Pub Date : 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111090
Feifei Tian , Lianghua Chen , Jiaxuan Mi , Jinliang Huang , Xiaoxi Chen , Jing Li , Lanxu Wang , Zhuyue Li , Liang Mao , Fang He , Qinglin Liu , Fan Zhang , Xueqin Wan
Nitrogen (N) plays a crucial role in enhancing plant growth and stress tolerance, but the physiological mechanisms and multi-omics evidence underlying its effect on cadmium (Cd) accumulation and detoxification in woody plants have not been fully understood. In this study, by integrating physiological, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and rhizobacterial analyses, the effects of NH4HCO3-based N fertiliser on 3-month-old poplars subjected to Cd stress were investigated to determine its potential for bioaccumulation and detoxification. Exogenous N significantly enhanced the Cd uptake efficiency and Cd content in whole plants by 93.79 and 160%, respectively, compared to the Cd-only group. N selectively recruited Bacillus, Fictibacillus, and Nitrospira, which are associated with a reduced soil pH, increased Cd bioavailability, and phytohormones (brassinolide and zeatin) biosynthesis, facilitating plant growth and Cd absorption. Concurrently, multi-omics analyses revealed the upregulation of genes involved in reduced glutathione (GSH) and phytohormones biosynthesis, antioxidant defence, and Cd transport and chelation (e.g., PyGCLC, PyGSS, PyDWF, PyIPT, PyAPX, PyCAT, PyNRAMP, PyMT, PyHIPP). Consistently, the accumulation of GSH, key amino acids (cysteine, glutamate, glutamine), phytohormones, flavonoid derivatives (eriodictyol, dihydrokaempferol, glyceollin II), and osmoprotectants (proline, soluble sugars) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase) were enhanced. Thus, Cd-induced reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation were reduced, and Cd accumulation and detoxification-related responses were enhanced. These findings suggest that N improves the phytoremediation efficiency of poplar by affecting the rhizosphere environment and Cd bioavailability and by modulating physiological and metabolic processes in plant cells.
{"title":"Nitrogen enhances cadmium phytoremediation in poplar via physiological, molecular, and rhizobacterial mechanisms","authors":"Feifei Tian , Lianghua Chen , Jiaxuan Mi , Jinliang Huang , Xiaoxi Chen , Jing Li , Lanxu Wang , Zhuyue Li , Liang Mao , Fang He , Qinglin Liu , Fan Zhang , Xueqin Wan","doi":"10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111090","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111090","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nitrogen (N) plays a crucial role in enhancing plant growth and stress tolerance, but the physiological mechanisms and multi-omics evidence underlying its effect on cadmium (Cd) accumulation and detoxification in woody plants have not been fully understood. In this study, by integrating physiological, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and rhizobacterial analyses, the effects of NH<sub>4</sub>HCO<sub>3</sub>-based N fertiliser on 3-month-old poplars subjected to Cd stress were investigated to determine its potential for bioaccumulation and detoxification. Exogenous N significantly enhanced the Cd uptake efficiency and Cd content in whole plants by 93.79 and 160%, respectively, compared to the Cd-only group. N selectively recruited <em>Bacillus</em>, <em>Fictibacillus</em>, and <em>Nitrospira</em>, which are associated with a reduced soil pH, increased Cd bioavailability, and phytohormones (brassinolide and zeatin) biosynthesis, facilitating plant growth and Cd absorption. Concurrently, multi-omics analyses revealed the upregulation of genes involved in reduced glutathione (GSH) and phytohormones biosynthesis, antioxidant defence, and Cd transport and chelation (e.g., <em>PyGCLC</em>, <em>PyGSS</em>, <em>PyDWF</em>, <em>PyIPT</em>, <em>PyAPX</em>, <em>PyCAT</em>, <em>PyNRAMP</em>, <em>PyMT</em>, <em>PyHIPP</em>). Consistently, the accumulation of GSH, key amino acids (cysteine, glutamate, glutamine), phytohormones, flavonoid derivatives (eriodictyol, dihydrokaempferol, glyceollin II), and osmoprotectants (proline, soluble sugars) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase) were enhanced. Thus, Cd-induced reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation were reduced, and Cd accumulation and detoxification-related responses were enhanced. These findings suggest that N improves the phytoremediation efficiency of poplar by affecting the rhizosphere environment and Cd bioavailability and by modulating physiological and metabolic processes in plant cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20234,"journal":{"name":"Plant Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 111090"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146122681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111067
Xianyuan Gao , Miaoyu Chen , Mingwei Du , Baomin Wang , Honghong Wu , Xiaoli Tian , Fangjun Li , Zhaohu Li
