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Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0
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Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Plant Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2021) | Viewed by 97923

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Robert Hasterok

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Guest Editor
Plant Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Group, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-032 Katowice, Poland
Interests: plant molecular cytogenetics; structure and evolution of karyotypes; arrangement of chromosomes at interphase; nucleolar dominance; cytogenetics of meiosis; application of Brachypodium as a model genus to study various aspects of plant nuclear genome structure; dynamics; (in)stability and evolution at the cytomolecular level
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Alexander Betekhtin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Plant Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Group, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-032 Katowice, Poland
Interests: arabinogalactan proteins; cell cycle; cell wall; epigenetics; extensins; model plants; pectins; plant transformation; ploidy instability; proteomics; somatic embryogenesis; somaclonal variation; stem cells
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is the continuation of our Special Issue “Plant Cell and Organism Development” (in which over 35 excellent papers have been published).

Model organisms possess certain features which make them more amenable to scientific investigations compared to other, less tractable species. Today, there are many plant species applied as models in various studies, the most commonly used being Arabidopsis thaliana for dicots and rice and Brachypodium distachyon for monocots. The use of these and similar species contributes significantly to bettering our understanding of fundamental processes that govern various aspects of plant development in vivo and in vitro.

This Special Issue addresses a wide range of topics linked with cell and plant development with a special (though not exclusive) emphasis on using model plants. Recent research on plant tissue culture, for example, linked with plant development under abiotic and biotic stresses, somatic embryogenesis, somaclonal variation, various cytological, cytogenetic, epigenetic, and genetic aspects of cell development, and other related topics is welcome.

Prof. Dr. Robert Hasterok
Dr. Alexander Betekhtin
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Abiotic stress
  • Biotic stress
  • Cell cycle
  • Cell development
  • Chromosome number and integrity
  • Endoreplication
  • Model plants
  • Plant cell tissue culture
  • Somaclonal variation
  • Somatic embryogenesis

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Published Papers (26 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

7 pages, 205 KiB  
Editorial
Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0
by Robert Hasterok and Alexander Betekhtin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(3), 1885; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23031885 - 08 Feb 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1525
Abstract
In the editorial summarising the first edition of the Special Issue on “Plant Cell and Organism Development”, we listed the key features that make plants a unique and fascinating group of living organisms [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

20 pages, 9034 KiB  
Article
Changes in Homogalacturonan Metabolism in Banana Peel during Fruit Development and Ripening
by Tong Ning, Chengjie Chen, Ganjun Yi, Houbin Chen, Yudi Liu, Yanjie Fan, Jing Liu, Shule Chen, Sixuan Wei, Zexuan Li, Yehuan Tan, Zhenting He and Chunxiang Xu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(1), 243; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23010243 - 27 Dec 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4671
Abstract
Though numerous studies have focused on the cell wall disassembly of bananas during the ripening process, the modification of homogalacturonan (HG) during fruit development remains exclusive. To better understand the role of HGs in controlling banana fruit growth and ripening, RNA-Seq, qPCR, immunofluorescence [...] Read more.
Though numerous studies have focused on the cell wall disassembly of bananas during the ripening process, the modification of homogalacturonan (HG) during fruit development remains exclusive. To better understand the role of HGs in controlling banana fruit growth and ripening, RNA-Seq, qPCR, immunofluorescence labeling, and biochemical methods were employed to reveal their dynamic changes in banana peels during these processes. Most HG-modifying genes in banana peels showed a decline in expression during fruit development. Four polygalacturonase and three pectin acetylesterases showing higher expression levels at later developmental stages than earlier ones might be related to fruit expansion. Six out of the 10 top genes in the Core Enrichment Gene Set were HG degradation genes, and all were upregulated after softening, paralleled to the significant increase in HG degradation enzyme activities, decline in peel firmness, and the epitope levels of 2F4, CCRC-M38, JIM7, and LM18 antibodies. Most differentially expressed alpha-1,4-galacturonosyltransferases were upregulated by ethylene treatment, suggesting active HG biosynthesis during the fruit softening process. The epitope level of the CCRC-M38 antibody was positively correlated to the firmness of banana peel during fruit development and ripening. These results have provided new insights into the role of cell wall HGs in fruit development and ripening. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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28 pages, 3608 KiB  
Article
Whole Exome Sequencing-Based Identification of a Novel Gene Involved in Root Hair Development in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
by Katarzyna Gajek, Agnieszka Janiak, Urszula Korotko, Beata Chmielewska, Marek Marzec and Iwona Szarejko
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(24), 13411; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms222413411 - 14 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2486
Abstract
Root hairs play a crucial role in anchoring plants in soil, interaction with microorganisms and nutrient uptake from the rhizosphere. In contrast to Arabidopsis, there is a limited knowledge of root hair morphogenesis in monocots, including barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). We have [...] Read more.
Root hairs play a crucial role in anchoring plants in soil, interaction with microorganisms and nutrient uptake from the rhizosphere. In contrast to Arabidopsis, there is a limited knowledge of root hair morphogenesis in monocots, including barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). We have isolated barley mutant rhp1.e with an abnormal root hair phenotype after chemical mutagenesis of spring cultivar ‘Sebastian’. The development of root hairs was initiated in the mutant but inhibited at the very early stage of tip growth. The length of root hairs reached only 3% of the length of parent cultivar. Using a whole exome sequencing (WES) approach, we identified G1674A mutation in the HORVU1Hr1G077230 gene, located on chromosome 1HL and encoding a cellulose synthase-like C1 protein (HvCSLC1) that might be involved in the xyloglucan (XyG) synthesis in root hairs. The identified mutation led to the retention of the second intron and premature termination of the HvCSLC1 protein. The mutation co-segregated with the abnormal root hair phenotype in the F2 progeny of rhp1.e mutant and its wild-type parent. Additionally, different substitutions in HORVU1Hr1G077230 were found in four other allelic mutants with the same root hair phenotype. Here, we discuss the putative role of HvCSLC1 protein in root hair tube elongation in barley. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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19 pages, 42490 KiB  
Article
Tissue-Specific Metabolic Reprogramming during Wound-Induced Organ Formation in Tomato Hypocotyl Explants
by Eduardo Larriba, Ana Belén Sánchez-García, Cristina Martínez-Andújar, Alfonso Albacete and José Manuel Pérez-Pérez
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(18), 10112; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms221810112 - 18 Sep 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2748
Abstract
Plants have remarkable regenerative capacity, which allows them to survive tissue damage after exposure to biotic and abiotic stresses. Some of the key transcription factors and hormone crosstalk mechanisms involved in wound-induced organ regeneration have been extensively studied in the model plant Arabidopsis [...] Read more.
