MsbZIP55 regulates salinity tolerance by modulating melatonin biosynthesis in alfalfa.

Soil salinity is a severe abiotic stress that damages plant growth and development. As an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, melatonin is well known for helping plants survive abiotic conditions, including salinity stress. Here, we report that the salt-related gene MsSNAT1, encoding a rate-limiting melatonin biosynthesis enzyme, is located in the chloroplast and contributes to salinity stress tolerance in alfalfa.

Facile synthesis of 2-sulfonylbenzothiazoles cascade SO-NCS addition and S-C(sp) coupling.

A new synthetic route to 2-sulfonylbenzothiazoles (BtsR) employing cascade SO-NCS nucleophilic addition and CuI-catalysed S-C(sp) coupling was developed. Structurally diverse BtsR molecules were readily afforded in high yields from the rapid and benign reaction of 2-iodoarylisothiocyanates with sodium sulfinates in DMSO, generally without the need for further column isolation.

Green Synthesis of 2-Mercapto 5,6-Dihydro-4-1,3-Thiazines via Sequential C-S Couplings.

The six-membered N,S-heterocyclic 1,3-thiazines and their derivatives are widely acknowledged as pharmaceutical molecules with a wide range of biological activities. In this study, we developed a unique thiol-involved cascade reaction that enables the efficient construction of the 5,6-dihydro-4-1,3-thiazine scaffold through consecutive intermolecular thiol-isothiocyanate and intramolecular thiol-halogen click reactions. Structurally diverse 2-mercapto dihydrothiazines including three antitumour candidates of -dihydrothiazines were readily obtained in high yields from the readily available thiols and 3-chloroisothiocyanate in the green solvent EtOH/HO (1:1) using KCO (0.

Controllable Synthesis of Thioacetals/Thioketals and β-Sulfanyl Ketones Mediated by Methanesulfonic Anhydride and Sulfuric Acid Sulfuric Acid from Aldehyde/Acetone and Thiols.

A novel and controllable synthesis of thioacetals/thioketals and β-sulfanyl ketones mediated by the reaction of aldehyde/acetone with thiols has been developed. In this protocol, β-sulfanyl ketones can be generated without the prior preparation of α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. A variety of thiols reacted with aldehyde/acetone and provided the corresponding thioacetals/thioketals and β-sulfanyl ketones in good to excellent yields, respectively.

Small GTPase PvARFR2 interacts with cytosolic ABA receptor kinase 3 to enhance alkali tolerance in switchgrass.

Soil alkalization has become a serious problem that limits plant growth through osmotic stress, ionic imbalance, and oxidative stress. Understanding how plants resist alkali stress has practical implications for alkaline-land utilization. In this study, we identified a small GTPase, PvARFR2 (ADP ribosylation factors related 2), that positively regulates alkali tolerance in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and uncovered its potential mode of action.

Iron-Catalyzed Sulfonylmethylation of Imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines with ,-Dimethylacetamide and Sodium Sulfinates.

Functionalized imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines are important scaffolds in pharmaceuticals. Herein, we present an efficient 3-sulfonylmethylation protocol for imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines by sodium sulfinates in DMA and HO (2:1) via an FeCl-catalyzed three-component coupling reaction. Various sulfonylmethyl imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines were thus afforded in high yields with excellent functional group tolerance.

Characterization of the mA gene family in switchgrass and functional analysis of PvALKBH10 during flowering.

N-methyladenosine (mA), a nucleotide modification that is frequently seen in RNA, plays a crucial role in plant growth, development and stress resistance. However, the mA regulatory machinery in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a model plant for cellulose-to-ethanol conversion, remains largely unknown.

Revealing nitrogenous VX metabolites and the whole-molecule VX metabolism in the urine of guinea pigs.

VX, a well-known organophosphorus nerve agent (OPNA), poses a significant threat to public safety if employed by terrorists. Obtaining complete metabolites is critical to unequivocally confirm its alleged use/exposure and elucidate its whole-molecular metabolism. However, the nitrogenous VX metabolites containing 2-diisopropylaminoethyl moiety from urinary excretion remain unknown.

