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We show that the knockout of a sugar transporter gene OsSWEET15 led to a significant drop in rice fertility with around half of the knockout mutant’s spikelets bearing blighted or empty grains. The rest of the spikelets bore fertile grains with a slightly reduced weight. Notably, the ovaries in the blighted grains of the ossweet15 mutants expanded after flowering but terminated their development before the endosperm cellularization stage and subsequently aborted. β- glucuronidase (GUS) and Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) reporter lines representing the OsSWEET15 expression showed that the gene was expressed in the endosperm tissues surrounding the embryo, which supposedly supplies nutrients to sustain embryo development. These results together with the protein’s demonstrated sucrose transport capacity and plasma membrane localization suggest that OsSWEET15 plays a prominent role during the caryopsis formation stage, probably by releasing sucrose from the endosperm to support embryo development. By contrast, the empty grains were probably caused by the reduced pollen viability of the ossweet15 mutants. Investigation of ossweet11 mutant grains revealed similar phenotypes to those observed in the ossweet15 mutants. These results indicate that both OsSWEET15 and OsSWEET11 play important and similar roles in rice pollen development, caryopsis formation and seed-setting, in addition to their function in seed-filling that was demonstrated previously.

Nowadays, much effort focuses on research for the multi-receiver WPT system based on magnetic resonance. However, its output characteristics are significantly deteriorated by the variation of transfer spacing, loads, and cross-couplings, which exerts harmful effects on the performances of cascading bucks before loads if needed. Inspired by the work of a single-receiver WPT system based on the parity-time-symmetric model, in this paper, the self-oscillating source is first applied to the multi-receiver WPT system to tackle these drawbacks. Based on the coupled-mode theory, the proposed system's modeling is established and deduced to analyze its performance. The model analysis shows how the system can achieve zero-voltage switching simply via choosing the minimum dead time and leading time whose calculation method is provided. Meanwhile, a transmitting coil for a uniform magnetic field is designed to improve the free-positioning performance. The analysis is validated on a 36 W prototype, including the effects of the variation of transfer spacing, cross-couplings, and loads on the output characteristics, efficiency, and operating frequency. The proposed system is demonstrated to provide a much more robust power transfer than the conventional magnetic-resonant multi-receiver WPT system, which helps extend the transfer distance and improve the system efficiency.

Excessive inputs of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) trigger eutrophication of the water bodies, which promotes the undesirable growth of algal bloom and deterioration of the water quality, and aquatic biodiversity. Macrophytes provide an environmentally benign and economically viable paradigm for the ecological restoration of eutrophic aquatic ecosystems. Water lily (Nymphaea) is largely used as ornamental plant for landscaping, and it has been documented that water lily possesses the potentiality in mitigating polluted aquatic environments. In the present study, water lily cultivars Nymphaea Texas Dawn (NTD), Nymphaea Colorado (NC), Nymphaea Madame Wilfron Gonnère (NMWG), and Nymphaea Sunshine Princess (NSP) were investigated for their potency in alleviating the eutrophication. The concentrations of total P and total N were significantly higher in the leaves of NC and NSP compared with NTD and NMWG. Therefore, NC and NSP were selected for subsequent studies to decipher their recuperation efficacy on eutrophic waters at different growth stages. NC and NSP significantly reduced the concentrations of eutrophication indicators i.e., total P, NH

Low Phosphate Root (LPR) encodes a protein localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and cell wall. This gene plays a key role in responding to phosphate (Pi) deprivation, especially in remodeling the root system architecture (RSA). An identification and expression analysis of the OsLPR family in rice (Oryza sativa) has been previously reported, and OsLPR5, functioning in Pi uptake and translocation, is required for the normal growth and development of rice. However, the role of OsLPR3, one of the five members of this family in rice, in response to Pi deficiency and/or in the regulation of plant growth and development is unknown. Therefore, in this study, the roles of OsLPR3 in these processes were investigated, and some functions were found to differ between OsLPR3 and OsLPR5. OsLPR3 was found to be induced in the leaf blades, leaf sheaths, and roots under Pi deprivation. OsLPR3 overexpression strongly inhibited the growth and development of the rice but did not affect the Pi homeostasis of the plant. However, oslpr3 mutants improved RSA and Pi utilization, and they exhibited a higher tolerance to low Pi stress in rice. The agronomic traits of the oslpr3 mutants, such as 1000-grain weight and seed length, were stimulated under Pi-sufficient conditions, indicating that OsLPR3 plays roles different from those of OsLPR5 during plant growth and development, as well as in the maintenance of the Pi status of rice.

Phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) are both essential macronutrients for maintaining plant growth and development. In rice (Oryza sativa L.), OsPHR3 is one of the four paralogs of PHR1, which acts as a central regulator of phosphate (Pi) homeostasis, as well being involved in N homeostasis. However, the functions of OsPHR3 in N utilization under different Pi conditions have yet to be fully studied. In this study, we aimed to dissect the effect of OsPHR3-overexpression on N utilization under Pi deficient regimes. Biochemical, molecular and physiological assays were performed to determine the N-influx, translocation, and accumulation in OsPHR3-overexpressing rice lines, grown under Pi-sufficient and -deficient conditions, in both hydroponic and soil systems. Furthermore, important agronomic traits of these plants were also evaluated. The overexpression of OsPHR3 increased N uptake under Pi stress regimes. Increased N uptake also elevated total N concentrations in these plants by inducing N transporter genes expression. Furthermore, overexpression of OsPHR3 increased N use efficiency, 1000-grain weight and grain yield under different Pi conditions. We established new findings that OsPHR3-overexpression facilitates N utilization under Pi deficient conditions. This will help achieving higher yields by coordinating the utilization of N and P.

Maintaining constant power transfer while keeping near-unity transfer efficiency at varying transfer distances is a major challenge for existing wireless power transfer (WPT) system with multiple repeaters. In order to overcome the problem, this article proposes a novel WPT mechanism with multiple repeaters based on the concept of parity-time symmetry. First, the coupled-mode model of this WPT relay system is established. Then, the steady-state transfer characteristics of the proposed WPT system with an odd and even number of repeaters are analyzed. The theoretical analysis shows that whether an odd or even number of repeaters are inserted between the transmitting and receiving coils, the proposed system automatically achieves constant output power and transfer efficiency against the variation of the transfer distance without any tuning or feedback within a certain distance. The prototype with one repeater and two repeaters is implemented to verify the validity of the theoretical analysis. Experimental results show that the prototype with one repeater can transfer power with an invariant transfer efficiency of 91% and a constant output power of 15 W within a transfer distance of 420 mm. Similarly, the prototype with two repeaters transfers constant power of 15 W over a transfer distance ranging from 420 to 500 mm, and the transfer efficiency is constant near 89%.

Sumoylation, ubiquitination, and phosphorylation are pivotal post-translational modifications that play key roles in regulating the homeostasis of nitrogen (N). Sumoylation comprises conjugation/deconjugation of Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) proteins to other proteins thereby modifying their functions. The first step in SUMO conjugation is catalyzed by the heterodimeric E1 activating enzyme. It comprises small SAE1 and large SAE2 subunits, which are encoded by three (SAE1a, SAE1b1, and SAE1b2) and one (SAE2) gene, respectively in Arabidopsis. OsSAE1a is the ortholog of Arabidopsis in rice. Here, the role of OsSAE1a in the acquisition and mobilization of N, and its influence on the growth and development of rice was investigated. The qRT-PCR assay revealed a significant increase in the relative expression level of OsSAE1a in the roots of the seedlings grown hydroponically under LN condition (0 mM NH4NO3) compared with the roots of the seedlings grown under NN (1.25 mM NH4NO3) condition for 1 day. Further, the reverse genetics approach was used by generating rice transgenic lines with RNAi-mediated knockdown of OsSAE1a. Although there was an increase in the influx of 15N-NH4+, the root/shoot ratio of RNAi lines reduced compared with the wild-type during N deficiency. N deficiency also triggered up-regulation of some of the genes (OsAMT1;2, OsAMT1;3, OsNRT2.1, OsNRT2.2, OsNRT2.3a, OsNRT2.4, and OsNAR2.2) in RNAi lines that are implicated in regulating the acquisition and/or mobilization of N. Further, RNAi lines also exhibited adverse effects on several traits (panicle length, per cent seed set, and total N concentration in the lower leaf blade) during growth to the maturity in a potting mix. The study thus highlighted the regulatory influences of OsSAE1a on the acquisition and mobilization of N, and some of the traits governing growth and development.

