Identification of Arabidopsis BAK1-associating receptor-like kinase 1 (BARK1) and characterization of its gene expression and brassinosteroid-regulated root phenotypes

Brassinosteroid signaling and molecular crosstalk with nutrients in plants

As sessile organisms, plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to optimize their growth and development in response to fluctuating nutrient levels. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a group of plant steroid hormones that play critical roles in plant growth and developmental processes as well as plant responses to environmental stimuli. Recently, multiple molecular mechanisms have been proposed to explain the integration of BRs with different nutrient signaling processes to coordinate gene expression, metabolism, growth, and survival. Here, we review recent advances in understanding the molecular regulatory mechanisms of the BR signaling pathway and the multifaceted roles of BR in the intertwined sensing, signaling, and metabolic processes of sugar, nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron. Further understanding and exploring these BR-related processes and mechanisms will facilitate advances in crop breeding for higher resource efficiency.

Integrated Molecular and Bioinformatics Approaches for Disease-Related Genes in Plants

Modern plant pathology relies on bioinformatics approaches to create novel plant disease diagnostic tools. In recent years, a significant amount of biological data has been generated due to rapid developments in genomics and molecular biology techniques. The progress in the sequencing of agriculturally important crops has made it possible to develop a better understanding of plant-pathogen interactions and plant resistance. The availability of host-pathogen genome data offers effective assistance in retrieving, annotating, analyzing, and identifying the functional aspects for characterization at the gene and genome levels. Physical mapping facilitates the identification and isolation of several candidate resistance (R) genes from diverse plant species. A large number of genetic variations, such as disease-causing mutations in the genome, have been identified and characterized using bioinformatics tools, and these desirable mutations were exploited to develop disease resistance. Moreover, crop genome editing tools, namely the CRISPR (clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated) system, offer novel and efficient strategies for developing durable resistance. This review paper describes some aspects concerning the databases, tools, and techniques used to characterize resistance (R) genes for plant disease management.

Transcriptomic analysis of Chinese yam (Dioscorea polystachya Turcz.) variants indicates brassinosteroid involvement in tuber development

Dioscorea is an important but underutilized genus of flowering plants that grows predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions. Several species, known as yam, develop large underground tubers and aerial bulbils that are used as food. The Chinese yam (D. polystachya Turcz.) is one of the few Dioscorea species that grows well in temperate regions and has been proposed as a climate-resilient crop to enhance food security in Europe. However, the fragile, club-like tubers are unsuitable for mechanical harvesting, which is facilitated by shorter and thicker storage organs. Brassinosteroids (BRs) play a key role in plant cell division, cell elongation and proliferation, as well as in the gravitropic response. We collected RNA-Seq data from the head, middle and tip of two tuber shape variants: F60 (long, thin) and F2000 (short, thick). Comparative transcriptome analysis of F60 vs. F2000 revealed 30,229 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 1,393 of which were differentially expressed in the growing tip. Several DEGs are involved in steroid/BR biosynthesis or signaling, or may be regulated by BRs. The quantification of endogenous BRs revealed higher levels of castasterone (CS), 28-norCS, 28-homoCS and brassinolide in F2000 compared to F60 tubers. The highest BR levels were detected in the growing tip, and CS was the most abundant (439.6 ± 196.41 pmol/g in F2000 and 365.6 ± 112.78 pmol/g in F60). Exogenous 24-epi-brassinolide (epi-BL) treatment (20 nM) in an aeroponic system significantly increased the width-to-length ratio (0.045 ± 0.002) compared to the mock-treated plants (0.03 ± 0.002) after 7 weeks, indicating that exogenous epi-BL produces shorter and thicker tubers. In this study we demonstrate the role of BRs in D. polystachya tuber shape, providing insight into the role of plant hormones in yam storage organ development. We found that BRs can influence tuber shape in Chinese yam by regulating the expression of genes involved cell expansion. Our data can help to improve the efficiency of Chinese yam cultivation, which could provide an alternative food source and thus contribute to future food security in Europe.

