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< Back Research Developing Nematode Control Alternatives Receives Awards at Conference Students Affiliated with INCT Plant Stress Biotech, Developing Nematode Control Alternatives, Win Best Research Awards at the 53rd Brazilian Phytopathology Congress. Nematodes have a significant impact on agriculture by attacking plant roots, disrupting their growth and nutrient uptake. These parasites can cause substantial damage in various crops, including banana and cotton. In the banana crop, for instance, nematodes can weaken plants, displaying symptoms like yellowing, wilting, and even premature death of seedlings. In cotton, these organisms can induce the formation of root galls, impairing water and nutrient absorption, leading to reduced productivity and fiber quality. Cotton Plant Roots Infected by Nematodes. The Marked Areas Are Galls, Structures Formed as a Result of Infection by the Nematode M. incognita. Effectively controlling nematodes remains a constant concern for farmers, as inadequate management can result in significant harvest losses. Techniques like crop rotation, cover cropping, and application of nematicide chemicals are some of the approaches used to mitigate damage caused by these parasites. However, a more sustainable and promising approach is the development of plants resistant to nematodes. Through biotechnology techniques, it's possible to improve the resistance genes into target crops, granting them the ability to better withstand nematode attacks. This approach not only reduces reliance on chemical agents but can also boost crop productivity and quality, thereby contributing to food security and agricultural economies. Best Research in the Undergraduate and Master's Categories Between August 7th and 10th, 2023, the 53rd Brazilian Phytopathology Congress took place in Brasília, Federal District. The event aims to bring together professionals from the fields of education, research, and extension in both the public and private sectors, as well as students from Brazil and abroad, along with experts from various segments of production chains. The Conference objective is to discuss the current status and scientific advancements related to plant diseases and their control methods, fostering knowledge exchange and anticipating new challenges to be overcome. Bringing innovations and promising outcomes to agriculture, Sara Vitorino da Rocha Lemes , a Biotechnology student, and Lucas Santos Bastos , an Agronomist and Master's candidate in the Phytopathology Postgraduate Program, both from the University of Brasília - UnB, were awarded for their research. Sara earned second place in the Undergraduate category, while Lucas secured third place in the Master's category. Sara's work, titled "Development of cotton plants with reduced susceptibility to Meloidogyne incognita through RNA interference". The aim of Sara's work is to develop transgenic cotton plants that produce a specific RNA molecule for nematode control. Therefore, when the parasite feeds on the plant, it also ingests this RNA, hampering its development and reducing the number of galls and eggs in the plant roots. Lucas's master's research aimed to identify and characterize genes associated with resistance to M. incognita and tolerance to water stress, as well as how the interaction between these two stresses occurs in banana plants. Through this study, it becomes possible to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms linked to these stresses and provide data for banana genetic improvement. It was with the work titled "Differential Expression of Genes Associated with Meloidogyne incognita Infection and Water Deficit in Musa acuminata " that he secured third place in his category. These awards showcase the quality and effectiveness of projects affiliated with INCT Plant Stress Biotech, as well as one of INCT's objectives in developing biotechnological tools for the Brazilian agribusiness.

< Back CGF5: nova linhagem de trigo para o cerrado, resistente ao brusone O Centro de Genômica e Fitomelhoramento da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), em colaboração com o Programa Trigo da Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), desenvolveu a linhagem de trigo CGF5, adaptada para o Cerrado. Testada em condições de sequeiro e irrigação, a CGF5 apresentou alta produtividade e moderada resistência à brusone, uma doença fúngica que pode causar perdas significativas na produção. A resistência à brusone é de extrema importância, pois essa doença é responsável por grandes prejuízos nas lavouras de trigo, especialmente em regiões com clima quente e úmido, como o Cerrado. A capacidade da CGF5 de tolerar a brusone contribui para a estabilidade da produção e a segurança alimentar. Com os ensaios de Valor de Cultivo e Uso (VCU) finalizados, o processo de registro e proteção da cultivar está em andamento. Os estudos, coordenados pelos professores Antonio Costa de Oliveira (UFPel) e Maicon Nardino (UFV), estão em desenvolvimento desde 2022. Na foto em destaque, vemos a linhagem CGF5 em uma parcela de produção de sementes no Departamento de Agronomia da UFV. Na foto em destaque, no primeiro plano, a linhagem CGF5 em parcela de produção de sementes nas dependências do Departamento de Agronomia da UFV.

< Back Antonio Costa de Oliveira, researcher at INCT PlantStress Biotech, participated in international scientific events Professor Antonio Costa de Oliveira (UFPEL), a member of the INCT PlantStress Biotech, attended the 4th BIOIBEROAMERICA conference in Monterrey, Mexico, from September 3 to 6, 2024. He delivered a keynote lecture titled Climate Change Ready Rice: Lessons from Abiotic Stresses . The meeting was organized by FIAMBIOT (Federación Iberoamericana de Biotecnología), which includes the Brazilian Society of Biotechnology (SBBIOTEC) as a member. The event attracted approximately 250 participants from various countries in Latin America, Spain, and Portugal, fostering discussions on advancing biotechnology for a sustainable future. Following this, Professor Costa de Oliveira participated in the ISRFG2024 (International Symposium on Rice Functional Genomics) in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA, from September 9 to 11, 2024. He presented a talk and a poster on The Collection and Characterization of Wild Rice in Brazil . This symposium also focused on sustainability and strategies for feeding the growing population without compromising the planet's health.

