Pub Date : 2026-01-26DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113007
Chae Woo Lim , Yeongil Bae , Dae Sung Kim , Sung Chul Lee
CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION (CLE) peptides constitute one of the largest families of small signaling peptides, playing crucial roles in plant development and stress responses. Despite extensive research on CLE genes in various species, our understanding of these genes in pepper (Capsicum annuum) remains limited. In this study, we identified and characterized 10 CLE-like peptide genes (CaCLEs) from the pepper genome. All CaCLEs possess a conserved C-terminal CLE motif, and most contain an N-terminal signal peptide. Several CaCLE genes displayed high expression levels in roots and shoot apices. Furthermore, CaCLE1, CaCLE2, and CaCLE3 were strongly upregulated in leaves and/or roots by drought stress, with CaCLE3 showing the most rapid and pronounced induction in roots, whereas other CaCLE genes displayed varied expression patterns under drought, osmotic, and salt stress conditions. Subcellular localization assays revealed that CaCLE proteins localize to the plasma membrane or nucleus; notably, CaCLE1 was detected in both compartments. Virus-mediated overexpression (VOX) of CaCLE1, CaCLE2, and CaCLE3 in tobacco and pepper plants resulted in significantly enhanced drought tolerance, as evidenced by the reduced wilting and improved survival following drought imposition and re-watering; however, CaCLE1 and CaCLE3 overexpression also led to growth inhibition. Among these, CaCLE3-overexpressing plants exhibited the highest drought tolerance. Collectively, these findings suggest that CaCLE1, CaCLE2, and CaCLE3 contribute positively to drought stress tolerance, indicating their potential application in enhancing drought stress resilience in pepper.
CLAVATA3/EMBRYO around REGION （CLE）肽是最大的小信号肽家族之一，在植物发育和逆境响应中起着重要作用。尽管对不同物种的CLE基因进行了广泛的研究，但我们对辣椒（Capsicum annuum）中这些基因的了解仍然有限。在这项研究中，我们从辣椒基因组中鉴定并鉴定了10个cle样肽基因（CaCLEs）。所有的CLE都含有一个保守的c端CLE基序，并且大多数含有一个n端信号肽。多个CaCLE基因在根和茎尖中表达量较高。此外，干旱胁迫下，CaCLE1、CaCLE2和CaCLE3在叶片和/或根中表达显著上调，其中CaCLE3在根中表达最快、最明显，而其他CaCLE3基因在干旱、渗透和盐胁迫条件下的表达模式各不相同。亚细胞定位分析显示，CaCLE蛋白定位于质膜或细胞核；值得注意的是，在两个隔室中都检测到CaCLE1。在烟草和辣椒植株中，病毒介导的CaCLE1、CaCLE2和CaCLE3的过表达（VOX）显著增强了它们的抗旱性，在干旱胁迫和再浇水后，它们的萎蔫现象减少，存活率提高；然而，CaCLE1和CaCLE3过表达也会导致生长抑制。其中，cacle3过表达植株的耐旱性最高。综上所述，这些结果表明，CaCLE1、CaCLE2和CaCLE3对辣椒抗旱能力有积极作用，表明它们在提高辣椒抗旱能力方面具有潜在的应用前景。
{"title":"Identification and functional analysis of CLE genes associated with drought tolerance in pepper","authors":"Chae Woo Lim , Yeongil Bae , Dae Sung Kim , Sung Chul Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION (<em>CLE</em>) peptides constitute one of the largest families of small signaling peptides, playing crucial roles in plant development and stress responses. Despite extensive research on <em>CLE</em> genes in various species, our understanding of these genes in pepper (<em>Capsicum annuum</em>) remains limited. In this study, we identified and characterized 10 <em>CLE</em>-like peptide genes (<em>CaCLEs</em>) from the pepper genome. All <em>CaCLE</em>s possess a conserved C-terminal CLE motif, and most contain an N-terminal signal peptide. Several <em>CaCLE</em> genes displayed high expression levels in roots and shoot apices. Furthermore, <em>CaCLE1</em>, <em>CaCLE2</em>, and <em>CaCLE3</em> were strongly upregulated in leaves and/or roots by drought stress, with <em>CaCLE3</em> showing the most rapid and pronounced induction in roots, whereas other <em>CaCLE</em> genes displayed varied expression patterns under drought, osmotic, and salt stress conditions. Subcellular localization assays revealed that <em>CaCLE</em> proteins localize to the plasma membrane or nucleus; notably, <em>CaCLE1</em> was detected in both compartments. Virus-mediated overexpression (VOX) of <em>CaCLE1, CaCLE2</em>, and <em>CaCLE3</em> in tobacco and pepper plants resulted in significantly enhanced drought tolerance, as evidenced by the reduced wilting and improved survival following drought imposition and re-watering; however, <em>CaCLE1</em> and <em>CaCLE3</em> overexpression also led to growth inhibition. Among these, <em>CaCLE3</em>-overexpressing plants exhibited the highest drought tolerance. Collectively, these findings suggest that <em>CaCLE1</em>, <em>CaCLE2</em>, and <em>CaCLE3</em> contribute positively to drought stress tolerance, indicating their potential application in enhancing drought stress resilience in pepper.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"364 ","pages":"Article 113007"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076786","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 : 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113004
Lijuan Li , Jinyuan Li , Lihong Hao , Huilan Yi
