Dear Editor,Weedy rice(Oryza spp.)is a problematic paddy weed known for traits such as high seed shattering,persistent seed dormancy in the soil seed bank,and robust competitiveness against cultivated varieties,threat...Dear Editor,Weedy rice(Oryza spp.)is a problematic paddy weed known for traits such as high seed shattering,persistent seed dormancy in the soil seed bank,and robust competitiveness against cultivated varieties,threatening rice production yields worldwide(Nadir et al.,2017).Recent population genomics studies have shown that weedy rice strains around the world have repeatedly and independently evolved from various cultivated ancestors at different times in the history of rice cultivation(Li et al.,2017;Qiu et al.,2017;Sun et al.,2019).This de-domestication(feralization)process involves phenotypic reversions from key domestication traits,such as non-shattering and non-dormant seeds,to more wild-like characteristics.Diverse genetic mechanisms appear to underlie the convergent evolution of weedy rice worldwide(Qi et al.,2015;Qiu et al.,2020).While most global weedy rice directly descends from domesticated rice,introgression from wild rice also contributes to its adaptive evolution,particularly in tropical Asia where wild Oryzas occur(Li et al.,2024a).展开更多
Ambient temperature affects flowering time in plants,and the MADS-box transcription factor SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE(SVP)plays a crucial role in the response to changes in ambient temperature.SVP protein stability is reg...Ambient temperature affects flowering time in plants,and the MADS-box transcription factor SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE(SVP)plays a crucial role in the response to changes in ambient temperature.SVP protein stability is regulated by the 26S proteasome pathway and decreases at high ambient temperature,but the details of SVP degradation are unclear.Here,we show that SVP degradation at high ambient temperature is mediated by the CULLIN3–RING E3 ubiquitin ligase(CRL3)complex in Arabidopsis thaliana.We identified a previously uncharacterized protein that interacts with SVP at high ambient temperature and contains a BTB/POZ domain.We named this protein LATE FLOWERING AT HIGH TEMPERATURE 1(LFH1).Single mutants of LFH1 or CULLIN3A(CUL3A)showed late flowering specifically at 27C.LFH1 protein levels increased at high ambient temperature.We found that LFH1 interacts with CUL3A in the cytoplasm and is important for SVP–CUL3A complex formation.Mutations in CUL3A and/or LFH1 led to increased SVP protein stability at high ambient temperature,suggesting that the CUL3–LFH1 complex functions in SVP degradation.Screening E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes(UBCs)using RING-BOX PROTEIN 1(RBX1),a component of the CRL3 complex,as bait identified UBC15.ubc15 mutants also showed late flowering at high ambient temperature.In vitro and in vivo ubiquitination assays using recombinant CUL3A,LFH1,RBX1,and UBC15 showed that SVP is highly ubiquitinated in an ATP-dependent manner.Collectively,these results indicate that the degradation of SVP at high ambient temperature is mediated by a CRL3 complex comprising CUL3A,LFH1,and UBC15.展开更多
A root hair is a polarly elongated single-celled structure that derives from a root epidermal cell and func-tions in uptake of water and nutrients from the surrounding environment.Previous reports have demon-strated t...A root hair is a polarly elongated single-celled structure that derives from a root epidermal cell and func-tions in uptake of water and nutrients from the surrounding environment.Previous reports have demon-strated that short periods of high pH inhibit root hair extension;but the effects of long-term high-pH treat-ment on root hair growth are still unclear.Here,we report that the duration of root hair elongation is signicantly prolonged with increasing external pH,which counteracts the effect of decreasing root hair elongation rate and ultimately produces longer root hairs,whereas loss of actin-depolymerizing factor 8 and 11(ADF8/11)function causes shortening of root hair length at high pH(pH 7.4).Accumulation of ADF8/11 at the tips of root hairs is inhibited by high pH,and increasing environmental pH affects the actinlament(F-actin)meshwork at the root hair tip.At high pH,the tip-focused F-actin meshwork is absent in root hairs of the adf8/11 mutant,actinlaments are disordered at the adf8/11 root hair tips,and actin turn-over is attenuated.Secretory and recycling vesicles do not aggregate in the apical region of adf8/11 root hairs at high pH.Together,our results suggest that,under long-term exposure to high extracellular pH,ADF8/11 may establish and maintain the tip-focused F-actin meshwork to regulate polar trafcking of secretory/recycling vesicles at the root hair tips,thereby promoting root hair elongation.展开更多
Proper timing of flowering under different environmental conditions is critical for plant propagation.Light quality is a pivotal environmental cue that plays a critical role in flowering regulation.Plants tend to flow...Proper timing of flowering under different environmental conditions is critical for plant propagation.Light quality is a pivotal environmental cue that plays a critical role in flowering regulation.Plants tend to flower late under light with a high red(R)/far-red(FR)light ratio but early under light with a low R/FR light ratio.However,how plants fine-tune flowering in response to changes in light quality is not well understood.Here,we demonstrate that F-box of Flowering 2(FOF2),an autonomous pathway–related regulator,physically interacts with VASCULAR PLANT ONE-ZINC FINGER 1 and 2(VOZ1 and VOZ2),which are direct downstream factors of the R/FR light receptor phytochrome B(PHYB).We show that PHYB physically interacts with FOF2,mediates stabilization of the FOF2 protein under FR light and end-of-day FR light,and enhances FOF2 binding to VOZ2,which leads to degradation of VOZ2 by SCF^(FOF2) E3 ligase.By contrast,PHYB mediates degradation of FOF2 protein under R light and end-of-day R light.Genetic interaction studies demonstrated that FOF2 functions downstream of PHYB to promote FLC expression and inhibit flowering under both high R/FR light and simulated shade conditions,processes that are partially dependent on VOZ proteins.Taken together,our findings suggest a novel mechanism whereby plants fine-tune flowering time through a PHYB–FOF2–VOZ2 module that modulates FLC expression in response to changes in light quality.展开更多
The endoplasmic reticulum(ER)and the plasma membrane(PM)form ER–PM contact sites(EPCSs)that allow the ER and PM to exchange materials and information.Stress-induced disruption of protein folding triggers ER stress,an...The endoplasmic reticulum(ER)and the plasma membrane(PM)form ER–PM contact sites(EPCSs)that allow the ER and PM to exchange materials and information.Stress-induced disruption of protein folding triggers ER stress,and the cell initiates the unfolded protein response(UPR)to resist the stress.However,whether EPCSs play a role in ER stress in plants remains unclear.VESICLE-ASSOCIATED MEMBRANE PROTEIN(VAMP)-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN 27-1(VAP27-1)functions in EPCS tethering and is encoded by a family of 10 genes(VAP27-1–10)in Arabidopsis thaliana.Here,we used CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing to obtain a homozygous vap27-1 vap27-3 vap27-4(vap27-1/3/4)triple mutant lacking three of the key VAP27 family members in Arabidopsis.The vap27-1/3/4 mutant exhibits defects in ER–PM connectivity and EPCS architecture,as well as excessive UPR signaling.We further showed that relocation of VAP27-1 to the PM mediates specific VAP27-1-related EPCS remodeling and expansion under ER stress.Moreover,the spatiotemporal dynamics of VAP27-1 at the PM increase ER–PM connectivity and enhance Arabidopsis resistance to ER stress.In addition,we revealed an important role for intracellular calcium homeostasis in the regulation of UPR signaling.Taken together,these results broaden our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of ER stress and UPR signaling in plants,providing additional clues for improving plant broad-spectrum resistance to different stresses.展开更多
