Progress 10/01/23 to 09/30/24
Outputs
PROGRESS REPORT Objectives (from AD-416): Objective 1: Evaluate select crop germplasm under high salinity conditions to identify accessions for genetic and molecular analyses and improvement of salinity-tolerant crops. Sub-objective 1.A: Evaluate crop germplasm for salinity tolerance using morphological traits and tissue ion analyses. Sub-objective 1.B: Evaluate crop germplasm for salinity tolerance using gene expression analysis. Sub-objective 1.C: Evaluate crop germplasm for salinity tolerance using biochemical parameters. Sub-objective 1.D: Screen different almond rootstocks for quantitative responses to drought and salinity stress parameters. Objective 2: Determine the genetic, molecular, and physiological mechanisms responsible for salinity tolerance in selected crops using genetic and molecular approaches. Sub-objective 2.A: Decipher roles of nanomaterials in alleviating salinity stress during seed germination. Sub-objective 2.B: Validate candidate genes for their roles in salinity tolerance. Sub-objective 2.C: Examine the role of the SOS pathway in Prunus using protein-protein interaction (PPI) studies and In vitro reconstitution assay of the SOS pathway. Approach (from AD-416): This project focuses on salinity responses and underlying mechanisms of high-value specialty crops that include almond, spinach, and guar. In objective 1, we intend to evaluate crop germplasms for salinity tolerance by analyzing various aspects such as morphological traits, tissue ion concentration, gene expression, and biochemical parameters. By understanding how genotypes respond to salinity and identifying key ions that play a role in salt toxicity, we aim to improve tools and approaches used in salinity studies, leading to better predictions of plant responses. We will also investigate how plants maintain the balance of essential macronutrients such as potassium under elevated salinity and mineral nutrient deprivation conditions to understand the importance of different traits in salt tolerance mechanisms. Additionally, by analyzing the correlation between salinity tolerance and changes in gene expression levels, we aim to identify genes that can be used as markers for efficient screening of crop germplasm for salinity tolerance. Furthermore, we will develop suitable biochemical markers for salinity tolerance through a targeted-metabolomic approach. Lastly, we will study quantitative responses to drought and salinity stress parameters. Identifying genetic mechanisms that are common or unique during drought and salt tolerance will be the key in developing genetic material tolerant to these stresses. Objective 2 of this project focuses on uncovering the genetic, molecular, and physiological mechanisms of salinity tolerance in selected crops using genetic and molecular methods. In our preliminary study, we demonstrated improved wheat seed germination under salinity stress by treating seeds with cerium oxide nanoparticles. The proposed project aims to study the expression differences between nanoparticle-treated and non- treated seeds during seed germination under controlled and saline conditions. By conducting transcriptome analyses, we hope to identify differentially expressed genes between the two groups, which will provide insights into the genes and pathways that regulate the enhanced effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles during seedling germination and growth. Understanding these mechanisms will enable successful wheat cultivation in salt-affected soils. We will also validate candidate genes for salinity tolerance in Prunus, Medicago, and spinach. As these species lack genetic transformation tools and single gene mutants, functional validation of genes involved in salinity tolerance is not feasible. By complementing the salinity tolerance function in Arabidopsis mutants with a particular crop gene, we will be able to validate the gene's role in salinity tolerance. These validated genes will facilitate the development of molecular markers for marker-assisted selection and can be manipulated to improve salt tolerance. Additionally, we will investigate the role of the salt overly sensitive (SOS) pathway in Prunus. Understanding how different SOS proteins interact with each other in regulating ion concentrations in plant cells will be crucial in determining plant responses to salinity stress. This report documents progress for project 2036-13210-013-000D, titled, �Understanding and Improving Salinity Tolerance in Specialty Crops�, which started in March 2023. In support of Sub-objective 1.A, ARS researchers in Riverside, California, evaluated various Prunus genotypes for salinity tolerances. These include four drought-tolerant selections, 11 self-fruitful cultivar selections, four almond cultivars from Burchell Nursery, and eight own- rooted elite rootstocks. Plants were classified based on the relative change in trunk diameter between the salinity treatment and the control. Additional research in support of Sub-objective 1.A focused on alfalfa. Researchers screened two