Flowering Genes Research Articles

CELL DIVISION CYCLE 5 controls floral transition by regulating flowering gene transcription and splicing in Arabidopsis.

CELL DIVISION CYCLE 5 (CDC5) is a R2R3-type MYB transcription factor, serving as a key component of Modifier of snc1, 4 (MOS4)-associated complex (MAC)/NineTeen Complex (NTC), which is associated with plant immunity, RNA splicing, and miRNA biogenesis. In this study, we demonstrate that mutation of CDC5 accelerates flowering in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). CDC5 activates the expression of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) by binding to and affecting the enrichment of RNA polymerase II on FLC chromatin. Moreover, genetic analysis confirmed that CDC5 regulates flowering in an FLC-dependent manner. Furthermore, we characterized the interaction of CDC5 with the RNA polymerase-associated factor 1 (Paf1) complex and confirmed that CDC5, as part of the spliceosome, mediates genome-wide alternative splicing, as revealed by RNA-Seq. CDC5 affected the splicing of flowering-associated genes such as FLC, SEF, and MAFs. Additionally, we also demonstrated that CDC5 contributes to the regulation of histone modification of FLC chromatin, which further promotes FLC expression. In summary, our results establish CDC5 as a key factor regulating flowering. This provides valuable insight for future research into plant flowering.

Functional characterization reveals the importance of Arabidopsis ECA4 and EPSIN3 in clathrin mediated endocytosis and wall structure in apical growing cells

Summary Localized clathrin mediated endocytosis is vital for secretion and wall deposition in apical growing plant cells. Adaptor and signalling proteins, along with phosphoinositides, are known to play a regulatory, yet poorly defined role in this process. Here we investigated the function of Arabidopsis ECA4 and EPSIN3, putative mediators of the process, in pollen tubes and root hairs. Homozygous eca4 and epsin3 plants exhibited altered pollen tube morphology (in vitro) and self‐pollination led to fewer seeds and shorter siliques. These effects were augmented in eca4/epsin3 double mutant and quantitative polymerase chain reaction data revealed changes in phosphoinositide metabolism and flowering genes suggestive of a synergistic action. No visible changes were observed in root morphology, but atomic force microscopy in mutant root hairs showed altered structural stiffness. Imaging and FRET‐FLIM analysis of ECA4 and EPSIN3 X‐FP constructs revealed that both proteins interact at the plasma membrane but exhibit slightly different intracellular localization. FT‐ICR‐MS metabolomic analysis of mutant cells showed changes in lipids, amino acids and carbohydrate composition consistent with a role in secretion and growth. Characterization of double mutants of eca4 and epsin3 with phospholipase C genes (plc5, plc7) indicates that phosphoinositides (e.g. PtdIns(4,5)P2) are fundamental for a combined and complementary role of ECA4‐EPSIN3 in cell secretion.

F-box protein PeFKF1 promotes flowering by cooperating with PeID1 and PeHd1 in Phyllostachys edulis

Woody bamboo is a perennial flowering plant with a unique characteristic. Most woody bamboo species have no apparent signs before flowering, and large areas typically die after flowering, thus resulting in significant economic losses. However, most bamboo flowering gene functions and molecular mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, F-box protein FLAVIN-BINDING KELCH REPEAT F-BOX 1 (FKF1) was identified in Phyllostachys edulis (moso bamboo) and named PeFKF1. PeFKF1 exhibited a clear circadian rhythm and was highly expressed during the early flowering stage of moso bamboo. Overexpression of PeFKF1 caused early flowering in rice by increasing the expression of Hd1, RID1, Ehd1 and Hd3a. The expression pattern of RID1 homologous gene (PeID1) in bamboo was similar to that of PeFKF1 during both flowering and photoperiod regulation. In addition, PeFKF1 could bind to the promoter of PeID1 and enhance its expression. Furthermore, PeFKF1 could interact with PeID1 and PeHd1 proteins, creating protein complexes with them. Hence, PeFKF1 could recruit PeID1 and PeHd1 and enhance the expression of PeID1, thereby promoting flowering in moso bamboo. This study provides new insights into the mechanism of bamboo flowering.