< Back Pesquisa do INCT PlantStress Biotech é destaque em encontro estudantil A pesquisa realizada no INCT PlantStress Biotech foi destaque durante o XXVII Encontro do Talento Estudantil, ocorrido na Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia (Cenargen), em Brasília, entre 28 e 30 de agosto. Sara Vitorino da Rocha Lemes e Bruna Medeiros Pereira receberam a premiação de melhor trabalho na categoria Biotecnologia, em nível de graduação e pós-graduação, respectivamente. Sara Rocha é estudante de graduação em Biotecnologia na Universidade de Brasília (UnB) e bolsista de Iniciação Científica do programa PIBIC/CNPq/Embrapa, sob orientação das pesquisadoras Carolina Morgante e Fatima Grossi de Sá. Em seu trabalho, “Plantas de algodão geneticamente modificadas com redução da suscetibilidade a nematoides formadores de galhas e à seca”, Sara apresentou a estratégia combinada de superexpressão de um gene de tolerância à seca e de silenciamento de um gene vital do nematoide Meloidogyne incognita , usando a tecnologia do RNA interferente, para a obtenção de plantas menos suscetíveis a esses dois estresses, simultaneamente. Já Bruna Medeiros, mestre em Agronomia pela UnB e bolsista DTI-B/CNPq na Embrapa Cenargen, apresentou o trabalho “Uma abordagem trans-espécies para validação funcional in root e seleção de genes candidatos para resistência a fitopatógenos em leguminosas”. Sob orientação das pesquisadoras Ana Brasileiro e Patrícia Guimarães, Bruna destacou os resultados promissores de um sistema para rápida validação funcional de genes de resistência em raízes de soja, amendoim, grão de bico, feijão comum, feijão caupi, guandu e alfafa. Mais detalhes sobre esta pesquisa podem ser acessados nas recentes publicações nos periódicos PlosOne e Planta e na patente depositada pela equipe. As bolsistas Bruna Medeiros e Luanna Pinheiro recebendo a premiação de membros da comissão organizadora. Neste mesmo evento, receberam menção honrosa as estudantes Nayara Sabrina de Freitas Alves, doutoranda na Universidade Federal do Paraná, pelo trabalho “Modulação transcricional e traducional via CRISPR-Cas visando a tolerância da soja à nematoides de galhas” e Luanna Pinheiro A. F. Bezerra, doutoranda na Universidade Católica de Brasília, pelo trabalho “Plantas de soja tolerantes ao déficit hídrico por meio da modulação da via de controle de morte celular programada induzida por estresses utilizando CRISPR/dCas9”. As duas estudantes são orientadas pela pesquisadora Dra. Maria Fátima Grossi de Sá. O XXVII Encontro do Talento Estudantil contou com 150 participantes inscritos, entre estudantes de graduação, pós-graduação e pós-doutores. Teve como objetivos a divulgação dos trabalhos realizados na Embrapa Cenargen nas áreas temáticas de Biotecnologia; Controle Biológico, Quarentena e Recursos Genéticos e o incentivo científico a jovens estudantes e bolsistas. Texto: Dra. Carolina Morgante

< Back Science uses genetics against plant parasites Ciência usa genética contra parasitas de plantas Estratégia é estudada por bolsista do Programa CAPES-Cofecub que recebeu o Prêmio de Melhor Pôster na área de manejo de nematoides na agricultura no Seventh International Congress of Nematology. Valdeir Junio Vaz Moreira pode ter encontrado um novo caminho para combater pragas parasitas, chamadas nematoides, em plantas como algodão e soja. Bioquímico e aluno do Programa de Biologia Molecular da Universidade de Brasília (UnB), ele desenvolve sua pesquisa em um doutorado-sanduíche no Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRAe), na França, com bolsa do Programa CAPES-Cofecub . Sua estratégia tem sido aplicar a engenharia genética, com ênfase na tecnologia do RNAi. Os experimentos estão sendo desenvolvidos na UnB, na Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia e INRAe, sob a supervisão da professora Maria Fátima Grossi de Sá (Embrapa), com cosupervisão de Janice de Almeida Engler (INRAe). “Utilizamos a tecnologia do RNA de interferência para o silenciamento do gene Minc03328 e outros candidatos deste patógeno e verificamos grandes níveis de resistência em planta-modelo”, comemora. Ele acredita que, muito em breve, essa estratégia possa ser usada na cultura de soja e algodão geneticamente modificados. Os resultados de suas pesquisas são promissores e os dados podem ser consultados na revista PLANTA, Volume 255, edição 2, ou pelo link https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-022-03823-4 . Com suas pesquisas, Valdeir Moreira conquistou o 1º lugar em dois concursos: no Talento Estudantil na Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, e no 10° Simpósio de Biologia Molecular pela Universidade de Brasília, além de ser agraciado com o Prêmio de Melhor Pôster na área de manejo de nematoides na agricultura no Seventh International Congress of Nematology (ICN2022) . Programa CAPES-COFECUB Parceria com o Comitê Francês de Avaliação da Cooperação Universitária com o Brasil (Cofecub), o programa seleciona projetos conjuntos de pesquisa para incentivar o intercâmbio entre instituições de ensino superior e institutos ou centros de pesquisa e desenvolvimento públicos dos dois países. Legenda das imagens: Banner e imagem 1: Valdeir Junio Vaz Moreira é estudante de doutorado do Programa de Biologia Molecular da Universidade de Brasília - UnB (Foto: Arquivo pessoal) Imagem 2: Pesquisador foi agraciado com o Prêmio de Melhor Pôster na área de manejo de nematoides na agricultura no Seventh International Congress of Nematology - ICN2022 (Foto: Arquivo pessoal) A Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) é um órgão vinculado ao Ministério da Educação (MEC). (Brasília – Redação CCS/CAPES) A reprodução das notícias é autorizada desde que contenha a assinatura CCS/CAPES Source: CAPES

