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21 pages, 5536 KiB  
Article
An AP2-Family Gene Correlates with the Double-Flower Trait in Petunia × hybrida
by Tong Xie and Saneyuki Kawabata
Plants 2025, 14(9), 1314; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091314 - 26 Apr 2025
Viewed by 183
Abstract
The double-flower trait is highly valued in ornamental plants due to its unique aesthetic appeal, yet its genetic basis varies significantly across different species. While AGAMOUS (AG) and APETALA2 (AP2)-like genes have been demonstrated to play crucial roles in [...] Read more.
The double-flower trait is highly valued in ornamental plants due to its unique aesthetic appeal, yet its genetic basis varies significantly across different species. While AGAMOUS (AG) and APETALA2 (AP2)-like genes have been demonstrated to play crucial roles in floral organ identity regulation in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the underlying mechanisms governing double-flower formation in many ornamental species remain largely unexplored. In this study, we examined the inheritance pattern of this trait and identified a genetic variant associated with petal number variation. Crosses between the single-flowered cultivar ‘Baccarat White’ (BW) and the semi-double cultivar ‘Duo Lavender’ (DL) produced a 1:1 segregation of single and semi-double flowers in the F1 generation, while self-pollination of DL yielded a 1:2:1 segregation of single, semi-double, and double flowers. These results indicate that the double-flower trait follows a single-gene, semi-dominant inheritance model. Whole-genome sequencing of BW and DL followed by sequence analysis of floral organ identity genes revealed no significant differences in B-class (PhGLO1, PhGLO2, PhDEF, and PhTM6) or C-class (pMADS3 and FBP6) genes between the two cultivars. Notably, a 10 kb insertion upstream of the miR172 target site in the PhBOB gene was detected in DL. PCR genotyping of 192 F1 progenies demonstrated complete co-segregation between this insertion and the double-flower phenotype, suggesting a strong genetic association. Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis showed that PhBOB expression was significantly elevated in DL—exhibiting a 69-fold increase in petals compared to BW—implying that its overexpression disrupts the petal-to-stamen identity transition. Additionally, another AP2 family gene, PhROB3, was upregulated in semi-double flowers, with a 10-fold higher expression in the petals and stamens of DL relative to BW, suggesting its potential role in floral organ differentiation. This study elucidates the molecular regulatory mechanism underlying the double-flower trait in petunia, highlighting the role of PhBOB in floral organ identity specification and providing new insights into the potential function of PhROB3 in double-flower development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural Science and Ornamental Plants)
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21 pages, 4729 KiB  
Article
Identification and Characterization of Flavonoid Biosynthetic Gene Families in Paeonia Species and Their Roles in Stamen Petalization of Paeonia lactiflora
by Yanyi Zheng, Yongming Fan, Xiang Ji and Xiaopei Wu
Horticulturae 2025, 11(5), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11050463 - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 102
Abstract
Flavonoid biosynthesis is proposed to play a critical role in floral organ development in Paeonia species. However, its specific involvement in stamen petalization remains unclear. This study identified and characterized 13 gene families related to flavonoid biosynthesis across four Paeonia species. Comparative and [...] Read more.
