CSP-H genes (encoding cold shock proteins) were horizontally transferred from bacteria to Triticeae and improved wheat adaptation by enhancing its tolerance to various abiotic stresses. Because these genes are integrated into the recipient genome and have been positively selected for thousands of years, they provide great potential for modern transgenic engineering and synthetic biology.
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Fig. 1: TaCSP-H genes are horizontally transferred from bacteria and promote wheat adaptation and grain yield.
References
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This is a summary of: Wang, K. et al. Horizontally acquired CSP genes contribute to wheat adaptation and improvement. Nat. Plants https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-025-01952-8 (2025).
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Horizontal gene transfer of cold shock protein genes boosted wheat adaptation and expansion. Nat. Plants (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-025-01985-z
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Published:31 March 2025
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-025-01985-z
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