Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima D.) is typically monoecious with individual male and female flowers, and its yield is associated with the degree of femaleness, i.e. the ratio of female to male flowers produced by the plant. Subgynoecy represents a sex form with a high degree of femaleness, but the regulatory mechanisms in pumpkin remain poorly understood. In this study, using the F2 population crossed from

Collections of insertional mutants have been instrumental for characterizing the functional relevance of genes in different model organisms, including Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). However, mutations may often result in subtle phenotypes, rendering it difficult to pinpoint the function of a knocked-out gene. Here, we present a data-integrative modeling approach that enables predicting the effects

The optical properties of lobed palisade mesophyll cells remain poorly understood despite their presence in diverse taxa and the critical role of the palisade layer in leaf-light interactions and carbon assimilation. Using micro-computed tomography, 3D ray tracing simulations, and physiological experiments, we tested the interactions between palisade cell geometry, chloroplast localization, light directional

Acquired thermotolerance (also known as priming) is the ability of cells or organisms to survive acute heat stress if preceded by a milder one. In plants, acquired thermotolerance has been studied mainly at the transcriptional level, including recent descriptions of sophisticated regulatory circuits that are essential for this learning capacity. Here, we tested the involvement of polysome-related processes

Understanding root development is critical for enhancing plant growth and health, and advanced technologies are essential for unraveling the complexities of these processes. In this review, we highlight select technological innovations in the study of root development, with a focus on the transformative impact of single-cell gene expression analysis. We provide a high-level overview of recent advancements

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important food crops globally and is especially vulnerable to heat stress. However, substantial knowledge gaps remain in our understanding of the developmental mechanisms associated with tuber responses to heat stress. This study used whole-plant physiology, transcriptomics, and phytohormone profiling to elucidate how heat stress affects potato tuber

Carboxysomes are anabolic bacterial microcompartments that play an essential role in CO2 fixation in cyanobacteria. This self-assembling proteinaceous organelle uses a polyhedral shell constructed by hundreds of shell protein paralogs to encapsulate the key CO2-fixing enzymes Rubisco and carbonic anhydrase. Deciphering the precise arrangement and structural organization of Rubisco enzymes within carboxysomes

Hexoses are essential for plant growth and fruit development. However, the precise roles of hexose/H+ symporters in postphloem sugar transport and cellular sugar homeostasis in rapidly growing fruits remain elusive. To elucidate the functions of hexose/H+ symporters in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) fruits, we conducted comprehensive analyses of their tissue-specific expression, localization, transport

The negative impacts of drought on plant productivity and survival in natural and crop systems are increasing with global heating, yet our capacity to identify species capable of surviving drought remains limited. Here, we tested the use of a mixed-planting approach for assessing differences in seedling drought tolerance. To homogenize dehydration rates, we grew seedlings of 10 species of Eucalyptus

Over the past years, plant hypoxia research has produced a considerable number of new resources to monitor low oxygen responses in model species, mainly Arabidopsis thaliana. Climate change urges the development of effective genetic strategies aimed at improving plant resilience during flooding events. This need pushes forward the search for optimized tools that can reveal the actual oxygen available

Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis), a recently commercialized horticultural crop, is rich in various nutrient compounds. However, the regulatory networks controlling the dynamic changes in key metabolites among different tissues remain largely unknown. Here, high-resolution spatiotemporal datasets obtained by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methodology and RNA-seq were

High temperature reduces anthocyanin accumulation in various horticultural plants. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the high-temperature-induced reduction of anthocyanin in grape (Vitis vinifera) remain poorly understood. In this study, VvMYB44-1 was identified as a transcriptional repressor of anthocyanin biosynthesis in grape berries, and its gene expression was strongly induced by high-temperature

The SWI/SNF (SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable) chromatin remodeling complex is involved in various aspects of plant development and stress responses. Here, we investigated the role of BRM (BRAHMA), a core catalytic subunit of the SWI/SNF complex, in Arabidopsis thaliana seed biology. brm-3 seeds exhibited enlarged size, reduced yield, increased longevity, and enhanced secondary dormancy, but did not

