In 1996,the journal Development published a special issue on zebrafish solely focusing on characterization of dozens of phenotypic mutants chosen from hundreds of mutants identified through chemical（ENU）mutagenesis ...In 1996,the journal Development published a special issue on zebrafish solely focusing on characterization of dozens of phenotypic mutants chosen from hundreds of mutants identified through chemical（ENU）mutagenesis by two zebrafish groups in Tubingen and Boston.This milestone formally catapulted zebrafish to a league of genetically tractable model展开更多
Plant synthetic biology has emerged as a transformative field in agriculture,offering innovative solutions to enhance food security,provide resilience to climate change,and transition to sustainable farming practices....Plant synthetic biology has emerged as a transformative field in agriculture,offering innovative solutions to enhance food security,provide resilience to climate change,and transition to sustainable farming practices.By integrating advanced genetic tools,computational modeling,and systems biology,researchers can precisely modify plant genomes to enhance traits such as yield,stress tolerance,and nutrient use efficiency.The ability to design plants with specific characteristics tailored to diverse environmental conditions and agricultural needs holds great potential to address global food security challenges.Here,we highlight recent advancements and applications of plant synthetic biology in agriculture,focusing on key areas such as photosynthetic efficiency,nitrogen fixation,drought tolerance,pathogen resistance,nutrient use efficiency,biofortification,climate resilience,microbiology engineering,synthetic plant genomes,and the integration of artificial intelligence with synthetic biology.These innovations aim to maximize resource use efficiency,reduce reliance on external inputs,and mitigate environmental impacts associated with conventional agricultural practices.Despite challenges related to regulatory approval and public acceptance,the integration of synthetic biology in agriculture holds immense promise for creating more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems,contributing to global food security and environmental sustainability.Rigorous multi-field testing of these approaches will undoubtedly be required to ensure reproducibility.展开更多
The domesticated silkworm(Bombyx mori)has evolved a highly efficient nitrogen utilization system to support silk production.The silk glands play a pleiotropic role in sequestering nitrogen resources for silk synthesis...The domesticated silkworm(Bombyx mori)has evolved a highly efficient nitrogen utilization system to support silk production.The silk glands play a pleiotropic role in sequestering nitrogen resources for silk synthesis,mitigating aminoacidemia by assimilating free amino acids,and reallocating nitrogen during metamorphosis through programmed cell death.However,the specific functions of nitrogen metabolism-related genes in this process remain unclear.Using CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing,mutations were generated in glutamine synthetase(GS),glutamate synthetase(GOGAT),asparagine synthetase(AS),glutamate dehydrogenase(GDH)and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase 1(GOT1).Disruption of GS,GOGAT,and AS consistently reduced silkworm cocoon and pupal weight and significantly down-regulated silk protein gene transcription,whereas GOT1 mutation had no such effect.GOGAT mutants exhibited abnormally enlarged silk glands,whereas GS and AS mutants showed delayed programmed cell death in the silk glands.In contrast,GOT1 mutants displayed normal silk gland morphology but were consistently smaller.Disruption of GS,GOGAT,and AS led to more extensive transcriptional changes,including altered expression of transcription factors in the silk glands,compared with GOT1 mutants.Both GS and GOGAT mutants exhibited up-regulation of AS and GDH,while only GOGAT mutants displayed elevated AS enzymatic activity,suggesting that GOGAT may compete with AS for glutamine in the silk glands to support silk protein synthesis.AS mutants showed significantly elevated GOT activity and up-regulation of several metabolic pathways,indicating that AS may functionally interact with GOT in regulating both silk gland development and programmed cell death during metamorphosis.展开更多
Organism development is a systems level process. It has benefited greatly from the recent technological advances in the field of systems biology. DNA microarray, phenome, interactome and transcriptome mapping, the new...Organism development is a systems level process. It has benefited greatly from the recent technological advances in the field of systems biology. DNA microarray, phenome, interactome and transcriptome mapping, the new generation of deep sequencing technologies, and faster and better computational and modeling approaches have opened new frontiers for both systems biologists and developmental biologists to reexamine the old developmental biology questions, such as pattern formation, and to tackle new problems, such as stem cell reprogramming. As showcased in the International Developmental Systems Biology Symposium organized by Chinese Academy of Sciences, developmental systems biology is flourishing in many perspectives, from the evolution of developmental systems, to the underlying genetic and molecular pathways and networks, to the genomic, epigenomic and noncoding levels, to the computational analysis and modeling. We believe that the field will continue to reap rewards into the future with these new approaches.展开更多
Powdery mildew negatively impacts wheat yield and quality.Emmer wheat(Triticum dicoccum),an ancestral species of common wheat,is a gene donor for wheat improvement.Cultivated emmer accession H1-707 exhibited all-stage...Powdery mildew negatively impacts wheat yield and quality.Emmer wheat(Triticum dicoccum),an ancestral species of common wheat,is a gene donor for wheat improvement.Cultivated emmer accession H1-707 exhibited all-stage resistance to powdery mildew over consecutive years.Genetic analysis of H1-707 at the seedling stage revealed a dominant monogenic inheritance pattern,and the underlying gene was designated Pm71.By employing bulked segregant exome sequencing(BSE-Seq)and using 2000 F2:3 families,Pm71 was fine mapped to a 336-kb interval on chromosome arm 6AS by referencing to the durum cv.Svevo RefSeq 1.0.Collinearity analysis revealed high homology in the candidate interval between Svevo and six Triticum species.Among six high-confidence genes annotated within this interval,TRITD6Av1G005050 encoding a GDSL esterase/lipase was identified as a key candidate for Pm71.展开更多
