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Zong W, Guo X, Zhang K, Chen L, Liu YG, Guo J. Photoperiod and temperature synergistically regulate heading date and regional adaptation in rice. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:3762-3777. [PMID: 38779909 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erae209] [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: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Plants must accurately integrate external environmental signals with their own development to initiate flowering at the appropriate time for reproductive success. Photoperiod and temperature are key external signals that determine flowering time; both are cyclical and periodic, and they are closely related. In this review, we describe photoperiod-sensitive genes that simultaneously respond to temperature signals in rice (Oryza sativa). We introduce the mechanisms by which photoperiod and temperature synergistically regulate heading date and regional adaptation in rice. We also discuss the prospects for designing different combinations of heading date genes and other cold tolerance or thermo-tolerance genes to help rice better adapt to changes in light and temperature via molecular breeding to enhance yield in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wubei Zong
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiaotong Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Letian Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yao-Guang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jingxin Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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2
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Zhao X, Li H, Wang L, Wang J, Huang Z, Du H, Li Y, Yang J, He M, Cheng Q, Lin X, Liu B, Kong F. A critical suppression feedback loop determines soybean photoperiod sensitivity. Dev Cell 2024; 59:1750-1763.e4. [PMID: 38688276 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.04.004] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Photoperiod sensitivity is crucial for soybean flowering, adaptation, and yield. In soybean, photoperiod sensitivity centers around the evening complex (EC) that regulates the transcriptional level of the core transcription factor E1, thereby regulating flowering. However, little is known about the regulation of the activity of EC. Our study identifies how E2/GIGANTEA (GI) and its homologs modulate photoperiod sensitivity through interactions with the EC. During long days, E2 interacts with the blue-light receptor flavin-binding, kelch repeat, F box 1 (FKF1), leading to the degradation of J/ELF3, an EC component. EC also suppresses E2 expression by binding to its promoter. This interplay forms a photoperiod regulatory loop, maintaining sensitivity to photoperiod. Disruption of this loop leads to losing sensitivity, affecting soybean's adaptability and yield. Understanding this loop's dynamics is vital for molecular breeding to reduce soybean's photoperiod sensitivity and develop cultivars with better adaptability and higher yields, potentially leading to the creation of photoperiod-insensitive varieties for broader agricultural applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Haiyang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Lingshuang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jianhao Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Zerong Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Haiping Du
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yaru Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jiahui Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Milan He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qun Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaoya Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Baohui Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Fanjiang Kong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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3
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Zhu X, Wang H. Revisiting the role and mechanism of ELF3 in circadian clock modulation. Gene 2024; 913:148378. [PMID: 38490512 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148378] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The gene encoding EARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3) is necessary for photoperiodic flowering and the normal regulation of circadian rhythms. It provides important information at the cellular level to uncover the biological mechanisms that improve plant growth and development. ELF3 interactions with transcription factors such as BROTHER OF LUX ARRHYTHMO (BOA), LIGHT-REGULATED WD1 (LWD1), PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4), PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 7 (PIF7), and LUX ARRHYTHMO (LUX) suggest a role in evening complex (EC) independent pathways, demanding further investigation to elucidate the EC-dependent versus EC-independent mechanisms. The ELF3 regulation of flowering time about photoperiod and temperature variations can also optimize crop cultivation across diverse latitudes. In this review paper, we summarize how ELF3's role in the circadian clock and light-responsive flowering control in crops offers substantial potential for scientific advancement and practical applications in biotechnology and agriculture. Despite its essential role in crop adaptation, very little is known in many important crops. Consequently, comprehensive and targeted research is essential for extrapolating ELF3-related insights from Arabidopsis to other crops, utilizing both computational and experimental methodologies. This research should prioritize investigations into ELF3's protein-protein interactions, post-translational modifications, and genomic targets to elucidate its contribution to accurate circadian clock regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzun Zhu
- College of Landscape Architecture, Changchun University, No.1 Weixinglu Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Hongtao Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Tonghua Normal University, Tonghua, 950, Yucai Road, China.