Plants have remarkable regenerative capacity, which allows them to survive tissue damage after exposure to biotic and abiotic stresses. Some of the key transcription factors and hormone crosstalk mechanisms involved in wound-induced organ regeneration have been extensively studied in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. However, little is known about the role of metabolism in wound-induced organ formation. Here, we performed detailed transcriptome analysis and used a targeted metabolomics approach to study de novo organ formation in tomato hypocotyl explants and found tissue-specific metabolic differences and divergent developmental pathways. Our results indicate that successful regeneration in the apical region of the hypocotyl depends on a specific metabolic switch involving the upregulation of photorespiratory pathway components and the differential regulation of photosynthesis-related gene expression and gluconeogenesis pathway activation. These findings provide a useful resource for further investigation of the molecular mechanisms involved in wound-induced organ formation in crop species such as tomato. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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17 pages, 3701 KiB  
Article
The Carboxyl-Terminus of TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA1 Is Critical for Its Functions in Arabidopsis
by Yating Wang, Hainan Tian, Wei Wang, Xutong Wang, Kaijie Zheng, Saddam Hussain, Rao Lin, Tianya Wang and Shucai Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(18), 10039; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms221810039 - 17 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2284
Abstract
The Arabidopsis WD40 repeat protein TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA1 (TTG1) regulates cell fate determination, including trichome initiation and root hair formation, as well as secondary metabolism such as flavonoid biosynthesis and seed coat mucilage production. TTG1 regulates different processes via regulating the expression of [...] Read more.
The Arabidopsis WD40 repeat protein TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA1 (TTG1) regulates cell fate determination, including trichome initiation and root hair formation, as well as secondary metabolism such as flavonoid biosynthesis and seed coat mucilage production. TTG1 regulates different processes via regulating the expression of its downstream target genes by forming MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) activator complexes with different R2R3 MYB and bHLH transcription factors. Here, we report the identification of the carboxyl (C)-terminus as a critical domain for TTG1′s functions in Arabidopsis. We found that the ttg1Δ15aa mutant shows pleiotropic phenotypes identical to a TTG1 loss-of-function mutant. Gene sequencing indicates that a single nucleotide substitution in TTG1 led to a premature stop at the W327 residue, leading to the production of a truncated TTG1 protein with a deletion of the last 15 C-terminal amino acids. The expression of TTG1 under the control of its native promoter fully restored the ttg1Δ15aa mutant phenotypes. Consistent with these observations, the expression levels of TTG1 downstream genes such as GLABRA2 (GL2) and CAPRICE (CPC) were reduced in the ttg1Δ15aa mutant. Assays in Arabidopsis protoplast show that TTG1Δ15aa failed to interact with the bHLH transcription factor GL3, and the deletion of the last 3 C-terminal amino acids or the 339L amino acid alone fully abolished the interaction of TTG1 with GL3. Furthermore, the expression of TTG1Δ3aa under the control of TTG1 native promoter failed to restore the ttg1Δ15aa mutant phenotypes. Taken together, our results suggest that the C-terminal domain of TTG1 is required for its proper function in Arabidopsis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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18 pages, 3972 KiB  
Article
RNA-Seq-Based Profiling of pl Mutant Reveals Transcriptional Regulation of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
by Ruonan Xu, Ronghui Pan, Yuchan Zhang, Yanlei Feng, Ujjal Kumar Nath, Yinbo Gan, Chunhai Shi and Delara Akhter
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(18), 9787; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22189787 - 10 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2774
Abstract
Purple-colored leaves in plants attain much interest for their important biological functions and could be a potential source of phenotypic marker in selecting individuals in breeding. The transcriptional profiling helps to precisely identify mechanisms of leaf pigmentation in crop plants. In this study, [...] Read more.
Purple-colored leaves in plants attain much interest for their important biological functions and could be a potential source of phenotypic marker in selecting individuals in breeding. The transcriptional profiling helps to precisely identify mechanisms of leaf pigmentation in crop plants. In this study, two genetically unlike rice genotypes, the mutant purple leaf (pl) and wild (WT) were selected for RNA-sequencing and identifying the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that are regulating purple leaf color. In total, 609 DEGs were identified, of which 513 and 96 genes were up- and down-regulated, respectively. The identified DEGs are categorized into metabolic process, carboxylic acid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoids, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis process enrichment by GO analysis. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) confirmed their association with phenylpropanoid synthesis, flavonoid synthesis, and phenylalanine metabolism. To explore molecular mechanism of purple leaf color, a set of anthocyanin biosynthetic and regulatory gene expression patterns were checked by qPCR. We found that OsPAL (Os02g0626100, Os02g0626400, Os04g0518400, Os05g0427400 and Os02g0627100), OsF3H (Os03g0122300), OsC4HL (Os05g0320700), and Os4CL5 (Os08g0448000) are associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis, and they were up-regulated in pl leaves. Two members of regulatory MYB genes (OsMYB55; Os05g0553400 and Os08g0428200), two bHLH genes (Os01g0196300 and Os04g0300600), and two WD40 genes (Os11g0132700 and Os11g0610700) also showed up-regulation in pl mutant. These genes might have significant and vital roles in pl leaf coloration and could provide reference materials for further experimentation to confirm the molecular mechanisms of anthocyanin biosynthesis in rice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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16 pages, 8317 KiB  
Article
3,4-Dehydro-L-proline Induces Programmed Cell Death in the Roots of Brachypodium distachyon
by Artur Pinski, Alexander Betekhtin, Jolanta Kwasniewska, Lukasz Chajec, Elzbieta Wolny and Robert Hasterok
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(14), 7548; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22147548 - 14 Jul 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2372
Abstract
As cell wall proteins, the hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) take part in plant growth and various developmental processes. To fulfil their functions, HRGPs, extensins (EXTs) in particular, undergo the hydroxylation of proline by the prolyl-4-hydroxylases. The activity of these enzymes can be inhibited with [...] Read more.
