The Physalis floridana genome provides insights into the biochemical and morphological evolution of Physalis fruits

The fruits of Physalis(Solanaceae)have a unique structure,a lantern-like fruiting calyx known as inflated calyx syndrome(ICS)or the Chinese lantern,and are rich in steroid-related compounds.However,the genetic variations underlying the origin of these characteristic traits and diversity in Physalis remain largely unknown.Here,we present a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome assembly of Physalis floridana(~1.40Gb in size)with a contig N50 of~4.87Mb.Through evolutionary genomics and experimental approaches,we found that the loss of the SEP-like MADS-box gene MBP21 subclade is likely a key mutation that,together with the previously revealed mutation affecting floral MPF2 expression,might have contributed to the origination of ICS in Physaleae,suggesting that the origination of a morphological novelty may have resulted from an evolutionary scenario in which one mutation compensated for another deleterious mutation.Moreover,the significant expansion of squalene epoxidase genes is potentially associated with the natural variation of steroid-related compounds in Physalis fruits.The results reveal the importance of gene gains(duplication)and/or subsequent losses as genetic bases of the evolution of distinct fruit traits,and the data serve as a valuable resource for the evolutionary genetics and breeding of solanaceous crops.

适配体技术及其在植物科学研究中的应用

适配体是一种从人工合成的文库中筛选出来、能够特异结合靶标分子的单链寡核苷酸或多肽。适配体基于自身结构和序列与靶分子特异结合并调节其活性,应用于生物体内分子功能研究及新型药物制剂的研发。近年来,多肽适配体广泛应用于医学、遗传学和分子生物学等多个领域,成为一种高效、特异且功能强大的新工具。在植物研究中,随着相应体系的建立、应用和推广,适配体技术逐渐成为研究植物分子功能的有效工具。该文综述了不同类型的适配体、筛选原理及优缺点,以及在植物研究中的应用。可以预见,随着分子设计育种技术的发展,适配体技术有望成为植物科学领域有价值的应用工具。

The origin and evolution of carpels and fruits from an evo-devo perspective

The flower is an evolutionary innovation in angiosperms that drives the evolution of biodiversity.The carpel is integral to a flower and develops into fruits after fertilization,while the perianth,consisting of the calyx and corolla,is decorative to facilitate pollination and protect the internal organs,including the carpels and stamens.Therefore,the nature of flower origin is carpel and stamen origin,which represents one of the greatest and fundamental unresolved issues in plant evolutionary biology.Here,we briefly summarize the main progress and key genes identified for understanding floral development,focusing on the origin and development of the carpels.Floral ABC models have played pioneering roles in elucidating flower development,but remain insufficient for resolving flower and carpel origin.The genetic basis for carpel origin and subsequent diversification leading to fruit diversity also remains elusive.Based on current research progress and technological advances,simplified floral models and integrative evolutionary-developmental(evodevo)strategies are proposed for elucidating the genetics of carpel origin and fruit evolution.Stepwise birth of a few master regulatory genes and subsequent functional diversification might play a pivotal role in these evolutionary processes.Among the identified transcription factors,AGAMOUS(AG)and CRABS CLAW(CRC)may be the two core regulatory genes for carpel origin as they determine carpel organ identity,determinacy,and functionality.Therefore,a comparative identification of their protein-protein interactions and downstream target genes between flowering and non-flowering plants from an evo-devo perspective may be primary projects for elucidating carpel origin and development.