R2R3-MYB repressor, BrMYB32, regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in Chinese cabbage.

Anthocyanin-enriched Chinese cabbage has health-enhancing antioxidant properties. Although various regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis have been identified, the role of individual repressors in this process remains underexplored. This study identifies and characterizes the R2R3-MYB BrMYB32 in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa), which acts as a repressor in anthocyanin biosynthesis. BrMYB32 expression is significantly upregulated under anthocyanin inductive conditions, such as sucrose and high light treatment. Transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing BrMYB32 show decreased anthocyanin levels and downregulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes in flowers, highlighting BrMYB32's repressive role. Located in the nucleus, BrMYB32 interacts with the TRANSPARENT TESTA 8 (BrTT8), a basic helix-loop-helix protein, but no interaction was detected with the R2R3-MYB protein PRODUCTION OF ANTHOCYANIN PIGMENT 1 (BrPAP1). Functional assays in Chinese cabbage cotyledons and tobacco leaves demonstrate that BrMYB32 represses the transcript level of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, thereby inhibiting pigment accumulation. Promoter activation assays further reveal that BrMYB32 inhibits the transactivation of CHALCONE SYNTHASE and DIHYDROFLAVONOL REDUCTASE through the C1 and C2 motifs. Notably, BrMYB32 expression is induced by BrPAP1, either alone or in co-expression with BrTT8, and subsequently regulates the expression of these activators. It verifies that BrMYB32 not only interferes with the formation of an active MYB-bHLH-WD40 complex but also downregulates the transcript levels of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, thereby fine-tuning anthocyanin biosynthesis. Our findings suggest a model in which anthocyanin biosynthesis in Chinese cabbage is precisely regulated by the interplay between activators and repressors.

The Grapevine MADS-Box Protein VvAGL11 Induces Early Flowering in Arabidopsis

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is an important and popular perennial fruit tree cultivated worldwide. Grapevine ripening is affected by flowering time, and although members of the MADS-box protein family play vital roles in regulating flowering in plants, the functions of MADS-box proteins in grapevine remain largely unknown. AGAMOUS-LIKE 11 (VvAGL11), a MADS-box gene in grapevine, was reported to be a regulator of seed morphogenesis. In this study, heterologous overexpression of VvAGL11 was found to significantly promote flowering in Arabidopsis, suggesting that its active expression in grapevine may induce early flowering and ripening. Transcriptome analysis showed that VvAGL11 overexpression affected the expression of genes involved in stress responses, hormonal signaling responses, and flowering regulation. Notably, VvAGL11 significantly increased the expression of key flowering genes such as FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), APETALA3 (AP3), and SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE 5 (SPL5), which might have contributed to the early flowering in Arabidopsis. In summary, we characterized a novel flowering regulator, VvAGL11, which could be a potential target for early ripening breeding in grapevine.

Development and drought escape response in Arabidopsis thaliana are regulated by AtPLC1 in response to abscisic acid.

AtPLC1 plays a critical role in plant growth, development, and response to drought stress. Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) hydrolyzes substrates to generate secondary messengers crucial for plant growth, development, and stress responses. Drought escape (DE) response is an adaptive strategy that plants employ under drought conditions. The expression levels of the flower meristem-specific gene APETALA 1 and flowering regulatory genes FLOWERING LOCUS T and SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1 were downregulated in plc1, and FLOWERING LOCUS C was upregulated. The flowering time of the plc1flc double mutant was earlier than that of the wild type. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the Gene Ontology of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was enriched in abscisic acid (ABA) response signaling, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed differential gene expression annotated to plant hormone signaling pathways. Our experiments show that AtPLC1 is upregulated by ABA in Arabidopsis. Under ABA induction and water stress, wild-type plants exhibit a DE response, and the DE response in plc1 disappears. Expression levels of ABA signaling pathway transcription factors ABA-responsive element-binding factors 3 (ABF3) and ABF4 were downregulated in plc1. In conclusion, our study suggests that AtPLC1 participates in regulating plant growth and development and participates in the DE response through the regulation of ABA signaling pathway transcription factors ABF3/ABF4. The study enhances our comprehension of the role of AtPLC1 in plant development and drought stress, providing a theoretical foundation for further investigation into DE responses.