Branching is a critical aspect of plant architecture that significantly impacts the yield and adaptability of staple cereal crops like rice and wheat.Cereal crops develop tillers during the vegetative stage and panicl...Branching is a critical aspect of plant architecture that significantly impacts the yield and adaptability of staple cereal crops like rice and wheat.Cereal crops develop tillers during the vegetative stage and panicle or spike branches during the reproductive stage,respectively,both of which are significantly impacted by hormones and genetic factors.Tillering and panicle branching are closely interconnected and exhibit high environmental plasticity.Here,we summarize the recent progress in genetic,hormonal,and environmental factors regulation in the branching of rice and wheat.This review not only provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on branching mechanisms in rice and wheat,but also explores the prospects for future research aimed at optimizing crop architecture for enhanced productivity.展开更多
Nuclear factor Y is a ubiquitous heterotrimeric transcription factor complex conserved across eukaryotes that binds to CCAAT boxes,one of the most common motifs found in gene promoters and enhancers.Over the last 30 y...Nuclear factor Y is a ubiquitous heterotrimeric transcription factor complex conserved across eukaryotes that binds to CCAAT boxes,one of the most common motifs found in gene promoters and enhancers.Over the last 30 years,research has revealed that the nuclear factor Y complex controls many aspects of brain development,including differentiation,axon guidance,homeostasis,disease,and most recently regeneration.However,a complete understanding of transcriptional regulatory networks,including how the nuclear factor Y complex binds to specific CCAAT boxes to perform its function remains elusive.In this review,we explore the nuclear factor Y complex’s role and mode of action during brain development,as well as how genomic technologies may expand understanding of this key regulator of gene expression.展开更多
The crop yields achieved through traditional plant breeding techniques appear to be nearing a plateau.Therefore,it is essential to accelerate advancements in photosynthesis,the fundamental process by which plants conv...The crop yields achieved through traditional plant breeding techniques appear to be nearing a plateau.Therefore,it is essential to accelerate advancements in photosynthesis,the fundamental process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy,to further enhance crop yields.Research focused on improving photosynthesis holds significant promise for increasing sustainable agricultural productivity and addressing challenges related to global food security.This review examines the latest advancements and strategies aimed at boosting crop yields by enhancing photosynthetic efficiency.There has been a linear increase in yield over the years in historically released germplasm selected through traditional breeding methods,and this increase is accompanied by improved photosynthesis.We explore various aspects of the light reactions designed to enhance crop yield,including light harvest efficiency through smart canopy systems,expanding the absorbed light spectrum to include far-red light,optimizing non-photochemical quenching,and accelerating electron transport flux.At the same time,we investigate carbon reactions that can enhance crop yield,such as manipulating Rubisco activity,improving the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle,introducing CO_(2)concentrating mechanisms in C_(3)plants,and optimizing carbon allocation.These strategies could significantly impact crop yield enhancement and help bridge the yield gap.展开更多
Objective To evaluate the association of GGN repeat polymorphism of androgen receptor(AR)with ovarian reserve and ovarian response in controlled ovarian stimulation(COS).Methods This genetic association study was cond...Objective To evaluate the association of GGN repeat polymorphism of androgen receptor(AR)with ovarian reserve and ovarian response in controlled ovarian stimulation(COS).Methods This genetic association study was conducted among a total of 361 women aged≤40 years with basal FSH≤12 U/L undergoing the GnRH-agonist long protocol for COS in a university affiliated IVF center.GGN repeat in the AR gene was analyzed with Sanger sequencing.The primary endpoint was the number of antral follicle counts(AFCs),and the secondary endpoints were stimulation days,total dose of gonadotropin(Gn)used,total number of retrieved oocytes,ovarian sensitivity index,and follicular output rate.Results The GGN repeat in exon 1 of the AR gene ranged from 13 to 24,and the median repeat length was 22.Based on the genotypes(S for GGN repeats<22,L for GGN repeats≥22),the patients were divided into 3 groups:SS,SL,and LL.Generalized regression analysis indicated that the number of AFCs in group SS was significantly lower than those in group SL(adjusted β=1.8,95%CI:0.2-3.4,P=0.024)and group LL(adjusted β=1.5,95%CI:0.2-2.7,P=0.021).No significant difference was observed in the number of AFCs between group SL and group LL(P>0.05).Generalized regression analysis indicated no significant differences in ovarian stimulation parameters among the 3 groups,either before or after adjusting for confounding factors(P>0.05).Conclusion GGN repeat length on the AR gene is associated with AFC but not with ovarian response in Chinese women,indicating that AR gene polymorphisms may affect ovarian reserve.展开更多
Originally extracted from willow bark,salicylic acid(SA)provided the structural basis for the synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid(aspirin)in 1897,a milestone that exemplifies the far-reaching biomedical relevance of pla...Originally extracted from willow bark,salicylic acid(SA)provided the structural basis for the synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid(aspirin)in 1897,a milestone that exemplifies the far-reaching biomedical relevance of plant-derived metabolites(Desborough and Keeling,2017).In plants,SA functions as a pleiotropic phytohormone that orchestrates immune reprogramming,serving as a central mediator of both local defense responses and systemic acquired resistance(SAR).展开更多
The plant cell wall is an extremely complicated natural nanoscale structure composed of cellulose microfibrils embedded in a matrix of noncellulosic polysaccharides,further reinforced by the phenolic compound lignins ...The plant cell wall is an extremely complicated natural nanoscale structure composed of cellulose microfibrils embedded in a matrix of noncellulosic polysaccharides,further reinforced by the phenolic compound lignins in some cell types.Such a network formed by the interactions of multiscale polymers actually reflects functional form of the cell wall to meet the requirements of plant cell functionalization.Therefore,how plants assemble cell wall functional structure is fundamental in plant biology and critical for crop trait formation and domestication as well.Due to the lack of effective analytical techniques to characterize this fundamental but complex network,it remains difficult to establish direct links between cell-wall genes and phenotypes.The roles of plant cell walls are often underestimated as indirect.Over the past decades,many genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis,modification,and remodeling have been identified.The application of a variety of state-of-the-art techniques has made it possible to reveal the fine cell wall networks and polymer interactions.Hence,many exciting advances in cell wall biology have been achieved in recent years.This review provides an updated overview of the mechanistic and conceptual insights in cell wall functionality,and prospects the opportunities and challenges in this field.展开更多
