Flowering represents the phenological response of plants to environmental cues, serving as a critical developmental phase that dictates the reproductive success of plants. Numerous over-wintering plants require vernalization to induce flowering, yet the shifting climate patterns in recent years have disrupted their flowering phenology. Different vernalization requirements in wild radish make them ideal for exploring the adaptations of vernalization-responsive plants to warmer winter. Transcriptomic analysis was conducted to investigate the flowering regulation pathways and molecular mechanism in wild radish with different vernalization requirements. A total of 2369 genes were identified as significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across various time points. Vernalization upregulated floral activators VIN3 and AGL19 while downregulating repressors such as WRKY34/MSP3 and MAF5/AGL68, leading to suppression of FLC. Notably, even without cold exposure, facultative lineages exhibited elevated VIN3 and AGL19 and reduced repressors (FRI, MAF5/AGL68, FES1). Enrichment analysis highlighted photosynthesis-related pathways. Obligate vernalization types flower through the vernalization pathway, whereas facultative ones utilize photoperiod, gibberellin, and temperature pathways under non-vernalizing conditions. These findings improve understanding of floral adaptation to warming winters and offer insights for crop resilience and production under global climate change.
{"title":"Natural variation in the plasticity of flowering time across Raphanus sativus var. raphanistroides characterized by different vernalization requirements","authors":"Qingxiang Han , Pengbo Hao , Tomomi Wakabayashi , Shota Sakaguchi , Hiroaki Setoguchi","doi":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100565","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100565","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Flowering represents the phenological response of plants to environmental cues, serving as a critical developmental phase that dictates the reproductive success of plants. Numerous over-wintering plants require vernalization to induce flowering, yet the shifting climate patterns in recent years have disrupted their flowering phenology. Different vernalization requirements in wild radish make them ideal for exploring the adaptations of vernalization-responsive plants to warmer winter. Transcriptomic analysis was conducted to investigate the flowering regulation pathways and molecular mechanism in wild radish with different vernalization requirements. A total of 2369 genes were identified as significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across various time points. Vernalization upregulated floral activators <em>VIN3</em> and <em>AGL19</em> while downregulating repressors such as <em>WRKY34</em>/<em>MSP3</em> and MAF5/AGL68, leading to suppression of <em>FLC</em>. Notably, even without cold exposure, facultative lineages exhibited elevated <em>VIN3</em> and <em>AGL19</em> and reduced repressors (<em>FRI</em>, <em>MAF5/AGL68</em>, <em>FES1</em>). Enrichment analysis highlighted photosynthesis-related pathways. Obligate vernalization types flower through the vernalization pathway, whereas facultative ones utilize photoperiod, gibberellin, and temperature pathways under non-vernalizing conditions. These findings improve understanding of floral adaptation to warming winters and offer insights for crop resilience and production under global climate change.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38041,"journal":{"name":"Plant Gene","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100565"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145747749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study characterized cannabis varieties based on seed physical properties, mineral composition, and Short Tandem Repeats (STR) markers. Eleven cannabis varieties were analyzed, including landraces Ladysmith Ugwayi wesiZulu (‘L1’) and Iswazi (‘L2’), Durban Poison (‘H1’), Bergville Ugwayi wesiZulu (‘B1’), Natal (‘B2’) and Iswazi (‘B3’), and Msinga Ugwayi wesiZulu (‘M1’) and Iswazi (‘M2’), and the commercially available ‘Hemp’, ‘Cherry bubble gum’ (‘High-CBD’) and ‘White Rhino’ (‘High-THC’) varieties. Physical traits measured included seed length, width, thickness, geometric mean diameter, surface area, aspect ratio, and sphericity. Genetic analysis was conducted using sixty-eight STR markers, while mineral composition was assessed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with an energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) detector. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were found in seed dimensions and surface area, while aspect ratio and sphericity showed no significant variation (p > 0.05). Elemental composition varied significantly (p < 0.05), particularly for carbon, oxygen, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, and silicon. Carbon was highest in ‘High-THC’ (75.10 %) and lowest in ‘H1’ (55.58 %), whereas oxygen showed an inverse trend. Variations in seed dimensions and mineral profiles highlight the diverse genetic and phenotypic landscape of the samples. Positive correlations (p < 0.001) among varieties suggested similarities in physical traits, mineral composition, and STR markers. However, hierarchical clustering revealed distinct groupings, indicating complex diversity. Landraces could not be reliably classified as ‘High-CBD’, ‘High-THC’, or ‘Hemp’, reflecting STR marker neutrality. Integrating STRs with functional gene markers or metabolic profiling may improve chemotype discrimination and support development of cannabis-specific identification tools. These findings provide insights for breeding programs and optimization of desirable traits.
