PAT mRNA decapping factors are required for proper development in Arabidopsis.

Evolutionarily conserved protein associated with topoisomerase II (PAT1) proteins activate mRNA decay through binding mRNA and recruiting decapping factors to optimize posttranscriptional reprogramming. Here, we generated multiple mutants of pat1, pat1 homolog 1 (path1), and pat1 homolog 2 (path2) and discovered that pat triple mutants exhibit extremely stunted growth and all mutants with pat1 exhibit leaf serration while mutants with pat1 and path1 display short petioles. All three PATs can be found localized to processing bodies and all PATs can target ASYMMETRIC LEAVES 2-LIKE 9 transcripts for decay to finely regulate apical hook and lateral root development.

The mRNA decapping machinery targets to mediate apical hook and lateral root development.

Multicellular organisms perceive and transduce multiple cues to optimize development. Key transcription factors drive developmental changes, but RNA processing also contributes to tissue development. Here, we report that multiple decapping deficient mutants share developmental defects in apical hook, primary and lateral root growth.

mRNA Decapping Factors LSM1 and PAT Paralogs Are Involved in Turnip Mosaic Virus Viral Infection.

is a devastating potyvirus infecting many economically important brassica crops. In response to this, the plant host engages its RNA silencing machinery, involving AGO proteins, as a prominent strategy to restrain turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) infection. It has also been shown that the mRNA decay components DCP2 and VCS partake in viral infection suppression.

Emergent bacterial community properties induce enhanced drought tolerance in Arabidopsis.

Drought severely restricts plant production and global warming is further increasing drought stress for crops. Much information reveals the ability of individual microbes affecting plant stress tolerance. However, the effects of emergent bacterial community properties on plant drought tolerance remain largely unexplored.

The Arabidopsis thaliana mRNA decay factor PAT1 functions in osmotic stress responses and decaps ABA-responsive genes.

mRNA decapping plays essential roles in regulating gene expression during cellular reprogramming in response to developmental and environmental cues. The evolutionarily conserved PAT1 proteins activate decapping by binding mRNA, recruiting other decapping components, and promoting processing body (PB) assembly. Arabidopsis encodes 3 PAT proteins: PAT1, PATH1, and PATH2.

Autophagy mediates temporary reprogramming and dedifferentiation in plant somatic cells.

Somatic cells acclimate to changes in the environment by temporary reprogramming. Much has been learned about transcription factors that induce these cell-state switches in both plants and animals, but how cells rapidly modulate their proteome remains elusive. Here, we show rapid induction of autophagy during temporary reprogramming in plants triggered by phytohormones, immune, and danger signals.

Identification and Characterization of ABA-Responsive MicroRNAs in Rice.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding small RNAs that silence genes through mRNA degradation or translational inhibition. The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) is essential for plant development and adaptation to abiotic and biotic stresses. In Arabidopsis, miRNAs are implicated in ABA functions.

The roles of anion channels in Arabidopsis immunity.

Anion efflux is one of the most immediate responses of plant cells to pathogen attacks, suggesting that anion channels may play a role in plant defense. Recently we reported that the chloride channel AtCLCd negatively regulates Arabidopsis pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity (PTI), probably by affecting trafficking of the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Since AtCLCd is localized to the trans-Golgi network, it is not likely to be directly involved in anion flux across the plasma membrane.

The chloride channel family gene CLCd negatively regulates pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity in Arabidopsis.

Chloride channel (CLC) family genes are ubiquitous from prokaryotes to eukaryotes and encode proteins with both channel and transporter activities. The Arabidopsis thaliana genome encodes seven CLC genes, and their products are found in a variety of cellular compartments and have various physiological functions. However, a role for AtCLCs in plant innate immunity has not previously been demonstrated.