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PubMed2025

Integrated 16 S rRNA and transcriptome analysis reveal molecular and microbial mechanisms of cold-tolerant germination in hulless barley.

BACKGROUND: Elucidating the mechanisms underlying cold-tolerant germination is crucial for enhancing crop resilience to low temperatures. Hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare var. coeleste L.), with remarkable natural cold adaptation, serves as an ideal model to study cold stress tolerance mechanisms in gramineous crops. In this study, cold-tolerant variety 37 and cold-sensitive variety 44 were screened and used to investigate the molecular mechanisms of cold-tolerant germination, via seed germination assays, combined with phytohormone determination, transcriptome sequencing and 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing. RESULTS: Low temperature significantly inhibited hulless barley seed germination: the germination rate of cold-sensitive variety 44 decreased by 69%, while that of cold-tolerant variety 37 only decreased by 2%. Transcriptome analysis identified 2,647 and 2,392 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in variety 37 and 44, respectively. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed a green module significantly positively correlated with gibberellic acid (GA) content, containing 10 core genes such as late embryogenesis abundant protein (LEA) and Homeobox genes. 16 S rRNA sequencing showed that the cold-tolerant variety 37 had enriched abundances of dominant endophytes including Sphingomonas and Pelomonas, with correlation coefficients of 0.70 and 0.87 with GA content, respectively. Additionally, exogenous GA treatment significantly increased germination rates under cold stress by 176.67% in cold-sensitive variety 44. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that the enhanced cold tolerance of hulless barley during seed germination originates from the synergistic interaction between beneficial endophytes (Sphingomonas, Pelomonas), GA, and core genes (e.g., LEA, Homeobox). Exogenous GA application can significantly restore the germination ability of cold-sensitive varieties. These findings provide a critical theoretical basis for improving cold tolerance in hulless barley germplasm.

Hordeum↗

PubMed2026

From dormancy to germination: Transcriptome analysis reveals the potential involvement of heat shock proteins in gibberellin-induced seed dormancy release in Solanum torvum.

Solanum torvum, a superior vegetable grafting rootstock and medicinal Solanaceae plant, exhibits strong seed dormancy, which limits its commercial cultivation. Among various strategies explored to improve the germination rate of S. torvum, exogenous application of gibberellin (GA) has been shown to be effective. In this study, a GA concentration of 2.5 mM was established as the optimal for breaking dormancy in S. torvum seeds. Transcriptome analysis of dry, water-soaked, GA-soaked, and GA-induced germinated seeds was conducted to investigate the molecular mechanism of GA-mediated dormancy release. During the soaking period, GA application significantly induced transcriptome changes in processes including protein processing, translation, and peptide biosynthesis. Concurrently, GA treatment promoted plant hormone signal transduction, enhanced DNA-binding transcription factor activity, and activated monocarboxylic acid biosynthetic process, all of which facilitated seed water absorption. Furthermore, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by GA during soaking primarily functioned in signal transduction or activation. While most of these DEGs returned to their pre-treatment expression levels before subsequent recovery, a subset persisted until seed germination. During radicle protrusion, the persistent DEGs were associated with energy metabolism and cell structure establishment. Notably, heat shock protein (HSP) genes showed dynamic expression across all stages (soaking, germination, and radicle penetration). Furthermore, by adjusting germination conditions, temperature was confirmed to be a necessary but not sufficient condition for GA-induced S. torvum seed germination. However, functional validation (e.g., using HSP inhibitors or genetic approaches) is still required to confirm the causal role of HSPs. Collectively, these findings not only clarify the molecular basis of GA-regulated seed dormancy breaking in S. torvum but also provide practical guidance for optimizing its commercial propagation protocols.

Gibberellins↗

PubMed2026

Maize ZmMYB59 inhibits post-germinative shoot and root elongation through ZmGA2ox3/10-mediated gibberellin catabolism.

