scholarly journals Plant Non-Coding RNAs: Origin, Biogenesis, Mode of Action and Their Roles in Abiotic Stress

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (21) ◽  
pp. 8401
Author(s):  
Joram Kiriga Waititu ◽  
Chunyi Zhang ◽  
Jun Liu ◽  
Huan Wang

As sessile species, plants have to deal with the rapidly changing environment. In response to these environmental conditions, plants employ a plethora of response mechanisms that provide broad phenotypic plasticity to allow the fine-tuning of the external cues related reactions. Molecular biology has been transformed by the major breakthroughs in high-throughput transcriptome sequencing and expression analysis using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. These innovations have provided substantial progress in the identification of genomic regions as well as underlying basis influencing transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of abiotic stress response. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), have emerged as essential regulators of plants abiotic stress response. However, shared traits in the biogenesis of ncRNAs and the coordinated cross-talk among ncRNAs mechanisms contribute to the complexity of these molecules and might play an essential part in regulating stress responses. Herein, we highlight the current knowledge of plant microRNAs, siRNAs, and lncRNAs, focusing on their origin, biogenesis, modes of action, and fundamental roles in plant response to abiotic stresses.

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (20) ◽  
pp. 7755
Author(s):  
Leelyn Chong ◽  
Pengcheng Guo ◽  
Yingfang Zhu

As an evolutionarily conserved multi-protein complex, the Mediator complex modulates the association between transcription factors and RNA polymerase II to precisely regulate gene transcription. Although numerous studies have shown the diverse functions of Mediator complex in plant development, flowering, hormone signaling, and biotic stress response, its roles in the Abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway and abiotic stress response remain largely unclear. It has been recognized that the phytohormone, ABA, plays a predominant role in regulating plant adaption to various abiotic stresses as ABA can trigger extensive changes in the transcriptome to help the plants respond to environmental stimuli. Over the past decade, the Mediator complex has been revealed to play key roles in not only regulating the ABA signaling transduction but also in the abiotic stress responses. In this review, we will summarize current knowledge of the Mediator complex in regulating the plants’ response to ABA as well as to the abiotic stresses of cold, drought and high salinity. We will particularly emphasize the involvement of multi-functional subunits of MED25, MED18, MED16, and CDK8 in response to ABA and environmental perturbation. Additionally, we will discuss potential research directions available for further deciphering the role of Mediator complex in regulating ABA and other abiotic stress responses.


BMC Genomics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Aslam ◽  
Bello Hassan Jakada ◽  
Beenish Fakher ◽  
Joseph G. Greaves ◽  
Xiaoping Niu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Transcription factors (TFs) are essential regulators of growth and development in eukaryotes. Basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLHs) is one of the most significant TFs families involved in several critical regulatory functions. Cryptochrome-interacting bHLH (CIB) and cryptochromes form an extensive regulatory network to mediate a plethora of pathways. Although bHLHs regulate critical biological processes in plants, the information about pineapple bHLHs remains unexplored. Results Here, we identified a total of 121 bHLH proteins in the pineapple genome. The identified genes were renamed based on the ascending order of their gene ID and classified into 18 subgroups by phylogenetic analysis. We found that bHLH genes are expressed in different organs and stages of pineapple development. Furthermore, by the ectopic expression of AcCIB2 in Arabidopsis and complementation of Atcib2 mutant, we verified the involvement of AcCIB2 in photomorphogenesis and abiotic stress response. Conclusions Our findings revealed that AcCIB2 plays an essential role in flowering time regulation and abiotic stress response. The present study provides additional insights into the current knowledge of bHLH genes and suggests their potential role in various biological processes during pineapple development.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongying Zhang ◽  
Xudong Ma ◽  
Wenjiao Li ◽  
Dexin Niu ◽  
Zhaojun Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The plant-specific homeodomain-leucine zipper class IV (HD-ZIP IV) gene family has been involved in the regulation of epidermal development. Results Fifteen genes coding for HD-ZIP IV proteins were identified (NtHD-ZIP-IV-1 to NtHD-ZIP-IV-15) based on the genome of N. tabacum. Four major domains (HD, ZIP, SAD and START) were present in these proteins. Tissue expression pattern analysis indicated that NtHD-ZIP-IV-1, − 2, − 3, − 10, and − 12 may be associated with trichome development; NtHD-ZIP-IV-8 was expressed only in cotyledons; NtHD-ZIP-IV-9 only in the leaf and stem epidermis; NtHD-ZIP-IV-11 only in leaves; and NtHD-ZIP-IV-15 only in the root and stem epidermis. We found that jasmonates may induce the generation of glandular trichomes, and that NtHD-ZIP-IV-1, − 2, − 5, and − 7 were response to MeJA treatment. Dynamic expression under abiotic stress and after application of phytohormones indicated that most NtHD-ZIP IV genes were induced by heat, cold, salt and drought. Furthermore, most of these genes were induced by gibberellic acid, 6-benzylaminopurine, and salicylic acid, but were inhibited by abscisic acid. NtHD-ZIP IV genes were sensitive to heat, but insensitive to osmotic stress. Conclusion NtHD-ZIP IV genes are implicated in a complex regulatory gene network controlling epidermal development and abiotic stress responses. The present study provides evidence to elucidate the gene functions of NtHD-ZIP IVs during epidermal development and stress response.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carina Steliana Carianopol ◽  
Aaron Lorheed Chan ◽  
Shaowei Dong ◽  
Nicholas J. Provart ◽  
Shelley Lumba ◽  
...  