Autophagy is a vesicular mechanism that plays a fundamental role in nitrogen remobilization from senescing leaves to seeds. The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) autophagy (atg) mutants exhibit early senescence, reduced biomass and low seed yield. The atg seeds also exhibit major changes in N and C concentrations. During plant development, autophagy genes are expressed in the source leaves and in

As obligate intracellular parasites, viruses depend on host proteins and pathways for their multiplication. Among these host factors, specific nuclear proteins are involved in the life cycle of some cytoplasmic replicating RNA viruses, although their role in the viral cycle remains largely unknown. The polerovirus turnip yellows virus (TuYV) encodes a major coat protein (CP) and a 74 kDa protein known

The plant lipid polymers cutin and suberin play a critical role in many aspects of plant growth and development, and physiology. The mechanisms of cutin and suberin biosynthesis are relatively well understood thanks to just over two decades of work with primarily Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutants. Recent advances in our understanding of cutin and suberin structure have arisen through the application

Plants emit an array of volatile organic compounds in response to stresses. Six-carbon green leaf volatiles (GLVs) and five-carbon pentyl leaf volatiles (PLVs) are fatty acid-derived compounds involved in intra- and inter-species communications. Unlike extensively studied GLVs, the biological activities of PLVs remain understudied. Maize (Zea mays L.) contains a unique monocot-specific lipoxygenase

The thermoacidophilic red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae survives its challenging environment likely in part by operating a carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM). Here, we demonstrated that C. merolae's cellular affinity for CO2 is stronger than the affinity of its rubisco for CO2. This finding provided additional evidence that C. merolae operates a CCM while lacking the structures and functions characteristic

Plant lipids represent a fascinating field of scientific study, in part due to a stark dichotomy in the limited fatty acid (FA) composition of cellular membrane lipids versus the huge diversity of FAs that can accumulate in triacylglycerols (TAGs), the main component of seed storage oils. With few exceptions, the strict chemical, structural, and biophysical roles imposed on membrane lipids since the

The current climate crisis has global impacts and will affect the physiology of plants across every continent. Ensuring resilience of our agricultural and natural ecosystems to the environmental stresses imposed by climate change will require molecular insight into the adaptations employed by a diverse array of plants. However, most current studies continue to focus on a limited set of model species

Citron (Citrus medica) is a representative aromatic species of the Citrus genus in the Rutaceae family. To determine the volatile profiles and genetic variation of citron, we collected 218 citron accessions within China, including 130 from Yunnan and 88 from Tibet. We identified a total of 80 volatile compounds from their pericarps. Among the volatile profiles, monoterpenes were identified as the predominant

Nitrogen (N) remobilization from mature leaves to new shoots is closely related to the quality of green tea in the spring season, which subsequently determines its economic value. However, the underlying N remobilization mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that more than 80% of the recovered-15N was partitioned in the first mature leaves that supply new shoots. N remobilization

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can transfer inorganic nitrogen (N) from the soil to host plants to cope with drought stress, with arginine synthesis and NH4+ transport being pivotal processes. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying these processes remains unclear. Here, we found that drought stress upregulated expression of genes involved in the N transfer pathway and putrescine and glutathione

Zinc knuckle (ZCCHC) motif-containing proteins are present in unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes, and most ZCCHC proteins with known functions participate in the metabolism of various classes of RNA, such as mRNAs, ribosomal RNAs, and microRNAs. The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genome encodes 69 ZCCHC-containing proteins; however, the functions of most remain unclear. One of these proteins

The aviation industry’s growing interest in renewable jet fuel has encouraged the exploration of alternative oilseed crops. Replacing traditional fossil fuels with a sustainable, domestically sourced crop can substantially reduce carbon emissions, thus mitigating global climate instability. Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) is an emerging oilseed intermediate crop that can be grown during the offseason

In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh), exposure to volatile compounds (VCs) emitted by Penicillium aurantiogriseum promotes root hair (RH) proliferation and hyper-elongation through mechanisms involving ethylene, auxin, and photosynthesis signaling. In addition, this treatment enhances the levels of the small signaling peptide RAPID ALKALINIZATION FACTOR 22 (RALF22). Here, we used genetics