Drought is a key factor limiting grape yield, making it crucial to reveal the underlying response mechanisms of plants to environmental stress. Although WRKY transcription factors play multiple roles in plant development and stress responses, only a few have been functionally characterized in Vitis vinifera L.. In this study, VvWRKY70, from V. vinifera, was cloned and identified in transgenic A. thaliana plants and grape seedlings. VvWRKY70 protein was localized to the nucleus and exhibited the W-box binding activity. VvWRKY70 expression was rapidly induced by drought stress, and heterologous VvWRKY70 overexpression in A. thaliana plants enhanced drought tolerance, as evidenced by improved seed germination, seedling development, and survival capability. VvWRKY70 overexpression contributed to the reduction of stomatal aperture and the accumulation of osmotic adjustment substances including proline and soluble sugar. Moreover, VvWRKY70 overexpression increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, promoted anthocyanin accumulation, and effectively reduced the content of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde under water stress. Notably, transient overexpression of VvWRKY70 in grapevine led to the upregulation of both drought-responsive marker genes (VvRD22, VvRD29A, VvDREB2A and VvERD14) and defense-related genes (VvCHS, VvF3’H, VvDFR, VvPOD4 and VvP5CS). These findings indicate that VvWRKY70 can directly modulate the transcription of these genes and thereby participate in the corresponding physiological processes. These results demonstrate that VvWRKY70 could be a promising candidate gene in grape for adapting to water scarcity.
{"title":"VvWRKY70, a newly identified grape WRKY transcription factor, confers drought tolerance via coordinated physiological and molecular responses","authors":"Lijuan Li , Jinyuan Li , Lihong Hao , Huilan Yi","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Drought is a key factor limiting grape yield, making it crucial to reveal the underlying response mechanisms of plants to environmental stress. Although WRKY transcription factors play multiple roles in plant development and stress responses, only a few have been functionally characterized in <em>Vitis vinifera</em> L.. In this study, <em>VvWRKY70</em>, from <em>V. vinifera</em>, was cloned and identified in transgenic <em>A. thaliana</em> plants and grape seedlings. VvWRKY70 protein was localized to the nucleus and exhibited the W-box binding activity. <em>VvWRKY70</em> expression was rapidly induced by drought stress, and heterologous <em>VvWRKY70</em> overexpression in <em>A. thaliana</em> plants enhanced drought tolerance, as evidenced by improved seed germination, seedling development, and survival capability. <em>VvWRKY70</em> overexpression contributed to the reduction of stomatal aperture and the accumulation of osmotic adjustment substances including proline and soluble sugar. Moreover, <em>VvWRKY70</em> overexpression increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, promoted anthocyanin accumulation, and effectively reduced the content of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde under water stress. Notably, transient overexpression of <em>VvWRKY70</em> in grapevine led to the upregulation of both drought-responsive marker genes (<em>VvRD22</em>, <em>VvRD29A</em>, <em>VvDREB2A</em> and <em>VvERD14</em>) and defense-related genes (<em>VvCHS</em>, <em>VvF3’H</em>, <em>VvDFR</em>, <em>VvPOD4</em> and <em>VvP5CS</em>). These findings indicate that <em>VvWRKY70</em> can directly modulate the transcription of these genes and thereby participate in the corresponding physiological processes. These results demonstrate that <em>VvWRKY70</em> could be a promising candidate gene in grape for adapting to water scarcity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"364 ","pages":"Article 113004"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146053532","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 : 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113002
Xuezhen Li , Yuanxin Li , Yujie Shi , Yuxin Wei , Yuqi Yang , Huiying Liu
Glutathione (GSH) serves as a redox-active molecule and the predominant non-protein sulfhydryl compound in plants and a critical regulator in alleviating abiotic stress. Our previous research has demonstrated that foliar application of exogenous GSH can enhance the salt tolerance of tomato seedlings. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unexplored. In this study, RNA-seq analysis revealed that exogenous GSH significantly influenced plant hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling pathway, and starch and sucrose metabolism. In addition, the transcription factor SlMYB48 was identified. The expression of SlMYB48 was strongly induced under salt stress but suppressed when GSH was applied simultaneously. Transgenic overexpression (OE) and knockout mutant lines of SlMYB48 were generated and exposed to salt stress, demonstrating that SlMYB48 functioned as a negative regulator of salt tolerance in tomato seedlings. Foliar GSH application increased endogenous GSH content, enhanced the activity and expression of key enzymes in GSH metabolism and the antioxidant system, and reduced ROS accumulation and oxidative injury in OE lines subjected to salt stress. Furthermore, exogenous GSH significantly elevated the expression of starch and sucrose metabolism related genes and increased the corresponding sugar content in OE plants under salt stress. Importantly, GSH application suppressed SlMYB48 expression in the OE lines exposed to salinity. Collectively, these findings indicate that exogenous GSH enhances salt tolerance in tomato seedlings by repressing SlMYB48 expression, thereby modulating the antioxidant system and osmotic adjustment. This study establishes a theoretical framework for elucidating GSH regulated molecular breeding for salt resistance, highlights SlMYB48 breeding potential, and guides practical applications.
