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Wu T, Liu Z, Yu T, Zhou R, Yang Q, Cao R, Nie F, Ma X, Bai Y, Song X. Flowering genes identification, network analysis, and database construction for 837 plants. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2024; 11:uhae013. [PMID: 38585015 PMCID: PMC10995624 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhae013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Flowering is one of the most important biological phenomena in the plant kingdom, which not only has important ecological significance, but also has substantial horticultural ornamental value. In this study, we undertook an exhaustive review of the advancements in our understanding of plant flowering genes. We delved into the identification and conducted comparative analyses of flowering genes across virtually all sequenced angiosperm plant genomes. Furthermore, we established an extensive angiosperm flowering atlas, encompassing a staggering 183 720 genes across eight pathways, along with 10 155 ABCDE mode genes, which play a pivotal role in plant flowering regulation. Through the examination of expression patterns, we unveiled the specificities of these flowering genes. An interaction network between flowering genes of the ABCDE model and their corresponding upstream genes offered a blueprint for comprehending their regulatory mechanisms. Moreover, we predicted the miRNA and target genes linked to the flowering processes of each species. To culminate our efforts, we have built a user-friendly web interface, named the Plant Flowering-time Gene Database (PFGD), accessible at http://pfgd.bio2db.com/. We firmly believe that this database will serve as a cornerstone in the global research community, facilitating the in-depth exploration of flowering genes in the plant kingdom. In summation, this pioneering endeavor represents the first comprehensive collection and comparative analysis of flowering genes in plants, offering valuable resources for the study of plant flowering genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wu
- School of Life Sciences/Library, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- School of Life Sciences/Library, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Tong Yu
- School of Life Sciences/Library, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Rong Zhou
- Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8200, Denmark
| | - Qihang Yang
- School of Life Sciences/Library, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Rui Cao
- School of Life Sciences/Library, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Fulei Nie
- School of Life Sciences/Library, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- School of Life Sciences/Library, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
- College of Horticultural Science & Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science & Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066600, China
| | - Yun Bai
- School of Life Sciences/Library, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Xiaoming Song
- School of Life Sciences/Library, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
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Cheng H, Wang Q, Zhang Z, Cheng P, Song A, Zhou L, Wang L, Chen S, Chen F, Jiang J. The RAV transcription factor TEMPRANILLO1 involved in ethylene-mediated delay of chrysanthemum flowering. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 116:1652-1666. [PMID: 37696505 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
TEMPRANILLO1 (TEM1) is a transcription factor belonging to related to ABI3 and VP1 family, which is also known as ethylene response DNA-binding factor 1 and functions as a repressor of flowering in Arabidopsis. Here, a putative homolog of AtTEM1 was isolated and characterized from chrysanthemum, designated as CmTEM1. Exogenous application of ethephon leads to an upregulation in the expression of CmTEM1. Knockdown of CmTEM1 promotes floral initiation, while overexpression of CmTEM1 retards floral transition. Further phenotypic observations suggested that CmTEM1 involves in the ethylene-mediated inhibition of flowering. Transcriptomic analysis established that expression of the flowering integrator CmAFL1, a member of the APETALA1/FRUITFULL subfamily, was downregulated significantly in CmTEM1-overexpressing transgenic plants compared with wild-type plants but was verified to be upregulated in amiR-CmTEM1 lines by quantitative RT-PCR. In addition, CmTEM1 is capable of binding to the promoter of the CmAFL1 gene to inhibit its transcription. Moreover, the genetic evidence supported the notion that CmTEM1 partially inhibits floral transition by targeting CmAFL1. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that CmTEM1 acts as a regulator of ethylene-mediated delayed flowering in chrysanthemum, partly through its interaction with CmAFL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Qingguo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zixin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Peilei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Aiping Song
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No. 50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210014, China
| | - Lijie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No. 50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210014, China
| | - Likai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No. 50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210014, China
| | - Sumei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No. 50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210014, China
| | - Fadi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No. 50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210014, China
| | - Jiafu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No. 50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210014, China
