Alessia D'Agostino,Gabriele Di Marco,Gerardo Pepe,Adelaide Teofani,Chiara Pontecorvi,Manuela Helmer-Citterich,Antonella Canini,Angelo Gismondi
Mentha spicata L. (spearmint) is a high-value aromatic and medicinal species, whose productivity is strongly affected by water deficit. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying drought acclimation in this mint remain largely unexplored. Thus, here, we investigated the microRNA-mediated regulatory processes triggered in M. spicata under drought stress (DS) and following treatment with gallic acid (GA), a natural phenolic compound that our research group has already documented to be a potential biostimulant for spearmint. A small-RNA sequencing approach revealed that both DS and GA induced substantial changes of the expressed miRNome, modulating 35 microRNAs (e.g., miR397a, miR159a, miR172b) whose predicted targets (e.g., Laccase-2, MYB transcription factors) are known to be involved also in lignin production. In detail, DS induced upregulation of lignin biosynthetic genes, enhancement of Laccase activity, and shifting in lignin monomer composition, promoting the putative reinforcement of the cell wall as expected during water deficiency. Conversely, GA treatment attenuated DS-induced stress, regulating microRNA-mRNA modules which balanced phytochemical and hormonal response while maintaining controlled lignification and optimising xylem function. These results highlight the pivotal role of microRNAs in orchestrating drought acclimation in M. spicata and identify GA as a compensatory agent under water-limiting conditions, capable of fine-tuning growth, cell wall remodelling, and redox homeostasis. Collectively, our findings provide molecular insights into biostimulant-mediated stress resilience and identify GA treatment as a promising biotechnological strategy to improve drought tolerance in Lamiaceae crops.
{"title":"Gallic Acid-Responsive microRNAs Reprogram Lignification During Drought Acclimation Process in Spearmint.","authors":"Alessia D'Agostino,Gabriele Di Marco,Gerardo Pepe,Adelaide Teofani,Chiara Pontecorvi,Manuela Helmer-Citterich,Antonella Canini,Angelo Gismondi","doi":"10.1111/pbi.70599","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.70599","url":null,"abstract":"Mentha spicata L. (spearmint) is a high-value aromatic and medicinal species, whose productivity is strongly affected by water deficit. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying drought acclimation in this mint remain largely unexplored. Thus, here, we investigated the microRNA-mediated regulatory processes triggered in M. spicata under drought stress (DS) and following treatment with gallic acid (GA), a natural phenolic compound that our research group has already documented to be a potential biostimulant for spearmint. A small-RNA sequencing approach revealed that both DS and GA induced substantial changes of the expressed miRNome, modulating 35 microRNAs (e.g., miR397a, miR159a, miR172b) whose predicted targets (e.g., Laccase-2, MYB transcription factors) are known to be involved also in lignin production. In detail, DS induced upregulation of lignin biosynthetic genes, enhancement of Laccase activity, and shifting in lignin monomer composition, promoting the putative reinforcement of the cell wall as expected during water deficiency. Conversely, GA treatment attenuated DS-induced stress, regulating microRNA-mRNA modules which balanced phytochemical and hormonal response while maintaining controlled lignification and optimising xylem function. These results highlight the pivotal role of microRNAs in orchestrating drought acclimation in M. spicata and identify GA as a compensatory agent under water-limiting conditions, capable of fine-tuning growth, cell wall remodelling, and redox homeostasis. Collectively, our findings provide molecular insights into biostimulant-mediated stress resilience and identify GA treatment as a promising biotechnological strategy to improve drought tolerance in Lamiaceae crops.","PeriodicalId":221,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biotechnology Journal","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147447031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Transposable elements (TEs) are fundamental drivers of crop evolution and domestication. Whereas the underlying mechanisms of TE-mediated gene activation remain poorly understood. Lint percentage is an important yield component in cotton. Here, we report a retrotransposon insertion in the promoter of GhNAC140-Dt, a secondary wall NAC encoding gene, to promote the lint production by elevating its expression. We confirm that a 60 bp core cis-regulatory module within the TE's LTR (long terminal repeat) specifically recruits the transcription factor GhMYB46 and increases downstream genes' expression. GhNAC140-Dt overexpression activates the expressions of secondary cell wall development related genes, including GhCESA4-Dt, GhCESA4-At, and GhCOBL9-At, promotes cellulose deposition, and enhances lint percentage. This retrotransposon insertion massively emerges on the domestication transition from Gossypium hirsutum races to cultivated cotton accessions, with > 80% fixation in modern cultivars. This work deepens our understanding of TE-mediated gene activation; it also provides direct molecular evidence for "transposon-driven yield evolution" in crop domestication.