The plasma membrane (PM)-localized Na+/H+ antiporter Salt Overly Sensitive1 (SOS1) is essential for plant salt tolerance through facilitating Na+ efflux; however, how SOS1 localization and protein accumulation is regulated in plants remains elusive. Here, we report that Sorting Nexin 1 (SNX1) is required for plant salt stress tolerance through affecting endosomal trafficking of SOS1 in Arabidopsis

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fiber is a highly elongated single cell with a thickened cell wall. MYB transcription factors are important regulators of plant cell elongation; however, the molecular mechanism involved in regulating fiber elongation remains to be explored. Here, we present evidence that the R2R3-MYB transcription factor GhMYB4 negatively regulates cotton fiber cell elongation by suppressing

Jasmonates (JAs) are a family of oxylipin phytohormones regulating plant development and growth and mediating ‘defense versus growth’ responses. The upstream JA biosynthetic precursor cis-(+)-12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (cis-OPDA) acts independently of CORONATIVE INSENSITIVE 1 (COI1)-mediated JA signaling in several stress-induced and developmental processes. However, its perception and metabolism are

As major contributors to flavor in many fruit species, volatile esters are useful for investigating the regulation of the biosynthesis pathways of volatile aroma compounds in plants. Ethylene promotes the biosynthesis of volatile esters during fruit storage while accelerating fruit ripening; thus, the ethylene perception inhibitor 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is employed to prolong the shelf life of

Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs) pose potential threats to agricultural production. Bacillus subtilis has emerged as a stress-mitigating microbe that alleviates the phytotoxicity caused by NiO-NPs. However, the mechanisms underlying its effectiveness, particularly in root-nodule symbiosis and biological N2-fixation (BNF), remain unclear. Here, we tested the combined exposure of NiO-NPs (50 mg kg−1)

Apple leaf spot, caused by Alternaria alternata f. sp mali (ALT), poses a substantial threat to the global apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) industry. Fungal effectors promote pathogen infestation and survival by interfering with plant immune responses. In our study, we investigated the secretion of effector proteins by the virulent ALT7 strain. Using mass spectrometry, we identified the effector AaAlta1

Melatonin plays a crucial role in regulating plant cold tolerance, but the mechanisms underlying signal transduction remain elusive. In this study, we discovered that overexpression of the melatonin biosynthetic gene caffeic acid O-methyltransferase1 (COMT1) enhanced watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cold tolerance, accompanied by the accumulation of cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]cyt), a stimulation of

Temperature is a critical abiotic factor affecting rice (Oryza sativa L.) yields, and cold stress at the seedling stage can inhibit plant growth or even be fatal. Antioxidants such as anthocyanins accumulate in a variety of plants during cold stress, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we report that rice TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA 1 (OsTTG1), a major regulator of anthocyanin

The receptor-like kinase FERONIA (FER), together with its ligand rapid alkalinization factor 1 (RALF1) peptide, plays a crucial role in regulating stress responses, including its involvement in modulating abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. FER has been shown to activate ABA Insensitive 2 (ABI2) in the cytoplasm, leading to the suppression of ABA signaling. However, its regulation of nucleus events in the

Molecular mechanisms underlying qualitative resistance have been intensively studied. In contrast, although quantitative disease resistance (QDR) is a common, durable and broad-spectrum form of immune responses in plants, only a few related functional analyses have been reported. The atypical kinase Resistance related KinaSe1 (RKS1) is a major regulator of QDR to the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas

Walnut (Juglans regia), an important contributor to oil production among woody plants, encounters research constraints due to difficulties in the subcellular localization and functional analysis of its proteins. These limitations arise from the protracted fruiting cycle and the absence of a reliable transient gene transformation system and organelle markers. In this study, we established a transient

Our understanding of how low oxygen (O2) conditions arise in plant tissues and how they shape specific responses has seen major advancement in recent years. Important drivers have been (i) the discovery of the molecular machinery that underpins plant O2 sensing and (ii) a growing set of dedicated tools to define experimental conditions and assess plant responses with increasing accuracy and resolution

Low oxygen availability within plant cells arises during plant development but is exacerbated under environmental stress conditions. The group VII ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR (ERFVII) transcription factors have been identified as pivotal regulators in the hypoxia response to abiotic stress. However, their roles in transcriptional regulation during biotic stresses remain less defined. In this study, we

