs in 3'UTRs, and sORFs in lncRNAs) were identified throughout the genome of M. truncatula. The efficiency of gene translation was simultaneously regulated by the uORFs, dORFs, and miRNAs. In summary, our results provide valuable information about translatomic resources and new insights into plant responses to salt stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin An
- School of Grassland Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- School of Grassland Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Baijian Liu
- School of Grassland Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuwei Cao
- School of Grassland Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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10
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Yuan J, Wang X, Qu S, Shen T, Li M, Zhu L. The roles of miR156 in abiotic and biotic stresses in plants. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 204:108150. [PMID: 37922645 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), known as a kind of non-coding RNA, can negatively regulate its target genes. To date, the roles of various miRNAs in plant development and resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses have been widely explored. The present review summarized and discussed the functions of miR156 or miR156-SPL module in abiotic and biotic stresses, such as drought, salt, heat, cold stress, UV-B radiation, heavy mental hazards, nutritional starvation, as well as plant viruses, plant diseases, etc. Based on this, the regulation of miR156-involved stress tolerance was better understood, thus, it would be much easier for plant biologists to carry out suitable strategies to help plants suffer from unfavorable living environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Shengtao Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Tian Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Mingjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Lingcheng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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11
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Zhou L, Yarra R. Genome-Wide Analysis of SPL/miR156 Module and Its Expression Analysis in Vegetative and Reproductive Organs of Oil Palm ( Elaeis guineensis). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13658. [PMID: 37686464 PMCID: PMC10488160 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The SPL (SQUAMOSA-promoter binding protein-like) gene family is one of the largest plant transcription factors and is known to be involved in the regulation of plant growth, development, and stress responses. The genome-wide analysis of SPL gene members in a diverse range of crops has been elucidated. However, none of the genome-wide studies on the SPL gene family have been carried out for oil palm, an important oil-yielding plant. In this research, a total of 24 EgSPL genes were identified via a genome-wide approach. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most of the EgSPLs are closely related to the Arabidopsis and rice SPL gene members. EgSPL genes were mapped onto the only nine chromosomes of the oil palm genome. Motif analysis revealed conservation of the SBP domain and the occurrence of 1-10 motifs in EgSPL gene members. Gene duplication analysis demonstrated the tandem duplication of SPL members in the oil palm genome. Heatmap analysis indicated the significant expression of SPL genes in shoot and flower organs of oil palm plants. Among the identified EgSPL genes, a total 14 EgSPLs were shown to be targets of miR156. Real-time PCR analysis of 14 SPL genes showed that most of the EgSPL genes were more highly expressed in female and male inflorescences of oil palm plants than in vegetative tissues. Altogether, the present study revealed the significant role of EgSPL genes in inflorescence development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Zhou
- Coconut Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang 571339, China
| | - Rajesh Yarra
- Department of Plant and Agroecosytem Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
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12
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Chattopadhyay A, Jailani AAK, Mandal B. Exigency of Plant-Based Vaccine against COVID-19 Emergence as Pandemic Preparedness. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1347. [PMID: 37631915 PMCID: PMC10458178 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
After two years since the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than six million deaths have occurred due to SARS-CoV-2, leading to an unprecedented disruption of the global economy. Fortunately, within a year, a wide range of vaccines, including pathogen-based inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines, replicating and non-replicating vector-based vaccines, nucleic acid (DNA and mRNA)-based vaccines, and protein-based subunit and virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccines, have been developed to mitigate the severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These vaccines have proven highly effective in reducing the severity of illness and preventing deaths. However, the availability and supply of COVID-19 vaccines have become an issue due to the prioritization of vaccine distribution in most countries. Additionally, as the virus continues to mutate and spread, questions have arisen regarding the effectiveness of vaccines against new strains of SARS-CoV-2 that can evade host immunity. The urgent need for booster doses to enhance immunity has been recognized. The scarcity of "safe and effective" vaccines has exacerbated global inequalities in terms of vaccine coverage. The development of COVID-19 vaccines has fallen short of the expectations set forth in 2020 and 2021. Furthermore, the equitable distribution of vaccines at the global and national levels remains a challenge, particularly in developing countries. In such circumstances, the exigency of plant virus-based vaccines has become apparent as a means to overcome supply shortages through fast manufacturing processes and to enable quick and convenient distribution to millions of people without the reliance on a cold chain system. Moreover, plant virus-based vaccines have demonstrated both safety and efficacy in eliciting robust cellular immunogenicity against COVID-19 pathogens. This review aims to shed light on the advantages and disadvantages of different types of vaccines developed against SARS-CoV-2 and provide an update on the current status of plant-based vaccines in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirudha Chattopadhyay
- Pulses Research Station, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar 385506, India;
| | - A. Abdul Kader Jailani
- Department of Plant Pathology, North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Quincy, FL 32351, USA
| | - Bikash Mandal
- Advanced Centre for Plant Virology, Division of Plant Pathology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India
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13
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Yu J, Yuan Y, Dong L, Cui G. Genome-wide investigation of NLP gene family members in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.): evolution and expression profiles during development and stress. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:320. [PMID: 37312045 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09418-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NIN-like protein (NLP) transcription factors (TFs) compose a plant-specific gene family whose members play vital roles in plant physiological processes, especially in the regulation of plant growth and the response to nitrate-nitrogen. However, no systematic identification or analysis of the NLP gene family has been reported in alfalfa. The recently completed whole-genome sequence of alfalfa has allowed us to investigate genome-wide characteristics and expression profiles. RESULTS 53 MsNLP genes were identified from alfalfa and renamed according to their respective chromosome distributions. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that these MsNLPs can be classified into three groups on the basis of their conserved domains. Gene structure and protein motif analyses showed that closely clustered MsNLP genes were relatively conserved within each subgroup. Synteny analysis revealed four fragment duplication events of MsNLPs in alfalfa. The ratios of nonsynonymous (Ka) and synonymous (Ks) substitution rates of gene pairs indicated that the MsNLP genes underwent purifying selection during evolution. Examination of the expression patterns of different tissues revealed specific expression patterns of the MsNLP genes in the leaves, indicating that these genes are involved in plant functional development. Prediction of cis-acting regulatory elements and expression profiles further demonstrated that the MsNLP genes might play important roles in the response to abiotic stress and in phytohormone signal transduction processes. CONCLUSION This study represents the first genome-wide characterization of MsNLP in alfalfa. Most MsNLPs are expressed mainly in leaves and respond positively to abiotic stresses and hormonal treatments. These results provide a valuable resource for an improved understanding of the characteristics and biological roles of the MsNLP genes in alfalfa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinqiu Yu
- Department of Grassland Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Yuying Yuan
- Department of Grassland Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Linling Dong
- Department of Grassland Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Guowen Cui
- Department of Grassland Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
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14
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Lei L, Pan H, Hu HY, Fan XW, Wu ZB, Li YZ. Characterization of ZmPMP3g function in drought tolerance of maize. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7375. [PMID: 37147346 PMCID: PMC10163268 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32989-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The genes enconding proteins containing plasma membrane proteolipid 3 (PMP3) domain are responsive to abiotic stresses, but their functions in maize drought tolerance remain largely unknown. In this study, the transgenic maize lines overexpressing maize ZmPMP3g gene were featured by enhanced drought tolerance; increases in total root length, activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, and leaf water content; and decreases in leaf water potential, levels of O2-·and H2O2, and malondialdehyde content under drought. Under treatments with foliar spraying with abscisic acid (ABA), drought tolerance of both transgenic line Y7-1 overexpressing ZmPMP3g and wild type Ye478 was enhanced, of which Y7-1 showed an increased endogenous ABA and decreased endogenous gibberellin (GA) 1 (significantly) and GA3 (very slightly but not significantly) and Ye478 had a relatively lower ABA and no changes in GA1 and GA3. ZmPMP3g overexpression in Y7-1 affected the expression of multiple key transcription factor genes in ABA-dependent and -independent drought signaling pathways. These results indicate that ZmPMP3g overexpression plays a role in maize drought tolerance by harmonizing ABA-GA1-GA3 homeostasis/balance, improving root growth, enhancing antioxidant capacity, maintaining membrane lipid integrity, and regulating intracellular osmotic pressure. A working model on ABA-GA-ZmPMP3g was proposed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Lei
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources/College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Hong Pan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources/College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Hai-Yang Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources/College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Xian-Wei Fan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources/College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources/College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - You-Zhi Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources/College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China.
