Lycium barbarum polysaccharide increases thermogenesis and energy metabolism through modulation of the gut microbiota to confer resistance to cold temperatures.

Traditional Chinese medical literature contains numerous records of many traditional Chinese herbal medicines that exhibit efficacy in enhancing resistance to cold, yet there is a lack of scientific explanation. Lycium barbarum is among the herbal medicines that are explicitly documented to enhance resistance to cold in the "Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica)". Herein, we investigated L. barbarum polysaccharide (LBP)-induced browning of inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT), energy expenditure and thermogenic function in a long-term (4 months) treatment mouse model. LBP supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in weight and adipocyte size in iWAT, along with increased gut microbiota diversity. Specifically, the levels of Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae and Bacteroidaceae (short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria) were elevated, leading to a higher level of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the caecal content. These effects subsequently triggered the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and activated the CREB/PGC1α signaling pathway in iWAT, thereby increasing energy expenditure and enhancing thermogenic function. The antibiotic treatment experiments confirmed that the LBP-mediated gut microbiota participated in the process of iWAT browning. In summary, our findings provide the first scientific explanation and mechanistic insights into the cold resistance of L. barbarum and identify potentially safe natural product supplements for individuals in alpine areas.

Enhancing cold resistance in Banana (Musa spp.) through EMS-induced mutagenesis, L-Hyp pressure selection: phenotypic alterations, biomass composition, and transcriptomic insights.

BACKGROUND: The cultivation of bananas encounters substantial obstacles, particularly due to the detrimental effects of cold stress on their growth and productivity. A potential remedy that has gained attention is the utilization of ethyl mesylate (EMS)-induced mutagenesis technology, which enables the creation of a genetically varied group of banana mutants. This complex procedure entails subjecting the mutants to further stress screening utilizing L-Hyp in order to identify those exhibiting improved resistance to cold. This study conducted a comprehensive optimization of the screening conditions for EMS mutagenesis and L-Hyp, resulting in the identification of the mutant cm784, which exhibited remarkable cold resistance. Subsequent investigations further elucidated the physiological and transcriptomic responses of cm784 to low-temperature stress. RESULTS: EMS mutagenesis had a substantial effect on banana seedlings, resulting in modifications in shoot and root traits, wherein a majority of seedlings exhibited delayed differentiation and limited elongation. Notably, mutant leaves displayed altered biomass composition, with starch content exhibiting the most pronounced variation. The application of L-Hyp pressure selection aided in the identification of cold-resistant mutants among seedling-lethal phenotypes. The mutant cm784 demonstrated enhanced cold resistance, as evidenced by improved survival rates and reduced symptoms of chilling injury. Physiological analyses demonstrated heightened activities of antioxidant enzymes and increased proline production in cm784 when subjected to cold stress. Transcriptome analysis unveiled 946 genes that were differentially expressed in cm784, with a notable enrichment in categories related to 'Carbohydrate transport and metabolism' and 'Secondary metabolites biosynthesis, transport, and catabolism'. CONCLUSION: The present findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the heightened cold resistance observed in banana mutants. These mechanisms encompass enhanced carbohydrate metabolism and secondary metabolite biosynthesis, thereby emphasizing the adaptive strategies employed to mitigate the detrimental effects induced by cold stress.

Survival of Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) embryos under cold temperature conditions: forensic implications.

Most blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) species are sarcosaprophagous during the larval stage, primarily feeding on the soft tissues of carcasses during the early stages of decomposition, making them valuable forensic indicators for minimum post-mortem interval (minPMI) estimations. Like other insects, their developmental rates are strongly influenced by the environmental temperature. Although several studies have examined the influence of temperature on the development of different blow fly species, the impact of cold temperatures remains largely unstudied, despite its potential forensic implications. The present study investigates the effect of three cold temperatures (0, -2.5 and -5°C) on the survival of Calliphora vicina embryos of five different ages (0%, 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% of the total embryonic development) and two exposure times (6 and 24 h). Our results revealed significant differences in egg survival at the earliest embryonic stages (0% and 20% of the total embryonic development), resulting in high mortality rates. While at 20% of the total embryonic development high mortality was only observed under -5°C, at 0% of the total embryonic development high mortality rates were observed at all the temperatures tested. Although C. vicina embryos demonstrate tolerance to cold temperatures once they have completed the first 20% of the total embryonic development, potentially mitigating the impact of cold weather events, the possibility of minPMI underestimations due to the death of the first egg batches should not be disregarded. Additionally, considering that the embryonic development stages may last for several days under low temperatures, caution should be taken in the analysis of entomological evidence if a cadaver is discovered following cold weather episodes.