Objectives:Proteasomes,multi-subunit proteases,are key actors of cellular protein catabolism and a number of regulatory processes.The detection of subtle proteasome functioning in tumors may contribute to our understa...Objectives:Proteasomes,multi-subunit proteases,are key actors of cellular protein catabolism and a number of regulatory processes.The detection of subtle proteasome functioning in tumors may contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer development.The current study aimed to identify the role of low molecular mass protein 2(LMP2),a proteasome immune subunit,in the development of mouse colon 26(C26)adenocarcinoma.Methods:The functions of the LMP2 subunit in tumor development in Balb/c mice were studied using its irreversible inhibitor KZR-504.LMP2 activity was detected by the hydrolysis of the fluorogenic substrate Ac-Pro-Ala-Leu-AMC.Western blotting and Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction(qRT-PCR)were used.We applied fluorescent tests for cell proliferation and apoptosis.M2 macrophages were obtained by polarization of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages using the corresponding cytokines.Results:KZR-504 showed high specificity only for the LMP2 subunit and had no negative effect on C26 cells in culture.However,KZR-504 suppressed the formation of tumor conglomerates(by 74%,p<0.001)after C26 cell transplantation in vivo,inhibited the expression of chitinase-<3-like protein 3(Chil3)gene(by 90%,p<0.001),a key marker of immunosuppressive M2 macrophages,in the tumor<microenvironment,and reduced the tumor weight compared to the control(by 48%,p<0.01).KZR-504 also suppressed<the expression of Chil3(by 68%,p<0.05)and arginase-1(Arg1)(by 90%,p<0.001),another marker gene,in M2<<macrophages and violated M0-M2 macrophage polarization in culture.Conclusion:We discovered earlier unknown functions of the proteasome LMP2 subunit to facilitate the formation of tumor conglomerates and maintain Chil3 and Arg1 expression in immunosuppressive M2 macrophages.Our work demonstrates that the proteasome LMP2 subunit can be a target for antitumor treatment.展开更多
In the mammalian genome,most CpGs are methylated.However,CpGs within the CpG islands(CGIs)are largely unmethylated,which are important for gene expression regulation.The mechanism underlying the low methylation levels...In the mammalian genome,most CpGs are methylated.However,CpGs within the CpG islands(CGIs)are largely unmethylated,which are important for gene expression regulation.The mechanism underlying the low methylation levels at CGIs remains largely elusive.KDM2 proteins(KDM2A and KDM2B)are H3K36me2 demethylases known to bind specifically at CGIs.Here,we report that depletion of each or both KDM2 proteins,or mutation of all their JmjC domains that harbor the H3K36me2 demethylation activity,leads to an increase in DNA methylation at selective CGIs.The Kdm2a/2b double knockout shows a stronger increase in DNA methylation compared with the single mutant of Kdm2a or Kdm2b,indicating that KDM2A and KDM2B redundantly regulate DNA methylation at CGIs.In addition,the increase of CGI DNA methylation upon mutations of KDM2 proteins is associated with the chromatin environment.Our findings reveal that KDM2A and KDM2B function redundantly in regulating DNA methylation at a subset of CGIs in an H3K36me2 demethylation-dependent manner.展开更多
Root-knot nematodes(RKNs)are the most widespread soil-borne obligate endoparasites.They can infect the roots of many crops and cause significant yield losses.The only commercially available RKN-resistant gene in tomat...Root-knot nematodes(RKNs)are the most widespread soil-borne obligate endoparasites.They can infect the roots of many crops and cause significant yield losses.The only commercially available RKN-resistant gene in tomatoes,Mi-1.2,fails at soil temperatures above 28℃.We cloned the heat-stable RKN-resistant gene,Mi-9,from a gene cluster composed of seven nucleotide-binding sites and leucine-rich repeat(NBS-LRR)type resistant genes in Solanum arcunum accession LA2157.Screening nematode infections in individual and combinatorial knockouts of five NBS-LRR genes showed that Mi-9 Candidate 4(MiC-4)alone is sufficient to confer heat-stable RKN resistance.Our study identifies a new source of heat-stable resistance to RKN in tomatoes for challenging environmental conditions.We also showcase a roadmap for rapid characterization of resistance genes by combining comparative genomics and genome editing,with the potential to be utilized in other crops.展开更多
Reactive oxygen species(ROS)and nitric oxide(NO)are two critical classes of signaling molecules that regulate plant development and stress responses.The intracellular level of S-nitrosoglutathione(GSNO),a major bioact...Reactive oxygen species(ROS)and nitric oxide(NO)are two critical classes of signaling molecules that regulate plant development and stress responses.The intracellular level of S-nitrosoglutathione(GSNO),a major bioactive NO species,is regulated by the highly conserved GSNO reductase(GSNOR).However,the molecular mechanisms underlying ROS-mediated regulation of GSNOR remain largely unclear.Here,we show that H_(2)O_(2)negatively regulates the activity of GSNOR1 during ovule development in Arabidopsis.S-sulfenylation of GSNOR1 at Cys-284 inhibits its enzymatic activity.A GSNOR1C284S mutation causes a reduction of the total SNO level in pistils,thereby disrupting NO homeostasis and eventually leading to defective ovule development.These findings illustrate a unique mechanism by which ROS regulates ovule development through S-sulfenylation-mediated inhibition of the GSNOR activity,thereby establishing a molecular link between ROS and NO signaling pathways in reproductive development.展开更多
