Histone lysine methylations (HLMs) are implicated in control of gene expression in different eukaryotes. However, the role of HLMs in regulating desirable crop traits and the enzymes involved in these modifications are poorly understood. We studied the functions of tomato histone H3 lysine methyltransferases SET Domain Group 33 (SDG33) and SDG34 in biotic and abiotic stress responses. The double but not the single mutants show resistance to the fungal pathogen Notably, diminution of H3K4 and H3K36 trimethylation and expression of negative regulators in challenged plants contributes to stress tolerance of the mutants. Mutations in
The biosynthesis and modification of cell wall composition and structure are controlled by hundreds of enzymes and have a direct consequence on plant growth and development. However, the majority of these enzymes has not been functionally characterised. Rice mutants with leaf‐rolling phenotypes were screened in a field. Phenotypic analysis under controlled conditions was performed for the selected mutant and the relevant gene was identified by map‐based cloning. Cell wall composition was analysed by glycome profiling assay. We identified a Taken together, PSL1 functions as a PG that modifies cell wall biosynthesis, plant development and drought tolerance in rice.
- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10454465
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley-Blackwell
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- New Phytologist
- Volume:
- 229
- Issue:
- 2
- ISSN:
- 0028-646X
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- p. 890-901
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
More Like this
-
Summary SDG33 andSDG34 gene edited mutants were altered in H3K36 and H3K4 methylations, and expression of genes involved in diverse processes and responses to biotic and abiotic stimuli.Botrytis cinerea. Interestingly, single mutants were tolerant to drought and the double mutant showed superior tolerance and plant growth consistent with independent and additive functions. Mutants maintained higher water status during drought and improved recovery and survival after lapse of drought.SDG33 andSDG34 are likely to remove predisposition to biotic and abiotic stress by disrupting permissive transcriptional context promoting expression of negative regulatory factors. These allows improvement of stress and pathogen tolerance, without growth trade‐offs, through modification of histone epigenetic marks. -
Summary All aerial epidermal cells in land plants are covered by the cuticle, an extracellular hydrophobic layer that provides protection against abiotic and biotic stresses and prevents organ fusion during development.
Genetic and morphological analysis of the classic maize
adherent1 (ad1 ) mutant was combined with genome‐wide binding analysis of the maize MYB transcription factor FUSED LEAVES1 (FDL1), coupled with transcriptional profiling offdl1 mutants.We show that
AD1 encodes an epidermally‐expressed 3‐KETOACYL‐CoA SYNTHASE (KCS) belonging to a functionally uncharacterized clade of KCS enzymes involved in cuticular wax biosynthesis. Wax analysis inad1 mutants indicates thatAD1 functions in the formation of very‐long‐chain wax components. We demonstrate that FDL1 directly binds to CCAACC core motifs present inAD1 regulatory regions to activate its expression. Over 2000 additional target genes of FDL1, including many involved in cuticle formation, drought response and cell wall organization, were also identified.Our results identify a regulatory module of cuticle biosynthesis in maize that is conserved across monocots and eudicots, and highlight previously undescribed factors in lipid metabolism, transport and signaling that coordinate organ development and cuticle formation.
-
Summary Although most xyloglucans (XyGs) biosynthesis enzymes have been identified, the molecular mechanism that defines XyG branching patterns is unclear. Four out of five XyG xylosyltransferases (XXT1, XXT2, XXT4, and XXT5) are known to add the xylosyl residue from UDP‐xylose onto a glucan backbone chain; however, the function of XXT3 has yet to be demonstrated.
Single
xxt3 and triplexxt3xxt4xxt5 mutantArabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana ) plants were generated using CRISPR‐Cas9 technology to determine the specific function of XXT3.Combined biochemical, bioinformatic, and morphological data conclusively established for the first time that XXT3, together with XXT4 and XXT5, adds xylosyl residue specifically at the third glucose in the glucan chain to synthesize XXXG‐type XyGs. We propose that the specificity of XXT3, XXT4, and XXT5 is directed toward the prior synthesis of the acceptor substrate by the other two enzymes, XXT1 and XXT2. We also conclude that XXT5 plays a dominant role in the synthesis of XXXG‐type XyGs, while XXT3 and XXT4 complementarily contribute their activities in a tissue‐specific manner.
The newly generated
xxt3xxt4xxt5 mutant produces only XXGG‐type XyGs, which further helps to understand the impact of structurally deficient polysaccharides on plant cell wall organization, growth, and development. -
Summary Abscission is predetermined in specialized cell layers called the abscission zone (AZ) and activated by developmental or environmental signals. In the grass family, most identified AZ genes regulate AZ anatomy, which differs among lineages. A YABBY transcription factor,
SHATTERING1 (SH1 ), is a domestication gene regulating abscission in multiple cereals, including rice andSetaria . In rice,SH1 inhibits lignification specifically in the AZ. However, the AZ ofSetaria is nonlignified throughout, raising the question of howSH1 functions in species without lignification.Crispr‐Cas9 knockout mutants of
SH1 were generated inSetaria viridis and characterized with histology, cell wall and auxin immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, hormonal treatment and RNA‐Seq analysis.The
sh1 mutant lacks shattering, as expected. No differences in cell anatomy or cell wall components including lignin were observed betweensh1 and the wild‐type (WT) until abscission occurs. Chloroplasts degenerated in the AZ of WT before abscission, but degeneration was suppressed by auxin treatment. Auxin distribution and expression of auxin‐related genes differed between WT andsh1 , with the signal of an antibody to auxin detected in thesh1 chloroplast.SH1 inSetaria is required for activation of abscission through auxin signaling, which is not reported in other grass species. -
Abstract Global climate change is causing more frequent and severe droughts, which can have negative impacts on plant growth and crop productivity. Under drought conditions, plants produce the hormone ABA (abscisic acid), which regulates adaptive responses, such as stomatal closure and root elongation. Plant viruses have been used in the lab to convey new traits to plants and could also be used to increase production of ABA or to enhance downstream plant drought resistance responses.
In this study, foxtail mosaic virus (FoMV) was used to silence
ZmPP2C‐A10 , a negative regulator of ABA signalling, in maize (Zea mays L.). Both silenced and control plants were exposed to an 8‐day drought treatment, followed by a 30‐day period of rewatering, after which indicators of drought resistance were measured.After drought treatment, we observed a nearly twofold increase in expression of a stress‐mitigation gene,
ZmRAB17 , reduced chlorophyll fluorescence changes (indicator of stress), and increased plant biomass and development in theZmPP2C‐A10‐ silenced maize compared to controls.These results demonstrate that the FoMV system can be used to silence endogenous expression of
ZmPP2C‐A10 and increase maize tolerance to drought. This could offer a useful tool to improve crop traits and reduce yield loss during the growing season.