Article
Oncology
Joshua S. Danoff, Kelly L. Wroblewski, Andrew J. Graves, Graham C. Quinn, Allison M. Perkeybile, William M. Kenkel, Travis S. Lillard, Hardik I. Parikh, Hudson F. Golino, Simon G. Gregory, C. Sue Carter, Karen L. Bales, Jessica J. Connelly
Summary: The neuropeptide oxytocin plays a crucial role in regulating mammalian social behavior, with disruptions in oxytocin signaling being associated with various psychopathologies. Studies focusing on DNA methylation at the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) have identified specific regions, exon 3 and MT2, as important in regulating OXTR gene expression. Using the prairie vole as a model, research has shown that early life experiences, particularly parental care, affect DNA methylation in MT2 and exon 3 of Oxtr, with MT2 methylation being more closely associated with Oxtr gene expression. Additionally, novel regulatory features of Oxtr in prairie voles, such as SNPs and alternative transcripts, have been identified, further establishing the prairie vole as a valuable model for studying OXTR in human social behaviors and disorders.
CLINICAL EPIGENETICS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jianping Zhao, Lihui Jiang, Hanrui Bai, Yuliang Dai, Kuixiu Li, Saijie Li, Xiaoran Wang, Lixia Wu, Qijing Fu, Yanfen Yang, Qian Dong, Si Yu, Meixian Wang, Haiyan Liu, Ziai Peng, Haiyan Zhu, Xiaoyan Zhang, Xie He, Yan Lei, Yan Liang, Liwei Guo, Hongji Zhang, Decai Yu, Yixiang Liu, Huichuan Huang, Changning Liu, Sheng Peng, Yunlong Du
Summary: Root system architecture (RSA) and tiller development in rice are regulated by the IGT family genes, which are influenced by the genetic background of the rice and different environmental conditions. The study found a positive correlation between RSA (including root width, length, and area) and tiller number, and observed different expression patterns of IGT family genes under irrigation and drought conditions.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Saman Maqbool, Muhammad Adeel Hassan, Xianchun Xia, Larry M. York, Awais Rasheed, Zhonghu He
Summary: Roots play essential roles in plants, including nutrient uptake, storage, support, and interaction with the soil. Understanding root traits is important for optimizing resource use efficiency and increasing grain yield in cereal crops. However, breeding efforts focusing on root traits have been limited due to phenotyping challenges. Advances in genomics and imaging technologies can help us better understand root function and genetics, leading to improved root system architecture and cereal breeding.
Article
Plant Sciences
Agnieszka Deja-Muylle, Davy Opdenacker, Boris Parizot, Hans Motte, Guillaume Lobet, Veronique Storme, Pieter Clauw, Maria Njo, Tom Beeckman
Summary: Root system architecture (RSA) directly affects nutrient uptake efficiency and plant growth. Using natural variation, this study conducted a detailed in vitro analysis of 241 Arabidopsis thaliana accessions, revealing a high variability in RSA traits among different accessions and their correlation with natural habitat conditions. The study also found a high consistency in the spatial distribution of roots between in vitro and ex vitro conditions, with a larger root area in the lower zone favoring drought tolerance. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) based on collected RSA phenotype data identified multiple known genes associated with RSA traits and potential candidate genes involved in adaptation to natural habitats.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Shuo Liu, Naheeda Begum, Tingting An, Tuanjie Zhao, Bingcheng Xu, Suiqi Zhang, Xiping Deng, Hon-Ming Lam, Henry T. Nguyen, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Yinglong Chen
Summary: Phenotypic variation and correlations among root traits in soybean varieties play a crucial role in plant growth and adaptation strategies. By using a semi-hydroponic system, this study explored the variability in root morphological traits of 171 soybean genotypes, identifying significant positive correlations between root length/mass and shoot mass. The reliability of the semi-hydroponic system in phenotyping root trait variability at the early growth stage in soybean germplasms was validated through consistent rankings of genotypes in important root traits.
