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Sun Y, Sun J, Lin C, Zhang J, Yan H, Guan Z, Zhang C. Single-Cell Transcriptomics Applied in Plants. Cells 2024; 13:1561. [PMID: 39329745 PMCID: PMC11430455 DOI: 10.3390/cells13181561] [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: 08/14/2024] [Revised: 09/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a high-tech method for characterizing the expression patterns of heterogeneous cells in the same tissue and has changed our evaluation of biological systems by increasing the number of individual cells analyzed. However, the full potential of scRNA-seq, particularly in plant science, has not yet been elucidated. To explore the utilization of scRNA-seq technology in plants, we firstly conducted a comprehensive review of significant scRNA-seq findings in the past few years. Secondly, we introduced the research and applications of scRNA-seq technology to plant tissues in recent years, primarily focusing on model plants, crops, and wood. We then offered five databases that could facilitate the identification of distinct expression marker genes for various cell types. Finally, we analyzed the potential problems, challenges, and directions for applying scRNA-seq in plants, with the aim of providing a theoretical foundation for the better use of this technique in future plant research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Sun
- Soybean Research Institute, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Institute of Agricultural Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Chunjing Lin
- Soybean Research Institute, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130033, China
- Key Laboratory of Hybrid Soybean Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Jingyong Zhang
- Soybean Research Institute, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130033, China
- Key Laboratory of Hybrid Soybean Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Hao Yan
- Soybean Research Institute, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130033, China
- Key Laboratory of Hybrid Soybean Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Zheyun Guan
- Soybean Research Institute, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130033, China
- Key Laboratory of Hybrid Soybean Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Chunbao Zhang
- Soybean Research Institute, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130033, China
- Key Laboratory of Hybrid Soybean Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Changchun 130033, China
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2
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Tenorio Berrío R, Dubois M. Single-cell transcriptomics reveals heterogeneity in plant responses to the environment: a focus on biotic and abiotic interactions. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:5188-5203. [PMID: 38466621 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erae107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Biotic and abiotic environmental cues are major factors influencing plant growth and productivity. Interactions with biotic (e.g. symbionts and pathogens) and abiotic (e.g. changes in temperature, water, or nutrient availability) factors trigger signaling and downstream transcriptome adjustments in plants. While bulk RNA-sequencing technologies have traditionally been used to profile these transcriptional changes, tissue homogenization may mask heterogeneity of responses resulting from the cellular complexity of organs. Thus, whether different cell types respond equally to environmental fluctuations, or whether subsets of the responses are cell-type specific, are long-lasting questions in plant biology. The recent breakthrough of single-cell transcriptomics in plant research offers an unprecedented view of cellular responses under changing environmental conditions. In this review, we discuss the contribution of single-cell transcriptomics to the understanding of cell-type-specific plant responses to biotic and abiotic environmental interactions. Besides major biological findings, we present some technical challenges coupled to single-cell studies of plant-environment interactions, proposing possible solutions and exciting paths for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Tenorio Berrío
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marieke Dubois
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
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3
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Zhang X, Wu J, Kong Z. Cellular basis of legume-rhizobium symbiosis. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024:101045. [PMID: 39099171 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.101045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
The legume-rhizobium symbiosis represents the most important system for terrestrial biological nitrogen fixation on land. Efficient nitrogen fixation during this symbiosis depends on successful rhizobial infection and complete endosymbiosis, which are achieved by complex cellular events including cell-wall remodeling, cytoskeletal reorganizations, and extensive membrane expansion and trafficking. In this review, we explore the dynamic remodeling of the plant-specific cell wall-membrane system-cytoskeleton (WMC) continuum during symbiotic nitrogen fixation. We focus on key processes linked to efficient nitrogen fixation, including rhizobial uptake, infection thread formation and elongation, rhizobial droplet release, cytoplasmic bridge formation, and rhizobial endosymbiosis. Additionally, we discuss the advanced techniques for investigating the cellular basis of root-nodule symbiosis and provide insights into the unsolved mysteries of robust symbiotic nitrogen fixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaxia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jingxia Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhaosheng Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Houji Laboratory in Shanxi Province, Academy of Agronomy, Shanxi, China.
