Fine mapping and validation of a stable QTL for thousand-kernel weight in wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)

Thousand-kernel weight(TKW)is a measure of grain weight,a target of wheat breeding.The object of this study was to fine-map a stable quantitative trait loci(QTL)for TKW and identify its candidate gene in a recombinant inbred line(RIL)population derived from the cross of Kenong 9204(KN9204)and Jing411(J411).On a high-density genetic linkage map,24,26 and 25 QTL were associated with TKW,kernel length(KL),and kernel width(KW),respectively.A major and stable QTL,QTkw-2D,was mapped to an8.3 cM interval on chromosome arm 2DL.By saturation of polymorphic markers in its target region,QTkw-2D was confined to a 9.13 Mb physical interval using a secondary mapping population derived from a residually heterozygous line(F6:7).This interval was further narrowed to 2.52 Mb using QTkw-2D near-isogenic lines(NILs).NILs~(KN9204)had higher fresh and dry weights than NILsJ411at various grain-filling stages.The TKW and KW of NILs~(KN9204)were much higher than those of NILsJ411in field trials.By comparison of both DNA sequence and expression between KN9204 and J411,TraesCS2D02G460300.1(TraesKN2D01HG49350)was assigned as a candidate gene for QTkw-2D.This was confirmed by RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)of QTkw-2D NILs.These results provide the basis of map-based cloning of QTkw-2D,and DNA markers linked to the candidate gene may be used in marker-assisted selection.

小麦A基因组测序与进化研究进展

小麦是世界上广泛种植的主要粮食作物,养活了全世界35%以上的人口。获取高质量的基因组图谱对于推动小麦基础理论和遗传育种研究至关重要。然而,庞大而复杂的基因组一度使小麦基因组测序被认为是"不可能完成的任务"。随着高通量测序和组装技术的成熟,近年来多个小麦基因组序列图谱陆续发布,序列组装质量日臻完善。仅最近两年就公布了5个不同倍性的小麦参考基因组序列,包括两个二倍体祖先种乌拉尔图小麦(Triticum urartu,AA)和粗山羊草(Aegilops tauschii,DD)、野生和栽培四倍体二粒小麦(T.turgidum ssp.dicoccoides,BBAA)和六倍体普通小麦(T.aestivum,BBAADD)。其中,作为多倍体小麦A亚基因组供体的乌拉尔图小麦基因组测序和分析是由中国科学院遗传与发育生物学研究所牵头完成。本文主要对小麦A基因组的结构解析和进化分析等方面的研究进展进行了综述,以期为相关领域的科研人员提供参考信息,促进小麦的基础和应用研究。

Current advances in genome sequencing of common wheat and its ancestral species

Common wheat is an important and widely cultivated food crop throughout the world.Much progress has been made in regard to wheat genome sequencing in the last decade.Starting from the sequencing of single chromosomes/chromosome arms whole genome sequences of common wheat and its diploid and tetraploid ancestors have been decoded along with the development of sequencing and assembling technologies. In this review, we give a brief summary on international progress in wheat genome sequencing, and mainly focus on reviewing the effort and contributions made by Chinese scientists.

Dipeptidyl peptidase Ⅳ(DPP Ⅳ):a novel emerging target for thetreatment of type 2 diabetes

The enzyme, dipeptidyl peptidase IV（DPP IV）, is a novel target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibition improves the impaired insulin secretion and decrease postprandial concentrations of glucagon by enhancing the incretin hormone levels lucagon-like peptide-1（GLP-1） and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/gastric inhibitory polypeptide（GIP）. Recently, DPP IV inhibitors have attracted more and more attention, several of which have entered pre-clinical and clinical trials, and one has received approval for use as an anti-diabetic agent. Among the DPP IV inhibitors, two leading agents（sitagliptin and vildagliptin） have been shown to be effective in reducing glycosylated hemoglobin（HbAlc） and fasting plasma glucose（FPG） in patients with type 2 diabetes. This review summarizes the evidence supporting DPP IV inhibitors as potential antidiabetic agents.