{"title":"A Natural LTR Retrotransposon Insertion in the Promoter of GhNAC140-Dt Boosts Cotton Lint Yield.","authors":"Yujia Yu,Xiaoguang Shang,Haitang Wang,Lijie Zhu,Xu Han,Qingfei He,Weixi Li,Yonglin Tan,Guozhong Zhu,Wangzhen Guo","doi":"10.1111/pbi.70639","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.70639","url":null,"abstract":"Transposable elements (TEs) are fundamental drivers of crop evolution and domestication. Whereas the underlying mechanisms of TE-mediated gene activation remain poorly understood. Lint percentage is an important yield component in cotton. Here, we report a retrotransposon insertion in the promoter of GhNAC140-Dt, a secondary wall NAC encoding gene, to promote the lint production by elevating its expression. We confirm that a 60 bp core cis-regulatory module within the TE's LTR (long terminal repeat) specifically recruits the transcription factor GhMYB46 and increases downstream genes' expression. GhNAC140-Dt overexpression activates the expressions of secondary cell wall development related genes, including GhCESA4-Dt, GhCESA4-At, and GhCOBL9-At, promotes cellulose deposition, and enhances lint percentage. This retrotransposon insertion massively emerges on the domestication transition from Gossypium hirsutum races to cultivated cotton accessions, with > 80% fixation in modern cultivars. This work deepens our understanding of TE-mediated gene activation; it also provides direct molecular evidence for \"transposon-driven yield evolution\" in crop domestication.","PeriodicalId":221,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biotechnology Journal","volume":"32 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147439559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sugar content is a key determinant of fruit quality, and sugars also act as signalling molecules that regulate ripening processes, including anthocyanin accumulation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying sugar accumulation and sugar signal-mediated ripening remain incompletely understood. In this study, we identify FvMAPK6 as an important phosphorylation hub that coordinates both sugar and anthocyanin accumulation in strawberry fruit. FvMAPK6 forms a phosphorylation cascade with FvMAPKK4, which directly phosphorylates the transcription factors FvMYB44.1 and FvMYB44.2. This phosphorylation reduces the stability and transcriptional activity of these proteins, attenuates their repression of downstream target genes such as FvCHI, FvSPS3 and FvSWEET1, thereby coordinating anthocyanin and sugar accumulation. Furthermore, FvMAPK6 increases the protein abundance of the hexose transporter FvSWEET1 in strawberry fruits and alters its transport activity through phosphorylation. We demonstrate that sucrose treatment activates FvMAPK6, reinforcing its regulation of FvMYB44s and FvSWEET1 and thus amplifying sugar and anthocyanin accumulation. These findings establish FvMAPK6 as a key regulator that integrates both sugar accumulation and signalling at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Although FvMAPK6 promotes sugar accumulation, it significantly reduces fruit yield and vegetative growth. To overcome this limitation, we screen for downstream targets of FvMAPK6 and identify FvSPS3 as a promising breeding target: modulating FvSPS3 improves fruit quality without compromising vegetative growth or yield. Collectively, our findings reveal novel regulatory pathways modulating sugar accumulation and signalling in strawberry while providing a valuable molecular target for the simultaneous improvement of fruit quality and agricultural productivity.
