Biology subjects

Schilling, S.

Publications and source records attributed to Schilling, S..

18 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

The Viability Gambit: An Optimized Sterilisation Protocol for Industrial Hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) Seeds

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an increasingly important crop with applications spanning fibre, seed oil and bioactive cannabinoid production, yet the development of reliable tissue culture systems for this species remains a significant challenge. The establishment of axenic seedling cultures is a prerequisite for hypocotyl-based regeneration and future genetic transformation pipelines, but hemp seeds harbour diverse endophytic microbial communities that frequently overwhelm standard surface sterilisation protocols. Here, we present a systematic comparative evaluation of seed sterilisation strategies across seven industrial hemp accessions, examining the effects of sterilisation chemistry, seed provenance and accession identity on both contamination outcome and the subsequent morphogenic competence of hypocotyl explants. Across all treatments and accessions, in-house glasshouse-harvested seeds achieved higher sterility rates than commercially sourced material regardless of protocol applied. This provenance effect, combined with considerable batch-to-batch variation within seed sources, indicates that contamination load is a primary determinant of successful hemp seed sterilisation. Among the sterilisation treatments evaluated, a baseline of 75% ethanol combined with sequential 1% hydrogen peroxide incubation performed consistently well for low-load seed batches, while supplementation with Plant Preservative Mixture (PPMTM) might be necessary to achieve acceptable rates of non-contaminated seedlings from high contamination load batches. Beyond their effect on contamination, sterilisation treatments influenced the morphogenic fate of hypocotyl explants independently of sterility outcomes. Notably, seedling treatment with the Prochloraz-based fungicide Octave promoted shoot and root co-regeneration in the absence of exogenous plant growth regulators in some cases. Hormone-free organogenesis from hypocotyl explants was achievable across multiple hemp accessions, demonstrating that this developmental capacity is broadly distributed within hemp, though its frequency and consistency varied with accession identity and protocol conditions. Together, these findings provide a practical framework for axenic hemp seed culture that can be used as starting point requiring local adaptation based on seed source, batch history and the intended downstream application.

Plant Biology↗

bioRxiv2026

GENE-FAM: An automated pipeline for mining gene families and its application to MADS-box genes in Cannabis sativa

Understanding how gene families evolve can offer great insight into adaptation at the phenotypic and ecological levels. This is particularly true in plants, where transcription factor gene families are often targeted for breeding programs to improve the agronomic traits of economically important crops. While recent advances in next generation sequencing have accelerated the wealth of genomics data, there remains a lack of accessible and reproducible genome mining pipelines tailored for gene family characterisation. Here, we address this gap by developing GENE-FAM, an automated, scalable and open-source pipeline designed to mine and predict gene families based on conserved domains and motifs. To illustrate its application, we apply GENE-FAM to annotate MADS-box transcription factor genes across multiple Cannabis sativa genomes. A comprehensive set of MADS-box genes was identified across three C. sativa cultivars, including both previously annotated and newly predicted genes. Through phylogenetic analyses, we confirm that all type II MADS-box gene subfamilies represented in flowering plants are present in C. sativa. Comparing our annotations with those of Arabidopsis thaliana and Solanum lycopersicum revealed that while most MADS type II families are highly conserved, SEPALLATA-like genes have undergone diversification in C. sativa. Together, these results demonstrate the application of GENE-FAM for genome-wide identification and characterisation of gene families in non-model species, revealing novel insights into MADS-box gene family evolution in C. sativa.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2026

Mind the translational gap: human microglia differ from mouse microglia in their regulation of Kv and Kir2.1 channels

K+ channels are important for controlling membrane potential and regulating functional properties of microglia. Whereas the inward-rectifying K+ (Kir) channel 2.1 modulates proliferation, voltage-gated K+ channels (Kv) are linked to inflammatory response in mouse microglia (mMG). These channels serve as possible drug targets but little is known regarding their activity in human microglia. We used patch-clamp recording to study membrane currents of primary human microglia (hMG) and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia-like cells (hiPSC-MGL) and compared them with mMG. Unlike mMG, hMG and hiPSC-MGL exhibited Kir2.1 currents only after LPS+IFN-{gamma} stimulation. Interestingly, Kv currents were not observed in hMG or hiPSC-MGL under any condition. While mMG had a progressively ameboid morphology after stimulation, hMG showed few morphological changes and hiPSC-MGL increased ramification. Overall, the activity of Kir2.1 and Kv channels in hMG and hiPSC-MGL differs fundamentally from mMG. Our findings highlight differences between species and underscore the need for translational approaches.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2026

