Biology subjects

Menossi, M.

Publications and source records attributed to Menossi, M..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Gene co-expression networks highlight key nodes associated with Ammonium nitrate in sugarcane

Gene co-expression network analysis offers valuable insights into complex biological processes in plants. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) in sugarcane by analyzing transcriptome data from two contrasting genotypes (responsive and non-responsive) across different leaf segments under varying nitrogen conditions. RNA-seq analysis of 48 samples identified 2,723 differentially expressed genes. The responsive genotype showed enrichment in carbon metabolism and defense response pathways under high nitrogen conditions, while the non-responsive genotype prioritized photosynthesis and stress response mechanisms. Differentially expressed genes were used to construct a co-expression network which revealed 199 distinct modules. 44 modules correlating to nitrogen availability and 20 to genotype. Notably, Module 20, containing a high proportion of MYB/MYB-related transcription factors, emerged as a potential key regulator of nitrogen response in both genotypes. Several modules showed correlation with important metabolic markers such as RUBISCO, chlorophyll, and PEPCASE. Additionally, we identified novel candidate genes, including uncharacterized transcripts with strong genotype-specific expression patterns. These findings provide potential targets for understanding and improving nitrogen use efficiency in sugarcane breeding programs.

bioinformatics↗

bioRxiv2019

The C-terminal domains SnRK2-box and ABA-box have a role in sugarcane SnRK2s auto-activation and activity

Resistance to drought stress is fundamental to plant survival and development. Abscisic acid (ABA) is one of the major hormones involved in different types of abiotic and biotic stress responses. ABA intracellular signaling has been extensively explored in Arabidopsis thaliana and occurs via a phosphorylation cascade mediated by three related protein kinases, denominated SnRK2s (SNF1-related protein kinases). However, the role of ABA signaling and the biochemistry of SnRK2 in crop plants remains underexplored. Considering the importance of the ABA hormone in abiotic stress tolerance, here we investigated the regulatory mechanism of sugarcane SnRK2s - known as SAPKs (Stress/ABA-activated Protein Kinases). The crystal structure of ScSAPK10 revealed the characteristic SnRK2 family architecture, in which the regulatory SnRK2-box interacts with the kinase domain C helix. To study sugarcane SnRK2 regulation, we produced a series of mutants for the protein regulatory domains SnRK2-box and ABA-box. Surprisingly, mutations in the SnRK2-box did not drastically affect sugarcane SnRK2 activity, in contrast to previous observations for the homologous proteins in Arabidopsis. Also, we found that the ABA-box might have a role in SnRK2 activation in the absence of PP2C phosphatase. Taken together, our results demonstrate that both C-terminal domains of sugarcane SnRK2 proteins play a fundamental role in protein activation and activity.

plant biology↗