Search Results (393)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a significant medicinal and culinary plant, with its growth influenced by various biotic and abiotic factors. The FWL gene, containing the PLAC8 motif, is prevalent in fungi, algae, higher plants, and animals. In plants, FWL primarily regulates fruit weight, cell division, and participates in heavy metal transport. However, the FWL family members in ginger have not been previously identified. This study identified 21 FWL members within the ginger genome, distributed across nine chromosomes. These 21 FWL genes were categorized into five subfamilies based on the phylogenetic analysis. Gene-structure and motif analyses revealed that ZoFWL has been conserved throughout evolution. Concurrently, the ZoFWL gene exhibits a homologous evolutionary relationship only with Musa acuminata. We identified three pairs of fragment-repeat events encompassing five genes, which likely represent the primary mechanism for amplification within the ZoFWL gene family. The promoter regions of the ZoFWL genes are enriched with numerous cis-acting elements implicated in plant growth, development, and responses to abiotic stress. These include elements responsive to low temperatures, anaerobic induction, MYB binding sites integral to defense and stress responses, and drought inducibility. Expression profiling revealed that the ZoFWL genes are responsive to a quartet of abiotic stressors, with ZoFWL18, in particular, demonstrating a pronounced response to osmotic, low-temperature, heat, and salinity stresses. This underscores the pivotal role of ZoFWLs in abiotic-stress responses. Our findings offer valuable insights into the potential of the ZoFWL gene family in modulating ginger rhizome development and the genes’ response to abiotic stressors, laying a foundational framework for future research into ginger’s resistance breeding. Full article

The R2R3-MYB gene family represents a widely distributed class of plant transcription factors. This gene family plays an important role in many aspects of plant growth and development. However, the characterization of R2R3-MYB genes present in the genome of Coptis teeta has not been reported. Here, we describe the bioinformatic identification and characterization of 88 R2R3-MYB genes in this species, and the identification of members of the R2R3-MYB gene family in species within the order Ranales most closely related to Coptis teeta. The CteR2R3-MYB genes were shown to exhibit a higher degree of conservation compared to those of A. thaliana, as evidenced by phylogeny, conserved motifs, gene structure, and replication event analyses. Cis-acting element analysis confirmed the involvement of CteR2R3-MYB genes in a variety of developmental processes, including growth, cell differentiation, and reproduction mediated by hormone synthesis. In addition, through homology comparisons with the equivalent gene family in A. thaliana, protein regulatory network prediction and transcriptome data analysis of floral organs across three time periods of flower development, 17 candidate genes were shown to exhibit biased expression in two floral phenotypes of C. teeta. This suggests their potential involvement in floral development (anther development) in this species. Full article

Paulownia fortunei (Seem.) Hemsl is a Paulownia Sieb.et tree of the family Scrophulariaceae. It has become an important short-to-medium-term fast-growing multi-purpose tree species in China due to its rapid growth, strong adaptability, and excellent material properties. MYB transcription factors in plants have numerous and diverse functions, playing important roles in various aspects such as plant stress response. To investigate the function of MYB transcription factors in Paulownia fortunei, this study used PCR technology to clone the PfMYB44 gene from Paulownia fortunei. The homology of PfMYB44 and SiMYB44 (Sesamum indicum) was the highest. Expression analysis results showed that PfMYB44 was expressed in the root, stem, young leaf, and mature leaf of Paulownia fortunei, with the highest content in the root. Cold, drought, hot, salt, and ABA treatments could increase the expression level of PfMYB44. Overexpression-PfMYB44 plants were constructed, and physiological and molecular analysis showed that PfMYB44 could positively regulate salt and drought stresses. Under drought stress, the expression levels of AtP5CS, AtCAT1, AtNCED3 and AtSnRK2.4 in transgenic lines were significantly induced. Salt stress induced the expression of AtNHX1, AtSOS1, AtSOS2 and AtSOS3 genes, and the relative expression levels of these genes in transgenic Arabidopsis were higher. In conclusion, the functional study of PfMYB44 laid a certain foundation for the study of Paulownia stress resistance, and was helpful to the study of its stress resistance mechanism and the cultivation of new stress resistance varieties. Full article

