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Yao Y, Lin HT, Chen YH, Chen LL, Zhang HL, Fu HY, Gao SJ, Wang R, Feng HL, Wang JD. Salivary Protein Sfapyrase of Spodoptera frugiperda Stimulates Plant Defence Response. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024. [PMID: 39262278 DOI: 10.1111/pce.15121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Plants have developed various resistance mechanisms against herbivorous insects through prolonged coevolution. Plant defence responses can be triggered by specific compounds present in insect saliva. Apyrase, a known enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) into adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and inorganic phosphorus, has recently been identified in some herbivorous insects. However, whether insect salivary apyrase induces or inhibits plant responses remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified an apyrase-like protein in the salivary proteome of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, named Sfapyrase. Sfapyrase was primarily expressed in the salivary gland and secreted into plants during insect feeding. Transient expression of Sfapyrase in tobacco and maize enhanced plant resistance and resulted in decreased insect feeding. Knockdown of Sfapyrase through RNA interference led to increased growth and feeding of S. frugiperda. Furthermore, we showed that Sfapyrase activates the jasmonic acid signalling pathway and promotes the synthesis of secondary metabolites, especially benzoxazinoids, thereby enhancing resistance to S. frugiperda. In summary, our findings demonstrated that Sfapyrase acts as a salivary elicitor, inducing maize jasmonic acid defence responses and the production of insect-resistant benzoxazinoids. This study provides valuable insights into plant-insect interactions and offers potential targets for developing innovative insect pest management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yao
- National Engineering Research Center of Sugarcane, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huan-Tai Lin
- National Engineering Research Center of Sugarcane, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yao-Hui Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Sugarcane, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Li-Lan Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Sugarcane, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hui-Li Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Sugarcane, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hua-Ying Fu
- National Engineering Research Center of Sugarcane, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - San-Ji Gao
- National Engineering Research Center of Sugarcane, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ran Wang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Lin Feng
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jin-da Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Sugarcane, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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Dong Q, Duan D, Wang F, Yang K, Song Y, Wang Y, Wang D, Ji Z, Xu C, Jia P, Luan H, Guo S, Qi G, Mao K, Zhang X, Tian Y, Ma Y, Ma F. The MdVQ37-MdWRKY100 complex regulates salicylic acid content and MdRPM1 expression to modulate resistance to Glomerella leaf spot in apples. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:2364-2376. [PMID: 38683692 PMCID: PMC11258982 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14351] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Glomerella leaf spot (GLS), caused by the fungus Colletotrichum fructicola, is considered one of the most destructive diseases affecting apples. The VQ-WRKY complex plays a crucial role in the response of plants to biotic stresses. However, our understanding of the defensive role of the VQ-WRKY complex on woody plants, particularly apples, under biotic stress, remains limited. In this study, we elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying the defensive role of the apple MdVQ37-MdWRKY100 module in response to GLS infection. The overexpression of MdWRKY100 enhanced resistance to C. fructicola, whereas MdWRKY100 RNA interference in apple plants reduced resistance to C. fructicola by affecting salicylic acid (SA) content and the expression level of the CC-NBS-LRR resistance gene MdRPM1. DAP-seq, Y1H, EMSA, and RT-qPCR assays indicated that MdWRKY100 inhibited the expression of MdWRKY17, a positive regulatory factor gene of SA degradation, upregulated the expression of MdPAL1, a key enzyme gene of SA biosynthesis, and promoted MdRPM1 expression by directly binding to their promotors. Transient overexpression and silencing experiments showed that MdPAL1 and MdRPM1 positively regulated GLS resistance in apples. Furthermore, the overexpression of MdVQ37 increased the susceptibility to C. fructicola by reducing the SA content and expression level of MdRPM1. Additionally, MdVQ37 interacted with MdWRKY100, which repressed the transcriptional activity of MdWRKY100. In summary, these results revealed the molecular mechanism through which the apple MdVQ37-MdWRKY100 module responds to GLS infection by regulating SA content and MdRPM1 expression, providing novel insights into the involvement of the VQ-WRKY complex in plant pathogen defence responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglong Dong
- College of ForestryHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of AppleCollege of Horticulture, Northwest A & F UniversityYanglingChina
| | - Dingyue Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of AppleCollege of Horticulture, Northwest A & F UniversityYanglingChina
| | - Feng Wang
- College of HorticultureShenyang Agricultural UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Kaiyu Yang
- College of ForestryHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
| | - Yang Song
- College of ForestryHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
| | - Yongxu Wang
- College of ForestryHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
| | - Dajiang Wang
- Research Institute of PomologyChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesXingchengChina
| | - Zhirui Ji
- Research Institute of PomologyChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesXingchengChina
| | - Chengnan Xu
- College of Life SciencesYan'an UniversityYan'anShaanxiChina
| | - Peng Jia
- College of ForestryHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
| | - Haoan Luan
- College of ForestryHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
| | - Suping Guo
- College of ForestryHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
| | - Guohui Qi
- College of ForestryHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
