Analysis of seed and maternal genetic effects on cooking quality characters in indica hybrid rice

We analysed seed and maternal genetic effects on characters of cooking quality in indica hybrid rice by using the model for quantitative characters of seeds of cereal crops. Incomplete diallel crosses were made by using six male sterile lines (Zhenshan 97A, Erjiuqing A, Erjiunan 1A, V20A, Zhe’nan 1A and Zhe’nan 3A)as females and three restorer lines(Cezao 2-2, T49 and 26715)as males. Sampled seeds were used to measure the cooking quality characters, including amylose content(%), gelatinization temperature(alkali spreading score)and gel consistency(mm). Results indicated that some rice cooking quality characters were controlled by both seed genes and maternal genes (see table). Gel consistency was mainly controlled by maternal effects, but also

Maternal genetic history of southern East Asians over the past 12,000 years

Southern East Asia,including Guangxi and Fujian provinces in China,is home to diverse ethnic groups,languages,and cultures.Previous studies suggest a high complexity regarding population dynamics and the history of southern East Asians.However,large-scale genetic studies on ancient populations in this region are hindered by limited sample preservation.Here,using highly efficient DNA capture techniques,we obtain 48 complete mitochondrial genomes of individuals from Guangxi and Fujian in China and reconstruct their maternal genetic history over the past 12,000 years.We find a strong connection between southern East Asians dating to~12,000-6000 years ago and present-day Southeast Asians.In addition,stronger genetic affinities to northern East Asians are observed in historical southern East Asians than Neolithic southern East Asians,suggesting increased interactions between northern and southern East Asians over time.Overall,we reveal dynamic connections between ancient southern East Asians and populations located in surrounding regions,as well as a shift in maternal genetic structure within the populations over time.

Genetic counseling, prenatal screening and diagnosis of Down syndrome in the second trimester in women of advanced maternal age： a prospective study

Background The incidence of autosomal trisomy in livebirths is strongly dependent on maternal age. Special consideration is given to the provision of prenatal screening and cytogenetic testing to women of advanced maternal age （AMA）. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of second trimester prenatal screening and amniocentesis for Down syndrome （DS） and compare the trends of choice of screening and amniocentesis among AMA women. Methods A total of 5404 AMA patients with natural singleton pregnancy were recruited for this prospective study from January 2008 to December 2010. The gestational weeks were from 15 weeks to 20~6 weeks. The patients referred were grouped into a screening group （2107 cases） and an amniocentesis group （3297 cases） by their own decision. The prevalence of DS was compared between the two groups by chi-square test. Choice rates for each maternal age with trends were compared by regression analysis. Results There were 18 cases of fetal DS detected in the screening group with a prevalence of 8.54%o （18/2107）. Twenty- five cases of fetal DS were diagnosed in the amniocentesis group with a prevalence of 7,58%0 （25/3297）. No statistical difference was observed in the prevalence of DS between the screening and amniocentesis group （P=0.928）. The invasive testing rate for DS in the amniocentesis group was 5.54 times higher than that of the screening group （1/131.88 vs. 1/23.78）. With the increase of the maternal age, the choice of amniocentesis increased while the choice of the screening showed an opposite trend. The choice of the AMA women between the screening and amniocentesis was significantly age relevant （P=0.012）. Conclusions The second trimester serum screening age alone to screen for DS. We suggest educating screening and amniocentesis options. in combination with maternal age was more effective than maternal the patients by recommending AMA women be informed of both

Mitochondrial DNA mutation in essential hypertension

Essential hypertension (EH) is an escalating problem for developed and developing countries.It is currently seen as a 'complex' genetic trait caused by multiple susceptibility genes which are modulated by gene-environment and gene-gene interactions.Over the past 10 years,mitochondrial defects have been implicated in a wide variety of degenerative diseases,aging,and cancer.Recently several studies showed that human essential hypertension has excess maternal transmission which suggests a possible mitochondrial involvement.However,the exact pathophysiology of mitochondrial DNA mutation (mtDNA) in essential hypertension still remains perplexing.With the application of a variety of imaging approaches and successive mouse model of mitochonddal diseases we convince that these problems will be resolved in the near future.(J Geriatr Cardiol 2008;5(1):60-64)