Sorghum embryos undergoing B chromosome elimination express B-variants of mitotic-related genes
Authors: Bojdova, T., Hlouskova, L., Holusova, K., Svacina, R., Hribova, E., Ilikova, I., Thiel, J., Kim, G., Pleskot, R., Houben, A., Bartos, J., Karafiatova, M.
The study characterizes tissue-specific elimination of B chromosomes in Sorghum purpureosericeum during embryo development, identifying 28 candidate genes linked to this process. Integrated in situ visualization, genome sequencing, and transcriptomic analyses reveal that the B chromosome originates from multiple A chromosomes, harbors unique repeats, and expresses divergent kinetochore components that likely mediate its selective removal.
The study evaluated whether integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and drone-derived phenomic data improves prediction of 129 maize traits across nine environments, using both linear (rrBLUP) and nonlinear (SVR) models. Multi-omics models consistently outperformed single-omics models, with transcriptomic data especially enhancing cross‑environment predictions and capturing genotype‑by‑environment interactions. The results highlight the added value of combining transcriptomics and phenomics with genotypes for more accurate and generalizable trait prediction in maize.
Phytoplasma infection in sesame (Sesamum indicum) triggers tissue-specific alterations in gene expression and metabolite composition, with floral organs adopting leaf-like traits and distinct changes in porphyrin, brassinosteroid, and phenylpropanoid pathways. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, supported by biochemical, histological, and qRT-PCR assays, reveal differential stress and secondary metabolite responses between infected leaves and flowers.
Regenerative agriculture effects on biomass, drought resilience and 14C-photosynthate allocation in wheat drilled into ley compared to disc or ploughed arable soil
Authors: Austen, N., Short, E., Tille, S., Johnson, I., Summers, R., Cameron, D. D., Leake, J. R.
Regenerative agriculture using a grass-clover ley increased wheat yields and macroaggregate stability despite reduced root biomass, but did not enhance soil carbon sequestration as measured by 14C retention. Drought further decreased photosynthate allocation to roots, especially in ley soils, while genotype effects on yield were minimal.
Light on its feet: Acclimation to high and low diurnal light is flexible in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Dupuis, S., Chastain, J. L., Han, G., Zhong, V., Gallaher, S. D., Nicora, C. D., Purvine, S. O., Lipton, M. S., Niyogi, K. K., Iwai, M., Merchant, S. S.
The study examined how prior light‑acclimation influences the fitness and rapid photoprotective reprogramming of Chlamydomonas during transitions between low and high diurnal light intensities. While high‑light‑acclimated cells struggled to grow and complete the cell cycle after shifting to low light, low‑light‑acclimated cells quickly remodeled thylakoid ultrastructure, enhanced photoprotective quenching, and altered photosystem protein levels, recovering chloroplast function within a single day. Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling revealed swift induction of stress‑response genes, indicating high flexibility in diurnal light acclimation.
DECREASE IN DNA METHYLATION 1-mediated epigenetic regulation maintains gene expression balance required for heterosis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Matsuo, K., Wu, R., Yonechi, H., Murakami, T., Takahashi, S., Kamio, A., Akter, M. A., Kamiya, Y., Nishimura, K., Matsuura, T., Tonosaki, K., Shimizu, M., Ikeda, Y., Kobayashi, H., Seki, M., Dennis, E. S., Fujimoto, R.
The study demonstrates that the chromatin remodeler DDM1 is essential for biomass heterosis in Arabidopsis thaliana hybrids, as loss of DDM1 function leads to reduced rosette growth and extensive genotype‑specific transcriptomic and DNA methylation changes. Whole‑genome bisulfite sequencing revealed widespread hypomethylation in ddm1 mutants, while salicylic acid levels were found unrelated to heterosis, indicating that epigenetic divergence, rather than SA signaling, underpins hybrid vigor.
The study examined how soil phosphorus and nitrogen availability influence wheat root-associated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) communities and the expression of mycorrhizal nutrient transporters. Field sampling across two years combined with controlled pot experiments showed that P and N jointly affect AMF colonisation, community composition (with Funneliformis dominance under high P), and regulation of phosphate, ammonium, and nitrate transporters. Integrating metabarcoding and RT‑qPCR provides a framework to assess AMF contributions to crop nutrition.
The study compared aphid resistance and Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) transmission among three wheat varieties (G1, RGT Wolverine, RGT Illustrious). G1 emits the repellent 2‑tridecanone, restricts aphid phloem access, and shows reduced BYDV transmission, whereas RGT Wolverine limits systemic viral infection despite high transmission efficiency. The authors suggest breeding the two resistance mechanisms together for improved protection.
The study conducted a genome-wide characterization of 247 lectin genes in tomato, revealing diverse domain architectures and evolutionary patterns shaped by whole-genome and small-scale duplications. Functional assays using virus-induced gene silencing demonstrated that two GNA-type chimerolectins act as negative regulators of immunity, with silencing enhancing resistance to Ralstonia solanacearum. These results underscore the structural innovation and immune-regulatory roles of lectin genes, offering targets for disease‑resistant tomato breeding.
The study applied a progressive, sublethal drought treatment to Arabidopsis thaliana, collecting time‑resolved phenotypic and transcriptomic data. Machine‑learning analysis revealed distinct drought stages driven by multiple overlapping transcriptional programs that intersect with plant aging, and identified high‑explanatory‑power transcripts as biomarkers rather than causal agents.