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Opdensteinen P, Charudattan R, Hong JC, Rosskopf EN, Steinmetz NF. Biochemical and nanotechnological approaches to combat phytoparasitic nematodes. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024. [PMID: 38831638 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The foundation of most food production systems underpinning global food security is the careful management of soil resources. Embedded in the concept of soil health is the impact of diverse soil-borne pests and pathogens, and phytoparasitic nematodes represent a particular challenge. Root-knot nematodes and cyst nematodes are severe threats to agriculture, accounting for annual yield losses of US$157 billion. The control of soil-borne phytoparasitic nematodes conventionally relies on the use of chemical nematicides, which can have adverse effects on the environment and human health due to their persistence in soil, plants, and water. Nematode-resistant plants offer a promising alternative, but genetic resistance is species-dependent, limited to a few crops, and breeding and deploying resistant cultivars often takes years. Novel approaches for the control of phytoparasitic nematodes are therefore required, those that specifically target these parasites in the ground whilst minimizing the impact on the environment, agricultural ecosystems, and human health. In addition to the development of next-generation, environmentally safer nematicides, promising biochemical strategies include the combination of RNA interference (RNAi) with nanomaterials that ensure the targeted delivery and controlled release of double-stranded RNA. Genome sequencing has identified more than 75 genes in root knot and cyst nematodes that have been targeted with RNAi so far. But despite encouraging results, the delivery of dsRNA to nematodes in the soil remains inefficient. In this review article, we describe the state-of-the-art RNAi approaches targeting phytoparasitic nematodes and consider the potential benefits of nanotechnology to improve dsRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Opdensteinen
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Nano-ImmunoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Shu and K.C. Chien and Peter Farrell Collaboratory, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Jason C Hong
- USDA-ARS-U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
| | - Erin N Rosskopf
- USDA-ARS-U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
| | - Nicole F Steinmetz
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Nano-ImmunoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Shu and K.C. Chien and Peter Farrell Collaboratory, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Institute for Materials Discovery and Design, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Engineering in Cancer, Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Saidi A, Safaeizadeh M, Hajibarat Z. Differential expression of the genes encoding immune system components in response to Pseudomonas syringae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Arabidopsis thaliana. 3 Biotech 2024; 14:11. [PMID: 38098678 PMCID: PMC10716095 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03852-0] [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: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In innate immunity, the first layer of defense against any microbial infection is triggered by the perception of pathogen-associated molecular patterns by highly specific pattern recognition receptors. The Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are plant-pathogenic bacterial species that include pathogenic strains in a wide range of different plant species. In the current study, extensive analysis including gene expression of 12 hub genes, gene ontology, protein-protein interaction, and cis-element prediction to dissect the Arabidopsis response to above-mentioned bacteria were performed. Further, we evaluated weighted co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) in the wild-type plants and coi-1 mutant line and determined changes in responsive genes at two time-points (4 and 8 h) of post-treatment with P. syringae and P. aeruginosa. Compared to the wild-type plants, coi-1 mutant showed significant expression in most of the genes involved, indicating that their protein products have important role in innate immunity and RNA silencing pathways. Our findings showed that 12 hub genes were co-expressed in response to P. syringae and P. aeruginosa infections. Based on the network analysis, transcription factors, receptors, protein kinase, and pathogenesis-related protein (PR1) were involved in the immunity system. Gene ontology related to each module was involved in defense response, protein serine kinase activity, and primary miRNA processing. Based on the cis-elements prediction, MYB, MYC, WRE3, W-box, STRE, and ARE contained the most number of cis-elements in co-expressed network genes. Also, in coi-1 mutant, most responsive genes against theses pathogens were up-regulated. The knowledge gained in the gene expression analysis in response to P. syringae and P. aeruginosa in the model plant, i.e., Arabidopsis, is essential to allow us to gain more insight about the innate immunity in other crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Saidi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Safaeizadeh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Hajibarat
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Balasubramaniam T, Shen G, Esmaeili N, Zhang H. Plants' Response Mechanisms to Salinity Stress. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2253. [PMID: 37375879 DOI: 10.3390/plants12122253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Soil salinization is a severe abiotic stress that negatively affects plant growth and development, leading to physiological abnormalities and ultimately threatening global food security. The condition arises from excessive salt accumulation in the soil, primarily due to anthropogenic activities such as irrigation, improper land uses, and overfertilization. The presence of Na⁺, Cl-, and other related ions in the soil above normal levels can disrupt plant cellular functions and lead to alterations in essential metabolic processes such as seed germination and photosynthesis, causing severe damage to plant tissues and even plant death in the worst circumstances. To counteract the effects of salt stress, plants have developed various mechanisms, including modulating ion homeostasis, ion compartmentalization and export, and the biosynthesis of osmoprotectants. Recent advances in genomic and proteomic technologies have enabled the identification of genes and proteins involved in plant salt-tolerance mechanisms. This review provides a short overview of the impact of salinity stress on plants and the underlying mechanisms of salt-stress tolerance, particularly the functions of salt-stress-responsive genes associated with these mechanisms. This review aims at summarizing recent advances in our understanding of salt-stress tolerance mechanisms, providing the key background knowledge for improving crops' salt tolerance, which could contribute to the yield and quality enhancement in major crops grown under saline conditions or in arid and semiarid regions of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guoxin Shen
