A MADS-box gene is involved in soybean resistance to multiple Soybean mosaic virus strains

Soybean mosaic virus(SMV)is a member of the genus Potyvirus that extensively impairs global soybean production.The full-length coding sequence of the MADS-box transcription factor Gm CAL was cloned from the SMV-resistant soybean cultivar Kefeng 1.SMV-induced expression analysis indicated that Gm CAL responded quickly to SMV-SC8 infection in Kefeng 1 but not in NN1138-2.Gm CAL was expressed at high levels in flowers and pods but at lower levels in leaves.The gene was localized to the nucleus by subcellular localization assay.Virus-induced gene silencing did not increase the accumulation of SMV in Gm CAL-silenced Kefeng 1 plants(with silencing efficiency~80%)after SC8 inoculation.Gm CAL-silencing plants still conferred resistance to SC8 that might be owing to incomplete silencing of genes with lower expression.SMV content decreased significantly in Gm CAL-overexpressing NN1138-2 plants after SMVSC3,SMV-SC7,and SMV-SC8 inoculation in comparison with a vector control,showing that overexpression of Gm CAL conferred broad-spectrum resistance to multiple SMV strains.These results confirm that Gm CAL,a key regulator but not a specific SC8 resistance gene(Rsc8),is a positive regulatory transcription factor involved in soybean resistance to SMV.

Construction of a Full-Length cDNA Library of Gossypium hirsutum L. and Identification of Two MADS-Box Genes

A full-length normalized cDNA library for the flower development stages of short-season cotton （Gossypium hirsutum L.） （CCRI36） was constructed. A total of 3 421 clones were randomly selected for sequencing, with a total of 3 175 effective sequences obtained after removal of empty-carriers and low-quality sequences. Clustering the 3 175 high-quality expressed sequence tags （ESTs） resulted in a set of 2 906 non-redundant sequences comprised of 233 contigs and 2 673 singletons. Comparative analyses indicated that 913 （43.6%） of the unigenes had homologues with function-known genes or functionassumed genes in the National Center for Biotechnology Information. In addition, 763 （36.4%） of the unigenes were functionally classified using Gene Ontology hierarchy. Through EST alignment and the screening method, the full-length cDNA of two MADS-box genes viz., GhMADSll and GhMADS12 were acquired. These genes may play a role in flower development. Phylogenetie analysis indicated that GhMADS11 and GhMADS12 had high homology and close evolutionary relationship with AGL2/SEP-type and PI-type genes, respectively. The expression of both GhMADSll and GhMADS12, genes was high in reproductive organs. In floral organs, GhMADSll expression was high in petals （whor12） and ovules, while GhMADS12 expression was high in petals （whor12） and stamens （whor13）. Results show that the EST strategy based on a normalized cDNA library is an effective method for gene identification. The study provides more insights for future molecular research on the regulation mechanism of cotton flower development.

Characterization of the Promoter of a Homolog of Maize MADS-Box Gene m18

Maize （Zea mays L.） is one of the world’s major food crops, and often suffers from tremendous yield loss caused by abiotic stresses. The MADS-box genes are known to play versatile roles in plants, controlling plant responses to multiple abiotic stresses. However, understanding of regulation of their expressions by the conventional loss-of-function approach is very dififcult. So far, regulation of MADS-box gene expression is little known. The best approach to retrieve expression regulation of this category of genes is to characterize expression of their promoters. In this study, the promoter of a homolog （GenBank accession no. EC864166） of maize MADS-box gene m18 was cloned by way of genome-walking PCR, named Pro66. Predicative analysis indicated that Pro66 contains more than one TATA box and multiple cis-acting environmental conditions-responsive elements （ECREs）. Pro66 could drive expression of theβ-glucuronidase （GUS）-encoding gene in maize, and heterologous expression of GUS in red pepper stressed by water deifcit, salt, copper, iron deifciency, heat, cold, and grown under short and long photoperiods, echoing predicative ECREs. Conclusively, maize MADS-box gene m18 likely plays versatile functions in maize response to multiple abiotic stresses due to the promoter with multiple cis-acting elements. The complex arrangement of multiple cis-acting elements in the promoter features meticulously regulated expression of m18. The results give informative clues for heterologous utilisation of the promoters in monocot and dicot species. The copy of the ECREs and heterologous expression of the promoter in dicot species are also discussed.

