Search Results (52)

Plant immune genes are traditionally classified as resistance genes, susceptibility genes, or positive/negative regulators of defense. However, this framework does not fully explain a subset of immune-associated genes that display paradoxical disease phenotypes, in which genetic disruption enhances resistance despite the normal involvement of these genes in defense-related processes. GSL5/PMR4 is a representative example. As a pathogen-induced callose synthase, GSL5 contributes to papillary callose deposition and structural defense. Paradoxically, loss of GSL5 confers resistance to powdery mildew through salicylic acid- and N-hydroxypipecolic acid-associated pathways, as well as broad-spectrum resistance to Plasmodiophora brassicae through jasmonic acid-dependent immunity. Here, we refer to such genes as dual-state immune regulators, whose functional presence and genetic disruption promote resistance through distinct immune states. Similar regulatory patterns have been reported in several immune-related processes, including MAPK signaling, calcium influx, membrane trafficking, and receptor-proximal immune signaling. Representative examples include the MEKK1–MKK1/MKK2–MPK4 module, CNGC2/CNGC4, EXO70B1 and BIK1. This review uses GSL5 as a central example to discuss paradoxical immune phenotypes and dual-state immune regulators in plants, focusing on their biological features, potential mechanisms, and implications for resistance breeding. Full article

Manganese (Mn) is essential for plants, but its fluctuating soil availability—deficiency in alkaline soils and toxicity in acidic soils—challenges crop productivity. Breakthroughs in Arabidopsis have uncovered Ca²⁺ signaling as a key integrator of Mn status. This review synthesizes these discoveries into an emerging Arabidopsis-centered framework. Under Mn deficiency, sustained Ca²⁺ oscillations activate CPK21/23, which phosphorylate the importer NRAMP1 at Thr498 to enhance Mn uptake. Under Mn excess, a rapid Ca²⁺ transient triggers a multi-layered cascade: CPK4/5/6/11 activates MTP8 (Ser31/32) for vacuolar sequestration, while CBL2/3–CIPK3/9/26 sequentially suppresses MTP8 (Ser35, peak 24 h) and MTP11 (Ser194/201, peak 36 h)—a multi-tiered “brake” system. Concurrently, CBL1/9–CIPK23 induces NRAMP1 endocytosis (Ser20/22) to limit Mn uptake. The IRT1 transporter directly binds cytoplasmic Mn²⁺ and triggers its own degradation via CIPK23, thereby converging with Ca²⁺ signaling. The BRI1–CNGC12 module generates Mn-induced Ca²⁺ signals. By organizing current knowledge into a hierarchical framework, this review provides a working model for future research and outlines translational opportunities for engineering Mn-resilient crops. Full article

Corolla movement is a typical plant movement behavior that enables plants to optimize pollination and adapt to environmental changes. Nevertheless, its molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. In the present study, we conduct a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of Mirabilis jalapa (Nyctaginaceae) corolla at five stages (AG-EG) to elucidate the regulatory networks underlying movement. The results showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly associated with cellular processes, catalytic activity, MAPK signaling, plant hormone signal transduction, and photosynthesis-related pathways, highlighting their involvement in corolla dynamics. Transcriptome profiling further demonstrated that auxin, ethylene, and abscisic acid signaling pathways were key hormonal regulators of corolla movement. Moreover, Ca²⁺ transport genes (CNGCs and CMLs) and respiratory burst oxidase homologs (RBOHs) were significantly enriched, indicating that Ca²⁺–ROS signaling oscillations also play an important role in driving differential cell expansion and turgor changes. Transcription factor analysis also revealed the upregulation of WRKY2, WRKY22, and WRKY33, suggesting that WRKYs act as the critical transcriptional regulators linking ROS–Ca²⁺ signals with downstream gene expression. The reliability of RNA-Seq data was confirmed by RT-qPCR, which showed high consistency with transcriptome profiles. These findings suggested that corolla movement in M. jalapa is carried through the integration of hormonal pathways, Ca²⁺–ROS signaling, and WRKY-mediated transcriptional regulation. This research provided novel insights into the molecular basis of plant movement and established a foundation for further study on floral dynamics and adaptive strategies in angiosperms. Full article

