Brassinosteroids regulate cotton fiber elongation by modulating very-long-chain fatty acid biosynthesis.

Brassinosteroid (BR), a growth-promoting phytohormone, regulates many plant growth processes including cell development. However, the mechanism by which BR regulates fiber growth is poorly understood. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fibers are an ideal single-cell model in which to study cell elongation due to their length. Here we report that BR controls cotton fiber elongation by modulating very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) biosynthesis. BR deficiency reduces the expression of 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthases (GhKCSs), the rate-limiting enzymes involved in VLCFA biosynthesis, leading to lower saturated VLCFA contents in pagoda1 (pag1) mutant fibers. In vitro ovule culture experiments show that BR acts upstream of VLCFAs. Silencing of BRI1-EMS-SUPPRESOR 1.4 (GhBES1.4), encoding a master transcription factor of the BR signaling pathway, significantly reduces fiber length, whereas GhBES1.4 overexpression produces longer fibers. GhBES1.4 regulates endogenous VLCFA contents and directly binds to BR RESPONSE ELEMENTS (BRREs) in the GhKCS10_At promoter region, which in turn regulates GhKCS10_At expression to increase endogenous VLCFA contents. GhKCS10_At overexpression promotes cotton fiber elongation, whereas GhKCS10_At silencing inhibits cotton fiber growth, supporting a positive regulatory role for GhKCS10_At in fiber elongation. Overall, these results uncover a mechanism of fiber elongation through crosstalk between BR and VLCFAs at the single-cell level.

Promotion of apoplastic oxidative burst by artificially selected GhCBSX3A enhances Verticillium dahliae resistance in upland cotton.

Verticillium wilt (VW) is a devasting disease affecting various plants, including upland cotton, a crucial fiber crop. Despite its impact, the genetic basis underlying cotton's susceptibility or defense against VW remains unclear. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study on VW phenotyping in upland cotton and identified a locus on A13 that is significantly associated with VW resistance. We then identified a cystathionine ß-synthase domain gene at A13 locus, GhCBSX3A, which was induced by Verticillium dahliae. Functional analysis, including expression silencing in cotton and overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana, confirmed that GhCBSX3A is a causal gene at the A13 locus, enhancing SAR-RBOHs-mediated apoplastic oxidative burst. We found allelic variation on the TATA-box of GhCBSX3A promoter attenuated its expression in upland cotton, thereby weakening VW resistance. Interestingly, we discovered that altered artificial selection of GhCBSX3A_R (an elite allele for VW) under different VW pressures during domestication and other improved processes allows specific human needs to be met. Our findings underscore the importance of GhCBSX3A in response to VW, and we propose a model for defense-associated genes being selected depending on the pathogen's pressure. The identified locus and gene serve as promising targets for VW resistance enhancement in cotton through genetic engineering.

GhEXL3 participates in brassinosteroids regulation of fiber elongation in Gossypium hirsutum.

Cotton fiber (Gossypium hirsutum) serves as an ideal model for investigating the molecular mechanisms of plant cell elongation at the single-cell level. Brassinosteroids (BRs) play a crucial role in regulating plant growth and development. However, the mechanism by which BR influences cotton fiber elongation remains incompletely understood. In this study, we identified EXORDIUM-like (GhEXL3) through transcriptome analysis of fibers from BR-deficient cotton mutant pagoda 1 (pag1) and BRI1-EMS-SUPPRESSOR 1 (GhBES1.4, encoding a central transcription factor of BR signaling) overexpression cotton lines. Knockout of GhEXL3 using CRISPR/Cas9 was found to impede cotton fiber elongation, while its overexpression promoted fiber elongation, suggesting a positive regulatory function for GhEXL3 in fiber elongation. Furthermore, in vitro ovule culture experiments revealed that the overexpression of GhEXL3 partially counteracted the inhibitory effects of brassinazole (BRZ) on cotton fiber elongation, providing additional evidence of GhEXL3 involvement in BR signaling pathways. Moreover, our findings demonstrate that GhBES1.4 directly binds to the E-box (CACGTG) motif in the GhEXL3 promoter region and enhances its transcription. RNA-seq analysis revealed that overexpression of GhEXL3 upregulated the expression of EXPs, XTHs, and other genes associated with fiber cell elongation. Overall, our study contributes to understanding the mechanism by which BR regulates the elongation of cotton fibers through the direct modulation of GhEXL3 expression by GhBES1.4.