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Li Y, Liu Q, Zhang DX, Zhang ZY, Xu A, Jiang YL, Chen ZC. Metal nutrition and transport in the process of symbiotic nitrogen fixation. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:100829. [PMID: 38303509 PMCID: PMC11009365 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.100829] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) facilitated by the interaction between legumes and rhizobia is a well-documented and eco-friendly alternative to chemical nitrogen fertilizers. Host plants obtain fixed nitrogen from rhizobia by providing carbon and mineral nutrients. These mineral nutrients, which are mostly in the form of metal ions, are implicated in various stages of the SNF process. This review describes the functional roles played by metal ions in nodule formation and nitrogen fixation and specifically addresses their transport mechanisms and associated transporters within root nodules. Future research directions and potential strategies for enhancing SNF efficiency are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Dan-Xun Zhang
- Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhuo-Yan Zhang
- Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Ao Xu
- Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yuan-Long Jiang
- Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhi-Chang Chen
- Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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5
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Ali M, Yang T, He H, Zhang Y. Plant biotechnology research with single-cell transcriptome: recent advancements and prospects. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2024; 43:75. [PMID: 38381195 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-024-03168-0] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Single-cell transcriptomic techniques have emerged as powerful tools in plant biology, offering high-resolution insights into gene expression at the individual cell level. This review highlights the rapid expansion of single-cell technologies in plants, their potential in understanding plant development, and their role in advancing plant biotechnology research. Single-cell techniques have emerged as powerful tools to enhance our understanding of biological systems, providing high-resolution transcriptomic analysis at the single-cell level. In plant biology, the adoption of single-cell transcriptomics has seen rapid expansion of available technologies and applications. This review article focuses on the latest advancements in the field of single-cell transcriptomic in plants and discusses the potential role of these approaches in plant development and expediting plant biotechnology research in the near future. Furthermore, inherent challenges and limitations of single-cell technology are critically examined to overcome them and enhance our knowledge and understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ali
- School of Agriculture, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
- Peking University-Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang, China
| | - Tianxia Yang
- School of Agriculture, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hai He
- School of Agriculture, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Agriculture, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
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6
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Frank M, Fechete LI, Tedeschi F, Nadzieja M, Nørgaard MMM, Montiel J, Andersen KR, Schierup MH, Reid D, Andersen SU. Single-cell analysis identifies genes facilitating rhizobium infection in Lotus japonicus. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7171. [PMID: 37935666 PMCID: PMC10630511 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42911-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Legume-rhizobium signaling during establishment of symbiotic nitrogen fixation restricts rhizobium colonization to specific cells. A limited number of root hair cells allow infection threads to form, and only a fraction of the epidermal infection threads progress to cortical layers to establish functional nodules. Here we use single-cell analysis to define the epidermal and cortical cell populations that respond to and facilitate rhizobium infection. We then identify high-confidence nodulation gene candidates based on their specific expression in these populations, pinpointing genes stably associated with infection across genotypes and time points. We show that one of these, which we name SYMRKL1, encodes a protein with an ectodomain predicted to be nearly identical to that of SYMRK and is required for normal infection thread formation. Our work disentangles cellular processes and transcriptional modules that were previously confounded due to lack of cellular resolution, providing a more detailed understanding of symbiotic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Frank
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Lavinia Ioana Fechete
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Francesca Tedeschi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Marcin Nadzieja
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Jesus Montiel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Center for Genomic Sciences, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Kasper Røjkjær Andersen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Mikkel H Schierup
- Bioinformatics Research Centre, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Dugald Reid
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Stig Uggerhøj Andersen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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7
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Oliva M, Lister R. Exploring the identity of individual plant cells in space and time. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 240:61-67. [PMID: 37483019 PMCID: PMC10952157 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19153] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, single-cell genomics, coupled to imaging techniques, have become the state-of-the-art approach for characterising biological systems. In plant sciences, a variety of tissues and species have been profiled, providing an enormous quantity of data on cell identity at an unprecedented resolution, but what biological insights can be gained from such data sets? Using recently published studies in plant sciences, we will highlight how single-cell technologies have enabled a better comprehension of tissue organisation, cell fate dynamics in development or in response to various stimuli, as well as identifying key transcriptional regulators of cell identity. We discuss the limitations and technical hurdles to overcome, as well as future directions, and the promising use of single-cell omics to understand, predict, and manipulate plant development and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Oliva
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular SciencesUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthWA6009Australia
| | - Ryan Lister
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular SciencesUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthWA6009Australia
- The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical ResearchThe University of Western AustraliaPerthWA6009Australia
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8