Inorganic phosphorus(Pi)deficiency significantly impacts plant growth,development,and photosynthetic efficiency.This study evaluated 206 rice accessions from a MiniCore population under both Pi-sufficient(Pi^(+))and P...Inorganic phosphorus(Pi)deficiency significantly impacts plant growth,development,and photosynthetic efficiency.This study evaluated 206 rice accessions from a MiniCore population under both Pi-sufficient(Pi^(+))and Pi-starvation(Pi^(-))conditions in the field to assess photosynthetic phosphorus use efficiency(PPUE),defined as the ratio of A_(sat)^(Pi^(-))to A_(sat)^(Pi^(+)).A genome-wide association study and differential gene expression analyses identified an acid phosphatase gene(ACP2)that responds strongly to phosphate availability.Overexpression and knockout of ACP2 led to a 67%increase and 32%decrease in PPUE,respectively,compared with wild type.Introduction of an elite allele A,by substituting the v5 SNP G with A,resulted in an 18%increase in PPUE in gene-edited ACP2 rice lines.The phosphate-responsive gene PHR2 was found to transcriptionally activate ACP2 in parallel with PHR2 overexpression,resulting in an 11%increase in PPUE.Biochemical assays indicated that ACP2 primarily catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphoethanolamine and phospho-L-serine.In addition,serine levels increased significantly in the ACP2^(vBG)overexpression line,along with a concomitant decrease in the expression of all nine genes involved in the photorespiratory pathway.Application of serine enhanced PPUE and reduced photorespiration rates in ACP2 mutants under Pi-starvation conditions.We deduce that ACP2 plays a crucial role in promoting photosynthesis adaptation to Pi starvation by regulating serine metabolism in rice.展开更多
Calcium-dependent protein kinases(CDPKs)act as key signal transduction enzymes in plants,especially in response to diverse stresses,including herbivory.In this study,a comprehensive analysis of the CDPK gene family in...Calcium-dependent protein kinases(CDPKs)act as key signal transduction enzymes in plants,especially in response to diverse stresses,including herbivory.In this study,a comprehensive analysis of the CDPK gene family in upland cotton revealed that GhCPKs are widely expressed in multiple cotton tissues and respond positively to various biotic and abiotic stresses.We developed a strategy for screening insect-resistance genes from a CRISPR-Cas9 mutant library of GhCPKs.The library was created using 246 single-guide RNAs targeting the GhCPK gene family to generate 518 independent T0 plants.The average target-gene coverage was 86.18%,the genome editing rate was 89.49%,and the editing heritability was 82%.An insect bioassay in the field led to identification of 14 GhCPK mutants that are resistant or susceptible to insects.The mutant that showed the clearest insect resistance,cpk33/74(in which the homologous genes GhCPK33 and GhCPK74 were knocked out),was selected for further study.Oral secretions from Spodoptera litura induced a rapid influx of Ca2+in cpk33/74 leaves,resulting in a significant increase in jasmonic acid content.S-adenosylmethionine synthase is an important protein involved in plant stress response,and protein interaction experiments provided evidence for interactions of GhCPK33 and GhCPK74 with GhSAMS1 and GhSAM2.In addition,virus-induced gene silencing of GhSAMS1 and GhSAM2 in cotton impaired defense against S.litura.This study demonstrates an effective strategy for constructing a mutant library of a gene family in a polyploid plant species and offers valuable insights into the role of CDPKs in the interaction between plants and herbivorous insects.展开更多
Rapeseed(Brassica napus L.)is one of the major global sources of edible vegetable oil and is also used as a feed and pioneer crop and for sightseeing and industrial purposes.Improvements in genome sequencing and molec...Rapeseed(Brassica napus L.)is one of the major global sources of edible vegetable oil and is also used as a feed and pioneer crop and for sightseeing and industrial purposes.Improvements in genome sequencing and molecular marker technology have fueled a boom in functional genomic studies of major agronomic characters such as yield,quality,flowering time,and stress resistance.Moreover,introgression and pyra-miding of key functional genes have greatly accelerated the genetic improvement of important traits.Here we summarize recent progress in rapeseed genomics and genetics,and we discuss effective molecular breeding strategies by exploring thesefindings in rapeseed.These insights will extend our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and regulatory networks underlying agronomic traits and facilitate the breeding process,ultimately contributing to more sustainable agriculture throughout the world.展开更多
Yield prediction is the primary goal of genomic selection(GS)-assisted crop breeding.Because yield is a complex quantitative trait,making predictions from genotypic data is challenging.Transfer learning can produce an...Yield prediction is the primary goal of genomic selection(GS)-assisted crop breeding.Because yield is a complex quantitative trait,making predictions from genotypic data is challenging.Transfer learning can produce an effective model for a target task by leveraging knowledge from a different,but related,source domain and is considered a great potential method for improving yield prediction by integrating multi-trait data.However,it has not previously been applied to genotype-to-phenotype prediction owing to the lack of an efficient implementation framework.We therefore developed TrG2P,a transfer-learning-based framework.TrG2P first employs convolutional neural networks(CNN)to train models using non-yield-trait phenotypic and genotypic data,thus obtaining pre-trained models.Subsequently,the convolutional layer parameters from these pre-trained models are transferred to the yield prediction task,and the fully connected layers are retrained,thus obtaining fine-tuned models.Finally,the convolutional layer and the first fully connected layer of the fine-tuned models are fused,and the last fully connected layer is trained to enhance prediction performance.We applied TrG2P to five sets of genotypic and phenotypic data from maize(Zea mays),rice(Oryza sativa),and wheat(Triticum aestivum)and compared its model precision to that of seven other popular GS tools:ridge regression best linear unbiased prediction(rrBLUP),random forest,support vector regression,light gradient boosting machine(LightGBM),CNN,DeepGS,and deep neural network for genomic prediction(DNNGP).TrG2P improved the accuracy of yield prediction by 39.9%,6.8%,and 1.8%in rice,maize,and wheat,respectively,compared with predictions generated by the best-performing comparison model.Our work therefore demonstrates that transfer learning is an effective strategy for improving yield prediction by integrating information from non-yield-trait data.We attribute its enhanced prediction accuracy to the valuable information available from traits associated with yield and to training dataset augmentation.The Python implementation of TrG2P is available at https://github.com/lijinlong1991/TrG2P.The web-based tool is available at http://trg2p.ebreed.cn:81.展开更多