Feruloyl-CoA 6'-hydroxylase-mediated scopoletin accumulation enhances cotton resistance to Verticillium dahliae.

Verticillium dahliae is a widespread and destructive soilborne fungus that can cause vascular wilt disease and substantially reduce cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) yield and quality. Scopoletin, a natural coumarin, exhibits antifungal activity against V. dahliae; however, the mechanisms of action remain unclear. In this study, we reveal the regulatory activities of feruloyl-CoA 6'-hydroxylase 1 (GhF6'H1) in enhancing V. dahliae resistance by modulating scopoletin accumulation. Silencing GhF6'H1, encoding the pivotal enzyme in scopoletin biosynthesis, through virus-induced silencing resulted in increased susceptibility to V. dahliae and decreased scopoletin accumulation. In transgenic cotton plants expressing GhF6'H1 under the CaMV 35S promoter, GhF6'H1 modulated scopoletin accumulation, affecting cotton resistance to V. dahliae, with increased resistance associated with increased scopoletin accumulation. GhF6'H1 has been identified as a direct target of the transcription factor GhWRKY33-like, indicating that GhWRKY33-like can bind to and activate the GhF6'H1 promoter. Moreover, GhWRKY33-like overexpression in cotton enhanced resistance to V. dahliae through scopoletin accumulation, phenylpropanoid pathway activation, and upregulation of defense response genes. Ectopic expression of GhF6'H1 resulted in effective catalysis of scopoletin synthesis in enzyme assays using substrates like feruloyl coenzyme A, while molecular docking analysis revealed specific amino acid residues playing crucial roles in establishing salt-bridge interactions with the substrate. These findings suggest that GhF6`H1, regulated by GhWRKY33-like, plays a crucial role in enhancing cotton resistance to V. dahliae by modulating scopoletin accumulation.

Cell cycle-dependent kinase inhibitor GhKRP6, a direct target of GhBES1.4, participates in BR regulation of cell expansion in cotton.

The steroidal hormone brassinosteroid (BR) has been shown to positively regulate cell expansion in plants. However, the specific mechanism by which BR controls this process has not been fully understood. In this study, RNA-seq and DAP-seq analysis of GhBES1.4 (a core transcription factor in BR signaling) were used to identify a cotton cell cycle-dependent kinase inhibitor called GhKRP6. The study found that GhKRP6 was significantly induced by the BR hormone and that GhBES1.4 directly promoted the expression of GhKRP6 by binding to the CACGTG motif in its promoter region. GhKRP6-silenced cotton plants had smaller leaves with more cells and reduced cell size. Furthermore, endoreduplication was inhibited, which affected cell expansion and ultimately decreased fiber length and seed size in GhKRP6-silenced plants compared with the control. The KEGG enrichment results of control and VIGS-GhKRP6 plants revealed differential expression of genes related to cell wall biosynthesis, MAPK, and plant hormone transduction pathways - all of which are related to cell expansion. Additionally, some cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) genes were upregulated in the plants with silenced GhKRP6. Our study also found that GhKRP6 could interact directly with a cell cycle-dependent kinase called GhCDKG. Taken together, these results suggest that BR signaling influences cell expansion by directly modulating the expression of cell cycle-dependent kinase inhibitor GhKRP6 via GhBES1.4.

GhRCD1 promotes cotton tolerance to cadmium by regulating the GhbHLH12-GhMYB44-GhHMA1 transcriptional cascade.