The Influence of Photoperiod on the Regulation of Root and Callus Initiation of Perle Noir (<i>V. vinifera</i>L.): Expression of MADS-Box Gene

To study the influence of photoperiod on roots differentiation in the Tunisian grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivar Perle noir, roots and callus initiation were analyzed under three different conditions of day length: long day (LD), short day (SD) and darkness (D). The photoperiod influenced the number of callus and roots per cuttings;it has a significant effect on the roots and callus initiation. Expression profile analysis of six MADS-box genes (VTM8, VSEP2, VAG12, VAG17-1, VAG17-2 and VSOC1.3) during root and callus development is in agreement with the above-mentioned observation. The expression of the MADS-box genes during root and callus development fluctuated in a tissue-dependent manner. These data suggest that all genes are expressed in roots under three photoperiods. Total darkness gives the number of the most important root per cutting compared to the other two conditions. This photoperiodic condition gave the most important expression of the studied genes VAG12, VAG17-2, VAG17-1, VTM8 and VSEP2 transcripts were not found in callus grown in the dark or in LD conditions, respectively. VSOC1.3 transcripts were not found in callus grown in the dark or in SD conditions, respectively. Transcript abundance of VTM8 and VSOC1 was highest in LD.

Analysis of MIKC^C-Type MADS-Box Gene Family in Gossypium hirsutum

MIKCC-type MADS-box genes encode transcription factors that are involved in plant developmental control and signal transduction. Few Gossypium hirsutum MADS-box genes have been reported thus far. Recently, the genome of Gossypium raimondii, considering the contributor of the D subgenome to G. hirsutum, was sequenced and provided a valuable resource to identify and analyze multiple MADS-box genes in G. hirsutum. Here we comprehensively analyzed 53 MIKCC-type MADS-box genes, including 34 newly cloned genes. Phylogenetic analysis of these genes with those from Arabidopsis and grapevine showed that the FLC and AGL12 subfamilies were absent in G. hirsutum. Proteins within a gene subfamily tended to share conserved motifs, and large differences occurred among subfamilies. Expression analysis in multiple tissues and lforal organs implied differing roles for the subfamilies in G. hirsutum. At nine loci, two or three genes co-occurred, indicating that they came from different subgenomes; these groups had similar expression patterns. The identiifcation of MIKCC-type MADS-box genes in G. hirsutum provides a valuable resource for further research into lfowering time, lfower development and ovule development in this important crop plant.

灰毡毛忍冬MADS-box基因家族鉴定与CMB1基因克隆

目的鉴定灰毡毛忍冬Lonicera macranthoides MADS-box家族基因并进行生物信息学分析与表达模式验证,克隆湘蕾型和野生型灰毡毛忍冬MADS-box家族成员CMB1全长。方法基于转录组数据,利用在线工具对灰毡毛忍冬MADS-box进行生物信息学分析,并利用qRT-PCR验证MADS-box基因在不同品种中的表达模式,通过RT-PCR、RACE技术克隆湘蕾型和野生型灰毡毛忍冬CMB1基因全长。结果28个灰毡毛忍冬MADS-box蛋白长度为89~359 aa,碱性蛋白占比85.7%,不稳定蛋白占比96.4%,亲水性蛋白占比96.4%,均定位于细胞核,均为无跨膜结构的非分泌蛋白。转录组显示,与野生型比较,湘蕾型中28个MADS-box基因有17.86%表达下调,MIKCC型基因中有18.75%表达下调。克隆得到在两个品种的灰毡毛忍冬花中高度特异性表达的CMB1基因全长,均包含一个738 bp的ORF,编码245个氨基酸。CMB1基因在两个品种的花中表达量存在显著差异(P<0.01),且与茎、叶相比,在花中高度特异性表达(P<0.01)。结论基于灰毡毛忍冬转录组数据,鉴定了28个MADS-box家族基因,克隆得到湘蕾型与野生型灰毡毛忍冬CMB1基因全长,为进一步研究灰毡毛忍冬花发育、优良表型形成的分子机制提供研究基础与理论依据。