Characterization of hydrocarbon degraders from Northwest Passage beach sediments and assessment of their ability for bioremediation.

Global warming-induced sea ice loss in the Canadian Northwest Passage (NWP) will result in more shipping traffic, increasing the risk of oil spills. Microorganisms inhabiting NWP beach sediments may degrade hydrocarbons, offering a potential bioremediation strategy. In this study, the characterization and genomic analyses of 22 hydrocarbon-biodegradative bacterial isolates revealed that they contained a diverse range of key alkane and aromatic hydrocarbon-degradative genes, as well as cold and salt tolerance genes indicating they are highly adapted to the extreme Arctic environment. Some isolates successfully degraded Ultra Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (ULSFO) at temperatures as low as -5 °C and high salinities (3%-10%). Three isolates were grown in liquid medium containing ULSFO as sole carbon source over 3 months and variation of hydrocarbon concentration was measured at three time points to determine their rate of hydrocarbon biodegradation. Our results demonstrate that two isolates (Rhodococcus sp. R1B_2T and Pseudarthrobacter sp. R2D_1T) possess complete degradation pathways and can grow on alkane and aromatic components of ULSFO under Arctic conditions. Overall, these results demonstrate that diverse hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms exist in the NWP beach sediments, offering a potential bioremediation strategy in the events of a marine fuel spill reaching the shores of the NWP.

Identification of Shaker Potassium Channel Family Members and Functional Characterization of SsKAT1.1 in Stenotaphrum secundatum Suggest That SsKAT1.1 Contributes to Cold Resistance.

Stenotaphrum secundatum is an excellent shade-tolerant warm-season turfgrass. Its poor cold resistance severely limits its promotion and application in temperate regions. Mining cold resistance genes is highly important for the cultivation of cold-resistant Stenotaphrum secundatum. Although there have been many reports on the role of the Shaker potassium channel family under abiotic stress, such as drought and salt stress, there is still a lack of research on their role in cold resistance. In this study, the transcriptome database of Stenotaphrum secundatum was aligned with the whole genome of Setaria italica, and eight members of the Shaker potassium channel family in Stenotaphrum secundatum were identified and named SsKAT1.1, SsKAT1.2, SsKAT2.1, SsKAT2.2, SsAKT1.1, SsAKT2.1, SsAKT2.2, and SsKOR1. The KAT3-like gene, KOR2 homologous gene, and part of the AKT-type weakly inwardly rectifying channel have not been identified in the Stenotaphrum secundatum transcriptome database. A bioinformatics analysis revealed that the potassium channels of Stenotaphrum secundatum are highly conserved in terms of protein structure but have more homologous members in the same group than those of other species. Among the three species of Oryza sativa, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Setaria italica, the potassium channel of Stenotaphrum secundatum is more closely related to the potassium channel of Setaria italica, which is consistent with the taxonomic results of these species belonging to Paniceae. Subcellular location experiments demonstrate that SsKAT1.1 is a plasma membrane protein. The expression of SsKAT1.1 reversed the growth defect of the potassium absorption-deficient yeast strain R5421 under a low potassium supply, indicating that SsKAT1.1 is a functional potassium channel. The transformation of SsKAT1.1 into the cold-sensitive yeast strain INVSC1 increased the cold resistance of the yeast, indicating that SsKAT1.1 confers cold resistance. The transformation of SsKAT1.1 into the salt-sensitive yeast strain G19 increased the resistance of yeast to salt, indicating that SsKAT1.1 is involved in salt tolerance. These results suggest that the manipulation of SsKAT1.1 will improve the cold and salt stress resistance of Stenotaphrum secundatum.

Molecular mapping of two novel cold resistance genes in common wheat by 660K SNP array.

