Article
Plant Sciences
Marie-Francoise Jardinaud, Sebastien Carrere, Benjamin Gourion, Pascal Gamas
Summary: Symbiotic nitrogen fixation plays a key role in reducing the negative impact of nitrogen fertilizers in agroecosystems. The efficiency of this process is influenced by the combination of bacterial and plant genotypes, but the mechanisms behind differences in the efficiency of rhizobium strains are not well known.
PLANT AND CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Firoz Molla, Anindya Kundu, Maitrayee DasGupta
Summary: Sucrose and its analog turanose can restore root nodule symbiosis in a cytokinin perception mutant by inducing an auxin conjugate hydrolase. The sucrose signaling is necessary for the restoration of symbiosis, highlighting the importance of deconjugation-mediated auxin accumulation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qi Di, Yi Li, Danping Zhang, Wei Wu, Lin Zhang, Xing Zhao, Li Luo, Liangliang Yu
Summary: PSK-epsilon, a novel type of phytosulfokine, positively regulates root elongation and formation of lateral roots and root nodules in M. truncatula.
PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yubo Yao, Hongmei Yuan, Guangwen Wu, Chunmei Ma, Zhenping Gong
Summary: This study investigated the effect of phosphorus on soybean nodule nitrogen fixation. It was found that phosphorus stress induced structural changes in ribosomal proteins, altered protein synthesis profiles, and up-regulated expression of peroxidase. Phosphorus transporter and purple acid phosphatase were also up-regulated to maintain phosphorus balance and nitrogen fixation function in phosphorus-stressed root nodules.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yuman Cao, Jinlong Liu, Yuanying Li, Jing Zhang, Shuxia Li, Yunru An, Tianming Hu, Peizhi Yang
Summary: In this study, the phosphate transporter gene MtPT6 was found to be expressed in roots and nodules of Medicago truncatula, and induced by low-phosphate stress. MtPT6 has the ability to enhance plants' efficiency in phosphate acquisition.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Inigo Saiz-Fernandez, Martin Cerny, Jan Skalak, Bretislav Brzobohaty
Summary: The study optimized a method for establishing split-root systems in young Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings, finding that partial de-rooting is less stressful and can be used in drought experiments. Additionally, the system allows for applying water-soluble compounds with minimal effects of rehydration.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tao Wang, Jing Guo, Yaqi Peng, Xiangguang Lyu, Bin Liu, Shiyong Sun, Xuelu Wang
Summary: The symbiosis of nitrogen fixation in plants involves the interaction of aboveground light signals and underground symbiotic signals through specific signaling pathways, ensuring that the roots of host plants are informed of the status of the aboveground environment for providing necessary nutrients for symbiosis.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lin Yu, Tengda Huang, Xinyu Qi, Jingsu Yu, Tian Wu, Zupeng Luo, Lei Zhou, Yixing Li
Summary: lncRNAs involved in nodule senescence were identified in Medicago truncatula, and were found to be associated with transposable elements and play a key role in substance transport.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jieyu Liu, Menno Rasing, Tian Zeng, Joel Klein, Olga Kulikova, Ton Bisseling
Summary: NIN is a transcription factor essential for root nodule initiation, and mutations in NIN can lead to defense responses and premature senescence in nodules, affecting symbiosome development. Additionally, NIN plays a crucial role in the transition from infection to fixation zone during symbiosis establishment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia A. Trifonova, Roman Kamyshinsky, Teodoro Coba de la Pena, Maria Koroleva, Olga Kulikova, Victoria Lara-Dampier, Pavel Pashkovskiy, Mikhail Presniakov, Jose J. Pueyo, M. Mercedes Lucas, Elena E. Fedorova
Summary: The maintenance of intracellular nitrogen-fixing bacteria has detrimental effects on proteins' location and gene expression, leading to decreased fitness of the host cell. The high vulnerability of nodules to salt stress may be a result of altered mechanisms involved in excluding Na+ from the host cytoplasm. The misplacement of Na+/K+ exchangers in infected cells suggests a loss of functionality, and downregulation of ion transporters and Na+/K+ exchangers genes in mature nodules further weakens the ability to exclude Na+. Salt-treated nodules show higher accumulation of Na+ in infected cells compared to non-infected cells. These findings indicate that the inability of infected cells to withstand salt stress is due to defects in protein localization and reduced expression of key genes involved in ion homeostasis, leading to premature senescence and termination of symbiosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jiaxian Jing, Peizhi Yang, Yue Wang, Qihao Qu, Jie An, Bingzhe Fu, Xiaoning Hu, Yi Zhou, Tianming Hu, Yuman Cao
Summary: Drought is a globally environmental stress that poses risks to agricultural production. Legumes with nodules show superior drought tolerance compared to those without nodules. Through transcriptome and sRNAome sequencing, the molecular mechanism of rhizobium symbiosis impacting drought tolerance was investigated. The results revealed that seedlings with active nodules exhibited enhanced drought tolerance due to the early effects of symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). miRNA and its target genes were found to play a role in improved drought tolerance. The study highlights the importance of SNF plants in drought tolerance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
David Duran, Marta Albareda, Carlos Garcia, Ana-Isabel Marina, Tomas Ruiz-Argueso, Jose-Manuel Palacios
Summary: The symbiotic relationship between Rhizobium and leguminous plants involves host-specific differential responses at the protein level, with variations in stress-related proteins, transcriptional regulators, and proteins related to carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Understanding these variations can provide insights into specific limitations imposed by the host and aid in improving rhizobial performance.