As cell wall proteins, the hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) take part in plant growth and various developmental processes. To fulfil their functions, HRGPs, extensins (EXTs) in particular, undergo the hydroxylation of proline by the prolyl-4-hydroxylases. The activity of these enzymes can be inhibited with 3,4-dehydro-L-proline (3,4-DHP), which enables its application to reveal the functions of the HRGPs. Thus, to study the involvement of HRGPs in the development of root hairs and roots, we treated seedlings of Brachypodium distachyon with 250 µM, 500 µM, and 750 µM of 3,4-DHP. The histological observations showed that the root epidermis cells and the cortex cells beneath them ruptured. The immunostaining experiments using the JIM20 antibody, which recognizes the EXT epitopes, demonstrated the higher abundance of this epitope in the control compared to the treated samples. The transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed morphological and ultrastructural features that are typical for the vacuolar-type of cell death. Using the TUNEL test (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling), we showed an increase in the number of nuclei with damaged DNA in the roots that had been treated with 3,4-DHP compared to the control. Finally, an analysis of two metacaspases’ gene activity revealed an increase in their expression in the treated roots. Altogether, our results show that inhibiting the prolyl-4-hydroxylases with 3,4-DHP results in a vacuolar-type of cell death in roots, thereby highlighting the important role of HRGPs in root hair development and root growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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18 pages, 3209 KiB  
Article
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Genetic Mechanisms of Sugarcane Aphid Resistance in Grain Sorghum
by Desalegn D. Serba, Xiaoxi Meng, James Schnable, Elfadil Bashir, J. P. Michaud, P. V. Vara Prasad and Ramasamy Perumal
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(13), 7129; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22137129 - 01 Jul 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3530
Abstract
The sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) (SCA), has become a major pest of grain sorghum since its appearance in the USA. Several grain sorghum parental lines are moderately resistant to the SCA. However, the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying this resistance [...] Read more.
The sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) (SCA), has become a major pest of grain sorghum since its appearance in the USA. Several grain sorghum parental lines are moderately resistant to the SCA. However, the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying this resistance are poorly understood, which has constrained breeding for improved resistance. RNA-Seq was used to conduct transcriptomics analysis on a moderately resistant genotype (TAM428) and a susceptible genotype (Tx2737) to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance. Differential expression analysis revealed differences in transcriptomic profile between the two genotypes at multiple time points after infestation by SCA. Six gene clusters had differential expression during SCA infestation. Gene ontology enrichment and cluster analysis of genes differentially expressed after SCA infestation revealed consistent upregulation of genes controlling protein and lipid binding, cellular catabolic processes, transcription initiation, and autophagy in the resistant genotype. Genes regulating responses to external stimuli and stress, cell communication, and transferase activities, were all upregulated in later stages of infestation. On the other hand, expression of genes controlling cell cycle and nuclear division were reduced after SCA infestation in the resistant genotype. These results indicate that different classes of genes, including stress response genes and transcription factors, are responsible for countering the physiological effects of SCA infestation in resistant sorghum plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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17 pages, 5486 KiB  
Article
Involvement of ABA Responsive SVB Genes in the Regulation of Trichome Formation in Arabidopsis
by Saddam Hussain, Na Zhang, Wei Wang, Sajjad Ahmed, Yuxin Cheng, Siyu Chen, Xutong Wang, Yating Wang, Xiaojun Hu, Tianya Wang and Shucai Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(13), 6790; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22136790 - 24 Jun 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2621
Abstract
Trichome formation in Arabidopsis is regulated by several key regulators, and plants hormones such as gibberellin, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and cytokinins have been shown to regulate trichome formation by affecting the transcription or activities of the key regulators. We report here the [...] Read more.
Trichome formation in Arabidopsis is regulated by several key regulators, and plants hormones such as gibberellin, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and cytokinins have been shown to regulate trichome formation by affecting the transcription or activities of the key regulators. We report here the identification of two abscisic acid (ABA) responsive genes, SMALLER TRICHOMES WITH VARIABLE BRANCHES (SVB) and SVB2 as trichome formation regulator genes in Arabidopsis. The expression levels of SVB and SVB2 were increased in response to ABA treatment, their expression levels were reduced in the ABA biosynthesis mutant aba1-5, and they have similar expression pattern. In addition to the trichome defects reported previously for the svb single mutant, we found that even though the trichome numbers were largely unaffected in both the svb and svb2 single mutants generate by using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, the trichome numbers were greatly reduced in the svb svb2 double mutants. On the other hand, trichome numbers were increased in SVB or SVB2 overexpression plants. RT-PCR results show that the expression of the trichome formation key regulator gene ENHANCER OF GLABRA3 (EGL3) was affected in the svb svb2 double mutants. Our results suggest that SVB and SVB2 are ABA responsive genes, and SVB and SVB2 function redundantly to regulate trichome formation in Arabidopsis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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17 pages, 1202 KiB  
Article
Changes in the Cell Wall Proteome of Leaves in Response to High Temperature Stress in Brachypodium distachyon
by Artur Pinski, Alexander Betekhtin, Bozena Skupien-Rabian, Urszula Jankowska, Elisabeth Jamet and Robert Hasterok
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(13), 6750; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22136750 - 23 Jun 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2728
Abstract
High temperature stress leads to complex changes to plant functionality, which affects, i.a., the cell wall structure and the cell wall protein composition. In this study, the qualitative and quantitative changes in the cell wall proteome of Brachypodium distachyon leaves in response to [...] Read more.
