A systems biology approach identifies a R2R3 MYB gene subfamily with distinct and overlapping functions in regulation of aliphatic glucosinolates.

Background: Glucosinolates are natural metabolites in the order Brassicales that defend plants against both herbivores and pathogens and can attract specialized insects. Knowledge about the genes controlling glucosinolate regulation is limited. Here, we identify three R2R3 MYB transcription factors regulating aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthesis in Arabidopsis by combining several systems biology tools.

Linking metabolic QTLs with network and cis-eQTLs controlling biosynthetic pathways.

Phenotypic variation between individuals of a species is often under quantitative genetic control. Genomic analysis of gene expression polymorphisms between individuals is rapidly gaining popularity as a way to query the underlying mechanistic causes of variation between individuals. However, there is little direct evidence of a linkage between global gene expression polymorphisms and phenotypic consequences.

Short on phosphate: plant surveillance and countermeasures.

Metabolism depends on inorganic phosphate (P(i)) as reactant, allosteric effector and regulatory moiety in covalent protein modification. To cope with P(i) shortage (a common situation in many ecosystems), plants activate a set of adaptive responses to enhance P(i) recycling and acquisition by reprogramming metabolism and restructuring root system architecture. The physiology of P(i) starvation responses has become well understood, and so current research focuses on the initial molecular events that sense, transmit and integrate information about external and internal P(i) status.

Arabidopsis pdr2 reveals a phosphate-sensitive checkpoint in root development.

Plants have evolved complex strategies to maintain phosphate (Pi) homeostasis and to maximize Pi acquisition when the macronutrient is limiting. Adjustment of root system architecture via changes in meristem initiation and activity is integral to the acclimation process. However, the mechanisms that monitor external Pi status and interpret the nutritional signal remain to be elucidated.

Isolation and characterization of a maintenance DNA-methyltransferase gene from peach (Prunus persica [L.] Batsch): transcript localization in vegetative and reproductive meristems of triple buds.

A cDNA coding for a DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase (METase) was isolated from peach (Prunus persica [L.] Batsch) and the corresponding gene designated as PpMETI. The latter encoded a predicted polypeptide of 1564 amino acid residues and harboured all the functional domains conserved in the maintenance METases group type I.

Phosphate sensing in higher plants.

Phosphate (Pi) plays a central role as reactant and effector molecule in plant cell metabolism. However, Pi is the least accessible macronutrient in many ecosystems and its low availability often limits plant growth. Plants have evolved an array of molecular and morphological adaptations to cope with Pi limitation, which include dramatic changes in gene expression and root development to facilitate Pi acquisition and recycling.