Researchers explain the regulatory mechanism of dormancy genes

30 Dec 2024
595

At the XI National Congress on Plant Breeding, cherry trees were also discussed, with a particular focus on the winter dormancy period. In recent years, in fact, it has been observed that transcription factors known in English as "dormancy associated mads box" (abbreviated as DAM) are involved in both the entry and exit from the dormancy period, although the regulatory mechanism is still not fully understood.

In other fruit crops belonging to the Rosaceae family, however, it has been observed that alternative splicing could play a role in this process. Alternative splicing is a fundamental biological phenomenon that serves to amplify protein variety within eukaryotic cells, allowing a single gene to encode multiple protein isoforms, each with specific biological functions.

It has been observed that this mechanism plays an important role against biotic and abiotic stresses as well as in the regulation of flowering and the circadian cycle. The aim of the work presented in Cáceres (Spain) was to study the relationship between the expression of PavDAM genes throughout the entire winter dormancy period, that is, from the onset of dormancy until the beginning of bud break (from October to February).

The researchers considered three cherry varieties, each with different chilling requirements: "Cristobalina," "Burlat," and "Vic." The preliminary results of the study indicate that alternative splicing could occur at certain times during the winter dormancy period. For the DAM-3 gene, various bands were observed in all three varieties and at all sampling times, which seems to indicate post-transcriptional regulation through alternative splicing of this gene.

For the DAM-4 gene, however, a possible alternative splicing was observed in all samples but only for the "Cristobalina" variety, which could mean that this variety has a different expression for this gene compared to the others. The researchers hypothesize that the observed difference could be due to the variety's lower chilling requirement, which causes it to emerge from winter dormancy first.

These results, therefore, show the possible regulation of DAM genes through the alternative splicing mechanism also in cherry. Furthermore, it is also likely that the activation of this mechanism varies during the winter period, depending on the specific characteristics of each variety. In conclusion, plant breeding plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and addressing current environmental challenges.

Emerging genetic improvement techniques offer significant opportunities to fully understand the biological mechanisms of crops, which in turn can enable the development of more resilient and productive crops. However, it is essential to continue investing in research and international collaboration to ensure that these innovations are accessible and applicable on a global scale. The synergy between science, agriculture, and communities is fundamental for the future of fruit cultivation.

Source: Martínez-Romera, N., Wunsch, A., Gracia, A. P., Girón, M., Calle, A., & Hedhly, A. (2024). Alternative splicing como mecanismo de regulación en la expresión de los genes DAM en cerezo. En: López, M., Guerra, M.E., Ramos, M. & Galán, A.J. (eds.) (2024). XI Congreso Nacional de Mejora Genética de Plantas (Actas de Horticultura nº 97) (pp. 172-175). SECH. http://hdl.handle.net/10532/7283.
Images: SL Fruit Service

Melissa Venturi
University of Bologna (IT)


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Collecting data on varietal behaviour will be crucial for Chilean research according to Álvaro Sepúlveda

Tech management Press review

13 Feb 2024

Thanks to regional funds granted by the Maule Regional Government, it was possible to formalise a research project to find out how the varieties were responding to a much-changed climate in the central zone, which generated a lot of uncertainty this season.

New Chilean variety selections thanks to INIA and Biofrutales

Breeding

03 Dec 2024

During the months of October and November consecutive field days were held where producers and exporters had the opportunity to learn about the potential of various cherry selections. The activities provided an opportunity to evaluate early selections and late selections.

In evidenza

Cherries from Peru: a new competitor in the global market

Markets

01 Apr 2025

Peru explores cherry production with the aim of entering the Chinese market before Chile. The first exports are expected as early as next season, but experts estimate up to 10 years for significant volumes.

How altitude influences sweet cherry quality: study on four cultivars

Quality

01 Apr 2025

Altitude changes the quality of cherries, affecting organic acids and phenolic compounds. A study in Turkey on four cultivars grown at 200 and 800 m revealed changes in the nutritional profile, improving flavour and antioxidant properties of the fruit.

Tag Popolari