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The CsPHL11-CsPAL2 module mediates chitooligosaccharide-induced cold tolerance in cucumber seedlings
Wendi Meng1, Luyao Zhang1, Yidan Wang1
1College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|June 29, 2026
Summary
Chitooligosaccharide (COS) enhances cucumber cold tolerance by activating the CsPHL11-CsPAL2 pathway. This boosts protective compounds, improving plant survival under cold stress.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Molecular Biology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Cold stress significantly impacts cucumber production in protected environments.
- Chitooligosaccharide (COS) is known to improve plant stress tolerance, but its cold tolerance mechanisms are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms of COS-mediated cold tolerance in cucumber.
- To identify key regulatory pathways involved in cucumber's response to cold stress.
Main Methods:
- Exogenous application of COS to cucumber seedlings under cold stress.
- Transcriptomic and physiological analyses to assess gene expression and plant responses.
- Virus-induced gene silencing to evaluate the roles of CsPHL11 and CsPAL2.
Main Results:
- COS application enhanced cold tolerance by modulating electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde levels, proline accumulation, and antioxidant enzyme activity.
- COS induced the expression of MYB transcription factor CsPHL11, which directly activated CsPAL2 transcription.
- The CsPHL11-CsPAL2 cascade led to increased phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity, accumulating protective phenols and flavonoids, thereby scavenging reactive oxygen species and maintaining cell membrane integrity.
Conclusions:
- A novel CsPHL11-CsPAL2 regulatory cascade is identified as crucial for COS-mediated cold tolerance in cucumber.
- This pathway enhances the accumulation of secondary metabolites, which are vital for mitigating cold-induced oxidative damage.
- Oligosaccharides like COS show potential for protecting cold-sensitive crops.
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