Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Weiquan Zhou, Shirong Zhao, Min Xu, Yingying Niu, Mansur Nasier, Guoquan Fan, Shaowen Quan, Shikui Zhang, Yatong Wang, Kang Liao
Summary: Different developmental periods and cultivars of apricot fruits showed significant differences in carotenoid contents, with β-carotene and (E/Z)-phytoene identified as key metabolites causing this variation. Twenty-five structural genes related to carotenoid biosynthesis were identified in the transcriptome data, with PSY, NCED1, and CCD4 pinpointed as key genes leading to significant differences in total carotenoid content. The results offer a new method for studying carotenoid synthesis and accumulation in apricot fruits.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Longsheng Chen, Shuwen Xu, Yujun Liu, Yanhong Zu, Fuyuan Zhang, Liji Du, Jun Chen, Lei Li, Kai Wang, Yating Wang, Shijin Chen, Ziping Chen, Xianfeng Du
Summary: This study investigated the contents of polysaccharides, sucrose, glucose, and fructose in different tissues of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (P. cyrtonema Hua), and identified genes associated with sucrose metabolism, transport, and polysaccharide biosynthesis. The results showed that polysaccharides mainly accumulated in rhizomes, leaves, and flowers, and there was a positive correlation between sucrose and polysaccharide content, and a negative correlation between glucose and polysaccharide content. Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes and provided new regulatory networks for understanding the molecular basis of high polysaccharide accumulation.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tiantian Yang, Sikandar Amanullah, Shenglong Li, Rui Cheng, Chen Zhang, Zhengxiang Zhao, Hongyu Liu, Feishi Luan, Xuezheng Wang
Summary: The genetic regulatory basis of qualitative and quantitative phenotypes of watermelon is being studied using molecular and genetic breeding approaches. In this study, mapping populations were developed and genetic linkage maps were constructed. QTLs and candidate genes related to fruit and seed traits were identified. The results provide valuable insights for marker-assisted breeding to improve the quality traits of watermelon.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jinfang Wang, Yanping Wang, Yongtao Yu, Jie Zhang, Yi Ren, Shouwei Tian, Maoying Li, Shengjin Liao, Shaogui Guo, Guoyi Gong, Haiying Zhang, Yong Xu
Summary: The selective variation of the ClSnRK2.3 gene in cultivated watermelons results in delayed fruit ripening.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Xiaojuan Liu, Huihui Xu, Dan Yu, Quanxin Bi, Haiyan Yu, Libing Wang
Summary: This study investigated the hormone response and gene network co-expression patterns in two apricot kernel cultivars with different cold resistances under freezing stress. The results showed that external application of IAA inhibitor and SA increased the spring frost resistance of apricot kernels. Calcium, brassinosteroid, and certain regulators such as protein kinases may be involved in the auxin-mediated freezing response of apricot kernels.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hong Cheng, Weiping Kong, Taoxia Tang, Kaili Ren, Kaili Zhang, Huxia Wei, Tao Lin
Summary: Analyzing the metabolomic and transcriptomic data of two oriental melon cultivars with different sweetness levels revealed differences in soluble sugar and organic acid metabolism, contributing to their taste disparity. This information is crucial for further understanding the metabolic mechanisms of soluble sugars and organic acids in oriental melon.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Qiang Liu, Chen Ma, Kangli Wei, Kang Tu, Leiqing Pan
Summary: This study utilized a single integrating sphere optical method to quantitatively describe the sugar profiles in peaches during storage. Correlation analysis between optical properties and sugar profiles allowed for the development of quantitative models to predict sugar composition in peach flesh, with sucrose content prediction being more accurate based on absorption coefficient data. The models established by SIS provide a simple and efficient strategy for quantitative analysis of fruit quality attributes.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Horticulture
Nan Sun, Yanping Ma, Xiujuan Wang, Quansheng Ying, Yunping Huang, Leichen Zhang, Zhujun Zhu, Yuhong Wang, Yong He
Summary: Sweetness in watermelon depends on the concentration and composition of sugars. Grafting onto a specific rootstock can delay fruit ripening and increase glucose and fructose concentrations while decreasing sucrose concentration. This is associated with increased activity of vacuolar invertase and the expression of related sugar transporters, contributing to increased fruit weight.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yu He, Ruifan Chen, Ying Yang, Guichan Liang, Heng Zhang, Xiaomei Deng, Ruchun Xi