HOS1 ubiquitinates SPL9 for degradation to modulate salinity-delayed flowering.

Soil salinity is a serious environmental threat to plant growth and flowering. Flowering in the right place, at the right time, ensures maximal reproductive success for plants. Salinity-delayed flowering is considered a stress coping/survival strategy and the molecular mechanisms underlying this process require further studies to enhance the crop's salt tolerance ability. A nuclear pore complex (NPC) component, HIGH EXPRESSION OF OSMOTICALLY RESPONSIVE GENE 1 (HOS1), has been recognized as a negative regulator of plant cold responses and flowering. Here, we challenged the role of HOS1 in regulating flowering in response to salinity stress. Interestingly, we discovered that HOS1 can directly interact with and ubiquitinate transcription factor SPL9 (SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE 9) to promote its protein degradation in response to salinity stress. Moreover, we demonstrated that HOS1 and SPL9 antagonistically regulate plant flowering under both normal and salt stress conditions. HOS1 was further shown to negatively regulate the expression of SPLs and several key flowering genes in response to salinity stress. These results jointly revealed that HOS1 is an important integrator in the process of modulating salinity-delayed flowering, thus offering new perspectives on a salinity stress coping strategy of plants.

Models of Flowering Gene Networks and Their Adaptation for the Analysis of Vernalization Mechanisms in Legumes

Flowering time is the most important agronomic trait which is used in breeding and determines the crop performance. Vernalization, or prolonged exposure to cold, accelerates flowering and increases yields in many crops. The molecular mechanisms of vernalization-induced flowering are well studied in Arabidopsis thaliana, but remain largely unknown for legumes. Mathematical modeling is a powerful tool to predict regulatory interactions in gene networks on the basis of gene expression patterns. This review concerns previously developed approaches to modeling gene regulatory networks of the flowering transition process and the prospects for their adaptation with the aim of conducting the analysis of the mechanisms of vernalization requirement in legumes.

Chromosome-level baobab genome illuminates its evolutionary trajectory and environmental adaptation

Baobab (Adansonia digitata) is a long-lived tree endemic to Africa with economic, ecological, and cultural importance, yet its genomic features are underexplored. Here, we report a chromosome-level reference genome anchored to 42 chromosomes for A. digitata, alongside draft assemblies for a sibling tree, two trees from distinct locations in Africa, and A. za from Madagascar. The baobab genome is uniquely rich in DNA transposons, which make up 33%, while LTR retrotransposons account for 10%. A. digitata experienced whole genome multiplication (WGM) around 30 million years ago (MYA), followed by a second WGM event 3–11 MYA, likely linked to autotetraploidy. Resequencing of 25 trees identify three subpopulations, with gene flow across West Africa distinct from East Africa. Gene enrichment and fixation index (Fst) analyses show baobab retained multiple circadian, flowering, and light-responsive genes, which likely support longevity through the UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8) pathway. In sum, we provide genomic resources and insights for baobab breeding and conservation.