Freezing stress can seriously affect plant growth and development,but the mechanisms of these effects and plant responses to freezing stress require further exploration.Here,we identified a NAM,ATAF1/2,and CUC2(NAC)-f...Freezing stress can seriously affect plant growth and development,but the mechanisms of these effects and plant responses to freezing stress require further exploration.Here,we identified a NAM,ATAF1/2,and CUC2(NAC)-family transcription factor(TF),NAC056,that can promote freezing tolerance in Arabidopsis.NAC056 mRNA levels are strongly induced by freezing stress in roots,and the nac056 mutant exhibits compromised freezing tolerance.NAC056 acts positively in response to freezing by directly promoting key C-repeat-binding factor(CBF)pathway genes.Interestingly,we found that CBF1 regulates nitrate assimilation by regulating the nitrate reductase gene NIA1 in plants;therefore,NAC056–CBF1–NIA1 form a regulatory module for the assimilation of nitrate and the growth of roots under freezing stress.In addition,35S::NAC056 transgenic plants show enhanced freezing tolerance,which is partially reversed in the cbfs triple mutant.Thus,NAC056 confers freezing tolerance through the CBF pathway,mediating plant responses to balance growth and freezing stress tolerance.展开更多
Plants are constantly exposed to microbial pathogens in the environment.One branch of innate plant immunity is mediated by cell-membrane-localized receptors,but less is known about associations between DNA damage and ...Plants are constantly exposed to microbial pathogens in the environment.One branch of innate plant immunity is mediated by cell-membrane-localized receptors,but less is known about associations between DNA damage and plant immune responses.Here,we show that rice(Oryza sativa)mesophyll cells are prone to DNA double-stranded breaks(DSBs)in response to ZJ173,a strain of Xanthomonas oryzae pv.oryzae(Xoo).The DSB signal transducer ataxia telangiectasia mutated(ATM),but not the ATM and Rad3-related branch,confers resistance against Xoo.Mechanistically,the MRE11–ATM module phosphorylates suppressor of gamma response 1(SOG1),which activates several phenylpropanoid pathway genes and prompts downstream phytoalexin biosynthesis during Xoo infection.Intriguingly,overexpression of the topoisomerase gene TOP6A3 causes a switch from the classic non-homologous end joining(NHEJ)pathway to the alternative NHEJ and homologous recombination pathways atXoo-induced DSBs.The enhanced ATM signaling of the alternative NHEJ pathway strengthens the SOG1-regulated phenylpropanoid pathway and thereby boosts Xoo-induced phytoalexin biosynthesis in TOP6A3-OE1 overexpression lines.Overall,the MRE11–ATM–SOG1 pathway serves as a prime example of plant–pathogen interactions that occur via host non-specific recognition.The function of TOP6-facilitated ATM signaling in the defense response makes it a promising target for breeding of rice germplasm that exhibits resistance to bacterial blight disease without a growth penalty.展开更多
Diatoms,a group of prevalent marine algae,contribute significantly to global primary productivity.Their substantial biomass is linked to enhanced absorption of blue-green light underwater,facilitated by fucoxanthin ch...Diatoms,a group of prevalent marine algae,contribute significantly to global primary productivity.Their substantial biomass is linked to enhanced absorption of blue-green light underwater,facilitated by fucoxanthin chlorophyll(Chl)a/c-binding proteins(FCPs),which exhibit oligomeric diversity across diatom species.Using mild clear native PAGE analysis of solubilized thylakoid membranes,we displayed monomeric,dimeric,trimeric,tetrameric,and pentameric FCPs in diatoms.Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that each oligomeric FCP has a specific protein composition,and together they constitute a large Lhcf family of FCP antennas.In addition,we resolved the structures of the Thalassiosira pseudonana FCP(Tp-FCP)homotrimer and the Chaetoceros gracilis FCP(Cg-FCP)pentamer by cryoelectron microscopy at 2.73-Åand 2.65-Åresolution,respectively.The distinct pigment compositions and organizations of various oligomeric FCPs affect their blue-green light-harvesting,excitation energy transfer pathways.Compared with dimeric and trimeric FCPs,the Cg-FCP tetramer and Cg-FCP pentamer exhibit stronger absorption by Chl c,redshifted and broader Chl a fluorescence emission,and more robust circular dichroism signals originating from Chl a-carotenoid dimers.These spectroscopic characteristics indicate that Chl a molecules in the Cg-FCP tetramer and Cg-FCP pentamer are more heterogeneous than in both dimers and the Tp-FCP trimer.The structural and spectroscopic insights provided by this study contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms that empower diatoms to adapt to fluctuating light environments.展开更多
Floral meristem termination is a key step leading to carpel initiation and fruit development.The frequent occurrence of heat stress due to global warming often disruptsfloral determinacy,resulting in defective fruit f...Floral meristem termination is a key step leading to carpel initiation and fruit development.The frequent occurrence of heat stress due to global warming often disruptsfloral determinacy,resulting in defective fruit formation.However,the detailed mechanism behind this phenomenon is largely unknown.Here,we identify CRABS CLAW a(SlCRCa)as a key regulator offloral meristem termination in tomato.SlCRCa func-tions as an indispensablefloral meristem terminator by suppressing SlWUS activity through the TOMATO AGAMOUS 1(TAG1)–KNUCKLES(SlKNU)–INHIBITOR OF MERISTEM ACTIVITY(SlIMA)network.A direct binding assay revealed that SlCRCa specifically binds to the promoter and second intron of WUSCHEL(SlWUS).We also demonstrate that SlCRCa expression depends on brassinosteroid homeostasis in theflo-ral meristem,which is repressed by heat stress via the circadian factor EARLY FLOWERING 3(SlELF3).These results provide new insights intofloral meristem termination and the heat stress response inflowers and fruits of tomato and suggest that SlCRCa provides a platform for multiple protein interactions that may epigenetically abrogate stem cell activity at the transition fromfloral meristem to carpel initiation.展开更多
The programmable CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology,adopted from prokaryotic adaptive immune systems,has revolutionized genome engineering in plants(Liu et al.,2022a).Many efforts have been made to improve the activ...The programmable CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology,adopted from prokaryotic adaptive immune systems,has revolutionized genome engineering in plants(Liu et al.,2022a).Many efforts have been made to improve the activity,specificity,and protospacer adjacent motif(PAM)variants of Class 2 Cas nucleases,such as Cas9,Cas12a,and Cas12b(Liu et al.,2022a).However,their large size(∼1000–1400 amino acids)poses a challenge in scenarios requiring a compact Cas nuclease,particularly in urgent situations like plant virus-induced genome editing(Cheuk and Houde,2018;Li et al.,2021;Varanda et al.,2021).展开更多
