Genetics Studies

FlbZIP12 gene enhances drought tolerance via modulating flavonoid biosynthesis in Fagopyrum leptopodum.

Scientists studied a wild population of drought-tolerant buckwheat to enhance drought tolerance in cultivated buckwheat. Overexpressing a gene called FlbZIP12 in buckwheat increased drought tolerance and flavonoid contents. This research provides a basis for improving buckwheat's ability to withstand drought.

Wang A et al (2023).
Front Plant Sci.
PubMed:
37885669

Genetic diversity of Coffea arabica L. mitochondrial genomes caused by repeat- mediated recombination and RNA editing.

Scientists sequenced and characterized the mitochondrial genome of L., an important crop. This will enhance evolutionary studies, molecular breeding, and the development of molecular markers for improved agricultural practices.

Ni Y et al (2023).
Front Plant Sci.
PubMed:
37885664

Accessible gene borders establish a core structural unit for chromatin architecture in Arabidopsis.

Hi-C was used to study chromatin structure in Arabidopsis, tomato, maize, and Marchantia polymorpha genomes. Genes form folding domain units and neighboring genes form larger contact domains, with transcription factors binding to accessible regions contributing to gene domains and genome folding in plants.

Lee H and Seo PJ (2023).
Nucleic Acids Res.
PubMed:
37884483

Exposure to heat stress leads to striking clone-specific nymph deformity in pea aphid.

This study found that heatwaves can cause abnormalities in the offspring of pea aphids, potentially impacting reproductive strategies and energy metabolism. Differences in gene expression and metabolic changes were observed between aphid clones. These findings highlight the need for further research on insect responses to climatic changes.

Jahan H et al (2023).
PLoS One.
PubMed:
37883483

Transcriptomics integrated with metabolomics to characterize key pigment compounds and genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis in Zanthoxylum bungeanum peel.

Flavonoids are key pigments in Zanthoxylum bungeanum, with cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside critical for peel color. Three anthocyanin synthesis genes were identified, aiding in quality control and utilization of the plant.

Han N et al (2023).
Physiol Plant.
PubMed:
37882301

Carbohydrate dynamics in Populus trees under drought: An expression atlas of genes related to sensing, translocation, and metabolism across organs.

Scientists studied the molecular mechanisms of nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) management in Populus alba trees under drought stress. They found starch depletion and accumulation of soluble sugars, suggesting an active response to drought. The study provides valuable insights for tree improvement programs adapting to drought conditions.

Fox H et al (2023).
Physiol Plant.
PubMed:
37882295

The zhuyu pill relieves rat cholestasis by regulating the mRNA expression of lipid and bile metabolism associated genes.

The Zhuyu pill (ZYP), a traditional Chinese medicine, was tested on cholestasis rat models. ZYP improved abnormal biochemical and histopathology changes in the liver, regulating pathways related to bile and lipid metabolism. ZYP has potential as a treatment for cholestasis.

Han J et al (2023).
Front Pharmacol.
PubMed:
37881184