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Kinoshita Y, Motoki K, Hosokawa M. Upregulation of tandem duplicated BoFLC1 genes is associated with the non-flowering trait in Brassica oleracea var. capitata. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2023; 136:41. [PMID: 36897379 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-023-04311-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Tandem duplicated BoFLC1 genes (BoFLC1a and BoFLC1b), which were identified as the candidate causal genes for the non-flowering trait in the cabbage mutant 'nfc', were upregulated during winter in 'nfc'. The non-flowering natural cabbage mutant 'nfc' was discovered from the breeding line 'T15' with normal flowering characteristics. In this study, we investigated the molecular basis underlying the non-flowering trait of 'nfc'. First, 'nfc' was induced to flower using the grafting floral induction method, and three F2 populations were generated. The flowering phenotype of each F2 population was widely distributed with non-flowering individuals appearing in two populations. QTL-seq analysis detected a genomic region associated with flowering date at approximately 51 Mb on chromosome 9 in two of the three F2 populations. Subsequent validation and fine mapping of the candidate genomic region using QTL analysis identified the quantitative trait loci (QTL) at 50,177,696-51,474,818 bp on chromosome 9 covering 241 genes. Additionally, RNA-seq analysis in leaves and shoot apices of 'nfc' and 'T15' plants identified 19 and 15 differentially expressed genes related to flowering time, respectively. Based on these results, we identified tandem duplicated BoFLC1 genes, which are homologs of the floral repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C, as the candidate genes responsible for the non-flowering trait of 'nfc'. We designated the tandem duplicated BoFLC1 genes as BoFLC1a and BoFLC1b. Expression analysis revealed that the expression levels of BoFLC1a and BoFLC1b were downregulated during winter in 'T15' but were upregulated and maintained during winter in 'nfc'. Additionally, the expression level of the floral integrator BoFT was upregulated in the spring in 'T15' but hardly upregulated in 'nfc'. These results suggest that the upregulated levels of BoFLC1a and BoFLC1b contributed to the non-flowering trait of 'nfc'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kinoshita
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Ko Motoki
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kizugawa, Kyoto 619-0218, Japan
| | - Munetaka Hosokawa
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara, Nara 631-8505, Japan.
- Agricultural Technology and Innovation Research Institute (ATIRI), Kindai University, Nara, Nara 631-8505, Japan.
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Zhao J, Doody E, Poethig RS. Reproductive competence is regulated independently of vegetative phase change in Arabidopsis thaliana. Curr Biol 2023; 33:487-497.e2. [PMID: 36634678 PMCID: PMC9905307 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.12.029] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
A long-standing question in plant biology is how the acquisition of reproductive competence is related to the juvenile-to-adult vegetative transition. We addressed this question by examining the expression pattern and mutant phenotypes of two families of miRNAs-miR156/miR157 and miR172-that operate in the same pathway and play important roles in these processes. The phenotype of mutants deficient for miR156/miR157, miR172, and all three miRNAs demonstrated that miR156/miR157 regulate the timing of vegetative phase change but have only a minor effect on reproductive competence, whereas miR172 has a minor role in vegetative phase change but has a major effect on reproductive competence. MIR172B is directly downstream of the miR156/SPL module, but temporal variation in the level of miR156 in the shoot apex and leaf-to-leaf variation in miR156 expression in young primordia was not associated with a change in the level of miR172 in these tissues. Additionally, although miR172 levels increase from leaf to leaf later in leaf development, this variation is largely insensitive to changes in the abundance of miR156. Our results indicate that the acquisition of reproductive competence in Arabidopsis is regulated by miR172 through a mechanism that is independent of the vegetative phase change pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfei Zhao
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Erin Doody
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - R Scott Poethig
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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5
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TEMPRANILLO homologs in apple regulate flowering time in the woodland strawberry Fragaria vesca. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1968. [PMID: 36737641 PMCID: PMC9898550 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29059-0] [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: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The long juvenile period of fruit trees makes their breeding costly and time-consuming. Therefore, flowering time engineering and shortening the juvenile phase have become a breeding priority for the genetic improvement of fruit tree crops. Many economically valuable fruit trees belong to the Rosaceae family including apples and strawberries. TEMPRANILLO (TEM) acts as a key player in flowering time control through inhibiting FT function. Two genes with high sequence similarity with the Arabidopsis TEM genes were isolated from apple (Malus domestica). Due to the complexity of carrying out functional studies in apple, we characterized their function in woodland strawberry as well as their expression in apple. The expression of MdTEM genes in apple tissues from juvenile plants was dramatically higher than that in the tissues from adult trees. In woodland strawberry, the overexpression of MdTEM genes down-regulated FvFT1, FvGA3OX1, and FvGA3OX2 genes in strawberry. The MdTEM-overexpressing lines exhibited delayed flowering, in terms of days to flowering and the number of leaves at flowering. While, RNAi-mediated silencing of TEM resulted in five days earlier flowering, with a lower number of leaves, a higher trichome density, and in some cases, caused in vitro flowering. According to these results and in silico analyses, it can be concluded that MdTEM1 and MdTEM2 can be considered as orthologs of FvTEM and probably AtTEM genes, which play an important role in regulating the juvenile phase and flowering time through regulating FT and GA biosynthetic pathway.
