MdHB7 enhances apple basal thermotolerance by activating ROS scavenging and lignin accumulation

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Environmental Stress Physiology

Background:

• Heat stress significantly limits crop yield and quality.
• The role of homeodomain-leucine zipper transcription factors in apple thermotolerance is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which MdHB7 regulates heat stress tolerance in apple plants.

Main Methods:

• Transcriptome sequencing and functional annotation.
• Gene expression analysis (transcriptional analysis).
• Functional assays and physiological measurements.

Main Results:

• MdHB7 directly activates the expression of MdPRX66 (Peroxidase) and MdLac17 (Laccase).
• MdHB7 enhances peroxidase activity for reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging.
• MdHB7 increases laccase activity, promoting lignin accumulation.

Conclusions:

• MdHB7 positively regulates basal thermotolerance in apple.
• MdHB7 mediates heat stress responses by controlling ROS scavenging and lignin accumulation.
• Provides insights into plant thermotolerance mechanisms.