Plant Communications最新文献

Machine learning and deep learning are extensively employed in genomic selection (GS) to expedite the identification of superior genotypes and accelerate breeding cycles. However, a significant challenge with current data-driven deep learning models in GS lies in their low robustness and poor interpretability. To address these challenges, we developed Cropformer, a deep learning framework for predicting crop phenotypes and exploring downstream tasks. This framework combines convolutional neural networks with multiple self-attention mechanisms to improve accuracy. The ability of Cropformer to predict complex phenotypic traits was extensively evaluated on more than 20 traits across five major crops: maize, rice, wheat, foxtail millet, and tomato. Evaluation results show that Cropformer outperforms other GS methods in both precision and robustness, achieving up to a 7.5% improvement in prediction accuracy compared to the runner-up model. Additionally, Cropformer enhances the analysis and mining of genes associated with traits. We identified numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with potential effects on maize phenotypic traits and revealed key genetic variations underlying these differences. Cropformer represents a significant advancement in predictive performance and gene identification, providing a powerful general tool for improving genomic design in crop breeding. Cropformer is freely accessible at https://cgris.net/cropformer.

High-quality genome information is essential for efficiently deciphering and improving crop traits. Here, we report a highly contiguous and accurate hexaploid genome assembly for the key wheat breeding parent Zhou8425B, an elite 1BL/1RS translocation line with durable adult plant resistance (APR) against yellow rust (YR) disease. By integrating HiFi and Hi-C sequencing reads, we have generated a 14.75-Gb genome assembly for Zhou8425B with a contig N50 of 70.94 and a scaffold N50 of 735.11 Mb. Comparisons with previously sequenced common wheat cultivars shed light on structural changes in the 1RS chromosome arm, which has been extensively used in wheat improvement. Interestingly, Zhou8425B 1RS carries more genes encoding AP2/ERF-ERF or B3 transcription factors than its counterparts in four previously sequenced wheat and rye genotypes. The Zhou8425B genome assembly aided in the fine mapping of a new APR locus (YrZH3BS) that confers resistance to YR disease and promotes grain yield under field conditions. Notably, pyramiding YrZH3BS with two previously characterized APR loci (YrZH22 and YrZH84) can further reduce YR severity and enhance grain yield, with the triple combination (YrZH3B + YrZH22 + YrZH84) having the greatest effect. Finally, the founder genotype effects of Zhou8425B were explored using publicly available genome resequencing data, which reveals the presence of important Zhou8425B genomic blocks in its derivative cultivars. Our data demonstrate the value of the Zhou8425B genome assembly for further study of the structural and functional characteristics of 1RS, the genetic basis of durable YR resistance, and founder genotype effects in wheat breeding. Our resources will facilitate the development of elite wheat cultivars through genomics-assisted breeding.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is one of the world's most important commercial crops. However, the dynamics of metabolite abundance and potential regulatory networks throughout its life cycle remain poorly understood. In this study, we developed a cotton metabolism regulatory network (CMRN) that spans various developmental stages and encompasses 2138 metabolites and 90 309 expressed genesin upland cotton. By integrating high-resolution spatiotemporal metabolome and transcriptome data, we identified 1958 differentially accumulated metabolites and 13 597 co-expressed differentially expressed genes between the dwarf mutant pagoda1 and its wild-type counterpart Zhongmiansuo 24. These metabolites and genes were categorized into seven clusters based on tissue-specific accumulation patterns and gene expression profiles across different developmental stages. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed significant differential enrichment in the fatty acid elongation pathway, particularly in fibers. The differential involvement of genes and metabolites in very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) synthesis led to the identification of GhKCS1b_Dt as a key gene. Overexpression of GhKCS1b_Dt significantly promoted fiber elongation, while its silencing markedly inhibited cotton fiber growth, affirming its positive regulatory role in fiber elongation. This dataset provides a valuable resource for further research into metabolic pathways and gene regulatory networks, offering novel insights for advancing cotton breeding strategies.

To combat pathogen attacks, plants have developed a highly advanced immune system, which requires tight regulation to initiate robust defense responses while simultaneously preventing autoimmunity. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which is responsible for degrading excess or misfolded proteins, has vital roles in ensuring strong and effective immune responses. E3 ligases, as key UPS components, play extensively documented roles in rice immunity by modulating the ubiquitination and degradation of downstream substrates involved in various immune signaling pathways. Here, we summarize the crucial roles of rice E3 ligases in both pathogen/microbe/damage-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity and effector-triggered immunity, highlight the molecular mechanisms by which E3 ligases function in rice immune signaling, and emphasize the functions of E3 ligases as targets of pathogen effectors for pathogenesis. We also discuss potential strategies for application of immunity-associated E3 ligases in breeding of disease-resistant rice varieties without growth penalty. This review provides a comprehensive and updated understanding of the sophisticated and interconnected regulatory functions of E3 ligases in rice immunity and in balancing immunity with growth and development.