Insights on Phytohormonal Crosstalk in Plant Response to Nitrogen Stress: A Focus on Plant Root Growth and Development

Nitrogen (N) is a vital mineral component that can restrict the growth and development of plants if supplied inappropriately. In order to benefit their growth and development, plants have complex physiological and structural responses to changes in their nitrogen supply. As higher plants have multiple organs with varying functions and nutritional requirements, they coordinate their responses at the whole-plant level based on local and long-distance signaling pathways. It has been suggested that phytohormones are signaling substances in such pathways. The nitrogen signaling pathway is closely associated with phytohormones such as auxin (AUX), abscisic acid (ABA), cytokinins (CKs), ethylene (ETH), brassinosteroid (BR), strigolactones (SLs), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA). Recent research has shed light on how nitrogen and phytohormones interact to modulate physiology and morphology. This review provides a summary of the research on how phytohormone signaling affects root system architecture (RSA) in response to nitrogen availability. Overall, this review contributes to identifying recent developments in the interaction between phytohormones and N, as well as serving as a foundation for further study.

Mining of Cloned Disease Resistance Gene Homologs (CDRHs) in Brassica Species and Arabidopsis thaliana

Simple Summary

Developing cultivars with resistance genes (R genes) is an effective strategy to support high yield and quality in Brassica crops. The availability of clone R gene and genomic sequences in Brassica species and Arabidopsis thaliana provide the opportunity to compare genomic regions and survey R genes across genomic databases. In this paper, we aim to identify genes related to cloned genes through sequence identity, providing a repertoire of species-wide related R genes in Brassica crops. The comprehensive list of candidate R genes can be used as a reference for functional analysis.

Abstract

Various diseases severely affect Brassica crops, leading to significant global yield losses and a reduction in crop quality. In this study, we used the complete protein sequences of 49 cloned resistance genes (R genes) that confer resistance to fungal and bacterial diseases known to impact species in the Brassicaceae family. Homology searches were carried out across Brassica napus, B. rapa, B. oleracea, B. nigra, B. juncea, B. carinata and Arabidopsis thaliana genomes. In total, 660 cloned disease R gene homologs (CDRHs) were identified across the seven species, including 431 resistance gene analogs (RGAs) (248 nucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeats (NLRs), 150 receptor-like protein kinases (RLKs) and 33 receptor-like proteins (RLPs)) and 229 non-RGAs. Based on the position and distribution of specific homologs in each of the species, we observed a total of 87 CDRH clusters composed of 36 NLR, 16 RLK and 3 RLP homogeneous clusters and 32 heterogeneous clusters. The CDRHs detected consistently across the seven species are candidates that can be investigated for broad-spectrum resistance, potentially providing resistance to multiple pathogens. The R genes identified in this study provide a novel resource for the future functional analysis and gene cloning of Brassicaceae R genes towards crop improvement.

Genome-Wide Survey of Leucine-Rich Repeat Receptor-Like Protein Kinase Genes and CRISPR/Cas9-Targeted Mutagenesis BnBRI1 in Brassica napus

The leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase (LRR-RLK) family represents the largest group of RLKs in plants and plays vital roles in plant growth, development and the responses to environmental stress. Although LRR-RLK families have been identified in many species, they have not yet been reported in B. napus. In this study, a total of 444 BnLRR-RLK genes were identified in the genome of Brassica napus cultivar "Zhongshuang 11" (ZS11), and classified into 22 subfamilies based on phylogenetic relationships and genome-wide analyses. Conserved motifs and gene structures were shared within but not between subfamilies. The 444 BnLRR-RLK genes were asymmetrically distributed on 19 chromosomes and exhibited specific expression profiles in different tissues and in response to stress. We identified six BnBRI1 homologs and obtained partial knockouts via CRISPR/Cas9 technology, generating semi-dwarf lines without decreased yield compared with controls. This study provides comprehensive insight of the LRR-RLK family in B. napus. Additionally, the semi-dwarf lines expand the "ideotype" germplasm resources and accelerate the breeding process for B. napus.

