Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yan Xu, Ruibo Hu, Shengjun Li
Summary: The Arabidopsis seed coat mucilage is a polysaccharide-rich matrix synthesized by the seed coat epidermal cells. It serves as an ideal model system for plant cell wall research and has contributed to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying mucilage synthesis and modification. This review summarizes the genes and regulators involved in seed coat cell differentiation, mucilage biosynthesis and modification, and secondary cell wall formation, with a focus on the transcriptional regulation of mucilage production.
Article
Plant Sciences
Juan Du, Mei Ruan, Xiaokun Li, Qiuyan Lan, Qing Zhang, Shuang Hao, Xin Gou, Charles T. Anderson, Chaowen Xiao
Summary: Pectin, including RG-I and HG, plays a central role in seed mucilage formation. This study identified the function of pectin HG in seed coat mucilage formation. The results showed that HG is required for the synthesis and expansion of seed mucilage, and it interacts with cellulose and other pectin domains to regulate its formation, expansion, and release.
JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Robert McGee, Gillian H. Dean, Di Wu, Yuelin Zhang, Shawn D. Mansfield, George W. Haughn
Summary: This study demonstrates the feasibility of manipulating the seed coat epidermal cell extracellular matrix using a targeted genetic engineering approach. By expressing enzymes predicted to modify polysaccharide components of mucilage in Arabidopsis thaliana seed coat epidermal cells, researchers observed significant impacts on mucilage composition and cell adhesion, highlighting the complex relationship between cell wall structure and function.
PLANT AND CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nayana D. G. de Silva, Celine Boutin, Anna O. Lukina, Tamara L. Western, Isabel Molina, Owen Rowland
Summary: The study revealed that various polymer types in the Arabidopsis seed coat provide protection against chromium (Cr3+) toxicity through different mechanisms and degrees. Suberin was identified as the main physical barrier against Cr3+ toxicity. The results also emphasized the risks associated with Cr3+ toxicity on the persistence of seeds with relatively low seed coat suberin in soils contaminated with high levels of chromium.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lei Shi, Yuqin Chen, Jun Hong, Gaodian Shen, Lukas Schreiber, Hagai Cohen, Dabing Zhang, Asaph Aharoni, Jianxin Shi
Summary: AtMYB31, a transcription factor that modulates wax biosynthesis, is involved in seed development in Arabidopsis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mireille Cambert, Adeline Berger, Christine Salle, Stephanie Esling, Delphine Charif, Tudel Cadoret, Marie-Christine Ralet, Helen M. North, Corinne Rondeau-Mouro
Summary: The seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana produce a mucilage layer when imbibed, comprising an outer and inner layer. By studying 19 natural accessions, researchers have generated datasets for further exploration of mucilage polysaccharides and their adaptive traits. This data will serve as a valuable resource for genetic, biochemical, structural, and functional analyses.
Article
Plant Sciences
Patrick J. Allen, Ross S. Napoli, Roger W. Parish, Song Feng Li
Summary: The MYB-bHLH-TTG1 transcription factor complexes regulate Arabidopsis seed coat biosynthesis pathways in a multi-tiered regulatory mechanism. PECTIN METHYLESTERASE INHIBITOR14 (PMEI14) plays a role in seed coat mucilage pectin methylesterification and is regulated by MYB5, TT8, and seven mucilage pathway structural genes. GL2, HDG2, and TTG2 are minor regulators of seed coat mucilage deposition, while TTG1 and TTG2 are major regulators of PMEI14 expression. This study reveals the complex regulation of seed coat mucilage biosynthesis genes through a three-tiered mechanism.
PLANT AND CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Bo Yang, Florian Hofmann, Bjoern Usadel, Citalin Voiniciuc
Summary: This study investigated the functions of four distinct classes of cell wall polymers in seed mucilage structure and salt tolerance. The results showed that xylan and glucomannan play crucial roles in fine-tuning mucilage adherence and salt tolerance in seeds.
Article
Plant Sciences
Chaoyang Zhao, David William, Devinder Sandhu
Summary: The study identified and characterized SOS pathway genes in spinach, showing conservation of these genes in plants while highlighting differences in expression patterns in different cell types.
PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ori Avraham Erlichman, Shahar Weiss, Maria Abu Arkia, Moria Ankary-Khaner, Yoram Soroka, Weronika Jasinska, Leah Rosental, Yariv Brotman, Tamar Avin-Wittenberg
Summary: Seeds are important for providing nutrients and promoting germination. Autophagy plays a crucial role in seed development, affecting nutrient remobilization, protein accumulation, seed coat morphology, and germination. It is necessary to examine autophagy in a tissue-specific manner in order to understand its functions during seed development.
