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PubMed2026

The potential of considering photosynthesis parameters in crop yield breeding by genomic prediction.

To meet the growing demand for agricultural products, optimizing photosynthesis is a promising strategy to improve crop yields. Phenotypic variance in photosynthesis has been observed within or between species. To explore the potential of integrating photosynthetic parameters into crop breeding programs, we explored the genetic variation in photosynthesis by assessing photosynthesis-related parameters across plant development in 631 barley recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from eight HvDRR subpopulations under field conditions. The genetic complexity of these parameters was resolved by analyses of bi-parental and multi-parental quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Finally, we examined the merit of integrating photosynthesis-related parameters in genomic prediction of yield and its components. Significant genotypic variations of the photosynthesis-related parameters were found among the RILs, with their heritability ranging from 0.38 to 0.54. The multiple QTLs and dynamic QTLs for photosynthesis observed across different developmental stages underlined the complexity of the genetics of photosynthesis in barley. The considerably higher percentage of phenotypic variance explained for genomic prediction than multi-parental QTL analysis illustrates that the photosynthesis-related parameters are inherited in a more complex way than classical agronomic traits. Notably, the prediction ability for yield was increased by integrating the photosynthesis-related parameters of some developmental stages into genomic prediction models. Thus, our results suggest a novel perspective on increasing the efficiency of crop breeding programs by integrating photosynthesis-related parameters into prediction models.

Photosynthesis↗
PubMed2024

Expression pattern of Stlhcb gene family in potato and effects of overexpression of Stcp24 gene on potato photosynthesis.

Potato is one of the four staple food crops in the world. It has a wide range of cultivation, high yield, and high nutritional value. Enhancing the photosynthesis of potato is particularly important as it leads to an increase in the potato yield. The light-harvesting pigment-binding protein complex is very important for plant photosynthesis. We identified 12 Stlhcb gene family members from the potato variety "Atlantic" using transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics. The proteins encoded by the Stlhcb gene family have between 3358 and 4852 atomic number, a relative molecular weight between 24060.16 and 34624.54 Da, and an isoelectric point between 4.99 and 8.65. The RT-qPCR results showed that the 12 Stlhcb genes were expressed in a tissue-specific and time-dependent fashion under low light. The relative expression of the Stlhcb genes in the leaves was significantly higher than that in the stems and roots, and the relative expression of these genes first increased and then decreased with the prolongation of light exposure time. The Stcp24 gene with the highest expression was cloned, and an expression vector was constructed. A subcellular localization analysis was performed in tobacco and an overexpression experiment was performed in potato using an Agrobacterium-mediated method. The subcellular localization analysis showed that the protein encoded by Stcp24 was located in chloroplasts as expected. Overexpression of Stcp24 in transgenic potato increased the yield of potatoes and the content of chlorophyll a and b; increased the net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, electron transport efficiency, and semi-saturated light intensity; and promoted photosynthesis and plant growth. This study provides a reference for the study of the function of the potato light-harvesting pigment-binding protein gene family. It lays a foundation for further study of the mechanism of the photosynthesis of potato, improvement of the light energy utilization of potato, and molecular breeding of potato.

Solanum tuberosum↗
PubMed2025

Mining thermophile photosynthesis genes: a synthetic operon expressing Chloroflexota species reaction center genes in Rhodobacter sphaeroides.

Photosynthesis is the foundation of the vast majority of life systems, and therefore the most important bioenergetic process on earth, and the greatest diversity in photosynthetic systems are found in microorganisms. However, understanding of the biophysical and biochemical processes that transduce light to chemical energy has derived from the relatively small subset of proteins from microbes that are amenable to cultivation, in contrast to the huge number of microbial DNA sequences encoding proteins that catalyze the initial photochemical reactions that has been deposited in databases, such as from metagenomics. We describe the use of a Rhodobacter sphaeroides laboratory strain for expression of heterologous photosynthesis genes to demonstrate the feasibility of mining this resource, focusing on hot spring Chloroflexota gene sequences. Using a synthetic operon of genes, we produced a photochemically active complex of reaction center proteins in our biological system. We also present bioinformatic analyses of anoxygenic type II reaction center sequences from metagenomic samples collected from hot (42-90° C) springs available through the JGI IMG database, to generate a resource of diverse sequences that potentially are adapted to photosynthesis at such temperatures. These data provide a view into the natural diversity of anoxygenic photosynthesis, through a lens focused on high-temperature environments. The approach we took to express such genes can be applied for potential biotechnology purposes as well as for studies of fundamental catalytic properties of these heretofore inaccessible protein complexes.

