Trends in Plant Science最新文献

The presence of unexpected DNA in cellular compartments acts as a danger signal that activates immune responses. In mammals, delocalized self-DNA triggers strong inflammatory responses crucial for antiviral immunity and cancer control. In plants, application of exogenous self-DNA increases resistance to pathogens and herbivores. Although several mammalian DNA receptors have been identified with distinct subcellular localizations and mechanisms to discriminate between microbial and mitochondrial DNA, no DNA receptors have been identified in plants. Here, we show current evidence for different potential response mechanisms for DNA perception and consider several hypothetical mechanisms for its recognition in plants. Finally, we provide a potential framework for finding plant self-DNA receptors in the future.

The transition from vegetative to reproductive growth is a critical phase in the plant life cycle that significantly impacts reproductive success. This complex process is regulated by a dynamic interplay of genetic, molecular, and physiological mechanisms. While the roles of environmental factors such as photoperiod and temperature in flowering regulation are well documented, the impact of nutrient availability - particularly nitrogen and phosphorus - has gained increasing attention. Recent research highlights how these macronutrients intricately interact with key signaling pathways that regulate flowering time. Specifically, while nitrogen deficiency tends to accelerate flowering, phosphate deficiency often results in delayed flowering. This review examines molecular insights into how nitrogen and phosphorus cues influence flowering, offering key strategies for sustainable development.

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.

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a devastating disease of citrus. In a recent study, Zhao et al. found that the CLas effector SDE5 targets a susceptibility (S) factor, E3 ubiquitin ligase PUB21, which degrades MYC2 to inhibit HLB resistance. The dominant negative mutant PUB21DN and artificial intelligence (AI)-designed antiproteolysis peptides (APPs) block PUB21, stabilizing MYC2 and conferring HLB resistance.

Crops based on mixtures of species or genotypes support yield stability by providing multiple ecosystem services. However, the genetic, molecular, and evolutionary dynamics underlying co-adaptation within such mixtures must be understood to optimize beneficial plant-plant interactions. We therefore propose agroecological genomics as an integrated quantitative and population genetics approach that can be combined with cutting-edge omics methods and participatory science. This strategy embraces the heterogeneity of agroecosystems derived from interactions between biotic and physical environmental components such as climate, crop management, and socio-cultural factors by exploiting decentralized research. The integration of such results will reveal the whole-genome patterns of co-adaptation in crop mixtures, leading to greater knowledge of the key traits that drive adaptation as well as to the development of innovative tools for mixed-crop breeding.

Hormesis is a trending topic in plant science, and scientific advances in this field may have a far-reaching practical impact to translate into solutions for enhancing phytohygeia under global changes. Here, I discuss strategies to optimize dosing schemes in dose-response studies and propose some fine-tuned dosing criteria in plant hormesis research.

Volatile isoprenoids mainly include isoprene and monoterpenes, which improve the thermotolerance of the emitting plant by lowering reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, preserving chloroplast membrane ultrastructure, maintaining photosynthesis and primary metabolism, inducing heat shock proteins, and preserving growth and development. Recent data showed that isoprenoids can act as signaling molecules to improve plant thermotolerance by altering related gene expression through Ca²⁺-mediated signaling pathways. To promote further understanding of isoprenoid-mediated thermotolerance mechanisms, we review current understanding of isoprenoid-induced plant thermotolerance, along with new findings describing the corresponding underlying mechanisms and putative signaling pathways. This information is beneficial for the potential utilization of isoprenoids for enhancing crop tolerance to global warming either by enhancing the emission of isoprenoids or by using isoprenoid-inspired anti-high temperature agents.

Conventional gene-delivery methods in plant genetic engineering, such as electroporation and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, face limitations such as species dependency, low efficiency, high cost, and undesirable DNA integration into the host genome. Integrating nanotechnology with existing molecular techniques offers a promising solution. Nanocarriers can precisely target tissues, cells, and organelles by penetrating biological barriers and protecting the cargo from degradation. The nanocarrier-based gene delivery approach addresses challenges, such as collateral damage and inefficient DNA integration, and paves the way for the development of crops with desired traits. Future research should optimize nanocarriers for efficient and precise gene delivery while minimizing off-target effects. Sustainable, cost-effective materials can enhance large-scale agricultural applications, thereby revolutionizing crop production for global food security and advancing sustainable practices.

Two recent studies (Huang et al. and Xiao et al.) reveal how EDS1-SAG101 facilitates NRG1A resistosome formation, triggering immunity. They also show truncated NRG1C as a negative regulator that sequesters EDS1-SAG101, preventing overactivation. These breakthroughs highlight evolutionarily conserved plant defense mechanisms with implications for engineering resilient crops.