Article
Plant Sciences
Juan Pablo Parra-Rojas, Pablo Sepulveda-Orellana, Dayan Sanhueza, Hernan Salinas-Grenet, Henry Temple, Paul Dupree, Susana Saez-Aguayo, Ariel Orellana
Summary: This study investigates the role of GoSAMTs in the methylation of pectin homogalacturonan (HG) in mucilage. The results show that GoSAMT1 and GoSAMT2 are involved in HG methyl-esterification in mucilage, and their absence leads to decreased methyl esterification and increased egg-box structures in the cell walls.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yi-Chen Lee, Gillian H. Dean, Erin Gilchrist, Allen Yi-Lun Tsai, George W. Haughn
Summary: Extracellular matrix proteins in Arabidopsis seed coat epidermal cells exhibit distinctive asymmetric distributions, which are generated by polar secretion and protein degradation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Chinnasamy Brindha, Srinivasavedantham Vasantha, Arun K. Raja, Arjun S. Tayade
Summary: The SOS pathway is crucial for ion homeostasis in sugarcane, with SOS genes showing significant upregulation in leaves of tolerant genotypes under salt stress. The differential expression of SOS genes and ion accumulation between tolerant and susceptible genotypes suggests a relationship between SOS gene expression and salinity tolerance.
PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Joan Renard, Gaetano Bissoli, Maria Dolores Planes, Jose Gadea, Miguel angel Naranjo, Ramon Serrano, Gwyneth Ingram, Eduardo Bueso
Summary: This study explores the relationship between TFs AtHB25 and ICE1. The lack of ICE1 suppresses the enhanced seed longevity and impermeability of the overexpressing mutant athb25-1D, while seed coat lipid polyester deposition is not affected. Another mutant zou-4, which lacks the transcriptional program for proper endosperm maturation, also shows high sensitivity to seed aging.
Article
Plant Sciences
Vera Gorelova, Maite Colinas, Elisa Dell'Aglio, Paulina Flis, David E. Salt, Teresa B. Fitzpatrick
Summary: The study reveals that the Arabidopsis SOS4 mutant is characterized by stunted growth under saline conditions, which is associated with deficiencies in phosphorylated B-6 vitamers. The sos4 mutant shows disturbances in mineral nutrient homeostasis, particularly with hyperaccumulation of transition metal micronutrients in the root. The research suggests that SOS4 may play a crucial role in developmental processes under moderate light intensities and provides insights into integrating SOS4-derived B-6 vitamers into plant health and fitness.
Article
Ecology
Marissa Lee, Jeff R. Powell, Brad Oberle, Faride Unda, Shawn D. Mansfield, Rhiannon Dalrymple, Jessica Rigg, William K. Cornwell, Amy E. Zanne
Summary: Microbial communities, wood traits, and environmental filtering all play important roles in the decay process. This study found that initial wood attributes have a greater influence on decay trajectories than the composition of microbial communities. Wood with smaller size, lower density, higher water content, lower nitrogen content, and lower lignin concentration decomposes faster and more consistently.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yingxuan Ma, Colleen P. MacMillan, Lisanne de Vries, Shawn D. Mansfield, Pengfei Hao, Julian Ratcliffe, Antony Bacic, Kim L. Johnson
Summary: This study suggests that FLA11 and FLA12 may act as cell surface sensors in plant xylem cells, allowing them to sense mechanical stimuli and regulate secondary cell wall (SCW) development. Overexpression of FLA11 promotes earlier SCW development, while overexpression of FLA12 increases cellulose content. These proteins play a role in modulating SCW responses to mechanical stress.
Article
Plant Sciences
Elizabeth L. Mahon, Lisanne de Vries, Soo-Kyeong Jang, Sandeep Middar, Hoon Kim, Faride Unda, John Ralph, Shawn D. Mansfield
Summary: Expressing apple-derived chalcone synthase in actively lignifying poplar xylem tissue leads to decreased lignin content, improved saccharification rates, and incorporation of naringenin into lignins. The transgenic trees also exhibited higher cell wall carbohydrate content and performed better in saccharification assays compared to wild-type trees.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ai Zhang, Keita Matsuoka, Abdul Kareem, Madalen Robert, Pawel Roszak, Bernhard Blob, Anchal Bisht, Lieven De Veylder, Catalin Voiniciuc, Masashi Asahina, Charles W. Melnyk
Summary: Wound healing in plants relies on the recognition of cellular damage and the activation of regeneration response. The activation of DNA binding with one finger (DOF) transcription factors is crucial in the process of plant grafting and promotes the expression of vascular and cell-wall-related genes, as well as the wound healing response.
