Work

A single TCP transcription factor modulates leaf size in Citrus

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Leaf morphology is a key adaptive and agronomic trait that influences the efficiency of photosynthesis. However, the mechanisms controlling leaf size and shape in Citrus remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that CsTCP2 is a key regulator of leaf cell differentiation and maturation. CRISPR-Cas9 knockout of CsTCP2 led to significantly enlarged leaves, primarily due to increases in both cell size and cell number. An integrated analysis of data from RNA-seq and DAP-seq experiments revealed that CsTCP2 coordinates leaf development by directly regulating the expression of multiple genes that encode transcription factors. In cstcp2 mutants, expression of CsTCP2 , CsYAB1, and CsIAA14 was downregulated, while CsWOX4 , CsGRF5 , and CsXTH6 were upregulated. We further demonstrate that CsTCP2 directly binds the CsGRF5 promoter and represses its expression. Our findings establish a CsTCP2-CsGRF5 module that promotes leaf differentiation and maturation, providing key genetic insights for improving citrus leaf traits.

Source: Horticultural Plant Journal

DOI: 10.1016/j.hpj.2025.11.003

Authors: Yongdong Yu, Yaoyuan Duan, Ruoya Zhao, Fei Zhang

Institution: Huazhong Agricultural University

Language: English

Topic: Plant Molecular Biology Research

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000