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Zang J, Yao X, Zhang T, Yang B, Wang Z, Quan S, Zhang Z, Liu J, Chen H, Zhang X, Hou Y. Excess iron accumulation affects maize endosperm development by inhibiting starch synthesis and inducing DNA damage. J Cell Physiol 2024:e31427. [PMID: 39239803 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Iron (Fe) storage in cereal seeds is the principal source of dietary Fe for humans. In maize (Zea mays), the accumulation of Fe in seeds is known to be negatively correlated with crop yield. Hence, it is essential to understand the underlying mechanism, which is crucial for developing and breeding maize cultivars with high yields and high Fe concentrations in the kernels. Here, through the successful application of in vitro kernel culture, we demonstrated that excess Fe supply in the medium caused the kernel to become collapsed and lighter in color, consistent with those found in yellow strip like 2 (ysl2, a small kernel mutant), implicated a crucial role of Fe concentration in kernel development. Indeed, over-accumulation of Fe in endosperm inhibited the abundance and activity of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) and the kernel development defect was alleviated by overexpression of Briittle 2 (Bt2, encoding a small subunit of AGPase) in ysl2 mutant. Imaging and quantitative analyses of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death showed that Fe stress-induced ROS burst and severe DNA damage in endosperm cells. In addition, we have successfully identified candidate genes that are associated with iron homeostasis within the kernel, as well as upstream transcription factors that regulate ZmYSL2 by yeast one-hybrid screening. Collectively, our study will provide insights into the molecular mechanism of Fe accumulation-regulated seed development and promote the future efficient application of Fe element in corn improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences in Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Xueyan Yao
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences in Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Tengfei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Boming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences in Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Shuxuan Quan
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences in Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Zhaogui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huabang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiansheng Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences in Weifang, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Yifeng Hou
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences in Weifang, Shandong, China
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2
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Wang Y, Zhang H, Zhang Z, Hua B, Liu J, Miao M. Source leaves are regulated by sink strengths through non-coding RNAs and alternative polyadenylation in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:812. [PMID: 39198785 PMCID: PMC11360537 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05416-7] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The yield of major crops is generally limited by sink capacity and source strength. Cucumber is a typical raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs)-transporting crop. Non-coding RNAs and alternative polyadenylation (APA) play important roles in the regulation of growth process in plants. However, their roles on the sink‒source regulation have not been demonstrated in RFOs-translocating species. RESULTS Here, whole-transcriptome sequencing was applied to compare the leaves of cucumber under different sink strength, that is, no fruit-carrying leaves (NFNLs) and fruit-carrying leaves (FNLs) at 12th node from the bottom. The results show that 1101 differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs, 79 DE long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 23 DE miRNAs were identified, which were enriched in photosynthesis, energy production and conversion, plant hormone signal transduction, starch and carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis pathways. Potential co-expression networks like, DE lncRNAs-DE mRNAs/ DE miRNAs-DE mRNAs, and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulation models (DE lncRNAs-DE miRNAs-DE mRNAs) associated with sink‒source allocation, were constructed. Furthermore, 37 and 48 DE genes, which enriched in MAPK signaling and plant hormone signal transduction pathway, exist differentially APA, and SPS (CsaV3_2G033300), GBSS1 (CsaV3_5G001560), ERS1 (CsaV3_7G029600), PNO1 (CsaV3_3G003950) and Myb (CsaV3_3G022290) may be regulated by both ncRNAs and APA between FNLs and NFNLs, speculating that ncRNAs and APA are involved in the regulation of gene expression of cucumber sink‒source carbon partitioning. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal a comprehensive network among mRNAs, ncRNAs, and APA in cucumber sink-source relationships. Our findings also provide valuable information for further research on the molecular mechanism of ncRNA and APA to enhance cucumber yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudan Wang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Jiangsu Yanjiang Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Nantong, 226541, China
| | - Zhiping Zhang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Bing Hua
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Jiexia Liu
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Minmin Miao
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
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Li Q, Li D, Guo S, Yu X. Genome-Wide Identification of microRNAs Associated with Starch Biosynthesis and Endosperm Development in Foxtail Millet. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9282. [PMID: 39273232 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Foxtail millet is one of the oldest crops, and its endosperm contains up to 70% of starch. Grain filling is an important starch accumulation process associated with foxtail millet yield and quality. However, the molecular mechanisms of grain filling in foxtail millet are relatively unclear. Here, we investigate the genes and regulated miRNAs associated with starch synthesis and metabolism in foxtail millet using high-throughput small RNA, mRNA and degradome sequencing. The regulation of starch synthesis and quality is carried out mainly at the 15 DAA to 35 DAA stage during grain filling. The DEGs between waxy and non-waxy foxtail millet were significant, especially for GBSS. Additionally, ptc-miR169i_R+2_1ss21GA, fve-miR396e_L-1R+1, mtr-miR162 and PC-5p-221_23413 regulate the expression of genes associated with the starch synthesis pathway in foxtail millet. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of starch synthesis and quality formation in foxtail millet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- College of Agriculture, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010000, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Genetic Improvement in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, College of Agronomy, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010000, China