MOLECULAR & CELLULAR PROTEOMICS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Misganaw Wassie, Shurui Song, Liwen Cao, Liang Chen
Summary: This study reveals that overexpression of MtCBL13 in Arabidopsis increases sensitivity to drought stress. Transgenic plants overexpressing MtCBL13 exhibit enhanced sensitivity to mannitol and ABA treatments during seed germination and seedling stages. Furthermore, overexpression of MtCBL13 reduces drought tolerance in Arabidopsis, leading to increased oxidative damage, electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation, and water loss. These findings demonstrate that MtCBL13 negatively regulates drought tolerance through an ABA-dependent pathway.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chongnan Wang, Hui Wang, Hao Zhu, Wenkai Ji, Yaling Hou, Yingying Meng, Jiangqi Wen, Kirankumar S. Mysore, Xuesen Li, Hao Lin
Summary: In this study, the CKX gene family in Medicago truncatula was systematically analyzed, revealing their diverse roles in plant development. Different MtCKX genes showed tissue-specific expression patterns and various responses to cytokinins, indicating their unique functions in M. truncatula. Mutants of MtCKX genes did not cause morphological changes in aerial parts, suggesting functional redundancy, but disruption of specific MtCKX genes affected root development, highlighting the importance of cytokinins in regulating plant architecture.
JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ariel Ivanovici, Carole Laffont, Estibaliz Larrainzar, Neha Patel, Courtney S. Winning, Han-Chung Lee, Nijat Imin, Florian Frugier, Michael A. Djordjevic
Summary: Legumes acquire soil nutrients through nitrogen-fixing root nodules and lateral roots. The hormone SymCEP7 promotes nodule formation without affecting lateral root number. This study reveals how plants coordinate root nodulation and lateral root development to procure nutrients.
Article
Plant Sciences
Nima Ranjbar Sistani, Getinet Desalegn, Hans-Peter Kaul, Stefanie Wienkoop
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Plant Sciences
Patricia de Britto Costa, Christiana Staudinger, Erik J. Veneklaas, Rafael S. Oliveira, Hans Lambers
Summary: Nutrient-poor ecosystems globally support high plant diversity, with facilitation among plants with different nutrient-acquisition strategies playing a key role in promoting co-existence. In this study, it was found that focal plants adjust their root system architecture and nutrient allocation when grown in proximity to neighbors with contrasting nutrient strategies, potentially enhancing nutrient uptake.
PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Andres Echeverria, Idoia Ariz, Judit Moreno, Javier Peralta, Esther M. Gonzalez
Summary: This study explored the use of the iNaturalist platform for outdoor activities to create plant herbaria and increase student engagement with biodiversity research. A total of 32 plant species were recorded by 122 students, who positively evaluated the innovative nature of iNaturalist and its practicality for educational purposes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronica Castaneda, Esther M. Gonzalez
Summary: The study highlights the different response mechanisms of plants to drought stress and salinity stress. Plants enhance the protection of salt-stressed shoots and non-irrigated roots through regulating proline and carbon metabolism differently under these two pressure conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Veronica Castaneda, Esther M. Gonzalez, Stefanie Wienkoop
Summary: The study identified a group of ubiquitous protein isoforms in plants, mainly related to redox homeostasis and signaling, forming a protein interaction network across the plant. These protein isoforms play a significant role in drought stress response and are crucial for cross-communication among plant organs, contributing to the establishment of a long-distance stress-responsive network.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Andres Echeverria, Esther M. Gonzalez
Summary: The research found that under water deficit conditions, there are significant differences in root carbon metabolism between Medicago truncatula and Medicago sativa, with Medicago truncatula maintaining a more active carbon metabolism.
