Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Le Zhang, Yi-Wei Huang, Jia-Lin Huang, Ji-Dong Ya, Meng-Qing Zhe, Chun-Xia Zeng, Zhi-Rong Zhang, Shi-Bao Zhang, De-Zhu Li, Hong-Tao Li, Jun-Bo Yang
Summary: In this study, DNA barcoding was conducted for species identification of Cymbidium using plastomes. A comprehensive DNA barcode reference library for Cymbidium species identification was established. The plastome showed improved species identification rates compared to standard DNA barcodes, but still had limitations. Nuclear genome data were also explored for species identification and showed potential as next-generation nuclear barcodes.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Ya-Huang Luo, Liang-Liang Ma, Sebastian Seibold, Marc W. W. Cadotte, Kevin S. S. Burgess, Shao-Lin Tan, Lin-Jiang Ye, Wei Zheng, Jia-Yun Zou, Zhi-Fa Chen, De-Tuan Liu, Guang-Fu Zhu, Xiao-Chun Shi, Wei Zhao, De-Zhu Li, Jie Liu, Lian-Ming Gao
Summary: This study assessed the effects of different mycorrhizal types on forest carbon storage and the biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationships in the Gaoligong Mountains, Southwest China. It was found that different mycorrhizal types have significant impacts on forest carbon storage and species diversity. Furthermore, future global changes could potentially alter the mycorrhizal-mediated BEF relationships in mountain forests.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cen Guo, Yang Luo, Lian-Ming Gao, Ting-Shuang Yi, Hong-Tao Li, Jun-Bo Yang, De-Zhu Li
Summary: The advancement of next-generation sequencing and long-read sequencing technologies has greatly influenced plant phylogenetic studies. Numerous phylogenetic studies using hundreds to thousands of genes across various clades have emerged in the past decade, bringing plant phylogenetics and evolution into a new era. This review focuses on the application of genomic data in phylogenetic and evolutionary investigations, describes the methodology of experimental and analytical procedures, and summarizes recent progress in flowering plant phylogenomics at different taxonomic levels. Challenges, such as systematic errors and underlying biological factors, are discussed, suggesting that a bifurcating tree may not be the most suitable model for the tree of life. Finally, promising avenues for future plant phylogenomic studies are discussed.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhi-Hua Zeng, Qian Yu, Qing-Hong Feng, Xin-Jia Wang, Li Zhong, Hua-Ying Sun, Hong Wang, De-Zhu Li, Spencer C. H. Barrett, Wei Zhou
Summary: This study demonstrates the functional consequences of height dimorphism reversal in dioecious plants, shedding light on the reproductive strategies of males and females in terms of pollen and seed dispersal.
JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sheng-Yuan Qin, Zheng-Yu Zuo, Cen Guo, Xin-Yu Du, Shui-Yin Liu, Xiang-Qin Yu, Xiao-Guo Xiang, Jun Rong, Bing Liu, Zhi-Fang Liu, Peng-Fei Ma, De-Zhu Li
Summary: This study focuses on the Litsea complex, which is a key lineage of evergreen broadleaved forests (EBLFs) in East Asia, aiming to explore the shift of evergreen versus deciduous trait and understand the origin and historical dynamics of EBLFs under Cenozoic climate change. The results show that the prototype of EBLFs in East Asia probably appeared in the Early Eocene period (about 55-50 million years ago) facilitated by greenhouse warming. With the cooling and drying climate in the Middle to Late Eocene period (48-38 million years ago), deciduous habits evolved. The development of East Asian monsoon in the Early Miocene period (23 million years ago) increased the extreme seasonal precipitation and promoted the emergence of evergreen habits.
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Dechang Cao, Jerry M. Baskin, Carol C. Baskin, De-Zhu Li
Summary: Smoke cues released from decaying leaves after drying are crucial for seed germination.
TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lin-Jiang Ye, Michael Moller, Ya-Huang Luo, Jia-Yun Zou, Wei Zheng, Jie Liu, De-Zhu Li, Lian-Ming Gao
Summary: Selection along environmental gradients in alpine ecosystems can drive adaptive evolution in plants. However, the genetic variation and adaptation in plants along environmental gradients remain poorly understood. To address this gap, we studied the transcriptomic profiles of Rhododendron sanguineum var. haemaleum at different elevations in the Gaoligong Mountains. We found that gene expression patterns in flower and leaf organs showed parallel shifts but with different functionality, indicating flexibility in response strategies to the heterogeneous environments.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lian-Ming Gao, Gui-Liang Zhang, Zhi-Qiong Mo, Philip Thomas
Summary: During a floristic survey in Hekou County, Yunnan Province, China, a putative natural hybrid of A. yunnanensis and A. hekouensis was discovered. Morphological and molecular evidence confirms its status as a natural hybrid. Named Amentotaxus x hybridia, it has linear or linear-lanceolate leaves, white stomatal bands, and 3-6 seeds at the base of each branchlet.
Article
Plant Sciences
Raees Khan, Robert S. S. Hill, Jie Liu, Ed Biffin
Summary: Podocarpaceae is the second largest conifer family with diverse and functional traits, dominating the Southern Hemisphere. However, comprehensive studies on its diversity, distribution, systematics, and ecophysiological aspects are lacking. This study aims to outline and evaluate the current and past diversity, distribution, systematics, ecophysiological adaptations, endemism, and conservation status of podocarps. Through analyzing data on living and extinct macrofossil taxa and combining it with genetic data, an updated phylogeny is reconstructed and historical biogeography is understood. Podocarpaceae includes 20 genera and approximately 219 taxa, distributed in three clades, and shows remarkable adaptations from leaves to seeds, dispersal methods, and plant types, as well as a complex pattern of seed and leaf functional trait evolution.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Weishu Fan, Zheng-Shan He, Mengqing Zhe, Jing-Qiu Feng, Le Zhang, Yiwei Huang, Fang Liu, Jia-Lin Huang, Ji-Dong Ya, Shi-Bao Zhang, Jun-Bo Yang, Andan Zhu, De-Zhu Li
Summary: This study reports a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of a CAM epiphyte, Cymbidium mannii, and provides insights into the molecular regulation of CAM photosynthesis in epiphytes. The study also reveals the rhythmic changes in metabolism and gene expression during the CAM diel cycle. The findings of this study are valuable for investigating post-transcription and translation scenarios in epiphytes.
PLANT COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Bing Han, Yelan Li, Di Wu, De-Zhu Li, Aizhong Liu, Wei Xu
Summary: Genomic imprinting plays a significant role in the endosperm development, storage compound accumulation, and seed germination in castor bean. The study reveals that DNA methylation has a limited role in controlling genomic imprinting, while histone modifications play a more significant role in regulating the expression of most imprinted genes.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jiu-Xia Zhao, Shu Wang, Jiazhi Liu, Xiao-Dong Jiang, Jing Wen, Zhi-Quan Suo, Jie Liu, Mi-Cai Zhong, Qin Wang, Zhirong Gu, Changning Liu, Yunfei Deng, Jin-Yong Hu, De-Zhu Li
Summary: This study generated a transcriptome resource for two Strobilanthes species, providing valuable information for understanding the molecular mechanisms of perennial monocarpic mass flowering. The differential expression of transcription factors potentially involved in the photoperiod and circadian-clock pathway suggests their role in regulating flowering time diversity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Han-Tao Qin, Michael Moller, Richard Milne, Ya-Huang Luo, Guang-Fu Zhu, De-Zhu Li, Jie Liu, Lian-Ming Gao
Summary: Mountainous regions provide diverse habitats for speciation. In the Hengduan Mountains of southwest China, four Taxus lineages were studied. Conflicting phylogenetic relationships were found between nuclear and chloroplast sequences. Limited gene flow was observed between species. Based on the data, it was determined that two Taxus species originated through hybridization and chloroplast capture events.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)