{"title":"Genetic and phenotypic diversity in cannabis genotypes: insights from seed dimensions, mineral profiles, and Short Tandem Repeats (STR) markers","authors":"Sabeliwe Langa , Lembe Samukelo Magwaza , Asanda Mditshwa , Samson Zeray Tesfay","doi":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100564","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100564","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study characterized cannabis varieties based on seed physical properties, mineral composition, and Short Tandem Repeats (STR) markers. Eleven cannabis varieties were analyzed, including landraces Ladysmith Ugwayi wesiZulu (‘L1’) and Iswazi (‘L2’), Durban Poison (‘H1’), Bergville Ugwayi wesiZulu (‘B1’), Natal (‘B2’) and Iswazi (‘B3’), and Msinga Ugwayi wesiZulu (‘M1’) and Iswazi (‘M2’), and the commercially available ‘Hemp’, ‘Cherry bubble gum’ (‘High-CBD’) and ‘White Rhino’ (‘High-THC’) varieties. Physical traits measured included seed length, width, thickness, geometric mean diameter, surface area, aspect ratio, and sphericity. Genetic analysis was conducted using sixty-eight STR markers, while mineral composition was assessed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with an energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) detector. Significant differences (<em>p</em> < 0.001) were found in seed dimensions and surface area, while aspect ratio and sphericity showed no significant variation (<em>p</em> > 0.05). Elemental composition varied significantly (<em>p</em> < 0.05), particularly for carbon, oxygen, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, and silicon. Carbon was highest in ‘High-THC’ (75.10 %) and lowest in ‘H1’ (55.58 %), whereas oxygen showed an inverse trend. Variations in seed dimensions and mineral profiles highlight the diverse genetic and phenotypic landscape of the samples. Positive correlations (<em>p</em> < 0.001) among varieties suggested similarities in physical traits, mineral composition, and STR markers. However, hierarchical clustering revealed distinct groupings, indicating complex diversity. Landraces could not be reliably classified as ‘High-CBD’, ‘High-THC’, or ‘Hemp’, reflecting STR marker neutrality. Integrating STRs with functional gene markers or metabolic profiling may improve chemotype discrimination and support development of cannabis-specific identification tools. These findings provide insights for breeding programs and optimization of desirable traits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38041,"journal":{"name":"Plant Gene","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100564"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145691275","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-27DOI: 10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100563
Neelesh Patra , Susamoy Sarkar , Mrinal K. Maiti
The fatty acid elongase1 (FAE1) genes of allotetraploid Brassica juncea are the key determinants of high erucic acid (EA, C22:1) accumulation in its seed oil. Although our previous work demonstrated near-zero EA content in Indian mustard oil through CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of the two homeoalleles, BjFAE1.1 and BjFAE1.2; the specific contribution of each isozyme towards EA biosynthesis remains elusive. This study investigates the heterologous expression of BjFAE1.1 and BjFAE1.2 from high-EA B. juncea cultivar JD6 in two metabolically distinct eukaryotic microbial hosts: the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Despite confirmed mRNA/protein expression, neither BjFAE1 isozyme produced detectable C20:1 or C22:1 very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in transgenic lines of C. reinhardtii. In contrast, expression in S. cerevisiae resulted in significant de novo biosynthesis of VLCFAs, C20:1 (∼9–11 %) and C22:1 (∼17–19 %), confirming their enzymatic activity as functional β-ketoacyl-CoA synthase. Furthermore, substrate feeding experiments in yeast further validated their capability to elongate oleoyl-CoA (C18:1-CoA) to erucoyl-CoA (C22:1-CoA) via eicosenoyl-CoA (C20:1-CoA) intermediate, with BjFAE1.1 showing slightly higher activity, as indicated by the enhanced VLCFA accumulation. These findings substantiate the critical influence of the heterologous host's cellular environment on the functionality of plant lipid metabolism enzymes and underscore the challenges for VLCFA production in microalgal platform.
