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Current Opinion in Plant Biology Apr 2022Enrichment of foodstuffs with health-promoting metabolites such as carotenoids is a powerful tool to fight against unhealthy eating habits. Dietary carotenoids are... (Review)
Review
Enrichment of foodstuffs with health-promoting metabolites such as carotenoids is a powerful tool to fight against unhealthy eating habits. Dietary carotenoids are vitamin A precursors and reduce risk of several chronical diseases. Additionally, carotenoids and their cleavage products (apocarotenoids) are used as natural pigments and flavors by the agrofood industry. In the last few years, major advances have been made in our understanding of how plants make and store carotenoids in their natural compartments, the plastids. In part, this knowledge has been acquired by using transient expression systems, notably agroinfiltration and viral vectors. These techniques allow profound changes in the carotenoid profile of plant tissues at the desired developmental stage, hence preventing interference with normal plant growth and development. Here we review how transient expression approaches have contributed to learn about the structure and regulation of plant carotenoid biosynthesis and to rewire carotenoid metabolism and storage for efficient biofortification of plant tissues.
Topics: Biofortification; Carotenoids; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Lipid Metabolism; Plants; Plastids
PubMed: 35183926
DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2022.102190 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2021B-box proteins represent diverse zinc finger transcription factors and regulators forming large families in various plants. A unique domain structure defines... (Review)
Review
B-box proteins represent diverse zinc finger transcription factors and regulators forming large families in various plants. A unique domain structure defines them-besides the highly conserved B-box domains, some B-box (BBX) proteins also possess CCT domain and VP motif. Based on the presence of these specific domains, they are mostly classified into five structural groups. The particular members widely differ in structure and fulfill distinct functions in regulating plant growth and development, including seedling photomorphogenesis, the anthocyanins biosynthesis, photoperiodic regulation of flowering, and hormonal pathways. Several BBX proteins are additionally involved in biotic and abiotic stress response. Overexpression of some genes stimulates various stress-related genes and enhanced tolerance to different stresses. Moreover, there is evidence of interplay between B-box and the circadian clock mechanism. This review highlights the role of BBX proteins as a part of a broad regulatory network in crop plants, considering their participation in development, physiology, defense, and environmental constraints. A description is also provided of how various BBX regulators involved in stress tolerance were applied in genetic engineering to obtain stress tolerance in transgenic crops.
Topics: Arabidopsis; Arabidopsis Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Multigene Family; Plant Development; Plants, Genetically Modified; Seedlings; Stress, Physiological; Zinc Fingers
PubMed: 33809370
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062906 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2020Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), herbivore-associated molecular patterns (HAMPs), and damage-associated... (Review)
Review
Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), herbivore-associated molecular patterns (HAMPs), and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are molecules produced by microorganisms and insects in the event of infection, microbial priming, and insect predation. These molecules are then recognized by receptor molecules on or within the plant, which activates the defense signaling pathways, resulting in plant's ability to overcome pathogenic invasion, induce systemic resistance, and protect against insect predation and damage. These small molecular motifs are conserved in all organisms. Fungi, bacteria, and insects have their own specific molecular patterns that induce defenses in plants. Most of the molecular patterns are either present as part of the pathogen's structure or exudates (in bacteria and fungi), or insect saliva and honeydew. Since biotic stresses such as pathogens and insects can impair crop yield and production, understanding the interaction between these organisms and the host via the elicitor-receptor interaction is essential to equip us with the knowledge necessary to design durable resistance in plants. In addition, it is also important to look into the role played by beneficial microbes and synthetic elicitors in activating plants' defense and protection against disease and predation. This review addresses receptors, elicitors, and the receptor-elicitor interactions where these components in fungi, bacteria, and insects will be elaborated, giving special emphasis to the molecules, responses, and mechanisms at play, variations between organisms where applicable, and applications and prospects.
