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Applied and Environmental Microbiology Aug 2018The late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) family is composed of a diverse collection of multidomain and multifunctional proteins found in all three domains of the tree of... (Review)
Review
The late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) family is composed of a diverse collection of multidomain and multifunctional proteins found in all three domains of the tree of life, but they are particularly common in plants. Most members of the family are known to play an important role in abiotic stress response and stress tolerance in plants but are also part of the plant hypersensitive response to pathogen infection. The mechanistic basis for LEA protein functionality is still poorly understood. The group of LEA 2 proteins harbor one or more copies of a unique domain, the ater stress and persensitive response (WHy) domain. This domain sequence has recently been identified as a unique open reading frame (ORF) in some bacterial genomes (mostly in the phylum ), and the recombinant bacterial WHy protein has been shown to exhibit a stress tolerance phenotype in and an protein denaturation protective function. Multidomain phylogenetic analyses suggest that the WHy protein gene sequence may have ancestral origins in the domain , with subsequent acquisition in and eukaryotes via endosymbiont or horizontal gene transfer mechanisms. Here, we review the structure, function, and nomenclature of LEA proteins, with a focus on the WHy domain as an integral component of the LEA constructs and as an independent protein.
Topics: Bacteria; Bacterial Proteins; Evolution, Molecular; Phylogeny; Plant Proteins; Plants; Protein Domains
PubMed: 29802195
DOI: 10.1128/AEM.00539-18 -
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton,... 2021Taxonomy is the science that explores, describes, names, and classifies all organisms. In this introductory chapter, we highlight the major historical steps in the... (Review)
Review
Taxonomy is the science that explores, describes, names, and classifies all organisms. In this introductory chapter, we highlight the major historical steps in the elaboration of this science, which provides baseline data for all fields of biology and plays a vital role for society but is also an independent, complex, and sound hypothesis-driven scientific discipline.In a first part, we underline that plant taxonomy is one of the earliest scientific disciplines that emerged thousands of years ago, even before the important contributions of the Greeks and Romans (e.g., Theophrastus, Pliny the Elder, and Dioscorides). In the fifteenth-sixteenth centuries, plant taxonomy benefited from the Great Navigations, the invention of the printing press, the creation of botanic gardens, and the use of the drying technique to preserve plant specimens. In parallel with the growing body of morpho-anatomical data, subsequent major steps in the history of plant taxonomy include the emergence of the concept of natural classification , the adoption of the binomial naming system (with the major role of Linnaeus) and other universal rules for the naming of plants, the formulation of the principle of subordination of characters, and the advent of the evolutionary thought. More recently, the cladistic theory (initiated by Hennig) and the rapid advances in DNA technologies allowed to infer phylogenies and to propose true natural, genealogy-based classifications.In a second part, we put the emphasis on the challenges that plant taxonomy faces nowadays. The still very incomplete taxonomic knowledge of the worldwide flora (the so-called taxonomic impediment) is seriously hampering conservation efforts that are especially crucial as biodiversity has entered its sixth extinction crisis. It appears mainly due to insufficient funding, lack of taxonomic expertise, and lack of communication and coordination. We then review recent initiatives to overcome these limitations and to anticipate how taxonomy should and could evolve. In particular, the use of molecular data has been era-splitting for taxonomy and may allow an accelerated pace of species discovery. We examine both strengths and limitations of such techniques in comparison to morphology-based investigations, we give broad recommendations on the use of molecular tools for plant taxonomy, and we highlight the need for an integrative taxonomy based on evidence from multiple sources.
Topics: Biodiversity; Biological Evolution; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic; Phenotype; Plants
PubMed: 33301085
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0997-2_1 -
Environmental Microbiology Reports Aug 2019Since the discovery of the role of microbes in the phytobiome, microbial communities (microbiota) have been identified and characterized based on host species,... (Review)
Review
Since the discovery of the role of microbes in the phytobiome, microbial communities (microbiota) have been identified and characterized based on host species, development, distribution, and condition. The microbiota in the plant rhizosphere is believed to have been established prior to seed germination and innate immune development. However, the microbiota in seeds has received little attention. Although our knowledge of the distribution of microbiota in plant seeds and rhizosphere is currently limited, the impact of these microbiota is likely to be greater than expected. This minireview suggests a new function of microbial inheritance from the seed to root and from the first generation of plants to the next. Surprisingly, recruitment and accumulation of microbiota by biotic and abiotic stresses affect plant immunity in the next generation through plant-soil feedback and soil memory. To illustrate this process, we propose a new term called 'microbiota-induced soil inheritance (MISI).' A comprehensive understanding of MISI will provide novel insights into plant-microbe interactions and plant immunity inheritance.
