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Zhang J, Liu Y, Zhou Z, Yang L, Xue Z, Li Q, Cai B. Genome-Wide Characterization of Fructose 1,6-Bisphosphate Aldolase Genes and Expression Profile Reveals Their Regulatory Role in Abiotic Stress in Cucumber. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7687. [PMID: 39062929 PMCID: PMC11276831 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147687] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA) gene family exists in higher plants, with the genes of this family playing significant roles in plant growth and development, as well as response to abiotic stresses. However, systematic reports on the FBA gene family and its functions in cucumber are lacking. In this study, we identified five cucumber FBA genes, named CsFBA1-5, that are distributed randomly across chromosomes. Phylogenetic analyses involving these cucumber FBAs, alongside eight Arabidopsis FBA proteins and eight tomato FBA proteins, were conducted to assess their homology. The CsFBAs were grouped into two clades. We also analyzed the physicochemical properties, motif composition, and gene structure of the cucumber FBAs. This analysis highlighted differences in the physicochemical properties and revealed highly conserved domains within the CsFBA family. Additionally, to explore the evolutionary relationships of the CsFBA family further, we constructed comparative syntenic maps with Arabidopsis and tomato, which showed high homology but only one segmental duplication event within the cucumber genome. Expression profiles indicated that the CsFBA gene family is responsive to various abiotic stresses, including low temperature, heat, and salt. Taken together, the results of this study provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the evolution of and future research into the functional characterization of cucumber FBA genes during plant growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Qingyun Li
- College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 171000, China; (J.Z.); (Y.L.); (Z.Z.); (L.Y.); (Z.X.)
| | - Bingbing Cai
- College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 171000, China; (J.Z.); (Y.L.); (Z.Z.); (L.Y.); (Z.X.)
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2
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Zou W, Yu Q, Ma Y, Sun G, Feng X, Ge L. Pivotal role of heterotrimeric G protein in the crosstalk between sugar signaling and abiotic stress response in plants. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 210:108567. [PMID: 38554538 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108567] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Heterotrimeric G-proteins are key modulators of multiple signaling and developmental pathways in plants, in which they act as molecular switches to engage in transmitting various stimuli signals from outside into the cells. Substantial studies have identified G proteins as essential components of the organismal response to abiotic stress, leading to adaptation and survival in plants. Meanwhile, sugars are also well acknowledged key players in stress perception, signaling, and gene expression regulation. Connections between the two significant signaling pathways in stress response are of interest to a general audience in plant biology. In this article, advances unraveling a pivotal role of G proteins in the process of sugar signals outside the cells being translated into the operation of autophagy in cells during stress are reviewed. In addition, we have presented recent findings on G proteins regulating the response to drought, salt, alkali, cold, heat and other abiotic stresses. Perspectives on G-protein research are also provided in the end. Since G protein signaling regulates many agronomic traits, elucidation of detailed mechanism of the related pathways would provide useful insights for the breeding of abiotic stress resistant and high-yield crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjiao Zou
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Ecological Protection and High Quality Development of Characteristic Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Yellow River Basin, Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Qian Yu
- The Characteristic Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Application, Provincial Department of Education, College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Yu Ma
- The Characteristic Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Application, Provincial Department of Education, College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Guoning Sun
- The Characteristic Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Application, Provincial Department of Education, College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Xue Feng
- The Characteristic Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Application, Provincial Department of Education, College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Lei Ge
- The Characteristic Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Application, Provincial Department of Education, College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China; Academician Workstation of Agricultural High-tech Industrial Area of the Yellow River Delta, National Center of Technology Innovation for Comprehensive Utilization of Saline-Alkali Land, Dongying, Shandong, 257300, China.