辣椒MIKC型MADS-box基因家族鉴定及胁迫响应

MADS-box家族在花的诱导和发育中作用广泛,有些基因在明显不相关的发育阶段具有多种功能。本研究通过生物信息学对辣椒MIKC型MADS-box家族系统发育树、保守结构、基因特征、GO和KEGG富集分析、时空表达等进行系统分析。在辣椒中共鉴定到25条MIKC_MADS基因,均具有MIKC_MADS的N端SRF-TF和C端K-box保守结构域,氨基酸数为122~278 aa,为两性亲水性蛋白。Motif分析发现,25条CaMADS-box基因均含有Motif1、Motif2、Motif4共3个保守基序。染色体定位发现,25条基因不均匀地分布在12条染色体上,其中染色体Chr02定位基因最多,共计5条基因。共线性分析发现MIKC_MADS在野生种Chiltepin中存在多个共线性区块。GO富集分析发现,MIKC_MADS主要参与植物生长初期发育过程,主要是花器官、胚乳发育过程,KEGG富集到甘氨酸、丝氨酸和苏氨酸代谢(ko00260),乙醛酸盐和二羧酸盐代谢(ko00630),碳代谢(ko01200)。顺式作用元件发现,与光响应元件、水杨酸、胚乳等元件相关。在时空表达过程中,MIKC_MADS在茎、叶、芽和花过程表达呈现上调表达趋势。

辣椒MADS-box转录因子CaRIN基因克隆、表达与功能分析

【目的】探究MADS-box家族基因RIN的表达特征和功能,解析其对辣椒类胡萝卜素代谢的影响。【方法】基于辣椒果实发育转录组,通过RT-PCR克隆辣椒MADS-box转录因子CaRIN基因CDS全长,分析其生物信息学、表达模式、亚细胞定位、转录活性等,并探讨VIGS诱导CaRIN基因沉默对类胡萝卜素代谢的影响。【结果】(1)CaRIN基因CDS全长732 bp,编码243个氨基酸,蛋白分子质量为27.95 kD,等电点(pI)为7.06,其编码蛋白具有典型的MEF2_like MADS结构域,属MICK型转录因子。(2)CaRIN基因主要在花和果实中表达,具有组织特异性;CaRIN定位在细胞核,并且具有转录激活活性。(3)CaRIN基因启动子具有ABRE等多个激素应答元件,外源脱落酸和乙烯利均能加速果实转红,诱导CaRIN及相关基因高表达。(4)VIGS诱导沉默CaRIN基因后,类胡萝卜素代谢途径基因PSY1、CCS、PDS、CRTZ、LCYB和NCED1表达水平降低为对照组的0.27~0.59倍,且果实总类胡萝卜素含量(0.379 mg/g)较对照(0.650 mg/g)显著降低。【结论】CaRIN是辣椒果实类胡萝卜素代谢过程的重要调控因子。

