@article{saarenpaa_norway_2026,
	title = {Norway spruce spatiotemporal programs of conifer reproductive development},
	issn = {0092-8674},
	url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867426010068},
	doi = {10.1016/j.cell.2026.08.033},
	abstract = {Conifers are essential components of forest ecosystems; however, their reproductive development remains largely understudied due to their genomes’ complexity. Here, we present a time-resolved spatial transcriptomics (ST) atlas of 88 tissue sections across three time points from developing reproductive and vegetative shoots in wild-type Norway spruce (Picea abies), as well as transition shoots from the acrocona mutant. By studying their different spatiotemporal gene expression dynamics, we identified molecular processes active during the vegetative-to-reproductive shift and their specific spatial domains in the shoots. We also identified and experimentally characterized the MADS-box gene DAL55, which is active during lateral organ development. Moreover, we shed light on the evolutionary relationships between gymnosperm and angiosperm YABBY genes, responsible for inner or outer cell layers in complex structures. Overall, our spatiotemporal atlas identifies genes, pathways, and evolutionary relationships associated with plant reproductive organs, providing a valuable resource for studying conifer reproductive development.},
	urldate = {2026-09-18},
	journal = {Cell},
	author = {Saarenpää, Sami and Zivi, Nathan and Masarapu, Yuvarani and Mishra, Laxmi S. and Rouot, Sofia and Orozco, Alina and Herrera-Foessel, Sybil A. and Ahlgren Kalman, Teitur and Liva, Mario and Yadav, Sonam and Englund, Marie and Street, Nathaniel R. and Sundström, Jens F. and Giacomello, Stefania},
	month = sep,
	year = {2026},
	keywords = {conifer development, evo-devo, evolution, gene expression, plants, regulatory networks, reproductive development, spatial transcriptomics, spatiotemporal},
}

Conifers are essential components of forest ecosystems; however, their reproductive development remains largely understudied due to their genomes’ complexity. Here, we present a time-resolved spatial transcriptomics (ST) atlas of 88 tissue sections across three time points from developing reproductive and vegetative shoots in wild-type Norway spruce (Picea abies), as well as transition shoots from the acrocona mutant. By studying their different spatiotemporal gene expression dynamics, we identified molecular processes active during the vegetative-to-reproductive shift and their specific spatial domains in the shoots. We also identified and experimentally characterized the MADS-box gene DAL55, which is active during lateral organ development. Moreover, we shed light on the evolutionary relationships between gymnosperm and angiosperm YABBY genes, responsible for inner or outer cell layers in complex structures. Overall, our spatiotemporal atlas identifies genes, pathways, and evolutionary relationships associated with plant reproductive organs, providing a valuable resource for studying conifer reproductive development.

@article{ye_larch_2026,
	title = {The larch {DAL1} interacts with {PEBP} family genes to regulate the annual growth cycle},
	volume = {202},
	issn = {0032-0889},
	url = {https://doi.org/10.1093/plphys/kiag626},
	doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiag626},
	abstract = {Boreal and temperate perennial woody plants coordinate annual growth cycle with seasonal environmental changes with age-dependent phenological differences. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain limited. In this study, we demonstrated that the MADS-box transcription factor DAL1 in Larix kaempferi (Japanese larch) directly regulates the expression of PEBP family genes LkFT1 and LkMFT to govern the annual growth cycle. LkDAL1 binds to the LkFT1 promoter to repress its expression, and to the LkMFT promoter to activate its expression. LkFT1 is highly expressed in the dormant stage, with its expression increased by short day and decreased by winter low temperature and subsequent spring warm temperature, whereas LkMFT is highly expressed in the active stage, with its expression decreased by short day. Notably, when it comes to tree age, LkFT1 is highly expressed in dormant young trees, LkMFT is highly expressed in active adult trees, and LkDAL1 expression levels increase with age in both dormant and active trees. Further, transient overexpression of LkFT1 in dormant larch delays bud break, that of LkMFT promotes bud break, and that of LkDAL1 promotes bud break; in addition, stable overexpression of LkDAL1 in poplar also promotes bud break. Moreover, overexpression of LkFT1 or LkMFT promotes flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana. Together, these findings uncover a novel mechanism in which the LkDAL1–PEBP module regulates the annual growth cycle in larch, providing new insights into age-dependent phenological differences in conifers.},
	number = {1},
	urldate = {2026-09-18},
	journal = {Plant Physiology},
	author = {Ye, Zha-Long and Nong, Man-Li and Liao, Tang-Quan and Kang, Yan-Hui and Wang, Cong-Li and Cheng, Dong-Xia and Sun, Xiaomei and Li, Wanfeng},
	month = sep,
	year = {2026},
	pages = {kiag626},
}