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4
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Zhou Y, Yang H, Liu E, Liu R, Alam M, Gao H, Gao G, Zhang Q, Li Y, Xiong L, He Y. Fine Mapping of Five Grain Size QTLs Which Affect Grain Yield and Quality in Rice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4149. [PMID: 38673733 PMCID: PMC11050437 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084149] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Grain size is a quantitative trait with a complex genetic mechanism, characterized by the combination of grain length (GL), grain width (GW), length to width ration (LWR), and grain thickness (GT). In this study, we conducted quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis to investigate the genetic basis of grain size using BC1F2 and BC1F2:3 populations derived from two indica lines, Guangzhan 63-4S (GZ63-4S) and TGMS29 (core germplasm number W240). A total of twenty-four QTLs for grain size were identified, among which, three QTLs (qGW1, qGW7, and qGW12) controlling GL and two QTLs (qGW5 and qGL9) controlling GW were validated and subsequently fine mapped to regions ranging from 128 kb to 624 kb. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis and expression analysis revealed that qGW7 influences cell expansion, while qGL9 affects cell division. Conversely, qGW1, qGW5, and qGW12 promoted both cell division and expansion. Furthermore, negative correlations were observed between grain yield and quality for both qGW7 and qGW12. Nevertheless, qGW5 exhibited the potential to enhance quality without compromising yield. Importantly, we identified two promising QTLs, qGW1 and qGL9, which simultaneously improved both grain yield and quality. In summary, our results laid the foundation for cloning these five QTLs and provided valuable resources for breeding rice varieties with high yield and superior quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yuqing He
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Center of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.Z.); (H.Y.); (E.L.); (R.L.); (M.A.); (H.G.); (G.G.); (Q.Z.); (Y.L.); (L.X.)
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5
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Dwivedi SL, Quiroz LF, Spillane C, Wu R, Mattoo AK, Ortiz R. Unlocking allelic variation in circadian clock genes to develop environmentally robust and productive crops. PLANTA 2024; 259:72. [PMID: 38386103 PMCID: PMC10884192 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-023-04324-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION Molecular mechanisms of biological rhythms provide opportunities to harness functional allelic diversity in core (and trait- or stress-responsive) oscillator networks to develop more climate-resilient and productive germplasm. The circadian clock senses light and temperature in day-night cycles to drive biological rhythms. The clock integrates endogenous signals and exogenous stimuli to coordinate diverse physiological processes. Advances in high-throughput non-invasive assays, use of forward- and inverse-genetic approaches, and powerful algorithms are allowing quantitation of variation and detection of genes associated with circadian dynamics. Circadian rhythms and phytohormone pathways in response to endogenous and exogenous cues have been well documented the model plant Arabidopsis. Novel allelic variation associated with circadian rhythms facilitates adaptation and range expansion, and may provide additional opportunity to tailor climate-resilient crops. The circadian phase and period can determine adaptation to environments, while the robustness in the circadian amplitude can enhance resilience to environmental changes. Circadian rhythms in plants are tightly controlled by multiple and interlocked transcriptional-translational feedback loops involving morning (CCA1, LHY), mid-day (PRR9, PRR7, PRR5), and evening (TOC1, ELF3, ELF4, LUX) genes that maintain the plant circadian clock ticking. Significant progress has been made to unravel the functions of circadian rhythms and clock genes that regulate traits, via interaction with phytohormones and trait-responsive genes, in diverse crops. Altered circadian rhythms and clock genes may contribute to hybrid vigor as shown in Arabidopsis, maize, and rice. Modifying circadian rhythms via transgenesis or genome-editing may provide additional opportunities to develop crops with better buffering capacity to environmental stresses. Models that involve clock gene‒phytohormone‒trait interactions can provide novel insights to orchestrate circadian rhythms and modulate clock genes to facilitate breeding of all season crops.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luis Felipe Quiroz
- Agriculture and Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91 REW4, Ireland
| | - Charles Spillane
- Agriculture and Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91 REW4, Ireland.
| | - Rongling Wu
- Beijing Yanqi Lake Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Autar K Mattoo
- USDA-ARS, Sustainable Agricultural Systems Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - Rodomiro Ortiz
- Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sundsvagen, 10, Box 190, SE 23422, Lomma, Sweden.