High temperature stress leads to complex changes to plant functionality, which affects, i.a., the cell wall structure and the cell wall protein composition. In this study, the qualitative and quantitative changes in the cell wall proteome of Brachypodium distachyon leaves in response to high (40 °C) temperature stress were characterised. Using a proteomic analysis, 1533 non-redundant proteins were identified from which 338 cell wall proteins were distinguished. At a high temperature, we identified 46 differentially abundant proteins, and of these, 4 were over-accumulated and 42 were under-accumulated. The most significant changes were observed in the proteins acting on the cell wall polysaccharides, specifically, 2 over- and 12 under-accumulated proteins. Based on the qualitative analysis, one cell wall protein was identified that was uniquely present at 40 °C but was absent in the control and 24 proteins that were present in the control but were absent at 40 °C. Overall, the changes in the cell wall proteome at 40 °C suggest a lower protease activity, lignification and an expansion of the cell wall. These results offer a new insight into the changes in the cell wall proteome in response to high temperature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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23 pages, 5779 KiB  
Article
Inhibition of Carotenoid Biosynthesis by CRISPR/Cas9 Triggers Cell Wall Remodelling in Carrot
by Tomasz Oleszkiewicz, Magdalena Klimek-Chodacka, Michał Kruczek, Kamila Godel-Jędrychowska, Katarzyna Sala, Anna Milewska-Hendel, Maciej Zubko, Ewa Kurczyńska, Yiping Qi and Rafal Baranski
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(12), 6516; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22126516 - 17 Jun 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2692
Abstract
Recent data indicate that modifications to carotenoid biosynthesis pathway in plants alter the expression of genes affecting chemical composition of the cell wall. Phytoene synthase (PSY) is a rate limiting factor of carotenoid biosynthesis and it may exhibit species-specific and organ-specific roles determined [...] Read more.
Recent data indicate that modifications to carotenoid biosynthesis pathway in plants alter the expression of genes affecting chemical composition of the cell wall. Phytoene synthase (PSY) is a rate limiting factor of carotenoid biosynthesis and it may exhibit species-specific and organ-specific roles determined by the presence of psy paralogous genes, the importance of which often remains unrevealed. Thus, the aim of this work was to elaborate the roles of two psy paralogs in a model system and to reveal biochemical changes in the cell wall of psy knockout mutants. For this purpose, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR associated (Cas9) proteins (CRISPR/Cas9) vectors were introduced to carotenoid-rich carrot (Daucus carota) callus cells in order to induce mutations in the psy1 and psy2 genes. Gene sequencing, expression analysis, and carotenoid content analysis revealed that the psy2 gene is critical for carotenoid biosynthesis in this model and its knockout blocks carotenogenesis. The psy2 knockout also decreased the expression of the psy1 paralog. Immunohistochemical staining of the psy2 mutant cells showed altered composition of arabinogalactan proteins, pectins, and extensins in the mutant cell walls. In particular, low-methylesterified pectins were abundantly present in the cell walls of carotenoid-rich callus in contrast to the carotenoid-free psy2 mutant. Transmission electron microscopy revealed altered plastid transition to amyloplasts instead of chromoplasts. The results demonstrate for the first time that the inhibited biosynthesis of carotenoids triggers the cell wall remodelling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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15 pages, 3442 KiB  
Article
The Mildew Resistance Locus O 4 Interacts with CaM/CML and Is Involved in Root Gravity Response
by Lei Zhu, Xue-Qin Zhang, De Ye and Li-Qun Chen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(11), 5962; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22115962 - 31 May 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3051
Abstract
The plant-specific mildew resistance locus O (MLO) proteins, which contain seven transmembrane domains and a conserved calmodulin-binding domain, play important roles in many plant developmental processes. However, their mechanisms that regulate plant development remain unclear. Here, we report the functional characterization of the [...] Read more.
The plant-specific mildew resistance locus O (MLO) proteins, which contain seven transmembrane domains and a conserved calmodulin-binding domain, play important roles in many plant developmental processes. However, their mechanisms that regulate plant development remain unclear. Here, we report the functional characterization of the MLO4 protein in Arabidopsis roots. The MLO4 was identified as interacting with CML12 in a screening for the interaction between the proteins from Arabidopsis MLO and calmodulin/calmodulin-like (CaM/CML) families using yeast two hybrid (Y2H) assays. Then, the interaction between MLO4 and CML12 was further verified by Luciferase Complementation Imaging (LCI) and Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC) assays. Genetic analysis showed that the mlo4, cml12, and mlo4 cml12 mutants displayed similar defects in root gravity response. These results imply that the MLO4 might play an important role in root gravity response through interaction with CML12. Moreover, our results also demonstrated that the interaction between the MLO and CaM/CML families might be conservative. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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20 pages, 2397 KiB  
Article
Comparative TMT Proteomic Analysis Unveils Unique Insights into Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) Resistance in Cajanus scarabaeoides (L.) Thouars
by Abigail Ngugi-Dawit, Isaac Njaci, Thomas J. V. Higgins, Brett Williams, Sita R. Ghimire, Sagadevan G. Mundree and Linh Thi My Hoang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(11), 5941; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22115941 - 31 May 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2630
Abstract
Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh] is an economically important legume playing a crucial role in the semi-arid tropics. Pigeonpea is susceptible to Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), which causes devastating yield losses. This pest is developing resistance to many commercially available insecticides. Therefore, crop [...] Read more.
Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh] is an economically important legume playing a crucial role in the semi-arid tropics. Pigeonpea is susceptible to Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), which causes devastating yield losses. This pest is developing resistance to many commercially available insecticides. Therefore, crop wild relatives of pigeonpea, are being considered as potential sources of genes to expand the genetic base of cultivated pigeonpea to improve traits such as host plant resistance to pests and pathogens. Quantitative proteomic analysis was conducted using the tandem mass tag platform to identify differentially abundant proteins between IBS 3471 and ICPL 87 tolerant accession and susceptible variety to H. armigera, respectively. Leaf proteome were analysed at the vegetative and flowering/podding growth stages. H. armigera tolerance in IBS 3471 appeared to be related to enhanced defence responses, such as changes in secondary metabolite precursors, antioxidants, and the phenylpropanoid pathway. The development of larvae fed on an artificial diet with IBS 3471 lyophilised leaves showed similar inhibition with those fed on an artificial diet with quercetin concentrations with 32 mg/25 g of artificial diet. DAB staining (3,3′-diaminobenzidine) revealed a rapid accumulation of reactive oxygen species in IBS 3471. We conclude that IBS 3471 is an ideal candidate for improving the genetic base of cultivated pigeonpea, including traits for host plant resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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15 pages, 3666 KiB  
Article
Cytokinin Type-B Response Regulators Promote Bulbil Initiation in Lilium lancifolium
by Guoren He, Panpan Yang, Yuwei Cao, Yuchao Tang, Ling Wang, Meng Song, Jing Wang, Leifeng Xu and Jun Ming
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(7), 3320; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22073320 - 24 Mar 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2465
Abstract
The bulbil is an important vegetative reproductive organ in triploid Lilium lancifolium whose development is promoted by cytokinins. Type-B response regulators (RRs) are critical regulators that mediate primary cytokinin responses and promote cytokinin-induced gene expression. However, the function of cytokinin type-B Arabidopsis RRs [...] Read more.
The bulbil is an important vegetative reproductive organ in triploid Lilium lancifolium whose development is promoted by cytokinins. Type-B response regulators (RRs) are critical regulators that mediate primary cytokinin responses and promote cytokinin-induced gene expression. However, the function of cytokinin type-B Arabidopsis RRs (ARRs) in regulating bulbil formation is unclear. In this study, we identified five type-B LlRRs, LlRR1, LlRR2, LlRR10, LlRR11 and LlRR12, in L. lancifolium for the first time. The five LlRRs encode proteins of 715, 675, 573, 582 and 647 amino acids. All of the regulators belong to the B-I subfamily, whose members typically contain a conserved CheY-homologous receiver (REC) domain and an Myb DNA-binding (MYB) domain at the N-terminus. As transcription factors, all five type-B LlRRs localize at the nucleus and are widely expressed in plant tissues, especially during axillary meristem (AM) formation. Functional analysis showed that type-B LlRRs are involved in bulbil formation in a functionally redundant manner and can activate LlRR9 expression. In summary, our study elucidates the process by which cytokinins regulate bulbil initiation in L. lancifolium through type-B LlRRs and lays a foundation for research on the molecular mechanism of bulbil formation in the lily. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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23 pages, 11315 KiB  
Article
Defining the Cell Wall, Cell Cycle and Chromatin Landmarks in the Responses of Brachypodium distachyon to Salinity
by Elzbieta Wolny, Aleksandra Skalska, Agnieszka Braszewska, Luis A. J. Mur and Robert Hasterok
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(2), 949; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22020949 - 19 Jan 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3179
Abstract
Excess salinity is a major stress that limits crop yields. Here, we used the model grass Brachypodium distachyon (Brachypodium) reference line Bd21 in order to define the key molecular events in the responses to salt during germination. Salt was applied either throughout the [...] Read more.
Excess salinity is a major stress that limits crop yields. Here, we used the model grass Brachypodium distachyon (Brachypodium) reference line Bd21 in order to define the key molecular events in the responses to salt during germination. Salt was applied either throughout the germination period (“salt stress”) or only after root emergence (“salt shock”). Germination was affected at ≥100 mM and root elongation at ≥75 mM NaCl. The expression of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs), FLA1, FLA10, FLA11, AGP20 and AGP26, which regulate cell wall expansion (especially FLA11), were mostly induced by the “salt stress” but to a lesser extent by “salt shock”. Cytological assessment using two AGP epitopes, JIM8 and JIM13 indicated that “salt stress” increases the fluorescence signals in rhizodermal and exodermal cell wall. Cell division was suppressed at >75 mM NaCl. The cell cycle genes (CDKB1, CDKB2, CYCA3, CYCB1, WEE1) were induced by “salt stress” in a concentration-dependent manner but not CDKA, CYCA and CYCLIN-D4-1-RELATED. Under “salt shock”, the cell cycle genes were optimally expressed at 100 mM NaCl. These changes were consistent with the cell cycle arrest, possibly at the G1 phase. The salt-induced genomic damage was linked with the oxidative events via an increased glutathione accumulation. Histone acetylation and methylation and DNA methylation were visualized by immunofluorescence. Histone H4 acetylation at lysine 5 increased strongly whereas DNA methylation decreased with the application of salt. Taken together, we suggest that salt-induced oxidative stress causes genomic damage but that it also has epigenetic effects, which might modulate the cell cycle and AGP expression gene. Based on these landmarks, we aim to encourage functional genomics studies on the responses of Brachypodium to salt. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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16 pages, 2334 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis Delineates the Transcriptional Resistance Mechanisms for Pod Borer Resistance in the Pigeonpea Wild Relative Cajanus scarabaeoides (L.) Thouars
by Isaac Njaci, Abigail Ngugi-Dawit, Richard O. Oduor, Leah Kago, Brett Williams, Linh Thi My Hoang, Sagadevan G. Mundree and Sita R. Ghimire
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(1), 309; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22010309 - 30 Dec 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2526
Abstract
Insect pests pose a serious threat to global food production. Pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner)) is one of the most destructive pests of leguminous crops. The use of host resistance has been an effective, environmentally friendly and sustainable approach for controlling several [...] Read more.