Flowering is critical to the success of plant propagation. The MYB family transcription factor CIRCADIAN CLOCK-ASSOCIATED1 (CCA1) is an essential component of the core loop of the circadian clock and plays a crucial role in regulating plant flowering time. In this study, we found that photoperiod affects the expression pattern and expression level of BcCCA1, which is delayed flowering time under short-day conditions in Pak-choi [Brassica campestris (syn. Brassica rapa) ssp. chinensis]. We detected overexpression and silencing of BcCCA1 in Pak-choi, resulting in delayed and promoted flowering time, respectively. Furthermore, we also discovered that FLOWERING LOCUS C (BcFLC) and SUPPRESSOR OF CONSTANS1 (BcSOC1) were expressed significantly differently in BcCCA1 overexpression and silencing plants compared with control plants. Therefore, we further investigated the interaction relationship between BcCCA1, BcFLC, and BcSOC1, and the results showed that BcCCA1 and BcFLC as a complex interacted with each other. Moreover, both BcCCA1 and BcFLC can directly bind to the promoter of BcSOC1 and repress its transcription, and BcCCA1 can form a complex with BcFLC to enhance the transcriptional inhibition of BcSOC1 by BcFLC. This study reveals a new mechanism by which the circadian clock regulates flowering time. Full article

The bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.] is often utilized as a rootstock for watermelon grafting. This practice effectively mitigates the challenges associated with continuous cropping obstacles in watermelon cultivation. The lower ground temperature has a direct impact on the rootstocks’ root development and nutrient absorption, ultimately leading to slower growth and even the onset of yellowing. However, the mechanisms underlying the bottle gourd’s regulation of root growth in response to low root zone temperature (LRT) remain elusive. Understanding the dynamic response of bottle gourd roots to LRT stress is crucial for advancing research regarding its tolerance to low temperatures. In this study, we compared the physiological traits of bottle gourd roots under control and LRT treatments; root sample transcriptomic profiles were monitored after 0 h, 48 h and 72 h of LRT treatment. LRT stress increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, relative electrolyte permeability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, especially H₂O₂ and O²⁻. Concurrently, LRT treatment enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD). RNA-Seq analysis revealed the presence of 2507 and 1326 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after 48 h and 72 h of LRT treatment, respectively. Notably, 174 and 271 transcription factors (TFs) were identified as DEGs compared to the 0 h control. We utilized quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to confirm the expression patterns of DEGs belonging to the WRKY, NAC, bHLH, AP2/ERF and MYB families. Collectively, our study provides a robust foundation for the functional characterization of LRT-responsive TFs in bottle gourd roots. Furthermore, these insights may contribute to the enhancement in cold tolerance in bottle gourd-type rootstocks, thereby advancing molecular breeding efforts. Full article

Roses, a popular ornamental crop, often face various abiotic stresses during growth and development, such as cold, drought, and salinity. Rosa multiflora is a commonly used rootstock and exhibits strong resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses, making it an ideal material for studying mechanisms for resistance. Among the largest plant families, MYB transcription factors play a crucial role in plant abiotic stresses. Our previous research has indicated that RmMYB44 could be involved in the low-temperature response of R. multiflora. This study further investigated RmMYB44, revealing that its expression levels were upregulated in response to chilling, drought, and salt stress. The results suggested its potential role as a key transcription factor in plant resistance to abiotic stresses. Additionally, RmMYB44 encoded a nuclear-localized protein without the self-activating function. The overexpression of RmMYB44 in tobacco plants enhanced the resistance to cold, drought, and salt stresses, as evidenced by the improved growth compared to wild-type (WT) plants under conditions of 4 °C, 30% water-holding capacity, and 200 mM of NaCl, respectively. Moreover, in overexpression tobacco plants, the levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly reduced; and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT); as well as the proline content and the expression levels of NtPOD, NtCAT, and NtCBF; were significantly elevated under abiotic stresses. We assumed that the resistance to abiotic stress in plants conferred by RmMYB44 was associated with the regulation of cell membrane integrity. This study aimed to elucidate the role of the RmMYB44 gene in the resistance mechanism of R. multiflora against abiotic stress, thereby providing a candidate gene for the molecular breeding of abiotic stress resistance in roses and related species. Full article

Solanum nigrum (Solanaceae family) is widely consumed as a fruit or local leafy vegetable after boiling; it also serves as a medicinal plant. Although Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation has been established in S. nigrum, the transformation period is long. Specifically, induction of roots takes approximately five weeks for tetraploid and hexaploid S. nigrum, and 7 weeks for diploid Solanum americanum. In this study, we developed an improved rooting-induced method that requires only about 1 week and avoids the use of tissue culture. After generating the transgenic shoots, they were directly transplanted into the soil to facilitate root formation. Remarkably, 100% of the transgenic shoots developed roots within 6 days. Our improved method is time-saving (saving more than 1 month) and simpler to operate. The improved rooting-induced step can be applied to induce roots in various plants using tissue culture, exemplified by the carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.). Furthermore, we applied the improved method to generate S. americanum plants expressing AcMYB110 from kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis spp.). This method will contribute to speeding up gene functional analysis and trait improvement in S. nigrum and might have potential in fast plant molecular breeding processes in crops and rapid rooting induction in tissue culture. Full article

