Table of Contents

Contribution of cyclic electron flow to photosynthesis and biomass productivity is explored in a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii PGRL1-deficient mutant. Induction of different mechanisms, including cooperation between photosynthesis and mitochondrial respiration and oxygen photoreduction (direct or flavodiiron-mediated), efficiently compensates for the deficit in ATP supply under steady state, but not under transient or fluctuating conditions.

Contribution of cyclic electron flow to photosynthesis and biomass productivity is explored in a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii PGRL1-deficient mutant. Induction of different mechanisms, including cooperation between photosynthesis and mitochondrial respiration and oxygen photoreduction (direct or flavodiiron-mediated), efficiently compensates for the deficit in ATP supply under steady state, but not under transient or fluctuating conditions.

This work presents a genome-scale data set that precisely identifies transcription start sites for a majority of Arabidopsis genes, revealing that plant promoters are not primarily TATA based and have an unexpected structure composed of many position-specific sequence elements. This analysis identifies combinations of factors that are likely to lead to transcription initiation.

This work shows that the post-Golgi trafficking of PIP2;7 involves an interaction with SYP61 and SYP121 and that SYP61 and SYP121 colocalize and are physically associated in a SNARE complex. These findings suggest that SNAREs, and possibly a SYP61/SYP121 SNARE complex, play an important role in the regulation of the transport of the plasma membrane aquaporin.

This work uses multiple-environment expression quantitative trait locus analysis of the Brassica rapa genome, combined with comparative genomics of Arabidopsis, to identify putative vacuolar calcium transporters with potential uses in biofortification to increase the accumulation of calcium in food crops.

This work analyzes gene regulatory networks involved in GA responses by focusing on a lipase gene (LIP1) expressed in the epidermis during germination. The results support a model in which GA mediates the activation of downstream target genes containing L1 box sequences in their promoters by releasing two HD-ZIP TFs (ATML1 and PDF2) from their inhibitory interaction with DELLA proteins.

This work uses multiple-environment expression quantitative trait locus analysis of the Brassica rapa genome, combined with comparative genomics of Arabidopsis, to identify putative vacuolar calcium transporters with potential uses in biofortification to increase the accumulation of calcium in food crops.

Contribution of cyclic electron flow to photosynthesis and biomass productivity is explored in a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii PGRL1-deficient mutant. Induction of different mechanisms, including cooperation between photosynthesis and mitochondrial respiration and oxygen photoreduction (direct or flavodiiron-mediated), efficiently compensates for the deficit in ATP supply under steady state, but not under transient or fluctuating conditions.

This work reports the isolation and characterization of a mutant called rotten ear (rte), which shows growth and fertility defects in maize inflorescences. rte is required for the uptake and transport of the micronutrient boron and is necessary for the structural integrity of maize cell walls.

This work describes the function of the RLK IOS1 in Arabidopsis immunity against bacteria. IOS1 is required for optimal function of the immune receptors FLS2 and EFR and β-aminobutyric acid-induced resistance and priming. IOS1 associates with FLS2, EFR, and BAK1 and controls the ligand-induced FLS2-BAK1 association.

Given the role of topoisomerases in relieving torsional stresses in DNA during replication or transcription, it is surprising that the topoisomerase TOP1α plays a role in specific developmental processes. This study uncovers a connection between TOP1α and the deposition of the histone H3K27me3 mark at Polycomb Group target genes, which regulates target gene expression and, hence, developmental events.

This work describes the function of the RLK IOS1 in Arabidopsis immunity against bacteria. IOS1 is required for optimal function of the immune receptors FLS2 and EFR and β-aminobutyric acid-induced resistance and priming. IOS1 associates with FLS2, EFR, and BAK1 and controls the ligand-induced FLS2-BAK1 association.

Small-angle x-ray scattering gives a glimpse at the solution structure of the catalytic domains of plant cellulose synthase and their dimerization. Dimerization through the plant-specific sequences of the catalytic domain provides important clues for how Zn-finger domains couple these fundamental scaffold units into large, multimeric synthase complexes.

