SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “monocot crops”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

CasY7: An optimized Cas12i system for enhanced genome editing in monocot crops.

The CRISPR-Cas12 family nucleases, particularly the Cas12i subtypes, are considered promising alternatives to Cas9 for genome editing in plants. We previously developed a new Cas12i variant, CasY7, which has been successfully applied in clinical trials; its performance in plants remains to be investigated. Initial testing in stable transgenic maize and rice showed that the codon-optimized CasY7 (pCasY7e1) achieved average editing efficiencies of 58.7% and 62.3% across five target sites, respectively, outperforming the typical Cpf1 (pCpf1) control that targets the same sites. To further enhance activity, we fused T5 exonuclease to CasY7 (pCasY7e2), which shifted mutation profiles toward larger deletions, and subsequently integrated an MS2 aptamer into the crRNA scaffold (pCasY7e3). The optimized pCasY7e3 system increased editing efficiencies to 87.7% in maize and 82.9% in rice-approximately 2.7-fold higher than pCpf1. We further demonstrated multiplexed editing in maize, generating biallelic dwarf mutants, and validated functionality in hexaploid wheat with editing efficiencies up to 58.8%. Overall, our comprehensive validation across 942 transgenic plants confirmed robust editing in maize, rice, and wheat, establishing CasY7 as a high-efficiency addition to the CRISPR toolkit.

Zea mays↗

PubMed2026

Integrated metabolomics, transcriptional, and physicochemical analysis reveals key metabolites and genes associated with somatic embryogenesis in Phyllostachys pubescens.

Phyllostachys pubescens (Moso bamboo) is a significant perennial crop species that provides valuable nutritional and industrial uses, as well as carbon sequestration. Due to its remarkable growth rate, bamboo offers an ideal system for studying organogenesis, particularly in monocots. Somatic embryogenesis (SE) serves as a useful technique for crop breeding and improvement. SE in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) remains challenging due to limited knowledge of its transcriptional and metabolomic reprogramming. To address this, we optimized callus initiation (MS + 18.1 µM 2,4-D + 8.5 µM picloram), callus proliferation (MS + 12.5 µM 2,4-D + 8.5 µM picloram), and somatic embryogenesis (MS + 1.1 µM 2,4-D + 3.3 µM metatopolin), using nodal segments as explants. UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS-based metabolite profiling revealed distinct biochemical trajectories across developmental stages of P. pubescens. NEC (non-embryogenic callus) was enriched in flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, while in-vitro shoots showed flavonoids and glycosides enrichment, and ex-vitro shoots showed high accumulation of glycosides and terpenoids. In contrast, EC (embryogenic callus) showed elevated levels of fatty acid derivatives (α-ESA, 26-Methyl Nigranoate), phytoalexins (Wyerone acid), sesquiterpene (Alpha-santalal, Beta-guaiene), flavonoid glycosides, and plant hormones (Cis-Zeatin, Gibberellin A45), indicating a metabolically active state supporting somatic embryogenesis. Similarly, genes and transcription factors controlling cell differentiation and embryogenesis were upregulated during SE. This study provides a comprehensive resource to facilitate future genomic and genetic investigations aimed at deciphering the molecular basis of organogenesis and advancing research on somatic embryogenesis in bamboo.

Plant Somatic Embryogenesis Techniques↗

PubMed1988

Low temperature and the growth of plants.

The growth responses of plants at low temperature are discussed, with particular reference to the reversible effects of low positive temperatures upon the growth of obligately chilling-resistant species. Techniques for the measurement of growth and the control of meristem temperature are described, and evidence concerning the sites of temperature perception and transduction in the developing monocot leaf is reviewed. The rapidity and reversibility of such responses, and their apparent independence of changes in carbon supply or meristem cell turgor are held to support the hypothesis that chilling alters the physical properties of the walls of extending cells within the meristematic zone. The existence of marked genetic variability in these responses facilitates agricultural exploitation of low-temperature growth. The effects of longer-term chilling upon growth, cell extension and cell division are described, with particular reference to interactions with other environmental variables and with developmental factors which can alter the nature of the temperature response. The relationship between growth reduction and the development of freezing tolerance during chilling is discussed in relation to programmes of crop improvement which will maximize productivity at low temperatures without adversely affecting survival.