{"title":"FvMAPK6-Mediated FvMYB44s/FvSWEET1 Dual-Layer Regulation Modulates Sugar Accumulation in Strawberry Fruit, With FvSPS3 Enabling Quality-Yield Balance.","authors":"Qianqian Feng,Lingzhi Wei,Ting Liu,Kexin Wang,Xiaojing Li,Chuang Liu,Ronghui Sun,Xia Li,Zhaonan Yin,Yanrong Wei,Huazhao Yuan,Qian Li,Bingbing Li","doi":"10.1111/pbi.70623","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.70623","url":null,"abstract":"Sugar content is a key determinant of fruit quality, and sugars also act as signalling molecules that regulate ripening processes, including anthocyanin accumulation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying sugar accumulation and sugar signal-mediated ripening remain incompletely understood. In this study, we identify FvMAPK6 as an important phosphorylation hub that coordinates both sugar and anthocyanin accumulation in strawberry fruit. FvMAPK6 forms a phosphorylation cascade with FvMAPKK4, which directly phosphorylates the transcription factors FvMYB44.1 and FvMYB44.2. This phosphorylation reduces the stability and transcriptional activity of these proteins, attenuates their repression of downstream target genes such as FvCHI, FvSPS3 and FvSWEET1, thereby coordinating anthocyanin and sugar accumulation. Furthermore, FvMAPK6 increases the protein abundance of the hexose transporter FvSWEET1 in strawberry fruits and alters its transport activity through phosphorylation. We demonstrate that sucrose treatment activates FvMAPK6, reinforcing its regulation of FvMYB44s and FvSWEET1 and thus amplifying sugar and anthocyanin accumulation. These findings establish FvMAPK6 as a key regulator that integrates both sugar accumulation and signalling at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Although FvMAPK6 promotes sugar accumulation, it significantly reduces fruit yield and vegetative growth. To overcome this limitation, we screen for downstream targets of FvMAPK6 and identify FvSPS3 as a promising breeding target: modulating FvSPS3 improves fruit quality without compromising vegetative growth or yield. Collectively, our findings reveal novel regulatory pathways modulating sugar accumulation and signalling in strawberry while providing a valuable molecular target for the simultaneous improvement of fruit quality and agricultural productivity.","PeriodicalId":221,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biotechnology Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147439560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gynostemma pentaphyllum, a herb used in tea and traditional Chinese medicine, shows geographic variation in its production of valuable dammarane-type ginsenosides and gypenoside LVI between populations from Suining (SN) and Nanning (NN). To elucidate the mechanisms underlying this differential metabolite accumulation, a chromosome-level genome for G. pentaphyllum (SN population) was assembled. The analysis revealed that SN is a tetraploid (~1.2 Gb), resulting from a recent whole-genome duplication event in a diploid ancestor. Phylogenetic analysis indicates SN and diploid NN share a recent common ancestor, diverging approximately 4.95 million years ago. Chromosome evolution analysis confirmed SN is an allotetraploid with clear subgenomic differentiation. This genome, combined with multi-omics data, enabled the screening of candidate P450 genes involved in ginsenoside/gypenoside LVI biosynthesis. In vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that GpCYP88AB3 functions as a bifunctional enzyme by first hydroxylating dammarenediol-II at C-12 to yield protopanaxadiol (PPD), and then hydroxylating PPD at C-2 to form 2α-OH-PPD. Phylogenetically, GpCYP88AB3 and similar enzymes from Araliaceae belong to distinct CYP subfamilies, demonstrating convergent evolution of this function between the two plant families and highlighting the functional plasticity of P450s. Evolutionary analysis suggests that GpCYP88AB3 emerged from a CYP88 gene family expansion in the tetraploid G. pentaphyllum. This expansion occurred after, but was not directly caused by, the whole-genome duplication event. This study elucidates the biosynthetic pathway for the key metabolites in G. pentaphyllum, providing a foundation for future metabolic engineering and synthetic biology applications.
{"title":"Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of the Allotetraploid Gynostemma pentaphyllum Provides Novel Insights Into the Biosynthesis of Ginsenoside and Gypenoside LVI.","authors":"Peina Zhou,Si-Jie Liu,Lijin Huang,Yingping Wang,Xinyu Jiang,Wang Dong,Jianfeng Gong,Long Wang,Yuyin Zhao,Huiying Wang,Ping Li,Jia-Yu Xue,Xu Lu","doi":"10.1111/pbi.70598","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.70598","url":null,"abstract":"Gynostemma pentaphyllum, a herb used in tea and traditional Chinese medicine, shows geographic variation in its production of valuable dammarane-type ginsenosides and gypenoside LVI between populations from Suining (SN) and Nanning (NN). To elucidate the mechanisms underlying this differential metabolite accumulation, a chromosome-level genome for G. pentaphyllum (SN population) was assembled. The analysis revealed that SN is a tetraploid (~1.2 Gb), resulting from a recent whole-genome duplication event in a diploid ancestor. Phylogenetic analysis indicates SN and diploid NN share a recent common ancestor, diverging approximately 4.95 million years ago. Chromosome evolution analysis confirmed SN is an allotetraploid with clear subgenomic differentiation. This genome, combined with multi-omics data, enabled the screening of candidate P450 genes involved in ginsenoside/gypenoside LVI biosynthesis. In vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that GpCYP88AB3 functions as a bifunctional enzyme by first hydroxylating dammarenediol-II at C-12 to yield protopanaxadiol (PPD), and then hydroxylating PPD at C-2 to form 2α-OH-PPD. Phylogenetically, GpCYP88AB3 and similar enzymes from Araliaceae belong to distinct CYP subfamilies, demonstrating convergent evolution of this function between the two plant families and highlighting the functional plasticity of