{"title":"Heterologous expression of fatty acid elongase1 homeoalleles of Brassica juncea reveals robust erucic acid biosynthesis in Saccharomyces and highlights metabolic constraints in Chlamydomonas","authors":"Neelesh Patra , Susamoy Sarkar , Mrinal K. Maiti","doi":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100563","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100563","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The <em>fatty acid elongase1</em> (<em>FAE1</em>) genes of allotetraploid <em>Brassica juncea</em> are the key determinants of high erucic acid (EA, C22:1) accumulation in its seed oil. Although our previous work demonstrated near-zero EA content in Indian mustard oil through CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of the two homeoalleles, <em>BjFAE1.1</em> and <em>BjFAE1.2</em>; the specific contribution of each isozyme towards EA biosynthesis remains elusive. This study investigates the heterologous expression of <em>BjFAE1.1</em> and <em>BjFAE1.2</em> from high-EA <em>B. juncea</em> cultivar JD6 in two metabolically distinct eukaryotic microbial hosts: the green microalga <em>Chlamydomonas reinhardtii</em> and the budding yeast <em>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</em>. Despite confirmed mRNA/protein expression, neither BjFAE1 isozyme produced detectable C20:1 or C22:1 very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in transgenic lines of <em>C. reinhardtii</em>. In contrast, expression in <em>S. cerevisiae</em> resulted in significant <em>de novo</em> biosynthesis of VLCFAs, C20:1 (∼9–11 %) and C22:1 (∼17–19 %), confirming their enzymatic activity as functional β-ketoacyl-CoA synthase. Furthermore, substrate feeding experiments in yeast further validated their capability to elongate oleoyl-CoA (C18:1-CoA) to erucoyl-CoA (C22:1-CoA) via eicosenoyl-CoA (C20:1-CoA) intermediate, with BjFAE1.1 showing slightly higher activity, as indicated by the enhanced VLCFA accumulation. These findings substantiate the critical influence of the heterologous host's cellular environment on the functionality of plant lipid metabolism enzymes and underscore the challenges for VLCFA production in microalgal platform.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38041,"journal":{"name":"Plant Gene","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100563"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145691273","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-23DOI: 10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100562
Xiao-Fang Hou , Di Sang , Wen-Qian Song , Yu-Fan Chen , Shu-Fan Liu , Min Huang , Hao Cheng , Xuan Huang , Zi-Qin Xu
Plants defend against multiple pathogens by activating different signaling pathways. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the antagonistic responses, where enhanced resistance to one pathogen is often accompanied by increased susceptibility to another, remain poorly understood. This study explores the functional role of the NtabSPL6–4 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana, with a focus on its involvement in regulating plant growth, development, and immune responses. The results show that the NtabSPL6–4 protein is mainly localized in the nucleus. Compared with the wild-type plants, NtabSPL6–4-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants exhibited delayed flowering, increased leaf number, and larger leaf area. Transcriptome analysis under Botrytis cinerea infection showed that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathways. Functional experiments revealed that NtabSPL6–4 enhances plant sensitivity to Pseudomonas syringae by down-regulating the expression of PR1 and PR5, while activating JA pathway-related genes to increase resistance to fungal pathogens. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays further demonstrated that NtabSPL6–4 binds to the promoter region of ACX1, regulating JA levels. This modulation reduces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen peroxide, limits cell damage, and decreases the severity of leaf lesions, thereby contributing to enhanced resistance against fungal infection. These results suggest that NtabSPL6–4 has a dual regulatory role in plant immunity, enhancing resistance to fungal pathogens while increasing susceptibility to bacterial pathogens.
