Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sandra Kaeppel, Ralf Eggeling, Florian Ruempler, Marco Groth, Rainer Melzer, Guenter Theissen
Summary: In this study, the DNA-binding profile of the MADS-domain protein SEPALLATA3 was investigated using SELEX-seq, revealing a novel DNA-binding mode and a preference for AT-rich flanking motifs. The highly conserved arginine residue in the DNA-binding domain was found to play a crucial role in nucleotide recognition, particularly at specific positions within the CArG-box motif. These findings suggest a unique DNA-binding specificity for SEPALLATA3 compared to other MADS-domain proteins.
PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Wangming Hu, Xiao Wu, Zhong Jin, Zheng Wang, Qiru Guo, Zixian Chen, Song Zhu, Haidi Zhang, Jian Huo, Lingling Zhang, Xin Zhou, Lan Yang, Huan Xu, Liangqing Shi, Yong Wang
Summary: In this study, Andrographolide was found to inhibit neointimal hyperplasia by regulating SMC phenotypic switching through suppression of proliferation and migration. Additionally, Andrographolide activates the endothelin signaling pathway and promotes SMC differentiation marker gene expression through the interaction between EDNRA/EDNRB and Myocardin-SRF.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yichun Qiu, Zhen Li, Dirk Walther, Claudia Koehler
Summary: MADS-box transcription factors are widely distributed and play diverse functional roles in eukaryotes. Type I (M) and Type II (MIKC) genes in land plants originated from different duplication events. These transcription factors are important for land plant body architecture and adaptation to terrestrial environment.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Natalia Conde e Silva, Martine Leguilloux, Arnaud Bellec, Nathalie Rodde, Juliette Aubert, Domenica Manicacci, Catherine Damerval, Helene Berges, Yves Deveaux
Summary: A self-regulatory loop similar to that regulating euAP3 in core eudicots controls AP3-3 gene expression in an early diverging eudicot, but distinct mechanisms regulate tissue specificities in Arabidopsis and Nigella. MADS-box transcription factors play important roles in floral organ identity by binding to specific motifs in the promoter of their target genes. In Nigella, the lack of expression of NdAP3-3 gene in the apetalous morph is due to a Miniature Inverted-repeat Transposable Element (MITE) insertion that affects mRNA splicing. Specific CArG features in the promoter of NdAP3-3 gene determine its petal-specific expression in Nigella.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Deepika Lakhwani, Yogeshwar Vikarm Dhar, Shikha Singh, Ashutosh Pandey, Prabodh Kumar Trivedi, Mehar Hasan Asif
Summary: The MADS box gene family plays an important role in the growth and development of eukaryotes, particularly in floral development and fruit ripening in plants. Through studying the divergence of the MADS box gene family between Musa balbisiana and Musa acuminata, significant differences are found at the genetic level, which may be correlated with their distinct floral and fruit traits.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ran Zhong, Renling Miao, Jiao Meng, Rimao Wu, Yong Zhang, Dahai Zhu
Summary: Acetoacetate promotes muscle cell proliferation by upregulating muscle-specific miR-133b, which is transcriptionally mediated by MEF2 via the Mek-Erk1/2 signaling pathway, suggesting a new signaling role for AA in regulating cellular activities.
ACTA BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA SINICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yichun Qiu, Claudia Koehler
Summary: MADS-box transcription factors are present in almost all major eukaryotic groups. Type II MADS-box TFs are closely connected to major evolutionary innovations in flowering plants, while the role of Type I MADS-box TFs in angiosperm evolution remains to be identified. Evolution of angiosperm-specific Type I MADS-box clades is proposed to be linked to the development of the endosperm, a key innovation in angiosperms.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tian-Tian Chen, Xing-Hao Yao, Hang Liu, Yong-Peng Li, Wei Qin, Xin Yan, Xiu-Yun Wang, Bo-Wen Peng, Yao-Jie Zhang, Jin Shao, Xin-Yi Hu, Qing Miao, Xue-Qing Fu, Yu-Liang Wang, Ling Li, Ke-Xuan Tang
Summary: A MADS transcription factor, AaSEP4, has been identified as a positive regulator of artemisinin biosynthesis in Artemisia annua. AaSEP4 activates the expression of GLANDULAR TRICHOME-SPECIFIC WRKY1 and directly binds to its promoter region. Overexpression of AaSEP4 significantly increases artemisinin content in A. annua, making it a potential target for enhancing artemisinin production.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Robert Marquez Gutierrez, Thales Henrique Cherubino Ribeiro, Raphael Ricon de Oliveira, Vagner Augusto Benedito, Antonio Chalfun-Junior
Summary: This study identified and analyzed MADS-box genes in the hop genome, providing insights into their evolutionary history and functional roles in floral development. The absence of FLOWERING LOCUS C homologs explains the lack of vernalization requirement for hop flowering, which has implications for tropical cultivation. Additionally, the study discovered genes potentially involved in specialized metabolism and provided perspectives on functional genetic studies, biotechnology, and crop breeding.
