Journal Of Plant Physiology[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
The role of PRLIP2 in the defence and growth of Arabidopsis Insertional mutagenesis of PRLIP2 gene alters hormone balance and defence responses in Arabidopsis.
Kovács S, Nagy Á, Major G … +4 more , Flors V, Rácz A, Mauch-Mani B, Jakab G
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Nov · PMID 40939473 · Publisher ↗
Previously, our group identified a novel gene family responsible for encoding pathogenesis-related lipase-like proteins (PRLIPs) through a differential screening process involving Arabidopsis plants that were pre-treated...
Previously, our group identified a novel gene family responsible for encoding pathogenesis-related lipase-like proteins (PRLIPs) through a differential screening process involving Arabidopsis plants that were pre-treated with the resistance-inducing compound β-aminobutyric acid (BABA). In the present study we have characterized two independent mutant lines of Arabidopsis possessing T-DNA insertion in their PRLIP2 gene. Both prlip2 mutant lines displayed enhanced susceptibility to the virulent hemibiotrophic bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. DC3000 and were incapable of expressing BABA-induced resistance. This increased susceptibility was associated with a reduced expression of the PTI marker genes FRK1 (FLG22-INDUCED RECEPTOR KINASE1) and NHL10 (NDR1/HIN1-like 10) and a low expression of PR1 (PATHOGENESIS-RELATED PROTEIN 1), a marker gene for salicylic acid (SA) signalling. In contrast, the jasmonic acid (JA)/ethylene (ET) signalling pathway was up-regulated in the mutants. In addition, the mutation in the PRLIP2 gene resulted in increased plant growth and augmented auxin content. Furthermore, the elevated auxin levels in the mutant lines might counteract the SA responses, consequently up-regulating jasmonic acid (JA) signalling in these mutants. While the significant role of PRLIP2 as a negative regulator of auxin in plant defence responses has been clearly demonstrated, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, which leads to divergent hormonal balance, remain incompletely elucidated.
Nitrogen source and availability associate to mitochondrial respiratory pathways and symbiotic function in Lotus japonicus.
Ortiz J, Sanhueza C, Romero-Munar A … +7 more , Sierra S, Palma F, Aroca R, de la Peña TC, López-Gómez M, Bascuñán-Godoy L, Del-Saz NF
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Nov · PMID 40915025 · Publisher ↗
Legumes form symbioses with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, well studied metabolically but less so in terms of respiration. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation demands high respiratory ATP and carbon skeletons, linking nitrogen assimi...
Legumes form symbioses with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, well studied metabolically but less so in terms of respiration. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation demands high respiratory ATP and carbon skeletons, linking nitrogen assimilation and both NADH- and ATP-dependent process to mitochondrial respiration. The plant mitochondrial electron transport chain contains two terminal oxidases that differentially fractionate against O, providing estimations in vivo of the energy efficiency of respiration. The regulation of N fixation by plant respiratory parameters remains unknown. To investigate the regulatory interactions of these two metabolic processes, we tested the effect of different plant N status and sources on respiratory parameters and nutrition in Lotus japonicus. Plants were grown with two levels of KNO fertilization (5 mM and 25 mM) and with the N fixing symbiotic bacteria Mesorhizobium loti, which induced the formation of root nodules (NP). Additionally, we characterized roots containing non-fixing nodules by growing plants that display spontaneous nodule formation (snf) (SNF). We evaluated the natural abundances of C and N, and O discrimination during respiration in leaves and roots using isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. NADH and nutrient content were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. We observed that cytochrome c oxidase activity was higher in nodulated roots capable of nitrogen fixation than in plants fertilized with high availability of nitrate, and that nitrogen status strongly associates to respiratory parameters. These findings highlight the role of cytochrome c oxidase in meeting the carbon and energy demands of symbiotic nitrogen fixation.
Identification of RAV transcription factors (B3-domain-containing) and functional analysis of OsRAV2 in rice blast and drought stress.
