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2. Sept. 2024
Researchers from CEITEC Masaryk University (MUNI) have succeeded in proving that some of the processes by which plants cope with environmental stress and which have so far been demonstrated in the experimental plant Arabidopsis thaliana also work in common crops such as oilseed rape (Brassica napus). It doesn’t seem worth noting but going from “lab mouse” to real object is a big (and very expensive) step in science. These findings bring the scientists closer to practical solutions – making crops more resilient to adverse conditions.
In today’s world where climate change poses increasing risks to human nourishment, finding ways to make crops more resilient is crucial. Stronger, more adaptable plants mean more reliable food sources and potentially lower costs for farmers and consumers alike.
A team from CEITEC MUNI headed by Jan Hejátko studied how crop plants react to stress caused by cold temperatures and saline soils. At the heart of their discovery are special genes called type-A response regulators (RRAs). These genes respond very quickly by producing special proteins that act as tiny but powerful guardians, helping plants successfully face challenges such as cold temperatures or increased salt content in the soil. The researchers identified new RRA genes in oilseed rape species that share a high degree of sequence identity with those in Arabidopsis thaliana, a widely used model plant known for its key role in genetic research. Translated into plain language, this means that specific responses to environmental stress are inherent in other plant species as the genes underlying this type of stress response have retained their function over the course of evolution.
A key aspect of the research published in the Journal of Experimental Botany involved studying another group of genes called type-B response regulators (RRBs). These genes work closely with RRAs to manage the plant's response to environmental stimuli. “We joined forces with other CEITEC colleagues from Helene Robert Boisivon’s research group, who managed a highly specialised and demanding process and prepared a transgene oilseed rape for our experiments which is a highly specialised and difficult process. Using these genetically modified oilseed rape plants we discovered that the response to cold stress is mediated largely by a plant hormone called cytokinin,” says Katrina Leslie Nicolas Malá from Jan Hejátko’s research group. “When oilseed rapes experience cold stress, cytokinins activate RRB genes which in turn play a critical role by triggering the RRAs genes. Once activated, the RRAs help the plants adjust to the cold and continue to grow,“ sums up Jan Skalák, one of the corresponding authors of the study.
By demonstrating this connection, the research revealed how cytokinins are involved in the plant's ability to cope with stressful environmental conditions.
“At scientific conferences, we often talk about the need to find ways to use our laboratory findings in the real world. I therefore consider it a huge success that we have been able to verify the regulatory mechanism described for Arabidopsis thaliana on such an economically important crop such as oilseed rape," concludes Jan Hejátko. The findings of the research team provide valuable insights into how we might develop more resilient crop varieties.
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