TMK1-based auxin signaling regulates abscisic acid responses via phosphorylating ABI1/2 in Arabidopsis

Differential concentrations of phytohormone trigger distinct outputs, which provides a mechanism for the plasticity of plant development and an adaptation strategy among plants to changing environments. However, the underlying mechanisms of the differential responses remain unclear. Here we report that a high concentration of auxin, distinct from the effect of low auxin concentration, enhances abscisic acid (ABA) responses in Arabidopsis thaliana, which partially relies on TRANS-MEMBERANE KINASE 1 (TMK1), a key regulator in auxin signaling. We show that high auxin and TMK1 play essential and positive roles in ABA signaling through regulating ABA INSENSITIVE 1 and 2 (ABI1/2), two negative regulators of the ABA pathway. TMK1 inhibits the phosphatase activity of ABI2 by direct phosphorylation of threonine 321 (T321), a conserved phosphorylation site in ABI2 proteins, whose phosphorylation status is important for both auxin and ABA responses. This TMK1-dependent auxin signaling in the regulation of ABA responses provides a possible mechanism underlying the high auxin responses in plants and an alternative mechanism involved in the coordination between auxin and ABA signaling.

Turnip mosaic virus in oilseed rape activates networks of sRNA-mediated interactions between viral and host genomes

Virus-induced plant diseases in cultivated plants cause important damages in yield. Although the mechanisms of virus infection are intensely studied at the cell biology level, only little is known about the molecular dialog between the invading virus and the host genome. Here we describe a combinatorial genome-wide approach to identify networks of sRNAs-guided post-transcriptional regulation within local Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) infection sites in Brassica napus leaves. We show that the induction of host-encoded, virus-activated small interfering RNAs (vasiRNAs) observed in virus-infected tissues is accompanied by site-specific cleavage events on both viral and host RNAs that recalls the activity of small RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISC). Cleavage events also involve virus-derived siRNA (vsiRNA)–directed cleavage of target host transcripts as well as cleavage of viral RNA by both host vasiRNAs and vsiRNAs. Furthermore, certain coding genes act as virus-activated regulatory hubs to produce vasiRNAs for the targeting of other host genes. The observations draw an advanced model of plant-virus interactions and provide insights into the complex regulatory networking at the plant-virus interface within cells undergoing early stages of infection.

Pitzalis et al. use replicative RNAseq, small RNA (sRNA)seq, and parallel analysis of RNA ends (PARE)seq analysis to identify networks of sRNAs-guided post-transcriptional regulation within local Turnip mosaic virus infection sites. This study provides insights into the complex regulatory networking at the plantvirus interface within cells undergoing early stages of infection.

Regulation of Three Key Kinases of Brassinosteroid Signaling Pathway

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are important plant growth hormones that regulate a wide range of plant growth and developmental processes. The BR signals are perceived by two cell surface-localized receptor kinases, Brassinosteroid-Insensitive1 (BRI1) and BRI1-Associated receptor Kinase (BAK1), and reach the nucleus through two master transcription factors, bri1-EMS suppressor1 (BES1) and Brassinazole-resistant1 (BZR1). The intracellular transmission of the BR signals from BRI1/BAK1 to BES1/BZR1 is inhibited by a constitutively active kinase Brassinosteroid-Insensitive2 (BIN2) that phosphorylates and negatively regulates BES1/BZR1. Since their initial discoveries, further studies have revealed a plethora of biochemical and cellular mechanisms that regulate their protein abundance, subcellular localizations, and signaling activities. In this review, we provide a critical analysis of the current literature concerning activation, inactivation, and other regulatory mechanisms of three key kinases of the BR signaling cascade, BRI1, BAK1, and BIN2, and discuss some unresolved controversies and outstanding questions that require further investigation.

