Overexpression of wound-responsive RNA-binding proteins induces leaf senescence and hypersensitive-like cell death

Transcriptome meta-analysis-based identification of hub transcription factors and RNA-binding proteins potentially orchestrating gene regulatory cascades and crosstalk in response to abiotic stresses in Arabidopsis thaliana

Deteriorating climatic conditions and increasing human population necessitate the development of robust plant varieties resistant to harsh environments. Manipulation of regulatory proteins such as transcription factors (TFs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) would be a beneficial strategy in this regard. Further, understanding the complex interconnections between different classes of regulatory molecules would be essential for the identification of candidate genes/proteins for trait improvement. Most studies to date have analysed the roles of TFs or RBPs individually, in conferring stress resilience. However, it would be important to identify dominant/upstream TFs and RBPs inducing widespread transcriptomic alterations through other regulators (i.e., other TFs/RBPs targeted by the upstream regulators). To this end, the present study employed a transcriptome meta-analysis and computational approaches to obtain a comprehensive overview of regulatory interactions. This work identified dominant TFs and RBPs potentially influencing stress-mediated differential expression of other regulators, which could in turn influence gene expression, and consequently, physiological responses. Twenty transcriptomic studies [related to (i) UV radiation, (ii) wounding, (iii) salinity, (iv) cold, and (v) drought stresses in Arabidopsis thaliana] were analysed for differential gene expression, followed by the identification of differentially expressed TFs and RBPs. Subsequently, other TFs and RBPs which could be influencing these regulators were identified, and their interaction networks and hub nodes were analysed. As a result, an interacting module of Basic Leucine Zipper (bZIP) family TFs as well as Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNP) and Glycine-rich protein (GRP) family RBPs (among other TFs and RBPs) were shown to potentially influence the stress-induced differential expression of other TFs and RBPs under all the considered stress conditions. Some of the identified hub TFs and RBPs are known to be of major importance in orchestrating stress-induced transcriptomic changes influencing a variety of physiological processes from seed germination to senescence. This study highlighted the gene/protein candidates that could be considered for multiplexed genetic manipulation - a promising approach to develop robust, multi-stress-resilient plant varieties.

MdVQ10 promotes wound-triggered leaf senescence in association with MdWRKY75 and undergoes antagonistic modulation of MdCML15 and MdJAZs in apple

Wounding stress leads to leaf senescence. However, the underlying molecular mechanism has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the role of the MdVQ10-MdWRKY75 module in wound-induced leaf senescence. MdWRKY75 was identified as a key positive modulator of wound-induced leaf senescence by activating the expression of the senescence-associated genes MdSAG12 and MdSAG18. MdVQ10 interacted with MdWRKY75 to enhance MdWRKY75-activated transcription of MdSAG12 and MdSAG18, thereby promoting leaf senescence triggered by wounding. In addition, the calmodulin-like protein MdCML15 promoted MdVQ10-mediated leaf senescence by stimulating the interaction between MdVQ10 and MdWRKY75. Moreover, the jasmonic acid signaling repressors MdJAZ12 and MdJAZ14 antagonized MdVQ10-mediated leaf senescence by weakening the MdVQ10-MdWRKY75 interaction. Our results demonstrate that the MdVQ10-MdWRKY75 module is a key modulator of wound-induced leaf senescence and provides insights into the mechanism of leaf senescence caused by wounding.

EIF5A2 specifically regulates the transcription of aging-related genes in human neuroblastoma cells

BACKGROUND

Post-transcriptional regulation plays a critical role in controlling biological processes such as aging. Previous studies have shown that eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (EIF5A) might play a crucial role in aging. It is unknown whether EIF5A2, a second isoform of EIF5A, could impact aging through post-transcriptional regulation.

METHODS

In the present study, EIF5A2 overexpression (EIF5A2-OE) was induced in SH-SY5Y cells. RNA-seq, bioinformatics analysis and RT-qPCR validation experiments were then performed to explore the molecular mechanism of EIF5A2-mediated transcriptional regulation. Cell viability, proportion of senescent cells and the cell cycle were respectively determined by Cell Counting Kit-8, SA-β‑galactosidase and flow cytometry to evaluate the cell senescence.

RESULTS

A total of 190 downregulated and 126 upregulated genes related to EIF5A2-OE were identified. Genes closely related to cellular aging processes such as unfolded protein response (UPR), cell adhesion and calcium signaling pathway were under global transcriptional regulation. Moreover, EIF5A2-OE promoted the viability of SH-SY5Y cells and reduced cell senescence in vitro. Among 30 genes with the most significant expression differences in EIF5A2-OE cells, we identified eight genes, including ASNS, ATF3, ATF4, CEBPB, DDIT3, HERPUD1, HSPA5 and XBP1, enriched in the UPR. Through EIF5A2-tanscription factors (TFs)-targets regulation network in EIF5A2-OE cells, we found three TFs, BHLHE40, RHOXF1 and TBX20, that targeted at these eight UPR-related genes. Verification test via the published database of human glial cell tissue showed only BHLHE40 and RHOXF1 were significantly associated with EIF5A2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that EIF5A2 may alleviate cell senescence in vitro and mediate UPR-related genes via specific TFs. Thus, EIF5A2 could function as a regulator of aging via the regulation of transcription, which greatly expands the current understanding of the mechanisms of EIF5A2-mediated gene regulation.

Genome-wide association study for resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. garcae in Coffea arabica

Bacteria halo blight (BHB), a coffee plant disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. garcae, has been gaining importance in producing mountain regions and mild temperatures areas as well as in coffee nurseries. Most Coffea arabica cultivars are susceptible to this disease. In contrast, a great source of genetic diversity and resistance to BHB are found in C. arabica Ethiopian accessions. Aiming to identify quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) associated with resistance to BHB and the influence of these genomic regions during the domestication of C. arabica, we conducted an analysis of population structure and a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS). For this, we used genotyping by sequencing (GBS) and phenotyping for resistance to BHB of a panel with 120 C. arabica Ethiopian accessions from a historical FAO collection, 11 C. arabica cultivars, and the BA-10 genotype. Population structure analysis based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) markers showed that the 132 accessions are divided into 3 clusters: most wild Ethiopian accessions, domesticated Ethiopian accessions, and cultivars. GWAS, using the single-locus model MLM and the multi-locus models mrMLM, FASTmrMLM, FASTmrEMMA, and ISIS EM-BLASSO, identified 11 QTNs associated with resistance to BHB. Among these QTNs, the four with the highest values of association for resistance to BHB are linked to g000 (Chr_0_434_435) and g010741 genes, which are predicted to encode a serine/threonine-kinase protein and a nucleotide binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR), respectively. These genes displayed a similar transcriptional downregulation profile in a C. arabica susceptible cultivar and in a C. arabica cultivar with quantitative resistance, when infected with P. syringae pv. garcae. However, peaks of upregulation were observed in a C. arabica cultivar with qualitative resistance, for both genes. Our results provide SNPs that have potential for application in Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) and expand our understanding about the complex genetic control of the resistance to BHB in C. arabica. In addition, the findings contribute to increasing understanding of the C. arabica domestication history.

Physiological and protein profiling analysis provides insight into the underlying molecular mechanism of potato tuber development regulated by jasmonic acid in vitro

BACKGROUND

Jasmonates (JAs) are one of important phytohormones regulating potato tuber development. It is a complex process and the underlying molecular mechanism regulating tuber development by JAs is still limited. This study attempted to illuminate it through the potential proteomic dynamics information about tuber development in vitro regulated by exogenous JA.

RESULTS

A combined analysis of physiological and iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification)-based proteomic approach was performed in tuber development in vitro under exogenous JA treatments (0, 0.5, 5 and 50 μΜ). Physiological results indicated that low JA concentration (especially 5 μM) promoted tuber development, whereas higher JA concentration (50 μM) showed inhibition effect. A total of 257 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified by iTRAQ, which provided a comprehensive overview on the functional protein profile changes of tuber development regulated by JA. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that low JA concentration (especially 5 μM) exhibited the promotion effects on tuber development in various cellular processes. Some cell wall polysaccharide synthesis and cytoskeleton formation-related proteins were up-regulated by JA to promote tuber cell expansion. Some primary carbon metabolism-related enzymes were up-regulated by JA to provide sufficient metabolism intermediates and energy for tuber development. And, a large number of protein biosynthesis, degradation and assembly-related were up-regulated by JA to promote tuber protein biosynthesis and maintain strict protein quality control during tuber development.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to integrate physiological and proteomic data to provide useful information about the JA-signaling response mechanism of potato tuber development in vitro. The results revealed that the levels of a number of proteins involved in various cellular processes were regulated by JA during tuber development. The proposed hypothetical model would explain the interaction of these DEPs that associated with tuber development in vitro regulated by JA.