Winter rapeseed (Brassica rapa L.) is an important crop for vegetable oil production in China. However, its productivity is frequently threatened by severe cold waves during winter. To investigate the role of the microtubule cytoskeleton in cold adaptation of winter rapeseed, a microtubule stabilizer paclitaxel (Tax) and a microtubule depolymerizer colchicine (Col) were sprayed on winter rapeseed and transgenic proBrAFP1 Arabidopsis, respectively. The mRNA levels of cold-induced genes, along with cell membrane stability, antioxidant enzyme activities, and hormone levels were assessed under cold stresses of 4 °C and −4 °C. The results showed that low temperature significantly activated the proBrAFP1 promoter activity and increased the mRNA levels of core cold signaling pathway genes, such as C-REPEAT BINDING FACTORS (CBFs), Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channel (CNGC), OPEN STOMATA 1 (OST1) and Inducer of CBF EXPRESSION 1 (ICE1). Notably, under low-temperature stress, exogenous application of the microtubule stabilizer Tax markedly suppressed proBrAFP1-driven reporter activity in transgenic Arabidopsis, with consistent inhibition observed across both stem and leaf tissues; meanwhile, the Tax application alleviated reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and mitigated membrane damage. In contrast, under the same low-temperature stress, the Col treatment exacerbated oxidative stress, enhanced lipid peroxidation, and elevated membrane damage. Collectively, these findings establish that microtubule regulators play indispensable roles in the cold stress response of winter rapeseed. It provides new insights into the mechanism by which plant microtubule cytoskeleton regulators mediate the cold response. Full article

Cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (CNGC) genes play key regulatory roles in plant immunity and abiotic stress responses. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide identification and analysis of the CNGC gene family in Suaeda glauca. A total of 44 SgCNGC genes were identified. Through phylogenetic analysis, gene structure analysis, chromosome distribution, conserved motif analysis, collinearity analysis, cis-acting element analysis, subcellular localization, and gene overexpression analysis, we systematically characterized the evolutionary relationships, structural features, and potential functions of this gene family. The results indicate that the SgCNGC gene family is evolutionarily highly conserved but exhibits functional divergence in structure and expression. Furthermore, functional assays revealed that overexpression of SgCNGC13 in Arabidopsis thaliana led to increased salt sensitivity, indicating a negative regulatory role for this gene under salt stress. These findings provide a foundation for understanding the role of the CNGC gene family in the growth, development, and stress response of S. glauca and contribute to the remediation of saline–alkali land. Full article

Soil salinisation has become one of the major abiotic stresses limiting crop growth in the world. To enhance soybean productivity on saline lands, understanding its salt-stress response and underlying mechanisms is necessary. In this study, the salt-tolerant soybean Kefeng 1 and the salt-sensitive soybean Qihuang 1 were used to elucidate the synergistic regulatory networks underlying soybean salt tolerance. After 12 days of 150 mM NaCl treatment, both varieties were subjected to phenotypic evaluation, physiological measurements, and integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. The results showed that the salt tolerance in Kefeng 1 primarily originated from its root. Under salt stress, Kefeng 1 maintained Na⁺/K⁺ ion homeostasis by up-regulating Cation/H⁺ Exchanger 15 (CHX15) and Cation Exchanger 3 (CAX3), and down-regulating Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channel 13 (CNGC13). Furthermore, Kefeng 1 stabilised auxin (IAA) homeostasis by inhibiting IAA biosynthesis and regulating concentrations through PIN-FORMED 3 (PIN3)-mediated efflux. It also scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) by employing enhanced enzymatic antioxidant systems, specifically aldo-keto reductase 1 (AKR1), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and catalase (CAT), alongside non-enzymatic antioxidants like the isoflavone genistein. Gene–metabolite correlation network analysis identified Glyma.09G117900 (PIN3) and Glyma.19G244200 (AKR1) as two hub genes. These two genes were specifically up-regulated in Kefeng 1 root under NaCl stress, and the proteins they encoded played important roles in salt tolerance in Kefeng 1 root as described above. Accordingly, these two genes were identified as candidate genes for salt tolerance in Kefeng 1. This study offered a theoretical framework and genetic resources for developing salt-tolerant soybean cultivars. Full article

