Słomnicka Renata, Cieplak Magdalena, Martín-Hernández Ana Montserrat, Bartoszewski Grzegorz
Department of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159 Street, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, C/Vall Moronta, Edifici CRAG, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallés), 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Jul 26;26(15):7234. doi: 10.3390/ijms26157234.
Brassinosteroids (BRs) are steroid hormones that are essential for plant growth, development, and environmental adaptation. They control the division, elongation, and differentiation of various cell types throughout the entire plant life cycle, affecting growth and the stress response. Therefore, fine-tuning of BR biosynthesis and modulation of signaling pathways offer possibilities for developing cultivars characterized by adjusted plant architecture or improved stress tolerance to benefit crop production. Additionally, precise BR treatments can be employed to increase the productivity of crop plants. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the genetic basis of traits related to BR metabolism and signaling in cucurbits, the second largest vegetable family, which contributes significantly to global vegetable production and nutritional security. We summarize the current knowledge concerning BR biosynthesis mutants, the role of BRs in stress mitigation, and the potential of the exogenous application of BRs to alleviate stress during cucurbit production. We also discuss how genes related to BR metabolism can be used to develop gene editing strategies to advance precision breeding in cucurbits.
油菜素甾醇（BRs）是类固醇激素，对植物生长、发育和环境适应至关重要。它们在整个植物生命周期中控制各种细胞类型的分裂、伸长和分化，影响生长和应激反应。因此，精细调节BR生物合成和信号通路的调控为培育具有调整后的株型或提高的胁迫耐受性以利于作物生产的品种提供了可能性。此外，精确的BR处理可用于提高作物产量。本综述旨在全面总结葫芦科（第二大蔬菜科，对全球蔬菜生产和营养安全有重大贡献）中与BR代谢和信号传导相关性状的遗传基础。我们总结了有关BR生物合成突变体的现有知识、BRs在减轻胁迫中的作用以及在葫芦科作物生产中外源施用BRs缓解胁迫的潜力。我们还讨论了与BR代谢相关的基因如何用于开发基因编辑策略以推进葫芦科作物的精准育种。
