Petal blotch is a prevalent pigmentation pattern observed in the Xibei tree peony(Paeonia rockii), possessing significant aesthetic value and playing a crucial role in the species' reproduction and fitness. Despit...Petal blotch is a prevalent pigmentation pattern observed in the Xibei tree peony(Paeonia rockii), possessing significant aesthetic value and playing a crucial role in the species' reproduction and fitness. Despite years of research, deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying blotch formation remains challenging. As is well known, floral pigmentation is frequently associated with the familiar R2R3-MYB transcription factors. The key MYB anthocyanin activators of P. rockii ‘Shu Sheng Peng Mo' were previously reported in our preceding study. In this study, we identified and characterized three R2R3-MYBs, Pr MYBi1, Pr MYBi2, and Pr MYBi3, which belong to subgroup 4(SG4) and play repressor roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis. A quantitative real-time PCR(q RT-PCR) assay indicated that the expression of Pr MYBi1 and Pr MYBi3 gradually increased during flowering development and was substantially up-regulated in non-blotch compared to blotch. Yeast one-hybrid and dualluciferase assays demonstrated that Pr MYBi(1-3) directly target the anthocyanin structural genes and repress their transcription. The genetic transformation of tobacco demonstrated that the overexpression of Pr MYBi(1-3) decreased anthocyanin accumulation in flowers, with Pr MYBi1 serving as the most effective repressor. Our results revealed that SG4 R2R3-MYBs negatively regulate the anthocyanin pathway in P.rockii conservatively, and we provide the definite members. These findings will advance future research to unravel the mystery of blotch pattern formation.展开更多
Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins(Sousa chinensis)inhabit shallow coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region including southeast China,with at least 6 putative populations identified to date in Chinese waters.However,the ...Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins(Sousa chinensis)inhabit shallow coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region including southeast China,with at least 6 putative populations identified to date in Chinese waters.However,the connectivity among these populations has not yet been fully investigated.In the present study,we compared and crossmatched photographic catalogs of individual dolphins collected to date in the Pearl River Delta region,Leizhou Bay,Sanniang Bay,and waters southwest of Hainan Island,a total of 3158 individuals,and found no re-sighting of individual dolphins among the 4 study areas.Furthermore,there was a notable difference in the pigmentation pattern displayed by individuals from these 4 regions.We suggest that this may be a phenotypical expression of fine-scale regional differentiation among humpback dolphin groups,possibly distinct populations.Given the considerable conservation management implications it may carry(e.g.definition of management units),further research is much needed.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.32030095)the Key project at central government level:The ability establishment of sustainable use for valuable Chinese medicine resources(Grant No.2060302).
文摘Petal blotch is a prevalent pigmentation pattern observed in the Xibei tree peony(Paeonia rockii), possessing significant aesthetic value and playing a crucial role in the species' reproduction and fitness. Despite years of research, deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying blotch formation remains challenging. As is well known, floral pigmentation is frequently associated with the familiar R2R3-MYB transcription factors. The key MYB anthocyanin activators of P. rockii ‘Shu Sheng Peng Mo' were previously reported in our preceding study. In this study, we identified and characterized three R2R3-MYBs, Pr MYBi1, Pr MYBi2, and Pr MYBi3, which belong to subgroup 4(SG4) and play repressor roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis. A quantitative real-time PCR(q RT-PCR) assay indicated that the expression of Pr MYBi1 and Pr MYBi3 gradually increased during flowering development and was substantially up-regulated in non-blotch compared to blotch. Yeast one-hybrid and dualluciferase assays demonstrated that Pr MYBi(1-3) directly target the anthocyanin structural genes and repress their transcription. The genetic transformation of tobacco demonstrated that the overexpression of Pr MYBi(1-3) decreased anthocyanin accumulation in flowers, with Pr MYBi1 serving as the most effective repressor. Our results revealed that SG4 R2R3-MYBs negatively regulate the anthocyanin pathway in P.rockii conservatively, and we provide the definite members. These findings will advance future research to unravel the mystery of blotch pattern formation.
基金This research was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41406182,41306169,and 41422604)the biodiversity investigation,observation,and assessment program(2019-2023)of Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China+2 种基金Research Grants Council(RGC)of Hong Kong(General Research Fund HKU 768913M)Marine Ecology Enhancement Fund(MEEF2017015,MEEF2017015A,MEEF2017015B,and MEEF2017015C)Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong(MM01-1415,MM02-1516,AW02-1920,AW04_1617,MM01_1920).
文摘Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins(Sousa chinensis)inhabit shallow coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region including southeast China,with at least 6 putative populations identified to date in Chinese waters.However,the connectivity among these populations has not yet been fully investigated.In the present study,we compared and crossmatched photographic catalogs of individual dolphins collected to date in the Pearl River Delta region,Leizhou Bay,Sanniang Bay,and waters southwest of Hainan Island,a total of 3158 individuals,and found no re-sighting of individual dolphins among the 4 study areas.Furthermore,there was a notable difference in the pigmentation pattern displayed by individuals from these 4 regions.We suggest that this may be a phenotypical expression of fine-scale regional differentiation among humpback dolphin groups,possibly distinct populations.Given the considerable conservation management implications it may carry(e.g.definition of management units),further research is much needed.