Suspension cell secretome of the grain legume Lathyrus sativus (grasspea) reveals roles in plant development and defense responses

Plant secretomics has been especially important in understanding the molecular basis of plant development, stress resistance and biomarker discovery. In addition to sharing a similar role in maintaining cell metabolism and biogenesis with the animal secretome, plant-secreted proteins actively participate in signaling events crucial for cellular homeostasis during stress adaptation. However, investigation of the plant secretome remains largely overlooked, particularly in pulse crops, demanding urgent attention. To better understand the complexity of the secretome, we developed a reference map of a stress-resilient orphan legume, Lathyrus sativus (grasspea), which can be utilized as a potential proteomic resource. Secretome analysis of L. sativus led to the identification of 741 nonredundant proteins belonging to a myriad of functional classes, including antimicrobial, antioxidative and redox potential. Computational prediction of the secretome revealed that ∼29% of constituents are predicted to follow unconventional protein secretion (UPS) routes. We conducted additional in planta analysis to determine the localization of two secreted proteins, recognized as cell surface residents. Sequence-based homology comparison revealed that L. sativus shares ∼40% of the constituents reported thus far from in vitro and in planta secretome analysis in model and crop species. Significantly, we identified 571 unique proteins secreted from L. sativus involved in cell-to-cell communication, organ development, kinase-mediated signaling, and stress perception, among other critical roles. Conclusively, the grasspea secretome participates in putative crosstalk between genetic circuits that regulate developmental processes and stress resilience.

Machine-Learning-Based Genome-Wide Association Studies for Uncovering QTL Underlying Soybean Yield and Its Components

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) is currently one of the most recommended approaches for discovering marker-trait associations (MTAs) for complex traits in plant species. Insufficient statistical power is a limiting factor, especially in narrow genetic basis species, that conventional GWAS methods are suffering from. Using sophisticated mathematical methods such as machine learning (ML) algorithms may address this issue and advance the implication of this valuable genetic method in applied plant-breeding programs. In this study, we evaluated the potential use of two ML algorithms, support-vector machine (SVR) and random forest (RF), in a GWAS and compared them with two conventional methods of mixed linear models (MLM) and fixed and random model circulating probability unification (FarmCPU), for identifying MTAs for soybean-yield components. In this study, important soybean-yield component traits, including the number of reproductive nodes (RNP), non-reproductive nodes (NRNP), total nodes (NP), and total pods (PP) per plant along with yield and maturity, were assessed using a panel of 227 soybean genotypes evaluated at two locations over two years (four environments). Using the SVR-mediated GWAS method, we were able to discover MTAs colocalized with previously reported quantitative trait loci (QTL) with potential causal effects on the target traits, supported by the functional annotation of candidate gene analyses. This study demonstrated the potential benefit of using sophisticated mathematical approaches, such as SVR, in a GWAS to complement conventional GWAS methods for identifying MTAs that can improve the efficiency of genomic-based soybean-breeding programs.

Phosphorylated viral protein evades plant immunity through interfering the function of RNA-binding protein

Successful pathogen infection in plant depends on a proper interaction between the invading pathogen and its host. Post-translational modification (PTM) plays critical role(s) in plant-pathogen interaction. However, how PTM of viral protein regulates plant immunity remains poorly understood. Here, we found that S162 and S165 of Chinese wheat mosaic virus (CWMV) cysteine-rich protein (CRP) are phosphorylated by SAPK7 and play key roles in CWMV infection. Furthermore, the phosphorylation-mimic mutant of CRP (CRP^S162/165D) but not the non-phosphorylatable mutant of CRP (CRP^S162/165A) interacts with RNA-binding protein UBP1-associated protein 2C (TaUBA2C). Silencing of TaUBA2C expression in wheat plants enhanced CWMV infection. In contrast, overexpression of TaUBA2C in wheat plants inhibited CWMV infection. TaUBA2C inhibits CWMV infection through recruiting the pre-mRNA of TaNPR1, TaPR1 and TaRBOHD to induce cell death and H₂O₂ production. This effect can be supressed by CRP^S162/165D through changing TaUBA2C chromatin-bound status and attenuating it’s the RNA- or DNA-binding activities. Taken together, our findings provide new knowledge on how CRP phosphorylation affects CWMV infection as well as the arms race between virus and wheat plants.

Chinese wheat mosaic virus (CWMV) causes a damaging disease in cereal plants. However, CWMV interacts with host factors to facilitate virus infection is not clear yet. Here, we found that S162 and S165 of CWMV cysteine-rich protein (CRP) are phosphorylated by SAPK7 in vivo and in vitro. Mutational analyses have indicated that these two phosphorylation sites of CRP (CRP^S162/165D) promoting CWMV infection in plants, due to the supressed cell death and H₂O₂ production. Further investigations found the CRP^S162/165D can interact with TaUBA2C, while the non-phosphorylatable mutant of CRP (CRP^S162/165A) does not. Futhermore, we have determined that CRP^S162/165D and TaUBA2C interaction inhibited the formation of TaUBA2C speckles in nucleus to attenuate its RNA- and DNA-binding activity. We also showed that TaUBA2C recruit the pre-mRNA of TaNPR1, TaPR1 and TaRBOHD to up-regulated these genes expressions and then induce cell death and H₂O₂ production in plant. This effect can be supressed by the expression of CRP^S162/165D, in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, our discovery may provide a new sight for the arms race between virus and its host plants.

StMPK7 phosphorylates and stabilizes a potato RNA-binding protein StUBA2a/b to enhance plant defence responses

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play pivotal roles in regulating plant immunity. MAPKs usually transduce signals and regulate plant immunity by phosphorylating the downstream defence-related components. Our previous study indicates that StMPK7 positively regulates plant defence to Phytophthora pathogens via SA signalling pathway. However, the downstream component of StMPK7 remains unknown. In this study, we employed GFP-StMPK7 transgenic potato and performed immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) to identify the downstream component of StMPK7. We found that an RNA binding protein StUBA2a/b interacted with StMPK7, as revealed by luciferase complementation imaging (LCI) and coimmunoprecipitation (co-IP) assays. Transient expression of StUBA2a/b in Nicociana benthamiana enhanced plant resistance to Phytophthora pathogens, while silencing of UBA2a/b decreased the resistance, suggesting a positive regulator role of UBA2a/b in plant immunity. Similar to StMPK7, StUBA2a/b was also involved in SA signalling pathway and induced SGT1-dependent cell death as constitutively activated (CA)-StMPK7 did. Immune blotting indicated that StMPK7 phosphorylates StUBA2a/b at thr248 and thr408 (T248/408) sites and stabilizes StUBA2a/b. Silencing of MPK7 in N. benthamiana suppressed StUBA2a/b-induced cell death, while co-expression with StMPK7 enhanced the cell death. Besides, StUBA2a/b^T248/408A mutant showed decreased ability to trigger cell death and elevate the expression of PR genes, indicating the phosphorylation by StMPK7 enhances the functions of StUBA2a/b. Moreover, CA-StMPK7-induced cell death was largely suppressed by silencing of NbUBA2a/b, genetically implying UBA2a/b acts as the downstream component of StMPK7. Collectively, our results reveal that StMPK7 phosphorylates and stabilizes its downstream substrate StUBA2a/b to enhance plant immunity via the SA signalling pathway.

The RNA recognition motif-containing protein UBA2c prevents early flowering by promoting transcription of the flowering repressor FLM in Arabidopsis

FLOWERING LOCUS M (FLM) is a well-known MADS-box transcription factor that is required for preventing early flowering under low temperatures in Arabidopsis thaliana. Alternative splicing of FLM is involved in the regulation of temperature-responsive flowering. However, how the basic transcript level of FLM is regulated is largely unknown. Here, we conducted forward genetic screening and identified a previously uncharacterized flowering repressor gene, UBA2c. Genetic analyses indicated that UBA2c represses flowering at least by promoting FLM transcription. We further demonstrated that UBA2c directly binds to FLM chromatin and facilitates FLM transcription by inhibiting histone H3K27 trimethylation, a histone marker related to transcriptional repression. UBA2c encodes a protein containing two putative RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) and one prion-like domain (PrLD). We found that UBA2c forms speckles in the nucleus and that both the RRMs and PrLD are required not only for forming the nuclear speckles but also for the biological function of UBA2c. These results identify a previously unknown flowering repressor and provide insights into the regulation of flowering time.