Piriformospora indica, a broad-spectrum plant growth-promoting fungus, has been successfully applied in blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.). In this study, through an integrated transcriptomic and biochemical analyses, we investigated the effects of P. indica colonization on blueberry root growth under long-term tap water (EC ≈ 1500 μs/cm) irrigation. Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed that P. indica colonization greatly influenced the expression of genes involved in RNA biosynthesis, solute transport, response to external stimuli, phytohormone action, carbohydrate metabolism, cell wall organization, and secondary metabolism pathways. Consistently, the fungal colonization significantly improved the nutrient absorption ability, and increased the contents of sucrose, starch, trehalose, total phenolic, total flavonoids, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), while suppressing the accumulations of jasmonic acid (JA), abscisic acid (ABA), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), and strigolactone (SL) in blueberry roots. Quantitative real-time PCR verification also confirmed the fungal influences on genes associated with these pathways/parameters, such as auxin homoeostasis-associated WAT1, cell wall metabolism-related EXP, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis-related PAL and CHS, carotenoid degradation-related CCD8, transportation-related CNGC, trehalose metabolism-related TPP, and so on. Our study demonstrated that P. indica improved blueberry adaptability to mild salt stress by synergistically regulating cell wall metabolism, secondary metabolism, stress responses, hormone homeostasis, sugar and mineral element transportation, and so on. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (CNGC) genes play crucial roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses, yet their functions in sorghum remain poorly understood. Methods: This study systematically analyzed sorghum CNGC genes through genome-wide identification, encompassing chromosomal mapping, phylogenetic relationships, gene structure, cis-acting elements, miRNA regulation, and GO/KEGG annotation. Results: A total of 23 sorghum CNGC genes were identified and classified into five subclasses (I–IV-b), exhibiting high evolutionary conservation with rice and maize. Promoter and miRNA analyses revealed multi-level regulation involving light, hormones (ABA, JA), and stress response elements. Several SbCNGC genes were predicted to be regulated by multiple miRNAs. Expression profiling and qRT-PCR validation indicated that most SbCNGC genes responded to both high-temperature and low-temperature stress. Expression analysis revealed tissue specificity and stress-induced transcriptional responses. Notably, SbCNGC1 remains consistently upregulated under both cold and heat stress, suggesting a potential key role in Ca²⁺-mediated signaling. Conclusions: This study systematically characterizes SbCNGC genes for the first time, reveals their potential role in abiotic stress tolerance, and provides a valuable resource for sorghum functional genomics and molecular breeding. Full article

The severe vertical motion of high-speed multihull vessels significantly impairs their seakeeping performance, making the design of effective anti-motion controllers crucial. However, existing controllers, predominantly designed based on deterministic dynamic models, suffer from limitations such as insufficient robustness, reliance on empirical knowledge, structural complexity, and suboptimal performance, which hinder their practical applicability. To address this, this paper proposes a robust decoupled vertical motion controller based on the step response inversion method and incorporating an Extended State Observer (ESO) uncertainty compensation term. The control algorithm is designed leveraging the equivalent noise bandwidth theory to account for the stochastic characteristics of pitch/heave motion, with ESO compensation introduced to enhance robustness. The stability of the closed loop system is rigorously proven through theoretical analysis. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm significantly suppresses the amplitudes of both pitch and heave motions. Full article

Agave, with its unique appearance and ability to produce hard fibers, holds high economic value. However, low temperatures during winter can restrict its growth and even damage the leaves, causing a loss of ornamental appeal or affecting the fiber quality. Conversely, the plant cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (CNGC) family plays an important role in the growth and development of plants and the response to stress. Studying the CNGC family genes is of great importance for analyzing the mechanism by which agave responds to cold stress. This research conducted a transcriptomic analysis of the ornamental plant Agave macroacantha. Through assembly via Illumina sequencing, 119,911 transcripts were obtained, including 78,083 unigenes. In total, 6, 10, 11, and 13 CNGC genes were successfully identified from A. macroacantha, Agave. H11648, Agave. deserti, and Agave. tequilana, respectively. These CNGC genes could be divided into four groups (I, II, III, and IV), and group IV could be divided into two subgroups (IV-A and IV-B). The relative expression levels were quantified by qRT-PCR assays, which revealed that AhCNGC4.1 was significantly upregulated after cold treatment and Ca(NO₃)₂ treatment, suggesting its importance in cold stress and calcium signaling. Additionally, the Y2H assay has preliminarily identified interacting proteins of AhCNGC4.1, including AhCML19 and AhCBSX3. This study has established a completely new transcriptome dataset of A. macroacantha for the first time, enriching the bioinformatics of agave’s transcriptome. The identified CNGC genes are of great significance for understanding the evolution of agave species. The cloned CNGC genes, expression pattern analysis, and protein interaction results laid a foundation for future research related to the molecular functions of agave CNGC genes in cold tolerance. Full article