P450s. Evolutionary analysis suggests that GpCYP88AB3 emerged from a CYP88 gene family expansion in the tetraploid G. pentaphyllum. This expansion occurred after, but was not directly caused by, the whole-genome duplication event. This study elucidates the biosynthetic pathway for the key metabolites in G. pentaphyllum, providing a foundation for future metabolic engineering and synthetic biology applications.","PeriodicalId":221,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biotechnology Journal","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147439561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plant regeneration is governed by intrinsic gene regulation and phytohormonal cues. WUSCHEL (WUS) gene promotes regeneration, but its broader functional role remains unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that the constitutive and inducible expression of banana-derived WUS2 (GN-WUS2) enhances regeneration in Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) and Musa acuminata (banana) cv. Grand Naine, even in hormone-free MS medium. Constitutive (CaMV35S::GN-WUS2) expression promoted shoot formation and modulated hormonal and morphogenic gene expression, as evidenced by molecular, biochemical and histological analyses. However, it caused some pleiotropic effects. To overcome this, glucocorticoid receptor-based inducible GN-WUS2 expression enabled healthy shoot development. The upregulated expression of HMGR1, IPPI2 and SMT1-2 in transgenic tobacco lines boosted isoprenoid and phytosterol biosynthesis and correlated with increased cell division, biomass, pod size and seed yield. Proteomic analysis of seeds from transgenic tobacco lines revealed an enrichment of lipid-associated proteins and the accumulation of the novel lipid adipic acid, supported by expression profiling of NtKA and NtSA genes. Collectively, these results establish GN-WUS2 as a master regulator that integrates developmental reprogramming with novel phytosterol biosynthesis and yield enhancement, presenting its versatile role in next-generation regeneration and crop improvement.
{"title":"Cross-Species Reprogramming of Developmental Plasticity and Metabolic Rewiring via Banana-Derived WUS2 Developmental Regulator.","authors":"Roni Chaudhary, Surender Singh, Usman Ali, Siddharth Tiwari","doi":"10.1111/pbi.70625","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.70625","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Plant regeneration is governed by intrinsic gene regulation and phytohormonal cues. WUSCHEL (WUS) gene promotes regeneration, but its broader functional role remains unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that the constitutive and inducible expression of banana-derived WUS2 (GN-WUS2) enhances regeneration in Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) and Musa acuminata (banana) cv. Grand Naine, even in hormone-free MS medium. Constitutive (CaMV35S::GN-WUS2) expression promoted shoot formation and modulated hormonal and morphogenic gene expression, as evidenced by molecular, biochemical and histological analyses. However, it caused some pleiotropic effects. To overcome this, glucocorticoid receptor-based inducible GN-WUS2 expression enabled healthy shoot development. The upregulated expression of HMGR1, IPPI2 and SMT1-2 in transgenic tobacco lines boosted isoprenoid and phytosterol biosynthesis and correlated with increased cell division, biomass, pod size and seed yield. Proteomic analysis of seeds from transgenic tobacco lines revealed an enrichment of lipid-associated proteins and the accumulation of the novel lipid adipic acid, supported by expression profiling of NtKA and NtSA genes. Collectively, these results establish GN-WUS2 as a master regulator that integrates developmental reprogramming with novel phytosterol biosynthesis and yield enhancement, presenting its versatile role in next-generation regeneration and crop improvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":221,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biotechnology Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147429777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BAHD acyltransferases constitute one of the most versatile enzyme superfamilies in plants, catalysing the acylation of alcohols, amines, polyamines, and phenolic compounds to generate an extraordinary diversity of specialised metabolites. Initially identified through a limited number of anthocyanin- and alkaloid-modifying enzymes, BAHDs are now recognised as key regulators of phenylpropanoid flux, cutin and suberin polymerisation, volatile ester biosynthesis, and the stabilisation of acylated flavonoids. Comparative genomic analyses classify BAHD proteins into eight clades that share conserved catalytic motifs yet display pronounced functional divergence, reflecting a balance between deep evolutionary conservation and lineage-specific innovation. Recent structural and biochemical studies demonstrate how subtle active-site modifications govern substrate promiscuity and specialisation, enabling rapid metabolic reprogramming during environmental stress. Omics-based investigations further reveal widespread induction of BAHD genes under drought, salinity, heat stress, pathogen attack, and herbivory, linking BAHD activity to cell wall reinforcement, phenolamide biosynthesis, anthocyanin acylation, and ecological signalling. Beyond their physiological roles, BAHD acyltransferases have emerged as attractive targets for metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, and crop improvement, where manipulation of specific family members enhances stress tolerance, biomass quality, and nutritional or industrial value. Here, we integrate evolutionary, structural, and regulatory insights into BAHD function, highlight emerging translational opportunities, and discuss challenges associated with functional redundancy, substrate promiscuity, and biosafety considerations. Collectively, this synthesis positions BAHD acyltransferases as central mediators of plant adaptation and as promising tools for sustainable agriculture and biotechnological innovation.
