OsbZIP01 Affects Plant Growth and Development by Regulating OsSD1 in Rice

As the‘Green Revolution’gene,SD1(encoding GA20ox2),has been widely applied to improve yield in rice breeding.However,research on its transcriptional regulation is limited.Here,we identified a transcription factor OsbZIP01,which can suppress the expression of SD1 and regulate gibberellin(GA)biosynthesis in rice.Knockout mutants of OsbZIP01 exhibited increased plant height,while the overexpression lines showed a semi-dwarf phenotype and diminished germination rate.Furthermore,the semi-dwarf phenotype of OE-bZIP01,was caused by the reduced internode length,which was accompanied by a thin stem width.The predominant expression of OsbZIP01 was observed in leaves and sheaths.OsbZIP01 protein was localized in the nucleus and showed transcriptional repression activity.In addition,OsbZIP01 could directly bind to the promoter of the OsSD1 gene,and inhibit its transcription.The semi-dwarf phenotype of OE-bZIP01 could be rescued by exogenous GA_(3).Meanwhile,the bzip01 sd1 double mutant showed a shorter shoot length compared with the wild type,indicating that OsbZIP01 regulated plant growth mainly through the GA biosynthesis pathway.Collectively,OsbZIP01 negatively regulates GA biosynthesis by restraining SD1 transcription,thereby affecting plant growth and development.

Dark Matter Search in Dwarf Irregular Galaxies with Ten Years of Data from the Ice Cube Neutrino Observatory

Dwarf irregular galaxies(dIrrs),as rotationally supported systems,have more reliable J-factor measurements than dwarf spheroidal galaxies and have received attention as targets for dark matter detection in recent years.In this paper,we use 10 yr of IceCube muon-track data and an unbinned maximum-likelihood-ratio method to search for neutrino signals beyond the background from the directions of seven dIrrs,aiming to detect neutrinos produced by heavy annihilation dark matter.We do not detect any significant signal.Based on such null results,we calculate the upper limits on the velocity-averaged annihilation cross section for 1 TeV–10 PeV dark matter.Our limits,although weaker than the strictest constraints in the literature in this mass range,are also a good complement to the existing results considering the more reliable J-factor measurements of dIrrs.

Insights into the dwarfing mechanism of pear(Pyrus betulaefolia) based on anatomical and structural analysis using X-ray scanning

The lack of a suitable rootstock to control scion growth has limited the development of high-density plantations in pear production, which is partly attributed to poor understanding of the dwarfing mechanism. In the present study, the rootstock of the dwarf-type pear (Pyrus betulaefolia)PY-9’ was identified and used as the material for anatomical analysis.PY-9’ grew to half the tree height of the normal cultivar Zhengdu’, along with fewer internodes and shorter length. Significant differences in growth rate betweenPY-9’ andZhengdu’ were detected at approximately 30 days after full bloom, which corresponded with the time of the greatest difference in water potential between the dwarf and normal cultivar.PY-9’ showed a higher photosynthetic rate thanZhengdu’. Anatomical analysis showed thatPY-9’ had higher area ratios of both phloem and xylem and more developed vascular tissues thanZhengdu’. The three-dimensional reconstructed skeleton of the xylem from X-ray computed tomography scanning revealed greater intervessel connectivity inZhengdu’ than inPY-9’, which could contribute to the more vigorous growth ofZhengdu’. This study thus provides the first comparison of the microstructural properties of xylem elements between a dwarfing-type and vigorous-type pear rootstock, providing new insights into the dwarfing mechanism in pear and facilitating breeding of dwarf pear rootstocks to increase crop productivity.

ZmCYP90D1 regulates maize internode development by modulating brassinosteroid-mediated cell division and growth

Plant height(PH)is associated with lodging resistance and planting density,which is regulated by a complicated gene network.In this study,we identified a spontaneous dwarfing mutation in maize,m30,with decreased internode number and length but increased internode diameter.A candidate gene,ZmCYP90D1,which encodes a member of the cytochrome P450 family,was isolated by map-based cloning.ZmCYP90D1 was constitutively expressed and showed highest expression in basal internodes,and its protein was targeted to the nucleus.A G-to-A substitution was identified to be the causal mutation,which resulted in a truncated protein in m30.Loss of function of ZmCYP90D1 changed expression of hormoneresponsive genes,in particular brassinosteroid(BR)-responsive genes which is mainly involved in cell cycle regulation and cell wall extension and modification in plants.The concentration of typhasterol(TY),a downstream intermediate of ZmCYP90D1 in the BR pathway,was reduced.A haplotype conferring dwarfing without reducing yield was identified.ZmCYP90D1 was inferred to influence plant height and stalk diameter via hormone-mediated cell division and cell growth via the BR pathway.