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6
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Laskowski MJ, Tiley HC, Fang Y, Epstein A, Fu Y, Ramos R, Drummond TJ, Heidstra R, Bhakhri P, Baskin TI, Leyser O. The miR156 juvenility factor and PLETHORA 2 form a regulatory network and influence timing of meristem growth and lateral root emergence. Development 2022; 149:dev199871. [PMID: 36281807 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plants develop throughout their lives: seeds become seedlings that mature and form fruits and seeds. Although the underlying mechanisms that drive these developmental phase transitions have been well elucidated for shoots, the extent to which they affect the root is less clear. However, root anatomy does change as some plants mature; meristems enlarge and radial thickening occurs. Here, in Arabidopsis thaliana, we show that overexpressing miR156A, a gene that promotes the juvenile phase, increased the density of the root system, even in grafted plants in which only the rootstock had the overexpression genotype. In the root, overexpression of miR156A resulted in lower levels of PLETHORA 2, a protein that affects formation of the meristem and elongation zone. Crossing in an extra copy of PLETHORA 2 partially rescued the effects of miR156A overexpression on traits affecting root architecture, including meristem length and the rate of lateral root emergence. Consistent with this, PLETHORA 2 also inhibited the root-tip expression of another miR156 gene, miR156C. We conclude that the system driving phase change in the shoot affects developmental progression in the root, and that PLETHORA 2 participates in this network.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helene C Tiley
- Biology Department, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074USA
| | - Yiling Fang
- Biology Department, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074USA
| | - Anabel Epstein
- Biology Department, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074USA
| | - Yuyang Fu
- Biology Department, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074USA
| | - Roberto Ramos
- Biology Department, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074USA
| | | | - Renze Heidstra
- Cluster of Plant Developmental Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Priyanka Bhakhri
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Tobias I Baskin
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Ottoline Leyser
- Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1LR, UK
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Arteaga N, Méndez‐Vigo B, Fuster‐Pons A, Savic M, Murillo‐Sánchez A, Picó FX, Alonso‐Blanco C. Differential environmental and genomic architectures shape the natural diversity for trichome patterning and morphology in different Arabidopsis organs. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2022; 45:3018-3035. [PMID: 35289421 PMCID: PMC9541492 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite the adaptive and taxonomic relevance of the natural diversity for trichome patterning and morphology, the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms underlying these traits remain mostly unknown, particularly in organs other than leaves. In this study, we address the ecological, genetic and molecular bases of the natural variation for trichome patterning and branching in multiple organs of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). To this end, we characterized a collection of 191 accessions and carried out environmental and genome-wide association (GWA) analyses. Trichome amount in different organs correlated negatively with precipitation in distinct seasons, thus suggesting a precise fit between trichome patterning and climate throughout the Arabidopsis life cycle. In addition, GWA analyses showed small overlapping between the genes associated with different organs, indicating partly independent genetic bases for vegetative and reproductive phases. These analyses identified a complex locus on chromosome 2, where two adjacent MYB genes (ETC2 and TCL1) displayed differential effects on trichome patterning in several organs. Furthermore, analyses of transgenic lines carrying different natural alleles demonstrated that TCL1 accounts for the variation for trichome patterning in all organs, and for stem trichome branching. By contrast, two other MYB genes (TRY and GL1), mainly showed effects on trichome patterning or branching, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Arteaga
- Departamento de Genética Molecular de Plantas, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)MadridSpain
| | - Belén Méndez‐Vigo
- Departamento de Genética Molecular de Plantas, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)MadridSpain
| | - Alberto Fuster‐Pons
- Departamento de Genética Molecular de Plantas, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)MadridSpain
| | - Marija Savic
- Departamento de Genética Molecular de Plantas, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)MadridSpain
| | - Alba Murillo‐Sánchez
- Departamento de Genética Molecular de Plantas, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)MadridSpain
| | - F. Xavier Picó
- Departamento de Ecología Integrativa, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD)Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)SevillaSpain
