Article
Plant Sciences
Yanzhao Wang, Lihong Nie, Juan Ma, Bo Zhou, Xiaohua Han, Junling Cheng, Xiaomin Lu, Zaifeng Fan, Yuling Li, Yanyong Cao
Summary: Comprehensive RNA-seq analyses were conducted on maize seed development to explore the mechanisms underlying seed development in maize. The study found that gene expression levels were largely nonadditive in hybrids and the pattern of cis-only or trans x cis played a crucial role in hybrid gene regulation during seed development. Weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA) analysis identified several modules highly correlated with kernel weight, length, and width during seed development. The study also revealed the important role of ZmARF12, a transcription factor involved in auxin signal pathways, cell division, and seed size determination. The ZmARF12 mutant exhibited larger seed size and higher grain weight, confirming its role as a cell division repressor and a determinant of final seed size.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Amit Ghimire, Seong-Hoon Kim, Areum Cho, Naeun Jang, Seonhwa Ahn, Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, Sheikh Mansoor, Yong Suk Chung, Yoonha Kim
Summary: Soybean is a valuable legume crop known for its nutritional value. This study used a Python algorithm to analyze seed traits and found strong correlations between algorithm-derived measurements and manual measurements. The algorithm also accurately counted the number of seeds present in the images.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Cailong Xu, Tingting Wu, Shan Yuan, Shi Sun, Tianfu Han, Wenwen Song, Cunxiang Wu
Summary: Increasing soybean production is crucial for global food security and human health. This study shows that selecting soybean cultivars with larger seed sizes does not necessarily result in higher seed yield or protein content. In fact, it may even reduce seed yield. Additionally, there is a negative correlation between seed lipids content and hundred seed weight.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yingyu Xue, Zhiyan Shen, Fei Tao, Jingjiang Zhou, Bingliang Xu
Summary: In this study, the sequencing analysis of seed coats from hulled and hull-less Cucurbita pepo revealed lower lignin accumulation in the seed coat of the hull-less variety. The differentially expressed genes were enriched in different pathways between the two varieties. Several key proteins and transcription factors related to seed coat development were identified. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis confirmed the reliability of the RNA-Seq results.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Wenjing Xu, Qiong Wang, Wei Zhang, Hongmei Zhang, Xiaoqing Liu, Qingxin Song, Yuelin Zhu, Xiaoyan Cui, Xin Chen, Huatao Chen
Summary: Through transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, we investigated the gene expression networks and molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in regulating soybean seed oil and protein contents. We identified many genes and metabolites involved in this process, and identified candidate genes that regulate the biosynthesis of protein and oil in soybean seeds. We also proposed potential regulatory patterns in high seed-protein varieties.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yang Hu, Yue Liu, Long Lu, Jian-Jun Tao, Tong Cheng, Meng Jin, Zhou-Ya Wang, Jun-Jie Wei, Zhi-Hao Jiang, Wan-Cai Sun, Cheng-Lan Liu, Feng Gao, Yong Zhang, Wei Li, Ying-Dong Bi, Yong-Cai Lai, Bin Zhou, De-Yue Yu, Cui-Cui Yin, Wei Wei, Wan-Ke Zhang, Shou-Yi Chen, Jin-Song Zhang
Summary: Seed size and weight are important factors that affect soybean yield. A transcriptional regulator named GmPLATZ is found to be involved in the regulation of seed size and weight in soybean, and it acts through direct binding to promoters and activation of cyclin genes and GmGA20OX. The study provides valuable targets for breeding crops with desirable agronomic traits.