Insect pests pose a serious threat to global food production. Pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner)) is one of the most destructive pests of leguminous crops. The use of host resistance has been an effective, environmentally friendly and sustainable approach for controlling several agricultural pests. The exploitation of natural variations in crop wild relatives could yield pest-resistant crop varieties. In this study, we used a high-throughput transcriptome profiling approach to investigate the defense mechanisms of susceptible cultivated and tolerant wild pigeonpea genotypes against H. armigera infestation. The wild genotype displayed elevated pest-induced gene expression, including the enhanced induction of phytohormone and calcium/calmodulin signaling, transcription factors, plant volatiles and secondary metabolite genes compared to the cultivated control. The biosynthetic and regulatory processes associated with flavonoids, terpenes and glucosinolate secondary metabolites showed higher accumulations in the wild genotype, suggesting the existence of distinct tolerance mechanisms. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying insect resistance in the wild pigeonpea genotype. This information highlights the indispensable role of crop wild relatives as a source of crucial genetic resources that could be important in devising strategies for crop improvement with enhanced pest resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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30 pages, 10135 KiB  
Article
Cell Wall Composition as a Marker of the Reprogramming of the Cell Fate on the Example of a Daucus carota (L.) Hypocotyl in Which Somatic Embryogenesis Was Induced
by Michał Kuczak and Ewa Kurczyńska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(21), 8126; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms21218126 - 30 Oct 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2387
Abstract
Changes in the composition of the cell walls are postulated to accompany changes in the cell’s fate. We check whether there is a relationship between the presence of selected pectic, arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs), and extensins epitopes and changes in cell reprogramming in order [...] Read more.
Changes in the composition of the cell walls are postulated to accompany changes in the cell’s fate. We check whether there is a relationship between the presence of selected pectic, arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs), and extensins epitopes and changes in cell reprogramming in order to answer the question of whether they can be markers accompanying changes of cell fate. Selected antibodies were used for spatio-temporal immunolocalization of wall components during the induction of somatic embryogenesis. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that (1) the LM6 (pectic), LM2 (AGPs) epitopes are positive markers, but the LM5, LM19 (pectic), JIM8, JIM13 (AGPs) epitopes are negative markers of cells reprogramming to the meristematic/pluripotent state; (2) the LM8 (pectic), JIM8, JIM13, LM2 (AGPs) and JIM11 (extensin) epitopes are positive markers, but LM6 (pectic) epitope is negative marker of cells undergoing detachment; (3) JIM4 (AGPs) is a positive marker, but LM5 (pectic), JIM8, JIM13, LM2 (AGPs) are negative markers for pericycle cells on the xylem pole; (4) LM19, LM20 (pectic), JIM13, LM2 (AGPs) are constitutive wall components, but LM6, LM8 (pectic), JIM4, JIM8, JIM16 (AGPs), JIM11, JIM12 and JIM20 (extensins) are not constitutive wall components; (5) the extensins do not contribute to the cell reprogramming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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25 pages, 4764 KiB  
Article
Functioning of the Photosynthetic Apparatus in Response to Drought Stress in Oat × Maize Addition Lines
by Katarzyna Juzoń, Dominika Idziak-Helmcke, Magdalena Rojek-Jelonek, Tomasz Warzecha, Marzena Warchoł, Ilona Czyczyło-Mysza, Kinga Dziurka and Edyta Skrzypek
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(18), 6958; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms21186958 - 22 Sep 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2752
Abstract
The oat × maize chromosome addition (OMA) lines, as hybrids between C3 and C4 plants, can potentially help us understand the process of C4 photosynthesis. However, photosynthesis is often affected by adverse environmental conditions, including drought stress. Therefore, to assess the functioning of [...] Read more.
The oat × maize chromosome addition (OMA) lines, as hybrids between C3 and C4 plants, can potentially help us understand the process of C4 photosynthesis. However, photosynthesis is often affected by adverse environmental conditions, including drought stress. Therefore, to assess the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus in OMA lines under drought stress, the chlorophyll content and chlorophyll a fluorescence (CF) parameters were investigated. With optimal hydration, most of the tested OMA lines, compared to oat cv. Bingo, showed higher pigment content, and some of them were characterized by increased values of selected CF parameters. Although 14 days of drought caused a decrease of chlorophylls and carotenoids, only slight changes in CF parameters were observed, which can indicate proper photosynthetic efficiency in most of examined OMA lines compared to oat cv. Bingo. The obtained data revealed that expected changes in hybrid functioning depend more on the specific maize chromosome and its interaction with the oat genome rather than the number of retained chromosomes. OMA lines not only constitute a powerful tool for maize genomics but also are a source of valuable variation in plant breeding, and can help us to understand plant susceptibility to drought. Our research confirms more efficient functioning of hybrid photosynthetic apparatus than oat cv. Bingo, therefore contributes to raising new questions in the fields of plant physiology and biochemistry. Due to the fact that the oat genome is not fully sequenced yet, the mechanism of enhanced photosynthetic efficiency in OMA lines requires further research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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22 pages, 3298 KiB  
Article
Hypermethylation of Auxin-Responsive Motifs in the Promoters of the Transcription Factor Genes Accompanies the Somatic Embryogenesis Induction in Arabidopsis
by Daria Grzybkowska, Katarzyna Nowak and Małgorzata D. Gaj
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(18), 6849; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms21186849 - 18 Sep 2020
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3132
Abstract
The auxin-induced embryogenic reprogramming of plant somatic cells is associated with extensive modulation of the gene expression in which epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, seem to play a crucial role. However, the function of DNA methylation, including the role of auxin in epigenetic [...] Read more.
The auxin-induced embryogenic reprogramming of plant somatic cells is associated with extensive modulation of the gene expression in which epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, seem to play a crucial role. However, the function of DNA methylation, including the role of auxin in epigenetic regulation of the SE-controlling genes, remains poorly understood. Hence, in the present study, we analysed the expression and methylation of the TF genes that play a critical regulatory role during SE induction (LEC1, LEC2, BBM, WUS and AGL15) in auxin-treated explants of Arabidopsis. The results showed that auxin treatment substantially affected both the expression and methylation patterns of the SE-involved TF genes in a concentration-dependent manner. The auxin treatment differentially modulated the methylation of the promoter (P) and gene body (GB) sequences of the SE-involved genes. Relevantly, the SE-effective auxin treatment (5.0 µM of 2,4-D) was associated with the stable hypermethylation of the P regions of the SE-involved genes and a significantly higher methylation of the P than the GB fragments was a characteristic feature of the embryogenic culture. The presence of auxin-responsive (AuxRE) motifs in the hypermethylated P regions suggests that auxin might substantially contribute to the DNA methylation-mediated control of the SE-involved genes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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20 pages, 4110 KiB  
Article
AGL15 Controls the Embryogenic Reprogramming of Somatic Cells in Arabidopsis through the Histone Acetylation-Mediated Repression of the miRNA Biogenesis Genes
by Katarzyna Nowak, Joanna Morończyk, Anna Wójcik and Małgorzata D. Gaj
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(18), 6733; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms21186733 - 14 Sep 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3325
Abstract
The embryogenic transition of somatic cells requires an extensive reprogramming of the cell transcriptome. Relevantly, the extensive modulation of the genes that have a regulatory function, in particular the genes encoding the transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs, have been indicated as controlling somatic [...] Read more.