F3 progenies, consisting of 160 and 200 plants each, from a cross between two salt-tolerant alfalfa genotypes at an electrical conductivity of irrigation water (ECiw) of 55 deciSiemens per meter (dS/m)�higher than the salinity of ocean water. From these progenies, nine and 14 genotypes, respectively, survived this extreme salinity level. Researchers are currently producing seeds from these progenies for field testing. This is the first time an alfalfa cultivar has been developed that can tolerate ocean-water salinity. This research paves the way for growing alfalfa under deteriorated soil and water conditions while allowing high-value salt-sensitive crops such as almonds to be cultivated under high-quality soil and water conditions. In another trial, as part of Sub-objective 1.A, ARS researchers in Riverside, California, conducted a greenhouse experiment with 16 spinach genotypes from diverse geographic regions, irrigated with saline waters of 1.87 and 23.3 dS/m. The salt tolerance index for shoot biomass showed significant variability among the genotypes, allowing them to be ranked based on their salinity tolerance. Under high salinity, plants, on average, accumulated 25-fold higher Na and 8.5-fold higher Cl in leaves compared to the control. Leaves accumulated 2.4-fold more Na and Cl than roots under salinity conditions compared to the control. There was a strong correlation (R� = 0.73) between Na and Cl tissue accumulations across different spinach genotypes. Understanding ion movement in spinach tissue under salinity stress is crucial for developing new strategies to breed varieties suited for salt-affected regions. Also, in support of Sub-objective 1.A, ARS researchers have worked with a doctoral student from Brazil and a visiting scholar from Uzbekistan to evaluate the effect of saline waters ranging from half the salt composition of seawater to full seawater salinity on the growth and yield halophyte (salt-loving) quinoa genotypes. In the first experiment, quinoa plants of two genotypes were irrigated with saline waters of 2.0, 25, 40, and 55 dS/m. One of the genotypes grew better and produced more grains than the other under the same salinities but plants, in general, lost up to 60% of their yield under seawater salinity. In the second experiment, quinoa plants were irrigated with freshwater for different periods before switching the irrigation to saline water of half of salt-strength seawater (25 dS/m). Plants were irrigated with freshwater for 100% of their life cycle, 75%, 50%, 25%, and 0% (100% saline water). Plants grew better and produced more grains when the irrigation with saline water was delayed to the final 50% and 75% of their life cycle. However, quinoa plants still survived and produced grains when irrigated with 25 dS/m water 100% of their cycle. Deliverables: a manuscript is in preparation with the scholar from Uzbekistan, and two manuscripts are currently in preparation with the results from the Brazilian doctoral student. The student has concluded her doctoral requirements from her Brazilian university and has received her doctoral degree in soil sciences. For Sub-Objective 1.B, expression analyses of specific genes in the roots and leaves of spinach provided valuable insights into Na+/Cl- efflux, vacuolar sequestration, root-to-shoot movement, ion homeostasis, and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This research highlighted the importance of screening geographically diverse genotypes and considering multiple traits when selecting genotypes for salt tolerance. As part of Sub-objective 2.A, ARS researchers are investigating the potential benefits of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles on wheat seed germination under saline conditions. The current study involves a time- course experiment comparing seed germination with and without nanoparticle treatment under both control and salinity-stress conditions. They are currently analyzing transcriptomes from control and salinity- treated samples, as well as from samples treated with and without nanoparticles. The aim is to identify genetic networks that mitigate the harmful effects of salinity stress. The results could inform new strategies to enhance crop establishment and productivity in salt- affected environments. To support Sub-objective 2.B, ARS researchers in Riverside, California, successfully transformed an atsos2 mutant (Arabidopsis lacking a functional SOS2 gene) using a plant expression vector containing the alfalfa SOS2 (MsSOS2) gene, which is of great interest due to its potential role in salinity tolerance. They screened the seeds of atsos2 mutant transformed with the MsSOS2 gene and identified multiple transgenic lines expressing MsSOS2. Among these transgenic lines, researchers examined the salinity tolerance of two independent lines alongside the atsos2 mutant and wild-type Arabidopsis. Salt tolerance assays revealed that transgenic plants expressing the MsSOS2 gene in the atsos2 mutant demonstrated tolerance at three salinity levels: 25 mM, 50 mM, and 75 mM NaCl during seed germination, seedling