Arabidopsis Transmembrane Receptor-Like Kinases (RLKs): A Bridge between Extracellular Signal and Intracellular Regulatory Machinery

Receptors form the crux for any biochemical signaling. Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) are conserved protein kinases in eukaryotes that establish signaling circuits to transduce information from outer plant cell membrane to the nucleus of plant cells, eventually activating processes directing growth, development, stress responses, and disease resistance. Plant RLKs share considerable homology with the receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) of the animal system, differing at the site of phosphorylation. Typically, RLKs have a membrane-localization signal in the amino-terminal, followed by an extracellular ligand-binding domain, a solitary membrane-spanning domain, and a cytoplasmic kinase domain. The functional characterization of ligand-binding domains of the various RLKs has demonstrated their essential role in the perception of extracellular stimuli, while its cytosolic kinase domain is usually confined to the phosphorylation of their substrates to control downstream regulatory machinery. Identification of the several ligands of RLKs, as well as a few of its immediate substrates have predominantly contributed to a better understanding of the fundamental signaling mechanisms. In the model plant Arabidopsis, several studies have indicated that multiple RLKs are involved in modulating various types of physiological roles via diverse signaling routes. Here, we summarize recent advances and provide an updated overview of transmembrane RLKs in Arabidopsis.

Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression patterns of the BZR transcription factor family in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.)

BACKGROUND

BRASSINAZOLE-RESISTANT (BZR) family genes encode plant-specific transcription factors (TFs) that participate in brassinosteroid signal transduction. BZR TFs have vital roles in plant growth, including cell elongation. However, little is known about BZR genes in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.).

RESULTS

Therefore, we performed a genome-wide investigation of BvBZR genes in sugar beet. Through an analysis of the BES1_N conserved domain, six BvBZR gene family members were identified in the sugar beet genome, which clustered into three subgroups according to a phylogenetic analysis. Each clade was well defined by the conserved motifs, implying that close genetic relationships could be identified among the members of each subfamily. According to chromosomal distribution mapping, 2, 1, 1, 1, and 1 genes were located on chromosomes 1, 4, 5, 6, and 8, respectively. The cis-acting elements related to taproot growth were randomly distributed in the promoter sequences of the BvBZR genes. Tissue-specific expression analyses indicated that all BvBZR genes were expressed in all three major tissue types (roots, stems, and leaves), with significantly higher expression in leaves. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that Bv1_fxre and Bv6_nyuw are localized in the nuclei, consistent with the prediction of Wolf PSORT.

CONCLUSION

These findings offer a basis to predict the functions of BZR genes in sugar beet, and lay a foundation for further research of the biological functions of BZR genes in sugar beet.

Genome-wide identification of CAMTA gene family members in Phaseolus vulgaris L. and their expression profiling during salt stress

The calmodulin-binding transcriptional activator (CAMTA) family was first observed in tobacco (NtER1) during a screening for the CaM-binding proteins, which are known to be one of the fast response stress proteins. Due to the increased importance of plant transcription factors in recent years; genome-wide identification of CAMTA genes has been performed in several plant species, except for Phaseolus vulgaris. Therefore, our aim was to identify and characterize CAMTA genes in P. vulgaris via in silico genome-wide analysis approach. Our results showed a total of eight CAMTA genes that were identified and observed on five out of 11 chromosomes of P. vulgaris. Four gene couples were found to be segmentally-duplicated and these segmental duplication events were shown to occur from 29.97 to 92.06 MYA. The phylogenetic tree of CAMTA homologs from P. vulgaris, A. thaliana, and G. max. revealed three groups based on their homology and the intron numbers of Pvul-CAMTA genes, ranged from 11 to 12. According to the syteny analysis; CAMTA genes of P. vulgaris and G. max revealed higher similarity, because they have highly similar genomes compared to A. thaliana. All Pvul-CAMTA genes were targeted by miRNAs, which play a role in response mechanism of salt stress. To detect expression levels in different plant tissues, mRNA analysis of Pvul-CAMTA genes were performed using publicly available expression data in Phytozome v12.1. In addition, responses of Pvul-CAMTA genes to salt stress, were also examined via both RNAseq and qRT-PCR analysis. To identify and to obtain insight into biological functions of CAMTA genes in the genome of P. vulgaris, several analyses were conducted using many online and offline bioinformatic tools, genome databases and qRT-PCR analyses. Due to this study being the first in the identification of CAMTA genes in P. vulgaris, this study could be considered as an useful source for future CAMTA genes studies in either P. vulgaris or comparative different plant species.