Background: Phosphate (Pi), is the least accessible macronutrient in many natural and agricultural ecosystems and its low availability often limits plant growth and productivity. In Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis), Phosphate Deficiency Response2 (AtPDR2), interacts genetically with Low Phosphate Root1 (AtLPR1) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), play a key role in Pi deficiency-mediated inhibition of the primary root growth and remodeling of the root system architecture (RSA). However, the role of OsPDR2, the homolog of AtPDR2, either in roots response to Pi deficiency and/or in growth and development has not been elucidated as yet. Results: Therefore, we investigated the spatiotemporal effects and the availability of Pi on the relative expression levels of OsPDR2 by employing qRT-PCR. OsPDR2 showed variable levels of relative expression pattern in vegetative and/or reproductive tissues analyzed at different stages of growth and development (5-17 weeks). Transient expression analysis revealed its subcellular localization to the ER. Further, the reverse genetics approach was employed for determining the function of OsPDR2 by RNAi-mediated suppression. Three independently generated RNAi lines (Ri2, Ri9, and Ri18) were compared with the wild-type (WT) for various vegetative and reproductive traits. The study revealed significant inhibitory effects of RNAi-mediated suppression of OsPDR2 on the root and male reproductive traits, and yield. Moreover, 32P isotope labeling and split-root experiments under different Pi regime with RNAi lines and the WT revealed the role of OsPDR2 in the maintenance of Pi homeostasis. Conclusions: The results from this study revealed the key role of OsPDR2 in the growth and development of rice and maintenance of phosphate homeostasis.

we show that the knockout of a sugar transporter gene OsSWEET15 led to a significant drop in rice fertility because near half of the knockout mutant spikelets bore blighted or empty grains. The rest spikelets bore fertile grains with slightly reduced weight. Notably, the ovaries in the blighted grains of the ossweet15 mutants expanded after flowering but terminated development before the endosperm cellularization stage and aborted subsequently. GUS and GFP representing OsSWEET15 expression showed that the protein was strongly expressed in the embryo surrounding region (ESR) which was supposed to supply nutrients for the embryo development. These results joined with the protein’s sucrose transport capacity and plasma membrane localization suggest that OsSWEET15 plays a prominent role during the caryopsis formation stage probably by releasing sucrose from the ESR to support the embryo development. By contrast, the empty grains were probably caused by the reduced pollen viability of the ossweet15 mutants. Investigation of the makeup of ossweet11 mutant grains revealed similar phenotypes that were observed in the ossweet15 mutants. These results indicate that both OsSWETT15 and OsSWEET11 play important and similar roles during rice pollen development, caryopsis formation, and seed-setting in addition to their function in seed-filling that was demonstrated previously.

Arsenic-hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata is efficient in As uptake, probably through phosphate transporters (Pht). Here, for the first time, we cloned a new PvPht1;4 gene from P. vittata and investigated its role in arsenate (AsV) uptake and transport in yeast and transgenic tobacco plants. On the basis of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), PvPht1;4 was abundantly expressed in P. vittata fronds and roots, with its transcripts in the roots being induced by both P deficiency and As exposure. PvPht1;4 was localized to the plasma membrane, which complemented a yeast-mutant defective in P uptake and showed higher P transport affinity than PvPht1;3. Under AsV exposure, PvPht1;4 yeast transformants showed comparable tolerance as PvPht1;3, but higher As accumulation than PvPht1;2 transformants, indicating that PvPht1;4 had considerable AsV and P transport activity. However, in soil and hydroponic experiments, PvPht1;4 expressing tobacco lines accumulated 26-44 and 37-55% lower As in the shoots than wild type plants, with lower root-to-shoot As translocation. In the roots of PvPht1;4 lines, higher glutathione (GSH) contents and expression levels of GSH synthetase gene NtGSH2 were observed. In addition, the transcripts of AsIII-GSH transporter NtABCC1 in PvPht1;4 lines were upregulated. The data suggested that PvPht1;4 lines probably detoxified As by reducing AsV to AsIII, which was then complexed with GSH and stored in the root vacuoles, thereby reducing As translocation in transgenic tobacco. Given its strong AsV transport capacity, expression of PvPht1;4 provides a new molecular approach to reduce As accumulation in plant shoots.

