Specific binding between Arabidopsis thaliana phytochrome-interacting factor 3 (AtPIF3) bHLH and G-box originated prior to embryophyte emergence.

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) domain via critical amino acid residues on basic region binding to E-box (5'-CANNTG-3') is known in embryophyte. However, the dictated E-box types selection by bHLH dimers and the significant impact of these critical amino acid residues along embryophyte evolution remain unclear. The Arabidopsis thaliana PIF3-bHLH (AtPIF3-bHLH) recombinant protein and a series of AtPIF3-bHLH mutants were synthesized and analyzed.

Arabidopsis histone H3 lysine 9 methyltransferases KYP/SUVH5/6 are involved in leaf development by interacting with AS1-AS2 to repress KNAT1 and KNAT2.

The Arabidopsis H3K9 methyltransferases KRYPTONITE/SUPPRESSOR OF VARIEGATION 3-9 HOMOLOG 4 (KYP/SUVH4), SUVH5 and SUVH6 are redundantly involved in silencing of transposable elements (TEs). Our recent study indicated that KYP/SUVH5/6 can directly interact with the histone deacetylase HDA6 to synergistically regulate TE expression. However, the function of KYP/SUVH5/6 in plant development is still unclear.

Allopatric Lineage Divergence of the East Asian Endemic Herb Inferred from Low-Copy Nuclear and Plastid Markers.

The evolutionary histories of ornamental plants have been receiving only limited attention. We examined the origin and divergence processes of an East Asian endemic ornamental plant, . is an understory herb occurring in primary forests, which has been grouped into two varieties.

Insight into the Phylogeny and Binding Ability of WRKY Transcription Factors.

WRKY transcription factors (TFs), which make up one of the largest families of TFs in the plant kingdom, are key players in modulating gene expression relating to embryogenesis, senescence, pathogen resistance, and abiotic stress responses. However, the phylogeny and grouping of WRKY TFs and how their binding ability is affected by the flanking regions of W-box sequences remain unclear. In this study, we reconstructed the phylogeny of WRKY across the plant kingdom and characterized the DNA-binding profile of WRKY (WRKY54) based on its W-box recognition sequence.

Stress associated proteins coordinate the activation of comprehensive antiviral immunity in Phalaenopsis orchids.

Viruses cause severe damage on crops, and identification of key gene(s) that can comprehensively activate antiviral immunity will provide insights for designing effective antiviral strategies. Salicylic acid (SA)-mediated antiviral immunity and RNA interference (RNAi) are two independently discovered antiviral pathways. Previously, we identified the orchid stress-associated protein (SAP), Pha13, which serves as a hub in SA-mediated antiviral immunity.

Phylogenetic and Structural Analysis of NIN-Like Proteins With a Type I/II PB1 Domain That Regulates Oligomerization for Nitrate Response.

Absorption of macronutrients such as nitrogen is a critical process for land plants. There is little information available on the correlation between the root evolution of land plants and the protein regulation of nitrogen absorption and responses. -like protein () transcription factors contain a Phox and Bem1 (PB1) domain, which may regulate nitrate-response genes and seem to be involved in the adaptation to growing on land in terms of plant root development.

Expression shifts of floral symmetry genes correlate to flower actinomorphy in East Asia endemic Conandron ramondioides (Gesneriaceae).

Background: Bilateral symmetry flower (zygomorphy) is the ancestral state for Gesneriaceae species. Yet independent reversions to actinomorphy have been parallelly evolved in several lineages. Conandron ramondioides is a natural radially symmetrical species survived in dense shade mountainous habitats where specialist pollinators are scarce.