Investigating the Genetic Bases of Growth Regulation by E2F3 in Dwarf Surf Clams Mulinia lateralis

Bivalve aquaculture plays a crucial role in the aquaculture industry due to the economic value of many bivalve species.Understanding the underlying genetic basis of bivalve growth regulation is essential for enhancing germplasm innovation and ensuring sustainable development of the industry.Though numerous candidate genes have been identified,their functional validation remains challenging.Fortunately,the dwarf surf clam(Mulinia lateralis)serves as a promising model organism for investigating genetic mechanisms underlying growth regulation in bivalves.The GWAS study in the Yesso scallop(Patinopecten yessoensis)has pinpointed the E2F3 gene as a key regulator of growth-related traits.However,the specific role of E2F3 in bivalve growth remains unclear.This study aimed to further confirm the regulatory function of the E2F3 gene in the dwarf surf clam through RNA interference experiments.Our results revealed several genes are associated with individual growth and development,including CTS7,HSP70B2,and PGLYRP3,as well as genes involved in lipid metabolism such as FABP2 and FASN.Functional enrichment analysis indicated that E2F3 primarily modulates critical processes like amino acid and lipid metabolism.These findings suggest that E2F3 likely regulates growth in the dwarf surf clam by influencing amino acid and lipid metabolism.Overall,this study advances our understanding on the function of E2F3 gene in growth regulation in bivalves,providing valuable insights for future research in this field.

The Impact of Nova Outbursts on the Chemical Abundance of the Interstellar Medium

Nova outbursts are the results of thermonuclear runaways,which occur when sufficient material accretes on the surfaces of white dwarfs(WDs).Using the MESA code,we construct a detailed grid for carbon-oxygen and oxygen-neon-magnesium novae.By employing population synthesis methods,we conduct a statistical analysis of the distribution of novae in the Milky Way.In our models,on average,a typical nova system may undergo about8000 eruptions and the Galactic nova rate is~130 yr^(-1).The C,N,and O elements in nova ejecta are strongly affected by the mixing degree between WD core and accreted material.Our results show that the average value of^(12)C/^(13)C in nova ejecta is about an order of magnitude lower than that on the surface of a red giant,that for^(16)O/^(17)O is about 5 times lower,and that for^(14)N/^(15)N is about 1.5 times lower.The annual yields of^(13)C,^(15)N,and^(17)O from nova ejection are larger than those from AGB stars.This indicates that compared to a red giant,nova eruptions are a more important source of the odd-numbered nuclear elements of^(13)C,^(15)N,and^(17)O in the Galactic interstellar medium.

HI in High Gas-phase Metallicity Dwarf Galaxy WISEA J230615.06+143927.9

We present resolved Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope H I observations of the high gas-phase metallicity dwarf galaxy WISEA J230615.06+143927.9(z = 0.005)(hereafter J2306) and investigate whether it could be a Tidal Dwarf Galaxy(TDG) candidate. TDGs are observed to have higher metallicities than normal dwarfs. J2306 has an unusual combination of a blue g-r color of 0.23 mag, irregular optical morphology and high-metallicity(12 +log(O/H) = 8.68 ± 0.14), making it an interesting galaxy to study in more detail. We find J2306 to be an H I rich galaxy with a large extended, unperturbed rotating H I disk. Using our H I data we estimated its dynamical mass and found the galaxy to be dark matter(DM) dominated within its H I radius. The quantity of DM, inferred from its dynamical mass, appears to rule out J2306 as an evolved TDG. A wide area environment search reveals J2306 to be isolated from any larger galaxies which could have been the source of its high gas metallicity. Additionally, the H I morphology and kinematics of the galaxy show no indication of a recent merger to explain the high-metallicity.Further detailed optical spectroscopic observations of J2306 might provide an answer to how a seemingly ordinary irregular dwarf galaxy achieved such a high level of metal enrichment.