| | - Ke Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of AppleCollege of Horticulture, Northwest A & F UniversityYanglingChina
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- College of ForestryHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
| | - Yi Tian
- College of HorticultureHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
| | - Yue Ma
- College of HorticultureShenyang Agricultural UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Fengwang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of AppleCollege of Horticulture, Northwest A & F UniversityYanglingChina
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Jiang J, Xue J, Yu M, Jiang X, Cheng Y, Wang H, Liu Y, Dou W, Fan J, Chen J. Molecular Characterization of Chemosensory Protein (CSP) Genes and the Involvement of AgifCSP5 in the Perception of Host Location in the Aphid Parasitoid Aphidius gifuensis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6392. [PMID: 38928098 PMCID: PMC11204085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126392] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aphidius gifuensis is the dominant parasitic natural enemy of aphids. Elucidating the molecular mechanism of host recognition of A. gifuensis would improve its biological control effect. Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) play a crucial role in insect olfactory systems and are mainly involved in host localization. In this study, a total of nine CSPs of A. gifuensis with complete open reading frames were identified based on antennal transcriptome data. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that AgifCSPs were mainly clustered into three subgroups (AgifCSP1/2/7/8, AgifCSP3/9, and AgifCSP4/5/6). AgifCSP2/5 showed high expression in the antennae of both sexes. Moreover, AgifCSP5 was found to be specifically expressed in the antennae. In addition, fluorescent binding assays revealed that AifCSP5 had greater affinities for 7 of 32 volatile odor molecules from various sources. Molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis results revealed that the residue at which AgifCSP5 binds to these seven plant volatiles is Tyr75. Behavior tests further confirmed that trans-2-nonenal, one of the seven active volatiles in the ligand binding test, significantly attracted female adults at a relatively low concentration of 10 mg/mL. In conclusion, AgifCSP5 may be involved in locating aphid-infested crops from long distances by detecting and binding trans-2-nonenal. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for further understanding the olfactory recognition mechanisms and indirect aphid localization behavior of A. gifuensis from long distances by first identifying the host plant of aphids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (J.J.); (J.X.); (M.Y.); (X.J.); (Y.C.); (H.W.); (Y.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China;
| | - Jiayi Xue
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (J.J.); (J.X.); (M.Y.); (X.J.); (Y.C.); (H.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Miaomiao Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (J.J.); (J.X.); (M.Y.); (X.J.); (Y.C.); (H.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (J.J.); (J.X.); (M.Y.); (X.J.); (Y.C.); (H.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yumeng Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (J.J.); (J.X.); (M.Y.); (X.J.); (Y.C.); (H.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Huijuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (J.J.); (J.X.); (M.Y.); (X.J.); (Y.C.); (H.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yanxia Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (J.J.); (J.X.); (M.Y.); (X.J.); (Y.C.); (H.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China;
| | - Jia Fan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (J.J.); (J.X.); (M.Y.); (X.J.); (Y.C.); (H.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Julian Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (J.J.); (J.X.); (M.Y.); (X.J.); (Y.C.); (H.W.); (Y.L.)
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Zhang Y, Liu X, Sun Y, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Ding T, Chen J. Salivary Protein Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-like from Grain Aphid Sitobion avenae Suppresses Wheat Defense Response and Enhances Aphid Adaptation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4579. [PMID: 38731798 PMCID: PMC11083452 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094579] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Aphids are insect pests that suck phloem sap and introduce salivary proteins into plant tissues through saliva secretion. The effector of salivary proteins plays a key role in the modulation of host plant defense responses and enhancing aphid host adaptation. Based on previous transcriptome sequencing results, a candidate effector cyclin-dependent kinase-like (CDK) was identified from the grain aphid Sitobion avenae. In this study, the function of SaCDK in wheat defense response and the adaptation of S. avenae was investigated. Our results showed that the transient overexpression of SaCDK in tobacco Nicotiana benthamiana suppressed cell death triggered by mouse pro-apoptotic protein-BAX or Phytophthora infestans PAMP-INF1. SaCDK, delivered into wheat cells through a Pseudomonas fluorescens-mediated bacterial type III secretion system, suppressed callose deposition in wheat seedlings, and the overexpression of SaCDK in wheat significantly decreased the expression levels of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid signaling pathway-related genes phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), pathogenesis-related 1 protein (PR1), lipoxygenase (LOX) and Ω-3 fatty acid desaturase (FAD). In addition, aphid bioassay results showed that the survival and fecundity of S. avenae were significantly increased while feeding on the wheat plants carrying SaCDK. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the salivary protein SaCDK is involved in inhibiting host defense response and improving its host adaptation, which lays the foundation to uncover the mechanism of the interaction of cereal aphids and host plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Zhang
- College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China;
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (Y.S.)
| | - Xiaobei Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yu Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yong Liu
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China;
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (Y.S.)
| | - Tianbo Ding
- College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China;
| | - Julian Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (Y.S.)