Article
Plant Sciences
Junqi Liu, Liang Dong, Runqing Duan, Li Hu, Yinyue Zhao, Liang Zhang, Xianzhi Wang
Summary: This study identified genes and pathways related to fatty acid metabolism in soybean seeds through RNA-seq analysis, and identified the crucial period for UFA profile formation. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis also revealed gene modules associated with specific fatty acid contents.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Zongbiao Duan, Qing Li, Hong Wang, Xuemei He, Min Zhang
Summary: This article summarizes the progress in functional genome controlling soybean seed size, oil and protein contents in recent decades, and presents the challenges and prospects for developing high-yield soybean cultivars with high oil or protein content.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yanjie Yao, Erhui Xiong, Xuelian Qu, Junfeng Li, Hongli Liu, Leipo Quan, Wenyan Lu, Xuling Zhu, Meiling Chen, Ke Li, Xiaoming Chen, Yun Lian, Weiguo Lu, Dan Zhang, Xinan Zhou, Shanshan Chu, Yongqing Jiao
Summary: This study utilized transcriptome analysis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis to investigate the molecular mechanisms of seed formation and oil content accumulation in soybeans. Key pathways involved in oil content accumulation and grain formation were identified, and candidate genes were screened. Correlation analysis and expression pattern analysis revealed potential functional genes related to soybean yield and seed oil quantity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hoseong Choi, Yeonhwa Jo, Hyunjung Chung, Soo Yeon Choi, Sang-Min Kim, Jin-Sung Hong, Bong Choon Lee, Won Kyong Cho
Summary: This study utilized plant transcriptome data to analyze the viral communities in soybean plants at different growth stages. Six viruses were identified, and their abundance and presence were compared across different viral species. The study demonstrated the potential and limitations of plant transcriptomes for virome research.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hao Hu, Armond Swift, Margarita Mauro-Herrera, James Borrone, Guadalupe Borja, Andrew N. N. Doust
Summary: Paysonia auriculata (Brassicaceae) seed oil is composed of multiple hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs), which show an initial low accumulation but a sharp increase after 21 days post-pollination. The gene expression network involved in HFA production is highly similar to that of Physaria fendleri, a related oil crop. Phylogenetic analysis suggests the evolution of the hydroxylase enzyme, FAH12, occurred once in Paysonia and Physaria, and is closely related to FAD2 enzymes.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Shilin Luo, Jia Jia, Riqian Liu, Ruqian Wei, Zhibin Guo, Zhandong Cai, Bo Chen, Fuwei Liang, Qiuju Xia, Hai Nian, Yanbo Cheng
Summary: In this study, QTLs mapping and target gene mining were used to understand the genetic basis for soybean yield traits. A total of 85 QTLs associated with seed size and weight traits were identified, and 18 environmentally stable QTLs were detected. Furthermore, five QTL clusters associated with both seed size and weight were summarized, and 15 candidate genes potentially involved in regulating soybean seed size and weight were screened based on gene function annotation and GO enrichment analysis.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yang Hu, Yue Liu, Jian-Jun Tao, Long Lu, Zhi-Hao Jiang, Jun-Jie Wei, Chun-Mei Wu, Cui-Cui Yin, Wei Li, Ying-Dong Bi, Yong-Cai Lai, Wei Wei, Wan-Ke Zhang, Shou-Yi Chen, Jin-Song Zhang
Summary: GmJAZ3 gene regulates seed-related traits, such as seed size/weight and organ size, in soybean through increasing cell proliferation. It interacts with GmRR18a and GmMYC2a to inhibit their transcriptional activation of GmCKX3-4 gene, which affects seed traits. Our study reveals a novel molecular module GmJAZ3-GmRR18a/GmMYC2a-GmCKXs for seed size and weight control.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Rupesh Tayade, Muhammad Imran, Amit Ghimire, Waleed Khan, Rizwana Begum Syed Nabi, Yoonha Kim
Summary: This study provides an overview of recent progress in the genetic regulation of seed size, molecular, genetic, and genomic bases of yield, and related key traits in soybean. The implications of plant hormones in soybean yield and seed trait improvement are also highlighted. The findings contribute to increasing soybean yield and developing high-yielding cultivars for future food demands.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuzhen Nan, Lijing Zhang, Xiaowei Hu, Xiumei Miao, Xiaoxu Han, Hua Fu
Summary: The accumulation patterns and molecular regulatory mechanisms of polysaccharides in Artemisia sphaerocephala seeds have been studied, but research on seed oil and C18:2 remains unclear. This study analyzed the accumulation patterns of oil and fatty acids in different seed development stages, revealing the genes involved in oil biosynthesis and molecular regulatory mechanisms for high C18:2 accumulation. These findings advance research into unsaturated fatty acid metabolism in plants and provide valuable genetic resources for optimal C18:2 breeding.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Bradley C. Posch, Deping Zhai, Onoriode Coast, Andrew P. Scafaro, Helen Bramley, PeterB Reich, Yong-Ling Ruan, Richard Trethowan, Danielle A. Way, OwenK Atkin
Summary: The study showed that warm nights can lead to decreased plant biomass, reduced oxygen consumption in respiration, increased carbon dioxide release, and enhanced capacity of the alternative oxidase pathway.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Han-Yu Ko, Hsuan-Wei Tseng, Li-Hsuan Ho, Lu Wang, Tzu-Fang Chang, Annie Lin, Yong-Ling Ruan, H. Ekkehard Neuhaus, Woei-Jiun Guo
Summary: The plasma membrane-localized SlSWEET5b plays an essential role in facilitating hexose flux to support pollen maturation and fertility in tomato flowers. Its expression is particularly high in the stamens of maturing flower buds, suggesting its involvement in mitosis. The SlSWEET5b carrier functions as a low-affinity hexose-specific passive facilitator, and its suppression leads to impaired pollen development and reduced seed yield.