and three-week-old stage. These findings provide strong evidence that the expression of the MsSOS2 gene in the atsos2 mutant effectively complements the function of the AtSOS2 gene, enhancing salinity tolerance. Their results suggest that MsSOS2 could be utilized in biotechnological research to improve salinity tolerance in various crops sensitive to salinity. In support of Sub-objective 2.C, ARS researchers in Riverside, California, have characterized the Salt Overly Sensitive (SOS) pathway in Prunus. The SOS signaling pathway regulates the homeostasis of intracellular sodium ion concentration in response to salt stress. The SOS1, SOS2, and SOS3 genes, which are part of the sodium hydrogen exchanger (NHX), CBL interacting protein kinase (CIPK), and calcineurin B- like (CBL) gene families respectively, play critical roles in this pathway. For phylogenetic analyses, NHX, CIPK, and CBL genes from Arabidopsis thaliana were used as controls. Their analysis revealed the lineage-specific and adaptive evolution of Rosaceae genes. Notably, ARS researchers observed two primary classes of CIPK genes: intron-rich and intron-less. The intron-rich CIPKs in Rosaceae and Arabidopsis can be traced back to algae CIPKs and those found in early plants, suggesting that intron-less CIPKs evolved from their intron-rich counterparts. This study identified one gene for each member of the SOS signaling pathway in P. persica: PpSOS1, PpSOS2, and PpSOS3. Gene expression analyses showed that all three genes are expressed in both roots and leaves of P. persica. Protein-protein interaction analyses using yeast two-hybrid systems revealed direct interactions between PpSOS3 and PpSOS2, as well as between PpSOS2 and the C-terminus region of PpSOS1. The researchers' findings indicate that the SOS signaling pathway is highly conserved in P. persica. In another experiment supporting Sub-objective 2.C, ARS researchers in Riverside, California, continued refining their Plant Phase Extraction (PPE) method for identifying RNA binding proteins (RBPs) in plants. Key challenges with the PPE method include: (1) the lysis buffer may not be strong enough to release proteins fully; (2) the extensive use of toxic Trizol/Tri-reagent is neither environmentally friendly nor cost-effective; and (3) some non-RBPs are enriched in the interphase, potentially leading to false identification as RBPs. Over the past year, significant progress has been made in improving protein yield by optimizing the lysis buffer ingredients, allowing researchers to minimize the use of Trizol/ Tri-reagent. Additionally, true RBPs have been successfully separated from non-RBP contaminants by incorporating an extra RNase digestion step. This newly optimized method is now being applied to explore the RNA binding proteome in soybean, which could ultimately enhance our understanding of how this crop copes with salinity conditions. Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) Neither artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) methods were used for this project during FY 2024. ACCOMPLISHMENTS 01 Development of salt-tolerant alfalfa for extreme salinity conditions. Alfalfa is a major forage crop essential to the dairy industry, with California leading U.S. production. However, its high-water consumption and competition with urban sectors and high-value specialty crops pose challenges for its future in arid and semiarid areas of California. Developing salt-tolerant alfalfa can enable farmers to use recycled water and brackish groundwater for irrigation. ARS researchers in Riverside, California, previously identified the genetic and biochemical determinants of salt tolerance in alfalfa, highlighting the importance of various components of the salt tolerance mechanism across different genotypes. Recently, they combined these attributes by crossing and selecting lines with multiple salt tolerance traits. From the F2 progeny (second generation) of a cross between two salt-tolerant lines, several individuals tolerated salinity levels equivalent to half- seawater salinity (ECiw = 27 dS/m). The two most salt-tolerant F2 genotypes were used to produce F3 progenies (third generation), with 160 and 200 plants each. From these progenies, nine and 14 genotypes, respectively, survived salinity levels exceeding seawater salinity (ECiw = 55 dS/m). This marks the first development of an alfalfa cultivar that can tolerate ocean water salinity. This pioneering research enables alfalfa cultivation under deteriorated soil and water conditions, freeing high-quality soil and water for high-value, salt- sensitive crops like almonds.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- de Oliveira, A., de Lacerda, C., Cavalcante, E.S., dos Santos Teixeira, A. S., de Oliveira, M., Ferreira, J.F., da Silva Sales, J., Canja, J.F., da Costa Bezerra, G.M. 2024. Salt tolerance and foliar spectral responses in seedlings of four ornamental herbaceous species. Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental. 28(5). Article e276677. https://doi.org/ 10.1590/1807-1929/agriambi.v25n1p3-9.