Article
Zoology
Kyra G. Janot, Faride Unda, Shawn D. Mansfield, Patrick T. Martone
Summary: Seaweeds on wave-battered coastlines are flexible and bend with the waves, while coralline algae are calcified and rigid. The carbohydrate content differs between calcified tissues and uncalcified genicular tissues in articulated corallines, but is generally similar across different morphologies and phylogenies. Genicular tissues show different chemical compositions across articulated lineages, despite having biomechanical similarities.
INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Shaokang Zhang, Jonathan S. Griffiths, Genevieve Marchand, Mark A. Bernards, Aiming Wang
Summary: Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is an emerging RNA virus that infects tomato and pepper and threatens tomato production worldwide. It is mainly transmitted through contaminated seeds and mechanical contact, and can break down genetic resistance. Currently, no ToBRFV-resistant tomato cultivars are available, and traditional management measures have limited success. The development of novel genetic resistance and resistant cultivars is the most effective strategy for controlling ToBRFV.
MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Faride Unda, Yaseen Mottiar, Elizabeth L. Mahon, Steven D. Karlen, Kwang Ho Kim, Dominique Loque, Aymerick Eudes, John Ralph, Shawn D. Mansfield
Summary: This study demonstrates for the first time the compatibility of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (DHB) with the radical coupling reactions that form polymeric lignin in plants. By introducing a bacterial enzyme into hybrid poplar, the lignin content and structure were successfully modified. Additionally, transgenic wood released more glucose after pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis, indicating the potential of this technique for bioenergy development.
Review
Plant Sciences
Catalin Voiniciuc
Summary: This article reviews recent advances in the biosynthesis and modification of plant beta-mannans, which are important polysaccharides found in various plant fibers and biocomposites. The article discusses the role of beta-mannans in plant cell wall architecture and their impact on mechanical properties. It also highlights the discovery of enzymes involved in beta-mannan biosynthesis and the role of hydrolytic enzymes in various biological processes. The article emphasizes the potential of synthetic biology tools in modulating mannan structures for improved plant traits and bioproducts.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mendel L. Perkins, Mathias Schuetz, Faride Unda, Kent T. Chen, Marcel B. Bally, Jayesh A. Kulkarni, Yifan Yan, Joana Pico, Simone Diego Castellarin, Shawn D. Mansfield, A. Lacey Samuels
Summary: The lignin polymerizing laccase enzymes in cell walls establish a concentration gradient that drives the diffusion of lignin monomers. The presence of laccases on one side of the membrane facilitates the diffusion of monolignols. This finding provides insights into the transport mechanism of monolignols and the role of cell wall oxidative enzymes in lignin biosynthesis.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yaseen Mottiar, Rebecca A. Smith, Steven D. Karlen, John Ralph, Shawn D. Mansfield
Summary: This study identified a eudicot species, kenaf, that naturally contains p-coumaroylated lignin. A novel acyltransferase HcPMT was also identified and heterologous expression of this enzyme in hybrid poplar trees resulted in the incorporation of pCA in lignin.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yaseen Mottiar, Steven D. Karlen, Robyn E. Goacher, John Ralph, Shawn D. Mansfield
Summary: This study demonstrated the potential of producing more p-hydroxybenzoate in transgenic poplar trees, which could be used in the production of high-value bioproducts. The study also emphasized the importance of substrate supply in lignin engineering.
PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jie He, Bo Yang, Gerd Hause, Nico Roessner, Tina Peiter-Volk, Martin H. Schattat, Catalin Voiniciuc, Edgar Peiter
Summary: The BIVALENT CATION TRANSPORTER 3 (BICAT3) plays a critical role in glycosylation reactions, plant growth, and pollen tube elongation by transporting Mn2+ in the trans-Golgi.
Article
Agronomy
Jaco-Pierre van der Merwe, Tongli Wang, Charlie Clarke, Shawn D. Mansfield
Summary: This study developed temperature and rainfall models for specific plantations in South Africa, considering global position, altitude, slope, aspect, and topographic position indices. The local climate models were found to be more accurate than global models and improved the understanding of the impact of terrain features on regional climate and tree growth.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Catalin Voiniciuc
Summary: Tailoring the structure of plant cell walls can have significant impacts on various agronomic traits, including growth, disease resistance, and biomass yield. Recent advancements in the biosynthesis of cell wall components challenge traditional assumptions and present opportunities for the development of plant-based composites. The exploration of carbohydrate-active enzymes and the use of synthetic biology tools can further unlock the biotechnological potential of plant glycans for sustainable bioeconomy.
CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yi-Fang Hsieh, Dmitry Suslov, Luca Espen, Marion Schiavone, Carsten Rautengarten, Annika Griess-Osowski, Catalin Voiniciuc, Yves Poirier
Summary: ERD1 is a broadly conserved protein in plants that is essential for optimal growth and development. It balances the import of nucleotide diphosphate-sugars into the Golgi with phosphate export. The specific transporters mediating Golgi phosphate export remain poorly understood.