Featured
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Article
| Open Access
A genomic toolkit for winged bean Psophocarpus tetragonolobus
Winged bean is a tropical legume that can produce similar level of seed protein to soybean. Here, the authors report the genome assembly, population genetics, QTL mapping of the plant architecture, protein content and phytonutrients for this species.
- Wai Kuan Ho
- , Alberto Stefano Tanzi
- & Sean Mayes
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Article
| Open Access
Synthetic microbe-to-plant communication channels
The soil microbiome communicates with plant roots using a chemical language. Here, using p-coumaroyl-homoserine lactone as the synthetic communication signal, the authors demonstrate programmable microbe-to-plant communication from the sender in the soil bacteria to a receiver in the plant.
- Alice Boo
- , Tyler Toth
- & Christopher A. Voigt
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Review Article
| Open Access
Choreographing root architecture and rhizosphere interactions through synthetic biology
Engineering the form and function of root systems and their associated microbiota could provide a means to mitigate adverse climate-driven effects. Here, the authors review the recent developments in plant and rhizobacterial synthetic biology and highlight engineering targets for applications in root systems and rhizosphere.
- Carin J. Ragland
- , Kevin Y. Shih
- & José R. Dinneny
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Article
| Open Access
The synthetic NLR RGA5HMA5 requires multiple interfaces within and outside the integrated domain for effector recognition
An engineered sensor NLR RGA5HMA5 carrying multiple resurfaced interfaces was generated to confer complete resistance to the rice blast fungus strains expressing the non-corresponding effector AVR-PikD, paving a way to broaden the resistance spectra of NLRs.
- Xin Zhang
- , Yang Liu
- & You-Liang Peng
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Editorial
| Open AccessFeeding the future global population
Climate change is exacerbating challenges both for global food production and from its environmental impacts. Sustainable and socially responsible solutions for future world-wide food security are urgently needed.
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Article
| Open Access
Polyethyleneimine-coated MXene quantum dots improve cotton tolerance to Verticillium dahliae by maintaining ROS homeostasis
Verticillum wilt is an important cotton disease caused by fungal pathogen Verticillium dahiae. Here, the authors assemble the genomes of defoliating and non-defoliating isolates of the pathogen, identify virulence gene SP3, and develop a disease control strategy using polyethyleneimine-coated MXene quantum dots.
- Ping Qiu
- , Jiayue Li
- & Longfu Zhu
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Article
| Open Access
Pan-genome analysis of 13 Malus accessions reveals structural and sequence variations associated with fruit traits
A pan-genome can reduce bias in genetic diversity analysis inherent in using a single reference genome. Here, the authors assemble genomes of 10 diverse apple accessions, conduct pan-genome analysis together with three existing genomes, and reveal the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase homolog MMK2 in fruit coloration.
- Ting Wang
- , Shiyao Duan
- & Ting Wu
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Article
| Open Access
Single amino acid change alters specificity of the multi-allelic wheat stem rust resistance locus SR9
Among all wheat rust resistance genes, SR9 has the largest number of alleles. Here, the authors use gene cloning, complementation and comparative genetics to resolve the relationship among Sr9 alleles, confirm their allelic identities, and show that a single amino acid change leads to resistance to Ug99.
- Jianping Zhang
- , Jayaveeramuthu Nirmala
- & Evans Lagudah
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Article
| Open Access
Coordinated regulation of the entry and exit steps of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis supports the dual lignin pathway in grasses
The study by El-Azaz et al. uncovers how grasses fine-tune tyrosine and phenylalanine production to support their unique dual entry pathway to lignin and phenylpropanoids. The findings help improve sustainable production of aromatic chemicals in crops.
- Jorge El-Azaz
- , Bethany Moore
- & Hiroshi A. Maeda
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Article
| Open Access
Deciphering triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis by leveraging transcriptome response to methyl jasmonate elicitation in Saponaria vaccaria
Methyl jasmonate triggers saponin production in Saponaria vaccaria. Using transcriptome data and heterologous expression, the authors identify P450s and glycosyltransferases that modify triterpenoids. They also discover the pathway for UDP-D-fucose biosynthesis.
- Xiaoyue Chen
- , Graham A. Hudson
- & Henrik V. Scheller
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Article
| Open Access
Discovery of isoflavone phytoalexins in wheat reveals an alternative route to isoflavonoid biosynthesis
Isoflavones are mostly found in the legumes, and little is known about their formation outside of this family. Here, the authors discover an isoflavone synthase gene in wheat, found in a pathogen-induced gene cluster encoding isoflavone biosynthesis.
