The study identified a major QTL (qDTH3) on chromosome 3 responsible for a 7‑10‑day earlier heading phenotype in the rice line SM93, using QTL‑seq, KASP genotyping, association mapping, and transcriptomic analysis to fine‑map the locus to a 2.53 Mb region and pinpoint candidate genes. SNP markers linked to these genes were proposed as tools for breeding early‑maturing, climate‑resilient rice varieties.
The study compares transcriptional, proteomic, and metabolomic responses of wild‑type Arabidopsis and a cyp71A27 mutant to a plant‑growth‑promoting Pseudomonas fluorescens strain and a pathogenic Burkholderia glumeae strain, revealing distinct reprogramming and an unexpected signaling role for the non‑canonical P450 CYP71A27. Mutant analysis showed that loss of CYP71A27 alters gene and protein regulation, especially during interaction with the PGP bacterium, while having limited impact on root metabolites and exudates.
The study investigated how Arabidopsis thaliana SR protein kinases (AtSRPKs) regulate alternative RNA splicing by using chemical inhibitors of SRPK activity. Inhibition with SPHINX31 and SRPIN340 caused reduced root growth and loss of root hairs, accompanied by widespread changes in splicing and phosphorylation of genes linked to root development and other cellular processes. Multi‑omics analysis (transcriptomics and phosphoproteomics) revealed that AtSRPKs modulate diverse splicing factors and affect the splicing landscape of numerous pathways.
The study investigates the role of the Arabidopsis transcription factor AtMYB93 in sulfur (S) signaling and root development, revealing that AtMYB93 mutants exhibit altered expression of S transport and metabolism genes and increased shoot S levels, while tomato plants overexpressing SlMYB93 show reduced shoot S. Transcriptomic profiling, elemental analysis, and promoter activity assays indicate that AtMYB93 contributes to root responses to S deprivation, though functional redundancy masks clear phenotypic effects on lateral and adventitious root formation.
The genome of the vining fern Lygodium microphyllum highlights genomic and functional differences between life phases of an invasive plant
Authors: Pelosi, J., Davenport, R., Kuo, L.-Y., Gray, L. N., Dant, A. J., Kim, E. H., Li, F.-W., Dlugosch, K. M., Krabbenhoft, T. J., Barbazuk, W. B., Sessa, E. B.
The study presents a chromosome-level reference genome for the invasive fern Lygodium microphyllum and compares the transcriptomic and epigenomic profiles of its haploid gametophyte and diploid sporophyte phases, revealing differential regulation of developmental genes and similar methylation patterns across tissues. Base‑pair resolution methylome data and freezing‑stress experiments show that each life phase employs distinct molecular pathways for stress response, emphasizing the importance of considering both phases in invasive‑species management.
The study investigates the Arabidopsis ribosomal protein RPS6A and its role in auxin‑related root growth, revealing that rps6a mutants display shortened primary roots, fewer lateral roots, and defective vasculature that are not rescued by exogenous auxin. Cell biological observations and global transcriptome profiling show weakened auxin signaling and reduced levels of PIN auxin transporters in the mutant, indicating a non‑canonical function of the ribosomal subunit in auxin pathways.
The study performed transcriptome profiling of Cryptomeria japonica individuals from different geographic origins grown in three common gardens across Japan, assembling 77,212 transcripts guided by the species' genome. Using SNP-based genetic clustering and weighted gene co‑expression network analysis, they identified gene modules whose expression correlated with genetic differentiation, revealing that defense‑related genes are up‑regulated in Pacific‑side populations while terpenoid metabolism genes are higher in Sea‑of‑Japan populations, indicating local adaptation via regulatory changes.
The study investigates how miR394 influences flowering time in Arabidopsis thaliana by combining transcriptomic profiling of mir394a mir394b double mutants with histological analysis of reporter lines. Bioinformatic analysis identified a novel lncRNA overlapping MIR394B (named MIRAST), and differential promoter activity of MIR394A and MIR394B suggests miR394 fine‑tunes flower development through transcription factor and chromatin remodeler regulation.