| | - Carlos Alonso‐Blanco
- Departamento de Genética Molecular de Plantas, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)MadridSpain
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Hyde PT, Setter TL. Long-day photoperiod and cool temperature induce flowering in cassava: Expression of signaling genes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:973206. [PMID: 36186068 PMCID: PMC9523484 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.973206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Cassava is a staple food crop in the tropics, and is of particular importance in Africa. Recent development of genomic selection technology have improved the speed of cassava breeding; however, cassava flower initiation and development remains a bottleneck. The objectives of the current studies were to elucidate the effect of photoperiod, temperature and their interactions on the time of flowering and flower development in controlled environments, and to use RNA-sequencing to identify transcriptome expression underlying these environmental responses. Compared to a normal tropical day-length of 12 h, increasing the photoperiod by 4 h or decreasing the air temperature from 34/31 to 22°/19°C (day/night) substantially hastened the time to flowering. For both photoperiod and temperature, the environment most favorable for flowering was opposite the one for storage root harvest index. There was a pronounced treatment interaction: at warm day-time temperatures, percent flowering was low, and photoperiod had little effect. In contrast, at cooler temperatures, percent flowering increased, and long-day (LD) photoperiod had a strong effect in hastening flowering. In response to temperature, many differentially expressed genes in the sugar, phase-change, and flowering-time-integrator pathways had expression/flowering patterns in the same direction as in Arabidopsis (positive or negative) even though the effect of temperature on flowering operates in the reverse direction in cassava compared to Arabidopsis. Three trehalose-6-phosphate-synthase-1 (TPS1) genes and four members of the SPL gene family had significantly increased expression at cool temperature, suggesting sugar signaling roles in flower induction. In response to LD photoperiod, regulatory genes were expressed as in Arabidopsis and other LD flowering plants. Several hormone-related genes were expressed in response to both photoperiod and temperature. In summary, these findings provide insight on photoperiod and temperature responses and underlying gene expression that may assist breeding programs to manipulate flowering for more rapid crop improvement.
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Deng F, Zeng F, Shen Q, Abbas A, Cheng J, Jiang W, Chen G, Shah AN, Holford P, Tanveer M, Zhang D, Chen ZH. Molecular evolution and functional modification of plant miRNAs with CRISPR. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 27:890-907. [PMID: 35165036 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2022.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Gene editing using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR-associated proteins (CRISPR/Cas) has revolutionized biotechnology and provides genetic tools for medicine and life sciences. However, the application of this technology to miRNAs, with the function as negative gene regulators, has not been extensively reviewed in plants. Here, we summarize the evolution, biogenesis, and structure of miRNAs, as well as their interactions with mRNAs and computational models for predicting target genes. In addition, we review current advances in CRISPR/Cas for functional analysis and for modulating miRNA genes in plants. Extending our knowledge of miRNAs and their manipulation with CRISPR will provide fundamental understanding of the functions of plant miRNAs and facilitate more sustainable and publicly acceptable genetic engineering of crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenglin Deng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain Industry, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Fanrong Zeng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain Industry, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Qiufang Shen
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Asad Abbas
- School of Horticulture, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Jianhui Cheng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain Industry, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain Industry, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Central Laboratory, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Hangzhou, China
| | - Adnan Noor Shah
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, 64200, Pakistan
| | - Paul Holford
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Mohsin Tanveer
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7004, Australia.
| | - Dabing Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University-University of Adelaide Joint Centre for Agriculture and Health, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; School of Agriculture, Food, and Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, Australia.
| | - Zhong-Hua Chen
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.
