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Biochemical and Molecular Regulations of Priming: How Plants Enhance Their Defence against Environmental Pressures

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Plant Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 November 2021) | Viewed by 24207

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Cecilia Brunetti

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National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP), 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
Interests: drought; plant ecophysiology; plant hormones; polyphenols; secondary metabolites; water relations
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Raffaella Maria Balestrini

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Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino, Italy
Interests: plant-microbe interactions, mycorrhizal fungi, response to environmental stresses
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plants are exposed to a combination of recurring abiotic and biotic stresses. These detrimental effects are exacerbated by climate change, which is leading to a rapid decline of crop productivity and pushes forest tree populations and species to the limits of their ecological tolerance. However, plants, in addition to their adaptive genetic variation in traits linked to climate, can also rely on the so-called “priming of defence,” which results in a faster, stronger, and more efficient resistance response upon subsequent pathogen attack or stressful events. Primed condition can be reached through the application of chemical compounds but also by beneficial soil microorganisms, such as rhizobacteria and root-associated fungi. Recently, new research frontiers have been also investigated, such as the beneficial plant-virus interactions and the possibility to exploit the innate plant silencing pathway using double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). In a primed plant, several changes take place at the physiological, molecular, and/or epigenetic levels, and this information is stored (by the memory effect), allowing a more robust defence in the presence of a challenge, i.e., biotic and abiotic stresses. This Special Issue is open to both research and review papers focused on the investigation of the mechanisms leading to priming status in a plant.

Dr. Cecilia Brunetti
Prof. Dr. Raffaella Maria Balestrini
Guest Editors

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Keywords

abiotic and biotic stresses
plant defence
arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
root-associated microbes
volatile organic compounds
secondary metabolites
biochemical responses
gene expression

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

18 pages, 5786 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Downregulation of lncRNA PpL-T31511 and Pp-miRn182 Promotes Hydrogen Cyanamide-Induced Endodormancy Release through the PP2C-H₂O₂ Pathway in Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia)

by Liang Li, Jinhang Liu, Qin Liang, Yu Feng, Chao Wang, Shaohua Wu and Yongyu Li

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(21), 11842; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222111842 - 31 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1933

Abstract

Bud endodormancy is an important, complex process subject to both genetic and epigenetic control, the mechanism of which is still unclear. The endogenous hormone abscisic acid (ABA) and its signaling pathway play important roles in the endodormancy process, in which the type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2Cs) is key to the ABA signal pathway. Due to its excellent effect on endodormancy release, hydrogen cyanamide (HC) treatment is considered an effective measure to study the mechanism of endodormancy release. In this study, RNA-Seq analysis was conducted on endodormant floral buds of pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) with HC treatment, and the HC-induced PP2C gene PpPP2C1 was identified. Next, software prediction, expression tests and transient assays revealed that lncRNA PpL-T31511-derived Pp-miRn182 targets PpPP2C1. The expression analysis showed that HC treatment upregulated the expression of PpPP2C1 and downregulated the expression of PpL-T31511 and Pp-miRn182. Moreover, HC treatment inhibited the accumulation of ABA signaling pathway-related genes and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Furthermore, overexpression of Pp-miRn182 reduced the inhibitory effect of PpPP2C1 on the H₂O₂ content. In summary, our study suggests that downregulation of PpL-T31511-derived Pp-miRn182 promotes HC-induced endodormancy release in pear plants through the PP2C-H₂O₂ pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochemical and Molecular Regulations of Priming: How Plants Enhance Their Defence against Environmental Pressures)

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20 pages, 3835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Jasmonic Acid Plays a Pivotal Role in Pollen Development and Fertility Regulation in Different Types of P(T)GMS Rice Lines

by Ying He, Chen Liu, Lan Zhu, Ming Fu, Yujun Sun and Hanlai Zeng

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(15), 7926; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22157926 - 25 Jul 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2439

