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Identifying key genes for root growth in common sage

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

0 2 minutes read

Jennifer Hoskins
June 11, 2024

Identifying key genes for root growth in common sage

Image source: Natural Science News, 2024

Main findings

Researchers from Yangzhou University studied the role of SAUR genes in root development of the medicinal plant Salvia miltiorrhiza
They identified 55 SmSAUR genes and analyzed their properties, structure and evolutionary relationships
The study found that specific SmSAUR genes are linked to different aspects of root growth, such as root diameter, length and biomass.

Salvia miltiorrhiza, an important medicinal plant in China, is valued for its roots and rhizomes, which contribute significantly to its therapeutic properties. Understanding the root development of this plant is crucial to improving its medicinal qualities. A recent study conducted by researchers at Yangzhou University⁽¹⁾ investigated the role of small auxin-up RNA (SAUR) genes in auxin-mediated root development in S. miltiorrhiza. This study identified 55 SmSAUR genes and analyzed their properties, structure and evolutionary relationships, providing a comprehensive overview of their potential involvement in root morphogenesis. Auxin is a plant hormone that plays a central role in regulating various aspects of plant growth and development, particularly root formation. Previous research has shown that SAUR genes are early auxin response genes that influence plant growth and development.⁽²⁾⁽³⁾. However, the specific functions of SAUR genes in S. miltiorrhiza have not been extensively studied until now. In the study, researchers used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) combined with quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) to detect the expression levels of SmSAUR genes in different organs of S. miltiorrhiza . They found that application of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a common form of auxin, altered the root development of S. miltiorrhiza seedlings. By performing a Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, they searched for SmSAUR genes potentially involved in this physiological process. The study revealed several key findings regarding the correlation between specific SmSAUR genes and various aspects of root development. For example, the diameter of primary lateral roots was positively correlated with SmSAUR4, while the number of secondary lateral roots was positively correlated with SmSAUR18 and negatively correlated with SmSAUR4. Additionally, root length showed a positive correlation with SmSAUR28 and SmSAUR37 and a negative correlation with SmSAUR38. Fresh root biomass had a positive correlation with SmSAUR38 and a negative correlation with SmSAUR28. These correlations suggest that SmSAUR4, SmSAUR18, SmSAUR28, SmSAUR37, and SmSAUR38 are likely involved in auxin-mediated root development in S. miltiorrhiza. This study builds on previous findings regarding the role of SAUR genes in other plant species. For example, previous research has identified and characterized SAUR genes in Agave species, focusing on their potential functions in leaf development and stress responses.⁽²⁾. Likewise, a comprehensive analysis of SAUR genes in Populus trichocarpa highlighted their distribution, evolution and expression in response to various treatments.⁽³⁾. These previous studies highlight the great importance of SAUR genes in plant growth and development, thus providing a basis for understanding their roles in S. miltiorrhiza. The findings from Yangzhou University not only expand our knowledge of auxin-mediated root development in S. miltiorrhiza, but also provide valuable information for improving the quality of this medicinal plant. By identifying specific SmSAUR genes involved in root morphogenesis, researchers can develop targeted strategies to improve root growth and, therefore, the medicinal properties of S. miltiorrhiza. This study lays the foundation for further investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying root development in this species, contributing to a broader understanding of plant growth and development regulated by auxin signaling.

GeneticsBiochemistryPlant Science

The references

Main study

1) Genome-wide identification of the SAUR gene family and screening of SmSAURs involved in root development of Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Published on June 11, 2024

Journal: Plant Cell Reports

Issue: Vol 43, Issue 7, June 2024

Identifying key genes for root growth in common sage

Main findings

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Main findings

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