- Guy Polturak
- , Rajesh Chandra Misra
- & Anne Osbourn
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Article
| Open Access
Hidden prevalence of deletion-inversion bi-alleles in CRISPR-mediated deletions of tandemly arrayed genes in plants
The multiplex CRISPR system is the tool of choice for creating targeted tandemly arrayed genes (TAGs) deletions in plants. Here, the authors show that up to 80% of CRISPR-mediated TAG knockout alleles in Arabidopsis and rice are deletion-inversion bi-alleles, an unwanted products of targeted TAG deletions.
- Jiuer Liu
- , Feng-Zhu Wang
- & Jian-Feng Li
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Article
| Open Access
A natural mutation in the promoter of Ms-cd1 causes dominant male sterility in Brassica oleracea
A dominant genic male sterility (DGMS) mutant of Brassica oleracea was identified in 1970s and has been widely used for hybrid cabbage breeding, but its genetic basis is unclear. Here, the authors reveal that a 1-bp deletion in the promoter of the gene encoding a PHD-finger motif transcription factor is responsible for DGMS.
- Fengqing Han
- , Kaiwen Yuan
- & Honghao Lv
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Article
| Open Access
Efficient plant genome engineering using a probiotic sourced CRISPR-Cas9 system
In the field of plant genome engineering, new nucleases with improved editing efficiency and alterative PAM requirements are needed. Here, the authors report a probiotic sourced CRISPR-LrCas9 system with similar PAM requirement to Cas12a and show its high efficiencies in various genome editing applications.
- Zhaohui Zhong
- , Guanqing Liu
- & Yong Zhang
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Article
| Open Access
Understanding the mechanism of red light-induced melatonin biosynthesis facilitates the engineering of melatonin-enriched tomatoes
Melatonin is a physiological regulator in many organisms including plants. Here, the authors demonstrate a molecular mechanism of red light-induced melatonin biosynthesis in tomato fruit which could guide the engineering of melatonin-enriched tomatoes.
- Zixin Zhang
- , Xin Zhang
- & Yang Zhang
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Article
| Open Access
Adoption of climate-resilient groundnut varieties increases agricultural production, consumption, and smallholder commercialization in West Africa
The adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties has the potential to build farmers’ climate resilience. Here, the authors show that adoption of climate-resilient groundnut varieties in West Africa benefits all households, with the biggest gains accruing to small-scale farmers.
- Martin Paul Jr Tabe-Ojong
- , Jourdain C. Lokossou
- & Hippolyte D. Affognon
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Article
| Open Access
Characterization of two O-methyltransferases involved in the biosynthesis of O-methylated catechins in tea plant
Tea contains catechins such as (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which have antioxidant activity and potential health benefits. Here the authors characterise two enzymes that produce O-methylated EGCG, a modified form found in some tea cultivars that has improved bioavailability.
- Ji-Qiang Jin
- , Fu-Rong Qu
- & Liang Chen
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Article
| Open Access
A BAHD-type acyltransferase concludes the biosynthetic pathway of non-bitter glycoalkaloids in ripe tomato fruit
During tomato fruit ripening, bitter and toxic steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) are converted to nonbitter and less toxic forms, but proposed acylating enzyme in pathway remain unknown. Here, authors report BAHD-type acyltransferase that catalyze acylation step in biosynthesis of non-bitter SGAs in tomato.
- Prashant D. Sonawane
- , Sachin A. Gharat
- & Asaph Aharoni
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Article
| Open Access
Manipulating microRNA miR408 enhances both biomass yield and saccharification efficiency in poplar
Modifying plant lignin pathway to enhance saccharification efficiency is often associated with growth penalty. Here, the authors show that overexpression of Pag-miR408 in poplar leads to enhanced saccharification efficiency and growth in both laboratory and field conditions, and laccase genes are the targets of Pag-miR408.
- Yayu Guo
- , Shufang Wang
- & Jinxing Lin
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Article
| Open Access
Structural journey of an insecticidal protein against western corn rootworm
The insecticidal protein Mpf2Ba1 shows potent control against corn rootworm. Here, the authors present detailed structural analyses revealing transitions between its three main stages of pore formation. These findings uncover molecular mechanisms of bacterial pore assembly and advance both crop biotechnology and food security.