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region College Crop Germplasm Resources Protection and Utilization Engineering Research Center, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010000, China
| | - Dongming Li
- Key Laboratory of Herbage & Endemic Crop Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010000, China
| | - Shihua Guo
- College of Agriculture, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010000, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Genetic Improvement in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, College of Agronomy, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010000, China
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region College Crop Germplasm Resources Protection and Utilization Engineering Research Center, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010000, China
| | - Xiaofang Yu
- College of Agriculture, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010000, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Genetic Improvement in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, College of Agronomy, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010000, China
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region College Crop Germplasm Resources Protection and Utilization Engineering Research Center, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010000, China
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Mughal N, Shoaib N, Chen J, Li Y, He Y, Fu M, Li X, He Y, Guo J, Deng J, Yang W, Liu J. Adaptive roles of cytokinins in enhancing plant resilience and yield against environmental stressors. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 364:143189. [PMID: 39191348 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Innovative agricultural strategies are essential for addressing the urgent challenge of food security in light of climate change, population growth, and various environmental stressors. Cytokinins (CKs) play a pivotal role in enhancing plant resilience and productivity. These compounds, which include isoprenoid and aromatic types, are synthesized through pathways involving key enzymes such as isopentenyl transferase and cytokinin oxidase. Under abiotic stress conditions, CKs regulate critical physiological processes by improving photosynthetic efficiency, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, and optimizing root architecture. They also reduce the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, resulting in improved plant performance and yield. CKs interact intricately with other phytohormones, including abscisic acid, ethylene, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid, to modulate stress-responsive pathways. This hormonal cross-talk is vital for finely tuning plant responses to stress. Additionally, CKs influence nutrient uptake and enhance responses to heavy metal stress, thereby bolstering overall plant resilience. The application of CKs helps plants maintain higher chlorophyll levels, boost antioxidant systems, and promote root and shoot growth. The strategic utilization of CKs presents an adaptive approach for developing robust crops capable of withstanding diverse environmental stressors, thus contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and global food security. Ongoing research into the mechanisms of CK action and their interactions with other hormones is essential for maximizing their agricultural potential. This underscores the necessity for continued innovation and research in agricultural practices, in alignment with global goals of sustainable productivity and food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishbah Mughal
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Crop Strip Intercropping System, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in Southwest, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Noman Shoaib
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Jianhua Chen
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Crop Strip Intercropping System, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in Southwest, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yang Li
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Crop Strip Intercropping System, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in Southwest, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yuhong He
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Crop Strip Intercropping System, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in Southwest, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Man Fu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Crop Strip Intercropping System, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in Southwest, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xingyun Li
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Crop Strip Intercropping System, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in Southwest, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yuanyuan He
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Crop Strip Intercropping System, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in Southwest, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jinya Guo
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, China
| | - Juncai Deng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, China
| | - Wenyu Yang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Crop Strip Intercropping System, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in Southwest, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Crop Strip Intercropping System, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in Southwest, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, China.