Seed priming with engineered nanoparticles can promote seed germination. Herein, we investigated how priming seeds with antioxidant poly(acrylic acid)-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles (PNC, 0.05 mM) impacts seed germination in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Seed priming with PNC significantly increased cotton hypocotyl elongation by 13 %–37 %, promoting seed germination in pot experiment. Meanwhile, the emergence rate increased by 15 %–16 % with 0.05 mM PNC-seed priming in the field. Transcriptome analysis identified PNC-induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the phytohormone, auxin (IAA), and brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis (e.g. GhTAA1, GhYUCCA, GhALDH, GhGH3, GhCYPs) and signal transduction (e.g. GhSAUR, GhBZR1). Consistently, PNC priming increased the accumulation of IAA (10 %–25 %) and BR (86 %–100 %) in cotton hypocotyls. In addition, PNC enhanced the expression of the xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTHs) genes, regulated by SAUR and BZR1 through IAA and BR signaling pathway and critical for cell elongation. Also, the cell lengths of the epidermis, endodermis, xylem, and pith in cotton hypocotyl increased by 21 %, 17 %, 31 %, and 21 %, respectively upon seed priming with 0.05 mM PNC. The results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of nanoparticles-seed priming enhancement of plant seed gemination.
用工程纳米粒子注入种子可以促进种子发芽。本文研究了抗氧化剂聚丙烯酸包被氧化铈纳米粒子(PNC, 0.05 mM)对棉花种子萌发的影响。在盆栽试验中,PNC灌种可显著提高棉花下胚轴伸长13% ~ 37%,促进种子萌发。同时,田间施用0.05 mM pnc种子可使出苗率提高15% ~ 16%。转录组分析鉴定了pnc诱导的与植物激素、生长素(IAA)和油菜素内酯(BR)生物合成相关的差异表达基因(DEGs)(如GhTAA1、GhYUCCA、GhALDH、GhGH3、GhCYPs)和信号转导(如GhSAUR、GhBZR1)。PNC诱导下胚轴中IAA和BR的积累量分别增加了10% ~ 25%和86% ~ 100%。此外,PNC还增强了XTHs基因的表达,该基因通过IAA和BR信号通路受到sar和BZR1的调控,对细胞伸长至关重要。在0.05 mM PNC条件下,棉花下胚轴表皮、内胚层、木质部和髓的细胞长度分别增加了21%、17%、31%和21%。研究结果为纳米颗粒种子启动增强植物种子萌发的分子机制提供了新的见解。
{"title":"Cerium nano-oxide promotes cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seed germination by regulating auxin and brassinolide homeostasis and signal transduction in the hypocotyl","authors":"Xianyuan Gao , Miaoyu Chen , Mingwei Du , Baomin Wang , Honghong Wu , Xiaoli Tian , Fangjun Li , Zhaohu Li","doi":"10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111067","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111067","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Seed priming with engineered nanoparticles can promote seed germination. Herein, we investigated how priming seeds with antioxidant poly(acrylic acid)-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles (PNC, 0.05 mM) impacts seed germination in cotton (<em>Gossypium hirsutum</em> L.). Seed priming with PNC significantly increased cotton hypocotyl elongation by 13 %–37 %, promoting seed germination in pot experiment. Meanwhile, the emergence rate increased by 15 %–16 % with 0.05 mM PNC-seed priming in the field. Transcriptome analysis identified PNC-induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the phytohormone, auxin (IAA), and brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis (e.g. <em>GhTAA1, GhYUCCA, GhALDH, GhGH3, GhCYPs</em>) and signal transduction (e.g. <em>GhSAUR</em>, <em>GhBZR1</em>). Consistently, PNC priming increased the accumulation of IAA (10 %–25 %) and BR (86 %–100 %) in cotton hypocotyls. In addition, PNC enhanced the expression of the xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTHs) genes, regulated by SAUR and BZR1 through IAA and BR signaling pathway and critical for cell elongation. Also, the cell lengths of the epidermis, endodermis, xylem, and pith in cotton hypocotyl increased by 21 %, 17 %, 31 %, and 21 %, respectively upon seed priming with 0.05 mM PNC. The results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of nanoparticles-seed priming enhancement of plant seed gemination.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20234,"journal":{"name":"Plant Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 111067"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146122713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111092
Haoqi Tian , Jin Li , Wenhui Liu , Hui Wang , Jin Zhang , Xiaoyu Liang , Yanan Liu , Yuanbin Hu , Jun Yi , Yang Ji , Qingping Zhou