Article
Plant Sciences
Shengjin Liao, Ying Zhang, Jinglu Wang, Chunjiang Zhao, Yong-Ling Ruan, Xinyu Guo
Summary: This study used X-ray micro-computed tomography and genome-wide association study to reveal the spatial and temporal progression of endosperm cavity (EC) formation in maize, and proposed a potential mechanism involving candidate genes.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Onoriode Coast, Bradley C. Posch, Bethany G. Rognoni, Helen Bramley, Oorbessy Gaju, John Mackenzie, Claire Pickles, Alison M. Kelly, Meiqin Lu, Yong-Ling Ruan, Richard Trethowan, Owen K. Atkin
Summary: This study aims to explore methods to improve the heat tolerance of wheat photosynthesis. By utilizing genetic variation and genotype-by-environment interactions, the average daily growth temperature in the month preceding anthesis was found to be the most influential environmental factor affecting heat tolerance.
Article
Plant Sciences
Zi-Ming Ren, Dong Zhang, Chen Jiao, Dan-Qing Li, Yun Wu, Xiu-Yun Wang, Cong Gao, Ye-Fan Lin, Yong-Ling Ruan, Yi-Ping Xia
Summary: In this study, the metabolic characteristics and regulatory pathways involved in vegetative propagation (VP) in Lycoris bulb were investigated. The researchers found that high expression or activity of cell wall invertase (CWIN) is associated with bulblet initiation in high-regeneration species, while a high hexose-to-sucrose ratio supports cell division in the next phase of bulblet formation. These findings provide a sugar-mediated model for the regulation of VP in Lycoris bulb.
Article
Plant Sciences
Wei Huang, Yunfei Li, Yan Du, Lingling Pan, Yumin Huang, Hongbing Liu, Yue Zhao, Yunlu Shi, Yong-Ling Ruan, Zhaobin Dong, Weiwei Jin
Summary: This study characterized the Mei025 mutant in maize, which exhibited meiotic defects in pollen mother cells. The mutation in the INVAN6 gene was found to cause these defects. INVAN6 interacts with other CINs and 14-3-3 proteins, and its variant in Mei025 exerts a dominant negative effect on meiosis. Heat stress worsens the meiotic defects in the invan6 mutant. Transcriptome data suggests that INVAN6 plays a crucial role in sugar homeostasis and stress tolerance in male meiocytes.
Review
Plant Sciences
Andres Garcia, Oorbessy Gaju, Andrew F. Bowerman, Sally A. Buck, John R. Evans, Robert T. Furbank, Matthew Gilliham, A. Harvey Millar, Barry J. Pogson, Matthew P. Reynolds, Yong-Ling Ruan, Nicolas L. Taylor, Stephen D. Tyerman, Owen K. Atkin
Summary: This review explores the potential to increase crop yield potential by optimizing the efficiency of converting light energy into biomass, respiratory ATP production, and ATP use. By targeting factors such as photoprotective machinery, enzymatic kinetics, and metabolic pathways, it is possible to significantly enhance the yield potential of globally important crops.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cunman He, Oliver Berkowitz, Shanshan Hu, Yang Zhao, Kun Qian, Huixia Shou, James Whelan, Yan Wang
Summary: The regulatory components that control the interactions between chloroplasts and mitochondria and their responses to external stimuli are less known. This study outlines the coordination of chloroplastic and mitochondrial activities through common components involved in signal transduction pathways, gene regulatory events, and post-transcriptional processes. The endoplasmic reticulum is identified as a convergence point for coordinating chloroplast and mitochondrial functions. The integration of these pathways at a whole-plant level is crucial for optimizing plant growth and its response to changing environmental conditions.