- Guendalina Marini
- , Brad Poland
- & Helen R. Saibil
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Article
| Open Access
A cytochrome P450 CYP87A4 imparts sterol side-chain cleavage in digoxin biosynthesis
Digoxin is a heart medicine extracted from plants, but how plants synthesize it is largely unknown. Here Carroll et al. identify a novel enzyme for digoxin biosynthesis, paving the way to produce digoxin and other structurally similar drugs in microbes.
- Emily Carroll
- , Baradwaj Ravi Gopal
- & Zhen Q. Wang
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Article
| Open Access
Generation of the transgene-free canker-resistant Citrus sinensis using Cas12a/crRNA ribonucleoprotein in the T0 generation
Development of canker-resistant citrus cultivars via traditional approaches is a lengthy and laborious process. Here, the authors report the generation of regulatory approval, transgene-free, canker-resistant sweet orange lines using Cas12a/crRNA ribonucleoprotein-based susceptibility gene editing strategy.
- Hang Su
- , Yuanchun Wang
- & Nian Wang
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Article
| Open Access
Regioselective stilbene O-methylations in Saccharinae grasses
O-methylated stilbenes are promising nutraceutical candidates. Here, the authors reveal that sorghum and wild sugarcane accumulate different types of O-methylated stilbenes due to major differences in catalytic regioselectivities of O-methyltransferases.
- Andy C. W. Lui
- , Kah Chee Pow
- & Clive Lo
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Article
| Open Access
Identification and improvement of isothiocyanate-based inhibitors on stomatal opening to act as drought tolerance-conferring agrochemicals
The authors describe a brassicales-specific metabolite BITC as a stomatal opening inhibitor that suppresses PM H+-ATPase phosphorylation. They develop BITC derivatives with higher inhibitory activity that act as drought tolerance–conferring agrochemicals.
- Yusuke Aihara
- , Bumpei Maeda
- & Toshinori Kinoshita
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Article
| Open Access
Chemical imaging reveals diverse functions of tricarboxylic acid metabolites in root growth and development
Chemical imaging of maize roots reveals differential patterns of TCA cycle metabolites along the axis of development. Root growth is affected in distinct ways by exogenous treatments and tissue-specific genetic manipulation of TCA metabolites.
- Tao Zhang
- , Sarah E. Noll
- & Alexandra J. Dickinson
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Article
| Open Access
Engineering α-carboxysomes into plant chloroplasts to support autotrophic photosynthesis
Engineering carboxysomes into crop chloroplasts is a potential route to improve photosynthesis and crop yield. Here, the authors engineer functional CO2-fixing modules into tobacco chloroplasts to improve their photosynthesis and productivity.
- Taiyu Chen
- , Marta Hojka
- & Lu-Ning Liu
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Article
| Open Access
An integrase toolbox to record gene-expression during plant development
Synthetic circuits that can record in vivo signaling networks is critical in elucidating developmental process. Here, the authors describe the engineering and application of synthetic in vivo recorders with different promoters that can drive spatiotemporally-specific integrase switching during lateral root initiation.
- Sarah Guiziou
- , Cassandra J. Maranas
- & Jennifer L. Nemhauser
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Article
| Open Access
Efficient in planta production of amidated antimicrobial peptides that are active against drug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are next-generation antibiotics that can be used to combat drugresistant pathogens. Here, the authors report efficient production of bioactive amidated AMPs by transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana line expressing the mammalian enzyme peptidylglycine α-amidating mono-oxygenase.
- Shahid Chaudhary
- , Zahir Ali
- & Magdy Mahfouz
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Article
| Open Access
Tiller Number1 encodes an ankyrin repeat protein that controls tillering in bread wheat
Tiller number is an important agronomic trait of wheat. Here, the authors clone a positive regulator of wheat tiller number and show that the encoded ankyrin repeat protein can promote tiller bud outgrowth through inhibiting ABA biosynthesis and signaling.
- Chunhao Dong
- , Lichao Zhang
- & Xu Liu
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Article
| Open Access
Complementary peptides represent a credible alternative to agrochemicals by activating translation of targeted proteins
Feeding an increasing world population in the context of climate change is one of the grand challenges faced by our generation. Here, the authors show that external application of synthetic complementary peptides can increase the abundance of target proteins to modulate plant growth or stress resistance.