Abstract

Two-line hybrid rice systems represent a new technical approach to utilizing the advantages of rice hybrids. However, the mechanism underlying the male sterile-line fertility transition in rice remains unclear. Peiai 64S (PA64S) is a photoperiod- and thermo-sensitive genic male sterile (PTGMS) line in which male sterility manifests at an average temperature above 23.5 °C under long-day (LD) conditions. Nongken 58S (NK58S) is a LD-sensitive genic male sterile (PGMS) rice that is sterile under LD conditions (above 13.75 h-day). In contrast, D52S is a short-day (SD)-PGMS line that manifests male sterility under SD conditions (below 13.5 h-day). In this study, we obtained fertile and sterile plants from all three lines and performed transcriptome analyses on the anthers of the plants. Gene ontology (GO) analysis suggested that the differentially expressed genes identified were significantly enriched in common terms involved in the response to jasmonic acid (JA) and in JA biosynthesis. On the basis of the biochemical and molecular validation of dynamic, tissue-specific changes in JA, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels, gibberellin (GA) levels, and JA biosynthetic enzyme activities and expression, we proposed that JA could play a pivotal role in viable pollen production through its initial upregulation, constant fluctuation and leaf-spikelet signaling under certain fertility-inducing conditions. Furthermore, we also sprayed methyl jasmonate (MEJA) and salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) on the plants, thereby achieving fertility reversal in the PGMS lines NK58S and D52S, with 12.91–63.53% pollen fertility changes. Through qPCR and enzyme activity analyses, we identified two key enzymes—allene oxide synthase (AOS) and allene oxide cyclase (AOC)—that were produced and upregulated by 20–500-fold in PGMS in response to spraying; the activities of these enzymes reversed pollen fertility by influencing the JA biosynthetic pathway. These results provide a new understanding of hormone interactions and networks in male-sterile rice based on the role of JA that will help us to better understand the potential regulatory mechanisms of fertility development in rice in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochemical and Molecular Regulations of Priming: How Plants Enhance Their Defence against Environmental Pressures)

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20 pages, 2415 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gadolinium Protects Arabidopsis thaliana against Botrytis cinerea through the Activation of JA/ET-Induced Defense Responses

by Juliana Santos Batista-Oliveira, Damien Formey, Martha Torres, Wendy Aragón, Yordan Jhovani Romero-Contreras, Israel Maruri-López, Alexandre Tromas, Kátia Regina Freitas Schwan-Estrada and Mario Serrano

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(9), 4938; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22094938 - 06 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2537

Abstract

Plant food production is severely affected by fungi; to cope with this problem, farmers use synthetic fungicides. However, the need to reduce fungicide application has led to a search for alternatives, such as biostimulants. Rare-earth elements (REEs) are widely used as biostimulants, but their mode of action and their potential as an alternative to synthetic fungicides have not been fully studied. Here, the biostimulant effect of gadolinium (Gd) is explored using the plant-pathosystem Arabidopsis thaliana–Botrytis cinerea. We determine that Gd induces local, systemic, and long-lasting plant defense responses to B. cinerea, without affecting fungal development. The physiological changes induced by Gd have been related to its structural resemblance to calcium. However, our results show that the calcium-induced defense response is not sufficient to protect plants against B. cinerea, compared to Gd. Furthermore, a genome-wide transcriptomic analysis shows that Gd induces plant defenses and modifies early and late defense responses. However, the resistance to B. cinerea is dependent on JA/ET-induced responses. These data support the conclusion that Gd can be used as a biocontrol agent for B. cinerea. These results are a valuable tool to uncover the molecular mechanisms induced by REEs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochemical and Molecular Regulations of Priming: How Plants Enhance Their Defence against Environmental Pressures)

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14 pages, 2814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Short-Term UV-B Radiation Intensities on Metabolic Characteristics of Porphyra haitanensis

by Shimei Fu, Song Xue, Jun Chen, Shuai Shang, Hui Xiao, Yu Zang and Xuexi Tang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(4), 2180; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22042180 - 22 Feb 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4193

Abstract

The effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly UV-B on algae, have become an important issue as human-caused depletion of the protecting ozone layer has been reported. In this study, the effects of different short-term UV-B radiation on the growth, physiology, and metabolism of Porphyra haitanensis were examined. The growth of P. haitanensis decreased, and the bleaching phenomenon occurred in the thalli. The contents of total amino acids, soluble sugar, total protein, and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) increased under different UV-B radiation intensities. The metabolic profiles of P. haitanensis differed between the control and UV-B radiation-treated groups. Most of the differential metabolites in P. haitanensis were significantly upregulated under UV-B exposure. Short-term enhanced UV-B irradiation significantly affected amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and phenylpropane biosynthesis. The contents of phenylalanine, tyrosine, threonine, and serine were increased, suggesting that amino acid metabolism can promote the synthesis of UV-absorbing substances (such as phenols and MAAs) by providing precursor substances. The contents of sucrose, D-glucose-6-phosphate, and beta-D-fructose-6-phosphate were increased, suggesting that carbohydrate metabolism contributes to maintain energy supply for metabolic activity in response to UV-B exposure. Meanwhile, dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) was also significantly upregulated, denoting effective activation of the antioxidant system. To some extent, these results provide metabolic insights into the adaptive response mechanism of P. haitanensis to short-term enhanced UV-B radiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochemical and Molecular Regulations of Priming: How Plants Enhance Their Defence against Environmental Pressures)