PLANT COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Xiaocheng Tian, Hui Zou, Qian Xiao, Haijun Xin, Lingcheng Zhu, Yuxing Li, Baiquan Ma, Ningbo Cui, Yong-Ling Ruan, Fengwang Ma, Mingjun Li
Summary: MdHT1.2 acts as a hexose transporter on the root epidermis to absorb glucose from the rhizosphere, regulating plant growth and fruit sugar accumulation. It is mainly expressed in the epidermal cells of fine roots and located on the plasma membrane. MdHT1.2-mediated glucose absorption from the rhizosphere changes carbon assimilate allocation, affecting plant growth and fruit sugar accumulation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Si Shen, Si Ma, Limin Wu, Shun-Li Zhou, Yong-Ling Ruan
Summary: Plants overproduce ovaries as a safety net, resulting in competition for resources and subsequent abortion of grains. The molecular basis of selective grain abortion remains unknown. This opinion article reviews the current understanding of carbon resource import and sink capacity among grain siblings, focusing on the roles of sugar transporters and enzymes. The activation of the carbon import and sugar signaling system plays a crucial role in determining the survival and thriving of grain siblings.
TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Hongjian Wan, Youjun Zhang, Limin Wu, Guozhi Zhou, Luzhao Pan, Alisdair R. Fernie, Yong-Ling Ruan
Summary: The origin and function of different types of invertase enzymes in land plants were investigated. Plastidic and mitochondrial invertases play roles in achieving high photosynthetic and respiratory rates, while cytosolic invertases are important for increasing carbon utilization efficiency. These invertases originated from ancestral genes in cyanobacteria and evolved through gene duplication and transfer processes.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lingcheng Zhu, Yanzhen Li, Chengcheng Wang, Zhiqi Wang, Wenjing Cao, Jing Su, Yunjing Peng, Baiyun Li, Baiquan Ma, Fengwang Ma, Yong-Ling Ruan, Mingjun Li
Summary: This study discovered that MdERDL6-mediated glucose elevation in cytosol activates the SnRK2.3-AREB1-TST1/2 cascade to promote sugar accumulation in the vacuoles of apple and tomato fruits. Soluble sugars play a vital role in fruit quality, and the tonoplast sugar transporters are crucial for sugar accumulation. The mechanism behind the coordination of MdERDL6 and MdTST1/2 in regulating sugar accumulation was unknown until this study.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lingcheng Zhu, Yanzhen Li, Chengcheng Wang, Zhiqi Wang, Wenjing Cao, Jing Su, Yunjing Peng, Baiyun Li, Baiquan Ma, Fengwang Ma, Yong-Ling Ruan, Mingjun Li
Summary: Sugar signalling plays crucial roles in cellular function. This study reveals that MdERDL6-mediated glucose elevation in cytosol activates the SnRK2.3-AREB1-TST1/2 cascade, promoting sugar accumulation in vacuoles of apple and tomato fruits. By regulating MdTST1/2 expression through MdAREB1.1/1.2 binding, the coordination of sugar accumulation in vacuoles is controlled, offering insights into the regulatory mechanism of tonoplast sugar transport for fruit sugar accumulation.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Yinping Zhang, Soualiou Soualihou, Juan Li, Yonghan Xu, Ray J. Rose, Yong-Ling Ruan, Jincai Li, Youhong Song
Summary: The study found that drought stress affects the transcriptional response of maize pollen grains, leading to changes in gene expression related to carbohydrate and hormone metabolism. These altered gene expressions may impact the development and growth of pollen tubes under drought stress.
CROP & PASTURE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lihua Zhang, Baiquan Ma, Changzhi Wang, Xingyu Chen, Yong-Ling Ruan, Yangyang Yuan, Fengwang Ma, Mingjun Li
Summary: In this study, a candidate gene, MdWRKY126, for controlling fruit acidity independent of Ma1 was identified. MdWRKY126 regulates the accumulation and transport of malate in apple fruit by activating the expression of a cytosolic malate dehydrogenase gene. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the complex mechanism regulating apple fruit acidity.