Enhanced Stress Tolerance Research Articles

Genome-wide identification of chitinase gene family in Hordeum vulgare: insights into stress response mechanisms and evolutionary dynamics

BackgroundChitinase, a key enzyme family within the pathogenesis-related (PR) protein, plays a crucial role in plant defense by degrading chitin, a major component of fungal cell walls. The HvCHT genes in barley are involved in responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, although their full range of functions is not yet fully understood.ResultsIn this study, we identified 24 potential HvCHT genes through a genome-wide analysis. The comparative synteny analysis showed conserved relationships between HvCHT genes and their homologs in Sorghum bicolor, Oryza sativa, and Arabidopsis thaliana. Chromosomal mapping, gene structure, characterization, protein motif analysis, and miRNA regulation were performed to gain insight into the genetic structures of these genes. Segmental duplication events observed in the HvCHT family suggest an important role in the evolutionary development of these genes. Additionally, cis-regulatory element analysis revealed the presence of light-responsive elements, and regulators for Abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid, and gibberellins, indicating potential involvement in stress responses. Transcriptomic data showed differential expression of HvCHT genes in response to salt stress, with distinct patterns observed in leaf and root tissues. Furthermore, the genes defensive responses to drought stress and Fusarium infection were characterized across multiple time points. Notably, qRT-PCR analysis confirmed the upregulation of HvCHT1, HvCHT4, and HvCHT17, highlighting their potential involvement in stress-related pathways.ConclusionThese findings provide a comprehensive overview of the HvCHT genes role in barley defense mechanisms, underlining their regulatory functions in biotic and abiotic stressors. The results lay the groundwork for future functional studies on HvCHT genes, with the potential to enhance stress tolerance in crops.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

The Superoxide Dismutase Family in Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus): Phylogenetic Relationships, Structural Characteristics, and Expression Patterns

Superoxide dismutases (SODs) are essential antioxidant enzymes that protect plant cells from oxidative stress, thereby preserving cellular integrity. This study presents a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the SOD gene family in Platycodon grandiflorus, identifying seven genes classified into three distinct groups based on phylogenetic relationships. Detailed bioinformatics analyses revealed variations in structural characteristics and physicochemical properties. PlgSODs were predicted to localize primarily to the chloroplast and mitochondria. Tissue-specific expression patterns indicate that PlgSOD genes play important roles in plant growth and development. Furthermore, promoter analysis identified several potential transcription factors (TFs), including members of the B3, Dof, and MYB-related families, which are known for their involvement in stress responses. These TFs are likely to regulate multiple PlgSOD genes, suggesting a coordinated transcriptional regulation mechanism under specific physiological or stress conditions. Taken together, these findings provide valuable insights into the functional roles of SODs in P. grandiflorus and lay the groundwork for future genetic and biotechnological strategies aimed at enhancing stress tolerance in this species.

Effect of high concentration of KCl treatment on tomato seedling for overgrowth suppression and drought stress tolerance enhancement in plant factory with artificial lighting

Effect of high concentration of KCl treatment on tomato seedling for overgrowth suppression and drought stress tolerance enhancement in plant factory with artificial lighting

Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Prediction of LRR-RLK Family Genes in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica) in Response to Stress

Leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLKs) are involved in the regulation of various biological processes, including plant growth, development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica), an important cereal crop, has been extensively studied for its stress tolerance mechanisms. In this study, we performed a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis and chromosomal mapping of LRR-RLK genes in Setaria italica. A total of 285 SiLRR-RLK genes were identified and classified into 12 subfamilies based on phylogenetic relationships. Chromosome localization analysis revealed that SiLRR-RLK genes are unevenly distributed across the chromosomes, with certain regions showing gene clusters. Functional analysis of these genes under biotic and abiotic stress conditions suggested that several SiLRR-RLK family members are involved in key stress response pathways. Expression profiling indicated differential expression patterns of SiLRR-RLK genes in response to various stresses, including drought, salinity, and pathogen infection, highlighting their potential roles in stress adaptation. In conclusion, the phylogenetic and functional analysis of the SiLRR-RLK gene family in Setaria italica provides valuable insights into their roles in stress responses and lays the groundwork for future studies aimed at enhancing stress tolerance in foxtail millet.