Comparison of three flocculants for heavy cyanobacterial bloom mitigation and subsequent environmental impact

Cyanobacteria can accumulate as a heavy biomass on the leeward side of large eutrophic lakes,posing a potential threat to public health.The mitigating capacity of three flocculants and their potential impacts on the major environmental features of water and sediments was evaluated.Results indicate that polyaluminum chloride(PAC)and ferric chloride(FeCl)are efficient flocculants that can rapidly mitigate cyanobacterial blooms with chlorophyll-a concentrations higher tnan 1500 ug/L within 15 min.In comparison,cationic starch with chitosan could only treat cyanobacterial blooms in chlorophyll-a concentrations of less than 200μg/L.The addition of FeClcaused a decline in the pH value,while dissolved oxygen in the water column dropped to 2 mg/L during cationic starch with chitosan treatment for a high cyanobacterial biomass group.Thus,a combination of flocculants and oxygenators should be considered when treating high-concentration cyanobacterial blooms for emergency purposes.Additionally,the cell lysis of cyanobacteria caused by cationic starch with chitosan can result in an increase in total dissolved phosphorus and total dissolved nitrogen.Furthermore,the high accumlation of nutrients in sediments after the settling of cyanobacteria can cause high internal phosphorus pollution.The increase in the total organic carbon of the sediments can threaten lake restoration achieved by planting submerged macrophytes.

Community structure of aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria in algae-and macrophyte-dominated areas in Taihu Lake,China

Aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria(AAPB)repre sent a major group of bacterioplankton assemblages in many water systems and some are assumed to be closely associated with phytoplankton.However,studies on relationships between AAPB and cyanobacterial blooms are in scarcity.The dynamics of the abundance and diversity of AAPB was compared based on pufM gene in Meiliang Bay(featured by cyanobacterial blooms)and East Bay(featured by macrophyte)of Taihu Lake,a shallow subtropical lake in the East China plain.AAPB abundance was not significantly different between the two sites,and they were positively correlated with dissolved organic carbon(DOC)concentration.The ratios of AAPB to total bacteria varied from 3.4%to 11.5%and peaked in winter in both site s.No significant differences of AAPB community compositions were detected between the two sites,but there was a separation between warm seasons(June,August,and October)and cold seasons(December,February,and April).Rhizobiales and Limnohabitans-like pufM sequences were significantly contributors for the difference between two seasons,and specially enriched in cold seasons.Chlorophyll a(Ch1 a)and DOC were the most significant variables influencing the AAPB community structure.Furthermore,Porphyrobacter and Rhodospirillales-like pufM sequences were positively correlated with Ch1 a,indicating potential influence of cyanobacterial blooms on these AAPB taxa.These results suggested that diverse AAPB ecotypes coexisted in Taihu Lake,and their ecological role in carbon cycling in the lake may not be ignored.

The impact of the accumulation of algal blooms on reed wetlands in the littoral zones of Chaohu Lake

In a large eutrophic lake,the littoral zone is normally an area with high-density elevated aquatic plant life,including algal blooms,where the presence of reed wetlands allows the accumulation of algae.In this study,the impact of accumulated algal blooms in reed wetlands in the littoral zone s of Chaohu Lake was investigated seasonally from 2018 to 2019.The concentrations of chlorophyll a(Chl a),total nitrogen(TN),and total phosphorus(TP)were much higher in the reed-covered littoral zones(RCLZ)than in the unvegetated littoral zones(ULZ),indicating that more algal biomass was trapped and accumulated in the RCLZ.Algal biomass could be horizontally transported to downwind littoral zones under low wind speeds,favoring the establishment of blooms.Algal accumulation levels were highest in summer due to high water temperatures and algal biomasses.Likewise,the northern littoral zones were conducive to the development of large algal blooms because of the wind pattern.The values of TN,TP,Chl a,and loss on ignition in surface sediments were higher in the RCLZ than in the ULZ.Moreover,the diffusive fluxes of ammonium and soluble reactive pho sphorus were also higher in the RCLZ than in the ULZ.Considering the capability of reed wetlands to trap algae,mechanical salvage and other physical methods should be adopted to eliminate algal biomass when massive blooms accumulate in the RCLZ.