Early Binding of Anti-Amyloid Antibodies to CAA Drives Complement Activation, Inflammation and ARIA in Mice

Anti-amyloid antibody treatment for Alzheimers disease is linked to Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA), including vasogenic edema (ARIA-E) and microhemorrhages (ARIA-H), especially in ApoE {varepsilon}4/4 carriers. To investigate mechanisms underlying ARIA, we examined the binding and temporal vascular effects of immunization with 3D6, the precursor to the anti-amyloid antibody bapineuzumab, in two aged Alzheimers disease amyloid mouse models. Acutely, 3D6 bound to cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), resulting in C1q binding and classical complement activation. Weekly short-term immunization over 7 weeks resulted in elevated CAA- and plaque-associated complement deposition, red blood cell extravasation and microhemorrhages, and was accompanied by significant transcriptomic changes in genes related to complement, inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and endothelial lipid responses. Longer-term dosing over 13-15 weeks further increased complement deposition and was associated with blood-brain barrier disruption, MMP-9 upregulation, and microhemorrhages, accompanied by reduced amyloid burden and modest CAA clearance. C3 levels correlated with microhemorrhage severity. Perivascular macrophages co-localized with complement-decorated CAA in 3D6-treated mice. These findings implicate complement activation as an early key driver of ARIA and suggest that therapeutic targeting of complement may reduce ARIA risk. O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=166 HEIGHT=200 SRC="FIGDIR/small/709591v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (61K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@14e1950org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@5ffad6org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@14d19a5org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@ceb5d8_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2025

Novel small molecule targeting PgQC reduces Porphyromonas gingivalis virulence

Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the periodontium, is primarily driven by dysbiotic of the oral microbiome with Porphyromonas gingivalis as a keystone pathogen. Current therapeutic approaches rely on mechanical debridement and antimicrobials, which face limitations including antibiotic resistance and microbiome disruption. Pathoblockers represent a novel therapeutic strategy that selectively targets virulence factors without bactericidal effects, potentially reducing resistance development while preserving beneficial microbiota. Here, we describe the characterization of S-0636, a novel reversible inhibitor of zinc-dependent glutaminyl cyclase (PgQC), as a compound to selectively suppress growth of P. gingivalis. The compounds effects was assessed through enzymatic assays, bacterial growth studies, virulence factor activity measurements (gingipain activity, hemagglutination, keratinocyte invasion), selectivity testing against commensal oral bacteria, resistance development analysis over 50 passages, and cytotoxicity evaluation in human cell lines. S-0636 demonstrated potent PgQC inhibition with a Ki value of 0.014 M and has successfully reduced the intracellular PgQC activity by 50% at 8 M and had no bactericidal effects. Treatment of P. gingivalis with S-0636 significantly decreased gingipain activity, impaired hemagglutination capacity, and reduced keratinocyte invasion by 76% at 62.5 M. The compound showed high selectivity, with no growth inhibition of ten tested oral commensal species at concentrations up to 0.25 mM. Importantly, no resistance development was observed after 50 bacterial passages, and cytotoxicity remained minimal in human cell lines with >80% viability at 0.5 mM. In previous studies, PgQC was suggested as an enzyme responsible for pGlu-modification and stabilization of bacterial virulence factors. The current study now validates PgQC as an attractive target for pathoblocker development, demonstrating that S-0636 effectively attenuates P. gingivalis pathogenicity through selective virulence factor inhibition while preserving bacterial viability and oral microbiome integrity. The absence of resistance development and low cytotoxicity profile support the potential clinical translation of this approach for periodontal disease management, representing a promising alternative to conventional antimicrobial therapies.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2025

An ancient X chromosomal region harbours three genes potentially controlling sex determination in Cannabis sativa