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3
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Torres Rodríguez MD, Bhatnagar N, Pandey S. Overexpression of a Plant-Specific Gγ Protein, AGG3, in the Model Monocot Setaria viridis Confers Tolerance to Heat Stress. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 64:1243-1256. [PMID: 37572092 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcad093] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
The vascular plant-specific, cysteine-rich type III Gγ proteins, which are integral components of the heterotrimeric G-protein complex, play crucial roles in regulating a multitude of plant processes, including those related to crop yield and responses to abiotic stresses. The presence of multiple copies of type III Gγ proteins in most plants and a propensity of the presence of specific truncated alleles in many cultivated crops present an ambiguous picture of their roles in modulating specific responses. AGG3 is a canonical type III Gγ protein of Arabidopsis, and its overexpression in additional model crops offers the opportunity to directly evaluate the effects of protein expression levels on plant phenotypes. We have shown that AGG3 overexpression in the monocot model Setaria viridis leads to an increase in seed yield. In this study, we have investigated the response of the S. viridis plants overexpressing AGG3 to heat stress (HS), one of the most important abiotic stresses affecting crops worldwide. We show that a short span of HS at a crucial developmental time point has a significant effect on plant yield in the later stages. We also show that plants with higher levels of AGG3 are more tolerant to HS. This is attributed to an altered regulation of stress-responsive genes and improved modulation of the photosynthetic efficiency during the stress. Overall, our results confirm that AGG3 plays a crucial role in regulating plant responses to unfavorable environmental conditions and may contribute positively to avoiding crop yield losses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikita Bhatnagar
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 N. Warson Road, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA
| | - Sona Pandey
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 N. Warson Road, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA
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4
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Xiong XX, Liu Y, Zhang LL, Li XJ, Zhao Y, Zheng Y, Yang QH, Yang Y, Min DH, Zhang XH. G-Protein β-Subunit Gene TaGB1-B Enhances Drought and Salt Resistance in Wheat. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087337. [PMID: 37108500 PMCID: PMC10138664 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the hexaploid wheat genome, there are three Gα genes, three Gβ and twelve Gγ genes, but the function of Gβ in wheat has not been explored. In this study, we obtained the overexpression of TaGB1 Arabidopsis plants through inflorescence infection, and the overexpression of wheat lines was obtained by gene bombardment. The results showed that under drought and NaCl treatment, the survival rate of Arabidopsis seedlings' overexpression of TaGB1-B was higher than that of the wild type, while the survival rate of the related mutant agb1-2 was lower than that of the wild type. The survival rate of wheat seedlings with TaGB1-B overexpression was higher than that of the control. In addition, under drought and salt stress, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and proline (Pro) in the wheat overexpression of TaGB1-B were higher than that of the control, and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was lower than that of the control. This indicates that TaGB1-B could improve the drought resistance and salt tolerance of Arabidopsis and wheat by scavenging active oxygen. Overall, this work provides a theoretical basis for wheat G-protein β-subunits in a further study, and new genetic resources for the cultivation of drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant wheat varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Xin Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Li-Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xiao-Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Qian-Hui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Dong-Hong Min
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
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Soorni J, Kazemitabar SK, Kahrizi D, Dehestani A, Bagheri N, Kiss A, Kovács PG, Papp I, Mirmazloum I. Biochemical and Transcriptional Responses in Cold-Acclimated and Non-Acclimated Contrasting Camelina Biotypes under Freezing Stress. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3178. [PMID: 36432910 PMCID: PMC9693809 DOI: 10.3390/plants11223178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cold-acclimated and non-acclimated contrasting Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) biotypes were investigated for changes in stress-associated biomarkers, including antioxidant enzyme activity, lipid peroxidation, protein, and proline content. In addition, a well-known freezing tolerance pathway participant known as C-repeat/DRE-binding factors (CBFs), an inducer of CBF expression (ICE1), and a cold-regulated (COR6.6) genes of the ICE-CBF-COR pathway were studied at the transcriptional level on the doubled-haploid (DH) lines. Freezing stress had significant effects on all studied parameters. The cold-acclimated DH34 (a freezing-tolerant line) showed an overall better performance under freezing stress than non-acclimated plants. The non-cold-acclimated DH08 (a frost-sensitive line) showed the highest electrolyte leakage after freezing stress. The highest activity of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) was also detected in non-acclimated plants, whereas the cold-acclimated plants showed lower enzyme activities upon stress treatment. Cold acclimation had a significantly positive effect on the total protein and proline content of stressed plants. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed significant differences in the expression and cold-inducibility of CsCBF1-3, CsICE1, and CsCOR6.6 genes among the samples of different treatments. The highest expression of all CBF genes was recorded in the non-acclimated frost-tolerant biotype after freezing stress. Interestingly a significantly higher expression of COR6.6 was detected in cold-acclimated samples of both frost-sensitive and -tolerant biotypes after freezing stress. The presented results provide more insights into freezing tolerance mechanisms in the Camelina plant from both a biochemical point of view and the expression of the associated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahad Soorni
- Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University (SANRU), Sari 68984, Iran
- Genetics and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute of Tabarestan (GABIT), Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari 68984, Iran
| | - Seyed Kamal Kazemitabar
- Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University (SANRU), Sari 68984, Iran
| | - Danial Kahrizi
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Razi University, Kermanshah 67144, Iran
| | - Ali Dehestani
- Genetics and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute of Tabarestan (GABIT), Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari 68984, Iran
| | - Nadali Bagheri
- Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University (SANRU), Sari 68984, Iran
| | - Attila Kiss
- Agro-Food Science Techtransfer and Innovation Centre, Faculty for Agro-, Food- and Environmental Science, Debrecen University, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Péter Gergő Kovács
- Department of Agronomy, Institute of Agronomy, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - István Papp
- Department of Plant Physiology and Plant Ecology, Institute of Agronomy, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 1118 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Iman Mirmazloum
- Department of Plant Physiology and Plant Ecology, Institute of Agronomy, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 1118 Budapest, Hungary
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Olechowska E, Słomnicka R, Kaźmińska K, Olczak-Woltman H, Bartoszewski G. The genetic basis of cold tolerance in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)-the latest developments and perspectives. J Appl Genet 2022; 63:597-608. [PMID: 35838983 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-022-00710-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Cold stress is one of the main causes of yield losses in plant production in temperate climate areas. Cold stress slows down and even stops plant growth and development and causes injuries that may result in the plant's death. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), an economically important vegetable, is sensitive to low temperatures, thus improving cold tolerance in cucumber would benefit cucumber producers, particularly those farming in temperate climates and higher altitude areas. So far, single cucumber accessions showing different degrees of cold tolerance have been identified, and genetic studies have revealed biparentally and maternally inherited genetic factors responsible for chilling tolerance. Paternally transmitted chilling tolerance has also been suggested. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with seed germination ability at low temperature and seedling recovery from chilling have been described. Several transgenic attempts have been made to improve cold tolerance in cucumber. Despite numerous studies, the molecular mechanisms of cold tolerance in cucumber have still not been sufficiently elucidated. In this review, we summarise the results of research focused on understanding the genetic basis of cold tolerance in cucumber and their implications for cucumber breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Olechowska
- Department of Plant Genetics Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Renata Słomnicka
- Department of Plant Genetics Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Kaźmińska
- Department of Plant Genetics Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Helena Olczak-Woltman
- Department of Plant Genetics Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Bartoszewski
- Department of Plant Genetics Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159, Warsaw, Poland.
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Li J, Li H, Quan X, Shan Q, Wang W, Yin N, Wang S, Wang Z, He W. Comprehensive analysis of cucumber C-repeat/dehydration-responsive element binding factor family genes and their potential roles in cold tolerance of cucumber. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:270. [PMID: 35655135 PMCID: PMC9161515 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-022-03664-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cold stress is one of the main abiotic stresses limiting cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) growth and production. C-repeat binding factor/Dehydration responsive element-binding 1 protein (CBF/DREB1), containing conserved APETALA2 (AP2) DNA binding domains and two characteristic sequences, are key signaling genes that can be rapidly induced and play vital roles in plant response to low temperature. However, the CBF family has not been systematically elucidated in cucumber, and the expression pattern of this family genes under cold stress remains unclear. RESULTS In this study, three CsCBF family genes were identified in cucumber genome and their protein conserved domain, protein physicochemical properties, gene structure and phylogenetic analysis were further comprehensively analyzed. Subcellular localization showed that all three CsCBFs were localized in the nucleus. Cis-element analysis of the promoters indicated that CsCBFs might be involved in plant hormone response and abiotic stress response. Expression analysis showed that the three CsCBFs could be significantly induced by cold stress, salt and ABA. The overexpression of CsCBFs in cucumber seedlings enhanced the tolerance to cold stress, and importantly, the transcript levels of CsCOR genes were significantly upregulated in 35S:CsCBFs transgenic plants after cold stress treatment. Biochemical analyses ascertained that CsCBFs directly activated CsCOR genes expression by binding to its promoter, thereby enhancing plant resistance to cold stress. CONCLUSION This study provided a foundation for further research on the function of CsCBF genes in cold stress resistance and elucidating its mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Li
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022 China
| | - Hongmei Li
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022 China
| | - Xiaoyan Quan
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022 China
| | - Qiuli Shan
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022 China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022 China
| | - Ning Yin
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022 China
| | - Siqi Wang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022 China
| | - Zenghui Wang
- Shandong Institute of Pomology, Tai’an, Shandong 271000 China
| | - Wenxing He
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022 China
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8
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Wang Y, Botella JR. Heterotrimeric G Protein Signaling in Abiotic Stress. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11070876. [PMID: 35406855 PMCID: PMC9002505 DOI: 10.3390/plants11070876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As sessile organisms, plants exhibit extraordinary plasticity and have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to adapt and mitigate the adverse effects of environmental fluctuations. Heterotrimeric G proteins (G proteins), composed of α, β, and γ subunits, are universal signaling molecules mediating the response to a myriad of internal and external signals. Numerous studies have identified G proteins as essential components of the organismal response to stress, leading to adaptation and ultimately survival in plants and animal systems. In plants, G proteins control multiple signaling pathways regulating the response to drought, salt, cold, and heat stresses. G proteins signal through two functional modules, the Gα subunit and the Gβγ dimer, each of which can start either independent or interdependent signaling pathways. Improving the understanding of the role of G proteins in stress reactions can lead to the development of more resilient crops through traditional breeding or biotechnological methods, ensuring global food security. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge on the roles of the different G protein subunits in response to abiotic stress and suggest future directions for research.