Heavy metal pollution poses a significant risk to human health and wreaks havoc on agricultural productivity. Phytoremediation, a plant-based, environmentally benign, and cost-effective method, is employed to remove heavy metals from contaminated soil, particularly in agricultural or heavy metal-sensitive lands. However, the phytoremediation capacity of various plant species and germplasm resources display significant genetic diversity, and the mechanisms underlying these differences remain hitherto obscure. Given its potential benefits, genetic improvement of plants is essential for enhancing their uptake of heavy metals, tolerance to harmful levels, as well as overall growth and development in contaminated soil. In this study, we uncover a molecular cascade that regulates cadmium (Cd2+) tolerance in cotton, involving GhRCD1, GhbHLH12, GhMYB44, and GhHMA1. We identified a Cd2+-sensitive cotton T-DNA insertion mutant with disrupted GhRCD1 expression. Genetic knockout of GhRCD1 by CRISPR/Cas9 technology resulted in reduced Cd2+ tolerance in cotton seedlings, while GhRCD1 overexpression enhanced Cd2+ tolerance. Through molecular interaction studies, we demonstrated that, in response to Cd2+ presence, GhRCD1 directly interacts with GhbHLH12. This interaction activates GhMYB44, which subsequently activates a heavy metal transporter, GhHMA1, by directly binding to a G-box cis-element in its promoter. These findings provide critical insights into a novel GhRCD1-GhbHLH12-GhMYB44-GhHMA1 regulatory module responsible for Cd2+ tolerance in cotton. Furthermore, our study paves the way for the development of elite Cd2+-tolerant cultivars by elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing the genetic control of Cd2+ tolerance in cotton.

Natural variations in the Cis-elements of GhRPRS1 contributing to petal colour diversity in cotton.

The cotton genus comprises both diploid and allotetraploid species, and the diversity in petal colour within this genus offers valuable targets for studying orthologous gene function differentiation and evolution. However, the genetic basis for this diversity in petal colour remains largely unknown. The red petal colour primarily comes from C, G, K, and D genome species, and it is likely that the common ancestor of cotton had red petals. Here, by employing a clone mapping strategy, we mapped the red petal trait to a specific region on chromosome A07 in upland cotton. Genomic comparisons and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the red petal phenotype introgressed from G. bickii. Transcriptome analysis indicated that GhRPRS1, which encodes a glutathione S-transferase, was the causative gene for the red petal colour. Knocking out GhRPRS1 resulted in white petals and the absence of red spots, while overexpression of both genotypes of GhRPRS1 led to red petals. Further analysis suggested that GhRPRS1 played a role in transporting pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside. Promoter activity analysis indicated that variations in the promoter, but not in the gene body of GhRPRS1, have led to different petal colours within the genus. Our findings provide new insights into orthologous gene evolution as well as new strategies for modifying promoters in cotton breeding.

Brassinosteroids in cotton: orchestrating fiber development.

Cotton cultivation spans over 30 million hectares across 85 countries and regions, with more than half participating in the global cotton textile trade. The elongated cotton fiber cell is an ideal model for studying cell elongation and understanding plant growth and development. Brassinosteroids (BRs), recognized for their role in cell elongation, offer the potential for improving cotton fiber quality and yield. Despite extensive research highlighting BR's positive impact on fiber development, a comprehensive review on this topic has been lacking. This review addresses this gap, providing a detailed analysis of the latest advancements in BR signaling and its effects on cotton fiber development. We explore the complex network of BR biosynthesis components, signaling molecules, and regulators, including crosstalk with other pathways and transcriptional control mechanisms. Additionally, we propose molecular strategies and highlight key genetic elements for optimizing BR-related genes to enhance fiber quality and yield. The review emphasizes the importance of BR homeostasis and the hormonal landscape during cotton fiber development, offering insights into targeted manipulation opportunities and challenges. This consolidation offers a comprehensive understanding of BR's multifaceted roles in fiber development, outlining a strategic approach for BR optimization in cotton fiber quality and yield.

A brassinosteroid transcriptional regulatory network participates in regulating fiber elongation in cotton.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) participate in the regulation of plant growth and development through BRI1-EMS-SUPPRESSOR1 (BES1)/BRASSINAZOLE-RESISTANT1 (BZR1) family transcription factors. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fibers are highly elongated single cells, and BRs play a vital role in the regulation of fiber elongation. However, the mode of action on how BR is involved in the regulation of cotton fiber elongation remains unexplored. Here, we generated GhBES1.4 over expression lines and found that overexpression of GhBES1.4 promoted fiber elongation, whereas silencing of GhBES1.4 reduced fiber length. DNA affinity purification and sequencing (DAP-seq) identified 1,531 target genes of GhBES1.4, and five recognition motifs of GhBES1.4 were identified by enrichment analysis. Combined analysis of DAP-seq and RNA-seq data of GhBES1.4-OE/RNAi provided mechanistic insights into GhBES1.4-mediated regulation of cotton fiber development. Further, with the integrated approach of GWAS, RNA-seq, and DAP-seq, we identified seven genes related to fiber elongation that were directly regulated by GhBES1.4. Of them, we showed Cytochrome P450 84A1 (GhCYP84A1) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase 1 (GhHMG1) promote cotton fiber elongation. Overall, the present study established the role of GhBES1.4-mediated gene regulation and laid the foundation for further understanding the mechanism of BR participation in regulating fiber development.

