Genome-wide identification and cold stress expression of inducer of CBF expression (ICE) transcription factors in Taraxacum kok-saghyz.
Tan S, Chen J, Wen Z, Wu X, Liu S
Cold Tolerance
Russian dandelion grows in cold climates where rubber trees cannot, and understanding how it survives frost could help breed hardier natural rubber crops that reduce dependence on tropical plantations.
Plants have a set of genes that act like emergency switches, turning on a cold-protection program when temperatures fall. Researchers found and studied seven of these switch genes in Russian dandelion — a plant that produces natural rubber and can grow in cold regions. They discovered that most of these genes spring into action under cold conditions, and one of them appears to play a role in both cold protection and controlling tiny pores on leaves.
Key Findings
7 ICE cold-response genes were identified in Russian dandelion across its whole genome, with most showing increased activity under cold stress and cold acclimation.
The gene family expanded primarily through whole-genome and segmental duplication, and Russian dandelion's ICE gene promoters contain significantly more stress- and hormone-responsive elements than those of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis).
One gene, TksICE6, was confirmed to activate inside the cell nucleus and physically interacts with proteins linked to cold signal transmission and stomatal (leaf pore) development.
chevron_right Technical Summary
Scientists mapped the full family of cold-stress 'master switch' genes in Russian dandelion, a rubber-producing plant, and showed that several of them activate when temperatures drop, helping the plant survive cold. One gene in particular interacts with proteins involved in cold signaling and even leaf pore development.
Abstract Preview
Low-temperature stress severely restricts plant growth and agricultural production. The INDUCER OF CBF EXPRESSION (ICE) transcription factors are key regulators of the plant cold response. To inves...
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Taraxacum kok-saghyz, often abbreviated as TKS and commonly referred to as the Kazakh dandelion, rubber root, or Russian dandelion, is a species of dandelion native to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, notable for its production of high-quality rubber. T. kok-saghyz was discovered in Kazakhs...