Plant Communications最新文献

With rapid advancements in breeding technologies, phenomics, and artificial intelligence, crop breeding is progressively advancing toward an era of greater precision and efficiency. In this context, three-dimensional (3D) phenotyping techniques, leveraging their multi-dimensional spatial resolution capabilities, have overcome the limitations of two-dimensional (2D) phenotyping in breeding analysis, enabling precise characterization of crop spatial interactions, plant architecture spatial distribution, and complex 3D structural traits. Recent breakthroughs in computer technology for 3D reconstruction and 3D segmentation have provided robust technical support for crop 3D phenotypic analysis. Furthermore, the effective integration of extracted 3D phenotypic data with genotypic data serves as a powerful tool for future research in crop gene function and genomics-assisted breeding. This review systematically examines the major advances in 3D phenotyping techniques and their representative applications, with particular emphasis on innovations in 3D phenotyping and analysis techniques. Simultaneously, we describe the latest interdisciplinary advances in 3D phenotyping within crop gene function and genomics-assisted breeding research. We objectively evaluate the advantages and limitations of 3D phenotyping compared to 2D approaches to assist breeders in selecting appropriate technologies. Finally, addressing the conceptual challenges in current research, we propose future perspectives for promoting the deep integration of phenomics and breeding technologies. Despite facing technical challenges, it is foreseeable that the cross-disciplinary integration of phenomics and genomics will offer promising prospects for crop breeding.

To dissect the ANAC017 mitochondrial retrograde signalling pathway we identified 2-oxoglutarate and Fe(II)-dependent oxygenase (OGO) as being induced by perturbation of mitochondrial function with antimycin A (AA), but not by high light. A forward genetic screen was implemented using the promoter region of 2-oxoglutarate and Fe(II)-dependent oxygenase (OGO) fused to firefly luciferase to identify regulators of OGO, in order to identify regulators of mitochondrial perturbation, distinct from those that also impact chloroplast function. A mutant termed ROG1 (Regulators of OGO) was identified as encoding mitochondrial Alternative Oxidase 1a (AOX1a). To understand how AOX1a affects OGO expression we investigated ethylene production in rog1(aox1a) mutant lines and found it was significantly reduced. Importantly ethylene production could be restored by the expression of AOX1c, indicating that it was Alternative Oxidase activity in general that was required for ethylene production, not specifically AOX1a activity. Ethylene production was also constitutively induced in ANAC017 over-expression lines. Metabolite profiling of aox1a lines treated with AA revealed a large perturbation of folate, methionine and ascorbate glutathione cycle metabolites, significant reduction of ATP and ADP, and alterations of the NAD(P)H: NAD(P) ratio. Combined these results reveal a central role for AOX in maintaining hormone production and REDOX balance under mitochondrial perturbation linked to key metabolites that have been characterised as playing key roles in response to abiotic challenge. It also positions AOX as an essential component required for a variety of abiotic and biotic stress responses.

Plants are continuously exposed to abiotic and biotic stresses, often in combination, requiring tightly coordinated metabolic and structural adaptations. A key component in these responses is the plant cell wall, a dynamic extracellular matrix that undergoes extensive remodeling to maintain integrity under stress conditions. Both abiotic and biotic factors trigger modifications in cell wall composition and structure, which in turn influence signaling pathways and defense mechanisms. While hormonal signaling has long been recognized in stress adaptation, increasing evidence points to a crucial role for small signaling peptides (SSPs) in modulating stress responses. SSPs, typically less than 100 amino acids in length, function through diverse mechanisms, including transcriptional regulation and direct interaction with cell wall components. In this review, we examine the interplay between environmental stress, cell wall remodeling, and SSP-mediated signaling. We provide an overview of stress-specific cell wall modifications and outline how SSPs are involved in these stress responses. Through exploratory analyses of published transcriptomic datasets, we illustrate how SSP-precursor expression patterns may indicate potential roles in cell wall-mediated stress responses. We conclude that SSP signaling represents an integral part of responses to abiotic and biotic stress and propose directions for future functional studies on the roles of SSPs in cell wall remodeling.

Plant peptides have emerged as key regulators of plant growth, development, immunity, and environmental adaptation. Earlier studies in crops have demonstrated the potential application of certain peptides, such as systemin and Plant Elicitor Peptides (PEPs), to improve disease resistance. Based on the structure and function, these peptides are typically classified as canonical peptides (CPs), non-canonical peptides (NCPs), and non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs). Advances in peptidogenomics and mass spectrometry have enabled the genome-wide discovery of numerous endogenous peptides, including those translated from untranslated regions (UTRs) and non-coding RNAs, greatly expanding the plant peptidome. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the peptides, their classification, biosynthesis, and functional mechanisms in regulating various biological processes. Importantly, this review systematically summarizes the historical development and recent advances in strategies used to identify plant peptides. Despite substantial progress, peptide discovery and functional annotation remain challenging. Therefore, we finally propose that high-throughput technologies, functional genomics, and synthetic biology need to be integrated to reveal the potential of plant peptides in crop improvement and cross-disciplinary innovation.