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Tiwari R, Bisht NC. The multifaceted roles of heterotrimeric G-proteins: lessons from models and crops. PLANTA 2022; 255:88. [PMID: 35304667 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-022-03868-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The review summarizes our advanced understanding of the heterotrimeric G-protein research from model plants and their emerging roles in modulating various plant architecture and agronomical traits in crop species. Heterotrimeric G-proteins (hereafter G-proteins), consisting of G-alpha (Gα), G-beta (Gβ) and G-gamma (Gγ) subunits, are key signal transducers conserved across different forms of life. The discovery of plant lineage-specific G-protein components (extra-large G-proteins and type-C Gγ subunits), inherent polyploidy in angiosperms, and unique modes of G-protein cycle regulation in plants pointed out to a few fundamental differences of plant G-protein signaling from its animal counterpart. Over the last 2 decades, extensive studies in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana have confirmed the involvement of G-proteins in a wide range of plant growth and development, and stress adaptation processes. The G-protein research in crop species, however, is still in its infancy, and a handful of studies suggest important roles of G-proteins in regulating plant architectural and key agronomical traits including plant's response to abiotic and biotic factors. We propose that the advancement made in plant G-proteins research will facilitate the development of novel approaches to manage plant yield and fitness in changing environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Tiwari
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Naveen C Bisht
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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Transcriptome Profiling of Maize ( Zea mays L.) Leaves Reveals Key Cold-Responsive Genes, Transcription Factors, and Metabolic Pathways Regulating Cold Stress Tolerance at the Seedling Stage. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101638. [PMID: 34681032 PMCID: PMC8535276 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cold tolerance is a complex trait that requires a critical perspective to understand its underpinning mechanism. To unravel the molecular framework underlying maize (Zea mays L.) cold stress tolerance, we conducted a comparative transcriptome profiling of 24 cold-tolerant and 22 cold-sensitive inbred lines affected by cold stress at the seedling stage. Using the RNA-seq method, we identified 2237 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), namely 1656 and 581 annotated and unannotated DEGs, respectively. Further analysis of the 1656 annotated DEGs mined out two critical sets of cold-responsive DEGs, namely 779 and 877 DEGs, which were significantly enhanced in the tolerant and sensitive lines, respectively. Functional analysis of the 1656 DEGs highlighted the enrichment of signaling, carotenoid, lipid metabolism, transcription factors (TFs), peroxisome, and amino acid metabolism. A total of 147 TFs belonging to 32 families, including MYB, ERF, NAC, WRKY, bHLH, MIKC MADS, and C2H2, were strongly altered by cold stress. Moreover, the tolerant lines’ 779 enhanced DEGs were predominantly associated with carotenoid, ABC transporter, glutathione, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. In comparison, the cold-sensitive lines’ 877 enhanced DEGs were significantly enriched for MAPK signaling, peroxisome, ribosome, and carbon metabolism pathways. The biggest proportion of the unannotated DEGs was implicated in the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Taken together, this study provides valuable insights that offer a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying maize response to cold stress at the seedling stage, thus opening up possibilities for a breeding program of maize tolerance to cold stress.