Functional Characterization of the Pheophytinase Gene, ZjPPH, From Zoysia japonica in Regulating Chlorophyll Degradation and Photosynthesis

Pheophytinase (PPH), the phytol hydrolase, plays important roles in chlorophyll degradation. Nevertheless, little attention has been paid to the PPHs in warm-season grass species; neither its detailed function in photosynthesis has been systematically explored to date. In this study, we isolated ZjPPH from Zoysia japonica, an excellent warm-season turfgrass species. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis and promoter activity characterization revealed that the expression of ZjPPH could be induced by senescence, ABA, and dark induction. Subcellular localization observation proved that ZjPPH was localized in the chloroplasts. Overexpression of ZjPPH accelerated the chlorophyll degradation and rescued the stay-green phenotype of the Arabidopsis pph mutant. Moreover, ZjPPH promoted senescence with the accumulation of ABA and soluble sugar contents, as well as the increased transcriptional level of SAG12 and SAG14. Transmission electron microscopy investigation revealed that ZjPPH caused the decomposition of chloroplasts ultrastructure in stable transformed Arabidopsis. Furthermore, chlorophyll a fluorescence transient measurement analysis suggested that ZjPPH suppressed photosynthesis efficiency by mainly suppressing both photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI). In conclusion, ZjPPH plays an important role in chlorophyll degradation and senescence. It could be a valuable target for genetic editing to cultivate new germplasms with stay-green performance and improved photosynthetic efficiency.

Restriction of iron loading into developing seeds by a YABBY transcription factor safeguards successful reproduction in Arabidopsis

Iron (Fe) storage in plant seeds is not only necessary for seedling establishment following germination but is also a major source of dietary Fe for humans and other animals. Accumulation of Fe in seeds is known to be low during early seed development. However, the underlying mechanism and biological significance remain elusive. Here, we show that reduced expression of Arabidopsis YABBY transcription factor INNER NO OUTER (INO) increases embryonic Fe accumulation, while transgenic overexpression of INO results in the opposite effect. INO is highly expressed during early seed development, and decreased INO expression increases the expression of NATURAL RESISTANCE-ASSOCIATED MACROPHAGE PROTEIN 1 (NRAMP1), which encodes a transporter that contributes to seed Fe loading. The relatively high embryonic Fe accumulation conferred by decreased INO expression is rescued by the nramp1 loss-of-function mutation. We further demonstrated that INO represses NRAMP1 expression by binding to NRAMP1-specific promoter region. Interestingly, we found that excessive Fe loading into developing seeds of ino mutants results in greater oxidative damage, leading to increased cell death and seed abortion, a phenotype that can be rescued by the nramp1 mutation. Taken together, these results indicate that INO plays an important role in safeguarding reproduction by reducing Fe loading into developing seeds by repressing NRAMP1 expression.

SUMOylation in Phytopathogen Interactions: Balancing Invasion and Resistance

Plants are constantly confronted by a multitude of biotic stresses involving a myriad of pathogens. In crops, pathogen infections result in significant agronomical losses worldwide posing a threat to food security. In order to enter plant tissues and establish a successful infection, phytopathogens have to surpass several physical, and chemical defense barriers. In recent years, post-translational modification (PTM) mechanisms have emerged as key players in plant defense against pathogens. PTMs allow a highly dynamic and rapid response in front of external challenges, increasing the complexity and precision of cellular responses. In this review, we focus on the role of SUMO conjugation (SUMOylation) in plant immunity against fungi, bacteria, and viruses. In plants, SUMO regulates multiple biological processes, ranging from development to responses arising from environmental challenges. During pathogen attack, SUMO not only modulates the activity of plant defense components, but also serves as a target of pathogen effectors, highlighting its broad role in plant immunity. Here, we summarize known pathogenic strategies targeting plant SUMOylation and, the plant SUMO conjugates involved in host-pathogen interactions. We also provide a catalog of candidate SUMO conjugates according to their role in defense responses. Finally, we discuss the complex role of SUMO in plant defense, focusing on key biological and experimental aspects that contribute to some controversial conclusions, and the opportunities for improving agricultural productivity by engineering SUMOylation in crop species.

Multi-scale comparative transcriptome analysis reveals key genes and metabolic reprogramming processes associated with oil palm fruit abscission

BACKGROUND

Fruit abscission depends on cell separation that occurs within specialized cell layers that constitute an abscission zone (AZ). To determine the mechanisms of fleshy fruit abscission of the monocot oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) compared with other abscission systems, we performed multi-scale comparative transcriptome analyses on fruit targeting the developing primary AZ and adjacent tissues.

RESULTS

Combining between-tissue developmental comparisons with exogenous ethylene treatments, and naturally occurring abscission in the field, RNAseq analysis revealed a robust core set of 168 genes with differentially regulated expression, spatially associated with the ripe fruit AZ, and temporally restricted to the abscission timing. The expression of a set of candidate genes was validated by qRT-PCR in the fruit AZ of a natural oil palm variant with blocked fruit abscission, which provides evidence for their functions during abscission. Our results substantiate the conservation of gene function between dicot dry fruit dehiscence and monocot fleshy fruit abscission. The study also revealed major metabolic transitions occur in the AZ during abscission, including key senescence marker genes and transcriptional regulators, in addition to genes involved in nutrient recycling and reallocation, alternative routes for energy supply and adaptation to oxidative stress.

CONCLUSIONS

The study provides the first reference transcriptome of a monocot fleshy fruit abscission zone and provides insight into the mechanisms underlying abscission by identifying key genes with functional roles and processes, including metabolic transitions, cell wall modifications, signalling, stress adaptations and transcriptional regulation, that occur during ripe fruit abscission of the monocot oil palm. The transcriptome data comprises an original reference and resource useful towards understanding the evolutionary basis of this fundamental plant process.

Multiple Layers of Regulation on Leaf Senescence: New Advances and Perspectives

Leaf senescence is the last stage of leaf development and is an orderly biological process accompanied by degradation of macromolecules and nutrient recycling, which contributes to plant fitness. Forward genetic mutant screening and reverse genetic studies of senescence-associated genes (SAGs) have revealed that leaf senescence is a genetically regulated process, and the initiation and progression of leaf senescence are influenced by an array of internal and external factors. Recently, multi-omics techniques have revealed that leaf senescence is subjected to multiple layers of regulation, including chromatin, transcriptional and post-transcriptional, as well as translational and post-translational levels. Although impressive progress has been made in plant senescence research, especially the identification and functional analysis of a large number of SAGs in crop plants, we still have not unraveled the mystery of plant senescence, and there are some urgent scientific questions in this field, such as when plant senescence is initiated and how senescence signals are transmitted. This paper reviews recent advances in the multiple layers of regulation on leaf senescence, especially in post-transcriptional regulation such as alternative splicing.

Genomic analyses reveal the genetic basis of early maturity and identification of loci and candidate genes in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Although upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutism L.) originated in the tropics, this early maturity cotton can be planted as far north as 46°N in China due to the accumulation of numerous phenotypic and physiological adaptations during domestication. However, how the genome of early maturity cotton has been altered by strong human selection remains largely unknown. Herein, we report a cotton genome variation map generated by the resequencing of 436 cotton accessions. Whole-genome scans for sweep regions identified 357 putative selection sweeps covering 4.94% (112 Mb) of the upland cotton genome, including 5184 genes. These genes were functionally related to flowering time control, hormone catabolism, ageing and defence response adaptations to environmental changes. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) for seven early maturity traits identified 307 significant loci, 22.48% (69) of which overlapped with putative selection sweeps that occurred during the artificial selection of early maturity cotton. Several previously undescribed candidate genes associated with early maturity were identified by GWAS. This study provides insights into the genetic basis of early maturity in upland cotton as well as breeding resources for cotton improvement.

In search of function: nuclear bodies and their possible roles as plant environmental sensors

Plants must adjust their physiology, development and reproductive decisions in response to a fluctuating environment. Understanding how these adjustments are achieved is fundamental for predicting plant reactions to global environmental changes and for designing mitigation strategies. An often overlooked plant-environmental response is the formation of intranuclear membrane-less organelles known as 'nuclear bodies'. Currently, the functional role of nuclear bodies remains largely unclear. However, in recent years, they have received increased attention as possible hubs or integrators of environmental signals, and for possibly being part of the sensing machinery itself. Here, we will explore the formation of nuclear bodies under changing light, osmotic, and temperature conditions. We will then hypothesize on their potential functions in facilitating environmentally driven plant responses.

