Search Results (510)

Salt stress represents a significant abiotic stress factor that adversely affects plant growth and development. It directly inhibits both vegetative and reproductive growth, resulting in substantial reductions in crop yield and quality. Consequently, the identification of salt tolerance genes and the elucidation of their underlying molecular mechanisms are crucial for improving crop salt tolerance and ensuring agricultural productivity. To investigate the molecular basis underlying differential salt tolerance between Zheng58 and PH4CV, we employed pooled sequencing (BSA-seq) using extreme phenotypic individuals from their F₂ population and conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis at the seedling stage of the two genotypes. Phenotypic, physiological, biochemical, and ion content analyses revealed that Zheng58 exhibited significantly superior performance compared to PH4CV under salt stress conditions. BSA-seq analysis identified six genomic regions associated with salt tolerance, encompassing a total of 391 genes. Functional annotation enabled the screening of 151 candidate genes potentially involved in salt stress responses. Transcriptome profiling indicated that differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in biological processes, particularly plant hormone signal transduction and MAPK signaling pathways. Integrating BSA-seq and transcriptome data, key candidate gene ZmACC2 (Zm00001eb419400) was identified as potentially involved in the regulation of salt tolerance in maize. This gene may modulate Na⁺/K⁺/Ca²⁺ homeostasis and reactive oxygen species metabolism through defense responses mediated by ethylene (ETH) and hydrogen peroxide, as well as through ion homeostasis regulatory pathways. This study provides valuable candidate genes and a theoretical foundation for further dissection of the molecular mechanisms governing salt tolerance in maize. Full article

Cotton Verticillium wilt seriously threatens global cotton production, necessitating the development of resistant cultivars through molecular breeding. Members of the ethylene response factor (ERF) family function as pivotal transcriptional regulators of the ethylene signaling pathway, orchestrating plant defensive responses against pathogen invasion. Here, through comprehensive phenotypic and transcriptional analyses of lignin biosynthesis genes in AtERF49-overexpressing lines, loss-of-function mutants, dominant repressor plants, and GhERF49-silenced cotton plants (TRV-VIGS), we demonstrate that AtERF49 functions as a negative regulator of Verticillium wilt resistance. Overexpression of AtERF49 significantly compromised defense responses in Arabidopsis thaliana, whereas GhERF49 silencing enhanced cotton resistance to Verticillium wilt. Transcription analysis showed that ERF49-mediated susceptibility correlates with suppression of lignin biosynthesis-related genes following pathogen challenge, suggesting that ERF49 interferes with inducible cell wall fortification. These findings elucidate a previously unrecognized negative regulatory node linking ethylene signaling to lignin-mediated disease resistance, providing promising biotechnological targets for engineering durable Verticillium wilt resistance in cotton and related crops. Full article

Salicylic acid (SA) is a key endogenous regulator involved in plant defense responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. The increasing resistance of pathogens to chemical plant protection products and growing environmental restrictions have intensified the search for alternative strategies to enhance plant health and stress tolerance. Among these strategies, the induction of natural defense mechanisms, in which SA plays a central signaling role, has gained particular attention. This review summarizes current knowledge on the role of SA in shaping plant resistance to environmental factors. The fundamental mechanisms of plant defense, including innate immunity, induced systemic resistance (ISR), and systemic acquired resistance (SAR), are discussed, with emphasis on the signaling function of SA and its interaction with other phytohormones, especially jasmonic acid and ethylene. The role of SA in regulating physiological processes associated with stress tolerance, such as antioxidant system activity, photosynthesis, plant growth, and senescence, is highlighted. The review of research results indicates that appropriately selected doses and timing of SA treatments can enhance resistance to selected pathogens and improve plant tolerance to adverse environmental conditions. However, treatment effectiveness depends on multiple factors, particularly SA concentration and plant–pathogen interactions. Salicylic acid is a promising component of integrated and sustainable plant protection strategies. Further research, especially under field conditions, is necessary to optimize its practical use and fully determine its potential in modern agriculture. Full article

Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt) is responsible for stem rust in wheat, a disease with worldwide occurrence. Ethylene response factors (ERFs), a group of transcription factors (TFs) responsive to ethylene, are essential for managing stress signaling under biotic and abiotic challenges. However, our understanding of ERF TFs’ function in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) resistance against the obligate biotrophic Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici remains limited. In this work, we report our findings of the TaERF109 gene, which is transcriptionally up-regulated by ethylene or Pgt infection. TaERF109 is localized in the nucleus of rice protoplasts. Results obtained using the yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assay support the conclusion that TaERF109 interacts with the AGCCGCC sequence (GCC-box). Transient knockdown of TaERF109 via virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) increased wheat susceptibility to Pgt, accompanied by the down-regulation of three pathogenesis-related (PR) genes, TaPR1, TaPR2, and TaPR10, as confirmed via real-time quantitative PCR. In contrast, the Agrobacterium-mediated overexpression of TaERF109 potentiated resistance of transgenic wheat against Pgt. Overall, these results expand the current understanding of the TaERF109 gene’s function in wheat resistance to Pgt. Full article

Objectives: Peduncle length (PL) is a critical agronomic trait in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], influencing mechanical harvesting efficiency. Exploration of the PL genetic mechanism and the PL major genes of sorghum can provide a reference for breeding of sorghum suitable for mechanization and PL genetic research of other graminaceous crops. Methods: Here, we conducted genetic analysis, transcriptome analysis, and candidate major gene screening of PL using long-peduncle (KY133B) and short-peduncle (KY123B) parents, as well as their constructed F2 segregated populations. Results: Genetic analysis revealed that PL trait may be controlled by two major genes with additive-dominant effects, showing a heritability of 69.638%. At the early stage of sorghum peduncle elongation, the young panicle of the parents was sampled and performed transcriptome analysis. DEGs 3603 genes were obtained. With the short peduncle parent (F) as the control, 2204 upregulated genes and 1399 downregulated genes were expressed in the long peduncle parent (M). We compared the 1161 genes obtained by BSA-seq from the laboratory in the early stage with the DEGs obtained by RNA-seq, and obtained 148 co-localized genes. Through the high DEGs screening criteria (|Log₂FC(M/F)| ≥ 5, p < 0.0001), we further identified 36 genes with highly significant expression differences between parents. Functional annotation identified four candidate major genes strongly associated with PL: LOC8056900 (MIZU-KUSSEI 1), LOC8065075 (ethylene-responsive transcription factor WIN1), LOC8083493 (GDSL esterase/lipase), and LOC8085367 (auxin-responsive protein IAA21). qPCR validated their expression trends, corroborating RNA-seq results. Conclusions: The comprehensive information presented here provides a reference for understanding the PL mechanism of sorghum and provides some important candidate major genes related to PL. This study laid the foundation for subsequent gene functional verification and mechanism analysis of sorghum peduncle length major genes. Full article

As sessile organisms, plants must dynamically allocate resources between growth and stress resilience. This review focuses on Ethylene Response Factor (ERF) transcription factors as central regulators of this fundamental balance. We evaluate the molecular basis of ERF function, highlighting their modular structure, dynamic post-translational regulation, and ability to form context-specific protein complexes that integrate diverse signals. While ERF family members show functional redundancy, certain ERF subgroups, such as the ERF-VIIs, exhibit clearer evidence of dual roles in coordinating both developmental programs and adaptive responses to stress. We further elucidate the mechanisms underlying ERF-mediated trade-offs, explaining how these factors direct spatial resource allocation and enable temporal switching between growth and defense states. Finally, we explore how emerging technologies, such as CRISPR-based genome editing and various synthetic biology tools, can harness ERF regulatory networks. These approaches offer promising strategies for engineering crops with precisely tuned adaptive capacity, supporting sustainable agriculture even in changing climate conditions. This synthesis highlights specific ERF subgroups as pivotal integrators and future targets for crop improvement. Full article

Premature leaf senescence is a major constraint on rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity and yield stability, particularly under increasingly frequent environmental stresses. Unlike developmentally programmed senescence, premature senescence is characterized by early and uncontrolled activation of senescence pathways, leading to accelerated chlorophyll degradation, oxidative damage, impaired photosynthesis, and reduced grain filling. Recent studies have revealed that premature senescence in rice is governed by a complex regulatory network integrating reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, phytohormone signaling, transcriptional regulation, and environmental cues. Central signaling hubs involving abscisic acid, ethylene, jasmonic acid, cytokinins, and gibberellins interact extensively with ROS metabolism to fine-tune senescence onset and progression. These upstream signals converge on key transcription factor families, particularly NAC and WRKY proteins, which directly regulate senescence-associated genes responsible for chloroplast dismantling, nutrient remobilization, and programmed cell death. Moreover, abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, temperature extremes, and nitrogen deficiency commonly trigger premature senescence through a shared ABA–ROS signaling module. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the physiological characteristics, molecular mechanisms, and environmental regulation of premature leaf senescence in rice, and discusses emerging genetic and agronomic strategies to delay senescence. A deeper understanding of senescence regulatory networks will facilitate the development of rice cultivars with prolonged photosynthetic duration, improved stress resilience, and enhanced yield stability under changing climatic conditions. Full article