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Chen G, Li Y, Qiao X, Duan W, Jin C, Cheng R, Wang J. Genome-wide survey of Gγ subunit gene family in eight Rosaceae and expression analysis of PbrGGs in pear (Pyrus bretschneideri). BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 21:471. [PMID: 34654373 PMCID: PMC8518290 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-03250-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heterotrimeric G-proteins, composed of Gα, Gβ and Gγ subunits, are important signal transmitters, mediating the cellular response to multiple stimuli in animals and plants. The Gγ subunit is an essential component of the G-protein, providing appropriate functional specificity to the heterotrimer complex and has been well studied in many species. However, the evolutionary history, expression pattern and functional characteristics of Gγ subunits has not been explored in the Rosaceae, representing many important fruit crops. RESULTS In this study, 35 Gγ subunit genes were identified from the eight species belonging to the Rosaceae family. Based on the structural gene characteristics, conserved protein motifs and phylogenetic analysis of the Gγ subunit genes, the genes were classified into three clades. Purifying selection was shown to play an important role in the evolution of Gγ subunit genes, while a recent whole-genome duplication event was the principal force determining the expansion of the Gγ subunit gene family in the subfamily Maloideae. Gγ subunit genes exhibited diverse spatiotemporal expression patterns in Chinese white pear, including fruit, root, ovary and bud, and under abiotic stress conditions, the relative expression of Gγ subunit genes were up-regulated or down-regulated. In addition, seven of the Gγ subunit proteins in pear were located on the plasma membrane, in the cytoplasm or nucleus. CONCLUSION Overall, this study of the Gγ subunit gene family in eight Rosaceae species provided useful information to better understand the evolution and expression of these genes and facilitated further exploration of their functions in these important crop plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Chen
- College of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai'an, 223003, China.
| | - Yang Li
- College of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai'an, 223003, China
| | - Xin Qiao
- Center of Pear Engineering Technology Research, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Weike Duan
- College of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai'an, 223003, China
| | - Cong Jin
- College of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai'an, 223003, China
| | - Rui Cheng
- Huai'an Key Laboratory for Facility Vegetables, Huaiyin Institute of Agricultural Sciences of Xuhuai Region of Jiangsu, Huai'an, 223001, China
| | - Jizhong Wang
- College of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai'an, 223003, China
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12
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Zhang H, Xie P, Xu X, Xie Q, Yu F. Heterotrimeric G protein signalling in plant biotic and abiotic stress response. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2021; 23 Suppl 1:20-30. [PMID: 33533569 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Heterotrimeric G proteins act as molecular switches to participate in transmitting various stimuli signals from outside of cells. G proteins have three subunits, Gα, Gβ and Gγ, which function mutually to modulate many biological processes in plants, including plant growth and development, as well as biotic and abiotic stress responses. In plants, the number of Gγ subunits is larger than that of the α and β subunits. Based on recent breakthroughs in studies of plant G protein signal perception, transduction and downstream effectors, this review summarizes and analyses the connections between different subunits and the interactions of G proteins with other signalling pathways, especially in plant biotic and abiotic stress responses. Based on current progress and unresolved questions in the field, we also suggest future research directions on G proteins in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Zhang
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - P Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - X Xu
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
- Breeding Base of State Key Laboratory of Land Degradation and Ecological Restoration of North Western China, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Q Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - F Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Wang W, Du J, Chen L, Zeng Y, Tan X, Shi Q, Pan X, Wu Z, Zeng Y. Transcriptomic, proteomic, and physiological comparative analyses of flooding mitigation of the damage induced by low-temperature stress in direct seeded early indica rice at the seedling stage. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:176. [PMID: 33706696 PMCID: PMC7952222 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07458-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low temperature (LT) often occurs at the seedling stage in the early rice-growing season, especially for direct seeded early-season indica rice, and using flooding irrigation can mitigate LT damage in rice seedlings. The molecular mechanism by which flooding mitigates the damage induced by LT stress has not been fully elucidated. Thus, LT stress at 8 °C, LT accompanied by flooding (LTF) and CK (control) treatments were established for 3 days to determine the transcriptomic, proteomic and physiological response in direct seeded rice seedlings at the seedling stage. RESULTS LT damaged chloroplasts, and thylakoid lamellae, and increased osmiophilic bodies and starch grains compared to CK, but LTF alleviated the damage to chloroplast structure caused by LT. The physiological characteristics of treated plants showed that compared with LT, LTF significantly increased the contents of rubisco, chlorophyll, PEPCK, ATP and GA3 but significantly decreased soluble protein, MDA and ABA contents. 