The study focuses on the Cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels (CNGCs) proteins in citrus, aiming to investigate their potential roles. A total of 33 CcCNGC proteins were identified and characterized in Citrus clementina using a genome-wide method. The study revealed that these proteins share a conserved CNGC domain structurally but exhibit significant differences in their primary sequence and motif composition. Phylogenetic analysis classified the CcCNGC proteins into 13 subgroups. The cis-elements present in all CcCNGCs promoters were identified and classified, and the number of elements was determined. The results suggested that these genes play important roles in citrus growth and development, as well as in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Gene expression analysis further supported these findings, demonstrating that CNGC genes were responsive to various plant hormones and Phytophthora nicotianae infection, which causes citrus foot rot. Overall, the study indicated that members of the CcCNGC gene family exhibit structural and functional diversity. Further research is needed to validate the specific functions of individual family members and their roles in citrus physiology and response to stress conditions. Full article

In plants, calcium (Ca) serves as an essential nutrient and signaling molecule. Melatonin is a biologically active and multi-functional hormone that plays an important role in improving nutrient use efficiency. However, its involvement in plant responses to Ca deficiency remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to assess the effects of melatonin on Ca absorption, the antioxidant system, and root morphology under low-Ca (LCa) stress conditions, as well as to identify key regulatory factors and signaling pathways involved in these processes using transcriptome analysis. Under LCa conditions, wax gourd seedling exhibited significant decreases in Ca accumulation, showed inhibition of root growth, and demonstrated the occurrence of oxidative damage. However, melatonin application significantly enhanced Ca content in wax gourd seedlings, and it enhanced the absorption of Ca²⁺ in roots by upregulating Ca²⁺ channels and transport genes, including BhiCNGC17, BhiCNGC20, BhiECA1, BhiACA1, and BhiCAX1. Furthermore, the application of exogenous melatonin mitigated the root growth inhibition and oxidative damage caused by LCa stress. This was evidenced by increases in the root branch numbers, root tips, root surface area, and root volume, as well as enhanced root vitality and antioxidant enzyme activities, as well as decreases in the reactive oxygen species content in melatonin treated plants. Transcriptome results revealed that melatonin mainly modulated the brassinosteroids (BRs) and auxin signaling pathway, which play essential roles in root differentiation, elongation, and stress adaptation. Specifically, melatonin increased the active BR levels by upregulating BR6ox (a BR biosynthesis gene) and downregulating BAS1 (BR degradation genes), thereby affecting the BR signaling pathway. Additionally, melatonin reduced IAA levels but activated the auxin signaling pathway, indicating that melatonin could directly stimulate the auxin signaling pathway via an IAA-independent mechanism. This study provides new insights into the role of melatonin in nutrient stress adaptation, offering a promising and sustainable approach to improve nutrient use efficiency in wax gourd and other crops. Full article

The cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel (CNGC), as a non-selective cation channel, plays a pivotal role in plant growth and stress response. A systematic analysis and identification of the BnCNGC gene family in Brassica napus is crucial for uncovering its biological functions and potential applications in plant science. In this study, we identified 61 BnCNGC members in the B. napus genome, which are phylogenetically similar to Arabidopsis and can be classified into Groups I-IV (with Group IV further subdivided into IV-a and IV-b). Collinearity analysis with other species provided insights into the evolution of BnCNGC. By homology modeling, we predicted the three-dimensional structure of BnCNGC proteins and analyzed cis-acting elements in their promoters, revealing diverse roles in hormone regulation, growth, and stress response. Notably, overexpression of BnCNGC57 (BnaC09g42460D) significantly increased seed size, possibly through regulating cell proliferation via the MAPK signaling pathway. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the BnCNGC gene family and highlight the potential regulatory role of BnCNGC57 in the seed development of B. napus. Full article

Cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels (CNGCs) are cell membrane channel proteins for calcium ions. They have been reported to play important roles in survival and in the responses to environmental factors in various plants. However, little is known about the CNGC family and its functions in luffa (Luffa cylindrica L.). In this study, a bioinformatics-based method was used to identify members of the CNGC gene family in L. cylindrica. In total, 20 LcCNGCs were detected, and they were grouped into five subfamilies (I, II, Ⅲ, IV-a, and IV-b) in a phylogenetic analysis with CNGCs from Arabidopsis thaliana (20 AtCNGCs) and Momordica charantia (17 McCNGCs). The 20 LcCNGC genes were unevenly distributed on 11 of the 13 chromosomes in luffa, with none on Chromosomes 1 and 5. The members of each subfamily encoded proteins with highly conserved functional domains. An evolutionary analysis of CNGCs in luffa revealed three gene losses and a motif deletion. An examination of gene replication events during evolution indicated that two tandemly duplicated gene pairs were the primary driving force behind the evolution of the LcCNGC gene family. PlantCARE analyses of the LcCNGC promoter regions revealed various cis-regulatory elements, including those responsive to plant hormones (abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, and salicylic acid) and abiotic stresses (light, drought, and low temperature). The presence of these cis-acting elements suggested that the encoded CNGC proteins may be involved in stress responses, as well as growth and development. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses revealed tissue-specific expression patterns of LcCNGCs in various plant parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruit) and the upregulation of some LcCNGCs under low-temperature stress. To confirm the accuracy of the RNA-seq data, 10 cold-responsive LcCNGC genes were selected for verification by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. Under cold conditions, LcCNGC4 was highly upregulated (>50-fold increase in its transcript levels), and LcCNGC3, LcCNGC6, and LcCNGC13 were upregulated approximately 10-fold. Our findings provide new information about the evolution of the CNGC family in L. cylindrica and provide insights into the functions of the encoded CNGC proteins. Full article

Salt stress severely inhibits plant growth. Understanding the mechanism of plant salt tolerance is highly important to improving plant salt tolerance. Previous studies have shown that nonselective cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels (CNGCs) play an important role in plant salt tolerance. However, current research on CNGCs mainly focuses on CNGCs in glycophytic plants, and research on CNGCs in halophytes that exhibit special salt tolerance strategies is still scarce. This study used the halophilic plant Zoysia japonica, an excellent warm-season turfgrass, as the experimental material. Through bioinformatics analysis, 18 members of the CNGC family were identified in Zoysia japonica; they were designated ZjCNGC1 through ZjCNGC18 according to their scaffold-level chromosomal positions. ZjCNGCs are divided into four groups (I–IV), with the same groups having differentiated protein-conserved domains and gene structures. ZjCNGCs are unevenly distributed on 16 scaffold-level chromosomes. Compared with other species, the ZjCNGCs in Group III exhibit obvious gene expansion, mainly due to duplication of gene segments. The collinearity between ZjCNGCs, OsCNGCs, and SjCNGCs suggests that CNGCs are evolutionarily conserved among gramineous plants. However, the Group III ZjCNGCs are only partially collinear with OsCNGCs and SjCNGCs, implying that the expansion of Group III ZjCNGC genes may have been an independent event occurring in Zoysia japonica. Protein interaction prediction revealed that ZjCNGCs, calcium-dependent protein kinase, H⁺-ATPase, outwardly rectifying potassium channel protein, and polyubiquitin 3 interact with ZjCNGCs. Multiple stress response regulatory elements, including those involved in salt stress, are present on the ZjCNGC promoter. The qPCR results revealed differences in the expression patterns of ZjCNGCs in different parts of the plant. Under salt stress conditions, the expression of ZjCNGCs was significantly upregulated in roots and leaves, with ZjCNGC8 and ZjCNGC13 showing the greatest increase in expression in the roots. These results collectively suggest that ZjCNGCs play an important role in salt tolerance and that their expansion into Group III may be a special mechanism underlying the salt tolerance of Zoysia japonica. Full article