Mulberry (Morus alba) is an economically important forest tree species, yet cutting propagation is constrained by low adventitious rooting efficiency. Although ABT, a composite rooting promoter, can improve cutting survival, its molecular basis remains unclear. Here, cuttings of the cultivar Qiangsang 1 were treated with ABT, NAA, or IAA (200–1000 mg/L) and subjected to transcriptome profiling to elucidate how ABT enhances rooting. Hormone-related analyses showed that ABT upregulated GH3 (auxin-amido synthetase) at days 0 and 20, implicating auxin homeostasis. ERF1/2 (ethylene response factors) exhibited a temporal oscillation, with induction at day 10 followed by repression from days 20 to 30, consistent with a shift from developmental programs to defense-related processes. In parallel, JAZ (jasmonate ZIM-domain) genes were downregulated at day 0 and subsequently upregulated; together with CYP94C1, these changes may attenuate jasmonate-associated defense signaling. For cell remodeling and defense coordination, ABT reduced the expression of genes associated with cell-wall rigidity while inducing EXPA11 (expansin) at day 20, potentially facilitating root primordium emergence. Meanwhile, PR-1 (pathogenesis-related protein 1) was transiently upregulated at days 0, 20, and 30, and the concomitant modulation of WRKY transcription factors and RPM1 suggests enhanced defense readiness. Integrative network analysis further indicated that a GH3–ERF1/2–PR-1 module links hormonal and defense cues and may activate BAT1 (energy metabolism) and RBOHB (ROS production) to support adventitious root elongation. Collectively, these results suggest that ABT improves rooting efficiency by reshaping hormonal homeostasis and coordinating cell-wall reconstruction with a pre-activated defense state, thereby providing a conceptual framework for balancing root induction and defense responses during vegetative propagation in forest trees. Full article

Mediator is a central transcriptional coactivator that connects sequence-specific transcription factors with RNA polymerase II to control inducible gene expression in plants. MED16 is a Mediator tail module subunit that functions as a context-dependent integrator, helping coordinate developmental programs with environmental adaptation. This review summarizes current evidence for MED16 function from structural and evolutionary perspectives to physiological outputs, with emphasis on how MED16 interacts with transcription factors and other Mediator subunits to shape RNA polymerase II engagement at target loci. In terms of development, MED16 contributes to organ growth and root system architecture, and comparative studies have revealed that it plays conserved roles in lineage-specific wiring. Under abiotic stress, MED16 supports the efficient activation of stress-inducible transcription, including cold acclimation and nutrient stress responses such as phosphate starvation-dependent root remodeling. In immunity, MED16 modulates salicylic acid- and jasmonate/ethylene-associated defence outputs and can be targeted by plant viruses, which is consistent with its role in antiviral transcriptional responses. Mechanistically, MED16 participates in cooperative and competitive interactions within the Mediator complex that tune hormone-responsive outputs, exemplified by MED25-related competition in abscisic acid signalling. We highlight key limitations and future directions, including the need for mechanistic validation beyond Arabidopsis, clearer models of dosage control in crops, improved understanding of context-dependent tail configurations, and high-resolution mapping of MED16 interaction interfaces. Full article

Morus macroura ‘Panzhihua No. 1’ is a dual-purpose cultivar valued for its edible leaves and fruits. Derived from an ancient mulberry tree, it is a unique local germplasm resource. During asexual propagation, M. macroura exhibits sexual variation closely associated with fruit and leaf yield. To explore the molecular mechanisms of sexual dimorphism and its effects on nutritional traits, we integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of male and female inflorescences and leaves. Key sex-biased genes were enriched in plant hormone signaling, flavonoid biosynthesis, and carbohydrate metabolism pathways. Female plants had elevated expression of ethylene-responsive transcription factor 1 (ERF1), EIN3-binding F-box proteins (EBF1/2), and Chalcone synthase (CHS) genes and higher levels of bioactive flavonoids, including isoquercitrin and kaempferol derivatives. In contrast, male plants had increased expression of gibberellin 20-oxidase (GA20ox) and DELLA genes and accumulated glycosides, which are beneficial for leaf development. These findings reveal how sex-linked metabolic networks shape mulberry tissue functional profiles, providing molecular targets for breeding. Full article

