Новости науки и практики // Август 2024

Near-infrared light and PIF4 promote plant antiviral defense by enhancing RNA interference

The molecular mechanism underlying phototherapy and light treatment, which utilize various wavelength spectra of light, including near-infrared (NIR), to cure human and plant diseases, is obscure. Zhang et al reveal that NIR light confers antiviral immunity by positively regulating PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4)-activated RNA interference (RNAi) in plants.

https://www.cell.com/plant-communications/fulltext/S2590-3462(23)00161-X

Chloroplast Cell-Free Systems from Different Plant Species as a Rapid Prototyping Platform

Böhm et al. have established a versatile protocol for generating highly active chloroplast-based cell-free gene expression (CFE) systems derived from a diverse range of plant species, including wheat (monocot), spinach, and poplar trees (dicots).

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acssynbio.4c00117

Cell size, density, and nutrient dependency of unicellular algal gravitational sinking velocities

Miettinen et al quantify gravitational sinking velocities according to Stokes’ law in diverse clades of unicellular marine microalgae to reveal the cell size, density, and nutrient dependency of sinking velocities. They identify a motile algal species, Tetraselmis sp., that sinks faster when starved due to a photosynthesis-driven accumulation of carbohydrates and a loss of intracellular water, both of which increase cell density.

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn8356

A cyclic lipopeptide from Fusarium graminearum targets plant membranes to promote virulence

Brauer et al show that gramillin promotes virulence and necrosis in both monocots and dicots by disrupting ion balance across membranes. Gramillin is a cation-conducting ionophore and causes plasma membrane depolarization. This disruption triggers cellular signaling, including a burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS), transcriptional reprogramming, and callose production.

https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(24)00712-5

Salt stress promotes early flowering, inhibits floral organ development by disturbing cell cycle in tomatoes

A research team investigated the impact of salt stress on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) floral transition, revealing that salt stress significantly reduced plant biomass and caused early flowering and smaller flowers. This study underscores the importance of understanding salt stress effects on crops, as it highlights how moderate salt stress can accelerate flowering by upregulating the SINGLE-FLOWER TRUSS (SFT) gene.

https://phys.org/news/2024-07-salt-stress-early-inhibits-floral.html

Researchers use plant-inspired polymers for water purification

Clean drinking water is a basic demand for our health and well-being. However, as the global population grows, achieving this for all communities worldwide becomes more challenging.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49869-8

Next generation biosensor reveals gibberellin's critical role in legume nitrogen-fixation

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have demonstrated that the plant hormone gibberellin (GA) is essential for the formation and maturation of nitrogen-fixing root nodules in legumes and can also increase nodule size. They identified the specific times and location where GA governs the initiation, growth and function of nodules. These findings help to reconcile conflicting reports suggesting GA both inhibited and was required for nodulation by pinpointing the zones where GA is essential.

https://academic.oup.com/plcell/advance-article/doi/10.1093/plcell/koae201/7714829

Обработка золотом сделала листья пшеницы «сахарнее» и устойчивее к заморозкам

Ученые повысили устойчивость пшеницы к холоду, обработав ее семена наночастицами на основе золота. Это позволило получить растения с измененным обменом веществ, у которых вдвое усилен рост и повышена активность гена Wcor15, защищающего от холода.

https://naked-science.ru/article/column/obrabotka-zolotom-sdelala

Temperature responses of ecosystem respiration

Niu et al explore the relationships between temperature and ecosystem respiration from experimental and observational data at leaf, microbial, ecosystem and global scales.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-024-00569-3

Are plants intelligent? It depends on the definition

Goldenrod can perceive other plants nearby without ever touching them, by sensing far-red light ratios reflected off leaves. When goldenrod is eaten by herbivores, it adapts its response based on whether or not another plant is nearby. Is this kind of flexible, real-time, adaptive response a sign of intelligence in plants?

https://globalplantcouncil.org/are-plants-intelligent-it-depends-on-the-definition/

Biologists discover a previously unknown salt tolerance mechanism in plants

Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have discovered a salt adaptation mechanism in plants that facilitates chloride removal from the roots and enhances salinity tolerance.

https://phys.org/news/2024-06-biologists-previously-unknown-salt-tolerance.html

Study uncovers genetic key to overcoming water stress in cucumbers

Waterlogged conditions, a consequence of heavy rainfall or inadequate drainage, disproportionately affect crops with delicate root systems like cucumbers. These conditions not only impede root respiration and plant development but also threaten agricultural productivity on a global scale.

https://academic.oup.com/hr/article/11/4/uhae062/7616066

Белок AN3 играет важную роль в клеточном старении растений

Биологи доказали, что растительный белок AN3 играет важную роль в управлении длиной теломер, концевых участков хромосом, чья длина постепенно сокращается по мере старения многоклеточных организмов.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11103-024-01457-6