Topics: Host Microbial Interactions; Microbiota; Plant Immunity; Plant Roots; Plants; Rhizosphere; Seeds; Soil Microbiology; Stress, Physiological
PubMed: 31054200
DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12760 -
Trends in Plant Science Dec 2019Crop diseases, in conjunction with climate change, are a major threat to global crop production. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark and is involved in plants'... (Review)
Review
Crop diseases, in conjunction with climate change, are a major threat to global crop production. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark and is involved in plants' biological processes, including development, stress adaptation, and genome evolution. By providing a new source of variation, DNA methylation introduces novel direction to both scientists and breeders with its potential in disease resistance enhancement. Here, we discuss the impact of pathogen-induced DNA methylation modifications on a host's transcriptome reprogramming and genome stability, as part of the plant's defense mechanisms. We also highlight the knowledge gaps that need to be investigated for understanding the entire role of DNA methylation in plant pathogen interactions. This will ultimately assist breeders toward improving resistance and decreasing yield losses.
Topics: DNA Methylation; Disease Resistance; Epigenesis, Genetic; Epigenomics; Humans; Plants
PubMed: 31604599
DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2019.08.007 -
Plant Science : An International... Oct 2023As one of the largest transcription factor families with complex functional differentiation in plants, the MYB transcription factors (MYB TFs) play important roles in... (Review)
Review
As one of the largest transcription factor families with complex functional differentiation in plants, the MYB transcription factors (MYB TFs) play important roles in the physiological and biochemical processes of plant growth and development. Male reproductive development, an essential part of sexual reproduction in flowering plants, is undoubtedly regulated by MYB TFs. In this review, we summarize the roles of the MYB TFs involved in the three stages of male reproductive development: pollen grains formation and maturation, filament elongation and anther dehiscence, and fertilization. Also, the potential downstream target genes and upstream regulators of these MYB TFs are discussed. Furthermore, we propose the underlying regulatory mechanisms of these MYB TFs: (1) A complex network of MYB TFs regulates various aspects of male reproductive development; (2) MYB homologous genes in different species may be functionally conserved or differentiated; (3) MYB TFs often form regulatory complexes with bHLH TFs.
Topics: Transcription Factors; Magnoliopsida; Plant Proteins; Plants; Genes, myb; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
PubMed: 37574139
DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111811 -
BioMed Research International 2015Bioactive peptides are part of an innate response elicited by most living forms. In plants, they are produced ubiquitously in roots, seeds, flowers, stems, and leaves,... (Review)
Review
Bioactive peptides are part of an innate response elicited by most living forms. In plants, they are produced ubiquitously in roots, seeds, flowers, stems, and leaves, highlighting their physiological importance. While most of the bioactive peptides produced in plants possess microbicide properties, there is evidence that they are also involved in cellular signaling. Structurally, there is an overall similarity when comparing them with those derived from animal or insect sources. The biological action of bioactive peptides initiates with the binding to the target membrane followed in most cases by membrane permeabilization and rupture. Here we present an overview of what is currently known about bioactive peptides from plants, focusing on their antimicrobial activity and their role in the plant signaling network and offering perspectives on their potential application.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Hydrolysis; Peptides; Plants; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 25815307
DOI: 10.1155/2015/102129 -
Archives of Microbiology Oct 2022Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are an integral part of modern agriculture and are often associated with numerous environmental problems. Biological agents such as... (Review)
Review
Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are an integral part of modern agriculture and are often associated with numerous environmental problems. Biological agents such as microorganisms can largely replace chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The proper use of selected microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses have several benefits for agriculture. These include a healthy soil microbiota, biological production of important compounds that promote plant health, and to be used as biocontrol agents (BCAs) that provide protection from plant pathogenic microorganisms. Scientists have found that several bacterial genera including Bacillus and Pseudomonas have antimicrobial activity against numerous pathogenic bacterial and fungal plant pathogens. Trichoderma, Aspergillus, and Penicillium are among the most common fungal genera used as BCAs against both bacterial and fungal plant pathogens. Several bacteriophages and mycoviruses are also found effective as BCAs against selective plant pathogens. Fusarium oxysporum is a commonly found microbial plant pathogen causing wilts and rots in plants. Overall, it can be concluded that the use of microbial BCAs is an effective practice against microbial plant pathogens.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Bacteria; Biological Factors; Fertilizers; Pesticides; Plant Diseases; Plants; Soil