- Jin, Q., Zhong, W., Sandhu, D., Chen, L., Shao, C., Shang, F., Xie, S., Huang, F., Chen, Z., Zhang, X., Hu, J., Liu, G., Su, Q., Huang, M., Liu, Z. , Huang, J., Tian, N., Liu, S. 2024. mRNA-miRNA analyses reveal the involvement of CsbHLH1 and miR1446a in the regulation of caffeine biosynthesis in Camellia sinensis. Horticulture Research. 11(2). Article uhad282. https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhad282.
- Katiki, L.M., Giglioti, R., Ferreira, J.F., Pacheco, P.A., Barbosa, H.Z., Rodrigues, L., Verissimo, C.J., Braga, P.A., Amarante, A.F., Louvandini, H. 2023. Combined effects of limonene and ivermectin on p-glycoprotein-9 gene expression of lambs infected with Haemonchus contortus. Veterinary Parasitology. 324. Article 110069. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2023. 110069.
- Jin, Q., Zhong, W., Sandhu, D., Chen, L., Shao, C., Xie, S., Shang, F., Wen, S., Wu, T., Jin, H., Huang, F., Liu, G., Hu, J., Su, Q., Huang, M., Zhu, Q., Zhou, B., Zhu, L., Peng, L., Liu, Z., Huang, J., Tian, N., Liu, S. 2024. miR828a-CsMYB114 module negatively regulates the biosynthesis of theobromine in Camellia sinensis. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 72(8):4464-4475. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.3c07736.
- Filho, J.B., Fontes, P.C., Ferreira, J.F., Cecon, P.R., dos Santos, M.F. 2024. Best morpho-physiological parameters to characterize seed-potato plant growth under aeroponics: A pilot study. Agronomy. 14(3). Article 517. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14030517.
- de Oliveira, A.C., de Lacerda, C.F., Cavalcante, S., dos S. Teixeira, A., de Oliveira, M.R., Ferreira, J.F., da S. Sales, J.R., Canja, J.F., da C. Bezerra, B.M. 2024. Salt tolerance and foliar spectral responses in seedlings of four ornamental herbaceous species. Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental. 28(5). Article e278645. https://doi.org/ 10.1590/1807-1929/agriambi.v28n5e276677.
- Singh, V., Kraus, M., Sandhu, D., Sekhon, R.S., Kaundal, A. 2023. Salinity stress tolerance prediction for biomass-related traits in maize (Zea mays L.) using genome-wide markers. The Plant Genome. 16(4). Article e20385. https://doi.org/10.1002/tpg2.20385.
- Sandhu, D., Pudussery, M.V., William, M., Kaundal, A., Ferreira, J.F. 2023. Divergent gene expression responses to salinity stress in 16 geographically diverse spinach genotypes. ACS Agricultural Science and Technology. 3(9):795-804. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsagscitech.3c00149.
- Zhang, Y., Xu, Y., Skaggs, T.H., Ferreira, J.F., Chen, X., Sandhu, D. 2023. An advanced protocol for profiling RNA-binding proteins in Arabidopsis using plant phase extraction. Biology Methods and Protocols. 8(1). Article bpad016. https://doi.org/10.1093/biomethods/bpad016.
- Tareq, F.S., Singh, J., Ferreira, J.F., Sandhu, D., Suarez, D.L., Luthria, D.L. 2024. A targeted and an untargeted metabolomics approach to study the phytochemicals of tomato cultivars grown under different salinity conditions. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 72(14):7694-7706. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08498.
- Bhattacharjee, A.S., Phan, D., Zheng, C., Ashworth, D.J., Schmidt, M.P., Men, Y., Ferreira, J.F., Muir, G., Hasan, N., Ibekwe, A.M. 2024. Dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes through soil-plant-earthworm continuum in the food production environment. Environmental International. 183. Article 108374. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2023.108374.
- Bhattacharjee, A.S., Phan, D., Zheng, C., Ashworth, D.J., Schmidt, M.P., Men, Y., Ferreira, J.F., Muir, G., Hasan, N.A., Ibekwe, A.M. 2023. Dissemination of antibiotic resistance through soil-plant-earthworm continuum in the food production environment. Environment International. 183. Article 108374. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2023.108374.
