Molecular Genetic Diagnostics of Prader-Willi Syndrome:a Validation of Linkage Analysis for the Chinese Population

Prader-Willi Syndrome （PWS） is a genetic disorder that is difficult to detect, particularly at an early age. PWS is caused by disruption of normal, epigenetically controlled gene function in the chromosome 15q11-q13 region. Clinical symptoms are difficult to diagnose in infants and only become clearer at later ages as the patients develop hyperphagia and morbid obesity. Molecular genetic tests are able to definitively diagnose PWS and allow early diagnosis of the syndrome. High resolution cytogenetic testing, methylation-specific PCR （MS-PCR）, and linkage analysis are routinely used to diagnose PWS. To establish a linkage analysis method for Chinese patients, this study identified a useful set of STR markers in the typical PWS deletion and adjacent area, for linkage analysis in two Chinese families with PWS offspring. Using this method, the authors confn＇rned that one patient had a paternal deletion in chromosome 15q 11-q 13 and the other patient had maternal uniparental heterodisomy of chromosome 15. MS -PCR and high resolution chromosome G-banding also confirmed this diagnosis. This linkage analysis method can detect both deletion and uniparental disomy, thus providing valuable information for genetic counseling and the opportunity to analyze the relationship between the genotype and phenotype of PWS.

Genetic dissection of the grain-filling rate and related traits through linkage analysis and genome-wide association study in bread wheat

Wheat grain yield is generally sink-limited during grain filling.The grain-filling rate(GFR)plays a vital role but is poorly studied due to the difficulty of phenotype surveys.This study explored the grain-filling traits in a recombinant inbred population and wheat collection using two highly saturated genetic maps for linkage analysis and genome-wide association study(GWAS).Seventeen stable additive quantitative trait loci(QTLs)were identified on chromosomes 1B,4B,and 5A.The linkage interval between IWB19555 and IWB56078 showed pleiotropic effects on GFR_(1),GFR_(max),kernel length(KL),kernel width(KW),kernel thickness(KT),and thousand kernel weight(TKW),with the phenotypic variation explained(PVE)ranging from 13.38%(KW)to 33.69%(TKW).198 significant marker-trait associations(MTAs)were distributed across most chromosomes except for 3D and 4D.The major associated sites for GFR included IWB44469(11.27%),IWB8156(12.56%)and IWB24812(14.46%).Linkage analysis suggested that IWB35850,identified through GWAS,was located in approximately the same region as QGFR_(max)2B.3-11,where two high-confidence candidate genes were present.Two important grain weight(GW)-related QTLs colocalized with grain-filling QTLs.The findings contribute to understanding the genetic architecture of the GFR and provide a basic approach to predict candidate genes for grain yield trait QTLs.

Genetic Linkage Analysis of the Natural Colored Fiber and Fuzzless Traits in Cotton

Genetic linkage relationship of the natural colored fiber and six fuzzless seed germplasms in obsolete backgrounds of Gossypium hirsutum(AD genome) and G.barbadense were analyzed in the

Mapping of putative sucking inhibitory gene to whitebacked planthopper by linkage analysis with CAPS markers

Resistance to whitebacked planthopper(WBPH)in Chinese japonica riceChunjiang 06(CJ-06)was mediated by sucking inhibitory and ovicidal mecha-nism.The ovicidal reponse was a common self-defense mechanism againstWBPH in japonica.The ovicidal gene and its chromosomal position had alreadybeen identified.The sucking inhibitory nature of CJ-06 caused a definenon-preference behavior of WBPH in fields.A single dominant gene governed

Clinical features and linkage analysis for a Chinese family with autosomal dominant central areolar choroidal dystrophy