Oats (Avena sativa) are a nutritious and versatile crop, but they are highly vulnerable to drought, especially during the heading and flowering stages, which can significantly reduce yield and quality. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can improve plant resilience to drought and other abiotic stresses. However, the genetic networks underlying oat responses to drought during the early flowering stage, influenced by AMF, remain unclear. In this study, we combined transcriptome sequencing with phenotypic and physiological analyses to investigate how AMF enhance drought tolerance in oats. Samples were collected on day 60 of oat-AMF symbiosis (corresponding to day 30 of drought stress), with the 30-day drought period covering the critical water-sensitive phase of panicle initiation to flowering in oats. We found that AMF inoculation enhanced multiple drought-related traits in oats, including growth parameters, root vitality, antioxidant enzyme activity, and levels of oxidized glutathione (GSSG), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and abscisic acid (ABA). Transcriptomic analysis further identified differentially expressed genes involved in drought response, membrane integrity, and transport activities, with a focus on genes associated with stress tolerance. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and plant hormone signal transduction were significantly affected under drought and AMF inoculation. Further analysis showed that genes such as PAL, PYL5, CRE1, and B-ARRs were differentially expressed in AMF-inoculated oat roots under drought stress. Additionally, weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified hub genes related to plant growth and defense (BGLU16, CGS1), oxidative stress (CAT2, RBOH), phosphate and nutrient transport (PHF1, PHT1-11,YSL13), and water transport (PIPs). Overall, these results provide valuable insights into the complex genetic networks underlying AMF-enhanced drought resilience in oats at early flowering stage, offering potential candidate genes for future studies aimed at improving drought tolerance through mycorrhizal-plant interactions.
{"title":"Insights on the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis on Avena sativa drought tolerance at the early flowering stage","authors":"Haoqi Tian , Jin Li , Wenhui Liu , Hui Wang , Jin Zhang , Xiaoyu Liang , Yanan Liu , Yuanbin Hu , Jun Yi , Yang Ji , Qingping Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111092","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111092","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oats (<em>Avena sativa</em>) are a nutritious and versatile crop, but they are highly vulnerable to drought, especially during the heading and flowering stages, which can significantly reduce yield and quality. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can improve plant resilience to drought and other abiotic stresses. However, the genetic networks underlying oat responses to drought during the early flowering stage, influenced by AMF, remain unclear. In this study, we combined transcriptome sequencing with phenotypic and physiological analyses to investigate how AMF enhance drought tolerance in oats. Samples were collected on day 60 of oat-AMF symbiosis (corresponding to day 30 of drought stress), with the 30-day drought period covering the critical water-sensitive phase of panicle initiation to flowering in oats. We found that AMF inoculation enhanced multiple drought-related traits in oats, including growth parameters, root vitality, antioxidant enzyme activity, and levels of oxidized glutathione (GSSG), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and abscisic acid (ABA). Transcriptomic analysis further identified differentially expressed genes involved in drought response, membrane integrity, and transport activities, with a focus on genes associated with stress tolerance. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and plant hormone signal transduction were significantly affected under drought and AMF inoculation. Further analysis showed that genes such as <em>PAL</em>, <em>PYL5</em>, <em>CRE1</em>, and <em>B-ARR</em>s were differentially expressed in AMF-inoculated oat roots under drought stress. Additionally, weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified hub genes related to plant growth and defense (<em>BGLU16, CGS1</em>), oxidative stress (<em>CAT2, RBOH</em>), phosphate and nutrient transport (<em>PHF1, PHT1-11,</em> <em>YSL13</em>), and water transport (<em>PIPs</em>). Overall, these results provide valuable insights into the complex genetic networks underlying AMF-enhanced drought resilience in oats at early flowering stage, offering potential candidate genes for future studies aimed at improving drought tolerance through mycorrhizal-plant interactions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20234,"journal":{"name":"Plant Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 111092"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146181885","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111095
Xiao Du , Xueyu Cui , Wenping Zeng , Yujiao Peng , Qianfu Chen , Yerong Wang