< Back World's Best Scientists 2025- Research.com The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) had 24 of its researchers recognized among the most influential in the world, according to the 2025 ranking by the international platform Research.com . This platform evaluates scientists based on bibliometric metrics of scientific impact, such as the H-index, total citations, and indexed publications. The analysis considers data extracted from the Microsoft Academic Graph database up to November 2024 and covers 26 fields of knowledge, including researchers from over 70 countries whose scientific output has international relevance and significantly contributes to scientific advancement. Animal and Veterinary Sciences Area Luciana Regitano (Embrapa Southeast Livestock) – Conducts studies in Animal Genetics, with an emphasis on Genomics, mainly involved in mapping genes related to economically important traits in cattle raised under tropical conditions. Marcos Dias (Embrapa Amapá) – Works in fish parasitology and immunology, focusing on aquaculture health and pathogen resistance. Maurício Alencar (Embrapa Beef Cattle) – Researcher in animal genetic improvement, with an emphasis on genomic assessment of productive and reproductive traits in beef cattle. Samuel Paiva (Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology) – Works with Animal Molecular Genetics, emphasizing genetic diversity, genomics, conservation of genetic resources, molecular systematics, and genetic management of populations. Marcos Vinícius Silva (Embrapa Dairy Cattle) – National reference in aquaculture, with an emphasis on health, parasitology, and physiology of aquatic animals, especially fish. Ana Carolina Chagas (Embrapa Southeast Livestock) – Specializes in Veterinary Parasitology, focusing on ticks, gastointestinal nematodes of small ruminants, phytotherapy, nano-structured formulations based on plant molecules, and strategies for selective parasitic control. Gherman Araújo (Embrapa Dairy Cattle) – Animal scientist specializing in feed evaluation for animals, working on topics such as production in semi-arid regions, water use in ruminants, biosaline agriculture, nutrition, and xerophytic and halophyte forages. Ecology and Evolution Area George Brown (Embrapa Forests) – Works in ecology, with an emphasis on soil ecology, distinguished by his studies on edaphic fauna, especially earthworms, as bioindicators of environmental quality. Marcelo Simon (Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology) – Develops research in molecular systematics, legume taxonomy, plant ecology, biodiversity conservation, and biogeography, focusing on Brazilian biomes, especially the Cerrado. Aldicir Scariot (Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology) – Works in biodiversity conservation and management, as well as ecological restoration, with an emphasis on the Cerrado and Caatinga biomes. Environmental Sciences Area Joice Ferreira (Embrapa Eastern Amazon) – Conducts studies on ecosystem conservation and restoration, as well as biodiversity conservation strategies in agricultural and forest landscapes. Mateus Batistella (Embrapa Agricultural Informatics) – Specialist in geotechnologies and environmental monitoring, working in landscape ecology, land use and cover, and developing geospatial solutions for agriculture and environmental sustainability. Materials Science Area Luiz Henrique Mattoso (Embrapa Instrumentation) – Leader in research on nanomaterials and biodegradable polymers applied to agriculture, including smart packaging and sustainable inputs. Cauê Ribeiro (Embrapa Instrumentation) – Works on the synthesis of nanomaterials and advanced materials, with applications in controlled release of inputs, catalysis, and developing innovative technologies for agribusiness. Biology and Biochemistry Area Dario Grattapaglia (Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology) – Works in forest genomics, with a focus on the genetic improvement of species such as eucalyptus, using molecular genetics tools and bioinformatics. Engineering and Technology Area Daniel Corrêa (Embrapa Instrumentation) – Researcher in the field of Material Science and Engineering and Nanotechnology, focusing on polymers and nanocomposites applied to agriculture, the environment, and biotechnology. Plant Science and Agronomy Area Mariangela Hungria (Embrapa Soybean) – Internationally recognized for soil biotechnology, conducting research on biological nitrogen fixation, microbial biodiversity, plant growth-promoting bacteria, inoculation technologies, microbial collections, and soil quality bioindicators. Segundo Urquiaga (Embrapa Agrobiology) – Works in soil microbiology and sustainable production systems, focusing on biological nitrogen fixation, carbon sequestration, bioenergy, and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. Robert Boddey (Embrapa Agrobiology) – Specialist in nutrient cycling and soil organic matter dynamics, using stable isotopes to assess sustainability in tropical agroecosystems.Bruno Alves (Embrapa Agrobiology) – Develops research on carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions, and bioenergy, with an emphasis on sustainability in agricultural systems. Bruno Alves (Embrapa Agrobiology) – Conducts research on carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions, and bioenergy, with a focus on the sustainability of agricultural systems. José Ivo Baldani (Embrapa Agrobiology) – Pioneer in studies of diazotrophic bacteria associated with grasses and other crops, focusing on reducing nitrogen fertilizer use. Veronica Reis (Embrapa Agrobiology) – Works in soil microbiology and biochemistry, emphasizing plant-microorganism interactions, biological nitrogen fixation, and nutrition of tropical grasses. Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa (Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology) – A reference in plant genetic engineering and molecular biology, working on developing stress-resistant cultivars (biotic and abiotic) using tools like CRISPR/Cas and RNAi. Valeria Euclides (Embrapa Beef Cattle) – Focuses on pasture physiology and animal production in forage systems, emphasizing grazing management, morphogenesis, and the nutritional value of new cultivars. Brazilian scientific excellence recognized internationally The presence of 24 Embrapa researchers in the international Research.com ranking not only highlights the excellence of their individual scientific careers but also reinforces Embrapa's strategic role as one of the leading public institutions in science and technology dedicated to innovation for tropical agriculture. The recognition is even more significant when noting that two of the listed researchers — Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa and Mariangela Hungria — are coordinators of the INCT PlantStress Biotech and INCT MPCPAgro , respectively, reaffirming the scientific importance of both INCTs in promoting sustainable solutions to agricultural challenges. In addition to them, the researcher Rogério Margis , also a member of INCT PlantStress Biotech , was similarly listed in the ranking, as well as the researcher Segundo Urquiaga who is a member of the INCT MPCPAgro . Rogério Margis conducts research on small RNAs and non-coding RNAs in rice, soybean, and native Neotropical species, focusing on molecular mechanisms of response to abiotic stresses, the action of cysteine proteases and their inhibitors, as well as environmental proteomic and metagenomic analyses. He works in the fields of genetics and biochemistry, with an emphasis on gene expression regulation, molecular markers, and genome editing. This collective recognition elevates EMBRAPA, along with the INCT PlantStress Biotech and INCT MPCPAgro, to the forefront of global scientific hubs committed to advancing sustainable agriculture, plant biotechnology, and ensuring food security worldwide. Research.com – Best Scientists Rankings 2025

< Back More efficient maize growth Maize has a significantly higher productivity rate compared with many other crops. The particular leaf anatomy and special form of photosynthesis (referred to as 'C4') developed during its evolution allow maize to grow considerably faster than comparable plants. As a result, maize needs more efficient transport strategies to distribute the photoassimilates produced during photosynthesis throughout the plant. Researchers at HHU have now discovered a phloem loading mechanism that has not been described before -- the bundle sheath surrounding the vasculature as the place for the actual transport of compounds such as sugars or amino acids. The development of this mechanism could have been the decisive evolutionary step towards the higher transport rate that has made maize plants especially successful and useful. It is also likely linked to the more effective C4 photosynthesis used by maize compared with other plants, which only use C3 photosynthesis. The study was led by Dr. Ji Yun Kim and Prof. Dr. Wolf B. Frommer from the Institute of Molecular Physiology at HHU. Plant leaves have different structures on the upper (adaxial) and lower (abaxial) sides, and each side performs different tasks. In maize, for example, sucrose transporters (SWEET) act in the `bundle sheath cells' (which frame the vascular bundle like a wreath) on the abaxial side of the leaf. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, sugars released via SWEETs from phloem parenchyma cells are transported directly into the neighbouring companion cells via active transport. In maize, sugar is released in the direction of phloem by two large bundle sheath cells. The large surface of the bundle sheath cells compared to phloem parenchyma allows much higher transport rates. Compared to Arabidopsis, maize could transport sugar more effectively. Doctoral student and first author Margaret Bezrutczyk from HHU emphasize: "The bundle sheath cells arranged in a wreath look the same at first glance. The single cell sequencing approach we used made it possible for the first time to distinguish between different types of bundle sheath cells in a maize leaf. With this technology, we expect that more cell types, especially those in the vascular bundles will be discovered in the future." Institute Head Prof. Frommer emphasizes the significance of the finding, saying: "Maize plants are extremely productive due to their C4 photosynthesis. It is conceivable that the productivity of rice or other crops can be increased by transferring the loading mechanism from maize to these crops." Source: Materials provided by Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf . Original written by Arne Claussen. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference : Margaret Bezrutczyk, Nora R. Zöllner, Colin P. S. Kruse, Thomas Hartwig, Tobias Lautwein, Karl Köhrer, Wolf B. Frommer and Ji-Yun Kim. Evidence for phloem loading via the abaxial bundle sheath cells in maize leaves . The Plant Cell , 2021 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koaa055