Background A Chinese family with autosomal dominant central areolar choroidal dystrophy （CACD） was identified. The purpose of this study was to collect the clinical findings from the family and to identify the genetic entity by linkage analysis.Methods Forty-three individuals from 3 generations of the family underwent ophthalmologic examinations, including best-corrected visual acuity, examination of the anterior segments, and inspection of the ocular fundus after pharmacologic mydriasis. Affected family members further underwent color vision test, color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, automated perimetry, and electroretinography. The family was followed up for 30 months. Peripheral venous blood or buccal swabs were collected from each family member and genomic DNA was extracted. Linkage analysis was performed for candidate genes or loci using microsatellite markers.Results Seven family members in 3 continuous generations were diagnosed as having autosomal dominant CACD. The family showed progressive development of the disease, affecting both male and female. Age of onset of visual disturbances varied between 11 and 50 years. Phenotypic variability among affected individuals was apparent and ranged from relatively normal-appearing fundus with mild parafoveal pigment mottling to geographic atrophy of the macula. Fluorescein angiography showed hyperfluorescent parafoveal changes in early stage or well-demarcated area of chorioretinal atrophy with enhanced visibility of the residual underlying choroidal vessels in the late stage. Peripheral retina and visual fields were normal in affected individuals. Electroretinogram showed normal or mild reduction in the photopic amplitude. Eight candidate genes （STGD4, RCD1, peripherin/RDS, GUCA 1A, RIMS1, UNC119, GUCY2D, and AIPL1） and two genetic loci （4p15.2-16.3, and 17p13） were excluded to be responsible for the disease by linkage analysis.Conclusions The clinical findings Of this Chinese family with CACD shared similarities with previously reported families of other ethnicities. Linkage analysis excluded the known genes and genetic loci, indicating genetic heterogeneity of the disease.

Linkage analysis of chromosome 14 and essential hypertension in Chinese population

Background Hypertension is a complex biological trait that influenced by multiple factors. The encouraging results for hypertension research showed that the linkage analysis can be used to replicate other studies and discover new genetic risk factors. Previous studies linked human chromosome 14 to essential hypertension or blood pressure traits. With a Chinese population, we tried to replicate these findings.Methods A linkage about lO centi Morgen analysis and exclusion was performed with the scan was performed on chromosome 14 with 14-microsatellite markers with a density of （cM） in 147 Chinese hypertensive nuclear families. Muhipoint non-parametric linkage mapping were performed with the GENEHUNTER software, whereas quantitative analysis variance component method integrated in the SOLAR package.Results In the qualitative analysis, the highest non-parametric linkage score is 1.0 （ P=0.14） at DI4S261 in the single point analysis, and no loci achieved non-parametric linkage score more than 1.0 in the multipoint analysis. Maximum-likelihood mapping showed no significant results, either. Subsequently the traditional exclusion criteria of the log-of-the-odds score-2 were adopted, and the chromosome 14 with λs≥ 2.4 was excluded. In the quantitative analysis of blood pressure with the SOLAR software, two-point analysis and multipoint analysis suggested no evidence for linkage occurred on chromosome 14 for systolic and diastolic blood pressure.Conclusion There was no substantial evidence to support the linkage of chromosome 14 and essential hypertension or blood pressure trait in Chinese hypertensive subjects in this study.

Identification of novel genes associated with atherosclerosis in Bama miniature pig

Background:Atherosclerosis is a chronic cardiovascular disease of great concern.However,it is difficult to establish a direct connection between conventional small animal models and clinical practice.The pig's genome,physiology,and anatomy reflect human biology better than other laboratory animals,which is crucial for studying the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.Methods:We used whole-genome sequencing data from nine Bama minipigs to perform a genome-wide linkage analysis,and further used bioinformatic tools to filter and identify underlying candidate genes.Candidate gene function prediction was performed using the online prediction tool STRING 12.0.Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of proteins encoded by candidate genes.Results:We mapped differential single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)to genes and obtained a total of 102 differential genes,then we used GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis to identify four candidate genes,including SLA-1,SLA-2,SLA-3,and TAP2.nsSNPs cause changes in the primary and tertiary structures of SLA-I and TAP2 proteins,the primary structures of these two proteins have undergone amino acid changes,and the tertiary structures also show slight changes.In addition,immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence results showed that the expression changes of TAP2 protein in coronary arteries showed a trend of increasing from the middle layer to the inner layer.Conclusions:We have identified SLA-I and TAP2 as potential susceptibility genes of atherosclerosis,highlighting the importance of antigen processing and immune response in atherogenesis.