Chloroflexota↗
PubMed2026

Alleviation of CO2-Induced Reductions in Tomato Photosynthesis Under Deficit Irrigation by Purple Nonsulfur Photosynthetic Bacteria.

The stimulatory effect of elevated CO2 (eCO2) on photosynthesis in most C3 crops under water deficit often declines over time due to photosynthetic acclimation. An exception occurs in plants inoculated with symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Photosynthetic bacteria (PSB), specifically anoxygenic purple nonsulfur bacteria (Rhodopseudomonas palustris in this study), a group of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, are effective in enhancing crop photosynthesis. Therefore, this study investigated the synergistic effects of PSB and eCO2 in alleviating the effects of deficit irrigation and enhancing photosynthetic capacity in tomato plants during prolonged exposure. Our results showed that photosynthetic efficiency was significantly reduced in noninoculated plants under eCO2, and this reduction was more pronounced under water deficit. Proteomic analysis revealed that in eCO2-treated plants, the downregulation of cell wall proteins increased mesophyll resistance to CO2 diffusion, while the suppression of the photosynthetic apparatus impaired electron transport capacity, ultimately reducing CO2 assimilation efficiency. In contrast, these negative effects were alleviated by PSB inoculation. PSB promoted the upregulation of proteins involved in photosynthesis under deficit irrigation, as well as proteins related to chlorophyll biosynthesis, components of photosystem I and II, and light-harvesting complex proteins. These proteins contributed to improved photosynthetic efficiency during deficit irrigation and photosynthetic acclimation. Physiological analyses further confirmed that PSB inoculation enhanced nitrogen content, electron transport capacity, chlorophyll biosynthesis, and overall photosynthetic performance under eCO2 and deficit irrigation, resulting in improved plant growth. These findings suggest that PSB inoculation is a promising strategy to sustain and enhance the CO2 fertilization effect on crop productivity under water-limited conditions.

Photosynthesis↗
PubMed2024

Illuminating the coevolution of photosynthesis and Bacteria.

Life harnessing light energy transformed the relationship between biology and Earth-bringing a massive flux of organic carbon and oxidants to Earth's surface that gave way to today's organotrophy- and respiration-dominated biosphere. However, our understanding of how life drove this transition has largely relied on the geological record; much remains unresolved due to the complexity and paucity of the genetic record tied to photosynthesis. Here, through holistic phylogenetic comparison of the bacterial domain and all photosynthetic machinery (totally spanning >10,000 genomes), we identify evolutionary congruence between three independent biological systems-bacteria, (bacterio)chlorophyll-mediated light metabolism (chlorophototrophy), and carbon fixation-and uncover their intertwined history. Our analyses uniformly mapped progenitors of extant light-metabolizing machinery (reaction centers, [bacterio]chlorophyll synthases, and magnesium-chelatases) and enzymes facilitating the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle (form I RuBisCO and phosphoribulokinase) to the same ancient Terrabacteria organism near the base of the bacterial domain. These phylogenies consistently showed that extant phototrophs ultimately derived light metabolism from this bacterium, the last phototroph common ancestor (LPCA). LPCA was a non-oxygen-generating (anoxygenic) phototroph that already possessed carbon fixation and two reaction centers, a type I analogous to extant forms and a primitive type II. Analyses also indicate chlorophototrophy originated before LPCA. We further reconstructed evolution of chlorophototrophs/chlorophototrophy post-LPCA, including vertical inheritance in Terrabacteria, the rise of oxygen-generating chlorophototrophy in one descendant branch near the Great Oxidation Event, and subsequent emergence of Cyanobacteria. These collectively unveil a detailed view of the coevolution of light metabolism and Bacteria having clear congruence with the geological record.