O_LISex determination mechanisms in dioecious plants remain poorly understood yet offer an excellent model system to study genetic changes underlying morphological evolution. C_LIO_LIWe investigated the genetic basis of sex determination in Cannabis sativa, combining QTL mapping in a segregating population, comparative transcriptomics between monoecious and dioecious cultivars, and a genomic analysis of X-Y chromosome divergence. C_LIO_LIQTL mapping identified Monoecy1, a locus on the X chromosome putatively controlling the monoecy-dioecy trait. This locus resides in the most ancient and diverged region of the sex chromosomes and contains three genes within 60,000 bp (CsREM16, lncREM16, and CsKAN4) with distinct sex-specific and monoecy-specific expression patterns. C_LIO_LIMonoecy1 harbours genes for male-female as well as monoecious-dioecious sex determination. We propose that the combinatorial interaction of CSREM16, lncREM16 and CsKAN4 provides a unifying genetic framework for understanding male-female and monoecious-dioecious sex determination in Cannabis sativa. C_LI

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2025

A simple and reliable PCR-based method to differentiate between XX and XY sex genotypes in Cannabis sativa

Cannabis sativa is mainly a dioecious plant, which means that female and male flowers develop on separate individuals, which is controlled by an XY sex determination system: females have two X chromosomes and male plants carry an X and a Y chromosome. C. sativa is a crop that has a wide variety of applications, some of which depend on the sex of the plant. Females are, for example, used for the cannabinoid production, as cannabinoids are produced in the female inflorescence. However, while adult C. sativa individuals present high sexual dimorphism, it is not possible to phenotypically distinguish male and female plants before flowering. Here we present the identification of a highly conserved sex marker, CsPDS5, and the development of a robust, reliable and affordable PCR-based method to determine the sex genotype. In contrast to other sex genotyping methods, our approach relies on a gene polymorphic between the X and Y chromosomes and therefore requires only a single PCR with one pair of primers. The method was tested in 14 cultivars and 6 crossings, with different tissues and developmental stages, on a total of 600 samples, with 100% accuracy. Our assay allows early sex identification and hemp selection, which is useful for both research and industrial purposes. Finally, the pipeline presented here to identify genes polymorphic between the X and Y chromosomes can serve to discover new sex markers, not only in C. sativa, but other dioecious plants and other organisms with 2 sexes.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2024

FT-like genes in Cannabis and hops: sex specific expression and copy-number variation may explain flowering time variation

Cannabis sativa is a fascinating, yet under-researched, species. To facilitate the global expansion of C. sativa cultivation a greater understanding of flowering time control is crucial. The PEBP gene family consists of universal promoters and repressors of flowering, with homologs of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) being highly conserved key regulators of flowering. FT encodes florigen, and balancing the florigen and anti-florigen signals is key for fine-tuning a crops flowering to local climatic conditions. Here, we provide an in-depth characterisation of the PEBP gene family in C. sativa and the closely related species H. lupulus. Phylogenetic analysis reveals expansion of FT and TFL1/CEN clades in the Cannabaceae. The retention of the duplicated PEBP genes likely has functional significance with divergent sequences and expression patterns hinting at signatures of sub-functionalisation. We speculate that duplicated PEBP genes have been crucial to the evolution of photoperiod insensitivity and sexually dimorphic flowering in C. sativa and harnessing the available genetic variation for these traits will be key for establishing this future crop.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2024

Morphological and genetic analysis of inflorescence and flower development in hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is one of the oldest cultivated crops, and its myriad of uses have fascinated humans for millennia. In contemporary agriculture, the seeds are used for high-quality oil, human food, and nutritional supplements. From female inflorescences, secondary compounds (cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids) are isolated that are implicated to have a wide range of medicinal applications. These elements provide hemp with significant market and research value and emphasise the need to thoroughly understand reproductive development in hemp. Here, we present a detailed morphological and molecular analysis of hemp inflorescence and flower development of the cultivar FINOLA. Hemp is unusual among flowering plants as it is dioecious, i.e. develops male and female plants. We define eight landmark events in male and female flower development and show that developmental differences between male and female plants extend beyond floral morphology, additionally comprising inflorescence structure as well as flowering time. Further, we demonstrate that the time of activation of key reproductive developmental regulators is significantly different in male and female hemp plants. Our comparison of male and female hemp plants shows that developmental pathways diverge very early, already at the two-leaf stage, laying a basis for further exploration into the genetics of sex determination of C. sativa.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2023

Exploring phenotypic and genetic variability in hemp (Cannabis sativa)