Cyanobacterial blooms in China:ecology,toxicity,and treatment

Cyanobacterial blooms are one of the major threats to the health of aquatic ecosystems,and are increasing globally due to the synergistic eff ects of human activities and global climate change.The 7^(th) National Cyanobacteria Bloom Forum was successfully held in May 28-30,2021 in Guiyang,Guizhou Province,China.The forum established a platform for exchanging views on the concerns of cyanobacterial blooms from Chinese researchers,lake managers,and treatment engineers.This special issue,“Cyanobacterial blooms in China:ecology,toxicity,and treatment”in Journal of Oceanography and Limnology,presents a collection of 14 papers on the physiological features and the infl uence on their concurrent aquatic biology of diff erent cyanobacterial groups.

Fine mapping and characterization of the awn inhibitor B1 locus in common wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)

Awns play an important role in seed dispersal and photosynthesis of spikes.Three major awn inhibitors(Hd,B1,and B2)are reported in wheat.However,the molecular mechanism underlying awnlessness remained unknown until recently.In this study,we identified two F8 recombinant inbred lines(RILs)that were segregating for awn length.In order to identify the causal gene for awn length in the heterozygous inbred families(HIFs),SNPs were called from RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq)data for HIF-derived progenies with long and short awns.SNPs between long and short awn plants were evenly distributed on chromosomes(chr)other than chromosome 5 A.SNPs on chr 5 A were clustered in a region distal 688 Mb on the long arm,where inhibitor B1 was located.This suggested that B1 was the causal segregating locus.We precisely mapped B1 to^1 Mb region using two HIF-derived families.Considering that the lines segregated for long,intermediate and short awn phenotypes we speculated that B1 should have a dosage effect on awn length.Two differentially expressed genes(DEGs)located in the candidate region were regarded as candidate genes for B1,because the molecular expression pattern was consistent with the phenotype.HIFs with long and short awns showed no difference on grain yield and other agronomic traits.

Thoracic interstitial injection of drug-liposomes in mice for treating atherosclerosis

Intervaginal space injection(ISI)is a novel mode of administration investigated over the last decade.After injecting nanoparticles into the intervaginal space,they can be transported along low flow resistance channels into the interstitial space.This transport has a certain delivery direction,and site-specific injection can work on specific organs or tissues.In this study,the thorax,a new ISI site in the interstitial surrounding the internal thoracic artery named the thoracic interstitial injection(tISI)was investigated.To prove the targeting ability of the tISI,two sizes of gold nanoparticles(AuNPs)(47 and 87 nm)were administered to mice.After 1 h,the biodistribution of AuNPs in the tissues was measured via single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(spICP-MS).The results showed that the concentration of AuNPs in the aorta after tISI injection was significantly higher than that after intravenous injection.Moreover,fewer nanoparticles with larger particle sizes were observed to have entered the blood and were better targeted to the aorta.Thereafter,tanshinone IIa sodium sulfonate liposomes were administered for the treatment of aortic atherosclerosis.The proportion of aortic plaques in atherosclerotic Apoe-/-mice administered via tISI was significantly lower than that in other model animals(P<0.001).Furthermore,the proteoglycan content and CD68-positive cell count in the plaques were significantly reduced.The vascular elastic fibers at the plaque site were thickened,and fractures were reduced.tISI was,therefore,determined to be an effective strategy for the treatment of atherosclerotic aortic plaques.

Comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses uncover the molecular basis of high nitrogen-use efficiency in the wheat cultivar Kenong 9204

Studying the regulatory mechanisms that drive nitrogen-use efficiency(NUE)in crops is important for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.In this study,we generated a high-quality genome assembly for the high-NUE wheat cultivar Kenong 9204 and systematically analyzed genes related to nitrogen uptake and metabolism.By comparative analyses,we found that the high-affinity nitrate transporter gene family had expanded in Triticeae.Further studies showed that subsequent functional differentiation endowed the expanded family members with saline inducibility,providing a genetic basis for improving the adaptability of wheat to nitrogen deficiency in various habitats.To explore the genetic and molecular mechanisms of high NUE,we compared genomic and transcriptomic data from the high-NUE cultivar Kenong 9204(KN9204)and the low-NUE cultivar Jing 411 and quantified their nitrogen accumulation under high-and low-nitrogen conditions.Compared with Jing 411,KN9204 absorbed significantly more nitrogen at the reproductive stage after shooting and accumulated it in the shoots and seeds.Transcriptome data analysis revealed that nitrogen deficiency clearly suppressed the expression of genes related to cell division in the young spike of Jing 411,whereas this suppression of gene expression was much lower in KN9204.In addition,KN9204 maintained relatively high expression of NPF genes for a longer time than Jing 411 during seed maturity.Physiological and transcriptome data revealed that KN9204 was more tolerant of nitrogen deficiency than Jing 411,especially at the reproductive stage.The high NUE of KN9204 is an integrated effect controlled at different levels.Taken together,our data provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of NUE and important gene resources for improving wheat cultivars with a higher NUE trait.

An in vivo study of the biodistribution of gold nanoparticles after intervaginal space injection in the tarsal tunnel

The biodistribution of gold nanoparticles （AuNPs） is closely related to toxicological effects and is of great concern because of their potential application in diverse biomedical areas. However, with the discovery of novel anatomic and histological structures for fluid transport, the underlying mechanisms involved in the in vivo transport and biodistribution of AuNPs require further in-depth investigations. In the current study, we investigated the biodistribution of 10-nm AuNPs in rats after intervaginal space injection （ISI） in the tarsal tunnel, where a focal point of tendons, vessels, and nerve fibers may optimally connect to other remote connective tissues. The intravenous injection （IVI） of AuNPs served as a control. The blood and organs were collected at 5, 15, and 30 min and at 1, 4, 12, and 24 h after injection for quantitative analysis of Au distribution with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry （ICP-MS）. IVI and ISI yielded significantly different results： The AuNP content in the blood after ISI was much lower than that after IVI; was similar in the lungs, heart, and intestines; and was higher in the skin and muscle. These findings were supported by the ratios of AuNP content and relative organ AuNP distribution proportions. Our results demonstrated a fast, direct, and the circulation-independent AuNP-organ transport pathway, which may improve our understanding of physiological and pathological biodistribution processes in biological systems. Furthermore, these results provide novel insights into the in vivo transport and biodistribution of AuNPs, which may lead to novel and efficient therapeutic and administration strategies.

In vivo degradation and endothelialization of an iron bioresorbable scaffold

Detection of in vivo biodegradation is critical for development of next-generation medical devices such as bioresorbable stents or scaffolds(BRSs).In particular,it is urgent to establish a nondestructive approach to examine in vivo degradation of a new-generation coronary stent for interventional treatment based on mammal experiments;otherwise it is not available to semi-quantitatively monitor biodegradation in any clinical trial.Herein,we put forward a semi-quantitative approach to measure degradation of a sirolimus-eluting iron bioresorbable scaffold(IBS)based on optical coherence tomography(OCT)images;this approach was confirmed to be consistent with the present weight-loss measurements,which is,however,a destructive approach.The IBS was fabricated by a metal-polymer composite technique with a polylactide coating on an iron stent.The efficacy as a coronary stent of this new bioresorbable scaffold was compared with that of a permanent metal stent with the name of trade mark Xience,which has been widely used in clinic.The endothelial coverage on IBS was found to be greater than on Xience after implantation in a rabbit model;and our well-designed ultrathin stent exhibited less individual variation.We further examined degradation of the IBSs in both minipig coronary artery and rabbit abdominal aorta models.The present result indicated much faster iron degradation of IBS in the rabbit model than in the porcine model.The semi-quantitative approach to detect biodegradation of IBS and the finding of the species difference might be stimulating for fundamental investigation of biodegradable implants and clinical translation of the next-generation coronary stents.

