A natural antisense transcript (NAT) is a form of non-coding RNA that shares sequence complementarity with a protein coding sense gene. Although originally thought to be transcriptional noise, recent findings show that NATs contain functional roles, often through the regulation of their cognate sense…

In this preprint, Wang et al. unravel a novel role for ARGONAUTE10 (AGO10) in plant immunity. Specifically, they found that AGO10 is involved in trans-species RNA interference (tsRNAi), a mechanism plants use to silence target genes in pathogens. Upon Phytophthora capsici infection, two distinct ago10…

Deadly blight caused by the fungal pathogen (Cryphonectria parasitica) and root rot caused by an oomycete pathogen have pushed the American chestnuts toward extinction. In this study by Westbrook et al., the authors highlight the ongoing restoration strategies aiming to return the previously dominant…

Review: What happens when it gets too hot - the vulnerability of plant reproduction in a warming world Climate change brings about higher temperatures, threatening plant populations worldwide. Higher temperatures interfere with reproductive processes such as pollen production or fertilization, even…

Behind the manuscripts are researchers, professors, professionals, and students dedicated to advancing the field of plant science. You’ve seen our First Authors on Bluesky, X and Facebook— now, read more about why they chose to pursue plant sciences and click on the links to read their articles. Xiangyun…

You’ve seen our First Authors on X, BlueSky, and Facebook. Behind the manuscripts are researchers, professors, professionals, and students dedicated to advancing the field of plant science. Read more about these dedicated people here. Aditi Gotkhindikar Aditi Gotkhindikar (she/her) is the First…

Behind the manuscripts are researchers, professors, professionals and students dedicated to advancing the field of plant science. You’ve seen our First Authors on Bluesky, X and Facebook— now, read more about why they chose to pursue plant sciences and click on the links to read their articles. Ning…

Plant (and many algal) cells facilitate cell-to-cell movement through specialized regulated pores called plasmodesmata that connect neighboring cells, and there is a rich literature in how plasmodesmata regulate intercellular movement for example by sealing closed following pathogen or viral infection.…