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Small-molecule control of gene expression underlies the function of numerous engineered gene circuits that are capable of environmental sensing, computation, and memory. While many recently developed inducible promoters have been tailor-made for bacteria or mammalian cells, relatively few new systems have been built for Saccharomyces cerevisiae, limiting the scale of synthetic biology work that can be done in yeast. To address this, we created the yeast Tunable Expression Systems Toolkit (yTEST), which contains a set of five extensively characterized inducible promoter systems regulated by the small-molecules doxycycline (Dox), abscisic acid (ABA), danoprevir (DNV), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 5-phenyl-indole-3-acetic acid (5-Ph-IAA). Assembly was made to be compatible with the modular cloning yeast toolkit (MoClo-YTK) to enhance the ease of use and provide a framework to benchmark and standardize each system. Using this approach, we built multiple systems with maximal expression levels greater than those of the strong constitutive TDH3 promoter. Furthermore, each of the five classes of systems could be induced at least 60-fold after a 6 h induction and the highest fold change observed was approximately 300. Thus, yTEST provides a reliable, diverse, and customizable set of inducible promoters to modulate gene expression in yeast for applications in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and basic research.

Key message: GhMAC3e expression was induced by various stresses and hormones. GhMAC3e may regulate plant growth by influencing auxin distribution, and play important roles in Verticillium wilt resistance via mediating SA signaling. The MOS4-Associated Complex (MAC) is a highly conserved protein complex involved in pre-mRNA splicing and spliceosome assembly, which plays a vital role in plant immunity. It comprises key components such as MOS4, CDC5, and PRL1. MAC3A/B, as U-box E3 ubiquitin ligases, are crucial for various plant processes including development, stress responses, and disease resistance. However, their roles in cotton remain largely unknown. In this study, we first cloned the GhMAC3e gene from cotton and explored its biological functions by using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in cotton and transgenic overexpression in Arabidopsis. The results showed that GhMAC3e is ubiquitously expressed in cotton tissues and could be induced by salt stress, Verticillium dahliae (VD) infection, PEG, ABA, ETH, GA3, MeJA, and SA. Silencing GhMAC3e retarded primary stem growth and reduced biomass of cotton coupled with the reduced auxin content in the petioles and veins. Silencing GhMAC3e up-regulated expression of cell growth-related genes GhXTH16 and Gh3.6, while down-regulated GhSAUR12 expression. Ectopic expression of GhMAC3e in Arabidopsis significantly enhanced its resistance to Verticillium wilt (VW) in terms of decreased pathogen biomass and lowered plant mortality. Overexpression of GhMAC3e dramatically upregulated AtPR1 by around 15 fold and more than 262 fold under basal and VD inoculation condition, respectively. This change was not associated with the expression of GhNPR1. In conclusion, GhMAC3e may not only regulate plant growth by influencing auxin distribution and growth-related gene expression, but also play important roles in VW resistance via mediating SA signaling independent of NPR1 transcription level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial trees have a recurring annual cycle of wood formation in response to environmental fluctuations. However, the precise molecular mechanisms that regulate the seasonal formation of wood remain poorly understood. Our prior study indicates that VCM1 and VCM2 play a vital role in regulating the activity of the vascular cambium by controlling the auxin homoeostasis of the cambium zone in Populus. This study indicates that abscisic acid (ABA) affects the expression of VCM1 and VCM2, which display seasonal fluctuations in relation to photoperiod changes. ABA‐responsive transcription factors AREB4 and AREB13, which are predominantly expressed in stem secondary vascular tissue, bind to VCM1 and VCM2 promoters to induce their expression. Seasonal changes in the photoperiod affect the ABA amount, which is linked to auxin‐regulated cambium activity via the functions of VCM1 and VCM2. Thus, the study reveals that AREB4/AREB13‐VCM1/VCM2‐PIN5b acts as a molecular module connecting ABA and auxin signals to control vascular cambium activity in seasonal wood formation. Summary statement: Perennial trees undergo a recurring annual process of wood formation in response to changes in the environment. This study demonstrates that the AREB4/AREB13‐VCM1/VCM2‐PIN5b module functions by linking abscisic acid and auxin signals to regulate the activity of the vascular cambium for the process of seasonal wood formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: MiR171d and SCL6 are induced by the plant hormone auxin. MiR171d negatively regulates the expression of SCL6, thereby regulating the growth and development of plant adventitious roots. Under natural conditions, it is difficult to induce rooting in the process of propagating Acer rubrum L. via branches, which seriously limits its wide application in landscaping construction. In this study, the expression of Ar-miR171d was downregulated and the expression of ArSCL6 was upregulated after 300 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) treatment. The transient interaction of Ar-miR171d and ArSCL6 in tobacco cells further confirmed their cleavage activity. Transgenic function verification confirmed that OE-Ar-miR171d inhibited adventitious root (AR) development, while OE-ArSCL6 promoted AR development. Tissue-specific expression verification of the ArSCL6 promoter demonstrated that it was specifically expressed in the plant root and leaf organs. Subcellular localization and transcriptional activation assays revealed that both ArSCL6 and ArbHLH089 were located in the nucleus and exhibited transcriptional activation activity. The interaction between the two was verified by bimolecular fluorescence complementarity (BIFC) experiments. These results help elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of the Ar-miR171d-ArSCL6 module during the propagation of A. rubrum and provide a molecular basis for the rooting of branches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yield potential of large-panicle rice is often limited by grain-filling barriers caused by the development of inferior spikelets (IS). Photoassimilates, which are the main source of rice grain filling, mainly enter the caryopsis through the dorsal vascular bundle. The distribution of assimilates between superior spikelets (SS) and IS is influenced by auxin-mediated apical dominance; however, the mechanism involved is still unclear. In this study, the effect of auxin signaling on the grain filling of SS and IS was investigated in two large-panicle japonica rice varieties, W1844 and CJ03. Compared to SS, IS displayed delayed initiation of filling and a significantly lower grain weight. Furthermore, the endosperm development in IS remained stagnant at the coenocytic stage. The development of the dorsal vascular bundle in the IS was also slow, and poor sucrose-unloading was observed during the initial grain filling stage. However, the endosperm development in IS immediately started after the improvement of dorsal vascular bundle development. GUS activity staining further revealed that indole-3-acetic (IAA) was localized in the dorsal vascular bundle and surrounding areas, suggesting that the low IAA content observed in the IS during the initial grain filling stage may have delayed the development of the dorsal vascular bundle. Therefore, these results demonstrate that IAA may control sugar transport and unloading by regulating dorsal vascular bundle development, consequently affecting endosperm development in IS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant height is a critical agronomic trait closely linked to yield, primarily regulated by Gibberellins (GA) and auxins, which interact in complex ways. However, the mechanism underlying their interactions remain incompletely understood. In this study, we identified a tomato mutant exhibiting significantly reduced plant height. Through gene cloning and bulked segregant analysis (BSA) sequencing, we found that the mutant gene corresponds to the tomato auxin response factor gene SlARF5/MP. Here, we show that overexpression of SlARF5/MP significantly enhances plant height. Additionally, treatment with GA3 restored the plant height of the mutant to wild-type (WT) levels, indicating that GA content is a key factor influencing plant height. We also observed significant upregulation of GA-biosynthesis genes, including GA2-oxidases GA20ox3 and GA20ox4, as well as the GA3 biosynthesis gene GA3ox1, in SlARF5-overexpressing plants. Furthermore, we demonstrated that SlARF5 directly binds to SlGA2ox3, which mediates the conversion of GA3 to inactive GA, therebyregulating its expression. Our findings suggest that SlARF5 modulates GA3 metabolism by regulating GA synthesis genes, ultimately leading to alterations in plant height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the ancient role of flavonoids in land plants' adaptability to environmental stresses, highlighting their antioxidant properties and multifunctionality. Flavonoids have evolved to serve as defense mechanisms against stressors, modulate plant growth and development, and potentially emerged in response to biotic pressures and UV protection. They also act as signaling molecules, influencing auxin movement and belowground organ growth in angiosperms, while regulating human cell growth and metabolism through protein activities. The document further discusses flavonoids' interactions with hormone signaling pathways, stress responses, and their contribution to plant adaptation in changing environments, shedding light on their diverse roles in plant biology and specialized metabolism. [Extracted from the article]