Stellar Populations of AGN-host Dwarf Galaxies Selected with Different Methods

In this paper we investigate the stellar populations and star formation histories of 235 active galactic nucleus(AGN)-host dwarf galaxies,consisting of four samples identified separately with different methods(i.e.,radio,X-ray,mid-IR and variability),utilizing the synthesis code STARLIGHT and spectra from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 8.Our results show that the variability sample is the oldest,while the mid-IR sample is the youngest,for which the luminosity at 4020?is dominated(>50%)by the young population(t<10~8yr).The light-weighted mean stellar age of the whole sample is in general about 0.7 dex younger than the optical sample studied in Cai et al.We compare the population results between fitting models with and without a power-law(PL)component and find that the neglect of a PL component would lead to an under-and over-estimation by 0.2 and0.1 dex for the light-and mass-weighted mean stellar age,respectively,for our sample of dwarf galaxies,which has a mean fractional contribution of~16%from the AGN.In addition,we obtain further evidence for a possible suppression of star formation in the host galaxy by the central AGN.We also find that there exists an anticorrelation between the extinction-corrected[O III]luminosity and light-weighted mean stellar age,confirming our previous finding that there is a physical connection between AGN and star-forming activities in AGN-host dwarfs.

The Infiuence of Velocity-dependent Correction Factor on Proton Decay Reactions in Massive White Dwarfs

Twenty-five typical massive white dwarfs(WDs)are selected and the proton decay reaction catalyzed by magnetic monopoles(MMs)for these WDs is discussed.A velocity-dependent correction factor strongly affects the cross-section.We find that a strong suppression controls the monopole catalysis of nucleon decay by the correction factor.The maximum number of MMs is captured and the luminosity can be 2.235×10^(21)and 1.7859×10^(32)erg s^(-1)(e.g.,for the O+Ne core mass WD J055631.17+130639.78).The luminosities of most massive WDs agree well with the observations at relatively low temperatures(e.g.,T_(6)=0.1),but can be three and two orders of magnitude higher than those of the observations for model(Ⅰ)and(Ⅱ)at relatively high temperatures(e.g.,T_(6)=10),respectively.The luminosities of model(Ⅰ)are about one order of magnitude higher than those of model(Ⅱ).Since we consider the effect of the number of MMs captured on the mass–radius relation and the suppression of the proton decay by the correction factor,the study by model(Ⅱ)may be an improved estimation.

Investigation of WZ Sge-type Dwarf Nova ASASSN-19oc:Optical Spectroscopy and Multicolor Light Curve Analysis

In this study,we present an investigation of the newly discovered dwarf nova ASASSN-19oc during its superoutburst on 2019 June 2.We carried out detailed UBVRcIc-photometric observations and also obtained a spectrum on day 7 of the outburst,which shows the presence of hydrogen absorption lines commonly found in dwarf nova outbursts.Analysis of photometric data reveals the occurrence of early superhumps in the initial days of observations,followed by ordinary and late superhumps.We have accurately calculated the period of the ordinary superhumps as Pord=0.05681(10)days and determined the periods at different stages,as well as the rate of change of the superhump period(P_(dot)=(5)P/P=8.1×10^(-5)).Additionally,we have derived the mass ratio of the components(q=0.09),and estimated the color temperature during the outburst as~11,000 K,the distance to the system(d=560 pc)and absolute magnitude of the system in outburst(MV=5.3).We have shown that outbursts of this star are very rare:based on brightness measurements on 600 archival photographic plates,we found only one outburst that occurred in 1984.This fact,as well as the properties listed above,convincingly shows that the variable ASASSN-19oc is a dwarf nova of WZ Sge type.

Periodic Variation Studies of the Two Short Period W UMa-type Eclipsing Binaries: LX Lyn and V0853 Aur

In this paper,new light curves(LCs) of contact eclipsing binary(CEB) systems LX Lyn and V0853 Aur are presented and analyzed by using the 2015 version of the Wilson-Devinney(W-D) code.In order to explain their asymmetric LCs,cool starspots on the components were employed.It is suggested that their fill-out degrees are f=12.0%(LX Lyn) and f=26.3%(V0853 Aur).At the same time,we found that LX Lyn is a W-type eclipsing binary(EB) with an orbital inclination of i=84°.88 and a mass ratio of q=2.31.V0853 Aur is also a W-type CEB with a mass ratio of q=2.77 and an orbital inclination of i= 79°.26.Based on all available times of light minimum,their orbital period changes are studied by using the O-C method.The O-C diagram of LX Lyn reveals a cyclic oscillation with a period of about 14.84 yr and an amplitude of 0.0019 days,which can be explained by the light-travel time effect(LTTE) due to the presence of a third body with a minimum mass of0.06M_⊙.For V0853 Aur,it is discovered that the O-C diagram of the system also shows a cyclic oscillation with a period of 9.64 yr and an amplitude of 0.03365 days.The cyclic oscillation of V0853 Aur can be attributed to the LTTE by means of a third body with a mass no less than 3.77M_⊙.The third body may play an important role in the formation and evolution of these systems.