{"title":"Exogenous glutathione inhibits SlMYB48 expression and enhances salt resistance in tomato seedlings through the antioxidant system and osmotic adjustment","authors":"Xuezhen Li , Yuanxin Li , Yujie Shi , Yuxin Wei , Yuqi Yang , Huiying Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Glutathione (GSH) serves as a redox-active molecule and the predominant non-protein sulfhydryl compound in plants and a critical regulator in alleviating abiotic stress. Our previous research has demonstrated that foliar application of exogenous GSH can enhance the salt tolerance of tomato seedlings. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unexplored. In this study, RNA-seq analysis revealed that exogenous GSH significantly influenced plant hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling pathway, and starch and sucrose metabolism. In addition, the transcription factor <em>SlMYB48</em> was identified. The expression of <em>SlMYB48</em> was strongly induced under salt stress but suppressed when GSH was applied simultaneously. Transgenic overexpression (OE) and knockout mutant lines of <em>SlMYB48</em> were generated and exposed to salt stress, demonstrating that <em>SlMYB48</em> functioned as a negative regulator of salt tolerance in tomato seedlings. Foliar GSH application increased endogenous GSH content, enhanced the activity and expression of key enzymes in GSH metabolism and the antioxidant system, and reduced ROS accumulation and oxidative injury in OE lines subjected to salt stress. Furthermore, exogenous GSH significantly elevated the expression of starch and sucrose metabolism related genes and increased the corresponding sugar content in OE plants under salt stress. Importantly, GSH application suppressed <em>SlMYB48</em> expression in the OE lines exposed to salinity. Collectively, these findings indicate that exogenous GSH enhances salt tolerance in tomato seedlings by repressing <em>SlMYB48</em> expression, thereby modulating the antioxidant system and osmotic adjustment. This study establishes a theoretical framework for elucidating GSH regulated molecular breeding for salt resistance, highlights <em>SlMYB48</em> breeding potential, and guides practical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"364 ","pages":"Article 113002"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146047268","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 : 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113001
Yan Zhang, Hao Hu, Jinghe Wang, Mizanur Rahaman, Fengqun Yu
Clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is a major threat to Brassica crops, including canola (Brassica napus). We developed six spring-type B. napus single-gene lines (SGLs), each carrying a distinct clubroot resistance (CR) gene (Rcr1, Rcr3, Rcr5, Rcr8, Rcr9, or Rcr10), to classify pathogen races and support breeding strategies. CR genes from B. rapa (‘Siloga’, ‘Purple Top White Globe’, T19, ECD01) and B. napus (‘Mendel’) were introgressed into the susceptible line DH16516 through interspecific or intraspecific crosses, followed by backcrossing, marker-assisted selection, and microspore culture to produce doubled-haploid lines. The presence of Rcr1 was confirmed by gene cloning, while genome-wide marker analysis reduced the residual donor genome in the Rcr3 line to 32.8 %. The resulting SGLs exhibited spring-type growth and were morphologically comparable to DH16516 under greenhouse and field conditions. Using these SGLs, 35 P. brassicae field strains from Western Canada were differentiated into 24 races, with avirulence allele frequencies ranging from 22.9 % to 57.1 %. None of the six CR genes conferred universal resistance, highlighting the need for gene stacking in cultivar development. Compared with existing differential sets, these spring-type SGLs provide more precise race profiling and better represent Canadian canola backgrounds. This resource establishes a robust platform for monitoring pathogen diversity and guiding the strategic deployment of CR genes for durable clubroot resistance.