4D-label-free quantitative proteomic profiling showed that photosynthesis-responsive proteins, such as phytochrome, as well as chlorophyll and the tricarboxylic acid cycle were significantly downregulated in LT/CK and LTF/CK comparison groups. However, compared with LT, phytochrome, chlorophyllide oxygenase activity and the glucan branching enzyme in LTF were significantly upregulated in rice leaves. Transcriptomic and proteomic studies identified 72,818 transcripts and 5639 proteins, and 4983 genes that were identified at both the transcriptome and proteome levels. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were significantly enriched in glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and metabolic pathways. CONCLUSION Through transcriptomic, proteomic and physiological analyses, we determined that a variety of metabolic pathway changes were induced by LT and LTF. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses demonstrated that DEGs and DEPs were associated with photosynthesis pathways, antioxidant enzymes and energy metabolism pathway-related proteins. Our study provided new insights for efforts to reduce the damage to direct seeded rice caused by low-temperature stress and provided a breeding target for low temperature flooding-resistant cultivars. Further analysis of translational regulation and metabolites may help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which flooding mitigates low-temperature stress in direct seeded early indica rice at the seedling stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education / Collaborative Innovation Center for the Modernization Production of Double Cropping Rice / College of Agronomy, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Jie Du
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education / Collaborative Innovation Center for the Modernization Production of Double Cropping Rice / College of Agronomy, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Liming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education / Collaborative Innovation Center for the Modernization Production of Double Cropping Rice / College of Agronomy, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Yongjun Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education / Collaborative Innovation Center for the Modernization Production of Double Cropping Rice / College of Agronomy, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Xueming Tan
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education / Collaborative Innovation Center for the Modernization Production of Double Cropping Rice / College of Agronomy, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education / Collaborative Innovation Center for the Modernization Production of Double Cropping Rice / College of Agronomy, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Xiaohua Pan
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education / Collaborative Innovation Center for the Modernization Production of Double Cropping Rice / College of Agronomy, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Ziming Wu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education / Collaborative Innovation Center for the Modernization Production of Double Cropping Rice / College of Agronomy, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China.
| | - Yanhua Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education / Collaborative Innovation Center for the Modernization Production of Double Cropping Rice / College of Agronomy, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China.
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Ding C, Chen C, Su N, Lyu W, Yang J, Hu Z, Zhang M. Identification and characterization of a natural SNP variant in ALTERNATIVE OXIDASE gene associated with cold stress tolerance in watermelon. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 304:110735. [PMID: 33568287 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2020.110735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Alternative oxidase (AOX) is a mitochondrial enzyme encoded by a small nuclear gene family, which contains the two subfamilies, AOX1 and AOX2. In the present study on watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), only one ClAOX gene, belonging to AOX2 subfamily but having a similar gene structure to AtAOX1a, was found in the watermelon genome. The expression analysis suggested that ClAOX had the constitutive expression feature of AOX2 subfamily, but was cold inducible, which is normally considered an AOX1 subfamily feature. Moreover, one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in ClAOX sequence, which led to the change from Lys (N) to Asn (K) in the 96th amino acids, was found among watermelon subspecies. Ectopic expression of two ClAOX alleles in the Arabidopsis aox1a knock-out mutant indicated that ClAOXK-expressing plants had stronger cold tolerance than aox1a mutant and ClAOXN-expressing plants. Our findings suggested watermelon genome contained a single ClAOX that possessed the expression features of both AOX1 and AOX2 subfamilies. A naturally existing SNP in ClAOX differentiated the cold tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis plants, impling a possibility this gene might be a functional marker for stress-tolerance breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changqing Ding
- Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Cuiting Chen
- Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Nan Su
- Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Wenhui Lyu
- Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Jinghua Yang
- Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development and Quality Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Zhongyuan Hu
- Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development and Quality Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou 310058, PR China.