Proteomic analysis of SUMO1-SUMOylome changes during defense elicitation in Arabidopsis

Rapid adaptation of plants to developmental or physiological cues is facilitated by specific receptors that transduce the signals mostly via post-translational modification (PTM) cascades of downstream partners. Reversible covalent attachment of SMALL UBIQUITIN-LIKE MODIFIER (SUMO), a process termed as SUMOylation, influence growth, development and adaptation of plants to various stresses. Strong regulatory mechanisms maintain the steady-state SUMOylome and mutants with SUMOylation disturbances display mis-primed immunity often with growth consequences. Identity of the SUMO-substrates undergoing SUMOylation changes during defenses however remain largely unknown. Here we exploit either the auto-immune property of an Arabidopsis mutant or defense responses induced in wild-type plants against Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato (PstDC3000) to enrich and identify SUMO1-substrates. Our results demonstrate massive enhancement of SUMO1-conjugates due to increased SUMOylation efficiencies during defense responses. Of the 261 proteins we identify, 29 have been previously implicated in immune-associated processes. Role of others expand to diverse cellular roles indicating massive readjustments the SUMOylome alterations may cause during induction of immunity. Overall, our study highlights the complexities of a plant immune network and identifies multiple SUMO-substrates that may orchestrate the signaling. SIGNIFICANCE: In all eukaryotes, covalent linkage of the SMALL UBIQUITIN-LIKE MODIFIER (SUMOs), a process termed as SUMOylation, on target proteins affect their fate and function. Plants display reversible readjustments in the pool of SUMOylated proteins during biotic and abiotic stress responses. Here, we demonstrate net increase in global SUMO1/2-SUMOylome of Arabidopsis thaliana at induction of immunity. We enrich and identify 261 SUMO1-substrates enhanced in defenses that categorize to diverse cellular processes and include novel candidates with uncharacterized immune-associated roles. Overall, our results highlight intricacies of SUMO1-orchestration in defense signaling networks.

Post-Synthetic Reduction of Pectin Methylesterification Causes Morphological Abnormalities and Alterations to Stress Response in Arabidopsis thaliana

Pectin is a critical component of the plant cell wall, supporting wall biomechanics and contributing to cell wall signaling in response to stress. The plant cell carefully regulates pectin methylesterification with endogenous pectin methylesterases (PMEs) and their inhibitors (PMEIs) to promote growth and protect against pathogens. We expressed Aspergillus nidulans pectin methylesterase (AnPME) in Arabidopsis thaliana plants to determine the impacts of methylesterification status on pectin function. Plants expressing AnPME had a roughly 50% reduction in methylester content compared with control plants. AnPME plants displayed a severe dwarf phenotype, including small, bushy rosettes and shorter roots. This phenotype was caused by a reduction in cell elongation. Cell wall composition was altered in AnPME plants, with significantly more arabinose and significantly less galacturonic acid, suggesting that plants actively monitor and compensate for altered pectin content. Cell walls of AnPME plants were more readily degraded by polygalacturonase (PG) alone but were less susceptible to treatment with a mixture of PG and PME. AnPME plants were insensitive to osmotic stress, and their susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea was comparable to wild type plants despite their compromised cell walls. This is likely due to upregulated expression of defense response genes observed in AnPME plants. These results demonstrate the importance of pectin in both normal growth and development, and in response to biotic and abiotic stresses.

Convergent molecular evolution among ash species resistant to the emerald ash borer

Recent studies show that molecular convergence plays an unexpectedly common role in the evolution of convergent phenotypes. We exploited this phenomenon to find candidate loci underlying resistance to the emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis), the United States' most costly invasive forest insect to date, within the pan-genome of ash trees (the genus Fraxinus). We show that EAB-resistant taxa occur within three independent phylogenetic lineages. In genomes from these resistant lineages, we detect 53 genes with evidence of convergent amino acid evolution. Gene-tree reconstruction indicates that, for 48 of these candidates, the convergent amino acids are more likely to have arisen via independent evolution than by another process such as hybridization or incomplete lineage sorting. Seven of the candidate genes have putative roles connected to the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway and 17 relate to herbivore recognition, defence signalling or programmed cell death. Evidence for loss-of-function mutations among these candidates is more frequent in susceptible species than in resistant ones. Our results on evolutionary relationships, variability in resistance, and candidate genes for defence response within the ash genus could inform breeding for EAB resistance, facilitating ecological restoration in areas invaded by this beetle.

Transcription Is Just the Beginning of Gene Expression Regulation: The Functional Significance of RNA-Binding Proteins to Post-transcriptional Processes in Plants

Plants have developed sophisticated mechanisms to compensate and respond to ever-changing environmental conditions. Research focus in this area has recently shifted towards understanding the post-transcriptional mechanisms that contribute to RNA transcript maturation, abundance and function as key regulatory steps in allowing plants to properly react and adapt to these never-ending shifts in their environments. At the center of these regulatory mechanisms are RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), the functional mediators of all post-transcriptional processes. In plants, RBPs are becoming increasingly appreciated as the critical modulators of core cellular processes during development and in response to environmental stimuli. With the majority of research on RBPs and their functions historically in prokaryotic and mammalian systems, it has more recently been unveiled that plants have expanded families of conserved and novel RBPs compared with their eukaryotic counterparts. To better understand the scope of RBPs in plants, we present past and current literature detailing specific roles of RBPs during stress response, development and other fundamental transition periods. In this review, we highlight examples of complex regulation coordinated by RBPs with a focus on the diverse mechanisms of plant RBPs and the unique processes they regulate. Additionally, we discuss the importance for additional research into understanding global interactions of RBPs on a systems and network-scale, with genome mining and annotation providing valuable insight for potential uses in improving crop plants in order to maintain high-level production in this era of global climate change.

Flower bud proteome reveals modulation of sex-biased proteins potentially associated with sex expression and modification in dioecious Coccinia grandis

BACKGROUND

Dioecy is an important sexual system wherein, male and female flowers are borne on separate unisexual plants. Knowledge of sex-related differences can enhance our understanding in molecular and developmental processes leading to unisexual flower development. Coccinia grandis is a dioecious species belonging to Cucurbitaceae, a family well-known for diverse sexual forms. Male and female plants have 22A + XY and 22A + XX chromosomes, respectively. Previously, we have reported a gynomonoecious form (22A + XX) of C. grandis bearing morphologically hermaphrodite flowers (GyM-H) and female flowers (GyM-F). Also, we have showed that foliar spray of AgNO₃ on female plant induces morphologically hermaphrodite bud development (Ag-H) despite the absence of Y-chromosome.

RESULTS

To identify sex-related differences, total proteomes from male, female, GyM-H and Ag-H flower buds at early and middle stages of development were analysed by label-free proteomics. Protein search against the cucumber protein sequences (Phytozome) as well as in silico translated C. grandis flower bud transcriptome database, resulted in the identification of 2426 and 3385 proteins (FDR ≤ 1%), respectively. The latter database was chosen for further analysis as it led to the detection of higher number of proteins. Identified proteins were annotated using BLAST2GO pipeline. SWATH-MS-based comparative abundance analysis between Female_Early_vs_Male_Early, Ag_Early_vs_Female_Early, GyM-H_Middle_vs_Male_Middle and Ag_Middle_vs_ Male_Middle led to the identification of 650, 1108, 905 and 805 differentially expressed proteins, respectively, at fold change ≥1.5 and P ≤ 0.05. Ethylene biosynthesis-related candidates as highlighted in protein interaction network were upregulated in female buds compared to male buds. AgNO₃ treatment on female plant induced proteins related to pollen development in Ag-H buds. Additionally, a few proteins governing pollen germination and tube growth were highly enriched in male buds compared to Ag-H and GyM-H buds.

CONCLUSION

Overall, current proteomic analysis provides insights in the identification of key proteins governing dioecy and unisexual flower development in cucurbitaceae, the second largest horticultural family in terms of economic importance. Also, our results suggest that the ethylene-mediated stamen inhibition might be conserved in dioecious C. grandis similar to its monoecious cucurbit relatives. Further, male-biased proteins associated with pollen germination and tube growth identified here can help in understanding pollen fertility.

EgRBP42 from oil palm enhances adaptation to stress in Arabidopsis through regulation of nucleocytoplasmic transport of stress-responsive mRNAs

Abiotic stress reduces plant growth and crop productivity. However, the mechanism underlying posttranscriptional regulations of stress response remains elusive. Herein, we report the posttranscriptional mechanism of nucleocytoplasmic RNA transport of stress-responsive transcripts mediated by EgRBP42, a heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein-like RNA-binding protein from oil palm, which could be necessary for rapid protein translation to confer abiotic stress tolerance in plants. Transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing EgRBP42 showed early flowering through alteration of gene expression of flowering regulators and exhibited tolerance towards heat, cold, drought, flood, and salinity stresses with enhanced poststress recovery response by increasing the expression of its target stress-responsive genes. EgRBP42 harbours nucleocytoplasmic shuttling activity mediated by the nuclear localization signal and the M9-like domain of EgRBP42 and interacts directly with regulators in the nucleus, membrane, and the cytoplasm. EgRBP42 regulates the nucleocytoplasmic RNA transport of target stress-responsive transcripts through direct binding to their AG-rich motifs. Additionally, EgRBP42 transcript and protein induction by environmental stimuli are regulated at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Taken together, the posttranscriptional regulation of RNA transport mediated by EgRBP42 may change the stress-responsive protein profiles under abiotic stress conditions leading to a better adaptation of plants to environmental changes.