An Epigenetic Role for Disrupted Paternal Gene Expression in Postzygotic Seed Abortion in Arabidopsis Interspecific Hybrids

Interspecific hybrids often increase the levels of heterozygosity and hybrid vigor, but some interspecific hybrid seeds are aborted shortly after fertilization. The mechanism behind this postzygotic seed abortion is poorly understood. Here, we report genome-wide analysis of allelic expression changes in developing siliques and seeds in three F1 interspecific crosses between Arabidopsis thaliana （Col, Ler, or C24） and Arabidopsis arenosa. The majority of maternally expressed genes （MEGs） were shared among all three F1 interspecific crosses, whereas ~90% of 272 paternally expressed genes （PEGs） were found only in one or two F1 crosses, suggesting a role for disrupted paternal gene expression in seed abortion that varies in different crosses. Consistent with this notion, 12 PEGs in the infertile interspecific hybrids matched MEGs in fertile intraspecific hybrids. This disruption of PEGs in the interspecific hybrids was consistent with the upregulation of the genes in the paternal-excess interploidy cross （2X6） between a diploid mother and a hexaploid father, leading to the seed abortion. Moreover, a subset of PEGs in the interspecific crosses were also upregulated in the intraspecific hybrid metlXWT or meaXWT, in which the mutant of MET1 （DNA METHYL TRANSFERASE1） or MEDEA, a Polycomb Repressive Complex2 gene, was used as the maternal parent. These data suggest that maternal epigenetic factors and paternal gene expression play important roles in the postzygotic seed abortion in interspecific hybrids or neo-allopolyploids.

Quantification of microcystin-producing and non-microcystin producing Microcystis populations during the 2009 and 2010 blooms in Lake Taihu using quantitative real-time PCR

Lake Taihu,a large,shallow hypertrophic freshwater lake in eastern China,has experienced lake-wide toxic cyanobacterial blooms annually during summer season in the past decades.Spatial changes in the abundance of hepatotoxin microcystin-producing and nonmicrocystin producing Microcystis populations were investigated in the lake in August of 2009 and 2010.To monitor the densities of the total Microcystis population and the potential microcystin-producing subpopulation,we used a quantitative real-time PCR assay targeting the phycocyanin intergenic spacer（PC-IGS） and the microcystin synthetase gene（mcyD）,respectively.On the basis of quantification by real-time PCR analysis,the abundance of potential toxic Microcystis genotypes and the ratio of the mcyD subpopulation to the total Microcystis varied significantly,from 4.08×104 to 5.22×107 copies/mL,from 5.7% to 65.8%,respectively.Correlation analysis showed a strong positive relationship between chlorophyll-a,toxic Microcystis and total Microcystis;the abundance of toxic Microcystis correlated positively with total phosphorus and ortho-phosphate concentrations,but negatively with TN：TP ratio and nitrate concentrations.Meanwhile the proportion of potential toxic genotypes within Microcystis population showed positive correlation with total phosphorus and ortho-phosphate concentrations.Our data suggest that increased phosphorus loading may be a significant factor promoting the occurrence of toxic Microcystis bloom in Lake Taihu.

Magnetic resonance (MR) safety and compatibility of a novel iron bioresorbable scaffold

Fully bioresorbable scaffolds have been designed to overcome the limitations of traditional drug-eluting stents(DESs),which permanently cage the native vessel wall and pose possible complications.The ultrathin-strut designed sirolimus-eluting iron bioresorbable coronary scaffold system(IBS)shows comparable mechanical properties to traditional DESs and exhibits an adaptive degradation profile during target vessel healing,which makes it a promising candidate in all-comers patient population.For implanted medical devices,magnetic resonance(MR)imaging properties,including MR safety and compatibility,should be evaluated before its clinical use,especially for devices with intrinsic ferromagnetism.In this study,MR safety and compatibility of the IBS scaffold were evaluated based on a series of well-designed in-vitro,ex-vivo and in-vivo experiments,considering possible risks,including scaffold movement,over-heating,image artifact,and possible vessel injury,under typical MR condition.Traditional ASTM standards for MR safety and compatibility evaluation of intravascular devices were referred,but not only limited to that.The unique time-relevant MR properties of bioresorbable scaffolds were also discussed.Possible forces imposed on the scaffold during MR scanning and MR image artifacts gradually decreased along with scaffold degradation/absorption.Rigorous experiments designed based on a scientifically based rationale revealed that the IBS scaffold is MR conditional,though not MR compatible before complete absorption.The methodology used in the present study can give insight into the MR evaluation of magnetic scaffolds(bioresorbable)or stents(permanent).