| | - Mingfang Zhang
- Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development and Quality Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
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Swain DM, Sahoo RK, Chandan RK, Ghosh S, Kumar R, Jha G, Tuteja N. Concurrent overexpression of rice G-protein β and γ subunits provide enhanced tolerance to sheath blight disease and abiotic stress in rice. PLANTA 2019; 250:1505-1520. [PMID: 31332521 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-019-03241-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Our study demonstrates that simultaneous overexpression of RGB1 and RGG1 genes provides multiple stress tolerance in rice by inducing stress responsive genes and better management of ROS scavenging/photosynthetic machineries. The heterotrimeric G-proteins act as signalling molecules and modulate various cellular responses including stress tolerance in eukaryotes. The gamma (γ) subunit of rice G-protein (RGG1) was earlier reported to promote salinity stress tolerance in rice. In the present study, we report that a rice gene-encoding beta (β) subunit of G-protein (RGB1) gets upregulated during both biotic (upon a necrotrophic fungal pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani infection) and drought stresses. Marker-free transgenic IR64 rice lines that simultaneously overexpress both RGB1 and RGG1 genes under CaMV35S promoter were raised. The overexpressing (OE) lines showed enhanced tolerance to R. solani infection and salinity/drought stresses. Several defense marker genes including OsMPK3 were significantly upregulated in the R. solani-infected OE lines. We also found the antioxidant machineries to be upregulated during salinity as well as drought stress in the OE lines. Overall, the present study provides evidence that concurrent overexpression of G-protein subunits (RGG1 and RGB1) impart multiple (both biotic and abiotic) stress tolerance in rice which could be due to the enhanced expression of stress-marker genes and better management of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging/photosynthetic machinery. The current study suggests an improved approach for simultaneous improvement of biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in rice which remains a major challenge for its sustainable cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durga Madhab Swain
- Plant Microbe Interactions Laboratory, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, 753003, Odisha, India
| | - Ranjan Kumar Sahoo
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Ravindra Kumar Chandan
- Plant Microbe Interactions Laboratory, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujrat, Sector-30, Gandhinagar, 382030, India
| | - Srayan Ghosh
- Plant Microbe Interactions Laboratory, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Plant Microbe Interactions Laboratory, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Gopaljee Jha
- Plant Microbe Interactions Laboratory, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India.
| | - Narendra Tuteja
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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Mbinda W, Dixelius C, Oduor R. Induced Expression of Xerophyta viscosa XvSap1 Gene Enhances Drought Tolerance in Transgenic Sweet Potato. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1119. [PMID: 31616447 PMCID: PMC6764105 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Drought stress often leads to reduced yields and is a perilous delimiter for expanded cultivation and increased productivity of sweet potato. Cell wall stabilization proteins have been identified to play a pivotal role in mechanical stabilization during desiccation stress mitigation in plants. They are involved in numerous cellular processes that modify cell wall properties to tolerate the mechanical stress during dehydration. This provides a plausible approach to engineer crops for enhanced stable yields under adverse climatic conditions. In this study, we genetically engineered sweet potato cv. Jewel with XvSap1 gene encoding a protein related to cell wall stabilization, isolated from the resurrection plant Xerophyta viscosa, under stress-inducible XvPSap1 promoter via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Detection of the transgene by PCR, Southern blot, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses revealed the integration of XvSap1 in the three independent events. Phenotypic evaluation of shoot length, number of leaves, and yield revealed that the transgenic plants grew better than the wild-type plants under drought stress. Assessment of biochemical indices during drought stress showed higher levels of chlorophyll, free proline, and relative water content and decreased lipid peroxidation in transgenic plants than in wild types. Our findings demonstrate that XvSap1 enhances drought tolerance in transgenic sweet potato without causing deleterious phenotypic and yield changes. The transgenic drought-tolerant sweet potato lines provide a valuable resource as a drought-tolerant crop on arid lands of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilton Mbinda
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Christina Dixelius
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Richard Oduor
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
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Anwar A, Li Y, He C, Yu X. 24-Epibrassinolide promotes NO 3- and NH 4+ ion flux rate and NRT1 gene expression in cucumber under suboptimal root zone temperature. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 19:225. [PMID: 31146677 PMCID: PMC6543628 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-019-1838-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suboptimal root zone temperature (RZT) causes a remarkable reduction in growth of horticultural crops during winter cultivation under greenhouse production. However, limited information is available on the effects of suboptimal RZT on nitrogen (N) metabolism in cucumber seedlings. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of 24-Epibrassinolide (EBR) on nitrate and ammonium flux rate, N metabolism, and transcript levels of NRT1 family genes under suboptimal RZT in cucumber seedlings. RESULTS Suboptimal RZT (LT) negatively affected on cucumber growth and proportionately decreased EBR contents, bleeding rate, root activity, enzyme activities of nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), glutamine synthetase (GS), and glutamate synthase (GOGAT), nitrate (NO3-) influx rate, ammonium (NH4+) efflux rate, and transcript levels of nitrate transporter (NRT1) encoding genes. However, exogenous EBR reduced the harmful effects of suboptimal RZT and increased endogenous EBR contents, bleeding rate, root activity, enzyme activities of NR, NiR, GS, and GOGAT, NH4+ and NO3- flux rates and contents, and N accumulation. EBR-treated seedlings also upregulated the transcript levels of nitrate transporters CsNRT1.1, CsNRT1.2A, CsNRT1.2B, CsNRT1.2C, CsNRT1.3, CsNRT1.4A, CsNRT1.5B, CsNRT1.5C, CsNRT1.9, and CsNRT1.10, and downregulated CsNRT1.5A and CsNRT1.8. LT treatment upregulated the expression level of CsNRT1.5A, while exogenous BZR application downregulated the expression level of NRT1 genes. CONCLUSION These results indicate that exogenous application of EBR alleviated the harmful effects of suboptimal RZT through changes in N metabolism, NH4+ and NO3- flux rates, and NRT1 gene expression, leading to improved cucumber seedlings growth. Our study provides the first evidence of the role of EBR in the response to suboptimal RZT in cucumber, and can be used to improve vegetable production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Anwar