This work describes mapped-based cloning and characterization of a gain-of-function mutation (Dt2) that specifies semideterminate stem termination in soybean. Dt2 represents an evolutionary novelty and uniqueness of the genetic mechanisms underlying plant stem growth habit and may be a more productive alternative for soybean production, particularly in high fertility and irrigated environments.

Plant RidA proteins protect an enzyme of branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis from inactivation by hydrolyzing reactive pathway intermediates before they can damage the enzyme. RidA proteins are thus crucial for the efficient biosynthesis of branched-chain amino acids in plants and provide an iconic example of the preemption of metabolite damage.

Small-angle x-ray scattering gives a glimpse at the solution structure of the catalytic domains of plant cellulose synthase and their dimerization. Dimerization through the plant-specific sequences of the catalytic domain provides important clues for how Zn-finger domains couple these fundamental scaffold units into large, multimeric synthase complexes.

Contribution of cyclic electron flow to photosynthesis and biomass productivity is explored in a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii PGRL1-deficient mutant. Induction of different mechanisms, including cooperation between photosynthesis and mitochondrial respiration and oxygen photoreduction (direct or flavodiiron-mediated), efficiently compensates for the deficit in ATP supply under steady state, but not under transient or fluctuating conditions.

This work shows that the post-Golgi trafficking of PIP2;7 involves an interaction with SYP61 and SYP121 and that SYP61 and SYP121 colocalize and are physically associated in a SNARE complex. These findings suggest that SNAREs, and possibly a SYP61/SYP121 SNARE complex, play an important role in the regulation of the transport of the plasma membrane aquaporin.

This work characterizes the pollen transcriptomes of Petunia inflata to identify all S-locus F-box (SLF) genes of two S-haplotypes, S₂ and S₃. In addition to the 10 previously identified SLF genes, the same seven novel SLF genes were identified in the two haplotypes, suggesting that a total of 17 SLF genes in these two haplotypes collectively regulate pollen specificity in self-incompatibility.

Given the role of topoisomerases in relieving torsional stresses in DNA during replication or transcription, it is surprising that the topoisomerase TOP1α plays a role in specific developmental processes. This study uncovers a connection between TOP1α and the deposition of the histone H3K27me3 mark at Polycomb Group target genes, which regulates target gene expression and, hence, developmental events.

Plants use phenylalanine to produce abundant and diverse phenylpropanoid compounds, such as flavonoids, tannins, and lignin. Through phylogenetic, bioinformatic, and biochemical analyses of prephenate aminotransferase enzymes from deep taxonomic lineages, this study revealed unique evolutionary history and molecular changes of key enzymes responsible for phenylalanine biosynthesis in plants.

This work reports the distinct mechanisms of two homologous NAC proteins of tomato, JA2 and JA2L, in regulating Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000–induced stomatal movement. Whereas JA2 acts in abscisic acid (ABA)–mediated stomatal closure by promoting ABA biosynthesis, JA2L functions in jasmonate/coronatine–mediated stomatal reopening by suppressing salicylic acid accumulation.

This work uses multiple-environment expression quantitative trait locus analysis of the Brassica rapa genome, combined with comparative genomics of Arabidopsis, to identify putative vacuolar calcium transporters with potential uses in biofortification to increase the accumulation of calcium in food crops.

This study identified multiple whole-genome duplication (WGD) events among Brassicaceae species. Remarkably, these events, as well as previously identified WGD events, are synchronized in age, coincident with epoch transitions, adding to the evidence suggesting the environmental instability associated with these transitions favors polyploidy and rapid species diversification.

Unexpectedly, an Arabidopsis RabA family GTPase directly interacted with a pathogen-induced, plasma membrane-bound callose synthase in unchallenged epidermal leaf cells as well as in response to powdery mildew. Overexpression of this Rab GTPase induced enhanced early callose deposition at powdery mildew infection sites and complete penetration resistance to this biotrophic fungus.

The extracted tetraploid wheat (ETW) containing the BBAA subgenomes of hexaploid bread wheat has a stabilized karyotype but anomalous phenotypes. Genome-wide comparisons between ETW and natural tetraploid wheat revealed a large number of differentially expressed genes in ETW; these changes showed early occurrence and evolutionary persistence during bread wheat evolution.

