Junyi Tan, Zhejuan Tian, Feifan Chen, Kang Gao, Jinghao Jin, Anthony P Keinath, Ronald D Dymerski, Zhiming Wu, Yiqun Weng
{"title":"Photosystem Perturbation by Staygreen Mutations Confers Allele-Dependent Defences Against Infections of Pathogens With Different Lifestyles and Abiotic Stress Tolerance.","authors":"Junyi Tan, Zhejuan Tian, Feifan Chen, Kang Gao, Jinghao Jin, Anthony P Keinath, Ronald D Dymerski, Zhiming Wu, Yiqun Weng","doi":"10.1111/pce.70229","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.70229","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The staygreen (SGR) gene encodes the magnesium dechelatase that plays an important regulatory role during chlorophyll degradation. Our previous work revealed a nonsynonymous SNP (A323G) inside cucumber CsSGR that is responsible for multiple disease resistance (MDR), but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here we report the development, phenotypic, genetic, or transcriptomic characterisation of near-isogenic lines for the A323G locus and knock-out mutants of CsSGR (SGRΔ37 with 37-bp deletion) in response to biotic/abiotic stresses. Both SNP and SGRΔ37 mutants show enhanced MDR against infection of five pathogens with different lifestyles, as well as low-temperature tolerance than the wildtype, and SGRΔ37 is a stronger allele with higher resistance/tolerance than the A323G allele. Physical interactions of CsSGR with itself and other chlorophyll catabolic enzymes (CCEs), light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-binding1 proteins (LHCB1s), and the chlorophyll homoeostasis regulator CsBCM are significantly reduced or abolished in A323G and SGRΔ37 mutants, respectively. Comparative transcriptome analyses revealed a complex regulatory network in which both passive and active defences contribute to Cssgr-conferred MDR. The loss-of-susceptibility CsSGR mutations downregulate expression of chlorophyll catabolic genes, slow down chlorophyll degradation, and delay pathogenesis-induced senescence, thus providing passive defence. The active defence involves SA and/or JA biosynthesis/signalling pathways, which are likely triggered by ROS-mediated retrograde signalling due to perturbation of the photosynthetic electron transport chain. We propose that CsSGR is a target of choice for gene editing to develop mutant alleles for enhanced MDR. Further, mutations of genes involving chlorophyll metabolism, photosystems, or chloroplast development could be a potential source of MDR for plant breeding.</p>","PeriodicalId":222,"journal":{"name":"Plant, Cell & Environment","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145285203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yuxin Peng, Ju Huck Lee, Cha Young Kim, Jiyoung Lee
{"title":"Halophyte-Derived Kushneria Strains Enhance Salt Tolerance and Rhizosphere Dynamics in Cabbage.","authors":"Yuxin Peng, Ju Huck Lee, Cha Young Kim, Jiyoung Lee","doi":"10.1111/pce.70234","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.70234","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Halophytic plants harbour salt-tolerant bacteria that enhance resilience to salinity. In this study, two highly halotolerant Kushneria isolates, K. konosiri (Kk) and K. marisflavi (Km), were obtained from the halophyte Suaeda maritima. Both strains tolerated up to 25% NaCl and promoted Arabidopsis thaliana growth under salt stress by producing indole-3-acetic acid, proline, and extracellular polysaccharides that mitigated osmotic stress. Inoculation with Kk or Km increased shoot and root biomass and reduced intracellular Na⁺ and reactive oxygen species. Their agricultural potential was tested in cabbage (Brassica rapa), where both isolates alleviated salinity-induced growth inhibition. A combined inoculum (Kkm) showed enhanced efficacy, significantly increasing shoot biomass (1.26-fold vs. Kk; 1.23-fold vs. Km) and dry weight (1.19-fold vs. Kk; 1.13-fold vs. Km). Kkm treatment also improved the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio and proline accumulation. Microbial profiling revealed that Kkm enriched Bacillus species in the rhizosphere and promoted greater biofilm formation than single strains. These findings demonstrate that Kushneria isolates function as salt-tolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria, enhancing ion homoeostasis, stress protection, and rhizosphere restructuring. This study highlights the potential of halophyte-derived microbial consortia to improve crop salt tolerance in agriculture.</p>","PeriodicalId":222,"journal":{"name":"Plant, Cell & Environment","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145278576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Congli Ma, Chenle Wu, Han Han, Dongju Bai, Ziyu Zhang, Yadong Li, Hongjie Wang