Photosynthesis↗
PubMed2025

The Elements of Life, Photosynthesis and Genomics.

I am a Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology and Plant and Microbial Biology at the University of California in Berkeley. I was born and raised in India, emigrated to the United States to attend university, earning a B.S. in Molecular Biology and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Following post-doctoral studies with Lawrence Bogorad at Harvard University where I became interested in genetic control of trace element quotas, I joined the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA. One of the first to appreciate essential trace metals as potential regulators of gene expression, I articulated the details of the nutritional Cu regulon in Chlamydomonas. In parallel, I used genetic approaches to discover the genes governing missing steps in tetrapyrrole metabolism, including the attachment of heme to apocytochromes in the thylakoid lumen and the factors catalyzing the formation of ring V in chlorophyll. After biochemistry and classical genetics, I embraced genomics, taking a leadership role on the Joint Genome Institute's efforts on the Chlamydomonas genome and more recently, contributing to high quality assemblies of several genomes in the green algal radiation, and large transcriptomic and proteomic datasets - focusing on the diel metabolic cycle in synchronized cultures and acclimation to key environmental and nutritional stressors - that are well-used and appreciated by the community. A new venture in Berkeley is the promotion of Auxenochlorella protothecoides as the true "green yeast" and as a platform for engineering algae to produce useful bioproducts.

Photosynthesis↗
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↗
PubMed2025

Effects of nitrogen allocation and photosynthetic proteins response in peanut leaves on photosynthesis under conditions of water scarcity and nitrogen deficiency.

Leaf nitrogen allocation and photosynthetic proteins response can affect net photosynthetic rate (Pn), ultimately influencing crop yield under diverse environmental stresses. However, the internal relationship between Pn with leaf nitrogen allocation and photosynthetic proteins response under nitrogen or water scarcity in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) remains elusive. Here, comprehensive physiological property and proteomic analyses of peanut were conducted, revealing that both nitrogen and water scarcity remarkably impeded leaf growth and reduced Pn. Nitrogen deficiency significantly reduced the total nitrogen content per unit leaf area (Narea), chlorophyll content, and Pn, whereas drought stress caused a greater decline in photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE). The allocation of leaf nitrogen to photosynthetic components, including the carboxylation system and electron transport system in leaves, was significantly reduced when subjected to individual or combined deficiency. Proteomic analyses exhibited that several key photosynthetic proteins underwent a decrease under both single and combined water and nitrogen deficiency conditions. Thereby, Pn may decline due to the disruption of nitrogen allocation and down-regulated expression of photosynthetic proteins under these stress conditions. Our findings establish a benchmark for future research exploring the roles of leaf nitrogen allocation and photosynthetic proteins in the plant's response to nitrogen or water deficiency.

Nitrogen↗
PubMed2025

Bundle sheath cell-specific expression of chloroplast genes encoding subunits of the NADH dehydrogenase-like complex in maize.

C4 photosynthesis alleviates the limitation caused by the oxygenase activity of Rubisco by partitioning photosynthetic functions between two distinct cell types: bundle sheath cells (BSCs) and mesophyll cells (MCs). These cell types perform different steps of photosynthesis using specialized machinery, accompanied by differential expression of chloroplast genes. To uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms for this differentiation, we isolated BSCs and MCs and compared their chloroplast transcriptomes, focusing on the chloroplast NADH dehydrogenase-like (NDH) complex, which is enriched in BSCs. To investigate whether RNA stabilization contributes to differential gene expression, we analyzed RNA footprints that reflect the binding of pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins to their RNA targets. We could not detect cell-type-specific accumulation of footprint RNAs. We then focused on transcriptional regulation, specifically on an operon that starts with the rps15 gene. The operon includes six ndh genes and the psaC gene encoding a photosystem I subunit. Transcript levels of all genes in this operon were higher in BSCs than in MCs, suggesting coordinated regulation as a transcriptional unit. Based on the genomic location of the rps15 gene within inverted repeats near the junctions on both sides of the small single copy region, we demonstrated that rps15, through two distinct promoters, is sufficient to drive preferential accumulation of downstream transcripts in BSCs.