Plant RidA proteins protect an enzyme of branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis from inactivation by hydrolyzing reactive pathway intermediates before they can damage the enzyme. RidA proteins are thus crucial for the efficient biosynthesis of branched-chain amino acids in plants and provide an iconic example of the preemption of metabolite damage.

This work presents a model of the plant intracellular trafficking system developed by analyzing the subcellular localization of GNOM ARF-GEF, which is crucial for auxin transport-mediated plant development. The data show that GNOM is associated with Golgi body, rather than endosomes as previously believed, and redefine our notions about the identity and function of recycling endosomes in plants.

This work reports the discovery of the DELLA-binding transcription factor GAF1 and shows that DELLAs and TPR act as coactivators and a corepressor with GAF1, respectively. GA converts the GAF1 complex from transcriptional activator to repressor via degradation of DELLAs. Accordingly, DELLAs turn on or off two sets of GA-regulated genes by dual functions, namely titration and coactivation.

This work reports the isolation and characterization of a mutant called rotten ear (rte), which shows growth and fertility defects in maize inflorescences. rte is required for the uptake and transport of the micronutrient boron and is necessary for the structural integrity of maize cell walls.

Identification and analysis of the maize boron (B) transporter mutant tassel-less1 demonstrated that the primary symptoms of B deficiency are defects in vegetative and reproductive meristems, thus providing an explanation for the reductions in yield observed under B-limited conditions.

Al toxicity is a major constraint to crop production in acidic soil worldwide. This study elucidates how Al may regulate root growth inhibition through mediating local auxin biosynthesis and signaling in the root-apex transition zone and provides insights into how environmental cues affect root growth plasticity through influencing local auxin biosynthesis and signaling.

Arabidopsis seeds with a mutation in urate oxidase show a defect in germination, fail to develop the cotyledons, and exhibit partially blocked β-oxidation. These phenotypes result from the accumulation of uric acid and are suppressed by the additional mutation of xanthine dehydrogenase, which prevents uric acid accumulation. The data presented show that peroxisome maintenance is compromised by uric acid.

Unexpectedly, an Arabidopsis RabA family GTPase directly interacted with a pathogen-induced, plasma membrane-bound callose synthase in unchallenged epidermal leaf cells as well as in response to powdery mildew. Overexpression of this Rab GTPase induced enhanced early callose deposition at powdery mildew infection sites and complete penetration resistance to this biotrophic fungus.

This work uses multiple-environment expression quantitative trait locus analysis of the Brassica rapa genome, combined with comparative genomics of Arabidopsis, to identify putative vacuolar calcium transporters with potential uses in biofortification to increase the accumulation of calcium in food crops.

Genetic alterations of the cytosolic, phosphorylating glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, GAPC, have substantial impacts on the overall cellular production of reductants, energy, and carbohydrate metabolites as well as seed production. Increased GAPC expression contributes to enhanced seed oil accumulation.

This work uses multiple-environment expression quantitative trait locus analysis of the Brassica rapa genome, combined with comparative genomics of Arabidopsis, to identify putative vacuolar calcium transporters with potential uses in biofortification to increase the accumulation of calcium in food crops.

MscS-Like 10, a mechanosensitive ion channel from Arabidopsis, has two functions, each attributable to a different domain of the protein. The C-terminal domain, which is conserved among all MscS-Like ion channels, mediates tension-regulated ion flux. The plant-specific N-terminal domain is capable of inducing cell death, and its activity is negatively regulated by its phosphorylation.

Al toxicity is a major constraint to crop production in acidic soil worldwide. This study elucidates how Al may regulate root growth inhibition through mediating local auxin biosynthesis and signaling in the root-apex transition zone and provides insights into how environmental cues affect root growth plasticity through influencing local auxin biosynthesis and signaling.

Small-angle x-ray scattering gives a glimpse at the solution structure of the catalytic domains of plant cellulose synthase and their dimerization. Dimerization through the plant-specific sequences of the catalytic domain provides important clues for how Zn-finger domains couple these fundamental scaffold units into large, multimeric synthase complexes.