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Nardana Esmaeili
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
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Singewar K, Fladung M. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) technology to control forest insect pests and fungal pathogens: challenges and opportunities. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:185. [PMID: 37243792 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01107-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Climate change alters the seasonal synchronization between plants and respective pests plus pathogens. The geographical infiltration helps to shift their hosts, resulting in novel outbreaks that damage forests and ecology. Traditional management schemes are unable to control such outbreaks, therefore unconventional and competitive governance is needed to manage forest pests and pathogens. RNA interference (RNAi) mediated double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) treatment method can be implemented to protect forest trees. Exogenous dsRNA triggers the RNAi-mediated gene silencing of a vital gene, and suspends protein production, resulting in the death of targeted pathogens and pests. The dsRNA treatment method is successful for many crop insects and fungi, however, studies of dsRNA against forest pests and pathogens are depleting. Pesticides and fungicides based on dsRNA could be used to combat pathogens that caused outbreaks in different parts of the world. Although the dsRNA has proved its potential, the crucial dilemma and risks including species-specific gene selection, and dsRNA delivery methods cannot be overlooked. Here, we summarized the major fungi pathogens and insect pests that have caused outbreaks, their genomic information, and studies on dsRNA fungi-and pesticides. Current challenges and opportunities in dsRNA target decision, delivery using nanoparticles, direct applications, and a new method using mycorrhiza for forest tree protection are discussed. The importance of affordable next-generation sequencing to minimize the impact on non-target species is discussed. We suggest that collaborative research among forest genomics and pathology institutes could develop necessary dsRNA strategies to protect forest tree species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Singewar
- Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics, 22927, Großhansdorf, Germany.
| | - Matthias Fladung
- Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics, 22927, Großhansdorf, Germany.
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Ma Q, Niu C, Wang C, Chen C, Li Y, Wei M. Effects of differentially expressed microRNAs induced by rootstocks and silicon on improving chilling tolerance of cucumber seedlings (Cucumis sativus L.). BMC Genomics 2023; 24:250. [PMID: 37165319 PMCID: PMC10173649 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09337-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rootstocks can improve the chilling tolerance of grafted cucumbers, but their effectiveness varies. Rootstocks with strong de-blooming capacity may result in lower chilling tolerance of grafted cucumbers compared to those with weak de-blooming capacity, while also reducing the silicon absorption. However, it remains unclear whether this reduction in chilling tolerance is due to differences in rootstock genotypes or the reduction in silicon absorption. RESULTS The chilling tolerance of cucumber seedlings was improved by using rootstocks and silicon nutrition. Rootstocks had a more significant effect than silicon nutrition, and the weak de-blooming rootstock 'Yunnan figleaf gourd' was superior to the strong de-blooming rootstock 'Huangchenggen No. 2'. Compared to self-rooted cucumber, twelve miRNAs were regulated by two rootstocks, including seven identical miRNAs (novel-mir23, novel-mir26, novel-mir30, novel-mir37, novel-mir46, miR395a and miR398a-3p) and five different miRNAs (novel-mir32, novel-mir38, novel-mir65, novel-mir78 and miR397a). Notably, four of these miRNAs (novel-mir38, novel-mir65, novel-mir78 and miR397a) were only identified in 'Yunnan figleaf gourd'-grafted cucumbers. Furthermore, six miRNAs (miR168a-5p, miR390a-5p, novel-mir26, novel-mir55, novel-mir67 and novel-mir70) were found to be responsive to exogenous silicon. Target gene prediction for 20 miRNAs resulted in 520 genes. Functional analysis of these target genes showed that 'Yunnan figleaf gourd' improves the chilling tolerance of cucumber by regulating laccase synthesis and sulfate metabolism, while 'Huangchenggen No. 2' and exogenous silicon reduced chilling stress damage to cucumber by regulating ROS scavenging and protein protection, respectively. CONCLUSION Among the identified miRNAs, novel-mir46 and miR398a-3p were found in cucumbers in response to chilling stress and two types of rootstocks. However, no identical miRNAs were identified in response to chilling stress and silicon. In addition, the differential expression of novel-mir38, novel-mir65, novel-mir78 and miR397a may be one of the important reasons for the differences in chilling tolerance of grafted cucumbers caused by two types of rootstocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Ma
- College of Horticultural Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, 271018, China
| | - Chenxu Niu
- College of Horticultural Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, 271018, China
| | - Chao Wang
- College of Horticultural Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, 271018, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Environment Controlled Agricultural Engineering in Huang-Huai-Hai Region, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Taian, 271018, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Taian, 271018, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production in Shandong, Taian, 271018, China
| | - Chunhua Chen
- College of Horticultural Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, 271018, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Taian, 271018, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production in Shandong, Taian, 271018, China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Horticultural Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, 271018, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Environment Controlled Agricultural Engineering in Huang-Huai-Hai Region, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Taian, 271018, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Taian, 271018, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production in Shandong, Taian, 271018, China
| | - Min Wei
- College of Horticultural Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, 271018, China.