Chlorophyll degradation is crucial for fruit ripening and coloration, but its transcriptional regulation in mango (Mangifera indica L.) remains unclear. Here, we investigated two mango cultivars, ‘Guire 82’ (persistent green) and ‘Neelum’ (yellowing), and integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses implicated porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism as the central pathway underlying peel color divergence. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified key modules linked to pigmentation, from which we uncovered that a NAC-family transcription factor MiNAC25 as a central regulator within the chlorophyll degradation network. MiSGR1 a key chlorophyll catabolic gene, showed co-expression with MiNAC25, and in silico analysis revealed potential NAC-binding sites in its promoter. Subcellular localization confirmed the nuclear localization of MiNAC25 and the chloroplast localization of MiSGR1. Functional validation in tomato demonstrated that heterologous overexpression of either MiNAC25 or MiSGR1 significantly accelerated chlorophyll degradation and up-regulated the expression of endogenous chlorophyll catabolic genes (SlPPH, SlPAO, SlRCCR). Notably, MiNAC25 overexpression also activated the tomato SGR ortholog. Our findings reveal a previously uncharacterized transcriptional module in which the nuclear MiNAC25 potentially coordinates chlorophyll breakdown, possibly through influencing MiSGR1 and other catabolic genes, to govern peel yellowing in mango. This study provides key insights into the regulatory mechanism of fruit coloration and identifies MiNAC25 and MiSGR1 as strategic targets for improving mango fruit quality.
{"title":"Functional characterization reveals MiNAC25 and MiSGR1 as key regulators of chlorophyll degradation in mango","authors":"Xiao Du , Xueyu Cui , Wenping Zeng , Yujiao Peng , Qianfu Chen , Yerong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111095","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111095","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chlorophyll degradation is crucial for fruit ripening and coloration, but its transcriptional regulation in mango (<em>Mangifera indica</em> L.) remains unclear. Here, we investigated two mango cultivars, ‘Guire 82’ (persistent green) and ‘Neelum’ (yellowing), and integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses implicated porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism as the central pathway underlying peel color divergence. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified key modules linked to pigmentation, from which we uncovered that a NAC-family transcription factor <em>MiNAC25</em> as a central regulator within the chlorophyll degradation network. <em>MiSGR1</em> a key chlorophyll catabolic gene, showed co-expression with <em>MiNAC25,</em> and <em>in silico</em> analysis revealed potential NAC-binding sites in its promoter. Subcellular localization confirmed the nuclear localization of <em>MiNAC25</em> and the chloroplast localization of <em>MiSGR1</em>. Functional validation in tomato demonstrated that heterologous overexpression of either <em>MiNAC25</em> or <em>MiSGR1</em> significantly accelerated chlorophyll degradation and up-regulated the expression of endogenous chlorophyll catabolic genes (<em>SlPPH</em>, <em>SlPAO</em>, <em>SlRCCR</em>). Notably, <em>MiNAC25</em> overexpression also activated the tomato <em>SGR</em> ortholog. Our findings reveal a previously uncharacterized transcriptional module in which the nuclear <em>MiNAC25</em> potentially coordinates chlorophyll breakdown, possibly through influencing <em>MiSGR1</em> and other catabolic genes, to govern peel yellowing in mango. This study provides key insights into the regulatory mechanism of fruit coloration and identifies <em>MiNAC25</em> and <em>MiSGR1</em> as strategic targets for improving mango fruit quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20234,"journal":{"name":"Plant Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 111095"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146122705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ligusticum sinense cv. Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong) is threatened by excessive cadmium (Cd), affecting its safety and quality. This study aimed to characterize Cd distribution in Chuanxiong roots (subcellular level) and clarify its key response mechanisms to Cd stress, using ICP-MS, SEM-EDS, and transcriptome analysis. The results showed that Cd was mainly enriched in root cell walls; Cd stress significantly upregulated the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO, +11.50 %), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD, +31.05 %), catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT, +28.28 %), and isocitrate lyase (ICL, +121.93 %) compared with the control; Cd-related genes (NRAMP5, CAX3, YSL7, etc.) and key transcription factors (BHLH162, ERF109, etc.) were markedly upregulated. Furthermore, Chuanxiong roots achieved growth-stress resistance balance (exhibiting hormesis) via the carbon metabolism pathway (the material and energy basis), the sulfur metabolism (the core detoxification pathway), and the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (structural and chemical defense). This study provides a theoretical basis for developing precise regulatory techniques to reduce heavy metals (HMs) accumulation in medicinal plants, and thus safeguard their quality and safety.