Fu Y, Qiao Z, Zhao Y … +5 more , Zhou J, Huang X, Du C, Sheng F, Du X
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Nov · PMID 40915024 · Publisher ↗
RAV transcription factors play roles in a variety of diverse biological processes. However, their role in rice's response to drought and blast stress remains largely unexplored. In this study, we performed a genome-wide...
RAV transcription factors play roles in a variety of diverse biological processes. However, their role in rice's response to drought and blast stress remains largely unexplored. In this study, we performed a genome-wide characterization and identification of rice RAV transcription factor family genes. Our analysis of gene structure, chromosome location, cis-regulatory elements, and collinearity revealed the phylogenetic characteristics of this gene family. The RT-qPCR of the 15 genes showed that the expression levels of OsRAV2 were up-regulated under the two stress treatments. The overexpression of OsRAV2 enhanced drought resistance through the regulation of Pro, MDA and HO levels, and the transcription levels of ABA signaling pathway genes. Additionally, the overexpression of OsRAV2 enhanced rice resistance to blast disease by increasing the accumulation of Pro and HO, along with the expression of disease resistance-related genes. OsRAV2 is localized in the nucleus and interacts with OsLHCB5. This study reveals the positive role of OsRAV2 in enhancing drought and blast resistance of rice, and nuclear localization and interaction with OsLHCB5 revealed that OsRAV2 responds to stress by integrating light signals, which provides a new target for breeding rice varieties with broad-spectrum stress resistance.
Lack of neighbor perception in soft wheat increases weed-induced yield losses.
Cirillo V, Pollaro N, Russo C … +3 more , Punzo P, Pane M, Maggio A
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Nov · PMID 40913887 · Publisher ↗
Weeds are one of the major constraints for wheat productivity, causing significant yield losses worldwide. While chemical control is the most used practice to overcome weed damage, its efficacy is challenged by increasin...
Weeds are one of the major constraints for wheat productivity, causing significant yield losses worldwide. While chemical control is the most used practice to overcome weed damage, its efficacy is challenged by increasing weed resistance to most used herbicides, which is an expanding phenomenon caused by herbicide overuse/misuse. Modern wheat varieties are less able to perceive the presence of weeds than old varieties and are therefore less competitive against them and require chemical control to ensure adequate yields. The low competitiveness of modern wheat varieties toward weeds becomes even more critical under organic farming, where chemical weeding is not allowed. The goal of this study was to evaluate the competitiveness of two wheat genetic resources, namely Rebelde, that is a modern-day cultivar and Frassineto, an accession from a Seed Bank (Banca Regionale del Germoplasma of the Regione Campania - Southern Italy). Frassineto is a landrace deriving from older varieties with higher plant height. Overall, our goal was to assess the different competitiveness of two contrasting wheat varieties differing in breeding periods (old vs modern), constitutive plant height (tall vs short), and neighbor perception (sensitive vs insensitive). Here we demonstrate that the landrace Frassineto responds to weed presence in terms of stem elongation (+46 %), increased tiller angle (+27 %), and by altering leaf total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a/b ratio (-29 %) and carotenoids (-71 %). These responses, typically linked to plant perception of altered red:far red light, were absent in Rebelde. Moreover, Frassineto showed faster growth at early phenological stages compared to Rebelde (+103 % at the tillering stage), which represents an important constitutive trait of competition. Applications of gibberellic acid, which promotes longitudinal growth in response to light, caused significant stem elongation in Frassineto (+14.3 % at 30 μM and 19.6 % at 100 μM), whereas it did not in Rebelde. Similarly, the gene expression of the Phytochrome Interactive Factor (PIF), involved in plant perception of red:far red ratio, was significantly upregulated in Frassineto (+46 %) but not in Rebelde. Altogether these responses were correlated with higher suppressive ability against weeds in Frassinato vs. Rebelde in the field and consequent higher yield stability (+198 %). These results provide important insights into those traits that should be strengthened for the development of competitive wheat varieties for a weed-resilient agro-ecosystem.
Exploring the complexities of rice iron toxicity: Paradoxes, mechanisms, and strategic deliberations.
