Article
Plant Sciences
Rowan Herridge, Tyler McCourt, Jeanne M. E. Jacobs, Peter Mace, Lynette Brownfield, Richard Macknight
Summary: Self-incompatibility is a characteristic of flowering plants, and grasses have a unique two-locus system to control self-recognition. By analyzing genome data from ryegrass and other grass species, it was found that DUF247 genes and SP/ZP genes are present at the S and Z loci in self-incompatibility species, acting as male and female components. These genes are highly variable, but key secondary structure features are conserved. The time of formation of specificity groups is related to the divergence of grass subfamilies.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jie Yu, Baoan Wang, Wenqi Fan, Songbo Fan, Ya Xu, Chunsheng Liu, Tianxing Lv, Wanda Liu, Ling Wu, Linfeng Xian, Tianzhong Li
Summary: The study showed that pollen tube polyamines respond to self-S-RNase and help defend against it, potentially providing a way to break self-incompatibility in apple by enhancing pollen tube tolerance.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iris Aloisi, Chiara Piccini, Giampiero Cai, Stefano Del Duca
Summary: Environmental stresses can negatively impact the performance of pollen, particularly during its development and germination stages. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in stress perception and response is crucial for the successful reproduction of plants.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Muhammad Jamshed, Neil M. N. Hickerson, Subramanian Sankaranarayanan, Marcus A. Samuel
Summary: Exciting new research reveals the interaction between stigmatic receptors for recognizing self-incompatible pollen and the FERONIA pathway, which regulates the production of stigmatic reactive oxygen species to establish barriers against self-, intra- and interspecific pollen.
Review
Plant Sciences
Muhammad Husnain Ahmad, Muhammad Junaid Rao, Jianbing Hu, Qiang Xu, Chenchen Liu, Zonghong Cao, Robert M. Larkin, Xiuxin Deng, Maurice Bosch, Lijun Chai
Summary: Self-incompatibility is a mechanism that prevents self-pollination in plants by distinguishing between nonself- and self-pollen, promoting outcrossing and avoiding inbreeding. Efforts to understand the molecular features of self-incompatibility have been made in the past thirty years. Various techniques have been developed to overcome self-incompatibility.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN PLANT SCIENCES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sota Fujii
Summary: ATP serves as a universal currency for metabolic activity in all living organisms. A recent study harnesses the inter-specific transfer of self-recognition module in plants to enable real-time monitoring of cellular status in vivo, uncovering the pivotal role of ATP in signaling.
Review
Plant Sciences
Ludi Wang, Dmitry A. Filatov
Summary: Hybridisation between different species can result in maladapted or nonviable offspring due to genetic incompatibilities. Mating with close relatives or self-fertilisation can lead to inbreeding depression. Therefore, organisms need to carefully choose their mating partners to avoid both of these problems. In plants, pollen-pistil interactions play a crucial role in avoiding inbreeding and hybridisation with other species. This review focuses on the mechanisms of pollen-pistil interactions and their importance in maintaining species integrity.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Hira Singh, Bhallan Singh Sekhon, Pradeep Kumar, Rajinder Kumar Dhall, Ruma Devi, Tarsem Singh Dhillon, Suman Sharma, Anil Khar, Ramesh Kumar Yadav, Bhoopal Singh Tomar, Theodora Ntanasi, Leo Sabatino, Georgia Ntatsi
Summary: To address challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and population growth, the development of hybrid vegetable crops is crucial. Genetic mechanisms like self-incompatibility, male sterility, and gynoecism play a vital role in reducing costs and streamlining hybrid seed production. This review focuses on elucidating processes related to floral characteristics, genetic regulation, pollen biology, and development, with specific attention to masculine and feminine traits in cucurbits and hybridization approaches for biofortification. It also provides insights into biotechnological advancements and their future use in major vegetable crops' genetic systems.
Article
Plant Sciences
Sara Herrera, Jorge Lora, Jose Hormaza, Javier Rodrigo
Summary: In recent years, there has been a significant renewal of apricot cultivars worldwide, with the introduction of many new varieties. This study focused on determining the pollination requirements of a group of new apricot cultivars by molecular identification of S-alleles. The results provide valuable information for apricot breeding programs, orchard design, and addressing fruit set issues in established orchards. The diversity observed at the S-locus suggests a possible genetic bottleneck in the breeding programs.
Article
Forestry
Kacper Lechowicz, Jan Bocianowski, Dorota Wronska-Pilarek
Summary: Pollen morphology is an important tool in plant systematics and evolution, and can help in resolving taxonomic problems. This study focused on the pollen morphology of the genus Rubus, and found that exine ornamentation and pollen size were the most useful traits for assessing variability. However, the study did not support the currently adopted taxonomical division of Rubus. Interspecific variability was highest for traits P, E, Le, and d, while intraspecific variability was determined by traits P, E, d, Le, d/E, Exp/P, Exp, P/E, and Le/P.