{"title":"The BAHD Acyltransferase Gene Family: Evolutionary Dynamics, Biochemical Mechanisms, and Roles in Plant Stress Adaptation.","authors":"Muhammad Mubashar Zafar,Qiao Fei,Abdul Razzaq,Ayesha Siddiqua,Ayesha Naveed,M Nasir Khan,Huma Saleem,Xuefei Jiang","doi":"10.1111/pbi.70597","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.70597","url":null,"abstract":"BAHD acyltransferases constitute one of the most versatile enzyme superfamilies in plants, catalysing the acylation of alcohols, amines, polyamines, and phenolic compounds to generate an extraordinary diversity of specialised metabolites. Initially identified through a limited number of anthocyanin- and alkaloid-modifying enzymes, BAHDs are now recognised as key regulators of phenylpropanoid flux, cutin and suberin polymerisation, volatile ester biosynthesis, and the stabilisation of acylated flavonoids. Comparative genomic analyses classify BAHD proteins into eight clades that share conserved catalytic motifs yet display pronounced functional divergence, reflecting a balance between deep evolutionary conservation and lineage-specific innovation. Recent structural and biochemical studies demonstrate how subtle active-site modifications govern substrate promiscuity and specialisation, enabling rapid metabolic reprogramming during environmental stress. Omics-based investigations further reveal widespread induction of BAHD genes under drought, salinity, heat stress, pathogen attack, and herbivory, linking BAHD activity to cell wall reinforcement, phenolamide biosynthesis, anthocyanin acylation, and ecological signalling. Beyond their physiological roles, BAHD acyltransferases have emerged as attractive targets for metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, and crop improvement, where manipulation of specific family members enhances stress tolerance, biomass quality, and nutritional or industrial value. Here, we integrate evolutionary, structural, and regulatory insights into BAHD function, highlight emerging translational opportunities, and discuss challenges associated with functional redundancy, substrate promiscuity, and biosafety considerations. Collectively, this synthesis positions BAHD acyltransferases as central mediators of plant adaptation and as promising tools for sustainable agriculture and biotechnological innovation.","PeriodicalId":221,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biotechnology Journal","volume":"54 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147383502","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Leaf angle (LA) is a crucial agronomic trait influencing planting density and crop yield. Previous research highlighted the importance of cellular variations in the ligular region for determining LA, but the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate LA is not a static trait, but rather represents a dynamic equilibrium between mechanical forces maintaining leaf erectness and those promoting blade drooping. To quantify the drooping tendency, we introduce gravitational moments, which show positive correlations with LA, blade length (BL) and blade weight (BWt). Notably, the mechanical forces are tightly regulated by the sheath layers surrounding the stalk and by the thickness and lignin deposition on the ligular region of sclerenchyma (SC) cells. Furthermore, we applied single-nucleus transcriptome analyses (snRNA-seq) to construct a comprehensive transcriptional atlas spanning the ligular regions of compact-type (Z58), intermediate-type (B73) and expanded-type (W22) inbred lines. Through the comparative analysis of snRNA-seq and RNA-seq of three inbred lines, we identified the adaxial hypodermis (HP) cells as pivotal sites where lignin biogenesis and metabolism genes were specifically expressed in compact-type Z58, consistent with the lignin deposition pattern. Notably, we discovered that the NAM, ATAF and CUC (NAC) transcription factor-encoding genes NAC secondary wall thickening promoting factor 2 (NST2) and NST3, which mediate lignin biogenesis in the ligular region, especially on the adaxial side, play key roles in reinforcing mechanical support and reducing LA. Collectively, this study advances our understanding of ligular development and LA regulatory mechanisms and provides strategic insights for breeding crops with improved agricultural productivity.