Angelica dahurica var. formosana (ADF), which belongs to the Umbelliferae family, is one of the original plants of herbal raw material Angelicae Dahuricae Radix. ADF roots represent an enormous biomass resource convertible for disease treatment and bioproducts. But, early bolting of ADF resulted in lignification and a decrease in the coumarin content in the root, and roots lignification restricts its coumarin for commercial utility. Although there have been attempts to regulate the synthesis ratio of lignin and coumarin through biotechnology to increase the coumarin content in ADF and further enhance its commercial value, optimizing the biosynthesis of lignin and coumarin remains challenging. Based on gene expression analysis and phylogenetic tree profiling, AdNAC20 as the target for genetic engineering of lignin and coumarin biosynthesis in ADF was selected in this study. Early-bolting ADF had significantly greater degrees of root lignification and lower coumarin contents than that of the normal plants. In this study, overexpression of AdNAC20 gene plants were created using transgenic technology, while independent homozygous transgenic lines with precise site mutation of AdNAC20 were created using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The overexpressing transgenic ADF plants showed a 9.28% decrease in total coumarin content and a significant 12.28% increase in lignin content, while knockout mutant plants showed a 16.3% increase in total coumarin content and a 33.48% decrease in lignin content. Furthermore, 29,671 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by comparative transcriptomics of OE-NAC20, KO-NAC20, and WT of ADF. A schematic diagram of the gene network interacting with AdNAC20 during the early-bolting process of ADF was constructed by DEG analysis. AdNAC20 was predicted to directly regulate the transcription of several genes with SNBE-like motifs in their promoter, such as MYB46, C3H, and CCoAOMT. In this study, AdNAC20 was shown to play a dual pathway function that positively enhanced lignin formation but negatively controlled coumarin formation. And the heterologous expression of the AdNAC20 gene at Arabidopsis thaliana proved that the AdNAC20 gene also plays an important role in the process of bolting and flowering. Full article

Little resistance to the pea weevil insect pest (Bruchus pisorum) is available in pea (Pisum sativum) cultivars, highlighting the need to search for sources of resistance in Pisum germplasm and to decipher the genetic basis of resistance. To address this need, we screened the response to pea weevil in a Pisum germplasm collection (324 accession, previously genotyped) under field conditions over four environments. Significant variation for weevil seed infestation (SI) was identified, with resistance being frequent in P. fulvum, followed by P. sativum ssp. elatius, P. abyssinicum, and P. sativum ssp. humile. SI tended to be higher in accessions with lighter seed color. SI was also affected by environmental factors, being favored by high humidity during flowering and hampered by warm winter temperatures and high evapotranspiration during and after flowering. Merging the phenotypic and genotypic data allowed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) yielding 73 markers significantly associated with SI. Through the GWAS models, 23 candidate genes were found associated with weevil resistance, highlighting the interest of five genes located on chromosome 6. These included gene 127136761 encoding squalene epoxidase; gene 127091639 encoding a transcription factor MYB SRM1; gene 127097033 encoding a 60S ribosomal protein L14; gene 127092211, encoding a BolA-like family protein, which, interestingly, was located within QTL BpLD.I, earlier described as conferring resistance to weevil in pea; and gene 127096593 encoding a methyltransferase. These associated genes offer valuable potential for developing pea varieties resistant to Bruchus spp. and efficient utilization of genomic resources through marker-assisted selection (MAS). Full article

The CCT (CO, COL and TOC1) gene family has been elucidated to be involved in the functional differentiation of the products in various plant species, but their specific mechanisms are poorly understood. In the present investigation, we conducted a genome-wide identification and phylogenetic analysis of CCT genes from microalgae to legumes. A total of 700 non-redundant members of the CCT gene family from 30 species were identified through a homology search. Phylogenetic clustering with Arabidopsis and domain conservation analysis categorized the CCT genes into three families. Multiple sequence alignment showed that the CCT domain contains important amino acid residues, and each CCT protein contains 24 conserved motifs, as demonstrated by the motif analysis. Whole-genome/segment duplication, as well as tandem duplication, are considered to be the driving forces in the evolutionary trajectory of plant species. This comprehensive investigation into the proliferation of the CCT gene family unveils the evolutionary dynamics whereby WGD/segment duplication is the predominant mechanism contributing to the expansion of the CCT genes. Meanwhile, the examination of the gene expression patterns revealed that the expression patterns of CCT genes vary in different tissues and at different developmental stages of plants, with high expression in leaves, which is consistent with the molecular regulation of flowering in photosynthesis by CCT. Based on the protein–protein interaction analysis of CCT genes in model plants, we propose that the CCT gene family synergistically regulates plant development and flowering with light-signaling factors (PHYs and PIFs) and MYB family transcription factors. Understanding the CCT gene family’s molecular evolution enables targeted gene manipulation for enhanced plant traits, including optimized flowering and stress resistance. Full article