{"title":"Functional analysis of tobacco NtabSPL6–4 in fungal pathogen resistance","authors":"Xiao-Fang Hou , Di Sang , Wen-Qian Song , Yu-Fan Chen , Shu-Fan Liu , Min Huang , Hao Cheng , Xuan Huang , Zi-Qin Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100562","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100562","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plants defend against multiple pathogens by activating different signaling pathways. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the antagonistic responses, where enhanced resistance to one pathogen is often accompanied by increased susceptibility to another, remain poorly understood. This study explores the functional role of the <em>NtabSPL6–4</em> gene in <em>Arabidopsis thaliana</em>, with a focus on its involvement in regulating plant growth, development, and immune responses. The results show that the NtabSPL6–4 protein is mainly localized in the nucleus. Compared with the wild-type plants, <em>NtabSPL6–4</em>-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants exhibited delayed flowering, increased leaf number, and larger leaf area. Transcriptome analysis under <em>Botrytis cinerea</em> infection showed that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathways. Functional experiments revealed that <em>NtabSPL6–4</em> enhances plant sensitivity to <em>Pseudomonas syringae</em> by down-regulating the expression of <em>PR1</em> and <em>PR5</em>, while activating JA pathway-related genes to increase resistance to fungal pathogens. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays further demonstrated that NtabSPL6–4 binds to the promoter region of <em>ACX1</em>, regulating JA levels. This modulation reduces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen peroxide, limits cell damage, and decreases the severity of leaf lesions, thereby contributing to enhanced resistance against fungal infection. These results suggest that <em>NtabSPL6–4</em> has a dual regulatory role in plant immunity, enhancing resistance to fungal pathogens while increasing susceptibility to bacterial pathogens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38041,"journal":{"name":"Plant Gene","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100562"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145624430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-21DOI: 10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100561
Chenjuan Jing , Duan Wang , Zhikun Liu , Xuefeng Chen , Yang Zhang , Xiaohong Wu
High levels of organic acids in apricot fruit affect the flavor quality and market scale. Aluminum-activated malate transporters (ALMTs) are key proteins regulating organic acid accumulation in fruits, but their structure and functions in apricot remain understudied. Here, we identified 11 orthologous genes of the ALMT family in the genome of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.), designated ParALMT1–11. These genes were classified into subfamilies I-V and unevenly distributed across linkage groups LG1/2/6/7/8. Each ParALMT protein contained 5–7 transmembrane domains. Some genes showed tissue-specific expression in apricot roots, stems, leaves, and seeds. The expression dynamics of ParALMT10 and ParALMT11 in apricot fruit were closely associated with organic acid metabolism. ParALMT10 may be a key gene regulating the accumulation of organic acids, particularly malic acid in apricot fruit. This study paves the way for elucidating the metabolic mechanisms of organic acids and improving fruit quality in apricot.
{"title":"Identification of ParALMT genes and their relationship with organic acid accumulation in apricot fruit","authors":"Chenjuan Jing , Duan Wang , Zhikun Liu , Xuefeng Chen , Yang Zhang , Xiaohong Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100561","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100561","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>High levels of organic acids in apricot fruit affect the flavor quality and market scale. Aluminum-activated malate transporters (ALMTs) are key proteins regulating organic acid accumulation in fruits, but their structure and functions in apricot remain understudied. Here, we identified 11 orthologous genes of the ALMT family in the genome of apricot (<em>Prunus armeniaca</em> L.), designated <em>ParALMT1–11</em>. These genes were classified into subfamilies I-V and unevenly distributed across linkage groups LG1/2/6/7/8. Each ParALMT protein contained 5–7 transmembrane domains. Some genes showed tissue-specific expression in apricot roots, stems, leaves, and seeds. The expression dynamics of <em>ParALMT10</em> and <em>ParALMT11</em> in apricot fruit were closely associated with organic acid metabolism. <em>ParALMT10</em> may be a key gene regulating the accumulation of organic acids, particularly malic acid in apricot fruit. This study paves the way for elucidating the metabolic mechanisms of organic acids and improving fruit quality in apricot.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38041,"journal":{"name":"Plant Gene","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100561"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145624431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-17DOI: 10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100560
Ophilia Ibapalei Lyngdoh Mawphlang , M. Bharatheeswaran , Lingaraj Sahoo , Highland Kayang , Eros Kharshiing
The PAS/LOV Protein 1, commonly referred to as PLP1 (also known as LOV/LOV Protein or LLP) is recognized as a novel blue-light photoreceptor in plants, and its homologs have been identified in various species. Nevertheless, the functional role of LLP in plant biology is still unclear. In this report, we have cloned a homolog of LLP from the small-fruited tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) and analysed its expression levels under different light, water-deficit and humidity conditions. Determination of relative expression by RT-qPCR show high-intensity blue-light is most effective in inducing LLP expression in the young seedlings as well as in leaves of older plants, indicating that its expression is governed by both light intensity and spectral composition. LLP expression is also enhanced under drought-like conditions but not under conditions of high humidity. This report will further aid our understanding of LLP expression in responses to light and water-deficit conditions in tomato.
