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Abstract
Glandular trichomes are specialized epidermal structures that contribute to plant defense by secreting protective specialized metabolites. In this study, we investigated the functional role of homeobox-leucine zipper protein MERISTEM L1-like (NtML1), a class IV HD-Zip transcription factor, in regulating glandular trichome development in Nicotiana tabacum. Using an integrated approach combining transcriptomics, reverse genetics, functional genomics, and protein interaction assays, we found that NtML1 is essential for the formation of long-stalked glandular trichomes. Loss-of-function mutation in NtML1 leads to reduced long-stalked glandular trichome density and altered metabolite profiles, underscoring its regulatory role in both trichome initiation and secondary metabolism. Furthermore, NtML1 interacts with the R2R3-MYB transcription factor REGULATORY AXILLARY MERSITEM 2 (NtRAX2), jointly modulating trichome developmental genes. RNA-seq analysis uncovered the extensive transcriptional network influenced by NtML1, offering novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying glandular trichome formation. These findings may inform future biotechnological approaches aimed at improving pest resistance and enhancing metabolite production in Solanaceae crops.
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