Non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) stand out among plant-specific peptide superfamilies due to their multifaceted roles in plant molecular physiology and development, including their protective functions against pathogens. These antimicrobial agents have demonstrated remarkable efficacy against bacterial and fungal pathogens. The discovery of plant-originated, cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptides such as nsLTPs has paved the way for exploring the mentioned organisms as potential biofactories for synthesizing antimicrobial compounds. Recently, nsLTPs have been the focus of a plethora of research and reviews, providing a functional overview of their potential activity. The present work compiles relevant information on nsLTP omics and evolution, and it adds meta-analysis of nsLTPs, including: (1) genome-wide mining in 12 plant genomes not studied before; (2) latest common ancestor analysis (LCA) and expansion mechanisms; (3) structural proteomics, scrutinizing nsLTPs’ three-dimensional structure/physicochemical characteristics in the context of nsLTP classification; and (4) broad nsLTP spatiotemporal transcriptional analysis using soybean as a study case. Combining a critical review with original results, we aim to integrate high-quality information in a single source to clarify unexplored aspects of this important gene/peptide family.

Stylosanthes scabra is a scientifically orphaned legume found in the Brazilian Caatinga biome (a semi-arid environment). This work utilized omics approaches to investigate some ecophysiological aspects of stress tolerance/resistance in S. scabra, study its genomic landscape, and predict potential metabolic pathways. Considering its high-confidence conceptual proteome, 1694 (~2.6%) proteins were associated with resistance proteins, some of which were found in soybean QTL regions that confer resistance to Asian soybean rust. S. scabra was also found to be a potential source of terpenes, as biosynthetic gene clusters associated with terpene biosynthesis were identified in its genome. The analysis revealed that mobile elements comprised approximately 59% of the sequenced genome. In the remaining 41% of the sections, some of the 22,681 protein-coding gene families were categorized into two informational groups: those that were specific to S. scabra and those that expanded significantly compared to their immediate ancestor. Biological process enrichment analyses indicated that these gene families play fundamental roles in the adaptation of S. scabra to extreme environments. Additionally, phylogenomic analysis indicated a close evolutionary relationship between the genera Stylosanthes and Arachis. Finally, this study found a high number (57) of aquaporin-encoding loci in the S. scabra genome. RNA-Seq and qPCR data suggested that the PIP subfamily may play a key role in the species’ adaptation to water deficit conditions. Overall, these results provide valuable insights into S. scabra biology and a wealth of gene/transcript information for future legume omics studies.

S. scabra is an important forage and extremophilic plant native to the Brazilian Caatinga semiarid region. It has only recently been subjected to omics-based investigations, and the generated datasets offer insights into biotechnologically significant candidates yet to be thoroughly examined. INSs (inositol and its derivatives) and RFO (raffinose oligosaccharide family) pathways emerge as pivotal candidates, given their critical roles in plant physiology. The mentioned compounds have also been linked to negative impacts on the absorption of nutrients in mammals, affecting overall nutritional intake and metabolism. Therefore, studying these metabolic pathways is important not just for plants but also for animals who depend on them as part of their diet. INS and RFO pathways in S. scabra stood out for their abundance of identified loci and enzymes. The enzymes exhibited genomic redundancy, being encoded by multiple loci and various gene families. The phylogenomic analysis unveiled an expansion of the PIP5K and GolS gene families relative to the immediate S. scabra ancestor. These enzymes are crucial for synthesizing key secondary messengers and the RFO precursor, respectively. Transcriptional control of the studied pathways was associated with DOF-type, C₂H₂, and BCP1 transcription factors. Identification of biological processes related to INS and RFO metabolic routes in S. scabra highlighted their significance in responding to stressful conditions prevalent in the Caatinga environment. Finally, RNA-Seq and qPCR data revealed the relevant influence of genes of the INS and RFO pathways in the S. scabra response to water deprivation. Our study deciphers the genetics and transcriptomics of the INS and RFO in S. scabra, shedding light on their importance for a Caatinga-native plant and paving the way for future biotechnological applications in this species and beyond.

Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) and Cowpea severe mosaic virus (CPSMV) threaten cowpea commercial production. This study aimed to analyze Conserved Transcriptional Signatures (CTS) in cowpea’s genotypes that are resistant to these viruses. CTS covered up- (UR) or down-regulated (DR) cowpea transcripts in response to CABMV and CPSMV mechanical inoculations. The conservation of cowpea’s UR defense response was primarily observed with the one hpi treatments, with decreased CTS representatives as time elapsed. This suggests that cowpea utilizes generic mechanisms during its early interaction with the studied viruses, and subsequently employs more specialized strategies for each viral agent. The potential action of the CTS-UR emphasizes the importance of redox balance, ethylene and jasmonic acid pathways. Additionally, the CTS-UR provides evidence for the involvement of R genes, PR proteins, and PRRs receptors—extensively investigated in combating bacterial and fungal pathogens—in the defense against viral inoculation. AP2-ERF, WRKY, and MYB transcription factors, as well as PIP aquaporins and MAPK cascades, also emerged as significant molecular players. The presented work represents the first study investigating conserved mechanisms in the cowpea defense response to viral inoculations, highlighting relevant processes for initial defense responses.

MicroRNAs are involved in gene regulation in several common liver diseases and may play an essential role in activating hepatic stellate cells. The role of these post-transcriptional regulators in ...