Gibberellin (GA) promotes seed germination, but sustained or excessive GA signaling after germination can lead to aberrant root and shoot elongation. How GA homeostasis is transcriptionally restrained during post-germinative seedling development remains unclear. Using overexpression and gene-edited maize materials, we demonstrate that ZmMYB59 inhibits root and shoot elongation during post-germinative growth. Integrated RNA-Seq and CUT&Tag analyses identified the GA catabolism genes ZmGA2ox3 and ZmGA2ox10 as candidate direct targets of ZmMYB59. Hormone profiling analysis showed elevated bioactive GA1 and GA4 levels in the scutellum and aleurone layer cells of zmmyb59 mutants. Dual-luciferase assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and ChIP-qPCR further confirmed that ZmMYB59 directly binds AC8 cis-elements in the ZmGA2ox3/10 promoters and activates their transcription. The zmga2ox3/10 double mutant, but neither single mutant, exhibited enhanced root and shoot elongation, accompanied by GA4 accumulation. This phenotype was suppressed by exogenous application of the GA biosynthesis inhibitor uniconazole. Transcriptomic and biochemical analyses further revealed enhanced starch degradation, reduced starch content, and increased soluble sugar accumulation in the double mutant. Taken together, these findings reveal that the ZmMYB59-ZmGA2ox3/10 module restrains GA accumulation and starch mobilization after germination, thereby coordinating reserve utilization with post-germinative root and shoot growth in maize.

Gibberellins↗

PubMed2025

ODR1, the key seed dormancy and germination regulator, promotes seed Proanthocyanidin biosynthesis via interaction with TTG1 and modulation of MBW complex activity.

Seed dormancy and germination are crucial for both plant survival and reproduction and for crop sowing and harvesting. Proanthocyanidins (PAs), one of the most abundant seed metabolites, play a role in enhancing dormancy and inhibiting germination. Multiple regulatory factors involved in PAs biosynthesis can alter seed dormancy or germination capacity. However, whether the dormancy or germination factors reciprocally influence the PAs biosynthesis is unclear. Here, we report that ODR1, a seed dormancy and germination key factor and a transcriptional (co-) repressor, can regulate seed PAs biosynthesis and act as a transcriptional co-activator. The odr1 mutant shows lighter seed coat color, decreased PAs contents, and reduced expression of PAs biosynthesis genes, which are restored in the ODR1 complementary lines. ODR1 interacts with TTG1 and forms a complex with TTG1/TT2/TT8 (three MBW complex components), enhancing their activation on promoters of PAs biosynthesis genes like DFR and ANS. Overexpressing TTG1 in the odr1-2 mutant rescues or even reverses PA-related phenotypes of odr1-2, confirming that ODR1-mediated regulation of PAs biosynthesis is dependent on TTG1. Moreover, three homologous copies of ODR1 in rapeseed were identified, and simultaneous knockout of them reduces the PAs contents. These results revealed the previously uncharacterized functions of ODR1 in PAs biosynthesis, suggested its conservation between Arabidopsis and rapeseed, and provided important gene resources for rapeseed variety improvement.

Proanthocyanidins↗

PubMed2026

CaCl2 Priming Boosts Salinity-Alkalinity Tolerance in Germinating Soybean by Reducing DNA Oxidative Damage and Enhancing Ca2+ -ROS Signaling Crosstalk.

Soybean (Glycine max) seed germination is highly sensitive to saline-alkaline stress. Seed priming represents an effective strategy to mitigate its detrimental effects. However, the optimal priming conditions (agent, concentration, duration) and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of priming with distilled water (Control), calcium chloride (CaCl2), melatonin (MT), and proline (Pro) under saline-alkaline stress on soybean seed germination and the molecular basis of enhanced tolerance. Evaluation of ten germination-related parameters revealed that priming with 100 mM CaCl2 for 12 h significantly enhanced the germination rate. Physiological analyses demonstrated that CaCl2 priming effectively reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation by increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Furthermore, CaCl2 priming activated the Ca2+ signaling pathway by increasing radicle Ca2+ content and upregulating the expression levels of Ca2+ signaling-related genes (e.g., GmCAM7, GmCNGC2, GmCNGC19, GmMPK2, and GmMKK2). Additionally, CaCl2 priming significantly enhanced DNA damage repair capacity of soybean cultivars with differing saline-alkaline tolerance. This was manifested by reduced DNA oxidative damage and decreased random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) polymorphism, thereby enhancing genomic stability and alleviating cell cycle arrest. These findings deepen our understanding of the complex regulatory role of calcium signaling in plant abiotic stress responses and provide important novel theoretical insights for improving crop resilience.

Glycine max↗

PubMed2026

Structural and functional characterization of peanut expansin proteins identifies AhEXPA3 as a stress-responsive regulator of seed germination.