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15
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Ivanov S, Daniels DA, Harrison MJ. A Medicago truncatula Cell Biology Resource: Transgenic Lines Expressing Fluorescent Protein-Based Markers of Membranes, Organelles, and Subcellular Compartments. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2023; 36:256-259. [PMID: 36401845 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-01-22-0023-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Ivanov
- Boyce Thompson Institute, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, U.S.A
| | | | - Maria J Harrison
- Boyce Thompson Institute, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, U.S.A
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16
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Li Y, Han S, Sun X, Khan NU, Zhong Q, Zhang Z, Zhang H, Ming F, Li Z, Li J. Variations in OsSPL10 confer drought tolerance by directly regulating OsNAC2 expression and ROS production in rice. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 65:918-933. [PMID: 36401566 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Drought is a major factor restricting the production of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The identification of natural variants for drought stress-related genes is an important step toward developing genetically improved rice varieties. Here, we characterized a member of the SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) family, OsSPL10, as a transcription factor involved in the regulation of drought tolerance in rice. OsSPL10 appears to play a vital role in drought tolerance by controlling reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and stomatal movements. Haplotype and allele frequency analyses of OsSPL10 indicated that most upland rice and improved lowland rice varieties harbor the OsSPL10Hap1 allele, whereas the OsSPL10Hap2 allele was mainly present in lowland and landrace rice varieties. Importantly, we demonstrated that the varieties with the OsSPL10Hap1 allele showed low expression levels of OsSPL10 and its downstream gene, OsNAC2, which decreases the expression of OsAP37 and increases the expression of OsCOX11, thus preventing ROS accumulation and programmed cell death (PCD). Furthermore, the knockdown or knockout of OsSPL10 induced fast stomatal closure and prevented water loss, thereby improving drought tolerance in rice. Based on these observations, we propose that OsSPL10 confers drought tolerance by regulating OsNAC2 expression and that OsSPL10Hap1 could be a valuable haplotype for the genetic improvement of drought tolerance in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shichen Han
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xingming Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Najeeb Ullah Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qun Zhong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, China
| | - Zhanying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hongliang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Feng Ming
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, China
| | - Zichao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Jinjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
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17
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Guo JF, Zhao W, Andersson B, Mao JF, Wang XR. Genomic clines across the species boundary between a hybrid pine and its progenitor in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2023:100574. [PMID: 36906801 PMCID: PMC10363505 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2023.100574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Most species have clearly defined distribution ranges and ecological niches. The genetic and ecological causes of species differentiation and the mechanisms that maintain species boundaries between newly evolved taxa and their progenitors are, however, less clearly defined. This study investigated the genetic structure and clines in Pinus densata, a pine of hybrid origin on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, to gain an understanding of the contemporary dynamics of species barriers. We analyzed genetic diversity in a range-wide collection of P. densata and representative populations of its progenitors, Pinus tabuliformis and Pinus yunnanensis, using exome capture sequencing. We detected four distinct genetic groups within P. densata that reflect its migration history and major gene-flow barriers across the landscape. The demographies of these genetic groups in the Pleistocene were associated with regional glaciation histories. Interestingly, population sizes rebounded rapidly during interglacial periods, suggesting persistence and resilience of the species during the Quaternary ice age. In the contact zone between P. densata and P. yunnanensis, 3.36% of the analyzed loci (57 849) showed exceptional patterns of introgression, suggesting their potential roles in either adaptive introgression or reproductive isolation. These outliers showed strong clines along critical climate gradients and enrichment in a number of biological processes relevant to high-altitude adaptation. This indicates that ecological selection played an important role in generating genomic heterogeneity and a genetic barrier across a zone of species transition. Our study highlights the forces that operate to maintain species boundaries and promote speciation in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and other mountain systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Fang Guo
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding; Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education; College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå Plant Science Centre, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bea Andersson
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå Plant Science Centre, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jian-Feng Mao
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration; State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding; Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education; College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Wang
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå Plant Science Centre, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden.
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18
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Gao S, Wang Y, Zeng Z, Zhang M, Yi N, Liu B, Wang R, Long S, Gong J, Liu T, Xu Y. Integrated bioinformatic and physiological analyses reveal the pivotal role of hydrogen sulfide in enhancing low-temperature tolerance in alfalfa. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2023; 175:e13885. [PMID: 36852715 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) is an important gaseous signal molecule that regulates plant growth and stress resistance. However, research on the H2 S synthase (HSase) genes is still limited in the model legume plant Medicago truncatula Gaertn. In the present study, a total of 40 HSase family members were first identified and analyzed in the M. truncatula genome, and these genes distributed across eight chromosomes and were clustered into five groups (I-V) based on their conserved gene structures and protein motifs. Expression analysis revealed that the MtHSase genes were expressed in all the tested abiotic stresses, albeit with expression level differences. This study also showed that H2 S improves low temperature tolerance of alfalfa seedlings by regulating the antioxidant defense system and enhancing photosynthetic capacity. Thus, the study provides new insights into how the H2 S signal regulates tolerance to low-temperature stress and provides the basis for further gene function and detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanghong Gao
- College of Grassland Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifan Wang
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Zeng
- College of Grassland Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, People's Republic of China
| | - Menglei Zhang
- College of Grassland Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Yi
- College of Grassland Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, People's Republic of China
| | - Bowen Liu
- College of Grassland Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruijia Wang
- College of Grassland Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, People's Republic of China
| | - Si Long
- College of Grassland Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiongjiong Gong
- College of Grassland Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, People's Republic of China
| | - Tieyuan Liu
- College of Grassland Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuefei Xu
- College of Grassland Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, People's Republic of China
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19
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Yang H, Zhai X, Zhao Z, Fan G. Comprehensive analyses of the SPL transcription factor family in Paulownia fortunei and their responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 226:1261-1272. [PMID: 36442550 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.11.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To study the molecular characteristics, phylogenetic evolution, and gene functions of the SQUAMOSA-PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) genes in Paulownia fortunei, a whole genome sequence analysis was carried out, and a total of 23 PfSPL genes were identified. Tandem duplication and fragment replication were the main patterns of gene expansion in the PfSPL family. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the 23 identified PfSPLs formed seven subgroups, and the structures of the proteins in the same subgroup were similar. Functional analysis indicated that PfSPL11 may regulate flowering, PfSPL5 was involved in gibberellin signaling, PfSPL1/4/23 regulated branching, and PfSPL9/16/18 were related to pathogen resistance. Yeast one hybrid technology confirmed that PfSPL4 and PfSP23 can bind to the promoter of PfTCPa. The transcriptome analysis indicated that PfSPL10 was sensitive to both drought and salt stress. Ten PfSPLs that responded to phytoplasma infection were identified. Molecular docking showed that PfSPL10 and PfSPL 4/5/9/10/11/13 formed active pockets in the conserved SBP domain that could bind methyl methane sulfonate (MMS) and rifampicin (Rif) through stable hydrogen bonds, respectively. This study provides a basis for further studies on the functions of the PfSPL transcription factor family, and for genetic improvement and breeding of trees resistant to PaWB disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Yang
- Institute of Paulownia, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, PR China; College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, PR China
| | - Xiaoqiao Zhai
- Henan Province Academy of forestry, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Zhenli Zhao
- Institute of Paulownia, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, PR China; College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, PR China
| | - Guoqiang Fan
- Institute of Paulownia, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, PR China; College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, PR China.
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20
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Nasrollahi V, Yuan ZC, Kohalmi SE, Hannoufa A. SPL12 Regulates AGL6 and AGL21 to Modulate Nodulation and Root Regeneration under Osmotic Stress and Nitrate Sufficiency Conditions in Medicago sativa. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11223071. [PMID: 36432802 PMCID: PMC9697194 DOI: 10.3390/plants11223071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The highly conserved plant microRNA, miR156, affects root architecture, nodulation, symbiotic nitrogen fixation, and stress response. In Medicago sativa, transcripts of eleven SQUAMOSA-PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE, SPLs, including SPL12, are targeted for cleavage by miR156. Our previous research revealed the role of SPL12 and its target gene, AGL6, in nodulation in alfalfa. Here, we investigated the involvement of SPL12, AGL6 and AGL21 in nodulation under osmotic stress and different nitrate availability conditions. Characterization of phenotypic and molecular parameters revealed that the SPL12/AGL6 module plays a negative role in maintaining nodulation under osmotic stress. While there was a decrease in the nodule numbers in WT plants under osmotic stress, the SPL12-RNAi and AGL6-RNAi genotypes maintained nodulation under osmotic stress. Moreover, the results showed that SPL12 regulates nodulation under a high concentration of nitrate by silencing AGL21. AGL21 transcript levels were increased under nitrate treatment in WT plants, but SPL12 was not affected throughout the treatment period. Given that AGL21 was significantly upregulated in SPL12-RNAi plants, we conclude that SPL12 may be involved in regulating nitrate inhibition of nodulation in alfalfa by targeting AGL21. Taken together, our results suggest that SPL12, AGL6, and AGL21 form a genetic module that regulates nodulation in alfalfa under osmotic stress and in response to nitrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vida Nasrollahi
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 1391 Sandford Street, London, ON N5V 4T3, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Ze-Chun Yuan
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 1391 Sandford Street, London, ON N5V 4T3, Canada
| | - Susanne E. Kohalmi
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Abdelali Hannoufa
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 1391 Sandford Street, London, ON N5V 4T3, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
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21
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Zhang X, Sun Y, Qiu X, Lu H, Hwang I, Wang T. Tolerant mechanism of model legume plant Medicago truncatula to drought, salt, and cold stresses. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:847166. [PMID: 36160994 PMCID: PMC9490062 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.847166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Legume plants produce one-third of the total yield of primary crops and are important food sources for both humans and animals worldwide. Frequent exposure to abiotic stresses, such as drought, salt, and cold, greatly limits the production of legume crops. Several morphological, physiological, and molecular studies have been conducted to characterize the response and adaptation mechanism to abiotic stresses. The tolerant mechanisms of the model legume plant Medicago truncatula to abiotic stresses have been extensively studied. Although many potential genes and integrated networks underlying the M. truncatula in responding to abiotic stresses have been identified and described, a comprehensive summary of the tolerant mechanism is lacking. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the adaptive mechanism by which M. truncatula responds to drought, salt, and cold stress. We also discuss future research that need to be explored to improve the abiotic tolerance of legume plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Zhang