It has recently become evident that the de novo emergence of genes is widespread and documented for a variety of organisms.De novo genes frequently emerge in proximity to existing genes,forming gene overlaps.Here,we p...It has recently become evident that the de novo emergence of genes is widespread and documented for a variety of organisms.De novo genes frequently emerge in proximity to existing genes,forming gene overlaps.Here,we present an analysis of the evolutionary history of a putative de novo gene,lawc,which overlaps with the conserved Trf2 gene,which encodes a general transcription factor in Drosophila melanogaster.We demonstrate that lawc emerged approximately 68 million years ago in the 5'-untranslated region(UTR)of Trf2 and displays an extensive spatiotemporal expression pattern.One of the most remarkable features of the lawc evolutionary history is that its emergence was facilitated by the engagement of Drosophilidae-specific short,highly conserved regions located in Trf2 introns.This represents a unique example of putative de novo gene birth involving conserved DNA regions localized in introns of conserved genes.The observed lawc expression pattern may be due to the overlap of lawc with the 5'-UTR of Trf2.This study not only enriches our understanding of gene evolution but also highlights the complex interplay between genetic conservation and innovation.展开更多
The cell fate of primordial germ cell(PGC)in zebrafish is pre-determined by maternally deposited germ plasm,which is packaged into ribonucleoprotein complex in oocytes and inherited into PGC-fated cells in embryos.How...The cell fate of primordial germ cell(PGC)in zebrafish is pre-determined by maternally deposited germ plasm,which is packaged into ribonucleoprotein complex in oocytes and inherited into PGC-fated cells in embryos.However,the maternal factors regulating the assembly of germ plasm and PGC development remain poorly understood.In this study,we report that the maternal transcription factor Znf706 regulates the assembly of germ plasm factors into a granule-like structure localized perinuclearly in PGC during migration.Maternal and zygotic mutants of znf706 exhibit deficient germ plasm scattering at the early embryonic stage,decreased PGC numbers with some mislocation during PGC migration,and a lower female ratio in adulthood.Notably,the implementation of Znf706 CUT&Tag and RNA-seq on immature oocytes uncovers that Znf706 in stage I oocytes may promote transcription of several mitochondrial genes in addition to other functions.Hence,we propose that Znf706 is implicated in germ plasm assembly and PGC development in zebrafish.展开更多
Small regulatory RNAs(sRNAs)are essential regulators of gene expression across a wide range of organisms to precisely modulate gene activity based on sequence-specific recognition.In model plants like Arabidopsis thal...Small regulatory RNAs(sRNAs)are essential regulators of gene expression across a wide range of organisms to precisely modulate gene activity based on sequence-specific recognition.In model plants like Arabidopsis thaliana,extensive research has primarily concentrated on 21-to 24-nucleotide(nt)sRNAs,particularly microRNAs(miRNAs).Recent advancements in cell and tissue isolation techniques,coupled with advanced sequencing technologies,are revealing a diverse array of preciously uncharacterized sRNA species.These include structural RNA fragments as well as numerous cell-and tissue-specific sRNAs that are active during distinct developmental stages,thereby enhancing our understanding of the precise and dynamic regulatory roles of sRNAs in plant development regulation.Additionally,a notable feature of sRNAs is their capacity for amplification and movement between cells and tissues,which facilitates long-distance communication-an adaptation critical to plants due to their sessile nature.In this review,we will discuss the classification and mechanisms of sRNAs action,using legumes as a primary example due to their essential engagement for the unique organ establishment of root nodules and long-distance signaling,and further illustrating the potential applications of sRNAs in modern agricultural breeding and environmentally sustainableplantprotection strategies.展开更多
Soybean(Glycine max)is a vital foundation of global food security,providing a primary source of highquality protein and oil for human consumption and animal feed.The rising global population has significantly increase...Soybean(Glycine max)is a vital foundation of global food security,providing a primary source of highquality protein and oil for human consumption and animal feed.The rising global population has significantly increased the demand for soybeans,emphasizing the urgency of developing high-yield,stresstolerant,and nutritionally superior cultivars.The extensive collection of soybean germplasm resources—including wild relatives,landraces,and cultivars—represents a valuable reservoir of genetic diversity critical for breeding advancements.Recent breakthroughs in genomic technologies,particularly highthroughput sequencing and multi-omics approaches,have revolutionized the identification of key genes associated with essential agronomic traits within these resources.These innovations enable precise and strategic utilization of genetic diversity,empowering breeders to integrate traits that improve yield potential,resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses,and nutritional quality.This review highlights the critical role of genetic resources and omics-driven innovations in soybean breeding.It also offers insights into strategies for accelerating the development of elite soybean cultivars to meet the growing demands of global soybean production.展开更多
Regenerative capacity of the central nervous system(CNS)is unevenly distributed among vertebrates.While most mammalian species including humans elicit limited repair following CNS injury or disease,highly regenerative...Regenerative capacity of the central nervous system(CNS)is unevenly distributed among vertebrates.While most mammalian species including humans elicit limited repair following CNS injury or disease,highly regenerative vertebrates including urodele amphibians and teleost fish spontaneously reverse CNS damage.Teletost zebrafish(danio rerio)are tropical freshwater fish that proved to be an excellent vertebrate model of successful CNS regeneration.Differential neuronal,glial,and immune injury responses underlie disparate injury outcomes between highly regenerative zebrafish and poorly regenerative mammals.This article describes complications associated with neuronal repair following spinal cord injury(SCI)in poorly regenerative mammals and highlights intersecting modes of plasticity and regeneration in highly regenerative zebrafish(Figures 1 and 2).Comparative approaches evaluating immunoglial SCI responses were recently reviewed elsewhere(Reyes and Mokalled,2024).展开更多
文摘In 1996,the journal Development published a special issue on zebrafish solely focusing on characterization of dozens of phenotypic mutants chosen from hundreds of mutants identified through chemical（ENU）mutagenesis by two zebrafish groups in Tubingen and Boston.This milestone formally catapulted zebrafish to a league of genetically tractable model
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Category B,XDB1090000).
