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Updated: Jun 13, 2025

A Simple Protocol for Mapping the Plant Root System Architecture Traits
Published on: February 10, 2023
The soybean NUCLEAR FACTOR-Y C4 and α-EXPANSIN 7 module influences phosphorus uptake by regulating root morphology
Xiaoqian Liu1,2, Yupeng Cai1, Weiwei Yao1
1State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
Abstract:
Soybean (Glycine max) is a globally important crop; however, its productivity is severely impacted by phosphorus (P) deficiency. Understanding the transcriptional regulation of low P (LP) response mechanisms is essential for enhancing soybean P use efficiency. In this study, we found that the Nuclear Factor-Y (NF-Y) transcription factor GmNF-YC4, in addition to its previously discovered role in regulating flowering time, possesses other functions in modulating root morphology and P uptake. Knockout of GmNF-YC4 notably boosted root proliferation and P uptake while also influencing the expression of genes related to LP stress. GmNF-YC4 acts as a specific DNA-binding transcriptional repressor, modulating the expression of the soybean α-EXPANSIN 7 (GmEXPA7) gene, which encodes a cell-wall-loosening factor, through direct binding to its promoter region. Further investigation revealed that GmEXPA7 expression is predominantly root-specific and induced by LP. Moreover, overexpression of GmEXPA7 in soybean hairy roots enhanced LP tolerance by stimulating root growth and P uptake. We further screened and obtained more potential target genes of GmNF-YC4 via DNA affinity purification sequencing, including those related to LP stress. These findings underscore the pivotal role of the GmNF-YC4-GmEXPA7 module as a key regulator in mitigating LP stress in soybeans.
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