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciencess, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Mollisols Agroecology, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciencess, Changchun, China
| | - Xiao Qiu
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot, China
| | - Hai Lu
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Inhwan Hwang
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea
| | - Tianzuo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciencess, Beijing, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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22
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Zhao H, Cao H, Zhang M, Deng S, Li T, Xing S. Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of SPL Family Genes in Chenopodium quinoa. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081455. [PMID: 36011366 PMCID: PMC9408038 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) genes encode a large family of plant-specific transcription factors that play important roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, there is little information available on SPL genes in Chenopodiaceae. Here, 23 SPL genes were identified and characterized in the highly nutritious crop Chenopodium quinoa. Chromosome localization analysis indicated that the 23 CqSPL genes were unevenly distributed on 12 of 18 chromosomes. Two zinc finger-like structures and a nuclear location signal were present in the SBP domains of all CqSPLs, with the exception of CqSPL21/22. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these genes were classified into eight groups (group I–VIII). The exon–intron structure and motif composition of the genes in each group were similar. Of the 23 CqSPLs, 13 were potential targets of miR156/7. In addition, 5 putative miR156-encoding loci and 13 putative miR157-encoding loci were predicted in the quinoa genome, and they were unevenly distributed on chromosome 1–4. The expression of several Cqu-MIR156/7 loci was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in seedlings. Many putative cis-elements associated with light, stress, and phytohormone responses were identified in the promoter regions of CqSPLs, suggesting that CqSPL genes are likely involved in the regulation of key developmental processes and stress responses. Expression analysis revealed highly diverse expression patterns of CqSPLs among tissues. Many CqSPLs were highly expressed in leaves, flowers, and seeds, and their expression levels were low in the roots, suggesting that CqSPLs play distinct roles in the development and growth of quinoa. The expression of 13 of 23 CqSPL genes responded to salt treatment (11 up-regulated and 2 down-regulated). A total of 22 of 23 CqSPL genes responded to drought stress (21 up-regulated and 1 down-regulated). Moreover, the expression of 14 CqSPL genes was significantly altered following cadmium treatment (3 up-regulated and 11 down-regulated). CqSPL genes are thus involved in quinoa responses to salt/drought and cadmium stresses. These findings provide new insights that will aid future studies of the biological functions of CqSPLs in C. quinoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Zhao
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Jinzhong University, Jinzhong 030600, Shanxi, China
| | - Huaqi Cao
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Mian Zhang
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Sufang Deng
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Jinzhong University, Jinzhong 030600, Shanxi, China
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Tingting Li
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Shuping Xing
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-186-0346-2517
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23
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Du L, Adkins S, Xu M. Leaf Development in Medicago truncatula. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071203. [PMID: 35885986 PMCID: PMC9321518 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Forage yield is largely dependent on leaf development, during which the number of leaves, leaflets, leaf size, and shape are determined. In this mini-review, we briefly summarize recent studies of leaf development in Medicago truncatula, a model plant for legumes, with a focus on factors that could affect biomass of leaves. These include: floral development and related genes, lateral organ boundary genes, auxin biosynthesis, transportation and signaling genes, and WOX related genes.
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24
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He F, Long R, Wei C, Zhang Y, Li M, Kang J, Yang Q, Wang Z, Chen L. Genome-wide identification, phylogeny and expression analysis of the SPL gene family and its important role in salt stress in Medicago sativa L. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:295. [PMID: 35705909 PMCID: PMC9199161 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-022-03678-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like (SPL) transcription factors are widely present in plants and are involved in signal transduction, the stress response and development. The SPL gene family has been characterized in several model species, such as A. thaliana and G. max. However, there is no in-depth analysis of the SPL gene family in forage, especially alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), one of the most important forage crops worldwide. RESULT In total, 76 putative MsSPL genes were identified in the alfalfa genome with an uneven distribution. Based on their identity and gene structure, these MsSPLs were divided into eight phylogenetic groups. Seventy-three MsSPL gene pairs arose from segmental duplication events, and the MsSPLs on the four subgenomes of individual chromosomes displayed high collinearity with the corresponding M. truncatula genome. The prediction of the cis-elements in the promoter regions of the MsSPLs detected two copies of ABA (abscisic acid)-responsive elements (ABREs) on average, implying their potential involvement in alfalfa adaptation to adverse environments. The transcriptome sequencing of MsSPLs in roots and leaves revealed that 54 MsSPLs were expressed in both tissues. Upon salt treatment, three MsSPLs (MsSPL17, MsSPL23 and MsSPL36) were significantly regulated, and the transcription level of MsSPL36 in leaves was repressed to 46.6% of the control level. CONCLUSION In this study, based on sequence homology, we identified 76 SPL genes in the alfalfa. The SPLs with high identity shared similar gene structures and motifs. In total, 71.1% (54 of 76) of the MsSPLs were expressed in both roots and leaves, and the majority (74.1%) preferred underground tissues to aerial tissues. MsSPL36 in leaves was significantly repressed under salt stress. These findings provide comprehensive information regarding the SPB-box gene family for improve alfalfa tolerance to high salinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei He
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ruicai Long
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Chunxue Wei
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yunxiu Zhang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Mingna Li
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Junmei Kang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qingchuan Yang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Lin Chen
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
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25
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Shi H, Sun G, Gou L, Guo Z. Rhizobia–Legume Symbiosis Increases Aluminum Resistance in Alfalfa. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11101275. [PMID: 35631700 PMCID: PMC9145821 DOI: 10.3390/plants11101275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Alfalfa is the most important forage legume with symbiotic nitrogen-fixing nodule in roots, but it is sensitive to aluminum (Al), which limits its plantation in acidic soils. One rhizobia clone of Sinorhizobium meliloti with Al tolerance (AT1) was isolated from the nodule in AlCl3-treated alfalfa roots. AT1 showed a higher growth rate than the standard rhizobia strain Sm1021 under Al-stressed conditions. Alfalfa growth was improved by inoculation with AT1 under Al-stressed conditions, with increased length and fresh weight in shoots and roots. High nitrogenase activity and pink effective nodules were obtained in AT1-inoculated plant roots under Al stress, with increased total nitrogen compared with the non-inoculated control. The application of exogenous NH4+-nitrogen increased the Al resistance in alfalfa. It is suggested that rhizobia’s increase of the Al resistance in alfalfa is associated with its improved nitrogen status. Inoculation with Al-tolerant rhizobia is worth testing in an acidic field for improved alfalfa productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifan Shi
- College of Grassland Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (H.S.); (G.S.); (L.G.)
| | - Guoli Sun
- College of Grassland Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (H.S.); (G.S.); (L.G.)
- Jiangsu Coastal Area Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Yancheng 224002, China
| | - Lanming Gou
- College of Grassland Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (H.S.); (G.S.); (L.G.)
| | - Zhenfei Guo
- College of Grassland Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (H.S.); (G.S.); (L.G.)
- Correspondence:
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26
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Chen L, Beiyuan J, Hu W, Zhang Z, Duan C, Cui Q, Zhu X, He H, Huang X, Fang L. Phytoremediation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) contaminated soils using alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.): A comprehensive review. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 293:133577. [PMID: 35016965 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soil contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is an increasing environmental problem, posing serious threats to the living organisms. Phytoremediation is a sustainable and highly accepted technology for remediation of PTE-contaminated soils. Alfalfa has been widely adopted for the phytoremediation of PTE-contaminated soils due to its large biomass productivity, high PTE tolerance, and strong capacity to take up PTEs. However, there are still no literature reviews systematically summarized the potential of alfalfa in the phytoremediation. Therefore, we review the available literatures that present its PTE uptake, phytotoxicity, tolerance mechanisms, and aided techniques improving the phytoremediation efficiency. In this review, alfalfa shows high amounts of PTEs accumulation, especially in their root tissue. Meanwhile, the inner mechanisms of PTE tolerance and accumulation in alfalfa are discussed including: (i) the activation of antioxidant enzyme system, (ii) subcellular localization, (iii) production of glutathione, phytochelatins, and proline, and (iv) regulation of gene expression. Indeed, excessive PTE can overcome the defense system, which causes oxidative damage in alfalfa plants, thereby inhibiting growth and physiological processes and weakening the ability of PTE uptake. Till now, several approaches have been developed to improve the tolerance and/or accumulation of PTE in alfalfa plants as follows: (i) selection of PTE tolerant cultivars, (ii) applying plant growth regulators, (iii) addition of chelating agents, fertilizer, and biochar materials, and (iv) inoculation of soil microbes. Finally, we indicate that the selection of PTE-tolerant cultivars along with inoculation of soil microbes may be an efficient and eco-friendly strategy of the soil PTE phytoremediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environment, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou, 363000, China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China; State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Jingzi Beiyuan
- School of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Weifang Hu
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Zhiqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Chenjiao Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Qingliang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xiaozhen Zhu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Haoran He
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xuguang Huang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environment, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou, 363000, China
| | - Linchuan Fang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environment, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou, 363000, China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China; State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling, 712100, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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27
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Ma L, Zhang Y, Wen H, Liu W, Zhou Y, Wang X. Silencing of MsD14 Resulted in Enhanced Forage Biomass through Increasing Shoot Branching in Alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:939. [PMID: 35406919 PMCID: PMC9003486 DOI: 10.3390/plants11070939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Branching is one of the key determinants of plant architecture that dramatically affects crop yield. As alfalfa is the most important forage crop, understanding the genetic basis of branching in this plant can facilitate breeding for a high biomass yield. In this study, we characterized the strigolactone receptor gene MsD14 in alfalfa and demonstrated that MsD14 was predominantly expressed in flowers, roots, and seedpods. Furthermore, we found that MsD14 expression could significantly respond to strigolactone in alfalfa seedlings, and its protein was located in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cytomembrane. Most importantly, transformation assays demonstrated that silencing of MsD14 in alfalfa resulted in increased shoot branching and forage biomass. Significantly, MsD14 could physically interact with AtMAX2 and MsMAX2 in the presence of strigolactone, suggesting a similarity between MsD14 and AtD14. Together, our results revealed the conserved D14-MAX2 module in alfalfa branching regulation and provided candidate genes for alfalfa high-yield molecular breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ma
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (L.M.); (H.W.)
| | - Yongchao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Superior Forage Germplasm in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (Y.Z.); (W.L.)
| | - Hongyu Wen
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (L.M.); (H.W.)
| | - Wenhui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Superior Forage Germplasm in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (Y.Z.); (W.L.)
| | - Yu Zhou
- Institute of Characteristic Crops Research, Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China;
| | - Xuemin Wang
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (L.M.); (H.W.)