Hydrogen Sulfide Regulates Energy Production to Delay Leaf Senescence Induced by Drought Stress in Arabidopsis

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a novel gasotransmitter in both mammals and plants. H2S plays important roles in various plant developmental processes and stress responses. Leaf senescence is the last developmental stage and is a sequential degradation process that eventually leads to leaf death. A mutation of the H2S-producing enzyme-encoding gene L-cysteine desulfhydrase1 (DES1) leads to premature leaf senescence but the underlying mechanisms are not clear. In this present study, wild-type, DES1 defective mutant (des1) and over-expression (OE-DES1) Arabidopsis plants were used to investigate the underlying mechanism of H2S signaling in energy production and leaf senescence under drought stress. The des1 mutant was more sensitive to drought stress and displayed accelerated leaf senescence, while the leaves of OE-DES1 contained adequate chlorophyll levels, accompanied by significantly increased drought resistance. Under drought stress, the expression levels of ATPβ-1, -2, and -3 were significantly downregulated in des1 and significantly upregulated in OE-DES1, and ATPε showed the opposite trend. Senescence-associated gene (SAG) 12 correlated with age-dependent senescence and participated in the drought resistance of OE-DES1. SAG13, which was induced by environmental factors, responded positively to drought stress in des1 plants, while there was no significant difference in the SAG29 expression between des1 and OE-DES1. Using transmission electron microscopy, the mitochondria of des1 were severely damaged and bubbled in older leaves, while OE-DES1 had complete mitochondrial structures and a homogeneous matrix. Additionally, mitochondria isolated from OE-DES1 increased the H2S production rate, H2S content and ATPase activity level, as well as reduced swelling and lowered the ATP content in contrast with wild-type and des1 significantly. Therefore, at subcellular levels, H2S appeared to determine the ability of mitochondria to regulate energy production and protect against cellular aging, which subsequently delayed leaf senescence under drought-stress conditions in plants.

A harpin elicitor induces the expression of a coiled-coil nucleotide binding leucine rich repeat (CC-NB-LRR) defense signaling gene and others functioning during defense to parasitic nematodes

The bacterial effector harpin induces the transcription of the Arabidopsis thaliana NON-RACE SPECIFIC DISEASE RESISTANCE 1/HARPIN INDUCED1 (NDR1/HIN1) coiled-coil nucleotide binding leucine rich repeat (CC-NB-LRR) defense signaling gene. In Glycine max, Gm-NDR1-1 transcripts have been detected within root cells undergoing a natural resistant reaction to parasitism by the syncytium-forming nematode Heterodera glycines, functioning in the defense response. Expressing Gm-NDR1-1 in Gossypium hirsutum leads to resistance to Meloidogyne incognita parasitism. In experiments presented here, the heterologous expression of Gm-NDR1-1 in G. hirsutum impairs Rotylenchulus reniformis parasitism. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that Gm-NDR1-1 expression functions broadly in generating a defense response. To examine a possible relationship with harpin, G. max plants topically treated with harpin result in induction of the transcription of Gm-NDR1-1. The result indicates the topical treatment of plants with harpin, itself, may lead to impaired nematode parasitism. Topical harpin treatments are shown to impair G. max parasitism by H. glycines, M. incognita and R. reniformis and G. hirsutum parasitism by M. incognita and R. reniformis. How harpin could function in defense has been examined in experiments showing it also induces transcription of G. max homologs of the proven defense genes ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY1 (EDS1), TGA2, galactinol synthase, reticuline oxidase, xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolase, alpha soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein (α-SNAP) and serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT). In contrast, other defense genes are not directly transcriptionally activated by harpin. The results indicate harpin induces pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMP) triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI) defense processes in the root, activating defense to parasitic nematodes.

Engineering species-like barriers to sexual reproduction

Controlling the exchange of genetic information between sexually reproducing populations has applications in agriculture, eradication of disease vectors, control of invasive species, and the safe study of emerging biotechnology applications. Here we introduce an approach to engineer a genetic barrier to sexual reproduction between otherwise compatible populations. Programmable transcription factors drive lethal gene expression in hybrid offspring following undesired mating events. As a proof of concept, we target the ACT1 promoter of the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a dCas9-based transcriptional activator. Lethal overexpression of actin results from mating this engineered strain with a strain containing the wild-type ACT1 promoter.

Genetic isolation of a genetically modified organism represents a useful strategy for biocontainment. Here the authors use dCas9-VP64-driven gene expression to construct a ‘species-like’ barrier to reproduction between two otherwise compatible populations.

Overexpression of VpEIFP1, a novel F-box/Kelch-repeat protein from wild Chinese Vitis pseudoreticulata, confers higher tolerance to powdery mildew by inducing thioredoxin z proteolysis

An F-box protein (VpEIFP1) induced by Erysiphe necator was isolated from Vitis pseudoreticulata, a wild Chinese grapevine species naturally resistant to powdery mildew (PM). It contains an F-box domain and two Kelch-repeat motifs. Expression profiles indicate the VpEIFP1 is strongly induced at both transcriptional and translational levels by PM infection. A subcellular localisation assay showed that VpEIFP1 is predominantly located in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Overexpression of VpEIFP1 accelerated the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and up-regulated the expressions of ICS2, NPR1 and PR1 involved in defence responses, resulting in suppression of PM germination and growth. As an F-box protein, VpEIFP1 interacts with thioredoxin z (VpTrxz) in the yeast-two-hybrid (Y2H) assay and in the bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay. Decreased amounts of VpTrxz protein in transgenic grapevine leaves overexpressing VpEIFP1 were restored by proteasome inhibitor MG132, implying that VpEIFP1 mediated VpTrxz for degradation through the SCF^VpEIFP1 (Skp1-Cullin-F-box) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. The RNA interference line of VpTrxz showed increased H₂O₂ accumulation following PM inoculation. We propose VpEIFP1 positively modulates the grapevine defence response to PM by inducing the degradation of VpTrxz via the ubiquitin/26S proteasome system.

Transcriptomic Profiling Analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana Treated with Exogenous Myo-Inositol

Myo-insositol (MI) is a crucial substance in the growth and developmental processes in plants. It is commonly added to the culture medium to promote adventitious shoot development. In our previous work, MI was found in influencing Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. In this report, a high-throughput RNA sequencing technique (RNA-Seq) was used to investigate differently expressed genes in one-month-old Arabidopsis seedling grown on MI free or MI supplemented culture medium. The results showed that 21,288 and 21,299 genes were detected with and without MI treatment, respectively. The detected genes included 184 new genes that were not annotated in the Arabidopsis thaliana reference genome. Additionally, 183 differentially expressed genes were identified (DEGs, FDR ≤0.05, log2 FC≥1), including 93 up-regulated genes and 90 down-regulated genes. The DEGs were involved in multiple pathways, such as cell wall biosynthesis, biotic and abiotic stress response, chromosome modification, and substrate transportation. Some significantly differently expressed genes provided us with valuable information for exploring the functions of exogenous MI. RNA-Seq results showed that exogenous MI could alter gene expression and signaling transduction in plant cells. These results provided a systematic understanding of the functions of exogenous MI in detail and provided a foundation for future studies.

Enhanced production of resveratrol derivatives in tobacco plants by improving the metabolic flux of intermediates in the phenylpropanoid pathway

The biosynthesis of flavonoids such as anthocyanin and stilbenes has attracted increasing attention because of their potential health benefits. Anthocyanins and stilbenes share common phenylpropanoid precursor pathways. We previously reported that the overexpression of sweetpotato IbMYB1a induced anthocyanin pigmentation in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants. In the present study, transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum SR1) plants (STS-OX and ROST-OX) expressing the RpSTS gene encoding stilbene synthase from rhubarb (Rheum palmatum L. cv. Jangyeop) and the RpSTS and VrROMT genes encoding resveratrol O-methyltransferase from frost grape (Vitis riparia) were generated under the control of 35S promoter. Phenotypic alterations in floral organs, such as a reduction in floral pigments and male sterility, were observed in STS-OX transgenic tobacco plants. However, we failed to obtain STS-OX and ROST-OX plants with high levels of resveratrol compounds. Therefore, to improve the production of resveratrol derivatives in plants, we cross-pollinated flowers of STS-OX or ROST-OX and IbMYB1a-OX transgenic lines (SM and RSM). Phenotypic changes in vegetative and reproductive development of SM and RSM plants were observed. Furthermore, by HPLC and LC-MS analyses, we found enhanced production of resveratrol derivatives such as piceid, piceid methyl ether, resveratrol methyl ether O-hexoside, and 5-methyl resveratrol-3,4'-O-β-D-diglucopyranoside in SM and RSM cross-pollinated lines. Here, total contents of trans- and cis-piceids ranged from approximately 104-240 µg/g fresh weight in SM (F2). Collectively, we suggest that coexpression of RpSTS and IbMYB1a via cross-pollination can induce enhanced production of resveratrol compounds in plants by increasing metabolic flux into stilbenoid biosynthesis.