Ginsenosides, the main pharmacologically active natural compounds in ginseng （Panax ginseng）, are mostly the glycosylated products of protopanaxadiol （PPD） and protopanaxatriol （PPT）. No uridine diphosphate glyc...Ginsenosides, the main pharmacologically active natural compounds in ginseng （Panax ginseng）, are mostly the glycosylated products of protopanaxadiol （PPD） and protopanaxatriol （PPT）. No uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase （UGT）, which catalyzes PPT to produce PPT-type ginsenosides, has yet been reported. Here, we show that UGTPgl, which has been demonstrated to regio-specifically glycosylate the C20-OH of PPD, also specifically glycosylates the C20-OH of PPT to produce bioactive ginsenoside FI. We report the characterization of four novel UGT genes isolated from P. ginseng, sharing high deduced amino acid identity （〉84%） with UGTPgl. We demonstrate that UGTPgl00 specifically glycosylates the C6-OH of PPT to produce bioactive ginsenoside Rhl, and UGTPgl01 catalyzes PPT to produce F1, followed by the generation of ginsenoside Rgl from FI. However, UGTPgl02 and UGTPgl03 were found to have no detectable activity on PPT. Through structural modeling and site-directed mutagenesis, we identified several key amino acids of these UGTs that may play important roles in determining their activities and substrate regio-specificities. Moreover, we constructed yeast recombinants to biosynthesize F1 and Rhl by introducing the genetically engineered PPT-producing pathway and UGTPgl or UGTPgl00. Our study reveals the possible biosynthetic pathways of PPT-type ginsenosides in Panax plants, and provides a sound manufacturing approach for bioactive PPT-type ginsenosides in yeast via synthetic biology strategies.展开更多
Trade-offs between performance and tolerance of abiotic and biotic stress have been proposed to explain both the success of invasive species and frequently observed size differences between native and introduced popul...Trade-offs between performance and tolerance of abiotic and biotic stress have been proposed to explain both the success of invasive species and frequently observed size differences between native and introduced populations.Canada thistle seeds collected from across the introduced North American and the native European range were grown in benign and stressful conditions(nutrient stress,shading,simulated herbivory,drought,and mowing),to evaluate whether native and introduced individuals differ in performance or stress tolerance.An additional experiment assessed the strength of maternal effects by comparing plants derived from field-collected seeds with those derived from clones grown in the glasshouse.Introduced populations tended to be larger in size,but no trade-off of stress tolerance with performance was detected;introduced populations had either superior performance or equivalent trait values and survivorship in the treatment common gardens.We also detected evidence of parallel latitudinal clines of some traits in both the native and introduced ranges and associations with climate variables in some treatments,consistent with recent climate adaptation within the introduced range.Our results are consistent with rapid adaptation of introduced populations,but,contrary to predictions,the evolution of invasive traits did not come at the cost of reduced stress tolerance.展开更多
Dear Editor,Jujube(Ziziphus jujuba Mill.),commonly called Chinese jujube,is a vital member of the Rhamnaceae family.It is famous for its tolerance to dry,barren,and saline-alkali soils,and its fruit has important nutr...Dear Editor,Jujube(Ziziphus jujuba Mill.),commonly called Chinese jujube,is a vital member of the Rhamnaceae family.It is famous for its tolerance to dry,barren,and saline-alkali soils,and its fruit has important nutritional and medicinal value.Recent fundamental research on jujube has involved assembly of draft genome sequences for the fresh-eating cultivar‘Dongzao’(Liu et al.,2014),dry-eating cultivar‘Junzao’(Huang et al.,2016),and wild sour jujube‘Suanzao’(Shen et al.,2021).展开更多
Plant genetic transformation strategies serve as essential tools for the genetic engineering and advanced molecular breeding of plants.However,the complicated operational protocols and low efficiency of cur-rent trans...Plant genetic transformation strategies serve as essential tools for the genetic engineering and advanced molecular breeding of plants.However,the complicated operational protocols and low efficiency of cur-rent transformation strategies restrict the genetic modification of most plant species.This paper de-scribes the development of the regenerative activity–dependent in planta injection delivery(RAPID)method based on the active regeneration capacity of plants.In this method,Agrobacterium tumefaciens is delivered to plant meristems via injection to induce transfected nascent tissues.Stable transgenic plants can be obtained by subsequent vegetative propagation of the positive nascent tissues.The method was successfully used for transformation of plants with strong regeneration capacity,including different genotypes of sweet potato(Ipomoea batatas),potato(Solanum tuberosum),and bayhops(Ipo-moea pes-caprae).Compared with traditional transformation methods,RAPID has a much higher trans-formation efficiency and shorter duration,and it does not require tissue culture procedures.The RAPID method therefore overcomes the limitations of traditional methods to enable rapid in planta transformation and can be potentially applied to a wide range of plant species that are capable of active regeneration.展开更多
Symbiotic nitrogenfixation(SNF)facilitated by the interaction between legumes and rhizobia is a well-documented and eco-friendly alternative to chemical nitrogen fertilizers.Host plants obtainfixed nitrogen from rhizo...Symbiotic nitrogenfixation(SNF)facilitated by the interaction between legumes and rhizobia is a well-documented and eco-friendly alternative to chemical nitrogen fertilizers.Host plants obtainfixed nitrogen from rhizobia by providing carbon and mineral nutrients.These mineral nutrients,which are mostly in the form of metal ions,are implicated in various stages of the SNF process.This review describes the functional roles played by metal ions in nodule formation and nitrogenfixation and specifically addresses their trans-port mechanisms and associated transporters within root nodules.Future research directions and poten-tial strategies for enhancing SNF efficiency are also discussed.展开更多
Brassicaceae represents an important plant family from both a scientific and economic perspective.However,genomic features related to the early diversification of this family have not been fully characterized,especial...Brassicaceae represents an important plant family from both a scientific and economic perspective.However,genomic features related to the early diversification of this family have not been fully characterized,especially upon the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau,which was followed by increasing aridity in the Asian interior,intensifying monsoons in Eastern Asia,and significantly fluctuating daily temperatures.Here,we reveal the genomic architecture that accompanied early Brassicaceae diversification by analyzing two high-quality chromosome-level genomes for Meniocus linifolius(Arabodae;clade D)and Tetracme quadricornis(Hesperodae;clade E),together with genomes representing all major Brassicaceae clades and the basal Aethionemeae.We reconstructed an ancestral core Brassicaceae karyotype(CBK)containing 9 pseudochromosomes with 65 conserved syntenic genomic blocks and identified 9702 conserved genes in Brassicaceae.We detected pervasive conflicting phylogenomic signals accompanied by widespread ancient hybridization events,which correlate well with the early divergence of core Brassicaceae.We identified a successive Brassicaceae-specific expansion of the class I TREHALOSE-6-PHOSPHATE SYNTHASE 1(TPS1)gene family,which encodes enzymes with essential regulatory roles in flowering time and embryo development.The TPS1s were mainly randomly amplified,followed by expression divergence.Our results provide fresh insights into historical genomic features coupled with Brassicaceae evolution and offer a potential model for broad-scale studies of adaptive radiation under an ever-changing environment.展开更多
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(32170638 to J.Q.)Shanghai Science and Technology Committee Rising Star Program(22QA1406800 to J.Q.)United States National Science Foundation(Plant Genome Research Program IOS-1947609 to K.M.O.).
