scholarly journals GhWRKY1-like, a WRKY transcription factor, mediates drought tolerance in Arabidopsis via modulating ABA biosynthesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qin Hu ◽  
Chuanwei Ao ◽  
Xiaorui Wang ◽  
Yanfei Wu ◽  
Xuezhu Du
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Upland Cotton ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Higher Plants ◽  
Wrky Transcription Factor ◽  
Abiotic And Biotic Stress ◽  
Plant Growth And Development ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Positive Regulator ◽  
Aba Biosynthesis

Abstract Background Drought stress has great negative effects on the plant growth and development. The tolerance of plants to such abiotic stress is triggered by complicated and multilayered signaling pathways to restore cellular homeostasis and to promote survival. The WRKY family is one of the largest transcription factor families in higher plants, and has been well recognized for the roles in regulating plants tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress. However, little is known about how the WRKY genes regulate drought resistance in cotton. Results In this work, we identified the WRKY transcription factor GhWRKY1-like from upland cotton as a positive regulator of tolerance to drought that directly manipulates abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis. Overexpression of GhWRKY1-like in Arabidopsis constitutively activated ABA biosynthesis genes, signaling genes, responsive genes and drought related maker genes, and led to enhanced tolerance to drought. Further analysis has shown that GhWRKY1-like can interact with “W-box” cis-elements of the promoters of AtNCED2, AtNCED5, AtNCED6 and AtNCED9 which are essential enzymes for ABA biosynthesis, and promotes the expression of those target genes. Conclusions In summary, our findings suggest that GhWRKY1-like may act as a positive regulator in Arabidopsis tolerance to drought via directly interacting with the promoters of AtNCED2, AtNCED5, AtNCED6 and AtNCED9 to promote ABA biosynthesis.

scholarly journals Evolution Analyses of CAMTA Transcription Factor in Plants and Its Enhancing Effect on Cold-tolerance

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peixuan Xiao ◽  
Jia-Wu Feng ◽  
Xi-Tong Zhu ◽  
Junxiang Gao
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Cold Tolerance ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Higher Plants ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Evolutionary Process ◽  
Functional Differentiation ◽  
Transcription Activator ◽  
Structure Variation

The calmodulin binding transcription activator (CAMTA) is a transcription factor that is widely present in eukaryotes with conserved structure. It contributes to the response to biotic and abiotic stresses and promotes the growth and development of plants. Although previous studies have investigated the number and function of CAMTAs in some species, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary process, phylogenetic relationship, expression patterns, and functions of CAMTAs in plants. Here we identified 465 CMATA genes from 112 plants and systematically studied the origin of CAMTA family, gene expansion, functional differentiation, gene structure, and conservative motif distribution. Based on these analyses, we presented the evidence that CAMTA family was originated from chlorophyta, and we speculated that CAMTA might experience obvious structure variation during its early evolution, and that the number of CAMTA genes might gradually increase in higher plants. To reveal potential functions of CAMTA genes, we analyzed the expression patterns of 12 representative species and found significant species specificity, tissue specificity, and developmental stage specificity of CAMTAs. The results also indicated that the CAMTA genes might promote the maturation and senescence. The expression levels and regulatory networks of CAMTAs revealed that CAMTAs could enhance cold tolerance of rice by regulating carbohydrate metabolism-related genes to accumulate carbohydrates or by modulating target genes together with other transcription factors. Our study provides an insight into the molecular evolution of CAMTA family and lays a foundation for further study of related biological functions.

scholarly journals AaWRKY17, a positive regulator of artemisinin biosynthesis, is involved in resistance to Pseudomonas syringae in Artemisia annua

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiantian Chen ◽  
Yongpeng Li ◽  
Lihui Xie ◽  
Xiaolong Hao ◽  
Hang Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Pseudomonas Syringae ◽  
Artemisia Annua ◽  
Wrky Transcription Factor ◽  
Marker Genes ◽  
Mobility Shift ◽  
Positive Regulator ◽  
Pathway Gene ◽  
Transgenic Breeding ◽  
Artemisinin Biosynthesis

