Plant Science最新文献

{"title":"Overexpression of PbWRKY66 negatively regulate phosphate uptake and root-to-shoot distribution in Arabidopsis","authors":"Mengdan Li ,&nbsp;Wenyu Sun ,&nbsp;Mengjie Wu,&nbsp;Fangyan Li,&nbsp;Zhen Cao,&nbsp;Nian Liu,&nbsp;Longjun Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113069","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113069","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Phoebe bournei</em> is a valuable timber species endemic to southern China, renowned for its economic and ecological importance. However, the widespread low phosphorus level in the acidic soils of this region severely constrains the productivity of <em>P. bournei</em> plantations. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing phosphorus uptake, translocation, and homeostasis in <em>P. bournei</em> is therefore essential for breeding varieties with enhanced tolerance to low phosphorus conditions. The current study focuses on PbWRKY66, a group II WRKY transcription factor that was identified and characterized in <em>Phoebe bournei</em>. Under phosphorus deficient conditions, <em>PbWRKY66</em> expression was markedly induced in leaves but strongly suppressed in roots during prolonged phosphorus deprivation. The PbWRKY66 protein was localized in the nucleus and exhibited transactivation activity. Expression analysis in different tissues revealed that PbWRKY66 transcripts accumulated predominantly in stems and leaves, while the assays of GUS reporter driven by promoter of <em>PbWRKY66</em> demonstrated strong promoter activity in leaves vein, vascular tissues of stems and roots, flower stalk base, and lateral root tips. Transgenic <em>Arabidopsis thaliana</em> lines overexpressing PbWRKY66 displayed higher sensitivity to phosphorus deficiency, characterized by reduced root elongation, small aerial parts, and increased anthocyanin accumulation compared to the wild type. Phosphorus starvation also resulted in markedly lower total phosphorus in shoots and roots and reduced inorganic phosphate in leaves of the transgenic lines compared with those of the wild type plants. Moreover, the expression of <em>AtPHT1;1</em>, <em>AtPHT1;4</em>, and <em>AtPHO1</em>, which are central to phosphorus uptake and transport, was substantially repressed in PbWRKY66-OE roots, whereas <em>AtSPX1</em>, a negative regulator of the phosphate starvation response, was upregulated. Collectively, these findings point to PbWRKY66 functioning as a negative modulator in the control of phosphorus uptake, translocation from roots to shoots, and phosphate starvation signaling, thereby contributing to the modulation of phosphorus homeostasis under phosphorus deficiency stress in plants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"366 ","pages":"Article 113069"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147271581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Endosperm-specific overexpression of Opaque2 improves maize kernel texture","authors":"Zan Wu,&nbsp;Tao Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113085","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113085","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Kernel texture is a crucial agronomic trait that determines crop yield and nutrient quality, yet limited genes with breeding potentials have been identified for texture improvement. In maize, the endosperm-filling central regulator Opaque2 coordinately regulates starch and protein synthesis and plays pivotal roles in vitreous endosperm formation. In this study, we specifically overexpressed <em>Opaque2</em> in the developing endosperm driven by the <em>27-kD γ zein</em> promoter to investigate the effects on kernel texture, yield and nutrient quality. Notably, overexpression of <em>Opaque2</em> enhanced test weight and 100-kernel weight despite reduced kernel dimensions. The overexpressed kernels exhibited improved kernel texture with expanded vitreous endosperm regions. Furthermore, the starch contents were increased, including elevated levels of amylose and amylopectin. The starch granules in the overexpressed endosperms were denser and more tightly packed. Zein accumulation was dramatically elevated in the overexpressed kernels in comparison with wild type, whereas nonzein levels were slightly decreased, resulting in elevated total protein synthesis. Further transcriptomic analysis comprehensively revealed that the <em>Opaque2</em> overexpression positively influences a series of biological processes to precisely modulate vitreous endosperm formation and texture improvement. This work provides a novel insight into maize texture improvement through endosperm-specific overexpression of <em>Opaque2</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"366 ","pages":"Article 113085"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147344936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seed priming with silicon nanoparticles and nitric oxide optimizes barley growth in zinc-deficient condition: A crucial role of optimum level of endogenous nitric oxide","authors":"Nidhi Kandhol ,&nbsp;Sangeeta Pandey ,&nbsp;Santosh Kumar ,&nbsp;Shivesh Sharma ,&nbsp;Samiksha Singh ,&nbsp;Prasanta K. Dash ,&nbsp;Durgesh Kumar Tripathi","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.112998","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.112998","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Zinc (Zn) deficiency significantly impacts plant growth and productivity in agriculture. Seed priming is a promising strategy to enhance plant tolerance to nutrient deficiencies. This study examines the effects of priming barley (<em>Hordeum vulgare</em> L.) seeds with silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs), nitric oxide (NO), and their combination on germination and growth under Zn-deficient conditions. Primed seedlings showed superior growth, and improved photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant enzyme activities, the ascorbate-glutathione cycle function, nutrient-related gene expression, and sucrose metabolism compared to the un-primed seedlings. Among the priming methods, the combination of SiNPs and NO had the most significant positive effect on barley growth under Zn deficiency. Priming of seeds with SiNPs was more effective against Zn deficiency than external SiNPs application at the seedling stage. Exogenous SiNPs added to already SiNPs-primed seedlings further improved growth under Zn deficiency. Contrary to this, NO addition to NO-primed seedlings inhibited growth due to excessive endogenous NO accumulation. Co-application of SiNPs and NO to SiNPs+NO- primed seedlings led to severe growth retardation due to build-up of endogenous NO production. These findings highlight seed priming's potential, especially with SiNPs, to address nutrient deficiencies in agriculture and the complex interactions of endogenous NO in priming-mediated regulation of Zn deficiency in barley.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"366 ","pages":"Article 112998"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146100427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genome-wide characterization and functional analysis of ScALDH genes reveals their contribution to growth maintenance and drought tolerance in plants","authors":"Haojie Fan ,&nbsp;Aerguli Jiamahate ,&nbsp;Jianwei Zhang ,&nbsp;Honglan Yang ,&nbsp;Tohir A. Bozorov ,&nbsp;Xiaoshuan Li ,&nbsp;Xiujin Liu ,&nbsp;Jinbiao Ma ,&nbsp;Jianbo Zhu ,&nbsp;Daoyuan Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113040","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113040","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plants are often subjected to drought stress, which can significantly inhibit their growth and development. Previous studies have found that the aldehyde dehydrogenase (<em>ALDH</em>) gene family plays an important role in plant stress adaptation by detoxifying reactive aldehydes and mitigating oxidative damage. In this study, 18 <em>ALDH</em> genes were identified and systematically analyzed from the telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome of the desiccation-tolerant <em>Syntrichia caninervis</em>, an excellent tolerance moss to drought, cold and radiation. Phylogenetic analysis classified these <em>ScALDH</em>s into 11 subfamilies, demonstrating high conservation across plant lineages from bryophytes to angiosperms. Promoter region analysis revealed an abundance of stress-responsive cis-acting elements with ABRE and ARE motifs. Transcriptomic profiling demonstrated significant upregulation of key <em>ScALDH</em> genes under dehydration, rehydration, and ABA treatments, including <em>ScALDH2B2</em>, <em>ScALDH7B4</em>, <em>ScALDH11A2</em>, and <em>ScALDH21A2</em>. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) further implicated these genes are involved in pathways related to drought response, oxidoreductase activity, and photosynthesis regulation. Heterologous expression of these canditate genes in <em>Arabidopsis thaliana</em> enhanced drought tolerance by improved root architecture, elevated ROS scavenging capacity. The study reveals the evolutionary conservation and functional diversity of <em>ALDH</em> genes in <em>S.caninervis</em>, providing a theoretical foundation for their application in stress-resistant crop breeding.