Genetius

Phosphite (Phi) and phosphate (Pi) share the same root uptake system, but Phi acts as a biostimulant that modulates plant growth and disease resistance in a species‑ and Pi‑dependent manner. In Arabidopsis, Phi induces hypersensitive‑like cell death and enhances resistance to Plectosphaerella cucumerina, while in rice it counteracts Pi‑induced susceptibility to Magnaporthe oryzae and Fusarium fujikuroi, accompanied by extensive transcriptional reprogramming.

The study examined how elevated atmospheric CO₂ (550 ppm) affects immunity in the C₄ cereal maize (Zea mays L.) by exposing plants grown under ambient and elevated CO₂ to a range of pathogens. Elevated CO₂ increased susceptibility to sugarcane mosaic virus, decreased susceptibility to several bacterial and fungal pathogens, and left susceptibility to others unchanged, with reduced bacterial disease linked to heightened basal immune responses. These findings provide a baseline for future investigations into CO₂‑responsive defense mechanisms in C₄ crops.

The study examined the roles of AtKUP2, AtKUP6, AtKUP8, and GORK potassium transport proteins in guard cell function by performing gas-exchange measurements on mature Arabidopsis leaves. Loss of KUP2/6/8 reduced stomatal conductance, whereas a GORK loss‑of‑function mutant showed increased conductance, yet the magnitude of light‑ and ABA‑induced transpiration changes remained similar across genotypes, suggesting a limited dynamic range for rapid stomatal movements that relies on small ionic osmolytes.

The study characterizes the plant spliceosomal protein AtSF1 in Arabidopsis thaliana, using iCLIP and RNA‑seq to map its in vivo branch point binding sites and demonstrate that loss of AtSF1 causes widespread 3' splice‑site mis‑selection. Structural comparison reveals a plant‑specific domain architecture, and the identified AtSF1 targets are enriched for circadian and defense genes, linking splicing regulation to timing and immunity.

The study shows that Arabidopsis root tips adapt to hypoxia by increasing H3K4me3 levels, linked to the inhibition of group 7 demethylases (KDM7s). Genetic loss of KDM7s mimics hypoxic conditions, activating genes that sustain meristem survival, suggesting KDM7s act as root‑specific oxygen sensors that prime epigenetic tolerance mechanisms.

A genome-wide survey identified 217 EXO70 genes across five kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) species, classifying them into three subfamilies and nine clades and revealing lineage‑specific expansions, especially in EXO70C, EXO70E, and EXO70H. Functional assays demonstrated that kiwifruit EXO70B1 interacts with the immune hub protein RIN4_1, suggesting a conserved EXO70‑RIN4 module in plant immunity. The study provides a foundational resource for exploring EXO70‑mediated disease resistance in kiwifruit.

The study reveals that the energy sensor SnRK1 modulates Arabidopsis defense by repressing SA‑dependent gene expression and bacterial resistance, with its activity enhanced under high humidity. SnRK1 interacts with TGA transcription factors to attenuate PR1 expression, linking cellular energy status to immune regulation.

The study characterizes the single-copy S-nitrosoglutathione reductase 1 (MpGSNOR1) in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha, showing that loss-of-function mutants generated via CRISPR/Cas9 exhibit marked morphological defects and compromised SNO homeostasis and immune responses. These findings indicate that GSNOR-mediated regulation of S‑nitrosylation is an ancient mechanism linking development and immunity in early land plants.

The study reveals that the methyl‑CpG‑binding domain protein MBD8 interacts with the histone demethylase LDL2 to facilitate removal of H3K4me1 and transcriptional repression downstream of H3K9me2 in Arabidopsis. MBD8 binds GC‑poor DNA independently of cytosine methylation and stabilizes LDL2 protein levels, indicating a broader role for MBD proteins beyond methyl‑DNA recognition.

The study identified two subclades of Arabidopsis NUDIX hydrolases that selectively hydrolyze distinct inositol pyrophosphate isomers, with subclade I targeting 4-InsP7 and subclade II targeting 3-InsP7 in a Mg2+-dependent manner. Loss-of-function mutants of subclade II NUDTs displayed disrupted phosphate and iron homeostasis, elevated 1/3-InsP7 levels, and increased resistance to Pseudomonas syringae, revealing roles in nutrient signaling and plant immunity, while cross-kingdom analyses showed conserved PP-InsP‑metabolizing activities.