文摘Dear Editor,Weedy rice(Oryza spp.)is a problematic paddy weed known for traits such as high seed shattering,persistent seed dormancy in the soil seed bank,and robust competitiveness against cultivated varieties,threatening rice production yields worldwide(Nadir et al.,2017).Recent population genomics studies have shown that weedy rice strains around the world have repeatedly and independently evolved from various cultivated ancestors at different times in the history of rice cultivation(Li et al.,2017;Qiu et al.,2017;Sun et al.,2019).This de-domestication(feralization)process involves phenotypic reversions from key domestication traits,such as non-shattering and non-dormant seeds,to more wild-like characteristics.Diverse genetic mechanisms appear to underlie the convergent evolution of weedy rice worldwide(Qi et al.,2015;Qiu et al.,2020).While most global weedy rice directly descends from domesticated rice,introgression from wild rice also contributes to its adaptive evolution,particularly in tropical Asia where wild Oryzas occur(Li et al.,2024a).
基金supported by grants from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF-2022R1A3B1078180 and RS-2023-00221182 to J.H.A.and NRF-2022R1A2B5B02001266 to P.J.S.).
文摘Ambient temperature affects flowering time in plants,and the MADS-box transcription factor SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE(SVP)plays a crucial role in the response to changes in ambient temperature.SVP protein stability is regulated by the 26S proteasome pathway and decreases at high ambient temperature,but the details of SVP degradation are unclear.Here,we show that SVP degradation at high ambient temperature is mediated by the CULLIN3–RING E3 ubiquitin ligase(CRL3)complex in Arabidopsis thaliana.We identified a previously uncharacterized protein that interacts with SVP at high ambient temperature and contains a BTB/POZ domain.We named this protein LATE FLOWERING AT HIGH TEMPERATURE 1(LFH1).Single mutants of LFH1 or CULLIN3A(CUL3A)showed late flowering specifically at 27C.LFH1 protein levels increased at high ambient temperature.We found that LFH1 interacts with CUL3A in the cytoplasm and is important for SVP–CUL3A complex formation.Mutations in CUL3A and/or LFH1 led to increased SVP protein stability at high ambient temperature,suggesting that the CUL3–LFH1 complex functions in SVP degradation.Screening E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes(UBCs)using RING-BOX PROTEIN 1(RBX1),a component of the CRL3 complex,as bait identified UBC15.ubc15 mutants also showed late flowering at high ambient temperature.In vitro and in vivo ubiquitination assays using recombinant CUL3A,LFH1,RBX1,and UBC15 showed that SVP is highly ubiquitinated in an ATP-dependent manner.Collectively,these results indicate that the degradation of SVP at high ambient temperature is mediated by a CRL3 complex comprising CUL3A,LFH1,and UBC15.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grants 31970195,31700161,32170331,32170330,and 6232300303)Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Lab grant B23YQ1510,China Postdoctoral Science Foundation grant 2022M720058the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities grants lzujbky-2022-ey06,lzujbky-2023-I02 and lzuibky-2023-pd10.
文摘A root hair is a polarly elongated single-celled structure that derives from a root epidermal cell and func-tions in uptake of water and nutrients from the surrounding environment.Previous reports have demon-strated that short periods of high pH inhibit root hair extension;but the effects of long-term high-pH treat-ment on root hair growth are still unclear.Here,we report that the duration of root hair elongation is signicantly prolonged with increasing external pH,which counteracts the effect of decreasing root hair elongation rate and ultimately produces longer root hairs,whereas loss of actin-depolymerizing factor 8 and 11(ADF8/11)function causes shortening of root hair length at high pH(pH 7.4).Accumulation of ADF8/11 at the tips of root hairs is inhibited by high pH,and increasing environmental pH affects the actinlament(F-actin)meshwork at the root hair tip.At high pH,the tip-focused F-actin meshwork is absent in root hairs of the adf8/11 mutant,actinlaments are disordered at the adf8/11 root hair tips,and actin turn-over is attenuated.Secretory and recycling vesicles do not aggregate in the apical region of adf8/11 root hairs at high pH.Together,our results suggest that,under long-term exposure to high extracellular pH,ADF8/11 may establish and maintain the tip-focused F-actin meshwork to regulate polar trafcking of secretory/recycling vesicles at the root hair tips,thereby promoting root hair elongation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32170252,U20A2029)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(2022A1515010968)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province(2021JJ30097,2022JJ30127)the Natural Science Foundation of Changsha City(kq2202150).
文摘Proper timing of flowering under different environmental conditions is critical for plant propagation.Light quality is a pivotal environmental cue that plays a critical role in flowering regulation.Plants tend to flower late under light with a high red(R)/far-red(FR)light ratio but early under light with a low R/FR light ratio.However,how plants fine-tune flowering in response to changes in light quality is not well understood.Here,we demonstrate that F-box of Flowering 2(FOF2),an autonomous pathway–related regulator,physically interacts with VASCULAR PLANT ONE-ZINC FINGER 1 and 2(VOZ1 and VOZ2),which are direct downstream factors of the R/FR light receptor phytochrome B(PHYB).We show that PHYB physically interacts with FOF2,mediates stabilization of the FOF2 protein under FR light and end-of-day FR light,and enhances FOF2 binding to VOZ2,which leads to degradation of VOZ2 by SCF^(FOF2) E3 ligase.By contrast,PHYB mediates degradation of FOF2 protein under R light and end-of-day R light.Genetic interaction studies demonstrated that FOF2 functions downstream of PHYB to promote FLC expression and inhibit flowering under both high R/FR light and simulated shade conditions,processes that are partially dependent on VOZ proteins.Taken together,our findings suggest a novel mechanism whereby plants fine-tune flowering time through a PHYB–FOF2–VOZ2 module that modulates FLC expression in response to changes in light quality.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32170689,91954202,32030010)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFF0712500)+1 种基金the Program of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities(111 Project,B13007)Beijing Forestry University Outstanding Postgraduate Mentoring Team Building(YJSY-DSTD2022005).
文摘The endoplasmic reticulum(ER)and the plasma membrane(PM)form ER–PM contact sites(EPCSs)that allow the ER and PM to exchange materials and information.Stress-induced disruption of protein folding triggers ER stress,and the cell initiates the unfolded protein response(UPR)to resist the stress.However,whether EPCSs play a role in ER stress in plants remains unclear.VESICLE-ASSOCIATED MEMBRANE PROTEIN(VAMP)-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN 27-1(VAP27-1)functions in EPCS tethering and is encoded by a family of 10 genes(VAP27-1–10)in Arabidopsis thaliana.Here,we used CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing to obtain a homozygous vap27-1 vap27-3 vap27-4(vap27-1/3/4)triple mutant lacking three of the key VAP27 family members in Arabidopsis.The vap27-1/3/4 mutant exhibits defects in ER–PM connectivity and EPCS architecture,as well as excessive UPR signaling.We further showed that relocation of VAP27-1 to the PM mediates specific VAP27-1-related EPCS remodeling and expansion under ER stress.Moreover,the spatiotemporal dynamics of VAP27-1 at the PM increase ER–PM connectivity and enhance Arabidopsis resistance to ER stress.In addition,we revealed an important role for intracellular calcium homeostasis in the regulation of UPR signaling.Taken together,these results broaden our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of ER stress and UPR signaling in plants,providing additional clues for improving plant broad-spectrum resistance to different stresses.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(3217024532260447)+5 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province(LQ20C130003)Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City(SCKJ-JYRC-2022-04)Scientific Research Fund of Zhejiang Provincial Education Department(YZ0Z145972)Huzhou Public Welfare Application Research Project(2021GZ26)National Training Programs of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Undergraduates(2022hzxy019)Guangzhou Science and Technology Planning Project(202201010790).