Summary: This study investigated the changes in sugar content and metabolic enzyme activity during Camellia oleifera fruit development and identified key genes related to sucrose metabolism. The findings provide a molecular basis for further understanding of sugar metabolism in C. oleifera fruit.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lixia Wang, Shu Zhang, Jingjuan Li, Yihui Zhang, Dandan Zhou, Cheng Li, Lilong He, Huayin Li, Fengde Wang, Jianwei Gao
Summary: This study identified key metabolites involved in the differences in glucosinolate and soluble sugar content in Chinese cabbage. It also identified structural genes and transcription factors related to the biosynthesis of these compounds. These findings provide novel insights into the metabolic basis of glucosinolate and soluble sugar biosynthesis and have implications for improving the nutritional value of Chinese cabbage.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yang Qiao, Yan-Ge Li, Tong-Lu Wei, Hai-Nan Liu, Mao-Song Pei, Xue-Jie Zhu, Zhong-Hou Zhu, Da-Long Guo
Summary: The structure and expression characteristics of the ClaH3K4s and ClaH3K27s gene families in watermelon were analyzed. Five H3K4 genes and four H3K27 genes were identified in the watermelon genome, and their chromosomal localization, gene structure, and protein structural domains were determined. The expression profiles of these genes during fruit development were obtained. These findings provide insights into the functional characterization of H3K4 and H3K27 genes in watermelon fruit development.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Dongye Lu, Yang Wu, Qinghua Pan, Yuping Zhang, Yuanyong Qi, Wenhui Bao
Summary: This study used the jujube variety Mazao to investigate the key genes regulating the biosynthesis of AsA during jujube fruit growth. The results provide new directions and insights for further research on the regulation mechanism of AsA in jujube.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Xiao-Xiao Gong, Yan-Hua Zeng, Hai-Min Chen, Na Zhang, Yue Han, Hao Long, Zhen-Yu Xie
Summary: This study found that c-di-GMP metabolic proteins can regulate different phenotypic outputs in Vibrio alginolyticus, a dominant marine pathogen, and overexpression of certain proteins enhances biofilm matrix production. The high abundance of c-di-GMP metabolic proteins suggests the importance of c-di-GMP signaling in the response and adaptation of V. alginolyticus to the marine environment. This work provides a foundation for further research on the molecular mechanisms of c-di-GMP in biofilm formation.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Kelsey N. S. Thompson, Kevin S. E. Bonham, Nicholas E. J. Ilott, Graham J. Britton, Paula J. Colmenero, Samuel J. J. Bullers, Lauren J. McIver, Siyuan H. Ma, Long H. Nguyen, Andrew Filer, India Brough, Claire Pearson, Caroline Moussa, Vinod H. Kumar, Lilian H. A. Lam, Matthew A. Jackson, April Pawluk, Serafim R. Kiriakidis, Peter C. Taylor, Lucy R. P. Wedderburn, Brian R. Marsden, Stephen P. J. Young, Dan R. G. Littman, Jeremiah J. Faith, Arthur G. Pratt, Paul Bowness, Karim Raza, Fiona Powrie, Curtis Huttenhower
Summary: Musculoskeletal diseases impact 20% of adults globally. The connection between gut microbiome and inflammatory conditions, like arthritis, has not been fully understood. The Inflammatory Arthritis Microbiome Consortium analyzed 440 stool samples and found differential microbiome composition and functional processes in patients with inflammatory arthritis compared to healthy individuals. This research enhances our understanding of how systemic inflammation during arthritis affects the gut ecosystem.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Jacob Mashilo, Hussein Shimelis, Richard Mantlo Ngwepe, Zamalotshwa Thungo
Summary: This paper provides an overview of the genetic analysis of fruit quality traits in sweet watermelon, including the biosynthesis mechanisms of phytochemical compounds, phytohormones, and fruit flesh structural components. The progress in the development of molecular markers and quantitative trait loci analysis for these traits is also discussed. The paper also explores the use of gene-editing technology and innovations in fruit quality trait selection and accelerated cultivar development. The importance of gene actions conditioning fruit ripening in citron watermelon as reference genetic resources is highlighted. The information presented in this review is useful for watermelon variety design, product profiling, and development in different value chains.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Farhat Ullah, Mushtaq Ahmad, Muhammad Zafar, Bushra Parveen, Shomaila Ashfaq, Saraj Bahadur, Qura-tul-ain Safdar, Luqman Bin Safdar, Fakhre Alam, Muhammad Luqman
Summary: The study on pollen micromorphology of selected taxa from the subfamily Caesalpiniaceae in different geographical regions of Pakistan revealed significant variations in equatorial shape, surface ornamentation, tectum, polar diameter, equatorial diameter, and exine thickness, highlighting the importance of pollen traits in species identification and classification.
MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Siraj Uddin, Javed Iqbal, Luqman Bin Safdar, Saleem Ahmad, Banzeer Ahsan Abbasi, Raffaele Capasso, Mohsin Kazi, Umar Masood Quraihi
Summary: An eco-friendly method using plant extract to synthesize nickel oxide nanoparticles was established, and its biological activities were investigated. The synthesized nanoparticles showed remarkable antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxic activities, as well as stimulatory effects on seed germination.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lijiang Liu, Li Qin, Luqman Bin Safdar, Chuanji Zhao, Xiaohui Cheng, Meili Xie, Yi Zhang, Feng Gao, Zetao Bai, Junyan Huang, Rishikesh P. Bhalerao, Shengyi Liu, Yangdou Wei
Summary: The trans-Golgi network component protein ECHIDNA plays important roles in regulating plant immunity and stress responses. Loss of ECH function enhances postinvasion resistance to powdery mildew in Arabidopsis thaliana by activating SA-dependent innate immunity and causing cell death and callose deposition. Furthermore, loss of ECH function leads to chronic endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Article
Biology
Pingli Yuan, Congping Xu, Nan He, Xuqiang Lu, Xingping Zhang, Jianli Shang, Hongju Zhu, Chengsheng Gong, Hanhui Kuang, Tang Tang, Yong Xu, Shuangwu Ma, Dexi Sun, Weiqin Zhang, Muhammad J. Umer, Jian Shi, Alisdair R. Fernie, Wenge Liu, Jie Luo
Summary: This study reports the stepwise selection and regulation of major fruit quality traits during watermelon evolution. It identifies a novel gene cluster involved in cucurbitacin biosynthesis and a critical genetic variation for the negative selection of cucurbitacins. These findings provide important resources for metabolomics-assisted breeding and exploring metabolic pathway regulation mechanisms in watermelon.
SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Muhammad Anees, Lei Gao, Chengsheng Gong, Muhammad Jawad Umer, Pingli Yuan, Hongju Zhu, Xuqiang Lu, Nan He, Mohamed Omar Kaseb, Dongdong Yang, Yong Zhao, Wenge Liu
Summary: Fruit flesh firmness is a key trait of watermelon that affects its texture, commercial value, and shelf life. This study identified a candidate gene, Cla004102 (Aux/IAA), which is involved in the regulation of watermelon flesh firmness. The expression of Aux/IAA decreased with the reduction in fruit flesh firmness. Additionally, there was a high positive correlation of Aux/IAA with Cla004120, an ethylene-responsive factor1 (ERF1). These findings contribute to a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying watermelon fruit flesh firmness.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuanyuan Wang, Xinlei Guo, Xiaoyan Cai, Yanchao Xu, Runrun Sun, Muhammad Jawad Umer, Kunbo Wang, Tengfei Qin, Yuqing Hou, Yuhong Wang, Pan Zhang, Zihan Wang, Fang Liu, Qinglian Wang, Zhongli Zhou
Summary: Improving lint percentage is crucial for cotton breeding. Through genome-wide association mapping, 274 significant SNPs associated with lint percentage were identified, along with two candidate genes related to fiber initiation and elongation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jiangping Han, Muhammad Jawad Umer, Mengying Yang, Yuqing Hou, Teame Gereziher Mehari, Jie Zheng, Heng Wang, Jiajun Liu, Wenhao Dong, Yanchao Xu, Yuhong Wang, Fang Liu, ZhongLi Zhou, Xiaoyan Cai
Summary: Cold stress negatively affects cotton growth and production. Utilizing cold-tolerant genes from wild Gossypium species is crucial for genetic improvements in cultivated cotton. In this study, we analyzed the ICE gene family in eight cotton species and found that ICE genes may be regulated by light, plant hormones, and environmental stresses. We identified GthICE2 as a key regulator of cold and drought stress tolerance in cotton, with higher expression in leaves and induction under various stresses. Overexpressing GthICE2 in Arabidopsis resulted in improved germination, survival, and root length, as well as reduced oxidative damage. We also discovered the potential regulatory role of GthICE2 on GthCBF4 expression. These findings contribute to understanding cold stress tolerance and response mechanisms in cotton.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Joseph Wanjala Kilwake, Muhammad Jawad Umer, Yangyang Wei, Teame Gereziher Mehari, Richard Odongo Magwanga, Yanchao Xu, Yuqing Hou, Yuhong Wang, Margaret Linyerera Shiraku, Joy Nyangasi Kirungu, Xiaoyan Cai, Zhongli Zhou, Renhai Peng, Fang Liu
