Identification of transcription factors linked to cell cycle regulation in Arabidopsis

Proteomics as a tool to decipher plant responses in arbuscular mycorrhizal interactions: a meta-analysis

The beneficial symbiosis between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi leads to a deep reprogramming of plant metabolism, involving the regulation of several molecular mechanisms, many of which are poorly characterized. In this regard, proteomics is a powerful tool to explore changes related to plant-microbe interactions. This study provides a comprehensive proteomic meta-analysis conducted on AM-modulated proteins at local (roots) and systemic (shoots/leaves) level. The analysis was implemented by an in-depth study of root membrane-associated proteins and by a comparison with a transcriptome meta-analysis. A total of 4262 differentially abundant proteins were retrieved and, to identify the most relevant AM-regulated processes, a range of bioinformatic studies were conducted, including functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction network analysis. In addition to several protein transporters which are present in higher amounts in AM plants, and which are expected due to the well-known enhancement of AM-induced mineral uptake, our analysis revealed some novel traits. We detected a massive systemic reprogramming of translation with a central role played by the ribosomal translational apparatus. On one hand, these new protein-synthesis efforts well support the root cellular re-organization required by the fungal penetration, and on the other they have a systemic impact on primary metabolism.

Cadmium affects cell niches maintenance in Arabidopsis thaliana post-embryonic shoot and root apical meristem by altering the expression of WUS/WOX homolog genes and cytokinin accumulation

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most widespread polluting heavy metals in both terrestrial and aquatic environments and represents an extremely significant pollutant causing severe environmental and social problems due to its high toxicity and large solubility in water. In plants, the root is the first organ that get in contact with Cd. It is absorbed by the root system and translocated to the shoot and leaves through xylem loading, causing a variety of genetic, biochemical, and physiological damages. Cd inhibits both the root and shoot growth, but the mechanisms underlying this inhibition remain elusive. In this context in the present work we focused the attention on the effects of Cd on meristem size and organization of both shoot and root. To this aim morpho-histological and molecular analyses were carried out on 5 days old seedlings exposed or not to Cd (100 μM and 150 μM for 24) of wild type and transgenic lines expressing molecular markers with an important role in shoot and root pattern organization. More precisely, we monitored the expression pattern of WUS/CLV3 and WOX5 transcription factors involved in the establishment and maintenance of stem cell niche and the control of meristem size and of TCSn::GFP cytokinin-sensitive sensor as relevant components of hormone circuit controlling shoot and root growth. The results highlighted that the treatments with Cd impacts shoot and root size and shape by altering the paralogous WOX genes expression via cytokinin accumulation.

Regulation of the Plant Cell Cycle in Response to Hormones and the Environment

Developmental and environmental signals converge on cell cycle machinery to achieve proper and flexible organogenesis under changing environments. Studies on the plant cell cycle began 30 years ago, and accumulated research has revealed many links between internal and external factors and the cell cycle. In this review, we focus on how phytohormones and environmental signals regulate the cell cycle to enable plants to cope with a fluctuating environment. After introducing key cell cycle regulators, we first discuss how phytohormones and their synergy are important for regulating cell cycle progression and how environmental factors positively and negatively affect cell division. We then focus on the well-studied example of stress-induced G2 arrest and view the current model from an evolutionary perspective. Finally, we discuss the mechanisms controlling the transition from the mitotic cycle to the endocycle, which greatly contributes to cell enlargement and resultant organ growth in plants.