Biology subjects

Moya, Y. A. T.

Publications and source records attributed to Moya, Y. A. T..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Hypermorphic TaARF4 shapes wheat architecture by repressing SPL-mediated developmental timing

Integrating spatial morphogens with temporal developmental clocks is fundamental to optimizing plant architecture and crop yield, yet their molecular interface remains elusive. Here, we characterize Branched shoot 1 (Bsh1), a semi-dominant wheat mutant exhibiting non-canonical upper-aerial branching and aberrant spike development, caused by a T265I substitution in the DNA-binding domain of the auxin response factor TaARF4-A2. Unlike flanking mutations governing protein stability in basal land plants, this central substitution uniquely converts TaARF4-A2 into an auxin-insensitive hypermorphic repressor. The mutant protein disrupts auxin-cytokinin homeostasis and markedly enhances the native repression of SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) transcription factors, the core timers of developmental phase transitions. This spatial and temporal uncoupling unleashes upper axillary buds from dormancy, promoting aerial branching and diverting resources from reproductive development. Our findings demonstrate how a conserved spatial morphogen effector was evolutionarily rewired in polyploid wheat to dictate the temporal SPL clock, orchestrating species-specific shoot architectural innovation.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2023

Heritable maize microbiomes contribute to local adaptation and host stress resilience

Beneficial interactions with microorganisms are pivotal for crop performance and resilience. However, it remains unclear how heritable the microbiome is with respect to the host plant genotype and to what extent host genetic mechanisms can modulate plant-microbe interactions in the face of environmental stress. Here, we surveyed the root and rhizosphere microbiome of 129 accessions of locally adapted Zea mays, sourced from diverse habitats and grown under control and different stress conditions. We quantified treatment and host genotype effects on the microbiome. Plant genotype and source environment were predictive of microbiome composition. Genome wide association analysis identified host genetic variants linked to both rhizosphere microbiome composition and source environment. We identified transposon insertions in a candidate gene linked to both the abundance of a keystone microbe Massilia and source total soil nitrogen, finding mutant plants to show a reduction in lateral root density. We conclude that locally adapted maize varieties exert patterns of genetic control on their root and rhizosphere microbiomes that follow variation in their home environments, consistent with a role in tolerance to prevailing stress.

genetics↗