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"366 ","pages":"Article 113040"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146259114","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"MaMYB102 enhances salt tolerance in banana (Musa acuminata) by activating MaBADH-mediated glycine betaine biosynthesis","authors":"Jiaxuan Yu ,&nbsp;Jing He ,&nbsp;Bowei Zhu ,&nbsp;Muhammad Moaaz Ali ,&nbsp;Juhua Liu ,&nbsp;Xinguo Li","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113081","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113081","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Salinity is a major abiotic stress that limits banana (<em>Musa acuminata</em>) growth and productivity. Transcription factors play crucial roles in regulating plant stress responses; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying salt tolerance in banana remain largely unexplored. In this study, we identified and functionally characterized <em>MaMYB102</em>, an R2R3-type MYB transcription factor that positively regulates salt tolerance in banana. Subcellular localization analysis confirmed that <em>MaMYB102</em> is a nuclear protein. Transient overexpression of <em>MaMYB102</em> in banana leaves enhanced salt tolerance, as evidenced by reduced chlorosis, elevated antioxidant capacity, and decreased hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation under 0.3 M NaCl treatment. Conversely, transient silencing of <em>MaMYB102</em> increased salt sensitivity and oxidative damage. Yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) demonstrated that <em>MaMYB102</em> binds directly to the promoter region of <em>MaBADH</em>, a key gene involved in glycine betaine (GB) biosynthesis. Dual-luciferase assays further confirmed that <em>MaMYB102</em> activates <em>MaBADH</em> transcription. Overexpression of <em>MaMYB102</em> increased <em>MaBADH</em> expression and GB accumulation, whereas silencing <em>MaMYB102</em> suppressed both. Collectively, our results reveal that <em>MaMYB102</em> enhances salt tolerance in banana by activating <em>MaBADH</em>-mediated glycine betaine biosynthesis, thereby improving redox homeostasis under saline conditions. This study provides novel insights into the MYB-regulated salt stress response and offers a potential target for developing salt-tolerant banana cultivars.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"366 ","pages":"Article 113081"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147321901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"VvTPS14 is a linalool synthase activated by VvbZIP3 and repressed by VvMADS4","authors":"Ziye Nie ,&nbsp;Xiaochen Wang ,&nbsp;Xianju Liu ,&nbsp;Yi Wang ,&nbsp;Tingting Zhang ,&nbsp;Zhenchang Liang ,&nbsp;Peige Fan","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113048","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113048","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Linalool is a key aromatic terpene that imparts the characteristic Muscat flavor in grape berries. However, the upstream transcriptional mechanisms regulating its biosynthesis remain largely unknown. Here, integrated GC-MS and transcriptomic analyses across berry development in Muscat and non-Muscat cultivars identified <em>VvTPS14</em> as a terpene synthase gene whose expression strongly correlated with the linalool accumulation pattern. Functional characterization confirmed that <em>VvTPS14–2</em> encodes a chloroplast-localized enzyme that catalyzes linalool biosynthesis from GPP <em>in vitro</em>. Transient and stable overexpression of <em>VvTPS14–2</em> in <em>Nicotiana benthamiana</em> leaves, grape berries, and <em>Vitis amurensis</em> callus consistently enhanced linalool production, establishing <em>VvTPS14</em> as a key linalool synthase. Upstream regulatory mechanisms of <em>VvTPS14</em> were elucidated through yeast one-hybrid screening, which identified VvbZIP3 and VvMADS4 as direct binders of the <em>VvTPS14</em> promoter. Dual-luciferase and overexpression assays demonstrated that VvbZIP3–4 (a splice variant) activates, whereas VvMADS4 represses, the expression of <em>VvTPS14</em>. This regulatory pattern was conserved across heterologous and homologous systems. These findings reveal a complete transcriptional regulatory module controlling linalool biosynthesis and provide potential targets for molecular breeding of flavor traits in grapes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"365 ","pages":"Article 113048"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146166300","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genome-wide characterization of the TCP gene family in red clover (Trifolium pratense) and functional analysis of TpTCP18 in branching regulation","authors":"Dandan Su ,&nbsp;Wenhua Du","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113051","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113051","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The