The embryogenic transition of somatic cells requires an extensive reprogramming of the cell transcriptome. Relevantly, the extensive modulation of the genes that have a regulatory function, in particular the genes encoding the transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs, have been indicated as controlling somatic embryogenesis (SE) that is induced in vitro in the somatic cells of plants. Identifying the regulatory relationships between the TFs and miRNAs during SE induction is of central importance for understanding the complex regulatory interplay that fine-tunes a cell transcriptome during the embryogenic transition. Hence, here, we analysed the regulatory relationships between AGL15 (AGAMOUS-LIKE 15) TF and miR156 in an embryogenic culture of Arabidopsis. Both AGL15 and miR156 control SE induction and AGL15 has been reported to target the MIR156 genes in planta. The results showed that AGL15 contributes to the regulation of miR156 in an embryogenic culture at two levels that involve the activation of the MIR156 transcription and the containment of the abundance of mature miR156 by repressing the miRNA biogenesis genes DCL1 (DICER-LIKE1), SERRATE and HEN1 (HUA-ENHANCER1). To repress the miRNA biogenesis genes AGL15 seems to co-operate with the TOPLESS co-repressors (TPL and TPR1-4), which are components of the SIN3/HDAC silencing complex. The impact of TSA (trichostatin A), an inhibitor of the HDAC histone deacetylases, on the expression of the miRNA biogenesis genes together with the ChIP results implies that histone deacetylation is involved in the AGL15-mediated repression of miRNA processing. The results indicate that HDAC6 and HDAC19 histone deacetylases might co-operate with AGL15 in silencing the complex that controls the abundance of miR156 during embryogenic induction. This study provides new evidence about the histone acetylation-mediated control of the miRNA pathways during the embryogenic reprogramming of plant somatic cells and the essential role of AGL15 in this regulatory mechanism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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20 pages, 2791 KiB  
Article
Evolution and Expression of the Membrane Attack Complex and Perforin Gene Family in the Poaceae
by Lujun Yu, Di Liu, Shiyi Chen, Yangshuo Dai, Wuxiu Guo, Xue Zhang, Linna Wang, Sirui Ma, Ming Xiao, Hua Qi, Shi Xiao and Qinfang Chen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(16), 5736; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms21165736 - 10 Aug 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2807
Abstract
Membrane Attack Complex and Perforin (MACPF) proteins play crucial roles in plant development and plant responses to environmental stresses. To date, only four MACPF genes have been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana, and the functions of the MACPF gene family members in other [...] Read more.
Membrane Attack Complex and Perforin (MACPF) proteins play crucial roles in plant development and plant responses to environmental stresses. To date, only four MACPF genes have been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana, and the functions of the MACPF gene family members in other plants, especially in important crop plants, such as the Poaceae family, remain largely unknown. In this study, we identified and analyzed 42 MACPF genes from six completely sequenced and well annotated species representing the major Poaceae clades. A phylogenetic analysis of MACPF genes resolved four groups, characterized by shared motif organizations and gene structures within each group. MACPF genes were unevenly distributed along the Poaceae chromosomes. Moreover, segmental duplications and dispersed duplication events may have played significant roles during MACPF gene family expansion and functional diversification in the Poaceae. In addition, phylogenomic synteny analysis revealed a high degree of conservation among the Poaceae MACPF genes. In particular, Group I, II, and III MACPF genes were exposed to strong purifying selection with different evolutionary rates. Temporal and spatial expression analyses suggested that Group III MACPF genes were highly expressed relative to the other groups. In addition, most MACPF genes were highly expressed in vegetative tissues and up-regulated by several biotic and abiotic stresses. Taken together, these findings provide valuable information for further functional characterization and phenotypic validation of the Poaceae MACPF gene family. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

33 pages, 1693 KiB  
Review
Cryopreservation of Agronomic Plant Germplasm Using Vitrification-Based Methods: An Overview of Selected Case Studies
by Cesar Augusto Roque-Borda, Dariusz Kulus, Angela Vacaro de Souza, Behzad Kaviani and Eduardo Festozo Vicente
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(11), 6157; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22116157 - 07 Jun 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6361
Abstract
Numerous environmental and endogenous factors affect the level of genetic diversity in natural populations. Genetic variability is the cornerstone of evolution and adaptation of species. However, currently, more and more plant species and local varieties (landraces) are on the brink of extinction due [...] Read more.
Numerous environmental and endogenous factors affect the level of genetic diversity in natural populations. Genetic variability is the cornerstone of evolution and adaptation of species. However, currently, more and more plant species and local varieties (landraces) are on the brink of extinction due to anthropopression and climate change. Their preservation is imperative for the sake of future breeding programs. Gene banks have been created worldwide to conserve different plant species of cultural and economic importance. Many of them apply cryopreservation, a conservation method in which ultra-low temperatures (−135 °C to −196 °C) are used for long-term storage of tissue samples, with little risk of variation occurrence. Cells can be successfully cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen (LN) when the adverse effect of ice crystal formation and growth is mitigated by the removal of water and the formation of the so-called biological glass (vitrification). This state can be achieved in several ways. The involvement of key cold-regulated genes and proteins in the acquisition of cold tolerance in plant tissues may additionally improve the survival of LN-stored explants. The present review explains the importance of cryostorage in agronomy and presents an overview of the recent works accomplished with this strategy. The most widely used cryopreservation techniques, classic and modern cryoprotective agents, and some protocols applied in crops are considered to understand which parameters provide the establishment of high quality and broadly applicable cryopreservation. Attention is also focused on the issues of genetic integrity and functional genomics in plant cryobiology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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52 pages, 5939 KiB  
Review
Advances and Perspectives in Tissue Culture and Genetic Engineering of Cannabis
by Mohsen Hesami, Austin Baiton, Milad Alizadeh, Marco Pepe, Davoud Torkamaneh and Andrew Maxwell Phineas Jones
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(11), 5671; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22115671 - 26 May 2021
Cited by 51 | Viewed by 18183
Abstract
For a long time, Cannabis sativa has been used for therapeutic and industrial purposes. Due to its increasing demand in medicine, recreation, and industry, there is a dire need to apply new biotechnological tools to introduce new genotypes with desirable traits and enhanced [...] Read more.