Special interstitial route can transport nanoparticles to the brain bypassing the blood-brain barrier

Nowadays,nanoparticles(NPs)are considered to be ideal tools for bioimaging and drug delivery.Although increasing research has focused on NP biodistribution,transportation in the interstitial architecture has been neglected.The entire body is connected by the interstitial architecture,which can provide a long-range and direct pathway for NP biodistribution in a nonvascular system.In this study,we report that 10-nm gold NPs injected directly into the interstitial architecture of the tarsal tunnel of rats(intervaginal space injection(ISI))were delivered to the brain without crossing the blood-brain barrier.Furthermore,NaGdF4 nanoparticles were used to explore the transportation route by magnetic resonance imaging.The results demonstrated that,after ISI,the NaGdF4 nanoparticles were transported through the perivascular interstitial space of the carotid arteries and brain vessels to the brain.This is a special nonvascular transportation route like a stream based on the interstitial architecture that provides an alternative pathway for NP biodistribution.

Effects of elevated CO_2 on dynamics of microcystin-producing and non-microcystin-producing strains during Microcystis blooms

In an attempt to elucidate the effects of different CO2concentrations（270, 380, and 750 μL/L） on the competition of microcystin-producing（MC-producing） and non-MC-producing Microcystis strains during dense cyanobacteria blooms, an in situ simulation experiment was conducted in the Meiliang Bay of Lake Taihu in the summer of 2012. The abundance of total Microcystis and MC-producing Microcystis genotypes was quantified based on the 16 S r DNA and mcy D gene using real-time PCR. The results showed that atmospheric CO2 elevation would significantly decrease the p H value and increase the dissolved inorganic carbon（DIC） concentration.Changes in CO2 concentration did not show significant influence on the abundance of total Microcystis population. However, CO2 concentrations may be an important factor in determining the subpopulation structure of Microcystis. The enhancement of CO2 concentrations could largely increase the competitive ability of non-MC-producing over MC-producing Microcystis, resulting in a higher proportion of non-MC-producing subpopulation in treatments using high CO2 concentrations. Concurrently, MC concentration in water declined when CO2 concentrations were elevated. Therefore, we concluded that the increase of CO2 concentrations might decrease potential health risks of MC for human and animals in the future.

Genomic variation,origin tracing,and vaccine development of SARS-CoV-2:A systematic review

COVID-19 has spread globally to over 200 countries with more than 40 million confirmed cases and one million deaths as of November 1,2020.The SARS-CoV-2 virus,leading to COVID-19,shows extremely high rates of infectivity and replication,and can result in pneumonia,acute respiratory distress,or even mortality.SARS-CoV-2 has been found to continue to rapidly evolve,with several genomic variants emerging in different regions throughout the world.In addition,despite intensive study of the spike protein,its origin,and molecular mechanisms in mediating host invasion are still only partially resolved.Finally,the repertoire of drugs for COVID-19 treatment is still limited,with several candidates still under clinical trial and no effective therapeutic yet reported.Although vaccines based on either DNA/mRNA or protein have been deployed,their efficacy against emerging variants requires ongoing study,with multivalent vaccines supplanting the first-generation vaccines due to their low efficacy against new strains.Here,we provide a systematic review of studies on the epidemiology,immunological pathogenesis,molecular mechanisms,and structural biology,as well as approaches for drug or vaccine development for SARSCoV-2.