PAS/LOV蛋白1,通常称为PLP1(也称为LOV/LOV蛋白或LLP)是公认的植物中一种新型蓝光光感受器,其同源物已在多种植物中被鉴定。然而,LLP在植物生物学中的功能作用尚不清楚。在这篇报道中,我们从小果番茄(Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiformme)中克隆了一个LLP同源物,并分析了其在不同光照、水分亏缺和湿度条件下的表达水平。RT-qPCR相对表达量测定结果显示,高强度蓝光诱导LLP在幼苗和老植株叶片中表达最有效,表明其表达受光强和光谱组成共同控制。LLP的表达在干旱条件下也有增强,而在高湿条件下则没有。该报告将进一步帮助我们了解番茄在光照和缺水条件下LLP的表达。
{"title":"Cloning and expression analyses of the twin LOV protein (LLP) gene under varying light, water-deficit and humidity conditions in the small-fruited tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme)","authors":"Ophilia Ibapalei Lyngdoh Mawphlang , M. Bharatheeswaran , Lingaraj Sahoo , Highland Kayang , Eros Kharshiing","doi":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100560","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100560","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The <em>PAS/LOV Protein 1</em>, commonly referred to as <em>PLP1</em> (also known as <em>LOV/LOV Protein</em> or <em>LLP</em>) is recognized as a novel blue-light photoreceptor in plants, and its homologs have been identified in various species. Nevertheless, the functional role of <em>LLP</em> in plant biology is still unclear. In this report, we have cloned a homolog of <em>LLP</em> from the small-fruited tomato (<em>Solanum lycopersicum</em> var. <em>cerasiforme</em>) and analysed its expression levels under different light, water-deficit and humidity conditions. Determination of relative expression by RT-qPCR show high-intensity blue-light is most effective in inducing <em>LLP</em> expression in the young seedlings as well as in leaves of older plants, indicating that its expression is governed by both light intensity and spectral composition. <em>LLP</em> expression is also enhanced under drought-like conditions but not under conditions of high humidity. This report will further aid our understanding of <em>LLP</em> expression in responses to light and water-deficit conditions in tomato.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38041,"journal":{"name":"Plant Gene","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100560"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145537240","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-06DOI: 10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100559
Nidhi Chaudhary, Monalisha Mishra, Mariyam Fatima, Nand K. Singh
Microalgae are a sustainable source of high-value bioactive compounds with significant nutritional and therapeutic benefits. They contain essential dietary components, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids are known for their positive effect on mental, vision, and cardiovascular health in humans. In the present study, the stress-inducing effect of indole acetic acid (IAA), and abscisic acid (ABA), on Monoraphidium contortum SRR472 was investigated with a focus on omega-3 fatty acid biosynthesis. Our study highlighted, both phytohormones acted as biochemical stressors, significantly enhancing cellular proliferation, biomass accumulation, and omega-3 fatty acids biosynthesis. Among the treatments, ABA exerted the most stimulatory effect on overall cell growth and biomass. Notably, IAA induced stress significantly increased omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically linolenic acid, EPA, and DHA (9.10 ± 0.01, 3.75 ± 0.07, and 4.1 ± 0.1 %). Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzymes under phytohormone further confirmed the cellular stress response. The gene expression analysis revealed a substantial upregulation of key fatty acid biosynthetic pathway genes, including FAD (fatty acid desaturase), D6E (elongase ∆6b1), and D6D (∆6-desaturase) were significantly enhanced by 5.3, 2.1, and 1.4-fold, respectively, relative to the control following IAA stress in the microalgae. These results support the role of stress-driven transcriptional regulation in enhancing PUFA production. These findings demonstrate that IAA and ABA-induced oxidative stress serve as a potent trigger for boosting omega-3 fatty acid accumulation in microalgae, offering a strategic approach for optimizing omega-3 PUFA yields in microalgal bioprocessing.