{"title":"Metabolomics Reveals Concentration-Specific Adaptive Mechanisms of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Cadmium Translocation and Detoxification in Arundinoideae (Phragmites australis).","authors":"Congli Ma, Chenle Wu, Han Han, Dongju Bai, Ziyu Zhang, Yadong Li, Hongjie Wang","doi":"10.1111/pce.70230","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.70230","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The symbiosis of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Phragmites australis (Pa) is an effective biological strategy for cadmium (Cd) remediation, however, the bioaccumulation and translocation mechanisms underlying this symbiosis remain underexplored. In this study, Cd and nutrient element concentrations in four Pa tissues were analyzed, along with ultrastructure observations and root metabolomics profiling, under different Cd concentrations (1 mg/L, 5 mg/L) and exposure durations (7 days, 30 days). The root metabolomics analysis, in combination with Cd accumulation patterns and ultrastructural observations, provided crucial insights into the biochemical pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in Cd detoxification, nutrient redistribution, and subcellular structural changes in the AMF-Pa symbiotic system. AMF reduced Cd accumulation in all Pa tissues under 1 mg/L Cd for 7 days and in roots under 5 mg/L Cd for 30 days. Conversely, with AMF, Pa accumulated more Cd in the other exposure groups. Under 5 mg/L Cd for 30 days, AMF facilitated Cd translocation from roots to aboveground parts. AMF altered Cu, Zn and P bioaccumulation in old roots and significantly influenced Fe accumulation in roots across all treatments. While 5 mg/L Cd disrupted cellular ultrastructure, AMF inoculation protected intracellular organ integrity and promoted cell wall thickening. This study reveals the dynamic mechanisms by which AMF regulate Cd translocation and accumulation under varying Cd concentrations. Under high Cd concentrations, AMF enhance energy metabolism and chelation, promoting Cd translocation from roots to aerial parts while mitigating Cd toxicity in the endodermis. In contrast, under low Cd concentrations, AMF suppress Cd uptake and promote its immobilization within root tissues by activating amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, reducing Cd translocation to aboveground parts. Additionally, AMF strengthen cell walls through phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, offering protection against Cd toxicity. These findings provide crucial theoretical insights for the application of AMF in phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soils.</p>","PeriodicalId":222,"journal":{"name":"Plant, Cell & Environment","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145278606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hong Li, Lanxin Li, Meiling Zhong, Chuanjie Gou, Haiyang Li, Zhihui Sun, Baohui Liu, Fanjiang Kong, Huan Liu
{"title":"Phloem Development and Function in Plants: Implications for Flowering, Nitrogen Fixation, and Crop Yield.","authors":"Hong Li, Lanxin Li, Meiling Zhong, Chuanjie Gou, Haiyang Li, Zhihui Sun, Baohui Liu, Fanjiang Kong, Huan Liu","doi":"10.1111/pce.70226","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.70226","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In tracheophyte plants, vascular bundles transport water, nutrients, and signalling molecules, including photoassimilates, amino acids, phytohormones, and inorganic ions. The vascular bundle contains xylem and phloem, which primarily transport water and nutrients, respectively. Recently, there has been remarkable progress in understanding the function of phloem in plant development and physiology. In this review, we describe the roles of genes and proteins that determine phloem cell fates and functions in the development of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and several important crop plants. In particular, we expound upon phloem's role in sink organ development and determination of flowering time, highlighting two critical phloem-mediated processes: the allocation of sugars to sink tissues and the transport of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) to promote flowering. We also discuss the regulatory mechanisms governing FT expression and movement in Arabidopsis. Moreover, we elaborate on the pivotal role of sugar distribution in nitrogen fixation within root nodules, a specialized sink organ in leguminous plants. Clarifying the roles of phloem in these processes will illuminate fundamental principles underlying plant growth and development, thereby providing pivotal insights for improving crop yield and quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":222,"journal":{"name":"Plant, Cell & Environment","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145278589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nan Sun, Zhen Wang, Peifan Wang, Bidan Yin, Xianyong Lin, Chengliang Sun