Zhang L, Li Y, Wang Y … +3 more , Liu Z, Kronzucker HJ, Li G
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Nov · PMID 40902430 · Publisher ↗
Iron (Fe) toxicity in rice presents a paradox: excessive soil Fe in tropical flooded soils reduces yields by 15-30 %, yet edible grains remain Fe-deficient, worsening global "hidden hunger", which affects 1.72 billion pe...
Iron (Fe) toxicity in rice presents a paradox: excessive soil Fe in tropical flooded soils reduces yields by 15-30 %, yet edible grains remain Fe-deficient, worsening global "hidden hunger", which affects 1.72 billion people. This paradox arises from inefficient Fe translocation from roots to grains and complex research landscapes: field, pot, and hydroponic studies yield conflicting tolerance rankings, hindering mechanistic insights. Potassium (K) mitigates Fe toxicity in some cultivars but shows inconsistent effects across fertilizer forms and growth stages. Biofortification efforts face trade-offs between enhancing grain Fe and avoiding toxicity. Key challenges include the lack of a unified research framework, incomplete identification of Fe-transporter genes, and limited microbial fertilizer applications. This review synthesizes mechanisms, evaluates methods, dissects K-Fe interactions, and proposes breeding strategies.
ARR1/12-ETP1/2 model negatively regulates submergence-induced hypoxia response in A. thaliana.
Liu M, Li X, Cheng Z … +11 more , Wu Y, Fu W, Hu Y, Yan J, He S, Chang W, Zhang R, Qian Y, Liu J, Liu H, Yan Z
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Nov · PMID 40896964 · Publisher ↗
Submergence-induced hypoxia stress hampers plant growth and yield, yet its molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we found that ETP1/2 are repressed by submergence stress and negatively regulate plant tolerance to su...
Submergence-induced hypoxia stress hampers plant growth and yield, yet its molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we found that ETP1/2 are repressed by submergence stress and negatively regulate plant tolerance to submergence. Further analysis showed that the repression of ETP1/2 during the submergence response is at least partly caused by the decreased expression of ARR1/12, as ARR1/12 can directly bind to the promoters via the AGATTTG motifs to activate ETP1/2 expression. ChIP-qPCR, Y1H, and EMSA further confirmed the direct interaction between ARR12 and ETP1/2. Genetic analysis demonstrated that ETP1/2 negatively regulates the submergence response downstream of ARR1/12. Additionally, some SNPs in the ARR1/12 and ETP1/2 promoters are correlated with habitat precipitation, suggesting a possible evolutionary adaptation through these SNPs. Our findings thus establish an ARR1/12-ETP1/2 module for precisely modulating the plant's hypoxic response, offering potential strategies to enhance crop resistance to submergence.
Molecular cloning and characterization of caffeic acid O-methyltransferase from Acorus calamus.
Koeduka T, Aono K, Goto K … +4 more , Suzuki S, Suzuki S, Ulziibat B, Okazawa A
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Nov · PMID 40886456 · Publisher ↗
Volatile phenylpropenes, including α- and β-asarone, are characteristic aromas of sweet flag (Acorus calamus) and have been used as ingredients in pharmaceutical applications. However, studies on the biosynthetic enzymes...
Volatile phenylpropenes, including α- and β-asarone, are characteristic aromas of sweet flag (Acorus calamus) and have been used as ingredients in pharmaceutical applications. However, studies on the biosynthetic enzymes involved in the production of volatile phenylpropenes in A. calamus remain limited. In this study, we analyzed volatile phenylpropenes, including α- and β-asarone, in the A. calamus plants. Using RNA-sequencing analysis, we identified a gene encoding S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent O-methyltransferase (AcCOMT), which converts caffeic acid to ferulic acid via the methylation of the meta-hydroxy group. The recombinant AcCOMT protein expressed in Escherichia coli specifically catalyzed O-methylation of the meta-hydroxy group of caffeic acid, 5-hydroxyferulic acid, and 5-hydroxyconiferyl alcohol. In contrast, it exhibited no detectable activity toward catechol-type stilbenes and flavonoids, such as piceatannol and quercetin. Additionally, no activity was observed towards the putative precursors of α-asarone and β-asarone, 6-hydroxy-(E)-isoeugenol and 6-hydroxy-(Z)-isoeugenol, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that AcCOMT has a distant evolutionary relationship to canonical COMT proteins from other plant species. Our results suggest that AcCOMT enzymes diverged early and followed a unique evolutionary trajectory, distinct from that of other COMTs, rather than originating through convergent evolution.