Increases Biomass Yield and Enhances Alkaline Tolerance in Switchgrass ( L.).

Switchgrass is an important bioenergy crop valued for its biomass yield and abiotic tolerance. Alkali stress is a major abiotic stress that significantly impedes plant growth and yield due to high salinity and pH; however, the response mechanism of switchgrass to alkali stress remains limited. Here, we characterized , an ARF-like gene, which was up-regulated in both the shoot and root tissues under alkali stress conditions.

N-methyladenosine analysis unveils key mechanisms underlying long-term salt stress tolerance in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum).

N-methyladenosine (mA) RNA modification is critical for plant growth, development, and environmental stress response. While short-term stress impacts on mA are well-documented, the consequences of prolonged stress remain underexplored. This study conducts a thorough transcriptome-wide analysis of mA modifications following 28-day exposure to 200 mM NaCl.

Characterization and expression profiles of WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) gene family in cultivated alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.).

The WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) family members are plant-specific transcriptional factors, which function in meristem maintenance, embryogenesis, lateral organ development, as well as abiotic stress tolerance. In this study, 14 MsWOX transcription factors were identified and comprehensively analyzed in the cultivated alfalfa cv. Zhongmu No.

Stereoselective synthesis of ()-α,β-unsaturated esters: triethylamine-catalyzed allylic rearrangement of enol phosphates.

α,β-Unsaturated esters are key structural motifs widely distributed in various biologically active molecules, and their /-stereoselective synthesis has always been considered highly attractive in organic synthesis. Herein, we present a >99% ()-stereoselective one-pot synthetic approach towards β-phosphoroxylated α,β-unsaturated esters a mild trimethylamine-catalyzed 1,3-hydrogen migration of the corresponding unconjugated intermediates derived from the solvent-free Perkow reaction between low-cost 4-chloroacetoacetates and phosphites. Versatile β,β-disubstituted ()-α,β-unsaturated esters were thus afforded with full ()-stereoretentivity by cleavage of the phosphoenol linkage Negishi cross-coupling.

Synthesis of Asymmetric Diaryl Sulfides via HI-Mediated C(sp)-H Sulfenylation of Arenes with Sodium Sulfinates.

A novel hydroiodic acid-promoted metal-free C(sp)-H sulfenylation of electron-rich arenes was developed using stable and easy-to-handle sodium sulfinates as sulfur sources. Diverse kinds of asymmetric aryl sulfides were afforded in good yields from various commercially available aromatic substrates under mild conditions. Comprehensive mechanistic experiments demonstrate that RSOSR and RSSR are the key intermediates responsible for the redox process.

Efficient Synthesis of 3-Mercaptoindoles via HI-Promoted Sulfenylation of Indoles with Sodium Sulfinates.

A new direct sulfenylation method of indoles by sodium sulfinates and hydroiodic acid was developed giving variety of 3-sulfenylindoles in high yields under mild conditions without using any catalysts or other additives. In situ-generated RS-I species are supposed to be mainly responsible for the key electrophilic alkyl- or aryl-thiolation process.

Ectopic Expression of Enhances Cadmium Tolerance in .

Cadmium (Cd) in soil inhibits plant growth and development and even harms human health through food chain transmission. Switchgrass ( L.), a perennial C4 biofuel crop, is considered an ideal plant for phytoremediation due to its high efficiency in removing Cd and other heavy metals from contaminated soil.

Chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed enantioselective phosphinylation of 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines with diarylphosphine oxides.

Chiral phosphorous-containing compounds are playing a more and more significant role in several different research fields. Here, we show a chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed enantioselective phosphinylation of 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines with diarylphosphine oxides for the efficient and practical construction of a family of chiral α-amino diarylphosphine oxides with a diverse range of functional groups. The phosphine products are suitable for transforming to several kinds of chiral (thio)ureas, which might be employed as chiral ligands or catalysts with potential applications in asymmetric catalysis.

Controllable synthesis of disulfides and thiosulfonates from sodium sulfinates mediated by hydroiodic acid using ethanol and HO as solvents.