Plastid biogenesis and the coordination of plastid and nuclear genome expression through anterograde and retrograde signaling are essential for plant development. GENOMES UNCOUPLED1 (GUN1) plays a central role in retrograde signaling during early plant development. The putative function of GUN1 has been extensively studied, but its molecular function remains controversial. Here, we evaluate published transcriptome data and generate our own data from gun1 mutants grown under signaling-relevant conditions to show that editing and splicing are not relevant for GUN1-dependent retrograde signaling. Our study of the plastid (post)transcriptome of gun1 seedlings with white and pale cotyledons demonstrates that GUN1 deficiency significantly alters the entire plastid transcriptome. By combining this result with a pentatricopeptide repeat code-based prediction and experimental validation by RNA immunoprecipitation experiments, we identified several putative targets of GUN1, including tRNAs and RNAs derived from ycf1.2, rpoC1, and rpoC2 and the ndhH-ndhA-ndhI-ndhG-ndhE-psaC-ndhD gene cluster. The absence of plastid rRNAs and the significant reduction of almost all plastid transcripts in white gun1 mutants account for the cotyledon phenotype. Our study provides evidence for RNA binding and maturation as the long-sought molecular function of GUN1 and resolves long-standing controversies. We anticipate that our findings will serve as a basis for subsequent studies on mechanisms of plastid gene expression and will help to elucidate the function of GUN1 in retrograde signaling.

The future of agriculture is uncertain under the current climate change scenario. Climate change directly and indirectly affects the biotic and abiotic elements that control agroecosystems, jeopardizing the safety of the world's food supply. A new area that focuses on characterizing the phytobiome is emerging. The phytobiome comprises plants and their immediate surroundings, involving numerous interdependent microscopic and macroscopic organisms that affect the health and productivity of plants. Phytobiome studies primarily focus on the microbial communities associated with plants, which are referred to as the plant microbiome. The development of high-throughput sequencing technologies over the past 10 years has dramatically advanced our understanding of the structure, functionality, and dynamics of the phytobiome; however, comprehensive methods for using this knowledge are lacking, particularly for major crops such as rice. Considering the impact of rice production on world food security, gaining fresh perspectives on the interdependent and interrelated components of the rice phytobiome could enhance rice production and crop health, sustain rice ecosystem function, and combat the effects of climate change. Our review re-conceptualizes the complex dynamics of the microscopic and macroscopic components in the rice phytobiome as influenced by human interventions and changing environmental conditions driven by climate change. We also discuss interdisciplinary and systematic approaches to decipher and reprogram the sophisticated interactions in the rice phytobiome using novel strategies and cutting-edge technology. Merging the gigantic datasets and complex information on the rice phytobiome and their application in the context of regenerative agriculture could lead to sustainable rice farming practices that are resilient to the impacts of climate change.

Plants perceive pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) using plasma-membrane-localized pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to activate broad-spectrum pattern-triggered immunity. However, the regulatory mechanisms that ensure robust broad-spectrum plant immunity remain largely unknown. Here, we reveal that the transcription factor WRKY8 has a dual role in the transcriptional regulation of PRR genes: repressing expression of the nlp20/nlp24 receptor gene RLP23 while promoting that of the chitin receptor gene CERK1. SsNLP1 and SsNLP2, two nlp24-type PAMPs from the destructive fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, activate two calcium-elicited kinases, CPK4 and CPK11, which phosphorylate WRKY8 and thus release its inhibition on RLP23 to promote accumulation of RLP23 transcripts. Meanwhile, SsNLPs activate the RLCK-type kinase PBL19, which phosphorylates WRKY8 and thus enhances accumulation of CERK1 transcripts. Intriguingly, RLP23 is repressed at later stage by PBL19-mediated phosphorylation of WRKY8, thus avoiding excessive immunity and enabling normal growth. Our findings unveil a plant strategy of "killing two birds with one stone" to elicit robust broad-spectrum immunity. This strategy is based on PAMP-triggered fine-tuning of a dual-role transcription factor to simultaneously amplify two PRRs that recognize PAMPs conserved across a wide range of pathogens. Moreover, our results reveal a novel plant strategy for balancing the trade-off between growth and immunity by fine-tuning the expression of multiple PRR genes.

Efficient genotype-independent transformation and genome editing are highly desirable for plant biotechnology research and product development efforts. We have developed a novel approach to enable fast, high-throughput, and genotype-flexible Agrobacterium-mediated transformation using the important crop soybean as a test system. This new method is called GiFT (genotype-independent fast transformation) and involves only a few simple steps. The method uses germinated seeds as explants, and DNA delivery is achieved through Agrobacterium infection of wounded explants as in conventional in vitro-based methods. Following infection, the wounded explants are incubated in liquid medium with a sublethal level of selection and then transplanted directly into soil. The transplanted seedlings are then selected with herbicide spray for 3 weeks. The time required from initiation to fully established healthy T0 transgenic events is about 35 days. The GiFT method requires minimal in vitro manipulation or use of tissue culture media. Because the regeneration occurs in planta, the GiFT method is highly flexible with respect to genotype, which we demonstrate via successful transformation of elite germplasms from diverse genetic backgrounds. We also show that the soybean GiFT method can be applied to both conventional binary vectors and CRISPR-Cas12a vectors for genome editing applications. Analyses of T1 progeny demonstrate that the events have a high inheritance rate and can be used for genome engineering applications. By minimizing the need for tissue culture, the novel approach described here significantly improves operational efficiency while greatly reducing personnel and supply costs. It is the first industry-scale transformation method to utilize in planta selection in a major field crop.