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Scieces, Beijing, China
| | - Yansu Li
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Scieces, Beijing, China
| | - Chaoxing He
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Scieces, Beijing, China
| | - Xianchang Yu
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Scieces, Beijing, China
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Anwar A, Yan Y, Liu Y, Li Y, Yu X. 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Improves Nutrient Uptake and Endogenous Hormone Accumulation, Enhancing Low-Temperature Stress Tolerance in Cucumbers. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113379. [PMID: 30380613 PMCID: PMC6275039 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) increases plant tolerance to low-temperature stress, but the physiological and biochemical mechanisms that underlie its effects are not fully understood. To investigate them, cucumber seedlings were treated with different ALA concentrations (0, 15, 30 and 45 mg/L ALA) and subjected to low temperatures (12/8 °C day/night temperature). The another group (RT; regular temperature) was exposed to normal temperature (28/18 °C day/night temperature). Low-temperature stress decreased plant height, root length, leaf area, dry mass accumulation and the strong seedling index (SSI), chlorophyll contents, photosynthesis, leaf and root nutrient contents, antioxidant enzymatic activities, and hormone accumulation. Exogenous ALA application significantly alleviated the inhibition of seedling growth and increased plant height, root length, hypocotyl diameter, leaf area, and dry mass accumulation under low-temperature stress. Moreover, ALA increased chlorophyll content (Chl a, Chl b, Chl a+b, and Carotenoids) and photosynthetic capacity, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and transpiration rate (Tr), as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD, catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) enzymes, while decreasing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide (O2•−), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents under low-temperature stress. In addition, nutrient contents (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) and endogenous hormones (JA, IAA, BR, iPA, and ZR) were enhanced in roots and leaves, and GA4 and ABA were decreased. Our results suggest the up-regulation of antioxidant enzyme activities, nutrient contents, and hormone accumulation with the application of ALA increases tolerance to low-temperature stress, leading to improved cucumber seedling performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Anwar
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Yan Yan
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Yumei Liu
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
- College of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Heze University, Heze 274015, China.
| | - Yansu Li
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Xianchang Yu
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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Anwar A, Bai L, Miao L, Liu Y, Li S, Yu X, Li Y. 24-Epibrassinolide Ameliorates Endogenous Hormone Levels to Enhance Low-Temperature Stress Tolerance in Cucumber Seedlings. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092497. [PMID: 30149495 PMCID: PMC6164164 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytohormone biosynthesis and accumulation are essential for plant growth and development and stress responses. Here, we investigated the effects of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) on physiological and biochemical mechanisms in cucumber leaves under low-temperature stress. The cucumber seedlings were exposed to treatments as follows: NT (normal temperature, 26 °C/18 °C day/night), and three low-temperature (12 °C/8 °C day/night) treatments: CK (low-temperature stress); EBR (low-temperature and 0.1 μM EBR); and BZR (low-temperature and 4 μM BZR, a specific EBR biosynthesis inhibitor). The results indicated that low-temperature stress proportionately decreased cucumber seedling growth and the strong seedling index, chlorophyll (Chl) content, photosynthetic capacity, and antioxidant enzyme activities, while increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, hormone levels, and EBR biosynthesis gene expression level. However, EBR treatments significantly enhanced cucumber seedling growth and the strong seedling index, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic capacity, activities of antioxidant enzymes, the cell membrane stability, and endogenous hormones, and upregulated EBR biosynthesis gene expression level, while decreasing ROS and the MDA content. Based on these results, it can be concluded that exogenous EBR regulates endogenous hormones by activating at the transcript level EBR biosynthetic genes, which increases antioxidant enzyme capacity levels and reduces the overproduction of ROS and MDA, protecting chlorophyll and photosynthetic machinery, thus improving cucumber seedling growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Anwar
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Longqiang Bai
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Li Miao
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Yumei Liu
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
- College of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Heze University, Heze 274015, China.
| | - Shuzhen Li
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Xianchang Yu
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Yansu Li
- The Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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