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Review

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17 pages, 1104 KiB

Open AccessReview

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Unfolded Protein Response Signaling in Plants

by Hakim Manghwar and Jianming Li

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(2), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23020828 - 13 Jan 2022

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4315

Abstract

Plants are sensitive to a variety of stresses that cause various diseases throughout their life cycle. However, they have the ability to cope with these stresses using different defense mechanisms. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an important subcellular organelle, primarily recognized as a checkpoint for protein folding. It plays an essential role in ensuring the proper folding and maturation of newly secreted and transmembrane proteins. Different processes are activated when around one-third of newly synthesized proteins enter the ER in the eukaryote cells, such as glycosylation, folding, and/or the assembling of these proteins into protein complexes. However, protein folding in the ER is an error-prone process whereby various stresses easily interfere, leading to the accumulation of unfolded/misfolded proteins and causing ER stress. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a process that involves sensing ER stress. Many strategies have been developed to reduce ER stress, such as UPR, ER-associated degradation (ERAD), and autophagy. Here, we discuss the ER, ER stress, UPR signaling and various strategies for reducing ER stress in plants. In addition, the UPR signaling in plant development and different stresses have been discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochemical and Molecular Regulations of Priming: How Plants Enhance Their Defence against Environmental Pressures)

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18 pages, 2060 KiB

Open AccessReview

The First Line of Defense: Receptor-like Protein Kinase-Mediated Stomatal Immunity

by Zhe Wang and Xiaoping Gou

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(1), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23010343 - 29 Dec 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3131

Abstract

Stomata regulate gas and water exchange between the plant and external atmosphere, which are vital for photosynthesis and transpiration. Stomata are also the natural entrance for pathogens invading into the apoplast. Therefore, stomata play an important role in plants against pathogens. The pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) locate in guard cells to perceive pathogen/microbe-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and trigger a series of plant innate immune responses, including rapid closure of stomata to limit bacterial invasion, which is termed stomatal immunity. Many PRRs involved in stomatal immunity are plasma membrane-located receptor-like protein kinases (RLKs). This review focuses on the current research progress of RLK-mediated signaling pathways involved in stomatal immunity, and discusses questions that need to be addressed in future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochemical and Molecular Regulations of Priming: How Plants Enhance Their Defence against Environmental Pressures)

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31 pages, 792 KiB

Open AccessReview

Strategies to Modulate Specialized Metabolism in Mediterranean Crops: From Molecular Aspects to Field

by Raffaella Balestrini, Cecilia Brunetti, Maria Cammareri, Sofia Caretto, Valeria Cavallaro, Eleonora Cominelli, Monica De Palma, Teresa Docimo, Giovanna Giovinazzo, Silvana Grandillo, Franca Locatelli, Erica Lumini, Dario Paolo, Cristina Patanè, Francesca Sparvoli, Marina Tucci and Elisa Zampieri

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(6), 2887; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22062887 - 12 Mar 2021

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 4324

Abstract

Plant specialized metabolites (SMs) play an important role in the interaction with the environment and are part of the plant defense response. These natural products are volatile, semi-volatile and non-volatile compounds produced from common building blocks deriving from primary metabolic pathways and rapidly evolved to allow a better adaptation of plants to environmental cues. Specialized metabolites include terpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, glucosinolates, tannins, resins, etc. that can be used as phytochemicals, food additives, flavoring agents and pharmaceutical compounds. This review will be focused on Mediterranean crop plants as a source of SMs, with a special attention on the strategies that can be used to modulate their production, including abiotic stresses, interaction with beneficial soil microorganisms and novel genetic approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochemical and Molecular Regulations of Priming: How Plants Enhance Their Defence against Environmental Pressures)

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