SUMMARY C4 species have evolved more than 60 times independently from C3 ancestors. This multiple and parallel evolution of the complex C4 trait suggests common underlying evolutionary mechanisms, which could be identified by comparative analysis of closely related C3 and C4 species. Efficient C4 function depends on a distinctive leaf anatomy that is characterised by enlarged, chloroplast‐rich bundle sheath cells and narrow vein spacing. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms that generate the Kranz anatomy, we analysed a developmental series of leaves from the C4 plant Flaveria bidentis and the closely related C3 species Flaveria robusta by comparing anatomies and transcriptomes. Vascular density measurements of all nine leaf developmental stages identified three leaf anatomical zones whose proportions vary with respect to the developmental stage. We then deconvoluted the transcriptome datasets using non‐negative matrix factorisation, which identified four distinct transcriptome patterns in the growing leaves of both species. By integrating the leaf anatomy and transcriptome data, we were able to correlate the different transcriptional profiles with different developmental zones in the leaves. These comparisons revealed an important role for auxin metabolism, in particular auxin homeostasis (conjugation and deconjugation), in establishing the high vein density typical of C4 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developmental reprogramming allows for flexibility in growth and adaptation to changing environmental conditions. In plants, wounding events can result in new stem cell niches and lateral organs. Adventitious roots develop from aerial parts of the plant and are regulated by multiple stimuli, including wounding. Here, we find that Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings wounded at the hypocotyl-root junction reprogram certain pericycle cells to produce adventitious roots proximal to the wound site. We have determined that competence for this reprogramming is controlled; basal cells close to the wound site can produce adventitious roots, whereas cells distal from the wound site mostly cannot. We found that altering cytokinin response or indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)-to-(indole-3-acetic acid) IAA conversion resulted in an expanded adventitious root competence zone and delineated the connection between these pathways. Our work highlights the importance of endogenous IBA-derived auxin and its interaction with cytokinin in adventitious root formation and the regenerative properties of plants. [Display omitted] • Excision-induced adventitious roots (ARs) form proximal to the wound site • Endogenous IBA-derived auxin promotes AR formation • IBA-derived auxin regulates the zone of AR formation • Cytokinin regulates IBA-derived auxin to control the AR competence zone Damodaran and Strader determine that, in Arabidopsis, adventitious roots created in response to wounding occur proximal to the wound site, suggesting that the wound site sets a zone of competence for cellular reprogramming. Cytokinin and IBA-derived auxin dictate this competence zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The nonphototrophic hypocotyl 3 (NPH3) domain is plant specific and of unknown function. It is nearly always attached to an N‐terminal BTB domain and a largely unstructured C‐terminal region. Recent reports revealed NPH3‐domain GTPase activity and connection to intracellular trafficking, condensate formation, membrane attachment of the C‐terminal region for some NPH3‐domain proteins and, at the physiological level, drought‐related function for at least one NPH3‐domain protein. We integrate these new ideas of NPH3‐domain protein function into two, nonexclusive, working models: the ‘traffic director’ model, whereby NPH3‐domain proteins regulate intracellular trafficking and, the ‘hitchhiker’ model whereby NPH3‐domain proteins ride the trafficking system to find ubiquitination targets. Determining which model best applies to uncharacterized NPH3‐domain proteins will contribute to understanding intracellular trafficking and environmental responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Throughout domestication, crop plants have gone through strong genetic bottlenecks, dramatically reducing the genetic diversity in today's available germplasm. This has also reduced the diversity in traits necessary for breeders to develop improved varieties. Many strategies have been developed to improve both genetic and trait diversity in crops, from backcrossing with wild relatives, to chemical/radiation mutagenesis, to genetic engineering. However, even with recent advances in genetic engineering we still face the rate limiting step of identifying which genes and mutations we should target to generate diversity in specific traits. Methods: Here, we apply a comparative evolutionary approach, pairing phylogenetic and expression analyses to identify potential candidate genes for diversifying soybean (Glycine max) canopy cover development via the nuclear auxin signaling gene families, while minimizing pleiotropic effects in other tissues. In soybean, rapid canopy cover development is correlated with yield and also suppresses weeds in organic cultivation. Results and discussion: We identified genes most specifically expressed during early canopy development from the TIR1/AFB auxin receptor, Aux/IAA auxin coreceptor, and ARF auxin response factor gene families in soybean, using principal component analysis. We defined Arabidopsis thaliana and model legume species orthologs for each soybean gene in these families allowing us to speculate potential soybean phenotypes based on well-characterized mutants in these model species. In future work, we aim to connect genetic and functional diversity in these candidate genes with phenotypic diversity in planta allowing for improvements in soybean rapid canopy cover, yield, and weed suppression. Further development of this and similar algorithms for defining and quantifying tissue- and phenotype-specificity in gene expression may allow expansion of diversity in valuable phenotypes in important crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Plant hormones are chemical signals governing almost every aspect of a plant's life cycle and responses to environmental cues. They are enmeshed within complex signaling networks that can only be deciphered by using broad‐scale analytical methods to capture information about several plant hormone classes simultaneously. Methods used for this purpose are all based on reversed‐phase (RP) liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric detection. Hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) is an alternative chromatographic method that performs well in analyses of biological samples. We therefore developed and validated a HILIC method for broad‐scale plant hormone analysis including a rapid sample preparation procedure; moreover, derivatization or fractionation is not required. The method enables plant hormone screening focused on polar and moderately polar analytes including cytokinins, auxins, jasmonates, abscisic acid and its metabolites, salicylates, indoleamines (melatonin), and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC), for a total of 45 analytes. Importantly, the major pitfalls of ACC analysis have been addressed. Furthermore, HILIC provides orthogonal selectivity to conventional RP methods and displays greater sensitivity, resulting in lower limits of quantification. However, it is less robust, so procedures to increase its reproducibility were established. The method's potential is demonstrated in a case study by employing an approach combining hormonal analysis with phenomics to examine responses of three Arabidopsis ecotypes toward three abiotic stress treatments: salinity, low nutrient availability, and their combination. The case study showcases the value of the simultaneous determination of several plant hormone classes coupled with phenomics data when unraveling processes involving complex cross‐talk under