RpFT5 Regulates Root-Sprouting Rejuvenation in Robinia pseudoacacia Through Transcriptional Control by RpSPL9/RpSOC1 and Epigenetic Regulation via AGO4-Mediated DNA Methylation.

RpFT5 is identified as a central hub controlling the mature-to-juvenile transition during root sprouting in Robinia pseudoacacia, with promoter CHH methylation linked to developmental phase.

• Why it matters: Root-based vegetative propagation can restore juvenile traits in mature trees, but the transcriptional and epigenetic control of this rejuvenation transition is not well defined.
• What they did: Using transcriptomic profiling in Robinia pseudoacacia, the study mapped RpSPL9 and RpSOC1 binding to RpFT5 promoter cis-elements to activate transcription, and assessed CHH DNA methylation dynamics plus RdDM involvement via an RpAGO4-like protein.
• The result: CHH methylation in the RpFT5 promoter is dynamically associated with developmental phase changes and enriched in mature tissues; RpAGO4-like promotes this methylation and interacts with RpSPL9/RpSOC1 to attenuate RpFT5 activation, supporting a dual transcription–epigenetic regulatory model for rejuvenation.

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