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Jahed KR, Saini AK, Sherif SM. Coping with the cold: unveiling cryoprotectants, molecular signaling pathways, and strategies for cold stress resilience. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1246093. [PMID: 37649996 PMCID: PMC10465183 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1246093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Low temperature stress significantly threatens crop productivity and economic sustainability. Plants counter this by deploying advanced molecular mechanisms to perceive and respond to cold stress. Transmembrane proteins initiate these responses, triggering a series of events involving secondary messengers such as calcium ions (Ca2+), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inositol phosphates. Of these, calcium signaling is paramount, activating downstream phosphorylation cascades and the transcription of cold-responsive genes, including cold-regulated (COR) genes. This review focuses on how plants manage freeze-induced damage through dual strategies: cold tolerance and cold avoidance. Tolerance mechanisms involve acclimatization to decreasing temperatures, fostering gradual accumulation of cold resistance. In contrast, avoidance mechanisms rely on cryoprotectant molecules like potassium ions (K+), proline, glycerol, and antifreeze proteins (AFPs). Cryoprotectants modulate intracellular solute concentration, lower the freezing point, inhibit ice formation, and preserve plasma membrane fluidity. Additionally, these molecules demonstrate antioxidant activity, scavenging ROS, preventing protein denaturation, and subsequently mitigating cellular damage. By forming extensive hydrogen bonds with water molecules, cryoprotectants also limit intercellular water movement, minimizing extracellular ice crystal formation, and cell dehydration. The deployment of cryoprotectants is a key adaptive strategy that bolsters plant resilience to cold stress and promotes survival in freezing environments. However, the specific physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying these protective effects remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, this review underscores the need for further research to elucidate these mechanisms and assess their potential impact on crop productivity and sustainability, contributing to the progressive discourse in plant biology and environmental science.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sherif M. Sherif
- Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, Winchester, VA, United States
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Li J, Dai X, Li Q, Jiang F, Xu X, Guo T, Zhang H. Low temperatures inhibit the pectin degradation of 'Docteur Jules Guyot' pear (Pyrus communis L.). Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124719. [PMID: 37150373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124719] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The most remarkable characteristic of European pears is extremely perishable and difficult to store after postharvest softening. Low-temperature storage is one of the most commonly used methods to prolong the shelf life of European pears. However, the regulatory mechanism of the low-temperature delay of the softening of European pears is still unclear. In this study, the fruit firmness, pectin polysaccharide content, pectin-degrading enzyme activity, and pectin degradation gene expression of 'Docteur Jules Guyot' pears under low temperature (LT) and room temperature (RT) were analyzed. It was found that water-soluble pectin (WSP) was significantly negatively correlated with fruit flesh firmness, and the activities of several pectin-degrading enzymes were inhibited under LT storage conditions. In addition, it was also found that the gene expression patterns of PcPME2, PcPME3, PcPG1, PcPG2, PcPL, PcGAL1, PcGAL2, PcGAL4, and PcARF1 were inhibited by LT. The C-repeat binding factors PcCBF1 and PcCBF2 were also inhibited by long-term LT storage. Correlation analysis showed that the expression of PcCBFs was positively correlated with pectin-degradation enzyme genes, and we found that the promoters of many pectin-degradation enzyme genes contain the CRT/DRE motif, which CBF can directly bind. Therefore, it is speculated that long-term low-temperature conditions inhibit pectin degradation through PcCBFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhao Li
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, Shandong Province 264025, China; The Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in the Universities of Shandong, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai 264025, China.
| | - Xiaonan Dai
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, Shandong Province 264025, China
| | - Qingyu Li
- Yantai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yantai, Shandong Province 265500, China
| | - Fudong Jiang
- Yantai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yantai, Shandong Province 265500, China
| | - Xiaofei Xu
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, Shandong Province 264025, China
| | - Tingting Guo
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, Shandong Province 264025, China
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, Shandong Province 264025, China; The Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in the Universities of Shandong, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai 264025, China; Shandong Institute of Sericulture, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 21 Zhichubei Road, Yantai, Shandong Province 264001, China.