A controllable and rapid synthesis of disulfides and thiosulfonates from sodium sulfinates mediated by hydroiodic acid is presented for the first time. In these reactions, ethanol and HO are employed as solvents to generate different products, thiosulfonates can be further transformed to corresponding disulfides in an ethanol reaction system. Moreover, these simple methods are environmentally benign and can be performed under mild conditions with a short reaction time, showing good functional group tolerance.

Copper-catalyzed stereo- and regioselective hydrophosphorylation of terminal alkynes: scope and mechanistic study.

Herein, a protocol for copper-catalyzed highly stereo- and regioselective hydrophosphorylation of terminal alkynes to -alkenylphosphorus compounds was well developed. It represents a general and practical hydrophosphorylation method, of which diarylphosphine oxide, dialkylphosphine oxide and dialkyl phosphite all had effective P(O)H parts to react with different types of terminal alkynes. Contrary to previous air-sensitive reports, all the reactions proceeded well under air.

WOX family transcriptional regulators modulate cytokinin homeostasis during leaf blade development in Medicago truncatula and Nicotiana sylvestris.

The plant-specific family of WUSCHEL (WUS)-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factors is key regulators of embryogenesis, meristem maintenance, and lateral organ development in flowering plants. The modern/WUS clade transcriptional repressor STENOFOLIA/LAMINA1(LAM1), and the intermediate/WOX9 clade transcriptional activator MtWOX9/NsWOX9 antagonistically regulate leaf blade expansion, but the molecular mechanism is unknown. Using transcriptome profiling and biochemical methods, we determined that NsCKX3 is the common target of LAM1 and NsWOX9 in Nicotiana sylvestris.

Organobase-catalyzed 1,1-diborylation of terminal alkynes under metal-free conditions.

An organobase-catalyzed 1,1-diborylation of terminal alkynes from propargylic derivatives with bis(2,4-dimethylpentane-2,4-glycolato)diboron (Boct) is first reported, regioselectively providing 1,1-diborylalkene products with high efficiency. The catalytic pathway is well postulated on the basis of DFT calculations.

Revisiting the origin and identity specification of the spikelet: A structural innovation in grasses (Poaceae).

Spikelets are highly specialized and short-lived branches and function as a constitutional unit of the complex grass inflorescences. A series of genetic, genomic, and developmental studies across different clades of the family have called for and permitted a synthesis on the regulation and evolution of spikelets, and hence inflorescence diversity. Here, we have revisited the identity specification of a spikelet, focusing on the diagnostic features of a spikelet from morphological, developmental, and molecular perspectives.

Integrated morphological, physiological and omics analyses reveal the arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) gene contributing to growth, flowering and defence in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.).

Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) catalyses the acetylation of serotonin, a rate-limiting process in melatonin biosynthesis. To obtain better insight into the underlying mechanism of AANAT's actions in switchgrass growth, flowering and defence, we performed integrated morphological, physiological and omics analyses between overexpressed oAANAT transgenic lines in wild-type and transgenic control (expressing only the empty vector) plants. We showed that oAANAT played pivotal roles in modulating plant growth through its regulation of cell elongation, and regulating flowering through photoperiod and GA pathways.

Practical catalytic enantioselective synthesis of 2,3-dihydroquin-azolinones by chiral brønsted acid catalysis.

Herein, we report on the highly efficient and practical synthesis of 2,3-dihydroquinazolinones directly from diverse aldehydes with excellent yields and enantioselectivity. Particularly, this protocol affords better enantiocontrol for aliphatic aldehydes (up to 99% yield, 97% ee), which always gave unsatisfactory results in the previous studies. Moreover, this catalytic system shows wide tolerance to different functional groups such as alkenyl, nitro and halogens.

encodes an ortholog and is required for inflorescence indeterminacy and spikelet determinacy in barley.

Inflorescence architecture dictates the number of flowers and, ultimately, seeds. The architectural discrepancies between two related cereals, barley and wheat, are controlled by differences in determinacy of inflorescence and spikelet meristems. Here, we characterize two allelic series of mutations named () and () that convert barley indeterminate inflorescences into wheat-like determinate inflorescences bearing a multifloreted terminal spikelet and spikelets with additional florets.