G protein subunit phosphorylation as a regulatory mechanism in heterotrimeric G protein signaling in mammals, yeast, and plants

Heterotrimeric G proteins composed of Gα, Gβ, and Gγ subunits are vital eukaryotic signaling elements that convey information from ligand-regulated G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to cellular effectors. Heterotrimeric G protein-based signaling pathways are fundamental to human health [Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (2007) 1768, 994-1005] and are the target of >30% of pharmaceuticals in clinical use [Biotechnology Advances (2013) 31, 1676-1694; Nature Reviews Drug Discovery (2017) 16, 829-842]. This review focuses on phosphorylation of G protein subunits as a regulatory mechanism in mammals, budding yeast, and plants. This is a re-emerging field, as evidence for phosphoregulation of mammalian G protein subunits from biochemical studies in the early 1990s can now be complemented with contemporary phosphoproteomics and genetic approaches applied to a diversity of model systems. In addition, new evidence implicates a family of plant kinases, the receptor-like kinases, which are monophyletic with the interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase/Pelle kinases of metazoans, as possible GPCRs that signal via subunit phosphorylation. We describe early and modern observations on G protein subunit phosphorylation and its functional consequences in these three classes of organisms, and suggest future research directions.

The Root Transition Zone: A Hot Spot for Signal Crosstalk

The root transition zone (TZ), located between the apical meristem and basal elongation region, has a unique role in root growth and development. The root TZ is not only the active site for hormone crosstalk, but also the perception site for various environmental cues, such as aluminum (Al) stress and low phosphate (Pi) stress. We propose that the root TZ is a hot spot for the integration of diverse inputs from endogenous (hormonal) and exogenous (sensorial) stimuli to control root growth.

A Developmental and Molecular View of Formation of Auxin-Induced Nodule-Like Structures in Land Plants

Several studies have shown that plant hormones play important roles during legume-rhizobia symbiosis. For instance, auxins induce the formation of nodule-like structures (NLSs) on legume roots in the absence of rhizobia. Furthermore, these NLS can be colonized by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which favor nitrogen fixation compared to regular roots and subsequently increase plant yield. Interestingly, auxin also induces similar NLS in cereal roots. While several genetic studies have identified plant genes controlling NLS formation in legumes, no studies have investigated the genes involved in NLS formation in cereals. In this study, first we established an efficient experimental system to induce NLS in rice roots, using auxin, 2,4-D, consistently at a high frequency (>90%). We were able to induce NLS at a high frequency in Medicago truncatula under similar conditions. NLS were characterized by a broad base, a diffuse meristem, and increased cell differentiation in the vasculature. Interestingly, NLS formation appeared very similar in both rice and Medicago, suggesting a similar developmental program. We show that NLS formation in both rice and Medicago occurs downstream of the common symbiotic pathway. Furthermore, NLS formation occurs downstream of cytokinin-induced step(s). We performed a comprehensive RNA sequencing experiment to identify genes differentially expressed during NLS formation in rice and identified several promising genes for control of NLS based on their biological and molecular functions. We validated the expression patterns of several genes using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and show varied expression patterns of these genes during different stages of NLS formation. Finally, we show that NLS induced on rice roots under these conditions can be colonized by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Azorhizobium caulinodans.

