Trends in Plant Science最新文献

Protons (H⁺), commonly measured as pH, represent a fundamental physiological parameter in cellular systems. In plants, cytoplasmic H⁺ levels are tightly regulated to maintain homeostasis, whereas apoplastic H⁺ concentrations fluctuate dynamically in response to stress and developmental cues. This review discusses and scrutinizes the roles of apoplastic H⁺ fluctuations in transmitting stress and developmental cues, focusing on their interactions with established regulatory elements, such as phytohormones, H₂O₂, and peptide-receptor complexes, as well as other functional proteins, within stress and developmental signaling networks. Recent advances in understanding the mechanisms underlying apoplastic H⁺ as a pivotal regulator of plant adaptation and development open promising avenues for future research to enhance plant resilience and productivity under diverse environmental challenges.

Deep-rooted plants (DRPs) are vital ecological engineers in arid regions, combating desertification through distinctive adaptations such as rapid root growth and hydraulic lift. By tapping into groundwater beyond a depth of 5 m, they stabilize soils, sequester carbon, and support biodiversity, while delivering socioeconomic benefits. Despite their resilience, DRPs are increasingly threatened by climate change and pressure of human activities such as overgrazing. In this feature review we consolidate the vital roles of DRPs in ecosystem services and land restoration, advocating for conservation strategies that integrate drip irrigation, rotational grazing policies, and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) targets. We highlight the potential of DRPs to achieve land degradation neutrality (LDN) and urge prompt research and management actions to safeguard these keystone species in our climate change adaptation toolkit for drylands.

Microbe interaction not only plays an integral role in plant growth and adaptation, but also may lead to genetic integration. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from microbes occurs in all major plant groups and appears to be frequent in charophytes and bryophytes. Horizontally acquired microbial genes have contributed to major physiological and structural innovations in land plants. This paper discusses microbial interactions and genetic integration, with a particular focus on recent data regarding the role of horizontally acquired microbial genes in land plant evolution. We suggest that microbes are essential resources for plants, both as an ecological component and as a source of novel genetic material, and that plant colonization of land and further diversification represent a process of exploitation of microbial resources.

Genome editing is a technology that enables targeted mutagenesis. Notably, site-directed nucleation (SDN)-1 genome editing, which does not involve the incorporation of foreign DNA sequences and can introduce the same mutations as naturally occurring mutations, is not subject to genetically modified organism (GMO) regulations in many countries if transgenes are segregated out. This makes it an attractive strategy for crop improvement. Multiple DNA double-strand breaks introduced via genome editing may lead to inversions or translocations. If these genomic alterations involve promoter regions, a promoter/enhancer replacement may occur, thereby altering target gene expression as desired. Because conventional SDN-1 genome editing primarily induces loss-of-function mutations, promoter/enhancer replacement by genome editing (PERGE) represents a new paradigm in genome editing for crop improvement.

With falling sequencing costs and the rise of computational methods, plant genomics is entering a new paradigmatic shift. Combination of phased telomere-to-telomere assemblies and super-pangenome is emerging as the ultimate reference needed in plants. Together they provide a gold standard for genetic dissection, molecular-design breeding, and resource conservation.

Woody biomass is a vital carbon sink and biofuel feedstock, but lignocellulosic ethanol production faces cell wall recalcitrance. miRNA-mediated cell wall bioengineering presents an efficient and promising approach to address the high costs associated with biofuel production. In this review, we examine the critical role of miRNAs in plants, with a particular focus on woody species. We systematically analyzed the internal factors influencing biofuel production from an integrated perspective of plant science and chemical basis. Notably, we proposed a schematic framework for miRNA-mediated cell wall engineering, to reduce lignocellulosic recalcitrance and enhance biomass accumulation. Finally, we highlight key questions and suggest potential procedures for the manipulation of miRNAs to facilitate the efficient utilization of forestry-derived biofuels.

Sulfur, often regarded as a pollutant, is an essential macronutrient for plant immunity and stress responses in all studied plant families. Declining atmospheric sulfur deposition via pollution-controlling may weaken tree defenses, leading to increased disease vulnerability, especially under increased climate stress. While sulfur is known to enhance crop resilience, its role in forest ecosystems remains poorly understood. Limited field data and challenges in extrapolating from agriculture highlight the need for targeted research. Understanding sulfur's potential to enhance forest health via sulfur-induced resistance could provide new strategies for managing forest stress. In this opinion article we outline sulfur's shifting role in forests, from curse to blessing, and depict the need for targeted, interdisciplinary research to determine its potential contribution to climate resilience.

Plants balance growth and defense via age-related resistance (ARR): juveniles prioritize growth, adults boost immunity. MicroRNA (miRNA)-transcription factor (TF) modules act as molecular switches, repressing defense pathways early and activating them in maturity. These networks optimize resource allocation across life stages, offering targets for engineering crops with age-tailored defenses.

Fatty acid biosynthesis and photosynthesis are major chloroplast pathways utilizing inorganic carbon (Ci). To optimize photosynthesis, microalgae use CO₂-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs). Recently, You et al. demonstrated that CCM and fatty acid synthase (FAS) are functionally linked through spatial proximity between carbonic anhydrase (CAH) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), with this crosstalk being spatially and temporally dynamic, responding to environmental CO₂ levels.