Zea mays↗
PubMed2025

Unraveling the molecular choreography of C3 to CAM transition in Mesembryanthemum crystallinum using phosphoproteomics.

Climate change and population growth threaten global freshwater resources and food security. Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is a specialized photosynthetic adaptation that exhibits superior water use efficiency (WUE) compared to C3 and C4 photosynthesis. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum (common ice plant) is capable of shifting from C3 to CAM, making it a key model for investigating photosynthesis plasticity and its potential to enhance crop stress resilience. To date, the molecular mechanisms underlying this high-WUE photosynthetic transition remain largely unknown. Using mass spectrometry-based proteomics and phosphoproteomics, we quantified 4233 phosphopeptides containing 4758 phosphorylation sites, including the well-characterized Serine 11 of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase 1 (PEPC1). It is a critical phosphorylation site facilitating nocturnal CO2 fixation during CAM. Our analysis revealed many phosphorylation sites that exhibited similar diel patterns as the PEPC1 pS11, and they may be part of the regulatory network involved in CAM induction. Glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and carbon storage/breakdown modules exhibited extensive phosphorylation regulation, and vesicle trafficking could play a role in nocturnal carbon fixation. Furthermore, glycine-rich RNA-binding protein 7 (GRP7) in association with cold shock protein 1 (CSP1) emerged as a potential transcriptional switch for nocturnal stomatal opening. On the other hand, ABI5-binding protein 1 (AFP1) and oxidative stress 3 (OXS3)-activated ABA signaling, along with high CO2 signaling and suppressed blue light signaling, may contribute to diurnal stomatal closure. These findings shed light on the protein phosphorylation changes and provide valuable targets for functional characterization of their roles in CAM induction.

Mesembryanthemum↗
PubMed2024

Transcriptional profiles of Microcystis reveal gene expression shifts that promote bloom persistence in in situ mesocosms.

Harmful algal blooms caused by cyanobacteria threaten aquatic ecosystems, the economy, and human health. Previous work has tried to identify the mechanisms that allow blooms to form, focusing on the role of nutrients. However, little is known about how introduced nutrients influence gene expression in situ. To address this knowledge gap, we used in situ mesocosms initiated with water experiencing a Microcystis bloom. We added pulses of nutrients that are commonly associated with anthropogenic sources to the mesocosms for 72 hours and collected samples for metatranscriptomics to examine how the physiological function of Microcystis and bloom status changed. The addition of nitrogen (N) as urea, but not the addition of PO4, resulted in conspicuous bloom persistence for at least 9 days after the final introduction of nutrients. The addition of urea initially resulted in the upregulation of photosynthesis machinery, as well as phosphate, carbon, and N transport and metabolism. Once Microcystis presumably became N-replete, upregulation of amino acid metabolism, microcystin biosynthesis, and other processes associated with biomass generation occurred. These capacities coincided with the upregulation of toxin-antitoxin systems, CRISPR-cas genes, and transposases suggesting that phage defense and genome rearrangement are critical in bloom persistence. Overall, our results show the stepwise transcriptional response of a Microcystis bloom to the introduction of nutrients, specifically urea, as it is sustained in a natural setting. The transcriptomic shifts observed herein may serve as markers of the longevity of blooms while providing insight into why Microcystis blooms over other cyanobacteria.IMPORTANCEHarmful algal blooms represent a threat to human health and ecosystems. Understanding why blooms persist may help us develop warning indicators of bloom persistence and create novel mitigation strategies. Using mesocosm experiments initiated with water with an active bloom, we measured the stepwise transcription changes of the toxin-producing cyanobacterium Microcystis in response to the addition of nutrients that are important in causing blooms. We found that nitrogen (N), but not phosphorus, promoted bloom longevity. The initial introduction of N resulted in the upregulation of genes involved in photosynthesis and N import. At later times in the bloom, upregulation of genes involved in biomass generation, phage protection, genomic rearrangement, and toxin production was observed. Our results suggest that Microcystis first fulfills nutritional requirements before investing energy in pathways associated with growth and protection against competitors, which allowed bloom persistence more than a week after the final addition of nutrients.