基于转录组信息的辣椒MADS-box转录因子家族分析

MADS-box转录因子广泛存在于植物中,在生长发育和次生代谢过程中发挥重要作用。为探究MADS-box转录因子家族在辣椒素不同积累时期的表达情况。利用辣椒素不同积累时期转录组数据,鉴定辣椒MADS-box转录因子家族成员,并进行亚细胞定位、保守基序、系统进化树和染色体定位分析,对其功能进行初步分析。结果表明,在辣椒转录组数据中共鉴定出95个MADS-box转录因子;含有105~395个氨基酸;分子质量为11.55~44.46 ku;理论等电点为5.16~10.01;主要在细胞核表达,均含有MADS保守结构域,系统发育分析表明,MADS蛋白可分为8个亚家族。有73条CaMADS家族成员定位到12条染色体上。差异表达的MADS-box基因有26个,其中6个基因在C1 vs C2时期上调,在C2 vs C3时期下调。基于KEGG富集和蛋白互作预测到CaMADS13可能参与辣椒中木质素的合成。CaMADS24可能参与辣椒素和木质素合成前体香豆酰辅酶A的合成。利用生物信息学分析,鉴定了辣椒MADS-box家族转录因子,为深入研究辣椒素次生代谢中的分子调控机制提供理论基础。

大豆MADS-box基因功能研究进展

MADS-box是植物体内一种重要的转录因子,其家族成员具有典型的MIKC结构、高度保守的N端MADS以及保守性较低的I域和C端。MADS-box基因广泛表达于植物的根、茎、叶、花、芽等组织部位,并参与调控花期、花器官发育、种子发育及非生物胁迫响应等过程。近年来的研究报道显示,不同MADS-box基因的表达模式不尽相同,其功能也存在较大差异。本文概述了大豆MADS-box基因家族的结构及分类,总结了大豆MADS-box基因家族花发育ABCDE模型中相关成员及SVP、SOC1、FLC等基因的研究进展。最后对大豆MADS-box的研究提出了展望,为今后进一步挖掘和利用该类转录因子基因进行大豆遗传改良和种质创新提供参考依据。

柳属植物花发育相关的MADS-box基因家族成员鉴定与表达分析

【目的】利用基因组和转录组数据鉴定分析花发育相关的MADS-box基因家族成员的结构特征及表达模式,为柳属花被缺失的分子机制研究提供理论依据。【方法】通过生物信息学方法鉴定柳属的长梗柳(Salix dunnii)、欧蒿柳(S.viminalis)、红皮柳(S.purpurea)的MADS-box基因家族成员,并对3种柳树花发育相关的MADS-box基因系统发育关系、基因复制和丢失、基因结构和理化性质进行分析。根据雌雄花芽的转录组数据分析长梗柳花发育相关基因在花芽不同发育阶段的表达模式。【结果】在长梗柳、欧蒿柳和红皮柳中分别鉴定出82、82和98个MADS-box家族基因。3种柳树的花发育相关基因经历了基因复制和丢失,相同亚类基因结构和保守结构域相似,但部分A、B、C和E亚类基因的K-box结构域缺失。长梗柳花发育相关基因的表达结果显示,在雌花和雄花中具有不同的表达模式。其中,B亚类SdMADS26和SdMADS4基因表达量均偏低。【结论】柳属植物花发育相关基因中部分成员的基因结构和表达模式发生了变化,推测这些变化可能与柳属花被缺失相关。

Genetic dissection and validation of a major QTL for grain weight on chromosome 3B in bread wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)