Article
Plant Sciences
Guo-qing Song, Xue Han
Summary: The K-domain technology, which utilizes the conserved protein domain to mimic the expression of other MADS-box genes, has shown to be an effective approach in enhancing maize yield, with transgenic plants expressing the K-domain showing significant increase in grain production compared to nontransgenic plants.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chang Liu, Jing Leng, Yonglong Li, Tingting Ge, Jinglong Li, Yamao Chen, Chunce Guo, Ji Qi
Summary: The development of floral organs involves complex molecular mechanisms, which can be studied using spatial transcriptome technologies to understand the cell types and gene activity during different developmental stages.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hui Xia, Zhiyi Lin, Zunzhen He, Yuqi Guo, Xinling Liu, Honghong Deng, Minzhang Li, Yue Xie, Mingfei Zhang, Jin Wang, Xiulan Lv, Qunxian Deng, Xian Luo, Yi Tang, Lijin Lin, Dong Liang
Summary: A transcription factor AcMADS32 was identified in kiwifruit, which was highly expressed in the fruit and correlated with carotenoid content. Silencing expression of AcMADS32 reduced the content of beta-carotene and zeaxanthin in kiwifruit, while overexpression increased zeaxanthin accumulation. Stable transformation of AcMADS32 into kiwifruit increased total carotenoid content and up-regulated carotenogenic gene expression. AcMADS32 directly bound the AcBCH1/2 promoter and could interact with other MADS transcription factors. These findings enhance our understanding of the transcriptional regulation mechanisms of carotenoid biosynthesis in plants.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Hang Ge, Hongxia Xu, Xiaoying Li, Junwei Chen
Summary: Lignification of fruit flesh is a common disorder that affects fruit quality during post-harvest storage. In this study, the molecular mechanisms and key genes involved in fruit senescence-induced lignification were investigated in loquat fruit. The results suggest that a senescence-specific MADS-box gene, EjAGL15, functions as a positive regulator of flesh lignification in loquat fruit.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aijing Zhang, Haobo He, Yue Li, Lixue Wang, Yixuan Liu, Xinchao Luan, Jiaxin Wang, Huijing Liu, Shuying Liu, Jun Zhang, Dan Yao
Summary: AP3 has been studied and is reported to affect structural changes in floral organs in various plants. However, the function of the soybean AP3 genes in flower development is unknown. In this study, the researchers obtained the full-length cDNA sequence of GmAP3 and confirmed its membership in the MADS-box subfamily. The researchers found that GmAP3 interacts with AP1 to determine flower organ identity and overexpression of GmAP3 advances flowering time and alters floral organ morphology in soybean. These findings provide a foundation for further research on the biological functions of MADS transcriptional factors in soybeans.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Pengyan Zhou, Zesen Wang, Yingang Li, Qi Zhou
Summary: MADS-box transcription factors play important roles in various organisms, including the development of flower organ structures and seed development in plants. This study identified and analyzed MADS-box genes in two genome versions of Ginkgo biloba, revealing the presence of specific gene subfamilies and variations in gene structure. The expression analysis demonstrated the involvement of these genes in the development of Ginkgo reproductive organs, suggesting a potential genetic role in sexual differentiation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hua Liu, Hongna Shang, Huan Yang, Wenjie Liu, Daisuke Tsugama, Ken-Ichi Nonomura, Aimin Zhou, Wenwu Wu, Tetsuo Takano, Shenkui Liu
Summary: The development of floral organs is regulated by a complex network of homeotic genes, and the signaling of gibberellin (GA) is essential for this process. In this study, researchers discovered that the protein MAC5A, which contains an RNA-binding motif, is involved in the development of sepals, petals, and stamens. MAC5A interacts with RBE, a repressor of AG expression, and is required for normal stamen development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Xiaoxue Ye, Shuo Wang, Xijuan Zhao, Ni Gao, Yao Wang, Yanmei Yang, Ernest Wu, Cheng Jiang, Yuxiang Cheng, Wenwu Wu, Shenkui Liu
Summary: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in regulating gene expression under salt stress. This study identified 2988 high-confidence lncRNAs, including 1183 salt-induced differentially expressed lncRNAs, in Populus trichocarpa. It was found that lncRNAs can regulate neighboring genes in a cis-regulatory manner and contribute to distant gene expression in a trans-regulatory manner. Additionally, a specific lncRNA, Ptlinc-NAC72, was shown to regulate the expression and functional roles of homologous genes PtNAC72.A/B under long-term salt stress.