The RNA-binding protein repertoire of Arabidopsis thaliana

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have essential roles in determining the fate of RNA from synthesis to decay and have been studied on a protein-by-protein basis, or computationally based on a number of well-characterised RNA-binding domains. Recently, high-throughput methods enabled the capture of mammalian RNA-binding proteomes. To gain insight into the role of Arabidopsis thaliana RBPs at the systems level, we have employed interactome capture techniques using cells from different ecotypes grown in cultures and leaves. In vivo UV-crosslinking of RNA to RBPs, oligo(dT) capture and mass spectrometry yielded 1,145 different proteins including 550 RBPs that either belong to the functional category 'RNA-binding', have known RNA-binding domains or have orthologs identified in mammals, C. elegans, or S. cerevisiae in addition to 595 novel candidate RBPs. We noted specific subsets of RBPs in cultured cells and leaves and a comparison of Arabidopsis, mammalian, C. elegans, and S. cerevisiae RBPs reveals a common set of proteins with a role in intermediate metabolism, as well as distinct differences suggesting that RBPs are also species and tissue specific. This study provides a foundation for studies that will advance our understanding of the biological significance of RBPs in plant developmental and stimulus specific responses.

Proteomic Analysis of Differentially Expressed Proteins Involved in Peel Senescence in Harvested Mandarin Fruit

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata), a non-climacteric fruit, is an economically important fruit worldwide. The mechanism underlying senescence of non-climacteric fruit is poorly understood. In this study, a gel-based proteomic study followed by LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis was carried out to investigate the proteomic changes involved in peel senescence in harvested mandarin "Shatangju" fruit stored for 18 days. Over the course of the storage period, the fruit gradually senesced, accompanied by a decreased respiration rate and increased chlorophyll degradation and disruption of membrane integrity. Sixty-three proteins spots that showed significant differences in abundance were identified. The up-regulated proteins were mainly associated with cell wall degradation, lipid degradation, protein degradation, senescence-related transcription factors, and transcription-related proteins. In contrast, most proteins associated with ATP synthesis and scavenging of reactive oxygen species were significantly down-regulated during peel senescence. Three thioredoxin proteins and three Ca(2+) signaling-related proteins were significantly up-regulated during peel senescence. It is suggested that mandarin peel senescence is associated with energy supply efficiency, decreased antioxidant capability, and increased protein and lipid degradation. In addition, activation of Ca(2+) signaling and transcription factors might be involved in cell wall degradation and primary or secondary metabolism.

Decreased Polysaccharide Feruloylation Compromises Plant Cell Wall Integrity and Increases Susceptibility to Necrotrophic Fungal Pathogens

The complexity of cell wall composition and structure determines the strength, flexibility, and function of the primary cell wall in plants. However, the contribution of the various components to cell wall integrity (CWI) and function remains unclear. Modifications of cell wall composition can induce plant responses known as CWI control. In this study, we used transgenic expression of the fungal feruloyl esterase AnFAE to examine the effect of post-synthetic modification of Arabidopsis and Brachypodium cell walls. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing AnFAE showed a significant reduction of monomeric ferulic acid, decreased amounts of wall-associated extensins, and increased susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea, compared with wild type. Transgenic Brachypodium showed reductions in monomeric and dimeric ferulic acids and increased susceptibility to Bipolaris sorokiniana. Upon infection, transgenic Arabidopsis and Brachypodium plants also showed increased expression of several defense-related genes compared with wild type. These results demonstrate a role, in both monocot and dicot plants, of polysaccharide feruloylation in plant CWI, which contributes to plant resistance to necrotrophic pathogens.

Expression of potato RNA-binding proteins StUBA2a/b and StUBA2c induces hypersensitive-like cell death and early leaf senescence in Arabidopsis

The Arabidopsis thaliana genome encodes three RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), UBP1-associated protein 2a (UBA2a), UBA2b, and UBA2c, that contain two RNA-recognition motif (RRM) domains. They play important roles in wounding response and leaf senescence, and are homologs of Vicia faba abscisic-acid-activated protein kinase-interacting protein 1 (VfAKIP1). The potato (Solanum tuberosum) genome encodes at least seven AKIP1-like RBPs. Here, two potato RBPs have been characterized, StUBA2a/b and StUBA2c, that are homologous to VfAKIP1 and Arabidopsis UBA2s. Transient expression of StUBA2s induced a hypersensitive-like cell death phenotype in tobacco leaves, and an RRM-domain deletion assay of StUBA2s revealed that the first RRM domain is crucial for the phenotype. Unlike overexpression of Arabidopsis UBA2s, constitutive expression of StUBA2a/b in Arabidopsis did not cause growth arrest and lethality at the young seedling stage, but induced early leaf senescence. This phenotype was associated with increased expression of defence- and senescence-associated genes, including pathogen-related genes (PR) and a senescence-associated gene (SAG13), and it was aggravated upon flowering and ultimately resulted in a shortened life cycle. Leaf senescence of StUBA2a/b Arabidopsis plants was enhanced under darkness and was accompanied by H2O2 accumulation and altered expression of autophagy-associated genes, which likely cause cellular damage and are proximate causes of the early leaf senescence. Expression of salicylic acid signalling and biosynthetic genes was also upregulated in StUBA2a/b plants. Consistent with the localization of UBA2s-GFPs and VfAKIP1-GFP, soluble-modified GFP-StUBA2s localized in the nucleus within nuclear speckles. StUBA2s potentially can be considered for transgenic approaches to induce potato shoot senescence, which is desirable at harvest.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase 6 regulates NPR1 gene expression and activation during leaf senescence induced by salicylic acid

Plant senescence is a highly regulated process that can be induced by a range of factors. The nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related genes 1 (npr1) mutant is defective in the salicylic acid (SA) signalling pathway, displaying delayed yellowing during developmental senescence. However, the regulating mechanism of NPR1 on exogenous SA-induced senescence in detached Arabidopsis leaves has not yet been clarified. It was shown here that mitogen-activated protein kinase 6 (MPK6) is involved in promoting exogenous SA-induced detached leaf senescence. During the process of SA-induced senescence, the expression of NPR1 and senescence-related transcription factor WRKY6 was suppressed in mpk6 mutant plants. Further analyses showed that the NPR1 mRNA level is reduced in wrky6 mutants and enhanced in WRKY6 overexpressing lines. Meanwhile, chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that WRKY6 binds directly to the NPR1 promoter containing W-box motifs. Moreover, inhibition of MPK6 function diminished SA-induced monomerization and nuclear localization of NPR1. In addition, the expression of Trx h5, which catalyses the SA-induced NPR1 activation, was suppressed in the mpk6 mutant, suggesting that MPK6 promotes NPR1 activation, possibly by regulating the expression of Trx h5. Collectively, MPK6-mediated WRKY6 and Trx h5 transcriptional activation co-regulated the expression of the NPR1 gene and the monomerization of NPR1 protein, allowing it to enter the nucleus, thereby promoting SA-induced leaf senescence. These results provide new insight into the mechanism of exogenous SA-induced detached leaf senescence.

Analyses of flooding tolerance of soybean varieties at emergence and varietal differences in their proteomes

Flooding of fields due to heavy and/or continuous rainfall influences soybean production. To identify soybean varieties with flooding tolerance at the seedling emergence stage, 128 soybean varieties were evaluated using a flooding tolerance index, which is based on plant survival rates, the lack of apparent damage and lateral root development, and post-flooding radicle elongation rate. The soybean varieties were ranked according to their flooding tolerance index, and it was found that the tolerance levels of soybean varieties exhibit a continuum of differences between varieties. Subsequently, tolerant, moderately tolerant and sensitive varieties were selected and subjected to comparative proteomic analysis to clarify the tolerance mechanism. Proteomic analysis of the radicles, combined with correlation analysis, showed that the ratios of RNA binding/processing related proteins and flooding stress indicator proteins were significantly correlated with flooding tolerance index. The RNA binding/processing related proteins were positively correlated in untreated soybeans, whereas flooding stress indicator proteins were negatively correlated in flooded soybeans. These results suggest that flooding tolerance is regulated by mechanisms through multiple factors and is associated with abundance levels of the identified proteins.

HnRNP-like proteins as post-transcriptional regulators

Plant cells contain a diverse repertoire of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that coordinate a network of post-transcriptional regulation. RBPs govern diverse developmental processes by modulating the gene expression of specific transcripts. Recent gene annotation and RNA sequencing clearly showed that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP)-like proteins which form a family of RBPs, are also expressed in higher plants and serve specific plant functions. In addition to their involvement in post-transcriptional regulation from mRNA capping to translation, they are also involved in telomere regulation, gene silencing and regulation in chloroplast. Here, we review the involvement of plant hnRNP-like proteins in post-transcription regulation of RNA processes and their functional roles in control of plant developmental processes especially plant-specific functions including flowering, chloroplastic-specific mRNA regulation, long-distance phloem transportation and plant responses to environmental stresses.