For a long time, Cannabis sativa has been used for therapeutic and industrial purposes. Due to its increasing demand in medicine, recreation, and industry, there is a dire need to apply new biotechnological tools to introduce new genotypes with desirable traits and enhanced secondary metabolite production. Micropropagation, conservation, cell suspension culture, hairy root culture, polyploidy manipulation, and Agrobacterium-mediated gene transformation have been studied and used in cannabis. However, some obstacles such as the low rate of transgenic plant regeneration and low efficiency of secondary metabolite production in hairy root culture and cell suspension culture have restricted the application of these approaches in cannabis. In the current review, in vitro culture and genetic engineering methods in cannabis along with other promising techniques such as morphogenic genes, new computational approaches, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), CRISPR/Cas9-equipped Agrobacterium-mediated genome editing, and hairy root culture, that can help improve gene transformation and plant regeneration, as well as enhance secondary metabolite production, have been highlighted and discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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12 pages, 1145 KiB  
Review
Plant Cell Cultures as a Tool to Study Programmed Cell Death
by Massimo Malerba and Raffaella Cerana
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(4), 2166; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22042166 - 22 Feb 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2169
Abstract
Programmed cell death (PCD) is a genetically controlled suicide process present in all living beings with the scope of eliminating cells unnecessary or detrimental for the proper development of the organism. In plants, PCD plays a pivotal role in many developmental processes such [...] Read more.
Programmed cell death (PCD) is a genetically controlled suicide process present in all living beings with the scope of eliminating cells unnecessary or detrimental for the proper development of the organism. In plants, PCD plays a pivotal role in many developmental processes such as sex determination, senescence, and aerenchyma formation and is involved in the defense responses against abiotic and biotic stresses. Thus, its study is a main goal for plant scientists. However, since PCD often occurs in a small group of inaccessible cells buried in a bulk of surrounding uninvolved cells, its study in whole plant or complex tissues is very difficult. Due to their uniformity, accessibility, and reproducibility of application of stress conditions, cultured cells appear a useful tool to investigate the different aspects of plant PCD. In this review, we summarize how plant cell cultures can be utilized to clarify the plant PCD process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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18 pages, 6696 KiB  
Review
The Protein Phosphatase PP2A Plays Multiple Roles in Plant Development by Regulation of Vesicle Traffic—Facts and Questions
by Csaba Máthé, Márta M-Hamvas, Csongor Freytag and Tamás Garda
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(2), 975; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22020975 - 19 Jan 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4000
Abstract
The protein phosphatase PP2A is essential for the control of integrated eukaryotic cell functioning. Several cellular and developmental events, e.g., plant growth regulator (PGR) mediated signaling pathways are regulated by reversible phosphorylation of vesicle traffic proteins. Reviewing present knowledge on the relevant role [...] Read more.
The protein phosphatase PP2A is essential for the control of integrated eukaryotic cell functioning. Several cellular and developmental events, e.g., plant growth regulator (PGR) mediated signaling pathways are regulated by reversible phosphorylation of vesicle traffic proteins. Reviewing present knowledge on the relevant role of PP2A is timely. We discuss three aspects: (1) PP2A regulates microtubule-mediated vesicle delivery during cell plate assembly. PP2A dephosphorylates members of the microtubule associated protein family MAP65, promoting their binding to microtubules. Regulation of phosphatase activity leads to changes in microtubule organization, which affects vesicle traffic towards cell plate and vesicle fusion to build the new cell wall between dividing cells. (2) PP2A-mediated inhibition of target of rapamycin complex (TORC) dependent signaling pathways contributes to autophagy and this has possible connections to the brassinosteroid signaling pathway. (3) Transcytosis of vesicles transporting PIN auxin efflux carriers. PP2A regulates vesicle localization and recycling of PINs related to GNOM (a GTP–GDP exchange factor) mediated pathways. The proper intracellular traffic of PINs is essential for auxin distribution in the plant body, thus in whole plant development. Overall, PP2A has essential roles in membrane interactions of plant cell and it is crucial for plant development and stress responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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37 pages, 5065 KiB  
Review
A Review of Starch Biosynthesis in Relation to the Building Block-Backbone Model
by Ian J. Tetlow and Eric Bertoft
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(19), 7011; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms21197011 - 23 Sep 2020
Cited by 55 | Viewed by 6545
Abstract
Starch is a water-insoluble polymer of glucose synthesized as discrete granules inside the stroma of plastids in plant cells. Starch reserves provide a source of carbohydrate for immediate growth and development, and act as long term carbon stores in endosperms and seed tissues [...] Read more.
Starch is a water-insoluble polymer of glucose synthesized as discrete granules inside the stroma of plastids in plant cells. Starch reserves provide a source of carbohydrate for immediate growth and development, and act as long term carbon stores in endosperms and seed tissues for growth of the next generation, making starch of huge agricultural importance. The starch granule has a highly complex hierarchical structure arising from the combined actions of a large array of enzymes as well as physicochemical self-assembly mechanisms. Understanding the precise nature of granule architecture, and how both biological and abiotic factors determine this structure is of both fundamental and practical importance. This review outlines current knowledge of granule architecture and the starch biosynthesis pathway in relation to the building block-backbone model of starch structure. We highlight the gaps in our knowledge in relation to our understanding of the structure and synthesis of starch, and argue that the building block-backbone model takes accurate account of both structural and biochemical data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Organism Development 2.0)
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