Article
Forestry
Yu-E Ding, Ying-Ning Zou, Qiang-Sheng Wu, Kamil Kuca
Summary: The present study found that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can regulate the circadian clock in trifoliate orange plants under drought conditions. AMF inoculation significantly improved plant growth, photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance, and increased ABA levels and antioxidant enzyme gene expression in the roots.
Article
Plant Sciences
Qingchun Zhao, Dechao Zeng, Zhenzhen Luo, Aiqun Chen, Guohua Xu, Yiting Li
Summary: Phosphorus deficiency increases flavonoid accumulation in tobacco shoots and up-regulates the expression of genes involved in flavonol biosynthesis. External application of quercetin, a flavonol, reduces soluble phosphate concentration but enhances phosphate starvation response in tobacco roots. Quercetin application also affects auxin response and up-regulates genes encoding putative phosphate transporters and purple acid phosphatases in tobacco roots. These findings suggest that P deficiency promotes flavonoid biosynthesis, and flavonoids may mediate the regulation of phosphate uptake and starvation signaling via the auxin pathway.
JOURNAL OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Cheng-Chen Liu, Ying-Na Liu, Jian-Fei Cheng, Rui Guo, Li Tian, Bin Wang
Summary: This study investigated the roles of OsGH3.2 in modulating rice root morphology and affecting arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. The results showed that mutation of OsGH3.2 resulted in shallow root architecture and promoted AM fungal colonization. OsGH3.2 was expressed in the cortical cells during the symbiotic stage and mutants exhibited larger arbuscules, indicating elevated auxin levels in colonized cells.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Li-Na Han, Si-Jia Wang, Hui Chen, Ying Ren, Xian-An Xie, Xing-Yang Wang, Wen-Tao Hu, Ming Tang
Summary: This study found that mycorrhized E. grandis exhibited higher biomass and height under high zinc levels compared to non-mycorrhized plants. Mycorrhizal plants accumulated phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese in roots, and phosphorus, iron, and copper in shoots, indicating that AM fungi facilitate nutrient uptake to promote plant growth.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Qing Wang, Hugues De Gernier, Xingliang Duan, Yuanming Xie, Danny Geelen, Ken-ishiro Hayashi, Wei Xuan, Markus Geisler, Kirsten ten Tusscher, Tom Beeckman, Steffen Vanneste
Summary: LR positioning and development are regulated by auxin production, transport, and inactivation. This study demonstrates the impact of GH3-type auxin conjugating enzymes and DAO1 in LR development. The gh3hex mutants exhibit increased LR density due to enhanced initiation and faster progression, with GH3 activities controlling LR formation. GH3-mediated auxin inactivation attenuates LR development by modulating meristem activities and apical meristem size, resulting in accelerated auxin response oscillations and increased LR initiation rates.
Article
Biology
Ana Belen Mendoza-Soto, Amada Zule Rodriguez-Corral, Adriana Bojorquez-Lopez, Maylin Cervantes-Rojo, Claudia Castro-Martinez, Melina Lopez-Meyer
Summary: Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis enhances plant defense against pathogens by modifying the cell wall structure and regulating defense-related genes, leading to a faster and stronger response to pathogen attack.
Article
Ecology
Yiming Meng, John Davison, John T. Clarke, Martin Zobel, Maret Gerz, Mari Moora, Maarja Oepik, C. Guillermo Bueno
Summary: Mycorrhizal symbioses have a significant impact on plant performance and ecosystem dynamics. Plant mycorrhizal traits offer valuable insights into belowground functionality. This study explores the correlation between phylogenetics, environmental factors, and plant mycorrhizal traits using a plant phylogenetic mega-tree and high-resolution climatic and edaphic data layers. The findings suggest that plant mycorrhizal type is more phylogenetically conserved, while environmental variables play a larger role in determining mycorrhizal status.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lijuan Jiang, Wenyun Shen, Chen Liu, Muhammad Mobeen Tahir, Xuewei Li, Shuangxi Zhou, Fengwang Ma, Qingmei Guan
Summary: Drought is a major threat to apple fruit production and quality. Knocking down GH3 genes in apple using the RNAi approach improves drought tolerance without sacrificing yield and quality.
