Fuli Ma, Xiang Huang, Junyong Zhou, Ning Zhang, Mingsheng Deng, Yunyan Zheng, Meiqi Zhao, Wei Chen, Wenmin Zhou, Liping Zhai, Lei Zhong, Kaixue Pang, Xin Liu, Xinyue Zhong, Yifan Ren, Yu Liu, Qibao Sun, Jun Sun
Phytoplasmic SAP11 effectors alter host plant architecture and flowering time. However, the exact mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Two SAP11-like effectors, SJP1 and SJP2, from 'Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi' induce shoot branching proliferation. Here, the transcription factor ZjTCP7 was identified as a central target of these two effectors to regulate floral transition and shoot branching. Ectopic expression of ZjTCP7 resulted in enhanced bolting and earlier flowering than did the control. Interaction and expression assays demonstrated that ZjTCP7 interacted with the ZjFT-ZjFD module, thereby enhancing the ability of these genes to directly bind to the ZjAP1 promoter...
April 16, 2024: Plant, Cell & Environment