甘蓝根茎病是由甘蓝Plasmodiophora brassicae引起的，是油菜（Brassica napus）等油菜作物的主要威胁。我们培育了6个春季型甘蓝型单基因品系（SGLs），每个品系携带一个不同的棒根抗性（CR）基因（Rcr1、Rcr3、Rcr5、Rcr8、Rcr9和Rcr10），用于病原菌小种分类和支持育种策略。将rapa（‘Siloga’、‘Purple Top White Globe’、T19、ECD01）和B. napus（‘Mendel’）的CR基因通过种间或种内杂交渗透到敏感品系DH16516中，然后进行回交、标记辅助选择和小孢子培养，获得双单倍体品系。通过基因克隆证实了Rcr1的存在，而全基因组标记分析将Rcr3系的残余供体基因组减少到32.8%。所得到的SGLs在温室和田间条件下均表现出春季型生长，在形态上与DH16516相当。使用这些sls， 35P。从加拿大西部的芸苔科田间菌株中分离出24个小种，无毒等位基因频率在22.9% ~ 57.1%之间。6个CR基因中没有一个具有普遍抗性，这突出了在品种发育中基因堆叠的必要性。与现有的差分集相比，这些弹簧型SGLs提供了更精确的种族分析，更好地代表了加拿大油菜背景。这一资源为监测病原菌多样性和指导CR基因的战略部署建立了一个强大的平台，以实现持久的棍棒菌抗性。关键词。
{"title":"Development of spring-type Brassica napus single-gene lines for differentiating Plasmodiophora brassicae races","authors":"Yan Zhang, Hao Hu, Jinghe Wang, Mizanur Rahaman, Fengqun Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Clubroot, caused by <em>Plasmodiophora brassicae</em>, is a major threat to <em>Brassica</em> crops, including canola (<em>Brassica napus</em>). We developed six spring-type <em>B. napus</em> single-gene lines (SGLs), each carrying a distinct clubroot resistance (CR) gene (<em>Rcr1, Rcr3, Rcr5, Rcr8, Rcr9,</em> or <em>Rcr10</em>), to classify pathogen races and support breeding strategies. CR genes from <em>B. rapa</em> (‘Siloga’, ‘Purple Top White Globe’, T19, ECD01) and <em>B. napus</em> (‘Mendel’) were introgressed into the susceptible line DH16516 through interspecific or intraspecific crosses, followed by backcrossing, marker-assisted selection, and microspore culture to produce doubled-haploid lines. The presence of <em>Rcr1</em> was confirmed by gene cloning, while genome-wide marker analysis reduced the residual donor genome in the <em>Rcr3</em> line to 32.8 %. The resulting SGLs exhibited spring-type growth and were morphologically comparable to DH16516 under greenhouse and field conditions. Using these SGLs, 35 <em>P. brassicae</em> field strains from Western Canada were differentiated into 24 races, with avirulence allele frequencies ranging from 22.9 % to 57.1 %. None of the six CR genes conferred universal resistance, highlighting the need for gene stacking in cultivar development. Compared with existing differential sets, these spring-type SGLs provide more precise race profiling and better represent Canadian canola backgrounds. This resource establishes a robust platform for monitoring pathogen diversity and guiding the strategic deployment of CR genes for durable clubroot resistance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"364 ","pages":"Article 113001"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146044114","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 : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113000
Chong Tan , Yonghui Zhao , Zifan Zhao , Zhiyong Liu , Hui Feng
Chinese cabbage, an economically important Brassicaceae vegetable widely cultivated in China, features a leafy heading trait that dictates its yield and quality. As a complex biological process, the regulatory mechanisms of leafy head formation remain incompletely understood. In this study, four low and flat non-heading mutants were identified in an ethyl methanesulfonate-mutagenized population of the Chinese cabbage double haploid line ‘FT’. The mutants exhibited flat leaves with altered gravitropism, resulting in increased leaf angles, and failed to grow upright during the rosette stage, which ultimately impaired leafy head formation. Genetic analysis demonstrated that the non-heading phenotype in all four mutants is governed by single gene recessive inheritance. Half-diallel cross test further demonstrated that these mutants are allelic. MutMap and KASP genotyping reveals that BrGA1 was the candidate gene, which is orthologous of Arabidopsis GA REQUIRING 1, catalyzes the conversion of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate to copalyl pyrophosphate of gibberellin biosynthesis. Sequence analysis revealed distinct single-nucleotide mutations within BrGA1 across all four allelic mutants, including one nonsynonymous exonic mutation and three intronic splice variants, definitively establishing function of BrGA1 in leafy head formation. Subcellular localization revealed that BrGA1 is chloroplast-localized. Exogenous GA3 treatment partially rescued the leafy head phenotype in all four mutants. Collectively, these findings suggest that BrGA1 likely plays a pivotal role in leafy head formation and development in Chinese cabbage by regulating gibberellin biosynthesis.