Low temperature and cold damage are natural factors that seriously reduce wheat yield. Thus, how to improve the cold resistance of wheat has been the focus of wheat breeders and geneticists. However, the genetic improvement for this trait has been slow, mainly because cold resistance is a complex quantitative trait and field phenotypic identification is relatively difficult. Therefore, the discovery, mapping, and cloning of the cold resistance genes of wheat provide a theoretical basis for the genetic improvement of wheat against cold resistance and facilitate the analysis of the molecular mechanisms of cold resistance in wheat. This study used the wheat line H261 and its EMS mutants LF2099 and XiNong 239 as materials. Cold trait segregation occurred in the F2 generation of mutants LF2099 and XiNong 239 at a 15:1 separation ratio. Genetic analysis showed that two dominant overlapping genes, temporarily named Wcr-3 and Wcr-4, control cold resistance in wheat. Furthermore, a combined BSA and SNP array established that Wcr-3 is between BU100519 (SSR marker) and AX-94843669 (SNP marker). The markers are 1.32 cM apart, corresponding to the 5.41 Mb physical interval on the Chinese Spring 2B chromosome with 67 functionally annotated genes. Wcr-4 is located between AX-94657955 (SNP marker) and LC-23 (SSR marker), which are 1.79 cM apart, corresponding to a 2.35 Mb physical interval on the Chinese Spring 2D chromosome, which contains 66 functionally annotated genes. Wcr-3 and Wcr-4 are two new cold resistance genes, laying the foundation for their fine mapping and cloning. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-023-01425-w.

Novel function of a putative TaCOBL ortholog associated with cold response.

The plant COBRA protein family plays an important role in secondary cell wall biosynthesis and the orientation of cell expansion. The COBRA gene family has been well studied in Arabidopsis thaliana, maize, rice, etc., but no systematic studies were conducted in wheat. In this study, the full-length sequence of TaCOBLs was obtained by homology cloning from wheat, and a conserved motif analysis confirmed that TaCOBLs belonged to the COBRA protein family. qRT-PCR results showed that the TaCOBL transcripts were induced by abiotic stresses, including cold, drought, salinity, and abscisic acid (ABA). Two haplotypes of TaCOBL-5B (Hap5B-a and Hap5B-b), harboring one indel (----/TATA) in the 5' flanking region (- 550 bp), were found on chromosome 5BS. A co-dominant marker, Ta5BF/Ta5BR, was developed based on the polymorphism of the two TaCOBL-5B haplotypes. Significant correlations between the two TaCOBL-5B haplotypes and cold resistance were observed under four environmental conditions. Hap5B-a, a favored haplotype acquired during wheat polyploidization, may positively contribute to enhanced cold resistance in wheat. Based on the promoter activity analysis, the Hap5B-a promoter containing a TATA-box was more active than that of Hap5B-b without the TATA-box under low temperature. Our study provides valuable information indicating that the TaCOBL genes are associated with cold response in wheat.

Cold-resistant performance and the promoted development of functional community with flexible metabolic patterns in a Biofilm Bio-Nutrient Removal (BBNR) system amended with supplementary carbon source for phosphorus recovery.

The need for recovery of phosphorus (P) from wastewater has accelerated the retrofitting of existing bio-nutrient removal (BNR) processes into bio-nutrient removal-phosphorus recovery processes (BNR-PR). A periodical carbon source supplement is needed to facilitate the P-recovery. But the impact of this amendment on the cold resistances of the reactor and the functional microorganisms (for nitrogen and phosphorus (P) removal/recovery) are still unknown. This study presents the performances of a biofilm BNR process with a carbon source regulated the P recovery (BBNR-CPR) process operating at different temperatures. When the temperature was decreased from 25 ± 1 °C to 6 ± 1 °C, the system total nitrogen and total phosphorus removals and the corresponding kinetic coefficients decreased moderately. The indicative genes of the phosphorus-accumulating organisms (e.g., Thauera spp. and Candidatus Accumulibacter spp.) increased significantly. An increase of Nitrosomonas spp. genes aligned to polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), glycine, and extracellular polymeric substance synthesis were observed, which was probably related to cold resistance. The results provide a new vision for understanding the advantages of P recovery-targeted carbon source supplementation for constructing a new type of cold-resistant BBNR-CPR processes.

Transcriptome analysis reveals molecular regulation mechanism of Tibet sheep tolerance to high altitude oxygen environment.

As one of the most important livestock breeds on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Tibetan sheep are of great importance to the local economy, agriculture and culture. Its adaptive mechanism in low temperature and low oxygen at highland altitudes has not been reported. In this study, transcriptome sequencing was used to analyze the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and muscle tissue of sheep at low and highland altitudes. LOC101112291, SELENOW, COL3A1, GPX1, TMSB4X and HSF4 were selected as candidate genes for adapting to plateau characteristics in Tibet Sheep. Besides, glutathione metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, nucleotide excision repair, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, protein digestion and absorption, thyroid hormone synthesis, relaxation signaling pathways may play important roles in the adaptation to plateau hypoxia, and cold tolerance. Structural analysis also showed that sequencing genes related to the adaptation mechanism of Tibet sheep to highland altitude. This study will lay a certain foundation for Tibet sheep research.