Summary: Drought and salinity are the most devastating abiotic factors worldwide, causing severe problems in agriculture. Plants have developed complex molecular mechanisms, including S-adenosyl-L-methionine synthetase (SAMS) genes, to adapt to these harsh conditions. In this study, we identified and characterized 16 SAMS genes in upland cotton and found that GhSAMS2 was highly induced under drought and salt stress. Knockdown of GhSAMS2 expression through virus-induced gene silencing (VGIS) led to increased susceptibility of transgenic plants to drought and salt stress. Our findings provide insights into the structure, classification, and role of SAMS genes in abiotic stress response in upland cotton.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yanqing Wang, Muhammad Jawad Umer, Xiaoyan Cai, Mengying Yang, Yuqing Hou, Yanchao Xu, Raufa Batool, Teame Gereziher Mehari, Jie Zheng, Yuhong Wang, Heng Wang, Zhikun Li, Zhongli Zhou, Fang Liu
Summary: Our study identifies GauERF105 as an important gene in the defense mechanism of cotton against Verticillium wilt invasion, and it plays a pivotal role in this process. These findings have the potential to facilitate the development of germplasm resistance in cotton.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Junling Dou, Qishuai Kang, Tengwei Li, Muhammad Jawad Umer, Badr Alharthi, Dongming Liu, Sen Yang, Huanhuan Niu, Changsheng Ma, Huayu Zhu, Luming Yang
Summary: In this study, a new watermelon germplasm called DM with dwarf and branchless traits was successfully developed through hybridization and self-pollination. DM exhibited stable inheritance and carried additional desirable agronomic traits, providing valuable genetic resources for future watermelon breeding programs.
FUNCTIONAL & INTEGRATIVE GENOMICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Luqman B. Safdar, Ian D. Fisk, M. John Foulkes
Summary: Recent research has found that modifying plant vasculature can increase grain protein content and reduce global N2O emissions.
TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Agronomy
Luqman B. Safdar, Kateryna Dugina, Ali Saeidan, Guilherme V. Yoshicawa, Nicola Caporaso, Brighton Gapare, M. Jawad Umer, Rahul A. Bhosale, Iain R. Searle, M. John Foulkes, Scott A. Boden, Ian D. Fisk
Summary: A long-term goal of breeders and researchers is to develop crop varieties that can resist stress and produce high yields. Non-destructive methods such as hyperspectral imaging (HSI) have gained attention in the food industry for studying wheat grain quality. This review discusses the reduction of wheat genetic diversity, key traits for grain quality, traditional methods, and the application of HSI in studying grain quality traits in wheat and its scope in breeding.
FOOD AND ENERGY SECURITY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mohamed Omar Kaseb, Muhammad Jawad Umer, Xuqiang Lu, Nan He, Muhammad Anees, Eman El-remaly, Ahmed Fathy Yousef, Ehab A. A. Salama, Hazem M. Kalaji, Wenge Liu
Summary: This study successfully propagated tetraploid and triploid watermelons by grafting branches onto gourd rootstock. Tetraploid watermelons showed higher survival rates and hormone levels, as well as increased carbohydrate accumulation, indicating the importance of high carbohydrate content in successful grafting.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mian Faisal Nazir, Baojun Chen, Muhammad Jawad Umer, Zareen Sarfraz, Zhen Peng, Shoupu He, Muhammad Shahid Iqbal, Jingjing Wang, Hongge Li, Zhaoe Pan, Daowu Hu, Meizhen Song, Xiongming Du
Summary: Priming-mediated stress tolerance in plants stimulates defense mechanisms and enables plants to cope with future stresses. Seed priming has been proven effective for tolerance against abiotic stresses; however, underlying genetic mechanisms are still unknown. This study aimed to assess upland cotton genotypes under salt priming and successive induced salt stress. Transcriptomic analysis revealed common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enriched in pathways related to transferase activity, terpene synthase activity, lipid biosynthesis, and regulation of acquired resistance under salt priming, indicating the beneficial role of salt priming in enhancing salt stress resistance. Coexpression network analysis identified 16 hub genes involved in cell wall biogenesis, glucan metabolic processes, and ribosomal RNA binding. Overall, the findings provide insights into the regulation of candidate genes in response to salt stress and the beneficial effects of salt priming on enhancing defense responses in upland cotton.
PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM
(2023)