- Mélanie Ormancey
- , Bruno Guillotin
- & Jean-Philippe Combier
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Article
| Open Access
High-frequency synthetic apomixis in hybrid rice
Previously, a proof-of-concept for low frequency synthetic apomixis was established in a laboratory strain of rice by combining MiMe mutations with the egg cell expression of the embryogenic trigger - BBM1. Here, the authors achieve clonal seed formation in hybrid rice with almost full penetrance and higher fertility.
- Aurore Vernet
- , Donaldo Meynard
- & Emmanuel Guiderdoni
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Article
| Open Access
N6-methyladenosine RNA modification promotes viral genomic RNA stability and infection
Wheat production is threatened by wheat yellow mosaic virus (WYMV). Here, via genome-wide association study, the authors report that a putative methyltransferase B positively regulates WYMV infection through enhancing viral genomic RNA stability by N6-methyladenosine RNA modification.
- Tianye Zhang
- , Chaonan Shi
- & Jian Yang
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Article
| Open Access
Natural variation of Dt2 determines branching in soybean
Shoot branching is critical in determining soybean yield. Here, the authors report natural variation of Dt2 in controlling soybean branching number and the interaction of Dt2 with GmAgl22 and GmSoc1a to activate transcription of GmAp1a and GmAp1d.
- Qianjin Liang
- , Liyu Chen
- & Zhixi Tian
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Article
| Open Access
Polerovirus N-terminal readthrough domain structures reveal molecular strategies for mitigating virus transmission by aphids
The authors present structures of plant polerovirus NRTD proteins that protrude from the viral capsid and show that the purified NRTD can inhibit insect transmission and act as a bioinsecticide, providing a blueprint for control of related viruses.
- Carl J. Schiltz
- , Jennifer R. Wilson
- & Joshua S. Chappie
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Article
| Open Access
Expression strategies for the efficient synthesis of antimicrobial peptides in plastids
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising next-generation antibiotics, but are difficult to produce due to the toxicity to bacterial hosts. Here, the authors report the utilization of transplastomic tobacco plants for AMPs production without cytotoxic effects via inducible expression systems and fusions to cleavable carrier protein.
- Matthijs P. Hoelscher
- , Joachim Forner
- & Ralph Bock
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Article
| Open Access
A fungal tolerance trait and selective inhibitors proffer HMG-CoA reductase as a herbicide mode-of-action
Managing herbicide resistance problem needs the identification of new herbicidal modes of action. Here, the authors solve the crystal structures of Arabidopsis HMGR and show HMGR as a potential new herbicide target by identifying plant-specific HMGR inhibitors and engineering tolerant trait in Arabidopsis.
- Joel Haywood
- , Karen J. Breese
- & Joshua S. Mylne
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Article
| Open Access
Nucleotide mismatches prevent intrinsic self-silencing of hpRNA transgenes to enhance RNAi stability in plants
Long hairpin RNA (hpRNA) transgenes are the most widely used RNAi technology in plants, but are potentially subject to self-induced transcriptional silencing. Here, the authors show nucleotide mismatches prevent intrinsic self-silencing of hpRNA transgenes in Arabidopsis and tobacco.
- Daai Zhang
- , Chengcheng Zhong
- & Ming-Bo Wang
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Article
| Open Access
Mutations in DNA polymerase δ subunit 1 co-segregate with CMD2-type resistance to Cassava Mosaic Geminiviruses
Cassava mosaic disease is caused by geminiviruses and suppresses cassava yields throughout the tropics. Here, the authors show that mutations in MePOLD1, encoding DNA polymerase δ subunit 1, co-segregate with CMD2, the major source of genetic resistance for this disease.
- Yi-Wen Lim
- , Ben N. Mansfeld
- & Rebecca S. Bart
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Article
| Open Access
Metabolomics-guided discovery of cytochrome P450s involved in pseudotropine-dependent biosynthesis of modified tropane alkaloids
Cytochrome P450s drive the structural diversity of plant alkaloids, many of which have biotechnological uses. Here the authors use reverse genetics and metabolomics to identify two Atropa belladonna cytochrome P450s that synthesize pseudotropine-derived alkaloids.