Help from the past to cope with the future: Vitis sylvestris as a resource for abiotic stress resilience

Societal Impact StatementViticulture is facing increasing challenges due to climate change. The focus on fast growth and sweet berries has come at the expense of stress resilience. Grafting onto Phylloxera‐resistant rootstocks from American species has been the most successful form of ecological pest management. However, there is still a significant reliance on chemical plant protection. Additionally, abiotic stress has not been a primary concern in rootstock breeding efforts so far. To identify genetic factors that contribute to abiotic stress tolerance, we propose to explore the potential of the wild ancestor of grapevine, Vitis sylvestris. By identifying resilience factors, we can develop a new generation of rootstocks or enhance grafted cultivars to protect viticulture from the impact of abiotic constraints.SummaryThere is an urgent need to explore wild germplasm resources for resilience traits that enhance stress tolerance in grapevines. The challenges posed by climate change, including heat and drought stress, salinity, rising temperatures, and untimely cold snaps in spring, are intensifying. Traditional grapevine varieties often lack the resilience to withstand environmental threats because conventional breeding has historically prioritized yield and flavor over stress tolerance. In this review, we highlight the potential of the European Wild Grapevine, Vitis sylvestris, as a valuable genetic resource for resilience traits. Understanding the underlying mechanisms is crucial for developing molecular markers to support resilience breeding. Such traits can be directly integrated through introgression into productive cultivars. Alternatively, they can be used to develop a new generation of rootstocks that protect the scion from environmental stresses without compromising desirable oenological qualities. These markers may support the development of gene editing strategies to engineer more resilient genotypes.

Harmonizing time with survival: Circadian rhythm and autophagy in plants.

Harmonizing time with survival: Circadian rhythm and autophagy in plants.

Intelligent biomanufacturing of water-soluble vitamins.

Intelligent biomanufacturing of water-soluble vitamins.

Breeding Grain Sorghum for Resilience and Quality: Progress in Yield, Stress Tolerance and Grain Traits

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) has emerged as a model crop for functional genetics and genomics among tropical grasses due to its adaptability, drought resilience, and multifunctional applications in food, feed, and bioenergy production. As the fifth most important cereal crop globally, sorghum plays a vital role in ensuring food and nutritional security, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. However, its productivity is frequently challenged by numerous biotic and abiotic stresses. To address these constraints, significant advances have been made in breeding strategies aimed at improving yield potential, enhancing stress tolerance, and refining grain quality traits. The integration of conventional breeding with modern molecular tools particularly marker-assisted selection (MAS), genomic selection, and genome editing has significantly accelerated the development of superior sorghum cultivars. These technologies enable precise identification and introgression of desirable alleles associated with key agronomic traits, thus shortening the breeding cycle and increasing the efficiency of selection. Furthermore, progress in understanding the sorghum genome and the development of high-throughput genotyping platforms has provided deeper insights into genetic diversity and trait architecture. In addition, transcriptomics and functional genomics studies have revealed key regulatory pathways and genes governing stress responses and grain development. Integration of multi-omics data with phenotypic screening is now enabling predictive breeding. Public-private partnerships and international research collaborations have also played a critical role in driving sorghum improvement programs. With continued innovations in molecular breeding and data-driven crop improvement, sorghum holds great promise in meeting the future demands of sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.

Lignin-containing cellulose nanofiber-selenium nanoparticle hybrid enhances tolerance to salt stress in rice genotypes

Soil salinization poses a significant challenge for rice farming, affecting approximately 20% of irrigated land worldwide. It leads to osmotic stress, ionic toxicity, and oxidative damage, severely hindering growth and yield. This study investigates the potential of lignin-containing cellulose nanofiber (LCNF)-selenium nanoparticle (SeNPs) hybrids to enhance salt tolerance in rice, focusing on two rice genotypes with contrasting responses to salt stress. LCNF-SeNP hybrids were synthesized using a microwave-assisted green synthesis method and characterized through FTIR, X-ray diffraction, SEM, TEM, and TGA. The effects of LCNF/SeNPs on seed germination, physiological responses, and gene expression were evaluated under varying levels of NaCl-induced salt stress. Results indicated that LCNF/SeNPs significantly enhanced the salt tolerance of the salt-sensitive genotype IR29, as evidenced by increased germination rates, reduced salt injury scores, and higher chlorophyll content. For the salt-tolerant genotype TCCP, LCNF/SeNPs improved shoot lengths and maintained elevated chlorophyll levels under salt stress. Furthermore, LCNF/SeNPs improved ion homeostasis in both genotypes by reducing the Na+/K+ ratio, which is crucial for maintaining cellular function under salt stress. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of key salt stress-responsive genes, suggesting enhanced stress tolerance due to the application of LCNF/SeNPs in both genotypes. This study underscores the potential of LCNF/SeNPs as a sustainable strategy for improving crop performance in saline environments.

MiR398-SlCSD1 module participates in the SA-H2O2 amplifying feedback loop in Solanum lycopersicum.

miR398-SlCSD1 module participates in the SA-H2O2 amplifying feedback loop in Solanum lycopersicum.