文摘Inorganic phosphorus(Pi)deficiency significantly impacts plant growth,development,and photosynthetic efficiency.This study evaluated 206 rice accessions from a MiniCore population under both Pi-sufficient(Pi^(+))and Pi-starvation(Pi^(-))conditions in the field to assess photosynthetic phosphorus use efficiency(PPUE),defined as the ratio of A_(sat)^(Pi^(-))to A_(sat)^(Pi^(+)).A genome-wide association study and differential gene expression analyses identified an acid phosphatase gene(ACP2)that responds strongly to phosphate availability.Overexpression and knockout of ACP2 led to a 67%increase and 32%decrease in PPUE,respectively,compared with wild type.Introduction of an elite allele A,by substituting the v5 SNP G with A,resulted in an 18%increase in PPUE in gene-edited ACP2 rice lines.The phosphate-responsive gene PHR2 was found to transcriptionally activate ACP2 in parallel with PHR2 overexpression,resulting in an 11%increase in PPUE.Biochemical assays indicated that ACP2 primarily catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphoethanolamine and phospho-L-serine.In addition,serine levels increased significantly in the ACP2^(vBG)overexpression line,along with a concomitant decrease in the expression of all nine genes involved in the photorespiratory pathway.Application of serine enhanced PPUE and reduced photorespiration rates in ACP2 mutants under Pi-starvation conditions.We deduce that ACP2 plays a crucial role in promoting photosynthesis adaptation to Pi starvation by regulating serine metabolism in rice.
基金Biological Breeding of Stress Tolerant and High Yield Cotton Varieties(2023ZD04040)to L.M.National Natural Science Fund of China for Distinguished Young Scholars(32325039)+2 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(32272128)to S.J.,the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32401780)Key Scientific and Technological Project of Henan Province(222102110151)to S.L.,Major Science and Technology Project of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region(2023A02003-2)to B.L.
文摘Calcium-dependent protein kinases(CDPKs)act as key signal transduction enzymes in plants,especially in response to diverse stresses,including herbivory.In this study,a comprehensive analysis of the CDPK gene family in upland cotton revealed that GhCPKs are widely expressed in multiple cotton tissues and respond positively to various biotic and abiotic stresses.We developed a strategy for screening insect-resistance genes from a CRISPR-Cas9 mutant library of GhCPKs.The library was created using 246 single-guide RNAs targeting the GhCPK gene family to generate 518 independent T0 plants.The average target-gene coverage was 86.18%,the genome editing rate was 89.49%,and the editing heritability was 82%.An insect bioassay in the field led to identification of 14 GhCPK mutants that are resistant or susceptible to insects.The mutant that showed the clearest insect resistance,cpk33/74(in which the homologous genes GhCPK33 and GhCPK74 were knocked out),was selected for further study.Oral secretions from Spodoptera litura induced a rapid influx of Ca2+in cpk33/74 leaves,resulting in a significant increase in jasmonic acid content.S-adenosylmethionine synthase is an important protein involved in plant stress response,and protein interaction experiments provided evidence for interactions of GhCPK33 and GhCPK74 with GhSAMS1 and GhSAM2.In addition,virus-induced gene silencing of GhSAMS1 and GhSAM2 in cotton impaired defense against S.litura.This study demonstrates an effective strategy for constructing a mutant library of a gene family in a polyploid plant species and offers valuable insights into the role of CDPKs in the interaction between plants and herbivorous insects.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFD1200400)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32201791)+3 种基金the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2020M682440)the Program for Modern Agricultural Industrial Technology System (CARS-12)the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF (GZB20230825)the Top-notch Talent Postdoctor Introduction Program of Hubei Province in China.No conflict of interest is declared.
文摘Rapeseed(Brassica napus L.)is one of the major global sources of edible vegetable oil and is also used as a feed and pioneer crop and for sightseeing and industrial purposes.Improvements in genome sequencing and molecular marker technology have fueled a boom in functional genomic studies of major agronomic characters such as yield,quality,flowering time,and stress resistance.Moreover,introgression and pyra-miding of key functional genes have greatly accelerated the genetic improvement of important traits.Here we summarize recent progress in rapeseed genomics and genetics,and we discuss effective molecular breeding strategies by exploring thesefindings in rapeseed.These insights will extend our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and regulatory networks underlying agronomic traits and facilitate the breeding process,ultimately contributing to more sustainable agriculture throughout the world.
基金This research was funded by the STI2030-Major Projects(no.2023ZD0406104)the Beijing Postdoctoral Research Foundation(no.2023-ZZ-116).
文摘Yield prediction is the primary goal of genomic selection(GS)-assisted crop breeding.Because yield is a complex quantitative trait,making predictions from genotypic data is challenging.Transfer learning can produce an effective model for a target task by leveraging knowledge from a different,but related,source domain and is considered a great potential method for improving yield prediction by integrating multi-trait data.However,it has not previously been applied to genotype-to-phenotype prediction owing to the lack of an efficient implementation framework.We therefore developed TrG2P,a transfer-learning-based framework.TrG2P first employs convolutional neural networks(CNN)to train models using non-yield-trait phenotypic and genotypic data,thus obtaining pre-trained models.Subsequently,the convolutional layer parameters from these pre-trained models are transferred to the yield prediction task,and the fully connected layers are retrained,thus obtaining fine-tuned models.Finally,the convolutional layer and the first fully connected layer of the fine-tuned models are fused,and the last fully connected layer is trained to enhance prediction performance.We applied TrG2P to five sets of genotypic and phenotypic data from maize(Zea mays),rice(Oryza sativa),and wheat(Triticum aestivum)and compared its model precision to that of seven other popular GS tools:ridge regression best linear unbiased prediction(rrBLUP),random forest,support vector regression,light gradient boosting machine(LightGBM),CNN,DeepGS,and deep neural network for genomic prediction(DNNGP).TrG2P improved the accuracy of yield prediction by 39.9%,6.8%,and 1.8%in rice,maize,and wheat,respectively,compared with predictions generated by the best-performing comparison model.Our work therefore demonstrates that transfer learning is an effective strategy for improving yield prediction by integrating information from non-yield-trait data.We attribute its enhanced prediction accuracy to the valuable information available from traits associated with yield and to training dataset augmentation.The Python implementation of TrG2P is available at https://github.com/lijinlong1991/TrG2P.The web-based tool is available at http://trg2p.ebreed.cn:81.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant nos.32371293,32171232,31500236,and 31570859)the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai(grant no.22ZR1469500).