- Radin Sadre
- , Thilani M. Anthony
- & Cornelius S. Barry
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Article
| Open Access
Polymer-coated carbon nanotube hybrids with functional peptides for gene delivery into plant mitochondria
The delivery of genetic material into plants is challenging due to the cell wall barrier. Here, the authors hybridize polymer-coated carbon nanotubes with functional peptides to deliver plasmid DNA cargo into intact plant mitochondria for transient expression and homologous recombination at high efficiency.
- Simon Sau Yin Law
- , Geoffrey Liou
- & Keiji Numata
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Article
| Open Access
Agrobacterium expressing a type III secretion system delivers Pseudomonas effectors into plant cells to enhance transformation
Agrobacterium infection can cause defense responses in many plants, which leads to transformation recalcitrance. Here, the authors express type III secretion system in Agrobacterium to deliver effector proteins into plant cells to suppress host defense responses and thus enhance transformation in some plant species.
- Vidhyavathi Raman
- , Clemencia M. Rojas
- & Kirankumar S. Mysore
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Article
| Open Access
Aegilops sharonensis genome-assisted identification of stem rust resistance gene Sr62
Aegilops sharonensis is a wild diploid relative of wheat. Here, the authors assemble the genome of Ae. sharonensis and use the assembly as an aid to clone the Ae. sharonensis-derived stem rust resistance gene Sr62 in the allohexaploid genome of wheat.
- Guotai Yu
- , Oadi Matny
- & Brande B. H. Wulff
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Article
| Open Access
New recognition specificity in a plant immune receptor by molecular engineering of its integrated domain
Plant NLR proteins trigger immune responses upon recognition of pathogen effectors. Here the authors show that the integrated decoy domain of the rice NLR RGA5 can be engineered to trigger immune responses upon binding a non-cognate effector.
- Stella Cesari
- , Yuxuan Xi
- & Thomas Kroj
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Article
| Open Access
Using CRISPR-Kill for organ specific cell elimination by cleavage of tandem repeats
How double strand breaks (DSBs) are repaired within the plant 45S rDNA repeats is unclear. Here, the authors show that Cas9-mediated DSBs in 45S rDNA are mainly repaired by cNHEJ and describe CRISPR-Kill as a tool for organ-specific cell elimination by targeting functional repetitive DNA in Arabidopsis.
- Angelina Schindele
- , Fabienne Gehrke
- & Holger Puchta
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Comment
| Open Access
Breeding future crops to feed the world through de novo domestication
By the end of this century, a 50% increase in agricultural productivity is required to feed the world. Recent studies have demonstrated de novo domestication of wild plants as a new crop breeding strategy to meet future food challenges.
- Hong Yu
- & Jiayang Li
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Article
| Open Access
Identification of a diarylpentanoid-producing polyketide synthase revealing an unusual biosynthetic pathway of 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones in agarwood
2-(2-Phenylethyl)chromones (PECs) contribute to the distinctive fragrance of agarwood. Here the authors identify a diarylpentanoid-producing polyketide synthase from Aquilaria sinensis and show how it catalyzes PEC formation.
- Xiao-Hui Wang
- , Bo-Wen Gao
- & She-Po Shi
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Article
| Open Access
Interaction of two MADS-box genes leads to growth phenotype divergence of all-flesh type of tomatoes
The all-flesh type of tomato fruits is caused by mutation of the MBP3 gene, however, knocking down MBP3 in certain genotypes also affect plant and fruit development. Here, the authors show that a natural mutation of AGL11, a close homolog of MBP3, is responsible for the phenotypic divergence.
- Baowen Huang
- , Guojian Hu
- & Mondher Bouzayen
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Article
| Open Access
Mechanistic and genetic basis of single-strand templated repair at Cas12a-induced DNA breaks in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides are often used as templates for DNA repair during genome editing. Here the authors show that, unlike in animals, single-strand templated DNA repair in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii relies on the alternative end-joining enzyme polymerase θ.
- Aron Ferenczi
- , Yen Peng Chew
- & Attila Molnar
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Comment
| Open Access
Homecoming: rewinding the reductive evolution of the chloroplast genome for increasing crop yields
Developing more productive and sustainable crops will be essential to achieving food security in coming decades. A core process in plant evolution has been the transfer of chloroplast-encoded genes to the nuclear genome. We propose reverting this process as a new approach to improve plant disease resistance and photosynthesis in future crops.
- Briardo Llorente
- , María Eugenia Segretin
- & Nicolás E. Blanco
Identification of triacylglycerol remodeling mechanism to synthesize unusual fatty acid containing oils