{"title":"A series of BrGA1 allelic mutations impair gibberellin biosynthesis to affect heading in Chinese cabbage","authors":"Chong Tan , Yonghui Zhao , Zifan Zhao , Zhiyong Liu , Hui Feng","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113000","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113000","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chinese cabbage, an economically important Brassicaceae vegetable widely cultivated in China, features a leafy heading trait that dictates its yield and quality. As a complex biological process, the regulatory mechanisms of leafy head formation remain incompletely understood. In this study, four low and flat non-heading mutants were identified in an ethyl methanesulfonate-mutagenized population of the Chinese cabbage double haploid line ‘FT’. The mutants exhibited flat leaves with altered gravitropism, resulting in increased leaf angles, and failed to grow upright during the rosette stage, which ultimately impaired leafy head formation. Genetic analysis demonstrated that the non-heading phenotype in all four mutants is governed by single gene recessive inheritance. Half-diallel cross test further demonstrated that these mutants are allelic. MutMap and KASP genotyping reveals that <em>BrGA1</em> was the candidate gene, which is orthologous of <em>Arabidopsis GA REQUIRING 1</em>, catalyzes the conversion of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate to copalyl pyrophosphate of gibberellin biosynthesis. Sequence analysis revealed distinct single-nucleotide mutations within <em>BrGA1</em> across all four allelic mutants, including one nonsynonymous exonic mutation and three intronic splice variants, definitively establishing function of <em>BrGA1</em> in leafy head formation. Subcellular localization revealed that BrGA1 is chloroplast-localized. Exogenous GA<sub>3</sub> treatment partially rescued the leafy head phenotype in all four mutants. Collectively, these findings suggest that <em>BrGA1</em> likely plays a pivotal role in leafy head formation and development in Chinese cabbage by regulating gibberellin biosynthesis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"364 ","pages":"Article 113000"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146022962","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 : 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.112999
Wensheng Zhao , Kaidi Zhu , Jiangtao Ma , Ziqi He , Lanchun Nie
Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is an important horticultural and economic crop. The flowers of melon can be classified into male flowers, female flowers and bisexual flowers, and different sex types such as andromonoecy, monoecy and androecy are categorized according to the distribution of different flowers on the same plant. In this process, sex determination regulates whether a plant develops male, female, or bisexual flowers, directly affecting fruit yield and breeding strategies. This review synthesizes research findings from 1931 to 2025 to elucidate the integrated regulatory mechanisms governing melon flower sexuality. Sex determination in melon is orchestrated by a complex interplay of environmental factors, phytohormones, and genetic pathways. Key environmental factors that influence melon sex expression encompass photoperiod, nitrogen levels, gas composition, and grafting. Hormonally, ethylene acts as a primary feminizing agent, while auxin and gibberellin effects are context-dependent. At the genetic level, a core regulatory module has been identified, centered on the ethylene biosynthesis genes CmACS7 and CmACS11, and the zinc-finger transcription factor CmWIP1. Their spatiotemporal interactions, along with recently characterized regulators such as CmCRC, CmETR1, CmEIN2, CmLHP1, CmCPR5 and CmHB40, fine-tune the development of male, female, and bisexual flowers. This study provides a foundational framework for understanding melon sex determination and supports future efforts to artificially create melon germplasms with diverse sex types.