{"title":"Mechanical Strength: An Unrecognised Target in the Genetic Improvement of Crops.","authors":"Qingbiao Shi,Qibin Wang,Guodong Wang,Yiduo An,Hengjia Yang,Qing Tao,Ying Xia,Zihao Jiao,Naiqian Li,Ran Gao,Junfen Li,Fanying Kong,Haisen Zhang,Pinghua Li,Mingyue Gou,Haiyang Wang,Bosheng Li,Gang Li","doi":"10.1111/pbi.70627","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.70627","url":null,"abstract":"Leaf angle (LA) is a crucial agronomic trait influencing planting density and crop yield. Previous research highlighted the importance of cellular variations in the ligular region for determining LA, but the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate LA is not a static trait, but rather represents a dynamic equilibrium between mechanical forces maintaining leaf erectness and those promoting blade drooping. To quantify the drooping tendency, we introduce gravitational moments, which show positive correlations with LA, blade length (BL) and blade weight (BWt). Notably, the mechanical forces are tightly regulated by the sheath layers surrounding the stalk and by the thickness and lignin deposition on the ligular region of sclerenchyma (SC) cells. Furthermore, we applied single-nucleus transcriptome analyses (snRNA-seq) to construct a comprehensive transcriptional atlas spanning the ligular regions of compact-type (Z58), intermediate-type (B73) and expanded-type (W22) inbred lines. Through the comparative analysis of snRNA-seq and RNA-seq of three inbred lines, we identified the adaxial hypodermis (HP) cells as pivotal sites where lignin biogenesis and metabolism genes were specifically expressed in compact-type Z58, consistent with the lignin deposition pattern. Notably, we discovered that the NAM, ATAF and CUC (NAC) transcription factor-encoding genes NAC secondary wall thickening promoting factor 2 (NST2) and NST3, which mediate lignin biogenesis in the ligular region, especially on the adaxial side, play key roles in reinforcing mechanical support and reducing LA. Collectively, this study advances our understanding of ligular development and LA regulatory mechanisms and provides strategic insights for breeding crops with improved agricultural productivity.","PeriodicalId":221,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biotechnology Journal","volume":"54 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147393976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plant immune receptors detect both microbe-derived and endogenous signals to activate defences. XA21, a rice immune receptor, confers strong race-specific resistance to a subset of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) strains by recognising the microbial sulphated peptide RaxX. However, the molecular basis for the notably robust XA21-mediated immune response has remained unclear. Here, we report that the small secreted peptide OsRALF26, previously identified as an Oryza-specific ligand for FERONIA-like receptor 1 (OsFLR1), is also directly perceived by XA21. Recognition of OsRALF26 by XA21 triggers a pronounced reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst, pathogenesis-related (PR) gene induction, and enhanced resistance to Xoo. Notably, silencing OsRALF26 leads to a spatially biased reduction in XA21-mediated resistance, particularly in distal tissues. These findings identify OsRALF26 as a host-derived ligand of XA21 that is required for full activation of XA21-mediated immunity in distal tissues, consistent with a role for OsRALF26 in spatial propagation of XA21-dependent defence. By integrating microbe-derived and endogenous signals, XA21 exemplifies a versatile immune strategy in rice. This dual recognition may have arisen through the introgression of XA21, which unintentionally conferred OsRALF26 responsiveness-thereby reinforcing immune robustness in rice varieties.