Flavonoid biosynthesis is proposed to play a critical role in floral organ development in Paeonia species. However, its specific involvement in stamen petalization remains unclear. This study identified and characterized 13 gene families related to flavonoid biosynthesis across four Paeonia species. Comparative and phylogenetic analysis revealed that most flavonoid biosynthesis-related genes experience lineage-specific expansion in P. ludlowii. Genes belonging to the same family were commonly clustered on chromosomes and displayed highly conserved domain and motif compositions. The cis-element analysis identified Cis-acting elements associated with light, hormonal, and stress responses, implicating their regulatory roles in flavonoid biosynthesis. To further investigate the role of these genes in stamen petalization of P. lactiflora, expression profiling analyses were performed on ‘Fen Yu Nu’ (normal stamens) and ‘Lian Tai’ (petaloid stamens) cultivars using transcriptomic data released previously. Three quercetin-related genes revealed distinct stage-specific patterns in ‘Fen Yu Nu’ and ‘Lian Tai’. Notably, PlaF3’H03 exhibited significant upregulation during petaloid stamen development in ‘Lian Tai’, suggesting its role in stamen transformation. Molecular docking identified PlaF3’H07 as a key enzyme with strong substrate-binding affinity (ΔG = −4.7 kcal/mol), supporting its catalytic function in quercetin synthesis. The expression pattern of key flavonoid biosynthetic genes was also confirmed across three developmental stages of floral buds by real-time quantitative PCR. This study provides insights into the genetic basis underlying stamen petalization in P. lactiflora and offers potential targets for genetic improvement of floral traits in Paeonia and other ornamental plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Genetics, Genomics, Breeding, and Biotechnology (G2B2))
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16 pages, 5623 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification of WOX Gene Family in Chimonanthus praecox and a Functional Analysis of CpWUS
by Huafeng Wu, Bin Liu, Yinzhu Cao, Guanpeng Ma, Xiaowen Zheng, Haoxiang Zhu and Shunzhao Sui
Plants 2025, 14(7), 1144; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14071144 - 7 Apr 2025
Viewed by 369
Abstract
Chimonanthus praecox, also known as wintersweet, is a traditional ornamental plant in China. It blooms during the cold winter months and emits a long-lasting fragrance. The WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factor family is a plant-specific family of homeodomain (HD) transcription factors that [...] Read more.
Chimonanthus praecox, also known as wintersweet, is a traditional ornamental plant in China. It blooms during the cold winter months and emits a long-lasting fragrance. The WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factor family is a plant-specific family of homeodomain (HD) transcription factors that plays diverse roles in plant development. We identified 13 WOX family genes (CpWOX1–CpWOX12 and CpWUS) and systematically analysed their physicochemical properties, evolutionary relationships, conserved domains, and expression regulation characteristics. The subcellular localization prediction indicates that all CpWOX proteins are localized in the nucleus and contain a conserved homeobox domain, with the WUS clade specifically containing a WUS-box motif. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these genes are divided into three evolutionary branches: the WUS, ancient, and intermediate clades. Promoter analysis suggests that CpWOX genes may be involved in hormone responses, abiotic stress, developmental regulation, and encodes a nuclear-localised protein with self-activating activity. It is highly expressed in the stamen and root and is induced by low and high temperatures, salt stress, and methyl jasmonate. This study revealed the evolutionary characteristics of the WOX family genes in wintersweet and the function of CpWUS in regulating flowering time and root development, providing a theoretical basis for understanding the developmental regulatory mechanisms in wintersweet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology)
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16 pages, 2504 KiB  
Article
Variations in the Mineral Composition of Houpoea Officinalis Flowers at Different Stages of Development
by Yao Yang, Mao-Yuan Zhu, Shi-Mei Zhao, Yi-Tong Fan, Jing-Wen Huang, Ting Yu, Guo-Qing Zhuang and Shun Gao
Horticulturae 2025, 11(4), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11040387 - 5 Apr 2025
Viewed by 266
Abstract
Houpoea officinalis (H. officinalis) flowers are rich in a spectrum of bioactive compounds and mineral nutrients. The availability and balance of mineral elements directly impact the morphogenesis of flower organs, which play pivotal roles in various physiological and biochemical processes that [...] Read more.
