A genome-wide survey of the white jute (Corchorus capsularis) identified 34 laccase genes, with expression profiling indicating most are active in phloem and some are up‑regulated during development and under abiotic stress. Comparative analysis with Arabidopsis and reduced expression in a low‑lignin mutant highlighted CcaLAC28 and CcaLAC32 as key candidates for regulating fibre lignification, offering targets for breeding low‑lignin jute varieties.
The study examines how ectopic accumulation of methionine in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves, driven by a deregulated AtCGS transgene under a seed‑specific promoter, reshapes metabolism, gene expression, and DNA methylation. High‑methionine lines exhibit increased amino acids and sugars, activation of stress‑hormone pathways, and reduced expression of DNA methyltransferases, while low‑methionine lines show heightened non‑CG methylation without major transcriptional changes. Integrated transcriptomic and methylomic analyses reveal a feedback loop linking sulfur‑carbon metabolism, stress adaptation, and epigenetic regulation.
Phylogenomic challenges in polyploid-rich lineages: Insights from paralog processing and reticulation methods using the complex genus Packera (Asteraceae: Senecioneae)
Authors: Moore-Pollard, E. R., Ellestad, P., Mandel, J.
The study examined how polyploidy, hybridization, and incomplete lineage sorting affect phylogenetic reconstructions in the genus Packera, evaluating several published paralog‑processing pipelines. Results showed that the choice of orthology and paralog handling methods markedly altered tree topology, time‑calibrated phylogenies, biogeographic histories, and detection of ancient reticulation, underscoring the need for careful methodological selection alongside comprehensive taxon sampling.
The study examined natural variation in Brachypodium distachyon and found that stress‑induced lignification of the exodermis impedes lateral root emergence, producing a distinct ‘fishbone’ root architecture. Premature exodermal lignification, driven by up‑regulated lignin biosynthesis genes, was reversible with a lignin biosynthesis inhibitor, highlighting the exodermis as a mechanical regulator of root system plasticity in grasses.
The study shows that the SnRK1 catalytic subunit KIN10 directs tissue-specific growth‑defense programs in Arabidopsis thaliana by reshaping transcriptomes. kin10 knockout mutants exhibit altered root transcription, reduced root growth, and weakened defense against Pseudomonas syringae, whereas KIN10 overexpression activates shoot defense pathways, increasing ROS and salicylic acid signaling at the cost of growth.