Insights into the Regulatory Role of MicroRNAs in Penaeus monodon Under Moderately Low Salinity Stress

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating various biological processes in crustaceans, including stress responses. Under acute low salinity stress conditions, miRNAs exhibit dynamic expression patterns that significantly influence the physiological and molecular responses of the shrimp. However, research on miRNAs in P. monodon is very limited, and their functions under low salinity stress remain unclear. In this study, by using high-throughput sequencing technology, we identified miRNAs and investigated their regulatory mechanism in P. monodon under low salinity stress. A total of 118 miRNAs were differentially expressed after low salinity exposure. These miRNAs were found to target genes involved in metabolism, pathogen infection, immune response and stress signaling pathways. By modulating the expression of these target genes, miRNAs were able to fine-tune the stress response of P. monodon, thereby enhancing its tolerance to low salinity. This study provides new insights into the regulatory roles of miRNAs in the stress response of aquatic organisms and suggests potential targets for genetic improvement to enhance stress tolerance in P. monodon aquaculture.

Seed priming with salicylic acid enhances salt stress tolerance by boosting antioxidant defense in Phaseolus vulgaris genotypes

Salinity stress significantly threatens seed germination, plant growth, and agricultural productivity, necessitating effective mitigation strategies. This study evaluates the potential of salicylic acid (SA) pretreatment to alleviate the detrimental effects of salinity on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) genotypes. SA, a phenolic plant hormone, is crucial for regulating growth, stress responses, and essential physiological processes, including seed germination and ion transport. Previous research has established the general benefits of SA in enhancing stress tolerance, but the specific mechanisms and effects on common bean genotypes remain underexplored. This research focuses on the impact of salinity on the germination and seedling growth of various common bean genotypes, the efficacy of SA pretreatment in enhancing these genotypes' tolerance to salinity stress, and the underlying physiological and biochemical mechanisms, particularly involving the antioxidant defense system. The research was conducted in two phases: germination and seedling growth. Ten genotypes and two commercial varieties were exposed to varying salinity levels alongside SA concentrations to assess germination performance. Subsequently, six genotypes and one variety were evaluated for seedling growth under controlled and salt stress conditions (100 mM and 200 mM NaCl), with SA treatments at 0, 0.5, and 1 mM. Results revealed that salinity severely impaired germination traits, which were significantly enhanced by SA pretreatment. During the seedling growth phase, salinity stress resulted in reduced protein, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content, decreased potassium (K⁺) levels, and diminished water content, while increasing electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, sodium (Na⁺) concentrations, enzyme activities, and proline levels. Importantly, SA pretreatment elevated chlorophyll and protein concentrations, improved water retention, and moderated K⁺ and Na⁺ levels, including their ratios under stress conditions. SA pretreatment also significantly enhanced the antioxidant defense system, reducing oxidative damage induced by salinity stress. Principal component analysis (PCA) successfully categorized the genotypes into semi-tolerant, tolerant, semi-sensitive, and sensitive classes based on their stress responses. Notably, the Jules variety exhibited exceptional resilience during both germination and seedling growth stages, indicating its potential as a superior candidate for cultivation in salt-affected regions. This study highlights SA pretreatment as an effective strategy to enhance salinity stress resilience in common bean genotypes. The novelty of this work lies in the detailed elucidation of SA's role in modulating antioxidant defenses and ion homeostasis in different genotypes, providing new insights into breeding programs and agricultural practices aimed at improving crop resilience and productivity in increasingly saline environments.

Unraveling the complexities: morpho-physiological and proteomic responses of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) to dual drought and salt stress.

Agriculture is crucial for sustaining the world's growing population, however various abiotic and biotic stressors, such as drought and salt, significantly impact crop yields. Pearl millet, a nutrient-rich and drought-tolerant crop, is essential as a food source in arid regions. Understanding its response mechanisms to drought and salt stress is important for devising strategies for improved crop performance under water deficit and saline environments. This study investigated the pearl millet's morphological, physiological, and molecular responses subjected to individual and combined drought and salt stresses for 25 days. Significant reductions in morphological traits, such as plant height, shoot and root fresh weights and lengths, and leaf numbers were observed. Furthermore, key physiological parameters, including chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, and transpiration rates notably declined, indicating a complex interaction between stress factors and water regulation mechanisms. Protein expression analysis showed differential upregulation and downregulation patterns between the control and stressed pearl millet plants. Gene ontology mapping identified key biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components of differentially expressed proteins associated with individual and combined stresses. Notably, a high number of unclassified proteins were identified, indicating the presence of potentially novel proteins involved in stress adaptation. Catalytic and binding activities were the predominant molecular functions detected across treatments suggesting their central role in stress response. These highlighted potential mechanisms of tolerance and adaptation in pearl millet. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the detrimental effects of drought and salinity on pearl millet at the morphological, physiological, and proteomic levels, uncovering previously unexplored proteomic responses. These insights offer valuable molecular marker targets for breeding programs aimed at enhancing stress tolerance in pearl millet and related crops.