Tibet sheep are an ancient species in the Qinghai Tibet Plateau. After a long period of domestication. Tibet sheep adapt to the hypoxic environment of the plateau in terms of physiology and morphology. At the same time, Tibet sheep is also one of the major sources of material for herdsmen in tibetan. In this study, six different tissue samples (heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and muscle) of Tibet sheep were analyzed to reveal the underlying mechanisms of different tissues respond to hypothermia condition. The results showed that six key genes and eight important signaling pathways involved in regulating the adaptation of Tibet sheep to the plateau. In addition, there were more alternative splicing (AS) events and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites in highland altitude Tibet sheep than in lowland altitude sheep, which was also a concern in the highland altitude adaptability of Tibet sheep.

Discovery of cold-resistance genes in Vitis amurensis using bud-based quantitative trait locus mapping and RNA-seq.

BACKGROUND: In cold regions, low temperature is the main limiting factor affecting grape production. As an important breeding resource, V. amurensis Rupr. has played a crucial role in the discovery of genes which confer cold resistance in grapes. Thus far, many cold-resistance genes have been reported based on the study of V. amurensis. In order to identify more candidate genes related to cold resistance in V. amurensis, QTL mapping and RNA-seq was conducted based on the hybrid population and different cold-resistance cultivars in this study. RESULTS: In this study, highly cold-resistant grape cultivar 'Shuangyou' (SY) which belongs to V. amurensis, and cold-sensitive cultivar 'Red Globe' (RG) which belongs to Vitis vinifera L. were used to identify cold resistance genes. Cold-resistance quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping was performed based on genetic population construction through interspecific crossing of 'Shuangyou' and 'Red Globe'. Additionally, transcriptome analysis was conducted for the dormant buds of these two cultivars at different periods. Based on transcriptome analysis and QTL mapping, many new structural genes and transcription factors which relate to V. amurensis cold resistance were discovered, including CORs (VaCOR413IM), GSTs (VaGST-APIC, VaGST-PARB, VaGSTF9 and VaGSTF13), ARFs (VaIAA27 and VaSAUR71), ERFs (VaAIL1), MYBs (VaMYBR2, VaMYBLL and VaMYB3R-1) and bHLHs (VaICE1 and VabHLH30). CONCLUSIONS: This discovery of candidate cold-resistance genes will provide an important theoretical reference for grape cold-resistance mechanisms, research, and cold-resistant grape cultivar breeding in the future.

A conceptual framework to integrate cold-survival strategies: torpor, resistance and seasonal migration.

Freezing temperatures are inherently challenging for life, which is water based. How species cope with these conditions fundamentally shapes ecological and evolutionary processes. Despite this, there is no comprehensive conceptual framework for cold-survival strategies-seasonal migration, cold resistance and torpor. Here, I propose a framework with four components for conceptualizing and quantifying cold-survival strategies. Cold-survival strategies are (i) collectively encompassed by the proposed framework, and that this full breadth of strategies should be considered in focal species or systems (comprehensive consideration). These strategies also (ii) exist on a spectrum, such that species can exhibit partial use of strategies, (iii) are non-exclusive, such that some species use multiple strategies concurrently (combined use) and (iv) should collectively vary inversely and proportionally with one another when controlling for the external environment (e.g. when considering species that occur in sympatry in their summer range), such that use of one strategy reduces, collectively, the use of others (proportional use). This framework is relevant to understanding fundamental patterns and processes in evolution, ecology, physiology and conservation biology.

VaMYB44 transcription factor from Chinese wild Vitis amurensis negatively regulates cold tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana and V. vinifera.