Article
Horticulture
Leynar Leyton Naranjo, Carol D. Robacker
Summary: Despite a long history of cultivation, few cultivars of Abelia are available due to self-incompatibility and crossing barriers with other species. This study investigated the self-incompatibility systems in Abelia and Vesalea, as well as the pollen nuclei in Abelia and Diabelia. In addition, in vitro pollen germination and nucleus evaluation were conducted in Abelia and Diabelia.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Anita Cisternas-Fuentes, Roslynn Dwyer, Nicole Johnson, Lindsay Finnell, Jeffrey Gilman, Matthew H. Koski
Summary: Through observations on Argentina anserina, it was found that incompatible pollen could germinate on the stigma but pollen tubes were arrested in the style, indicating that pollen quality limitation had a stronger impact than pollen quantity. Compared to self-compatible species, self-incompatible species experienced greater pollen quality limitation.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Shanshan Nie, Shaojie Zheng, Chunshu Lyu, Shuning Cui, Jianyu Huo, Lugang Zhang
Summary: Self-incompatibility (SI) is a genetic mechanism that promotes outcrossing and prevents self-fertilization in plants. This study investigated the relationship between calcium (Ca2+) and SI response in Chinese cabbage by altering the Ca2+ level in the stigma. The results showed that reducing the Ca2+ level in the stigma promotes pollen germination and breaks the SI response. Additionally, the expression of several BrCaM genes was found to be coincident with Ca2+ level alterations and the SI response. These findings contribute to understanding the molecular regulatory mechanism of SI response in Brassicaceae crops.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Jinghua Zhang, Ling Yue, Xiaolin Wu, Hui Liu, Wei Wang
Summary: Plant peptides play a crucial role in plant growth and development by serving as signal molecules. Successful sexual reproduction in plants relies on communication between male and female gametophytes, their gametes, and surrounding sporophytic tissues. Small peptides have been found to participate in key reproductive processes such as self-incompatibility, pollen tube growth, guidance, and gamete interaction.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Renata Salcedo-Sanchez, Yuridia Cruz-Zamora, Felipe Cruz-Garcia
Summary: This study identified the regulatory mechanism of the self-incompatibility gene SC10-RNase in tobacco. The presence of a Gypsy element in the SC10-RNase promoter may contribute to DNA methylation remodeling, resulting in abundant expression of SC10-RNase in mature pistils.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Giampiero Cai, Delia Fernandez-Gonzalez, Stefano Del Duca
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Chiara Suanno, Iris Aloisi, Delia Fernandez-Gonzalez, Stefano Del Duca
Summary: This review summarizes the main parameters considered when forecasting pollen, categorizes different forecasting methods into two groups: observation-based and process-based, compares their usefulness to allergic patients, and discusses potential future developments in the field.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Samantha Rossi, Luigi Parrotta, Stefano Del Duca, Marco Dalla Rosa, Francesca Patrignani, Oliver Schluter, Rosalba Lanciotti
Summary: The study demonstrated the potential of using Yarrowia lipolytica RO25 to produce sourdough with specific sensory and functional characteristics, characterized by a unique protein profile and a specific volatile molecules profile.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Chiara Suanno, Iris Aloisi, Delia Fernandez-Gonzalez, Stefano Del Duca
Summary: Understanding the trends of airborne pollen allergens is crucial due to the high prevalence and socioeconomic impact of pollen-related respiratory diseases globally. Developing efficient monitoring systems and reliable allergic risk indices are essential to assess the health hazards posed by urban vegetation and atmospheric pollen concentrations to allergic individuals.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chiara Suanno, Iris Aloisi, Luigi Parrotta, Delia Fernandez-Gonzalez, Stefano Del Duca
Summary: This study investigated the application of two well-known allergenicity indices in the same park, finding that systematic sampling for data collection serves as a reliable approximation to total census. The results of both indices were compared, with SAI indicating a higher allergenic risk compared to IUGZA.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lavinia Mareri, Claudia Faleri, Iris Aloisi, Luigi Parrotta, Stefano Del Duca, Giampiero Cai
Summary: The research investigates the effects of heat priming on tobacco pollen grains, showing that pre-exposure to sub-lethal temperatures can positively enhance pollen performance by altering its metabolism. This finding could have a significant impact on breeding strategies aimed at improving crop species.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iris Aloisi, Chiara Piccini, Giampiero Cai, Stefano Del Duca
Summary: Environmental stresses can negatively impact the performance of pollen, particularly during its development and germination stages. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in stress perception and response is crucial for the successful reproduction of plants.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