Identification of the Cinnamyl Alcohol Dehydrogenase Gene Family in Brassica U-Triangle Species and Its Potential Roles in Response to Abiotic Stress and Regulation of Seed Coat Color in Brassica napus L.

Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) is essential for lignin precursor synthesis and responses to various abiotic stresses in plants. However, the functions of CAD in Brassica species, especially in Brassica napus, remain poorly characterized. In the present study, we identified a total of 90 CAD genes across the Brassica U-triangle species, including B. rapa, B. nigra, B. oleracea, B. juncea, B. napus, and B. carinata. Comprehensive analyses of phylogenetic relationships, sequence identity, conserved motifs, gene structure, chromosomal distribution, collinearity, and cis-acting elements were performed. Based on phylogenetic analysis, these genes were categorized into four groups, designated as groups I to IV. Most of the CAD genes were implicated in mediating responses to abiotic stresses and phytohormones. Notably, members in group III, containing the bona fide CAD genes, were directly involved in lignin synthesis. Furthermore, the expression profiles of BnaCAD genes exhibited differential responses to drought, osmotic, and ABA treatments. The expression levels of the BnaCAD4a, BnaCAD4b, BnaCAD5b, and BnaCAD5d genes were detected and found to be significantly lower in yellow-seeded B. napus compared to the black-seeded ones. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of CAD genes in Brassica U-triangle species and partially validates their functions in B. napus, thereby contributing to a better understanding of their roles. The insights gained are expected to facilitate the breeding of yellow-seeded B. napus cultivars with enhanced stress tolerance and desirable agronomic traits.

Identification and Characterization of WOX Gene Family in Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) and Its Role Under Abiotic Stress.

The WOX (WUSCHEL-related homeobox) gene family plays pivotal roles in plant growth, development, and responses to biotic/abiotic stresses. Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), a globally important oilseed and fiber crop, lacks a comprehensive characterization of its WOX family. Here, 18 LuWOX genes were systematically identified in the flax genome through bioinformatics analyses. Phylogenetic classification grouped these genes into three clades: Ancient, Intermediate, and WUS Clades, with members within the same clade exhibiting conserved exon-intron structures and motif compositions. Promoter analysis revealed abundant cis-acting elements associated with hormone responses (MeJA, abscisic acid) and abiotic stress adaptation (anaerobic induction, drought, low temperature). Segmental duplication events (nine gene pairs) contributed significantly to LuWOX family expansion. Protein-protein interaction networks implicated several LuWOX proteins in stress-responsive pathways. Expression profiling demonstrated that most LuWOX genes were highly expressed in 5-day-post-anthesis (DPA) flowers and embryonic tissues. qRT-PCR validation further uncovered distinct expression patterns of LuWOX genes under cold, drought, and salt stresses. This study established a foundational framework for leveraging LuWOX genes to enhance stress tolerance in flax breeding and functional genomics.

Abiotic Stress and Millets: The Emerging Significance of Root Exudates in Crop Resilience

Millets, often referred to as "nutri-cereals," are gaining global recognition for their remarkable resilience to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. These small-seeded cereals possess unique physiological and biochemical adaptations that enable them to survive in marginal environments. Among these mechanisms, root exudates play a crucial role in stress adaptation by modulating soil microbiota, enhancing nutrient acquisition, and mitigating oxidative damage. This review explores the composition, function, and significance of root exudates in millet stress tolerance, highlighting key exudates such as organic acids, flavonoids, osmolytes, and phytohormones. It also discusses genetic and environmental factors influencing root exudation, along with emerging analytical techniques for studying exudate profiles. Furthermore, the potential applications of root exudate research in breeding climate-resilient millet varieties are examined, with a focus on microbiome engineering and targeted metabolomic approaches. A deeper understanding of root exudates can revolutionize millet breeding by enhancing stress resilience and improving nutrient uptake efficiency. In order to harness the potential of root exudates for stress mitigation, various strategies can be employed, including genetic improvement, microbial inoculation, and agronomic interventions. The study concluded that root exudates play a crucial role in millet adaptation to abiotic stress, influencing nutrient acquisition, microbial interactions, and overall plant resilience. The dynamic interactions between root exudates and soil microbiota further enhance stress adaptation by recruiting beneficial microbes that improve nutrient uptake and mitigate stress-induced damage. Future research directions include integrating exudate traits into millet improvement programs and leveraging advanced technologies such as metabolomics and synthetic biology for enhanced stress tolerance. By unlocking the potential of root exudates, millet cultivation can be optimized for food security and sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change.