Evidence for a JA-responsive SNAC1-ASMT1 regulatory module contributing to melatonin-mediated salinity stress tolerance in Barley.
Shamloo-Dashtpagerdi R, Pirasteh-Anoshe H, Tahmasebi S
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Oct · PMID 40876061 · Publisher ↗
Melatonin has emerged as a crucial mediator in plant responses to abiotic stresses, with its regulatory effects closely dependent on its endogenous levels and biosynthetic dynamics. However, in barley (Hordeum vulgare L....
Melatonin has emerged as a crucial mediator in plant responses to abiotic stresses, with its regulatory effects closely dependent on its endogenous levels and biosynthetic dynamics. However, in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), the upstream regulatory mechanisms of melatonin biosynthesis under salinity stress, and their connection to hormonal signaling, remain largely unknown. In this study, we explore the potential regulatory modules of the key melatonin biosynthesis gene, Acetylserotonin O-Methyltransferase 1 (ASMT1), in barley. Promoter analysis identified putative Stress-responsive NAC1 (SNAC1) binding motifs within the ASMT1 promoter region, and transcriptomic data showed the differential expression of SNAC1 and ASMT1 in response to salinity exposure. To further investigate this regulatory relationship, we performed a controlled greenhouse experiment with six treatments: control, Jasmonic acid (JA), DIECA (a JA biosynthesis inhibitor), salinity (S), JA + S, and DIECA + S. Exogenous JA significantly increased SNAC1 and ASMT1 expression, boosted melatonin levels, activated antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX), and reduced oxidative damage and photosynthetic decline under salinity. In contrast, inhibition of JA biosynthesis by DIECA attenuated these responses, supporting the involvement of JA signaling in this pathway. Additionally, we observed a statistically significant correlation between gene expression profiles and melatonin content. While further functional validation is needed, our results support a model in which JA signaling contributes to salinity-induced melatonin biosynthesis, possibly through the SNAC1-ASMT1 axis. These findings offer new insights into how hormones regulate melatonin during stress and provide a framework for future functional studies aimed at improving stress tolerance in barley.
A multi-physics approach to probing plant responses: From calcium signaling to thigmonastic motion.
Gennis S, Biviano MD, Lyngbirk KP … +5 more , Thomas HR, Vasina V, Faulkner C, Knoblauch M, Jensen KH
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40857877 · Publisher ↗
Plants respond to biotic and abiotic stresses through complex and dynamic mechanisms that integrate physical, chemical, and biological cues. Here, we present a multi-physics platform designed to systematically investigat...
Plants respond to biotic and abiotic stresses through complex and dynamic mechanisms that integrate physical, chemical, and biological cues. Here, we present a multi-physics platform designed to systematically investigate these responses across scales. The platform combines a six-axis micromanipulator with interchangeable probes to deliver precise mechanical, electrostatic, optical, and chemical stimuli. Using this system, we explore calcium signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana, thigmonastic motion in Mimosa pudica, and chemical exchange via microinjection in Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Ocimum basilicum. Our findings highlight stimulus-specific and spatially dependent responses: mechanical and electrostatic stimuli elicit distinct calcium signaling patterns, while repeated electrostatic stimulation exhibited evidence of response fatigue. Thigmonastic responses in Mimosa pudica depend on the location of perturbation, highlighting the intricate bi-directional calcium signaling. Microinjection experiments successfully demonstrate targeted chemical perturbations in glandular trichomes, opening avenues for biochemical studies. This open-source platform provides a versatile tool for dissecting plant stress responses, bridging the gap between fundamental research and applied technologies in agriculture and bioengineering. By enabling precise, scalable, and reproducible studies of plant-environment interactions, this work offers new insights into the mechanisms underlying plant resilience and adaptability.
GmAIR12-5 governs soybean nodule development associated with phosphorus availability.
