Trends in Plant Science最新文献

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.

Glucosinolates (GLS) are key defense metabolites in brassicaceous plants, but major anti-nutritional (especially goitrogenic) factors in Brassica oilseed crops. In the 1970s, breeding of 'double-low' rapeseed cultivars with canola-quality seeds low in erucic acid and GLS resulted in feed-quality press cake but limited genetic and GLS diversity of the crop. To develop the press cake into protein food, seed GLS levels must be further reduced. Targeting recently identified transporters in Arabidopsis thaliana with key roles in GLS seed loading prevented GLS accumulation in seeds without altering their presence elsewhere in the plant. Transport engineering has potential as a novel breeding approach to decouple seed and leaf GLS, broaden genetic diversity, and improve both seed quality and pest resistance in Brassica oilseed crops.

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.

Phenolamides are specialized plant metabolites with important roles in plant disease resistance and stress tolerance. They serve as biomarkers and effectors of oxidative stress. Moreover, they enhance plant metabolic diversity and potential for acclimation to stress. In this opinion article we focus on recent progress in phenolamide research, including phenolamide biosynthesis, decoration, and transport mechanisms, and we highlight the important role of technological advances in the discovery of new phenolamides and the identification of their biosynthetic genes. We also discuss phytohormone-regulated phenolamide biosynthesis networks and their multifunctional roles in environmental adaptation. We posit that a deeper mechanistic understanding of phenolamide biology will be essential for leveraging these molecules to develop high-value phytoprotectants and advance sustainable agriculture.

Three recent studies, by Zhu et al.,Klymiuk et al., and Hu et al., identified paired nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat receptors (NLRs) in wheat against different pathogens, providing new insights into the genomic organization, domain architecture, and function of plant NLR pairs. Another study, by Du et al., showed that cross-species transfer of NLR partners confers resistance, highlighting the translational potential of NLR pairs in crop improvement.

The plant vascular system, a cornerstone of terrestrial adaptation, enables the long-distance transport of water, nutrients, and signaling molecules and provides mechanical support. Its anatomy also underpins stress resilience; yet, how environmental cues regulate vascular development remains poorly understood. In this review, we synthesize recent advances in molecular mechanisms underlying vascular plasticity in response to abiotic and biotic stresses, including temperature, light, drought, salinity, mechanical forces, nutrient deficiencies, and pathogens. We highlight conserved and species-specific pathways and discuss unresolved questions, such as how plants integrate multiple stressors to optimize vascular development. Finally, we propose applying single-cell omics and genome editing to decode these adaptive strategies with potential implications for crop resilience and sustainable biomass production.

Plant taxonomy underpins biodiversity research and conservation, but global disparities in training and resources hinder progress, especially in biodiversity-rich regions. Through a global survey of taxonomists and trainers, we reveal that 48% of countries have fewer than ten active plant taxonomists and that there are stark regional gaps in access to basic tools and infrastructure. A 'limitations index' highlights Angola, Benin, Botswana, Colombia, Sierra Leone, and Venezuela as facing the greatest challenges. To address these imbalances and build crucial taxonomic capacity, we advocate for inclusive and regionally adapted programs with improved access to infrastructure, engaging teaching methods, cascading mentorship, and stronger collaboration. Strategic investment in plant taxonomy training is essential to realizing the full potential of global plant diversity.

Herbicide resistance (HR) is fundamental for sustainable agriculture as global food security increasingly relies on efficient and eco-friendly weed management. Recent advances in CRISPR/dCas9-based epigenome editing offer a promising, non-genetic approach by precisely targeting regulatory regions of genes involved in herbicide sensitivity and detoxification. While CRISPR/Cas9 has successfully been used to develop HR crops, CRISPR/dCas9 remains underexplored in this field. We propose that CRISPR/dCas9-driven epigenome editing could enable time- and tissue-specific control of gene expression, allowing for the introduction of heritable HR traits without altering DNA sequences. This innovative approach could transform sustainable HR development, offering a powerful solution to enhance agricultural resilience and food security while aligning with eco-friendly weed management strategies.

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.