Boreal and temperate perennial woody plants coordinate annual growth cycle with seasonal environmental changes with age-dependent phenological differences. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain limited. In this study, we demonstrated that the MADS-box transcription factor DAL1 in Larix kaempferi (Japanese larch) directly regulates the expression of PEBP family genes LkFT1 and LkMFT to govern the annual growth cycle. LkDAL1 binds to the LkFT1 promoter to repress its expression, and to the LkMFT promoter to activate its expression. LkFT1 is highly expressed in the dormant stage, with its expression increased by short day and decreased by winter low temperature and subsequent spring warm temperature, whereas LkMFT is highly expressed in the active stage, with its expression decreased by short day. Notably, when it comes to tree age, LkFT1 is highly expressed in dormant young trees, LkMFT is highly expressed in active adult trees, and LkDAL1 expression levels increase with age in both dormant and active trees. Further, transient overexpression of LkFT1 in dormant larch delays bud break, that of LkMFT promotes bud break, and that of LkDAL1 promotes bud break; in addition, stable overexpression of LkDAL1 in poplar also promotes bud break. Moreover, overexpression of LkFT1 or LkMFT promotes flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana. Together, these findings uncover a novel mechanism in which the LkDAL1–PEBP module regulates the annual growth cycle in larch, providing new insights into age-dependent phenological differences in conifers.

@article{kowalczyk_structure_2026,
	title = {From structure to application: the versatile cell walls of {Chlorophyta}},
	volume = {460},
	issn = {0960-8524},
	shorttitle = {From structure to application},
	url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960852426014410},
	doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135359},
	abstract = {Microalgae hold great promise as sustainable feedstocks for a broad spectrum of biotechnological applications. However, their use is still constrained by the significant financial and energy demands of downstream processing, particularly biomass harvesting and extraction of high-value metabolites. A major barrier represents their robust, often biochemically complex cell wall that hinders efficient processing. Because cell-wall biosynthesis consumes large amounts of photosynthetically fixed carbon, the wall itself represents not only a major metabolic investment but also a largely untapped, renewable bioresource with significant industrial potential. To advance algal biotechnology, comprehensive knowledge of cell-wall structure, biosynthesis, and variability is essential. However, for Chlorophyta—the green algae most frequently used in biotechnological applications—available information on cell-wall composition remains fragmented. Existing studies often describe divergent or even contradictory findings, reflecting the remarkable diversity of cell-wall architectures within this phylum. This review addresses this knowledge gap by synthesizing and critically evaluating current research on Chlorophyta cell walls. An outline of the major structural components reported across species, including polysaccharides, glycoproteins and algaenan-like materials is provided. In addition, current industrial applications of these cell-wall components—ranging from biomaterials and bioactive compounds to environmentally friendly polymers—are discussed, along with their potential roles in future biotechnological innovations. By integrating these scattered data, the review aims to provide a unified perspective that supports both fundamental research and practical application. Ultimately, this review seeks to facilitate the development of more efficient biotechnological processes and to advance a more sustainable bioeconomy by strengthening the understanding of the biochemistry of Chlorophyta cell walls.},
	urldate = {2026-09-18},
	journal = {Bioresource Technology},
	author = {Kowalczyk, Justyna and Malec, Przemysław and Funk, Christiane},
	month = nov,
	year = {2026},
	keywords = {Biotechnological applications, Cell wall, Chlorophyta, Extracellular compartment, Green algae, Microalgae},
	pages = {135359},
}

Microalgae hold great promise as sustainable feedstocks for a broad spectrum of biotechnological applications. However, their use is still constrained by the significant financial and energy demands of downstream processing, particularly biomass harvesting and extraction of high-value metabolites. A major barrier represents their robust, often biochemically complex cell wall that hinders efficient processing. Because cell-wall biosynthesis consumes large amounts of photosynthetically fixed carbon, the wall itself represents not only a major metabolic investment but also a largely untapped, renewable bioresource with significant industrial potential. To advance algal biotechnology, comprehensive knowledge of cell-wall structure, biosynthesis, and variability is essential. However, for Chlorophyta—the green algae most frequently used in biotechnological applications—available information on cell-wall composition remains fragmented. Existing studies often describe divergent or even contradictory findings, reflecting the remarkable diversity of cell-wall architectures within this phylum. This review addresses this knowledge gap by synthesizing and critically evaluating current research on Chlorophyta cell walls. An outline of the major structural components reported across species, including polysaccharides, glycoproteins and algaenan-like materials is provided. In addition, current industrial applications of these cell-wall components—ranging from biomaterials and bioactive compounds to environmentally friendly polymers—are discussed, along with their potential roles in future biotechnological innovations. By integrating these scattered data, the review aims to provide a unified perspective that supports both fundamental research and practical application. Ultimately, this review seeks to facilitate the development of more efficient biotechnological processes and to advance a more sustainable bioeconomy by strengthening the understanding of the biochemistry of Chlorophyta cell walls.