D. Serafini-Fracassini, M. Della Mea, L. Parrotta, C. Faleri, G. Cai, S. Del Duca, I Aloisi
Summary: The study on the AtPng1 knock out (KO) line reveals the significant role of TGase activity in plant development and stress response, with the KO line showing a more juvenile phenotype and exhibiting different responses after heat and wound stress compared to the wild type. Additionally, the residual TGase activity in the KO line, particularly in the plastidial fraction, suggests a complex relationship between TGase and plant growth and stress adaptation.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronica Conti, Claudio Cantini, Marco Romi, Maria Michela Cesare, Luigi Parrotta, Stefano Del Duca, Giampiero Cai
Summary: Future climate scenarios indicate that crop plants will face environmental changes that could affect their productivity, with drought being one of the most harmful stresses. This study focused on the biochemical mechanisms of tomato plants' defense against drought stress. The results showed crucial differences in biochemical behavior among different tomato cultivars, indicating that certain proteins and markers can be used to select drought-tolerant tomato cultivars.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Luigi Parrotta, Claudia Faleri, Cecilia Del Casino, Lavinia Mareri, Iris Aloisi, Gea Guerriero, Jean-Francois Hausman, Stefano Del Duca, Giampiero Cai
Summary: This article investigates the association between callose synthase and cytoskeleton in the pollen tube. The study confirms this association and demonstrates colocalization using immunogold labeling. The results suggest that callose synthase interacts with microtubules and exerts its activity in cooperation with the microtubular cytoskeleton.
PLANT CELL REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Luigi Parrotta, Umesh Kumar Tanwar, Iris Aloisi, Ewa Sobieszczuk-Nowicka, Magdalena Arasimowicz-Jelonek, Stefano Del Duca
Summary: TGases are calcium-dependent enzymes widely distributed in nature, with less studied functionality in plants compared to humans and animals. Research on plant TGases can provide insights into their roles and mechanisms in plant biology.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luigi Parrotta, Lavinia Mareri, Iris Aloisi, Claudia Faleri, Gaetano Distefano, Alessandra Gentile, Angela Roberta Lo Piero, Verena Kriechbaumer, Marco Caruso, Giampiero Cai, Stefano Del Duca
Summary: This study investigated the effects of clementine ASP-RICH proteins on pollen tubes by expressing them in tobacco. The results showed that ASP-RICH modulated Ca2+ content, which in turn affected cytoskeleton organization and cell wall deposition, ultimately impacting the growth pattern of pollen tubes. These findings suggest a regulatory role of ASP-RICH in the mechanism of plant cell growth.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chiara Suanno, Silvia Sandrini, Iris Aloisi, Paola De Nuntiis, Maria Cristina Facchini, Stefano Del Duca, Delia Fernandez-Gonzalez
Summary: This study aims to evaluate pollen, allergen, and protein levels in the air and assess their association with meteorological and chemical parameters. The results show that different sampling devices yield different levels of proteins and allergens, with allergens in coarse particles correlating with pollen, while allergens in fine particles may exist independently of pollen.
Article
Plant Sciences
Chiara Suanno, Elisa Tonoli, Enzo Fornari, Maria P. Savoca, Iris Aloisi, Luigi Parrotta, Claudia Faleri, Giampiero Cai, Clare Coveney, David J. Boocock, Elisabetta A. M. Verderio, Stefano Del Duca
Summary: It has been discovered that pollen releases allergen-bearing extracellular nanovesicles, known as pollensomes, during germination, which may be involved in pollen-pistil interaction and long-distance signaling. This study aimed to clarify if pollensomes can be secreted in high humidity conditions without pollen germination, and to investigate their molecular features. Pollensomes were isolated from germinated kiwi pollen and characterized using imaging techniques, immunoblotting, and proteomics. The presence of a plant homolog of ALIX, a marker of small extracellular vesicles and exosomes, suggests that pollensomes could be a subpopulation of plant exosome-like vesicles.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronica Conti, Luigi Parrotta, Marco Romi, Stefano Del Duca, Giampiero Cai
Summary: Ongoing climate change poses a threat to global food security due to the potential impact on crop productivity, with drought being the most significant factor. Drought stress affects various aspects of tomato plants, leading to reduced seed production and fruit quality. However, different tomato cultivars display varying levels of genetic, biochemical, and physiological traits, making them potential candidates for drought tolerance. This review highlights specific physio-molecular traits, genetic and proteomic factors, and physiological responses that contribute to drought tolerance in tomato cultivars. The findings emphasize the importance of considering these characteristics when selecting drought-tolerant cultivars, as well as the potential of tomato biodiversity in mitigating drought stress and preserving fruit quality.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