diverse plant‐environment interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Plants delicately regulate endogenous auxin levels through the coordination of transport, biosynthesis, and inactivation, which is crucial for growth and development. While it is well‐established that the actin cytoskeleton can regulate auxin levels by affecting polar transport, its potential role in auxin biosynthesis has remained largely unexplored.Using LC–MS/MS‐based methods combined with fluorescent auxin marker detection, we observed a significant increase in root auxin levels upon deletion of the actin bundling proteins AtFIM4 and AtFIM5. Fluorescent observation, immunoblotting analysis, and biochemical approaches revealed that AtFIM4 and AtFIM5 affect the protein abundance of the key auxin synthesis enzyme YUC8 in roots.AtFIM4 and AtFIM5 regulate the auxin synthesis enzyme YUC8 at the protein level, with its degradation mediated by the 26S proteasome. This regulation modulates auxin synthesis and endogenous auxin levels in roots, consequently impacting root development. Based on these findings, we propose a molecular pathway centered on the 'actin cytoskeleton‐26S proteasome‐YUC8‐auxin' axis that controls auxin levels.Our findings shed light on a new pathway through which plants regulate auxin synthesis. Moreover, this study illuminates a newfound role of the actin cytoskeleton in regulating plant growth and development, particularly through its involvement in maintaining protein homeostasis via the 26S proteasome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HD-Zip proteins are plant-specific transcription factors known for their diverse functions in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stresses. Among the Medicago truncatula HD-Zip II genes, MtHB2 has been previously linked to abiotic stress responses. In this study, we conducted a functional characterization of MtHB2 in the regulation of root growth and development. Upon auxin stimulation, expression of MtHB2 was promptly up-regulated. Overexpression of MtHB2 in Arabidopsis thaliana led to reduced primary root growth and inhibited lateral root formation. Interestingly, the transgenic plants expressing MtHB2 exhibited differential responses to three types of auxins (IAA, NAA, and 2,4-D) in terms of root growth and development compared to the wild-type plants. Specifically, primary root growth was less affected, and lateral root formation was enhanced in the transgenic plants when exposed to auxins. This differential response suggests a potential role for MtHB2 in modulating auxin transport and accumulation, as evidenced by the reduced sensitivity of the transgenic plants to the auxin transport inhibitor NPA and lower expression levels of auxin-related reporters such as PIN-FORMED (PIN1)::PIN1-GFP, PIN3::PIN3-GFP, PIN7::PIN7-GFP, and DR5::GFP compared to wild-type plants. Additionally, microarray analysis of the root tissues revealed downregulation of several auxin-responsive genes in transgenic seedlings compared to wild-type plants. These findings collectively indicate that MtHB2 plays a critical regulatory role in root growth and development by modulating auxin accumulation and response in the roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The growth habit (GH), also named the branching habit, is an important agronomic trait of peanut and mainly determined by the lateral branch angle (LBA). The branching habit is closely related to peanut mechanized farming, pegging, yield, and disease management. Objectives However, the molecular basis underlying peanut LBA needs to be uncovered. Methods In the present study, an erect branching peanut mutant, eg06g, was obtained via 60Co γ-ray-radiating mutagenesis of a spreading-type peanut cultivar, Georgia-06G (G06G). RNA-seq was performed to compare the transcriptome variation of the upper sides and lower sides of the lateral branch of eg06g and G06G. Results In total, 4908 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 5833 DEGs were identified between eg06g and G06G from the lower sides and upper sides of the lateral branch, respectively. GO, KEGG, and clustering enrichment analysis indicated that the carbohydrate metabolic process, cell wall organization or biogenesis, and plant hormone signal transduction were mainly enriched in eg06g. Conclusions Further analysis showed that the genes involved in starch biosynthesis were upregulated in eg06g, which contributed to amyloplast sedimentation and gravity perception. Auxin homeostasis and transport-related genes were found to be upregulated in eg06g, which altered the redistribution of auxin in eg06g and in turn triggered apoplastic acidification and activated cell wall modification-related enzymes, leading to tiller angle establishment through the promotion of cell elongation at the lower side of the lateral branch. In addition, cytokinin and GA also demonstrated synergistic action to finely regulate the formation of peanut lateral branch angles. Collectively, our findings provide new insights into the molecular regulation of peanut LBA and present genetic materials for breeding peanut cultivars with ideotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice grain number is a crucial agronomic trait impacting yield. In this study, we characterized a quantitative trait locus (QTL), GRAIN NUMBER 1.1 (GN1.1), which encodes a Flowering Locus T‐like1 (FT‐L1) protein and acts as a negative regulator of grain number in rice. The elite allele GN1.1B, derived from the Oryza indica variety, BF3‐104, exhibits a 14.6% increase in grain yield compared with the O. japonica variety, Nipponbare, based on plot yield tests. We demonstrated that GN1.1 interacted with and enhanced the stability of ADP‐ribosylation factor (Arf)‐GTPase‐activating protein (Gap), OsZAC. Loss of function of OsZAC results in increased grain number. Based on our data, we propose that GN1.1B facilitates the elevation of auxin content in young rice panicles by affecting polar auxin transport (PAT) through interaction with OsZAC. Our study unveils the pivotal role of the GN1.1 locus in rice panicle development and presents a novel, promising allele for enhancing rice grain yield through genetic improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of endogenous hormones (auxin IAA, cytokinines, ABA) in explants of various types (segments of the leaf, bud, and stem), primary calluses induced from them, and morphogenic and nonmorphogenic calluses at the initial stages of in vitro culture by the immunoassay method was studied for the first time for Lavandula angustifolia Mill. The maximum value of the hormone levels in explants such as segments of a bud was shown. An increase in the content of hormones in primary calluses was revealed in comparison with similar characteristics in all types of explants. The higher level of the active form of cytokinin (trans-zeatin) and ABA, as well as the lower level of the inactive form of cytokinin (zeatin-nucleotide) and auxin IAA, were identified in the morphogenic callus compared with the nonmorphogenic one. It is suggested that the content of endogenous hormones in explants and calluses of L. angustifolia is due to their histological status. A conclusion is made about the unified histophysiological mechanisms of callusogenesis and morphogenesis in vitro in the studied plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regulation of vital plant activities by hormones is governed by a family of macromolecular peptides referred to as GH3 genes. This work analyzed the expression patterns of GH3 family genes in pear tissues using transcriptome data and bioinformatics analysis. In the Bai Li pear genome, a total of 18 PbGH3 genes were identified. Comparative evolutionary studies have shown a strong association between PbGH3 and AtGH3 class I and class II proteins. The role of PbGH3 genes in growth activities and hormone regulation was revealed using gene ontology (GO) and promoter region analysis. In addition, although certain PbGH3 genes exhibited tissue-specific expression in sepals, the majority had a ubiquitous expression across all tissues. Bioinformatics and expression studies suggest that the GH3 gene family in pears may have a role in controlling the abscission of the fruit's sepals. This work sheds light on the pear fruit sepal shedding process and may inspire further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Averrhoa carambola, a key tropical and subtropical economic tree in the Oxalidaceae family, is distinguished by its unique pentagram-shaped fruit. This study investigates the developmental processes shaping the polarity of A. carambola fruit and their underlying hormonal and genetic mechanisms. By analyzing the Y1, Y2, and Y3 developmental stages—defined by the fruit diameters of 3–4 mm, 4–6 mm, and 6–12 mm, respectively—we observed that both cell number and cell size contribute to fruit development. Our findings suggest that the characteristic pentagram shape is established before flowering and is maintained throughout development. A hormonal analysis revealed that indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) show