{"title":"The mechanistic insights into sex determination of melon: Integrating environmental factors, hormones and genetic regulation","authors":"Wensheng Zhao , Kaidi Zhu , Jiangtao Ma , Ziqi He , Lanchun Nie","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.112999","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.112999","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Melon (<em>Cucumis melo</em> L.) is an important horticultural and economic crop. The flowers of melon can be classified into male flowers, female flowers and bisexual flowers, and different sex types such as andromonoecy, monoecy and androecy are categorized according to the distribution of different flowers on the same plant. In this process, sex determination regulates whether a plant develops male, female, or bisexual flowers, directly affecting fruit yield and breeding strategies. This review synthesizes research findings from 1931 to 2025 to elucidate the integrated regulatory mechanisms governing melon flower sexuality. Sex determination in melon is orchestrated by a complex interplay of environmental factors, phytohormones, and genetic pathways. Key environmental factors that influence melon sex expression encompass photoperiod, nitrogen levels, gas composition, and grafting. Hormonally, ethylene acts as a primary feminizing agent, while auxin and gibberellin effects are context-dependent. At the genetic level, a core regulatory module has been identified, centered on the ethylene biosynthesis genes <em>CmACS7</em> and <em>CmACS11</em>, and the zinc-finger transcription factor <em>CmWIP1</em>. Their spatiotemporal interactions, along with recently characterized regulators such as <em>CmCRC</em>, <em>CmETR1</em>, <em>CmEIN2</em>, <em>CmLHP1</em>, <em>CmCPR5</em> and <em>CmHB40</em>, fine-tune the development of male, female, and bisexual flowers. This study provides a foundational framework for understanding melon sex determination and supports future efforts to artificially create melon germplasms with diverse sex types.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"364 ","pages":"Article 112999"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146022963","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 : 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.112992
Yuanyuan Shang , Zhaoyang Tian , Kaifeng Lu , Yu Guo , Shuo Song , Zibin Song , Hongling Mo , Lizi Zhao , Hongxia Zhang , Yanqiu Zhao
The cytochrome P450 (CYP) gene family plays crucial roles in plant growth and development under various conditions through controlling brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis, but its functions in fruit crops remain largely unexplored. Here, the Arabidopsis AtCYP85A2 gene, which encodes a BR synthase and belongs to the P450 gene family, was heterologously expressed in tomato to analyse its function in stress response. Constitutive expression of AtCYP85A2 in tomato elevated endogenous BR levels; the expression of AtCYP85A2 increased the content of BL, resulting in a 119.8 % increase compared to the WT, which promoted the growth and improved the salt and drought tolerance of transgenic tomato. Under salt and drought stress conditions, transgenic plants exhibited less phenotypic damage. Compared to the wild type, the fresh weight and dry weight of transgenic plants increased by 38.3 % and 77.8 % in salt stress, and 141.7 % and 146.2 % in drought stress, respectively. Chlorophyll content increased by 93.1 % and 262.5 %, respectively. Furthermore, transgenic plants showed enhanced antioxidant enzymatic activity and increased expression of antioxidant enzyme-encoding genes under these stress conditions. Specifically, SOD, CAT, and APX activities increased by 237.1 %, 66.2 %, and 168.8 % under salt stress, and by 234.3 %, 68.8 %, and 108.2 % under drought stress, respectively. Collectively, these findings indicated that AtCYP85A2 positively regulates salt and drought tolerance in tomato via the modulation of ion homeostasis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, highlighting its potential as a target gene for enhancing stress tolerance in fruit crops.
{"title":"The cytochrome P450 protein AtCYP85A2 increases stresses tolerance through promoting brassinosteroid biosynthesis in transgenic tomato","authors":"Yuanyuan Shang , Zhaoyang Tian , Kaifeng Lu , Yu Guo , Shuo Song , Zibin Song , Hongling Mo , Lizi Zhao , Hongxia Zhang , Yanqiu Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.112992","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.112992","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The cytochrome P450 (CYP) gene family plays crucial roles in plant growth and development under various conditions through controlling brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis, but its functions in fruit crops remain largely unexplored. Here, the Arabidopsis <em>AtCYP85A2</em> gene, which encodes a BR synthase and belongs to the P450 gene family, was heterologously expressed in tomato to analyse its function in stress response. Constitutive expression of <em>AtCYP85A2</em> in tomato elevated endogenous BR levels; the expression of <em>AtCYP85A2</em> increased the content of BL, resulting in a 119.8 % increase compared to the WT, which promoted the growth and improved the salt and drought tolerance of transgenic tomato. Under salt and drought stress conditions, transgenic plants exhibited less phenotypic damage. Compared to the wild type, the fresh weight and dry weight of transgenic plants increased by 38.3 % and 77.8 % in salt stress, and 141.7 % and 146.2 % in drought stress, respectively. Chlorophyll content increased by 93.1 % and 262.5 %, respectively. Furthermore, transgenic plants showed enhanced antioxidant enzymatic activity and increased expression of antioxidant enzyme-encoding genes under these stress conditions. Specifically, SOD, CAT, and APX activities increased by 237.1 %, 66.2 %, and 168.8 % under salt stress, and by 234.3 %, 68.8 %, and 108.2 % under drought stress, respectively. Collectively, these findings indicated that <em>AtCYP85A2</em> positively regulates salt and drought tolerance in tomato via the modulation of ion homeostasis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, highlighting its potential as a target gene for enhancing stress tolerance in fruit crops<em>.</em></div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"364 ","pages":"Article 112992"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146030213","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 : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.112996