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Osnato M, Cota I, Nebhnani P, Cereijo U, Pelaz S. Photoperiod Control of Plant Growth: Flowering Time Genes Beyond Flowering. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 12:805635. [PMID: 35222453 PMCID: PMC8864088 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.805635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Fluctuations in environmental conditions greatly influence life on earth. Plants, as sessile organisms, have developed molecular mechanisms to adapt their development to changes in daylength, or photoperiod. One of the first plant features that comes to mind as affected by the duration of the day is flowering time; we all bring up a clear image of spring blossom. However, for many plants flowering happens at other times of the year, and many other developmental aspects are also affected by changes in daylength, which range from hypocotyl elongation in Arabidopsis thaliana to tuberization in potato or autumn growth cessation in trees. Strikingly, many of the processes affected by photoperiod employ similar gene networks to respond to changes in the length of light/dark cycles. In this review, we have focused on developmental processes affected by photoperiod that share similar genes and gene regulatory networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Osnato
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics, CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Cota
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics, CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Poonam Nebhnani
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics, CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Unai Cereijo
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics, CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Soraya Pelaz
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics, CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Zhou Z, Zhu Y, Zhang H, Zhang R, Gao Q, Ding T, Wang H, Yan Z, Yao JL. Transcriptome analysis of transgenic apple fruit overexpressing microRNA172 reveals candidate transcription factors regulating apple fruit development at early stages. PeerJ 2022; 9:e12675. [PMID: 35036153 PMCID: PMC8710058 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNA172 (miR172) has been proven to be critical for fruit growth, since elevated miR172 activity blocks the growth of apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) fruit. However, it is not clear how overexpression of miR172 affects apple fruit developmental processes. Methods To answer this question, the present study, analyzed global transcriptional changes in miR172-overexpressing (miR172OX) and nongenetically modified wild-type (WT) apple fruit at two developmental stages and in different fruit tissues via RNA-seq. In addition, two cultivars, ‘Hanfu’ and ‘M9’, which have naturally fruit size variation, were included to identify miR172-dependent DEGs. qRT–PCRwas used to verify the reliability of our RNA-seq data. Results Overexpression of miR172 altered the expression levels of many cell proliferation- and cell expansion-related genes. Twenty-four libraries were generated, and 10,338 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected between miR172OX and WT fruit tissues. ‘Hanfu’ and ‘M9’ are two common cultivars that bear fruit of different sizes (250 g and 75 g, respectively). Six libraries were generated, and 3,627 DEGs were detected between ‘Hanfu’ and ‘M9’. After merging the two datasets, 6,888 candidate miR172-specific DEGs were identified. The potential networks associated with fruit size triggered traits were defined among genes belonging to the families of hormone synthesis, signaling pathways, and transcription factors. Our comparative transcriptome analysis provides insights into transcriptome responses to miR172 overexpression in apple fruit and a valuable database for future studies to validate functional genes and elucidate the fruit developmental mechanisms in apple.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Zhou
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanmin Zhu
- Tree Fruit Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Wenatchee, WA, USA
| | - Hengtao Zhang
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruiping Zhang
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qiming Gao
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tiyu Ding
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenli Yan
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jia-Long Yao
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China.,The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Auckland, New Zealand
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12
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Zhao M, Liu R, Chen Y, Cui J, Ge W, Zhang K. Molecular identification and functional verification of SPL9 and SPL15 of Lilium. Mol Genet Genomics 2022; 297:63-74. [PMID: 34779936 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-021-01832-8] [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: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The transformation of plants from juveniles to adults is a key process in plant growth and development, and the main regulatory factors are miR156 and SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like (SPL) transcription factors. Lilium is an ornamental bulb, but it has a long maturation time. In this experiment, Lilium bulbs were subjected to a temperature treatment of 15 °C for 4 weeks to initiate vegetative phase change. Transmission electron microscopy indicated the cell wall of bud core tissue undergoing vegetative phase change became thinner, the starch grains were reduced, and the growth of the juvenile stage was accelerated. The key transcription factors LbrSPL9 and LbrSPL15 were cloned, and the phylogenetic analysis showed they possessed high homology with other plant SPLs. Subcellular localization and transcription activation experiments confirmed LbrSPL9 and LbrSPL15 were mainly located in the nucleus and exhibited transcriptional activity. The results of in situ hybridization showed the expression levels of LbrSPL9 and LbrSPL15 were increased after temperature change treatment. The functional verification experiment of the transgenic plants confirmed that the overexpression of LbrSPL9 and LbrSPL15 could shorten maturation time. These findings help elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of phase transition in Lilium and provide a reference for breeding research in other bulbous flowers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengna Zhao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
- College of Landscape Architecture, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongxiu Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
- College of Landscape Architecture, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Chen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
- College of Landscape Architecture, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinteng Cui
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
- College of Landscape Architecture, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Ge
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China.
- College of Landscape Architecture, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China.
- Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kezhong Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China.
- College of Landscape Architecture, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China.
- Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Gutiérrez-Larruscain D, Abeyawardana OAJ, Krüger M, Belz C, Juříček M, Štorchová H. Transcriptomic study of the night break in Chenopodium rubrum reveals possible upstream regulators of the floral activator CrFTL1. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 265:153492. [PMID: 34385120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2021.153492] [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: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The transition from vegetative to reproductive phases is the most fundamental and tightly controlled switch in the life of flowering plants. The short-day plant Chenopodium rubrum is a fast cycling annual plant lacking a juvenile phase. It can be induced to flowering at the seedling stage by exposure to a single period of darkness. This floral induction may then be cancelled by a short pulse of red light at midnight called night break (NB), which also inhibits the floral activator FLOWERING LOCUS T LIKE 1 (CrFTL1). We performed a comparative transcriptomic study between C. rubrum seedlings treated by NB and ones growing through uninterrupted night, and found about six hundred differentially expressed genes, including the B-BOX DOMAIN (BBX) genes. We focused on the CrBBX19 and BOLTING TIME CONTROL 1 (BTC1) genes, homologous to the upstream regulators of the BvFT2, a floral inducer in sugar beet. The transcription patterns of the two genes were compatible with their putative role as a sensor of the dark period length optimal for flowering (CrBBX19), and a signal of lights-on (CrBTC1), but the participation of other genes cannot be excluded. The expression profiles of CrBBX19 and the homolog of the core endogenous clock gene LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY) were highly similar, which suggested their co-regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gutiérrez-Larruscain
- Institute of Experimental Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 263, 16502, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Oushadee A J Abeyawardana
- Institute of Experimental Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 263, 16502, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Manuela Krüger
- Institute of Experimental Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 263, 16502, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Claudia Belz
- Institute of Experimental Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 263, 16502, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Miloslav Juříček
- Institute of Experimental Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 263, 16502, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Helena Štorchová
- Institute of Experimental Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 263, 16502, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Wang Y, Xu C, Sun J, Dong L, Li M, Liu Y, Wang J, Zhang X, Li D, Sun J, Zhang Y, Shan J, Li W, Zhao L. GmRAV confers ecological adaptation through photoperiod control of flowering time and maturity in soybean. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 187:361-377. [PMID: 34618136 PMCID: PMC8418415 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Photoperiod strictly controls vegetative and reproductive growth stages in soybean (Glycine max). A soybean GmRAV (Related to ABI3/VP1) transcription factor containing both AP2 and B3 domains was shown to be a key component of this process. We identified six polymorphisms in the GmRAV promoter that showed significant association with flowering time and maturity of soybean in one or multiple environments. Soybean varieties with minor polymorphism exhibited a longer growth period contributing to soybean adaptation to lower latitudes. The cis-acting element GT1CONSENSUS motif of the GmRAV promoter controlled the growth period, and the major allele in this motif shortened duration of late reproductive stages by reducing GmRAV expression levels. Three GmRAV-overexpressing (GmRAV-ox) transgenic lines displayed later flowering time and maturity, shorter height and fewer numbers of leaves compared with control plants, whereas transgenic inhibition of GmRAV expression resulted in earlier flowering time and maturity and increased plant height. Combining DNA affinity purification sequencing and RNA sequencing analyses revealed 154 putative target genes directly bound and transcriptionally regulated by GmRAV. Two GmRAV binding motifs [C(A/G)AACAA(G/T)A(C/T)A(G/T)] and [C(T/A)A(C)C(T/G)CTG] were identified, and acting downstream of E3E4, GmRAV repressed GmFT5a transcriptional activity through binding a CAACA motif, thereby delaying soybean growth and extending both vegetative and reproductive phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhe Wang
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Chongjing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jiafan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Lidong Dong
- Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minmin Li
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jianhui Wang
- Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Dongmei Li
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jingzhe Sun
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yuntong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jinming Shan
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Wenbin Li
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
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15
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TEM1 combinatorially binds to FLOWERING LOCUS T and recruits a Polycomb factor to repress the floral transition in Arabidopsis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2103895118. [PMID: 34446554 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2103895118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Arabidopsis TEMPRANILLO 1 (TEM1) is a transcriptional repressor that participates in multiple flowering pathways and negatively regulates the juvenile-to-adult transition and the flowering transition. To understand the molecular basis for the site-specific regulation of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) by TEM1, we determined the structures of the two plant-specific DNA-binding domains in TEM1, AP2 and B3, in complex with their target DNA sequences from the FT gene 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR), revealing the molecular basis for TEM1 specificity for its DNA targets. In vitro binding assays revealed that the combination of the AP2 and B3 binding sites greatly enhanced the overall binding of TEM1 to the FT 5'-UTR, indicating TEM1 combinatorically recognizes the FT gene 5'-UTR. We further showed that TEM1 recruits the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) to the FT 5'-UTR. The simultaneous binding of the TEM1 AP2 and B3 domains to FT is necessary for deposition of H3K27me3 at the FT 5'-UTR and for the flowering repressor function of TEM1. Overall, our data suggest that the combinatorial recognition of FT 5'-UTR by TEM1 ensures H3K27me3 deposition to precisely regulate the floral transition.