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28
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Arshad M, Hannoufa AA. Alfalfa transcriptome profiling provides insight into miR156-mediated molecular mechanisms of heat stress tolerance. Genome 2022; 65:315-330. [PMID: 35298891 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2021-0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Heat is one of the major environmental stressors that negatively affects alfalfa production. Previously, we reported the role of microRNA156 (miR156) in heat tolerance, however, mechanisms and downstream genes involved in this process were not fully studied. To provide further insight, we compared an empty vector control and miR156 overexpressing alfalfa plants (miR156+) after exposing them to heat stress (40 °C) for 24h. We collected leaf samples for transcriptome analysis to illustrate the miR156-regualted molecular mechanisms underlying the heat stress response. A total of 3579 differentially expressed genes (DEG) were detected exclusively in miR156+ plants under heat stress using the Medicago sativa genome as reference. GO and KEGG analysis indicated that these DEGs were mainly involved in "polysaccharide metabolism", "response to chemical", "secondary metabolism", "carbon metabolism" and "cell cycle". Transcription factors predicted in miR156+ plants belonged to TCP family, MYB, ABA response element-binding factor, WRKY and heat shock transcription factor. We also identified two new SPL family gene member (SPL8a and SPL12a), putatively regulated by miR156. The present study provides comprehensive transcriptome profile of alfalfa, identifies a number of genes and pathways, and reveals a miR156-regulated network of mechanisms at the gene expression level to modulate heat responses in alfalfa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Arshad
- London Research and Development Centre, 98671, London, Ontario, Canada.,New York University - Abu Dhabi Campus, 167632, Centre for Genomics and Systems Biology , Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates;
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29
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Singer SD, Burton Hughes K, Subedi U, Dhariwal GK, Kader K, Acharya S, Chen G, Hannoufa A. The CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Modulation of SQUAMOSA PROMOTER-BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE 8 in Alfalfa Leads to Distinct Phenotypic Outcomes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 12:774146. [PMID: 35095953 PMCID: PMC8793889 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.774146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most widely grown perennial leguminous forage and is an essential component of the livestock industry. Previously, the RNAi-mediated down-regulation of alfalfa SQUAMOSA PROMOTER-BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE 8 (MsSPL8) was found to lead to increased branching, regrowth and biomass, as well as enhanced drought tolerance. In this study, we aimed to further characterize the function of MsSPL8 in alfalfa using CRISPR/Cas9-induced mutations in this gene. We successfully generated alfalfa genotypes with small insertions/deletions (indels) at the target site in up to three of four MsSPL8 alleles in the first generation. The efficiency of editing appeared to be tightly linked to the particular gRNA used. The resulting genotypes displayed consistent morphological alterations, even with the presence of up to two wild-type MsSPL8 alleles, including reduced leaf size and early flowering. Other phenotypic effects appeared to be dependent upon mutational dosage, with those plants with the highest number of mutated MsSPL8 alleles also exhibiting significant decreases in internode length, plant height, shoot and root biomass, and root length. Furthermore, MsSPL8 mutants displayed improvements in their ability to withstand water-deficit compared to empty vector control genotypes. Taken together, our findings suggest that allelic mutational dosage can elicit phenotypic gradients in alfalfa, and discrepancies may exist in terms of MsSPL8 function between alfalfa genotypes, growth conditions, or specific alleles. In addition, our results provide the foundation for further research exploring drought tolerance mechanisms in a forage crop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy D. Singer
- Lethbridge Research and Development Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Kimberley Burton Hughes
- Lethbridge Research and Development Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Udaya Subedi
- Lethbridge Research and Development Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gaganpreet Kaur Dhariwal
- Lethbridge Research and Development Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Kazi Kader
- Lethbridge Research and Development Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Surya Acharya
- Lethbridge Research and Development Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Guanqun Chen
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Abdelali Hannoufa
- London Research and Development Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London, ON, Canada
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30
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Wang M, Mo Z, Lin R, Zhu C. Characterization and expression analysis of the SPL gene family during floral development and abiotic stress in pecan ( Carya illinoinensis). PeerJ 2021; 9:e12490. [PMID: 34966577 PMCID: PMC8667720 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like (SPL) genes are a type of plant-specific transcription factors that play crucial roles in the regulation of phase transition, floral transformation, fruit development, and various stresses. Although SPLs have been characterized in several model species, no systematic analysis has been studied in pecans, an important woody oil tree species. In this study, a total of 32 SPL genes (CiSPLs) were identified in the pecan genome. After conducting phylogenetic analysis of the conserved SBP proteins from Arabidopsis, rice, and poplar, the CiSPLs were separated into eight subgroups. The CiSPL genes within the same subgroup contained very similar exon-intron structures and conserved motifs. Nine segmentally duplicated gene pairs in the pecan genome and 16 collinear gene pairs between the CiSPL and AtSPL genes were identified. Cis-element analysis showed that CiSPL genes may regulate plant meristem differentiation and seed development, participate in various biological processes, and respond to plant hormones and environmental stresses. Therefore, we focused our study on the expression profiles of CiSPL genes during flower and fruit development. Most of the CiSPL genes were predominantly expressed in buds and/or female flowers. Additionally, quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses confirmed that CiSPL genes showed distinct spatiotemporal expression patterns in response to drought and salt treatments. The study provides foundation for the further exploration of the function and evolution of SPL genes in pecan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Horticulture Research Institute, Shanghai Key Lab of Protected Horticultural Technology, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenghai Mo
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruozhu Lin
- Key laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
| | - Cancan Zhu
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
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31
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Yang J, Guo Z, Wang W, Cao X, Yang X. Genome-Wide Characterization of SPL Gene Family in Codonopsis pilosula Reveals the Functions of CpSPL2 and CpSPL10 in Promoting the Accumulation of Secondary Metabolites and Growth of C. pilosula Hairy Root. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101588. [PMID: 34680983 PMCID: PMC8535611 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) transcription factors play critical roles in regulating diverse aspects of plant growth and development, including vegetative phase change, plant architecture, anthocyanin accumulation, lateral root growth, etc. In the present study, 15 SPL genes were identified based on the genome data of Codonopsis pilosula, a well-known medicinal plant. Phylogenetic analysis clustered CpSPLs into eight groups (G1-G8) along with SPLs from Arabidopsis thaliana, Solanum lycopersicum, Oryza sativa and Physcomitrella patens. CpSPLs in the same group share similar gene structure and conserved motif composition. Cis-acting elements responding to light, stress and phytohormone widely exist in their promoter regions. Our qRT-PCR results indicated that 15 CpSPLs were differentially expressed in different tissues (root, stem, leaf, flower and calyx), different developmental periods (1, 2 and 3 months after germination) and various conditions (NaCl, MeJA and ABA treatment). Compared with the control, overexpression of CpSPL2 or CpSPL10 significantly promoted not only the growth of hairy roots, but also the accumulation of total saponins and lobetyolin. Our results established a foundation for further investigation of CpSPLs and provided novel insights into their biological functions. As far as we know, this is the first experimental research on gene function in C. pilosula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, Shanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710062, China; (J.Y.); (W.W.)
- Beijing Agro-Biotechnology Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Zhonglong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China;
- School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wentao Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, Shanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710062, China; (J.Y.); (W.W.)
| | - Xiaoyan Cao
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, Shanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710062, China; (J.Y.); (W.W.)
- Correspondence: (X.C.); (X.Y.)
| | - Xiaozeng Yang
- Beijing Agro-Biotechnology Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
- Correspondence: (X.C.); (X.Y.)
