It was known that trees could survive extreme water shortages thanks to their ability to produce more numerous and smaller vessels, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this response were unknown. Now, a study led by CBGP researcher Daniel Conde reveals the key genes and pathways that control this plasticity, which could provide new tools for protecting forests and crops.
In a context of climate change like the one we are currently experiencing, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. Floods and droughts are spreading across the planet, and studying their impact on forests and tree crops has become one of the greatest challenges for the scientific community. Until now, it was known that trees could survive severe droughts thanks to the plasticity of wood development. Their ability to produce a greater number of smaller vessels allowed them to withstand these extreme conditions. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this response remained unknown.
A new study, led by CBGP researcher Daniel Conde and published in the journal Genome Biology, presents the first cell-type-specific transcriptomic map in mature stems of Populus, colloquially known as poplars.
Molecular mechanisms against drought
The researchers performed single-nucleus RNA sequencing comparing conditions of abundant irrigation and severe drought stress. The results revealed key genes and pathways that control the plasticity that allows trees to adjust their xylem to cope with water stress.
The researchers also identified novel functions of WAT1-like genes in hybrid poplars. The mechanisms regulated by these genes control vascular cambium cell division, as well as the size and proper spatial arrangement of vessels. In fact, it is the downregulation (repression) of these genetic processes during drought that leads to the formation of smaller and more numerous vessels, thus improving the hydraulic security of poplars. This change in wood anatomy under stress is, in turn, supported by the activation of the ARF5 gene, a key regulator of xylem development.
Furthermore, the work shows how the signaling of auxins, phytohormones that regulate plant growth and development, and their interaction with other hormones orchestrate wood plasticity under severe drought, establishing a link between molecular regulation and anatomical adaptations.
Development of new genetic tools to combat droughts
The work, led by Daniel Conde of the CBGP's "Secondary Plant Growth and Its Plasticity in the Face of Abiotic Stresses" group, represents a major advance in understanding tree adaptation to today's most common water stress. "By combining cutting-edge single-cell genomics with functional validation and its potential for sustainable forestry, this study allows for the development of drought-resistant poplar genotypes," says Conde.
Severe droughts are becoming more frequent due to climate change, threatening tree crops and natural forests. "Understanding the genetic defense mechanisms that exist in trees against these threats and creating genotypes with greater drought tolerance is essential today," concludes the CBGP researcher.
Original Paper: Gómez-Soto, D., Pereira, W.J., Piedrabuena-Díaz, A., Dervinis, C., Kirst, M., Allona, I., Perales, M., Conde, D. 2025. Single-nucleus transcriptomics revealed auxin-driven mechanisms of wood plasticity to enhance severe drought tolerance in poplar. Genome Biology 26, 312. DOI: 10.1186/s13059-025-03794-1
ImagenResearcher Daniel Conde, from the emerging group 'Secondary plant growth and its plasticity in the face of abiotic stresses', led the study / CBGP
La mejor actitud que podemos adoptar es la de trat...
The research team observed changes in head circumf...
AtCDF3 gene induced greater production of sugars a...
En nuestro post hablamos sobre este interesante tipo de célula del...
Proceeds to support clinical development of lead first-in-class progra...