文摘Plant synthetic biology has emerged as a transformative field in agriculture,offering innovative solutions to enhance food security,provide resilience to climate change,and transition to sustainable farming practices.By integrating advanced genetic tools,computational modeling,and systems biology,researchers can precisely modify plant genomes to enhance traits such as yield,stress tolerance,and nutrient use efficiency.The ability to design plants with specific characteristics tailored to diverse environmental conditions and agricultural needs holds great potential to address global food security challenges.Here,we highlight recent advancements and applications of plant synthetic biology in agriculture,focusing on key areas such as photosynthetic efficiency,nitrogen fixation,drought tolerance,pathogen resistance,nutrient use efficiency,biofortification,climate resilience,microbiology engineering,synthetic plant genomes,and the integration of artificial intelligence with synthetic biology.These innovations aim to maximize resource use efficiency,reduce reliance on external inputs,and mitigate environmental impacts associated with conventional agricultural practices.Despite challenges related to regulatory approval and public acceptance,the integration of synthetic biology in agriculture holds immense promise for creating more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems,contributing to global food security and environmental sustainability.Rigorous multi-field testing of these approaches will undoubtedly be required to ensure reproducibility.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32270458,32070411,2023A1515010657)State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects(SKLSGB-ORP202209)。
文摘The domesticated silkworm(Bombyx mori)has evolved a highly efficient nitrogen utilization system to support silk production.The silk glands play a pleiotropic role in sequestering nitrogen resources for silk synthesis,mitigating aminoacidemia by assimilating free amino acids,and reallocating nitrogen during metamorphosis through programmed cell death.However,the specific functions of nitrogen metabolism-related genes in this process remain unclear.Using CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing,mutations were generated in glutamine synthetase(GS),glutamate synthetase(GOGAT),asparagine synthetase(AS),glutamate dehydrogenase(GDH)and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase 1(GOT1).Disruption of GS,GOGAT,and AS consistently reduced silkworm cocoon and pupal weight and significantly down-regulated silk protein gene transcription,whereas GOT1 mutation had no such effect.GOGAT mutants exhibited abnormally enlarged silk glands,whereas GS and AS mutants showed delayed programmed cell death in the silk glands.In contrast,GOT1 mutants displayed normal silk gland morphology but were consistently smaller.Disruption of GS,GOGAT,and AS led to more extensive transcriptional changes,including altered expression of transcription factors in the silk glands,compared with GOT1 mutants.Both GS and GOGAT mutants exhibited up-regulation of AS and GDH,while only GOGAT mutants displayed elevated AS enzymatic activity,suggesting that GOGAT may compete with AS for glutamine in the silk glands to support silk protein synthesis.AS mutants showed significantly elevated GOT activity and up-regulation of several metabolic pathways,indicating that AS may functionally interact with GOT in regulating both silk gland development and programmed cell death during metamorphosis.
基金the China National Science Foundation (NSF) (No. 30588001, 30620120433)National Basic Research Program of China (No. 2006CB910700)funds from the Chinese Acad-emy of Sciences to J.-D.J.H. and NSF fellowship to T.A.
文摘Organism development is a systems level process. It has benefited greatly from the recent technological advances in the field of systems biology. DNA microarray, phenome, interactome and transcriptome mapping, the new generation of deep sequencing technologies, and faster and better computational and modeling approaches have opened new frontiers for both systems biologists and developmental biologists to reexamine the old developmental biology questions, such as pattern formation, and to tackle new problems, such as stem cell reprogramming. As showcased in the International Developmental Systems Biology Symposium organized by Chinese Academy of Sciences, developmental systems biology is flourishing in many perspectives, from the evolution of developmental systems, to the underlying genetic and molecular pathways and networks, to the genomic, epigenomic and noncoding levels, to the computational analysis and modeling. We believe that the field will continue to reap rewards into the future with these new approaches.
基金financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(32301800,32301923 and 32072053)Wheat Industrial Technology System of Shandong Province(SDAIT-01-01)Key Research and Development Project of Shandong Province(2022LZG002-4,2023LZGC009-4-4).