Diverse roles of SERK family genes in plant growth, development and defense response

Plant receptor-like protein kinases (RLKs) are transmembrane proteins with an extracellular domain and an intracellular kinase domain, which enable plant perceiving diverse extracellular stimuli to trigger the intracellular signal transduction. The somatic embryogenesis receptor kinases (SERKs) code the leucine-rich-repeat receptor-like kinase (LRR-RLK), and have been demonstrated to associate with multiple ligand-binding receptors to regulate plant growth, root development, male fertility, stomatal development and movement, and immune responses. Here, we focus on the progress made in recent years in understanding the versatile functions of Arabidopsis SERK proteins, and review SERK proteins as co-receptor to perceive different endogenous and environmental cues in different signaling pathway, and discuss how the kinase activity of SERKs is regulated by various modification.

Wheat Brassinosteroid-Insensitive1 (TaBRI1) Interacts with Members of TaSERK Gene Family and Cause Early Flowering and Seed Yield Enhancement in Arabidopsis

Brassinosteroids (BRs) hormones are important for plant growth, development and immune responses. They are sensed by the transmembrane receptor kinase Brassinosteroid-Insensitive 1 (BRI1) when they bind to its extracellular Leu-rich repeat (LRR) domain. We cloned and characterized the TaBRI1 from T. aestivum and raised overexpression transgenics in Arabidopsis to decipher its functional role. TaBRI1 protein consists of a putative signal peptide followed by 25 leucine rich repeats (LRR), a transmembrane domain and a C-terminal kinase domain. The analysis determined the interaction of TaBRI1 with five members of the wheat Somatic Embryogenesis Receptor Kinase (TaSERKs) gene family (TaSERK1, TaSERK2, TaSERK3, TaSERK4 and TaSERK5), at the plasma membrane. Furthermore, overexpression of TaBRI1 in Arabidopsis leads to the early flowering, increased silique size and seed yield. Root growth analysis of TaBRI1 overexpressing transgenic plants showed hypersensitivity to epi-brassinolide (epi-BL) hormone in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, transgenic Arabidopsis plants show thermotolerance phenotype at the seedling stages as revealed by chlorophyll content, photosystem II activity and membrane stability. The transcriptome profiling on the basis of microarray analysis indicates up-regulation of several genes related to brassinosteroid signaling pathway, abiotic stress response, defense response and transcription factors. These studies predict the possible role of TaBRI1 gene in plant growth and development imparting tolerance to thermal stress.

Large scale transcriptome analysis reveals interplay between development of forest trees and a beneficial mycorrhiza helper bacterium

BACKGROUND

Pedunculate oak, Quercus robur is an abundant forest tree species that hosts a large and diverse community of beneficial ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMFs), whereby ectomycorrhiza (EM) formation is stimulated by mycorrhiza helper bacteria such as Streptomyces sp. AcH 505. Oaks typically grow rhythmically, with alternating root flushes (RFs) and shoot flushes (SFs). We explored the poorly understood mechanisms by which oaks integrate signals induced by their beneficial microbes and endogenous rhythmic growth at the level of gene expression. To this end, we compared transcript profiles of oak microcuttings at RF and SF during interactions with AcH 505 alone and in combination with the basidiomycetous EMF Piloderma croceum.

RESULTS

The local root and distal leaf responses to the microorganisms differed substantially. More genes involved in the recognition of bacteria and fungi, defence and cell wall remodelling related transcription factors (TFs) were differentially expressed in the roots than in the leaves of oaks. In addition, interaction with AcH 505 and P. croceum affected the expression of a higher number of genes during SF than during RF, including AcH 505 elicited defence response, which was attenuated by co-inoculation with P. croceum in the roots during SF. Genes encoding leucine-rich receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLKs) and proteins (LRR-RLPs), LRR containing defence response regulators, TFs from bZIP, ERF and WRKY families, xyloglucan cell wall transglycolases/hydrolases and exordium proteins were differentially expressed in both roots and leaves of plants treated with AcH 505. Only few genes, including specific RLKs and TFs, were induced in both AcH 505 and co-inoculation treatments.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with AcH 505 induces and maintains the expression levels of signalling genes encoding candidate receptor protein kinases and TFs and leads to differential expression of cell wall modification related genes in pedunculate oak microcuttings. Local gene expression response to AcH 505 alone and in combination with P. croceum are more pronounced when roots are in resting stages, possibly due to the fact that non growing roots re-direct their activity towards plant defence rather than growth.