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32
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Cao Y, Sun G, Zhai X, Xu P, Ma L, Deng M, Zhao Z, Yang H, Dong Y, Shang Z, Lv Y, Yan L, Liu H, Cao X, Li B, Wang Z, Zhao X, Yu H, Wang F, Ma W, Huang J, Fan G. Genomic insights into the fast growth of paulownias and the formation of Paulownia witches' broom. MOLECULAR PLANT 2021; 14:1668-1682. [PMID: 34214658 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2021.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Paulownias are among the fastest growing trees in the world, but they often suffer tremendous loss of wood production due to infection by Paulownia witches' broom (PaWB) phytoplasmas. In this study, we have sequenced and assembled a high-quality nuclear genome of Paulownia fortunei, a commonly cultivated paulownia species. The assembled genome of P. fortunei is 511.6 Mb in size, with 93.2% of its sequences anchored to 20 pseudo-chromosomes, and it contains 31 985 protein-coding genes. Phylogenomic analyses show that the family Paulowniaceae is sister to a clade composed of Phrymaceae and Orobanchaceae. Higher photosynthetic efficiency is achieved by integrating C3 photosynthesis and the crassulacean acid metabolism pathway, which may contribute to the extremely fast growth habit of paulownia trees. Comparative transcriptome analyses reveal modules related to cambial growth and development, photosynthesis, and defense responses. Additional genome sequencing of PaWB phytoplasma, combined with functional analyses, indicates that the effector PaWB-SAP54 interacts directly with Paulownia PfSPLa, which in turn causes the degradation of PfSPLa by the ubiquitin-mediated pathway and leads to the formation of witches' broom. Taken together, these results provide significant insights into the biology of paulownias and the regulatory mechanism for the formation of PaWB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yabing Cao
- Institute of Paulownia, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China; College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Guiling Sun
- Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Xiaoqiao Zhai
- Henan Academy of Forestry, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Pingluo Xu
- Institute of Paulownia, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China; College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Liming Ma
- Biomarker Technologies Corporation, Beijing 101399, China
| | - Minjie Deng
- Institute of Paulownia, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China; College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Zhenli Zhao
- Institute of Paulownia, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China; College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Haibo Yang
- Institute of Paulownia, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China; College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Yanpeng Dong
- Institute of Paulownia, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China; College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Zhonghai Shang
- Henan Academy of Forestry, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Yujie Lv
- Institute of Paulownia, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China; College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Lijun Yan
- Institute of Paulownia, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China; College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Haifang Liu
- Institute of Paulownia, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China; College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Xibing Cao
- Institute of Paulownia, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China; College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Bingbing Li
- Institute of Paulownia, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China; College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Institute of Paulownia, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China; College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Xiaogai Zhao
- Institute of Paulownia, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China; College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Haiyan Yu
- Biomarker Technologies Corporation, Beijing 101399, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Biomarker Technologies Corporation, Beijing 101399, China
| | - Wen Ma
- Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Jinling Huang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China; Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
| | - Guoqiang Fan
- Institute of Paulownia, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China; College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China.
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Lv J, Chen YQ, Ding AM, Lei B, Yu J, Gao XM, Dai CB, Sun YH. Control of axillary bud growth in tobacco through toxin gene expression system. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17513. [PMID: 34471163 PMCID: PMC8410782 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96976-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The control of axillary bud development after removing the terminal buds (topping) of plants is a research hotspot, and the control of gene expression, like switching on and off, allows us to further study biological traits of interest, such as plant branching and fertility. In this study, a toxin gene control system for plants based on dexamethasone (DEX) induction was constructed, and the positive transgenic tobacco exhibited growth retardation in the application area (axillary bud). The expression level of the lethal Diphtheria toxin A (DTA) gene under different DEX concentrations at different application days was analyzed. The highest expression levels appeared at 5 days after the leaf injection of DEX. The DTA transcripts were induced by 5 µM DEX and peaked in response to 50 µM DEX at 5 days after leaf injection. Here, a chemical induction system, combined with a toxin gene, were used to successfully control the growth of tobacco axillary buds after topping. The DTA expression system under DEX induction was sensitive and efficient, therefore, can be used to control axillary bud growth and development in tobacco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lv
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China
- Key Laboratory for Tobacco Gene Resources, State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, Qingdao, 266101, China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Ya-Qiong Chen
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China
- Key Laboratory for Tobacco Gene Resources, State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, Qingdao, 266101, China
- Kunming Tobacco Monopoly Administration, Kunming, 650000, China
| | - An-Ming Ding
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China
- Key Laboratory for Tobacco Gene Resources, State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, Qingdao, 266101, China
| | - Bo Lei
- Molecular Genetics Key Laboratory of China Tobacco, Guizhou Academy of Tobacco Science, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Molecular Genetics Key Laboratory of China Tobacco, Guizhou Academy of Tobacco Science, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Gao
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China
- Key Laboratory for Tobacco Gene Resources, State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, Qingdao, 266101, China
| | - Chang-Bo Dai
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China.
- Key Laboratory for Tobacco Gene Resources, State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, Qingdao, 266101, China.
| | - Yu-He Sun
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China.
- Key Laboratory for Tobacco Gene Resources, State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, Qingdao, 266101, China.
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Genome-Wide Analysis of Glycoside Hydrolase Family 35 Genes and Their Potential Roles in Cell Wall Development in Medicago truncatula. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10081639. [PMID: 34451684 PMCID: PMC8401519 DOI: 10.3390/plants10081639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Plant β-galactosidases (BGAL) function in various cell wall biogeneses and modifications, and they belong to the glycoside hydrolase family. However, the roles of BGAL family members in Medicago truncatula cell wall remodeling remain unclear. In this study, a total of 25 MtBGAL members of the glycoside hydrolase gene family 35 were identified, and they were clustered into nine sub-families. Many cis-acting elements possibly related to MeJA and abscisic acid responses were identified in the promoter region of the MtBGAL genes. Transcript analyses showed that these MtBGAL genes exhibited distinct expression patterns in various tissues and developing stem internodes. Furthermore, a stem-specific expression module associated with cell wall metabolic pathways was identified by weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). In particular, MtBGAL1 and MtBGAL23 within the stem-specific expression module were highly expressed in mature stems. In addition, several genes involved in lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin pathways were co-expressed with MtBGAL1 and MtBGAL23. It was also found that MtBGAL1 and MtBGAL23 were localized to the cell wall at the subcellular level, indicating their roles in the modification of cell wall metabolites in Medicago. As a whole, these results will be useful for further functional characterization and utilization of BGAL genes in cell wall modifications aiming to improve the quality of legume forage crops.
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Feng G, Han J, Yang Z, Liu Q, Shuai Y, Xu X, Nie G, Huang L, Liu W, Zhang X. Genome-wide identification, phylogenetic analysis, and expression analysis of the SPL gene family in orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.). Genomics 2021; 113:2413-2425. [PMID: 34058273 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
SPL (SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like) is a plant-specific transcription factor family that contains the conserved SBP domain, which plays a vital role in the vegetative-to-reproductive phase transition, flowering development and regulation, tillering/branching, and stress responses. Although the SPL family has been identified and characterized in various plant species, limited information about it has been obtained in orchardgrass, which is a critical forage crop worldwide. In this study, 17 putative DgSPL genes were identified among seven chromosomes, and seven groups that share similar gene structures and conserved motifs were determined by phylogenetic analysis. Of these, eight genes have potential target sites for miR156. cis-Element and gene ontology annotation analysis indicated DgSPLs may be involved in regulating development and abiotic stress responses. The expression patterns of eight DgSPL genes at five developmental stages, in five tissues, and under three stress conditions were determined by RNA-seq and qRT-PCR. These assays indicated DgSPLs are involved in vegetative-to-reproductive phase transition, floral development, and stress responses. The transient expression analysis in tobacco and heterologous expression assays in yeast indicated that miR156-targeted DG1G01828.1 and DG0G01071.1 are nucleus-localized proteins, that may respond to drought, salt, and heat stress. Our study represents the first systematic analysis of the SPL family in orchardgrass. This research provides a comprehensive assessment of the DgSPL family, which lays the foundation for further examination of the role of miR156/DgSPL in regulating development and stress responses in forages grasses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyan Feng
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Jiating Han
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Zhongfu Yang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Qiuxu Liu
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Yang Shuai
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Xiaoheng Xu
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Gang Nie
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Linkai Huang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Xinquan Zhang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
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Hrbáčková M, Luptovčiak I, Hlaváčková K, Dvořák P, Tichá M, Šamajová O, Novák D, Bednarz H, Niehaus K, Ovečka M, Šamaj J. Overexpression of alfalfa SIMK promotes root hair growth, nodule clustering and shoot biomass production. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 19:767-784. [PMID: 33112469 PMCID: PMC8051612 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen-fixing rhizobia and legumes have developed complex mutualistic mechanism that allows to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia. Signalling by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) seems to be involved in this symbiotic interaction. Previously, we reported that stress-induced MAPK (SIMK) shows predominantly nuclear localization in alfalfa root epidermal cells. Nevertheless, SIMK is activated and relocalized to the tips of growing root hairs during their development. SIMK kinase (SIMKK) is a well-known upstream activator of SIMK. Here, we characterized production parameters of transgenic alfalfa plants with genetically manipulated SIMK after infection with Sinorhizobium meliloti. SIMKK RNAi lines, causing strong downregulation of both SIMKK and SIMK, showed reduced root hair growth and lower capacity to form infection threads and nodules. In contrast, constitutive overexpression of GFP-tagged SIMK promoted root hair growth as well as infection thread and nodule clustering. Moreover, SIMKK and SIMK downregulation led to decrease, while overexpression of GFP-tagged SIMK led to increase of biomass in above-ground part of plants. These data suggest that genetic manipulations causing downregulation or overexpression of SIMK affect root hair, nodule and shoot formation patterns in alfalfa, and point to the new biotechnological potential of this MAPK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslava Hrbáčková