differential distribution between the convex and concave regions of the fruit across the developmental stages, with IAA playing a crucial role in polar auxin transport and shaping fruit morphology. A transcriptomic analysis identified several key genes, including AcaGH3.8, AcaIAA20, AcaYAB2, AcaXTH6, AcaYAB3, and AcaEXP13, which potentially regulate fruit polarity and growth. This study advances our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms governing fruit shape, offering insights for improving fruit quality through targeted breeding strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root-knot nematodes induce the formation of feeding sites within the host roots and the relocation of auxin into galls results in abnormal lateral root growth. Here, we analyzed the changes in cucumber root architecture under Meloidogyne incognita stress and the distribution of auxin in these morphological and molecular root changes. The number of root tips significantly decreased, and regression analysis showed a positive relationship between the size of root galls and the numbers of nematodes in galls compared with the lateral roots on galls, emphasizing the effect of nematode parasitism on root development. Data generated via a promoter-reporter system using the transgenic hairy root system first characterized the auxin distribution during nematode parasitism in cucumber. Using DR5:GUS staining of root galls, we further detected the expression of CsPIN1 and CsAUX1, which regulate polar auxin transport. The results showed that both CsPIN1 and CsAUX1 were induced in galls, and the relative expression of the two genes significantly increased at 21 DAI. The TIBA treatment, which can disrupt polar auxin transport inhibited the numbers of cucumber root tips and total length following increasing concentration gradients. Moreover, the numbers of galls were significantly affected by TIBA treatment, which showed the vital role of auxin during nematode parasitism. Our findings suggest that the transportation of auxin plays an important role during gall formation and induces cucumber lateral root development within nematode feeding sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone deacetylation, one of most important types of post-translational modification, plays multiple indispensable roles in plant growth and development and abiotic stress responses. However, little information about the roles of histone deacetylase in regulating inflorescence architecture, fruit yield, and stress responses is available in tomato. Functional characterization revealed that SlHDT1 participated in the control of inflorescence architecture and fruit yield by regulating auxin signalling, and influenced tolerance to drought and salt stresses by governing abscisic acid (ABA) signalling. More inflorescence branches and higher fruit yield, which were influenced by auxin signalling, were observed in SlHDT1-RNAi transgenic plants. Moreover, tolerance to drought and salt stresses was decreased in SlHDT1-RNAi transgenic lines compared with the wild type (WT). Changes in parameters related to the stress response, including decreases in survival rate, chlorophyll content, relative water content (RWC), proline content, catalase (CAT) activity and ABA content and an increase in malonaldehyde (MDA) content, were observed in SlHDT1-RNAi transgenic lines. In addition, the RNA-seq analysis revealed varying degrees of downregulation for genes such as the stress-related genes SlABCC10 and SlGAME6 and the pathogenesis-related protein P450 gene SlCYP71A1, and upregulation of the pathogenesis-related protein P450 genes SlCYP94B1, SlCYP734A7 and SlCYP94A2 in SlHDT1-RNAi transgenic plants, indicating that SlHDT1 plays an important role in the response to biotic and abiotic stresses by mediating stress-related gene expression. In summary, the data suggest that SlHDT1 plays essential roles in the regulation of inflorescence architecture and fruit yield and in the response to drought and salt stresses.Key message: SlHDT1 controls inflorescence architecture and fruit yield by mediates auxin signalling and involves in the response to drought and salt stress by regulates ABA signalling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit color is a key feature of fruit quality, primarily influenced by anthocyanin or carotenoid accumulation or chlorophyll degradation. Adapting the pigment content is crucial to improve the fruit's nutritional and commercial value. Genetic factors along with other environmental components (i.e., light, temperature, nutrition, etc.) regulate fruit coloration. The fruit coloration process is influenced by plant hormones, which also play a vital role in various physiological and biochemical metabolic processes. Additionally, phytohormones play a role in the regulation of a highly conserved transcription factor complex, called MBW (MYB-bHLH-WD40). The MBW complex, which consists of myeloblastosis (MYB), basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH), and WD40 repeat (WDR) proteins, coordinates the expression of downstream structural genes associated with anthocyanin formation. In fruit production, the application of plant hormones may be important for promoting coloration. However, concerns such as improper concentration or application time must be addressed. This article explores the molecular processes underlying pigment formation and how they are influenced by various plant hormones. The ABA, jasmonate, and brassinosteroid increase anthocyanin and carotenoid formation, but ethylene, auxin, cytokinin, and gibberellin have positive as well as negative effects on anthocyanin formation. This article establishes the necessary groundwork for future studies into the molecular mechanisms of plant hormones regulating fruit color, ultimately aiding in their effective and scientific application towards fruit coloration.Key message: In this article, we have discussed the underlying molecular mechanism of hormonal regulation of fruit color in fruit-bearing plant species. The process of regulating fruit color is influenced by plant hormones which have a significant role in the physiological and biochemical metabolic processes and the control of gene expression and MBW complex activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercellular communication in plants, as in other multicellular organisms, allows cells in tissues to coordinate their responses for development and in response to environmental stimuli. Much of this communication is facilitated by plasmodesmata (PD), consisting of membranes and cytoplasm, that connect adjacent cells to each other. PD have long been viewed as passive conduits for the movement of a variety of metabolites and molecular cargoes, but this perception has been changing over the last two decades or so. Research from the last few years has revealed the importance of PD as signaling hubs and as crucial players in hormone signaling. The adoption of advanced biochemical approaches, molecular tools, and high-resolution imaging modalities has led to several recent breakthroughs in our understanding of the roles of PD, revealing the structural and regulatory complexity of these 'protoplasmic connecting threads'. We highlight several of these findings that we think well illustrate the current understanding of PD as functioning at the nexus of plant physiology, development, and acclimation to the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 'Hass' avocado (Persea americana), fruit presence reduces next season flowering. Recent fruit tree studies proposed that heavy fruit load (HFL) generates an auxin (indole-3-acetic acid, IAA) signal in the buds that represses flowering. However, the nature of this signal remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of avocado HFL on bud IAA accumulation and flowering transition. We found that IAA–aspartate and IAA–glutamate conjugate levels were significantly higher in buds from fully loaded ('on') than low-loaded ('off') trees, hinting that free IAA levels were higher in the former. Expression analysis showed that coinciding with flowering reduction, HFL induced the floral repressor PaTFL1 , and suggested that accumulation of IAA in buds as imposed by HFL was associated with its conjugation to aspartate and glutamate and resulted both from de novo IAA synthesis and from reduced IAA export. Accordingly, experiments involving radiolabelled [14C]IAA demonstrated that HFL reduced shoot basipetal IAA transport. Finally, we confirmed the negative effects of IAA on flowering, showing that IAA and polar auxin transport blocker (2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid) treatments delayed 'off' trees' inflorescence development, reducing their inflorescence axis and inducing PaTFL1 expression. Together, our data indicate that avocado HFL generates IAA signalling in buds that induces PaTFL1 , leading to repression of inflorescence development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raffinose mitigates plant heat, drought, and cold stresses; however, whether raffinose contributes to plant waterlogging