{"title":"Potato steroidal glycoalkaloids: properties, biosynthesis, regulation and genetic manipulation.","authors":"Yongming Liu, Xiaowei Liu, Yingge Li, Yanfei Pei, Abdul Jaleel, Maozhi Ren","doi":"10.1186/s43897-024-00118-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43897-024-00118-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs), predominantly comprising α-solanine (C<sub>45</sub>H<sub>73</sub>NO<sub>15</sub>) and α-chaconine (C<sub>45</sub>H<sub>73</sub>NO<sub>14</sub>), function as natural phytotoxins within potatoes. In addition to their other roles, these SGAs are crucial for enabling potato plants to withstand biotic stresses. However, they also exhibit toxicity towards humans and animals. Consequently, the content and distribution of SGAs are crucial traits for the genetic improvement of potatoes. This review focuses on advancing research related to the biochemical properties, biosynthesis, regulatory mechanisms, and genetic improvement of potato SGAs. Furthermore, we provide perspectives on future research directions to further enhance our understanding of SGA biosynthesis and regulation, ultimately facilitating the targeted development of superior potato varieties.</p>","PeriodicalId":29970,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Horticulture","volume":"4 1","pages":"43"},"PeriodicalIF":10.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11639122/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142819418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chunzhen Cheng, Shuofan Wu, Guiming Deng, Ou Sheng, Ganjun Yi, Qiaosong Yang
{"title":"Recent advances and future directions in banana molecular biology and breeding.","authors":"Chunzhen Cheng, Shuofan Wu, Guiming Deng, Ou Sheng, Ganjun Yi, Qiaosong Yang","doi":"10.1186/s43897-024-00122-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s43897-024-00122-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Since publication of a draft genome of the doubled-haploid 'Pahang' banana (Musa acuminata, DH-Pahang), a new era for banana biology research has begun. With the release of genomic data from some important Musa species and subspecies and the continuous development of molecular biology techniques, significant progress has been made. Here, we summarize the achievements and advances in the banana molecular biology and breeding over the past decade covering origin and domestication, fruit biology, stress biology, and breeding aspects, and highlight their challenges and future perspectives. This review is intended to provide researchers with the latest information on the complex genetic background and evolutionary relationship of bananas, the biology of fruit ripening, and multi-omics-based stress biology research. We especially focus on recent advances in the molecular breeding of bananas, offering an informative research direction and providing valuable technical references for future research in the field.</p>","PeriodicalId":29970,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Horticulture","volume":"4 1","pages":"42"},"PeriodicalIF":10.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11610124/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142772953","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aijun Zhang, Tingjin Wang, Lu Yuan, Yuxin Shen, Ke Liu, Bin Liu, Kexin Xu, Mohamed A Elsadek, Yiting Wang, Liang Wu, Zhenyu Qi, Jingquan Yu, Mingfang Zhang, Liping Chen
{"title":"Horizontal transfer of plasmid-like extrachromosomal circular DNAs across graft junctions in Solanaceae.","authors":"Aijun Zhang, Tingjin Wang, Lu Yuan, Yuxin Shen, Ke Liu, Bin Liu, Kexin Xu, Mohamed A Elsadek, Yiting Wang, Liang Wu, Zhenyu Qi, Jingquan Yu, Mingfang Zhang, Liping Chen","doi":"10.1186/s43897-024-00124-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43897-024-00124-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The transfer of genetic material between stocks and scions of grafted plants has been extensively studied; however, the nature and frequency of the transferred material remain elusive. Here, we report a grafting system involving woody goji as the stock and herbaceous tomato as the scion, which was developed using in vitro and in vivo approaches; the results confirmed horizontal transfer of multiple nuclear DNA fragments from donor goji cells to recipient tomato cells. Tomato tissues containing goji donor DNA fragments at or near the grafting junctions had a perennial-biased anatomical structure, from which roots or shoots were regenerated. Most of the fragments were plasmid-like extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) present in the regenerants derived from the cells and in their asexual offspring. Plants with transferred eccDNAs in regenerated roots or shoots (designated \"Go-tomato\") were grown perennially and showed excellent agronomic performance. The present study provides new insights into the replication, expression, and potential function of eccDNAs in the pleiotropic traits of Go-tomato. Mobile eccDNAs offer evidence of stock-to-scion horizontal DNA transfer beyond chromosomes and organelles, thereby contributing to the molecular understanding of graft-induced genetic variation, evolution, and breeding.</p>","PeriodicalId":29970,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Horticulture","volume":"4 1","pages":"41"},"PeriodicalIF":10.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11577957/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142677231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Transcription factor PbrERF114 is involved in the regulation of ethylene synthesis during pear fruit ripening.","authors":"Guoming Wang, Zhihua Guo, Tengjiao Wang, Xueping Wang, Kaijie Qi, Jiping Xuan, Chao Gu, Shaoling Zhang","doi":"10.1186/s43897-024-00114-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43897-024-00114-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The plant hormone ethylene is indispensable to the ripening of climacteric fruits. Although extensive studies have been conducted on ethylene signaling, the ethylene response factor (ERF)-mediated transcriptional regulation of ethylene biosynthesis in pear fruits remains to be fully elucidated. We here constructed, sequenced, and analyzed transcriptome libraries in ethephon-treated and 1-MCP-treated Cuiguan pear fruits. In total, 721 fruit ripening-associated differentially expressed genes were identified. Among them, two key genes exhibited positive correlations: the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS)-encoding gene PbrACS3 and the ERF-encoding gene named PbrERF114. PbrERF114 overexpression increased ethylene production as well as the PbrACS3 expression level. Conversely, virus-induced gene silencing downregulated PbrERF114, thereby decreasing ethylene production and reducing PbrACS3 expression levels. Notably, PbrERF114 could directly interact with PbrACS3 and PbrERF24 promoters, thus inducing their expression. However, it did not result in an enhancement in luciferase activity, which is regulated by the PbrACS1b or PbrACO1 promoter. PbrERF24 could directly bind to PbrACO1 as well as PbrACS3 to promote ethylene synthesis. In conclusion, PbrERF114 can directly and indirectly mediate ethylene biosynthesis by transcriptionally regulating PbrACS3 and PbrERF24, respectively, thereby triggering a signaling cascade that induces the expression of both PbrACS3 and PbrACO1.