Houpoea officinalis (H. officinalis) flowers are rich in a spectrum of bioactive compounds and mineral nutrients. The availability and balance of mineral elements directly impact the morphogenesis of flower organs, which play pivotal roles in various physiological and biochemical processes that drive flower development. However, relatively little is known about the changes in mineral elements composition that occur during flower development in H. officinalis. The objective of this study is to analyze the variations of 22 mineral elements contents in pistil, stamens, and petals of H. officinalis flower at four development stages. The amount of mineral elements (Na, Mg, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Sn, Al, Ti, Ga, Cd, Ba, Tl, Pb, and Bi) in these samples was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results showed that H. officinalis flowers are rich in macroelements such as potassium (K, 25.80–48.06 mg/g) and calcium (Ca, 17.27–31.00 mg/g), as well as microelements like zinc (Zn, 445.17–1553.16 μg/g) and iron (Fe, 324.27–622.31 μg/g). Notably, the pistil part is found to harbor a more significant concentration of mineral elements during the early developmental stages of flowers. Correlation analysis and PCA have effectively exposed a pronounced association between the accumulation patterns of mineral elements in H. officinalis flowers and their corresponding developmental stages and organs. These findings will provide more detailed information about the accumulation and distribution of mineral elements in H. officinalis flowers at different development stages and organs, which help to encourage researchers to enhance the flower quality for human consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)
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27 pages, 6342 KiB  
Article
Flavonoids in Lotus Stamen Extract Inhibit High Glucose-Induced Intracellular Glycation in Fibroblasts by Upregulating the Expression of Glyoxalase 1 and Alleviating Oxidative Stress
by Wenge Zheng, Ruiling Chen, Kewei Xu, Rui Wang, Zhiyuan Wang, Huijuan Li, Yuyo Go, Xihui Chan, Qing Huang and Jianxin Wu
Antioxidants 2025, 14(4), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14040392 - 26 Mar 2025
Viewed by 421
Abstract
Glycation is a process in which reducing sugars bind to proteins, resulting in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs accumulate in the skin, promote excessive collagen crosslinking, and disrupt the extracellular matrix (ECM), impairing normal cellular functions and contributing [...] Read more.
Glycation is a process in which reducing sugars bind to proteins, resulting in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs accumulate in the skin, promote excessive collagen crosslinking, and disrupt the extracellular matrix (ECM), impairing normal cellular functions and contributing to skin aging. To evaluate the anti-glycation efficacy of lotus stamen extract (LSE), we employed the BSA–fructose system and a high glucose (HG)-induced fibroblast glycation model. The results demonstrated that LSE effectively inhibited cellular glycation and also exhibited anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-senescent effects in HG-induced human skin fibroblasts (HSF). Further investigation into the anti-glycation mechanism and component analysis of the lotus stamen ethyl acetate extract (LSEE) led to the identification of 15 flavonoids. The anti-glycation results indicated that these flavonoids are likely the primary active constituents in LSE. Mechanistic studies revealed that GLO1 plays a crucial role in cellular resistance to glycation, and LSEE enhanced GLO1 expression through the Nrf2/Keap1 pro-survival pathway, thereby mitigating intracellular AGE production. In summary, LSEE and its multiple flavonoid components exhibit potent intracellular anti-glycation activity and present significant potential to be developed as a natural and organic product for cosmetic and healthcare applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress)
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20 pages, 8083 KiB  
Article
Determining the Role of OsAGP6P in Anther Development Within the Arabinogalactan Peptide Family of Rice (Oryza sativa)
by Shuai Shao, Yuxin Wu, Lijie Zhang, Zhiyuan Zhao, Xianlong Li, Mingchong Yang, Haiyu Zhou, Songguo Wu and Lingqiang Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(6), 2616; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062616 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 399
Abstract
Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are complex proteoglycans present in plant cell walls across the kingdom. They play crucial roles in biological functions throughout the plant life cycle. In this study, we identified 43 gene members of the AG peptide (an AGP subfamily) within the [...] Read more.
Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are complex proteoglycans present in plant cell walls across the kingdom. They play crucial roles in biological functions throughout the plant life cycle. In this study, we identified 43 gene members of the AG peptide (an AGP subfamily) within the rice genome, detailing their structure, protein-conserved domains, and motif compositions for the first time. We also examined the expression patterns of these genes across 18 tissues and organs, especially the different parts of the flower (anthers, pollen, pistil, sperm cells, and egg cells). Interestingly, the expression of some AG peptides is mainly present in the pollen grain. Transcription data and GUS staining confirmed that OsAGP6P—a member of the AG peptide gene family—is expressed in the stamen during pollen development stages 11–14, which are critical for maturation as microspores form after meiosis of pollen mother cells. It became noticeable from stage 11, when exine formation occurred—specifically at stage 12, when the intine began to develop. The overexpression of this gene in rice decreased the seed-setting rate (from 91.5% to 30.5%) and plant height (by 21.9%) but increased the tillering number (by 34.1%). These results indicate that AGP6P contributes to the development and fertility of pollen, making it a valuable gene target for future genetic manipulation of plant sterility through gene overexpression or editing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant Genomics and Genetics: 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 2365 KiB  
Article
Ecological Interactions Between Camellia oleifera and Insect Pollinators Across Heterogeneous Habitats
by Linqing Cao, Qiuping Zhong, Chao Yan, Xiaoning Ge, Feng Tian, Yaqi Yuan, Jinfeng Wang, Jia Wang, Shengtian Chen and Hong Yang
Insects 2025, 16(3), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030282 - 8 Mar 2025
Viewed by 648
Abstract
Camellia oleifera is an important woody oil plant in southern China, and developing its industry can enhance forest resource uses and increase edible oil supply. This study investigated the floral characteristics of different C. oleifera varieties, analysed the species and diversity of flower-visiting [...] Read more.
