A long noncoding RNA HILinc1 enhances pear thermotolerance by stabilizing PbHILT1 transcripts through complementary...

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Global warming intensifies, leading to increased heat stress impacting crop production and quality.
• Thermotolerance is a critical trait for crop survival and yield under adverse environmental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the role of Heat-induced long intergenic noncoding RNA 1 (HILinc1) in regulating thermotolerance in pear (Pyrus spp.).
• To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which HILinc1 enhances heat response in pear plants.

Main Methods:

• Identification and characterization of HILinc1 and its target transcript, PbHILT1.
• Analysis of the interaction between PbHILT1 and Heat shock transcription factor A1b (PbHSFA1b).
• Gene expression analysis and functional validation through transient overexpression and silencing experiments in pear.

Main Results:

• HILinc1, a cytoplasm-enriched lincRNA, was found to stabilize its target transcript, PbHILT1, thereby upregulating its expression.
• PbHILT1 binds to PbHSFA1b, enhancing its transcriptional activity and leading to the upregulation of Multiprotein bridging factor 1c (PbMBF1c).
• Overexpression of HILinc1 or PbHILT1 enhanced pear thermotolerance, while silencing decreased it.

Conclusions:

• HILinc1 plays a key role in enhancing pear thermotolerance.
• A novel regulatory pathway involving HILinc1, PbHILT1, PbHSFA1b, and PbMBF1c is identified for heat stress response in pear.
• This mechanism enhances thermotolerance through stabilization of PbHILT1 transcripts, offering potential targets for crop improvement.