{"title":"SHADE AVOIDANCE 4 Regulates Magnesium Deficiency-Induced Root Hair Development by Regulating Auxin Transport in Arabidopsis.","authors":"Nan Sun, Zhen Wang, Peifan Wang, Bidan Yin, Xianyong Lin, Chengliang Sun","doi":"10.1111/pce.70235","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.70235","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Root hairs enlarge root surface and facilitate plant exploration for edaphic resources, particularly under nutrient-limiting conditions. While magnesium (Mg) deficiency is known to markedly stimulate root hair development, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly characterised. Here, we elucidate the critical role of SHADE AVOIDANCE 4 (SAV4) in regulating Mg deficiency-induced root hair elongation through modulating epidermal auxin level in Arabidopsis. Root hair elongation under Mg deficiency was significantly suppressed in sav4 mutant, and SAV4 epidermal-specific expression partially rescued its root hair elongation defect. Further analysis revealed that SAV4 expression was upregulated in root tips under Mg deficiency. Attenuated root hair elongation in sav4 mutants is explained by reduced basipetal auxin transport in the root epidermis, caused by an inability to maintain the abundance of the membrane-localised auxin efflux carrier PIN2. The endocytosis of PIN2 is delayed in Arabidopsis roots under Mg deficiency, which is released in sav4 mutant and thus impairs basipetal auxin transport. Our findings establish a molecular framework wherein SAV4-mediated dynamics of PIN2 at the epidermal membrane under Mg deficiency ensures proper basipetal auxin transport, thereby facilitating root hair elongation.</p>","PeriodicalId":222,"journal":{"name":"Plant, Cell & Environment","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145278598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Arsenic Hyperaccumulation in Pteris vittata Functions as a Toxic Lure and an Induced Defense Against Herbivores.","authors":"Yang Bai, Xiaoming Wan, Mei Lei, Tongbin Chen","doi":"10.1111/pce.70233","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.70233","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pteris vittata, a model arsenic hyperaccumulator, thrives in arsenic-contaminated soils. While arsenic accumulation is hypothesized to deter herbivores, its broader ecological impacts remain poorly understood. This study presents the first investigation of bidirectional interactions between insect herbivory and arsenic hyperaccumulation in P. vittata. Contrary to expectations, herbivorous insects preferentially consumed arsenic-containing tissues, more attracted to high-arsenic versus low-arsenic pinnae. However, larvae feeding on high-arsenic pinnae exhibited significant growth inhibition and negative weight gain. Arsenic accumulated primarily in insect cuticles and midguts, with substantial enrichment in exuviae (transfer coefficient: 5) and frass (transfer coefficient: 1.9), confirming exuviation and excretion as key detoxification pathways. Remarkably, herbivory by Spodoptera litura triggered a ~25% increase in arsenic concentrations of P. vittata pinnae. This induced elemental defense response was supported by enhanced arsenic distribution at wound sites and corresponding transporter protein upregulation. We propose an induce-trap defense hypothesis. Herbivore damage stimulates localized arsenic redistribution and potential attractant release, leading to dose-dependent insect toxicity while simultaneously strengthening plant defense. This intricate plant-insect interaction may explain the evolutionary persistence of arsenic hyperaccumulation in P. vittata.</p>","PeriodicalId":222,"journal":{"name":"Plant, Cell & Environment","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145278612","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Bivalent Histone Modifications Orchestrate Temporal Regulation of Glucosinolate Biosynthesis During Wound-Induced Stress Responses in Arabidopsis.","authors":"Dasom Choi, Sang Woo Lee, Dong-Hwan Kim","doi":"10.1111/pce.70232","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.70232","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Glucosinolates (GSLs) are secondary metabolites central to plant defence in the Brassicaceae family. While the role of histone modifications in developmental gene regulation is well studied, their function in stress-induced secondary metabolism remains unclear. Here, we show that GSL biosynthetic genes in Arabidopsis thaliana are regulated by bivalent chromatin bearing both active (histone acetylation) and repressive (H3K27me3) histone marks. Components of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), including CLF, SWN and LHP1, suppress GSL gene expression, and their loss enhances GSL accumulation. Genome-wide analyses revealed that indolic and aliphatic GSL genes are enriched with H3K27me3, with indolic genes also marked by active histone acetylation. Time-course transcriptome and metabolite analyses using HPLC following wounding revealed distinct temporal activation patterns, with indolic GSL genes induced during the early phases and aliphatic GSL genes activated at later stages. These findings suggest that bivalent histone modifications orchestrate temporal gene expression of GSL pathways under stress, revealing a previously unrecognised epigenetic mechanism underlying plant metabolic responses to environmental stimuli.</p>","PeriodicalId":222,"journal":{"name":"Plant, Cell & Environment","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145249237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}