Agriculture↗

PubMed2026

Development of a highly efficient prime editing platform for cucurbits enables breeding of multi-disease-resistant cucumber.

The prime editing (PE) system is a precise genome editing technology that works efficiently in monocots; however, its application is limited by low editing efficiency in dicots, particularly Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae plants. Here, we first significantly improved the transformation efficiency by introducing spectinomycin in cucurbits, then used the tomato elongation factor 1-alpha (SlEF1α) promoter to enhance PE protein expression, and incorporated the Csy4 ribonuclease to process pegRNAs, collectively addressing multiple constraints limiting PE efficiency in cucurbits. The optimized PE systems, particularly Csy4-PE6d, achieved an average desired editing frequency of 80.83% at targeted loci in cucumber via stable genetic transformation, with frequencies reaching up to 100% at certain sites. Moreover, Csy4-PE6d generated homozygous edits in 36.43% of transgenic lines and demonstrated robust editing activity in melon, pumpkin, and potato. Using the Csy4-PE6d tool, we generated heritable edited cucumber lines with dual resistance to bacterial angular leaf spot and downy mildew by targeting the CsSGR gene. Collectively, this optimized system substantially enhances PE efficiency in Cucurbit crops, providing an effective solution to common challenges such as low editing efficiency and limited heritability in these species.

Disease Resistance↗

PubMed2025

Identification of BoRR gene family in cauliflower: roles in curd development and salt tolerance.

BACKGROUND: Cauliflower, as an important vegetable crop, the research on its curd formation mechanism and stress-responsive gene networks is of great significance for improving its quality, yield and abiotic stress tolerance. The response regulator (RR) gene family plays a crucial role in the regulation of various life processes of many organisms. In this research, a comprehensive analysis of the BoRR gene family in cauliflower was carried out. RESULTS: A Total of 57 BoRR genes were identified in cauliflower and classified into seven subtypes (type A/B-I/B-II/B-IV/C/B-PRR/Clock PRR) based on sequence homology. Chromosomal mapping showed even distribution across genomes, while physicochemical analysis revealed diverse protein properties (134-915 amino acids, pI 4.51-9.19) with predominant nuclear localization. Structural analyses found all BoRR proteins contain REC-type domains, with subtype-specific features: type A has REC_typeA_ARR, type B harbors REC_typeB_ARR domains, and Clock PRR shows circadian-related psREC_RR domains. Exon numbers range from 2 to 10, with type A BoRR genes having shorter CDS lengths. Collinearity analysis identified 28 pairs of gene duplicates (26 inter-chromosomal). Comparative analysis showed 133 collinear pairs with Brassica napus, 96 with Brassica. rapa, and only 1 with monocots specie (rice and maize). Promoter analysis identified hormone-responsive motifs (ABRE, TGACG), development-related elements (ARE), and stress-responsive sequences (e.g., MBS for drought tolerance) in the promoters of BoRR genes. GO enrichment linked BoRR genes to phosphorelay signaling, cytokinin/ethylene response, and developmental processes like meristem maintenance. Expression profiling during curd development showed type A genes (BoRR23/27/34/38/45) up-regulated in vegetative-reproductive transition, BoRR3/6/12/32/54 in curd enlargement, and several genes like BoRR49 in flower bud differentiation. Salt stress (1.5% NaCl) induced transient expression in 8 of 9 selected BoRR genes at day 1 after treatment. qRT-PCR validated their roles in developmental regulation and salt tolerance. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights into the BoRR gene family in cauliflower, laying a foundation for further understanding its genetic mechanisms and potentially guiding efforts to enhance curd quality and salt tolerance in cauliflower.

Salt Tolerance↗