Article
Plant Sciences
Lucas Alves Neubus Claus, Derui Liu, Ulrich Hohmann, Nemanja Vukasinovic, Roman Pleskot, Jing Liu, Alexei Schiffner, Yvon Jaillais, Guang Wu, Sebastian Wolf, Daniel Van Damme, Michael Hothorn, Eugenia Russinova
Summary: A BR binding-deficient Arabidopsis mutant was designed to re-examine the BRI1 endocytosis and signal attenuation model. The study showed that despite impaired phosphorylation and ubiquitination, the BR binding-deficient BRI1 can still internalize, indicating that BRI1 internalization relies on different endocytic machineries. Furthermore, the mutant provides opportunities to study non-canonical ligand-independent BRI1 functions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ting Ma, Jun-Ru Tan, Yan Zhang, Sha Li
Summary: Arabidopsis atypical R-SNARE protein YKT61 plays a key role in brassinosteroid (BR)-mediated root development by modulating the dynamic targeting of the BR receptor BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE1.
Article
Horticulture
Shuhua Huang, Chongyang Zheng, Yan Zhao, Qi Li, Jianwei Liu, Rui Deng, Tiantian Lei, Shufen Wang, Xiaofeng Wang
Summary: The potato BR receptor StBRI1 plays a crucial role in tuber development and BR signaling. Overexpression of StBRI1 partially rescued the dwarf phenotype of the bri1-5 mutant in Arabidopsis. Transgenic potato plants with reduced StBRI1 expression exhibited a dwarf phenotype and decreased tuberization, indicating the important function of StBRI1 in controlling tuber development.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yongming Luo, Junpei Takagi, Lucas Alves Neubus Claus, Chao Zhang, Shigetaka Yasuda, Yoko Hasegawa, Junji Yamaguchi, Libo Shan, Eugenia Russinova, Takeo Sato
Summary: Protein ubiquitination is a crucial post-translational modification that regulates diverse cellular processes. In this study, two deubiquitinating enzymes, UBP12 and UBP13, were discovered to directly target the PM-localized brassinosteroid receptor BRI1 in Arabidopsis. They play essential roles in governing BRI1 abundance and degradation, and thereby regulate plant growth.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Long Song, Jie Liu, Beilu Cao, Bin Liu, Xiaoping Zhang, Zhaoyan Chen, Chaoqun Dong, Xiangqing Liu, Zhaoheng Zhang, Wenxi Wang, Lingling Chai, Jing Liu, Jun Zhu, Shubin Cui, Fei He, Huiru Peng, Zhaorong Hu, Zhenqi Su, Weilong Guo, Mingming Xin, Yingyin Yao, Yong Yan, Yinming Song, Guihua Bai, Qixin Sun, Zhongfu Ni
Summary: A study on semi-dwarf wheat revealed that the absence of Rht-B1 and ZnF-B genes resulted in more compact plant architecture and significantly improved grain yield.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bowen Zheng, Kaixin Xing, Jiaojiao Zhang, Hui Liu, Khawar Ali, Wenjuan Li, Qunwei Bai, Hongyan Ren
Summary: A receptor complex that perceives brassinosteroids (BRs) and activates downstream hormone signaling has been identified in Ceratopteris richardii, shedding light on the biological and molecular mechanisms of BR signaling in ferns.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Moyan Jia, Jacob Munz, Jenny Lee, Nolan Shelley, Yuan Xiong, Sunjoo Joo, EonSeon Jin, Jae-Hyeok Lee
Summary: Our study identified and characterized the bHLH factor NRI1 in Chlamydomonas, which is required to repress the use of alternative nitrogen sources. NRI1 functions as a critical repressor and coordinates diverse nitrogen starvation-induced responses, providing a crucial first step in understanding how plants and algae cope with fluctuating nitrogen availability.
