{"title":"Plant-derived gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): Role in stress responses, growth, metabolism, and therapeutic potential for neuropsychiatric disorders","authors":"Deepthi Puttegowda , Lakshmi Jayaram , Nagma Firdose , Reema Orison Lobo , Nehal Stalekar , Ramith Ramu","doi":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102807","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102807","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a four-carbon amino acid that is non-protein. GABA functions as a signaling molecule in plant development & as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system alongside participating in plant metabolism through the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA). Beyond its general physiological roles, GABA functions as a key signaling molecule in plants, regulating stress responses, growth, and primary metabolism. Beyond its physiological roles, GABA is a key target in pharmacotherapies for neurotransmitter-related disorders like anxiety, emphasizing its importance in biological and therapeutic applications. In this review, 1500 studies were initially identified, and 484 met the inclusion criteria after the double screening process. Ultimately, 99 studies focusing on the metabolic and therapeutic aspects were incorporated in the review. These studies addressed the roles and applications of GABA therapeutics derived from plants. GABA, a vital plant signaling molecule, influences processes like the elongation of pollen tubes, fruit ripening, root growth, and seed germination. Its accumulation occurs due to environmental stresses and attacks from pathogens and insects. Increased GABA concentrations in plants enhance stress responses, leading to improved photosynthesis, regulated stomatal opening in drought conditions, and activation of antioxidant enzymes. Although current anxiolytic drugs are effective, they are often associated with adverse effects. In this context, plant-derived phytochemicals, particularly GABA, are being investigated as potential alternatives due to their neuromodulatory properties, indicating that GABA may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for anxiety management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20046,"journal":{"name":"Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology","volume":"139 ","pages":"Article 102807"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144517011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Bavana Keerthi , P. Kishore Varma , S.L. Bhattiprolu , N. Kamakshi , A. Janaki Prasad , V. Vasanthi , B. Pushpa , K.K. Chetan
{"title":"Changing pattern of seed-associated fungi in urd bean (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper): A study of diversity and abundance","authors":"A. Bavana Keerthi , P. Kishore Varma , S.L. Bhattiprolu , N. Kamakshi , A. Janaki Prasad , V. Vasanthi , B. Pushpa , K.K. Chetan","doi":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102804","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102804","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Urd bean (<em>Vigna mungo</em> (L.) Hepper), being a highly nutritious pulse crop has been facing a gradual decline in production and productivity in recent years due to reduced germination percentage and seed vigor, because of the seed-associated pathogenic mycoflora. Studies on seed-associated mycoflora are vital for the early detection of seed-borne pathogenic fungi, allowing for the development of sustainable agricultural strategies to increase production. The present study aimed to decipher the diversity of seed-borne mycoflora associated with urd bean seeds. Twenty seed samples collected from the farmers’ fields were analyzed using the standard blotter and agar plate methods. The fungal genera identified based on morphology include <em>Fusarium, Macrophomina, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Lasiodiplodia, Choanephora,</em> and <em>Diaporthe.</em> The agar plate method resulted in a higher diversity of mycoflora than the standard blotter method. <em>Fusarium</em> and <em>Macrophomina</em> were the predominant mycoflora, with relative abundances of 84.25 % and 6.83 %, respectively and were identified as <em>F</em>. <em>incarnatum</em> and <em>M</em>. <em>phaseolina</em> at the species level. The percentage frequency of association of predominant mycoflora was higher on the seed coat, followed by the cotyledon and plumule-radical axis. The effects of isolated mycoflora on seed germination and seedling vigor were studied using a sterilized potting mixture. The lowest seed germination rate was noticed in the case of seed inoculated with <em>Fusarium</em>, followed by <em>Macrophomina</em>. Our findings may provide valuable insights into the evolving diversity patterns which further helps identify emerging diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20046,"journal":{"name":"Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology","volume":"139 ","pages":"Article 102804"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144522496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Gene genealogies reveal recent population expansion of cotton root rot incitant, Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid in North-Western India","authors":"Shubham Saini , Rakesh Kumar , Minakshi Devi , Karmal Singh , Oshin Saini , Gutha Venkata Ramesh , Jagdeep Singh , Adesh Kumar , Rupesh Kumar Arora , Prashant