< Back Biotechnology generates alternatives to climate change Using genetic engineering, a biotechnologist develops drought-tolerant soybean plants and receives awards. Climate change has proven to be one of the greatest threats to agricultural sustainability and productivity worldwide, and soybean cultivation is no exception. Increasing global average temperatures, occurrences of extreme weather events, and water stress have significantly affected this economically and nutritionally valuable crop. To mitigate the effects of water stress on soybean cultivation, efforts include the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, particularly the use of biotechnology to generate genetic variability and offer more resilient plants to these effects. And it is in this context that biotechnologist Luanna Pinheiro de Albuquerque Freitas Bezerra - a Ph.D. student in the Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology at the Catholic University of Brasília (UCB) - has been developing her thesis under the guidance of Dr. Maria Fátima Grossi-de-Sá at Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology / CENARGEN. According to Luanna, "the study provides innovative strategies and a biotechnological solution for the development of superior soybean cultivars, thus mitigating the negative effects on productivity generated by drought stress." Using precision genetic engineering, Luanna aims to suppress the death of soybean plant cells when they are in a drought situation. The project has two strategies. In the first strategy, a system was developed for the overexpression of the GmBiP gene via dCas9-VP64. The second strategy involves a non-transgenic alternative for the development of drought-tolerant soybean. For this purpose, the GmNAC030 gene was knocked out via CRISPR/Cas9. And the results obtained by Luanna have already earned her two awards. In 2022, the project came in second place at the XXVI Student Talent Meeting of Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Post-graduate level. In 2023, presenting the results of your thesis, Luanna received an honorable mention at the VIII Brazilian Symposium on Molecular Genetics of Plants. The poster titled: "Precision genetic engineering for drought tolerance in soybeans and its effects on the programmed cell death pathway of the endoplasmic reticulum" was among the best among all the posters at the Symposium.

< Back Dr. Marcio Alves-Ferreira talked about his latest paper in Plant Biology 2022 Conference From Plant Biology 2022: Plants vs Insects Session Recap At Plant Biology 2022, a varied group of speakers presented the latest advances from one of the oldest wars that takes place in our world: Plants versus insects, during the “Plants Versus Insects” concurrent symposium on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. Attendees heard news from multiple front lines: cotton, cowpea, and Arabidopsis, and I served as a correspondent to share the details of this gathering with the global plant science community. Let’s go! Cotton vs Cotton Boll Weevil During the first talk, Chair Dr. Marcio Alves-Ferreira , from the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, talked about his latest paper in Current Plant Biology . They aimed to identify molecular players mediating the defense response of cotton ( Gossypium spp) to the Cotton Boll Weevil (CBW, Anthonomus grandis ), an insect pest that attacks reproductive structures causing severe loss in cotton fiber production. Plants identify herbivores through Herbivore-Associated Molecular Patterns (HAMPs), such as molecules present in insect oral secretions (a combination of regurgitated material from the gut and saliva). HAMPs are recognized by membrane receptors that can activate Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAKPs), that participate in the transduction of the signal leading to the establishment of the defense response (see Snoeck et al., 2022 ). The series of events that take place from the recognition of patterns to the set-up of the inducible defenses is collectively known as Pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). PTI has been deeply studied in the interaction between plants and pathogens (for more information and the newest research on the topic, see more from Plant Biology 2022 via Plant Biology EXTENDED, coming soon!). Dr. Alves-Ferreira and collaborators found that different CBW extracts, such as oral secretions or egg extracts, were able to activate MAPKs in cotton and in Arabidopsis. Interestingly, the activation of MAPKs was independent of previously characterized receptors required for the defense against bacteria or fungus. Together, their results showed that HAMPs from CBW activate PTI, although the receptors involved remain unknown ( de Moura et al., 2022 ). Dr. Alves-Ferreira also mentioned that they are working on the analysis of a RNAseq data from cotton leaves infested with CBW in order to keep dinging in the molecular pathways behind the cotton-CBW battle. Stay alert for news! Know Your Weapons: Not All Jasmonates are the Same! The