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Zhang J, Xie M, Yu G, Wang D, Xu Z, Liang L, Xiao J, Xie Y, Tang Y, Sun G, Sun B, Huang Z, Lai Y, Li H. CaSPDS, a Spermidine Synthase Gene from Pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.), Plays an Important Role in Response to Cold Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24055013. [PMID: 36902443 PMCID: PMC10003509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24055013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermidine synthase (SPDS) is a key enzyme in the polyamine anabolic pathway. SPDS genes help regulate plant response to environmental stresses, but their roles in pepper remain unclear. In this study, we identified and cloned a SPDS gene from pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), named CaSPDS (LOC107847831). Bioinformatics analysis indicated that CaSPDS contains two highly conserved domains: an SPDS tetramerisation domain and a spermine/SPDS domain. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction results showed that CaSPDS was highly expressed in the stems, flowers, and mature fruits of pepper and was rapidly induced by cold stress. The function of CaSPDS in cold stress response was studied by silencing and overexpressing it in pepper and Arabidopsis, respectively. Cold injury was more serious and reactive oxygen species levels were greater in the CaSPDS-silenced seedlings than in the wild-type (WT) seedlings after cold treatment. Compared with the WT plants, the CaSPDS-overexpression Arabidopsis plants were more tolerant to cold stress and showed higher antioxidant enzyme activities, spermidine content, and cold-responsive gene (AtCOR15A, AtRD29A, AtCOR47, and AtKIN1) expression. These results indicate that CaSPDS plays important roles in cold stress response and is valuable in molecular breeding to enhance the cold tolerance of pepper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Minghui Xie
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Guofeng Yu
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Dong Wang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zeping Xu
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Le Liang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jiachang Xiao
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yongdong Xie
- Institute for Processing and Storage of Agricultural Products, Chengdu Academy of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yi Tang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Institute of Pomology and Olericulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Guochao Sun
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Institute of Pomology and Olericulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Bo Sun
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zhi Huang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yunsong Lai
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Institute of Pomology and Olericulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Huanxiu Li
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Institute of Pomology and Olericulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Correspondence:
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Zhang J, Liang L, Xiao J, Xie Y, Zhu L, Xue X, Xu L, Zhou P, Ran J, Huang Z, Sun G, Lai Y, Sun B, Tang Y, Li H. Genome-Wide Identification of Polyamine Oxidase (PAO) Family Genes: Roles of CaPAO2 and CaPAO4 in the Cold Tolerance of Pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179999. [PMID: 36077395 PMCID: PMC9456136 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyamine oxidases (PAOs), which are flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent enzymes, catalyze polyamine (PA) catabolism, producing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Several PAO family members have been identified in plants, but their expression in pepper plants remains unclear. Here, six PAO genes were identified in the ‘Zunla-1’ pepper genome (named CaPAO1–CaPAO6 according to their chromosomal positions). The PAO proteins were divided into four subfamilies according to phylogenetics: CaPAO1 belongs to subfamily I; CaPAO3 and CaPAO5 belong to subfamily III; and CaPAO2, CaPAO4, and CaPAO6 belong to subfamily IV (none belong to subfamily II). CaPAO2, CaPAO4, and CaPAO6 were ubiquitously and highly expressed in all tissues, CaPAO1 was mainly expressed in flowers, whereas CaPAO3 and CaPAO5 were expressed at very low levels in all tissues. RNA-seq analysis revealed that CaPAO2 and CaPAO4 were notably upregulated by cold stress. CaPAO2 and CaPAO4 were localized in the peroxisome, and spermine was the preferred substrate for PA catabolism. CaPAO2 and CaPAO4 overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana significantly enhanced freezing-stress tolerance by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity and decreasing malondialdehyde, H2O2, and superoxide accumulation, accompanied by the upregulation of cold-responsive genes (AtCOR15A, AtRD29A, AtCOR47, and AtKIN1). Thus, we identified candidate PAO genes for breeding cold-stress-tolerant transgenic pepper cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Le Liang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jiachang Xiao
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yongdong Xie
- Institute for Processing and Storage of Agricultural Products, Chengdu Academy of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Li Zhu
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xinru Xue
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Linyu Xu
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Peihan Zhou
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jianzhao Ran
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zhi Huang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Guochao Sun
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Institute of Pomology and Olericulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yunsong Lai
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Institute of Pomology and Olericulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Bo Sun
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yi Tang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Institute of Pomology and Olericulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Huanxiu Li
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Institute of Pomology and Olericulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Correspondence:
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Wang L, Wang S, Tong R, Wang S, Yao J, Jiao J, Wan R, Wang M, Shi J, Zheng X. Overexpression of PgCBF3 and PgCBF7 Transcription Factors from Pomegranate Enhances Freezing Tolerance in Arabidopsis under the Promoter Activity Positively Regulated by PgICE1. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169439. [PMID: 36012703 PMCID: PMC9408969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cold stress limits plant growth, development and yields, and the C-repeat binding factors (CBFs) function in the cold resistance in plants. However, how pomegranate CBF transcription factors respond to cold signal remains unclear. Considering the significantly up-regulated expression of PgCBF3 and PgCBF7 in cold-tolerant Punica granatum ‘Yudazi’ in comparison with cold-sensitive ‘Tunisia’ under 4 °C, the present study focused on the two CBF genes. PgCBF3 was localized in the nucleus, while PgCBF7 was localized in the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus, both owning transcriptional activation activity in yeast. Yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase reporter assay further confirmed that PgICE1 could specifically bind to and significantly enhance the activation activity of the promoters of PgCBF3 and PgCBF7. Compared with the wild-type plants, the PgCBF3 and PgCBF7 transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana lines had the higher survival rate after cold treatment; exhibited increased the contents of soluble sugar and proline, while lower electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde content, and reactive oxygen species production, accompanying with elevated enzyme activity of catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase; and upregulated the expression of AtCOR15A, AtCOR47, AtRD29A, and AtKIN1. Collectively, PgCBFs were positively regulated by the upstream PgICE1 and mediated the downstream COR genes expression, thereby enhancing freezing tolerance.