KEY MESSAGE: Heterologous expression of VaMYB44 gene in Arabidopsis and V. vinifera cv. 'Thompson Seedless' increases cold sensitivity, which is mediated by the interaction of VaMYC2 and VaTIFY5A with VaMYB44 MYB transcription factors play critical roles in plant stress response. However, the function of MYB44 under low temperature stress is largely unknown in grapes. Here, we isolated a VaMYB44 gene from Chinese wild Vitis amurensis acc. 'Shuangyou' (cold-resistant). The VaMYB44 is expressed in various organs and has lower expression levels in stems and young leaves. Exposure of the cold-sensitive V. vinifera cv. 'Thompson Seedless' and cold-resistant 'Shuangyou' grapevines to cold stress (-1 °C) resulted in differential expression of MYB44 in leaves with the former reaching 14 folds of the latter after 3 h of cold stress. Moreover, the expression of VaMYB44 was induced by exogenous ethylene, abscisic acid, and methyl jasmonate in the leaves of 'Shuangyou'. Notably, the subcellular localization assay identified VaMYB44 in the nucleus. Interestingly, heterologous expression of VaMYB44 in Arabidopsis and 'Thompson Seedless' grape increased freezing-induced damage compared to their wild-type counterparts. Accordingly, the transgenic lines had higher malondialdehyde content and electrolyte permeability, and lower activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase. Moreover, the expression levels of some cold resistance-related genes decreased in transgenic lines. Protein interaction assays identified VaMYC2 and VaTIFY5A as VaMYB44 interacting proteins, and VaMYC2 could bind to the VaMYB44 promoter and promote its transcription. In conclusion, the study reveals VaMYB44 as the negative regulator of cold tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis and transgenic grapes, and VaMYC2 and VaTIFY5A are involved in the cold sensitivity of plants by interacting with VaMYB44.

Lysine decrotonylation of glutathione peroxidase at lysine 220 site increases glutathione peroxidase activity to resist cold stress in chrysanthemum.

Lysine crotonylation is a protein post-translational modification that has been newly discovered in recent years. There are few studies on the lysine crotonylation of proteins in plants, and their functions in response to cold stress are still unclear. In this study, the chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) glutathione peroxidase (GPX) gene was selected and named DgGPX1, and was found to be responsive to low temperature. Overexpression of DgGPX1 improved the cold resistance of transgenic chrysanthemum by increasing GPX activity to reduce the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under low-temperature conditions. Furthermore, the level of DgGPX1 lysine crotonylation at lysine (K) 220 decreased under low temperature in chrysanthemum. Lysine decrotonylation of DgGPX1 at K220 further increased GPX activity to reduce ROS accumulation under cold stress, and thereby enhanced the cold resistance of chrysanthemum. The above results show that lysine decrotonylation of DgGPX1 at K220 increases GPX activity to resist cold stress in chrysanthemum.

Genome-Wide Identification of AP2/ERF Superfamily Genes in Juglans mandshurica and Expression Analysis under Cold Stress.

Juglans mandshurica has strong freezing resistance, surviving temperatures as low as -40 °C, making it an important freeze tolerant germplasm resource of the genus Juglans. APETALA2/ethylene responsive factor (AP2/ERF) is a plant-specific superfamily of transcription factors that regulates plant development, growth, and the response to biotic and abiotic stress. In this study, phylogenetic analysis was used to identify 184 AP2/ERF genes in the J. mandshurica genome, which were classified into five subfamilies (JmAP2, JmRAV, JmSoloist, JmDREB, and JmERF). A significant amount of discordance was observed in the 184 AP2/ERF genes distribution of J. mandshurica throughout its 16 chromosomes. Duplication was found in 14 tandem and 122 segmental gene pairs, which indicated that duplications may be the main reason for JmAP2/ERF family expansion. Gene structural analysis revealed that 64 JmAP2/ERF genes contained introns. Gene evolution analysis among Juglandaceae revealed that J. mandshurica is separated by 14.23 and 15 Mya from Juglans regia and Carya cathayensis, respectively. Based on promoter analysis in J. mandshurica, many cis-acting elements were discovered that are related to light, hormones, tissues, and stress response processes. Proteins that may contribute to cold resistance were selected for further analysis and were used to construct a cold regulatory network based on GO annotation and JmAP2/ERF protein interaction network analysis. Expression profiling using qRT-PCR showed that 14 JmAP2/ERF genes were involved in cold resistance, and that seven and five genes were significantly upregulated under cold stress in female flower buds and phloem tissues, respectively. This study provides new light on the role of the JmAP2/ERF gene in cold stress response, paving the way for further functional validation of JmAP2/ERF TFs and their application in the genetic improvement of Juglans and other tree species.

Understanding the Function and Mechanism of Zebrafish Tmem39b in Regulating Cold Resistance.

Autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response are among the key pathways regulating cold resistance of fish through eliminating damaged cellular components and facilitating the restoration of cell homeostasis upon exposure to acute cold stress. The transmembrane protein 39A (TMEM39A) was reported to regulate both autophagy and ER stress response, but its vertebrate-specific paralog, the transmembrane protein 39B (TMEM39B), has not been characterized. In the current study, we generate tmem39b-knockout zebrafish lines and characterize their survival ability under acute cold stress. We observed that the dysfunction of Tmem39b remarkably decreased the cold resilience of both the larval and adult zebrafish. Gene transcription in the larvae exposed to cold stress and rewarming were characterized by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to explore the mechanisms underlying functions of Tmem39b in regulating cold resistance. The results indicate that the deficiency of Tmem39b attenuates the up-regulation of both cold- and rewarming-induced genes. The cold-induced transcription factor genes bif1.2, fosab, and egr1, and the rewarming-activated immune genes c3a.3, il11a, and sting1 are the representatives influenced by Tmem39b dysfunction. However, the loss of tmem39b has little effect on the transcription of the ER stress response- and autophagy-related genes. The measurements of the phosphorylated H2A histone family member X (at Ser 139, abbreviated as γH2AX) demonstrate that zebrafish Tmem39b protects the cells against DNA damage caused by exposure to the cold-warming stress and facilitates tissue damage repair during the recovery phase. The gene modules underlying the functions of Tmem39b in zebrafish are highly enriched in biological processes associated with immune response. The dysfunction of Tmem39b also attenuates the up-regulation of tissue C-reactive protein (CRP) content upon rewarming. Together, our data shed new light on the function and mechanism of Tmem39b in regulating the cold resistance of fish.

Overexpression of CfICE1 from Cryptomeria fortunei Enhances Cold, Drought and Salt Stress in Poplar.

ICE1, a regulator of the cold-inducible transcriptome and freezing tolerance, is currently widely believed to be involved in plant resistance to cold stress. In this study, CfICE1 from Cryptomeria fortunei was transformed into poplar. Physiological indicators of transgenic, empty vector and wild-type poplar after abiotic stress (cold, drought and salt) were determined. Transgenic lines had a higher chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activity and soluble protein content, as well as a lower malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content. The ultrastructure of the plant was observed by transmission electron microscopy, and after stress, the cell structure of the transgenic line was more complete than that of the wild type. CfICE1 was upregulated in transgenic poplar trees after abiotic stress (cold, drought and salt). The CfICE1 transgenic plants improved plant resistance by regulating the CBF gene of poplar under cold and salt stress. In terms of plant responses to abiotic stress, this study showed that overexpression of CfICE1 improved the cold, drought and salt tolerance of poplars.

Genome-Wide Identification of C2H2 ZFPs and Functional Analysis of BRZAT12 under Low-Temperature Stress in Winter Rapeseed (Brassica rapa).

Zinc-finger protein (ZFP) transcription factors are among the largest families of transcription factors in plants. They participate in various biological processes such as apoptosis, autophagy, and stemness maintenance and play important roles in regulating plant growth and development and the response to stress. To elucidate the functions of ZFP genes in the low-temperature response of winter (Brassica rapa L.) B. rapa, this study identified 141 members of the C2H2 ZFP gene family from B. rapa, which are heterogeneously distributed on 10 chromosomes and have multiple cis-acting elements related to hormone regulation and abiotic stress of adversity. Most of the genes in this family contain only one CDS, and genes distributed in the same evolutionary branch share mostly the same motifs and are highly conserved in the evolution of cruciferous species. The genes were significantly upregulated in the roots and growth cones of 'Longyou-7', indicating that they play a role in the stress-response process of winter B. rapa. The expression level of the Bra002528 gene was higher in the strongly cold-resistant varieties than in the weakly cold-resistant varieties after low-temperature stress. The survival rate and BrZAT12 gene expression of trans-BrZAT12 Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) were significantly higher than those of the wild-type plants at low temperature, and the enzyme activities in vivo were higher than those of the wild-type plants, indicating that the BrZAT12 gene could improve the cold resistance of winter B. rapa. BrZAT12 expression and superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase enzyme activities were upregulated in winter B. rapa after exogenous ABA treatment. BrZAT12 expression and enzyme activities decreased after the PD98059 treatment, and BrZAT12 expression and enzyme activities were higher than in the PD98059 treatment but lower than in the control after both treatments together. It is speculated that BrZAT12 plays a role in the ABA signaling process in which MAPKK is involved. This study provides a theoretical basis for the resolution of cold-resistance mechanisms in strong winter B. rapa.