next talk was about one of my favorite topics: Jasmonates. For those who haven’t had the chance to talk to me (maybe the lucky ones, he!), jasmonates are a group of lipid-derived compounds that regulate the balance between growth and defense ( Wasternack and Feussner, 2018 ). Ariel Sorg, a PhD student from the Gilroy lab (University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA), found that specific jasmonates are required for different responses, i.e., some jasmonates trigger defenses against herbivores, while others are required for growth repression. By the way, I must mention that they have designed a robot that regularly touches plants to induce stress responses. Besides being super cool, the robot could mimic signals derived from flying insects casually touching leaves. Cowpea vs Lepidoptera (with some help from Nicotiana benthamiana and Manduca sexta ) Inceptin, a HAMP present in Lepidoptera oral secretions ( Schmelz et al., 2006 ; Schmelz et al., 2007 ), enhance the expression of defense genes in cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata ), such as Kunitz trypsin inhibitors (KTI). KTI are anti-insect proteins that affect the digestion of leaf tissues in the larvae guts, and therefore, are detrimental for growing. KTIs contain a variable number of cysteines that form disulfide bonds required for protein structure and stability ( Blow et al., 1974 ). PhD student Natalia Guayazan Palacios presented her work with the Steinbrenner lab (University of Washington, USA) where they designed a heterologous system to study whether the number of cysteines can also impact KTI anti-herbivore function. They expressed different versions of KTIs in N. benthamiana and performed bioassays with M. sexta . After letting the caterpillars feed on the leaves, the researchers recorded the growth of the caterpillars, and then extracted proteins from different sections of the digestive system of the insects. They followed the presence of KTIs and, as control, peroxidases (inceptin-induced defense proteins with a different activity) by western blot. Only KTIs were found in the guts, which is consistent with their anti-digestive function. Therefore, the N. benthamiana-M. sexta system can be a powerful tool to test protease inhibitors as potential direct defenses. And, with respect to the role of the cysteines in KTI activity, I think we may have interesting news soon! Plants vs Aphids vs Ladybugs To keep in line with the multiple advantages of using N. benthamiana as tool, I will continue with the talk of Dr. Georg Jander from the Boyce Thompson Institute, USA. RNA interference (RNAi) technologies are emerging as a powerful tool to control pests. They rely on engineering a plant to express a RNAi that targets insect genes needed for growth or development. However, if the RNAi is not species-specific, it may damage beneficial insects. Dr. Jander and collaborators used N. bentamiana plants expressing a RNAi against green peach aphids ( Myzus persicae ), and evaluate if the RNAi was transmitted to, and could negatively affect ladybugs ( Coccinella septempunctata ) that prey on the aphids. For those like me who love ladybugs: don’t worry! Even if RNAi was found in the ladybugs, it can be designed in a way that is only detrimental to aphids. Phew! Arabidopsis vs Aphids Finally, also belonging to the aphid world, there was the presentation of Dr. Keyan Zhu-Salzman (Texas A&M University, USA), where she explained a recent paper from her lab about how plants coordinate defenses with their daily rhythm. Circadian clock-regulated defenses allow plants to anticipate pest attacks and allocate resources at the most beneficial time of the day, thus minimizing metabolic cost. A previous report found that CIRCADIAN CLOCK-ASSOCIATED1 (CCA1), a well-known central circadian clock regulator, link daily cycles with defenses against Trichoplusia ni caterpillars ( Goodspeed et al., 2012 ). Dr. Zhu-Salzman and her team found that although a functional circadian clock confer resistance to green peach aphids, CCA1 over expression lines, that lack circadian rhythm, were more resistant to aphid feeding. To solve the mystery behind this apparent contradiction, they performed in-depth data mining using published transcriptomic data sets and found that CCA1 regulates indolic glucosinolates (iGS) biosynthesis. Their results showed that CCA1 has a role in both circadian dependent and independent defenses ( Lei et al., 2019 ). Source: ASPN

< Back CAPES Thesis Award 2021 Tese premiada pela Capes valida sistema de melhoramento por edição de genoma e apresenta novo protocolo para transformação da soja O interesse pela genética de plantas sempre conduziu a vida acadêmica do bioquímico Bruno Paes de Melo, que se dedicou a ela na graduação na UFV, como bolsista de iniciação científica, no mestrado e no doutorado, esses realizados no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica Aplicada . Foi em sua última experiência como estudante da UFV que Bruno desenvolveu a tese Transcriptional modulation and characterization of plant-specific transacting factors , defendida em 2020. O trabalho rendeu a ele destaque na 16ª edição do Prêmio Capes de Tese, cujo resultado foi divulgado no dia 3 de setembro. Orientada pela professora Elizabeth Pacheco Batista Fontes – sua orientadora desde a iniciação científica -, a tese ficou entre as 49 selecionadas das 1.376 avaliadas de todo o país. Na pesquisa premiada pela Capes na área de Ciências