The discovery of bidirectional microRNA transfer between two organisms during plant–microbe interactions and the ability of some fungal pathogens to absorb double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) or short interfering RNA (siRNA) from the environment provided an impetus for exploiting this mechanism in plant defense against pathogens. In this study, we investigated the role of conserved wheat microRNAs (miRNAs), miRNA408 and miRNA159, in inducing plant defense responses and suppressing the virulence of the phytopathogenic ascomycete fungus Parastagonospora nodorum, mediated by necrotrophic effectors (NEs) encoded by SnTox genes regulated by fungal transcription factors (TFs). The foliar spraying with in vitro synthesized siRNA408 and siRNA159 duplexes before inoculation with SnTox3-producing P. nodorum isolate increased wheat plant resistance to the SnB isolate and suppressed the pathogen growth and development. Most likely, silencing of the miRNA408 target genes TaCAT-2A, TaCAT-2B, and TaCLP1, and the miRNA159 target gene TaMYB65, led to the induction of a defense response of wheat plants against P. nodorum. This defense response was characterized by a decrease in the catalase activity, accumulation of hydrogen peroxide, activation of the expression of salicylic acid signaling pathway genes (TaWRKY13, TaPR1), and suppression of the expression of ethylene signaling pathway genes (TaEIN3, TaPR3). We demonstrated for the first time the ability of siRNA159 and siRNA408 to penetrate the mycelium of the pathogen P. nodorum and be involved in the cross-kingdom regulation of fungal genes to suppress the expression of some genes of NE (SnToxA, SnTox3) and fungal TFs (SnStuA). We predicted potential targets for wheat miRNA408 and miRNA159 in the P. nodorum transcriptome, making spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) promising for use against this pathogen. These results provide valuable insights for studying the cross-kingdom transfer of plant miRNAs. Full article

Low-temperature stress during germination is a major constraint for lettuce establishment in temperate and early-season production systems, causing delayed emergence, poor stand uniformity, and reduced yield. Cold germination represents an adaptive trait that enables seeds to initiate growth under suboptimal temperatures, but its genetic basis in lettuce remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated genetic architecture underlying cold germination using a biparental recombinant inbred line population derived from a cross between Lactuca sativa cv. Salinas and Lactuca serriola (wild lettuce). Phenotypic evaluations revealed substantial variation in germination performance at low temperatures, with cultivated lettuce exhibiting superior cold germination compared with the wild parent. Estimates of heritability indicated that genetic factors accounted for a large proportion of the observed phenotypic variation, demonstrating strong potential for selection. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis identified two genomic regions significantly associated with cold germination ability, together explaining a substantial fraction of phenotypic variance (35%). These regions contained candidate genes involved in hormone signaling, membrane stability, and stress-responsive transcriptional regulation, including components of abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GA), and ethylene pathways known to modulate germination under adverse conditions. Together, these results indicate that cold germination is a genetically complex trait that has likely been shaped through domestication and breeding. By elucidating the genetic basis of cold germination in lettuce, this study provides valuable targets for marker-assisted breeding aimed at improving seedling establishment and extending lettuce production into cooler environments. Full article