AbstractArtemisia annua, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, remains the only plant source for artemisinin production, yet few genes have been identified to be involved in both the response to biotic stresses, such as pathogens, and artemisinin biosynthesis. Here, we isolated and identified the WRKY transcription factor (TF) AaWRKY17, which could significantly increase the artemisinin content and resistance to Pseudomonas syringae in A. annua. Yeast one-hybrid (Y1H), dual-luciferase (dual-LUC), and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) results showed that AaWRKY17 directly bound to the W-box motifs in the promoter region of the artemisinin biosynthetic pathway gene amorpha-4,11-diene synthase (ADS) and promoted its expression. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that the transcript levels of two defense marker genes, Pathogenesis-Related 5 (PR5) and NDR1/HIN1-LIKE 10 (NHL10), were greatly increased in AaWRKY17-overexpressing transgenic A. annua plants. Additionally, overexpression of AaWRKY17 in A. annua resulted in decreased susceptibility to P. syringae. These results indicated that AaWRKY17 acted as a positive regulator in response to P. syringae infection. Together, our findings demonstrated that the novel WRKY transcription factor AaWRKY17 could potentially be used in transgenic breeding to improve the content of artemisinin and pathogen tolerance in A. annua.

Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals Functions of MicroRNAs in Rice Under the Drought Stress

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 927-936 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Peng ◽  
Yuewu Liu ◽  
Xinbo Chen
Keyword(s):  
Drought Stress ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Interaction Network ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Protein Protein Interaction ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Differentially Expressed Mirnas ◽  
Aba Biosynthesis

Background: Drought is one of the most damaging and widespread abiotic stresses that can severely limit the rice production. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as a promising tool for improving the drought tolerance of rice and have become a hot spot in recent years. Objective: In order to further extend the understanding of miRNAs, the functions of miRNAs in rice under drought stress are analyzed by bioinformatics. Method: In this study, we integrated miRNAs and genes transcriptome data of rice under the drought stress. Some bioinformatics methods were used to reveal the functions of miRNAs in rice under drought stress. These methods included target genes identification, differentially expressed miRNAs screening, enrichment analysis of DEGs, network constructions for miRNA-target and target-target proteins interaction. Results: (1) A total of 229 miRNAs with differential expression in rice under the drought stress, corresponding to 73 rice miRNAs families, were identified. (2) 1035 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, which included 357 up-regulated genes, 542 down-regulated genes and 136 up/down-regulated genes. (3) The network of regulatory relationships between 73 rice miRNAs families and 1035 DEGs was constructed. (4) 25 UP_KEYWORDS terms of DEGs, 125 GO terms and 7 pathways were obtained. (5) The protein-protein interaction network of 1035 DEGs was constructed. Conclusion: (1) MiRNA-regulated targets in rice might mainly involve in a series of basic biological processes and pathways under drought conditions. (2) MiRNAs in rice might play critical roles in Lignin degradation and ABA biosynthesis. (3) MiRNAs in rice might play an important role in drought signal perceiving and transduction.

scholarly journals Regulatory Network Analysis in Estradiol-Treated Human Endothelial Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 8193
Author(s):  
Daniel Pérez-Cremades ◽  
Ana B. Paes ◽  
Xavier Vidal-Gómez ◽  
Ana Mompeón ◽  
Carlos Hermenegildo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Regulatory Network ◽  
Mirna Target ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Human Endothelial Cells ◽  
Mrna Targets ◽  
Canonical Pathways

Background/Aims: Estrogen has been reported to have beneficial effects on vascular biology through direct actions on endothelium. Together with transcription factors, miRNAs are the major drivers of gene expression and signaling networks. The objective of this study was to identify a comprehensive regulatory network (miRNA-transcription factor-downstream genes) that controls the transcriptomic changes observed in endothelial cells exposed to estradiol. Methods: miRNA/mRNA interactions were assembled using our previous microarray data of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) treated with 17β-estradiol (E2) (1 nmol/L, 24 h). miRNA–mRNA pairings and their associated canonical pathways were determined using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. Transcription factors were identified among the miRNA-regulated genes. Transcription factor downstream target genes were predicted by consensus transcription factor binding sites in the promoter region of E2-regulated genes by using JASPAR and TRANSFAC tools in Enrichr software. Results: miRNA–target pairings were filtered by using differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs characterized by a regulatory relationship according to miRNA target prediction databases. The analysis identified 588 miRNA–target interactions between 102 miRNAs and 588 targets. Specifically, 63 upregulated miRNAs interacted with 295 downregulated targets, while 39 downregulated miRNAs were paired with 293 upregulated mRNA targets. Functional characterization of miRNA/mRNA association analysis highlighted hypoxia signaling, integrin, ephrin receptor signaling and regulation of actin-based motility by Rho among the canonical pathways regulated by E2 in HUVEC. Transcription factors and downstream genes analysis revealed eight networks, including those mediated by JUN and REPIN1, which are associated with cadherin binding and cell adhesion molecule binding pathways. Conclusion: This study identifies regulatory networks obtained by integrative microarray analysis and provides additional insights into the way estradiol could regulate endothelial function in human endothelial cells.

