Shandong Researchers Uncover Genome ‘Guardian’ for Resilient Crops

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• Researchers in Shandong have identified a key genome ‘guardian’ protein that helps plants maintain DNA stability under stress, paving the way for breeding more resilient crops.
• The discovery shows how this genetic mechanism protects plants from environmental pressures such as drought, heat, and pathogens, ensuring healthier growth.
• By harnessing this genome safeguard, scientists aim to develop crop varieties with stronger resistance, higher yields, and improved adaptability to climate change.
• The breakthrough offers significant potential for global agriculture, strengthening food security and sustainability in the face of rising environmental challenges.

At Shandong Agricultural University, a team led by Dr Fang Liu has identified a key protector of plant genetics, a breakthrough that could reshape crop breeding and resilience strategies. 

The findings, published in Communications Biology, centre on the Arabidopsis homolog of the mammalian AATF/Che-1 protein, known as AtCHE1.

This protein, studied in the model plant Arabidopsis, plays a vital role in safeguarding genome stability a cornerstone for healthy growth and higher yields. 

“Understanding how AtCHE1 functions is like finding a guardian of the plant genome,” explained Dr Liu, from the State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology. “It helps protect DNA from damage, ensuring proper development.”

The researchers identified a mutant version of AtCHE1 in a chemically treated Arabidopsis population. This mutant, marked by short roots and small leaves, displayed high levels of DNA damage, cell death, and developmental defects at the root tip. Such findings emphasise the protein’s importance in maintaining meristem function and genomic integrity, offering fresh insight into plant growth and responses to stress.

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Beyond its scientific value, the discovery carries far-reaching implications. 

As climate change intensifies and food security concerns mount, genes like AtCHE1 could help create crops better equipped to withstand heat, drought, and other environmental stresses. More resilient crops not only promise stronger harvests but also support sustainable agricultural practices.

The energy sector could also benefit. With rising demand for biomass in biofuels and bioplastics, robust and high-yielding plants will be essential for meeting renewable energy goals.

This research highlights the fundamental processes guiding plant development while opening doors to innovative agricultural and energy applications. 

As Dr Liu and her team stress, unlocking genome guardians like AtCHE1 brings us closer to a more resilient and food secure future.