Qin Y, Ruan H, Chen K … +4 more , Lu X, Wang T, Tian J, Liang C
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Oct · PMID 40848357 · Publisher ↗
Low phosphorus (P) bioavailability limits nitrogen (N) fixation in legume nodules. Although auxin-induced root 12 (AIR12) contributes to plant stress resistance, its role in regulating nodule adaptation to P deficiency r...
Low phosphorus (P) bioavailability limits nitrogen (N) fixation in legume nodules. Although auxin-induced root 12 (AIR12) contributes to plant stress resistance, its role in regulating nodule adaptation to P deficiency remains elusive. In this study, a hydroponic experiment revealed that P deficiency restricted soybean (Glycine max) growth and decreased nodule development, especially in big nodules (diameter≥2 mm). Following analyzing the phylogenetic relationship and expression pattern, we identified that GmAIR12-5 might be highly expressed in nodules and associated with nodule development. Overexpression of GmAIR12-5 led to significant increases in plant growth and acquisition of N and P in soybean, particularly under low-P conditions. Conversely, suppression of GmAIR12-5 reduced the plant growth and nutrients absorption of soybean. Significantly, under low-P levels, overexpression of GmAIR12-5 increased the number and weight of big nodules by 67.7 % and 67.4 %, respectively, while nodule development was inhibited by GmAIR12-5 suppression. In contrast, under high-P conditions, GmAIR12-5 mutants only exhibited significant alterations in root architecture and nodule weight, while maintaining comparable shoot biomass and nodule number to wild type. Furthermore, the overexpression of GmAIR12-5 significantly down-regulated the superoxide anion content and enhanced the number of infected cells under low P conditions. These results demonstrate that GmAIR12-5 contributes to nodule development by avoiding reactive oxygen species accumulation. This finding enhances our understanding of the role of AIR12 in legume crops.
Osmotic stress-induced CsRCI2E endosomal trafficking modulates CsPIP2 aquaporins at the plasma membrane in Camelina sativa.
Shin JH, Kim HS, Kim S … +2 more , Park W, Ahn SJ
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Oct · PMID 40848356 · Publisher ↗
Rare Cold Inducible 2s (RCI2s) are membrane-associated proteolipids dynamically trafficking between the plasma membrane (PM) and the endomembrane system. Their expression is upregulated in response to abiotic stresses, i...
Rare Cold Inducible 2s (RCI2s) are membrane-associated proteolipids dynamically trafficking between the plasma membrane (PM) and the endomembrane system. Their expression is upregulated in response to abiotic stresses, including cold, heat, drought, and salinity, contributing to plant stress tolerance. CsRCI2E interacts with the water transport protein CsPIP2; 1, reducing its abundance at the PM under NaCl-induced stress. Consequently, CsRCI2E is considered a potential regulator of CsPIP2 endocytosis involved in maintaining cellular homeostasis. However, its precise role in membrane trafficking remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the rapid internalization of CsRCI2E and CsPIP2 under mannitol-induced and NaCl-induced osmotic stress using a sucrose density gradient. CsRCI2E transcription levels increased significantly 3 h posttreatment with mannitol or NaCl. CsRCI2E overexpression enhanced stress tolerance and reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation-induced cellular damage during Camelina germination. Despite no concurrent change in CsRCI2E gene expression, the subcellular distribution of CsRCI2E and CsPIP2s (CsPIP2; 1 and CsPIP2; 2) shifted rapidly from the PM to the endomembrane within 0.5 h following osmotic stress. Additionally, CsRCI2E overexpression induced internalization and subcellular redistribution of CsRCI2E and CsPIP2s under osmotic stress and non-stress conditions. These findings suggest that CsRCI2E internalization functions as a sensing mechanism during the initial phase of osmotic shocks. Furthermore, elevated CsRCI2E levels promote CsPIP2s membrane trafficking from the PM to the endomembrane system, supporting water homeostasis in Camelina.
SPOTLIGHT: Nitrate transporter come ABA receptor: the beguiling role of NRT1.1B in rice.
Yoshida T, Fernie AR
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40840126 · Publisher ↗
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Characterization of MADS-box genes in Chinese cherry and overexpression of CpMADS2 promoting early flowering in transgenic Arabidopsis.
Wen Y, Hou Q, Chen F … +3 more , Shang C, Leng Y, Qiao G
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40840125 · Publisher ↗
The Chinese cherry (Cerasus pseudocerasus Lindl.) cv. 'Manaohong', a distinctive cultivar indigenous to Guizhou Province, China, possesses significant nutritional and economic value. In our previous studies, we observed...
The Chinese cherry (Cerasus pseudocerasus Lindl.) cv. 'Manaohong', a distinctive cultivar indigenous to Guizhou Province, China, possesses significant nutritional and economic value. In our previous studies, we observed an abnormal flowering phenomenon in the 'Manaohong' cherry. The MADS-box gene family plays a pivotal role in regulating flowering time and the floral organs development in plants. In this study, we identified 51 CpMADS genes. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the PI-like gene CpMADS2 was significantly differentially expressed between normal flowers (NF) and abnormal flowers (AF) in Chinese cherry. To further investigate the functional role of CpMADS2, it was cloned from the Chinese cherry. Overexpression of CpMADS2 in Arabidopsis thaliana exhibited earlier flowering compared to wild-type. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assay and luciferase complementation assay (LCA) confirmed that CpMADS2 interacts with the CpFT, suggesting that CpMADS2 may promotes flowering by interacting with CpFT. This study provides a theoretical foundation for further research on the role of CpMADS2 in regulating abnormal flowering in Chinese cherry.
Revealing the role of the plasma membrane H-ATPase in plant adaptation to phosphorus deficiency in rice under various nitrogen sources and rhizosphere pH.
Zhang M, Xie M, Ding M … +6 more , Xiao L, Yu M, Wegner LH, Shabala S, Pan T, Zhu Y
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40834754 · Publisher ↗
Soil pH is critical for the bioavailability of nutrients and their consequent uptake by plant roots. This is specifically true for N and P, two key macronutrients that are essential for all aspects of plant growth and de...
Soil pH is critical for the bioavailability of nutrients and their consequent uptake by plant roots. This is specifically true for N and P, two key macronutrients that are essential for all aspects of plant growth and development. Importantly, availability of one nutrient can affect acquisition and translocation of another, although the mechanistic basis of this process remains unexplored. In this work, we combined a physiological (growth; ionomics), molecular (RNAseq and qPCR), biochemical (enzymatic assays) and genetic (using gain-of-function mutants) approaches to investigate the effect of interplay between P availability, two forms of N supply (NO vs NH) and rhizosphere pH (3.0 vs 6.5) on rice plants. In general, rice plants grown in the presence of NH performed better than those treated with NO and better at pH 6.5 than at pH 3. P deprivation significantly reduced N accumulation in leaves but increased N in roots under both NH and NO treatments. Transcriptome analysis revealed 8749 differently expressed genes (DEGs) in leaves and 6519 DEGs in roots under P deprivation at pH 6.5, related to membrane function, cellular response, metabolism, and cell signaling. Among the DEGs, the plasma membrane H-ATPase genes were significantly induced by both P deprivation under NO and NH treatments, indicating a possible role of H-ATPase in plant adaptive responses to P nutrition. The latter was confirmed in direct experiments combining P radiotracers. Overexpression of OSA1 encoding a H-ATPase improved nutrient uptake and rice growth. Overall, these results suggest that PM H-ATPase plays a crucial role in the regulation of N and P uptake and provide a new approach to develop crop varieties that are more efficient at absorbing and utilizing nutrients and, hence, capable to achieve optimal yields.
Spotlight: Evolution of Saline-tolerant Arabidopsis in the Cape Verde Islands.
Fernie AR
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40829332 · Publisher ↗
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Autoimmunity and hyperactivation of immune responses by HAE-FLS2 chimera.
Zhao T, Wu Y, ElGamal A … +7 more , Zhang R, Yang S, Xia Y, Kong W, Liu J, Aborehab MEA, Wang Y
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40795506 · Publisher ↗
Plants employ cell surface receptors to perceive extracellular signals and initiate appropriate cellular responses, thereby regulating diverse physiological processes. The well-characterized leucine-rich repeat receptor-...
