Functional Characterization of <i>PtoWOX1</i> in Regulating Leaf Morphogenesis and Photosynthesis in <i>Populus tomentosa</i>
Leaves are essential for photosynthesis and transpiration, directly influencing plant growth and development. Leaf morphology, such as length, width, and area, affects photosynthetic efficiency and transpiration rates. In this study, we investigated the role of <i>PtoWOX1</i> in leaf mor...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Plants |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/14/2138 |
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| Summary: | Leaves are essential for photosynthesis and transpiration, directly influencing plant growth and development. Leaf morphology, such as length, width, and area, affects photosynthetic efficiency and transpiration rates. In this study, we investigated the role of <i>PtoWOX1</i> in leaf morphogenesis by generating both overexpression and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout lines in <i>P. tomentosa</i>. The results showed that <i>PtoWOX1A</i> and <i>PtoWOX1B</i> encode nuclear-localized transcription factors highly expressed in young leaves, particularly in palisade and epidermal cells. Knockout of <i>PtoWOX1</i> resulted in reduced leaf width and area, enlarged upper epidermal cells, and lower stomatal density. Overexpression led to wrinkled leaf surfaces and reduced margin serration. Anatomical analysis revealed altered palisade cell arrangement and increased leaf thickness in knockout lines, accompanied by higher chlorophyll content and enhanced photosynthetic rates. Additionally, <i>PtoWOX1A</i> interacts with <i>PtoYAB3B</i>, suggesting a complex that regulates leaf margin development. These findings clarify the function of <i>PtoWOX1</i> in regulating mid-lateral axis development and leaf margin morphology and provide new insights for the molecular breeding of poplar. |
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| ISSN: | 2223-7747 |