Topics: Alarmins; Animals; Disease Resistance; Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern Molecules; Plant Immunity; Plant Proteins; Plants; Receptors, Pattern Recognition
PubMed: 32024003
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030963 -
Current Opinion in Plant Biology Jun 2022Plants share their natural environment with numerous microorganisms, commensal as well as harmful. Plant fitness and performance are thus dependent on an efficient... (Review)
Review
Plants share their natural environment with numerous microorganisms, commensal as well as harmful. Plant fitness and performance are thus dependent on an efficient communication with such microbiota. The primary means of communication are metabolites exuded from roots, primarily diverse secondary metabolites. The exuded metabolites trigger changes in composition and function of plant associated microbiome. In the last few years, many metabolites were uncovered that are part of this communication network and modulate specific functions of the root microbiota. Here, we describe the progress in identification of such metabolites and their functions and outline the most significant knowledge gaps for future research.
Topics: Microbiota; Plant Roots; Plants; Rhizosphere; Soil Microbiology
PubMed: 35525222
DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2022.102227 -
Chemical Reviews Feb 2022Life in our planet is highly dependent on plants as they are the primary source of food, regulators of the atmosphere, and providers of a variety of materials. In this... (Review)
Review
Life in our planet is highly dependent on plants as they are the primary source of food, regulators of the atmosphere, and providers of a variety of materials. In this work, we review the progress on bioelectronic devices for plants and biohybrid systems based on plants, therefore discussing advancements that view plants either from a biological or a technological perspective, respectively. We give an overview on wearable and implantable bioelectronic devices for monitoring and modulating plant physiology that can be used as tools in basic plant science or find application in agriculture. Furthermore, we discuss plant-wearable devices for monitoring a plant's microenvironment that will enable optimization of growth conditions. The review then covers plant biohybrid systems where plants are an integral part of devices or are converted to devices upon functionalization with smart materials, including self-organized electronics, plant nanobionics, and energy applications. The review focuses on advancements based on organic electronic and carbon-based materials and discusses opportunities, challenges, as well as future steps.
Topics: Carbon; Electronics; Plants; Wearable Electronic Devices
PubMed: 34928592
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00525 -
Trends in Plant Science Mar 2021Nematodes form an important part of soil biodiversity as the most abundant and functionally diverse animals affecting plant performance. Most studies on plant-nematode... (Review)
Review
Nematodes form an important part of soil biodiversity as the most abundant and functionally diverse animals affecting plant performance. Most studies on plant-nematode interactions are focused on agriculture, while plant-nematode interactions in nature are less known. Here we highlight that nematodes can contribute to vegetation dynamics through direct negative effects on plants, and indirect positive effects through top-down predation on plant-associated organisms. Global change alters these interactions, of which better understanding is rapidly needed to better predict functional consequences. By expanding the knowledge of plant-nematode interactions in natural systems, an increase in basic understanding of key ecological topics such as plant-soil interactions and plant invasion dynamics will be obtained, while also increasing the insights and potential biotic repertoire to be applicable in sustainable plant management.
Topics: Agriculture; Animals; Biodiversity; Nematoda; Plants; Soil
PubMed: 33214031
DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2020.10.006 -
EMBO Reports Sep 2023Plants interact with a diversity of microorganisms that influence their growth and resilience, and they can therefore be considered as ecological entities, namely "plant... (Review)
Review
Plants interact with a diversity of microorganisms that influence their growth and resilience, and they can therefore be considered as ecological entities, namely "plant holobionts," rather than as singular organisms. In a plant holobiont, the assembly of above- and belowground microbiota is ruled by host, microbial, and environmental factors. Upon microorganism perception, plants activate immune signaling resulting in the secretion of factors that modulate microbiota composition. Additionally, metabolic interdependencies and antagonism between microbes are driving forces for community assemblies. We argue that complex plant-microbe and intermicrobial interactions have been selected for during evolution and may promote the survival and fitness of plants and their associated microorganisms as holobionts. As part of this process, plants evolved metabolite-mediated strategies to selectively recruit beneficial microorganisms in their microbiota. Some of these microbiota members show host-adaptation, from which mutualism may rapidly arise. In the holobiont, microbiota members also co-evolved antagonistic activities that restrict proliferation of microbes with high pathogenic potential and can therefore prevent disease development. Co-evolution within holobionts thus ultimately drives plant performance.