Xiangcui Zeng , Andong Yu , Xue Wang , Zhaoming Wang , Jianping Wang , Yarong Zhang , Feng Yuan , Yalin Liu , Junmei Kang , Qingchuan Yang , Jiangqi Wen , Ruicai Long , Mingna Li
UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) critically regulate forage biomass and quality via effecting lignin and flavonoid biosynthesis. The model legume, Medicago truncatula provides a valuable system for understanding the regulatory mechanisms governing lignin and flavonoid accumulation. Although independent UGT mutants affected in MtUGT72B1 exhibited retarded growth and increased lignification, the regulatory mechanisms underlying UGT72B1 and its impact on metabolic pathways remain unclear. To explore the changes of genes and metabolites in mtugt72b1, we conducted phenotypic, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses comparing wild-type (R108) and mtugt72b1 in this study. Transcriptomics identified 1719 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 1137 upregulated and 582 downregulated genes. Metabolomic analyses identified 215 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) with 132 up-regulated and 83 down-regulated. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs and DAMs are overwhelmingly enriched in flavonoid and lignin biosynthesis pathways. Notably, key flavonoid biosynthesis intermediates, naringenin chalcone, dihydroquercetin, and tricin, showed reduced accumulation, which correlated with the downregulation of related genes (CHS, F3H, and FNS). Furthermore, the hydroxycinnamic acids (ferulic acid and sinapic acid) and the resulting monolignols (coniferyl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol) exhibited increased accumulation, correlating with the upregulation of related genes (PAL1, 4CL, CAD1, COMT, CCR1/2 and RBOHA). The biochemical assays further declared that MtUGT72B1 possesses catalytic activity toward kaempferol and ferulic acid, implying its potential role in modulating metabolic shifts in vivo. These results suggest that the growth retardation and increased lignification observed in mtugt72b1 is linked to altered flavonoid and lignin metabolism, highlighting the vital role of MtUGT72B1 in metabolites accumulation. This study preliminarily characterizes the function and regulatory mechanism of MtUGT72B1, thereby enhancing our understanding of lignin and flavonoid biosynthesis and providing insights into improving forage biomass.
{"title":"Functional role of UGT72B1 in lignin and flavonoid metabolism in Medicago truncatula: Insights from growth, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses","authors":"Xiangcui Zeng , Andong Yu , Xue Wang , Zhaoming Wang , Jianping Wang , Yarong Zhang , Feng Yuan , Yalin Liu , Junmei Kang , Qingchuan Yang , Jiangqi Wen , Ruicai Long , Mingna Li","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.112996","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.112996","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) critically regulate forage biomass and quality via effecting lignin and flavonoid biosynthesis. The model legume, <em>Medicago truncatula</em> provides a valuable system for understanding the regulatory mechanisms governing lignin and flavonoid accumulation. Although independent UGT mutants affected in <em>MtUGT72B1</em> exhibited retarded growth and increased lignification, the regulatory mechanisms underlying <em>UGT72B1</em> and its impact on metabolic pathways remain unclear. To explore the changes of genes and metabolites in <em>mtugt72b1</em>, we conducted phenotypic, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses comparing wild-type (R108) and <em>mtugt72b1</em> in this study. Transcriptomics identified 1719 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 1137 upregulated and 582 downregulated genes. Metabolomic analyses identified 215 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) with 132 up-regulated and 83 down-regulated. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs and DAMs are overwhelmingly enriched in flavonoid and lignin biosynthesis pathways. Notably, key flavonoid biosynthesis intermediates, naringenin chalcone, dihydroquercetin, and tricin, showed reduced accumulation, which correlated with the downregulation of related genes (<em>CHS, F3H,</em> and <em>FNS</em>). Furthermore, the hydroxycinnamic acids (ferulic acid and sinapic acid) and the resulting monolignols (coniferyl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol) exhibited increased accumulation, correlating with the upregulation of related genes (<em>PAL1</em>, <em>4CL</em>, <em>CAD1</em>, <em>COMT</em>, <em>CCR1</em>/2 and <em>RBOHA</em>). The biochemical assays further declared that MtUGT72B1 possesses catalytic activity toward kaempferol and ferulic acid, implying its potential role in modulating metabolic shifts in <em>vivo</em>. These results suggest that the growth retardation and increased lignification observed in <em>mtugt72b1</em> is linked to altered flavonoid and lignin metabolism, highlighting the vital role of <em>MtUGT72B1</em> in metabolites accumulation. This study preliminarily characterizes the function and regulatory mechanism of <em>MtUGT72B1</em>, thereby enhancing our understanding of lignin and flavonoid biosynthesis and providing insights into improving forage biomass.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"364 ","pages":"Article 112996"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146019373","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}
Plants are highly sensitive to environmental stresses, including salinity, drought, extreme temperatures, heavy metals, flooding, fluctuating light, and ultraviolet radiation. These stresses significantly influence plant growth and productivity, posing challenges to global agriculture. Nanomaterials, due to their unique physicochemical and biological properties, offer promising solutions for enhancing plant stress tolerance and enabling real-time stress monitoring. Here, we provide an integrative review of the direct and indirect roles of nanomaterials in plant stress responses, highlighting their molecular mechanisms, such as ROS modulation, hormonal signaling, and ion homeostasis regulation. We further discuss the emerging applications of nanosensors for intracellular and environmental monitoring, emphasizing multifunctional, real-time detection strategies. Finally, we propose a conceptual framework integrating nanomaterials and nanosensors, aiming to bridge laboratory research with field applications, and outline key challenges and opportunities for sustainable and precise agriculture.