Genotypic diagnosis of long QT syndrome by analysis of candidate genes

Objective To diagnose 6 LQTS families by genetic analysis.Methods A total aof 6 LQTS pedigrees with 43 family members were brought together for genetic diagnosis by using short-sequence tandem-repeat(STR)markers or sequencing.Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples by standard procedure.STR markers or KCNQ1,KCNH2 and SCN5A were amplified.The haplotype analysis for LQTS was performed.If the family got the negative haplotype analysis,the sequencing was performed.Results LQTS patients were always linkaged with the SCN5A gene in family 1.KCNH2 was linkaged with the disease in family 2 to 5.21 gene carriers were identified from these 5 families.A mutation(A561V-KCNH2)was only found in the proband of family 6 and an SNP(G1691A)was found in all the members of the family.Conclusion Genetic diagnosis can not only improve presymptomatic diagnosis,but also provide the basis for personal therapy and research on disease-causing mutations.

Genomic location of Gb1, a unique gene conferring wheat resistance to greenbug biotype F

Greenbug(Schizaphis graminum, Rondani) is a serious insect pest in many wheat growing regions and has been infesting cereal crops in the USA for over a century. Continuous occurrence of new greenbug biotypes makes it essential to explore all greenbug resistant sources available to manage this pest. Gb1, a recessive greenbug resistance gene in DS28A, confers resistance to several economically important greenbug biotypes and is the only gene found to be resistant to greenbug biotype F. A set of 174 F_(2:3)lines from the cross DS28A × Custer was evaluated for resistance to greenbug biotype F in 2020 and 2022. Selective genotyping of the corresponding F_(2) population using single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) markers generated by genotyping-by-sequencing(GBS) led to the identification of a candidate genomic region for Gb1. Thus, SSR markers previously mapped in this region were used to genotype the entire F2population,and kompetitive allele specific PCR(KASP) markers were also developed from SNPs in the target region.Gb1 was placed in the terminal region of the short arm of chromosome 1A, and its location was confirmed in a second population derived from the cross DS28A × PI 697274. The combined data analysis from the two mapping populations delimited Gb1 to a < 1 Mb interval between 13,328,200 and 14,241,426 bp on1AS.

A broad overview of genotype imputation:Standard guidelines,approaches,and future investigations in genomic association studies

The advent of genomic big data and the statistical need for reaching significant results have led genome-wide association studies to be ravenous of a huge number of genetic markers scattered along the whole genome.Since its very beginning,the so-called genotype imputation served this purpose;this statistical and inferential procedure based on a known reference panel opened the theoretical possibility to extend association analyses to a greater number of polymorphic sites which have not been previously assayed by the used technology.In this review,we present a broad overview of the genotype imputation process,showing the most known methods and presenting the main areas of interest,with a closer look to the most up-to-date approaches and a deeper understanding of its usage in the presentday genomic landscape,shedding a light on its future developments and investigation areas.

The Gene of Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy with Subcortical Cysts is Mapped on Chromosome 22q13.3 with 250 kb Interval

Objective: Vacuolating megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) is a recently described syndrome with autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Its possible gene was located on chromosomal 22q tel with 3-cM. The purpose of this study was to narrow down the genetical distance on chromosomal 22q tel with MLC. Methods: Thirty-nine MLC patients in 33 families were collected,and the linkage analysis and haplotype analysis of twelve informative families were done, using seven microsatellite markers and four SNP markers. Results: The maximum tow-point LOD score for marker 355c18 was 6.65 at recombination fraction 0.02. The haplotype analysis narrowed down the critical region of MLC to 250 kb on chromosomal 22q tel. Conclusion: One of the causing genes of MLC was located on chromosomal 22q tel with 250 kb. Four candidate genes were considered. The heterogeneity of one informative family indicated possible existence of a second locus for MLC.

Detection and fine-mapping of SC7 resistance genes via linkage and association analysis in soybean

Soybean mosaic virus（SMV） disease is one of the most serious and broadly distributed soybean（Glycine max（L.） Merr.） diseases. Here, we combine the advantages of association and linkage analysis to identify and fine-map the soybean genes associated with resistance to SMV strain SC7.A set of 191 soybean accessions from different geographic origins and 184 recombinant inbred lines（RILs） derived from Kefeng No.1（resistant） Nannong 1138-2（susceptible） were used in this study. The SC7 resistance genes were previously mapped to a 2.65 Mb region on chromosome 2 and a 380 kb region on chromosome 13. Among 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms（SNPs） detected via association analysis in the study, the SNP BARC-021625-04157 was located in the2.65 Mb region, and the SNP BARC-041671-08065 was located near the 380 kb region; three genes harboring the SNPs were probably related to SC7 resistance. The resistance gene associated with BARC-021625-04157 was then finemapped to a region of approximately 158 kb on chromosome2 using 184 RILs. Among the 15 genes within this region, one NBS-LRR type gene, one HSP40 gene and one serine carboxypeptidase-type gene might be candidate SC7 resistance genes. These results will be useful for map-based cloning and marker-assisted selection in soybean breeding programs.