Topics: Plants; Microbiota; Symbiosis
PubMed: 37471099
DOI: 10.15252/embr.202357455 -
Journal of Experimental Botany May 2022Acyl-CoA-binding proteins (ACBPs) constitute a well-conserved family of proteins in eukaryotes that are important in stress responses and development. Past studies have... (Review)
Review
Acyl-CoA-binding proteins (ACBPs) constitute a well-conserved family of proteins in eukaryotes that are important in stress responses and development. Past studies have shown that ACBPs are involved in maintaining, transporting and protecting acyl-CoA esters during lipid biosynthesis in plants, mammals, and yeast. ACBPs show differential expression and various binding affinities for acyl-CoA esters. Hence, ACBPs can play a crucial part in maintaining lipid homeostasis. This review summarizes the functions of ACBPs during the stages of reproduction in plants and other organisms. A comprehensive understanding on the roles of ACBPs during plant reproduction may lead to opportunities in crop improvement in agriculture.
Topics: Acyl Coenzyme A; Animals; Arabidopsis; Diazepam Binding Inhibitor; Esters; Lipids; Mammals; Plant Proteins; Plants; Reproduction
PubMed: 35560189
DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab499 -
Plant, Cell & Environment Oct 2019The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a rapid regulatory mechanism for selective protein degradation in plants and plays crucial roles in growth and development.... (Review)
Review
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a rapid regulatory mechanism for selective protein degradation in plants and plays crucial roles in growth and development. There is increasing evidence that the UPS is also an integral part of plant adaptation to environmental stress, such as drought, salinity, cold, nutrient deprivation and pathogens. This review focuses on recent studies illustrating the important functions of the UPS components E2s, E3s and subunits of the proteasome and describes the regulation of proteasome activity during plant responses to environment stimuli. The future research hotspots and the potential for utilization of the UPS to improve plant tolerance to stress are discussed.
Topics: Cold Temperature; Droughts; Environment; Plant Development; Plant Physiological Phenomena; Plants; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex; Salt Stress; Stress, Physiological; Ubiquitin; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 31364170
DOI: 10.1111/pce.13633 -
Plant Biology (Stuttgart, Germany) Jan 2022A plant's associated biota plays an integral role in its metabolism, nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, pathogen resistance and other physiological processes. Although a... (Review)
Review
A plant's associated biota plays an integral role in its metabolism, nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, pathogen resistance and other physiological processes. Although a virome is an integral part of the phytobiome, a major contradiction exists between the holobiont approach and the practical need to eradicate pathogens from agricultural crops. In this review, we discuss grapevine virus control, but the issue is also relevant for numerous other crops, including potato, cassava, citrus, cacao and other species. Grapevine diseases, especially viral infections, cause main crop losses. Methods have been developed to eliminate viruses and other microorganisms from plant material, but elimination of viruses from plant material does not guarantee protection from future reinfection. Elimination of viral particles in plant material could create genetic drift, leading in turn to an increase in the occurrence of pathogenic strains of viruses. A possible solution may be a combination of virus elimination and plant propagation in tissue culture with in vitro vaccination. In this context, possible strategies to control viral infections include application of plant resistance inducers, cross protection and vaccination using siRNA, dsRNA and viral replicons during plant 'cleaning' and in vitro propagation. The experience and knowledge accumulated in human immunization can help plant scientists to develop and employ new methods of protection, leading to more sustainable and healthier crop production.
Topics: Biotechnology; Crops, Agricultural; Plant Diseases; Plant Viruses; Vaccination
PubMed: 34569131
DOI: 10.1111/plb.13338