{"title":"From resistance to detection: The role of nanomaterials in plant stress responses","authors":"Jing-wan Zhang , Rui-Rui Hao , Abolghassem Emamverdian , Wen-Xun Su , Xing-Hao Zhang , Meisam Zargar , Mo-Xian Chen , Fu-Yuan Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.112997","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.112997","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plants are highly sensitive to environmental stresses, including salinity, drought, extreme temperatures, heavy metals, flooding, fluctuating light, and ultraviolet radiation. These stresses significantly influence plant growth and productivity, posing challenges to global agriculture. Nanomaterials, due to their unique physicochemical and biological properties, offer promising solutions for enhancing plant stress tolerance and enabling real-time stress monitoring. Here, we provide an integrative review of the direct and indirect roles of nanomaterials in plant stress responses, highlighting their molecular mechanisms, such as ROS modulation, hormonal signaling, and ion homeostasis regulation. We further discuss the emerging applications of nanosensors for intracellular and environmental monitoring, emphasizing multifunctional, real-time detection strategies. Finally, we propose a conceptual framework integrating nanomaterials and nanosensors, aiming to bridge laboratory research with field applications, and outline key challenges and opportunities for sustainable and precise agriculture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"364 ","pages":"Article 112997"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146019394","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 : 2026-01-18DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.112995
Congping Xu , Naoxue Fei , Yangna Si , Xingquan Zeng , Haizhen Yang
Freezing stress (< 0°C) is a major constraint on Qingke cultivation at high altitudes, severely affecting yield and quality. In this study, we selected three Qingke types with varying freezing tolerance and employed physiological and metabolomic approaches to analyze the global physiological and metabolic changes following freezing stress. We found that the cold-tolerant Qingke type (Ct) maintained higher antioxidant enzyme activity and had the lowest levels of electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde, indicating its strong freezing tolerance. Metabolomic analysis revealed metabolic reprogramming in Qingke under freezing stress, characterized by decreased synthesis of primary metabolites (amino acids, carbohydrates, and some organic acids) and increased accumulation of protective compounds. Notably, the Ct is specifically enriched in flavonoids and key membrane lipids, including fatty acids, glycerolipids, and glycerophospholipids. This suggests that these pathways are crucial for Qingke’s freezing tolerance. Additionally, Ct accumulated the highest levels of total flavonoids and phenolics and exhibited the strongest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities after freezing stress, further confirming the close relationship between the accumulation of flavonoids and phenolic compounds and Qingke freezing tolerance. In summary, the cold-tolerant type Ct produces more ROS-scavenging substances than the sensitive variety, thereby enhancing its tolerance to freezing stress. This study provides new insights into Qingke freezing tolerance and potential metabolic pathways for breeding new freezing-tolerant Qingke varieties.
{"title":"A gradient of freezing tolerance in Qingke reveals specific metabolic and antioxidant adaptations in tolerant varieties","authors":"Congping Xu , Naoxue Fei , Yangna Si , Xingquan Zeng , Haizhen Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.112995","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.112995","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Freezing stress (< 0°C) is a major constraint on Qingke cultivation at high altitudes, severely affecting yield and quality. In this study, we selected three Qingke types with varying freezing tolerance and employed physiological and metabolomic approaches to analyze the global physiological and metabolic changes following freezing stress. We found that the cold-tolerant Qingke type (Ct) maintained higher antioxidant enzyme activity and had the lowest levels of electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde, indicating its strong freezing tolerance. Metabolomic analysis revealed metabolic reprogramming in Qingke under freezing stress, characterized by decreased synthesis of primary metabolites (amino acids, carbohydrates, and some organic acids) and increased accumulation of protective compounds. Notably, the Ct is specifically enriched in flavonoids and key membrane lipids, including fatty acids, glycerolipids, and glycerophospholipids. This suggests that these pathways are crucial for Qingke’s freezing tolerance. Additionally, Ct accumulated the highest levels of total flavonoids and phenolics and exhibited the strongest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities after freezing stress, further confirming the close relationship between the accumulation of flavonoids and phenolic compounds and Qingke freezing tolerance. In summary, the cold-tolerant type Ct produces more ROS-scavenging substances than the sensitive variety, thereby enhancing its tolerance to freezing stress. This study provides new insights into Qingke freezing tolerance and potential metabolic pathways for breeding new freezing-tolerant Qingke varieties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"364 ","pages":"Article 112995"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146011932","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}
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