Expansins are cell wall-associated proteins that play important roles in plant growth, development, and environmental responses, yet their structural features and functional significance in peanut remain insufficiently understood. Here, we performed a genome-wide identification and characterization of 70 expansin proteins in cultivated peanut. Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into four subfamilies (EXPA, EXPB, EXLA, and EXLB), with conserved motif patterns and subgroup-specific exon-intron structures. Collinearity and evolutionary analyses revealed that segmental duplication mainly drove peanut expansin family expansion, with most duplicated gene pairs subsequently undergoing purifying selection. Promoter analysis identified abundant cis-regulatory elements associated with light responses, hormone signaling, and stress responses. Expression profiling indicated that many AhEXP genes were differentially expressed during seed germination and in response to abscisic acid (ABA), salt, and osmotic stresses. Among them, AhEXPA3 was identified as a stress-responsive expansin protein with marked transcriptional induction under abiotic stress conditions. Subcellular localization analysis suggested that AhEXPA3 exhibits an endoplasmic reticulum-associated localization pattern. Functional assays further demonstrated that heterologous expression of AhEXPA3 inhibited seed germination and early seedling establishment under stress conditions in both Arabidopsis thaliana and rice. These findings support a negative regulatory role of AhEXPA3 in stress-responsive seed germination and broaden current understanding of expansin protein function in legumes.

Germination↗

PubMed2026

Comparative analysis of DDR-related genes and microRNA expression during rice germination: Implications for salinity susceptibility screening.

Soil salinity poses a significant threat to the agri-food sector and particularly to rice cultivation. High salinity during germination induces overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause lesions in the DNA resulting in reduced vigor. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to modulate stress response in plants, however, studies focusing on its relation with the expression of the DNA damage response (DDR)-related genes are not thoroughly explored. In this regard, the aim of this work was to investigate the link between the expression of miRNAs and putative targeted DDR-related genes in response to salinity stress during germination. Eight varieties representative of indica and japonica rice subspecies were categorized into clusters through a principal component analysis (PCA) based on their germination performance and stress tolerance index under varying concentrations of NaCl. Subsequently, the expression patterns of six miRNAs and their putative targeted DDR genes were measured in two contrastive cultivars through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) while correlations were examined through Pearson's analysis. Results showed distinct expression profiles between halotolerant and sensitive cultivars. Two miRNAs were further investigated in mature dry seeds of all the cultivars to verify their earliest, seed-specific discriminative potential. The distinct miR414 expression pattern may represent a potential biomarker for identifying salinity-susceptible cultivars during early-stage breeding screening.

Oryza↗

PubMed2026

Positive feedback loop between RAF12 and ABI5 reinforces ABA-mediated suppression of Arabidopsis seed germination.

ABA-INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5) is a key transcriptional regulator mediating abscisic acid (ABA)-induced suppression of seed germination. However, the downstream regulatory network through which ABI5 exerts its function remains incompletely understood. Here, by integrating ChIP-seq and RNA-seq analyses, we identify RAF12, a member of the B2 Raf-like kinase subfamily, as a direct transcriptional target of ABI5. ABI5 binds to the RAF12 promoter and activates its expression. Loss-of-function raf12 mutants exhibit reduced sensitivity to ABA during seed germination, suggesting a negative regulatory role for RAF12 in this process. Conversely, RAF12 interacts with and phosphorylates ABI5, thereby enhancing its transcriptional activity. Further analysis showed that RAF12 regulates its own kinase activity through autophosphorylation. Mutations at its phosphorylation sites significantly weaken its ability to enhance ABI5's transcriptional activity. Together, these findings uncover a positive feedback loop wherein ABI5 transcriptionally activates RAF12, which in turn reinforces ABI5 activity through phosphorylation. This module may function in parallel with the canonical SnRK2s-ABI5-mediated ABA signaling cascade, offering new mechanistic insights into the fine-tuning of ABA responses during seed germination.

Arabidopsis↗

PubMed2026

Dual Roles of RAD23b and RAD4 on the Desiccation Tolerance of Germinated Seeds.