B. Sandipan , Pradeep Kumar , Anil Kumar Saini","doi":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102803","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102803","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cotton root rot, incited by <em>Macrophomina phaseolina</em> is one of the most devastating fungal disease of the crop. The present study marks the inception of comprehensive population genetic analysis of <em>M. phaseolina</em> across the North Western cotton belt of India, encompassing 55 geographically distinct isolates of the pathogen collected from four states of India: Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The isolates were subjected to ITS and <em>EF-1α</em> region sequencing. All four <em>M. phaseolina</em> populations display haplotype and nucleotide diversity patterns indicative of historical bottlenecks followed by rapid population expansion, as evidenced by high haplotype diversity (0.714) coupled with low nucleotide diversity (0.0025). The star-like structure observed in the median-joining network also support the assumption of a departure from neutrality in the context of a constant population size, hence providing an evidence of population expansion. <em>M. phaseolina</em> populations in different geographical locations appear to form a largely panmictic or weakly structured metapopulation rather than being strongly subdivided as evident from low levels of genetic differentiation. Neutrality tests on <em>M. phaseolina</em> showed significant deviations from neutrality, with strongly negative Tajima's D, Fu and Li's D∗, and F∗ values, indicating recent positive selection or population expansion. Mismatch distribution analysis further supported a recent demographic expansion in the population. The results of hierarchical AMOVA analysis implied a lack of clear genetic boundaries between different populations of <em>M. phaseolina</em>, as supported by the low percentage of variation between populations compared to within-population differences.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20046,"journal":{"name":"Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology","volume":"139 ","pages":"Article 102803"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144510967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mehtap Alkan , Tuğba Bozoğlu , Müberra Yeken , Mehmet Zahit Yeken , Orkun Emiralioğlu , Fatih Tekin , Rachid Lahlali , Muharrem Türkkan , Sibel Derviş , Göksel Özer
{"title":"Development of an LSU rRNA-targeted qPCR assay and transcriptional profiling of defense-related genes to elucidate barley resistance to Bipolaris sorokiniana","authors":"Mehtap Alkan , Tuğba Bozoğlu , Müberra Yeken , Mehmet Zahit Yeken , Orkun Emiralioğlu , Fatih Tekin , Rachid Lahlali , Muharrem Türkkan , Sibel Derviş , Göksel Özer","doi":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102805","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102805","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Spot blotch, caused by <em>Bipolaris sorokiniana</em>, severely limits global barley production. This study characterized five isolates from Bolu, Türkiye, and screened 95 barley cultivars for resistance to the most aggressive isolate (B_BS01) using a 1–9 disease severity scale. Cultivars Gazda, Dara, Hilal, Nonius, and Bravo exhibited the highest resistance (Disease severity index: 35.00 %–36.67 %), forming a statistically distinct group. A quantitative PCR assay targeting the LSU rRNA locus of <em>B. sorokiniana</em> was developed, detecting pathogen DNA down to 0.1 pg with high specificity. This assay quantified starkly different colonization dynamics: pathogen DNA was effectively suppressed in resistant cultivars (Dara, Gazda), while it proliferated rapidly in susceptible ones (Meriç, Bülbül), resulting in up to 15-fold higher pathogen loads by 4 days post-inoculation. Temporal expression profiling of defense-related genes (<em>PR1</em>, <em>PR2</em>, <em>PR3</em>, <em>PR5</em>, <em>PR10</em>, <em>CSD</em>, <em>LOX</em>, <em>PAL</em>) was conducted in Dara and Meriç. Notably, <em>PR1</em> and <em>PR10</em> were more strongly induced in Meriç (17.06- and 10.56-fold at 72 h post-inoculation), whereas <em>PR3</em> was preferentially upregulated in Dara. <em>PR5</em> and <em>LOX</em> were downregulated in both cultivars; <em>CSD</em> showed moderate induction, and <em>PR2</em> remained relatively stable. The combination of a sensitive qPCR assay and gene expression profiling provides robust tools for resistance screening and supports targeted breeding for spot blotch resistance in barley.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20046,"journal":{"name":"Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology","volume":"139 ","pages":"Article 102805"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144535483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Plant extracts induce resistance in rice against bacterial blight disease by modulating antioxidant enzymes activity","authors":"Aadil Mansoori , Uttkarsh Verma , Mohammed Bourhia , S.K. Hajira , Gouri Sankar Laha , Raman Meenakshi Sundaram , Anirudh Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102801","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102801","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rice Bacterial Blight (BB), which is caused by <em>Xanthomonas oryzae</em> pv. <em>oryzae</em> (<em>Xoo</em>), is deemed as one of the most severe diseases that can afflict