Litchi (Litchi chinensis), a prominent fruit tree in the Sapindaceae, initiates flowering in response to low autumn and winter temperatures. This study investigates the epigenetic regulation of this process, focusing on the marks histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and its deposition genes during the chilling-induced floral induction and initiation stages. Our genomic analysis delineated

Plant neutral lipids, also known as “vegetable oils”, are synthesized within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and packaged into subcellular compartments called lipid droplets (LDs) for stable storage in the cytoplasm. The biogenesis, modulation, and degradation of cytoplasmic LDs in plant cells are orchestrated by a variety of proteins localized to the ER, LDs, and peroxisomes. Recent studies

Nitrogen (N) scarcity frequently constrains global biomass productivity. N deficiency halts cell division, downregulates photosynthetic electron transfer, and enhances carbon storage. However, the molecular mechanism downregulating photosynthesis during N deficiency and its relationship with carbon storage are not fully understood. Proton Gradient Regulator-like 1 (PGRL1) controlling cyclic electron

Light signaling plays a substantial role in regulating plant development, including the differentiation and elongation of single-celled tissue. However, the identity of the regulatory machine that affects light signaling on root hair cell (RHC) development remains unclear. Here, we investigated how darkness inhibits differentiation and elongation of RHC in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We found

CELL DIVISION CYCLE 5 (CDC5) is a R2R3-type MYB transcription factor, serving as a key component of Modifier of snc1, 4 (MOS4)-associated complex (MAC)/NineTeen Complex (NTC), which is associated with plant immunity, RNA splicing, and miRNA biogenesis. In this study, we demonstrate that mutation of CDC5 accelerates flowering in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). CDC5 activates the expression of FLOWERING

Nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins are intracellular immune receptors that activate innate immune responses upon sensing pathogen attack. However, the molecular mechanisms by which NLR proteins initiate downstream signal transduction pathways to counteract pathogen invasion remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified the wheat (Triticum aestivum) NLR protein Resistance

In wheat (Triticum aestivum), early maturity is desired to avoid the hot and dry summer season, especially in view of climate change. Here, we report that TaE3V1, a C3H2C3 RING-type E3 ligase that interacts with TaVRN1, is associated with early development. Aside from its RING domain, TaE3V1 does not harbor any domains that are conserved in other RING-type or other E3 ligase proteins. TaE3V-B1b, encoded

Temperature is an environmental cue that entrains the circadian clock, adapting it to local thermal and photoperiodic conditions that characterize different geographic regions. Circadian clock thermal adaptation in leafy vegetables such as Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) is poorly understood but essential to sustain and increase vegetable production under changing climates. We investigated

Chlorophylls and carotenoids are 2 pivotal photosynthetic pigments directly influencing the economic value of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruits. However, the coordinated regulatory mechanisms governing the accumulation of both chlorophylls and carotenoids during pepper fruit development remain elusive. In this study, pepper B-box 10 (CaBBX10), a candidate hub transcription factor, was found to play

Browning is a pervasive problem in horticultural products, substantially diminishing the appearance, flavor and nutritional value of fruit, including important fruits like apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.). In this study, we compared the physiological characteristics of the browning-resistant line ‘Rb-18’ with the susceptible variety ‘Fuji’ and found that the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme activity

MID1-COMPLEMENTING ACTIVITY (MCA) is a land plant-specific, plasma membrane protein and Ca2+ signaling component that responds to exogenous mechanical stimuli, such as touch, gravity, and hypotonic-osmotic stress, in various plant species. MCA is essential for cell proliferation and differentiation during growth and development in rice (Oryza sativa) and maize (Zea mays). However, the mechanism by

Oxygen deficiency (hypoxia) occurs naturally in many developing plant tissues but can become a major threat during acute flooding stress. Consequently, plants as aerobic organisms must rapidly acclimate to hypoxia and the associated energy crisis to ensure cellular and ultimately organismal survival. In plants, oxygen sensing is tightly linked with oxygen-controlled protein stability of group VII ETHYLENE-RESPONSE