PubMed: 36214917
DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-03279-w -
Annual Review of Plant Biology Apr 2017Priming is an adaptive strategy that improves the defensive capacity of plants. This phenomenon is marked by an enhanced activation of induced defense mechanisms.... (Review)
Review
Priming is an adaptive strategy that improves the defensive capacity of plants. This phenomenon is marked by an enhanced activation of induced defense mechanisms. Stimuli from pathogens, beneficial microbes, or arthropods, as well as chemicals and abiotic cues, can trigger the establishment of priming by acting as warning signals. Upon stimulus perception, changes may occur in the plant at the physiological, transcriptional, metabolic, and epigenetic levels. This phase is called the priming phase. Upon subsequent challenge, the plant effectively mounts a faster and/or stronger defense response that defines the postchallenge primed state and results in increased resistance and/or stress tolerance. Priming can be durable and maintained throughout the plant's life cycle and can even be transmitted to subsequent generations, therefore representing a type of plant immunological memory.
Topics: Epigenesis, Genetic; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Plant Physiological Phenomena; Plants; Signal Transduction; Stress, Physiological
PubMed: 28226238
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-042916-041132 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2015Since air pollution has been linked to a plethora of human health problems, strategies to improve air quality are indispensable. Despite the complexity in composition of... (Review)
Review
Since air pollution has been linked to a plethora of human health problems, strategies to improve air quality are indispensable. Despite the complexity in composition of air pollution, phytoremediation was shown to be effective in cleaning air. Plants are known to scavenge significant amounts of air pollutants on their aboveground plant parts. Leaf fall and runoff lead to transfer of (part of) the adsorbed pollutants to the soil and rhizosphere below. After uptake in the roots and leaves, plants can metabolize, sequestrate and/or excrete air pollutants. In addition, plant-associated microorganisms play an important role by degrading, detoxifying or sequestrating the pollutants and by promoting plant growth. In this review, an overview of the available knowledge about the role and potential of plant-microbe interactions to improve indoor and outdoor air quality is provided. Most importantly, common air pollutants (particulate matter, volatile organic compounds and inorganic air pollutants) and their toxicity are described. For each of these pollutant types, a concise overview of the specific contributions of the plant and its microbiome is presented. To conclude, the state of the art and its related future challenges are presented.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Biodegradation, Environmental; Microbiota; Plant Physiological Phenomena; Plants; Rhizosphere
PubMed: 26516837
DOI: 10.3390/ijms161025576 -
Current Opinion in Plant Biology Aug 2015Nitrogen-fixing symbioses between plants and bacteria are restricted to a few plant lineages. The plant partner benefits from these associations by gaining access to the... (Review)
Review
Nitrogen-fixing symbioses between plants and bacteria are restricted to a few plant lineages. The plant partner benefits from these associations by gaining access to the pool of atmospheric nitrogen. By contrast, other plant species, including all cereals, rely only on the scarce nitrogen present in the soil and what they can glean from associative bacteria. Global cereal yields from conventional agriculture are dependent on the application of massive levels of chemical fertilisers. Engineering nitrogen-fixing symbioses into cereal crops could in part mitigate the economic and ecological impacts caused by the overuse of fertilisers and provide better global parity in crop yields. Comparative phylogenetics and phylogenomics are powerful tools to identify genetic and genomic innovations behind key plant traits. In this review we highlight recent discoveries made using such approaches and we discuss how these approaches could be used to help direct the engineering of nitrogen-fixing symbioses into cereals.
Topics: Biological Evolution; Crops, Agricultural; Nitrogen Fixation
PubMed: 26123396
DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2015.06.003