- Faculty of ScienceDepartment of Cell BiologyCentre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural ResearchPalacký University OlomoucOlomoucCzech Republic
| | - Ivan Luptovčiak
- Faculty of ScienceDepartment of Cell BiologyCentre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural ResearchPalacký University OlomoucOlomoucCzech Republic
| | - Kateřina Hlaváčková
- Faculty of ScienceDepartment of Cell BiologyCentre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural ResearchPalacký University OlomoucOlomoucCzech Republic
| | - Petr Dvořák
- Faculty of ScienceDepartment of Cell BiologyCentre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural ResearchPalacký University OlomoucOlomoucCzech Republic
| | - Michaela Tichá
- Faculty of ScienceDepartment of Cell BiologyCentre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural ResearchPalacký University OlomoucOlomoucCzech Republic
| | - Olga Šamajová
- Faculty of ScienceDepartment of Cell BiologyCentre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural ResearchPalacký University OlomoucOlomoucCzech Republic
| | - Dominik Novák
- Faculty of ScienceDepartment of Cell BiologyCentre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural ResearchPalacký University OlomoucOlomoucCzech Republic
| | - Hanna Bednarz
- Faculty of BiologyCenter for Biotechnology – CeBiTecUniversität BielefeldBielefeldGermany
| | - Karsten Niehaus
- Faculty of BiologyCenter for Biotechnology – CeBiTecUniversität BielefeldBielefeldGermany
| | - Miroslav Ovečka
- Faculty of ScienceDepartment of Cell BiologyCentre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural ResearchPalacký University OlomoucOlomoucCzech Republic
| | - Jozef Šamaj
- Faculty of ScienceDepartment of Cell BiologyCentre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural ResearchPalacký University OlomoucOlomoucCzech Republic
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Du J, Lu S, Chai M, Zhou C, Sun L, Tang Y, Nakashima J, Kolape J, Wen Z, Behzadirad M, Zhong T, Sun J, Zhang Y, Wang Z. Functional characterization of PETIOLULE-LIKE PULVINUS (PLP) gene in abscission zone development in Medicago truncatula and its application to genetic improvement of alfalfa. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 19:351-364. [PMID: 32816361 PMCID: PMC7868985 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most important forage crops throughout the world. Maximizing leaf retention during the haymaking process is critical for achieving superior hay quality and maintaining biomass yield. Leaf abscission process affects leaf retention. Previous studies have largely focused on the molecular mechanisms of floral organ, pedicel and seed abscission but scarcely touched on leaf and petiole abscission. This study focuses on leaf and petiole abscission in the model legume Medicago truncatula and its closely related commercial species alfalfa. By analysing the petiolule-like pulvinus (plp) mutant in M. truncatula at phenotypic level (breakstrength and shaking assays), microscopic level (scanning electron microscopy and cross-sectional analyses) and molecular level (expression level and expression pattern analyses), we discovered that the loss of function of PLP leads to an absence of abscission zone (AZ) formation and PLP plays an important role in leaflet and petiole AZ differentiation. Microarray analysis indicated that PLP affects abscission process through modulating genes involved in hormonal homeostasis, cell wall remodelling and degradation. Detailed analyses led us to propose a functional model of PLP in regulating leaflet and petiole abscission. Furthermore, we cloned the PLP gene (MsPLP) from alfalfa and produced RNAi transgenic alfalfa plants to down-regulate the endogenous MsPLP. Down-regulation of MsPLP results in altered pulvinus structure with increased leaflet breakstrength, thus offering a new approach to decrease leaf loss during alfalfa haymaking process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Du
- Noble Research InstituteArdmoreOKUSA
- Institute for Agricultural BiosciencesOklahoma State UniversityArdmoreOKUSA
- College of Grassland Science and TechnologyChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Shaoyun Lu
- College of Life SciencesSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Maofeng Chai
- Noble Research InstituteArdmoreOKUSA
- Grassland Agri‐Husbandry Research CenterCollege of Grassland ScienceQingdao Agricultural UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Chuanen Zhou
- School of Life ScienceShandong UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Liang Sun
- Noble Research InstituteArdmoreOKUSA
| | | | | | - Jaydeep Kolape
- Noble Research InstituteArdmoreOKUSA
- Morrison Microscopy Core Research FacilityCenter for BiotechnologyUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnNEUSA
| | - Zhaozhu Wen
- Noble Research InstituteArdmoreOKUSA
- College of AgricultureHunan Agricultural UniversityHunanChina
| | - Marjan Behzadirad
- Institute for Agricultural BiosciencesOklahoma State UniversityArdmoreOKUSA
| | - Tianxiu Zhong
- College of Forestry and Landscape ArchitectureSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Juan Sun
- Grassland Agri‐Husbandry Research CenterCollege of Grassland ScienceQingdao Agricultural UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Yunwei Zhang
- College of Grassland Science and TechnologyChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zeng‐Yu Wang
- Noble Research InstituteArdmoreOKUSA
- Grassland Agri‐Husbandry Research CenterCollege of Grassland ScienceQingdao Agricultural UniversityQingdaoChina
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Yang J, Ma L, Jiang W, Yao Y, Tang Y, Pang Y. Comprehensive identification and characterization of abiotic stress and hormone responsive glycosyl hydrolase family 1 genes in Medicago truncatula. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2021; 158:21-33. [PMID: 33291052 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2020.11.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
β-glucosidases (BGLUs) hydrolyze the β-D-glycosidic bond with retention of anomeric configuration. BGLUs were associated with many aspects of plant physiological processes, in particular biotic and abiotic stresses through the activation of phytohormones and defense compounds. However, studies on systematic analysis of the stress- or hormone-responsive BGLU genes in plant are still rare. In this study, total 51 BGLU genes of the glycoside hydrolase family 1 were identified in the genome of the model legume plant Medicago truncatula, and they were classified into five distinct clusters. Sequence alignments revealed several conserved and characteristic motifs among these MtBGLU proteins. Analyses of their putative signal peptides and N-glycosylation site suggested that the majority of MtBGLU members have dual targeting to the vacuole and/or chloroplast. Many regulatory elements possibly related with abiotic stresses and phytohormones were identified in MtBGLU genes. Moreover, Microarray and qPCR analyses showed that these MtBGLU genes exhibited distinct expression patterns in various tissues, and in response to different abiotic stress and hormonal treatments. Notably, MtBGLU21, MtBGLU22, MtBGLU28, and MtBGLU30 in cluster I were dramatically activated by NaCl, PEG, IAA, ABA, SA and GA3 treatments. Collectively, our genome-wide characterization, evolutionary analysis, and expression pattern analysis of MtBGLU genes suggested that BGLU genes play crucial roles in response to various abiotic stresses and hormonal cues in M. truncatula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Beijing Botanical Garden, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China; Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Wenbo Jiang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yu Yao
- The Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yuhong Tang
- Noble Research Institute, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
| | - Yongzhen Pang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Ma L, Liu X, Liu W, Wen H, Zhang Y, Pang Y, Wang X. Characterization of Squamosa-Promoter Binding Protein-Box Family Genes Reveals the Critical Role of MsSPL20 in Alfalfa Flowering Time Regulation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:775690. [PMID: 35069631 PMCID: PMC8766856 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.775690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
SQUAMOSA Promoter-binding protein-Like (SPL) genes affect a broad range of plant biological processes and show potential application in crop improvement by genetic modification. As the most widely planted forage crop in the world, biomass and abiotic stresses tolerance are important breeding targets for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Nevertheless, the systematic analysis of SPL genes in alfalfa genome remains lacking. In the present study, we characterized 22 putative non-redundant SPL genes in alfalfa genome and uncovered the abundant structural variation among MsSPL genes. The phylogenetic analysis of plant SPL proteins separated them into 10 clades and clade J was an alfalfa-specific clade, suggesting SPL genes in alfalfa might have experienced gene duplication and functional differentiation within the genome. Meanwhile, 11 MsSPL genes with perfect matches to miRNA response elements (MREs) could be degraded by miR156, and the cleavage sites were gene specific. In addition, we investigated the temporal and spatial expression patterns of MsSPL genes and their expression patterns in response to multiple treatments, characterizing candidate SPL genes in alfalfa development and abiotic stress tolerant regulation. More importantly, overexpression of the alfalfa-specific SPL gene (MsSPL20) showed stable delayed flowering time, as well as increased biomass. Further studies indicated that MsSPL20 delayed flowering time by regulating the expression of genes involved in floret development, including HD3A, FTIP1, TEM1, and HST1. Together, our findings provide valuable information for future research and utilization of SPL genes in alfalfa and elucidate a possibly alfalfa-specific flowering time regulation, thereby supplying candidate genes for alfalfa molecular-assisted breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ma
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiqiang Liu
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Superior Forage Germplasm in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Hongyu Wen
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongchao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Superior Forage Germplasm in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Yongzhen Pang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yongzhen Pang,
| | - Xuemin Wang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Xuemin Wang,
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40
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Wang S, Ren X, Xue J, Xue Y, Cheng X, Hou X, Zhang X. Molecular characterization and expression analysis of the SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE gene family in Paeonia suffruticosa. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2020; 39:1425-1441. [PMID: 32737566 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-020-02573-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A total of 16 PsSPL genes were identified in tree peony. PsSPLs potentially regulated flowering time, lateral bud and seed development, and the juvenile-to-adult phase transition. SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) transcription factors are important for plant growth and development. Here, we report the identification of 16 full-length PsSPLs in tree peony (Peaonia suffruticosa Andr.) and 9 PsSPLs that have miR156 target sites. Phylogenetic analysis of the relationship of SPLs in P. suffruticosa and Arabidopsis suggested that they can be classified into six groups, and PsSPLs were highly correlated with Arabidopsis SPLs counterparts in the same group. Cis-element of promoter region analysis suggested that PsSPL genes play roles in physiological processes and developmental events. Expression analysis indicated that most PsSPL genes exhibited high expression levels in the tissues and organs examined here. The increasing expression levels of PsSPL1, PsSPL2, PsSPL8, PsSPL9, PsSPL12, and PsSPL16, and decreasing expression levels of PsSPL1A and PsSPL1B in buds over time suggested that they were probably regulated by the juvenile-to-adult phase transition. In addition, the expression profiles of PsSPL genes in different developmental buds and seeds suggested that PsSPL2, PsSPL3, PsSPL9, PsSPL10, PsSPL13, and PsSPL13A were important genes for regulating the flowering time of the tree peony; PsSPL2 and PsSPL8 might play a role in suppressing lateral bud development, and PsSPL2, PsSPL13, and PsSPL14 positively controlled grain size and number, and pod branching. These results provide a foundation for future functional analysis of PsSPL genes in tree peony growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunli Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Center of Peony, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiuxia Ren
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Center of Peony, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jingqi Xue
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Center of Peony, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yuqian Xue
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Center of Peony, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiaodan Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Center of Peony, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiaogai Hou
- College of Agriculture/College of Tree Peony, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China.
| | - Xiuxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
- Center of Peony, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, 100081, China.