TCP (Teosinte Branched1/Cycloidea/Proliferating Cell Factor) gene family encodes plant-specific transcription factors that play essential roles in regulating plant architecture, hormone signaling, and stress responses. While <em>TCP</em> genes have been characterized in model species, their genome-wide identification and functional roles in red clover (<em>Trifolium pratense</em>), a globally significant perennial forage legume, remain largely unexplored. In this study, 25 <em>TpTCP</em> genes were identified in the red clover genome and classified into three subfamilies: PCF, CYC/TB1, and CIN. Comparative genomic analysis suggests that the expansion of the TpTCP family was primarily driven by polyploidy levels and specific duplication events, rather than genome size. Members within each clade exhibited consistent exon-intron organization and conserved motif compositions. Structural analysis confirmed that these proteins possess a characteristic basic-helix I-loop-helix II domain. Promoter analysis revealed abundant cis-elements related to growth, hormonal regulation, and abiotic stress. Integrating phylogenetic analysis with transcriptome profiling, we identified <em>TpTCP18</em>, a member of the CYC/TB1 subclade, as a primary candidate due to its high tissue-specific expression in axillary buds and lateral branches (up to 34-fold higher than in roots). Subcellular localization confirmed that TpTCP18 is a nuclear-localized protein. Heterologous overexpression of <em>TpTCP18</em> in <em>Arabidopsis thaliana</em> significantly reduced shoot branching, delayed bolting, and modified leaf morphology. Molecular characterization revealed that <em>TpTCP18</em> integrates into the endogenous regulatory network of <em>A. thaliana</em> by significantly up-regulating the transcript levels of the branching repressor <em>AtHB21</em> in lateral organs. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the TCP gene family in red clover and identifies <em>TpTCP18</em> as a conserved negative regulator of axillary bud outgrowth. These findings demonstrate that <em>TpTCP18</em> modulates plant architecture through the TCP-HB signaling module, offering a valuable molecular target for the genetic improvement of forage yield and quality in red clover.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"365 ","pages":"Article 113051"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146187349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"SsWOX13, a novel sugarcane WOX transcription factor, confers disease resistance via HR-mediated programmed cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana: Insights from a genome-wide survey","authors":"Farhan Goher ,&nbsp;Faiza Shafique Khan ,&nbsp;Shuo-Hang Zhang ,&nbsp;Shengren Sun ,&nbsp;Wei Zhang ,&nbsp;Yinjie Cheng ,&nbsp;Qinnan Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113024","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113024","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factors (TFs), which constitute a plant-specific homeodomain-containing family, play diverse roles in growth and development. However, their function in pathogen-induced stress responses remains largely unexplored. In this study, we identified 11 <em>SsWOX</em> family members in the sugarcane reference genome, which were classified into ancient, intermediate, and modern/WUSCHEL clades. Comparative analyses of motif composition, exon–intron organization, and <em>cis</em>-regulatory elements revealed conserved evolutionary relationships among <em>SsWOX</em> family genes. Expression profiling using RNA-seq and qRT-PCR during sugarcane–smut (<em>Sporisorium scitamineum</em>) interactions demonstrated distinct expression patterns of several <em>SsWOX</em> genes, with <em>SsWOX13</em> showing robust induction, indicating its potential role in smut resistance. Transient overexpression of <em>SsWOX13</em> in <em>Nicotiana benthamiana</em> led to hypersensitive response (HR)-associated programmed cell death, evidenced by elevated electrolyte leakage, increased reactive oxygen species accumulation, and upregulation of HR- and defense-related genes. Furthermore, transcriptional self-activation assays confirmed that <em>SsWOX13</em> possesses transcriptional activation activity, functioning as a TF in sugarcane. Collectively, these results expand our understanding of sugarcane <em>WOX</em> TFs and indicate that sugarcane <em>WOX13</em> positively regulates HR-mediated immunity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"365 ","pages":"Article 113024"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146132910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"StMYB3 controls anthocyanin biosynthesis in potato via its