E3 ubiquitin ligases are the most expanded components of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). They mediate the recognition of substrates and later transfer the ubiquitin (Ub) of the system. Really Interesting New Gene (RING) finger proteins characterized by the RING domain, which contains 40–60 residues, are thought to be E3 ubiquitin ligase. RING-finger proteins play significant roles in plant growth, stress resistance, and signal transduction. In this study, we mainly describe the structural characteristics, classifications, and subcellular localizations of RING-finger proteins, as well the physiological processes of RING-finger proteins in plant growth and development. We also summarize the functions of plant RING-finger proteins in plant stress resistance. Finally, further research on plant RING-finger proteins is suggested, thereby establishing a strong foundation for the future study of plant RING-finger proteins.

This review archives the achievements made in the last two decades and presents a brief outline of some significant factors influencing the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Sorghum bicolor. Recently, progress in successful transformation has been made for this particular monocot crop through direct DNA delivery method and indirect method via Agrobacterium. However, lower transformation rate still proved to be a bottleneck in genetic modification of sorghum. An efficient Agrobacterium transformation system could be attained by optimizing the preliminary assays, comprising of explant source, growth media, antibiotics, Agrobacterium strains and agro-infection response of callus. The selection of competent strains for genetic transformation is also one of the key factors of consideration. Successful transformation is highly dependent on genome configuration of selected cultivar, where non-tannin genotype proved the best suited. Immature embryos from the field source have higher inherent adaptation chances than that of the greenhouse source. A higher concentration of Agrobacterium may damage the explant source. Utilization of anti-necrotic treatments and optimized tissue culture timeframe are the adequate strategies to lower down the effect of phenolic compounds. Appropriate selection of culture media vessels at different stages of tissue culture may also assist in a constructive manner. In conclusion, some aspects such as culture environment with medium composition, explant sources, and genotypes play an indispensable role in successful Agrobacterium-mediated sorghum transformation system.

Zinc finger homeodomain (ZF-HD) transcription factors play significant roles in plant growth and responses to environmental stresses. In this study, 32 ZF-HD genes identified in the tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) genome were divided into six groups according to phylogenetic analysis with Arabidopsis and tomato ZF-HD members. An examination of gene structures and conserved motifs revealed the relatively conserved exon/intron structures and motif organization within each subgroup. In addition, various stress-related elements are found in the promoter region of these genes. The expression profiling analysis revealed that NtZF-HD genes expressed in different tissues and could be induced by several abiotic stresses. Notably, NtZF-HD21 was highly expressed in response to the drought treatments. Subcellular localization analysis and a virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) experiment were performed to investigate the potential functions of NtZF-HD21. The subcellular localization indicated that NtZF-HD21 is a nuclear protein. Furthermore, gene silencing of the NtZF-HD21 gene reduced the drought resistance of tobacco. These findings provide insights for further biological functional analyses of the NtZF-HD genes in tobacco.

The pectin methylesterases (PMEs) play multiple roles in regulating plant development and responses to various stresses. In our study, a total of 121 PME genes were identified in the tobacco genome, which were clustered into two groups based on phylogenetic analysis together with Arabidopsis members. The investigations of gene structure and conserved motif indicated that exon/intron and motif organizations were relatively conserved in each group. Additionally, several stress-related elements were identified in the promoter region of these genes. The survey of duplication events revealed that segmental duplications were critical to the expansion of the PME gene family in tobacco. The expression profiles analysis revealed that these genes were expressed in various tissues and could be induced by diverse abiotic stresses. Notably, NtPME029 and NtPME043, were identified as homologues with AtPME3 and AtPME31, respectively. Furthermore, NtPME029 was highly expressed in roots and the over-expression of the NtPME029 gene could promote the development of roots. While NtPME043 could be induced by salt and ABA treatments, and the over-expression of the NtPME043 gene could significantly enhance the salt-stress tolerance in tobacco. Overall, these findings may shed light on the biological and functional characterization of NtPME genes in tobacco.

Pectin methylesterases (PMEs) are key enzymes that regulate the structure and function of pectin in plant cell walls. By fine-tuning the degree and pattern

The phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) gene family plays a crucial role in regulating key biological processes in plants, such as flowering ti