Plants employ cell surface receptors to perceive extracellular signals and initiate appropriate cellular responses, thereby regulating diverse physiological processes. The well-characterized leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLK) type receptor FLAGELLIN-SENSITIVE 2 (FLS2) functions as a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) that specifically detects bacterial flagellin, activating downstream responses including MAPK signaling and ROS burst. Here, we report that engineered expression of a chimeric receptor combining the N-terminal extracellular and transmembrane domains of HAE with the cytosolic kinase domain of FLS2 (HAE-FLS2) leads to excessive activation of plant immune responses, as evidenced by dwarfism, enhanced flg22-induced ROS burst and MAPK activation, and upregulated expression of defense-related genes in transgenic plants. The chimeric transgenic plants exhibit enhanced disease resistance to bacterial and fungal pathogens. Notably, while the introduction of a kinase-dead mutation (D997N) in the FLS2 domain partially attenuated these immune responses, the persistence of the autoimmune phenotype suggests the existence of both D997-associated kinase activity-dependent and -independent signaling mechanisms. Genetic analysis revealed that HAE-FLS2-mediated immunity predominantly depends on BAK1/BKK1, as evidenced by substantial suppression of the autoimmune phenotype in the bak1-5 bkk1 mutant background. These findings establish the fundamental basis for elucidating FLS2 activation mechanisms and provide a conceptual framework for engineering plant disease resistance toward different types of pathogens through strategic manipulation of RLK.
Overexpression of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) CpVQ20 increases resistance to powdery mildew via antioxidant defense and callose accumulation.
Li S, Wang P
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40763360 · Publisher ↗
Cucurbita pepo powdery mildew (PM) is mainly caused by Podosphaera xanthii. It can readily induce wilting of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) branches and leaves, and may even lead to stunted growth and fruit deformities, sig...
Cucurbita pepo powdery mildew (PM) is mainly caused by Podosphaera xanthii. It can readily induce wilting of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) branches and leaves, and may even lead to stunted growth and fruit deformities, significantly impacting both the quality and yield of Cucurbita pepo. VQ (Valine-glutamine) proteins play a crucial role in enhancing plant resistance to various abiotic and biotic stresses. In this study, qPCR analysis showed that after powdery mildew infection, the relative expression of CpVQ20 increased in disease-resistant material F2 and decreased in susceptible material M3. Cucurbita pepo CpVQ20 was localized in the nucleus. We observed a reduced incidence of powdery mildew in CpVQ20-overexpression (OE) plants compared to the wild-type (WT). Furthermore, powdery mildew mycelium grew slower and accumulated less. The activities of antioxidases were enhanced, while the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were diminished. Overexpression of CpVQ20 increased callose content in Cucurbita pepo. The expression levels of callose synthase gene and defense-associated genes were elevated. This study concludes that CpVQ20 positively regulates resistance to powdery mildew. This pioneering research establishes a robust foundation for future breakthroughs in gene improvement and genetic breeding.
Melatonin as a multifaceted stress protector in rice: Mechanisms, synergies, and knowledge gaps.
Menhas S, Lin D, Zhu S … +4 more , Hayat S, Aftab T, Liu W, Hayat K
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40759066 · Publisher ↗
Rice productivity, a cornerstone of global food security, is increasingly threatened by a spectrum of abiotic and biotic stressors, including heavy metal toxicity, salinity, drought, temperature extremes, flooding/water...