{"title":"Molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying cadmium tolerance and hormesis effect in roots of Ligusticum sinense cv. Chuanxiong.","authors":"Shu-Qi Niu, Ting Li, Xiu-Wen Bao, Xiao-Lin Qian, Fei-Lin Yang, Sheng Wu, Shi-Yao Li, Luo-Luo Liang, Jing Bai, Si-Jing Liu, Yang Li, Jin-Lin Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111089","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111089","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ligusticum sinense cv. Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong) is threatened by excessive cadmium (Cd), affecting its safety and quality. This study aimed to characterize Cd distribution in Chuanxiong roots (subcellular level) and clarify its key response mechanisms to Cd stress, using ICP-MS, SEM-EDS, and transcriptome analysis. The results showed that Cd was mainly enriched in root cell walls; Cd stress significantly upregulated the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO, +11.50 %), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD, +31.05 %), catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT, +28.28 %), and isocitrate lyase (ICL, +121.93 %) compared with the control; Cd-related genes (NRAMP5, CAX3, YSL7, etc.) and key transcription factors (BHLH162, ERF109, etc.) were markedly upregulated. Furthermore, Chuanxiong roots achieved growth-stress resistance balance (exhibiting hormesis) via the carbon metabolism pathway (the material and energy basis), the sulfur metabolism (the core detoxification pathway), and the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (structural and chemical defense). This study provides a theoretical basis for developing precise regulatory techniques to reduce heavy metals (HMs) accumulation in medicinal plants, and thus safeguard their quality and safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":20234,"journal":{"name":"Plant Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"232 ","pages":"111089"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146776456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111077
Hui Liu , Qiguang He , Shuangjiang Li, Jie Yang, Yuting Wang, Yiyu Hu, Mingliang Zhang, Chengtian Feng, Kun Yuan, Zhenhui Wang
Thioredoxins (TRXs) play crucial roles in numerous plant biological processes by catalyzing thiol-disulfide exchanges of their target proteins. However, the functions of TRXs in the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) remain largely unclear. In the present study, we cloned and characterized HbTRXh1, a subgroup I h-type TRX gene from rubber tree. HbTRXh1 contained the typical WCGPC redox-active site and had reductase activity in vitro. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that HbTRXh1 is localized to the plasma membrane, nucleus, and cytoplasm. Expression profiling showed that HbTRXh1 was specifically highly expressed in latex, and its expression was significantly down-regulated in tapping panel dryness (TPD) trees compared with healthy trees. Additionally, HbTRXh1 expression was up-regulated by salt, cold, and drought stresses, whereas it was repressed by oxidative stress and treatments with various hormones (abscisic acid, salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate, and ethylene). Overexpression of HbTRXh1 in yeast and tobacco improved tolerance to various abiotic stresses, including oxidative, salt, and osmotic stresses. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that overexpression of HbTRXh1 in tobacco altered the expression of genes related to cell wall metabolism, as well as glycine, serine and threonine metabolism. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays demonstrated that HbTRXh1 physically interacted with four stress-responsive proteins (pro-hevein, LEA14, RD19A, and MSH7). These findings suggest that HbTRXh1 is crucial for both TPD occurrence and abiotic stress adaptation in rubber tree, thereby providing a valuable genetic resource for improving TPD tolerance and abiotic stress resistance in rubber tree.