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a high-value multi-purpose crop with applications ranging from the medicinal use of its secondary metabolites to carbon-sequestering building materials. To fully capitalise on the potential of hemp as a crop for more sustainable agriculture, detailed phenotypic and genotypic characterizations are required in order to inform targeted breeding programmes. Here, we present a detailed morphological and genomic analysis of 10 hemp cultivars. We found high variability in agronomically important traits such as flowering time, plant height, and biomass in most of the hemp cultivars tested. Additionally, genotyping by sequencing demonstrates that genetic differences are pervasive, both between hemp cultivars as well as between individuals of a single cultivar. The significant genetic and phenotypic variability we observe in hemp contrasts with other crops, where cultivars are often phenotypically and genetically relatively uniform. We argue that the variability of hemp is an asset for breeding and increases the potential for further improvement of the crop but is also a challenge for todays highly automated agriculture that relies on phenotypic uniformity. Author summaryHemp (Cannabis sativa L.) stands as one of the earliest domesticated crops. This remarkable plant is a sustainable crop with high carbon sequestration capacity which can be cultivated for soil remediation. Furthermore, hemp oil and fibre are used for many applications ranging from cooking to manufacturing bioplastics, textiles, or building materials of superb characteristics, and its secondary metabolites are sought after because of their medicinal properties. However, in contrast to many modern crops, hemp exhibits extensive variability in key agricultural traits, such as plant height and flowering time. This variability presents a challenge for both farmers and processors. To unravel the fundamentals of hemp diversity we conducted a comprehensive study of phenotypic and genetic characterisation of ten diverse hemp cultivars. We present findings confirming substantial variability not only among individuals of different cultivars but also within the same cultivar. Additionally, we explore heterozygosity in the context of other hemp studies and other crops. Understanding this variability in the context of a single hemp cultivar and across multiple cultivars is paramount for breeding novel, more uniform hemp varieties which will allow us to unlock the full potential of hemp as a crop of the future.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2023

A FLOWERING LOCUS T ortholog is associated with photoperiod-insensitive flowering in hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an extraordinarily versatile crop, with applications ranging from medicinal compounds to seed oil and fibre products. Cannabis sativa is a short-day plant, and its flowering is tightly controlled by photoperiod. However, substantial genetic variation exists for photoperiod sensitivity in C. sativa, and photoperiod-insensitive ("autoflower") cultivars are available. Using a bi-parental mapping population and bulked segregant analysis, we identified Autoflower2, a 0.5 Mbp locus significantly associated with photoperiod-insensitive flowering in hemp. Autoflower2 contains an ortholog of the central flowering time regulator FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) from Arabidopsis thaliana which we termed CsFT1. Extensive sequence divergence between alleles of CsFT1 was identified between photoperiod-sensitive and insensitive cultivars of C. sativa, including a duplication of CsFT1 and sequence differences especially in introns. Genotyping of several mapping populations and a diversity panel confirmed a strong correlation between CsFT1 alleles and photoperiod response as well as affirming that at least two independent loci for this agriculturally important trait, Autoflower1 and Autoflower2, exist in the C. sativa gene pool. This study reveals the multiple independent origins of photoperiod insensitivity in C. sativa, supporting the likelihood of a complex domestication history in this species. By integrating the genetic relaxation of photoperiod sensitivity into novel C. sativa cultivars, expansion to higher latitudes will be permitted, thus allowing the full potential of this versatile crop to be reached.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2022

APP family member dimeric complexes are formed predominantly in synaptic compartments

The amyloid precursor protein (APP), a key player in Alzheimes disease (AD), is part of a larger gene family, including the APP like proteins APLP1 and APLP2. They share similar structures, form homo- and heterotypic dimers and exhibit overlapping functions. We investigated complex formation of the APP family members via two inducible dimerization systems, the FKBP-rapamycin based dimerization as well as cysteine induced dimerization, combined with coimmunoprecipitations and Blue Native (BN) gel analyses. Within the APP family, APLP1 shows the highest degree of dimerization and high molecular weight (HMW) complex formation. Interestingly, about 20% of APP is dimerized in cultured cells while about 50% of APP is dimerized in mouse brains, independent of age and splice forms. Furthermore, we could show that dimerized APP originates mostly from neurons and is enriched in synaptosomes. Finally, BN gel analysis of human cortex samples shows a significant decrease of APP dimers in AD patients compared to controls, suggesting that loss of dimers of full-length APP might correlate with loss of synapses in the process of AD.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2022

A protocol for rapid generation cycling (speed breeding) of hemp (Cannabis sativa) for research and agriculture

Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is a highly versatile multi-purpose crop with a multitude of applications, from textiles, biofuel and building material to high-value food products for consumer markets. Furthermore, non-hallucinogenic cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD), which can be extracted from female hemp flowers, are potentially valuable pharmacological compounds. In addition, hemp has high carbon sequestration potential due to its rapid growth rate. Therefore, the hemp industry is gaining more traction and breeding hemp cultivars adapted to local climate conditions or bred for specific applications is becoming increasingly important. Here, we present a method for rapid generation cycling (speed breeding) for hemp. The speed breeding protocol makes use of the photoperiod sensitivity of Cannabis. It encompasses vegetative growth of the plants for two weeks under continuous light, followed by flower induction, pollination and seed development for four weeks under short-day conditions and a seed ripening phase under continuous light and water stress. With the protocol introduced here, a generation time of under nine weeks (61 days) from seed to seed can be achieved. Our method furthermore synchronises flowering time of different hemp cultivars, thus facilitating crosses between cultivars. The extremely short generation time will enable hemp researchers and breeders to perform crosses in a time-efficient way and generate new hemp cultivars with defined genetic characteristics in a shorter amount of time.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2022

Helical ultrastructure of the oncogenic metalloprotease meprin α in complex with a small molecule hydroxamate inhibitor

The zinc-dependent metalloprotease meprin is predominantly expressed in the brush border membrane of proximal tubules in the kidney and enterocytes in the small intestine and colon. In normal tissue homeostasis meprin performs key roles in inflammation, immunity, and extracellular matrix remodelling. The latter activity is furthermore important for driving aggressive metastasis in the context of certain cancers such as colorectal carcinoma. Accordingly, meprin is the target of drug discovery programs. In contrast to meprin {beta}, meprin is secreted into the extracellular space, whereupon it oligomerises to form giant assemblies and is the largest extracellular protease identified to date (~6 MDa). Here, using cryo-electron microscopy, we determine the high-resolution structure of the zymogen and mature form of meprin , as well as the structure of the active form in complex with a prototype small molecule inhibitor and human fetuin-B. Our data reveal that meprin forms a giant, flexible, left-handed helical assembly of roughly 22 nm in diameter. We find that oligomerisation improves proteolytic and thermal stability but does not impact substrate specificity or enzymatic activity. Furthermore, structural comparison with meprin {beta} reveal unique features of the active site of meprin , and helical assembly more broadly.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2021

Ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier disruption improves anti-pyroglutamate3 Aβ antibody efficacy and enhances phagocyte infiltration into brain in aged Alzheimer's disease-like mice

Pyroglutamate-3 amyloid-{beta} (pGlu3 A{beta}) is an N-terminally modified, toxic form of amyloid-{beta} that is present in cerebral amyloid plaques and vascular deposits. Using the Fc-competent murine anti-pGlu3 A{beta} monoclonal antibody (mAb), 07/2a, we present here a nonpharmacological approach using focused ultrasound (FUS) with intravenous (i.v.) injection of microbubbles (MB) to facilitate i.v. delivery of the 07/2a mAb across the blood brain barrier (BBB) in order to improve A{beta} removal and restore memory in aged APP/PS1 mice, an Alzheimers disease (AD)-like model of amyloidogenesis. Compared to sham-treated controls, aged APP/PS1 mice treated with 07/2a immediately prior to FUS-mediated BBB disruption (mAb + FUS-BBBD combination treatment) showed significantly better spatial learning and memory in the Water T Maze. FUS-BBBD treatment alone improved contextual fear learning and memory in aged WT and APP/PS1 mice, respectively. APP/PS1 mice given the combination treatment had reduced A{beta}42 and pGlu3 A{beta} hippocampal plaque burden compared to PBS-treated APP/PS1 mice. Hippocampal synaptic puncta density and synaptosomal synaptic protein levels were also higher in APP/PS1 mice treated with 07/2a just prior to BBB disruption. Increased Iba-1+ microglia were observed in the hippocampi of AD mice treated with 07/2a with and without FUS-BBBD, and APP/PS1 mice that received hippocampal BBB disruption and 07/2a showed increased Ly6G+ monocytes in hippocampal CA3. FUS-induced BBB disruption did not increase the incidence of microhemorrhage in mice with or without 07/2a mAb treatment. Our findings suggest that FUS is useful tool that may enhance delivery of an anti-pGlu3 A{beta} mAb for immunotherapy. FUS-mediated BBB disruption in combination with the 07/2a mAb also appears to facilitate monocyte infiltration in this AD model. Overall, these effects resulted in greater sparing of synapses and improved cognitive function without causing overt damage, suggesting the possibility of FUS as a noninvasive method to increase the therapeutic efficacy in AD patients.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2019