Lipids are the essential components of the cell intracellular and plasma membranes. Sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG) is a glycolipid; glycolipids can replace phospholipids in maintaining phosphate (Pi) homeostasis in plants which are undergoing Pi starvation. Sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol synthase 1 (OsSQD1) is a critical enzyme in the first step of catalyzation in the formation of SQDG in rice. In this study, the expression pattern of different zones in roots of OsSQD1 in response to different Pi conditions is examined, and it is found that OsSQD1 is highly expressed in lateral roots under Pi-sufficient and -deficient conditions. The root phenotype observation of different OsSQD1 transgenic lines suggests that the knockout/down of OsSQD1 inhibits the formation and growth of lateral roots under different Pi conditions. Additionally, the lipid concentrations in OsSQD1 transgenic line roots indicate that OsSQD1 knockout/down decreases the concentration of phospholipids and glycolipids in Pi-starved roots. The OsSQD1 mutation also changes the composition of different lipid species with different acyl chain lengths, mainly under Pi-deprived conditions. The relative transcript expression of genes relating to glycolipid synthesis and phospholipid degradation is estimated to help study the mechanism by which OsSQD1 exerts an influence on the alteration of lipid composition and concentration in Pi-starved roots. Moreover, in Pi-starved roots, the knockout of OsSQD1 decreases the unsaturated fatty acid content of phospholipids and glycolipids. To summarize, the present study demonstrates that OsSQD1 plays a key role in the maintenance of phospholipid and glycolipid composition in Pi-deprived rice roots, which may influence root growth and development under Pi-deprived conditions.

Phosphate (Pi)-starved crops utilize phospholipids as a source for internal Pi supply by replacing non-phosphorus glycolipids. In rice, sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol synthase 1 (OsSQD1) functions as a key enzyme in the first step to catalyze sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG) formation. Here we study differential expression of OsSQD1 in response to Pi, nitrogen, potassium, and iron-deficiencies in rice. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay suggested that OsSQD1 is regulated by OsPHR2 (Phosphate Starvation Response2), a MYB (v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog) domain-containing transcription factor. The concentrations of different lipid species in ossqd1 knockout mutant demonstrated that OsSQD1 silencing increased the phospholipid content and altered fatty acid composition under Pi-deficiency. Moreover, OsSQD1 silencing reduces glycolipid accumulation under Pi-deficiency, and triggered the saturation of fatty acids in phospholipids and glycolipids treated with different Pi regimes. Relative amounts of transcripts related to phospholipid degradation and glycolipid synthesis were assessed to explore the mechanism by which OsSQD1 exerts an effect on lipid homeostasis under P-deficiency. Furthermore, OsSQD1 silencing inhibited photosynthesis, especially under Pi-deficient conditions, by down-regulating glycolipids in rice shoots. Taken together, our study reveals that OsSQD1 plays a key role in lipid homeostasis, especially glycolipid accumulation under Pi-deficiency, which results in the inhibition of photosynthesis.

Arsenic-hyperaccumulator

Transition metal fluoride Na3FeF6 was investigated as positive electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The Na3FeF6 and Na3FeF6/CNTs composites were prepared by a simple liquid phase method and the electrochemical performances were obtained by charge-discharge measurements, CV and EIS test. The initial specific capacities of Na3FeF6/C and Na3FeF6/CNTs are 458 mAh g− 1 and 428 mAh g− 1, respectively, while the reversible capacity of Na3FeF6/CNTs is 296.7 mAh g− 1, 1.47 times as much as that of Na3FeF6/C, 201.7 mAh g− 1 after 60 cycles. The Na3FeF6/CNTs electrode has a lower SEI film resistance, Schottky contact resistance and charge transfer resistance than Na3FeF6/C electrode from the fitting results, which can reduce the internal resistance and improve the electrochemical activity of Na3FeF6.

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient required for plant development and production. The mechanisms regulating phosphate (Pi) uptake are well established, but the function of chloroplast Pi homeostasis is poorly understood in Oryza sativa (rice). PHT2;1 is one of the transporters/translocators mediating Pi import into chloroplasts. In this study, to gain insight into the role of OsPHT2;1-mediated stroma Pi, we analyzed OsPHT2;1 function in Pi utilization and photoprotection. Our results showed that OsPHT2;1 was induced by Pi starvation and light exposure. Cell-based assays showed that OsPHT2;1 localized to the chloroplast envelope and functioned as a low-affinity Pi transporter. The ospht2;1 had reduced Pi accumulation, plant growth and photosynthetic rates. Metabolite profiling revealed that 52.6% of the decreased metabolites in ospht2;1 plants were flavonoids, which was further confirmed by 40% lower content of total flavonoids compared with the wild type. As a consequence, ospht2;1 plants were more sensitive to UV-B irradiation. Moreover, the content of phenylalanine, the precursor of flavonoids, was also reduced, and was largely associated with the repressed expression of ADT1/MTR1. Furthermore, the ospht2;1 plants showed decreased grain yields at relatively high levels of UV-B irradiance. In summary, OsPHT2;1 functions as a chloroplast-localized low-affinity Pi transporter that mediates UV tolerance and rice yields at different latitudes.

