Rhizobial-induced phosphatase GmPP2C61A positively regulates soybean nodulation.

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) is crucial for legumes, providing them with the nitrogen necessary for plant growth and development. Nodulation is the first step in the establishment of SNF. However, the determinant genes in soybean nodulation and the understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms governing nodulation are still limited. Herein, we identified a phosphatase, GmPP2C61A, which was specifically induced by rhizobia inoculation. Using transgenic hairy roots harboring GmPP2C61A::GUS, we showed that GmPP2C61A was mainly induced in epidermal cells following rhizobia inoculation. Functional analysis revealed that knockdown or knock-out of GmPP2C61A significantly reduced the number of nodules, while overexpression of GmPP2C61A promoted nodule formation. Additionally, GmPP2C61A protein was mainly localized in the cytoplasm and exhibited conserved phosphatase activity in vitro. Our findings suggest that phosphatase GmPP2C61A serves as a critical regulator in soybean nodulation, highlighting its potential significance in enhancing symbiotic nitrogen fixation.

FOXO1 regulates NLRP3 inflammasome proteins in LPS-induced cardiotoxicity.

OBJECTIVE: Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) has been shown to regulate multiple proteins in various cardiovascular disease processes. However, the effect of FOXO1 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiotoxicity remains unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of FOXO1 on LPS-induced cardiotoxicity. METHODS: Rat-derived H9c2 cells were subjected to LPS, and the manipulation of FOXO1 was achieved through overexpression and knockdown using the adeno-associated virus system and siRNA, respectively. Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were utilized to examine the inhibitory effect of FOXO1. Cell viability was examined utilizing Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The changes of apoptosis were examined utilizing Annexin V-FITC/PI method. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the H9c2 cells were measured using ELISA kits. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was quantified using the 2'-7'dichlorofluorescin diacetate assay kit. RESULTS: In H9c2 cells treated with LPS, FOXO1 expression was downregulated in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Overexpression of FOXO1 attenuated LPS-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress injury, and cardiomyocyte inflammation, while FOXO1 inhibition aggravated these processes. Additionally, FOXO1 was found to regulate LPS-related myocardial injury by downregulating the expression of NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3). CONCLUSION: FOXO1 overexpression attenuated apoptosis, ROS generation, and inflammation, whereas FOXO1 inhibition aggravated LPS-induced cardiomyocyte injury via the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.

Into the Seed: Auxin Controls Seed Development and Grain Yield.

Seed development, which involves mainly the embryo, endosperm and integuments, is regulated by different signaling pathways, leading to various changes in seed size or seed weight. Therefore, uncovering the genetic and molecular mechanisms of seed development has great potential for improving crop yields. The phytohormone auxin is a key regulator required for modulating different cellular processes involved in seed development. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the role of auxin biosynthesis, transport, signaling, conjugation, and catabolism during seed development. More importantly, we not only summarize the research progress on the genetic and molecular regulation of seed development mediated by auxin but also discuss the potential of manipulating auxin metabolism and its signaling pathway for improving crop seed weight.