{"title":"HbTRXh1 regulates tapping panel dryness occurrence and abiotic stress tolerance by interacting with stress-responsive proteins in rubber tree","authors":"Hui Liu , Qiguang He , Shuangjiang Li, Jie Yang, Yuting Wang, Yiyu Hu, Mingliang Zhang, Chengtian Feng, Kun Yuan, Zhenhui Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111077","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111077","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Thioredoxins (TRXs) play crucial roles in numerous plant biological processes by catalyzing thiol-disulfide exchanges of their target proteins. However, the functions of TRXs in the rubber tree (<em>Hevea brasiliensis</em>) remain largely unclear. In the present study, we cloned and characterized <em>HbTRXh1</em>, a subgroup I h-type <em>TRX</em> gene from rubber tree. HbTRXh1 contained the typical WCGPC redox-active site and had reductase activity in <em>vitro</em>. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that HbTRXh1 is localized to the plasma membrane, nucleus, and cytoplasm. Expression profiling showed that <em>HbTRXh1</em> was specifically highly expressed in latex, and its expression was significantly down-regulated in tapping panel dryness (TPD) trees compared with healthy trees. Additionally, <em>HbTRXh1</em> expression was up-regulated by salt, cold, and drought stresses, whereas it was repressed by oxidative stress and treatments with various hormones (abscisic acid, salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate, and ethylene). Overexpression of <em>HbTRXh1</em> in yeast and tobacco improved tolerance to various abiotic stresses, including oxidative, salt, and osmotic stresses. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that overexpression of <em>HbTRXh1</em> in tobacco altered the expression of genes related to cell wall metabolism, as well as glycine, serine and threonine metabolism. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays demonstrated that HbTRXh1 physically interacted with four stress-responsive proteins (pro-hevein, LEA14, RD19A, and MSH7). These findings suggest that <em>HbTRXh1</em> is crucial for both TPD occurrence and abiotic stress adaptation in rubber tree, thereby providing a valuable genetic resource for improving TPD tolerance and abiotic stress resistance in rubber tree.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20234,"journal":{"name":"Plant Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 111077"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146122651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111087
Mengyu Liu , Yujing Liu , Jixiang Tang , Xiaoyu Wang , Xinlei Du , Yijia Ruan , Hongli Wang , Mengyu Zhou , Yishan Fu , Xiaohuan Sun , Junfeng Zhang , Lei Cao
Soil alkalinity and heavy metal toxicity are major abiotic stresses that severely limit plant growth and crop productivity. Wild soybean (Glycine soja) exhibits strong alkaline tolerance, making it a valuable genetic resource for improving cultivated soybean. Previous studies identified Gshdz4 and GsNAC019 as key alkaline-tolerant transcription factors, and GsEXPA8 as an alkaline-tolerant expansin protein. This study establishes a hierarchical "nucleus-nucleus-membrane” regulatory model in wild soybean, wherein the nuclear master transcription factor Gshdz4 transcriptionally upregulates GsNAC019, which in turn activates the expression of the plasma membrane-localized expansin GsEXPA8, collectively enhancing alkaline tolerance. We further investigated the role of Gshdz4 in conferring resistance to combined sodium bicarbonate and cadmium chloride stress in soybean. Through integrated RNA-seq and CUT&Tag-seq analyses, we identified Gshdz4 as a direct binder and regulator of diverse stress-responsive genes-including GmDEAH5, GmHSP22.3, GmACR4, and GmATG1c. Under alkaline stress, Gshdz4 modulates GmSLX8, GmSF3, and GmPP4; under cadmium stress, it regulates GmGMFL01 and GmUNC, establishing a broad-spectrum defense mechanism. Additional targets encompass splicing factors, heat shock proteins, ABA signaling components, and ethylene-responsive factors. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses confirmed that Gshdz4 participates in multiple hormonal pathways (ABA, IAA, ET, JA) and stress response signaling. Our findings revealed Gshdz4 as a master transcriptional regulator under multiple stresses and provide a theoretical foundation for molecular breeding strategies to enhance soybean resilience.