Rice productivity, a cornerstone of global food security, is increasingly threatened by a spectrum of abiotic and biotic stressors, including heavy metal toxicity, salinity, drought, temperature extremes, flooding/water logging, nutrient deficiencies, and pathogens or pest infestations. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), also referred to as phytomelatonin, was first identified in plants in 1995 and has since emerged as a potent antioxidant and versatile signaling molecule. It plays a critical role in integrating hormonal networks and modulating stress responses in plants, including rice. Both endogenous and exogenously applied melatonin enhance rice tolerance to multiple stress conditions by improving photosynthetic efficiency, reinforcing antioxidant defense systems, maintaining ionic and osmotic homeostasis, and regulating growth and development processes. In the context of biotic stress, melatonin activates innate immune mechanisms, including modulation of defense genes, synthesis of phytoalexins, and fortification of structural barriers, thereby enhancing resistance to pathogens and insect herbivores. Notably, combinatorial applications of melatonin with silicon and nano-zero-valent iron have demonstrated synergistic effects, significantly augmenting stress resilience under complex environmental conditions. Despite these advancements, key knowledge gaps persist regarding mechanistic understanding of melatonin signaling, particularly its interaction with the OsPMTR1 receptor, as well as its efficacy under multi-stress field scenarios. Moreover, melatonin's functional outcomes are influenced by rice genotype and environmental context, underscoring the need for optimized application strategies (such as foliar spray, seed priming, and root drenching), and precise dosage calibration to maximize protective benefits while avoiding phytotoxic effects. This review synthesizes current insights into melatonin biosynthesis, signaling pathways, and its multifaceted roles in rice stress physiology, while identifying critical knowledge gaps and underscoring its potential as an integrative and sustainable strategy for advancing climate-resilient rice production.
Functional characterization of CtWRKY70 transcription factor from Cynanchum thesioides in salt and drought stress resistance.
Chang X, Zhang X, Huang X … +2 more , Zhang F, Yang Z
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40738049 · Publisher ↗
The WRKY transcription factor CtWRKY70 from Cynanchum thesioides was functionally characterized to explore its role in abiotic stress responses. CtWRKY70, encoding a 340-amino acid protein from the WRKY Group III subfami...
The WRKY transcription factor CtWRKY70 from Cynanchum thesioides was functionally characterized to explore its role in abiotic stress responses. CtWRKY70, encoding a 340-amino acid protein from the WRKY Group III subfamily, localizes to the nucleus and exhibits transcriptional activation activity. Its expression is significantly induced by salt and drought stress. Overexpression of CtWRKY70 in Arabidopsis improved tolerance to both stresses, as evidenced by enhanced survival rates, maintained biomass, and preserved chlorophyll content. Transgenic lines exhibited elevated antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, POD) and increased proline accumulation, with CtWRKY70 directly bound to the promoter of the AtSOD1 gene as confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assays, indicating enhanced ROS scavenging and osmoregulation. In contrast, CtWRKY70-silenced plants showed heightened stress sensitivity, characterized by greater wilting, increased stomatal aperture, and accelerated water loss. Y2H and BiFC assays confirmed the interaction of CtWRKY70 with another stress-responsive WRKY protein, CtWRKY41. These results demonstrate that CtWRKY70 positively regulates drought and salt tolerance by coordinating antioxidant defense and osmotic adjustment. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of WRKY-mediated stress adaptation in horticultural species, positioning CtWRKY70 as a potential genetic target for improving crop resilience.
The sugar transporter GmSWEET48 impacts seed yield and composition of soybean.
Zhu L, Lin F, Zhang G … +4 more , Yuan J, Shen L, Zhang Q, Zhang W
J Plant Physiol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40729872 · Publisher ↗
During the early stages of seed development, the small embryo receives large amounts of sugar from the liquid endosperm of the developing seed. A sugar deficit can lead to severe seed abortion and yield loss. However, th...
During the early stages of seed development, the small embryo receives large amounts of sugar from the liquid endosperm of the developing seed. A sugar deficit can lead to severe seed abortion and yield loss. However, the key factors influencing sugar transport and crop yield remain largely unknown. In this work, we identified a plasma membrane-localized sugar transporter, GmSWEET48, that was highly expressed in developing soybean seeds. Heterologous expression showed that GmSWEET48 transported fructose and glucose in yeast systems and exhibited C-labeled sucrose influx and efflux activities in Xenopus oocytes. Overexpression of GmSWEET48 decreased the levels of sucrose and oil but increased protein levels in seeds and promoted seed yield. In conclusion, GmSWEET48 regulates sugar transport during early seed development and ultimately regulates seed yield and composition.
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