The abstract is read at the publisher; the summary is JClub's.
PtoRLK609 alleles in Populus tomentosa are linked to climate-related xylem lignification differences, with PtoRLK609Hap2 reaching fixation or near-fixation in northern populations and elevating lignin content.
- Why it matters: Long-term adaptive xylem remodeling in perennial trees is poorly explained at the molecular level, especially how natural genetic variation tunes signaling to match local climate.
- What they did: In 302 accessions from three climatically distinct subpopulations, transcriptomics and population genomics identified RLKs tied to xylem lignification; PtoRLK609 haplotypes were defined by four linked missense variants and tested with gain- and loss-of-function assays.
- The result: PtoRLK609 phosphorylates PtoERF105 at Ser171, and the PtoRLK609Hap2 variant shows higher kinase activity and more efficient phosphorylation, promoting secondary cell wall lignification, higher S/G ratio, increased vessel density, and better stem water status under controlled water deficit.
The findingWhy it mattersWhat they didThe result
AI summary of the abstract · may contain errors · not medical advice · read the paper.