Heterologous expression of taxane genes confers resistance to fall armyworm in Nicotiana benthamiana.

KEY MESSAGE: Taxadiene synthase, taxadiene-5α-hydroxylase, and taxane 13α-hydroxylase genes were introduced into Nicotiana benthamiana, and the improved resistance to lepidoptera pest fall armyworm was reported. Fall armyworm (FAW) is a serious agricultural pest. Genetic engineering techniques have been used to create pest-resistant plant varieties for reducing pest damage. Paclitaxel is a diterpenoid natural metabolite with antineoplastic effects in medicine. However, the effects of taxanes on the growth and development of lepidoptera pests, such as the FAW, are unknown. Here, selected paclitaxel precursor biosynthesis pathway genes, taxadiene synthase, taxane 5α-hydroxylase, and taxane 13α-hydroxylase, were engineered in the heterologous host Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Bioassay experiments showed that the transgenic N. benthamiana plants displayed improved resistance to FAW infestation, with degeneration of gut tissues and induced expression of apoptosis-related genes. Cytotoxicity experiment showed that the paclitaxel precursor, 10-deacetylbaccatin III, is cytotoxic to Sf9 cells, causing cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and disorder of the cytoskeleton. Metabolome analysis showed that heterologous expression of taxane genes in N. benthamiana affected the digestive system, steroid hormone and purine metabolism pathways of FAW larvae. In summary, this study provides a candidate approach for FAW control.

Single-cell transcriptomic analysis reveals the immune landscape of lung in steroid-resistant asthma exacerbation.

Exaggerated airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation are hallmarks of asthma, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure is linked to the severity of the disease and steroid resistance. To investigate the mechanisms underlying asthma exacerbation, we established a mouse model of LPS-induced steroid-resistant exacerbation on the background of house dust mite (HDM)-induced asthma to profile the immune cells in lung by using single-cell RNA deep sequencing. Twenty immune subsets were identified by their molecular and functional properties. Specific cell clusters of basophils, type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), and CD8+ memory T cells were the predominant sources of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 transcripts whose expressions were dexamethasone resistant. Production of IL-13 by these cells was validated by IL-13-reporter mice. Neutralization of IL-13 abolished HDM/LPS-induced airway hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, and decreased mucus hypersecretion. Furthermore, using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis systems, we identified canonical pathways and upstream regulators that regulate the activation of basophils, ILC2, and CD8+ memory T cells. Our study provides mechanistic insights and an important reference resource for further understanding of the immune landscape during asthma exacerbation.

microRNAs: Key Regulators in Plant Responses to Abiotic and Biotic Stresses via Endogenous and Cross-Kingdom Mechanisms.

Dramatic shifts in global climate have intensified abiotic and biotic stress faced by plants. Plant microRNAs (miRNAs)-20-24 nucleotide non-coding RNA molecules-form a key regulatory system of plant gene expression; playing crucial roles in plant growth; development; and defense against abiotic and biotic stress. Moreover, they participate in cross-kingdom communication. This communication encompasses interactions with other plants, microorganisms, and insect species, collectively exerting a profound influence on the agronomic traits of crops. This article comprehensively reviews the biosynthesis of plant miRNAs and explores their impact on plant growth, development, and stress resistance through endogenous, non-transboundary mechanisms. Furthermore, this review delves into the cross-kingdom regulatory effects of plant miRNAs on plants, microorganisms, and pests. It proceeds to specifically discuss the design and modification strategies for artificial miRNAs (amiRNAs), as well as the protection and transport of miRNAs by exosome-like nanovesicles (ELNVs), expanding the potential applications of plant miRNAs in crop breeding. Finally, the current limitations associated with harnessing plant miRNAs are addressed, and the utilization of synthetic biology is proposed to facilitate the heterologous expression and large-scale production of miRNAs. This novel approach suggests a plant-based solution to address future biosafety concerns in agriculture.

[Prenatal diagnosis and genetic analysis of two fetuses with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome].