HORTICULTURE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alberto Jose Lopez-Jimenez, Lucia Morote, Enrique Niza, Maria Mondejar, Angela Rubio-Moraga, Gianfranco Diretto, Oussama Ahrazem, Lourdes Gomez-Gomez
Summary: Chromoplasts and chloroplasts contain carotenoid pigments, which have various functions such as light-harvesting, antioxidative, and photoprotective roles, and also act as precursors for signaling molecules and plant hormones. The carotenoid pathway involves different isomerases, such as D27, which converts all-trans- into 9-cis-beta-carotene. This study identified D27 and D27-like genes in saffron, with D27-1 being mainly expressed in undeveloped stigma and roots, and D27-2 and D27-3 in leaves. In vitro assays showed that D27-1 catalyzes the isomerization of all-trans-to 9-cis-beta-carotene, while D27-3 catalyzes the isomerization of all-trans- to cis-zeta-carotene and all-trans- to cis-neurosporene. These findings expand our understanding of carotenoid isomerization and its implications in physiological and ecological processes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Juriaan Rienstra, Jorge Hernandez-Garcia, Dolf Weijers
Summary: Most plant growth and development processes are regulated by auxin, with the nuclear auxin pathway (NAP) being the most well-studied mechanism. In this pathway, Auxin Response Factors (ARFs) determine which genes become auxin regulated by binding to specific DNA sequences. Recent studies have revealed the DNA binding specificities of different ARFs and the minimal functional system of the NAP system. This review provides an overview of key aspects of ARF DNA binding and highlights the importance of studying minimal NAP systems and algal ARFs, as well as using cutting-edge techniques and structural biology to further understand ARF function.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Sebastian Przybylko, Wojciech Kowalczyk, Dariusz Wrona
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of mycorrhizal arbuscular fungi (AMF) combined with plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on the growth and nutritional status of apple trees under organic farming conditions. The results showed that the inoculation of AMF + PGPR resulted in a higher root mycorrhizal frequency, increased trunk cross-section area, and changes in nutrient concentrations in the leaves. The use of AMF + PGPR inoculum supported better tree roots colonization, leading to improved nitrogen and magnesium uptake, but also caused a decrease in phosphorus and potassium content, potentially due to competition for nutrients in the soil.
Article
Plant Sciences
Javier Rivero, Javier Lidoy, Angel Llopis-Gimenez, Salvador Herrero, Victor Flors, Maria J. Pozo
Summary: The association between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can enhance their resistance to herbivorous insects, as shown by a study on tomato plants colonized by Funneliformis mosseae. Metabolomic analysis revealed that this symbiosis had a limited impact on leaf metabolism under normal conditions, but significantly modulated the response to herbivory in damaged areas. Primed accumulation of defensive compounds such as alkaloids, fatty acid derivatives, and phenylpropanoid-polyamine conjugates was observed in damaged leaflets of mycorrhizal plants, showcasing the impact of AMF on metabolic reprogramming in response to herbivory.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jingqin Lu, Zuojie Jiang, Junyu Chen, Minyan Xie, Wenda Huang, Jing Li, Chuxiong Zhuang, Zhenlan Liu, Shaoyan Zheng
Summary: This study reveals that the OsSDG711 gene in rice regulates organ size by modulating histone modifications, and plays a crucial role in rice development.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Paola Ganugi, Erika Martinelli, Luigi Lucini
Summary: Plant interaction with microorganisms can lead to the accumulation of secondary metabolites, with the use of beneficial microorganisms contributing to plant defense and the production of high-quality foods.
CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maciej Ostrowski, Anna Ciarkowska
Summary: This study demonstrates that GH3 acyl acid amidosynthetase is able to catalyze the formation of high molecular weight IAA conjugates with proteins. The enzyme exhibits a preference for the formation of IAA-Asp, but specific substrates like L-Asp can down-regulate the conjugation process. Additionally, competition with specific substrates like L-Trp can inhibit the enzyme's activity.
JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hao Ai, Xiuli Liu, Zhi Hu, Yue Cao, Nannan Kong, Feiyan Gao, Siwen Hu, Xing Shen, Xianzhong Huang, Guohua Xu, Shubin Sun
Summary: OsLPR3 is induced under phosphate deprivation and its overexpression inhibits the growth and development of rice without affecting phosphate homeostasis. However, oslpr3 mutants show improved root system architecture and phosphate utilization, as well as higher tolerance to low phosphate stress. OsLPR3 plays different roles from OsLPR5 in rice growth and development, as well as in maintaining phosphate status.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yafei Sun, Qin Qin, Ke Song, Lijuan Sun, Tingting Jiang, Shiyan Yang, Zhouwen Li, Guohua Xu, Shubin Sun, Yong Xue
Summary: This study reveals that OsSQD1 in rice is highly expressed in lateral roots under different phosphorus conditions, and its mutation inhibits the formation and growth of lateral roots. Additionally, the mutation of OsSQD1 changes the composition of different lipid species and decreases the concentration of phospholipids and glycolipids in phosphorus-starved roots. Therefore, OsSQD1 plays a crucial role in maintaining the phospholipid and glycolipid composition in phosphorus-deprived rice roots.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Kangning Li, Shuo Tang, Shunan Zhang, Yanghao Tian, Hongye Qu, Mian Gu, Guohua Xu
Summary: The circadian clock regulator Nhd1 in rice activates the expression of the sucrose transporter gene OsSUT1, leading to changes in carbon and nitrogen balance, and subsequently affecting photosynthesis rate, C to N ratio, and free amino acids. This in turn influences rice growth and development.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Shichao Wang, Tingting Xu, Min Chen, Liyan Geng, Zhaoyang Huang, Xiaoli Dai, Hongye Qu, Jun Zhang, Huanhuan Li, Mian Gu, Guohua Xu
Summary: A WRKY transcription factor, OsWRKY10, acts as a negative regulator by suppressing the expression of OsPHT1;2 gene in rice, thereby inhibiting phosphate uptake from phosphate-replete environments.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tingting Chen, Shijia Lin, Ziping Chen, Tianyuan Yang, Shupei Zhang, Jinsong Zhang, Guohua Xu, Xiaochun Wan, Zhaoliang Zhang
Summary: A study has found that theanine, synthesized by GSI-like proteins in tea plants, plays a crucial role in nitrogen signaling and development. Exogenous theanine inhibits lateral root development by reducing H2O2 accumulation. This study reveals the regulatory role of CsTSI-synthesized theanine in lateral root development in tea plants.
HORTICULTURE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ying Wang, Huimin Feng, Jia Du, Xinxin Liu, Haiya Wang, Xiaoli Dai, Guohua Xu, Ling Yu
Summary: In this study, it was found that HtVHA-c and HtNHX2 have a synergistic function in regulating the pH of endosomes, improving plant mineral nutrition and salt tolerance.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hong-Xiang Zheng, Wen-Shen Liu, Dan Sun, Shi-Chen Zhu, Yang Li, Yu-Lu Yang, Ruo-Rong Liu, Hua-Yuan Feng, Xuan Cai, Yue Cao, Guo-Hua Xu, Jean Louis Morel, Antony van der Ent, Lena Q. Ma, Yao-Guang Liu, Elizabeth L. Rylott, Rong-Liang Qiu, Ye-Tao Tang
Summary: Rare earth elements (REEs) are essential for modern technologies, but their production is resource-intensive and environmentally damaging. Certain plants can hyperaccumulate REEs, and understanding the biology behind this phenomenon could help in developing more environmentally friendly REE recovery technologies.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nan Guo, Hongye Qu, Yue Zhi, Yuyi Zhang, Shujing Cheng, Jinfang Chu, Zhengguang Zhang, Guohua Xu
Summary: Plant amino acid transporters play crucial roles in regulating long-distance nitrogen transport, amino acid allocation, and defense against invading pathogens. However, the specific function of amino acid transporters in plant defense against pathogen infection remains unknown. In this study, researchers discovered that the rice amino acid transporter gene OsLHT1 is expressed in leaves and is up-regulated in response to maturation, nitrogen starvation, and infection by the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. Knockout of OsLHT1 resulted in premature leaf senescence and sustained rusty red spots on mature leaves, regardless of nitrogen supply. Disruption of OsLHT1 also affected the transport and metabolism of amino acids, as well as the biosynthesis of flavones and flavonoids, leading to increased expression of defense genes, production of jasmonic acid and salicylic acid, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Importantly, inactivation of OsLHT1 significantly inhibited leaf invasion by M. oryzae. These findings establish OsLHT1 as a key regulator in the crosstalk between leaf appearance and resistance to rice blast fungus by mediating leaf amino acid homeostasis, ROS accumulation, and JA and SA production.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Qingchun Zhao, Dechao Zeng, Zhenzhen Luo, Aiqun Chen, Guohua Xu, Yiting Li
