Mechanisms of Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation Underlying Plant Resistance

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 581

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: horticultural plant; graft biology; biochemistry; biotechnology; physiology

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Guest Editor
College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
Interests: horticultural plant; plant pathology; biochemistry; biotechnology; physiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
Interests: abiotic stress; biochemistry; molecular biology; functional omics of plant genes; physiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plants are constantly challenged by a myriad of abiotic and biotic stresses, which not only threaten their survival, but also impact global food security. Understanding the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying plant resistance is crucial for developing resilient crop varieties that can thrive in changing environments. This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers to share their groundbreaking work on the genetic and epigenetic regulation of plant resistance. By delving into the latest research findings and innovative methodologies, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of how genetic and epigenetic factors interplay to confer resilience in plants. Contributions are sought that shed light on the underlying biology of plant resistance, the development of novel tools and techniques for resistance improvement, and the application of advanced omics technologies to decipher complex resistance traits. Moreover, this issue will feature thought-provoking perspectives and reviews that critically assess the current knowledge and foresee future trends in the field. Our goal is to foster a deeper understanding of plant resistance mechanisms and to catalyze the translation of this knowledge into practical solutions for agricultural challenges.

We will consider original research and review papers covering recent, promising, and novel research trends in the field of the genetics and epigenetics of resistance in plants. Areas to be covered in this research topic may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Abiotic and biotic stresses resistance;
  • Development of quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to understand the genetic basis of resistance in plants;
  • Genome engineering and crop improvement;
  • CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing for plant resistance;
  • The epigenetic regulation of resistance in plants: including DNA modification, RNA modification, and histone modification;
  • Multi-omics dealing with data sets of genomes, transcriptomes, proteomes, metabolomes, epigenomes, and/or microbiomes;
  • Perspectives, opinions, and reviews in plant resistance.

Dr. Feng Zhang
Prof. Dr. Yue Ma
Dr. Mengyuan Yan
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • plant biotic and abiotic stresses
  • multi-omics
  • genetic engineering
  • genome editing
  • epigenetic regulation

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 2535 KiB  
Article
Comparative Enzymatic and Gene Expression Responses in Wheat to DON- and NIV-Producing Fusarium Species
by Gabriela da Rocha Lemos Mendes, Paulo Cesar Pazdiora, Vivian Ebeling Viana, Leandro José Dallagnol, Laura Christina Calgaro, Glacy Jaqueline da Silva, Emerson Medeiros Del Ponte and Antônio Costa de Oliveira
Biology 2025, 14(8), 1063; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14081063 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025
Abstract
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a major threat to wheat production that is caused by toxigenic species of the Fusarium graminearum complex. This study aimed to investigate the biochemical and molecular defense responses of Brazilian wheat genotypes (BRS 194, BRS Parrudo, and Frontana) [...] Read more.
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a major threat to wheat production that is caused by toxigenic species of the Fusarium graminearum complex. This study aimed to investigate the biochemical and molecular defense responses of Brazilian wheat genotypes (BRS 194, BRS Parrudo, and Frontana) with contrasting FHB susceptibilities following inoculation with F. graminearum (deoxynivalenol producer) and F. meridionale (nivalenol producer). Temporal patterns of antioxidant enzymes, defense-related enzymes, and gene expression (ABC-Transporter and Ca2+-ATPase) were analyzed from 12 to 96 h after inoculation. The ANOVA results revealed significant effects of genotypes, inoculation, and time after inoculation on most of the evaluated enzymatic activities. Frontana exhibited high basal activity for most enzymes, and after inoculation, the enzyme activity was higher than in other genotypes. BRS 194 presented delayed and fragmented activation patterns, particularly under DON-producing pathogen infection. According to the transcriptome results, inoculation with the NIV-producing pathogen upregulated both genes, reaching up to an 18-fold increase. BRS 194 showed an upregulated transcript pattern from the early hours after inoculation. Frontana showed increased transcript levels, reaching 12-fold, under DON-producing pathogen infection. These findings show that biochemical and molecular responses varied depending on genotype and the chemotype of the Fusarium isolate, highlighting the importance of early, coordinated defense activation in FHB resistance. Full article
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25 pages, 34253 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification of GRAS Gene Family in Daylily (Hemerocallis citrina Baroni) and Its Expression Profiles in Development, Hormone and Biotic Stress Response
by Weijia Li, Hongying Sun, Zhiwen Chen, Yue Zhang and Jianguo Zhao
Biology 2025, 14(7), 770; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14070770 - 26 Jun 2025
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Abstract
The family of GRAS transcription factors plays an essential role in the regulation of plant development, the transmission of hormonal signals, and the adaptation to environmental stresses seen in numerous species. However, a comprehensive analysis of the GRAS family of Hemerocallis citrina (daylily) [...] Read more.
The family of GRAS transcription factors plays an essential role in the regulation of plant development, the transmission of hormonal signals, and the adaptation to environmental stresses seen in numerous species. However, a comprehensive analysis of the GRAS family of Hemerocallis citrina (daylily) is lacking, despite its potential to help understand the stress content and developmental processes of the monospecies. This study identified 78 GRAS genes (HcGRAS) in H. citrina, which were classified into 15 subfamilies based on chromosomal location, gene structure, conserved motifs, and expression patterns. An analysis of promoter regions indicated a significant presence of elements related to hormones and stress, showcasing these genes’ role in adapting to environmental pressures. The GO and KEGG analyses indicated that HcGRAS genes were engaged in pathways associated with developmental processes and responses to environmental stress. Notably, HcGRAS38 was identified as a key interacting protein for SHR, SCR, and DELLA subfamily members, which suggested its central role in coordinating stress response and developmental signaling. Comparative genomic mapping with seven representative monocot and dicot species underscored evolutionary conservation and divergence in functions of the GRAS family. The expression profiling of 22 HcGRAS genes across different daylily tissues provided insights into their tissue-specific roles. This research may promote the further exploration of the functional characteristics of HcGRAS genes. Full article
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