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5
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Zhang D, Gan Y, Le L, Pu L. Epigenetic variation in maize agronomical traits for breeding and trait improvement. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00028-6. [PMID: 38310944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetics-mediated breeding (Epibreeding) involves engineering crop traits and stress responses through the targeted manipulation of key epigenetic features to enhance agricultural productivity. While conventional breeding methods raise concerns about reduced genetic diversity, epibreeding propels crop improvement through epigenetic variations that regulate gene expression, ultimately impacting crop yield. Epigenetic regulation in crops encompasses various modes, including histone modification, DNA modification, RNA modification, non-coding RNA, and chromatin remodeling. This review summarizes the epigenetic mechanisms underlying major agronomic traits in maize and identifies candidate epigenetic landmarks in the maize breeding process. We propose a valuable strategy for improving maize yield through epibreeding, combining CRISPR/Cas-based epigenome editing technology and Synthetic Epigenetics (SynEpi). Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with maize trait improvement through epibreeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daolei Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010021, China
| | - Yujun Gan
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Liang Le
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Li Pu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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6
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Wang L, Liu L, Zhao J, Li C, Wu H, Zhao H, Wu Q. Granule-bound starch synthase in plants: Towards an understanding of their evolution, regulatory mechanisms, applications, and perspectives. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 336:111843. [PMID: 37648115 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Amylose content (AC) is a significant quality trait in starchy crops, affecting their processing and application by the food and non-food industries. Therefore, fine-tuning AC in these crops has become a focus for breeders. Granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS) is the core enzyme that directly determines the AC levels. Several excellent reviews have summarized key progress in various aspects of GBSS research in recent years, but they mostly focus on cereals. Herein, we provide an in-depth review of GBSS research in monocots and dicots, focusing on the molecular characteristics, evolutionary relationships, expression patterns, molecular regulation mechanisms, and applications. We also discuss future challenges and directions for controlling AC in starchy crops, and found simultaneously increasing both the PTST and GBSS gene expression levels may be an effective strategy to increase amylose content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 46, Xinkang Road, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Linling Liu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 46, Xinkang Road, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Jiali Zhao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 46, Xinkang Road, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Chenglei Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 46, Xinkang Road, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Huala Wu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 46, Xinkang Road, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Haixia Zhao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 46, Xinkang Road, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Qi Wu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 46, Xinkang Road, Ya'an 625014, China.
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7
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Yang C, Xia L, Fu M, Chen Y, Kong X, Zhang S. DNA methylation-mediated phenylpropane and starch metabolism causes male poplars to be more tolerant to nitrogen deficiency than females. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 195:144-154. [PMID: 36638604 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development. Dioecious plants, especially perennial plants, are often faced with a shortage of N supply in nature. Poplar is one of the most important dioecious and perennials species. Due to the different ecological functions, female and male poplars adopt different adaptation strategies to N limitation. However, the regulation in epigenetic mechanism is poorly understood on sexes. Here, the integrative analysis of whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), RNA sequencing, and plant physiological analysis on female and male Populus cathayana were performed. We found that N deficiency reprograms methylation in both sexes, and the CG and CHH methylation types played critical roles in female and male poplars, respectively. Induced by DNA methylation, N-deficient males had a stronger phenylpropanoid synthesis pathway and less anthocyanin accumulation than females, which not only strengthened the N cycle but also reduced the defense cost of males. In addition, compared with male poplars, females accumulated more starch to expend excess energy under N limited condition. Additionally, DNA methylation also mediated hormone signalling involved in anthocyanin synthesis and starch metabolism. Therefore, our study reveals new molecular evidences that male poplars are more tolerant to N deficiency than females, which provides a reference for ecological adaptability of forest trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Linchao Xia