文摘Freezing stress can seriously affect plant growth and development,but the mechanisms of these effects and plant responses to freezing stress require further exploration.Here,we identified a NAM,ATAF1/2,and CUC2(NAC)-family transcription factor(TF),NAC056,that can promote freezing tolerance in Arabidopsis.NAC056 mRNA levels are strongly induced by freezing stress in roots,and the nac056 mutant exhibits compromised freezing tolerance.NAC056 acts positively in response to freezing by directly promoting key C-repeat-binding factor(CBF)pathway genes.Interestingly,we found that CBF1 regulates nitrate assimilation by regulating the nitrate reductase gene NIA1 in plants;therefore,NAC056–CBF1–NIA1 form a regulatory module for the assimilation of nitrate and the growth of roots under freezing stress.In addition,35S::NAC056 transgenic plants show enhanced freezing tolerance,which is partially reversed in the cbfs triple mutant.Thus,NAC056 confers freezing tolerance through the CBF pathway,mediating plant responses to balance growth and freezing stress tolerance.
基金supported by the Guangzhou Science and Technology Planning Project (202201010790)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32188102)+2 种基金the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (2023B1515020053)the Youth Innovation of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Y20230C36)the specific research fund of The Innovation Platform for Academicians of Hainan Province (YSPTZX202303).
文摘Plants are constantly exposed to microbial pathogens in the environment.One branch of innate plant immunity is mediated by cell-membrane-localized receptors,but less is known about associations between DNA damage and plant immune responses.Here,we show that rice(Oryza sativa)mesophyll cells are prone to DNA double-stranded breaks(DSBs)in response to ZJ173,a strain of Xanthomonas oryzae pv.oryzae(Xoo).The DSB signal transducer ataxia telangiectasia mutated(ATM),but not the ATM and Rad3-related branch,confers resistance against Xoo.Mechanistically,the MRE11–ATM module phosphorylates suppressor of gamma response 1(SOG1),which activates several phenylpropanoid pathway genes and prompts downstream phytoalexin biosynthesis during Xoo infection.Intriguingly,overexpression of the topoisomerase gene TOP6A3 causes a switch from the classic non-homologous end joining(NHEJ)pathway to the alternative NHEJ and homologous recombination pathways atXoo-induced DSBs.The enhanced ATM signaling of the alternative NHEJ pathway strengthens the SOG1-regulated phenylpropanoid pathway and thereby boosts Xoo-induced phytoalexin biosynthesis in TOP6A3-OE1 overexpression lines.Overall,the MRE11–ATM–SOG1 pathway serves as a prime example of plant–pathogen interactions that occur via host non-specific recognition.The function of TOP6-facilitated ATM signaling in the defense response makes it a promising target for breeding of rice germplasm that exhibits resistance to bacterial blight disease without a growth penalty.
基金National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFA1300403 and 2019YFA0906300)Youth Innovation Promotion Association of CAS(2020081)+4 种基金CAS Interdisciplinary Innovation Team(JCTD-2020-06)CAS Project for Young Scientists in Basic Research(YSBR-004)National Natural Science Foundation of China(32222007)Innovation Platform for Academicians of Hainan Province(2022YSCXTD0005)Science&Technology Specific Project in Agricultural High-tech Industrial Demonstration Area of the Yellow River Delta(2022SZX12).
文摘Diatoms,a group of prevalent marine algae,contribute significantly to global primary productivity.Their substantial biomass is linked to enhanced absorption of blue-green light underwater,facilitated by fucoxanthin chlorophyll(Chl)a/c-binding proteins(FCPs),which exhibit oligomeric diversity across diatom species.Using mild clear native PAGE analysis of solubilized thylakoid membranes,we displayed monomeric,dimeric,trimeric,tetrameric,and pentameric FCPs in diatoms.Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that each oligomeric FCP has a specific protein composition,and together they constitute a large Lhcf family of FCP antennas.In addition,we resolved the structures of the Thalassiosira pseudonana FCP(Tp-FCP)homotrimer and the Chaetoceros gracilis FCP(Cg-FCP)pentamer by cryoelectron microscopy at 2.73-Åand 2.65-Åresolution,respectively.The distinct pigment compositions and organizations of various oligomeric FCPs affect their blue-green light-harvesting,excitation energy transfer pathways.Compared with dimeric and trimeric FCPs,the Cg-FCP tetramer and Cg-FCP pentamer exhibit stronger absorption by Chl c,redshifted and broader Chl a fluorescence emission,and more robust circular dichroism signals originating from Chl a-carotenoid dimers.These spectroscopic characteristics indicate that Chl a molecules in the Cg-FCP tetramer and Cg-FCP pentamer are more heterogeneous than in both dimers and the Tp-FCP trimer.The structural and spectroscopic insights provided by this study contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms that empower diatoms to adapt to fluctuating light environments.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFD1000800).
文摘Floral meristem termination is a key step leading to carpel initiation and fruit development.The frequent occurrence of heat stress due to global warming often disruptsfloral determinacy,resulting in defective fruit formation.However,the detailed mechanism behind this phenomenon is largely unknown.Here,we identify CRABS CLAW a(SlCRCa)as a key regulator offloral meristem termination in tomato.SlCRCa func-tions as an indispensablefloral meristem terminator by suppressing SlWUS activity through the TOMATO AGAMOUS 1(TAG1)–KNUCKLES(SlKNU)–INHIBITOR OF MERISTEM ACTIVITY(SlIMA)network.A direct binding assay revealed that SlCRCa specifically binds to the promoter and second intron of WUSCHEL(SlWUS).We also demonstrate that SlCRCa expression depends on brassinosteroid homeostasis in theflo-ral meristem,which is repressed by heat stress via the circadian factor EARLY FLOWERING 3(SlELF3).These results provide new insights intofloral meristem termination and the heat stress response inflowers and fruits of tomato and suggest that SlCRCa provides a platform for multiple protein interactions that may epigenetically abrogate stem cell activity at the transition fromfloral meristem to carpel initiation.
基金supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China,the Jiangsu Province Natural Science Foundation(grant nos.BK20212010 and BK20230038)the Jiangsu Province Key Research and Development Program(grant no.BE2022383)+4 种基金the Hainan Seed Industry Laboratory(grant no.B21HJ1004)the Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory(grant no.ZSBBL-KY2023-04)the Guidance Foundation of the Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University(grant no.NAUSY-ZZ01)the Bingtuan Key Science and Technology Program of Xinjiang Province(grant no.2023AB006-02)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant no.31872806).
文摘The programmable CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology,adopted from prokaryotic adaptive immune systems,has revolutionized genome engineering in plants(Liu et al.,2022a).Many efforts have been made to improve the activity,specificity,and protospacer adjacent motif(PAM)variants of Class 2 Cas nucleases,such as Cas9,Cas12a,and Cas12b(Liu et al.,2022a).However,their large size(∼1000–1400 amino acids)poses a challenge in scenarios requiring a compact Cas nuclease,particularly in urgent situations like plant virus-induced genome editing(Cheuk and Houde,2018;Li et al.,2021;Varanda et al.,2021).