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Guo W, Chen L, Herrera-Estrella L, Cao D, Tran LSP. Altering Plant Architecture to Improve Performance and Resistance. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 25:1154-1170. [PMID: 32595089 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2020.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
High-stress resistance and yield are major goals in crop cultivation, which can be addressed by modifying plant architecture. Significant progress has been made in recent years to understand how plant architecture is controlled under various growth conditions, recognizing the central role phytohormones play in response to environmental stresses. miRNAs, transcription factors, and other associated proteins regulate plant architecture, mainly via the modulation of hormone homeostasis and signaling. To generate crop plants of ideal architecture, we propose simultaneous editing of multiple genes involved in the regulatory networks associated with plant architecture as a feasible strategy. This strategy can help to address the need to increase grain yield and/or stress resistance under the pressures of the ever-increasing world population and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Limiao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Luis Herrera-Estrella
- The Unidad de Genomica Avanzada (Langebio), Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico; Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance, Texas Tech University, TX, USA
| | - Dong Cao
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430062, China.
| | - Lam-Son Phan Tran
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, 03 Quang Trung, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam; Stress Adaptation Research Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan.
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Ma L, Yi D, Yang J, Liu X, Pang Y. Genome-Wide Identification, Expression Analysis and Functional Study of CCT Gene Family in Medicago truncatula. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9040513. [PMID: 32316208 PMCID: PMC7238248 DOI: 10.3390/plants9040513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The control of flowering time has an important impact on biomass and the environmental adaption of legumes. The CCT (CO, COL and TOC1) gene family was elucidated to participate in the molecular regulation of flowering in plants. We identified 36 CCT genes in the M. truncatula genome and they were classified into three distinct subfamilies, PRR (7), COL (11) and CMF (18). Synteny and phylogenetic analyses revealed that CCT genes occurred before the differentiation of monocot and dicot, and CCT orthologous genes might have diversified among plants. The diverse spatial-temporal expression profiles indicated that MtCCT genes could be key regulators in flowering time, as well as in the development of seeds and nodules in M. truncatula. Notably, 22 MtCCT genes with typical circadian rhythmic variations suggested their different responses to light. The response to various hormones of MtCCT genes demonstrated that they participate in plant growth and development via varied hormones dependent pathways. Moreover, six MtCCT genes were dramatically induced by salinity and dehydration treatments, illustrating their vital roles in the prevention of abiotic injury. Collectively, our study provides valuable information for the in-depth investigation of the molecular mechanism of flowering time in M. truncatula, and it also provides candidate genes for alfalfa molecular breeding with ideal flowering time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ma
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (L.M.); (D.Y.); (J.Y.); (X.L.)
| | - Dengxia Yi
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (L.M.); (D.Y.); (J.Y.); (X.L.)
| | - Junfeng Yang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (L.M.); (D.Y.); (J.Y.); (X.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Beijing Botanical Garden, Institute of Botany, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Xiqiang Liu
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (L.M.); (D.Y.); (J.Y.); (X.L.)
- Department of Grassland Science, China Agriculture University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yongzhen Pang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (L.M.); (D.Y.); (J.Y.); (X.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-10-6287-6460
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Melatonin Application Improves Salt Tolerance of Alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) by Enhancing Antioxidant Capacity. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9020220. [PMID: 32046353 PMCID: PMC7076651 DOI: 10.3390/plants9020220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an important and widely cultivated forage grass. The productivity and forage quality of alfalfa are severely affected by salt stress. Melatonin is a bioactive molecule with versatile physiological functions and plays important roles in response to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Melatonin has been proven efficient in improving alfalfa drought and waterlogging tolerance in recent studies. In our reports, we applied melatonin exogenously to explore the effects of melatonin on alfalfa growth and salt resistance. The results demonstrated that melatonin application promoted alfalfa seed germination and seedling growth, and reduced oxidative damage under salt stress. Further application research found that melatonin alleviated salt injury in alfalfa plants under salt stress. The electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and H2O2 content were significantly reduced, and the activities of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) were increased with melatonin pretreatment compared to control plants under salt stress with the upregulation of genes related to melatonin and antioxidant enzymes biosynthesis. Melatonin was also involved in reducing Na+ accumulation in alfalfa plants. Our study indicates that melatonin plays a primary role as an antioxidant in scavenging H2O2 and enhancing activities of antioxidant enzymes to improve the salt tolerance of alfalfa plants.
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Zhu LS, Liang SM, Chen LL, Wu CJ, Wei W, Shan W, Chen JY, Lu WJ, Su XG, Kuang JF. Banana MaSPL16 Modulates Carotenoid Biosynthesis during Fruit Ripening through Activating the Transcription of Lycopene β-Cyclase Genes. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:1286-1296. [PMID: 31891496 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b07134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids are a class of bioactive compounds that exhibit health-promoting properties for humans, but their regulation in bananas during fruit ripening remains largely unclear. Here, we found that the total carotenoid content continued to be elevated along the course of banana ripening and peaked at the ripening stage followed by a decrease, which is presumably caused by the transcript abundances of carotenoid biosynthetic genes MaLCYB1.1 and MaLCYB1.2. Moreover, a ripening-inducible transcription factor MaSPL16 was characterized, which was a nuclear protein with transactivation activity. Transient transformation of MaSPL16 in banana fruits led to enhanced transcript levels of MaLCYB1.1 and MaLCYB1.2 and hence the total carotenoid accumulation. Importantly, MaSPL16 stimulated the transcription of MaLCYB1.1 and MaLCYB1.2 through directly binding to their promoters. Collectively, our findings indicate that MaSPL16 behaves as an activator to modulate banana carotenoid biosynthesis, which may provide a new target for molecular improvement of the nutritional and bioactive qualities of agricultural crops that accumulate carotenoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Sha Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Engineering Research Center of Southern Horticultural Products Preservation, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou 510642 , P. R. China
| | - Shu-Min Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Engineering Research Center of Southern Horticultural Products Preservation, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou 510642 , P. R. China
| | - Lu-Lu Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Engineering Research Center of Southern Horticultural Products Preservation, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou 510642 , P. R. China
| | - Chao-Jie Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Engineering Research Center of Southern Horticultural Products Preservation, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou 510642 , P. R. China
| | - Wei Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Engineering Research Center of Southern Horticultural Products Preservation, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou 510642 , P. R. China
| | - Wei Shan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Engineering Research Center of Southern Horticultural Products Preservation, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou 510642 , P. R. China
| | - Jian-Ye Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Engineering Research Center of Southern Horticultural Products Preservation, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou 510642 , P. R. China
| | - Wang-Jin Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Engineering Research Center of Southern Horticultural Products Preservation, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou 510642 , P. R. China
| | - Xin-Guo Su
- Guangdong Food and Drug Vocational College , Longdongbei Road 321 , Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520 , P. R. China
| | - Jian-Fei Kuang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Engineering Research Center of Southern Horticultural Products Preservation, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou 510642 , P. R. China
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Quan W, Liu X, Wang L, Yin M, Yang L, Chan Z. Ectopic expression of Medicago truncatula homeodomain finger protein, MtPHD6, enhances drought tolerance in Arabidopsis. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:982. [PMID: 31842738 PMCID: PMC6916436 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6350-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The plant homeodomain (PHD) finger is a Cys4HisCys3-type zinc finger which promotes protein-protein interactions and binds to the cis-acting elements in the promoter regions of target genes. In Medicago truncatula, five PHD homologues with full-length sequence were identified. However, the detailed function of PHD genes was not fully addressed. RESULTS In this study, we characterized the function of MtPHD6 during plant responses to drought stress. MtPHD6 was highly induced by drought stress. Ectopic expression of MtPHD6 in Arabidopsis enhanced tolerance to osmotic and drought stresses. MtPHD6 transgenic plants exhibited decreased water loss rate, MDA and ROS contents, and increased leaf water content and antioxidant enzyme activities under drought condition. Global transcriptomic analysis revealed that MtPHD6 reprogramed transcriptional networks in transgenic plants. Expression levels of ABA receptor PYR/PYLs, ZINC FINGER, AP2/EREBP and WRKY transcription factors were mainly up-regulated after transformation of MtPHD6. Interaction network analysis showed that ZINC FINGER, AP2/EREBP and WRKY interacted with each other and downstream stress induced proteins. CONCLUSIONS We proposed that ZINC FINGER, AP2/EREBP and WRKY transcription factors were activated through ABA dependent and independent pathways to increase drought tolerance of MtPHD6 transgenic plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Quan
- Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables of Hubei Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Hubei Engineering University, Xiaogan, Hubei China
| | - Xun Liu
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants (IMBIO), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lihua Wang
- Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables of Hubei Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Hubei Engineering University, Xiaogan, Hubei China
| | - Mingzhu Yin
- College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Li Yang
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture in Central China, Ministry of Agriculture; College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Zhulong Chan
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture in Central China, Ministry of Agriculture; College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei China
- Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei China
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OsSPL10, a SBP-Box Gene, Plays a Dual Role in Salt Tolerance and Trichome Formation in Rice ( Oryza sativa L.). G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2019; 9:4107-4114. [PMID: 31611344 PMCID: PMC6893181 DOI: 10.1534/g3.119.400700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Salinity is one of the major abiotic stress factors limiting rice production. Glabrousness is a trait of agronomic importance in rice (Oryza sativa L.). We previously found a single-gene recessive mutant sst, which displayed increased salt tolerance and glabrous leaf and glume without trichomes, and identified an SBP-box gene OsSPL10 as the candidate of the SST gene. In this study, OsSPL10-knockout and OsSPL10-overexpression mutants were created to check the function of the gene. The knockout mutants exhibited enhanced salt tolerance and glabrous leaves and glumes as expected, while the overexpression mutants showed opposite phenotypes, in which both salt sensitivity and trichome density on leaf and glume were increased. These results clearly confirmed that OsSPL10 is SST, and suggested that OsSPL10 controls the initiation rather than the elongation of trichomes. In addition, expression analysis indicated that OsSPL10 was preferentially expressed in young panicle and stem, and protein OsSPL10 was localized in nucleus. Taken together, OsSPL10 negatively controls salt tolerance but positively controls trichome formation in rice.