Early-life environmental enrichment generates persistent individualized behavior in mice

Individuals differ in their response to environmental stimuli, but the stability of individualized behaviors and their associated changes in brain plasticity are poorly understood. We developed a novel model of enriched environment to longitudinally monitor 40 inbred mice exploring 35 connected cages over periods of three to six months. We show that behavioral individuality that emerged during the first three months of environmental enrichment persisted when mice were withdrawn from the enriched environment for three additional months. Behavioral trajectories were associated with stable inter-individual differences in adult hippocampal neurogenesis and persistent epigenetic effects on neuronal plasticity genes in the hippocampus. Using genome-wide DNA methylation sequencing, we show that one third of the DNA methylation changes were maintained after withdrawal from the enriched environment. Our results suggest that, even under the most constraint conditions controlling genes and environment, early-life experiences result in lasting individualized changes in behavior and brain plasticity.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2019

Genome-wide analysis of MIKC-type MADS-box genes in wheat: pervasive duplications may have facilitated adaptation to different environmental conditions

BackgroundWheat (Triticum aestivum) is one of the most important crops worldwide. Given a growing global population coupled with increasingly challenging climate and cultivation conditions, facilitating wheat breeding by fine-tuning important traits such as stress resistance, yield and plant architecture is of great importance. Since they are involved in virtually all aspects of plant development and stress responses, prime candidates for improving these traits are MIKC-type (type II) MADS-box genes.\n\nResultsWe present a detailed overview of number, phylogeny, and expression of 201 wheat MIKC-type MADS-box genes, which can be assigned to 15 subfamilies. Homoeolog retention is significantly above the average genome-wide retention rate for wheat genes, indicating that many MIKC-type homoeologs are functionally important and not redundant. Gene expression is generally in agreement with the expected subfamily-specific expression pattern, indicating broad conservation of function of MIKC-type genes during wheat evolution.\n\nWe find the extensive expansion of some MIKC-type subfamilies to be correlated with their chromosomal location and propose a link between MADS-box gene duplications and the adaptability of wheat. A number of MIKC-type genes encode for truncated proteins that lack either the DNA-binding or protein-protein interaction domain and occasionally show novel expression patterns, possibly pointing towards neofunctionalization.\n\nConclusionsConserved and neofunctionalized MIKC-type genes may have played an important role in the adaptation of wheat to a diversity of conditions, hence contributing to its importance as a global staple food. Therefore, we propose that MIKC-type MADS-box genes are especially well suited for targeted breeding approaches and phenotypic fine tuning.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2019

Calcium-dependent protein kinase 5 links calcium-signaling with SARD1-dependent immune memory in systemic acquired resistance

- Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) prepares infected plants for faster and stronger defense activation upon subsequent attacks. SAR requires an information relay from primary infection to distal tissue and the initiation and maintenance of a self-maintaining phytohormone salicylic acid (SA)-defense loop. - In spatial and temporal resolution we show that calcium-dependent protein kinase CPK5 contributes to immunity and SAR. In local basal resistance CPK5 functions upstream of SA-synthesis, -perception, and -signaling. In systemic tissue, enhanced CPK5 signaling leads to an accumulation of SAR marker genes including transcription factor Systemic Acquired Resistance Deficient 1 (SARD1). - Plants of enhanced CPK5-, but not CPK6-, signaling display a super-priming phenotype of enhanced resistance toward a secondary bacterial infection. In sard1 background, CPK5-mediated basal resistance is still mounted but systemic super-priming is lost. - The biochemical analysis determines CPK5 half maximal kinase activity for calcium K50 [Ca2+] to [~]100 nM close to the cytoplasmic resting level. This low activation threshold uniquely qualifies CPK5 to decode subtle changes in calcium prerequisite to immune signal relay and to onset and maintenance of priming at later time points in distal tissue. Our data explain why CPK5 functions as a hub in basal and systemic plant immunity.

plant biology↗