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Zhu J, Moreno-Pérez A, Coaker G. Understanding plant pathogen interactions using spatial and single-cell technologies. Commun Biol 2023; 6:814. [PMID: 37542114 PMCID: PMC10403533 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05156-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants are in contact with diverse pathogens and microorganisms. Intense investigation over the last 30 years has resulted in the identification of multiple immune receptors in model and crop species as well as signaling overlap in surface-localized and intracellular immune receptors. However, scientists still have a limited understanding of how plants respond to diverse pathogens with spatial and cellular resolution. Recent advancements in single-cell, single-nucleus and spatial technologies can now be applied to plant-pathogen interactions. Here, we outline the current state of these technologies and highlight outstanding biological questions that can be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhu
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Alba Moreno-Pérez
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Gitta Coaker
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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9
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Aparicio Chacón MV, Van Dingenen J, Goormachtig S. Characterization of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Effector Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9125. [PMID: 37298075 PMCID: PMC10252856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants are colonized by various fungi with both pathogenic and beneficial lifestyles. One type of colonization strategy is through the secretion of effector proteins that alter the plant's physiology to accommodate the fungus. The oldest plant symbionts, the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), may exploit effectors to their benefit. Genome analysis coupled with transcriptomic studies in different AMFs has intensified research on the effector function, evolution, and diversification of AMF. However, of the current 338 predicted effector proteins from the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis, only five have been characterized, of which merely two have been studied in detail to understand which plant proteins they associate with to affect the host physiology. Here, we review the most recent findings in AMF effector research and discuss the techniques used for the functional characterization of effector proteins, from their in silico prediction to their mode of action, with an emphasis on high-throughput approaches for the identification of plant targets of the effectors through which they manipulate their hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- María V. Aparicio Chacón
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium;
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Judith Van Dingenen
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium;
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie Goormachtig
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium;
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
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10
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Liu Z, Kong X, Long Y, Liu S, Zhang H, Jia J, Cui W, Zhang Z, Song X, Qiu L, Zhai J, Yan Z. Integrated single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomics captures transitional states in soybean nodule maturation. NATURE PLANTS 2023; 9:515-524. [PMID: 37055554 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-023-01387-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Legumes form symbiosis with rhizobium leading to the development of nitrogen-fixing nodules. By integrating single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomics, we established a cell atlas of soybean nodules and roots. In central infected zones of nodules, we found that uninfected cells specialize into functionally distinct subgroups during nodule development, and revealed a transitional subtype of infected cells with enriched nodulation-related genes. Overall, our results provide a single-cell perspective for understanding rhizobium-legume symbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Liu
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiangying Kong
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Molecular Design Breeding, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanping Long
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sirui Liu
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinbu Jia
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenhui Cui
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Zunmian Zhang
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Xianwei Song
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lijuan Qiu
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jixian Zhai
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Zhe Yan
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Molecular Design Breeding, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China.
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11
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Minguillón S, Matamoros MA, Duanmu D, Becana M. Signaling by reactive molecules and antioxidants in legume nodules. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 236:815-832. [PMID: 35975700 PMCID: PMC9826421 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Legume nodules are symbiotic structures formed as a result of the interaction with rhizobia. Nodules fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia that is assimilated by the plant and this process requires strict metabolic regulation and signaling. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are involved as signal molecules at all stages of symbiosis, from rhizobial infection to nodule senescence. Also, reactive sulfur species (RSS) are emerging as important signals for an efficient symbiosis. Homeostasis of reactive molecules is mainly accomplished by antioxidant enzymes and metabolites and is essential to allow redox signaling while preventing oxidative damage. Here, we examine the metabolic pathways of reactive molecules and antioxidants with an emphasis on their functions in signaling and protection of symbiosis. In addition to providing an update of recent findings while paying tribute to original studies, we identify several key questions. These include the need of new methodologies to detect and quantify ROS, RNS, and RSS, avoiding potential artifacts due to their short lifetimes and tissue manipulation; the regulation of redox-active proteins by post-translational modification; the production and exchange of reactive molecules in plastids, peroxisomes, nuclei, and bacteroids; and the unknown but expected crosstalk between ROS, RNS, and RSS in nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Minguillón
- Departamento de BiologíaVegetal, Estación Experimental de Aula DeiConsejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasApartado 1303450080ZaragozaSpain
| | - Manuel A. Matamoros
- Departamento de BiologíaVegetal, Estación Experimental de Aula DeiConsejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasApartado 1303450080ZaragozaSpain
| | - Deqiang Duanmu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan430070China
| | - Manuel Becana
- Departamento de BiologíaVegetal, Estación Experimental de Aula DeiConsejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasApartado 1303450080ZaragozaSpain
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