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Progress 10/01/22 to 09/30/23
Outputs
PROGRESS REPORT Objectives (from AD-416): Objective 1: Evaluate select crop germplasm under high salinity conditions to identify accessions for genetic and molecular analyses and improvement of salinity-tolerant crops. Sub-objective 1.A: Evaluate crop germplasm for salinity tolerance using morphological traits and tissue ion analyses. Sub-objective 1.B: Evaluate crop germplasm for salinity tolerance using gene expression analysis. Sub-objective 1.C: Evaluate crop germplasm for salinity tolerance using biochemical parameters. Sub-objective 1.D: Screen different almond rootstocks for quantitative responses to drought and salinity stress parameters. Objective 2: Determine the genetic, molecular, and physiological mechanisms responsible for salinity tolerance in selected crops using genetic and molecular approaches. Sub-objective 2.A: Decipher roles of nanomaterials in alleviating salinity stress during seed germination. Sub-objective 2.B: Validate candidate genes for their roles in salinity tolerance. Sub-objective 2.C: Examine the role of the SOS pathway in Prunus using protein-protein interaction (PPI) studies and In vitro reconstitution assay of the SOS pathway. Approach (from AD-416): This project focuses on salinity responses and underlying mechanisms of high-value specialty crops that include almond, spinach, and guar. In objective 1, we intend to evaluate crop germplasms for salinity tolerance by analyzing various aspects such as morphological traits, tissue ion concentration, gene expression, and biochemical parameters. By understanding how genotypes respond to salinity and identifying key ions that play a role in salt toxicity, we aim to improve tools and approaches used in salinity studies, leading to better predictions of plant responses. We will also investigate how plants maintain the balance of essential macronutrients such as potassium under elevated salinity and mineral nutrient deprivation conditions to understand the importance of different traits in salt tolerance mechanisms. Additionally, by analyzing the correlation between salinity tolerance and changes in gene expression levels, we aim to identify genes that can be used as markers for efficient screening of crop germplasm for salinity tolerance. Furthermore, we will develop suitable biochemical markers for salinity tolerance through a targeted-metabolomic approach. Lastly, we will study quantitative responses to drought and salinity stress parameters. Identifying genetic mechanisms that are common or unique during drought and salt tolerance will be the key in developing genetic material tolerant to these stresses. Objective 2 of this project focuses on uncovering the genetic, molecular, and physiological mechanisms of salinity tolerance in selected crops using genetic and molecular methods. In our preliminary study, we demonstrated improved wheat seed germination under salinity stress by treating seeds with cerium oxide nanoparticles. The proposed project aims to study the expression differences between nanoparticle-treated and non- treated seeds during seed germination under controlled and saline conditions. By conducting transcriptome analyses, we hope to identify differentially expressed genes between the two groups, which will provide insights into the genes and pathways that regulate the enhanced effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles during seedling germination and growth. Understanding these mechanisms will enable successful wheat cultivation in salt-affected soils. We will also validate candidate genes for salinity tolerance in Prunus, Medicago, and spinach. As these species lack genetic transformation tools and single gene mutants, functional validation of genes involved in salinity tolerance is not feasible. By complementing the salinity tolerance function in Arabidopsis mutants with a particular crop gene, we will be able to validate the gene's role in salinity tolerance. These validated genes will facilitate the development of molecular markers for marker-assisted selection and can be manipulated to improve salt tolerance. Additionally, we will investigate the role of the salt overly sensitive (SOS) pathway in Prunus. Understanding how different SOS proteins interact with each other in regulating ion concentrations in plant cells will be crucial in determining plant responses to salinity stress. This is the first annual report for project 2036-13210-013-000D, �Understanding and Improving Salinity Tolerance in Specialty Crops�, which began March 15, 2023. In support of Sub-objective 1A, researchers in Riverside, California, evaluated a selected set of 33 elite hybrids derived from almond breeding programs conducted by collaborating breeders. These hybrids were assessed for their salinity tolerance, building upon previous evaluations of almond rootstock breeding lines for various traits such as performance, vigor, and stress resistance. The hybrids were classified based on the relative change in trunk diameter between the salinity treatment and the control. Trunk diameter changes ranged from 0.83 to 1.10, indicating varying responses to salinity stress. Significant correlations were found between the proline ratio (under salinity compared to the control) and shoot Sodium