Cerasus humilis, a small shrub of the Cerasus genus within the Rosaceae family, is native to China and renowned for its highly nutritious and medicinal fruits, robust root system, and remarkable drought resistance. This study primarily employed association transcriptome and metabolome analyses to assess changes in abscisic acid (ABA) levels and identify key regulatory genes in C. humilis subjected to varying degrees of drought stress. Notably, we observed distinct alterations in transcription factors across different drought intensities. Specifically, our transcriptome data indicated noteworthy shifts in GATA, MYB, MYC, WRKY, C2H2, and bHLH transcription factor families. Furthermore, combined transcriptomic and metabolomic investigations demonstrated significant enrichment of metabolic pathways, such as ‘Carbon metabolism’, ‘Biosynthesis of amino acids’, ‘Biosynthesis of cofactors’, ‘Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis’, ‘Starch and sucrose metabolism’, and ‘Plant hormone signal transduction’ under moderate (Mod) or severe (Sev) drought conditions. A total of 11 candidate genes involved in ABA biosynthesis and signaling pathways were identified. The down-regulated genes included secoisolariciresinol dehydrogenase-like and PYL2. Conversely, genes including FAD-dependent urate hydroxylase-like, cytochrome P450 97B2, carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4 (CCD4), SnRK2.2, ABI 5-like protein 5, PP2C 51, and SnRK2.3, were up-regulated under Mod or Sev drought stress. This study lays the genetic foundation for ABA biosynthesis to enhance drought tolerance and provides genetic resources for plant genetic engineering and breeding efforts. Full article

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SB), a plant of the Lamiaceae family, contains flavonoids with potent human health benefits. The full mechanistic details and regulatory networks related to the biosynthesis of these compounds in SB have been the focus of recent research but are still fragmented. Similarly, a complete account of the metabolites produced, specifically flavonoids, and their distribution in different parts of the plant is incomplete. To provide a more complete picture, herein we have explored the SB metabolites and differentially expressed genes in underground and aerial tissues. Of the 947 metabolites identified, 373 were differentially accumulated flavonoids (DAFs), and 147 of these were differentially accumulated in roots relative to other tissues. Interestingly, roots accumulated more baicalin and baicalein than aboveground tissues, but they were low in scutellarein and wogonoside, in contrast to previous reports. These differences may be attributed to either plant variety, age of the plants, or the extraction protocol. Transcriptomics analysis identified 56 key genes from the flavonoid synthesis pathway in all six SB plant tissues. A weighted gene correlation network analysis conducted using four DAFs (baicalin, baicalein, scutellarein and wogonoside) produced 13 modules. Baicalin and baicalein were positively correlated with one of these modules, whereas wogonoside and scutellarein were correlated with three other modules. Gene expression in these modules was consistent with the observed accumulation of these compounds in plant tissues. Fourteen structural genes were highly correlated with baicalin, baicalein and scutellarein, and 241 transcription factors (TFs) associated to these four compounds. The 13 highly correlated structural genes and 21 highly correlated TFs were used to construct correlation networks, where genes were identified to be highly correlated with flavonoid biosynthesis genes. Overexpression of some of these genes, namely, SbMYB8 (Sb02g25620), SbMYB14 (Sb09g00160) and SbbHLH94 (Sb07g11990), in SB callus increased flavonoid content and regulated the expression of genes involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, confirming their association to flavonoid production. Overall, the present work contributes to delineating the differences in flavonoid biosynthesis among different SB tissues. Full article