Retrievable hydrogel networks with confined microalgae for efficient antibiotic degradation and enhanced stress tolerance

Antibiotic contamination has emerged as a global challenge, increasing antibiotic resistance and threatening human health and ecosystems. Bioremediation using microorganism offers sustainable methods to degrade such pharmaceutical contaminants. However, these microorganisms exhibit reduced activity under high-stress conditions, and are difficult to recycle and potentially leak into environment as microbial pollutions. Here we report bioprinted retrievable microalgae hydrogel networks (MHNs) by confining living microalgae in double-network hydrogels, which achieves enhanced antibiotic degradation (>99.3%) and recyclable ability. Particularly, coating MHN with tannic acid (MHN@TA) generates a semipermeable membrane to prevent the leakage of microalgae (<0.7% for 7 days), ensuring the containment of potential microbial biohazards. The biohybrid system protects the biological activity of microalgae, enabling antibiotic degradation up to 400 mg L−1. Free-standing MHN@TA fencing systems are also manufactured to demonstrate their practical applications. This study provides insights of microalgae-material interactions in bioremediation and offers design rationales for biohybrid systems.

Genomic insights into Marinobacterium sediminicola CGMCC 1.7287T: A polyhydroxyalkanoate-producing bacterium isolated from marine sediment.

Genomic insights into Marinobacterium sediminicola CGMCC 1.7287T: A polyhydroxyalkanoate-producing bacterium isolated from marine sediment.

Integrated review of Psathyrostachy huashanica: From phylogenetic research to wheat breeding application.

Enhancing wheat yield and stress tolerance is a critical long-term objective for global food security. Historically, breeders selected genetic traits from wild wheat relatives for domesticated targets, such as non-shattering and free threshing characteristics, and developed the cultivated wheat. However, the genetic diversity of the cultivated wheat has become narrow after long-term domestication and conscious selection, which seriously limited the yield potential and stress tolerance. Therefore, using wild Triticeae species to broaden the gene pool is an ongoing task for wheat improvement. Psathyrostachy huashanica Keng ex P. C. Kuo (2n = 2x = 14, NsNs), a perennial species of the genus Psathyrostachys Nevski, is restrictively distributed in the Huashan Mountain region of Shaanxi province, China. P. huashanica exhibits considerable potential for wheat breeding due to its valuable agronomic traits such as early maturation, more tillers, abiotic tolerance, and biotic resistance. Over the past four decades, researchers have successfully crossed P. huashanica with common wheat and developed derivative lines with improved agronomic traits. Here, we summarized the morphology, genomic evolution, and derived wheat breeding lines with advanced agronomic characteristics inherited from P. huashanica. This review provides a useful guideline for future research on P. huashanica, and highlights its importance in wheat breeding.

Stem Coloration in Alfalfa: Anthocyanin Accumulation Patterns and Nutrient Profiles of Red- and Green-Stemmed Variants

Anthocyanins, crucial flavonoids in plants, enhance stress tolerance in alfalfa and are attracting attention due to their antioxidant properties. This study analyzed red- and green-stemmed alfalfa using spectrophotometry, frozen sections, and LC-MS/MS. Anthocyanins were concentrated in stem vascular cambium, with red stems peaking at 61.08 mg g−1 DW during the bud stage. Seven anthocyanidins were identified, with their corresponding aglycones including cyanidin, peonidin, and malvidin. At early flowering, red-stemmed alfalfa contained 35 classes of anthocyanins compared to 17 in green-stemmed varieties, with cyanidin-3-O-glucoside levels significantly higher in red stems (4.423 μg g−1, p &lt; 0.05). Red-stemmed alfalfa also showed higher contents of acid detergent fiber, crude fat, Cu, Fe, and Zn (p &lt; 0.05), especially Zn (p &lt; 0.01). Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive link between cyanidin and crude fat (Spearman’s ρ = 0.93, p &lt; 0.01) and a significant negative correlation with neutral detergent fiber (ρ = −0.88, p &lt; 0.05). Cyanidin and peonidin are associated with stem color differentiation, with cyanidin contributing predominantly to red pigmentation, whereas zinc and crude fat exhibit a synergistic correlation with anthocyanin accumulation. These findings may inform breeding strategies to develop anthocyanin-enriched alfalfa.