AbstractYeast Snf1 (Sucrose non-fermenting1), mammalian AMPK (5′ AMP-activated protein kinase) and plant SnRK1 (Snf1-Related Kinase1) are conserved heterotrimeric kinase complexes that re-establish energy homeostasis following stress. The hormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays a crucial role in plant stress response. Activation of SnRK1 or ABA signaling results in overlapping transcriptional changes, suggesting these stress pathways share common targets. To investigate how SnRK1 and ABA interact during stress response in Arabidopsis thaliana, we screened the SnRK1 complex by yeast two-hybrid against a library of proteins encoded by 258 ABA-regulated genes. Here, we identify 125 SnRK1- interacting proteins (SnIPs). Network analysis indicates that a subset of SnIPs form signaling modules in response to abiotic stress. Functional studies show the involvement of SnRK1 and select SnIPs in abiotic stress responses. This targeted study uncovers the largest set of SnRK1 interactors, which can be used to further characterize SnRK1 role in plant survival under stress.


PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10785
Author(s):  
Xue Yong ◽  
Tangchun Zheng ◽  
Xiaokang Zhuo ◽  
Sagheer Ahmad ◽  
Lulu Li ◽  
...  

Rosaceae is an important family containing some of the highly evolved fruit and ornamental plants. Abiotic stress responses play key roles in the seasonal growth and development of plants. However, the molecular basis of stress responses remains largely unknown in Rosaceae. Abscisic acid (ABA) is a stress hormone involving abiotic stress response pathways. The ABRE-binding factor/ABA-responsive element-binding protein (ABF/AREB) is a subfamily of the basic domain/leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor family. It plays an important role in the ABA-mediated signaling pathway. Here, we analyzed the ABF/AREB subfamily genes in nine Rosaceae species. A total of 64 ABF/AREB genes were identified, including 18, 28, and 18 genes in the Rosoideae, Amygdaloideae, and Maloideae traditional subfamilies, respectively. The evolutionary relationship of the ABF/AREB subfamily genes was studied through the phylogenetic analysis, the gene structure and conserved motif composition, Ka/Ks values, and interspecies colinearity. These gene sets were clustered into four groups. In the Prunus ABF/AREB (PmABF) promoters, several cis-elements related to light, hormone, and abiotic stress response were predicted. PmABFs expressed in five different tissues, except PmABF5, which expressed only in buds. In the dormancy stages, PmABF1, 2, 5 and 7 showed differential expression. The expression of PmABF3, 4 and 6 was positively correlated with the ABA concentration. Except for PmABF5, all the PmABFs were sensitive to ABA. Several ABRE elements were contained in the promoters of PmABF1, 3, 6, 7. Based on the findings of our study, we speculate that PmABFs may play a role in flower bud dormancy in P. mume.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Uday Chand Jha ◽  
Harsh Nayyar ◽  
Rintu Jha ◽  
Muhammad Khurshid ◽  
Meiliang Zhou ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The immobile nature of plants means that they can be frequently confronted by various biotic and abiotic stresses during their lifecycle. Among the various abiotic stresses, water stress, temperature extremities, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity are the major abiotic stresses challenging overall plant growth. Plants have evolved complex molecular mechanisms to adapt under the given abiotic stresses. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)—a diverse class of RNAs that contain > 200 nucleotides(nt)—play an essential role in plant adaptation to various abiotic stresses. Results LncRNAs play a significant role as ‘biological regulators’ for various developmental processes and biotic and abiotic stress responses in animals and plants at the transcription, post-transcription, and epigenetic level, targeting various stress-responsive mRNAs, regulatory gene(s) encoding transcription factors, and numerous microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate the expression of different genes. However, the mechanistic role of lncRNAs at the molecular level, and possible target gene(s) contributing to plant abiotic stress response and adaptation, remain largely unknown. Here, we review various types of lncRNAs found in different plant species, with a focus on understanding the complex molecular mechanisms that contribute to abiotic stress tolerance in plants. We start by discussing the biogenesis, type and function, phylogenetic relationships, and sequence conservation of lncRNAs. Next, we review the role of lncRNAs controlling various abiotic stresses, including drought, heat, cold, heavy metal toxicity, and nutrient deficiency, with relevant examples from various plant species. Lastly, we briefly discuss the various lncRNA databases and the role of bioinformatics for predicting the structural and functional annotation of novel lncRNAs. Conclusions Understanding the intricate molecular mechanisms of stress-responsive lncRNAs is in its infancy. The availability of a comprehensive atlas of lncRNAs across whole genomes in crop plants, coupled with a comprehensive understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms that regulate various abiotic stress responses, will enable us to use lncRNAs as potential biomarkers for tailoring abiotic stress-tolerant plants in the future.


BMC Genomics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuanda Lv ◽  
Fengqin Hu ◽  
Yongfeng Zhou ◽  
Feilong Wu ◽  
Brandon S. Gaut

Abstract Background Several studies have mined short-read RNA sequencing datasets to identify long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and others have focused on the function of individual lncRNAs in abiotic stress response. However, our understanding of the complement, function and origin of lncRNAs – and especially transposon derived lncRNAs (TE-lncRNAs) - in response to abiotic stress is still in its infancy. Results We utilized a dataset of 127 RNA sequencing samples that included total RNA datasets and PacBio fl-cDNA data to discover lncRNAs in maize. Overall, we identified 23,309 candidate lncRNAs from polyA+ and total RNA samples, with a strong discovery bias within total RNA. The majority (65%) of the 23,309 lncRNAs had sequence similarity to transposable elements (TEs). Most had similarity to long-terminal-repeat retrotransposons from the Copia and Gypsy superfamilies, reflecting a high proportion of these elements in the genome. However, DNA transposons were enriched for lncRNAs relative to their genomic representation by ~ 2-fold. By assessing the fraction of lncRNAs that respond to abiotic stresses like heat, cold, salt and drought, we identified 1077 differentially expressed lncRNA transcripts, including 509 TE-lncRNAs. In general, the expression of these lncRNAs was significantly correlated with their nearest gene. By inferring co-expression networks across our large dataset, we found that 39 lncRNAs are as major hubs in co-expression networks that respond to abiotic stress, and 18 appear to be derived from TEs. Conclusions Our results show that lncRNAs are enriched in total RNA samples, that most (65%) are derived from TEs, that at least 1077 are differentially expressed during abiotic stress, and that 39 are hubs in co-expression networks, including a small number that are evolutionary conserved. These results suggest that lncRNAs, including TE-lncRNAs, may play key regulatory roles in moderating abiotic responses.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 6437
Author(s):  
Muthusamy Muthusamy ◽  
Jonghee Kim ◽  
Sukhee Kim ◽  
Soyoung Park ◽  
Sooin Lee