{"title":"Integrated CUT&Tag-seq and RNA-seq analysis reveals the transcriptional regulatory network of Gshdz4 under alkaline and heavy metal stress","authors":"Mengyu Liu , Yujing Liu , Jixiang Tang , Xiaoyu Wang , Xinlei Du , Yijia Ruan , Hongli Wang , Mengyu Zhou , Yishan Fu , Xiaohuan Sun , Junfeng Zhang , Lei Cao","doi":"10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111087","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111087","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soil alkalinity and heavy metal toxicity are major abiotic stresses that severely limit plant growth and crop productivity. Wild soybean (<em>Glycine soja</em>) exhibits strong alkaline tolerance, making it a valuable genetic resource for improving cultivated soybean. Previous studies identified <em>Gshdz4</em> and <em>GsNAC019</em> as key alkaline-tolerant transcription factors, and GsEXPA8 as an alkaline-tolerant expansin protein. This study establishes a hierarchical \"nucleus-nucleus-membrane” regulatory model in wild soybean, wherein the nuclear master transcription factor <em>Gshdz4</em> transcriptionally upregulates <em>GsNAC019</em>, which in turn activates the expression of the plasma membrane-localized expansin <em>GsEXPA8</em>, collectively enhancing alkaline tolerance. We further investigated the role of <em>Gshdz4</em> in conferring resistance to combined sodium bicarbonate and cadmium chloride stress in soybean. Through integrated RNA-seq and CUT&Tag-seq analyses, we identified <em>Gshdz4</em> as a direct binder and regulator of diverse stress-responsive genes-including <em>GmDEAH5</em>, <em>GmHSP22.3</em>, <em>GmACR4</em>, and <em>GmATG1c</em>. Under alkaline stress, <em>Gshdz4</em> modulates <em>GmSLX8, GmSF3,</em> and <em>GmPP4</em>; under cadmium stress, it regulates <em>GmGMFL01</em> and <em>GmUNC</em>, establishing a broad-spectrum defense mechanism. Additional targets encompass splicing factors, heat shock proteins, ABA signaling components, and ethylene-responsive factors. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses confirmed that Gshdz4 participates in multiple hormonal pathways (ABA, IAA, ET, JA) and stress response signaling. Our findings revealed <em>Gshdz4</em> as a master transcriptional regulator under multiple stresses and provide a theoretical foundation for molecular breeding strategies to enhance soybean resilience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20234,"journal":{"name":"Plant Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 111087"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146122704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111069
Chunyu Li , Fei Yang , Qiuli Du , Di Wu , Jing Zhao , Haiyi Yu , Weichen Song , Kun Zhang , Hongyu Zhu , Jianning Liu , Ke Qiang Yang , Qiang Liang , Hongcheng Fang
Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium) is a highly promising woody oilseed tree species, with seed kernels that are rich in high-value components such as oleic acid and nervonic acid, which has significant economic and application potential. Our previous transcriptome analysis results indicate that XsSAD1 and XsKCS1 are potential key genes involved in the oleic acid and the nervonic acid synthesis pathway, respectively. However, the specific molecular mechanism by which XsSAD1 and XsKCS1 participate in fatty acid synthesis is still unclear. In this study, the correlation analysis results showed that the expression levels of XsSAD1 and XsKCS1 were positively correlated with the contents of the oleic acid and nervonic acid, respectively. Simultaneously, heterologous expression of XsSAD1 in Arabidopsis thaliana increased oleic acid content by 37.3 % and XsKCS1 raised nervonic acid levels by 31.4 %. Silencing the expression of XsSAD1 and XsKCS1 in the yellowhorn seeds reduced the accumulation of oleic acid and nervonic acid accordingly. Furthermore, it was found that expression level of transcription factor XsMADS1 is not only related to XsSAD1 and XsKCS1, but also binds to MBS elements in their promoters and induced their transcriptional expression. Our study elucidated a novel molecular mechanism of the XsMADS1-XsSAD1/XsKCS1 in regulating the fatty acid synthesis in yellowhorn seed kernels, which offers a theoretical basis for the genetic improvement of high-quality oil-type yellowhorn varieties.
{"title":"A MADS-box transcription factor, XsMADS1 promotes fatty acid synthesis of seed kernels in Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium) by targeting XsSAD1/XsKCS1","authors":"Chunyu Li , Fei Yang , Qiuli Du , Di Wu , Jing Zhao , Haiyi Yu , Weichen Song , Kun Zhang , Hongyu Zhu , Jianning Liu , Ke Qiang Yang , Qiang Liang , Hongcheng Fang","doi":"10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111069","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111069","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Yellowhorn (<em>Xanthoceras sorbifolium</em>) is a highly promising woody oilseed tree species, with seed kernels that are rich in high-value components such as oleic acid and nervonic acid, which has significant economic and application potential. Our previous transcriptome analysis results indicate that <em>XsSAD1</em> and <em>XsKCS1</em> are potential key genes involved in the oleic acid and the nervonic acid synthesis pathway, respectively. However, the specific