tolerance is unknown. The maize raffinose synthase mutant zmrafs-1 had seedlings that lack raffinose, generated fewer and shorter adventitious roots, and were more sensitive to waterlogging stress, while overexpression of the raffinose synthase gene, ZmRAFS , increased raffinose content, stimulated adventitious root formation, and enhanced waterlogging tolerance of maize seedlings. Transcriptome analysis of null segregant seedlings compared with zmrafs-1 , particularly when waterlogged, revealed that the expression of genes related to galactose metabolism and the auxin biosynthetic pathway were up-regulated by raffinose. Additionally, indole-3-acetic acid content was significantly decreased in zmrafs-1 seedlings and increased in ZmRAFS -overexpressing seedlings. Inhibition of the hydrolysis of raffinose by 1-deoxygalactonojirimycin decreased the waterlogging tolerance of maize seedlings, the expression of genes encoding proteins related to auxin transport-related genes, and the indole-3-acetic acid level in the seedlings, indicating that the hydrolysis of raffinose is necessary for maize waterlogging tolerance. These data demonstrate that raffinose catabolism stimulates adventitious root formation via the auxin signaling pathway to enhance maize waterlogging tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The triple response phenotype is characteristic for seedlings treated with the phytohormone ethylene or its direct precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-carboxylic acid, and is often employed to find novel chemical tools to probe ethylene responses. We identified a benzoxazole-urea derivative (B2) partially mimicking ethylene effects in a triple response bioassay. A phenotypic analysis demonstrated that B2 and its closest analogue arinole (ARI) induced phenotypic responses reminiscent of seedlings with elevated levels of auxin, including impaired hook development and inhibition of seedling growth. Specifically, ARI reduced longitudinal cell elongation in roots, while promoting cell division. In contrast to other natural or synthetic auxins, ARI mostly acts as an inducer of adventitious root development, with only limited effects on lateral root development. Quantification of free auxins and auxin biosynthetic precursors as well as auxin-related gene expression demonstrated that ARI boosts global auxin levels. In addition, analyses of auxin reporter lines and mutants, together with pharmacological assays with auxin-related inhibitors, confirmed that ARI effects are facilitated by TRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASE1 (TAA1)-mediated auxin synthesis. ARI treatment in an array of species, including Arabidopsis, pea, tomato, poplar, and lavender, resulted in adventitious root formation, which is a desirable trait in both agriculture and horticulture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediator, a multiprotein complex, is an important component of the transcription machinery. In plants, the latest studies have established that it functions as a signal processor that conveys transcriptional signals from transcription factors to RNA polymerase II. Mediator has been found to be involved in different developmental and stress-adaptation conditions, ranging from embryo, root, and shoot development to flowering and senescence, and also in responses to different biotic and abiotic stresses. In the last decade, significant progress has been made in understanding the role of Mediator subunits in root development. They have been shown to transcriptionally regulate development of almost all the components of the root system architecture—primary root, lateral roots, and root hairs. They also have a role in nutrient acquisition by the root. In this review, we discuss all the known functions of Mediator subunits during root development. We also highlight the role of Mediator as a nodal point for processing different hormone signals that regulate root morphogenesis and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Slow and rapid auxin responses in Arabidopsis" explores the intricate nature of auxin signaling in plants. It explains the well-known TIR1/AFB–Aux/IAA–ARF pathway that regulates transcriptional regulation and developmental processes associated with auxin. However, recent studies have uncovered rapid auxin responses that occur within seconds. The article provides an overview of the signaling components involved in both slow and rapid auxin responses, emphasizing the complexity of auxin signaling in plants. It discusses the roles of different proteins in auxin signaling and their involvement in various plant developmental processes. The article also mentions the potential contributions of cAMP and cGMP as second messengers in auxin signaling. Additionally, it highlights the ABP1-ABL1/2-TMK cell surface receptor complex's role in slow auxin responses and the involvement of RAF-like kinases in rapid auxin-induced protein phosphorylation. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand the integration of slow and rapid auxin responses and the evolution of auxin signaling pathways. [Extracted from the article]

ABSTRACT Changes in root system architecture are vital for plant adaptation to drought stress, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms of this process remain largely elusive. Here, FUSCA3 (FUS3), a B3 domain transcription factor isolated from Populus euphratica, was found to be an important gene of regulating lateral root (LR) development under drought stress. The expression of PeFUS3 was strongly induced by ABA and dehydration treatments. Overexpressing PeFUS3 in poplar 84 K (P. alba × P. glandulosa) positively regulated LR growth and enhanced drought tolerance, while the knockout lines, generated by the CRISPR/Cas9 system, displayed repressed LR growth and weakened drought tolerance. Further investigation demonstrated that PeFUS3 activated the expression of PIN2, PIN6a and AUX1, which were key genes involved in auxin transport, suggesting PeFUS3 modulated LR development under drought stress through auxin signalling. Moreover, PeFUS3 directly upregulated PePYL3 expression, and overexpressing PePYL3 poplar lines exhibited significantly increased drought resistance. In addition, PeABF2, an ABA responsive transcription factor, interacted with PeFUS3 and activated its transcription, indicating PeFUS3 was involved in ABA signalling pathway. Taken together, PeFUS3 is a key regulator, maintaining root growth of poplar by modulating the crosstalk of auxin and ABA signalling under drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of waterlogging on Chinese yam tuber malformation development in directional trough were studied by setting waterlogging treatments. The results showed that the soil in directional trough was close to saturated moisture for a long time and the yam tuber malformation and decay were induced without timely drainage after waterlogging. The longer the waterlogging treatment time, the more serious the tuber malformation and decay. Waterlogging may induce the formation of tuber malformation by significantly increasing the contents of auxin (IAA) and gibberellin (GA3) in the tuber. Waterlogging also significantly reduced the contents of starch, crude protein and saponins in tuber, thus decreased the function and nutritional quality of Chinese yam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The plant hormone auxin plays a crucial role in regulating important functions in strawberry fruit development. Although a few studies have described the complex auxin biosynthetic and signaling pathway in wild diploid strawberry (Fragaria vesca), the molecular mechanisms underlying auxin biosynthesis and crosstalk in octoploid strawberry fruit development are not fully characterized. To address this knowledge gap, comprehensive transcriptomic analyses were conducted at different stages of fruit development and compared between the achene and receptacle to identify developmentally regulated auxin biosynthetic genes and transcription factors during the fruit ripening process. Similar to wild diploid strawberry, octoploid strawberry accumulates high levels of auxin in achene compared to receptacle. Results: Genes involved in auxin biosynthesis and conjugation, such as Tryptophan Aminotransferase of Arabidopsis (TAAs), YUCCA (YUCs), and Gretchen Hagen 3 (GH3s), were found to be primarily expressed in the achene, with low expression in the receptacle. Interestingly, several genes involved in auxin transport and signaling like Pin-Formed (PINs), Auxin/Indole-3-Acetic Acid Proteins (Aux/IAAs), Transport Inhibitor Response 1 / Auxin-Signaling F-Box (TIR/AFBs) and Auxin Response Factor (ARFs) were more abundantly expressed in the receptacle. Moreover, by examining DEGs and their transcriptional profiles across all six developmental stages, we identified key auxin-related genes co-clustered with transcription factors from the NAM-ATAF1,2-CUC2/ WRKYGQK motif (NAC/WYKY), Heat Shock Transcription Factor and Heat Shock Proteins (HSF/HSP), APETALA2/Ethylene Responsive Factor (AP2/ERF) and MYB transcription factor groups. Conclusions: These results elucidate the complex regulatory network of auxin biosynthesis and its intricate crosstalk within the achene and receptacle, enriching our understanding of fruit development in octoploid strawberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Plant root system is significantly influenced by high soil levels of ammonium nitrogen, leading to reduced root elongation and enhanced lateral root branching. In Arabidopsis, these processes have been reported to be mediated by phytohormones and their downstream signaling pathways, while the controlling mechanisms remain elusive in crops. Through a transcriptome analysis of roots subjected to high/low ammonium treatments, we identified a cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase encoding gene, CKX3, whose expression is induced by high ammonium. Knocking out CKX3 and its homologue CKX8 results in shorter seminal roots, fewer lateral roots, and reduced sensitivity to high ammonium. Endogenous cytokinin levels are elevated by high ammonium or in ckx3 mutants. Cytokinin application results in shorter seminal roots and fewer lateral roots in wild‐type, mimicking the root responses of ckx3 mutants to high ammonium. Furthermore, CKX3 is transcriptionally activated by type‐B RR25 and RR26, and ckx3 mutants have reduced auxin content and signaling in roots under low ammonium. This study identified RR25/26‐CKX3‐cytokinin as a signal module that mediates root responses to external ammonium by modulating of auxin signaling in the root meristem and lateral root primordium. This highlights the critical role of cytokinin metabolism in regulating rice root development in response to ammonium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are capable of altering root growth direction to curtail exposure to a saline environment (termed halotropism). The root cap that surrounds root tip meristematic stem cells plays crucial roles in perceiving and responding to environmental stimuli. However, how the root cap mediates root halotropism remains undetermined. Here, we identified a root cap-localized NAC transcription factor, SOMBRERO (SMB), that is required for root halotropism. Its effect on root halotropism is attributable to the establishment of asymmetric auxin distribution in the lateral root cap (LRC) rather than to the alteration of cellular sodium equilibrium or amyloplast statoliths. Furthermore, SMB is essential for basal expression of the auxin influx carrier gene AUX1 in LRC and for auxin redistribution in a spatiotemporally-regulated manner, thereby leading to directional bending of roots away from higher salinity. Our findings uncover an SMB-AUX1-auxin module linking the role of the root cap to the activation of root halotropism. This study reports that the SOMBRERO, a root cap-localized transcription factor, determines root halotropic response to salt stress via spatiotemporally modulating AUX1-depdenent auxin redistribution in the root tip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Extracellular auxin maxima and minima are important to control plant developmental programs. Auxin gradients are provided by the concerted action of proteins from the three major plasma membrane (PM) auxin transporter classes AUX1/LAX, PIN and ATP‐BINDING CASSETTE subfamily B (ABCB) transporters. But neither genetic nor biochemical nor modeling approaches have been able to reliably assign the individual roles and interplay of these transporter types. Based on the thermodynamic properties of the transporters, we show here by mathematical modeling and computational simulations that the concerted action of different auxin transporter types allows the adjustment of specific transmembrane auxin gradients. The dynamic flexibility of the ‘auxin homeostat’ comes at the cost of an energy‐consuming ‘auxin cycling’ across the membrane. An unexpected finding was that potential functional ABCB‐PIN synchronization appears to allow an optimization of the trade‐off between the speed of PM auxin gradient adjustment on the one hand and ATP consumption and disturbance of general anion homeostasis on the other. In conclusion, our analyses provide fundamental insights into the thermodynamic constraints and flexibility of transmembrane auxin transport in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litchi exhibits a large number of flowers, many flowering batches, and an inconsistent ratio of male and female flowers, frequently leading to a low fruit-setting rate. Floral sexual differentiation is a crucial phase in perennial trees to ensure optimal fruit production. However, the mechanism behind floral differentiation remains unclear. The objective of the study was to identify the role of auxin in floral differentiation at the transcriptional level. The results showed that the ratio of female flowers treated with naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) was significantly lower than that of the control stage (M0/F0). The levels of endogenous auxin and auxin metabolites were measured in male and female flowers at different stages of development. It was found that the levels of IAA, IAA-Glu, IAA-Asp, and IAA-Ala were significantly higher in male flowers compared to female flowers. Next-generation sequencing and modeling were employed to perform an in-depth transcriptome analysis on all flower buds in litchi 'Feizixiao' cultivars (Litchi chinensis Sonn.). Plant hormones were found to exert a significant impact on the litchi flowering process and flower proliferation. Specifically, a majority of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the auxin pathway were noticeably increased during male flower bud differentiation. The current findings will enhance our comprehension of the process and control mechanism of litchi floral sexual differentiation. It also offers a theoretical foundation for implementing strategies to regulate flowering and enhance fruit production in litchi cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polar auxin transport (PAT) is a known component controlling leaf complexity and venation patterns in some model plant species. Evidence indicates that PAT generates auxin converge points (CPs) that in turn lead to local leaf formation and internally into major vein formation. However, the role of PAT in more diverse leaf arrangements and vein patterns is largely unknown. We used the pharmacological inhibition of PAT in developing pinnate tomato, trifoliate clover, palmate lupin, and bipinnate carrot leaves and observed dosage-dependent reduction to simple leaves in these eudicots. Leaf venation patterns changed from craspedodromous (clover, carrot), semi-craspedodromous (tomato), and brochidodromous (lupin) to more parallel patterning with PAT inhibition. The visualization of auxin responses in transgenic tomato plants showed that discrete and separate CPs in control plants were replaced by diffuse convergence areas near the margin. These effects indicate that PAT plays a universal role in the formation of different leaf and vein patterns in eudicot species via a mechanism that depends on the generation as well as the separation of auxin CPs. Computer simulations indicate that variations in PAT can alter the number of CPs, corresponding leaf lobe formation, and the position of major leaf veins along the leaf margin in support of experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallic acid is an important secondary metabolite in plants, with great value in medicine, food, and chemical industry. However, whether and how this widely existing natural polyphenolic compound affects the growth and development of plants themselves remains elusive. In this study, we revealed that exogenous application of gallic acid has a dual effect on the elongation of primary root in Arabidopsis. While lower concentrations of gallic acid slightly stimulate primary root growth, excessive gallic acid profoundly reduces primary root length and root meristem size in a dose-dependent manner, probably via suppressing cell division in root meristem as indicated by CYCB1;1::GUS. Moreover, as suggested by the DR5::GFP line analysis and confirmed by the LC-MS assay, auxin contents in root tips were dramatically decreased upon excessive gallic acid treatment. Additional application of IAA partially rescued the shortened primary root and root meristem upon excessive gallic acid treatment, suggesting that auxin is required for excessive gallic acid-caused root growth inhibition. Then, we further revealed that excessive gallic acid down-regulated the expression of auxin transporters PIN1, PIN2, PIN3, and PIN7, and triple mutant pin1 pin3 pin7 exhibited a reduced sensitivity to gallic acid treatment. Meanwhile, excessive gallic acid decreased the degradation of AXR3/IAA17 protein as revealed by HS:: AXR3NT-GUS reporter line. Auxin signaling mutant tir1 afb2 afb3 and axr3-3 were also less sensitive to excessive gallic acid treatment in terms of primary root length and root meristem size. Taken together, these findings suggested that excessive gallic acid inhibits primary root growth by modulating auxin transport and signaling in Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant hormones, pivotal regulators of plant growth, development, and response to environmental cues, have recently emerged as central modulators of epigenetic processes governing gene expression and phenotypic plasticity. This review addresses the complex interplay between plant hormones and epigenetic mechanisms, highlighting the diverse methodologies that have been harnessed to decipher these intricate relationships. We present a comprehensive overview to understand how phytohormones orchestrate epigenetic modifications, shaping plant adaptation and survival strategies. Conversely, we explore how epigenetic regulators ensure hormonal balance and regulate the signalling pathways of key plant hormones. Furthermore, our investigation includes a search for novel genes that are regulated by plant hormones under the control of epigenetic processes. Our review offers a contemporary overview of the epigenetic–plant hormone crosstalk, emphasizing its significance in plant growth, development, and potential agronomical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Hydathodes are small organs found on the leaf margins of vascular plants which release excess xylem sap through a process called guttation. While previous studies have hinted at additional functions of hydathode in metabolite transport or auxin metabolism, experimental support is limited. We conducted comprehensive transcriptomic, metabolomic and physiological analyses of mature Arabidopsis hydathodes. This study identified 1460 genes differentially expressed in hydathodes compared to leaf blades, indicating higher expression of most genes associated with auxin metabolism, metabolite transport, stress response, DNA, RNA or microRNA processes, plant cell wall dynamics and wax metabolism. Notably, we observed differential expression of genes encoding auxin‐related transcriptional regulators, biosynthetic processes, transport and vacuolar storage supported by the measured accumulation of free and conjugated auxin in hydathodes. We also showed that 78% of the total content of 52 xylem metabolites was removed from guttation fluid at hydathodes. We demonstrate that NRT2.1 and PHT1;4 transporters capture nitrate and inorganic phosphate in guttation fluid, respectively, thus limiting the loss of nutrients during this process. Our transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses unveil an organ with its specific physiological and biological identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crucial role of TIR1‐receptor‐mediated gene transcription regulation in auxin signaling has long been established. In recent years, the significant role of protein phosphorylation modifications in auxin signal transduction has gradually emerged. To further elucidate the significant role of protein phosphorylation modifications in auxin signaling, a phosphoproteomic analysis in conjunction with auxin treatment has identified an auxin activated Mitogen‐activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase (MAPKKK) VH1‐INTERACTING Kinase (VIK), which plays an important role in auxin‐induced lateral root (LR) development. In the vik mutant, auxin‐induced LR development is significantly attenuated. Further investigations show that VIK interacts separately with the positive regulator of LR development, LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES‐DOMAIN18 (LBD18), and the negative regulator of LR emergence, Ethylene Responsive Factor 13 (ERF13). VIK directly phosphorylates and stabilizes the positive transcription factor LBD18 in LR formation. In the meantime, VIK directly phosphorylates the negative regulator ERF13 at Ser168 and Ser172 sites, causing its degradation and releasing the repression by ERF13 on LR emergence. In summary, VIK‐mediated auxin signaling regulates LR development by enhancing the protein stability of LBD18 and inducing the degradation of ERF13, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address salinity stress in plants in an eco-friendly manner, this study investigated the potential effects of salinity-resistant bacteria isolated from saline agricultural soils on the growth of cucumber (Cucumis sativus, cv. Royal) seedlings. A greenhouse factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors, salinity at four levels and five bacterial treatments, with three replications (n = 3). Initially, fifty bacterial isolates were screened for their salinity and drought tolerance, phosphate solubilization activity, along with production of auxin, siderophore and hydrogen cyanide. Isolates K4, K14, K15, and C8 exhibited the highest resistance to salinity and drought stresses in vitro. Isolates C8 and K15 demonstrated the highest auxin production capacity, generating 2.95 and 2.87 µg mL− 1, respectively, and also exhibited significant siderophore production capacities (by 14% and 11%). Additionally, isolates C8 and K14 displayed greater phosphate solubilization activities, by 184.64 and 122.11 µg mL− 1, respectively. The statistical analysis revealed that the selected four potent isolates significantly enhanced all growth parameters of cucumber plants grown under salinity stress conditions for six weeks. Plant height increased by 41%, fresh and dry weights by 35% and 7%, respectively, and the leaf area index by 85%. The most effective isolate, C8, was identified as Bacillus subtilis based on the 16 S rDNA amplicon sequencing. This study demonstrated that inoculating cucumber seedlings with halotolerant bacterial isolates, such as C8 (Bacillus subtilis), possessing substantial plant growth-promoting properties significantly alleviated salinity stress by enhancing plant growth parameters. These findings suggest a promising eco-friendly strategy for improving crop productivity in saline agricultural environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combinatorial interactions between different regulators diversify and enrich the chance of transcriptional regulation in eukaryotic cells. However, a dose-dependent functional switch of homologous transcriptional repressors has rarely been reported. Here, we show that SHY2, an auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAA) repressor, exhibits a dose-dependent bimodal role in auxin-sensitive root-hair growth and gene transcription in Arabidopsis , whereas other Aux/IAA homologs consistently repress the auxin responses. The co-repressor (TOPLESS [TPL])-binding affinity of a bimodal Aux/IAA was lower than that of a consistently repressing Aux/IAA. The switch of a single amino acid residue in the TPL-binding motif between the bimodal form and the consistently repressing form switched their TPL-binding affinity and transcriptional and biological roles in auxin responses. Based on these data, we propose a model whereby competition between homologous repressors with different co-repressor-binding affinities could generate a bimodal output at the transcriptional and developmental levels. Aux/IAA proteins, repressors in the auxin signaling pathway, exhibit varying affinities for the co-repressor TPL based on the EAR-motif syntax. Aux/IAAs with weaker TPL affinities function as dose-dependent bimodal switches, modulating their transcriptional and biological activities accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light and gravity coordinately regulate the directional growth of plants. Arabidopsis Gravitropic in the Light 1 (GIL1) inhibits the negative gravitropism of hypocotyls in red and far‐red light, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Our study found that GIL1 is a plasma membrane‐localized protein. In endodermal cells of the upper part of hypocotyls, GIL1 controls the negative gravitropism of hypocotyls. GIL1 directly interacts with PIN3 and inhibits the auxin transport activity of PIN3. Mutation of PIN3 suppresses the abnormal gravitropic response of gil1 mutant. The GIL1 protein is unstable in darkness but it is stabilized by red and far‐red light. Together, our data suggest that light‐stabilized GIL1 inhibits the negative gravitropism of hypocotyls by suppressing the activity of the auxin transporter PIN3, thereby enhancing the emergence of young seedlings from the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tiller angle is a key agricultural trait that establishes plant architecture, which in turn strongly affects grain yield by influencing planting density in rice. The shoot gravity response plays a crucial role in the regulation of tiller angle in rice, but the underlying molecular mechanism is largely unknown. Here, we report the identification of the BIG TILLER ANGLE2 (BTA2), which regulates tiller angle by controlling the shoot gravity response in rice. Loss‐of‐function mutation of BTA2 dramatically reduced auxin content and affected auxin distribution in rice shoot base, leading to impaired gravitropism and therefore a big tiller angle. BTA2 interacted with AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR7 (ARF7) to modulate rice tiller angle through the gravity signaling pathway. The BTA2 protein was highly conserved during evolution. Sequence variation in the BTA2 promoter of indica cultivars harboring a less expressed BTA2 allele caused lower BTA2 expression in shoot base and thus wide tiller angle during rice domestication. Overexpression of BTA2 significantly increased grain yield in the elite rice cultivar Huanghuazhan under appropriate dense planting conditions. Our findings thus uncovered the BTA2‐ARF7 module that regulates tiller angle by mediating the shoot gravity response. Our work offers a target for genetic manipulation of plant architecture and valuable information for crop improvement by producing the ideal plant type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton (Gossypium) fiber length, a key trait determining fiber yield and quality, is highly regulated by a class of recently identified phytohormones, strigolactones (SLs). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of SL signaling involved in fiber cell development are largely unknown. Here, we show that the SL signaling repressors MORE AXILLARY GROWTH2-LIKE7 (GhSMXL7) and GhSMXL8 negatively regulate cotton fiber elongation. Specifically, GhSMXL7 and GhSMXL8 inhibit the polyubiquitination and degradation of the gibberellin (GA)-triggered DELLA protein (GhSLR1). Biochemical analysis revealed that GhSMXL7 and GhSMXL8 physically interact with GhSLR1, which interferes with the association of GhSLR1 with the E3 ligase GA INSENSITIVE2 (GhGID2), leading to the repression of GA signal transduction. GhSMXL7 also interacts with the transcription factor GhHOX3, preventing its binding to the promoters of essential fiber elongation regulatory genes. Moreover, both GhSMXL7 and GhSMXL8 directly bind to the promoter regions of the AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF) genes GhARF18-10A, GhARF18-10D, and GhARF19-7D to suppress their expression. Cotton plants in which GhARF18-10A, GhARF18-10D, and GhARF19-7D transcript levels had been reduced by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) displayed reduced fiber length compared with control plants. Collectively, our findings reveal a mechanism illustrating how SL integrates GA and auxin signaling to coordinately regulate plant cell elongation at the single-cell level. The strigolactone pathway repressors SMXL7 and SMXL8 negatively regulate cotton fiber elongation through phytohormone crosstalk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The signaling molecule auxin sits at the nexus of plant biology where it coordinates essentially all growth and developmental processes. Auxin molecules are transported throughout plant tissues and are capable of evoking highly specific physiological responses by inducing various molecular pathways. In many of these pathways, proteolysis plays a crucial role for correct physiological responses. This review provides a chronology of the discovery and characterization of the auxin receptor, which is a fascinating example of separate research trajectories ultimately converging on the discovery of a core auxin signaling hub that relies on degradation of a family of transcriptional inhibitor proteins—the Aux/IAAs. Beyond describing the "classical" proteolysis-driven auxin response system, we explore more recent examples of the interconnection of proteolytic systems, which target a range of other auxin signaling proteins, and auxin response. By highlighting these emerging concepts, we provide potential future directions to further investigate the role of protein degradation within the framework of auxin response. The authors review the deeply intertwined roles of proteolytic regulation in auxin response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lateral roots (LRs) increase root surface area and allow plants greater access to soil water and nutrients. LR formation is tightly regulated by the phytohormone auxin. Whereas the transcription factor ETHYLENE-RESPONSIVE ELEMENT BINDING FACTOR13 (ERF13) prevents LR emergence in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), auxin activates MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE14 (MPK14), which leads to ERF13 degradation and ultimately promotes LR emergence. In this study, we discovered interactions between ERF13 and the E3 ubiquitin ligases MOS4-ASSOCIATED COMPLEX 3A (MAC3A) and MAC3B. As MAC3A and MAC3B gradually accumulate in the LR primordium, ERF13 levels gradually decrease. We demonstrate that MAC3A and MAC3B ubiquitinate ERF13, leading to its degradation and accelerating the transition of LR primordia from stages IV to V. Auxin enhances the MAC3A and MAC3B interaction with ERF13 by facilitating MPK14-mediated ERF13 phosphorylation. In summary, this study reveals the molecular mechanism by which auxin eliminates the inhibitory factor ERF13 through the MPK14-MAC3A and MAC3B signaling module, thus promoting LR emergence. Auxin removes the barrier protein ERF13 through the MPK14-MAC3A and MAC3B signaling module, thus promoting lateral root emergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micropropagation of explants in vitro has potency to address propagule demands for promoting large-scale vanilla production. Plant growth regulators (i.e., cytokinin, auxin) are necessary for the plant micropropagation success. Objective of this study is to determine the shoot multiplication and root development of Vanilla planifolia under the influence of different concentrations and combinations of BA and IBA for micropropagation. Sixty stem nodal segments of Vanilla planifolia were cultured on MS medium supplemented with IBA (0, 0.5, or 2.0 mg/L) and combined with BA (0, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mg/L). Shoot multiplication and root induction were measured after 60 days of culture. The results show that the MS medium with 1 mg/L IBA hindered shoot growth, while the medium containing 1 mg/L BA yielded the highest number or weight of shoots per explant. For the root development, supplementing the medium with 0.5 mg/L or 1 mg/L IBA improved root length or number of roots per explant, respectively. This research establishes a valuable approach for vanilla micropropagation by utilising low concentrations of plant growth regulators and a rapid protocol. This paves the way for significant advancements in large-scale commercial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root parasitic plants in the Orobanchaceae, such as Striga and Orobanche , cause significant damage to crop production. The germination step of these root parasitic plants is induced by host-root-derived strigolactones. After germination, the radicles elongate toward the host and invade the host root. We have previously discovered that a simple amino acid, tryptophan (Trp), as well as its metabolite, the plant hormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), can inhibit radicle elongation of Orobanche minor. These results suggest that auxin plays a crucial role in the radicle elongation step in root parasitic plants. In this report, we used various auxin chemical probes to dissect the auxin function in the radicle growth of O. minor and Striga hermonthica. We found that synthetic auxins inhibited radicle elongation. In addition, auxin receptor antagonist, auxinole, rescued the inhibition of radicle growth by exogenous IAA. Moreover, a polar transport inhibitor of auxin, N -1-naphthylphthalamic acid, affected radicle bending. We also proved that exogenously applied Trp is converted into IAA in O. minor seeds, and auxinole partly rescued this radicle elongation. Taken together, our data demonstrate a pivotal role for auxin in radicle growth. Thus, manipulation of auxin function in root parasitic plants should offer a useful approach to combat these parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minicutting has been used for several woody species, presenting greater efficiency than propagation by conventional cutting due to its high yield of propagative material and higher percentage of rooting in minicuttings. This work was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of minicutting techniques for the 'Bluegem' blueberry and find the best concentration of IBA for rooting the minicuttings. The minigarden was installed in pots using micropropagated plants. Four collections of minicuttings were carried out between 27 October 2020 and 12 April 2021, and received the following treatments: 0; 2000; 4000; 6000; and 8000 mg L−1 of IBA. The minicutting was carried out in a mist chamber and evaluated after 60 days. The yield of minicuttings increased from the first to the third collection, decreasing in the fourth collection when the plants began to enter dormancy. The rooting of the minicuttings was influenced by the collection time and the application of IBA. Increasing IBA concentration increased the percentage of rooted minicuttings and root dry mass to concentrations close to 5000 mg L−1 on almost all collection dates. High concentrations of IBA reduced the percentage of sprouted minicuttings and leaf retention and increased mortality. It is recommended for the 'Bluegem' blueberry minicutting to apply 5000 mg L−1 of IBA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]