Microcystis↗
PubMed2026

Integrated phenotype, endogenous hormones and transcriptome analysis revealed the mechanism of response of Phoebe bournei seedlings to shade signals.

Understory tree seedlings are subjected to prolonged shading stress imposed by the canopy foliage, which significantly impedes their growth. A hallmark of shaded environments is a reduced red to far-red light ratio (R: FR). This study elucidates the physiological and molecular responses of the endangered tree species Phoebe bournei to shading signals. Seedlings were exposed to white light (control) and simulated shading environments with R: FR ratios of 1.5, 0.8, and 0.2. The findings reveal that an increase in the proportion of far-red light significantly enhances seedling height, root-collar diameter, internode length, petiole length, leaf surface area, and leaf biomass. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in each treatment group predominantly enrich pathways associated with hormone signaling, stress responses, and photosynthesis. Validation experiments demonstrate that shading promotes the activity of Rubisco and RCA enzymes, total chlorophyll (Chl) accumulation, and elevated levels of hormones including indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA3), salicylic acid (SA)/methyl salicylate (MeSA), cytokinins (CK), abscisic acid (ABA), and jasmonic acid (JA). Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) identifies seven hub genes linked to photosynthesis and plant hormone regulation: MYB, KSC, SUAR, CESA POD, CESA, and SAUR. Collectively, shading signals induce P. bournei seedlings to elongate their stems and petioles, enhance photosynthetic enzyme activity, and accumulate specific hormones, with pertinent genes actively participating in light signal transduction. This research sheds light on the shading response mechanism of P. bournei, providing a robust theoretical framework for the breeding of shade-tolerant trees and the conservation of endangered species.

Transcriptome↗
PubMed2026

Phototrophicity and genomic composition in plant-associated Sphingomonas faeni strains.

Solar radiation impacts most life forms on Earth as an energy source or a regulatory signal. Still, relatively little is known about phototrophic potential and strategies of environmental bacteria beyond cyanobacteria. This study explores the phototrophy related genomic diversity of Sphingomonas faeni strains from boreal, sub-arctic and arctic regions. We analyzed the genomes of 25 plant-associated S. faeni strains isolated from Vaccinium myrtillus, Oxyria digyna, V. vitis-idaea, and Bistorta vivipara, along with a reference S. faeni genome MA-Olki. The strains showed diversity both in overall genome level but also in phototrophic capabilities: Seven strains were identified as aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria with a complete photosynthesis gene cluster, 16 strains contained xanthorhodopsin genes, and three strains were non-phototrophic, possessing no aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic or xanthorhodopsin genes. Aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic strains were found exclusively in Vaccinium hosts. O. digyna contained only xanthorhodopsin containing strains and B. vivipara showed xanthorhodopsin genes and one non-phototrophic strain. V. vitis-idaea hosted strains for all three different phototrophy categories. Phylogenetic analyses showed aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic positive strains forming a tight phylogenetic group. Xanthorhodopsin strains and non-phototrophic strains clustered into three different subgroups. Phototrophic strains had more photoreceptors. Aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic strains encoded two 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase isoenzymes, one from a hemT-like gene within the photosynthesis gene cluster and one from a hemA-like gene elsewhere in the genome. Our genomic analysis reveals substantial diversity in phototrophic potential among strains of a single bacterial species isolated from different host plants, possibly reflecting the distinct environmental cues each strain encountered.

aerobic anoxygenic phototrophy↗
PubMed2026

Trade-off between photosynthetic promotion and nitrogen fixation suppression induced by chloroplast-targeted Mo nanoparticles in soybean.