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16
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Beyond the Genetic Pathways, Flowering Regulation Complexity in Arabidopsis thaliana. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115716. [PMID: 34071961 PMCID: PMC8198774 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Flowering is one of the most critical developmental transitions in plants’ life. The irreversible change from the vegetative to the reproductive stage is strictly controlled to ensure the progeny’s success. In Arabidopsis thaliana, seven flowering genetic pathways have been described under specific growth conditions. However, the evidence condensed here suggest that these pathways are tightly interconnected in a complex multilevel regulatory network. In this review, we pursue an integrative approach emphasizing the molecular interactions among the flowering regulatory network components. We also consider that the same regulatory network prevents or induces flowering phase change in response to internal cues modulated by environmental signals. In this sense, we describe how during the vegetative phase of development it is essential to prevent the expression of flowering promoting genes until they are required. Then, we mention flowering regulation under suboptimal growing temperatures, such as those in autumn and winter. We next expose the requirement of endogenous signals in flowering, and finally, the acceleration of this transition by long-day photoperiod and temperature rise signals allowing A. thaliana to bloom in spring and summer seasons. With this approach, we aim to provide an initial systemic view to help the reader integrate this complex developmental process.
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17
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A Complex Gene Network Mediated by Ethylene Signal Transduction TFs Defines the Flower Induction and Differentiation in Olea europaea L. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040545. [PMID: 33918715 PMCID: PMC8070190 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040545] [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: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) is a typical Mediterranean crop, important for olive and oil production. The high tendency to bear fruits in an uneven manner, defined as irregular or alternate bearing, results in a significant economic impact for the high losses in olives and oil production. Buds from heavy loaded (‘ON’) and unloaded (‘OFF’) branches of a unique olive tree were collected in July and the next March to compare the transcriptomic profiles and get deep insight into the molecular mechanisms regulating floral induction and differentiation. A wide set of DEGs related to ethylene TFs and to hormonal, sugar, and phenylpropanoid pathways was identified in buds collected from ‘OFF’ branches. These genes could directly and indirectly modulate different pathways, suggesting their key role during the lateral bud transition to flowering stage. Interestingly, several genes related to the flowering process appeared as over-expressed in buds from March ‘OFF’ branches and they could address the buds towards flower differentiation. By this approach, interesting candidate genes related to the switch from vegetative to reproductive stages were detected and analyzed. The functional analysis of these genes will provide tools for developing breeding programs to obtain olive trees characterized by more constant productivity over the years.
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18
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Killiny N, Nehela Y, Hijaz F, Gonzalez-Blanco P, Hajeri S, Gowda S. Knock-down of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase via virus-induced gene silencing alters the microRNA biogenesis and causes stress-related reactions in citrus plants. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 299:110622. [PMID: 32900450 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2020.110622] [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: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The δ-aminolevulinic acid (δ-ALA) is an intermediate in the biosynthetic pathway of tetrapyrroles. Tetrapyrroles play vital roles in many biological processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and light-sensing. ALA-dehydratase (ALAD) combines two molecules of δ-ALA to form porphobilinogen. In citrus, the silencing of ALAD caused discrete yellow spots and necrosis in leaves and stems. Additionally, it caused rapid death in developing new shoots. Herein, we hypothesize that the accumulation of δ-ALA results in severe stress and reduced meristem development. For that reason, we investigated the dynamic changes in the expression profiles of 23 microRNA (miRNA) identified through small RNA sequencing, from CTV-tALAD plants in comparison with healthy C. macrophylla and C. macrophylla infiltrated with CTV-wt. Furthermore, we reported the effect of ALAD silencing on the total phenolics, H2O2, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, to examine the possibilities of miRNAs involving the regulation of these pathways. Our results showed that the total phenolics content, H2O2, and O2- levels were increased in CTV-tALAD plants. Moreover, 63 conserved miRNA members belonging to 23 different miRNA families were differentially expressed in CTV-tALAD plants compared to controls. The identified miRNAs are implicated in auxin biosynthesis and signaling, axillary shoot meristem formation and leaf morphology, starch metabolism, and oxidative stress. Collectively, our findings suggested that ALAD silencing initiates stress on citrus plants. As a result, CTV-tALAD plants exhibit reduced metabolic rate, growth, and development in order to cope with the stress that resulted from the accumulation of δ-ALA. This cascade of events led to leaf, stem, and meristem necrosis and failure of new shoot development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Killiny
- Department of Plant Pathology, Citrus Research and Education Center, IFAS, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, FL, 33850, USA.