molecular mechanism by which <em>XsSAD1</em> and <em>XsKCS1</em> participate in fatty acid synthesis is still unclear. In this study, the correlation analysis results showed that the expression levels of <em>XsSAD1</em> and <em>XsKCS1</em> were positively correlated with the contents of the oleic acid and nervonic acid, respectively. Simultaneously, heterologous expression of <em>XsSAD1</em> in <em>Arabidopsis thaliana</em> increased oleic acid content by 37.3 % and <em>XsKCS1</em> raised nervonic acid levels by 31.4 %. Silencing the expression of <em>XsSAD1</em> and <em>XsKCS1</em> in the yellowhorn seeds reduced the accumulation of oleic acid and nervonic acid accordingly. Furthermore, it was found that expression level of transcription factor <em>XsMADS1</em> is not only related to <em>XsSAD1</em> and <em>XsKCS1</em>, but also binds to MBS elements in their promoters and induced their transcriptional expression. Our study elucidated a novel molecular mechanism of the XsMADS1-XsSAD1/XsKCS1 in regulating the fatty acid synthesis in yellowhorn seed kernels, which offers a theoretical basis for the genetic improvement of high-quality oil-type yellowhorn varieties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20234,"journal":{"name":"Plant Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 111069"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146122679","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111073
Meijun Qi , Zhenwei Zhang , Qilong Wei , Rongqi Zhang , Lianghua Zhang , Muhammad Amjad , Sumera Anwar , Phuangphet Hemrattrakun , Butian Wang , Yu Ge
Coffee seed oil critically determines beverage mouthfeel, aroma retention, and oxidative stability, yet the transcriptional regulation of fatty acid accumulation in Coffea arabica remains largely unknown. A genome-wide identification analysis of the AP2/ERF superfamily in the allotetraploid C. arabica (cv. Caturra genome) was performed, followed by phylogenetic, motif, promoter, and expression analyses across four seed developmental stages. Fatty acid content and oil body dynamics were quantified concurrently. A total of 214 CaAP2/ERF genes were identified. Five genes, including the WRINKLED1 ortholog CaAP2.7, showed strong positive correlation with lipid accumulation. Constitutive overexpression of CaAP2.7 in tomato fruits increased total fatty acid content by 42–68 %, with palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids rising to 2.6-fold. Transcriptome profiling confirmed that CaAP2.7 activates the canonical WRINKLED1-regulated network, up-regulating key enzymes of de novo fatty acid synthesis and triacylglycerol assembly. CaAP2.7 is a functional ortholog of WRINKLED1 and a potent positive regulator of seed oil biosynthesis in coffee. These findings provide the first comprehensive CaAP2/ERF genomic resource and a validated high-priority target for the molecular target of breeding C. arabica cultivars with enhanced seed oil content, superior cup quality, and improved nutritional value.
{"title":"In-depth analysis of potential CaAP2/ERF transcription factor related to fatty acid accumulation in Allotetraploid Coffea arabica and functional characterization of CaAP2.7 in transgenic tomato","authors":"Meijun Qi , Zhenwei Zhang , Qilong Wei , Rongqi Zhang , Lianghua Zhang , Muhammad Amjad , Sumera Anwar , Phuangphet Hemrattrakun , Butian Wang , Yu Ge","doi":"10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111073","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111073","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Coffee seed oil critically determines beverage mouthfeel, aroma retention, and oxidative stability, yet the transcriptional regulation of fatty acid accumulation in <em>Coffea arabica</em> remains largely unknown. A genome-wide identification analysis of the AP2/ERF superfamily in the allotetraploid <em>C. arabica</em> (cv. Caturra genome) was performed, followed by phylogenetic, motif, promoter, and expression analyses across four seed developmental stages. Fatty acid content and oil body dynamics were quantified concurrently. A total of 214 CaAP2/ERF genes were identified. Five genes, including the <em>WRINKLED1</em> ortholog <em>CaAP2.7</em>, showed strong positive correlation with lipid accumulation. Constitutive overexpression of <em>CaAP2.7</em> in tomato fruits increased total fatty acid content by 42–68 %, with palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids rising to 2.6-fold. Transcriptome profiling confirmed that <em>CaAP2.7</em> activates the canonical <em>WRINKLED1</em>-regulated network, up-regulating key enzymes of de novo fatty acid synthesis and triacylglycerol assembly. <em>CaAP2.7</em> is a functional ortholog of <em>WRINKLED1</em> and a potent positive regulator of seed oil biosynthesis in coffee. These findings provide the first comprehensive CaAP2/ERF genomic resource and a validated high-priority target for the molecular target of breeding <em>C. arabica</em> cultivars with enhanced seed oil content, superior cup quality, and improved nutritional value.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20234,"journal":{"name":"Plant Physiology and Biochemistry","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 111073"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146122675","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}