Characterization of RNA binding protein RBP-P reveals a possible role in rice glutelin gene expression and RNA localization

RNA binding proteins (RBPs) play an important role in mRNA metabolism including synthesis, maturation, transport, localization, and stability. In developing rice seeds, RNAs that code for the major storage proteins are transported to specific domains of the cortical endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by a regulated mechanism requiring RNA cis-localization elements, or zipcodes. Putative trans-acting RBPs that recognize prolamine RNA zipcodes required for restricted localization to protein body-ER have previously been identified. Here, we describe the identification of RBP-P using a Northwestern blot approach as an RBP that recognizes and binds to glutelin zipcode RNA, which is required for proper RNA localization to cisternal-ER. RBP-P protein expression coincides with that of glutelin during seed maturation and is localized to both the nucleus and cytosol. RNA-immunoprecipitation and subsequent RT-PCR analysis further demonstrated that RBP-P interacts with glutelin RNAs. In vitro RNA-protein UV-crosslinking assays showed that recombinant RBP-P binds strongly to glutelin mRNA, and in particular, 3' UTR and zipcode RNA. RBP-P also exhibited strong binding activity to a glutelin intron sequence, suggesting that RBP-P might participate in mRNA splicing. Overall, these results support a multifunctional role for RBP-P in glutelin mRNA metabolism, perhaps in nuclear pre-mRNA splicing and cytosolic localization to the cisternal-ER.

Discovering functional modules across diverse maize transcriptomes using COB, the Co-expression Browser

Tools that provide improved ability to relate genotype to phenotype have the potential to accelerate breeding for desired traits and to improve our understanding of the molecular variants that underlie phenotypes. The availability of large-scale gene expression profiles in maize provides an opportunity to advance our understanding of complex traits in this agronomically important species. We built co-expression networks based on genome-wide expression data from a variety of maize accessions as well as an atlas of different tissues and developmental stages. We demonstrate that these networks reveal clusters of genes that are enriched for known biological function and contain extensive structure which has yet to be characterized. Furthermore, we found that co-expression networks derived from developmental or tissue atlases as compared to expression variation across diverse accessions capture unique functions. To provide convenient access to these networks, we developed a public, web-based Co-expression Browser (COB), which enables interactive queries of the genome-wide networks. We illustrate the utility of this system through two specific use cases: one in which gene-centric queries are used to provide functional context for previously characterized metabolic pathways, and a second where lists of genes produced by mapping studies are further resolved and validated using co-expression networks.

Open Stomata 1 (OST1) is limiting in abscisic acid responses of Arabidopsis guard cells

Open Stomata 1 (OST1) (SnRK2.6 or SRK2E), a serine/threonine protein kinase, is a positive regulator in abscisic acid (ABA)-mediated stomatal response, but OST1-regulation of K(+) and Ca(2+) currents has not been studied directly in guard cells and it is unknown whether OST1 activity is limiting in ABA-mediated stomatal responses. We employed loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches to study native ABA responses of Arabidopsis guard cells. We performed stomatal aperture bioassays, patch clamp analyses and reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurements. ABA inhibition of inward K(+) channels and light-induced stomatal opening are reduced in ost1 mutants while transgenic plants overexpressing OST1 show ABA hypersensitivity in these responses. ost1 mutants are insensitive to ABA-induced stomatal closure, regulation of slow anion currents, Ca(2+) -permeable channel activation and ROS production while OST1 overexpressing lines are hypersensitive for these responses, resulting in accelerated stomatal closure in response to ABA. Overexpression of OST1 in planta in the absence of ABA application does not affect basal apertures or ion currents. Moreover, we demonstrate the physical interaction of OST1 with the inward K(+) channel KAT1, the anion channel SLAC1, and the NADPH oxidases AtrbohD and AtrbohF. Our findings support OST1 as a critical limiting component in ABA regulation of stomatal apertures, ion channels and NADPH oxidases in Arabidopsis guard cells.

Genes and co-expression modules common to drought and bacterial stress responses in Arabidopsis and rice

Plants are simultaneously exposed to multiple stresses resulting in enormous changes in the molecular landscape within the cell. Identification and characterization of the synergistic and antagonistic components of stress response mechanisms contributing to the cross talk between stresses is of high priority to explore and enhance multiple stress responses. To this end, we performed meta-analysis of drought (abiotic), bacterial (biotic) stress response in rice and Arabidopsis by analyzing a total of 386 microarray samples belonging to 20 microarray studies and identified approximately 3100 and 900 DEGs in rice and Arabidopsis, respectively. About 38.5% (1214) and 28.7% (272) DEGs were common to drought and bacterial stresses in rice and Arabidopsis, respectively. A majority of these common DEGs showed conserved expression status in both stresses. Gene ontology enrichment analysis clearly demarcated the response and regulation of various plant hormones and related biological processes. Fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis of alkaloids were upregulated and, nitrogen metabolism and photosynthesis was downregulated in both stress conditions. WRKY transcription family genes were highly enriched in all upregulated gene sets while ‘CO-like’ TF family showed inverse relationship of expression between drought and bacterial stresses. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis divided DEG sets into multiple modules that show high co-expression and identified stress specific hub genes with high connectivity. Detection of consensus modules based on DEGs common to drought and bacterial stress revealed 9 and 4 modules in rice and Arabidopsis, respectively, with conserved and reversed co-expression patterns.

Aluminum-induced programmed cell death promoted by AhSAG, a senescence-associated gene in Arachis hypoganea L

Programmed cell death (PCD) is a foundational cellular process in plant development and elimination of damaged cells under environmental stresses. In this study, Al induced PCD in two peanut (Arachis hypoganea L.) cultivars Zhonghua 2 (Al-sensitive) and 99-1507 (Al-tolerant) using DNA ladder, TUNEL detection and electron microscopy. The concentration of Al-induced PCD was lower in Zhonghua 2 than in 99-1507. AhSAG, a senescence-associated gene was isolated from cDNA library of Al-stressed peanut with PCD. Open reading frame (ORF) of AhSAG was 474bp, encoding a SAG protein composed of 157 amino acids. Compared to the control and the antisense transgenic tobacco plants, the fast development and blossom of the sense transgenic plants happened to promote senescence. The ability of Al tolerance in sense transgenic tobacco was lower than in antisense transgenic tobacco according to root elongation and Al content analysis. The expression of AhSAG-GFP was higher in sense transgenic tobacco than in antisense transgenic tobacco. Altogether, these results indicated that there was a negative relationship between Al-induced PCD and Al-resistance in peanut, and the AhSAG could induce or promote the occurrence of PCD in plants.

Genomic era analyses of RNA secondary structure and RNA-binding proteins reveal their significance to post-transcriptional regulation in plants

The eukaryotic transcriptome is regulated both transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally. Transcriptional control was the major focus of early research efforts, while more recently post-transcriptional mechanisms have gained recognition for their significant regulatory importance. At the heart of post-transcriptional regulatory pathways are cis- and trans-acting features and factors including RNA secondary structure as well as RNA-binding proteins and their recognition sites on target RNAs. Recent advances in genomic methodologies have significantly improved our understanding of both RNA secondary structure and RNA-binding proteins and their regulatory effects within the eukaryotic transcriptome. In this review, we focus specifically on the collection of these regulatory moieties in plant transcriptomes. We describe the approaches for studying RNA secondary structure and RNA-protein interaction sites, with an emphasis on recent methodological advances that produce transcriptome-wide datasets. We discuss how these methods that include genome-wide RNA secondary structure determination and RNA-protein interaction site mapping are significantly improving our understanding of the functions of these two elements in post-transcriptional regulation. Finally, we delineate the need for additional genome-wide studies of RNA secondary structure and RNA-protein interactions in plants.

Regulation of leaf senescence and crop genetic improvement

Leaf senescence can impact crop production by either changing photosynthesis duration, or by modifying the nutrient remobilization efficiency and harvest index. The doubling of the grain yield in major cereals in the last 50 years was primarily achieved through the extension of photosynthesis duration and the increase in crop biomass partitioning, two things that are intrinsically coupled with leaf senescence. In this review, we consider the functionality of a leaf as a function of leaf age, and divide a leaf's life into three phases: the functionality increasing phase at the early growth stage, the full functionality phase, and the senescence and functionality decreasing phase. A genetic framework is proposed to describe gene actions at various checkpoints to regulate leaf development and senescence. Four categories of genes contribute to crop production: those which regulate (I) the speed and transition of early leaf growth, (II) photosynthesis rate, (III) the onset and (IV) the progression of leaf senescence. Current advances in isolating and characterizing senescence regulatory genes are discussed in the leaf aging and crop production context. We argue that the breeding of crops with leaf senescence ideotypes should be an essential part of further crop genetic improvement.