Article
Plant Sciences
Shuo Wang, Yirong Shen, Liangyu Guo, Lingling Tan, Xiaoxue Ye, Yanmei Yang, Xijuan Zhao, Yuqi Nie, Deyin Deng, Shenkui Liu, Wenwu Wu
Summary: This study identified 36 TCP genes in Populus trichocarpa and found that this significant innovation was mainly due to recent whole genome duplication (rWGD) after the divergence from Arabidopsis. The study also showed that the expressions of these genes varied among different plant parts and could be regulated by abiotic stresses. Furthermore, a cold-associated regulatory module was identified, suggesting the neofunctionalization of PtrTCP genes in response to environmental changes.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fuqiang Cui, Xiaoxiao Li, Wenwu Wu, Wenbo Luo, Ying Wu, Mikael Brosche, Kirk Overmyer
Summary: MYB108/BOS1 enhances cell death in the gain-of-function mutant bos1-1 after fungal infection and mechanical wounding. Programmed cell death (PCD) is integral to plant life and required for stress responses, immunity, and development. Our understanding of the regulation of PCD is incomplete, especially concerning regulators involved in multiple divergent processes. The botrytis-susceptible (bos1) mutant of Arabidopsis is highly susceptible to fungal infection by Botrytis cinerea (Botrytis). BOS1 (also known as MYB108) regulates cell death propagation during plant responses to wounding. The bos1-1 allele contains a T-DNA insertion in the 5 '-untranslated region upstream of the start codon. This insertion results in elevated expression of BOS1/MYB108. We used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (Cas9) system (CRISPR/Cas9) to create new bos1 alleles with disrupted exons, and found that these lines lacked the typical bos1-1 wounding and Botrytis phenotypes. They did exhibit reduced fertility, as was previously observed in other bos1 alleles. Resequencing of the bos1-1 genome confirmed the presence of a mannopine synthase (MAS) promoter at the T-DNA left border. Expression of the BOS1 gene under control of the MAS promoter in wild-type plants conferred the characteristic phenotypes of bos1-1: Botrytis sensitivity and response to wounding. Multiple overexpression lines demonstrated that BOS1 was involved in regulation of cell death propagation in a dosage-dependent manner. Our data indicate that bos1-1 is a gain-of-function mutant and that BOS1 function in regulation of fertility and Botrytis response can both be understood as misregulated cell death.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Humberto Herrera-Ubaldo, Sergio E. Campos, Pablo Lopez-Gomez, Valentin Luna-Garcia, Victor M. Zuniga-Mayo, Gerardo E. Armas-Caballero, Karla L. Gonzalez-Aguilera, Alexander DeLuna, Nayelli Marsch-Martinez, Carlos Espinosa-Soto, Stefan de Folter
Summary: In this study, the formation of the gynoecium, the female reproductive part of the flower, was investigated using a systems biology approach. The study identified numerous interactions between transcription factors and protein-protein interactions, providing valuable insights for the plant community.
Article
Plant Sciences
Judith Jazmin Bernal-Gallardo, Victor M. Zuniga-Mayo, Nayelli Marsch-Martinez, Stefan de Folter
Summary: Using a transcriptomic approach, potential target genes related to leaf development, stomata and trichome formation, and anthocyanin biosynthesis were identified for the bHLH transcription factor SPATULA. It was found that SPATULA acts as a negative regulator of stomata number and a positive regulator of trichome number, and is required for sucrose-mediated anthocyanin biosynthesis.
Article
Plant Sciences
Maurizio Di Marzo, Nicola Babolin, Vivian Ebeling Viana, Antonio Costa de Oliveira, Bruno Gugi, Elisabetta Caporali, Humberto Herrera-Ubaldo, Eduardo Martinez-Estrada, Azeddine Driouich, Stefan de Folter, Lucia Colombo, Ignacio Ezquer
Summary: This study investigates the impact of cell wall modifications on plant development and the role of biomechanical alterations in seed and fruit growth. Mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana were used to study the function of gene families related to cell wall biogenesis. Disruption of genes involved in pectin maturation and hemicellulose deposition was found to strongly influence germination dynamics. Transcriptional regulators STK and LUH were shown to regulate specific aspects of cell wall properties, such as pectin distribution.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nayelli Marsch-Martinez, J. Irepan Reyes-Olalde, Antonio Chalfun-Junior, Marian Bemer, Yolanda Duran-Medina, Juan Carlos Ochoa-Sanchez, Herenia Guerrero-Largo, Humberto Herrera-Ubaldo, Jurriaan Mes, Alejandra Chacon, Rocio Escobar-Guzman, Andy Pereira, Luis Herrera-Estrella, Gerco C. Angenent, Luis Delaye, Stefan de Folter
Summary: Evolution has been thought to be a conservative process, but new genes originating from non-genic sequences challenge this view. In this study, a potential de novo-originated gene called TWT1 was identified in Arabidopsis thaliana, which can modify microtubule arrangement and affect plant growth and development.