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Wang J, Ye Y, Xu M, Feng L, Xu LA. Roles of the SPL gene family and miR156 in the salt stress responses of tamarisk (Tamarix chinensis). BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 19:370. [PMID: 31438851 PMCID: PMC6704519 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-019-1977-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidences show that SPLs are crucial regulators of plant abiotic stress tolerance and the highly conserved module miR156/SPL appears to balance plant growth and stress responses. The halophyte Tamarix chinensis is highly resistant to salt tress. SPLs of T. chinensis (TcSPLs) and theirs roles in salt stress responses remain elusive. RESULTS In this study, we conducted a systematic analysis of the TcSPLs gene family including 12 members belonging to 7 groups. The physicochemical properties and conserved motifs showed divergence among groups and similarity in each group. The microRNA response elements (MREs) are conserved in location and sequence, with the exception of first MRE within TcSPL5. The miR156-targeted SPLs are identified by dual-luciferase reporter assay of MRE-miR156 interaction. The digital expression gene profiles cluster suggested potential different functions of miR156-targeted SPLs vs non-targeted SPLs in response to salt stress. The expression patterns analysis of miR156-targeted SPLs with a reverse expression trend to TcmiR156 suggested 1 h (salt stress time) could be a critical time point of post-transcription regulation in salt stress responses. CONCLUSIONS Our work demonstrated the post-transcription regulation of miR156-targeted TcSPLs and transcription regulation of non-targeted TcSPLs in salt stress responses, and would be helpful to expound the miR156/SPL-mediated molecular mechanisms underlying T. chinensis salt stress tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Forestry Genetics & Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 China
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 China
| | - Youju Ye
- Key Laboratory of Forestry Genetics & Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 China
| | - Meng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Forestry Genetics & Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 China
| | - Liguo Feng
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 China
| | - Li-an Xu
- Key Laboratory of Forestry Genetics & Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 China
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Sun L, Gill US, Nandety RS, Kwon S, Mehta P, Dickstein R, Udvardi MK, Mysore KS, Wen J. Genome-wide analysis of flanking sequences reveals that Tnt1 insertion is positively correlated with gene methylation in Medicago truncatula. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 98:1106-1119. [PMID: 30776165 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
From a single transgenic line harboring five Tnt1 transposon insertions, we generated a near-saturated insertion population in Medicago truncatula. Using thermal asymmetric interlaced-polymerase chain reaction followed by sequencing, we recovered 388 888 flanking sequence tags (FSTs) from 21 741 insertion lines in this population. FST recovery from 14 Tnt1 lines using the whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and/or Tnt1-capture sequencing approaches suggests an average of 80 insertions per line, which is more than the previous estimation of 25 insertions. Analysis of the distribution pattern and preference of Tnt1 insertions showed that Tnt1 is overall randomly distributed throughout the M. truncatula genome. At the chromosomal level, Tnt1 insertions occurred on both arms of all chromosomes, with insertion frequency negatively correlated with the GC content. Based on 174 546 filtered FSTs that show exact insertion locations in the M. truncatula genome version 4.0 (Mt4.0), 0.44 Tnt1 insertions occurred per kb, and 19 583 genes contained Tnt1 with an average of 3.43 insertions per gene. Pathway and gene ontology analyses revealed that Tnt1-inserted genes are significantly enriched in processes associated with 'stress', 'transport', 'signaling' and 'stimulus response'. Surprisingly, gene groups with higher methylation frequency were more frequently targeted for insertion. Analysis of 19 583 Tnt1-inserted genes revealed that 59% (1265) of 2144 transcription factors, 63% (765) of 1216 receptor kinases and 56% (343) of 616 nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat genes harbored at least one Tnt1 insertion, compared with the overall 38% of Tnt1-inserted genes out of 50 894 annotated genes in the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Sun
- Noble Research Institute, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
| | - Upinder S Gill
- Noble Research Institute, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
| | | | - Soonil Kwon
- Noble Research Institute, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
| | - Perdeep Mehta
- Noble Research Institute, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
| | - Rebecca Dickstein
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #305220, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
| | - Michael K Udvardi
- Noble Research Institute, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
| | | | - Jiangqi Wen
- Noble Research Institute, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
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Gou J, Tang C, Chen N, Wang H, Debnath S, Sun L, Flanagan A, Tang Y, Jiang Q, Allen RD, Wang ZY. SPL7 and SPL8 represent a novel flowering regulation mechanism in switchgrass. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 222:1610-1623. [PMID: 30688366 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The aging pathway in flowering regulation is controlled mainly by microRNA156 (miR156). Studies in Arabidopsis thaliana reveal that nine miR156-targeted SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING-LIKE (SPL) genes are involved in the control of flowering. However, the roles of SPLs in flowering remain elusive in grasses. Inflorescence development in switchgrass was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microarray, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR and EMSA were used to identify regulators of phase transition and flowering. Gene function was characterized by downregulation and overexpression of the target genes. Overexpression of SPL7 and SPL8 promotes flowering, whereas downregulation of individual genes moderately delays flowering. Simultaneous downregulation of SPL7/SPL8 results in extremely delayed or nonflowering plants. Furthermore, downregulation of both genes leads to a vegetative-to-reproductive reversion in the inflorescence, a phenomenon that has not been reported in any other grasses. Detailed analyses demonstrate that SPL7 and SPL8 induce phase transition and flowering in grasses by directly upregulating SEPALLATA3 (SEP3) and MADS32. Thus, the SPL7/8 pathway represents a novel regulatory mechanism in grasses that is largely different from that in Arabidopsis. Additionally, genetic modification of SPL7 and SPL8 results in much taller plants with significantly increased biomass yield and sugar release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiqing Gou
- Noble Research Institute, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
- BioEnergy Science Center (BESC), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Chaorong Tang
- Noble Research Institute, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
- Hainan University, Haiko, 570228, China
| | - Naichong Chen
- Institute for Agricultural Biosciences, Oklahoma State University, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
| | - Hui Wang
- Institute for Agricultural Biosciences, Oklahoma State University, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
| | - Smriti Debnath
- Noble Research Institute, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
- BioEnergy Science Center (BESC), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Liang Sun
- Noble Research Institute, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
| | - Amy Flanagan
- Noble Research Institute, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
- BioEnergy Science Center (BESC), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Yuhong Tang
- Noble Research Institute, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
- BioEnergy Science Center (BESC), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | | | - Randy D Allen
- Institute for Agricultural Biosciences, Oklahoma State University, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
| | - Zeng-Yu Wang
- Noble Research Institute, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
- BioEnergy Science Center (BESC), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
- Grassland Agri-Husbandry Research Center, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
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Barros J, Temple S, Dixon RA. Development and commercialization of reduced lignin alfalfa. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2018; 56:48-54. [PMID: 30268938 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Reducing lignin content in forage legumes can improve digestibility and, correspondingly, animal performance, and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is the first genetically engineered crop commercialized for improved forage digestibility. Lignin reduction was achieved by downregulating the gene encoding caffeoyl-CoA 3-O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT), and development of the commercial product, branded as HarvXtra, required the coordination of two research institutions and two companies, and more than 15 years of research and field trials. Lignin modification has positive impacts on forage management. Future developments will likely stack lignin modification with additional forage quality traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Barros
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, United States; Center for Bioenergy Innovation (CBI), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States
| | - Stephen Temple
- Forage Genetics International, West Salem, WI 54669, United States
| | - Richard A Dixon
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, United States; Center for Bioenergy Innovation (CBI), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States.
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