Camellia oleifera is an important woody oil plant in southern China, and developing its industry can enhance forest resource uses and increase edible oil supply. This study investigated the floral characteristics of different C. oleifera varieties, analysed the species and diversity of flower-visiting insects in different habitats, identified the main pollinators and their flower-visiting behaviours, and explored the relationship between pollinating insects and their floral characteristics. The floral lifespan of individual C. oleifera flowers was 5–8 d across cultivars, which is essentially the same. However, floral traits and nectar sugar composition exhibited distinct differences. There were 22 species of insect pollinators from 14 genera and 8 families, including Hymenoptera and Diptera, in 3 habitats. High-potential pollinators varied by habitat, with Apis cerana and Phytomia zonata being the most frequent. A comparison showed that A. cerana was the best pollinator, whereas P. zonata had a larger population, was not affected by oil tea nectar poisoning, and could still pollinate. Therefore, the contribution of P. zonata cannot be overlooked. Redundancy analysis revealed the response relationship between the floral traits of C. oleifera and three insect population characteristics. Stamen length was the main floral trait affecting insect populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Ecology, Diversity and Conservation)
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16 pages, 9628 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification of the NAC Gene Family in Brassica rapa (L.) and Expression Pattern Analysis of BrNAC2s
by Weiqiang Li, Fan Ping, Huixuan Jiang, Shuqing Zhang, Tong Zhao, Kaiwen Liu, Hongrui Yu, Iqbal Hussian, Xiliang Ren and Xiaolin Yu
Plants 2025, 14(6), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14060834 - 7 Mar 2025
Viewed by 602
Abstract
Flowers are one of the most important organs in plants. Their development serves as a key indicator of the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth and is regulated by various internal signals and environmental factors. NAC (NAM, ATAF, CUC) transcription factors (TFs) play [...] Read more.
Flowers are one of the most important organs in plants. Their development serves as a key indicator of the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth and is regulated by various internal signals and environmental factors. NAC (NAM, ATAF, CUC) transcription factors (TFs) play a crucial regulatory role in floral organ development; however, research on the analysis and identification of the NAC TF family in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L.) remains limited. In this study, we performed a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of NACs in B. rapa and identified 279 members of the BrNAC gene family. Their physicochemical properties, domain structure, collinearity relation, and cis-regulatory elements were evaluated. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that NAC proteins from Arabidopsis, B. rapa, B. oleracea, and B. nigra can be classified into seven distinct clades. BrNACs exhibit a tissue-specific expression, and nine BrNACs being specifically expressed in the inflorescence. Furthermore, nine flower-related BrNACs were selected for RT-qPCR analysis to validate their expression profiles. BrNAC2s has been cloned to investigate their subcellular localization, and examine the expression patterns of their promoters in Arabidopsis inflorescences. BrNAC2a and BrNAC2c are highly expressed in stamens while BrNAC2b exhibits elevated expression in pistils and pedicel. Collectively, our findings enhance the understanding of the BrNAC family and provide a foundation for future studies on the molecular mechanisms of BrNACs in floral development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology)
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16 pages, 3455 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of CrRLK1-like Gene Family in Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) and Its Role in PAMP-Triggered Immunity
by Yazhou Bao, Ru Zhao, Sixian Hu, Xiaoli Li, Like Wang, Ji Wang, Junbin Ji, Weiduo Wang, Changqing Zhu, Jiajia Chen, Ailing Ben, Jinfeng Peng and Tingli Liu
Genes 2025, 16(3), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16030308 - 4 Mar 2025
Viewed by 637
Abstract
Background: The Catharanthus roseus receptor-like kinase 1-like (CrRLK1L) subfamily, a specialized group within receptor-like kinases (RLKs), was initially identified in C. roseus cell cultures. CrRLK1L plays an important role in the growth, development and stress response of plants. Although CrRLK1L genes have been [...] Read more.