文摘Ginsenosides, the main pharmacologically active natural compounds in ginseng （Panax ginseng）, are mostly the glycosylated products of protopanaxadiol （PPD） and protopanaxatriol （PPT）. No uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase （UGT）, which catalyzes PPT to produce PPT-type ginsenosides, has yet been reported. Here, we show that UGTPgl, which has been demonstrated to regio-specifically glycosylate the C20-OH of PPD, also specifically glycosylates the C20-OH of PPT to produce bioactive ginsenoside FI. We report the characterization of four novel UGT genes isolated from P. ginseng, sharing high deduced amino acid identity （〉84%） with UGTPgl. We demonstrate that UGTPgl00 specifically glycosylates the C6-OH of PPT to produce bioactive ginsenoside Rhl, and UGTPgl01 catalyzes PPT to produce F1, followed by the generation of ginsenoside Rgl from FI. However, UGTPgl02 and UGTPgl03 were found to have no detectable activity on PPT. Through structural modeling and site-directed mutagenesis, we identified several key amino acids of these UGTs that may play important roles in determining their activities and substrate regio-specificities. Moreover, we constructed yeast recombinants to biosynthesize F1 and Rhl by introducing the genetically engineered PPT-producing pathway and UGTPgl or UGTPgl00. Our study reveals the possible biosynthetic pathways of PPT-type ginsenosides in Panax plants, and provides a sound manufacturing approach for bioactive PPT-type ginsenosides in yeast via synthetic biology strategies.
基金supported by grants(PBZHP3-123301 and PA00P3_134180)from the Swiss National Science Foundation to A.G.from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Awards(327475 and 353026)to L.H.R.
文摘Trade-offs between performance and tolerance of abiotic and biotic stress have been proposed to explain both the success of invasive species and frequently observed size differences between native and introduced populations.Canada thistle seeds collected from across the introduced North American and the native European range were grown in benign and stressful conditions(nutrient stress,shading,simulated herbivory,drought,and mowing),to evaluate whether native and introduced individuals differ in performance or stress tolerance.An additional experiment assessed the strength of maternal effects by comparing plants derived from field-collected seeds with those derived from clones grown in the glasshouse.Introduced populations tended to be larger in size,but no trade-off of stress tolerance with performance was detected;introduced populations had either superior performance or equivalent trait values and survivorship in the treatment common gardens.We also detected evidence of parallel latitudinal clines of some traits in both the native and introduced ranges and associations with climate variables in some treatments,consistent with recent climate adaptation within the introduced range.Our results are consistent with rapid adaptation of introduced populations,but,contrary to predictions,the evolution of invasive traits did not come at the cost of reduced stress tolerance.
基金supported by the general program of the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province,China(C2022204030)the general program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32171817)+2 种基金special research projects for the new talent of Hebei Agricultural University,Hebei Province,China(YJ2020025)the China Agricultural Research System(CARS-30-2-07)grants from the Hebei Province Key R&D Program(21326304D).
文摘Dear Editor,Jujube(Ziziphus jujuba Mill.),commonly called Chinese jujube,is a vital member of the Rhamnaceae family.It is famous for its tolerance to dry,barren,and saline-alkali soils,and its fruit has important nutritional and medicinal value.Recent fundamental research on jujube has involved assembly of draft genome sequences for the fresh-eating cultivar‘Dongzao’(Liu et al.,2014),dry-eating cultivar‘Junzao’(Huang et al.,2016),and wild sour jujube‘Suanzao’(Shen et al.,2021).
基金supported by grants from the Key Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province (2022B1111230001)the Science and Technology Projects in Guangzhou (E3330900-01)+3 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China-Guangdong Joint Fund (U1701234)the Guangdong Special Support Plan Project (2019TQ05N140)the Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Project (202201010641)the Guangdong Forestry Bureau (Key Laboratory of Plant Ex Situ Protection and Utilization in South China) (E336030011).
文摘Plant genetic transformation strategies serve as essential tools for the genetic engineering and advanced molecular breeding of plants.However,the complicated operational protocols and low efficiency of cur-rent transformation strategies restrict the genetic modification of most plant species.This paper de-scribes the development of the regenerative activity–dependent in planta injection delivery(RAPID)method based on the active regeneration capacity of plants.In this method,Agrobacterium tumefaciens is delivered to plant meristems via injection to induce transfected nascent tissues.Stable transgenic plants can be obtained by subsequent vegetative propagation of the positive nascent tissues.The method was successfully used for transformation of plants with strong regeneration capacity,including different genotypes of sweet potato(Ipomoea batatas),potato(Solanum tuberosum),and bayhops(Ipo-moea pes-caprae).Compared with traditional transformation methods,RAPID has a much higher trans-formation efficiency and shorter duration,and it does not require tissue culture procedures.The RAPID method therefore overcomes the limitations of traditional methods to enable rapid in planta transformation and can be potentially applied to a wide range of plant species that are capable of active regeneration.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32022077)the Science and Technology Innovation Fund of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (CXZX2019145G)。
文摘Symbiotic nitrogenfixation(SNF)facilitated by the interaction between legumes and rhizobia is a well-documented and eco-friendly alternative to chemical nitrogen fertilizers.Host plants obtainfixed nitrogen from rhizobia by providing carbon and mineral nutrients.These mineral nutrients,which are mostly in the form of metal ions,are implicated in various stages of the SNF process.This review describes the functional roles played by metal ions in nodule formation and nitrogenfixation and specifically addresses their trans-port mechanisms and associated transporters within root nodules.Future research directions and poten-tial strategies for enhancing SNF efficiency are also discussed.
基金supported by the Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS)(Grant No.XDA0440000 and XDB31000000).
文摘Brassicaceae represents an important plant family from both a scientific and economic perspective.However,genomic features related to the early diversification of this family have not been fully characterized,especially upon the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau,which was followed by increasing aridity in the Asian interior,intensifying monsoons in Eastern Asia,and significantly fluctuating daily temperatures.Here,we reveal the genomic architecture that accompanied early Brassicaceae diversification by analyzing two high-quality chromosome-level genomes for Meniocus linifolius(Arabodae;clade D)and Tetracme quadricornis(Hesperodae;clade E),together with genomes representing all major Brassicaceae clades and the basal Aethionemeae.We reconstructed an ancestral core Brassicaceae karyotype(CBK)containing 9 pseudochromosomes with 65 conserved syntenic genomic blocks and identified 9702 conserved genes in Brassicaceae.We detected pervasive conflicting phylogenomic signals accompanied by widespread ancient hybridization events,which correlate well with the early divergence of core Brassicaceae.We identified a successive Brassicaceae-specific expansion of the class I TREHALOSE-6-PHOSPHATE SYNTHASE 1(TPS1)gene family,which encodes enzymes with essential regulatory roles in flowering time and embryo development.The TPS1s were mainly randomly amplified,followed by expression divergence.Our results provide fresh insights into historical genomic features coupled with Brassicaceae evolution and offer a potential model for broad-scale studies of adaptive radiation under an ever-changing environment.