Al toxicity is a major constraint to crop production in acidic soil worldwide. This study elucidates how Al may regulate root growth inhibition through mediating local auxin biosynthesis and signaling in the root-apex transition zone and provides insights into how environmental cues affect root growth plasticity through influencing local auxin biosynthesis and signaling.

This work describes the function of the RLK IOS1 in Arabidopsis immunity against bacteria. IOS1 is required for optimal function of the immune receptors FLS2 and EFR and β-aminobutyric acid-induced resistance and priming. IOS1 associates with FLS2, EFR, and BAK1 and controls the ligand-induced FLS2-BAK1 association.

The extracted tetraploid wheat (ETW) containing the BBAA subgenomes of hexaploid bread wheat has a stabilized karyotype but anomalous phenotypes. Genome-wide comparisons between ETW and natural tetraploid wheat revealed a large number of differentially expressed genes in ETW; these changes showed early occurrence and evolutionary persistence during bread wheat evolution.

This study identified multiple whole-genome duplication (WGD) events among Brassicaceae species. Remarkably, these events, as well as previously identified WGD events, are synchronized in age, coincident with epoch transitions, adding to the evidence suggesting the environmental instability associated with these transitions favors polyploidy and rapid species diversification.

This work shows that the post-Golgi trafficking of PIP2;7 involves an interaction with SYP61 and SYP121 and that SYP61 and SYP121 colocalize and are physically associated in a SNARE complex. These findings suggest that SNAREs, and possibly a SYP61/SYP121 SNARE complex, play an important role in the regulation of the transport of the plasma membrane aquaporin.

Plants use phenylalanine to produce abundant and diverse phenylpropanoid compounds, such as flavonoids, tannins, and lignin. Through phylogenetic, bioinformatic, and biochemical analyses of prephenate aminotransferase enzymes from deep taxonomic lineages, this study revealed unique evolutionary history and molecular changes of key enzymes responsible for phenylalanine biosynthesis in plants.

Whole-genome duplication (WGD) is a primary source of genetic material for evolutionary variation. This work compares the genomes of four monocots and two eudicots using integrated phylogenomic and syntenic analyses, revealing an ancient WGD that shaped the genomes of all commelinid monocots, including grasses, bromeliads, bananas, gingers, palms, and other economically important plants.

Contribution of cyclic electron flow to photosynthesis and biomass productivity is explored in a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii PGRL1-deficient mutant. Induction of different mechanisms, including cooperation between photosynthesis and mitochondrial respiration and oxygen photoreduction (direct or flavodiiron-mediated), efficiently compensates for the deficit in ATP supply under steady state, but not under transient or fluctuating conditions.

This work describes the function of the RLK IOS1 in Arabidopsis immunity against bacteria. IOS1 is required for optimal function of the immune receptors FLS2 and EFR and β-aminobutyric acid-induced resistance and priming. IOS1 associates with FLS2, EFR, and BAK1 and controls the ligand-induced FLS2-BAK1 association.

This work reports the discovery of the DELLA-binding transcription factor GAF1 and shows that DELLAs and TPR act as coactivators and a corepressor with GAF1, respectively. GA converts the GAF1 complex from transcriptional activator to repressor via degradation of DELLAs. Accordingly, DELLAs turn on or off two sets of GA-regulated genes by dual functions, namely titration and coactivation.

This work characterizes the pollen transcriptomes of Petunia inflata to identify all S-locus F-box (SLF) genes of two S-haplotypes, S₂ and S₃. In addition to the 10 previously identified SLF genes, the same seven novel SLF genes were identified in the two haplotypes, suggesting that a total of 17 SLF genes in these two haplotypes collectively regulate pollen specificity in self-incompatibility.

The extracted tetraploid wheat (ETW) containing the BBAA subgenomes of hexaploid bread wheat has a stabilized karyotype but anomalous phenotypes. Genome-wide comparisons between ETW and natural tetraploid wheat revealed a large number of differentially expressed genes in ETW; these changes showed early occurrence and evolutionary persistence during bread wheat evolution.