Mitigating the impact of Erysiphe Lonicerae on honeysuckle through preventive use of potassium dihydrogen phosphate and a comparative analysis of floral composition across three developmental stages

Honeysuckle, a key traditional Chinese medicinal herb, holds significant economic and therapeutic value. However, its three flowering stages lack clarity in component differentiation, leading to resource waste. Furthermore, the plant is consistently challenged by powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe lonicerae during cultivation. This study demonstrates that E. lonicerae reduces the flowering period from 12.4 to 8.6 days and alters the expression of two key flowering genes. However, foliar application of 0.1 % KH₂PO₄ three times weekly effectively mitigates the reduction in flowering duration. Initiating treatment at least one month prior to E. lonicerae inoculation significantly reduces the disease's impact, with earlier treatments proving more effective. Further, A comprehensive analysis of the three floral stages revealed significant metabolite and enzyme activity differences. We identified 175 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) between gold flowers and buds, 60 between gold and silver flowers, and 162 between buds and silver flowers, particularly in lipids, phenylpropanoids, and polyketides. Enzyme activities of PPD, SOD, PPO, and PAL, along with flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity, varied significantly across these stages. Notably, a total of 13 medicinal compounds were uniquely distributed across the floral stages, indicating that these compounds are not concentrated solely in the buds.In summary, The prophylactic use of KH₂PO₄ can effectively reduce the damage caused by E. lonicerae.The distinct metabolic profiles of the buds, silver flowers, and gold flowers highlight the need for further research into their optimal medicinal applications.

Understanding the genetic landscape of flowering time variation in Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. and its diploid progenitors: unravelling the role of selection and cytoplasmic backgrounds

Context Brassica juncea germplasm exhibits significant variations in flowering timing and vernalisation requirements. However, knowledge gaps exist with respect to variations in expression and the divergent evolution of flowering genes in B. juncea subgenomes. Aims This study aims to examine the role of flowering genes in defining trait variation and to identify indications of directional selection on these genes. Methods Employing a combination of genome-wide association studies, functional genomics and population genetic assays, we explored the genetic architecture underlying flowering time variation within expansive germplasm collections of this allopolyploid and its progenitor species. Key results Genome-wide association studies aided in predicting 17 and 34 candidate genes in B. rapa and B. juncea, respectively. Seven of these (FT, FLC, BAG4, ELF4-L2, EFM, SEP4, and LSH6) were predicted in both B. juncea and B. rapa. Some genes, GA20OX3, NF-YA1, PI, MMP, RPS10B, CRY2, AGL72, LFY, TOC1, ELF5, EFM, FLC and TFL1 exhibited directional selection as inferred from negative Tajima’s D and Fu’s Fs statistics. Conclusions Common predicted genes are known influencers of flowering time and phenological changes between species as well as across zones of adaptation. An analysis of gene expression patterns indicates that the gene expression bias in resynthesised B. juncea could be influenced by the cytoplasmic background. Most expression variants are found in B genome copies. Some genes lacked expression variation in their diploid progenitors, whereas these genes exhibit expression variation in polyploid species. Implications This study highlights that integrating genome-wide association studies with molecular signals of natural selection can effectively contribute to our understanding of the ecological genetics of adaptive evolution.

Multi-Omics Revealed Regulatory Mechanisms Underlying the Flowering of Ferula sinkiangensis across Three Dimensions.

Backgroud/Objectives: Ferula spp. is an essential crop in Central Asia with pronounced economic benefits governed by its flowering process. However, the mechanisms of the flowering phenotype remain unclear. Methods: In this study, using F. sinkiangensis as a model plant, we integrated transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome analyses to compare the multilayer differences in leaves and roots of plants with flowering and unflowering phenotypes. Results: We found that several variations in the transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome were closely associated with flowering. The Photosynthesis and Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways in plants with the flowering phenotype were more active. Additionally, three flowering genes, named FL2-FL4, were upregulated in the leaves of flowering plants. Notably, six transcription factors were potentially responsible for regulating the expression of FL2-FL4 in the leaves to mediate flowering process of F. sinkiangensis. Moreover, genes relevant to Photosynthesis and Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were also involved in regulating the expression of FL2-FL4 in flowering plants. Conclusions: The active regulation network together with Photosynthesis and Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were essential for inducing the expression of flowering-related genes in leaves to promote the flowering process of F. sinkiangensis.