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Environment Controlled Agricultural Engineering in Huang-Huai-Hai Region, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Taian, 271018, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Taian, 271018, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production in Shandong, Taian, 271018, China.
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Hotspot siRNA Confers Plant Resistance against Viral Infection. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050714. [PMID: 35625441 PMCID: PMC9138956 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary A hallmark of antiviral RNAi is the production of viral siRNA (vsiRNA). Profiling of vsiRNAs indicates that certain hotspot regions of viral genome or transcribed viral RNAs are more prone to RNAi-mediated cleavage. However, the biological relevance of hotspot vsiRNAs to the host innate defence remains to be elucidated. Here, we show that direct targeting a hotspot by synthetic vsiRNA confers plant resistance to virus infection. Hotspot and coldspot vsiRNAs, based on vsiRNA profile of the African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV), were synthesised. However, only the double-stranded hotspot vsiRNA protected plants from ACMV infection with undetectable levels of viral DNA replication and viral mRNA. We further demonstrated that the hotspot vsiRNA-mediated virus resistance had a threshold effect and required an active RDR6. These data show that hotspot vsiRNAs bear a functional significance on antiviral RNAi, suggesting that they may have the potential as exogenous protection agents for controlling destructive plant viral diseases. Abstract A hallmark of antiviral RNA interference (RNAi) is the production of viral small interfering RNA (vsiRNA). Profiling of vsiRNAs indicates that certain regions of viral RNA genome or transcribed viral RNA, dubbed vsiRNA hotspots, are more prone to RNAi-mediated cleavage for vsiRNA biogenesis. However, the biological relevance of hotspot vsiRNAs to the host innate defence against pathogens remains to be elucidated. Here, we show that direct targeting a hotspot by a synthetic vsiRNA confers host resistance to virus infection. Using Northern blotting and RNAseq, we obtained a profile of vsiRNAs of the African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV), a single-stranded DNA virus. Sense and anti-sense strands of small RNAs corresponding to a hotspot and a coldspot vsiRNA were synthesised. Co-inoculation of Nicotiana benthamiana with the double-stranded hotspot siRNA protected plants from ACMV infection, where viral DNA replication and accumulation of viral mRNA were undetectable. The sense or anti-sense strand of this hotspot vsiRNA, and the coldspot vsiRNA in both double-stranded and single-stranded formats possessed no activity in viral protection. We further demonstrated that the hotspot vsiRNA-mediated virus resistance had a threshold effect and required an active RDR6. These data show that hotspot vsiRNAs bear a functional significance on antiviral RNAi, suggesting that they may have the potential as an exogenous protection agent for controlling destructive viral diseases in plants.
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Gelaw TA, Sanan-Mishra N. Nanomaterials coupled with microRNAs for alleviating plant stress: a new opening towards sustainable agriculture. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 28:791-818. [PMID: 35592477 PMCID: PMC9110591 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-022-01163-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plant growth and development is influenced by their continuous interaction with the environment. Their cellular machinery is geared to make rapid changes for adjusting the morphology and physiology to withstand the stressful changes in their surroundings. The present scenario of climate change has however intensified the occurrence and duration of stress and this is getting reflected in terms of yield loss. A number of breeding and molecular strategies are being adopted to enhance the performance of plants under abiotic stress conditions. In this context, the use of nanomaterials is gaining momentum. Nanotechnology is a versatile field and its application has been demonstrated in almost all the existing fields of science. In the agriculture sector, the use of nanoparticles is still limited, even though it has been found to increase germination and growth, enhance physiological and biochemical activities and impact gene expression. In this review, we have summarized the use and role of nanomaterial and small non-coding RNAs in crop improvement while highlighting the potential of nanomaterial assisted eco-friendly delivery of small non-coding RNAs as an innovative strategy for mitigating the effect of abiotic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temesgen Assefa Gelaw
- Group Leader, Plant RNAi Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 110067 New Delhi, India
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Natural and Computational Science, Debre Birhan University, 445, Debre Birhan, Ethiopia
| | - Neeti Sanan-Mishra
- Group Leader, Plant RNAi Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 110067 New Delhi, India
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