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6
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Xu H, Wang X, Wei J, Zuo Y, Wang L. The Regulatory Networks of the Circadian Clock Involved in Plant Adaptation and Crop Yield. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12091897. [PMID: 37176955 PMCID: PMC10181312 DOI: 10.3390/plants12091897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Global climatic change increasingly threatens plant adaptation and crop yields. By synchronizing internal biological processes, including photosynthesis, metabolism, and responses to biotic and abiotic stress, with external environmental cures, such as light and temperature, the circadian clock benefits plant adaptation and crop yield. In this review, we focus on the multiple levels of interaction between the plant circadian clock and environmental factors, and we summarize recent progresses on how the circadian clock affects yield. In addition, we propose potential strategies for better utilizing the current knowledge of circadian biology in crop production in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jian Wei
- College of Life Sciences, Changchun Normal University, Changchun 130032, China
| | - Yi Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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7
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Huang P, Ding Z, Duan M, Xiong Y, Li X, Yuan X, Huang J. OsLUX Confers Rice Cold Tolerance as a Positive Regulatory Factor. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076727. [PMID: 37047700 PMCID: PMC10094877 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During the early seedling stage, rice (Oryza sativa L.) must overcome low-temperature stress. While a few cold-tolerance genes have been characterized, further excavation of cold-resistance genes is still needed. In this study, we identified a cold-induced transcription factor—LUX ARRHYTHMO (LUX)—in rice. OsLUX was found to be specifically expressed in leaf blades and upregulated by both cold stress and circadian rhythm. The full-length OsLUX showed autoactivation activity, and the OsLUX protein localized throughout the entire onion cell. Overexpressing OsLUX resulted in increased cold tolerance and reduced ion leakage under cold-stress conditions during the seedling stage. In contrast, the knockout of OsLUX decreased seedling cold tolerance and showed higher ion leakage compared to the wild type. Furthermore, overexpressing OsLUX upregulated the expression levels of oxidative stress-responsive genes, which improved reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging ability and enhanced tolerance to chilling stress. Promoter analysis showed that the OsLUX promoter contains two dehydration-responsive element binding (DREB) motifs at positions −510/−505 (GTCGGa) and −162/−170 (cCACCGccc), which indicated that OsDREB1s and OsDREB2s probably regulate OsLUX expression by binding to the motif to respond to cold stress. Thus, OsLUX may act as a downstream gene of the DREB pathway. These results demonstrate that OsLUX serves as a positive regulatory factor of cold stress and that overexpressing OsLUX could be used in rice breeding programs to enhance abiotic stress tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Zhengquan Ding
- Jiaxing Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiaxing 314016, China
| | - Min Duan
- Taizhou Academy Agricultural of Sciences, Taizhou 317000, China
| | - Yi Xiong
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Xinxin Li
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Xi Yuan
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Ji Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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8
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Cheng H, Yu Y, Zhai Y, Wang L, Wang L, Chen S, Chen F, Jiang J. An ethylene-responsive transcription factor and a B-box protein coordinate vegetative growth and photoperiodic flowering in chrysanthemum. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2023; 46:440-450. [PMID: 36367211 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plants employ several endogenous and exogenous signals to guarantee timely floral transitions with floral integrators. To avoid premature flowering, flowering plants must control the balance between vegetative and floral development. As a Group II member of BBX family, CmBBX8 promotes flowering by directly activating CmFTL1 in summer-flowering chrysanthemum. However, the mechanisms underlying this floral transition is yet to be elucidated. Here, we report that the chrysanthemum ERF3 homologue, CmERF3, physically interacts with CmBBX8 through yeast two-hybrid (Y2H), bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC), pull-down, and luciferase complementation (LCI) assays. We found that CmERF3 was highly expressed at the vegetative stage and rarely expressed in the reproductive phase, indicating that CmERF3 may play a critical role in maintaining vegetative growth to prevent premature flowering. Rhythm analysis revealed that CmERF3 had a different response to rhythm compared to CmBBX8. Knockdown of CmERF3 facilitated floral initiation, whereas overexpression of CmERF3 delayed floral transition. We further found that CmERF3 repressed the transactivation activity of CmBBX8 on the downstream CmFTL1 gene. Collectively, our results indicate that the CmERF3-CmBBX8 transcriptional complex is a crucial module that balances the vegetative growth and reproductive development of chrysanthemum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiwen Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lijun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Likai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sumei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fadi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiafu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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9