concentration, as well as between the proline ratio and shoot Chloride concentration, indicating that the proline ratio could serve as a valuable biochemical marker for screening almond rootstocks in terms of their salinity tolerance. The salinity screening process allowed for the identification of the most suitable parental combinations that can be utilized to develop hybrids with enhanced salinity tolerance. In support of Sub-objective 1B, tissue samples were collected from Prunus rootstocks, and RNA isolation was performed. Primers were designed for key genes involved in salinity tolerance in plants. Currently, we are conducting Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis to investigate the gene expression patterns under both control and salinity conditions in different Prunus breeding lines. This analysis aims to deepen our understanding of the relationship between gene expression and salinity tolerance across various genotypes. Furthermore, it will provide insights into the significance of different component traits within the salinity tolerance mechanism across different genotypes. These findings will contribute to the development of a comprehensive understanding of salinity tolerance in Prunus and facilitate the identification of crucial genes and traits for breeding improved salt-tolerant varieties. For Sub-objective 2A, ARS researchers have embarked on a study investigating the potential benefits of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles on wheat seed germination under salinity conditions. The initial phase of the research aimed to identify the optimal properties and concentration of nanoceria for enhancing seed germination in the presence of salinity stress. The initial results determined that treating wheat seeds with 500 mg L-1 of cerium oxide nanoparticles for a duration of 24 hours yielded the most favorable results in terms of germination. Researchers are now conducting a time-course experiment, which will compare seed germination with and without nanoparticle treatment under both control conditions and salinity stress. By monitoring the germination progress over time, researchers aim to evaluate whether the nanoparticles are capable of mitigating the detrimental effects caused by salinity stress. Such findings could have implications for developing novel strategies to improve crop establishment and productivity in salt-affected environments. To support Sub-objective 2B, ARS researchers have taken a crucial step in validating the MsSOS2 gene derived from alfalfa. This gene is of great interest due to its potential involvement in salinity tolerance. The first stage of the validation process involved cloning the MsSOS2 gene into a vector, which serves as a carrier for introducing the gene into another organism. With the successful construction of the gene vector, the researchers are currently focused on the next phase: transforming the vector carrying the MsSOS2 gene into Arabidopsis, specifically the atsos2 mutant. The atsos2 mutant, lacking the native SOS2 gene, provides an ideal background for testing the function of the MsSOS2 gene. Once successfully transformed, the plants will undergo careful analysis and observation to assess whether the MsSOS2 gene effectively complements the salt tolerance function in the atsos2 mutant. This validation step is crucial in establishing the role of the MsSOS2 gene in enhancing salinity tolerance and further understanding its mechanism of action. In support of Sub-objective 2C, ARS researchers in Riverside, California, have made significant advancements by developing a groundbreaking plant phase extraction (PPE) method for the isolation of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) from plant tissues. This innovative approach has demonstrated numerous technical advantages compared to existing methods, setting it apart in the field. While several techniques exist for identifying RBPs in human cell lines, mouse brains, and bacteria, none have successfully uncovered RBPs in plants until now. By leveraging the power of PPE, the researchers achieved comprehensive identification of RBPs in plants, providing a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics between RBPs and RNA in various developmental processes and responses to environmental stimuli. This breakthrough has opened new avenues to explore and characterize novel RBPs, shedding light on their functions under different physiological and stress conditions. These significant findings hold tremendous value for plant biologists and geneticists as they unravel the complex mechanisms underlying RBP-mediated regulation of gene expression in plants. Such knowledge will prove crucial for plant breeders in their pursuit of developing elite genetic material capable of withstanding diverse stresses, including the challenges posed by salinity stress. Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) AI or ML not used to conduct research for this project plan.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Zhang, Y., Xu, Y., Skaggs, T.H., Ferreira, J.F., Chen, X., Sandhu, D. 2023. Plant phase extraction: A method for enhanced discovery of the RNA- binding proteome and its dynamics in plants. The Plant Cell. 35(8):2750- 2772. https://doi.org/10.1093/plcell/koad124.
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