Light-Regulated Reprogramming in Moss: SHMT1 Mediates Blue Light Enhancement of Cell Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Plant biology
• Molecular biology
• Cellular reprogramming

Background:

• Cellular reprogramming is induced by external stimuli like hormones and stresses.
• No molecular links between light conditions and cellular reprogramming were previously established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of blue light (BL) on cellular reprogramming in Physcomitrium patens.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying BL-induced cellular reprogramming.

Main Methods:

• Single-cell RNA sequencing of protoplasts under different light conditions (control, BL, white light).
• Spearman correlation analysis and qRT-PCR to identify key genes.
• Gene expression analysis in protoplasts and plant tissues with altered SHMT1 levels.

Main Results:

• Blue light (BL) significantly accelerated cellular reprogramming in Physcomitrium patens protoplasts.
• The serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1 (SHMT1) gene was identified as a key mediator, upregulated by BL.
• Overexpression of SHMT1 accelerated regeneration, while its absence inhibited it.

Conclusions:

• Blue light promotes cellular reprogramming in plants through the upregulation of SHMT1.
• This study reveals a novel molecular pathway connecting light signaling to cellular reprogramming in plants.