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Characterization of the SWEET Gene Family in Longan (Dimocarpus longan) and the Role of DlSWEET1 in Cold Tolerance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168914. [PMID: 36012186 PMCID: PMC9408694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sugars will eventually be exported transporters (SWEET), a group of relatively novel sugar transporters, that play important roles in phloem loading, seed and fruit development, pollen development, and stress response in plants. Longan (Dimocarpus longan), a subtropic fruit tree with high economic value, is sensitive to cold. However, whether the SWEET gene family plays a role in conferring cold tolerance upon longan remains unknown. Here, a total of 20 longan SWEET (DlSWEET) genes were identified, and their phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, cis-acting elements, and tissue-specific expression patterns were systematically analyzed. This family is divided into four clades. Gene structures and motifs analyses indicated that the majority of DlSWEETs in each clade shared similar exon–intron organization and conserved motifs. Tissue-specific gene expression suggested diverse possible functions for DlSWEET genes. Cis-elements analysis and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that DlSWEET1 responded to cold stress. Notably, the overexpression of DlSWEET1 improved cold tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis, suggesting that DlSWEET1 might play a positive role in D. longan’s responses to cold stress. Together, these results contribute to a better understanding of SWEET genes, which could serve as a foundation for the further functional identification of these genes.
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Hwarari D, Guan Y, Ahmad B, Movahedi A, Min T, Hao Z, Lu Y, Chen J, Yang L. ICE-CBF-COR Signaling Cascade and Its Regulation in Plants Responding to Cold Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031549. [PMID: 35163471 PMCID: PMC8835792 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cold stress limits plant geographical distribution and influences plant growth, development, and yields. Plants as sessile organisms have evolved complex biochemical and physiological mechanisms to adapt to cold stress. These mechanisms are regulated by a series of transcription factors and proteins for efficient cold stress acclimation. It has been established that the ICE-CBF-COR signaling pathway in plants regulates how plants acclimatize to cold stress. Cold stress is perceived by receptor proteins, triggering signal transduction, and Inducer of CBF Expression (ICE) genes are activated and regulated, consequently upregulating the transcription and expression of the C-repeat Binding Factor (CBF) genes. The CBF protein binds to the C-repeat/Dehydration Responsive Element (CRT/DRE), a homeopathic element of the Cold Regulated genes (COR gene) promoter, activating their transcription. Transcriptional regulations and post-translational modifications regulate and modify these entities at different response levels by altering their expression or activities in the signaling cascade. These activities then lead to efficient cold stress tolerance. This paper contains a concise summary of the ICE-CBF-COR pathway elucidating on the cross interconnections with other repressors, inhibitors, and activators to induce cold stress acclimation in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delight Hwarari
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (D.H.); (Y.G.); (B.A.); (A.M.); (T.M.)
| | - Yuanlin Guan
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (D.H.); (Y.G.); (B.A.); (A.M.); (T.M.)
| | - Baseer Ahmad
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (D.H.); (Y.G.); (B.A.); (A.M.); (T.M.)
| | - Ali Movahedi
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (D.H.); (Y.G.); (B.A.); (A.M.); (T.M.)
| | - Tian Min
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (D.H.); (Y.G.); (B.A.); (A.M.); (T.M.)
| | - Zhaodong Hao
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (Z.H.); (Y.L.)
| | - Ye Lu
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (Z.H.); (Y.L.)
| | - Jinhui Chen
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (Z.H.); (Y.L.)
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (L.Y.)
| | - Liming Yang
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (D.H.); (Y.G.); (B.A.); (A.M.); (T.M.)
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (L.Y.)
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