Due to stability in the air, easy preparation process, lower cost and high reaction potential, Li3FeF6 is a promising cathodic material in lithium-ion batteries. However, the poor electronic conductivity of Li3FeF6 limits its performance in lithium-ion batteries. Conductive agent addition can improve the electronic conductivity of Li3FeF6 composite electrodes. The specific capacity of the Li3FeF6/C electrode is around 80 mA h g−1 (the highest value), corresponding to 0.57 Li+ embedding. While a specific capacity of the Li3FeF6/CNTs electrode of 120 mA h g−1 can be achieved, which is close to the theoretical capacity (140 mA h g−1), and the reversible capacity can be maintained at above 100 mA h g−1 after 50 cycles, with a capacity retention of 83%, which indicates greater electrochemical activity for such a CNT containing electrode. The enhanced performance of the Li3FeF6/CNTs electrode is due to the lower interface resistance and improved electrochemical activity of the Li3FeF6 active material.

Background Phosphate (Pi) and Nitrogen (N) are essential macronutrients required for plant growth and development. In Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis), the transcription factor PHR1 acts as a Pi central regulator. PHL1 is a homolog of PHR1 and also plays a role in maintaining Pi homeostasis. In rice (Oryza sativa), OsPHR1–4 are the orthologs of PHR1 and have been implicated in regulating sensing and signaling cascades governing Pi homeostasis. Results Here the role of OsPHR3 was examined in regulating the homeostasis of N under different Pi regimes. Deficiencies of different variants of N exerted attenuating effects on the relative expression levels of OsPHR3 in a tissue-specific manner. For the functional characterization of OsPHR3, its Tos17 insertion homozygous mutants i.e., osphr3–1, osphr3–2, and osphr3–3 were compared with the wild-type for various morphophysiological and molecular traits during vegetative (hydroponics with different regimes of N variants) and reproductive (pot soil) growth phases. During vegetative growth phase, compared with the wild-type, OsPHR3 mutants showed significant variations in the adventitious root development, influx rates of 15N-NO3− and 15N-NH4+, concentrations of total N, NO3− and NH4+ in different tissues, and the relative expression levels of OsNRT1.1a, OsNRT2.4, OsAMT1;1, OsNia1 and OsNia2. The effects of the mutation in OsPHR3 was also explicit on the seed-set and grain yield during growth in a pot soil. Although Pi deficiency affected total N and NO3− concentration, the lateral root development and the relative expression levels of some of the NO3− and NH4+ transporter genes, its availability did not exert any notable regulatory influences on the traits governing N homeostasis. Conclusions OsPHR3 plays a pivotal role in regulating the homeostasis of N independent of Pi availability. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12870-018-1462-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) is a post-translational modification of proteins that has important roles in plant growth and development as well as nutrition study. OsSIZ1, a SUMO E3 ligase in rice (Oryza sativa), exerts regulatory influence on nitrogen (N) homeostasis. Here, we investigated the biological function of OsSIZ2, a paralog of OsSIZ1, in the responses to nitrogen, anther dehiscence, and seed length using a reverse genetics approach. The expression of OsSIZ2 was increased during N deficiency. Under -N condition, total N concentration in the root of OsSIZ2-Ri plants and ossiz2 was significantly increased compared with wild type. Further, 15N-labelled uptake assay revealed the role of OsSIZ2 in acquisition and mobilization of N. Moreover, qRT-PCR analyses revealed that several genes involved in the maintenance of N homeostasis were altered in OsSIZ2 mutants. In addition, ossiz2 indicated obvious defects in anther dehiscence, pollen fertility, and seed set percentage. Interestingly, however, the seed length was longer in the mutant compared with wild type. Overall, these results suggest pivotal roles of OsSIZ2 in regulating homeostasis of N and different agronomic traits including anther and seed development.

In phosphate (Pi)-deprived Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) is substituted by sulfolipid for maintaining Pi homeostasis. Sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol1 (AtSQD1) encodes a protein, which catalyzes uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPG) and sulfite (SO3 2- ) to UDP-sulfoquinovose, which is a key component in the sulfolipid biosynthetic pathway. In this study, a reverse genetics approach was employed to decipher the function of the AtSQD1 homolog OsSQD1 in rice. Differential expressions of OsSQD1 in different tissue and response to -P and -S also detected, respectively. The in vitro protein assay and analysis suggests that OsSQD1 is a UDP-sulfoquinovose synthase. Transient expression analysis showed that OsSQD1 is located in the chloroplast. The analyses of the knockout (ossqd1) and knockdown (Ri1 and Ri2) mutants demonstrated reductions in Pi and total P concentrations, 32 Pi uptake rate, expression levels of Pi transporters and altered developmental responses of root traits, which were accentuated during Pi deficiency. The inhibitory effects of the OsSQD1 mutation were also evident in the development of reproductive tissue. Furthermore, OsSQD1 differently affects lipid composition under different Pi regime affects sulfur (S) homeostasis. Together, the study revealed that OsSQD1 affects Pi and S homeostasis, and lipid composition in response to Pi deprivation.