Disease Resistance Gene Analogs (RGAs) in Plants

Plants have developed effective mechanisms to recognize and respond to infections caused by pathogens. Plant resistance gene analogs (RGAs), as resistance (R) gene candidates, have conserved domains and motifs that play specific roles in pathogens' resistance. Well-known RGAs are nucleotide binding site leucine rich repeats, receptor like kinases, and receptor like proteins. Others include pentatricopeptide repeats and apoplastic peroxidases. RGAs can be detected using bioinformatics tools based on their conserved structural features. Thousands of RGAs have been identified from sequenced plant genomes. High-density genome-wide RGA genetic maps are useful for designing diagnostic markers and identifying quantitative trait loci (QTL) or markers associated with plant disease resistance. This review focuses on recent advances in structures and mechanisms of RGAs, and their identification from sequenced genomes using bioinformatics tools. Applications in enhancing fine mapping and cloning of plant disease resistance genes are also discussed.

Genome-wide identification of CAMTA gene family members in Medicago truncatula and their expression during root nodule symbiosis and hormone treatments

Calmodulin-binding transcription activators (CAMTAs) are well-characterized calmodulin-binding transcription factors in the plant kingdom. Previous work shows that CAMTAs play important roles in various biological processes including disease resistance, herbivore attack response, and abiotic stress tolerance. However, studies that address the function of CAMTAs during the establishment of symbiosis between legumes and rhizobia are still lacking. This study undertook comprehensive identification and analysis of CAMTA genes using the latest updated M. truncatula genome. All the MtCAMTA genes were expressed in a tissues-specific manner and were responsive to environmental stress-related hormones. The expression profiling of MtCAMTA genes during the early phase of Sinorhizobium meliloti infection was also analyzed. Our data showed that the expression of most MtCAMTA genes was suppressed in roots by S. meliloti infection. The responsiveness of MtCAMTAs to S. meliloti infection indicated that they may function as calcium-regulated transcription factors in the early nodulation signaling pathway. In addition, bioinformatics analysis showed that CAMTA binding sites existed in the promoter regions of various early rhizobial infection response genes, suggesting possible MtCAMTAs-regulated downstream candidate genes during the early phase of S. meliloti infection. Taken together, these results provide basic information about MtCAMTAs in the model legume M. truncatula, and the involvement of MtCAMTAs in nodule organogenesis. This information furthers our understanding of MtCAMTA protein functions in M. truncatula and opens new avenues for continued research.

Elucidating gene function and function evolution through comparison of co-expression networks of plants

The analysis of gene expression data has shown that transcriptionally coordinated (co-expressed) genes are often functionally related, enabling scientists to use expression data in gene function prediction. This Focused Review discusses our original paper (Large-scale co-expression approach to dissect secondary cell wall formation across plant species, Frontiers in Plant Science 2:23). In this paper we applied cross-species analysis to co-expression networks of genes involved in cellulose biosynthesis. We showed that the co-expression networks from different species are highly similar, indicating that whole biological pathways are conserved across species. This finding has two important implications. First, the analysis can transfer gene function annotation from well-studied plants, such as Arabidopsis, to other, uncharacterized plant species. As the analysis finds genes that have similar sequence and similar expression pattern across different organisms, functionally equivalent genes can be identified. Second, since co-expression analyses are often noisy, a comparative analysis should have higher performance, as parts of co-expression networks that are conserved are more likely to be functionally relevant. In this Focused Review, we outline the comparative analysis done in the original paper and comment on the recent advances and approaches that allow comparative analyses of co-function networks. We hypothesize that in comparison to simple co-expression analysis, comparative analysis would yield more accurate gene function predictions. Finally, by combining comparative analysis with genomic information of green plants, we propose a possible composition of cellulose biosynthesis machinery during earlier stages of plant evolution.