</p>","PeriodicalId":29970,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Horticulture","volume":"4 1","pages":"38"},"PeriodicalIF":10.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11566906/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142629421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Begomoviruses associated with okra yellow vein mosaic disease (OYVMD): diversity, transmission mechanism, and management strategies.","authors":"Thomas Wilbur Davis, Andrew Nasa Thompson","doi":"10.1186/s43897-024-00112-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43897-024-00112-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Okra yellow vein mosaic disease (OYVMD) is a major constraint to okra production globally. It is caused by several distinct begomoviruses, including okra yellow vein mosaic virus (OYVMV), that are transmitted by the whitefly. This study synthesizes current knowledge on the complex interactions between whiteflies, begomoviruses, and okra plants that enable viral spread and cause OYVMD. The acquisition and transmission cycle involves specific processes including virion ingestion during phloem-feeding, endocytosis and passage across insect tissues, secretion in saliva, and inoculation into plants. Molecular compatibilities between vector coat proteins, midgut proteins, and plant factors modulate virus replication and movement through barrier tissues. Abiotic stresses and host traits also impact whitefly behavior and virus epidemiology. Begomoviruses such as OYVMV have spread globally wherever whitefly vectors and susceptible okra varieties occur. Integrated management of the tripartite pathosystem that incorporates host resistance, cultural tactics, and biological control is required to mitigate the transmission of begomoviruses and OYVMD impact. Finally, resolving vector-virus interactions and developing interference strategies will help contribute to strengthening okra germplasm resistance which can support sustainable food production.</p>","PeriodicalId":29970,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Horticulture","volume":"4 1","pages":"36"},"PeriodicalIF":10.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11536920/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142576957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yan Xu, Zhengxin Lv, Muhammad Aamir Manzoor, Linhong Song, Maosen Wang, Lei Wang, Shiping Wang, Caixi Zhang, Songtao Jiu
{"title":"VvD14c-VvMAX2-VvLOB/VvLBD19 module is involved in the strigolactone-mediated regulation of grapevine root architecture.","authors":"Yan Xu, Zhengxin Lv, Muhammad Aamir Manzoor, Linhong Song, Maosen Wang, Lei Wang, Shiping Wang, Caixi Zhang, Songtao Jiu","doi":"10.1186/s43897-024-00117-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43897-024-00117-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The D14 protein, an alpha/beta hydrolase, is a key receptor in the strigolactone (SL) signaling pathway. However, the response of VvD14 to SL signals and its role in grapevine root architecture formation remain unclear. This study demonstrated that VvD14c was highly expressed in grapevine tissues and fruit stages than other VvD14 isoforms. Application of GR24, an SL analog, enhanced the elongation and diameter of adventitious roots but inhibited the elongation and density of lateral roots (LRs) and increased VvD14c expression. Additionally, GR24 is nested within the VvD14c pocket and strongly bound to the VvD14c protein, with an affinity of 5.65 × 10<sup>-9 </sup>M. Furthermore, VvD14c interacted with grapevine MORE AXILLARY GROWTH 2 (VvMAX2) in a GR24-dependent manner. Overexpression of VvD14c in the d14 mutant and VvMAX2 in the max2 Arabidopsis mutant reversed the increased LR number and density, as well as primary root elongation. Conversely, homologous overexpression of VvD14c and VvMAX2 resulted in reduced LR number and density in grapevines. VvMAX2 directly interacted with LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARY (VvLOB) and VvLBD19, thereby positively regulating LR density. These findings highlight the role of SLs in regulating grapevine root architecture, potentially via the VvD14c-VvMAX2-VvLOB/VvLBD19 module, providing new insights into the regulation of root growth and development in grapevines.</p>","PeriodicalId":29970,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Horticulture","volume":"4 1","pages":"40"},"PeriodicalIF":10.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11515387/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142509386","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Functions of membrane proteins in regulating fruit ripening and stress responses of horticultural crops.","authors":"Daoguo Chen, Yuhan Liu, Yong Chen, Boqiang Li, Tong Chen, Shiping Tian","doi":"10.1186/s43897-024-00111-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43897-024-00111-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fruit ripening is accompanied by the development of fruit quality traits; however, this process also increases the fruit's susceptibility to various environmental stresses, including pathogen attacks and other stress factors. Therefore, modulating the fruit ripening process and defense responses is crucial for maintaining fruit quality and extending shelf life. Membrane proteins play intricate roles in mediating signal transduction, ion transport, and many other important biological processes, thus attracting extensive research interest. This review mainly focuses on the functions of membrane proteins in regulating fruit ripening and defense responses against biotic and abiotic factors, addresses their potential as targets for improving fruit quality and resistance to environmental challenges, and further highlights some open questions to be addressed.</p>","PeriodicalId":29970,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Horticulture","volume":"4 1","pages":"35"},"PeriodicalIF":10.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11421178/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142308679","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}