@article{dagostino_secondary_2026,
	title = {Secondary growth and exodermal barriers shape local root hydraulics: modelling insights in tomato},
	volume = {8},
	issn = {2517-5025},
	shorttitle = {Secondary growth and exodermal barriers shape local root hydraulics},
	url = {https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diag022},
	doi = {10.1093/insilicoplants/diag022},
	abstract = {Root water uptake efficiency depends on root system architecture and anatomical features of individual root segments. Beyond cell wall, membrane, and plasmodesmata hydraulic properties, root anatomy critically influences profiles of radial conductivity and axial conductance. While these structural factors have been well-characterized in monocotyledons, their role in dicotyledons, where developmental anatomy, secondary growth, and hydrophobic barrier dynamics differ, remains poorly understood. Here, we integrate structural and functional models to assess how dicotyledon-specific anatomy, hydrophobic depositions (suberin/lignin in exo-/endodermis), and aquaporin contribution influence root hydraulics. Using tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. Moneymaker) as a dicotyledon model, our simulations show that:– Exodermal suberin has negligible effects on radial conductivity when an impermeable lignin cap is present, and exodermal barriers are less effective than endodermal ones.– Secondary growth and dicotyledon-specific anatomy are essential for sustaining high axial conductance, ensuring efficient water uptake across soil profiles and maintaining root system hydraulic conductance.},
	number = {2},
	urldate = {2026-09-18},
	journal = {in silico Plants},
	author = {D’Agostino, Marco and Schoppach, Rémy and Heymans, Adrien and Couvreur, Valentin and Lobet, Guillaume},
	month = jul,
	year = {2026},
	pages = {diag022},
}

Root water uptake efficiency depends on root system architecture and anatomical features of individual root segments. Beyond cell wall, membrane, and plasmodesmata hydraulic properties, root anatomy critically influences profiles of radial conductivity and axial conductance. While these structural factors have been well-characterized in monocotyledons, their role in dicotyledons, where developmental anatomy, secondary growth, and hydrophobic barrier dynamics differ, remains poorly understood. Here, we integrate structural and functional models to assess how dicotyledon-specific anatomy, hydrophobic depositions (suberin/lignin in exo-/endodermis), and aquaporin contribution influence root hydraulics. Using tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. Moneymaker) as a dicotyledon model, our simulations show that:– Exodermal suberin has negligible effects on radial conductivity when an impermeable lignin cap is present, and exodermal barriers are less effective than endodermal ones.– Secondary growth and dicotyledon-specific anatomy are essential for sustaining high axial conductance, ensuring efficient water uptake across soil profiles and maintaining root system hydraulic conductance.

@article{goretti_methylosome_2026,
	title = {Methylosome and {SMN} complexes are dispensable for plant viability in {Arabidopsis} thaliana},
	issn = {0032-0889},
	url = {https://doi.org/10.1093/plphys/kiag667},
	doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiag667},
	abstract = {The role of RNA splicing as a modulator of the molecular responses to stress is well described. In contrast, its importance in the acclimation of plants to changes in ambient temperatures has only recently started to emerge. Here, we analyzed the role of temperature in regulating the functionality of factors associated with snRNP biogenesis, a key process underlying pre-mRNA splicing. Taking advantage of mutants showing temperature-dependent phenotypes, we conducted a comprehensive study of the role that the methylosome and SMN complexes have in plant development. Genetic, phylogenetic, and confocal analyses, as well as in vivo and in vitro evidence, reveal remarkable differences in the composition and importance of these complexes between plants and vertebrate animals. The SMN complex in Arabidopsis is apparently reduced to a single protein, GEMIN2, that is not essential for plant development, and the existence of a SMN ortholog is uncertain. Similarly, components of the methylosome previously implicated in snRNP biogenesis are not essential for plant viability. Our results suggest that factors considered central to snRNP biogenesis in animals have less crucial roles in plants and highlight how an evolutionarily conserved molecular process like RNA splicing has nevertheless evolved plant specific characteristics.},
	urldate = {2026-09-11},
	journal = {Plant Physiology},
	author = {Goretti, Daniela and Collani, Silvio and Nardeli, Sarah Muniz and Ratnakaram, Hemamshu and Robert, Stéphanie and Schmid, Markus},
	month = sep,
	year = {2026},
	pages = {kiag667},
}

The role of RNA splicing as a modulator of the molecular responses to stress is well described. In contrast, its importance in the acclimation of plants to changes in ambient temperatures has only recently started to emerge. Here, we analyzed the role of temperature in regulating the functionality of factors associated with snRNP biogenesis, a key process underlying pre-mRNA splicing. Taking advantage of mutants showing temperature-dependent phenotypes, we conducted a comprehensive study of the role that the methylosome and SMN complexes have in plant development. Genetic, phylogenetic, and confocal analyses, as well as in vivo and in vitro evidence, reveal remarkable differences in the composition and importance of these complexes between plants and vertebrate animals. The SMN complex in Arabidopsis is apparently reduced to a single protein, GEMIN2, that is not essential for plant development, and the existence of a SMN ortholog is uncertain. Similarly, components of the methylosome previously implicated in snRNP biogenesis are not essential for plant viability. Our results suggest that factors considered central to snRNP biogenesis in animals have less crucial roles in plants and highlight how an evolutionarily conserved molecular process like RNA splicing has nevertheless evolved plant specific characteristics.