Desiccation tolerance (DT) is a survival trait enabling orthodox seeds to withstand extremely low water content. While some protective factors are characterised, it remains mechanistically obscure. Here, based on PEG-induced DT re-establishment in germinated Brassica napus L. seeds, we investigated the dual functions of nucleotide excision repair (NER) components RAD23b and RAD4 in DNA repair and transcriptional regulation of root development. PEG pre-treatment alleviated dehydration-induced DNA damage and activated NER genes, suggesting the involvement of NER in seed DT. Unexpectedly, Arabidopsis atrad23b mutant and BnRAD23b/BnRAD4 over-expressing seeds all exhibited significantly decreased DT after dry back, which evoked a hypothesis that BnRAD23b-BnRAD4 functions beyond NER. Normally, BnRAD4 interacted with BnRAD23b and repressed the expression of root development genes NAC103, EMB1444, RRA1 by directly binding to STRE elements within their promoters. Dehydration stress alleviated this repression, drove transcriptional reprogramming and might redirect the complex to execute DNA repair. Genetic analyses revealed that germinated seeds of atnac103, atemb1444, and atrra1 single mutants all exhibited reduced DT, and double mutants under atrad23b background almost abolished DT. This study suggests that RAD23b and RAD4 may regulate DT re-establishment of germinated seeds through balancing genome integrity and radicle development, with implications for DT study broadly.

Brassica napus L.↗

PubMed2026

Identification of OsCsLF6 Gene Responsible for Rice Seed Submergence Germination Through Genome-Wide Association Analysis.

Flooding stress is a primary environmental barrier that severely limits the widespread adoption of direct-seeded rice systems. Under submerged conditions, rapid coleoptile elongation serves as a vital morphological strategy that facilitates anaerobic germination and successful seedling establishment, yet its underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Through a genome-wide association study, we identified a critical locus governing anaerobic coleoptile elongation, in which OsCsLF6, encoding a mixed-linkage glucan (MLG) synthase, was characterized as the causal gene. Genetic and biochemical analyses demonstrated that OsCsLF6 positively regulated coleoptile elongation by directly mediating MLG deposition into the primary cell wall. Mechanistically, we identified OsERF74, an AP2/ERF transcription factor, as an upstream master repressor that directly binds to a conserved core cis-element within the OsCsLF6 promoter. Under submergence, OsERF74 deficiency (oserf74 mutants) completely releases this transcriptional suppression, triggering a substantial upregulation of OsCsLF6 expression and subsequent hyper-accumulation of cell wall MLG. In contrast, constitutive overexpression of OsERF74 persistently blocks MLG biosynthesis. Crucially, a natural single-nucleotide polymorphism located within the OsERF74 binding element in the promoter defines two distinct haplotypes. The elite haplotype (Hap1) effectively disrupts OsERF74 binding affinity, which in turn attenuates transcriptional repression and sustains high OsCsLF6 expression, ultimately driving accelerated MLG synthesis and coleoptile elongation. Our findings establish a condition-specific OsERF74-OsCsLF6 regulatory module that serves as a central biochemical hub orchestrating cell wall remodelling during anaerobic germination. This module thus represents a promising molecular target and elite genetic resource for molecular breeding of flood-tolerant and direct-seeded rice varieties.

OsCsLF6↗

PubMed2025

Balancing nutrient remobilization and photosynthesis: proteomic insights into the dual role of lupin cotyledons after germination.

Efficient nutrient mobilization from seed storage tissues is essential for seedling establishment, particularly in legumes such as Lupinus albus (white lupin), which thrive in nutrient-poor soils. This study investigates the role of cotyledons in nitrogen (N) and mineral remobilization after germination during their transition from storage organs to photosynthetically active tissues, including the metabolic challenges posed by the coexistence of these two functions in epigeal germination. We cultivated white lupin seedlings under nitrogen-deficient conditions, analyzing cotyledon composition and function over 28 days. Our results indicate that 60% of cotyledon-stored proteins are degraded within the first 8 days, with free amino acids transiently accumulating before being redistributed to support growth. The progressive depletion of cotyledon reserves was accompanied by structural and metabolic changes, including an increase in photosynthetic proteins. However, cotyledon photosynthetic capacity remained lower than that of true leaves, suggesting a transient role in energy metabolism. The loss of cotyledons before day 12 significantly impaired seedling development, emphasizing their critical contribution to nitrogen, phosphate, and micronutrient supply during early growth. Comparative proteomic analysis revealed dynamic shifts in nutrient transport, amino acid metabolism, and stress response pathways following cotyledon removal. These findings underscore the significance of cotyledon nutrient remobilization in legume adaptation to low-fertility soils and highlight potential targets for breeding strategies aimed at improving nutrient use efficiency. By optimizing cotyledon nutrient composition and function, future breeding efforts could enhance seedling vigor, reduce fertilizer dependency, and improve the nutritional value of lupin-based foods.

Lupinus↗

PubMed2026

Spatial proximity sequencing maps developmental dynamics in the germinal center.