Grain weight is one of the key components of wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)yield.Genetic manipulation of grain weight is an efficient approach for improving yield potential in breeding programs.A recombinant inbred line(RIL)population derived from a cross between W7268 and Chuanyu 12(CY12)was employed to detect quantitative trait loci(QTLs)for thousand-grain weight(TGW),grain length(GL),grain width(GW),and the ratio of grain length to width(GLW)in six environments.Seven major QTLs,QGl.cib-2D,QGw.cib-2D,QGw.cib-3B,QGw.cib-4B.1,QGlw.cib-2D.1,QTgw.cib-2D.1 and QTgw.cib-3B.1,were consistently identified in at least four environments and the best linear unbiased estimation(BLUE)datasets,and they explained 2.61 to 34.85%of the phenotypic variance.Significant interactions were detected between the two major TGW QTLs and three major GW loci.In addition,QTgw.cib-3B.1 and QGw.cib-3B were co-located,and the improved TGW at this locus was contributed by GW.Unlike other loci,QTgw.cib-3B.1/QGw.cib-3B had no effect on grain number per spike(GNS).They were further validated in advanced lines using Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR(KASP)markers,and a comparison analysis indicated that QTgw.cib-3B.1/QGw.cib-3B is likely a novel locus.Six haplotypes were identified in the region of this QTL and their distribution frequencies varied between the landraces and cultivars.According to gene annotation,spatial expression patterns,ortholog analysis and sequence variation,the candidate gene of QTgw.cib-3B.1/QGw.cib-3B was predicted.Collectively,the major QTLs and KASP markers reported here provide valuable information for elucidating the genetic architecture of grain weight and for molecular marker-assisted breeding in grain yield improvement.

A review of the literature on the use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene therapy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma

Noncoding RNAs instruct the Cas9 nuclease to site speifillyl cleave DNA in the CRISPR/Cas9 system.Despite the high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),the patient's outcome is poor.As a result of the emergence of therapeutic resistance in HCC patients,dlinicians have faced difficulties in treating such tumor.In addition,CRISPR/Cas9 screens were used to identify genes that improve the dlinical response of HCC patients.It is the objective of this article to summarize the current understanding of the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for the treatment of cancer,with a particular emphasis on HCC as part of the current state of knowledge.Thus,in order to locate recent developments in oncology research,we examined both the Scopus database and the PubMed database.The ability to selectively interfere with gene expression in combinatorial CRISPR/Cas9 screening can lead to the discovery of new effective HCC treatment regimens by combining clinically approved drugs.Drug resistance can be overcome with the help of the CRISPR/Cas9 system.HCC signature genes and resistance to treatment have been uncovered by genome-scale CRISPR activation screening although this method is not without limitations.It has been extensively examined whether CRISPR can be used as a tool for disease research and gene therapy.CRISPR and its applications to tumor research,particularly in HCC,are examined in this study through a review of the literature.

Genetically modified non-human primate models for research on neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases(NDs)are a group of debilitating neurological disorders that primarily affect elderly populations and include Alzheimer's disease(AD),Parkinson's disease(PD),Huntington's disease(HD),and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS).Currently,there are no therapies available that can delay,stop,or reverse the pathological progression of NDs in clinical settings.As the population ages,NDs are imposing a huge burden on public health systems and affected families.Animal models are important tools for preclinical investigations to understand disease pathogenesis and test potential treatments.While numerous rodent models of NDs have been developed to enhance our understanding of disease mechanisms,the limited success of translating findings from animal models to clinical practice suggests that there is still a need to bridge this translation gap.Old World nonhuman primates(NHPs),such as rhesus,cynomolgus,and vervet monkeys,are phylogenetically,physiologically,biochemically,and behaviorally most relevant to humans.This is particularly evident in the similarity of the structure and function of their central nervous systems,rendering such species uniquely valuable for neuroscience research.Recently,the development of several genetically modified NHP models of NDs has successfully recapitulated key pathologies and revealed novel mechanisms.This review focuses on the efficacy of NHPs in modeling NDs and the novel pathological insights gained,as well as the challenges associated with the generation of such models and the complexities involved in their subsequent analysis.