Summary: Phosphorus deficiency increases flavonoid accumulation in tobacco shoots and up-regulates the expression of genes involved in flavonol biosynthesis. External application of quercetin, a flavonol, reduces soluble phosphate concentration but enhances phosphate starvation response in tobacco roots. Quercetin application also affects auxin response and up-regulates genes encoding putative phosphate transporters and purple acid phosphatases in tobacco roots. These findings suggest that P deficiency promotes flavonoid biosynthesis, and flavonoids may mediate the regulation of phosphate uptake and starvation signaling via the auxin pathway.
JOURNAL OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATION
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Yucong Li, Yu Chen, Yansong Fu, Jiahui Shao, Yunpeng Liu, Wei Xuan, Guohua Xu, Ruifu Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the rhizosphere microbial signals that modulate plant root-system architecture and the underlying signaling mechanisms, and considers their potential use in agricultural production. Every living organism on Earth depends on its interactions with other organisms. In the rhizosphere, plants and microorganisms constantly exchange signals and influence each other's behavior. Recent studies have shown that many beneficial rhizosphere microbes can produce specific signaling molecules that affect plant root-architecture and therefore could have substantial effects on above-ground growth. This review examines these chemical signals and summarizes their mechanisms of action, with the aim of enhancing our understanding of plant-microbe interactions and providing references for the comprehensive development and utilization of these active components in agricultural production. In addition, we highlight future research directions and challenges, such as searching for microbial signals to induce primary root development.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Hao Xu, Yide Shan, Ning Ling, Lixuan Ren, Hongye Qu, Zhipeng Liu, Guohua Xu
Summary: The application of hydrochar derived from food waste as a soil amendment can effectively improve soil structure and hydraulic properties, as well as increase soil water holding capacity. However, attention should be paid to the hydrophobicity of the hydrochar and its negative effects on plant growth.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ying Liu, Guohua Xu
Article
Plant Sciences
Lirun Peng, Huojun Xiao, Ran Li, Yang Zeng, Mian Gu, Nava Moran, Ling Yu, Guohua Xu
Summary: OsHAK18 plays a crucial role in the circulation of K+ and Na+ and the translocation of sugars, enhancing the source-to-sink transport efficiency of photo-assimilates in rice.
Article
Plant Sciences
Wenqi Zhang, Qi Meng, Wei Liu, Pinzhu Qin, Bowen Li, Guohua Xu
Summary: Plants respond to phosphate starvation stress by increasing carbohydrate accumulation and shoot-to-root transport, which activates signaling pathways. Overexpression of the Ugp1 gene decreases plant biomass, increases sucrose content, and promotes phosphate accumulation.
PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junyu Wu, Shuaiqi Yang, Nana Chen, Qining Jiang, Linli Huang, Jiaxuan Qi, Guohua Xu, Lisha Shen, Hao Yu, Xiaorong Fan, Yinbo Gan
Summary: Nitrate is an important regulator of plant growth and development. In this study, the researchers investigated the mechanism by which the protein OsMADS25 moves from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and activates target genes involved in root growth in response to nitrate signals. The results showed that OsMADS25 moves to the nucleus in the presence of nitrate in a manner dependent on the protein OsNAR2.1. It directly activates the expression of OsMADS27 and OsARF7, which are known to be associated with root growth. These findings provide new insights into the regulation of root growth by nitrate signaling.
PLANT COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)