Promoter activity of polypyrimidine tract-binding protein genes of potato responds to environmental cues

Polypyrimidine tract-binding (PTB) proteins are RNA-binding proteins that target specific RNAs for post-transcriptional processing by binding cytosine/uracil motifs. PTBs have established functions in a range of RNA processes including splicing, translation, stability and long-distance transport. Six PTB-like genes identified in potato have been grouped into two clades based on homology to other known plant PTBs. StPTB1 and StPTB6 are closely related to a PTB protein discovered in pumpkin, designated CmRBP50, and contain four canonical RNA-recognition motifs. CmRBP50 is expressed in phloem tissues and functions as the core protein of a phloem-mobile RNA/protein complex. Sequence from the potato genome database was used to clone the upstream sequence of these two PTB genes and analyzed to identify conserved cis-elements. The promoter of StPTB6 was enriched for regulatory elements for light and sucrose induction and defense. Upstream sequence of both PTB genes was fused to β-glucuronidase and monitored in transgenic potato lines. In whole plants, the StPTB1 promoter was most active in leaf veins and petioles, whereas StPTB6 was most active in leaf mesophyll. Both genes are active in new tubers and tuber sprouts. StPTB6 expression was induced in stems and stolon sections in response to sucrose and in leaves or petioles in response to light, heat, drought and mechanical wounding. These results show that CmRBP50-like genes of potato exhibit distinct expression patterns and respond to both developmental and environmental cues.

Overexpression of a LAM domain containing RNA-binding protein LARP1c induces precocious leaf senescence in Arabidopsis

Leaf senescence is the final stage of leaf life history, and it can be regulated by multiple internal and external cues. La-related proteins (LARPs), which contain a well-conserved La motif (LAM) domain and normally a canonical RNA recognition motif (RRM) or noncanonical RRM-like motif, are widely present in eukaryotes. Six LARP genes (LARP1a-1c and LARP6a-6c) are present in Arabidopsis, but their biological functions have not been studied previously. In this study, we investigated the biological roles of LARP1c from the LARP1 family. Constitutive or inducible overexpression of LARP1c caused premature leaf senescence. Expression levels of several senescence-associated genes and defense-related genes were elevated upon overexpression of LARP1c. The LARP1c null mutant 1c-1 impaired ABA-, SA-, and MeJA-induced leaf senescence in detached leaves. Gene expression profiles of LARP1c showed age-dependent expression in rosette leaves. Taken together, our results suggest LARP1c is involved in regulation of leaf senescence.

EgRBP42 encoding an hnRNP-like RNA-binding protein from Elaeis guineensis Jacq. is responsive to abiotic stresses

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have been implicated as regulatory proteins involved in the post-transcriptional processes of gene expression in plants under various stress conditions. In this study, we report the cloning and characterization of a gene, designated as EgRBP42, encoding a member of the plant heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP)-like RBP family from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.). EgRBP42 consists of two N-terminal RNA recognition motifs and a glycine-rich domain at the C-terminus. The upstream region of EgRBP42 has multiple light-responsive, stress-responsive regulatory elements and regulatory elements associated with flower development. Real-time RT-PCR analysis of EgRBP42 showed that EgRBP42 was expressed in oil palm tissues tested, including leaf, shoot apical meristem, root, female inflorescence, male inflorescence and mesocarp with the lowest transcript level in the roots. EgRBP42 protein interacted with transcripts associated with transcription, translation and stress responses using pull-down assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The accumulation of EgRBP42 and its interacting transcripts were induced by abiotic stresses, including salinity, drought, submergence, cold and heat stresses in leaf discs. Collectively, the data suggested that EgRBP42 is a RBP, which responds to various abiotic stresses and could be advantageous for oil palm under stress conditions. Key message EgRBP42 may be involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of stress-related genes important for plant stress response and adaptation.

Proteomic analysis of embryonic proteins synthesized from long-lived mRNAs during germination of rice seeds

Dry seeds contain translatable, long-lived mRNAs that are stored during seed maturation. Early studies using transcriptional inhibitors supported the view that protein synthesis during the initial phase of germination occurs on long-lived mRNA templates. Rice seeds were treated with the transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin D (Act D), and the embryonic proteins translated from long-lived mRNAs during germination were identified using a proteomic analysis. De novo transcription was not required for germination of rice seeds, since >80% of seeds germinated when transcription was prevented by treatment with Act D. In contrast, germination was completely inhibited in the presence of cycloheximide, an inhibitor of translation. Thus, de novo protein synthesis is necessary for germination of rice seeds. The proteomic analysis revealed that 20 proteins are up-regulated during germination, even after Act D treatment. Many of the up-regulated proteins are involved in carbohydrate metabolism and cytoskeleton formation. These results indicate that some of the germination-specific proteins involved in energy production and maintenance of cell structure in rice seeds are synthesized from long-lived mRNAs. The timing of translation of eight up-regulated proteins was clearly later than that of the other up-regulated proteins under conditions in which transcription was inhibited by Act D, suggesting that translation of long-lived mRNAs in rice seeds is regulated according to the germination phase.

The Role of Polypyrimidine Tract-Binding Proteins and Other hnRNP Proteins in Plant Splicing Regulation

Alternative precursor mRNA splicing is a widespread phenomenon in multicellular eukaryotes and represents a major means for functional expansion of the transcriptome. While several recent studies have revealed an important link between splicing regulation and fundamental biological processes in plants, many important aspects, such as the underlying splicing regulatory mechanisms, are so far not well understood. Splicing decisions are in general based on a splicing code that is determined by the dynamic interplay of splicing-controlling factors and cis-regulatory elements. Several members of the group of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) proteins are well known regulators of splicing in animals and the comparatively few reports on some of their plant homologs revealed similar functions. This also applies to polypyrimidine tract-binding proteins, a thoroughly investigated class of hnRNP proteins with splicing regulatory functions in both animals and plants. Further examples from plants are auto- and cross-regulatory splicing circuits of glycine-rich RNA binding proteins and splicing enhancement by oligouridylate binding proteins. Besides their role in defining splice site choice, hnRNP proteins are also involved in multiple other steps of nucleic acid metabolism, highlighting the functional versatility of this group of proteins in higher eukaryotes.

Selection-driven divergence after gene duplication in Arabidopsis thaliana

Gene duplications are one of the most important mechanisms for the origin of evolutionary novelties. Even though various models of the fate of duplicated genes have been established, current knowledge about the role of divergent selection after gene duplication is rather limited. In this study, we analyzed sequence divergence in response to neo- and subfunctionalization of segmentally duplicated genes in the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana. We compared the genomes of A. thaliana and the poplar Populus trichocarpa to identify orthologous pairs of genes and their corresponding inparalogs. Maximum-likelihood analyses of the nonsynonymous and synonymous substitution rate ratio [Formula: see text] of pairs of A. thaliana inparalogs were used to detect differences in the evolutionary rates of protein coding sequences. We analyzed 1,924 A. thaliana paralogous pairs and our results indicate that around 6.9% show divergent ω values between the lineages for a fraction of sites. We observe an enrichment of regulatory sequences, a reduced level of co-expression and an increased number of substitutions that can be attributed to positive selection based on an McDonald-Kreitman type of analysis. Taken together, these results show that selection after duplication contributes substantially to gene novelties and hence functional divergence in plants.

Different roles of Enhanced Disease Susceptibility1 (EDS1) bound to and dissociated from Phytoalexin Deficient4 (PAD4) in Arabidopsis immunity

• Enhanced Disease Susceptibility1 (EDS1) is an important regulator of plant basal and receptor-triggered immunity. Arabidopsis EDS1 interacts with two related proteins, Phytoalexin Deficient4 (PAD4) and Senescence Associated Gene101 (SAG101), whose combined activities are essential for defense signaling. The different sizes and intracellular distributions of EDS1-PAD4 and EDS1-SAG101 complexes in Arabidopsis leaf tissues suggest that they perform nonredundant functions. • The nature and biological relevance of EDS1 interactions with PAD4 and SAG101 were explored using yeast three-hybrid assays, in vitro analysis of recombinant proteins purified from Escherichia coli, and characterization of Arabidopsis transgenic plants expressing an eds1 mutant (eds1(L262P) ) protein which no longer binds PAD4 but retains interaction with SAG101. • EDS1 forms molecularly distinct complexes with PAD4 or SAG101 without additional plant factors. Loss of interaction with EDS1 reduces PAD4 post-transcriptional accumulation, consistent with the EDS1 physical association stabilizing PAD4. The dissociated forms of EDS1 and PAD4 are fully competent in signaling receptor-triggered localized cell death at infection foci. By contrast, an EDS1-PAD4 complex is necessary for basal resistance involving transcriptional up-regulation of PAD4 itself and mobilization of salicylic acid defenses. • Different EDS1 and PAD4 molecular configurations have distinct and separable functions in the plant innate immune response.