Organelle-targeted nanomaterials offer opportunities to improve crop photosynthesis, yet their unintended effects on symbiotic nitrogen fixation remain poorly understood. Here, we developed chloroplast-targeted molybdenum nanoparticles (Chl-Mo) and compared their effects with those of ionic Mo (IonMo) and non-targeted Mo nanoparticles in soybean. Chl-Mo preferentially accumulated in chloroplasts, enhancing photosynthetic carbon assimilation, thylakoid development, PSII performance, sucrose transport, and biomass accumulation. However, this growth promotion was accompanied by suppressed nodule nitrogenase activity, reduced nif gene expression, inhibited GS/GOGAT-mediated nitrogen assimilation, and disrupted microoxic and ROS homeostasis in nodules. Integrated nodule proteomics and metabolomics showed downregulation of sucrose transport, glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis, indicating a decoupling between enhanced carbon input and nitrogen utilization. Root transcriptomics further revealed oxidative stress, impaired nitrate assimilation, and attenuated early symbiotic signaling. These findings demonstrate that chloroplast-targeted Mo delivery can enhance photosynthesis while compromising symbiotic nitrogen fixation, highlighting the need to evaluate belowground symbiotic functions when developing organelle-targeted nanotechnologies for sustainable agriculture.

Chloroplast-targeted Mo↗
PubMed2026

Phenotypic, physiological and transcriptomic analysis of graded salt stress responses in Pyrus betulifolia Bunge and functional characterization of the hub gene PbSTY46.

Pyrus betulifolia Bunge is a salt‑tolerant rootstock for pear, but its salt‑tolerance mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, P. betulifolia seedlings were subjected to graded NaCl stress at concentrations of 0 (CK), 50 (T1), 100 (T2), and 200 (T3) mM. We integrated phenotypic observation, physiological assessment, transcriptomic profiling, and functional gene validation to systematically elucidate its salt tolerance mechanisms. Salt stress inhibited seedling growth and root traits in a concentration-dependent manner, and T3 caused the most severe damage. Osmotic solutes responded differentially: soluble sugars peaked under T2, while proline peaked under T3. Antioxidant enzymes showed tissue-specific biphasic responses and declined after prolonged T3 stress. Meanwhile, chlorophyll and photosynthesis decreased, whereas anthocyanin increased, indicating a metabolic shift from photosynthesis to photoprotection. Transcriptome analysis revealed distinct responses depending on stress intensity: mild stress induced membrane lipid remodeling, moderate stress activated circadian rhythm and hormone signaling, and severe stress enhanced phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and thiamine metabolism. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) further highlighted progressive enrichment of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, heme binding, and oxidoreductase activity. Weighted Gene Co‑expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) identified a blue module significantly positively correlated with root traits, from which the hub gene PbSTY46 was identified. Functional validation via overexpression, loss‑of‑function mutants, and pharmacological interventions (MeJA/DIECA) confirmed that PbSTY46 acts through JA signaling to enhance antioxidant enzyme activities and thereby confer salt tolerance. Collectively, P. betulifolia adopts a "survival‑first" strategy that coordinates growth arrest, osmotic homeostasis, and ROS scavenging. These findings establish PbSTY46 as a key regulator that links JA signaling to antioxidant defense. Thus, PbSTY46 represents a promising candidate for marker‑assisted breeding of salt‑tolerant pear cultivars.

Salt Stress↗
PubMed2026

Temporal DIA-MS proteomics reveals coordinated metabolic reprogramming associated with oil accumulation in oil palm mesocarp.