Nuclear Factor Y (NF-Y) transcription factors play pivotal roles in plant adaptation to abiotic stress, yet their genomic landscape and functional mechanisms in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) remain underexplored. Here, we performed a genome-wide identification of the NF-Ys in cabbage, identifying 53 BoNF-Ys classified into three subfamilies: 20 BoNF-YAs, 22 BoNF-YBs, and 11 BoNF-YCs. Phylogenetic clustering revealed evolutionary conservation with their Arabidopsis orthologs. Domain analysis revealed that all BoNF-YA members contain the CBF_NF-YA domain, while all BoNF-YB and BoNF-YC members possess the CBFD_NFYB_HMF conserved domain. The BoNF-Y genes were named according to their chromosomal locations. Bioinformatic analysis showed that BoNF-Y proteins range in size from 131 to 642 amino acids, with molecular weights of 14.82–73.18 kDa, theoretical pI values of 4.57–9.96, instability indices between 33.02 and 73.48, aliphatic indices of 45.3–86.26, and grand average of hydropathicity (GRAVY) values ranging from −1.139 to −0.367. Promoter cis-element profiling uncovered stress- and hormone-responsive motifs, including abscisic acid-responsive elements (ABREs), TC-rich repeats, and ethylene-responsive elements (EREs). RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) conducted under salt stress (256 mM) identified three salt-responsive candidate genes (BoNF-YA14, BoNF-YB9, and BoNF-YC8). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses highlighted significantly expressed genes’ roles in MAPK signaling, proline metabolism, and phytohormone transduction pathways. This study conducted a comprehensive survey of the BoNF-Y gene family in cabbage. It could serve as a theoretical foundation for further functional identification and utilization of BoNF-Y family members and their role in the interaction between cabbage and salt stress. Full article

Plant cysteine oxidase (PCO) catalyzes the oxidation of cysteine residues in the N-degron pathway, thereby regulating the stability and activity of the seventh group of ethylene response factors (ERF-VII), which play a crucial role in reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated signal transduction. By regulating the degradation of ERF-VII, the PCO family genes control hormone signaling, which is highly valuable for plant growth and abiotic stress responses. However, systematic studies on PCO genes in Medicago sativa, a key forage legume, remain lacking. Herein, 35 MsPCO genes were identified from the alfalfa (Medicago sativa) genome, and their biological characteristics were comprehensively analyzed via bioinformatics approaches. The results showed that MsPCO genes are asymmetrically distributed across 18 chromosomes and clustered into 5 subgroups phylogenetically. Most MsPCO proteins are hydrophilic and localized in the cytoplasm. A total of 56 duplication events were detected, with most duplicated pairs undergoing purifying selection (Ka/Ks analysis). Collinearity analysis revealed close evolutionary relationships between Medicago sativa and Medicago truncatula, Arabidopsis thaliana or Glycine max. Promoter cis-acting elements in MsPCO genes are involved in light response, stress adaptation, hormone signaling, and growth regulation. Transcriptomic data indicated differential expression of MsPCO genes under abiotic stresses. MsPCO20 is dispersed throughout the cell membrane and nucleus, whereas MsPCO19 is localized to the nucleus, according to subcellular localization experiments. These findings provide candidate genes and a theoretical basis for further functional characterization of PCO genes in alfalfa. Full article

APETALA2/ethylene-responsive factor (AP2/ERF) transcription factors integrate phytohormone signalling with developmental programmes and specialised metabolism, yet their family-wide features and potential contributions to phenolic-acid biosynthesis remain to be systematically clarified in Salvia miltiorrhiza. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive genome-wide analysis and identified 169 SmAP2/ERF genes, which were classified into five subfamilies (AP2, ERF, DREB, RAV and Soloist). SmAP2/ERFs were unevenly distributed across chromosomes and expanded predominantly through tandem and segmental duplication, and Ka/Ks analysis indicated that tandem-duplicated pairs have mainly undergone purifying selection. Promoter analysis revealed abundant cis-acting elements related to light, phytohormones and stress responses, indicating extensive regulatory potential. Comparative phylogenetic analysis with Arabidopsis thaliana prioritised four candidates (SmAP2/ERF88, SmAP2/ERF110, SmAP2/ERF121 and SmAP2/ERF122) closely associated with specialised-metabolism regulators. These genes exhibited distinct tissue-preferential expression patterns and divergent hormone responsiveness: SmAP2/ERF88/110 were broadly inducible, whereas SmAP2/ERF121/122 responded mainly to abscisic acid and were repressed by brassinosteroids. Confocal imaging of GFP fusions confirmed nuclear localisation of all four proteins. Phytohormone treatments differentially regulated key phenolic-acid pathway genes (PAL, C4H, 4CL, TAT, HPPR, RAS and CYP98A14) and altered rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid B accumulation. These results broaden the genome-wide understanding of the SmAP2/ERF family in Salvia miltiorrhiza. Hormone-responsive SmAP2/ERFs show expression patterns associated with hormone-dependent transcriptional changes in phenolic-acid pathway genes and with RA and SAB accumulation, providing candidates for future functional validation and metabolic engineering. Full article