Article
Plant Sciences
Le Liu, Guoquan Chen, Shengdong Li, Yu Gu, Lili Lu, Ghulam Qanmber, Venugopal Mendu, Zhao Liu, Fuguang Li, Zuoren Yang
Summary: Brassinosteroids (BRs) regulate plant growth and development through BRI1-EMS-SUPPRESSOR1 (BES1)/BRASSINAZOLE-RESISTANT1 (BZR1) family transcription factors. This study investigated the role of GhBES1.4 in cotton fiber elongation and identified its target genes through DAP-seq. Further analysis using GWAS, RNA-seq, and DAP-seq revealed seven genes directly regulated by GhBES1.4 that promote fiber elongation, including GhCYP84A1 and GhHMG1. Overall, this study provides insights into BR-mediated regulation of cotton fiber development.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zhenzhen Zhang, Ying Sun, Xue Jiang, Wenfei Wang, Zhi-Yong Wang
Summary: The research found that sugar promotes BR signaling through the TOR pathway in dark conditions, while it inhibits BR signaling through the BIN2 kinase in light conditions. This suggests that the combination of light and sugar can regulate BR signaling through different pathways to optimize plant growth.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yanyan Li, Wenpei Sun, Yuhan Yao, Li Zhang, Shuwen Xu, Qian Zhang, Tao Huang
Summary: FRUCTOSE INSENSITIVE1 interacts with WUS/WOX protein and regulates its expression by binding to its promoter in response to fructose signaling, thus regulating stem cell function in Arabidopsis.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Louisa Ulrich, Johanna Schmitz, Corinna Thurow, Christiane Gatz
Summary: The F-box protein COI1 acts as the receptor for the plant hormone JA-Ile, regulating growth and defense mechanisms in response to stress cues. COI1 has a potential moonlighting function that serves to repress gene expression independently of JA-Ile and JAZ.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yong Ju Jin, Seung Yeup Lee, Hyun Gi Kong, Su In Yang, Hyeonheui Ham, Mi-Hyun Lee, Dong Suk Park
Summary: Fire blight, caused by Erwinia amylovora, is a highly destructive disease of apple and pear. A specific primer set targeting a hypothetical gene in the chromosomal DNA of E. amylovora was designed, which allowed accurate estimation of the population of E. amylovora using real-time PCR. Developing a rapid and accurate diagnostic method using this novel primer set enables effective defense against pathogen spread through continuous monitoring and quick response.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luca Pagano, Riccardo Rossi, Jason C. White, Nelson Marmiroli, Marta Marmiroli
Summary: Research on the exposure of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) has been expanding rapidly, with a focus on uncovering the underlying mechanisms. The EU has imposed restrictions on the organisms that can be used for experimental testing. ENMs can enter the soil-plant system through various routes, such as agricultural sludges and nano-enabled agrochemicals. However, there is still limited understanding of the physiological and molecular implications of ENMs dispersion and chronic low-dose exposure, highlighting the need for further research.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ekaterina M. Savelieva, Anastasia A. Zenchenko, Mikhail S. Drenichev, Anna A. Kozlova, Nikolay N. Kurochkin, Dmitry Arkhipov, Alexander O. Chizhov, Vladimir E. Oslovsky, Georgy A. Romanov
Summary: This study investigates the interaction between synthesized chiral benzyladenine derivatives and cytokinin receptors in Arabidopsis thaliana. The results show that the chirality of the compounds plays a significant role in their affinity to specific cytokinin receptors. Several synthetic compounds exhibit specific cytokinin activity, while others demonstrate receptor-specific, chirality-dependent anticytokinin properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jingjie Zhang, Weiyue Chen, Xiaopeng Li, Hongyong Shi, Minghui Lv, Liming He, Wenhua Bai, Shujing Cheng, Jinfang Chu, Kai He, Xiaoping Gou, Jia Li
Summary: An apical hook is a crucial structure in dicotyledonous plants that protects the shoot apical meristem during seed germination and hypocotyl elongation. Previous studies have shown that the phytohormones BR and JA regulate apical hook formation antagonistically. This study reveals that JAs repress BRs by inhibiting the transcriptional activation of BZR1 by MYC2, disrupting the interaction between BZR1 and its partner transcription factors, and downregulating the expression of target genes important for apical hook development.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Caroline E. Paul, Daniel Eggerichs, Adrie H. Westphal, Dirk Tischler, Willem J. H. van Berkel
Summary: Flavoprotein monooxygenases (FPMOs) have evolved from model enzymes in mechanistic flavoprotein research to biotechnologically relevant catalysts for sustainable production of valuable chemicals. FPMOs are classified based on protein structural properties and electron donor specificities, with each group catalyzing different types of oxygenation reactions. Engineering strategies have been utilized to enhance the robustness and applicability of FPMOs.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jinshun Zhong, G. Wilma van Esse, Xiaojing Bi, Tianyu Lan, Agatha Walla, Qing Sang, Rainer Franzen, Maria von Korff
Summary: This study reveals genetic differences in inflorescence determinacy between barley and wheat, highlighting the crucial role of AP2L-5 proteins in maintaining inflorescence activity and regulating floret number.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adrie H. Westphal, Dirk Tischler, Willem J. H. van Berkel
Summary: This paper highlights the natural diversity of group A FPMOs involved in the aerobic microbial catabolism of 4-hydroxybenzoate, introducing several lesser-known FAD-dependent 4-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylases and discussing their activities and structural relationships with other enzymes. The findings suggest a widespread presence of 4HB1H activity in the fungal kingdom and shed light on the phylogenetic relationships between different enzymes involved in the conversion of 4-hydroxybenzoate.