Spatial profiling of proteins and protein interactions facilitates understanding of cell functions within tissues and is essential for studies in signaling, immunity, and cancer. We present spatial proximity sequencing (Sprox-seq) for simultaneous profiling of surface proteins, protein complexes, and mRNAs, recording the tissue location of each molecule. Sprox-seq profiled 32 proteins, 528 pairwise interactions, and thousands of mRNAs with spatial resolution across human tonsils and germinal centers. Mapping tissue-wide protein interactions recapitulated RNA-defined tissue architecture but also revealed higher interaction complexity in the light zone. Protein-interaction trajectories uncovered a B cell state transition distinct from that inferred by RNA. Integrated protein-complex and mRNA analysis related spatially enriched complexes with mitotic pathways. Sprox-seq captured cell-cell interactions, such as B cell-follicular dendritic cell interactions mediated by the receptor complex VLA-4-VCAM1. Sprox-seq provides a spatially resolved multi-modal view of cell states and an integrated study of protein and cellular interactions across tissues.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Comprehensive characterization of the genes in AP2/ERF family and their involvement in salt-alkali stress response during Nelumbo nucifera seed germination.

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. is an economically and ecologically important aquatic plant, but its growth and productivity are severely constrained by soil salinization and alkalization. AP2/ERF transcription factors are key regulators of plant abiotic stress responses; however, their roles in salt-alkali tolerance in N. nucifera remain largely unclear. In this study, we performed a genome-wide identification and characterization of the AP2/ERF gene family in N. nucifera, followed by phylogenetic, structural, and physicochemical analyses. A total of 101 AP2/ERF genes were identified and classified into five subfamilies, showing both evolutionary conservation and species-specific divergence compared with Arabidopsis thaliana. Physiological analyses during seed germination under salt-alkali stress revealed significant changes in malondialdehyde content, proline accumulation, and antioxidant enzyme activities, suggesting activation of oxidative stress defense and osmotic adjustment mechanisms. Transcriptome profiling of seedlings treated with 150 mM salt-alkali solution for 5 and 10 days identified 7,350 differentially expressed genes, including 29 AP2/ERF members responsive to stress. Among them, 13 genes, including AP2-9, ERF23, ERF15, ERF31, ERF34, and DREB21, were consistently upregulated under both treatments, indicating their potential roles in stress adaptation. qRT-PCR validation further confirmed the sustained upregulation of key genes AP2-9, ERF23, ERF34, and DREB21, consistent with transcriptome data. Overall, this study provides the first comprehensive overview of the AP2/ERF gene family in N. nucifera and identifies candidate regulators involved in salt-alkali stress responses, offering valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of stress adaptation and potential genetic resources for breeding salt-alkali tolerant aquatic plants.

AP2/ERF transcription factors↗

PubMed2025

Somatic and germinal mosaicism of a canonical splicing variant causing limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 1B.

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 1B is one of several muscular dystrophies caused by pathogenic variants in the LMNA gene. In this study, we investigated the clinical, pathological, and genetic findings of an LGMD1B family. Genetic sequencing identified the proband and her younger brother both carried the canonical splicing c.513 + 1G > A variant in the LMNA gene. The variant was absent in the proband's mother, and a certain percentage of the LMNA variant was identified in the venous blood, urine, and semen sample of the proband's father by pyrophosphate sequencing. Further cDNA analysis demonstrated that the canonical splicing c.513 + 1G > A variant in intron 2 induced retention of the first 45 bp of intron 2, resulting in an in-frame insertion of 15 amino acids. Our study directly confirmed the presence of somatic and germinal mosaicism in the LGMD1B family and the pathogenicity of the canonical splicing variant in the LMNA gene.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Oogenesis and germinal bed morphology of the brown anole (A. sagrei).

BACKGROUND: The brown anole is a model species of the genus Anolis, a squamate (encompassing lizards and snakes) group widely studied in evolutionary, behavioral, and developmental biology. Full genome annotation, the establishment of gene editing techniques, and comprehensive description of reproductive tract morphology and embryogenesis in this species, has laid the foundation for functional studies. However, analysis of brown anole oogenesis is still required and vital to optimize genome modification, mutant line establishment, and analyses of the evolution of reproductive developmental mechanisms. RESULTS: Here, we characterize ovary morphology and gametogenesis in the female brown anole, A. sagrei using brightfield imaging, microCT, histology staining, electron microscopy, and confocal imaging. We define 10 stages of oocyte maturation which commences inside the oogonial nest within the germinal bed and concludes with the mature follicle ready to ovulate based on follicle size, yolk-acquisition, and follicular, cellular, and basement membrane architecture. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the complete oogenesis of the brown anole in 10 stages and report that oogenesis is highly conserved within iguanids, a suborder of lizards. With our staging framework, we lay the foundation for functional studies of oogenesis and optimized gene-editing.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2024

RNAseq analysis of oocyte maturation from the germinal vesicle stage to metaphase II in pig and human.