rice crops. Excessive use of synthetic bactericides to control this disease negatively impacts the surrounding environment. Plants have various metabolites that protect against phytopathogens. Thus, a promising and environment-friendly approach is needed for sustainable agriculture. Foliar application of natural products or compounds is one such strategy to enhance plant disease resistance. The study utilized plants with various pharmacological activities, including <em>Argemone mexicana</em>, <em>Eucalyptus globulus</em>, <em>Bassia scoparia</em>, <em>Mallotus philippensis</em>, and <em>Shorea robust</em>a, for various health benefits such as antibacterial, antiviral, dermatological, and wound healing property. Here, we demonstrate that foliar spray with the leaf extracts of different plants induces resistance in rice against <em>X. oryzae pv. oryzae.</em> Treatment with extracts significantly reduced the bacterial invasion from the 3rd to the 12th day of observation. Furthermore, higher chlorophyll A fluorescence in treated leaves indicates the photosystem's ІІ protection from <em>Xoo</em> damage. The resistance developed was evaluated by measuring the accumulation of antioxidant enzymes such as guaiacol peroxidase, catalase, superoxidase dismutase, glutathione reductase, and total protein content on the 3rd, 6th, and 9th day after treatment. Antioxidant enzymes and protein levels were higher in treated leaves than in the control, particularly on the 6th and 9th days after treatment. Malondialdehyde, an indicator of stress-related damage, was observed to be reduced in treated leaves on the 9th day. Additionally, the presence of phytochemicals that might help in triggering resistance was confirmed through an increased concentration of phenol, tannin, and flavonoids in the plant extract. Similar results were reflected in their antioxidant ability. Finally, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis confirms the presence of various functional groups, indicating distinct metabolites in the plant samples. Thus, the enhanced bacterial blight resistance in rice leaves treated with plant extracts can be attributed to the resistance-triggering effects. Further at large scale, plant extracts offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic bactericides due to their bioactive compounds, reducing environmental impact and chemical residues and promoting safer practices for humans and non-target organisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20046,"journal":{"name":"Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology","volume":"139 ","pages":"Article 102801"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144517009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Gossypium arboreum (L.): A review on its agronomic and industrial potential for sustainable cotton production","authors":"Samar Gogari, Radha","doi":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102797","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102797","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Gossypium arboreum</em> (L.), an ancient diploid cotton species native to the Indian subcontinent, holds substantial agronomic and industrial value due to its resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses and its potential for sustainable cotton production in the face of climate change. This review synthesizes current research on the agronomic, industrial, biochemical, and pharmacological attributes of <em>G. arboreum</em>, emphasizing its relevance as a resilient and multifunctional crop. Unlike the widely cultivated <em>G. hirsutum</em>, the species is naturally adapted to rainfed and low-input agricultural systems, displaying strong resistance to drought, pests, and major cotton diseases, making it suitable for organic and environmentally sustainable farming. Despite limitations in fiber length and fineness compared to tetraploid species like <em>G. hirsutum</em>, it has industrial applications in absorbent cotton, handlooms, and coarse yarn, and is now gaining recognition in niche markets for its naturally pigmented varieties. Recent breeding programs have aimed to improve its fiber quality while maintaining stress tolerance. <em>G. arboreum</em> also maintains fiber quality under water-deficit conditions, reinforcing its value in stress-prone regions. Unique biochemical features, particularly its GaCYP722C-mediated strigolactone biosynthesis, distinguish it from other <em>Gossypium</em> species, offering novel genetic insights for plant growth regulation and soil symbiosis. Phytochemically, it is rich in flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids, which contribute to antidiabetic, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties. This pharmacological potential, along with its compatibility with sustainable textile applications, expands its industrial scope. By integrating genetic, agronomic, and phytochemical perspectives, this review identifies <em>G. arboreum</em> as a vital genetic resource for cotton improvement and climate-resilient agriculture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20046,"journal":{"name":"Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology","volume":"139 ","pages":"Article 102797"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144517010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Gene revolution: Unravelling biotechnology for crop improvement","authors":"Shivam Singh , Prastuti Bhattacharyya , Kumar Aditya , J. Jorben","doi":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102793","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102793","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The advent of biotechnology has ushered in a new era for plant improvement, unlocking pathways to overcome the limitations of traditional breeding and trait selection. While conventional approaches such as genetic engineering and molecular markers have laid the foundation, recent innovations like RNA interference (RNAi), microRNAs, and microproteins are now offering more precise and efficient control over gene expression and regulatory networks. These tools are proving invaluable in modifying complex traits such as stress tolerance, disease resistance, and nutrient uptake in plants.