Proton Decay Reaction in Massive White Dwarfs

Two magnetic monopole models (i.e., model (I, II)) are presented to discuss the energy resources problem based on magnetic monopole catalytic nuclear decay in massive white dwarfs. We find that the luminosities for most of massive white dwarfs increase as the temperature increases. The luminosities of model (II) are agreed well with those of the observations at relativistic high temperature (e.g., T6=1,10), However, the luminosities of the observations can be five orders of magnitude larger than those of model (I).

Measurements of the Dark Matter Mass, Temperature and Spin

We summarize several measurements of the dark matter temperature-to-mass ratio, or equivalently, of the comoving root-mean-square thermal velocity of warm dark matter particles vhrms(1). The most reliable determination of this parameter comes from well measured rotation curves of dwarf galaxies by the LITTLE THINGS collaboration: vhrms(1)=406±69 m/s. Complementary and consistent measurements are obtained from rotation curves of spiral galaxies measured by the SPARC collaboration, density runs of giant elliptical galaxies, galaxy ultra-violet luminosity distributions, galaxy stellar mass distributions, first galaxies, and reionization. Having measured vhrms(1), we then embark on a journey to the past that leads to a consistent set of measured dark matter properties, including mass, temperature and spin.

4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) enhances drought tolerance of apple by regulating rhizosphere microbial diversity and root architecture

The dwarfing rootstocks-mediated high-density apple orchard is becoming the main practice management.Currently,dwarfing rootstocks are widely used worldwide,but their shallow root system and drought sensitivity necessitate high irrigation requirements.Here,the root transcriptome and metabolome of dwarfing(M9-T337,a drought-sensitive rootstock)and vigorous rootstocks(Malus sieversii,a drought-tolerant species,is commonly used as a rootstock)showed that a coumarin derivative,4-Methylumbelliferon(4-MU),was found to accumulate significantly in the roots of vigorous rootstock under drought condition.When exogenous 4-MU was applied to the roots of dwarfing rootstock under drought treatment,the plants displayed increased root biomass,higher root-to-shoot ratio,greater photosynthesis,and elevated water use efficiency.In addition,diversity and structure analysis of the rhizosphere soil microbial community demonstrated that 4-MU treatment increased the relative abundance of putatively beneficial bacteria and fungi.Of these,Pseudomonas,Bacillus,Streptomyces,and Chryseolinea bacterial strains and Acremonium,Trichoderma,and Phoma fungal strains known for root growth,or systemic resistance against drought stress,were significantly accumulated in the roots of dwarfing rootstock after 4-MU treatment under drought stress condition.Taken together,we identified a promising compound—4-MU,as a useful tool,to strengthen the drought tolerance of apple dwarfing rootstock.

Manipulation of plant height in garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated aspSPL14 allele editing

Dear Editor,Reduction in plant height has been associated with yield increases and yield stability in a number of important crop species,such as wheat and rice[1].In these plants,dwarfing is mainly attributed to the inability to synthesize or respond to certain phytohormones,predominantly gibberellin(GA)[2].Ideal Plant Architecture 1(IPA1),an miR156 target gene,encodes SPL14 and it is able to bind directly to the promoters of multiple GA biosynthetic,signal,and deactivating genes in rice[3].Moreover,IPA1 loss-of-function mutants exhibit dwarf phenotypes[4].

Why Don’t Cold White Dwarfs Exist?

Why no late type M and much later type N white dwarfs with surface temperatures less than 3000 K had ever been observed? What are the heat sources of these later type white dwarfs? In this paper, we find that the energy source of white dwarfs is the nucleons decay catalyzed by magnetic monopoles.

A 2-bp frameshift deletion at GhDR,which encodes a B-BOX protein that co-segregates with the dwarf-red phenotype in Gossypium hirsutum L.

Plant architecture and leaf color are important factors influencing cotton fiber yield.In this study,based on genetic analysis,stem paraffin sectioning,and phytohormone treatments,we showed that the dwarf-red(DR)cotton mutant is a gibberellin-sensitive mutant caused by a mutation in a single dominant locus,designated GhDR.Using bulked segregant analysis(BSA)and genotyping by target sequencing(GBTS)approaches,we located the causative mutation to a~197-kb genetic interval on chromosome A09 containing 25 annotated genes.Based on gene annotation and expression changes between the mutant and normal plants,GH_A09G2280 was considered to be the best candidate gene responsible for the dwarf and red mutant phenotypes.A 2-nucleotide deletion was found in the coding region of GhDR/GH_A09G2280 in the DR mutant,which caused a frameshift and truncation of GhDR.GhDR is a homolog of Arabidopsis AtBBX24,and encodes a B-box zinc finger protein.The frameshift deletion eliminated the C-terminal nuclear localization domain and the VP domain of GhDR,and altered its subcellular localization.A comparative transcriptome analysis demonstrated downregulation of the key genes involved in gibberellin biosynthesis and the signaling transduction network,as well as upregulation of the genes related to gibberellin degradation and the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in the DR mutant.The results of this study revealed the potential molecular basis by which plant architecture and anthocyanin accumulation are regulated in cotton.