Background: The Catharanthus roseus receptor-like kinase 1-like (CrRLK1L) subfamily, a specialized group within receptor-like kinases (RLKs), was initially identified in C. roseus cell cultures. CrRLK1L plays an important role in the growth, development and stress response of plants. Although CrRLK1L genes have been characterized across multiple plant species, their biological and genetic functions in potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) remains poorly elucidated. Methods: a genome-wide investigation, phylogenetic analysis, chromosome localization, exon–intron structure, conserved motifs, stress-responsive cis-elements, tissue-specific expression patterns, and their effects on pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were analyzed. Results: A total of 29 CrRLK1L genes were identified in the S. tuberosum genome, unevenly distributed across 10 chromosomes and divided into three groups. Tissue-specific expression analysis revealed seven genes highly expressed in all tissues, while CrRLK1L13 was specific to stamens and flowers. Under stress conditions (mannitol, salt, hormone, and heat), StCrRLK1L genes exhibited diverse expression patterns. Functional characterization in Nicotiana benthamiana identified seven ROS suppressors and four ROS enhancers, implicating their roles in PAMP-triggered immunity. Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the StCrRLK1L gene family, enhancing our understanding of its functions, particularly in plant innate immunity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics and Genomics)
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15 pages, 2380 KiB  
Review
Identity Transitions of Tapetum Phases: Insights into Vesicular Dynamics and in Mortem Support During Pollen Maturation
by Gabriel Luis L. S. Moreira, Maria Eduarda P. Ferreira and Francisco S. Linhares
Plants 2025, 14(5), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050749 - 1 Mar 2025
Viewed by 614
Abstract
Flower development progresses through twelve distinct stages, meticulously regulated to optimize plant reproductive success. At stage 5, the initiation of anther development occurs, which is further categorized into 14 stages divided into two defined phases: phase 1, known as microsporogenesis, and phase 2, [...] Read more.
Flower development progresses through twelve distinct stages, meticulously regulated to optimize plant reproductive success. At stage 5, the initiation of anther development occurs, which is further categorized into 14 stages divided into two defined phases: phase 1, known as microsporogenesis, and phase 2, termed microgametogenesis—encompassing pollen maturation and anther dehiscence. The maturation of pollen grains must be temporally synchronized with anther dehiscence, with auxin serving as a pivotal spatio-temporal link between these processes, coordinating various aspects of anther development, including stamen elongation, anther dehiscence, and tapetum development. The tapetum, a secretory tissue adjacent to the meiocytes, is essential for nurturing developing pollen grains by secreting components of the pollen wall and ultimately undergoing programmed cell death (PCD). This review primarily focuses on microgametogenesis, the identity and function of the tapetum during the different progression phases, the role of vesicular signaling in delivering external components crucial for pollen grain maturation, and the distinctive process of PCD associated with these developmental processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Flower Development and Plant Reproduction)
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22 pages, 12354 KiB  
Article
Integrated Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Basis for the Difference in Flavonoid Accumulation in Six Medicinal Tissues of Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.)