</div><div>In addition to Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR-Cas) systems, newer genome-editing techniques such as base editing and prime editing have emerged, allowing targeted and reversible changes in DNA without inducing double-strand breaks. These advancements are rapidly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in crop improvement, enabling fine-tuned modifications to address global challenges like climate change, food security, and sustainable agriculture. The integration of these tools with omics technologies and high-throughput phenotyping further accelerates the development of elite cultivars suitable for specific environments.</div><div>Understanding the key biotechnological innovations, their applications in real-world breeding programs, and the future directions of plant biotechnology can help us to meet the demands of the escalating population. Additionally, it is equally important to consider the ethical and regulatory frameworks necessary to ensure responsible use of these technologies in agriculture. By utilizing such advanced tools, we can significantly enhance climate resilience, productivity, and sustainability of global food systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20046,"journal":{"name":"Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology","volume":"139 ","pages":"Article 102793"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144535488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
V. Venkataravanappa , G.S. Madhu , B.M. Muralidhara , S.N. Umar , G. Nayan Deepak
{"title":"Diversity, characterization and fungicidal management of Pestalotiopsis and Neopestalotiopsis species complex associated with raised fruit spots and anthracnose-like symptoms in avocado, India","authors":"V. Venkataravanappa , G.S. Madhu , B.M. Muralidhara , S.N. Umar , G. Nayan Deepak","doi":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102802","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102802","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Avocado (<em>Persea americana</em>) is an economically significant fruit crop cultivated worldwide, but its production is often constrained by various biotic stresses. Among these, raised fruit spots and anthracnose-like disease, caused by species within the <em>Pestalotiopsis</em> complex, pose a serious threat, leading to substantial yield losses. This study aimed to assess the incidence of raised fruit spots in major avocado-growing regions of Western Ghats, India and identify the <em>Pestalotiopsis</em> species associated with the disease. A total of 75 symptomatic avocado fruit samples were collected from three southern states of India. Microscopic and cultural characterization confirmed the presence of <em>Pestalotiopsis</em> species, and multilocus gene sequencing of 45 isolates using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF-1α), and β-tubulin (β-tub) regions further elucidated species identity. NCBI-BLASTn analysis and concatenated sequence phylogeny revealed that twenty isolates belonged to <em>Neopestalotiopsis clavispora</em>, twenty to <em>Pestalotiopsis microspora</em>, and five to <em>Pestalotiopsis trachycarpicola</em>. To evaluate disease management strategies, <em>in vitro</em> and field trials were conducted using eleven fungicides. Most tested fungicides exhibited over 50 % inhibition at a minimum concentration of 150 ppm, except for Fenamidone (10 %) + Mancozeb (50 %) WG, which failed to achieve 50 % control even at 1250 ppm. Among the tested fungicides, Hexaconazole 5 % EC and Propiconazole 25 % EC exhibited the highest efficacy. Additionally combination products, Tebuconazole 50 % + Trifloxystrobin 25 % WG, Hexaconazole 4 % + Zineb 68 % WP, Pyraclostrobin 133 g/L + Epoxiconazole 50 g/L w/v SE, and Metiram 55 % + Pyraclostrobin 5 % WG were also effective across all tested concentrations. This study represents the first characterization of <em>Pestalotiopsis</em> species associated with raised fruit spots in avocados in India. The findings provide critical insights into the necessity of timely fungicide applications to mitigate economic losses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20046,"journal":{"name":"Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology","volume":"139 ","pages":"Article 102802"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144502296","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Muhammad Umer , Naureen Anwar , Mustansar Mubeen , Yasir Iftikhar , Manoj Kumar Solanki , Muhammad Ahmad Zeshan , Khalid M. Alsyaad , Yun Li , Pingwu Liu