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Zhao Y, Zhao B, Xie Y, Jia H, Li Y, Xu M, Wu G, Ma X, Li Q, Hou M, Li C, Xia Z, He G, Xu H, Bai Z, Kong D, Zheng Z, Liu Q, Liu Y, Zhong J, Tian F, Wang B, Wang H. The evening complex promotes maize flowering and adaptation to temperate regions. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:369-389. [PMID: 36173348 PMCID: PMC9806612 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays) originated in southern Mexico and has spread over a wide latitudinal range. Maize expansion from tropical to temperate regions has necessitated a reduction of its photoperiod sensitivity. In this study, we cloned a quantitative trait locus (QTL) regulating flowering time in maize and show that the maize ortholog of Arabidopsis thaliana EARLY FLOWERING3, ZmELF3.1, is the causal locus. We demonstrate that ZmELF3.1 and ZmELF3.2 proteins can physically interact with ZmELF4.1/4.2 and ZmLUX1/2, to form evening complex(es; ECs) in the maize circadian clock. Loss-of-function mutants for ZmELF3.1/3.2 and ZmLUX1/2 exhibited delayed flowering under long-day and short-day conditions. We show that EC directly represses the expression of several flowering suppressor genes, such as the CONSTANS, CONSTANS-LIKE, TOC1 (CCT) genes ZmCCT9 and ZmCCT10, ZmCONSTANS-LIKE 3, and the PSEUDORESPONSE REGULATOR (PRR) genes ZmPRR37a and ZmPRR73, thus alleviating their inhibition, allowing florigen gene expression and promoting flowering. Further, we identify two closely linked retrotransposons located in the ZmELF3.1 promoter that regulate the expression levels of ZmELF3.1 and may have been positively selected during postdomestication spread of maize from tropical to temperate regions during the pre-Columbian era. These findings provide insights into circadian clock-mediated regulation of photoperiodic flowering in maize and new targets of genetic improvement for breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongping Zhao
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Binbin Zhao
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yurong Xie
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- HainanYazhou Bay Seed Lab, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Hong Jia
- Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and National Maize Improvement Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yongxiang Li
- Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 10008, China
| | - Miaoyun Xu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- HainanYazhou Bay Seed Lab, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Guangxia Wu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiaojing Ma
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Quanquan Li
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Mei Hou
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Changyu Li
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zhanchao Xia
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Gang He
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Hua Xu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zhijing Bai
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Dexin Kong
- School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zhigang Zheng
- School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qing Liu
- School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yuting Liu
- School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jinshun Zhong
- School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Feng Tian
- Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and National Maize Improvement Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Baobao Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- HainanYazhou Bay Seed Lab, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Haiyang Wang
- School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
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10
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Michael TP. Time of Day Analysis over a Field Grown Developmental Time Course in Rice. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:166. [PMID: 36616295 PMCID: PMC9823482 DOI: 10.3390/plants12010166] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plants integrate time of day (TOD) information over an entire season to ensure optimal growth, flowering time, and grain fill. However, most TOD expression studies have focused on a limited number of combinations of daylength and temperature under laboratory conditions. Here, an Oryza sativa (rice) expression study that followed TOD expression in the field over an entire growing season was re-analyzed. Similar to Arabidopsis thaliana, almost all rice genes have a TOD-specific expression over the developmental time course. As has been suggested in other grasses, thermocycles were a stronger cue for TOD expression than the photocycles over the growing season. All the core circadian clock genes display consistent TOD expression over the season with the interesting exception that the two grass paralogs of EARLY FLOWERING 3 (ELF3) display a distinct phasing based on the interaction between thermo- and photo-cycles. The dataset also revealed how specific pathways are modulated to distinct TOD over the season consistent with the changing biology. The data presented here provide a resource for researchers to study how TOD expression changes under natural conditions over a developmental time course, which will guide approaches to engineer more resilient and prolific crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd P Michael
- The Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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