{"title":"IAA and ABA-stress mediate Omega-3 fatty acid enhancement in Monoraphidium contortum SRR472","authors":"Nidhi Chaudhary, Monalisha Mishra, Mariyam Fatima, Nand K. Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100559","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100559","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microalgae are a sustainable source of high-value bioactive compounds with significant nutritional and therapeutic benefits. They contain essential dietary components, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids are known for their positive effect on mental, vision, and cardiovascular health in humans. In the present study, the stress-inducing effect of indole acetic acid (IAA), and abscisic acid (ABA), on <em>Monoraphidium contortum</em> SRR472 was investigated with a focus on omega-3 fatty acid biosynthesis. Our study highlighted, both phytohormones acted as biochemical stressors, significantly enhancing cellular proliferation, biomass accumulation, and omega-3 fatty acids biosynthesis. Among the treatments, ABA exerted the most stimulatory effect on overall cell growth and biomass. Notably, IAA induced stress significantly increased omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically linolenic acid, EPA, and DHA (9.10 ± 0.01, 3.75 ± 0.07, and 4.1 ± 0.1 %). Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzymes under phytohormone further confirmed the cellular stress response. The gene expression analysis revealed a substantial upregulation of key fatty acid biosynthetic pathway genes, including FAD (fatty acid desaturase), D6E (elongase ∆6b1), and D6D (∆6-desaturase) were significantly enhanced by 5.3, 2.1, and 1.4-fold, respectively, relative to the control following IAA stress in the microalgae. These results support the role of stress-driven transcriptional regulation in enhancing PUFA production. These findings demonstrate that IAA and ABA-induced oxidative stress serve as a potent trigger for boosting omega-3 fatty acid accumulation in microalgae, offering a strategic approach for optimizing omega-3 PUFA yields in microalgal bioprocessing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38041,"journal":{"name":"Plant Gene","volume":"44 ","pages":"Article 100559"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-05DOI: 10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100554
Na Zhao , Dong Xue , Yongqiang Wang , Yamei Miao , Chunyan Gu , Kaihua Wang , Libin Wei , Linglong Zhu , Xuejun Wang
Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a nutrient-rich legume crop valued for its high protein content and dietary benefits. However, the coordination between metabolic accumulation and gene regulatory networks during seed development remains insufficiently understood, particularly how dynamic changes in primary and secondary metabolites drive developmental transitions and influence final seed quality. In this study, we performed integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses at two developmental stages (30 and 45 days after anthesis, DAA) of two V. faba cultivars: the vegetable-type TongCanXian No.7 (TCX) and the grain-type QiDou No.2 (QD). A total of 868 metabolites were identified using widely targeted LC-MS/MS, of which 247 were differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs). Key enriched pathways included flavonoid biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, and ABC transporters. RNA-seq profiling generated 37,457 unigenes, and 9862 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified based on the thresholds of |log₂FC| > 1 and adjusted p-value <0.05. Among these, 34 DEGs and 19 DAMs were co-enriched in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. Notably, genes such as CHS, F3H, and DFR showed cultivar-specific expression patterns associated with flavonoid accumulation. This work provides new insights into the molecular basis of metabolite accumulation in faba bean seeds and highlights 34 key candidate genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. These findings offer a foundation for targeted genetic improvement of nutritional quality traits in faba bean.
