Subtle interplay between trichome development and cuticle formation in plants

Abstract

Trichomes and cuticles are key protective epidermal specializations. This review highlights the genetic interplay existing between trichome and cuticle formation in a variety of species. Controlling trichome development, the biosynthesis of trichome-derived specialized metabolites as well as cuticle biosynthesis and deposition can be viewed as different aspects of a common defensive strategy adopted by plants to protect themselves from environmental stresses. Existence of such interplay is based on the mining of published transcriptomic data as well as on phenotypic observations in trichome or cuticle mutants where the morphology of both structures often appear to be concomitantly altered. Given the existence of several trichome developmental pathways depending on the plant species and the types of trichomes, genetic interactions between cuticle formation and trichome development are complex to decipher and not easy to generalize. Based on our review of the literature, a schematic overview of the gene network mediating this transcriptional interplay is presented for two model plant species: Arabidopsis thaliana and Solanum lycopersicum. In addition to fundamental new insights on the regulation of these processes, identifying key transcriptional switches controlling both processes could also facilitate more applied investigations aiming at improving much desired agronomical traits in plants.

Genome-Wide Characterization and Expression Analysis of GeBP Family Genes in Soybean

“…In order to alleviate the damage caused by environmental conditions, the plants developed rich protective structures during evolution [ 2 ]. For example, the plants’ epidermal hair, which is a special kind of skin structure, is widely distributed amongst land plants and protects the plants from environmental stress [ 3 , 4 ].…”

Exploring and exploiting cuticle biosynthesis for abiotic and biotic stress tolerance in wheat and barley

“…Interplays of cuticle biosynthesis with other epidermal developmental processes like trichome formation have been extensively discussed by prior reviews ( Ingram and Nawrath, 2017 ; Berhin et al., 2022 ). Cuticle functions in concert with stomata to tightly control water and gas exchange essential for plant photosynthesis and environmental adaptation.…”

Identification and characterization of a novel gene involved in glandular trichome development in Nepeta tenuifolia

“…A complex network of PGT formation, terpenoids, flavonoids, and lipids Fatty acids are the primary components of lipids such as cutin and wax. Previously research has shown that the morphology of the cuticle and trichome (both GTs and NGTs) is altered in both trichome and cuticle mutants, implying that the trichome and cuticle are involved in such an interaction (Berhin et al, 2021). For example, the function loss of AtGL1 and Atmyb106 showed a reduction in cutin load and abnormal trichomes (Xia et al, 2010;Oshima et al, 2013); SlMX1, SlWOOLLY, and AaMIXTA all regulate wax biosynthesis and GT initiation (Mohamed et al, 2016;Chang et al, 2018;Shi et al, 2018;Xiong et al, 2020).…”