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura M. Nederveen-Schippers, Pragya Pathak, Ineke Keizer-Gunnink, Adrie H. Westphal, Peter J. M. van Haastert, Jan Willem Borst, Arjan Kortholt, Victor Skakun
Summary: Protein dimerization plays a crucial role in biological processes, but detecting protein dimers in living cells is challenging. This study presents a methodology, brightness and diffusion global analysis, to measure protein dimerization in living cells. The approach was validated using cell lysates and successfully applied to distinguish different types of protein dimers in living cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Danijela Apostolovic, Justin T. Marsh, Joe Baumert, Steve L. Taylor, Adrie Westphal, Harmen de Jongh, Phil Johnson, Govardus A. H. de Jong, Stef J. Koppelman
Summary: Ara h 7, an important peanut allergen from the 2S albumin protein family, has been purified and characterized, showing unique features and presence in all main market types of peanuts.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Baojian Chen, Martijn Fiers, Bas J. W. Dekkers, Lena Maas, G. Wilma van Esse, Gerco C. Angenent, Yang Zhao, Kim Boutilier
Summary: Research shows that exposing explants to growth regulator 2,4-D can induce somatic embryogenesis in Arabidopsis seeds, with a crucial role played by ABA in promoting this process by maintaining the seed maturation environment and regulating the expression of transcription factors.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Riahna Kembaren, Adrie H. Westphal, Marleen Kamperman, J. Mieke Kleijn, Jan Willem Borst
Summary: Encapsulation of proteins in complex coacervate core micelles (C3Ms) can enhance their protection, stability, and delivery. This study demonstrates that increasing the net charge of proteins through genetic engineering improves the salt stability and enzyme activity of protein-containing C3Ms, offering a promising strategy for improving the practical applicability of enzyme delivery systems.
Article
Microbiology
Linda van Oosten, Jort J. Altenburg, Cyrielle Fougeroux, Corinne Geertsema, Fred van den End, Wendy A. C. Evers, Adrie H. Westphal, Simon Lindhoud, Willy van den Berg, Daan C. Swarts, Laurens Deurhof, Andreas Suhrbier, Thuy T. Le, Shessy Torres Morales, Sebenzile K. Myeni, Marjolein Kikkert, Adam F. Sander, Willem Adriaan de Jongh, Robert Dagil, Morten A. Nielsen, Ali Salanti, Max Sogaard, Timo M. P. Keijzer, Dolf Weijers, Michel H. M. Eppink, Rene H. Wijffels, Monique M. van Oers, Dirk E. Martens, Gorben P. Pijlman
Summary: Vaccines are crucial for overcoming the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Protein-based VLP vaccines have been developed to combat different variants effectively and enhance antibody responses, providing a way to alleviate the burden of COVID-19 through prime-boost immunization.
Article
Plant Sciences
Tatiana S. Moraes, Richard G. H. Immink, Adriana P. Martinelli, Gerco C. Angenent, Wilma van Esse, Marcelo C. Dornelas
Summary: Comprehensive analysis of the FT/TFL1 gene family in Passiflora organensis sheds light on their potential roles in regulating floral initiation and plant architecture, providing insights into the regulation of passion fruit reproduction.
PLANT REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
G. Wilma van Esse
Article
Plant Sciences
Tatiana de Souza Moraes, Sam W. van Es, Inmaculada Hernandez-Pinzon, Gwendolyn K. Kirschner, Froukje van der Wal, Sylvia Rodrigues da Silveira, Jacqueline Busscher-Lange, Gerco C. Angenent, Matthew Moscou, Richard G. H. Immink, G. Wilma van Esse
Summary: This study provides insights into the molecular network of VRS5, a key regulator of plant architecture in barley, through protein-protein interaction studies. It identifies HvTB2 as a putative interactor of VRS5 and an additional regulator of spike architecture in barley.
PLANT REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Sam W. van Es, Aitor Munoz-Gasca, Francisco J. Romero-Campero, Eduardo Gonzalez-Grandio, Pedro de los Reyes, Carlos Tarancon, Aalt D. J. van Dijk, Wilma van Esse, Alberto Pascual-Garcia, Gerco C. Angenent, Richard G. H. Immink, Pilar Cubas
Summary: The study investigates the regulatory network of the transcription factor BRC1 in controlling shoot branching and promoting bud dormancy in Arabidopsis. The researchers constructed the BRC1 gene regulatory network by integrating multi-omics data and validated the role of a group of transcription factors in modulating the network and promoting bud dormancy.
Article
Plant Sciences
Laura E. Dixon, Wilma van Esse, Dominique Hirsz, Viola Willemsen, Sarah M. McKim
Summary: This article discusses the architecture and agronomic features of cereals and how they enhance crop performance. Through laboratory research and field practices, researchers have discovered the molecular mechanisms that control cereal structure and emphasize the importance of developmental decisions in crop growth.
ANNUAL PLANT REVIEWS ONLINE
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Allergy
S. J. Koppelman, D. Apostolovic, J. Marsh, P. Johnson, A. Westphal, J. Baumert, G. De Jong
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Riahna Kembaren, Adrie H. Westphal, Marleen Kamperman, J. Mieke Kleijn, Jan Willem Borst
Summary: The study aimed to improve the salt stability of protein-containing C3Ms by increasing the net charge of the protein through genetic engineering with a charged polypeptide, and investigate the effects of adding a polyglutamic acid tail on C3Ms. Results showed that the polyglutamic acid CotA variants not only improved the salt stability of the enzymes in C3Ms, but also enhanced enzyme activity.