Quasispecies dynamics in main core epitopes of hepatitis B virus by ultra-deep-pyrosequencing

AIM:To investigate the variability of the main immunodominant motifs of hepatitis B virus(HBV) core gene by ultra-deep-pyrosequencing(UDPS).METHODS:Four samples(2 genotype A and 2 genotype D) from 4 treatment-na ve patients were assessed for baseline variability.Two additional samples from one patient(patient 4,genotype D) were selected for analysis:one sample corresponded to a 36-mo treatment-free period from baseline and the other to the time of viral breakthrough after 18 mo of lamivudine treatment.The HBV region analyzed covered amino acids 40 to 95 of the core gene,and included the two main epitopic regions,Th50-69 and B74-84.UDPS was carried out in the Genome Sequencer FLX system(454 Life Sciences,Roche).After computer filtering of UDPS data based on a Poisson statistical model,122 813 sequences were analyzed.The most conserved position detected by UDPS was analyzed by site-directed mutagenesis and evaluated in cell culture.RESULTS:Positions with highest variability rates were mainly located in the main core epitopes,confirming their role as immune-stimulating regions.In addition,the distribution of variability showed a relationship with HBV genotype.Patient 1(genotype A) presented the lowest variability rates and patient 2(genotype A) had 3 codons with variability higher than 1%.Patient 3 and 4(both genotype D) presented 5 and 8 codons with variability higher than 1%,respectively.The median baseline frequencies showed that genotype A samples had higher variability in epitopic positions than in the other positions analyzed,approaching significance(P = 0.07,sample 1 and P = 0.05,sample 2).In contrast,there were no significant differences in variability between the epitopic and other positions in genotype D cases.Interestingly,patient 1 presented a completely mutated motif from amino acid 64 to 67(E 64 LMT 67),which is commonly recognized by T helper cells.Additionally,the variability observed in all 4 patients was particularly associated with the E 64 LMT 67 motif.Codons 78 and 79 were highly conserved in all samples,in keeping with their involvement in the interaction between the HBV virion capsid and the surface antigens(HBsAg).Of note,codon 76 was even more conserved than codons 78 and 79,suggesting a possible role in HBsAg interactions or even in hepatitis B e antigen conformation.Sequential analysis of samples from patient 4(genotype D) illustrated the dynamism of the HBV quasispecies,with strong selection of one minor baseline variant coinciding with a decrease in core variability during the treatment-free and lamivudinetreated period.The drop in variability seemed to result from a "steady state" situation of the HBV quasispecies after selection of the variant with greatest fitness.CONCLUSION:Host immune pressure seems to be the main cause of HBV core evolution.UDPS analysis is a useful technique for studying viral quasispecies.

A NEW APPROACH TO GENE DIAGNOSIS OF DUCHENNE/BECKER MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY──AMPLIFIED FRAGMENT LENGTH POLYMORPHISM

Four (CA)n repeats, located in introns 44, 45, 49 and 50 of the dystrophin gene., were evaluated in Chinese. These loci are highly polymorphic, with polymorphism information contents of 0. 872, 0. 772, 0. 870 and 0. 718, respectively. All four loci can be easily amplified and labelled using two duplex PCR reactions with α-32P-dCTP and can be detected by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Using these four loci and the two polymorphic (CA)n repeats located at the 5' and 3' ends of the dystrophin gene, we have developed a new PCR-based procedure -Amp-FLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) linkage analysis for the gene diagnosis of DMD/BMD. This method can detect intragenic recombination rapidly and efficiently and greatly. improves the success rate of carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis in non-deletion DMD/BMD families. All of the loci used in this procedure are intragenic. In addition, the loci in introns 44. 45, 49 and 50 are located in the deletion-prone region of the dystrophin gene, making them valuable and useful in the identification of deletion mutations. Here we report one case of deletion detection using these four loci.

