Biology subjects

Syrowatka, F.

Publications and source records attributed to Syrowatka, F..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

SlMYB21 and SlMYB24 cooperatively regulate petal coloration and movement in Solanum lycopersicum

In seed plants, reproductive success depends on the precise coordination of floral organ development. Here, we identify and characterize the Solanum lycopersicum transcription factor (TF) SlMYB24 as a member of the R2R3-MYB subgroup 19. While Slmyb24 mutants exhibited no obvious phenotypic alterations, the previously characterized Slmyb21 mutant displayed defects in floral development that were further exacerbated in the Slmyb21 Slmyb24 double mutant, resulting in a severe phenotype characterized by female sterility and whitish petals that failed to open. Petals of Slmyb21 Slmyb24 exhibited reduced xanthophyll content and elevated abscisic acid (ABA) levels, accompanied by reduced water content and decreased levels of primary sugars. Integration of transcriptome (RNA-sequencing) and cistrome (DNA affinity purification sequencing, DAP-seq) data identified genes involved in carotenoid and ABA biosynthesis and water transport as candidate regulatory targets of SlMYB21 and SlMYB24. These TFs activated the promoters of PHYTOENE SYNTHASE2 (PSY2), LYCOPENE {beta}-CYCLASE (LCY-B) and the petal-expressed aquaporin TONOPLAST INTRINSIC PROTEIN1.1 (TIP1.1), whereas they repressed 9-cis-EPOXYCAROTENOID DIOXYGENASE1 (NCED1) promoter activity. In addition, SlMYB21 bound to the SlMYB24 promoter and activated its expression. Promoter studies and electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that SlMYB21 and SlMYB24 bind the AC-rich DNA-binding motif GTTAGGT, which is to be found in the respective promoters and is consistent with the extensive overlap in their binding profiles. Together, these results reveal that the functions of SlMYB21 and SlMYB24 extend beyond fertility to coordinate petal pigmentation and opening.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Cytokinin-mediated trichome initiation in Nicotiana benthamiana upon Agrobacterium tumefaciens infiltration

Infiltration of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana has become a standard method for transient expression in plants. Like many Solanaceae species, N. benthamiana develops on its leaf surface capitate glandular trichomes that produce and secrete acylsugars. We observed that A. tumefaciens strain GV3101 harboring the disarmed Ti plasmid pMP90 induces de novo formation of GTs and increased production of acylsugars when infiltrated in N. benthamiana leaves. In contrast, other strains, such as AGL1 or LBA4404, do not induce GTs. We demonstrate that the presence of the gene coding for the trans-zeatin synthase (tzs) present on pMP90 is responsible for the de novo trichome initiation and that infiltration of cytokinins such as trans-zeatin or benzylaminopurine is sufficient to induce GTs, establishing a direct link between cytokinins and trichome initiation. While these results provide an opportunity to better understand the development of GTs, they make us aware that Agrobacterium infiltration has developmental, biochemical and physiological consequences. To avoid or minimize potential interference of Agrobacterium on the outcome of the infiltration experiments, we recommend testing several strains when establishing a transient assay. Plain Language summaryAgrobacterium infiltration of tobacco leaves is a method of choice for transient expression in plants. Agrobacterium strains that produce cytokinins induce glandular trichome initiation and acylsugar production, providing a new angle for studying trichome development and highlighting side effects of Agro-infiltration that should be considered when designing transient assays.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2023

Heat stress induces a developmental shift from type-V to type-IV trichome dependent on jasmonate signaling in tomato

Cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and related wild species develop several types of trichomes, both glandular and non-glandular, on their aerial parts. Among these, type-IV trichomes are responsible for the synthesis and secretion of acylsugars, which act as defense compounds against herbivores. In contrast to related wild species such as S. pennellii, type-IV trichomes are present only in the juvenile stages of cultivated tomato plants and absent in later stages of development. By submitting tomato plants to high temperatures during the day (37 {degrees}C), we observe that non-glandular type-V trichomes are replaced by type-IV trichomes. This is accompanied by a massive increase in acylsugar production. On the other hand, heat treatment does not affect type VI-trichomes, which produce mono- and sesquiterpenes, but the production of monoterpenes is increased while that of sesquiterpenes is suppressed. Furthermore, tomato jai1 mutants deficient in jasmonate (JA) perception do not exhibit this developmental switch from type-V to type-IV trichomes. The implication of JA signaling in this process was further supported by an increase in JA-isoleucine and in the expression of genes involved in JA-signalling within hours of heat stress application. These results establish a unique system to study how environmental factors affect developmental fate decisions in plants while opening opportunities to understand mechanisms controlling type-IV trichome initiation and development.

plant biology↗