OBJETIVE: To explore the prenatal ultrasound phenotype and genetic basis of two fetuses with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the ultrasound imaging data of two fetuses suspected for WHS at the Prenatal Diagnostic Center of Qingyuan People's Hospital in July 2017 and August 2019, respectively. Amniotic fluid samples of the two fetuses were subjected to chromosomal karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). This study was approved by the Qingyuan People's Hospital (Ethics No. IRB-2022-064). RESULTS: Prenatal ultrasound examination of the two fetuses had consistently revealed WHS-associated traits including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), craniofacial abnormalities and cardiovascular anomalies. Karyotyping analysis suggested that both fetuses had harbored cryptic chromosomal translocations involving partial deletion of 4p. And parental verification revealed that it was de novo for fetus 1 and paternal for fetus 2. CMA has confirmed that fetus 1 had an approximately 8.7 Mb deletion at 4p16.3p16.1 and a 6.8 Mb duplication at 8p23.1p23.1, whilst fetus 2 had a 20.05 Mb deletion at 4p16.3p15.31 and a 7.66 Mb duplication at 9p24.3p24.1. The karyotype of fetus 1 was determined as 46,XN,der(4)t(4;8)(p16.1;p23.1)dn.arr[hg19]4p16.3p16.1(68345_8721580)×1, 8p23.3p23.1(158048_6933745)×3, and that of fetus 2 was determined as 46,XN,der(4)t(4;9)(p15.3;p24)pat.arr[hg19]4p16.3p15.31(68345_20116061)×1, 9p24.3p24.1(208454_7868292)×3. CONCLUSION: The 4p deletion is probably the main cause for the WHS phenotype in both fetuses. WHS should be suspected when IUGR, renal anomalies, craniofacial and cardiovascular abnormalities are detected upon prenatal ultrasound screening.

Recent advances and future perspectives in early-maturing cotton research.

Cotton's fundamental requirements for long periods of growth and specific seasonal temperatures limit the global arable areas that can be utilized to cultivate cotton. This constraint can be alleviated by breeding for early-maturing varieties. By delaying the sowing dates without impacting the boll-opening time, early-maturing varieties not only mitigate the yield losses brought on by unfavorable weathers in early spring and late autumn but also help reducing the competition between cotton and other crops for arable land, thereby optimizing the cropping system. This review presents studies and breeding efforts for early-maturing cotton, which efficiently pyramid early maturity, high-quality, multiresistance traits, and suitable plant architecture by leveraging pleiotropic genes. Attempts are also made to summarize our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying early maturation, which involves many pathways such as epigenetic, circadian clock, and hormone signaling pathways. Moreover, new avenues and effective measures are proposed for fine-scale breeding of early-maturing crops to ensure the healthy development of the agricultural industry.

GhRCD1 regulates cotton somatic embryogenesis by modulating the GhMYC3-GhMYB44-GhLBD18 transcriptional cascade.

Plant somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a multifactorial developmental process where embryos that can develop into whole plants are produced from somatic cells rather than through the fusion of gametes. The molecular regulation of plant SE, which involves the fate transition of somatic cells into embryogenic cells, is intriguing yet remains elusive. We deciphered the molecular mechanisms by which GhRCD1 interacts with GhMYC3 to regulate cell fate transitions during SE in cotton. While silencing of GhMYC3 had no discernible effect on SE, its overexpression accelerated callus formation, and proliferation. We identified two of GhMYC3 downstream SE regulators, GhMYB44 and GhLBD18. GhMYB44 overexpression was unconducive to callus growth but bolstered EC differentiation. However, GhLBD18 can be triggered by GhMYC3 but inhibited by GhMYB44, which positively regulates callus growth. On top of the regulatory cascade, GhRCD1 antagonistically interacts with GhMYC3 to inhibit the transcriptional function of GhMYC3 on GhMYB44 and GhLBD18, whereby a CRISPR-mediated rcd1 mutation expedites cell fate transition, resembling the effects of GhMYC3 overexpression. Furthermore, we showed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in SE regulation. Our findings elucidated that SE homeostasis is maintained by the tetrapartite module, GhRCD1-GhMYC3-GhMYB44-GhLBD18, which acts to modulate intracellular ROS in a temporal manner.

