Protocol for detecting lncRNA-protein interaction in vivo using the yeast three-hybrid assay

Analyses of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-protein interactions provide key clues for understanding the molecular basis of lncRNA-modulated biological processes. Here, we detail a yeast three-hybrid assay to identify the lncRNA-interacting protein. We describe steps for lncRNA bait preparation, screening an RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) cDNA library, and validation of the lncRNA-RBP interaction. The assay can also be further applied to delineate the region of RBP that mediates the RNA-protein interaction. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Zhang et al.1.

Protocol for detecting lncRNA-protein interactions in vitro by tRSA RNA pull-down assay

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) work together with diverse RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) to fulfill key regulations in important cellular functions. Here, we present a protocol to detect lncRNA-RBP interactions in vitro using a tRNA scaffold containing a streptavidin aptamer pull-down assay. We describe steps for preparing both protein and lncRNA transcripts, lncRNA-protein interaction detection with an in vitro binding assay, and western blot analysis. This protocol is applicable to screen for RNA-interacting proteins using cell lysates followed by mass spectrometry analysis. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Yang et al. (2023).1.

Protocol to produce plant-based hybrid nanovesicles from fresh turmeric and pepper using polyethylene glycol

In addition to proteins, microRNAs, and lipids, plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (ENVs) are also enriched with host plant bioactives. Both curcumin and piperine are water insoluble, lack bioavailability, and are extracted by non-ecofriendly solvents. Herein, we present an eco-friendly protocol for co-isolating both curcumin and piperine in the form of hybrid ENVs. We describe steps for sample pre-processing, combined homogenization of plant materials, filtration, and differential centrifugation. We then detail procedures for polyethylene glycol-based fusion and precipitation of hybrid ENVs. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Kumar et al.1.

Quantification of xylem connection defects during lateral root development in Arabidopsis

The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the establishment of vascular connections between primary and lateral roots have recently gained significant attention. Here, I present a protocol to visualize and quantify xylem connection defects during lateral root development. I describe steps for employing stains to infer whether the defects observed in xylem bridges are associated with alterations in the xylem differentiation program, including programmed cell death and secondary cell wall deposition. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Blanco-Touriñán et al. (2023) and Ursache et al. (2018).1,2.

Protocol for imbibed seed piercing for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of jute

Here, we present a streamlined Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol for jute (Corchorus sp.). We describe steps to pierce and vacuum infiltrate imbibed jute seeds with Agrobacterium suspension. We then detail procedures for selecting transformed seeds by using a hygromycin-B-supplemented medium. This approach can achieve transformation efficiencies of 20.44% ± 1.17% and 15.55% ± 0.58% for tossa (C. olitorius) and white (C. capsularis) jute, respectively. Demanding minimal resources and time, this protocol can elevate genetic engineering research in jute fiber crops. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Majumder et al. (2020).1.

Protocol to isolate nuclei from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for ATAC sequencing

The isolation of sufficient amounts of intact nuclei is essential to obtain high-resolution maps of chromatin accessibility via assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq). Here, we present a protocol for tag-free isolation of nuclei from both cell walled and cell wall-deficient strains of the green model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii at a suitable quality for ATAC-seq. We describe steps for nuclei isolation, quantification, and downstream ATAC-seq. This protocol is optimized to shorten the time of isolation and quantification of nuclei.

Protocol for analyzing the movement and uptake of isotopically labeled signaling molecule azelaic acid in Arabidopsis

Understanding the generation, movement, uptake, and perception of mobile defense signals is key for unraveling the systemic resistance programs in flowering plants against pathogens. Here, we present a protocol for analyzing the movement and uptake of isotopically labeled signaling molecule azelaic acid (AZA) in Arabidopsis thaliana. We describe steps to assess 14C-AZA uptake into leaf discs and its movement from local to systemic tissues. We also detail the assay for uptake and movement of 2H-AZA from roots to the shoot. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Cecchini et al.1,2.

Protocol for early warning of Diaporthe infection in kiwifruit soft rot by plasmonic dimer-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

The pathogens of the Diaporthe genus are now considered to be the dominant pathogens of kiwifruit soft rot. Here, we present a protocol to construct nanoprobes for the Diaporthe genus and detect changes of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for samples collected from infected kiwifruit. We describe steps for synthesis of gold nanoparticles, DNA extraction from kiwifruit, and construction of nanoprobes. We then detail classification of nanoparticles with different aggregation states through dark-field microscope (DFM) picture analysis using Fiji-ImageJ software. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Yu et al. (2022).¹.

Protocol for real-time imaging, polar protein quantification, and targeted laser ablation of regenerating shoot progenitors in Arabidopsis

Here, we provide a protocol for real-time tracking of regenerating shoot progenitors, combined with polar protein quantification and targeted laser ablation of callus cells in Arabidopsis. Using Arabidopsis strains expressing GFP-labeled polar auxin efflux carrier, PINFORMED 1 (PIN1) protein, we detail steps to prepare the callus for time-lapse confocal imaging and track the progenitors expressing PIN1-GFP, followed by mapping and quantifying PIN1 polarity using Fiji/ImageJ. We then describe targeted laser ablation of cells and subsequent time-lapse imaging to study regeneration. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Varapparambath et al. (2022).¹.

Heritable CRISPR-Cas9 editing of plant genomes using RNA virus vectors

Viral vectors hold enormous potential for genome editing in plants as transient delivery vehicles of CRISPR-Cas components. Here, we describe a protocol to assemble plant viral vectors for single-guide RNA (sgRNA) delivery. The obtained viral constructs are based on compact T-DNA binary vectors of the pLX series and are delivered into Cas9-expressing plants through agroinoculation. This approach allows rapidly assessing sgRNA design for plant genome targeting, as well as the recovery of progeny with heritable mutations at targeted loci. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Uranga et al. (2021)1 and Aragonés et al. (2022).2.

Deep learning based protocol to construct an immune-related gene network of host-pathogen interactions in plants

Investigating network behavior from host-pathogen interactions is challenging. Here, we present the deep-learning-based protocol to construct an immune-related gene network and list the genes involved in the defense response of host to specific biotic stress. The protocol includes the steps to pre-process the interaction pairs and expression profile of plants treated with pathogen/control, feed as input for DLNet algorithm to rank genes based on their contribution to data classification. The top-ranked genes are subjected to module and enrichment analysis. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Kumar et al. (2022).1.