| | - Yasser Nehela
- Department of Plant Pathology, Citrus Research and Education Center, IFAS, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, FL, 33850, USA
| | - Faraj Hijaz
- Department of Plant Pathology, Citrus Research and Education Center, IFAS, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, FL, 33850, USA
| | - Pedro Gonzalez-Blanco
- Department of Plant Pathology, Citrus Research and Education Center, IFAS, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, FL, 33850, USA
| | - Subhas Hajeri
- Department of Plant Pathology, Citrus Research and Education Center, IFAS, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, FL, 33850, USA
| | - Siddarame Gowda
- Department of Plant Pathology, Citrus Research and Education Center, IFAS, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, FL, 33850, USA
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19
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Chung MY, Nath UK, Vrebalov J, Gapper N, Lee JM, Lee DJ, Kim CK, Giovannoni J. Ectopic expression of miRNA172 in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) reveals novel function in fruit development through regulation of an AP2 transcription factor. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 20:283. [PMID: 32560687 PMCID: PMC7304166 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-020-02489-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that can influence gene expression via diverse mechanisms. Tomato is a fruit widely consumed for its flavor, culinary attributes, and high nutritional quality. Tomato fruit are climacteric and fleshy, and their ripening is regulated by endogenous and exogenous signals operating through a coordinated genetic network. Much research has been conducted on mechanisms of tomato fruit ripening, but the roles of miRNA-regulated repression/expression of specific regulatory genes are not well documented. RESULTS In this study, we demonstrate that miR172 specifically targets four SlAP2 transcription factor genes in tomato. Among them, SlAP2a was repressed by the overexpression of SlmiR172, manifesting in altered flower morphology, development and accelerated ripening. miR172 over-expression lines specifically repressed SlAP2a, enhancing ethylene biosynthesis, fruit color and additional ripening characteristics. Most previously described ripening-regulatory genes, including RIN-MADS, NR, TAGL1 and LeHB-1 were not influenced by miR172 while CNR showed altered expression. CONCLUSIONS Tomato fruit ripening is directly influenced by miR172 targeting of the APETALA2 transcription factor, SlAP2a, with minimal influence over additional known ripening-regulatory genes. miR172a-guided SlAP2a expression provides insight into another layer of genetic control of ripening and a target for modifying the quality and nutritional value of tomato and possibly other fleshy fruit crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Young Chung
- Department of Agricultural Education, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, South Korea
| | - Ujjal Kumar Nath
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Julia Vrebalov
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Nigel Gapper
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Je Min Lee
- Department of Horticulture, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Do-Jin Lee
- Department of Agricultural Education, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, South Korea
| | - Chang Kil Kim
- Department of Horticulture, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
| | - James Giovannoni
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
- US Department of Agriculture/Agriculture Research Service, Robert W. Holley Centre for Agriculture and Health, Ithaca, New York, USA.
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20
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Wang X, Xu X, Mo X, Zhong L, Zhang J, Mo B, Kuai B. Overexpression of TCP8 delays Arabidopsis flowering through a FLOWERING LOCUS C-dependent pathway. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 19:534. [PMID: 31795938 PMCID: PMC6889539 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-019-2157-4] [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: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Flowering is a key process in the life cycle of plants. The transition from vegetative to reproductive growth is thus under sophisticated regulation by endogenous and environmental signals. The plant-specific Teosinte Branched 1/Cycloidea/Proliferating Cell Factors (TCP) family transcription factors are involved in many biological processes, but their roles in regulating flowering have not been totally elucidated. RESULTS We explored the role of Arabidopsis TCP8 in plant development and, especially, in flowering control. Overexpression of TCP8 significantly delayed flowering under both long-day and short-day conditions and dominant repression by TCP8 led to various growth defects. The upregulation of TCP8 led to more accumulated mRNA level of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), a central floral repressor of Arabidopsis. TCP8 functions in an FLC-dependent manner, as TCP8 overexpression in the flc-6 loss-of-function mutant failed to delay flowering. The vernalization treatment could reverse the late flowering phenotype caused by TCP8 overexpression. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide evidence for a role of TCP8 in flowering control and add to our knowledge of the molecular basis of TCP8 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
| | - Xintong Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Xiaowei Mo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Luyao Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Jiancong Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Beixin Mo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Benke Kuai
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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