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Mingyue Fu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Xiangge Kong
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
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Wang J, Wang H, Li K, Liu X, Cao X, Zhou Y, Huang C, Peng Y, Hu X. Characterization and Transcriptome Analysis of Maize Small-Kernel Mutant smk7a in Different Development Stages. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:354. [PMID: 36679067 PMCID: PMC9866416 DOI: 10.3390/plants12020354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The kernel serves as a storage organ for various nutrients and determines the yield and quality of maize. Understanding the mechanisms regulating kernel development is important for maize production. In this study, a small-kernel mutant smk7a of maize was characterized. Cytological observation suggested that the development of the endosperm and embryo was arrested in smk7a in the early development stage. Biochemical tests revealed that the starch, zein protein, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) contents were significantly lower in smk7a compared with wild-type (WT). Consistent with the defective development phenotype, transcriptome analysis of the kernels 12 and 20 days after pollination (DAP) revealed that the starch, zein, and auxin biosynthesis-related genes were dramatically downregulated in smk7a. Genetic mapping indicated that the mutant was controlled by a recessive gene located on chromosome 2. Our results suggest that disrupted nutrition accumulation and auxin synthesis cause the defective endosperm and embryo development of smk7a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
- Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Hongwu Wang
- College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
- Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Kun Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiaogang Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiaoxiong Cao
- National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yuqiang Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Changling Huang
- National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yunling Peng
- College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Xiaojiao Hu
- National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
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9
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Yang Z, Yan H, Wang J, Nie G, Feng G, Xu X, Li D, Huang L, Zhang X. DNA hypermethylation promotes the flowering of orchardgrass during vernalization. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 190:1490-1505. [PMID: 35861426 PMCID: PMC9516772 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Vernalization, influenced by environmental factors, is an essential process associated with the productivity of temperate crops, during which epigenetic regulation of gene expression plays an important role. Although DNA methylation is one of the major epigenetic mechanisms associated with the control of gene expression, global changes in DNA methylation in the regulation of gene expression during vernalization-induced flowering of temperate plants remain largely undetermined. To characterize vernalization-associated DNA methylation dynamics, we performed whole-genome bisulfite-treated sequencing and transcriptome sequencing in orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) during vernalization. The results revealed that increased levels of genome DNA methylation during the early vernalization of orchardgrass were associated with transcriptional changes in DNA methyltransferase and demethylase genes. Upregulated expression of vernalization-related genes during early vernalization was attributable to an increase in mCHH in the promoter regions of these genes. Application of an exogenous DNA methylation accelerator or overexpression of orchardgrass NUCLEAR POLY(A) POLYMERASE (DgPAPS4) promoted earlier flowering, indicating that DNA hypermethylation plays an important role in vernalization-induced flowering. Collectively, our findings revealed that vernalization-induced hypermethylation is responsible for floral primordium initiation and development. These observations provide a theoretical foundation for further studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying the control of vernalization in temperate grasses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jianping Wang
- Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA
| | - Gang Nie
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Guangyan Feng
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Xiaoheng Xu
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Dandan Li
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
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10
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Ajayo BS, Li Y, Wang Y, Dai C, Gao L, Liu H, Yu G, Zhang J, Huang Y, Hu Y. The novel ZmTCP7 transcription factor targets AGPase-encoding gene ZmBt2 to regulate storage starch accumulation in maize. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:943050. [PMID: 35909761 PMCID: PMC9335043 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.943050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The process of starch biosynthesis is a major developmental event that affects the final grain yield and quality in maize (Zea mays L.), and transcriptional regulation plays a key role in modulating the expression of the main players in the pathway. ZmBt2, which encodes the small subunits of AGPase, is a rate-controlling gene of the pathway; however, much remains unknown about its transcriptional regulation. Our earlier study identifies a short functional fragment of ZmBt2 promoter (394-bp), and further shows it contains multiple putative cis-acting regulatory elements, demonstrating that several transcription factors may govern ZmBt2 expression. Here, we identified a novel TCP transcription factor (TF), ZmTCP7, that interacted with the functional fragment of the ZmBt2 promoter in a yeast one hybrid screening system. We further showed that ZmTCP7 is a non-autonomous TF targeted to the nucleus and predominantly expressed in maize endosperm. Using promoter deletion analyzes by transient expression in maize endosperm protoplasts combined with electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we found that ZmTCP7 bound to GAACCCCAC elements on the ZmBt2 promoter to suppress its expression. Transgenic overexpression of ZmTCP7 in maize caused a significant repression of ZmBt2 transcription by ~77.58%, resulting in a 21.51% decrease in AGPase activity and a 9.58% reduction in the endosperm starch content of transgenic maize. Moreover, the expressions of ZmBt1, ZmSSI, ZmSSIIa, and ZmSSIIIa were increased, while those of ZmSh2 and ZmSSIV reduced significantly in the endosperm of the transgenic maize. Overall, this study shows that ZmTCP7 functions as a transcriptional repressor of ZmBt2 and a negative regulator of endosperm starch accumulation, providing new insights into the regulatory networks that govern ZmBt2 expression and starch biosynthesis pathway in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babatope Samuel Ajayo
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resource Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Chengdu, China
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yangping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resource Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Chengdu, China
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yayun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resource Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Chengdu, China
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chengdong Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resource Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Chengdu, China
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resource Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Chengdu, China
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanmei Liu
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, China
| | - Guowu Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resource Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Chengdu, China
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, China
| | - Yubi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resource Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Chengdu, China
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yufeng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resource Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Chengdu, China
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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11
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Shen L, Li J, Li Y. Resistant starch formation in rice: Genetic regulation and beyond. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 3:100329. [PMID: 35576157 PMCID: PMC9251435 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2022.100329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Resistant starch (RS), a healthy dietary fiber, is a particular type of starch that has attracted much research attention in recent years. RS has important roles in reducing glycemic index, postprandial blood glucose levels, and serum cholesterol levels, thereby improving and preventing many diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. The formation of RS is influenced by intrinsic properties of starch (e.g., starch granule structure, starch crystal structure, and amylose-to-amylopectin ratio) and non-starch components (e.g., proteins, lipids, and sugars), as well as storage and processing conditions. Recent studies have revealed that several starch-synthesis-related genes (SSRGs) are crucial for the formation of RS during seed development. Several transcription factors and mRNA splicing factors have been shown to affect the expression or splicing of SSRGs that regulate RS content, suggesting their potential roles in RS formation. This review focuses mainly on recent research progress on the genetic regulation of RS content and discusses the emerging genetic and molecular mechanisms of RS formation in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, CAS Centre for Excellence in Molecular Plant Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jiayang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100039, China.
| | - Yunhai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, CAS Centre for Excellence in Molecular Plant Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100039, China.
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12
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Wang S, Yan J, Hu B, Wang R, Xu J. Advanced epigenomic engineering in crop quality improvement. Curr Opin Food Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2022.100843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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13
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Lu D, Zhai J, Xi M. Regulation of DNA Methylation During Plant Endosperm Development. Front Genet 2022; 13:760690. [PMID: 35222527 PMCID: PMC8867698 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.760690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The endosperm is a vital storage tissue in plant seeds. It provides nutrients to the embryos or the seedlings during seed development and germination. Although the genetic information in the endosperm cannot be passed directly to the next generation, its inherited epigenetic marks affect gene expression and its development and, consequently, embryo and seed growth. DNA methylation is a major form of epigenetic modification that can be investigated to understand the epigenome changes during reproductive development. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore the effects of endosperm DNA methylation on crop yield and traits. In this review, we discuss the changes in DNA methylation and the resulting imprinted gene expression levels during plant endosperm development, as well as their effects on seed development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jixian Zhai
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Jixian Zhai, ; Mengli Xi,
| | - Mengli Xi
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Jixian Zhai, ; Mengli Xi,
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14
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Cheng K, Pan YF, Liu LM, Zhang HQ, Zhang YM. Integrated Transcriptomic and Bioinformatics Analyses Reveal the Molecular Mechanisms for the Differences in Seed Oil and Starch Content Between Glycine max and Cicer arietinum. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:743680. [PMID: 34764968 PMCID: PMC8576049 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.743680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The seed oil and starch content of soybean are significantly different from that of chickpea. However, there are limited studies on its molecular mechanisms. To address this issue, we conducted integrated transcriptomic and bioinformatics analyses for species-specific genes and acyl-lipid-, starch-, and carbon metabolism-related genes. Among seven expressional patterns of soybean-specific genes, four were highly expressed at the middle- and late oil accumulation stages; these genes significantly enriched fatty acid synthesis and carbon metabolism, and along with common acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) highly expressed at soybean middle seed development stage, common starch-degrading enzyme beta-amylase-5 (BAM5) was highly expressed at soybean early seed development stage and oil synthesis-related genes ACCase, KAS, KAR, ACP, and long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (LACS) were co-expressed with WRI1, which may result in high seed oil content and low seed starch content in soybean. The common ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) was highly expressed at chickpea middle seed development stage, along with more starch biosynthesis genes co-expressed with four-transcription-factor homologous genes in chickpea than in soybean, and the common WRI1 was not co-expressed with oil synthesis genes in chickpea, which may result in high seed starch content and low seed oil content in chickpea. The above results may be used to improve chickpea seed oil content in two ways. One is to edit CaWRI1 to co-express with oil synthesis-related genes, which may increase carbon metabolites flowing to oil synthesis, and another is to increase the expression levels of miRNA159 and miRNA319 to inhibit the expression of MYB33, which may downregulate starch synthesis-related genes, making more carbon metabolites flow into oil synthesis. Our study will provide a basis for future breeding efforts to increase the oil content of chickpea seeds.
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15
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Shoaib N, Liu L, Ali A, Mughal N, Yu G, Huang Y. Molecular Functions and Pathways of Plastidial Starch Phosphorylase (PHO1) in Starch Metabolism: Current and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910450. [PMID: 34638789 PMCID: PMC8509025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Starch phosphorylase is a member of the GT35-glycogen-phosphorylase superfamily. Glycogen phosphorylases have been researched in animals thoroughly when compared to plants. Genetic evidence signifies the integral role of plastidial starch phosphorylase (PHO1) in starch biosynthesis in model plants. The counterpart of PHO1 is PHO2, which specifically resides in cytosol and is reported to lack L80 peptide in the middle region of proteins as seen in animal and maltodextrin forms of phosphorylases. The function of this extra peptide varies among species and ranges from the substrate of proteasomes to modulate the degradation of PHO1 in Solanum tuberosum to a non-significant effect on biochemical activity in Oryza sativa and Hordeum vulgare. Various regulatory functions, e.g., phosphorylation, protein–protein interactions, and redox modulation, have been reported to affect the starch phosphorylase functions in higher plants. This review outlines the current findings on the regulation of starch phosphorylase genes and proteins with their possible role in the starch biosynthesis pathway. We highlight the gaps in present studies and elaborate on the molecular mechanisms of phosphorylase in starch metabolism. Moreover, we explore the possible role of PHO1 in crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noman Shoaib
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (N.S.); (L.L.); (N.M.)
| | - Lun Liu
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (N.S.); (L.L.); (N.M.)
| | - Asif Ali
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China;
| | - Nishbah Mughal
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (N.S.); (L.L.); (N.M.)
| | - Guowu Yu
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (N.S.); (L.L.); (N.M.)
- Correspondence: (G.Y.); (Y.H.); Tel.: +86-180-0803-9351 (G.Y.); +86-028-8629-0868 (Y.H.)
| | - Yubi Huang
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (N.S.); (L.L.); (N.M.)
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Correspondence: (G.Y.); (Y.H.); Tel.: +86-180-0803-9351 (G.Y.); +86-028-8629-0868 (Y.H.)