Identification and Functional Exploration of BraGASA Genes Reveal Their Potential Roles in Drought Stress Tolerance and Sexual Reproduction in Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis.

Gibberellic acid-stimulated Arabidopsis sequences (GASAs) are a subset of the gibberellin (GA)-regulated gene family and play crucial roles in various physiological processes. However, the GASA genes in Brassica rapa have not yet been documented. In this study, we identified and characterized 16 GASA genes in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis). Analysis of the conserved motifs revealed significant conservation within the activation segment of BraGASA genes. This gene family contains numerous promoter elements associated with abiotic stress tolerance, including those for abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Expression profiling revealed the presence of these genes in various tissues, including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, siliques, and callus tissues. When plants were exposed to drought stress, the expression of BraGASA3 decreased notably in drought-sensitive genotypes compared to their wild-type counterparts, highlighting the potentially crucial role of BraGASA3 in drought stress. Additionally, BraGASAs exhibited various functions in sexual reproduction dynamics. The findings contribute to the understanding of the function of BraGASAs and provide valuable insights for further exploration of the GASA gene function of the BraGASA gene in Chinese cabbage.

DNA demethylation is involved in nitric oxide-induced flowering in tomato

Flowering is one of the most important phenological periods, as it determines the timing of fruit maturation and seed dispersal. To date, both nitric oxide (NO) and DNA demethylation have been reported to regulate flowering in plants. However, there is no compelling experimental evidence of the relationship between NO and DNA demethylation during plant flowering. In this study, an NO donor and a DNA methylation inhibitor were used to investigate the involvement of DNA demethylation in NO-mediated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Micro-Tom) flowering. The results showed that the promoting effect of NO on tomato flowering was dose-dependent, with the most positive role observed at 10 μmol L-1 of the NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO). Treatment with 50 μmol L-1 of the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacitidine (5-AzaC) also significantly promoted tomato flowering. Moreover, GSNO and 5-AzaC increased the peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity and cytokinin (CTK) and proline contents, while they decreased the gibberellic acid (GA3) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) contents. Co-treatment with GSNO and 5-AzaC accelerated the positive effects of GSNO and 5-AzaC in promoting tomato flowering. Meanwhile, compared with GSNO or 5-AzaC treatment alone, co-treatment with GSNO+5-AzaC significantly increased the global DNA demethylation levels in different tissues in tomato. The results also indicate that DNA demethylation may be involved in NO-induced flowering. The expression of flowering genes was significantly altered by the GSNO+5-AzaC treatment. Among these genes, five flowering induction genes-ARGONAUTE 4 (AGO4A), SlSP3D/SINGLE FLOWER TRUSS (SFT), MutS HOMOLOG 1 (MSH1), ZINC FINGER PROTEIN 2 (ZFP2), and FLOWERING LOCUS D (FLD) were selected as candidate genes for further study. Then, McrBC-PCR analysis showed that the DNA demethylation of the SFT gene in the apex and the FLD gene in the stem might be involved in NO-induced flowering. Therefore, our study shows that NO might promote tomato flowering by mediating the DNA demethylation of flowering induction genes. This study provides direct evidence of a synergistic effect of NO and DNA demethylation in promoting tomato flowering.

The poetry of nitrogen and carbon metabolic shifts: The role of C/N in pitaya phase change

Pitaya, a desert plant, has an underexplored flowering mechanism due to a lack of functional validation assays. This study reveals that the transition from vegetative to generative growth in pitaya is regulated by significant metabolic shift, underscoring the importance of understanding and address the challenging issue pitaya's phase change. Lateral buds from 6-years-old ‘Guanhuahong’ pitaya (Hylocereus monacanthus) plants were collected on April 8th, 18th, and 28th 2023, representing early, middle, and late stages of phase transition, respectively. Results showed diminished nitrogen levels concurrent with increased carbon levels and carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratios during pitaya phase transition. Transcriptomic analysis identified batches of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in downregulating nitrogen metabolism and upregulating carbon metabolism. These batches of genes play a central role in the metabolic shifts that predominantly regulate the transition to the generative phase in pitaya. This study unveils the intricate regulatory network involving 6 sugar synthesis and transport, 11 photoperiod (e.g., PHY, CRY, PIF) and 6 vernalization (e.g., VIN3) pathways, alongside 11 structural flowering genes (FCA, FLK, LFY, AGL) out of a vast array of potential candidates in pitaya phase change. These findings provide insights into the metabolic pathways involved in pitaya's phase transition, offering a theoretical framework for managing flowering, guiding breeding strategies to optimize flowering timing and improve crop yields under varied nitrogen conditions.