Uncovering genomic and transcriptional variations facilitates utilization of wild resources in cotton disease resistance improvement.

BACKGROUND: Upland cotton wild/landraces represent a valuable resource for disease resistance alleles. Genetic differentiation between genotypes, as well as variation in Verticillium wilt (VW) resistance, has been poorly characterized for upland cotton accessions on the domestication spectrum (from wild/landraces to elite lines). RESULTS: To illustrate the effects of modern breeding on VW resistance in upland cotton, 37 wild/landraces were resequenced and phenotyped for VW resistance. Genomic patterns of differentiation were identified between wild/landraces and improved upland cotton, and a significant decline in VW resistance was observed in association with improvement. Four genotypes representing different degrees of improvement were used in a full-length transcriptome analysis to study the genetic basis of VW resistance. ROS signaling was highly conserved at the transcriptional level, likely providing the basis for VW resistance in upland cotton. ASN biosynthesis and HSP90-mediated resistance moderated the response to VW in wild/landraces, and loss of induction activity of these genes resulted in VW susceptibility. The observed genomic differentiation contributed to the loss of induction of some important VW resistance genes such as HSP90.4 and PR16. CONCLUSIONS: Besides providing new insights into the evolution of upland cotton VW resistance, this study also identifies important resistance pathways and genes for both fundamental research and cotton breeding.

Characterization of chromatin accessibility and gene expression reveal the key genes involved in cotton fiber elongation.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important economic crop, and cotton fiber is one of the longest plant cells, which provides an ideal model for the study of cell elongation and secondary cell wall synthesis. Cotton fiber length is regulated by a variety of transcription factors (TF) and their target genes; however, the mechanism of fiber elongation mediated by transcriptional regulatory networks is still unclear to a large extent. Here, we used a comparative assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) assay and RNA-seq analysis to identify fiber elongation transcription factors and genes using the short-fiber mutant ligon linless-2 (Li2 ) and wild type (WT). A total of 499 differential target genes were identified and GO analysis shows that differential genes are mainly involved in plant secondary wall synthesis and microtubule-binding processes. Analysis of the genomic regions preferentially accessible (Peak) has identified a number of overrepresented TF-binding motifs, highlighting sets of TFs that are important for cotton fiber development. Using ATAC-seq and RNA-seq data, we have constructed a functional regulatory network of each TF regulatory target gene and also the network pattern of TF regulating differential target genes. Further, to obtain the genes related to fiber length, the differential target genes were combined with FLGWAS data to identify the genes highly related to fiber length. Our work provides new insights into cotton fiber elongation.

Functional divergence of GLP genes between G. barbadense and G. hirsutum in response to Verticillium dahliae infection.

Germin-like proteins (GLPs) play important roles in plant disease resistance but are rarely reported in cotton. We compared the expression of GLPs in Verticillium dahliae inoculate G. hirsutum (susceptible) and G. barbadense (resistant) and enriched 11 differentially expressed GLPs. 2741 GLP proteins identified from 53 species determined that GLP probably originated from algae and could be classified into 7 clades according to phylogenetic analysis, among which Clade I is likely the most ancient. Cotton GLP (two allopolyploids and two diploids) genes within a shared clade were highly conserved. Intriguingly, clade VII genes were mainly located in gene clusters that derived from the expansion of LTR transposons. Clade VII members expressed mainly in root which is the first battle against Verticillium dahlia and could be induced more intensely in G. barbadense than G. hirsutum. The GLP genes are resistant to Verticillium dahliae, which can be further investigated against Verticillium wilt.

Reactive Oxygen Species: A Crosslink between Plant and Human Eukaryotic Cell Systems.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important regulating factors that play a dual role in plant and human cells. As the first messenger response in organisms, ROS coordinate signals in growth, development, and metabolic activity pathways. They also can act as an alarm mechanism, triggering cellular responses to harmful stimuli. However, excess ROS cause oxidative stress-related damage and oxidize organic substances, leading to cellular malfunctions. This review summarizes the current research status and mechanisms of ROS in plant and human eukaryotic cells, highlighting the differences and similarities between the two and elucidating their interactions with other reactive substances and ROS. Based on the similar regulatory and metabolic ROS pathways in the two kingdoms, this review proposes future developments that can provide opportunities to develop novel strategies for treating human diseases or creating greater agricultural value.