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Genome synthesis is moving into the multicellular era. This study redesigned and replaced a 155 kb chromosomal region with synthetic sequence in the model moss Physcomitrium patens. The simplified sequence obtains the correct epigenetic landscape.
The near telomere-to-telomere genome of Physcomitrium patens reveals 26 chromosomes and new genome structures, while also identifying new telomeres, an improved chromosomal karyotype model and intriguing differences in 3D genome models between the protonema and gametophore stages, which offer promising prospects for future research.
The mechanisms shaping plant succession are dynamic. Compositional dissimilarity between communities decreases over time, underlined by a predominance of taxa addition in early communities, with replacement becoming more important after 50 yr.
Transposable element proliferation poses considerable threats to genomes. A previously unknown methyl reader, MBD2, represses transposable elements during male gametogenesis. MBD2 acts with a high degree of redundancy with other silencing pathways, together preserving genome stability.
Splicing of transcripts containing micro and small exons requires specific factors. This study shows that GRP20 regulates micro- and small-exon retention of transcripts including floral homeotic genes, whose splicing is crucial for flower development.
Visualizing cellular Pi distribution is crucial for the understanding of Pi signalling and homeostasis in plants. Here Guo et al. developed a rapid colorimetric Pi imaging method to reveal the intracellular Pi distribution and related regulators.
In this study, De Niu et al. report a two-step molecular mechanism, embryonic resetting of cold-induced TaVRN1 activation and subsequent TaVRN2 reactivation by light during seed germination, to re-establish vernalization requirements in wheat.
Using an mRNA live-imaging system, Luo and colleagues show that Arabidopsis rotamase cyclophilins specifically bind mobile mRNAs and hitchhike on organelle trafficking to transport intercellularly towards plasmodesmata.
Loading of specialized metabolites from maternal tissue into embryo requires coupled export and import processes. Using glucosinolate seed loading as a model, this study identified four critical barriers along the transport route from source to sink.
The microtubule-associated protein MIDD1 fine-tunes the secondary cell wall patterns in xylem vessels by forming co-condensates with KINESIN-13A, which induces the massive catastrophe of microtubules, in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Cuticular wax is crucial for plant development and environmental interaction. This study reveals the negative impact of nitrogen on cuticular wax via MdBT2–MdMYB106–MdCER2L1, thus uncovering a novel pathway for N-mediated wax biosynthesis in apple.
In this study, Gómez-Fernández and colleagues show that crops were selected from wild progenitors with productive ecophysiological traits, conflicting with the hypothesis that these resource-acquisitive traits are a result of human domestication.
Xu et al. report structures of the Arabidopsis cytokinin importer AZG1 in the apo, trans-zeatin-bound, 6-benzyleaminopurine-bound and kinetin-bound states, and elucidate an elevator transport model for the AZG1-mediated cytokinin uptake.
Feng and Zhang et al. develop a micrografting technique for conifer trees allowing distant relatives to join. Grafting in conifers uses a similar process to that in eudicots, and by introducing a conifer graft regulator to Arabidopsis, grafting and regeneration are enhanced.
This study demonstrates an efficient method for capturing key regulators of target genes named CASPA–dCas9. With this method, the authors uncover the precise regulatory mechanism and key factors controlling SERRATE expression in Arabidopsis.
Ligand-gated ion channels can be desensitized to control signalling outputs. This study reports the calmodulin-mediated, Ca2+-dependent desensitization of plant GLR channels, revealing a negative feedback loop in the orchestration of plant systemic wound responses.
Plant roots can respond to the environment by modifying cell type development. Here, the molecular pathways controlling root exodermal suberin are defined, as is its role in drought response. Modulating exodermal suberin levels can be a target for improved plant environmental resilience.
Arabidopsis photoreceptor CRY2 controls chlorophyll homeostasis by blue light-induced liquid–liquid phase separation of the CRY2/SPA1/FIO1 complex, resulting in activation of the m6A writer FIO1, regulating mRNAs encoding chlorophyll homeostasis proteins.