dual regulatory role on StAN2","authors":"Shuwen Wang ,&nbsp;Yalan Ye ,&nbsp;Xurui Yang ,&nbsp;Fanbin Nie ,&nbsp;Jianke Dong ,&nbsp;Jianhua Zhou ,&nbsp;Xijuan Zhao ,&nbsp;Botao Song ,&nbsp;Huiling Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113052","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113052","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Anthocyanins are a class of water-soluble flavonoid pigments that play crucial roles in plant physiology and human health. Their biosynthesis is regulated by the MYB-bHLH-WD40 transcriptional complex, in which MYB transcription factors serve as the key determinants. However, the function of repressor-type MYBs in tuber crops such as potato remains poorly understood. Here we show that the R2R3-MYB transcription factor <em>StMYB3</em> acts as a repressor of anthocyanin biosynthesis in potato. Transient-expression assays revealed that co-expression of StMYB3 with StAN2 (an R2R3 MYB activator) markedly reduced anthocyanin accumulation in leaves, and tuber skins of <em>StMYB3</em>-over-expressing lines exhibited a significant decrease in anthocyanin content. Mechanistic analyses demonstrate that both StMYB3 and StAN2 interact with StAN1 (an anthocyanin related bHLH). StMYB3 not only suppresses the StAN2-mediated transcriptional activation of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes (<em>StCHS</em>, <em>StF3H</em>, <em>StF3'5'H</em>, and <em>StGST</em>) but also directly represses the promoter activity of bHLH transcription factor <em>StAN1</em>. Moreover, <em>StMYB3</em> and <em>StAN2</em> form a mutually reinforcing positive-feedback loop at the transcriptional level. These results uncovers a StMYB3-StAN1-StAN2 regulatory module whose dynamics, driven by competition and bidirectional feedback, precisely control anthocyanin accumulation. This finding provides a reference for breeding potatoes with high anthocyanin content.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"365 ","pages":"Article 113052"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146181888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A single nucleotide deletion in CsSCP4 disrupts brassinosteroid biosynthesis and confers a super compact phenotype in cucumber","authors":"Qiming Hu ,&nbsp;Hamza Sohail ,&nbsp;Yuanyuan Bian ,&nbsp;BingKun Yang ,&nbsp;Xiaodong Yang ,&nbsp;Xuehao Chen ,&nbsp;Xiaohua Qi ,&nbsp;Xuewen Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113050","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113050","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dwarf mutants in higher plants serve as ideal models for studying the mechanisms underlying stem elongation and plant development. Moreover, the compact stature of dwarf plants renders them advantageous for high-density planting and mechanized harvesting. In this study, we identified a naturally occurring super-compact cucumber mutant, designated scp159. Due to reduced cell elongation, scp159 exhibits an extremely compact plant morphology. Using bulk segregant analysis coupled with whole-genome sequencing and fine genetic mapping, we narrowed down the <em>scp-4</em> locus to a 67.6 kb region on chromosome 6. Through resequencing and molecular cloning, <em>CsSCP4</em> was identified as a candidate gene underlying the <em>scp-4</em> locus, which encodes 3-epi-6-deoxocathasterone 23-monooxygenase CYP90C1, a key enzyme involved in brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis. Compared to the wild-type YZ205A, the scp159 mutant harbors a single-base deletion (adenine) within the fourth exon region of the <em>CsSCP4</em>. Measurements of endogenous hormone levels confirmed a significant reduction in BR levels in scp159 mutants. Exogenous application of brassinolide at a concentration of 0.2 mg/L effectively alleviated the super-compact phenotype. Silencing of the <em>CsSCP4</em> gene in cucumber plants resulted in reduced plant height. Comparative transcriptomic analysis further revealed significant downregulation of positive regulators of the BR signaling pathway, such as <em>BAK1</em> and <em>BSK</em>, and marked upregulation of the negative regulator <em>BKI1</em> in the scp159 mutant. Furthermore, differential expression was observed in genes associated with auxin and gibberellin biosynthesis and signaling pathways. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that the <em>CsSCP4</em> gene plays a crucial role in BR biosynthesis, thus significantly influencing cucumber plant growth and development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20273,"journal":{"name":"Plant Science","volume":"365 ","pages":"Article 113050"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146166335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}