In earlier studies at IIRR, Hyderabad, screening of ∼2000 EMS mutants of the rice variety Nagina22 (N22) resulted in the identification of 11 loss-of-function mutants with zero grain yield in Pi-deprived soil under field condition. Among these mutants, NH101 was selected for comparative analyses with N22 for various morphophysiological and/or molecular traits during growth in a hydroponic system (7 d) and in a pot soil (50% flowering) under different Pi regime. The total length of the seminal and adventitious roots, agronomic traits (panicle length and unfilled spikelet/panicle), activities of the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, and APX), and the relative expression levels of the genes involved in the maintenance of Pi homeostasis (MPH) i.e., OsPHR2, SPX1/2 OsPT4, 6, and 8 showed significant increase in the Pi-deprived mutant compared with N22. Whereas, some of the traits showed significant reduction in NH101 than N22 such as number of tillers and filled spikelets/panicle, yield, contents of Pi and externally secreted APase, activity of CAT, and the relative expression levels of MPH genes i.e., OsmiR399a, OsPHO1;2, OsIPS1, OsPAP10a, OsPT2, 9, and 10. The study highlighted wide spectrum differential effects of the mutation in NH101 on various traits that play important roles governing the maintenance of Pi homeostasis. This mutant thus provides a rich repository of genetic material amenable for the identification of the genes that are pivotal for Pi use efficiency.

Mutation in OsPHR3 differentially affects total N concentration in different tissues. (PDF 129Â kb)

Mutation in OsPHR3 does not affect the lateral root development under different NH4+ regimes. (PDF 154Â kb)

Comparative identity matrix and domain structure of MYB-CC family members in Arabidopsis and rice. (PDF 177Â kb)

Mutation in OsPHR3 has no effect on Pi and total P concentrations under different N regimes. (PDF 161Â kb)

Primers used for osphr3 mutant identification. (DOCX 12Â kb)

Gene-specific primers used for qRT-PCR. (DOCX 15Â kb)

Isolation and validation of OsPHR3 mutants. (PDF 155Â kb)

Mutation in OsPHR3 affects adventitious root length. (PDF 121Â kb)

SIZ1-mediated SUMOylation regulates hormone signaling as well as abiotic and biotic stress responses in plants. Here, we investigated the expression profile of OsSIZ1 in rice using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) and pOsSIZ1-GUS transgenic plants, and the function of OsSIZ1 in the responses to phosphate and nitrogen using a reverse genetics approach. OsSIZ1 is constitutively expressed throughout the vegetative and reproductive growth of rice, with stronger promoter activities in vascular bundles of culms. ossiz1 mutants had shorter primary roots and adventitious roots than wild-type plants, suggesting that OsSIZ1 is associated with the regulation of root system architecture. Total phosphorus (P) and phosphate (Pi) concentrations in both roots and shoots of ossiz1 mutants were significantly increased irrespective of Pi supply conditions compared with the wild type. Pi concentration in the xylem sap of ossiz1 mutants was significantly higher than that of the wild type under a Pi-sufficient growth regime. Total nitrogen (N) concentrations in the most detected tissues of ossiz1 mutants were significantly increased compared with the wild type. Analysis of mineral contents in ossiz1 mutants indicated that OsSIZ1 functions specifically in Pi and N responses, not those of other nutrients examined, in rice. Further, qRT-PCR analyses revealed that the expression of multiple genes involved in Pi starvation signaling and N transport and assimilation were altered in ossiz1 mutants. Together, these results suggested that OsSIZ1 may act as a regulator of the Pi (N)-dependent responses in rice.