A Chinese family with Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome:report of the clinical and genetic findings

AIM： To describe a Chinese family affected by a severe form of Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome （ARS） and characterize the molecular defect in PITX2 in the family. METHODS： Patients presented with typical ARS from a Chinese family were investigated. We performed genome- wide linkage scan and exome sequencing to identify the pathogenic mutations, Candidate mutations were verified for co-segregation in the whole pedigree using Sanger sequencing, Real-time polymerase chain reaction （RT- PCR） and Western blotting were performed to verify the expression of the pathogenic gene. RESULTS： Genome-wide linkage and exome sequencing analyses showed PITX2 as the disease candidate gene. A〉G substitution at position -11 of 3＇ss of exon 5 （IVS5- 11A〉G） that co-segregated with the disease phenotype was discovered in the family. The PITX2 messenger ribonucleic acid and protein levels were about 50% lower in patients with ARS than in unaffected family members in the family, CONCLUSION： Our findings implicate the first intronic mutation of the PITX2 gene in the pathogenesis of a severe form of ARS in a Chinese family. This study highlights the importance of a systematic search for intronic mutation in ARS cases for which no mutations in the exons of PITX2 have been found.

The genetic load for hereditary hearing impairment in Chinese population and its clinical implication

Objective To understand the genetic load in the Chinese population for improvement in diagnosis, prevention and rehabilitation of deafness. Methods DNA samples, immortalized cell lines as well as detailed clinical and audiometric data were collected through a national genetic resources collecting network. Two conventional genetic approaches were used in the studies. Linkage analysis in X chromosome and autosomes with microsatellite markers were performed in large families for gene mapping and positional cloning of novel genes. Candidate gene approach was used for screening the mtDNA 12SrRNA, GJB2 and SLC26A4 mutations in population -based samples. Results A total of 2,572 Chinese hearing loss families or sporadic cases were characterized in the reported studies, including seven X-linked, one Y-linked, 28 large and multiplex autosomal dominant hearing loss families, 607 simplex autosomal recessive hereditary hearing loss families, 100 mitochondrial inheritance families, 147 GJB2 induced hearing loss cases, 230 cases with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) syndrome, 169 sporadic cases with auditory neuropathy, and 1,283 sporadic sensorineural hearing loss cases. Through linkage analysis or sequence analysis, two X-linked families were found transmitting two novel mutations in the POU3F4 gene, while another X -linked family was mapped onto a novel locus, nominated as AUNX1 (auditory neuropathy, X-linked locus 1). The only Y-linked family was mapped onto the DFNY1 locus(Y-linked locus 1, DFNY1). Eight of the 28 autosomal dominant families were linked to various autosomal loci. In population genetics studies, 2,567 familial cases and sporadic patients were subjected to mutation screening for three common hearing loss genes: mtDNA 12S rRNA 1555G, GJB2 and SLC26A4. The auditory neuropathy cases in our samples were screened for OTOF gene mutations. Conclusions These data show that the Chinese population has a genetic load on hereditary hearing loss. Establishing personalized surveillance and prevention models for hearing loss based on genetic research will provide the opportunity to decrease the prevalence of deafness in the Chinese population.

Identification of SSR Marker Linked to a Major Dwarfing Gene in Common Wheat

A segregating population with 410 F2 individuals from the cross MERCIA （Rht-Bla）×Dwarf 123 was made to identify a new major dwarfing gene carrying by novel wheat germplasm Dwarf 123. Combination of bulk segerant analysis method was used. A total of 145 SSR markers were tested for polymorphisms among parental lines and DNA bulks of F2 population. Out of 145 primer pairs only three markers revealed corresponding polymorphism among parental lines and F2 DNA bulks. The marker Barc20 was close to the dwarfing gene with a genetic distance of 1.8 cM, and markers Gwm513 and Gwm495 were linked to the gene with genetic distance of 6.7 and 13 cM, respectively. Linkage analysis mapped the dwarfing gene to the long arm of chromosome 4B with the order of Barc20-dwarfing gene-Gwm513-Gwm495. The Comparision between the new gene and the known Rht-B1 alleles showed that dwarfing gene Rht-Ai123 was different from the others. The identification of the new dwarfing gene and its linked markers will greatly facilitate its utilization in wheat high yield breeding for reducing plant height.