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E regulates flowering and circadian rhythm in Arabidopsis.

Translation initiation is a critical, rate-limiting step in protein synthesis. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) plays an essential role in this process. However, the mechanisms by which eIF4E-dependent translation initiation regulates plant growth and development remain not fully understood. In this study, we found that Arabidopsis eIF4E proteins are distributed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, with only the cytoplasmic eIF4E being involved in the control of photoperiodic flowering. Genome-wide translation profiling using Ribo-tag sequencing reveals that eIF4E may regulate plant flowering by maintaining the homeostatic translation of components in the photoperiodic flowering pathway. eIF4E not only regulates the translation of flowering genes such as FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and FLOWERING LOCUS D (FLD) but also influences the translation of circadian genes like CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1 (CCA1) and PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR 9 (PRR9). Consistently, our results show that the eIF4E modulates the rhythmic oscillation of the circadian clock. Together, our study provides mechanistic insights into how the protein translation regulates multiple developmental processes in Arabidopsis, including the circadian clock and photoperiodic flowering.

Functional characterization of WsPR-1 reveals its interplay with cytokinin and gibberellin signaling pathways

Pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR-1) is an antimicrobial protein involved in systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in plants, but its regulatory role and interactions with other pathways remain unclear. In this study, we functionally characterize WsPR-1 gene of Withania somnifera in Nicotiana tabacum to elucidate its role in plant defense, growth, and development. Interestingly, transgenic tobacco plants with increased levels of cytokinin (CK) and decreased gibberellins (GAs) exhibited stunted shoot growth, an underdeveloped root system, modified leaf morphology, reduced seed pod production, and delayed leaf senescence. Transcriptional analysis revealed that WsPR-1 overexpression downregulated the GA 20-oxidase (GA20ox) gene involved in GA biosynthesis while upregulating GA 2-oxidase (GA2ox), a GA catabolic enzyme. Moreover, transcript levels of FRUITFULL (FUL) and LEAFY (NFL2) flowering genes exhibited a decrease in WsPR-1 plants, which could explain the delayed flowering and reduced seed pod development in transgenic plants. Confocal microscopy confirmed increased lignin deposition in stem cross-sections of WsPR-1 transgenic plants, supported by gene expression analysis and lignin content quantification. Additionally, our findings also suggest the involvement of Knotted1-like homeobox (KNOX) gene in enhancing cytokinin levels. This study highlights PR-1's regulatory role in plant growth and development, with potential to boost crop yields and enhance resilience.

N6-methyladenosine RNA modification regulates photoperiod sensitivity in cotton.

The methylation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) involves writers, erasers, and readers, acting synergistically in posttranscriptional regulation. These processes influence various biological processes, including plant floral transition. However, the specific role of m6A modifications in photoperiod sensitivity in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) remains obscure. To elucidate this, in this study, we conducted transcriptome-wide m6A sequencing during critical flowering transition stages in the photoperiod-sensitive wild G. hirsutum var. yucatanense (yucatanense) and the photoperiod-insensitive cultivated cotton G. hirsutum acc. TM-1 (TM-1). Our results revealed significant variations in m6A methylation of 2 cotton varieties, with yucatanense exhibiting elevated m6A modification levels compared with TM-1 under long-day conditions. Notably, distinct m6A peaks between TM-1 and yucatanense correlated significantly with photoperiod sensitivity. Moreover, our study highlighted the role of the demethylase G. hirsutum ALKB homolog 5 (GhALKBH5) in modulating m6A modification levels. Silencing GhALKBH5 led to a decreased mRNA level of key photoperiodic flowering genes (GhADO3, GhAGL24, and GhFT1), resulting in delayed bud emergence and flowering. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR analyses confirmed that silencing GhADO3 and GhAGL24 significantly downregulated the expression of the floral integrator GhFT1. Collectively, our findings unveiled a transcriptional regulatory mechanism in which GhALKBH5-mediated m6A demethylation of crucial photoperiodic flowering transcripts modulated photoperiod sensitivity in cotton.

