Prediction of conserved variable heat and cold stress response in maize using cis-regulatory information (Plant Cell)
Plant Science Research WeeklySeveral transcription factors (TFs) have been identified previously as responsive to cold and heat stresses in maize. Variation in TF binding sites (TFBS) determine changes in the expression of target genes in response to the aforementioned stresses. Traditionally, single varieties were used to study…
Large-scale whole-genome resequencing unravels the domestication history of Cannabis sativa (Science Advances)
Plant Science Research WeeklyThroughout history, many cultures have exploited the properties of Cannabis sativa, either as a source of fiber extracts (hemp) or as a medicinal and recreational drug (drug type). It is thought that cannabis was originally cultivated in Asia from where it spread to other regions around the globe, and…
Complex networks of prion-like proteins reveal cross talk between stress and memory pathways in plants (Front. Plant Sci.)
Plant Science Research WeeklyPrions were first identified as the infectious protein agents causative of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease); when individuals eat something containing these prion proteins, the prion proteins induce conformational changes in their brains leading to neurological…
PIFs link environmental changes with chromatin dynamics (Nature Genetics)
Plant Science Research WeeklyPHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTORS (PIFs) play a pivotal role in mediating the responses of plants to various environmental stimuli. Although the importance of PIFs in shade avoidance response is well known, the relative contributions of different PIFs have not been discretely determined. In a recent study,…
Innovation, conservation, and repurposing of gene function in root cell type development (Cell)
Plant Science Research WeeklyPlants demonstrate a gorgeous diversity in cell types to adapt to their unique environments. Certain cell types, such as the epidermal, cortex, and vascular cells within plant roots, or the classically-defined root developmental zones (meristematic, elongation, and maturation), are homologous in angiosperms.…
Crop origins explain variation in global agricultural relevance (Nature Plants)
Plant Science Research WeeklyAccording to FAO, only a hundred out of several thousands edible plants contribute to the global food system. Specifically, twelve species dominate food production worldwide; more than a half of our daily calorie intake comes from four seed crops (maize, soybean, rice and wheat). Although the agricultural…
Pan-genome analysis of 33 genetically diverse rice accessions reveals hidden genomic variations (Cell)
Plant Science Research WeeklyIn spite of the considerable excitement that accompanies the first genomic sequence of a species, that sequence usually represents a single individual or inbred accession – the real excitement comes from comparisons between individuals or accessions. These pan-genomic analyses provide insights into…
Focus Issue: Focus on the Biology of Plant Genomes (Plant Cell)
Plant Science Research WeeklyThe Plant Cell has published a Focus Issue on the Biology of Plant Genomes. This Focus Issue includes reviews and research articles that highlight some of the most important recent advances in plant genomics and foreshadow future discoveries. Although Arabidopsis is represented in this article collection…
Review: CRISPR screens in plants: Approaches, guidelines, and future prospects (Plant Cell)
Plant Science Research WeeklyWe don’t need to remind you of the tremendous positive impact that CRISPR-based technologies have had on the life sciences through enabling any gene to be edited precisely. Here, Gaillochet et al. provide an up-to-date review of a lesser-known application of CRISPR, its use in large-scale screening…