Application research of multivariate linkage fluctuation analysis on condition evaluation in process industry

Abnormal conditions are hazardous in complex process systems, and the aim of condition recognition is to detect abnormal conditions and thus avoid severe accidents. The relationship of linkage fluctuation between monitoring variables can characterize the operation state of the system. In this study,we present a straightforward and fast computational method, the multivariable linkage coarse graining(MLCG) algorithm, which converts the linkage fluctuation relationship of multivariate time series into a directed and weighted complex network. The directed and weighted complex network thus constructed inherits several properties of the series in its structure. Thereby, periodic series convert into regular networks, and random series convert into random networks. Moreover, chaotic time series convert into scale-free networks. It demonstrates that the MLCG algorithm permits us to distinguish, identify, and describe in detail various time series. Finally, we apply the MLCG algorithm to practical observations series, the monitoring time series from a compressor unit, and identify its dynamic characteristics. Empirical results demonstrate that the MLCG algorithm is suitable for analyzing the multivariable linkage fluctuation relationship in complex electromechanical system. This method can be used to detect specific or abnormal operation condition, which is relevant to condition identification and information quality control of complex electromechanical system in the process industry.

Analysis of the linkage positions and isomers of monosaccharide units in oligosaccharides by negative secondary ion mass spectrometry in combination with the stereoselective reaction with substituted boronic acid

The negative secondary ion mass spectrometry,in combination with the stereoselective derivatizations with substituted boronic acid RB(OH)_2,was used in the analysis of fourteen oligosac- charides.The mass spectra of the derivatives provide information on their linkage Positions and iso- merism of the individual monoscaccharide units.The results indicated that among the derivatives of the oligosaccharides analyzed,those with 1—4 and 1—6 linkages all presented the ion peaks at m/z 287,sometimes one more peak at m/z 449.Furthermore,a relationship was found between the linkage positions and the intensity orders of the derivative ions.Finally,the derivatives of the disaccharides with a galactose presented an intense ion peak at m/z 347,and those of oligosaccharides with 1—6 linkage to a galactose at terminal presented the ion at m/z 317.In the case of oligosaccharides with a fructose residue,characteristic ion of m/z 155 was produced.The conditions of stereoselective derivatizations and mass spectrometry were studied,in order to obtain a better reproducibility of the mass spectra.

（1,3;1,4）-β-D-Glucans in Cell Walls of the Poaceae, Lower Plants, and Fungi： A Tale of Two Linkages

（1,3;1,4）-β-D-Glucans consist of unbranched and unsubstituted chains of （1,3）- and （1,4）-β-glucosyl residues, in which the ratio of （1,4）-β-D-glucosyl residues to （1,3）-β-D-glucosyl residues appears to influence not only the physicochemical properties of the polysaccharide and therefore its functional properties in cell walls, but also its adoption by different plant species during evolution. The （1,3; 1,4）-β-D-glucans are widely distributed as non-cellulosic matrix phase polysaccharides in cell walls of the Poaceae, which evolved relatively recently and consist of the grasses and commercially important cereal species, but they are less commonly found in lower vascular plants, such as the horsetails, in algae and in fungi. The （1,3;1,4）-β-D-glucans have often been considered to be components mainly of primary cell walls, but recent observations indicate that they can also be located in secondary walls of certain tissues. Enzymes involved in the depolymerisation of （1,3;1,4）-β-D-glucans have been well characterized. In contrast, initial difficulties in purifying the enzymes responsible for （1,3;1,4）-β-D-glucan biosynthesis slowed progress in the identification of the genes that encode （1,3;1,4）-β-D-glucan synthases, but emerging comparative genomics and associated techniques have allowed at least some of the genes that contribute to （1,3;1,4）-β-D-glucan synthesis in the Poaceae to be identified. Whether similar genes and enzymes also mediate （1,3;1,4）-β-D-glucan biosynthesis in lower plants and fungi is not yet known. Here, we compare the different fine structures of （1,3;1,4）-β-D-glucans across the plant kingdom, present current information on the genes that have been implicated recently in their biosynthesis, and consider aspects of the cell biology of （1,3;1,4）-β-D-glucan biosynthesis in the Poaceae.