BSR-Seq analysis provides insights into the cold stress response of Actinidia arguta F1 populations.

BACKGROUND: Freezing injury, which is an important abiotic stress in horticultural crops, influences the growth and development and the production area of kiwifruit (Actinidia Lind1). Among Actinidia species, Actinidia arguta has excellent cold resistance, but knowledge relevant to molecular mechanisms is still limited. Understanding the mechanism underlying cold resistance in kiwifruit is important for breeding cold resistance. RESULTS: In our study, a population resulting from the cross of A. arguta 'Ruby-3' × 'Kuilv' male was generated for kiwifruit hardiness study, and 20 cold-tolerant and 20 cold-sensitive populations were selected from 492 populations according to their LT50. Then, we performed bulked segregant RNA-seq combined with single-molecule real-time sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes that provide cold hardiness. We found that the content of soluble sucrose and the activity of ß-amylase were higher in the cold-tolerant population than in the cold-sensitive population. Upon - 30 °C low-temperature treatment, 126 differentially expressed genes were identify; the expression of 59 genes was up-regulated and that of 67 genes was down-regulated between the tolerant and sensitive pools, respectively. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the DEGs were primarily related to starch and sucrose metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism. Ten major key enzyme-encoding genes and two regulatory genes were up-regulated in the tolerant pool, and regulatory genes of the CBF pathway were found to be differentially expressed. In particular, a 14-3-3 gene was down-regulated and an EBF gene was up-regulated. To validate the BSR-Seq results, 24 DEGs were assessed via qRT-PCR, and the results were consistent with those obtained by BSR-Seq. CONCLUSION: Our research provides valuable insights into the mechanism related to cold resistance in Actinidia and identified potential genes that are important for cold resistance in kiwifruit.

Genistein improves systemic metabolism and enhances cold resistance by promoting adipose tissue beiging.

Genistein, a naturally occurring phytoestrogen and a member of the large class of compounds known as isoflavones, exerts protective effects in several diseases. Recent studies indicate that genistein plays a critical role in controlling body weight, obesity-associated insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders, but its target organs in reversing obesity and related pathological conditions remain unclear. In this study, we showed that mice supplemented with 0.2% genistein in a high-fat diet for 12 weeks showed enhanced metabolic homeostasis, including reduced obesity, improved glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity, and alleviated hepatic steatosis. We also observed a beiging phenomenon in the white adipose tissue and reversal of brown adipose tissue whitening in these mice. These changes led to enhanced resistance to cold stress. Altogether, our data suggest that the improved metabolic profile in mice treated with genistein is likely a result of enhanced adipose tissue function.

Cloning and characterization of KoOsmotin from mangrove plant Kandelia obovata under cold stress.

BACKGROUND: Low temperature is a major abiotic stress that seriously limits mangrove productivity and distribution. Kandelia obovata is the most cold-resistance specie in mangrove plants, but little is known about the molecular mechanism underlying its resistance to cold. Osmotin is a key protein associated with abiotic and biotic stress response in plants but no information about this gene in K. obovata was reported. RESULTS: In this study, a cDNA sequence encoding osmotin, KoOsmotin (GenBank accession no. KP267758), was cloned from mangrove plant K. obovata. The KoOsmotin protein was composed of 221 amino acids and showed a calculated molecular mass of 24.11 kDa with pI 4.92. The KoOsmotin contained sixteen cysteine residues and an N-terminal signal peptide, which were common signatures to most osmotins and pathogenesis-related 5 proteins. The three-dimensional (3D) model of KoOsmotin, contained one α-helix and eleven ß-strands, was formed by three characteristic domains. Database comparisons of the KoOsmotin showed the closest identity (55.75%) with the osmotin 34 from Theobroma cacao. The phylogenetic tree also revealed that the KoOsmotin was clustered in the branch of osmotin/OLP (osmotin-like protien). The KoOsmotin protein was proved to be localized to both the plasma membrane and cytoplasm by the subcellular localization analysis. Gene expression showed that the KoOsmotin was induced primarily and highly in the leaves of K. obovata, but less abundantly in stems and roots. The overexpressing of KoOsmotin conferred cold tolerance in Escherichia coli cells. CONCLUSION: As we known, this is the first study to explore the osmotin of K. obovata. Our study provided valuable clues for further exploring the function of KoOsmotin response to stress.