A single nucleotide substitution in the MATE transporter gene regulates plastochron and the many noded dwarf phenotype in barley(Hordeum vulgare L.)

In higher plants,the shoot apical meristem produces lateral organs in a regular spacing(phyllotaxy)and timing(plastochron).The molecular analysis of mutants associated with phyllotaxy and plastochron would increase our understanding of the mechanism of shoot architecture formation.In this study,we identified mutant mnd8ynp5 that shows an increased rate of leaf emergence and a larger number of nodes in combination with a dwarfed growth habit from an EMS-treated population of the elite barley cultivar Yangnongpi 5.Using a map-based cloning strategy,the mnd8 gene was narrowed down to a 6.7-kb genomic interval on the long arm of chromosome 5H.Sequence analysis revealed that a C to T single-nucleotide mutation occurred at the first exon(position 953)of HORVU5Hr1G118820,leading to an alanine(Ala)to valine(Val)substitution at the 318th amino acid site.Next,HORVU5Hr1G118820 was defined as the candidate gene of MND8 encoding 514 amino acids and containing two multidrug and toxic compound extrusion(MATE)domains.It is highly homologous to maize Bige1and has a conserved function in the regulation of plant development by controlling the leaf initiation rate.Examination of modern barely varieties showed that Hap-1 was the dominant haplotype and was selected in barley breeding around the world.Collectively,our results indicated that mnd8ynp5 is a novel allele of the HORVU5Hr1G118820 gene that is possibly responsible for the shortened plastochron and many noded dwarf phenotype in barley.

SlZF3 regulates tomato plant height by directly repressing SlGA20ox4 in the gibberellic acid biosynthesis pathway

Plant height is an important target trait for crop genetic improvement.Our previous work has identified a salt-tolerant C2H2 zinc finger,SlZF3,and its overexpression lines also showed a semi-dwarf phenotype,but themolecular mechanism remains to be elucidated.Here,we characterized the dwarf phenotype in detail.The dwarfism is caused by a decrease in stem internode cell elongation and deficiency of bioactive gibberellic acids(GAs),and can be rescued by exogenous GA3 treatment.Gene expression assays detected reduced expression of genes in the GA biosynthesis pathway of the overexpression lines,including SlGA20ox4.Several protein-DNA interaction methods confirmed that SlZF3 can directly bind to the SlGA20ox4 promoter and inhibit its expression,and the interaction can also occur for SlKS and SlKO.Overexpression of SlGA20ox4 in the SlZF3-overexpressing line can recover the dwarf phenotype.Therefore,SlZF3 regulates plant height by directly repressing genes in the tomato GA biosynthesis pathway.

The HⅠGas Fraction Scaling Relation of the Green Pea Galaxies

Green Pea galaxies are compact galaxies with high star formation rates.However,limited samples of Green Pea galaxies have H I 21 cm measurements.Whether the H I gas fraction(fH I≡MH I/M_(★))of Green Pea galaxies follows the existing scaling relations between the fH Iand NUV-r color or linear combinations of color and other physical quantities needs checking.Using archival data of H I 21 cm observations,we investigate the scaling relation of the NUV-r color with the MH I/M_(★)of 38 Green Pea galaxies,including 17 detections and 21 nondetections.The H I to stellar mass ratios(fH I)of Green Pea galaxies deviate from the polynomial form,where a higher H I gas fraction is predicted given the current NUV-r color,even with the emission lines removed.The blue sources(NUV-r<1)from the comparison sample(ALFALFA-SDSS)follow a similar trend.The H I gas fraction scaling relations with linear combination forms of-0.34(N UV-r)-0.64 log(μ_(★,z))+5.9 and-0.77 log_(μ_(★)),i+0.26logS FRM_(★)+8.53,better predict the H I gas fraction of the Green Pea galaxies.In order to obtain accurate linear combined forms,higher-resolution photometry from space-based telescopes is needed.