The development of mild and efficient process for the selective oxygenation of organic compounds by molecular oxygen (O2) can be one of the key technologies for synthesizing oxygenates. Here, the photo-oxygenation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone over tetrabutylammonium decatungstate (W10O324−) was carried out under visible light irradiation and pure O2 atmosphere. The W10O324− was found to be active to this photo-oxygenation in a pure acetonitrile (MeCN), which can achieve ca. 8.1% cyclohexane conversion with ca. 64.3% selectivity for cyclohexanone under sustained visible light irradiation of 12 h. Notably, the above-described photo-catalysis oxygenation was improved to some extent in the presence of some acidic additives such as10 M HCl, H2SO4, or H3PO4 aqueous solution and benzenesulfonic acid, providing ca. 12.4–14.3% cyclohexane conversion with ca. 59.7–69.4% cyclohexanone selectivity. Moreover, this acid-promoted effect was further magnified in the case of adding a suitable amount of water, which can lead to enhancing conversion (16.8–20.0%) and improving cyclohexanone selectivity (68.2–78.3%). This acidic aqueous solution-promoted effect was also observed upon the W10O324−-photocatalyzed oxygenation of other substrates like toluene, ethylbenzene and butanone. This is likely due to the acidic aqueous solutions playing important roles in improving photo-redox cycling of W10O324− and preserving its stability, as supported by the UV–vis spectra and cyclic voltammetry measurements.

Arsenic (As) accumulation in rice grains poses health risk to humans. Plants including rice take up arsenate (AsV) by phosphate transporters. In this study, rice phosphate transporter OsPT4 (OsPht1;4) was investigated based on two independent T-DNA insertion mutants of OsPT4 (M1 and M2), which displayed stronger AsV resistance than wild types WT1 and WT2. When cultivated in medium (+P or -P) with AsV, ospt4 mutants accumulated 16-32% lower As in plants, suggesting that OsPT4 mediates AsV uptake. Analysis of the xylem sap showed that AsV concentrations in ospt4 mutants was 20-40% lower than WT controls under -P condition, indicating OsPT4 may also mediate AsV translocation. Moreover, kinetics analysis showed that ospt4 mutants had lower AsV uptake rates than the WT controls, further proving that OsPT4 functions as an AsV transporter in rice. When grown in flooded soils with As, AsV concentrations in rice grains of ospt4 mutants decreased by 50-55%. More importantly, knocking out OsPT4 in M1 and M2 reduced inorganic As accumulation in rice grains by 20-44%, significant for controlling As exposure risk from rice. Taken together, our findings revealed a critical role of OsPT4 in AsV uptake and translocation in rice. Knocking out OsPT4 effectively decreased inorganic As accumulation in rice grains, shedding light on engineering low-As rice to enhance food safety.

OsSIZ1, a small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) E3 ligase, exerts regulatory influences on the developmental responses and phosphate (Pi) homeostasis in rice (Oryza sativa). Whether paralogs OsSIZ1 and OsSIZ2 are functionally redundant or the latter regulates these traits independent of the former is not known. To determine this, in this study, OsSIZ2 was functionally characterized by employing reverse genetic approaches. Although the relative expression of OsSIZ2 was spatiotemporally regulated, it showed constitutive expression in root and leaf blade irrespective of Pi regime. Analysis of T-DNA insertion knockout (ossiz2) and RNAi-mediated knockdown (Ri1-3) mutants revealed positive influences on growth and developmental responses including yield-related traits. On the contrary, these mutants exhibited negative effects on the concentrations of Pi and total P in different tissues. The relative expression levels of some of the genes that are involved in Pi sensing and signaling cascades were differentially modulated in the mutants. Further, attenuation in the expression levels of OsSIZ2 in the roots of ossiz1 and relatively similar trend of the effects of the mutation in OsSIZ1 and OsSIZ2 on growth and development and total P concentration in different tissues suggested a prevalence of partial functional redundancy between these paralogs.

Asparagine (Asn/N)-linked glycans are important for protein folding, trafficking, and endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation in eukaryotes. The maturation of glycoproteins involves the trimming of mannosyl residues by mannosidases and addition of other sugar molecules to three-branched N-glycans in the Golgi. However, the biological importance of Golgi-mediated mannose trimming is not fully understood. Here, we show that abolishment of two functionally redundant mannosidases, MNS1 and MNS2, responsible for α-1,2-mannose trimming on the A and C branches of plant N-glycans lead to severe root growth inhibition under salt stress conditions in Arabidopsis. In contrast, mutants with defects in the biosynthesis of the oligosaccharide precursor displayed enhanced salt tolerance in the absence of mannose trimming. However, mutation in EBS3, which is required for the formation of the branched N-glycan precursor, suppressed the salt-sensitive phenotype of mns1 mns2 double mutant. Interestingly, we observed that cellulose biosynthesis was compromised in mns1 mns2 roots under high salinity. Consistently, abundance of a membrane anchored endo-β-1,4-endoglucanase (RSW2/KOR) that plays a key role in cellulose biosynthesis and its mutant variant rsw2-1 were modulated by α-1,2-mannose trimming under salt stress. Overexpression of RSW2 could partially rescue the salt-sensitive phenotype of mns1 mns2. Taken together, these results suggest that MNS1/2-mediated mannose trimming of N-glycans is crucial in modulating glycoprotein abundance to withstand salt stress in plants.