During maturation oocytes at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage progress to metaphase II (MII). However, during in vitro maturation a proportion often fail to progress. To understand these processes, we employed RNA sequencing to examine the transcriptome profile of these three groups of oocytes from the pig. We compared our findings with similar public oocyte data from humans. The transcriptomes in oocytes that failed to progress was similar to those that did. We found in both species, the most upregulated genes in MII oocytes were associated with chromosome segregation and cell cycle processes, while the most down regulated genes were relevant to ribosomal and mitochondrial pathways. Moreover, those genes involved in chromosome segregation during GV to MII transition were conserved in pig and human. We also compared MII and GV oocyte transcriptomes at the isoform transcript level in both species. Several thousands of genes (including DTNBP1, MAPK1, RAB35, GOLGA7, ATP1A1 and ATP2B1) identified as not different in expression at a gene transcript level were found to have differences in isoform transcript levels. Many of these genes were involved in ATPase-dependent or GTPase-dependent intracellular transport in pig and human, respectively. In conclusion, our study suggests the failure to progress to MII in vitro may not be regulated at the level of the genome and that many genes are differentially regulated at the isoform level, particular those involved ATPase- or GTPase-dependent intracellular transport.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Role of functional genes for seed vigor related traits through genome-wide association mapping in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.).

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) is a calcium-rich, nutritious and resilient crop that thrives even in harsh environmental conditions. In such ecologies, seed longevity and seedling vigor are crucial for sustainable crop production amid climate change. The current study explores the genetics of accelerated aging on seed longevity traits across 221 diverse accessions of finger millet through genome-wide association approach (GWAS). A significant variation was identified in germination percentage, germination rate indices, mean germination time, seedling vigor indices and dry weight upon aging treatment. GWAS model from 11,832 high-quality SNPs identified through Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS) approach produced 491 marker-trait associations (MTAs) for 27 traits, of which 54 were FDR-corrected. A pleiotropic SNP, FM_SNP_9478 identified on chromosome 7B was associated with the traits viz., germination after aging, germination index after aging and their relative measures. Functional annotation revealed DET1 and expansin-A2 influenced seed coat integrity, critical for germination and aging resilience. Probable protein phosphatase 2C3 and piezo-type ion channels contributed to mechanical sensing and stress adaptation in seeds. Beta-amylase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2 were identified for seed metabolism and stress response. These insights lay the framework for targeted breeding efforts to improve seed quality and resilience under diverse production conditions.

Eleusine↗

PubMed2025

Heat-Induced Secondary Dormancy Contributes to Local Adaptation in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Seeds should not germinate in conditions unsuitable for seedling growth. Dormancy, which allows seeds to remain inactive in an environment that would otherwise enable germination, helps optimise the timing of germination. Primary dormancy, developed during seed maturation on the parent plant, prevents immediate germination post-dispersal, regardless of external conditions. Secondary dormancy, however, is triggered post-dispersal when seeds face unfavourable conditions, enabling them to re-enter dormancy even if initially non-dormant. This mechanism allows seeds to fine-tune germination according to environmental conditions. In this study, we examined the role of heat-induced secondary dormancy in local adaptation by analysing natural variations within 361 Arabidopsis thaliana accessions from across Europe. We discovered that secondary dormancy acquisition varies with primary dormancy levels and after-ripening. Both primary and heat-induced secondary dormancy exhibited adaptive clines along temperature and precipitation gradients, with secondary dormancy showing a steeper cline, indicating its significant role in local adaptation. Using species distribution models, we predicted that genotypes with high secondary dormancy would show greater resilience to future climate changes. Additionally, we identified specific genomic regions controlling secondary dormancy levels including a novel candidate gene for secondary dormancy variation. Our findings show that secondary dormancy is a complex adaptive mechanism and a predominant contributor to the dormancy trait syndrome that favours plant survival in habitats exposed to harsh summers.

Arabidopsis↗