Wilm′s tumor gene1肽疫苗Galinpepimut-S在肿瘤免疫治疗中的应用

目的为Wilm′s tumor gene1(WT1)肽疫苗Galinpepimut-S(GPS)用于肿瘤免疫治疗的后续研究提供参考。方法采用计算机检索中国知网、PubMed等数据库自建库起至2022年12月的肿瘤免疫治疗相关文献,总结GPS在肿瘤免疫治疗中的应用现状。结果GPS能激发自身免疫系统,对WT1抗原产生强烈免疫反应而发挥抗肿瘤作用,在卵巢癌、恶性胸膜间皮瘤、急性髓系白血病、多发性骨髓瘤的治疗中均显示出较好的疗效。结论以GPS为代表的肿瘤疫苗是未来肿瘤治疗的重要方向,需进一步进行临床研究,以获取更多数据。

AMME chromosomal region gene 1基因变异矮小相关综合征一例及文献复习

目的探讨1例身材矮小、面中部发育不全患儿的病因,以提高临床医师对特殊矮小综合征的认识。方法收集1例身材矮小、面中部发育不全患儿的临床资料,对患儿及父母行基因检测,并给予患儿常规治疗、随访。结果结合患儿特殊面容及基因检测,诊断为AMMECR1基因变异矮小相关综合征,结合文献复习总结AMMECR1基因变异矮小相关综合征特点。结论AMMECR1基因变异矮小相关综合征是一种罕见的X连锁遗传性疾病,临床主要表现为身材矮小、运动语言落后、肌张力减低、听力损失、面中部发育不全,部分存在心脏改变、腭裂、骨骼改变及椭圆形红细胞增多症、智力落后和肾钙质沉着症。该文报道1例AMMECR1基因新变异引起身材矮小、面中部发育不全患儿的病例资料,结合特殊面容及基因检测,诊断为AMMECR1基因变异矮小相关综合征。AMMECR1基因变异矮小相关综合征是一种罕见的X连锁遗传性疾病,本文初步概括其特点,并结合文献进行分析,以提高临床医师对AMMECR1基因变异矮小相关综合征的诊治。

Identification of hub genes associated with Helicobacter pylori infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus:A pilot bioinformatics study

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection is related to various extragastric diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).However,the possible mechanisms connecting H.pylori infection and T2DM remain unknown.AIM To explore potential molecular connections between H.pylori infection and T2DM.METHODS We extracted gene expression arrays from three online datasets(GSE60427,GSE27411 and GSE115601).Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)commonly present in patients with H.pylori infection and T2DM were identified.Hub genes were validated using human gastric biopsy samples.Correlations between hub genes and immune cell infiltration,miRNAs,and transcription factors(TFs)were further analyzed.RESULTS A total of 67 DEGs were commonly presented in patients with H.pylori infection and T2DM.Five significantly upregulated hub genes,including TLR4,ITGAM,C5AR1,FCER1G,and FCGR2A,were finally identified,all of which are closely related to immune cell infiltration.The gene-miRNA analysis detected 13 miRNAs with at least two gene cross-links.TF-gene interaction networks showed that TLR4 was coregulated by 26 TFs,the largest number of TFs among the 5 hub genes.CONCLUSION We identified five hub genes that may have molecular connections between H.pylori infection and T2DM.This study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of H.pylori-induced onset of T2DM.

RNA sequencing of exosomes secreted by fibroblast and Schwann cells elucidates mechanisms underlying peripheral nerve regeneration

Exosomes exhibit complex biological functions and mediate a variety of biological processes,such as promoting axonal regeneration and functional recove ry after injury.Long non-coding RNAs(IncRNAs)have been reported to play a crucial role in axonal regeneration.Howeve r,the role of the IncRNA-microRNAmessenger RNA(mRNA)-competitive endogenous RNA(ceRNA)network in exosome-mediated axonal regeneration remains unclear.In this study,we performed RNA transcriptome sequencing analysis to assess mRNA expression patterns in exosomes produced by cultured fibroblasts(FC-EXOs)and Schwann cells(SCEXOs).Diffe rential gene expression analysis,Gene Ontology analysis,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis,and protein-protein intera ction network analysis were used to explo re the functions and related pathways of RNAs isolated from FC-EXOs and SC-EXOs.We found that the ribosome-related central gene Rps5 was enriched in FC-EXOs and SC-EXOs,which suggests that it may promote axonal regeneration.In addition,using the miRWalk and Starbase prediction databases,we constructed a regulatory network of ceRNAs targeting Rps5,including 27 microRNAs and five IncRNAs.The ceRNA regulatory network,which included Ftx and Miat,revealed that exsosome-derived Rps5 inhibits scar formation and promotes axonal regeneration and functional recovery after nerve injury.Our findings suggest that exosomes derived from fibro blast and Schwann cells could be used to treat injuries of peripheral nervous system.

