research-highlights

WRKY76-miR528-SOD2 Regulatory Module Governs Submergence Tolerance in Sorghum

Sorghum submergence tolerance is governed by a WRKY76–miR528–SOD2 regulatory module that controls oxidative stress responses, revealing key molecular targets for improving crop resilience to flooding.

SbHMA5-Mediated Copper Efflux and Metallochaperone Interactions Regulate Copper Homeostasis in Sorghum

SbHMA5 is a conserved P1B-type copper ATPase in sorghum that maintains copper homeostasis by interacting with metallochaperones to efflux excess Cu from the cytosol, thereby protecting plant growth and development from copper toxicity.

Evolutionary, Structural, and Functional Diversification of Polyamine Oxidase Genes Underlying Drought Tolerance in Sorghum

Sorghum polyamine oxidase genes exhibit distinct structural, evolutionary, and regulatory specializations that shape tissue- and genotype-specific stress responses, with SbPAO5 and SbPAO6 emerging as key contributors to drought tolerance and promising targets for crop improvement.

Integrated Cytological and Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Phenylpropanoid-Mediated Regulation of Leaf Angle Formation in Sorghum

Leaf angle formation in sorghum is driven by coordinated changes in auricle cell development, phenylpropanoid-mediated lignin biosynthesis, and associated gene expression, collectively shaping plant architecture for improved light capture.

Stem-Preferred Gene Regulation and Meristematic Origins Underlying Transcriptional Specificity in Sorghum

A genome-wide analysis of sorghum revealed that stems possess relatively few organ-specific genes due to their meristematic origins, with two KNOX-like transcription factors, SbTALE03 and SbTALE04, emerging as key stem-preferred regulators and promising tools for targeted engineering supported by regulatory and network evidence.

Integrative Molecular and Physiological Mechanisms Underlying Drought Tolerance in Sorghum

Drought tolerance in sorghum arises from coordinated molecular, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms, including elevated osmoprotectant levels, enhanced antioxidant defenses, and activation of ABA-dependent bZIP transcription factors that collectively maintain cellular stability and promote resilience under water stress.

Salt-Tolerant Phosphorus-Solubilizing Fungi Enhance Nutrient Availability and Plant Performance in Saline Soils

Salt-tolerant phosphorus-solubilizing fungi enhance plant nutrition and stress resilience in saline soils through organic acid–mediated P mobilization, antifungal metabolite production, and adaptive physiological mechanisms, highlighting their potential as biofertilizers pending field validation.

Dissecting the Genetic Basis of Root Traits in Sorghum Using Genome-Wide Association Studies

A genome-wide association study in sorghum identified 189 QTNs underlying root system architecture, highlighting a complex polygenic basis with candidate genes linked to hormone signaling, flavonoid biosynthesis, and stress adaptation.

Integrated Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Sorghum Responses to Alkali Stress

Liu et al. found that though alkali stress disrupts growth, osmotic balance, and cellular stability in sorghum, the tolerant genotype Z14 counters these effects through stronger antioxidant defenses, enhanced osmotic regulation and rapid activation of stress-responsive genes and signaling pathways.