Assessment of the genetic parameters of soybean genotypes for precocity and productivity in the various cultivation conditions

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr) plays a crucial role in the advancement of agriculture in Kazakhstan, serving as a promising food crop and feed source. The primary challenge in boosting soybean production in Northern Kazakhstan lies in the absence of soybean cultivars suited to the region's conditions. As such, the foremost focus of breeding initiatives should be on creating soybean varieties that possess both early maturity and satisfactory yield potential. The objective of this research was to assess the impact of maturity time (MT) on both the yield formation and the adaptive characteristics of soybean varieties from different origins. This evaluation was conducted by analyzing the outcomes of their testing under diverse cultivation conditions in the northern region of Kazakhstan. The soybean cultivars that were examined, originating from various sources, were classified into three primary groups. These groups varied in terms of their growing season duration as well as their yield levels. The way the alleles of the E1–E4 flowering genes were spread out in the identified clusters showed that for soybean varieties where recessive alleles of the E1–E4 genes build up, the growing season usually shorter. Cultivars of Chinese, Russian, and domestic selections isolated as a result of the research were good initial material for use in local breeding programs. Within the framework of the clusters, an environmental assessment of soybean accessions was carried out, which made it possible to determine their degree of plasticity and, in general, their adaptive potential in the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan. The best cultivars were the Chinese selection ‘Dongnong 63’ and the Russian selection ‘SIBNIIK 315’. Hence, the present study successfully discovered soybean cultivars that possess exceptional adaptability and flexibility. These cultivars hold significant potential for cultivation and practical use in the specific environmental circumstances of northern Kazakhstan.

Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of flowering regulation and vernalization in Chinese cabbage shoot apex.

In Chinese cabbage development the interplay between shoot apex activity and vernalization is pivotal for flowering timing. The intricate relationship between various cell types in the shoot apex meristem and their roles in regulating flowering gene expression in Chinese cabbage is not yet fully understood. A thorough analysis of single-cell types in the Chinese cabbage shoot apex and their influence on flowering genes and vernalization is essential for deeper insight. Our study first established a single-cell transcriptomic atlas of Chinese cabbage after 25days of non-vernalization. Analyzing 19 602 single cells, we differentiated them into 15 distinct cell clusters using established marker genes. We found that key genes in shoot apex development and flowering were primarily present in shoot meristematic cells (SMCs), companion cells (CCs), and mesophyll cells (MCs). MADS-box protein FLOWERING LOCUS C2 (BrFLC2), a gene suppressing flowering, was observed in CCs, mirroring patterns found in Arabidopsis. By mapping developmental trajectories of SMCs, CCs, and MCs, we elucidated the evolutionary pathways of crucial genes in shoot apex development and flowering. The creation of a single-cell transcriptional atlas of the Chinese cabbage shoot apex under vernalization revealed distinct alterations in the expression of known flowering genes, such as VERNALIZATION INSENSITIVE 3 (VIN3), VERNALIZATION 1 (VRN1), VERNALIZATION 2 (VRN2), BrFLC, and FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), which varied by cell type. Our study underscores the transformative impact of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) for unraveling the complex differentiation and vernalization processes in the Chinese cabbage shoot apex. These insights are pivotal for enhancing breeding strategies and cultivation management of this vital vegetable.