{"title":"Comparative metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis reveals regulatory networks underlying flavonoid accumulation in developing seeds of vegetable- and grain-type faba bean (Vicia faba L.)","authors":"Na Zhao , Dong Xue , Yongqiang Wang , Yamei Miao , Chunyan Gu , Kaihua Wang , Libin Wei , Linglong Zhu , Xuejun Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100554","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100554","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Faba bean (<em>Vicia faba</em> L.) is a nutrient-rich legume crop valued for its high protein content and dietary benefits. However, the coordination between metabolic accumulation and gene regulatory networks during seed development remains insufficiently understood, particularly how dynamic changes in primary and secondary metabolites drive developmental transitions and influence final seed quality. In this study, we performed integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses at two developmental stages (30 and 45 days after anthesis, DAA) of two <em>V. faba</em> cultivars: the vegetable-type TongCanXian No.7 (TCX) and the grain-type QiDou No.2 (QD). A total of 868 metabolites were identified using widely targeted LC-MS/MS, of which 247 were differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs). Key enriched pathways included flavonoid biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, and ABC transporters. RNA-seq profiling generated 37,457 unigenes, and 9862 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified based on the thresholds of |log₂FC| > 1 and adjusted <em>p</em>-value <0.05. Among these, 34 DEGs and 19 DAMs were co-enriched in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. Notably, genes such as <em>CHS</em>, <em>F3H</em>, and <em>DFR</em> showed cultivar-specific expression patterns associated with flavonoid accumulation. This work provides new insights into the molecular basis of metabolite accumulation in faba bean seeds and highlights 34 key candidate genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. These findings offer a foundation for targeted genetic improvement of nutritional quality traits in faba bean.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38041,"journal":{"name":"Plant Gene","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100554"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145691266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H) catalyzes the second step of the phenylpropanoid pathway to generate precursor for phenolic compounds. As phenylpropanoid-derived specialized metabolites, Ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing compounds (UVACs) exhibit distinct UV-B absorption. In this study, we cloned and functionally characterized three C4H homologs (MpCYP73A1, A2 and A3) from the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. Bioinformatic analyses confirmed that all MpCYP73 isoforms maintain conserved cytochrome P450 domains characteristic of plant C4H enzymes. Heterologous expression of recombinant MpCYP73 isoforms in yeast microsomes confirmed their functional identity as cinnamate 4-hydroxylases (C4H, EC 1.14.14.91). The enzymes catalyzed trans-cinnamic acid and 3-hydroxycinnamic acid into p-coumaric acid and caffeic acid, respectively. The three MpCYP73 isoforms exhibited distinct kinetic profiles, with MpCYP73A1 displaying the lowest Km value for trans-cinnamic acid and MpCYP73A3 showing the highest affinity for 3-hydroxycinnamic acid. Furthermore, their catalytic activities toward both substrates also demonstrated marked variation. In addition, MpCYP73A1 displayed the highest transcript abundance, positively correlating with UVACs accumulation. Furthermore, UV-B treatment significantly induced the expression of MpCYP73s and enhanced the total content of methanol-soluble UVACs. These findings provide a basis for further investigation on the critical regulatory role of MpCYP73 isoforms in UVACs biosynthesis in M. polymorpha.
