Seed development is one of nature’s most remarkable processes, ensuring the continuation of plant life and securing global food production. However, for seeds to grow properly, they need a constant supply of nutrients, which are transported through a specialised structure called the funiculus – the seed’s connection to the parent plant.
In a recent groundbreaking study published in Developmental Cell, researchers uncovered a key molecular mechanism that prevents excessive lignification (the hardening of plant cell walls) in the funiculus, allowing seeds to efficiently absorb nutrients. This discovery sheds new light on how plants regulate seed loading efficiency, with potential implications for future studies in crop science and seed development.
The Science Behind the Discovery
From left: Assoc. Prof. Ma Wei, Low Pui Man, Dr. Kong Que
At the heart of this research is ZINC FINGER PROTEIN2 (ZFP2), a key regulator that ensures developing seeds receive nutrients efficiently. Just like an umbilical cord supplies nutrients to a growing baby, the funiculus is the vital connection between the seed and the parent plant. Through this structure, essential nutrients such as sugars, amino acids, and defence compounds are transported to support seed growth. However, for this transport system to function properly, the funiculus must remain flexible and permeable.
The challenge? Plants naturally form lignin, a rigid, woody substance that strengthens cell walls. While lignification is important for structural support, too much of it in the funiculus can harden the tissue, block nutrient flow, and reduce seed size and viability.
This study found that ZFP2 acts as a crucial ‘brake’ to prevent excessive lignification in the funiculus. Without ZFP2, lignin accumulates uncontrollably, thickening the funiculus walls and restricting nutrient transport, resulting in smaller, weaker seeds with lower nutrient content. The researchers discovered that ZFP2 directly regulates NST1, a master gene responsible for secondary cell wall formation. By inhibiting NST1’s activity in the funiculus, ZFP2 ensures lignification occurs only where necessary, maintaining an optimal balance between structural integrity and efficient nutrient flow to seeds.
These discoveries provide new insights into how plants regulate seed nutrient transport, a process crucial for plant development and with potential implications for crop science.
A Collaborative Effort: Uniting Scientists from NTU SBS and the University of Copenhagen
This research is the result of strong teamwork and international collaboration between experts from Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) School of Biological Sciences (SBS) and the Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen.
Assoc. Prof. Ma Wei, along with Dr. Kong Que and Low Pui Man from NTU SBS, collaborated closely with Dr. Leonard Blaschek and Prof. Staffan Persson from the University of Copenhagen to advance this research. Their combined expertise in plant molecular biology, cell wall biosynthesis, and transcriptional regulation was crucial in uncovering ZFP2’s role.
From left: Dr. Leonard Blaschek, Prof. Staffan Persson
A special acknowledgment goes to Dr. Leonard Blaschek, whose contributions were key in characterising ZFP2’s molecular function and its impact on seed nutrient loading.
This collaboration highlights the power of global scientific partnerships, bringing together expertise across institutions to advance knowledge in plant science.
Future Implications: Exploring the Role of ZFP2 in Seed Science
Understanding how plants naturally regulate seed nutrient transport opens new possibilities for future research in crop science. While this study focused on Arabidopsis, a model plant, the molecular mechanisms uncovered here may inspire further studies in other plant species, contributing to a deeper understanding of seed development and nutrient efficiency.
This study stands as a testament to the dedication and teamwork of researchers across the globe. Congratulations once again to the teams at NTU SBS and the University of Copenhagen for this incredible achievement!
Read the full paper here.