文摘Powdery mildew negatively impacts wheat yield and quality.Emmer wheat(Triticum dicoccum),an ancestral species of common wheat,is a gene donor for wheat improvement.Cultivated emmer accession H1-707 exhibited all-stage resistance to powdery mildew over consecutive years.Genetic analysis of H1-707 at the seedling stage revealed a dominant monogenic inheritance pattern,and the underlying gene was designated Pm71.By employing bulked segregant exome sequencing(BSE-Seq)and using 2000 F2:3 families,Pm71 was fine mapped to a 336-kb interval on chromosome arm 6AS by referencing to the durum cv.Svevo RefSeq 1.0.Collinearity analysis revealed high homology in the candidate interval between Svevo and six Triticum species.Among six high-confidence genes annotated within this interval,TRITD6Av1G005050 encoding a GDSL esterase/lipase was identified as a key candidate for Pm71.
基金funded by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31930006 to Y.W.)the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFF1002903 to Y.W.)+1 种基金the Top Talents Program “One Case One Discussion”(Yishiyiyi to Y.W.)from Shandong provinceShandong Agricultural University Talent Introduction Start-up Fund (to N.Z.)
文摘Branching is a critical aspect of plant architecture that significantly impacts the yield and adaptability of staple cereal crops like rice and wheat.Cereal crops develop tillers during the vegetative stage and panicle or spike branches during the reproductive stage,respectively,both of which are significantly impacted by hormones and genetic factors.Tillering and panicle branching are closely interconnected and exhibit high environmental plasticity.Here,we summarize the recent progress in genetic,hormonal,and environmental factors regulation in the branching of rice and wheat.This review not only provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on branching mechanisms in rice and wheat,but also explores the prospects for future research aimed at optimizing crop architecture for enhanced productivity.
基金supported by National Health and Medical Research Council GNT1105374,GNT1137645,GNT2000766 and veski Innovation Fellowship(VIF23)to RP.
文摘Nuclear factor Y is a ubiquitous heterotrimeric transcription factor complex conserved across eukaryotes that binds to CCAAT boxes,one of the most common motifs found in gene promoters and enhancers.Over the last 30 years,research has revealed that the nuclear factor Y complex controls many aspects of brain development,including differentiation,axon guidance,homeostasis,disease,and most recently regeneration.However,a complete understanding of transcriptional regulatory networks,including how the nuclear factor Y complex binds to specific CCAAT boxes to perform its function remains elusive.In this review,we explore the nuclear factor Y complex’s role and mode of action during brain development,as well as how genomic technologies may expand understanding of this key regulator of gene expression.
基金funded by CAS Project for Young Scientists in Basic Research(YSBR-072-8)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFF1000203 and 2022YFF1001704)。
文摘The crop yields achieved through traditional plant breeding techniques appear to be nearing a plateau.Therefore,it is essential to accelerate advancements in photosynthesis,the fundamental process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy,to further enhance crop yields.Research focused on improving photosynthesis holds significant promise for increasing sustainable agricultural productivity and addressing challenges related to global food security.This review examines the latest advancements and strategies aimed at boosting crop yields by enhancing photosynthetic efficiency.There has been a linear increase in yield over the years in historically released germplasm selected through traditional breeding methods,and this increase is accompanied by improved photosynthesis.We explore various aspects of the light reactions designed to enhance crop yield,including light harvest efficiency through smart canopy systems,expanding the absorbed light spectrum to include far-red light,optimizing non-photochemical quenching,and accelerating electron transport flux.At the same time,we investigate carbon reactions that can enhance crop yield,such as manipulating Rubisco activity,improving the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle,introducing CO_(2)concentrating mechanisms in C_(3)plants,and optimizing carbon allocation.These strategies could significantly impact crop yield enhancement and help bridge the yield gap.
文摘Objective To evaluate the association of GGN repeat polymorphism of androgen receptor(AR)with ovarian reserve and ovarian response in controlled ovarian stimulation(COS).Methods This genetic association study was conducted among a total of 361 women aged≤40 years with basal FSH≤12 U/L undergoing the GnRH-agonist long protocol for COS in a university affiliated IVF center.GGN repeat in the AR gene was analyzed with Sanger sequencing.The primary endpoint was the number of antral follicle counts(AFCs),and the secondary endpoints were stimulation days,total dose of gonadotropin(Gn)used,total number of retrieved oocytes,ovarian sensitivity index,and follicular output rate.Results The GGN repeat in exon 1 of the AR gene ranged from 13 to 24,and the median repeat length was 22.Based on the genotypes(S for GGN repeats<22,L for GGN repeats≥22),the patients were divided into 3 groups:SS,SL,and LL.Generalized regression analysis indicated that the number of AFCs in group SS was significantly lower than those in group SL(adjusted β=1.8,95%CI:0.2-3.4,P=0.024)and group LL(adjusted β=1.5,95%CI:0.2-2.7,P=0.021).No significant difference was observed in the number of AFCs between group SL and group LL(P>0.05).Generalized regression analysis indicated no significant differences in ovarian stimulation parameters among the 3 groups,either before or after adjusting for confounding factors(P>0.05).Conclusion GGN repeat length on the AR gene is associated with AFC but not with ovarian response in Chinese women,indicating that AR gene polymorphisms may affect ovarian reserve.
基金supported by grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32330056)。
文摘Originally extracted from willow bark,salicylic acid(SA)provided the structural basis for the synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid(aspirin)in 1897,a milestone that exemplifies the far-reaching biomedical relevance of plant-derived metabolites(Desborough and Keeling,2017).In plants,SA functions as a pleiotropic phytohormone that orchestrates immune reprogramming,serving as a central mediator of both local defense responses and systemic acquired resistance(SAR).