{"title":"Cloning and functional characterization of three cinnamate 4-hydroxylase isoforms from Marchantia polymorpha associated with UV-absorbing compounds production","authors":"Jiayi Yang, Jian Mo, Baoyun Shan, Xiaochun Qin, Haina Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100558","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100558","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H) catalyzes the second step of the phenylpropanoid pathway to generate precursor for phenolic compounds. As phenylpropanoid-derived specialized metabolites, Ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing compounds (UVACs) exhibit distinct UV-B absorption. In this study, we cloned and functionally characterized three C4H homologs (MpCYP73A1, A2 and A3) from the liverwort <em>Marchantia polymorpha.</em> Bioinformatic analyses confirmed that all MpCYP73 isoforms maintain conserved cytochrome P450 domains characteristic of plant C4H enzymes. Heterologous expression of recombinant MpCYP73 isoforms in yeast microsomes confirmed their functional identity as cinnamate 4-hydroxylases (C4H, EC 1.14.14.91). The enzymes catalyzed <em>trans</em>-cinnamic acid and 3-hydroxycinnamic acid into <em>p</em>-coumaric acid and caffeic acid, respectively. The three MpCYP73 isoforms exhibited distinct kinetic profiles, with MpCYP73A1 displaying the lowest <em>K</em><sub><em>m</em></sub> value for <em>trans</em>-cinnamic acid and MpCYP73A3 showing the highest affinity for 3-hydroxycinnamic acid. Furthermore, their catalytic activities toward both substrates also demonstrated marked variation. In addition, <em>MpCYP73A1</em> displayed the highest transcript abundance, positively correlating with UVACs accumulation. Furthermore, UV-B treatment significantly induced the expression of <em>MpCYP73s</em> and enhanced the total content of methanol-soluble UVACs. These findings provide a basis for further investigation on the critical regulatory role of MpCYP73 isoforms in UVACs biosynthesis in <em>M. polymorpha</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38041,"journal":{"name":"Plant Gene","volume":"44 ","pages":"Article 100558"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465723","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are widely distributed, non-heme iron-containing oxidoreductase enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), synthesizing cis- and trans-pentadienes with conjugated double bonds. These hydroperoxides serve as precursors for oxylipin synthesis, which include jasmonates and GLV (Green Leaf Volatiles), that govern important defense and development reactions. LOXs exhibit wide distribution across taxa and display structural and functional diversity, reflecting their evolutionary significance. Recent advances in LOX research have provided insights into their tissue-specific localization, structural organization, catalytic mechanism, and reannotation of the angiospermic LOX gene families based on evolutionary descent and oxidation specificity (LOX13, LOX9_A, LOX9_B). LOXs are often categorised based on their spatial selectivity for oxidizing unsaturated fatty acids. LOX-mediated pathways are critical in shaping plant immunity against a broad spectrum of biotic stresses, including bacterial, fungal, nematode, and herbivore attacks, often through crosstalk with other phytohormonal signaling networks such as salicylic acid, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids and Ca2+/calmodulin-amplified responses that link membrane lipid remodeling to transcriptional defense programs. This review summarises the distribution, structure, catalysis, and signaling mechanisms of LOXs and crucial role of 9-LOX and 13-LOX pathways in combating pathogenic bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and herbivores where LOX perturbations modulate resistance, hypersensitive cell death, stomatal immunity, reactive oxygen signaling and defense gene expression. Exploring the potential of LOXs as defense agents against biotic stresses, and their contribution towards enhancing plant tolerance and resistance mechanisms, is worthwhile for crop improvement.
{"title":"Lipoxygenases: The gatekeepers in plant resilience against biotic stress","authors":"Manisha Yadav , Srishti Satija , Saurabh Awasthi , Indrakant K. Singh , Archana Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100557","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100557","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are widely distributed, non-heme iron-containing oxidoreductase enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), synthesizing cis- and trans-pentadienes with conjugated double bonds. These hydroperoxides serve as precursors for oxylipin synthesis, which include jasmonates and GLV (Green Leaf Volatiles), that govern important defense and development reactions. LOXs exhibit wide distribution across taxa and display structural and functional diversity, reflecting their evolutionary significance. Recent advances in LOX research have provided insights into their tissue-specific localization, structural organization, catalytic mechanism, and reannotation of the angiospermic LOX gene families based on evolutionary descent and oxidation specificity (LOX13, LOX9_A, LOX9_B). LOXs are often categorised based on their spatial selectivity for oxidizing unsaturated fatty acids. LOX-mediated pathways are critical in shaping plant immunity against a broad spectrum of biotic stresses, including bacterial, fungal, nematode, and herbivore attacks, often through crosstalk with other phytohormonal signaling networks such as salicylic acid, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids and Ca<sup>2+</sup>/calmodulin-amplified responses that link membrane lipid remodeling to transcriptional defense programs. This review summarises the distribution, structure, catalysis, and signaling mechanisms of LOXs and crucial role of 9-LOX and 13-LOX pathways in combating pathogenic bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and herbivores where LOX perturbations modulate resistance, hypersensitive cell death, stomatal immunity, reactive oxygen signaling and defense gene expression. Exploring the potential of LOXs as defense agents against biotic stresses, and their contribution towards enhancing plant tolerance and resistance mechanisms, is worthwhile for crop improvement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38041,"journal":{"name":"Plant Gene","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100557"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145691274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}