Functional Characterization of <i>PtoWOX1</i> in Regulating Leaf Morphogenesis and Photosynthesis in <i>Populus tomentosa</i>.

ABSTRACT: 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 PtoWOX1 in leaf morphogenesis by generating both overexpression and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout lines in P. tomentosa. The results showed that PtoWOX1A and PtoWOX1B encode nuclear-localized transcription factors highly expressed in young leaves, particularly in palisade and epidermal cells. Knockout of PtoWOX1 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 re

SUBMITTER: Tang F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12299494 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature