Peel color is an important appearance quality of melons that significantly affects consumer preferences.In this study,a near-isogenic line NIL-G(dark green peel)was generated from B8(grey-green peel)and B15(white peel...Peel color is an important appearance quality of melons that significantly affects consumer preferences.In this study,a near-isogenic line NIL-G(dark green peel)was generated from B8(grey-green peel)and B15(white peel).The F_2 population constructed by crossing NIL-G and B15 was used to study the inheritance pattern of peel color,and bulked-segregant analysis sequencing(BSA-seq)was employed to identify the interval in which the target gene was located.Genetic analysis showed that a dominant gene controls the dark green peel trait at maturity.BSAseq and molecular markers were used to localize the candidate gene in a 263.7 kb interval of chromosome 4,which contained the CmAPRR2 gene with known functions.Moreover,allelic sequence analysis revealed four SNP variations of the CmAPRR2 gene in B15,of which SNP.G614331A was located at the junction of the 6th exon and 6th intron.The G-to-A mutation caused alternative splicing of the transcript of CmAPRR2 in B15,generating two transcripts(CmAPRR2-A and CmAPRR2-B)with premature termination codons.Furthermore,the Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR(KASP)marker,APRR2-G/A,was developed based on this SNP and shown to co-segregate with the peel color phenotype in the F_(2) population.Compared to white-peel B15,the expression level of CmAPRR2 in dark green peel NIL-G was higher at each growth stage.Therefore,CmAPRR2 may be the key gene controlling the fruit color of melons.This study identified a novel allelic variant of CmAPRR2 that leads to white peel formation in mature melons.We also provides a theoretical basis for further research on the gene regulatory mechanism of melon peel colors,which promotes using molecular marker-assisted selection to modify melon peel colors in the future.展开更多
The soil-resident pathogen, Plasmodiophora brassicae, infects cruciferous crops, causing obligate parasitic clubroot disease and posing a significant threat to the Brassica vegetable industry in China. To learn more a...The soil-resident pathogen, Plasmodiophora brassicae, infects cruciferous crops, causing obligate parasitic clubroot disease and posing a significant threat to the Brassica vegetable industry in China. To learn more about its pathogenesis, we reported a Nanopore sequencing-derived25.3 Mb high-quality genome sequence of P. brassicae pathotype 4 strain(P.b 4). Comparing the P.b 4 genome with that of the published P.brassicae e3 genome(P.b e3) identified single nucleotide polymorphisms, structural variations, and small insertions and deletions. We then carried out RNA-sequencing of root samples from a clubroot-susceptible line at 5, 14, and 28 days after inoculation(DAI), and classified genes into five categories based on their expression patterns. Interestingly, 158 genes were highly expressed at 14 DAI, which were enriched in budding cell isotropic bud growth, ascospore wall assembly, spore wall assembly, spore wall biogenesis, and ascospore wall biogenesis.Subsequently, we bioinformatically predicted 555 secreted effector candidates, among which only 125 were expressed during infection and had amino acid lengths less than 400. The putative effector Pb010018, which was highly expressed at 14 DAI, was validated to have a signal peptide using a yeast secretion system. Luciferase activity and co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that Pb010018 interacts with serine hydroxymethyltransferase BrSHMT1, and expression analysis showed that SHMT1 was upregulated in both Arabidopsis and B. rapa during infection. Furthermore, after infection, the Arabidopsis shmt1 mutant(atshmt1) showed reduced severity of clubroot disease, together with downregulated expression of Pb010018. Our results offer new insights into plant-pathogen interaction mechanisms, and provide the possibility for improving Brassica resistance to clubroot disease.展开更多
SWEETs （sugars will eventually be exported transporters） are a novel class of recently identified sugar transporters that play important roles in diverse physiological processes. However, only a few species of the p...SWEETs （sugars will eventually be exported transporters） are a novel class of recently identified sugar transporters that play important roles in diverse physiological processes. However, only a few species of the plant SWEETgene family have been functionally identified. Up till now, there has been no systematic analysis of the SWEETgene family in Cucurbitaceae crops. Here, a genome-wide characterization of this family was conducted in cucumber（Cucumis sativus L.）. A total of 17 CsSWEETgenes were identified, which are not evenly distributed over the seven cucumber chromosomes. Cucumber SWEET protein sequences possess seven conserved domains and two putative serine phosphorylation sites. The phylo- genetic tree of the SWEET genes in cucumber, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Oryza sativa was constructed, and all the SWEET genes were divided into four clades. In addition, a number of putative cis-elements were identified in the promoter regions of these CsSWEET genes： nine types involved in phytohormone responses and eight types involved in stress responses. Moreover, the transcript levels of CsSWEETgenes were analyzed in various tissues using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. A majority （70.58%） of the CsSWEET genes were confined to reproductive tissue development. Finally, 18 putative watermelon ClaSWEETgenes and 18 melon CmSWEETgenes were identified that showed a high degree of similarity with CsSWEETgenes. The results from this study provided a basic understanding of the CsSWEETgenes and may also facilitate future research to elucidate the function of SWEET genes in cucumber and other Cucurbitaceae crops.展开更多
Glucosinolates(GLS) contribute to the unique flavour, nutrition, and plant defence of the Cruciferous vegetables. Understanding the GLS changes through postharvest processing is essential for defined preservation. In ...Glucosinolates(GLS) contribute to the unique flavour, nutrition, and plant defence of the Cruciferous vegetables. Understanding the GLS changes through postharvest processing is essential for defined preservation. In this study, four different fresh-cut types, whole flower(W),floret(F), quarterly cut floret(QF) and shredded floret(FS) of broccoli, were stored for 0, 1, 2 and 3 day(s) to explore GLS responses to postharvest treatments. As a result, seven GLS were identified, mainly including glucoraphanin(RAA), neoglucobrassicin(NEO), and glucobrassicin(GBC)and accounting for 52.69%, 20.12% and 14.99% of the total GLS(21.92 ± 0.48) μmol · g ^(-1 )DW, respectively. FS had the sharpest decrease in GLS after three days of storage(6.55 ± 0.37) μmol · g-1DW, while QF had the least(10.16 ± 0.33) μmol · g ^(-1 )DW. All GLS components decreased over storage, except for 4-methoxyglucobrassicin(4 ME) in FS and QF, suggesting its key role in serious wound defence. The results suggested certain postharvest approaches influenced the flavour and nutrition of broccoli.展开更多
In this study,we used the modified CRISPR/Cas9 system to produce targeted point mutations in cauliflower.Acetolactate synthase(ALS)and Centromere-specific histone H3 variant(CENH3)genes were selected as the base-editi...In this study,we used the modified CRISPR/Cas9 system to produce targeted point mutations in cauliflower.Acetolactate synthase(ALS)and Centromere-specific histone H3 variant(CENH3)genes were selected as the base-editing targets and hypocotyls of cauliflower were used as explants.For ALS gene,a C-to-T conversion in the Pro182 codon(CCT)can alter the encoded amino acid,likely resulting in herbicide resistance,and a C-to-T mutation in the Leu133 codon(CTT)in the CENH3 gene may produce a haploid inducer.Results indicated that the transformation efficiency was 1.8%–4.5%and the mutation efficiencies for the ALS and CENH3 genes were approximately 22%and 87%,respectively.The ALS mutant cauliflower showed strong herbicide resistance,with possible immediate implications for broadleaf weed control in cauliflower fields.展开更多
In this work,an electronic nose was used to evaluate the different cultivars and mature stages of melons,so as to establish a scientific method to accurately distinguish the maturity and varieties of melons. Principal...In this work,an electronic nose was used to evaluate the different cultivars and mature stages of melons,so as to establish a scientific method to accurately distinguish the maturity and varieties of melons. Principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA ) showed that immature melons could be well distinguished from mature melons using electronic nose. When PCA method was used to analyze,electronic nose could completely classify and identify the maturity of melons. Meanwhile,the electronic nose could distinguish different varieties of melons with high discrimination value. The flavor of samples under cut or no cut conditions would slightly change,leading to the variation of discrimination value among different varieties. The samples with similar flavor under no cut condition could be analyzed through cutting mode. The research built a rapid and accurate method to judge the maturity of melons instead of man sense.展开更多
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is the leading vegetable crop worldwide and an essential component of a healthy diet (Lin et al., 2014; Du et al., 2017). Fruit color is regarded as one of the most important commercial t...Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is the leading vegetable crop worldwide and an essential component of a healthy diet (Lin et al., 2014; Du et al., 2017). Fruit color is regarded as one of the most important commercial traits in tomato (The Tomato Genome Consortium, 2012). Consumers in different regions have different color preferences. For example, European and American consumers prefer red tomatoes, while pink tomatoes are more pop- ular in Asia countries, particularly in China and Japan (Ballester et al., 2010; Lin et al., 2014). However, most of tomato breeding ma- terials are red-fruited, thus the generation of pink-fruited materials is very important for Asian tomato production. Metabolomics and genetics studies demonstrate that the pink trait results from the absence of yellow-colored flavonoid naringenin chalcone (NarCh) in the peels,and is controlled by the monogenic recessive yellow(y)lOCUS(Adato et a1..2009;Ballester et a1..2OLO).展开更多
Variety identification plays an important role in protecting the intellectual property of varieties,ensuring seed quality,and encouraging breeding innovation.Currently,morphological evaluation in the field,such as dis...Variety identification plays an important role in protecting the intellectual property of varieties,ensuring seed quality,and encouraging breeding innovation.Currently,morphological evaluation in the field,such as distinctness,uniformity,and stability(DUS)testing,and DNA fingerprinting in the laboratory using molecular markers are two dominant methods used for variety identification.Few studies have compared the results of these approaches,and the relationship between the two methods is obscure.In this study,134 dominant cucumber varieties were evaluated using 50 DUS testing traits and genotyped by 40 single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs).The 40 SNPs were developed in our previous study and arewell suited for variety identification.In the DUS testing,significant positive or negative correlations among 50 DUS traits were observed,and 20 core traits,including 15 fruit traits,were further selected to increase field inspection efficiency.This suggested that fruit shape plays an important role in variety identification.The ratio of fruit length/diameter was themost important trait,explaining 9.2%of the phenotypic variation.In the DNA fingerprinting test,the 40 SNPs were highly polymorphic and could distinguish all of the 134 cucumber varieties,and 14 core SNPs were selected to improve the identification rate.Interestingly,the population structure analysis of 134 cucumber varieties by phenotypic data in the DUS test was in accordance with the genotypic data from the DNA fingerprinting,indicating that all varieties could be divided into the same four subgroups:European type,North China type,South China type,and hybrids of the North China and South China types.Moreover,linear correlativity of distinguishment for each pair of varieties was observed between the DUS test and the DNA fingerprinting.These results indicated that these two methods have good application in future research,especially for the scaled-up analysis of hundreds of varieties.展开更多
As one of the most important vegetables,tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is extensively produced and consumed worldwide and substantially contributes to human nutrition and health (The Tomato Genome Consortium,2012).Alth...As one of the most important vegetables,tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is extensively produced and consumed worldwide and substantially contributes to human nutrition and health (The Tomato Genome Consortium,2012).Although red tomatoes are the most common,pink tomatoes are more popular in Asia,particularly in China and Japan,because of their better taste (Ballester et al.,2010;Zhu et al.,2018).Compared with red tomatoes,pink tomatoes fail to accumulate the yellow-colored flavonoid pigment,naringenin chalcone (NarCh),in their peels,resulting in a colorless peel phenotype (Adato et al,2009;Ballester et al.,2010).展开更多
Watermelon(Citrullus lanatus)is one of the world’s most important fruit crops,and China produces the most watermelons in the world.Recently,a watermelon variome consisting of 414 key resequenced accessions was report...Watermelon(Citrullus lanatus)is one of the world’s most important fruit crops,and China produces the most watermelons in the world.Recently,a watermelon variome consisting of 414 key resequenced accessions was reported.However,the genetic relationships and pedigree of Chinese watermelon varieties in the seed market remain unclear.In this study,241 evenly distributed perfect single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)derived from the watermelon variome were selected for variety identification.The diversity of 247 Chinese watermelon varieties was identified based on their SNP genotypes.The 247 watermelon varieties were clustered into five subpopulations:the East Asian ecotype,intermediate ecotype,small fruit with red flesh ecotype,small fruit with yellow flesh ecotype,and American ecotype.We further established the pedigree of four subpopulations,of which JingXinNo.1,ZaoChunHongYu,HuangXiaoYu and XiaoLan,and Sugarlee were the main doner of the East Asian ecotype,small fruit with red flesh ecotype,small fruit with yellow flesh ecotype,and American ecotype,respectively.Thirty-two core SNPs were selected and applied in watermelon variety identification.They were also validated by the Kompetitive allele-specific PCR(KASPar)platform.The present study furthered our understanding of the genetic relationships and pedigree of watermelon varieties in China,and will help to manage the plant variety protection in watermelon.展开更多
This study explored the potential of polysaccharides from Actium lappa(ALPs)as natural wall materials for producing ALP-based nanoparticles to deliver poorly water-soluble oleanolic acid(OA)and ursolic acid(UA).Encaps...This study explored the potential of polysaccharides from Actium lappa(ALPs)as natural wall materials for producing ALP-based nanoparticles to deliver poorly water-soluble oleanolic acid(OA)and ursolic acid(UA).Encapsulating OA+UA with ALPs(ALP:OA+UA,50:1;OA:UA,1:1)changed the crystalline nature to a more amorphous state through hydrogen bonding and involving O-H/C-O/O-C-O groups.ALP-OA/UA nanoparticles had a particle size and zeta potential(in water)of 199.1 nm/-7.15 mV,with a narrow unimodal size distribution,and excellent pH,salt solution,temperature and storage stability.Compared with ALPs,ALPOA/UA nanoparticles showed enhanced anti-inflammatory activity(especially at a dose of 100μg/mL)in a CuSO-induced zebrafish inflammation model via down-regulating the NF-κB signalling pathway and gene expression of associated transcription factors and cytokines(TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-8).Therefore,ALP-based nanoparticles are natural and anti-inflammatory carriers for hydrophobic bioactive molecules.展开更多
The antifungal activity of chitosan on a common fungal phytopathogen, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and the control effect on sclerotinia rot of carrot were investigated. Mycelial growth and fungal biomass were strongly i...The antifungal activity of chitosan on a common fungal phytopathogen, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and the control effect on sclerotinia rot of carrot were investigated. Mycelial growth and fungal biomass were strongly inhibited by chitosan. Using propidium iodide stain combined with fluorescent microscopy, the plasma membrane of chitosan-treated S. sclerotiorum mycelia was observed to be markedly damaged. Concomitantly, protein leakage and lipid peroxidation was also found to be significantly higher in chitosan-treated mycelia compared to the control. Chitosan provided an effective control of sclerotinia rot of carrot, with induction of activity of defense-related enzymes including polyphenoloxidase and peroxidase. These data suggest that the effects of chitosan on sclerotinia rot of carrot may be associated with the direct damage to the plasma membrane and lipid peroxidation of S. sclerotiorum, and the elicitation of defense response in carrot.展开更多
Brassica downy mildew,a severe disease caused by Hyaloperonospora brassicae,can cause enormous economic losses in Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa L.ssp.pekinensis)production.Although some research has been reported rece...Brassica downy mildew,a severe disease caused by Hyaloperonospora brassicae,can cause enormous economic losses in Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa L.ssp.pekinensis)production.Although some research has been reported recently concerning the underlying resistance to this disease,no studies have identified or characterized long noncoding RNAs involved in this defense response.In this study,using high-throughput RNA sequencing,we analyzed the disease-responding mRNAs and long noncoding RNAs in two resistant lines(T12–19 and 12–85)and one susceptible line(91–112).Clustering and Gene Ontology analysis of differentially expressed genes(DEGs)showed that more DEGs were involved in the defense response in the two resistant lines than in the susceptible line.Different expression patterns and proposed functions of differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs among T12–19,12–85,and 91–112 indicated that each has a distinct disease response mechanism.There were significantly more cis-and trans-functional long noncoding RNAs in the resistant lines than in the susceptible line,and the genes regulated by these RNAs mostly participated in the disease defense response.Furthermore,we identified a candidate resistance-related long noncoding RNA,MSTRG.19915,which is a long noncoding natural antisense transcript of a MAPK gene,BrMAPK15.Via an agroinfiltration-mediated transient overexpression system and virus-induced gene silencing technology,BrMAPK15 was indicated to have a greater ability to defend against pathogens.MSTRG.19915-silenced seedlings showed enhanced resistance to downy mildew,probably because of the upregulated expression of BrMAPK15.This research identified and characterized long noncoding RNAs involved in resistance to downy mildew,laying a foundation for future in-depth studies of disease resistance mechanisms in Chinese cabbage.展开更多
The ethylene response factor(ERF)and phytohormone jasmonate(JA)are reported to function in leaf senescence.The involvement of ERF in JA-mediated leaf senescence,however,needs to be elucidated.In the present work,we de...The ethylene response factor(ERF)and phytohormone jasmonate(JA)are reported to function in leaf senescence.The involvement of ERF in JA-mediated leaf senescence,however,needs to be elucidated.In the present work,we demonstrate a Chinese flowering cabbage ERF transcription factor(TF),BrERF72,that is associated with JA-promoted leaf senescence.Exogenous application of methyl jasmonate(MeJA)-accelerated leaf senescence of Chinese flowering cabbage,evidenced by the data that MeJA treatment led to the stronger reduction in the maximum quantum yield(Fv/Fm),photosynthetic electron transport rate(ETR),and total chlorophyll content,while significant induction in the expression of several senescence-associated genes(SAGs)including BrSAG12,BrSAG19,and chlorophyll catabolic genes(CCGs)BrPAO1,BrNYC1,BrPPH1,and BrSGR1.Increases in levels of endogenous JA and transcripts of JA biosynthetic genes BrLOX4,BrAOC3,and BrOPR3 were also found after MeJA treatment.BrERF72 was a MeJA-inducible,nucleus-localized protein,and possessed trans-activation ability.Transient overexpression of BrERF72 in tobacco leaves also promoted leaf senescence.More importantly,further experiments revealed that BrERF72 directly activated expression of BrLOX4,BrAOC3,and BrOPR3 through binding to their promoters via the GCC or DRE/CRT cis-element.Together,the novel JA-ERF association reported in our study uncovers a new insight into the transcriptional regulation of JA production mediated by ERF during JA-promoted leaf senescence in Chinese flowering cabbage.展开更多
Bacterial fruit blotch caused by Acidovorax citrulli is a serious threat to cucurbit industry worldwide.The pathogen is seedtransmitted,so seed detection to prevent distribution of contaminated seed is crucial in dise...Bacterial fruit blotch caused by Acidovorax citrulli is a serious threat to cucurbit industry worldwide.The pathogen is seedtransmitted,so seed detection to prevent distribution of contaminated seed is crucial in disease management.In this study,we adapted a quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)assay to droplet digital PCR(ddPCR)format for A.citrulli detection by optimizing reaction conditions.The performance of ddPCR in detecting A.citrulli pure culture,DNA,infested watermelon/melon seed and commercial seed samples were compared with multiplex PCR,qPCR,and dilution plating method.The lowest concentrations detected(LCD)by ddPCR reached up to 2 fg DNA,and 102 CFU mL–1 bacterial cells,which were ten times more sensitive than those of the qPCR.When testing artificially infested watermelon and melon seed,0.1%infestation level was detectable using ddPCR and dilution plating method.The 26 positive samples were identified in 201 commercial seed samples through ddPCR,which was the highest positive number among all the methods.High detection sensitivity achieved by ddPCR demonstrated a promising technique for improving seed-transmitted pathogen detection threshold in the future.展开更多
MicroRNA396(miR396)has been demonstrated to regulate flower development by targeting growth-regulating factors(GRFs)in annual species.However,its role in perennial grasses and its potential involvement in flowering ti...MicroRNA396(miR396)has been demonstrated to regulate flower development by targeting growth-regulating factors(GRFs)in annual species.However,its role in perennial grasses and its potential involvement in flowering time control remain unexplored.Here we report that overexpression of miR396 in a perennial species,creeping bentgrass(Agrostis stolonifera L.),alters flower development.Most significantly,transgenic(TG)plants bypass the vernalization requirement for flowering.Gene expression analysis reveals that miR396 is induced by long-day(LD)photoperiod and vernalization.Further study identifies VRN1,VRN2,and VRN3 homologs whose expression patterns in wild-type(WT)plants are similar to those observed in wheat and barley during transition from short-day(SD)to LD,and SD to cold conditions.However,compared to WT controls,TG plants overexpressing miR396 exhibit significantly enhanced VRN1 and VRN3 expression,but repressed VRN2 expression under SD to LD conditions without vernalization,which might be associated with modified expression of methyltransferase genes.Collectively,our results unveil a potentially novel mechanism by which miR396 suppresses the vernalization requirement for flowering which might be related to the epigenetic regulation of VRN genes and provide important new insight into critical roles of a miRNA in regulating vernalization-mediated transition from vegetative to reproductive growth in monocots.展开更多
Freezing processes of several liquids under static magnetic field(SMF) less than 50 mT were investigated. Central temperature of liquid samples held in glass test tubes immersed in a liquid bath was measured and colle...Freezing processes of several liquids under static magnetic field(SMF) less than 50 mT were investigated. Central temperature of liquid samples held in glass test tubes immersed in a liquid bath was measured and collected. Nucleation temperature and phase transition time were obtained from freezing curves. Normality tests were performed for nucleation temperature of these liquids with/without magnetic field and normality distributions were justified. Analysis of variances was carried out for nucleation temperature of these liquids with magnetic field flux density as the influencing factor. Results showed that no significant difference was found for deionized water with or without SMF. However, differences exist in 0.9% NaCl solution and 5% ethylene glycol solution with and without SMF. Nucleation temperature of 0.9% NaCl with SMF is lower than that without SMF, while its phase transition time is shorter than that without SMF. Nucleation temperature of 5% ethylene glycol with SMF is higher than that without SMF, while its phase transition time is not modified with SMF.展开更多
Tomato is one of the most important vegetable crops in the world and is a model plant used to study the ripening of climacteric fleshy fruit.During the ripening process of tomato fruit,flavor and aroma metabolites,col...Tomato is one of the most important vegetable crops in the world and is a model plant used to study the ripening of climacteric fleshy fruit.During the ripening process of tomato fruit,flavor and aroma metabolites,color,texture and plant hormones undergo significant changes.However,low temperatures delayed the ripening process of tomato fruit,inhibiting flavor compounds and ethylene production.Metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses of tomato fruit stored under low temperature(LT,5°C)and room temperature(RT,25°C)were carried out to investigate the effects of storage temperature on the physiological changes in tomato fruit after harvest.The results of transcriptomics changes revealed that the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)involved in tomato fruit ripening,including several kinds of transcription factors(TFs)(TCP,WRKY,MYB and bZIP),enzymes involved in cell wall metabolism[beta-galactosidase(β-GAL),pectinesterase(PE)and pectate lyase(PL),cellulose and cellulose synthase(CESA)],enzymes associated with fruit flavor and aroma[acetyltransferase(AT),malic enzyme(ME),lipoxygenase(LOX),aldehyde dehydrogenase(ALDH),alcohol dehydrogenase(ADH)and hexokinase(HK)],genes associated with heat stress protein 70 and genes involved in the production of plant hormones such as Ethylene responsive factor 1(ERF1),Auxin/indoleacetic acids protein(AUX/IAA),gibberellin regulated protein.Based on the above results,we constructed a regulatory network model of the effects of different temperatures during the fruit ripening process.According to the analysis of the metabolomics results,it was found that the contents of many metabolites in tomato fruit were greatly affected by storage temperature,including,organic acids(L-tartaric acid,a-hydroxyisobutyric acid and 4-acetamidobutyric acid),sugars(melezitose,beta-Dlactose,D-sedoheptulose 7-phosphate,2-deoxyribose 1-phosphate and raffinose)and phenols(coniferin,curcumin and feruloylputrescine).This study revealed the effects of storage temperature on postharvest tomato fruit and provided a basis for further understanding of the molecular biology and biochemistry of fruit ripening.展开更多
Chayote(Sechium edule)is an agricultural crop in the Cucurbitaceae family that is rich in bioactive components.To enhance genetic research on chayote,we used Nanopore third-generation sequencing combined with Hi-C dat...Chayote(Sechium edule)is an agricultural crop in the Cucurbitaceae family that is rich in bioactive components.To enhance genetic research on chayote,we used Nanopore third-generation sequencing combined with Hi-C data to assemble a draft chayote genome.A chromosome-level assembly anchored on 14 chromosomes(N50 contig and scaffold sizes of 8.40 and 46.56 Mb,respectively)estimated the genome size as 606.42 Mb,which is large for the Cucurbitaceae,with 65.94%(401.08 Mb)ofthe genome comprising repetitive sequences;28,237 protein-coding genes were predicted.Comparative genome analysis indicated that chayote and snake gourd diverged from sponge gourd and that a whole-genome duplication(WGD)event occurred in chayote at 25±4 Mya.Transcriptional and metabolic analysis revealed genes involved in fruit texture,pigment,fl avor,fl avonoids,antioxidants,and plant hormones during chayote fruit development.The analysis of the genome,transcriptome,and metabolome provides insights into chayote evolution and lays the groundwork for future research on fruit and tuber development and genetic improvements in chayote.展开更多
Heterosis is a complex phenomenon in which hybrids show better phenotypic characteristics than their parents do.Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa L.spp.pekinensis)is a popular leafy crop species,hybrids of which are widel...Heterosis is a complex phenomenon in which hybrids show better phenotypic characteristics than their parents do.Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa L.spp.pekinensis)is a popular leafy crop species,hybrids of which are widely used in commercial production;however,the molecular basis of heterosis for biomass of Chinese cabbage is poorly understood.We characterized heterosis in a Chinese cabbage hybrid cultivar and its parental lines from the seedling stage to the heading stage;marked heterosis of leaf weight and biomass yield were observed.Small RNA sequencing revealed 63 and 50 differentially expressed microRNAs(DEMs)at the seedling and early-heading stages,respectively.The expression levels ofthe majority of miRNA clusters in the hybrid were lower than the mid-parent values(MPVs).Using degradome sequencing,we identi fied 1,819 miRNA target genes.Gene ontology(GO)analyses demonstrated that the target genes ofthe MPV-DEMs and low parental expression level dominance(ELD)miRNAs were signi ficantly enriched in leaf morphogenesis,leaf development,and leaf shaping.Transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression levels of photosynthesis and chlorophyll synthesis-related MPV-DEGs(differentially expressed genes)were signi ficantly different in the F_(1) hybrid compared to the parental lines,resulting in increased photosynthesis capacity and chlorophyll content in the former.Furthermore,expression of genes known to regulate leaf development was also observed at the seedling stage.Arabidopsis plants overexpressing BrGRF4.2 and bra-miR396 presented increased and decreased leaf sizes,respectively.These results provide new insight into the regulation of target genes and miRNA expression patterns in leaf size and heterosis for biomass of B.rapa.展开更多
基金supported by the Innovation and Development Program of Beijing Vegetable Research Center,China(KYCX202301)the Construction of Cucurbits Collaboration and Innovation Center,China(XTCX202301)+3 种基金the Youth Research Fund of Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences,China(QNJJ202426)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U21A20229 and 32102397)the Scientific Research Foundation of the Higher Education Institutions for Distinguished Young Scholars in Anhui Province,China(2022AH020037)and the Key Research and Development Projects of Anhui Province,China(2023z04020019)。
文摘Peel color is an important appearance quality of melons that significantly affects consumer preferences.In this study,a near-isogenic line NIL-G(dark green peel)was generated from B8(grey-green peel)and B15(white peel).The F_2 population constructed by crossing NIL-G and B15 was used to study the inheritance pattern of peel color,and bulked-segregant analysis sequencing(BSA-seq)was employed to identify the interval in which the target gene was located.Genetic analysis showed that a dominant gene controls the dark green peel trait at maturity.BSAseq and molecular markers were used to localize the candidate gene in a 263.7 kb interval of chromosome 4,which contained the CmAPRR2 gene with known functions.Moreover,allelic sequence analysis revealed four SNP variations of the CmAPRR2 gene in B15,of which SNP.G614331A was located at the junction of the 6th exon and 6th intron.The G-to-A mutation caused alternative splicing of the transcript of CmAPRR2 in B15,generating two transcripts(CmAPRR2-A and CmAPRR2-B)with premature termination codons.Furthermore,the Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR(KASP)marker,APRR2-G/A,was developed based on this SNP and shown to co-segregate with the peel color phenotype in the F_(2) population.Compared to white-peel B15,the expression level of CmAPRR2 in dark green peel NIL-G was higher at each growth stage.Therefore,CmAPRR2 may be the key gene controlling the fruit color of melons.This study identified a novel allelic variant of CmAPRR2 that leads to white peel formation in mature melons.We also provides a theoretical basis for further research on the gene regulatory mechanism of melon peel colors,which promotes using molecular marker-assisted selection to modify melon peel colors in the future.
基金supported by the Youth Foundation of Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences[Grant No.QNJJ202242]the Excellent Young Scholars of Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences[Grant No.YXQN202205]+3 种基金the Beijing Nova Program[Grant No.20220484052]the National Natural Science Foundation of China[Grant No.31801852]the Collaborative Innovation Center of Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences[Grant No.KJCX201907-2]the Earmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System[Grant No.CARS-23-A-05].
文摘The soil-resident pathogen, Plasmodiophora brassicae, infects cruciferous crops, causing obligate parasitic clubroot disease and posing a significant threat to the Brassica vegetable industry in China. To learn more about its pathogenesis, we reported a Nanopore sequencing-derived25.3 Mb high-quality genome sequence of P. brassicae pathotype 4 strain(P.b 4). Comparing the P.b 4 genome with that of the published P.brassicae e3 genome(P.b e3) identified single nucleotide polymorphisms, structural variations, and small insertions and deletions. We then carried out RNA-sequencing of root samples from a clubroot-susceptible line at 5, 14, and 28 days after inoculation(DAI), and classified genes into five categories based on their expression patterns. Interestingly, 158 genes were highly expressed at 14 DAI, which were enriched in budding cell isotropic bud growth, ascospore wall assembly, spore wall assembly, spore wall biogenesis, and ascospore wall biogenesis.Subsequently, we bioinformatically predicted 555 secreted effector candidates, among which only 125 were expressed during infection and had amino acid lengths less than 400. The putative effector Pb010018, which was highly expressed at 14 DAI, was validated to have a signal peptide using a yeast secretion system. Luciferase activity and co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that Pb010018 interacts with serine hydroxymethyltransferase BrSHMT1, and expression analysis showed that SHMT1 was upregulated in both Arabidopsis and B. rapa during infection. Furthermore, after infection, the Arabidopsis shmt1 mutant(atshmt1) showed reduced severity of clubroot disease, together with downregulated expression of Pb010018. Our results offer new insights into plant-pathogen interaction mechanisms, and provide the possibility for improving Brassica resistance to clubroot disease.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31301792)the Beijing Natural Science Foundation, China (6142010)the Youth Scientific Research Funds of the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, China (QNJJ201401)
文摘SWEETs （sugars will eventually be exported transporters） are a novel class of recently identified sugar transporters that play important roles in diverse physiological processes. However, only a few species of the plant SWEETgene family have been functionally identified. Up till now, there has been no systematic analysis of the SWEETgene family in Cucurbitaceae crops. Here, a genome-wide characterization of this family was conducted in cucumber（Cucumis sativus L.）. A total of 17 CsSWEETgenes were identified, which are not evenly distributed over the seven cucumber chromosomes. Cucumber SWEET protein sequences possess seven conserved domains and two putative serine phosphorylation sites. The phylo- genetic tree of the SWEET genes in cucumber, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Oryza sativa was constructed, and all the SWEET genes were divided into four clades. In addition, a number of putative cis-elements were identified in the promoter regions of these CsSWEET genes： nine types involved in phytohormone responses and eight types involved in stress responses. Moreover, the transcript levels of CsSWEETgenes were analyzed in various tissues using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. A majority （70.58%） of the CsSWEET genes were confined to reproductive tissue development. Finally, 18 putative watermelon ClaSWEETgenes and 18 melon CmSWEETgenes were identified that showed a high degree of similarity with CsSWEETgenes. The results from this study provided a basic understanding of the CsSWEETgenes and may also facilitate future research to elucidate the function of SWEET genes in cucumber and other Cucurbitaceae crops.
基金supported by the Collaborative Innovation Center of the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences(Grant No.KJCX201915)the Youth Scientific Research Funds of Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences(Grant No.QNJJ201914)the Innovation and Capacity-building Project of Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences(Grant No.KJCX20200213).
文摘Glucosinolates(GLS) contribute to the unique flavour, nutrition, and plant defence of the Cruciferous vegetables. Understanding the GLS changes through postharvest processing is essential for defined preservation. In this study, four different fresh-cut types, whole flower(W),floret(F), quarterly cut floret(QF) and shredded floret(FS) of broccoli, were stored for 0, 1, 2 and 3 day(s) to explore GLS responses to postharvest treatments. As a result, seven GLS were identified, mainly including glucoraphanin(RAA), neoglucobrassicin(NEO), and glucobrassicin(GBC)and accounting for 52.69%, 20.12% and 14.99% of the total GLS(21.92 ± 0.48) μmol · g ^(-1 )DW, respectively. FS had the sharpest decrease in GLS after three days of storage(6.55 ± 0.37) μmol · g-1DW, while QF had the least(10.16 ± 0.33) μmol · g ^(-1 )DW. All GLS components decreased over storage, except for 4-methoxyglucobrassicin(4 ME) in FS and QF, suggesting its key role in serious wound defence. The results suggested certain postharvest approaches influenced the flavour and nutrition of broccoli.
基金partly funded by the project of technology innovation ability from Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences (Grant Nos. KJCX20200401, KJCX20200205 and KJCX20200113)the Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 31972401)
文摘In this study,we used the modified CRISPR/Cas9 system to produce targeted point mutations in cauliflower.Acetolactate synthase(ALS)and Centromere-specific histone H3 variant(CENH3)genes were selected as the base-editing targets and hypocotyls of cauliflower were used as explants.For ALS gene,a C-to-T conversion in the Pro182 codon(CCT)can alter the encoded amino acid,likely resulting in herbicide resistance,and a C-to-T mutation in the Leu133 codon(CTT)in the CENH3 gene may produce a haploid inducer.Results indicated that the transformation efficiency was 1.8%–4.5%and the mutation efficiencies for the ALS and CENH3 genes were approximately 22%and 87%,respectively.The ALS mutant cauliflower showed strong herbicide resistance,with possible immediate implications for broadleaf weed control in cauliflower fields.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(30870109)
文摘In this work,an electronic nose was used to evaluate the different cultivars and mature stages of melons,so as to establish a scientific method to accurately distinguish the maturity and varieties of melons. Principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA ) showed that immature melons could be well distinguished from mature melons using electronic nose. When PCA method was used to analyze,electronic nose could completely classify and identify the maturity of melons. Meanwhile,the electronic nose could distinguish different varieties of melons with high discrimination value. The flavor of samples under cut or no cut conditions would slightly change,leading to the variation of discrimination value among different varieties. The samples with similar flavor under no cut condition could be analyzed through cutting mode. The research built a rapid and accurate method to judge the maturity of melons instead of man sense.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2016YFD0100500 and 2016YFD0101703)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 31601759 and 31471881)+1 种基金the Ministry of Agriculture of China (2016ZX08009-003-001)the Tai-Shan Scholar Program from the Shandong Provincial Government
文摘Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is the leading vegetable crop worldwide and an essential component of a healthy diet (Lin et al., 2014; Du et al., 2017). Fruit color is regarded as one of the most important commercial traits in tomato (The Tomato Genome Consortium, 2012). Consumers in different regions have different color preferences. For example, European and American consumers prefer red tomatoes, while pink tomatoes are more pop- ular in Asia countries, particularly in China and Japan (Ballester et al., 2010; Lin et al., 2014). However, most of tomato breeding ma- terials are red-fruited, thus the generation of pink-fruited materials is very important for Asian tomato production. Metabolomics and genetics studies demonstrate that the pink trait results from the absence of yellow-colored flavonoid naringenin chalcone (NarCh) in the peels,and is controlled by the monogenic recessive yellow(y)lOCUS(Adato et a1..2009;Ballester et a1..2OLO).
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.31972432)Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences,China(Grant Nos.QNJJ20190901,KJCX20200113,JKZX202207),Young Top Talents of the National High-level Talents Special Support Program.
文摘Variety identification plays an important role in protecting the intellectual property of varieties,ensuring seed quality,and encouraging breeding innovation.Currently,morphological evaluation in the field,such as distinctness,uniformity,and stability(DUS)testing,and DNA fingerprinting in the laboratory using molecular markers are two dominant methods used for variety identification.Few studies have compared the results of these approaches,and the relationship between the two methods is obscure.In this study,134 dominant cucumber varieties were evaluated using 50 DUS testing traits and genotyped by 40 single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs).The 40 SNPs were developed in our previous study and arewell suited for variety identification.In the DUS testing,significant positive or negative correlations among 50 DUS traits were observed,and 20 core traits,including 15 fruit traits,were further selected to increase field inspection efficiency.This suggested that fruit shape plays an important role in variety identification.The ratio of fruit length/diameter was themost important trait,explaining 9.2%of the phenotypic variation.In the DNA fingerprinting test,the 40 SNPs were highly polymorphic and could distinguish all of the 134 cucumber varieties,and 14 core SNPs were selected to improve the identification rate.Interestingly,the population structure analysis of 134 cucumber varieties by phenotypic data in the DUS test was in accordance with the genotypic data from the DNA fingerprinting,indicating that all varieties could be divided into the same four subgroups:European type,North China type,South China type,and hybrids of the North China and South China types.Moreover,linear correlativity of distinguishment for each pair of varieties was observed between the DUS test and the DNA fingerprinting.These results indicated that these two methods have good application in future research,especially for the scaled-up analysis of hundreds of varieties.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFD0101900)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31601759)+1 种基金the Key Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province (2018B020202006)the Ministry of Agriculture of China (2016ZX08009-003-001)
文摘As one of the most important vegetables,tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is extensively produced and consumed worldwide and substantially contributes to human nutrition and health (The Tomato Genome Consortium,2012).Although red tomatoes are the most common,pink tomatoes are more popular in Asia,particularly in China and Japan,because of their better taste (Ballester et al.,2010;Zhu et al.,2018).Compared with red tomatoes,pink tomatoes fail to accumulate the yellow-colored flavonoid pigment,naringenin chalcone (NarCh),in their peels,resulting in a colorless peel phenotype (Adato et al,2009;Ballester et al.,2010).
基金supported by the Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (Grant Nos. KJCX201907-2, QNJJ201813, and KJCX20200303)the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2017YFD0102004)
文摘Watermelon(Citrullus lanatus)is one of the world’s most important fruit crops,and China produces the most watermelons in the world.Recently,a watermelon variome consisting of 414 key resequenced accessions was reported.However,the genetic relationships and pedigree of Chinese watermelon varieties in the seed market remain unclear.In this study,241 evenly distributed perfect single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)derived from the watermelon variome were selected for variety identification.The diversity of 247 Chinese watermelon varieties was identified based on their SNP genotypes.The 247 watermelon varieties were clustered into five subpopulations:the East Asian ecotype,intermediate ecotype,small fruit with red flesh ecotype,small fruit with yellow flesh ecotype,and American ecotype.We further established the pedigree of four subpopulations,of which JingXinNo.1,ZaoChunHongYu,HuangXiaoYu and XiaoLan,and Sugarlee were the main doner of the East Asian ecotype,small fruit with red flesh ecotype,small fruit with yellow flesh ecotype,and American ecotype,respectively.Thirty-two core SNPs were selected and applied in watermelon variety identification.They were also validated by the Kompetitive allele-specific PCR(KASPar)platform.The present study furthered our understanding of the genetic relationships and pedigree of watermelon varieties in China,and will help to manage the plant variety protection in watermelon.
基金supported by the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(ZR2019BC100)Science,Education and Industry Integration Innovation Pilot Project of Qilu University of Technology(Shandong Academy of Sciences)(2020KJC-ZD10)Incubation Program of Youth Innovation in Shandong Province。
文摘This study explored the potential of polysaccharides from Actium lappa(ALPs)as natural wall materials for producing ALP-based nanoparticles to deliver poorly water-soluble oleanolic acid(OA)and ursolic acid(UA).Encapsulating OA+UA with ALPs(ALP:OA+UA,50:1;OA:UA,1:1)changed the crystalline nature to a more amorphous state through hydrogen bonding and involving O-H/C-O/O-C-O groups.ALP-OA/UA nanoparticles had a particle size and zeta potential(in water)of 199.1 nm/-7.15 mV,with a narrow unimodal size distribution,and excellent pH,salt solution,temperature and storage stability.Compared with ALPs,ALPOA/UA nanoparticles showed enhanced anti-inflammatory activity(especially at a dose of 100μg/mL)in a CuSO-induced zebrafish inflammation model via down-regulating the NF-κB signalling pathway and gene expression of associated transcription factors and cytokines(TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-8).Therefore,ALP-based nanoparticles are natural and anti-inflammatory carriers for hydrophobic bioactive molecules.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31101364)the Ministry of Agriculture of China (CARS-25-E-01 and 201203095)the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences,China (CXJJ201304)
文摘The antifungal activity of chitosan on a common fungal phytopathogen, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and the control effect on sclerotinia rot of carrot were investigated. Mycelial growth and fungal biomass were strongly inhibited by chitosan. Using propidium iodide stain combined with fluorescent microscopy, the plasma membrane of chitosan-treated S. sclerotiorum mycelia was observed to be markedly damaged. Concomitantly, protein leakage and lipid peroxidation was also found to be significantly higher in chitosan-treated mycelia compared to the control. Chitosan provided an effective control of sclerotinia rot of carrot, with induction of activity of defense-related enzymes including polyphenoloxidase and peroxidase. These data suggest that the effects of chitosan on sclerotinia rot of carrot may be associated with the direct damage to the plasma membrane and lipid peroxidation of S. sclerotiorum, and the elicitation of defense response in carrot.
基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFD0101801)the Key Program of Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Committee(Z191100004019010)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.31872126 and 31772297)the earmarked fund for China Agriculture Research System(CARS-23-A-05)。
文摘Brassica downy mildew,a severe disease caused by Hyaloperonospora brassicae,can cause enormous economic losses in Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa L.ssp.pekinensis)production.Although some research has been reported recently concerning the underlying resistance to this disease,no studies have identified or characterized long noncoding RNAs involved in this defense response.In this study,using high-throughput RNA sequencing,we analyzed the disease-responding mRNAs and long noncoding RNAs in two resistant lines(T12–19 and 12–85)and one susceptible line(91–112).Clustering and Gene Ontology analysis of differentially expressed genes(DEGs)showed that more DEGs were involved in the defense response in the two resistant lines than in the susceptible line.Different expression patterns and proposed functions of differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs among T12–19,12–85,and 91–112 indicated that each has a distinct disease response mechanism.There were significantly more cis-and trans-functional long noncoding RNAs in the resistant lines than in the susceptible line,and the genes regulated by these RNAs mostly participated in the disease defense response.Furthermore,we identified a candidate resistance-related long noncoding RNA,MSTRG.19915,which is a long noncoding natural antisense transcript of a MAPK gene,BrMAPK15.Via an agroinfiltration-mediated transient overexpression system and virus-induced gene silencing technology,BrMAPK15 was indicated to have a greater ability to defend against pathogens.MSTRG.19915-silenced seedlings showed enhanced resistance to downy mildew,probably because of the upregulated expression of BrMAPK15.This research identified and characterized long noncoding RNAs involved in resistance to downy mildew,laying a foundation for future in-depth studies of disease resistance mechanisms in Chinese cabbage.
基金This study was funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant no.31671897).
文摘The ethylene response factor(ERF)and phytohormone jasmonate(JA)are reported to function in leaf senescence.The involvement of ERF in JA-mediated leaf senescence,however,needs to be elucidated.In the present work,we demonstrate a Chinese flowering cabbage ERF transcription factor(TF),BrERF72,that is associated with JA-promoted leaf senescence.Exogenous application of methyl jasmonate(MeJA)-accelerated leaf senescence of Chinese flowering cabbage,evidenced by the data that MeJA treatment led to the stronger reduction in the maximum quantum yield(Fv/Fm),photosynthetic electron transport rate(ETR),and total chlorophyll content,while significant induction in the expression of several senescence-associated genes(SAGs)including BrSAG12,BrSAG19,and chlorophyll catabolic genes(CCGs)BrPAO1,BrNYC1,BrPPH1,and BrSGR1.Increases in levels of endogenous JA and transcripts of JA biosynthetic genes BrLOX4,BrAOC3,and BrOPR3 were also found after MeJA treatment.BrERF72 was a MeJA-inducible,nucleus-localized protein,and possessed trans-activation ability.Transient overexpression of BrERF72 in tobacco leaves also promoted leaf senescence.More importantly,further experiments revealed that BrERF72 directly activated expression of BrLOX4,BrAOC3,and BrOPR3 through binding to their promoters via the GCC or DRE/CRT cis-element.Together,the novel JA-ERF association reported in our study uncovers a new insight into the transcriptional regulation of JA production mediated by ERF during JA-promoted leaf senescence in Chinese flowering cabbage.
基金supported by the the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFD0201602)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31401704)the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Foundation, China (KJCX20180203)
文摘Bacterial fruit blotch caused by Acidovorax citrulli is a serious threat to cucurbit industry worldwide.The pathogen is seedtransmitted,so seed detection to prevent distribution of contaminated seed is crucial in disease management.In this study,we adapted a quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)assay to droplet digital PCR(ddPCR)format for A.citrulli detection by optimizing reaction conditions.The performance of ddPCR in detecting A.citrulli pure culture,DNA,infested watermelon/melon seed and commercial seed samples were compared with multiplex PCR,qPCR,and dilution plating method.The lowest concentrations detected(LCD)by ddPCR reached up to 2 fg DNA,and 102 CFU mL–1 bacterial cells,which were ten times more sensitive than those of the qPCR.When testing artificially infested watermelon and melon seed,0.1%infestation level was detectable using ddPCR and dilution plating method.The 26 positive samples were identified in 201 commercial seed samples through ddPCR,which was the highest positive number among all the methods.High detection sensitivity achieved by ddPCR demonstrated a promising technique for improving seed-transmitted pathogen detection threshold in the future.
基金supported in part by Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grant Program competitive grant no.2019-33522-30102 from the USDA and National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the United States Golf Association,Inc.grant no.2016-25-575 as well as the Sichuan Science and Technology Program grant no.2019YFH0064.
文摘MicroRNA396(miR396)has been demonstrated to regulate flower development by targeting growth-regulating factors(GRFs)in annual species.However,its role in perennial grasses and its potential involvement in flowering time control remain unexplored.Here we report that overexpression of miR396 in a perennial species,creeping bentgrass(Agrostis stolonifera L.),alters flower development.Most significantly,transgenic(TG)plants bypass the vernalization requirement for flowering.Gene expression analysis reveals that miR396 is induced by long-day(LD)photoperiod and vernalization.Further study identifies VRN1,VRN2,and VRN3 homologs whose expression patterns in wild-type(WT)plants are similar to those observed in wheat and barley during transition from short-day(SD)to LD,and SD to cold conditions.However,compared to WT controls,TG plants overexpressing miR396 exhibit significantly enhanced VRN1 and VRN3 expression,but repressed VRN2 expression under SD to LD conditions without vernalization,which might be associated with modified expression of methyltransferase genes.Collectively,our results unveil a potentially novel mechanism by which miR396 suppresses the vernalization requirement for flowering which might be related to the epigenetic regulation of VRN genes and provide important new insight into critical roles of a miRNA in regulating vernalization-mediated transition from vegetative to reproductive growth in monocots.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51306104)
文摘Freezing processes of several liquids under static magnetic field(SMF) less than 50 mT were investigated. Central temperature of liquid samples held in glass test tubes immersed in a liquid bath was measured and collected. Nucleation temperature and phase transition time were obtained from freezing curves. Normality tests were performed for nucleation temperature of these liquids with/without magnetic field and normality distributions were justified. Analysis of variances was carried out for nucleation temperature of these liquids with magnetic field flux density as the influencing factor. Results showed that no significant difference was found for deionized water with or without SMF. However, differences exist in 0.9% NaCl solution and 5% ethylene glycol solution with and without SMF. Nucleation temperature of 0.9% NaCl with SMF is lower than that without SMF, while its phase transition time is shorter than that without SMF. Nucleation temperature of 5% ethylene glycol with SMF is higher than that without SMF, while its phase transition time is not modified with SMF.
基金supported by the Young Investigator Fund of Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences(Grant No.202016)the Special innovation ability construction fund of Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences(Grant Nos.20210437,20210402 and 20200427)+4 种基金the Collaborative innovation center of Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences(Grant No.201915)Special innovation ability construction fund of Beijing Vegetable Research Center,Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences(Grant No.2020112)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.31772022 and 32072284)the China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA(Grant No.CARS-23)Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission(Grant Nos.Z191100008619004,Z191100004019010 and Z181100009618033)。
文摘Tomato is one of the most important vegetable crops in the world and is a model plant used to study the ripening of climacteric fleshy fruit.During the ripening process of tomato fruit,flavor and aroma metabolites,color,texture and plant hormones undergo significant changes.However,low temperatures delayed the ripening process of tomato fruit,inhibiting flavor compounds and ethylene production.Metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses of tomato fruit stored under low temperature(LT,5°C)and room temperature(RT,25°C)were carried out to investigate the effects of storage temperature on the physiological changes in tomato fruit after harvest.The results of transcriptomics changes revealed that the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)involved in tomato fruit ripening,including several kinds of transcription factors(TFs)(TCP,WRKY,MYB and bZIP),enzymes involved in cell wall metabolism[beta-galactosidase(β-GAL),pectinesterase(PE)and pectate lyase(PL),cellulose and cellulose synthase(CESA)],enzymes associated with fruit flavor and aroma[acetyltransferase(AT),malic enzyme(ME),lipoxygenase(LOX),aldehyde dehydrogenase(ALDH),alcohol dehydrogenase(ADH)and hexokinase(HK)],genes associated with heat stress protein 70 and genes involved in the production of plant hormones such as Ethylene responsive factor 1(ERF1),Auxin/indoleacetic acids protein(AUX/IAA),gibberellin regulated protein.Based on the above results,we constructed a regulatory network model of the effects of different temperatures during the fruit ripening process.According to the analysis of the metabolomics results,it was found that the contents of many metabolites in tomato fruit were greatly affected by storage temperature,including,organic acids(L-tartaric acid,a-hydroxyisobutyric acid and 4-acetamidobutyric acid),sugars(melezitose,beta-Dlactose,D-sedoheptulose 7-phosphate,2-deoxyribose 1-phosphate and raffinose)and phenols(coniferin,curcumin and feruloylputrescine).This study revealed the effects of storage temperature on postharvest tomato fruit and provided a basis for further understanding of the molecular biology and biochemistry of fruit ripening.
基金the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission(Z191100008619004 and Z191100004019010)the Key Project"Science and Technology Boost the Feonomy 2020",the Special Innovation Ability Construction Fund of Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences(20180404 and 20200427)+4 种基金the China Agriculture Research System Project(CARS-23)the National Key Research and Ripening Program of China,Collaborative Innovation Center of Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences(201915)the Young Investigat or Fund of Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences(202016)the National Natural Scienee Foundation of China(31772022)the Natural Scienee Foundation of Beijing(6182016).
文摘Chayote(Sechium edule)is an agricultural crop in the Cucurbitaceae family that is rich in bioactive components.To enhance genetic research on chayote,we used Nanopore third-generation sequencing combined with Hi-C data to assemble a draft chayote genome.A chromosome-level assembly anchored on 14 chromosomes(N50 contig and scaffold sizes of 8.40 and 46.56 Mb,respectively)estimated the genome size as 606.42 Mb,which is large for the Cucurbitaceae,with 65.94%(401.08 Mb)ofthe genome comprising repetitive sequences;28,237 protein-coding genes were predicted.Comparative genome analysis indicated that chayote and snake gourd diverged from sponge gourd and that a whole-genome duplication(WGD)event occurred in chayote at 25±4 Mya.Transcriptional and metabolic analysis revealed genes involved in fruit texture,pigment,fl avor,fl avonoids,antioxidants,and plant hormones during chayote fruit development.The analysis of the genome,transcriptome,and metabolome provides insights into chayote evolution and lays the groundwork for future research on fruit and tuber development and genetic improvements in chayote.
基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFD0101701)the ScientistTraining Program of BAAFS(JKZX201906)+4 种基金the Scie nee and Tech no logy Inno vatio n Capacity Pr oject(KJCX20170710)the Collaborative Innovation Center of BAAFS(KJCX201907-2)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31801852)the Key Program of Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Committee(Z191100004019010)the earmarked fund for the China Agriculture Research System(CARS-23-A-05).
文摘Heterosis is a complex phenomenon in which hybrids show better phenotypic characteristics than their parents do.Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa L.spp.pekinensis)is a popular leafy crop species,hybrids of which are widely used in commercial production;however,the molecular basis of heterosis for biomass of Chinese cabbage is poorly understood.We characterized heterosis in a Chinese cabbage hybrid cultivar and its parental lines from the seedling stage to the heading stage;marked heterosis of leaf weight and biomass yield were observed.Small RNA sequencing revealed 63 and 50 differentially expressed microRNAs(DEMs)at the seedling and early-heading stages,respectively.The expression levels ofthe majority of miRNA clusters in the hybrid were lower than the mid-parent values(MPVs).Using degradome sequencing,we identi fied 1,819 miRNA target genes.Gene ontology(GO)analyses demonstrated that the target genes ofthe MPV-DEMs and low parental expression level dominance(ELD)miRNAs were signi ficantly enriched in leaf morphogenesis,leaf development,and leaf shaping.Transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression levels of photosynthesis and chlorophyll synthesis-related MPV-DEGs(differentially expressed genes)were signi ficantly different in the F_(1) hybrid compared to the parental lines,resulting in increased photosynthesis capacity and chlorophyll content in the former.Furthermore,expression of genes known to regulate leaf development was also observed at the seedling stage.Arabidopsis plants overexpressing BrGRF4.2 and bra-miR396 presented increased and decreased leaf sizes,respectively.These results provide new insight into the regulation of target genes and miRNA expression patterns in leaf size and heterosis for biomass of B.rapa.