{"title":"OsRALF26 Serves as an Endogenous Signal Recognised by XA21 to Promote Robust and Distal Resistance in Rice.","authors":"Oh-Kyu Kwon,A-Ram Jeong,Chang-Jin Park","doi":"10.1111/pbi.70622","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.70622","url":null,"abstract":"Plant immune receptors detect both microbe-derived and endogenous signals to activate defences. XA21, a rice immune receptor, confers strong race-specific resistance to a subset of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) strains by recognising the microbial sulphated peptide RaxX. However, the molecular basis for the notably robust XA21-mediated immune response has remained unclear. Here, we report that the small secreted peptide OsRALF26, previously identified as an Oryza-specific ligand for FERONIA-like receptor 1 (OsFLR1), is also directly perceived by XA21. Recognition of OsRALF26 by XA21 triggers a pronounced reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst, pathogenesis-related (PR) gene induction, and enhanced resistance to Xoo. Notably, silencing OsRALF26 leads to a spatially biased reduction in XA21-mediated resistance, particularly in distal tissues. These findings identify OsRALF26 as a host-derived ligand of XA21 that is required for full activation of XA21-mediated immunity in distal tissues, consistent with a role for OsRALF26 in spatial propagation of XA21-dependent defence. By integrating microbe-derived and endogenous signals, XA21 exemplifies a versatile immune strategy in rice. This dual recognition may have arisen through the introgression of XA21, which unintentionally conferred OsRALF26 responsiveness-thereby reinforcing immune robustness in rice varieties.","PeriodicalId":221,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biotechnology Journal","volume":"45 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147383501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) exhibits exceptional tolerance to infertile soils and contains abundant cyanogenic glucosides (CGs). Previous research has indicated that CGs can serve as a significant reservoir of organic nitrogen in plants. However, the extent to which its high-CG content contributes to efficient nitrogen utilisation and adaptation to low nitrogen (N) in cassava remains to be further elucidated. This study represents the first identification of MeHNL11 as a bifunctional protein. In response to N deficiency, the hydroxynitrile lyase activity of MeHNL11 promotes the generation and accumulation of cyanide and the Cys245 residue of MeHNL11 is critical for its nuclear oligomerization, in which the protein functions as a transcription factor. Following the cyanide transmission into the nucleus, the oligomeric form of MeHNL11 dissociates into monomers, leading to a dramatic upregulation of MeCAS1b transcription. This regulatory mechanism helps sustain intracellular cyanide homeostasis within cassava and facilitates the synthesis of primary N metabolites, thereby alleviating N deficiency. The exogenous application of the cyanide antidote hydroxocobalamin (COB) inhibited cyanide assimilation by MeCAS1b, leading to exacerbated N deficiency symptoms, such as leaf yellowing and a significant reduction in the contents of NH4 + and free amino acids (AA) in cassava seedlings under low-N conditions (LN). Our research demonstrates that the MeHNL11-MeCAS1b module plays a pivotal role in CG recycling, offering new insights into the underlying mechanisms governing cassava's exceptional tolerance to low N stress.
{"title":"Metabolic Enzyme MeHNL11 Regulates MeCAS1b Transcription for Cyanide Reutilization in Response to Nitrate Deficiency in Cassava.","authors":"Weitao Mai,Ruxue Bao,Xiaocheng Liu,Mengtao Li,Jinling Zhao,Huaifang Zhang,Yuan Yao,Haiyan Wang,Wenquan Wang,Changying Zeng,Xin Chen","doi":"10.1111/pbi.70633","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.70633","url":null,"abstract":"Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) exhibits exceptional tolerance to infertile soils and contains abundant cyanogenic glucosides (CGs). Previous research has indicated that CGs can serve as a significant reservoir of organic nitrogen in plants. However, the extent to which its high-CG content contributes to efficient nitrogen utilisation and adaptation to low nitrogen (N) in cassava remains to be further elucidated. This study represents the first identification of MeHNL11 as a bifunctional protein. In response to N deficiency, the hydroxynitrile lyase activity of MeHNL11 promotes the generation and accumulation of cyanide and the Cys245 residue of MeHNL11 is critical for its nuclear oligomerization, in which the protein functions as a transcription factor. Following the cyanide transmission into the nucleus, the oligomeric form of MeHNL11 dissociates into monomers, leading to a dramatic upregulation of MeCAS1b transcription. This regulatory mechanism helps sustain intracellular cyanide homeostasis within cassava and facilitates the synthesis of primary N metabolites, thereby alleviating N deficiency. The exogenous application of the cyanide antidote hydroxocobalamin (COB) inhibited cyanide assimilation by MeCAS1b, leading to exacerbated N deficiency symptoms, such as leaf yellowing and a significant reduction in the contents of NH4 + and free amino acids (AA) in cassava seedlings under low-N conditions (LN). Our research demonstrates that the MeHNL11-MeCAS1b module plays a pivotal role in CG recycling, offering new insights into the underlying mechanisms governing cassava's exceptional tolerance to low N stress.","PeriodicalId":221,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biotechnology Journal","volume":"104 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147383504","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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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