Oxygen control and purification was required in reactor of Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) to slow down the corrosion of structural materials and at the same time avoid PbO/Bi2O3 formation in the coolant. So a whole system that can measure and adjust the oxygen concentration and purify the coolant are essential for the reactor. The oxygen control system should supply adequate oxygen to compensate the loss by surface oxidation. The methodology for design of oxygen control and purification system is presented in this paper. Oxygen could be provided by the gas phase or PbO dissolution based solid mass exchangers. Every method for controlling oxygen has its special advantages and disadvantages. To design the required oxygen control system for LFR the expected amount of oxygen that was consumed by the steel oxidation is evaluated. This evaluation considers a realistic operation scenario and start-up of a reactor. Oxygen consumption under different operating scenario in the reactor was calculated. It can provide input parameters for the design of oxygen control system. H2/H2O/Ar was used to control the oxygen concentration and a reasonable oxygen partial pressure device was designed to control the oxygen concentration in LBE. This method can be used for controlling oxygen concentration and ensuring the safety of the reactor operation.

To date, only a limited number of solanaceous miRNAs have been deposited in the miRNA database. Here, genome-wide bioinformatic identification of miRNAs was performed in six solanaceous plants (potato, tomato, tobacco, eggplant, pepper, and petunia). A total of 2,239 miRNAs were identified following a range of criteria, of which 982 were from potato, 496 from tomato, 655 from tobacco, 46 from eggplant, 45 were from pepper, and 15 from petunia. The sizes of miRNA families and miRNA precursor length differ in all the species. Accordingly, 620 targets were predicted, which could be functionally classified as transcription factors, metabolic enzymes, RNA and protein processing proteins, and other proteins for plant growth and development. We also showed evidence for miRNA clusters and sense and antisense miRNAs. Additionally, five Pi starvation- and one arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM)-related cis-elements were found widely distributed in the putative promoter regions of the miRNA genes. Selected miRNAs were classified into three groups based on the presence or absence of P1BS and MYCS cis-elements, and their expression in response to Pi starvation and AM symbiosis was validated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). These results show that conserved miRNAs exist in solanaceous species and they might play pivotal roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses.

Whereas the expression patterns and kinetic properties of the rice (Oryza sativa) phosphate transporter gene OsPht1; 6 (OsPT6) are well documented, little is known about the biological functions of this gene. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of OsPT6 in inorganic phosphate (Pi) acquisition and mobilization, and examine its potential to enhance agricultural production. Here, we generated OsPT6 overexpression transgenic plants using Wuyujing 7, a widely cultivated variety of japonica rice, and then treated transgenic lines and wild type with different Pi supply in hydroponic and soil experiments to explore the functions of OsPT6 in rice. The OsPT6-overexpressing rice lines grew better and accumulated more biomass than wild-type plants, and exhibited significant increases in P accumulation in various tissues, including reproductive tissues under both hydroponic and soil culture conditions. Phosphate-uptake experiment using radiolabeled Pi (33P) showed that the rate of Pi uptake was 75 % and 73 % greater in transgenic plants grown under Pi-sufficient and -deficient conditions, respectively, than the wild-type controls, and that the shoot/root ratio of 33P was 104 % and 42 % greater, respectively. In addition, the grain yield per transgenic plant was much higher than that of the wild-type plants under field conditions. Taken together, our results demonstrate that OsPT6 plays a vital role in Pi acquisition and mobilization in rice and suggest that this gene may be used for genetic engineering rice plants that require less Pi fertilizer.

Alignment of amino acid sequences of LPR proteins in rice and Arabidopsis. (DOC 390Â kb)

OsLPRs exhibited tissue-specific expression. (DOC 75Â kb)

Analysis of domain structure of LPRs in diverse plant species. (DOC 101Â kb)

Cis-elements in the promoters of OsLPRs. (DOC 78Â kb)

Phylogenetic analysis of the members of MCO family in rice. (DOC 288Â kb)

Primers used for qRT-PCR analysis of OsLPRsand OsPT6. (DOC 32Â kb)

Schematic figure showing positions of OsLPR1-5 on rice chromosome1. (DOC 84Â kb)