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Ma X, Yin Z, Li H, Guo J. Roles of herbivorous insects salivary proteins. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29201. [PMID: 38601688 PMCID: PMC11004886 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate relationship between herbivorous insects and plants has evolved over millions of years, central to this dynamic interaction are salivary proteins (SPs), which mediate key processes ranging from nutrient acquisition to plant defense manipulation. SPs, sourced from salivary glands, intestinal regurgitation or acquired through horizontal gene transfer, exhibit remarkable functional versatility, influencing insect development, behavior, and adhesion mechanisms. Moreover, SPs play pivotal roles in modulating plant defenses, to induce or inhibit plant defenses as elicitors or effectors. In this review, we delve into the multifaceted roles of SPs in herbivorous insects, highlighting their diverse impacts on insect physiology and plant responses. Through a comprehensive exploration of SP functions, this review aims to deepen our understanding of plant-insect interactions and foster advancements in both fundamental research and practical applications in plant-insect interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Ma
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pest in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the PR China, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Zhiyong Yin
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pest in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the PR China, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Haiyin Li
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pest in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the PR China, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Jianjun Guo
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pest in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the PR China, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
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Song Y, Cui H, Guo W, Sindhu L, Lv S, Li L, Yu Y, Men X. Endophytic fungi improved wheat resistance to Rhopalosiphum padi by decreasing its feeding efficiency and population fitness. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 270:115865. [PMID: 38134640 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115865] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The improvement of crop resistance to insect using endophytic fungi is an environmentally friendly and sustainable strategy for agricultural pest control. Clarifying the efficacy and mechanism of endophytic fungi in improving crop resistance to pest offers the opportunity for biological control. In this study, changes in the transcriptome and defense compounds of wheat inoculated with endophytic fungal strains (i.e., YC and BB) were evaluated, and the efficacy of endophytic fungi in improving wheat resistance to Rhopalosiphum padi was studied. The results showed that the numbers of upregulated differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) in wheat plants inoculated with endophytic fungal strains YC and BB were higher than those of the downregulated DEGs, irrespective of R. padi infestation. Defense-related metabolic pathways, such as plant hormone signal transduction and secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways were significantly enriched. Endophytic fungal strains YC and BB significantly increased jasmonic acid, DIMBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one), total flavone, and tannin contents in wheat plants (P < 0.05) but decreased salicylic acid content. Variations in the contents of defense compounds were significantly correlated with decreased feeding, development, and reproduction of R. padi fed on wheat plants inoculated with strains YC and BB (|r| = 0.68-0.91, P < 0.05). The results suggested that endophytic fungi significantly decreased the feeding efficiency and population fitness [YC: (-11.13%) - (-22.07%); BB: (-10.98%) - (-22.20%)] of R. padi by altering the phytohormone pathway and secondary metabolite biosynthesis in wheat plants. This study helps in understanding of the efficacy of endophytic fungi in improving wheat resistance to insect and will be conducive to integrated pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Song
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Hongying Cui
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Wenxiu Guo
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Lara Sindhu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Suhong Lv
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Lili Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yi Yu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Xingyuan Men
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China.
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Chen J. Editorial: Aphids as plant pests: from biology to green control technology. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 14:1337558. [PMID: 38259912 PMCID: PMC10800563 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1337558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Julian Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Shen L, Xia X, Zhang L, Yang S, Yang X. Genome-Wide Identification of Catalase Gene Family and the Function of SmCAT4 in Eggplant Response to Salt Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16979. [PMID: 38069301 PMCID: PMC10706941 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Salinity is an important abiotic stress, damaging plant tissues by causing a burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Catalase (CAT) enzyme coded by Catalase (CAT) genes are potent in reducing harmful ROS and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) produced. Herein, we performed bioinformatics and functional characterization of four SmCAT genes, retrieved from the eggplant genome database. Evolutionary analysis CAT genes revealed that they are divided into subgroups I and II. The RT-qPCR analysis of SmCAT displayed a differential expression pattern in response to abiotic stresses. All the CAT proteins of eggplant were localized in the peroxisome, except for SmCAT4, which localized in the cytomembrane and nucleus. Silencing of SmCAT4 compromised the tolerance of eggplant to salt stress. Suppressed expression levels of salt stress defense related genes SmTAS14 and SmDHN1, as well as increase of H2O2 content and decrease of CAT enzyme activity was observed in the SmCAT4 silenced eggplants. Our data provided insightful knowledge of CAT gene family in eggplant. Positive regulation of eggplant response to salinity by SmCAT4 provides resource for future breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xu Yang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (L.S.); (X.X.); (L.Z.); (S.Y.)
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