Agrárias I, Bruno explorou a funcionalidade de alguns fatores de transcrição (reguladores centrais da expressão gênica nas células) em plantas submetidas a diferentes situações de estresse. Sua exploração acabou revelando à comunidade científica novos alvos e, consequentemente, novas metodologias para o melhoramento genético moderno ou biotecnológico. Com seu estudo, o pesquisador apresentou maneiras inovadoras de se fazer plantas com performances melhores diante de diferentes desafios. A tese tem quatro capítulos que Bruno define como “diferentes entre si, mas com dois focos”: a validação de um sistema de melhoramento biotecnológico por edição de genoma e a otimização de um protocolo para transformação genética da soja e a caracterização de novos genes-alvo para esse fim. No que diz respeito à validação do sistema de melhoramento, a proposta do Bruno foi explorar a funcionalidade de AREB-1, um fator de transcrição, da planta do gênero Arabidopsis , que descende de um ancestral comum de algumas hortaliças, como a couve e a mostarda. A opção em explorar a Arabidopsis se deu pelo fato de que, no universo das plantas, ela é considerada modelo, já que tem todo um genoma muito bem descrito e as vias metabólicas e de sinalização celular bem elucidadas. “É uma planta em que a transformação genética é muito fácil”, explica Bruno. Segundo ele, quando se faz um trabalho em Arabidopsis , sabe-se o que esperar. “Como eu precisava testar uma nova estratégia, isso precisaria ser feito num sistema que eu conhecesse a resposta, para saber se havia ou não dado certo”. Bruno descreveu uma nova estratégia de modulação da transcrição de AREB-1 por CRISPR/dCas9 em Arabidopsis para tolerância à seca. O AREB-1 é extensivamente caracterizado nas adaptações fisiológicas ao estresse hídrico. Ou seja, a função desse gene é conferir à planta maior tolerância ao estresse hídrico. Assim, plantas que têm a expressão deste gene aumentada são mais tolerantes à seca. Em sua pesquisa, Bruno aumentou a transcrição deste gene utilizando CRISPR/dCas9, uma estratégia de modulação transcricional baseada em edição de genoma que ainda é muito nova, tendo despontado na biotecnologia há menos de 10 anos. Ele fez isso a partir de uma alteração na cromatina (complexo de DNA e proteínas que se encontra dentro do núcleo celular) de modo a facilitar o acesso da maquinaria de transcrição ao local onde o gene AREB-1 se encontra. Essa abordagem usada para modular a expressão de um gene foi inovadora. O pesquisador explica que, geralmente, quando se quer fazer a modulação de um gene ou se coloca um promotor de vírus, que fica expressando todo o tempo na planta, ou se faz um silenciamento para inibir aquele gene. “O que fiz foi uma alteração do genoma em nível estrutural. Eu alterei a forma do genoma e isso fez com que a expressão desse gene aumentasse”, conta o pesquisador. Por isso, justifica, “escolhi a Arabidopsis , porque se a expressão do gene aumentasse, eu já sabia tudo o que iria acontecer com a planta”. Segundo Bruno, a superexpressão do gene AREB-1 mediada por CRISPR promoveu uma melhora no desempenho fisiológico das plantas transgênicas em 30 dias de privação de água. Os resultados revelam, portanto, uma estratégia molecular que permite a ativação racional de genes endógenos em plantas por meio de modulação da atividade da cromatina direcionada a um interesse agronômico. “Com essa edição do genoma, eu consegui obter plantas que, mesmo em déficit severo de água, tiveram boa performance, ou seja, não morreram e permaneceram verdes e produtivas. Eu validei uma estratégia que pode ser aplicada em grandes e quaisquer culturas, como a soja. A estratégia é universal”. Funções da família NAC na soja Durante o doutorado, Bruno também aprofundou seus estudos em fatores de transcrição NAC, genes que ele pesquisa desde 2013, que foi, inclusive, objeto de sua dissertação de mestrado. NAC é uma superfamília com 180 membros de genes, número atualizado em sua pesquisa de mestrado. Até então, apenas 132 genes eram descritos como pertencentes à família NAC na soja. Na pesquisa premiada pela Capes, o objetivo foi explorar as funções de dois genes NAC no controle de respostas a estresses e à senescência na soja. A proposta era elencar possíveis alvos para o melhoramento molecular, pois a partir do momento em que se conhece o gene e a função dele, se sabe como manipulá-lo dentro da planta com as características que se deseja. Bruno conta que os fatores de transcrição da família NAC têm o que se chama de plasticidade funcional: “alguns deles conferem tolerância a estresses múltiplos”. Tal característica permitiu que o pesquisador explorasse genes que tinham papéis contrastantes: um deles conferia resistência ou tolerância a vários tipos de estresse e atenuava a senescência e outro fazia justamente o contrário, aumentava a suscetibilidade da planta a estes mesmos estresses e acelerava a senescência. Bruno fez a transformação de Arabidopsis com estes genes para conferir se o efeito sobre a planta era o que se desejava para uma característica agronômica, visando transformar a soja. “Como a transformação da soja é difícil, o que se constitui num aspecto limitante para o seu melhoramento, eu desenvolvi um protocolo para facilitar a transformação desta planta e melhorar a eficiência deste processo”, conta o pesquisador. Para isso, ele combinou duas técnicas na metodologia para a transformação genética da soja: a biolística (transferência direta de DNA em uma célula