The light-harvesting complexes of photosystem (PS) I and II (LHCI and LHCII) in Bryopsis corticulans are homologous to their counterparts in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and land plants but have distinct chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoid composition. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of its PSI-LHCI₁₀-LHCII₉ (comprising three LHCII trimers) and C₂S₂M₂N₂-type PSII-LHCII supercomplexes. In the PSI supmercomplex, ten LHCI subunits assemble into two belts and one heterodimer, coordinating a total of 86 Chl a, 65 Chl b (Chl a/b ratio of 1.3, compared to 3.4 in C. reinhardtii), 18 siphonaxanthin, 2 siphonein and 13 α-carotene. Among the three LHCII trimers bound to PSI-LHCI supercomlex, two are anchored to the PSI core mainly via phosphorylated subunits, while the third, non-phosphorylated trimer is stabilized through interactions with Lhca-d and the adjacent LHCII trimer. In the C₂S₂M₂N₂-type PSII-LHCII supercomplex of B. corticulans, the N-LHCII is positioned closer to the PSII core than in C. reinhardtii, likely due to the loss of the linker motif in the N-terminal region of Bc-CP29. Structure-based energy transfer analysis suggests that this spatial rearrangement enhances excitation energy transfer efficiency from N-LHCII to the PSII core. These structural findings provide insights into acclimation strategies of siphonous green algae in intertidal environments.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the world's third most important staple crop, serving as a crucial source of both dietary energy and protein. The carbon and nitrogen contents in developing kernels fundamentally determine grain quality, influencing both nutritional value and processing characteristics. However, increasing nitrogen content in maize kernels without compromising yield remains a major challenge in breeding programs. Here we report that phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 2 (PEPCK2) functions as a key regulator enhancing nitrogen sink strength, with its maternal expression level determining carbon and nitrogen accumulation in progeny kernels. Genetic analyses revealed that variations in the PEPCK2 promoter and coding regions were strongly associated with yield- and quality-related traits. Through genetic manipulation, we demonstrated that PEPCK2 overexpression increased ear length by 18.7%, kernel weight by 22.3%, and protein content by 31.5%, while knockdown reduced these parameters by 15.2%-21.4% without affecting vegetative growth. Biochemical characterization showed that PEPCK2 catalyzes the conversion of oxaloacetate to phosphoenolpyruvate, enhancing flux through the tricarboxylic acid cycle 2.3-fold and facilitating the conversion of amino acids' carbon skeletons into starch while efficiently recycling nitrogen for protein synthesis. Our findings establish PEPCK2 as a master regulator that simultaneously enhances both nutritional quality and yield potential in maize. The conservation of this carbon-nitrogen coordination mechanism points to promising applications for improving cereal crops through targeted metabolic engineering.

Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) ripening is highly sensitive to ethylene, yet reliance on exogenous ethylene often results in over-softening, greatly reducing their shelf life. Here, we uncovered a cool temperature (CT, 5-10°C)-induced pathway that, under conditions of ethylene perception inhibition by 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), directly orchestrates starch-to-sugar conversion in kiwifruit. Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling revealed AcBAM3.3, a β-amylase gene specifically induced by CT but not by ambient temperature. A CT-inducible ERF transcription factor, AcCTS1 (CT Specific factor 1), was found to directly bind the promoters of AcBAM3.3 and AcBAM3.5 and activate their transcription, as validated by dual-luciferase assays, EMSA, and yeast one-hybrid assays. Moreover, we identified an E3 ubiquitin ligase, AcPUB11, which targets AcCTS1 for 26S proteasomal degradation, thereby repressing starch degradation at room temperature. Under CT, reduced AcPUB11 abundance allows for AcCTS1 accumulation, driving AcBAM3.3 and AcBAM3.5 expression and promoting ripening. Functional validation via overexpression, RNAi, and CRISPR-Cas9 in both callus and fruit confirmed the AcPUB11-AcCTS1-AcBAM3s module as the central regulator of CT-induced starch metabolism. Our findings define a ubiquitination-controlled transcriptional regulatory module that mediates fruit adaptation to cool environments, providing a mechanistic foundation for temperature-controlled starch degradation during ripening.

The root system is essential for plant development and nutrient acquisition, yet the genetic and molecular mechanisms governing root elongation in wheat remain largely elusive. In this study, we identified a novel quantitative trait locus (QTL), QRL.cau-7D, associated with root elongation in wheat. Through map-based cloning, we characterized TaCOL1-7D, a CONSTANS-like (COL) transcription factor, as the causal gene underlying this QTL. Functional analysis revealed that TaCOL1-7D promotes root elongation by modulating lignin biosynthesis, and physical interaction with TaMADS25, a regulator of root architecture and nitrogen uptake. Furthermore, our findings suggest that TaCOL1-7D participates in nitrogen absorption by enhancing the transcriptional activity of TaMADS25. An excellent allelic variation, TaCOL1-7D^TAA10, has been discovered to promote root elongation and nitrogen absorption. This work provides new insights into the genetic basis of root system architecture in wheat and opens avenues for improving nutrient uptake efficiency through molecular breeding.

CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION-related (CLE) peptides are key regulators of cell division in root, shoot, and vascular meristems. However, the role of CLE peptides in regulating root hair growth remains poorly understood. Here, we report that hyperosmotic stress rapidly induces the expression of SlCLE10 in tomato. Overexpression of SlCLE10 increased root hair length and enhanced drought tolerance, whereas the slcle10 knockout mutant exhibited shorter root hairs than the wild type. We further demonstrated that SlCLE10-mediated root hair promotion under osmotic stress depends on ethylene biosynthesis and signaling. Specifically, SlCLE10 enhances the activation of SlMAPK6 and promotes its interaction with SlACS2. SlMAPK6 subsequently phosphorylates SlACS2, stabilizing the protein and increasing ethylene production. These findings define a SlCLE10-SlMAPK6-SlACS2 signaling module that regulates root hair formation under hyperosmotic stress. Notably, exogenous application of SlCLE10 peptide promoted root hair growth in a variety of dicot species, including pepper, eggplant, cucumber, oilseed rape, leafy greens, and tobacco. Our study thus establishes a molecular framework linking environmental stress to CLE peptide-mediated root hair development and proposes a potential strategy for improving crop drought resistance through genetic enhancement of root hair growth.