Mining elite loci and candidate genes for root morphology-related traits at the seedling stage by genome-wide association studies in upland cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Root system architecture plays an essential role in water and nutrient acquisition in plants,and it is significantly involved in plant adaptations to various environmental stresses.In this study,a panel of 242 cotton accessions was collected to investigate six root morphological traits at the seedling stage,including main root length(MRL),root fresh weight(RFW),total root length(TRL),root surface area(RSA),root volume(RV),and root average diameter(AvgD).The correlation analysis of the six root morphological traits revealed strong positive correlations of TRL with RSA,as well as RV with RSA and AvgD,whereas a significant negative correlation was found between TRL and AvgD.Subsequently,a genome-wide association study(GWAS)was performed using the root phenotypic and genotypic data reported previously for the 242 accessions using 56,010 single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)from the CottonSNP80K array.A total of 41 quantitative trait loci(QTLs)were identified,including nine for MRL,six for RFW,nine for TRL,12 for RSA,12 for RV and two for AvgD.Among them,eight QTLs were repeatedly detected in two or more traits.Integrating these results with a transcriptome analysis,we identified 17 candidate genes with high transcript values of transcripts per million(TPM)≥30 in the roots.Furthermore,we functionally verified the candidate gene GH_D05G2106,which encodes a WPP domain protein 2in root development.A virus-induced gene silencing(VIGS)assay showed that knocking down GH_D05G2106significantly inhibited root development in cotton,indicating its positive role in root system architecture formation.Collectively,these results provide a theoretical basis and candidate genes for future studies on cotton root developmental biology and root-related cotton breeding.

Genetic and epigenetic targets of natural dietary compounds as anti-Alzheimer's agents

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia that principally affects older adults.Pathogenic factors,such as oxidative stress,an increase in acetylcholinesterase activity,mitochondrial dysfunction,genotoxicity,and neuroinflammation are present in this syndrome,which leads to neurodegeneration.Neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease are considered late-onset diseases caused by the complex combination of genetic,epigenetic,and environmental factors.There are two main types of Alzheimer’s disease,known as familial Alzheimer’s disease(onset<65 years)and late-onset or sporadic Alzheimer’s disease(onset≥65 years).Patients with familial Alzheimer’s disease inherit the disease due to rare mutations on the amyloid precursor protein(APP),presenilin 1 and 2(PSEN1 and PSEN2)genes in an autosomaldominantly fashion with closely 100%penetrance.In contrast,a different picture seems to emerge for sporadic Alzheimer’s disease,which exhibits numerous non-Mendelian anomalies suggesting an epigenetic component in its etiology.Importantly,the fundamental pathophysiological mechanisms driving Alzheimer’s disease are interfaced with epigenetic dysregulation.However,the dynamic nature of epigenetics seems to open up new avenues and hope in regenerative neurogenesis to improve brain repair in Alzheimer’s disease or following injury or stroke in humans.In recent years,there has been an increase in interest in using natural products for the treatment of neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease.Through epigenetic mechanisms,such as DNA methylation,non-coding RNAs,histone modification,and chromatin conformation regulation,natural compounds appear to exert neuroprotective effects.While we do not purport to cover every in this work,we do attempt to illustrate how various phytochemical compounds regulate the epigenetic effects of a few Alzheimer’s disease-related genes.