Plant phosphoprotein phosphatases are ubiquitous and multifarious enzymes that respond to developmental requirements and stress signals through reversible dephosphorylation of target proteins. In this study, we investigated the hitherto unknown functions of Brassica rapa protein phosphatase 5.2 (BrPP5.2) by transgenic overexpression of B. rapa lines. The overexpression of BrPP5.2 in transgenic lines conferred heat shock tolerance in 65–89% of the young transgenic seedlings exposed to 46 °C for 25 min. The examination of purified recombinant BrPP5.2 at different molar ratios efficiently prevented the thermal aggregation of malate dehydrogenase at 42 °C, thus suggesting that BrPP5.2 has inherent chaperone activities. The transcriptomic dynamics of transgenic lines, as determined using RNA-seq, revealed that 997 and 1206 (FDR < 0.05, logFC ≥ 2) genes were up- and down-regulated, as compared to non-transgenic controls. Statistical enrichment analyses revealed abiotic stress response genes, including heat stress response (HSR), showed reduced expression in transgenic lines under optimal growth conditions. However, most of the HSR DEGs were upregulated under high temperature stress (37 °C/1 h) conditions. In addition, the glucosinolate biosynthesis gene expression and total glucosinolate content increased in the transgenic lines. These findings provide a new avenue related to BrPP5.2 downstream genes and their crucial metabolic and heat stress responses in plants.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Ju Lu ◽  
Huan Chen ◽  
Alex Corrion ◽  
Pai Li ◽  
Ilker Buyuk ◽  
...  

NON-RACE-SPECIFIC DISEASE RISISTANCE1 (NDR1) is a key component of plant immune signaling, required for defense against the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. Plant stress responses have overlapping molecular, physiological, and cell biology signatures, and given the central role of NDR1 during biotic stress perception and signaling, we hypothesized that NDR1 also functions in abiotic stress responses, including in a role that mediates signaling at the plasma membrane (PM) - cell wall (CW) continuum. Here, we demonstrate that NDR1 is required for the induction of drought stress responses in plants, a role that couples stress signaling in an abscisic acid-dependent manner. We show that NDR1 physically associates with the PM-localized H+-ATPases AHA1, AHA2 , and AHA5 and is required for proper regulation of H+-ATPase activity and stomatal guard cell dynamics, providing a mechanistic function of NDR1 during drought responses. In the current study, we demonstrate that NDR1 functions in signaling processes associated with both biotic and abiotic stress response pathways, a function we hypothesize represents NDR1's role in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis during stress. We propose a role for NDR1 as a core transducer of signaling between cell membrane processes and intercellular stress response activation.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohan Singh Rajkumar ◽  
Rama Shankar ◽  
Rohini Garg ◽  
Mukesh Jain

AbstractDNA methylation is an epigenetic mark that controls gene expression in response to internal and environmental cues. In this study, we sought to understand the role of DNA methylation in response to desiccation and salinity stresses in three rice cultivars (IR64, stress-sensitive; Nagina 22, drought-tolerant and Pokkali, salinity-tolerant) via bisulphite sequencing. We identified DNA methylation patterns in different genomic/genic regions and analysed their correlation with gene expression. Methylation in CG context within gene body and methylation in CHH context in distal promoter regions were positively correlated with gene expression. However, methylation in other sequence contexts and genic regions was negatively correlated with gene expression. DNA methylation was found to be most dynamic in CHH context under stress condition(s) in the rice cultivars. The expression profiles of genes involved in de-novo methylation were correlated with methylation dynamics. Hypomethylation in Nagina 22 and hypermethylation in Pokkali in response to desiccation and salinity stress, respectively, were correlated with higher expression of abiotic stress response related genes. Our results suggest an important role of DNA methylation in abiotic stress responses in rice in cultivar-specific manner. This study provides useful resource of DNA methylomes that can be integrated with other data to understand abiotic stress response in rice.HighlightBisulphite sequencing revealed single base resolution DNA methylation, and cultivar-specific differential methylation patterns and correlation with gene expression that control desiccation and salinity stress response in the rice cultivars.


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