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Updated: Apr 11, 2026
05:22
Identification of the Genes Involved in Stomatal Development via Epidermal Phenotype Scoring
Published on: January 20, 2023
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Genetic encoding of climate-responsive stomatal developmental plasticity in tomato
Ido Nir1,2, Alanta Budrys3,4, Daniel Suraev2
1Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|April 10, 2026
Summary
Plant development is flexible, allowing organ size and cell composition adjustments. Researchers identified key gene variants in tomato plants that alter responses to environmental changes, enhancing resilience.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Plants exhibit developmental plasticity, adjusting organ size and cellular makeup in response to environmental factors.
- Leaf development involves the stomatal lineage, producing essential stomata and pavement cells, with adaptable ratios and numbers.
- The SPEECHLESS (SPCH) transcription factor is crucial for initiating the stomatal lineage and mediating developmental flexibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms by which SPCH influences plant responses to environmental cues.
- To identify genetic variants in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) that modify stomatal development in response to environmental stimuli.
- To visualize and track the cellular dynamics of stomatal development under varying environmental conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized multiplexed CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to modify cis-regulatory sequences of the SlSPCH gene in tomato.
- Developed and employed live-cell tracking translational reporters for SlSPCH and its paralogs (SlMUTE, SlFAMA).
- Analyzed stomatal development and leaf morphology in response to simulated drought, light, and temperature variations.
Main Results:
- Identified novel SlSPCH variants affecting stomatal development in response to drought, light, and temperature.
- Visualized cellular events underlying environmental cue-driven adjustments in stomatal production and leaf form.
- Demonstrated the roles of SlSPCH, SlMUTE, and SlFAMA in mediating these adaptive responses.
Conclusions:
- SPCH-mediated regulation is central to plant adaptation of stomatal development to environmental changes.
- Novel tomato SlSPCH variants and reporters provide valuable tools for studying plant resilience.
- Findings contribute to understanding and improving tomato crop resilience in the context of climate change.
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