基金supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFD2200502_3)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32400247 and 32401906)the CAS Project for Young Scientists in Basic Research(YSBR-119)。
文摘The plant cell wall is an extremely complicated natural nanoscale structure composed of cellulose microfibrils embedded in a matrix of noncellulosic polysaccharides,further reinforced by the phenolic compound lignins in some cell types.Such a network formed by the interactions of multiscale polymers actually reflects functional form of the cell wall to meet the requirements of plant cell functionalization.Therefore,how plants assemble cell wall functional structure is fundamental in plant biology and critical for crop trait formation and domestication as well.Due to the lack of effective analytical techniques to characterize this fundamental but complex network,it remains difficult to establish direct links between cell-wall genes and phenotypes.The roles of plant cell walls are often underestimated as indirect.Over the past decades,many genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis,modification,and remodeling have been identified.The application of a variety of state-of-the-art techniques has made it possible to reveal the fine cell wall networks and polymer interactions.Hence,many exciting advances in cell wall biology have been achieved in recent years.This review provides an updated overview of the mechanistic and conceptual insights in cell wall functionality,and prospects the opportunities and challenges in this field.
基金funded by the Government program of basic research in Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences,number 0088-2024-0009the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation,project number 075-15-2020-773(NPS).
文摘Objectives:Proteasomes,multi-subunit proteases,are key actors of cellular protein catabolism and a number of regulatory processes.The detection of subtle proteasome functioning in tumors may contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer development.The current study aimed to identify the role of low molecular mass protein 2(LMP2),a proteasome immune subunit,in the development of mouse colon 26(C26)adenocarcinoma.Methods:The functions of the LMP2 subunit in tumor development in Balb/c mice were studied using its irreversible inhibitor KZR-504.LMP2 activity was detected by the hydrolysis of the fluorogenic substrate Ac-Pro-Ala-Leu-AMC.Western blotting and Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction(qRT-PCR)were used.We applied fluorescent tests for cell proliferation and apoptosis.M2 macrophages were obtained by polarization of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages using the corresponding cytokines.Results:KZR-504 showed high specificity only for the LMP2 subunit and had no negative effect on C26 cells in culture.However,KZR-504 suppressed the formation of tumor conglomerates(by 74%,p<0.001)after C26 cell transplantation in vivo,inhibited the expression of chitinase-<3-like protein 3(Chil3)gene(by 90%,p<0.001),a key marker of immunosuppressive M2 macrophages,in the tumor<microenvironment,and reduced the tumor weight compared to the control(by 48%,p<0.01).KZR-504 also suppressed<the expression of Chil3(by 68%,p<0.05)and arginase-1(Arg1)(by 90%,p<0.001),another marker gene,in M2<<macrophages and violated M0-M2 macrophage polarization in culture.Conclusion:We discovered earlier unknown functions of the proteasome LMP2 subunit to facilitate the formation of tumor conglomerates and maintain Chil3 and Arg1 expression in immunosuppressive M2 macrophages.Our work demonstrates that the proteasome LMP2 subunit can be a target for antitumor treatment.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32070607)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2020YFA0804000)the CAS Project for Young Scientists in Basic Research(YSBR-012).
文摘In the mammalian genome,most CpGs are methylated.However,CpGs within the CpG islands(CGIs)are largely unmethylated,which are important for gene expression regulation.The mechanism underlying the low methylation levels at CGIs remains largely elusive.KDM2 proteins(KDM2A and KDM2B)are H3K36me2 demethylases known to bind specifically at CGIs.Here,we report that depletion of each or both KDM2 proteins,or mutation of all their JmjC domains that harbor the H3K36me2 demethylation activity,leads to an increase in DNA methylation at selective CGIs.The Kdm2a/2b double knockout shows a stronger increase in DNA methylation compared with the single mutant of Kdm2a or Kdm2b,indicating that KDM2A and KDM2B redundantly regulate DNA methylation at CGIs.In addition,the increase of CGI DNA methylation upon mutations of KDM2 proteins is associated with the chromatin environment.Our findings reveal that KDM2A and KDM2B function redundantly in regulating DNA methylation at a subset of CGIs in an H3K36me2 demethylation-dependent manner.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2018YFA0900600 and 2021YFF1000103-5)the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA24030503)。
文摘Root-knot nematodes(RKNs)are the most widespread soil-borne obligate endoparasites.They can infect the roots of many crops and cause significant yield losses.The only commercially available RKN-resistant gene in tomatoes,Mi-1.2,fails at soil temperatures above 28℃.We cloned the heat-stable RKN-resistant gene,Mi-9,from a gene cluster composed of seven nucleotide-binding sites and leucine-rich repeat(NBS-LRR)type resistant genes in Solanum arcunum accession LA2157.Screening nematode infections in individual and combinatorial knockouts of five NBS-LRR genes showed that Mi-9 Candidate 4(MiC-4)alone is sufficient to confer heat-stable RKN resistance.Our study identifies a new source of heat-stable resistance to RKN in tomatoes for challenging environmental conditions.We also showcase a roadmap for rapid characterization of resistance genes by combining comparative genomics and genome editing,with the potential to be utilized in other crops.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32170312,31830017,and 32200256)State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics(SKLPG2023-22).
文摘Reactive oxygen species(ROS)and nitric oxide(NO)are two critical classes of signaling molecules that regulate plant development and stress responses.The intracellular level of S-nitrosoglutathione(GSNO),a major bioactive NO species,is regulated by the highly conserved GSNO reductase(GSNOR).However,the molecular mechanisms underlying ROS-mediated regulation of GSNOR remain largely unclear.Here,we show that H_(2)O_(2)negatively regulates the activity of GSNOR1 during ovule development in Arabidopsis.S-sulfenylation of GSNOR1 at Cys-284 inhibits its enzymatic activity.A GSNOR1C284S mutation causes a reduction of the total SNO level in pistils,thereby disrupting NO homeostasis and eventually leading to defective ovule development.These findings illustrate a unique mechanism by which ROS regulates ovule development through S-sulfenylation-mediated inhibition of the GSNOR activity,thereby establishing a molecular link between ROS and NO signaling pathways in reproductive development.
