Characterization and map-based cloning of miniature2-m1, a gene controlling kernel size in maize

Kernel development plays an important role in determining kernel size in maize.Here we present the cloning and characterization of a maize gene,nitrate transporter1.5(NRT1.5),which controls small kernel phenotype by playing an important role in kernel development.A novel recessive small kernel mutant miniature2-m1(mn2-m1)was isolated from self-pollinated progenies of breeding materials.The mutant spontaneously showed small kernel character arresting both embryo and endosperm development at an early stage after pollination.Utilizing 21 polymorphic SSR markers,the mn2-m1 locus was limited to a 209.9-kb interval using 9176 recessive individuals of a BC1 segregating population from mn2-m1/B73.Only one annotated gene was located in this 209.9 kb region,Zm00001 d019294,which was predicted to encode nitrate transporter1.5(NRT1.5).Allelism tests confirmed that mn2-m1 was allelic to miniature2-m2(mn2-m2)and miniature2-710 B(mn2-710 B).The mn2-m1 and mn2-m2 alleles both had nucleotide deletions in the coding region resulting in premature termination,and the mn2-710 B allele had some missence mutations.Subcellular localization showed that Miniature 2(MN2)is localized in the plasma membrane.Quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)analysis revealed that the expression of MN2 and some genes involved in the basal endosperm transfer layer(BETL)and embryo surrounding region(ESR)development were affected in mn2-m1 seeds.These results suggested that MN2 plays an important role in maize seed development.

Late contralateral recurrence of retinal detachment in incontinentia pigmenti:A case report

BACKGROUND Incontinentia pigmenti(IP)is a rare X-linked genetic disease.It mainly manifests as skin lesions and causes problems in the eyes,teeth,bones,and central nervous system.Of the various ocular manifestations,the most severe with difficult recovery is retinal detachment(RD).Here,we report an unusual case of bilateral asymmetrical RD.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of an 11-year-old Chinese girl with IP who complained of sudden blurring of vision in the left eye.At that time,she had been blind in her right eye for 4 years.RD with traction was observed in both eyes.A massive retinal proliferative membrane,exudation,and hemorrhage were seen in the left eye.We performed vitrectomy in her left eye.Her visual acuity recovered to 20/50,and her retina had flattened within 2 d after surgery.During the 3-mo follow-up,we performed retinal laser treatment of the non-perfused retinal area in her left eye.Eventually,her visual acuity returned to 20/32,and no new retinal abnormalities developed.CONCLUSION In patients with IP with fundal abnormalities in one eye,it is important to focus on the rate of fundal change in the other eye.RD in its early stages can be effectively treated with timely vitrectomy and laser photocoagulation.