{"title":"Circular RNAs: Diversity, formation, functions, and identification mechanism with a focus on endogenous circular RNAs","authors":"Muhammad Umer , Naureen Anwar , Mustansar Mubeen , Yasir Iftikhar , Manoj Kumar Solanki , Muhammad Ahmad Zeshan , Khalid M. Alsyaad , Yun Li , Pingwu Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102800","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102800","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Circular RNAs (circRNAs) constitute a distinct class of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) defined by their covalently closed loop configuration, which confers exceptional stability against exonucleolytic degradation. Initially dismissed as splicing byproducts, circRNAs now have been established as critical regulators of gene expression across eukaryotic organisms. This review consolidates the current understanding of circRNAs biogenesis, diversity, and functional roles of endogenous circRNAs. Generated through back-splicing of pre-mRNA, circRNAs are classified into exonic, exon-intron, and intronic subtypes. Each of these exhibits unique subcellular localization and regulatory capabilities. In animal systems, circRNAs such as <em>Drosophila melanogaster</em> mbl-derived circRNAs and murine Sry circRNAs are implicated in growth regulation and testicular development, respectively. In humans, circRNAs like <em>ciRS-7</em> serve as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, modulating neuronal development and contributing to pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, circRNAs associated with NF-90/NF-110 play pivotal roles in immunological responses, influencing viral infection outcomes. In plants, circRNAs not only regulate developmental processes and stress adaptation, including auxin signaling, floral development, and fruit maturation. However, they also enhance resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses through their roles in rice disease resistance and tomato chilling tolerance. This review critically evaluates detection methodologies, including RNA-sequencing, RNase-R assays, and computational algorithms, highlighting their precision and inherent limitations. Despite significant advances, challenges persist in distinguishing functional circRNAs from artifacts and elucidating their molecular mechanisms. This review also highlights the evolutionary conservation and functional versatility of circRNAs, emphasizing their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Future investigations should prioritize the establishment of standardized databases and innovative approaches to deepen understanding of circRNA dynamics in eukaryotic systems, offering insights into their roles in health, disease, and agricultural productivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20046,"journal":{"name":"Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology","volume":"139 ","pages":"Article 102800"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144489703","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xingke Chen , Lei Peng , Honglei Ren , Yan Wang , Yang Wang
{"title":"Genome-wide association study on resistance of soybean to Rhizoctonia solani root rot in Northeast China","authors":"Xingke Chen , Lei Peng , Honglei Ren , Yan Wang , Yang Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102792","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102792","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Root rot caused by <em>Rhizoctonia solani</em> poses a severe threat to global soybean production. This study employed an integrated genome-wide association study (GWAS) and transcriptomic approach to identify resistance loci across. This study investigated a natural population of northern Chinese spring soybean, comprising 191 and 301 accessions harvested in 2021 and 2022,respectively. Three elite resistant genotypes were identified through stringent disease index(DI)thresholds. GWAS analysis revealed 48 significant SNPs distributed across 14 chromosomes, with <em>ss715599943</em> (<em>Chr08</em>, PVE = 9.85%)and<em>ss715583097</em> (<em>Chr02</em>, PVE = 5.69 %) demonstrating the highest phenotypic variance contributions. Notably, chromosomes 2 and 18 exhibited clustered resistance loci spanning 1.34–1.58 Mb regions. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay analysis identified 135 candidate genes, including <em>Glyma.02g252200</em> (encoding subtilisin-like protease) and <em>Glyma.18g179800</em> (pectin acetylesterase), within 20 kb flanking regions of lead SNPs. Temporal expression profiling via qPCR demonstrated contrasting regulatory patterns: <em>Glyma.02g252200</em> showed significant upregulation (3.2-fold, <em>P</em> < 0.01) at 72 h post-inoculation, whereas <em>Glyma.18g179800</em> exhibited sustained downregulation (0.4-fold, <em>P</em> < 0.05), suggesting divergent defense mechanisms. Functional annotation prioritized two pathogenesis-related candidates: <em>Glyma.04g017200</em> (leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase,LRR-RK) and <em>Glyma.18g182500</em> (PR-1 family protein). These results provide: 1)novel molecular markers for marker-assisted selection, 2)mechanistic insights into soybean-<em>R.solani</em> interactions through candidate gene validation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20046,"journal":{"name":"Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology","volume":"139 ","pages":"Article 102792"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144502295","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}