Dissecting the molecular basis of spike traits by integrating gene regulatory networks and genetic variation in wheat

Spike architecture influences both grain weight and grain number per spike,which are the two major components of grain yield in bread wheat(Triticum aestivum L.).However,the complex wheat genome and the influence of various environmental factors pose challenges in mapping the causal genes that affect spike traits.Here,we systematically identified genes involved in spike trait formation by integrating information on genomic variation and gene regulatory networks controlling young spike development in wheat.We identified 170 loci that are responsible for variations in spike length,spikelet number per spike,and grain number per spike through genome-wide association study and meta-QTL analyses.We constructed gene regulatory networks for young inflorescences at the double ridge stage and thefloret primordium stage,in which the spikelet meristem and thefloret meristem are predominant,respec-tively,by integrating transcriptome,histone modification,chromatin accessibility,eQTL,and protein–pro-tein interactome data.From these networks,we identified 169 hub genes located in 76 of the 170 QTL regions whose polymorphisms are significantly associated with variation in spike traits.The functions of TaZF-B1,VRT-B2,and TaSPL15-A/D in establishment of wheat spike architecture were verified.This study provides valuable molecular resources for understanding spike traits and demonstrates that combining genetic analysis and developmental regulatory networks is a robust approach for dissection of complex traits.

Overcoming genotypic dependency and bypassing immature embryos in wheat transformation by using morphogenic regulators

Dear Editor,Agrobacterium-mediated transformation technology is of vital importance for functional genomics studies and precision breeding in crops due to low cost and clear genetic manifestation.A morphogenic gene pair,BABY BOOM and WUSCHEL(BBM-WUS).

Effect of complete percutaneous revascularization on improving long-term outcomes of patients with chronic total occlusion and multi-vessel disease

Background:Limited data are available on the comparison of clinical outcomes of complete vs.incomplete percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)for patients with chronic total occlusion(CTO)and multi-vessel disease(MVD).The study aimed to compare their clinical outcomes.Methods:A total of 558 patients with CTO and MVD were divided into the optimal medical treatment(OMT)group(n=86),incomplete PCI group(n=327),and complete PCI group(n=145).Propensity score matching(PSM)was performed between the complete and incomplete PCI groups as sensitivity analysis.The primary outcome was defined as the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs),and unstable angina was defined as the secondary outcome.Results:At a median follow-up of 21 months,there were statistical differences among the OMT,incomplete PCI,and complete PCI groups in the rates of MACEs(43.0%[37/86]vs.30.6%[100/327]vs.20.0%[29/145],respectively,P=0.016)and unstable angina(24.4%[21/86]vs.19.3%[63/327]vs.10.3%[15/145],respectively,P=0.010).Complete PCI was associated with lower MACE compared with OMT(adjusted hazard ratio[HR]=2.00;95%confidence interval[CI]=1.23–3.27;P=0.005)or incomplete PCI(adjusted HR=1.58;95%CI=1.04–2.39;P=0.031).Sensitivity analysis of PSM showed similar results to the above on the rates of MACEs between complete PCI and incomplete PCI groups(20.5%[25/122]vs.32.6%[62/190],respectively;adjusted HR=0.55;95%CI=0.32–0.96;P=0.035)and unstable angina(10.7%[13/122]vs.20.5%[39/190],respectively;adjusted HR=0.48;95%CI=0.24–0.99;P=0.046).Conclusions:For treatment of CTO and MVD,complete PCI reduced the long-term risk of MACEs and unstable angina,as compared with incomplete PCI and OMT.Complete PCI in both CTO and non-CTO lesions can potentially improve the prognosis of patients with CTO and MVD.