Work

Transcriptomic analyses reveal common heterophylly regulations in eight amphibious eudicots

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Heterophylly, the ability of plants to produce various leaf forms in response to environments, is widely seen in nature. Aquatic plants emerged from various lineages of land plants, and amphibious species are those that can survive in both terrestrial and submerged conditions. In this study, we conducted phenotypical studies and transcriptomic analyses of eight amphibious eudicots. We quantified leaf shape changes under terrestrial and submerged conditions and found that dissection index is a proper indicator to quantify leaf complexity among heterophyllous species. We identified groups of differentially expressed genes related to heterophylly, mainly in terms of leaf shape, stomata development, and phytohormone biosynthesis. Different heterophyllous species have diverse regulations of leaf shape, and we verified the function of candidate class I KNOTTED1-LIKE HOMEOBOX genes using transgenic Arabidopsis lines. Stomatal densities are commonly decreased underwater, and genes related to their development are also downregulated. Abscisic acid may be a key factor regulating heterophylly, and CATALASE genes are upregulated under submergence. Our study has uncovered common and special characteristics among eight amphibious eudicots, providing resources to reveal mechanisms of heterophylly and convergent evolution.

Source: Plant and Cell Physiology

DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcag037

Authors: Gaojie Li, Tomoaki Sakamoto, Seisuke Kimura, Hongwei Hou

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology

Language: English

Topic: Plant Molecular Biology Research

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,085

Funder: Chinese Academy of Sciences