基金funded by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation № 24-24-00354
文摘It has recently become evident that the de novo emergence of genes is widespread and documented for a variety of organisms.De novo genes frequently emerge in proximity to existing genes,forming gene overlaps.Here,we present an analysis of the evolutionary history of a putative de novo gene,lawc,which overlaps with the conserved Trf2 gene,which encodes a general transcription factor in Drosophila melanogaster.We demonstrate that lawc emerged approximately 68 million years ago in the 5'-untranslated region(UTR)of Trf2 and displays an extensive spatiotemporal expression pattern.One of the most remarkable features of the lawc evolutionary history is that its emergence was facilitated by the engagement of Drosophilidae-specific short,highly conserved regions located in Trf2 introns.This represents a unique example of putative de novo gene birth involving conserved DNA regions localized in introns of conserved genes.The observed lawc expression pattern may be due to the overlap of lawc with the 5'-UTR of Trf2.This study not only enriches our understanding of gene evolution but also highlights the complex interplay between genetic conservation and innovation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31988101 to A.M.)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFA1800300 to X.W.and 2018YFC1003304 to A.M.)the Yunnan Provincial Science and Technology Project at Southwest United Graduate School(202302A0370011 to A.M.).
文摘The cell fate of primordial germ cell(PGC)in zebrafish is pre-determined by maternally deposited germ plasm,which is packaged into ribonucleoprotein complex in oocytes and inherited into PGC-fated cells in embryos.However,the maternal factors regulating the assembly of germ plasm and PGC development remain poorly understood.In this study,we report that the maternal transcription factor Znf706 regulates the assembly of germ plasm factors into a granule-like structure localized perinuclearly in PGC during migration.Maternal and zygotic mutants of znf706 exhibit deficient germ plasm scattering at the early embryonic stage,decreased PGC numbers with some mislocation during PGC migration,and a lower female ratio in adulthood.Notably,the implementation of Znf706 CUT&Tag and RNA-seq on immature oocytes uncovers that Znf706 in stage I oocytes may promote transcription of several mitochondrial genes in addition to other functions.Hence,we propose that Znf706 is implicated in germ plasm assembly and PGC development in zebrafish.
基金Research on small RNAs and application in Yuan Wang's lab is supported by Biological Breeding-National Scienceand Technology Major Project(2023ZD04073).
文摘Small regulatory RNAs(sRNAs)are essential regulators of gene expression across a wide range of organisms to precisely modulate gene activity based on sequence-specific recognition.In model plants like Arabidopsis thaliana,extensive research has primarily concentrated on 21-to 24-nucleotide(nt)sRNAs,particularly microRNAs(miRNAs).Recent advancements in cell and tissue isolation techniques,coupled with advanced sequencing technologies,are revealing a diverse array of preciously uncharacterized sRNA species.These include structural RNA fragments as well as numerous cell-and tissue-specific sRNAs that are active during distinct developmental stages,thereby enhancing our understanding of the precise and dynamic regulatory roles of sRNAs in plant development regulation.Additionally,a notable feature of sRNAs is their capacity for amplification and movement between cells and tissues,which facilitates long-distance communication-an adaptation critical to plants due to their sessile nature.In this review,we will discuss the classification and mechanisms of sRNAs action,using legumes as a primary example due to their essential engagement for the unique organ establishment of root nodules and long-distance signaling,and further illustrating the potential applications of sRNAs in modern agricultural breeding and environmentally sustainableplantprotection strategies.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFF1003301,2023YFF1000101,2022YFE0130200)the Taishan Scholars Program。
文摘Soybean(Glycine max)is a vital foundation of global food security,providing a primary source of highquality protein and oil for human consumption and animal feed.The rising global population has significantly increased the demand for soybeans,emphasizing the urgency of developing high-yield,stresstolerant,and nutritionally superior cultivars.The extensive collection of soybean germplasm resources—including wild relatives,landraces,and cultivars—represents a valuable reservoir of genetic diversity critical for breeding advancements.Recent breakthroughs in genomic technologies,particularly highthroughput sequencing and multi-omics approaches,have revolutionized the identification of key genes associated with essential agronomic traits within these resources.These innovations enable precise and strategic utilization of genetic diversity,empowering breeders to integrate traits that improve yield potential,resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses,and nutritional quality.This review highlights the critical role of genetic resources and omics-driven innovations in soybean breeding.It also offers insights into strategies for accelerating the development of elite soybean cultivars to meet the growing demands of global soybean production.
文摘Regenerative capacity of the central nervous system(CNS)is unevenly distributed among vertebrates.While most mammalian species including humans elicit limited repair following CNS injury or disease,highly regenerative vertebrates including urodele amphibians and teleost fish spontaneously reverse CNS damage.Teletost zebrafish(danio rerio)are tropical freshwater fish that proved to be an excellent vertebrate model of successful CNS regeneration.Differential neuronal,glial,and immune injury responses underlie disparate injury outcomes between highly regenerative zebrafish and poorly regenerative mammals.This article describes complications associated with neuronal repair following spinal cord injury(SCI)in poorly regenerative mammals and highlights intersecting modes of plasticity and regeneration in highly regenerative zebrafish(Figures 1 and 2).Comparative approaches evaluating immunoglial SCI responses were recently reviewed elsewhere(Reyes and Mokalled,2024).