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16
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Huang L, Tan H, Zhang C, Li Q, Liu Q. Starch biosynthesis in cereal endosperms: An updated review over the last decade. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2021; 2:100237. [PMID: 34746765 PMCID: PMC8554040 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2021.100237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Starch is a vital energy source for living organisms and is a key raw material and additive in the food and non-food industries. Starch has received continuous attention in multiple research fields. The endosperm of cereals (e.g., rice, corn, wheat, and barley) is the most important site for the synthesis of storage starch. Around 2010, several excellent reviews summarized key progress in various fields of starch research, serving as important references for subsequent research. In the past 10 years, many achievements have been made in the study of starch synthesis and regulation in cereals. The present review provides an update on research progress in starch synthesis of cereal endosperms over the past decade, focusing on new enzymes and non-enzymatic proteins involved in starch synthesis, regulatory networks of starch synthesis, and the use of elite alleles of starch synthesis-related genes in cereal breeding programs. We also provide perspectives on future research directions that will further our understanding of cereal starch biosynthesis and regulation to support the rational design of ideal quality grain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichun Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Hongyan Tan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Changquan Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Qianfeng Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Qiaoquan Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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17
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Laffoley D, Baxter J, Amon D, Claudet J, Hall‐Spencer J, Grorud‐Colvert K, Levin L, Reid P, Rogers A, Taylor M, Woodall L, Andersen N. Evolving the narrative for protecting a rapidly changing ocean, post-COVID-19. AQUATIC CONSERVATION : MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS 2021; 31:1512-1534. [PMID: 33362396 PMCID: PMC7753556 DOI: 10.1002/aqc.3512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The ocean is the linchpin supporting life on Earth, but it is in declining health due to an increasing footprint of human use and climate change. Despite notable successes in helping to protect the ocean, the scale of actions is simply not now meeting the overriding scale and nature of the ocean's problems that confront us.Moving into a post-COVID-19 world, new policy decisions will need to be made. Some, especially those developed prior to the pandemic, will require changes to their trajectories; others will emerge as a response to this global event. Reconnecting with nature, and specifically with the ocean, will take more than good intent and wishful thinking. Words, and how we express our connection to the ocean, clearly matter now more than ever before.The evolution of the ocean narrative, aimed at preserving and expanding options and opportunities for future generations and a healthier planet, is articulated around six themes: (1) all life is dependent on the ocean; (2) by harming the ocean, we harm ourselves; (3) by protecting the ocean, we protect ourselves; (4) humans, the ocean, biodiversity, and climate are inextricably linked; (5) ocean and climate action must be undertaken together; and (6) reversing ocean change needs action now.This narrative adopts a 'One Health' approach to protecting the ocean, addressing the whole Earth ocean system for better and more equitable social, cultural, economic, and environmental outcomes at its core. Speaking with one voice through a narrative that captures the latest science, concerns, and linkages to humanity is a precondition to action, by elevating humankind's understanding of our relationship with 'planet Ocean' and why it needs to become a central theme to everyone's lives. We have only one ocean, we must protect it, now. There is no 'Ocean B'.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Laffoley
- IUCN World Commission on Protected AreasIUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)GlandSwitzerland
| | - J.M. Baxter
- Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland, School of Biology, East SandsUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK
| | - D.J. Amon
- Department of Life SciencesNatural History MuseumLondonUK
| | - J. Claudet
- National Centre for Scientific ResearchPSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, USR 3278 CNRS‐EPHE‐UPVDParisFrance
| | - J.M. Hall‐Spencer
- School of Marine and Biological SciencesUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
- Shimoda Marine Research CenterUniversity of TsukubaShimodaJapan
| | - K. Grorud‐Colvert
- Department of Integrative BiologyOregon State UniversityCorvallisUSA
| | - L.A. Levin
- Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps Institution of OceanographyUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaUSA
| | - P.C. Reid
- School of Marine and Biological SciencesUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
- The LaboratoryThe Continuous Plankton Recorder Survey, Marine Biological AssociationCitadel HillPlymouthUK
| | - A.D. Rogers
- Somerville CollegeUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- REV OceanLysakerNorway
| | | | - L.C. Woodall
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - N.F. Andersen
- Department of Environment and GeographyUniversity of YorkYorkUK
- Centre for Ecology and ConservationUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
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