In our research, we utilized six small-fruited pepper germplasms as materials, selected cotyledons with the petiole and hypocotyls as explants, and conducted in vitro regeneration studies. Our outcomes specify that the most suitable explant is cotyledon with the petiole, and the suitable genotype is HNUCA341. The optimal medium for inducing and elongating adventitious buds for this genotype is Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) + 9.12 μM Zeatin (ZT) + 0.57 μM 3-Indoleacetic acid (IAA), with a bud induction rate of 44.4%. The best rooting induction medium is MS + 1.14 μM IAA, with a rooting rate of 86.7%. Research on the addition of exogenous hormones has revealed that the induction speed of buds in small-fruited pepper (HNUCA341) in the combination of ZT and IAA hormones (abbreviated as ZI) is quicker, and the induction effect is better. The histological observations indicate that ZI treatment accelerates the initiation of explant division and differentiation, causing a shorter duration of vascular-bundle tissue production. The plant hormone signaling pathway was significantly enriched by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, including ARR9 (LOC107843874, LOC107843885), ARR4 (LOC107848380, LOC107862455), AHK4 (LOC107870540), AHP1 (LOC107839518), LAX2 (LOC107846008), SAUR36 (LOC107852624), IAA8 (LOC107841020), IAA16 (LOC107839415), PYL4 (LOC107843441), and PYL6 (LOC107871127); these significantly enriched genes may be associated with in vitro regeneration. In addition, the carbon metabolism pathway and plant mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway are also significantly enriched in KEGG. The results of the Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes related to carbon metabolism and fixation, photosynthesis and MAPK signaling pathways were upregulated under ZI treatment. It was found that they might be associated with enhanced regeneration in vitro. Furthermore, we also screened out differentially expressed transcription factors, primarily from the MYB, bHLH, AP2/ERF, and NAC families. Overall, our work accumulated important data for the in-depth analysis of the molecular mechanism of in vitro regeneration of pepper, and provides valuable germplasm for establishing an efficient stable pepper genetic-transformation system based on tissue culture. Full article

Monoterpenes are a class of volatile organic compounds that play crucial roles in imparting floral and fruity aromas to Muscat-type grapes. However, our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underpinning monoterpene biosynthesis in grapes, particularly following abscisic acid (ABA) treatment, remains elusive. This study aimed to explore the impact of exogenous ABA on monoterpene biosynthesis in Ruiduhongyu grape berries by employing Headspace Solid-Phase Micro-Extraction Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC–MS) analysis and transcriptome sequencing. The results suggested significant differences in total soluble solids (TSS), pH, and total acid content. ABA treatment resulted in a remarkable increase in endogenous ABA levels, with concentrations declining from veraison to ripening stages. ABA treatment notably enhanced monoterpene concentrations, particularly at the E_L37 and E_L38 stages, elevating the overall floral aroma of grape berries. According to the variable gene expression patterns across four developmental stages in response to ABA treatment, the E_L37 stage had the largest number of differential expressed genes (DEGs), which was correlated with a considerable change in free monoterpenes. Furthermore, functional annotation indicated that the DEGs were significantly enriched in primary and secondary metabolic pathways, underlining the relationship between ABA, sugar accumulation, and monoterpene biosynthesis. ABA treatment upregulated key genes involved in the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway, enhancing carbon allocation and subsequently impacting terpene synthesis. This study also identified transcription factors, including MYB and AP2/ERF families, potentially modulating monoterpene and aroma-related genes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) linked ABA-induced gene expression to monoterpene accumulation, highlighting specific modules enriched with genes associated with monoterpene biosynthesis; one of these modules (darkgreen) contained genes highly correlated with most monoterpenes, emphasizing the role of ABA in enhancing grape quality during berry maturation. Together, these findings provide valuable insights into the multifaceted effects of exogenous ABA on monoterpene compounds and grape berry flavor development, offering potential applications in viticulture and enology. Full article

The V-myb myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB) family participate in various bioprocesses including development and abiotic stress responses. In the present study, we first report a 1R SHAQKYF-class MYB, MaMYBR30, in mulberry. Subcellular localization and sequence analysis indicated MaMYBR30 is located in the nucleus and belongs to a CCA-like subgroup with a conserved SHAQKYF motif. Expression profile analysis showed that MaMYBR30 is expressed in leaves and can be induced by drought and salt stress. The down-regulation of MaMYBR30 using virus-induced gene silence (VIGS) in mulberry and the overexpression of MaMYBR30 in Arabidopsis were induced to explore the function of MaMYBR30. The functional characterization of MaMYBR30 in vivo indicated that MaMYBR30 can positively regulate the resistance of mulberry to drought while negatively regulating the resistance of mulberry to salt stress. In addition, MaMYBR30 also affects flower development and reproductive growth, especially after exposure to salt stress. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) primarily revealed the possible genes and signal pathways that are regulated by MaMYBR30. Our results also imply that complex molecular mechanisms mediated by MaMYBR30, including crosstalk of ion toxicity, phytohormone signal transduction, flowering development, and epigenetic modification, need to be further explored in the future. Full article