para criação de organismos transgênicos) e a transformação mediada por Agrobacterium tumefaciens (bactéria do solo bastante utilizada na geração de plantas transgênicas). Na prática, Bruno fez microferidas em células do eixo embrionário da soja aumentando a infectividade da bactéria, que é capaz de transferir um DNA exógeno para a planta. Em geral, os protocolos atuais que empregam a Agrobacterium tumefaciens ou a biolística exibem baixa eficiência e exigem etapas sucessivas de cultivo e regeneração de plantas in vitro , com extensas perdas por contaminação e escurecimento do tecido. No protocolo desenvolvido por Bruno, a soja é transformada e regenerada in vitro em um único passo, reduzindo, assim, o tempo de geração das plantas transgênicas. De acordo com o pesquisador, num melhoramento convencional, este tempo pode chegar a até 12 meses. Com o seu protocolo, o processo de regeneração da soja é finalizado em até seis semanas. Além disso, a alta capacidade regenerativa do eixo embrionário permite alongamento do caule, desenvolvimento radicular e regeneração da planta. Durante a sua investigação, Bruno também identificou 32 novos genes NAC putativos, ou seja, genes que, apesar de terem as mesmas características dos NAC já descritos, não podem ser assim considerados plenamente pelo fato de que nem todos foram validados. Com essa descoberta, o pesquisador atualizou a superfamília no genoma da soja que já tinha 180 membros. “Já era uma família bem descrita, com muitos membros já caracterizados. Com a descoberta de 32 novos genes-alvo, abrem-se mais possibilidades para o melhoramento biotecnológico explorar suas diferentes funções na resistência a estresses específicos”. Importância O pesquisador que atua numa multinacional do mercado de sementes lembra que, atualmente, grande parte das cultivares produzidas no Brasil é transgênica. Em sua opinião, os transgênicos vieram para, dentre outras possibilidades, melhorar a produção, a resistência à praga e o desempenho das plantas, especialmente em momentos como o que estamos vivendo de grandes mudanças climáticas. Por essa razão, considera que seu trabalho traz uma importante contribuição à agricultura. “Estou mostrando novos métodos de se fazer transgênicos e um melhoramento muito mais associado à biotecnologia do que ao melhoramento clássico”. Nesse último, de acordo com Bruno, se cruza, por exemplo, uma planta resistente com uma outra que produz muito para se obter uma planta resistente e produtiva. “Agora, com o melhoramento biotecnológico, se consegue colocar as duas características ao mesmo tempo na planta”. A pesquisa de Bruno teve o apoio da Capes e foi realizada no Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Plantas do Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária (Bioagro) da UFV. Esse laboratório é associado ao Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia (INCT) em Interações Planta-Praga, coordenado pela professora Elizabeth Fontes. O estudo gerou a publicação de artigos em periódicos importantes, dentre eles a Frontiers in Plant Science, referência na área de biologia molecular de plantas, e a Scientific Reports, que integra o grupo Nature. Além disso, virou capítulo de livros e recebeu menção honrosa no International Symposium on Plant Molecular Genetics, promovido pela Sociedade Brasileira de Genética. Source: UFV and CAPES

< Back INCT PlantStress Biotech’s Participation in the International Congress of Nematology (ICN) in Antibes Juan-Les-Pins, France Professor Robert Miller (UnB), a member of the INCT PlantStress Biotech , participated in the 7th International Congress of Nematology (ICN) in Antibes Juan-Les-Pins, France, between the 1st and 6th of May 2022. As an invited speaker in the omics session, he delivered a lecture entitled “Analysis of the banana root transcriptome in response to root-knot nematode infection and water deficit” with focus on results generated in the INCT project. Drought and nematodes are constraints to global agriculture that can occur simultaneously. Banana ( Musa spp.), whilst among the world’s most widely consumed fruits, is susceptible to both drought stress as well as infection by the endoparasitic root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita . Data from a transcriptome analysis of the responses to RKN, drought and combined stresses in a drought resistant Musa acuminata genotype from the Embrapa breeding program was presented. The ICN conference provided a forum for presentation and discussion on the state of the art of nematology, with the participation of scientists from more than 55 countries worldwide - https://www.alphavisa.com/icn/2020/index.php .

< Back Coordinator of the INCT PlantStress Biotech participated in the RNAi Discussion Forum during the Brazilian Congress of Entomology The researcher and coordinator of INCT PlantStress Biotech, Maria Fatima Grossi de Sa, participated in the RNAi Discussion Forum held on September 24, 2024, during the XXIX Brazilian Congress of Entomology in Uberlândia. At the event, she presented a talk titled 'RNAi Approach for Insect Pest Control: Advances, Applications, and Challenges.' Professors Diogo Manzano Galdeano from UFV and José Dijair Antonino from UFRPE also participated in the forum. The discussions addressed various aspects of using RNAi technology for controlling insect pests, combating insect vectors of phytopathogens, and the potential application of biocontrol and RNAi technologies in insect pest management.