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is the most productive oil-bearing crop globally, yet the molecular basis of mesocarp development and lipid accumulation remains poorly understood. Ultra-deep data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) was applied to characterize proteome dynamics in two contrasting genotypes, seedless (KS) and thin-shelled (TS), across five developmental stages (P1-P5) spanning fruit development to mature oil accumulation. Phenotypic analysis revealed higher mesocarp proportion and oil content in KS during late maturation. A total of 137,615 peptides corresponding to 12,163 protein groups were identified, providing a temporal proteomic landscape of mesocarp development. Multivariate analysis indicated that developmental progression was the primary contributor to proteomic variation, whereas genotype-associated differences increased during lipid accumulation. Differentially abundant proteins were mainly associated with carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthesis, proteolysis, antioxidant responses, and lipid biosynthesis. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and KOG analyses suggested extensive remodeling of metabolic networks, including developmental changes in photosynthesis-associated proteins and increased representation of lipid-associated pathways during maturation. Weighted protein co-expression network analysis identified 17 modules associated with developmental progression and lipid accumulation, highlighting candidate proteins involved in carbon metabolism, energy production, and cellular protection. Genes encoding selected hub protein candidates were further examined by RT-qPCR. Biochemical analyses supported these proteomic patterns, showing increased acetyl-CoA availability, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, APX, and GR), improved GSH/GSSG balance, and reduced oxidative damage in KS. Together, these findings provide a temporal proteomic and biochemical framework for understanding genotype-associated differences in oil accumulation and identify candidate metabolic networks for functional studies.

Carbon metabolism↗
PubMed2026

Recent advances in supramolecular macrocycle-based artificial light-harvesting systems.

Artificial light-harvesting systems (ALHSs) inspired by the antenna function of natural photosynthesis provide molecular platforms for collecting excitation energy and directing it to emissive or reactive acceptors. In many supramolecular ALHSs, however, practical performance is limited by poorly defined donor-acceptor orientation, aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ), interfacial defects, and limited stability in aqueous or complex media. Supramolecular macrocycles-particularly pillar[n]arenes (PAs), cucurbit[n]urils (CBs), calixarenes (CAs), cyclodextrins (CDs), and supramolecular coordination complexes (SCCs)-offer a useful design space because their cavities, pre-organized scaffolds, and reversible non-covalent interactions can confine chromophores, tune local donor/acceptor ratios, and modulate Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). This Review systematically examines the unique structural advantages and assembly mechanisms of the five macrocyclic families, with an emphasis on their use in constructing ALHSs-from single-step to cascaded FRET-and in advancing aqueous photocatalysis, near-infrared bioimaging, panchromatic fluorescence modulation, and singlet oxygen generation. The resulting structure-property-application framework is intended to guide the rational design of macrocycle-assisted photofunctional materials while avoiding overextension of the photosynthesis analogy.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2026

Sulfide-oxidizing potential and hypersalinity tolerance strategies in salt-crust covered coastal microbial mats.

Hypersaline microbial mats are dense microbial ecosystems capable of performing nearly complete element cycling under harsh conditions including near-saturation salinity. Our previous study of salt-crust-covered microbial mats showed that oxygenic photosynthesis was inhibited at salt saturation, while phototrophic sulfide oxidation persisted despite well-known sulfide-oxidizing taxa being undetectable. In this study, we analyzed metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from the same mats to identify sulfide-oxidizing taxa and adaptations enabling oxygenic phototrophs to survive salt saturation. We extended the dataset by including morphologically identical mats exposed to lower salinity regimes to identify metabolic capabilities specifically selected for by saturation-level salinity. The phototrophic sulfide oxidation capability was found in nearly all cyanobacterial MAGs, in some Chloroflexota, and in abundant Rhodovibrio populations previously not known to oxidize sulfide. Furthermore, we found clear indications of Haloarchaea-like potassium-based osmoregulation in Bradymonadaceae (Myxococcota) adding another taxon to the few known potassium-accumulating bacteria. Despite lower oxygen concentrations, salt-crust-covered mats showed smaller proportions of fermenters and higher proportions of aerobic microorganisms than lower-salinity mats. We compared the genetic signatures of hypersalinity and desiccation tolerance in cyanobacterial MAGs from this study to genomes from desiccation-prone environments such as desert soils and small freshwater streams. Genomes of hyperhalophilic cyanobacteria were characterized by lack of certain potassium transporters and catalase genes and presence of additional osmolyte transporter subunits and sulfide-oxidation genes. We hypothesize that during salt saturation the oxidative stress for mat dwelling cyanobacteria is lowered, while the ability to oxidize sulfide provides them with energy when oxygenic photosynthesis is inhibited.

Oxidation-Reduction↗