by Zhibiao Yu, Xiru Zhou, Yuanfang Luo, Lei Liang, Zheng Hu, Zhangfeng Ding and Yihao Jiang
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2319; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052319 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 452
Abstract
(1) Background: Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is an aquatic plant with a long history and ornamental, edible, medicinal, and commercial value. All parts of the lotus are important “homologous and different effects” medicinal herbs as distinct parts of the same plant with [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is an aquatic plant with a long history and ornamental, edible, medicinal, and commercial value. All parts of the lotus are important “homologous and different effects” medicinal herbs as distinct parts of the same plant with different medicinal effects. (2) Methods: Six representative medicinal parts of lotus were selected, i.e., the lotus flower (Nelumbinis Flos, Flo), lotus petiole (Nelumbinis Petiolus, Pet), lotus seedpod (Nelumbinis Receptaculum, Rec), lotus stamen (Nelumbinis Stamen, Sta), lotus seed (Nelumbinis Semen, Sem), and lotus plumule (Nelumbinis Plumula, Plu), and analyzed via UPLC-MS/MS for metabolite profiling and RNA sequencing for gene expression. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified several transcription factor families related to flavonoid synthesis. (3) Results: Distinct metabolite accumulation and gene expression patterns were observed, particularly in the flavonoid synthesis pathway. Key findings included important metabolic profiles in stamens, high flavonoid content in light-exposed tissues, and functional differentiation in seeds and plumules. The discovered transcription factor families are essential for flavonoid biosynthesis and contribute to molecular breeding and resource utilization. (4) Conclusion: This study provides an important theoretical basis for molecular breeding of lotus, quality control of medicinal materials, and the rational use of resources obtained from different medicinal parts of lotus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Food Metabolomics)
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21 pages, 26656 KiB  
Article
Integrating Genome and Transcriptome-Wide Data to Explore the Expression Dynamics of ABCDE-like MADS-Box Genes in Phoebe bournei Floral Organs
by Yuanyang Bi, Houhua Fu, Zihan Jiang, Yan Jiang, Limei You, Can Li, Xiongde Tu, Sagheer Ahmad, Zhongjian Liu, Shipin Chen and Wenjun Lin
Forests 2025, 16(2), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020313 - 11 Feb 2025
Viewed by 582
Abstract
The MADS-box transcription factor gene family is essential for the differentiation and development of floral organs. Genome-wide and transcriptome data from Phoebe bournei provide the foundation for studying its floral development. In this study, phylogenetic relationships, protein characteristics, conserved domains, gene structures, and [...] Read more.
The MADS-box transcription factor gene family is essential for the differentiation and development of floral organs. Genome-wide and transcriptome data from Phoebe bournei provide the foundation for studying its floral development. In this study, phylogenetic relationships, protein characteristics, conserved domains, gene structures, and cis-acting elements in promoter regions of P. bournei MADS-box genes were systematically analyzed through bioinformatics methodologies. A total of 69 PbMADS genes were identified and classified into 15 subfamilies based on their phylogenetic relationships. The potential functions of these genes were inferred based on transcriptomic data and GO classification. In addition, we selected genes from the ABCDE model to analyze protein interactions and performed RT-qPCR to analyze their expression in each floral organ whorl (outer tepals, inner tepals, stamens, and carpel). Based on these analyses, we rationally constructed a model for the floral organ development in P. bournei. This study, thus, provides a theoretical reference for germplasm innovation in P. bournei and offers insights into the floral development in other Lauraceae species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Genetics and Molecular Biology)
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28 pages, 7013 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Floral Transcriptomes in Gossypium hirsutum (Malvaceae)
by Alexander Nobles, Jonathan F. Wendel and Mi-Jeong Yoo
Plants 2025, 14(4), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14040502 - 7 Feb 2025
Viewed by 573
Abstract
Organ-specific transcriptomes provide valuable insight into the genes involved in organ identity and developmental control. This study investigated transcriptomes of floral organs and subtending bracts in wild and domesticated Gossypium hirsutum, focusing on MADS-box genes critical for floral development. The expression profiles [...] Read more.
Organ-specific transcriptomes provide valuable insight into the genes involved in organ identity and developmental control. This study investigated transcriptomes of floral organs and subtending bracts in wild and domesticated Gossypium hirsutum, focusing on MADS-box genes critical for floral development. The expression profiles of A, B, C, D, and E class genes were analyzed, confirming their roles in floral organ differentiation. Hierarchical clustering revealed similar expression patterns between bracts and sepals, as well as between petals and stamens, while carpels clustered with developing cotton fibers, reflecting their shared characteristics. Beyond MADS-box genes, other transcription factors were analyzed to explore the genetic basis of floral development. While wild and domesticated cotton showed similar expression patterns for key genes, domesticated cotton exhibited significantly higher expression in carpels compared to wild cotton, which aligns with the increased number of ovules in the carpels of domesticated cotton. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted organ-specific roles: genes upregulated in bracts were enriched for photosynthesis-related GO terms, while diverse functions were enriched in floral organs, supporting their respective functions. Notably, A class genes were not significantly expressed in petals, deviating from the ABCDE model, which warrants further analysis. Lastly, the ABCDE class genes exhibited differential homoeolog expression bias toward each subgenome between two accessions, suggesting that the domestication process has influenced homoeolog utilization despite functional constraints in floral organogenesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Development and Morphogenesis)
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17 pages, 8048 KiB  
Article
Transcription Factor RhCUC3 Regulates Petal Numbers in Rose Flowers
by Yan Fang, Zixin Zhao, Yuanji Shen, Zheyuan Ding, Yongyi Cui and Wen Chen
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020170 - 5 Feb 2025
Viewed by 620
Abstract
Rose is one of the most popular ornamental plants worldwide. The double-flower trait, referring to flowers with extra petals, has been a key focus in rose breeding history. However, the genetic mechanisms regulating petal number in roses are still not fully understood. Here, [...] Read more.