scholarly journals GhKWL1 Upregulates GhERF105 but Its Function Is Impaired by Binding with VdISC1, a Pathogenic Effector of Verticillium dahliae

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
pp. 7328
Author(s):  
Yang Chen ◽  
Mi Zhang ◽  
Lei Wang ◽  
Xiaohan Yu ◽  
Xianbi Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Transgenic Plants ◽  
Gossypium Hirsutum ◽  
Verticillium Wilt ◽  
Verticillium Dahliae ◽  
Defense Response ◽  
Upland Cotton ◽  
Effector Protein ◽  
Positive Regulator ◽  
Its Gene

Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae, is a devastating disease for many important crops, including cotton. Kiwellins (KWLs), a group of cysteine-rich proteins synthesized in many plants, have been shown to be involved in response to various phytopathogens. To evaluate genes for their function in resistance to Verticillium wilt, we investigated KWL homologs in cotton. Thirty-five KWL genes (GhKWLs) were identified from the genome of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). Among them, GhKWL1 was shown to be localized in nucleus and cytosol, and its gene expression is induced by the infection of V. dahliae. We revealed that GhKWL1 was a positive regulator of GhERF105. Silencing of GhKWL1 resulted in a decrease, whereas overexpression led to an increase in resistance of transgenic plants to Verticillium wilt. Interestingly, through binding to GhKWL1, the pathogenic effector protein VdISC1 produced by V. dahliae could impair the defense response mediated by GhKWL1. Therefore, our study suggests there is a GhKWL1-mediated defense response in cotton, which can be hijacked by V. dahliae through the interaction of VdISC1 with GhKWL1.

scholarly journals The transcription factor OpWRKY2 positively regulates the biosynthesis of the anticancer drug camptothecin in Ophiorrhiza pumila

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolong Hao ◽  
Chenhong Xie ◽  
Qingyan Ruan ◽  
Xichen Zhang ◽  
Chao Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Anticancer Activity ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Indole Alkaloid ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Wrky Transcription Factor ◽  
Mobility Shift ◽  
Pathway Gene ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Encoding Gene

AbstractThe limited bioavailability of plant-derived natural products with anticancer activity poses major challenges to the pharmaceutical industry. An example of this is camptothecin, a monoterpene indole alkaloid with potent anticancer activity that is extracted at very low concentrations from woody plants. Recently, camptothecin biosynthesis has been shown to become biotechnologically amenable in hairy-root systems of the natural producer Ophiorrhiza pumila. Here, time-course expression and metabolite analyses were performed to identify novel transcriptional regulators of camptothecin biosynthesis in O. pumila. It is shown here that camptothecin production increased over cultivation time and that the expression pattern of the WRKY transcription factor encoding gene OpWRKY2 is closely correlated with camptothecin accumulation. Overexpression of OpWRKY2 led to a more than three-fold increase in camptothecin levels. Accordingly, silencing of OpWRKY2 correlated with decreased camptothecin levels in the plant. Further detailed molecular characterization by electrophoretic mobility shift, yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays showed that OpWRKY2 directly binds and activates the central camptothecin pathway gene OpTDC. Taken together, the results of this study demonstrate that OpWRKY2 acts as a direct positive regulator of camptothecin biosynthesis. As such, a feasible strategy for the over-accumulation of camptothecin in a biotechnologically amenable system is presented.

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