Review
Plant Sciences
J. Irepan Reyes-Olalde, Mitsuhiro Aida, Stefan de Folter
Summary: The appearance of the flower is a significant event in the evolutionary history of plants, with the gynoecium being a key organ that provides adaptive advantages. The gynoecium protects and facilitates fertilization of the ovules, which develop into seeds. In many species, the gynoecium itself becomes the fruit, aiding in seed dispersal. Despite recent advances in understanding the genetic regulatory network of gynoecium development, questions remain about the conservation of molecular mechanisms across different taxa and the origin of gynoecium diversification.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Liangyu Guo, Zhiming Xu, Shuo Wang, Yuqi Nie, Xiaoxue Ye, Xuejiao Jin, Jianhua Zhu, Wenwu Wu
Summary: This study investigates the regulatory networks involved in cold responses in three different species of rosids. It demonstrates that some transcription factors and RNA-binding proteins are conserved in the cold response across rosids, and it reveals a hierarchical regulation of differentially expressed genes and alternative splicing genes. The study also identifies a common enrichment related to circadian rhythm in the cold response pathways in all three studied species.
PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leonardo Garcia-Murillo, Eliana Valencia-Lozano, Nicolas Alberto Priego-Ranero, Jose Luis Cabrera-Ponce, Fatima Patricia Duarte-Ake, Juan Carlos Vizuet-de-Rueda, Diana Marcela Rivera-Toro, Humberto Herrera-Ubaldo, Stefan de Folter, Raill Alvarez-Venegas
Summary: With the continual degradation of arable land caused by a growing population, improving crops and crop protection plays a crucial role in maintaining and increasing crop productivity. Alternatives to pesticide use include biological control agents, the creation of resistant crop varieties, the application of plant activator agrochemicals, and the utilization of gene editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas. In this study, it was demonstrated that editing tomato plants using CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) can activate defense genes and enhance resistance against pathogen infection.
Article
Thermodynamics
Yang Li, Maolin Yu, Yinming Bai, Zhaoyang Hou, Huijie Zhang, Wenwu Wu
Summary: In this study, heat conductive paths were created on the bearing seat and spindle housing to enhance heat dissipation. The temperature distributions of models with and without heat conductive paths were investigated. It was found that the heat dissipation significantly improved with the use of heat conductive paths, and increasing the number and diameter of paths led to lower internal temperatures and reduced temperature difference.
ADVANCES IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shuo Wang, Yixian Zhang, Xiaoxue Ye, Yirong Shen, Hua Liu, Xijuan Zhao, Liangyu Guo, Lu Cao, Yunfei Du, Wenwu Wu
Summary: Based on high-throughput sequencing, this study selected 11 representative angiosperm species and examined their transcriptome changes during cold adaptation. The findings provide valuable insights into the conserved and evolutionary mechanisms of angiosperms in response to cold stress.
Review
Plant Sciences
Juan Ramos-Pulido, Stefan de Folter
Summary: The success of angiosperms, the most successful group of land plants, is mainly attributed to the gynoecium, the innermost whorl of the flower. In Arabidopsis, the gynoecium is formed by two fused carpels, and a quasi-meristem called the carpel margin meristem plays a crucial role in its development. The study of gynoecium development, which is important for the production of seeds and fruits, has been a significant task for the scientific community. This review presents recent advances in Arabidopsis gynoecium patterning and highlights unanswered questions.
CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Humberto Herrera-Ubaldo, Hector-Rogelio Najera-Gonzalez, Valentin Luna-Garcia, Nayelli Marsch-Martinez, Stefan de Folter
Summary: This article presents a protocol for immunolabeling molecules in Arabidopsis tissues. The protocol includes steps for tissue fixation and resin embedding, immunolabeling with fluorescent and non-fluorescent secondary antibodies, and visualization of cytokinin and auxin molecules. This protocol is suitable for studying reproductive structures and tissue-culture-derived samples of Arabidopsis, and it can be used to examine the distribution of various molecules including hormones and cell wall components.