Rose is one of the most popular ornamental plants worldwide. The double-flower trait, referring to flowers with extra petals, has been a key focus in rose breeding history. However, the genetic mechanisms regulating petal number in roses are still not fully understood. Here, we identified the CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON 3 (RhCUC3) gene in the miniature rose (Rosa hybrida ‘Eclair’). The expression of RhCUC3 was high during the petal and stamen primordium differentiation stages but declined sharply during pistil primordium development. RhCUC3 belongs to the NAM/CUC3 subgroup of NAC transcription factors and is localized in the nucleus. The transcript level of RhCUC3 increased significantly with ABA and GA treatments and was inversely down-regulated with MeJA and 6-BA treatments. Silencing RhCUC3 using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in rose ‘Eclair’ significantly decreased the number of petaloid stamens and normal petals while slightly increasing the number of stamens. Additionally, the expression of RhAG and RhAGL, two MADS-box genes associated with floral organ identity, was significantly higher in TRV-RhCUC3 compared to the TRV control. These findings suggest that RhCUC3 enhances stamen petaloidy and petal number, potentially by modulating the expression of RhAG and RhAGL, providing new insights into the function of NAC transcription factors in plants. Full article
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13 pages, 1956 KiB  
Article
ECE-CYC1 Transcription Factor CmCYC1a May Interact with CmCYC2 in Regulating Flower Symmetry and Stamen Development in Chrysanthemum morifolium
by Yi Yang, Ming Sun, Cunquan Yuan and Qixiang Zhang
Genes 2025, 16(2), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16020152 - 26 Jan 2025
Viewed by 728
Abstract
Background: The attractive inflorescence of Chrysanthemum morifolium, its capitulum, is always composed of ray (female, zygomorphy) and disc (bisexual, actinomorphy) florets, but the formation mechanism remains elusive. The gene diversification pattern of the ECE (CYC/TB1) clade has been speculated to correlate with [...] Read more.
Background: The attractive inflorescence of Chrysanthemum morifolium, its capitulum, is always composed of ray (female, zygomorphy) and disc (bisexual, actinomorphy) florets, but the formation mechanism remains elusive. The gene diversification pattern of the ECE (CYC/TB1) clade has been speculated to correlate with the capitulum. Within the three subclades of ECE, the involvement of CYC2 in defining floret identity and regulating flower symmetry has been demonstrated in many species of Asteraceae, including C. morifolium. Differential expression of the other two subclade genes, CYC1 and CYC3, in different florets has been reported in other Asteraceae groups, yet their functions in flower development have not been investigated. Methods: Here, a CYC1 gene, CmCYC1a, was isolated and its expression pattern was studied in C. morifolium. The function of CmCYC1a was identified with gene transformation in Arabidopsis thaliana and yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assays were performed to explore the interaction between CmCYC1 and CmCYC2. Results: CmCYC1a was expressed at higher levels in disc florets than in ray florets and the expression of CmCYC1a was increased in both florets during the flowering process. Overexpression of CmCYC1a in A. thaliana changed flower symmetry from actinomorphic to zygomorphic, with fewer stamens. Furthermore, CmCYC1a could interact with CmCYC2b, CmCYC2d, and CmCYC2f in Y2H assays. Conclusions: The results provide evidence for the involvement of CmCYC1a in regulating flower symmetry and stamen development in C. morifolium and deepen our comprehension of the contributions of ECE genes in capitulum formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Ornamental Plants)
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