State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics

Nucleotide-binding, leucine-rich repeat (NLR) receptors are widespread intracellular immune sensors across kingdoms. Plant G10-type coiled-coil (CCG10)-NLRs constitute a distinct phylogenetic clade that remains poorly characterized. Here, we identified a gain-of-function mutant of wheat autoimmunity 3 (WAI3GOF), which encodes a constitutively active CCG10-NLR resulting from a residue substitution in the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) analysis reveals that activated WAI3 assembles into a distinctive octameric resistosome. Arabidopsis RPS2, another CCG10-NLR, also forms an octamer, indicating a conserved structural property across monocot and dicot plants. The WAI3 resistosome induces a prolonged and sustained increase in cytosolic calcium, likely facilitated by a unique channel architecture arising from its divergent coiled-coil (CC) domain configuration. Notably, this domain arrangement may be shared by plant NLRs that lack the conserved EDVID (Glu-Asp-Val-Ile-Asp) motif in their CC domains. Together, our findings uncover a conserved yet previously uncharacterized NLR resistosome structure and provide insights into the plant immune receptor plasticity.

Plant architecture, including plant height, tiller number, and leaf angle, is a critical determinant of rice yield. However, few genes have been identified that simultaneously regulate these traits and hold breeding value. We have previously shown that OsWRKY53 regulates the plant height and leaf angle via BR signalling. Here, we establish OsWRKY53 as a novel negative regulator of tillering in rice. The oswrky53 mutant exhibits a semi-dwarf stature coupled with increased tiller number, representing a promising agronomic combination. Genetic and molecular analyses reveal that OsWRKY53 acts as a direct transcriptional activator of OsTB1, thereby suppressing tiller formation. In addition, we found OsWRKY53 physically interacts with OsGT1, and their cooperative action synergistically enhances OsTB1 expression and suppresses tiller number. Intriguingly, the oswrky53 mutant exhibits reduced sensitivity to Strigolactone (SL) and increased SL contents. We further demonstrate that SL promotes degradation of OsWRKY53, and D53 interacts with and stabilises the OsWRKY53. Simultaneously, OsWRKY53 negatively regulates SL biosynthesis, enabling OsWRKY53 to function as a fine-tuning regulator in the SL signalling pathway. Furthermore, OsGT1 exhibits subspecies-specific regulation, with indica accessions carrying the OsGT1581T allele showing significantly enhanced tillering capacity compared to japonica varieties. These findings collectively reveal the mechanism by which OsWRKY53 regulates the formation of tillers in rice, providing new genetic targets for semi-dwarf and high-tillering rice breeding.

A new orchid species Ponerorchis milinensis, from Milin County, Xizang of China is described here on the basis of morphological characters and molecular phylogenetics. Ponerorchis milinensis is morphologically close to P. nana but readily distinguished from it by a set of vegetative and reproductive characters, including its plant size, the number of leaves per stem, size of flowers, lip features, and spur shape. Molecular phylogenetic study using two nuclear markers (nrITS and Xdh) and three plastid markers (matK, psbA-trnH, and trnL-F) showed that P. milinensis formed a clade with P. tibetica and P. farreri. Ponerorchis milinensis differs from the latter two species by having a 3-lobed lip, two calli at the entrance of spur and 3-lobed stigma.

ABSTRACTBackgroundXerosis, marked by a compromised skin barrier and disrupted lipid metabolism, leads to dryness, scaling, and itching. Ceramide and natural oil‐based moisturizers can improve skin hydration and barrier repair, but their effects on lipid networks and microbiome interactions have not been well understood.MethodsA multicenter, randomized, self‐controlled study was conducted to assess the efficacy of a body lotion formulated with ceramides and natural oils in the management of xerosis. The lotion was applied daily to one leg for 4 weeks, with the other leg as a control. Skin radiance, skin scaliness, skin smoothness, stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss, and pH were measured at various intervals. Lipidomics and microbiomics analyses evaluated changes in lipid metabolism and microbial structure.ResultsThe body lotion enhanced skin hydration, radiance, and smoothness, while decreasing TEWL and scaling. Lipidomics showed higher levels of essential lipids in the treatment group. Microbiome analysis revealed increased diversity, with more Firmicutes and Cutibacterium and less Proteobacteria, indicating improved skin barrier and microbial balance.ConclusionThis body lotion effectively alleviates dryness, significantly improving skin hydration, barrier function, and texture. It achieves these benefits by restoring the skin's lipid balance and optimizing the microbial community, with lipid‐microbiome crosstalk identified as a key mechanism. This multi‐omics insight provides a foundation for the targeted management of dry skin.

<title>Abstract</title> Foxtail millet has lagged in yield due to suboptimal architecture. Here we report a telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of the dwarf, more-tillering cultivar Dungu and identify SiSD1, which encodes GA20ox2, through map-based cloning. A loss-of-function sisd1 allele reduces bioactive gibberellins, conferring semi-dwarfism, increased tillering and panicle number, and higher yield across densities. Unlike rice SD1, sisd1 enhances ammonium uptake yet limits ammonium assimilation and nitrate uptake, reshaping nitrogen metabolism. Critically, the semi-dominantly heterozygous SiSD1/sisd1 in F1 hybrids optimally balances stature, tillering, and nitrogen acquisition to drive yield heterosis.Field trials and genotype surveys confirm the prevalence of this allele in elite commercial hybrids, including the Zhangzagu series. Surprisingly, D157E substitution in SiSD1 relative to its wild progenitor attenuates GA biosynthesis and was favored during domestication. Collectively, SiSD1 functions as a pleiotropic integrator of development and nutrient physiology, and the strategic deployment of its heterozygosity offers a targeted breeding paradigm for crop improvement.

Rice blast, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, severely impacts rice yield and quality. Plants possess intricate molecular mechanisms to recognize and respond to pathogen infections. In this study, we demonstrated that the infection of M. oryzae induces the expression of prePSK, the precursor of the endogenous small peptide, phytosulfokine, in rice. The exogenous application of active PSKα significantly enhances rice resistance to rice blast. Conversely, the PSK septuple mutant exhibits reduced resistance against M. oryzae, indicating the involvement of PSK in the defense response against rice blast. Through genetic and biochemical evidence, we identified OsPSKR2 as a functional PSK receptor that is essential for PSK-mediated rice blast resistance. Intriguingly, the overexpression of OsPSKR2 promotes the expression of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes and increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, thus strengthening rice blast resistance without negatively affecting plant growth or yield. Moreover, we established that the OsPSK-PSKR2 signaling cascade, whose activity depends on OsTPST-mediated PSK tyrosine sulfation, is necessary for immunity against both rice blast and leaf blight. Thus, our study elucidates the role of PSK-PSKR module in broad-spectrum disease resistance in rice.