Article
Plant Sciences
Andres Echeverria, Estibaliz Larrainzar, Weiqiang Li, Yasuko Watanabe, Muneo Sato, Cuong Duy Tran, Jose A. Moler, Masami Yokota Hirai, Yuji Sawada, Lam-Son Phan Tran, Esther M. Gonzalez
Summary: Drought is a global environmental stressor affecting crop yield, with plant physiological responses to stress conditions crucial for securing food in future climate conditions. Through a combination of plant physiology and metabolomics techniques, this study found that root carbon metabolism is relevant during drought, with specific metabolites accumulating throughout the root system.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andres Echeverria, Alejandro Urmeneta, Maria Gonzalez-Audicana, Esther M. Gonzalez
Summary: This study assessed the utility of Sentinel-2 images in monitoring rainfed alfalfa vegetation cover in semiarid areas like Bardenas Reales in Spain. Results showed a high correlation between NDVI and FVC at the parcel level, while the correlation at the pixel level remained moderate. The findings suggest that Sentinel-2 imagery is a suitable tool for monitoring rainfed alfalfa pastures in semiarid areas, potentially increasing pasture management success.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruth Falkenberg, Maximilian Fochler, Lisa Sigl, Hermann Burstmayr, Stephanie Eichorst, Sebastian Michel, Eva Oburger, Christiana Staudinger, Barbara Steiner, Dagmar Woebken
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anne Hofmann, Stefanie Wienkoop, Sabine Luethje
Summary: Flooding-induced oxygen deficiency causes stress in plants, reducing growth and yield. The role of plasma membrane aquaporins and redox systems in hypoxia adaptation is crucial.
Article
Agronomy
Eva Oburger, Christiana Staudinger, Andreea Spiridon, Vera Benyr, David Aleksza, Walter Wenzel, Michael Santangeli
Summary: This study presents a simple and quick method based on spectrophotometry to measure the total dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration in root exudates. The method was validated using samples from different grass genotypes grown under different environmental conditions. The results showed that the method accurately measured the diverse metabolites in the exudates, but failed to predict the concentrations under micronutrient deficiency. Further studies are needed to validate the method on samples from other plant species and under different environmental stresses.
Review
Agronomy
Eva Oburger, Hannes Schmidt, Christiana Staudinger
Summary: This review summarizes recent advances in understanding how plants and their associated microbiota shape rhizosphere processes. It discusses the mechanisms operating at the plant-microbe-soil interface and links this knowledge with approaches to intensify agricultural systems while reducing water, fertilizer, and pesticide use. In-depth knowledge of above and belowground plant traits can improve our understanding of processes and guide agricultural practices and plant breeding efforts.
Article
Agronomy
Lena Maria Werner, Roman Paul Hartwig, Isabelle Engel, Bastian Leander Franzisky, Stefanie Wienkoop, Martin Brenner, Julian Preiner, Dagmar Repper, Jens Hartung, Christian Zoerb, Monika Andrea Wimmer
Summary: This study assessed the response of maize plants to partial root drying under conditions of limited water supply. It found that there were distinguishable local and systemic physiological and metabolic responses to drought. The study also demonstrated that root growth was maintained through hydraulic redistribution rather than alteration of root architecture.
JOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION AND SOIL SCIENCE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Ana Laura Furlan, Esther M. Gonzalez, Swarup Roy Choudhury, Santiago Signorelli
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Logan H. H. Hodgskiss, Michael Melcher, Melina Kerou, Weiqiang Chen, Rafael I. I. Ponce-Toledo, Savvas N. N. Savvides, Stefanie Wienkoop, Markus Hartl, Christa Schleper
Summary: Ammonia oxidation is a critical process in the global nitrogen cycle, but the fundamental knowledge of its key enzyme, the copper-dependent ammonia monooxygenase, is lacking for ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA). This study investigates the enzyme's structure in two AOA using blue-native gel electrophoresis and proteomics. Two new protein subunits, AmoY and AmoZ, unique to AOA, were identified, and their genes are linked to other AMO subunit genes in streamlined AOA genomes. These findings provide avenues for further understanding the structure and function of this ecologically important nitrification complex.