Article
Plant Sciences
Tyler G. Dowd, Mao Li, G. Cody Bagnall, Andrea Johnston, Christopher N. Topp
Summary: Current methods of root sampling only obtain small or incomplete sections of root systems, lacking their true complexity. To address this, we developed customized mesocosm growth containers that allow for the excavation and preservation of 3-dimensional root system architecture, as well as the collection of time-resolved subterranean environmental data. This new approach provides a paradigm for studying mature crop systems and the environmental fluxes that shape them.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Maojun Wang, Zhengyang Qi, Gregory N. Thyssen, Marina Naoumkina, Johnie N. Jenkins, Jack C. McCarty, Yingjie Xiao, Jianying Li, Xianlong Zhang, David D. Fang
Summary: In this study, genetic loci associated with cotton fiber quality were identified using a complementary GWAS approach. By analyzing a multiple-parent advanced-generation inter-cross population, 26 novel QTLs related to cotton fiber quality were discovered. The findings provide new targets for future molecular design breeding of superior fiber quality.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Ye Sha, Zheng Liu, Zhanhong Hao, Yiwen Huang, Hui Shao, Guozhong Feng, Fanjun Chen, Guohua Mi
Summary: This study investigated the root system architecture and dynamic root growth of rain-fed maize under a conservative strip tillage system. The results showed that root growth was inhibited during the vegetative stage, but the root xylem bleeding rate was increased in the post-silking stage compared to conventional tillage. The uneven distribution of soil bulk density and temperature in the strip tillage system affected the root system architecture.
Article
Plant Sciences
M. Angeles Rivas, Ivan Friero, M. Victoria Alarcon, Julio Salguero
Summary: The extension of the root system is crucial for efficient water and nutrient uptake. The formation of lateral roots greatly increases the surface area for nutrient absorption. The balance between auxin and cytokinins plays a fundamental role in regulating lateral root development. Different zones along the primary root have been studied to analyze the effects of exogenous hormones on lateral root formation. Auxin stimulates lateral root formation, while cytokinins inhibit it. The antagonistic effect of auxin and cytokinins on lateral root development depends on the balance between the two hormones.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yusuke Takahashi, Anqing Zheng, Shinji Yamagata, Juko Ando
Summary: The study shows significant correlations between different measurements of conscientiousness at both genetic and environmental levels, with genetic factors playing a dominant role. Genetic correlations between the four conscientiousness measurements are stronger than non-shared environmental correlations.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Agronomy
Isack Mathew, Hussein Shimelis
Summary: Root traits have a vital role in crop adaptation and performance, but their utilization in crop variety development is limited due to difficulties in phenotyping and limited understanding of their genetics. However, the availability of genetic variation and emerging phenotyping and genotyping technologies provide opportunities for integrating root traits in breeding.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thippeswamy Danakumara, Jyoti Kumari, Amit Kumar Singh, Subodh Kumar Sinha, Anjan Kumar Pradhan, Shivani Sharma, Shailendra Kumar Jha, Ruchi Bansal, Sundeep Kumar, Girish Kumar Jha, Mahesh C. Yadav, P. V. Vara Prasad
Summary: This study utilized genome-wide association studies to identify genomic regions associated with root architecture and shoot traits in wheat, revealing a wide variation and numerous significant QTNs. Several important candidate genes were identified, providing potential targets for improving root traits and drought tolerance in wheat.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Zhenxian Jia, Hongling Zhang, Ling Yu, Feng Qiu, Yiqing Lv, Jing Guan, Huiqing Gang, Jingwen Zuo, Tongzhang Zheng, Hongxiu Liu, Wei Xia, Shunqing Xu, Yuanyuan Li
Summary: This prospective cohort study found an association between prenatal lead exposure and increased risk of cognitive developmental delay (CDD) in children with high genetic risk. These findings suggest that prenatal lead exposure and genetic background may jointly contribute to an increased risk of CDD in children, indicating the possibility for an integrated strategy to assess CDD risk and improve children's cognitive ability.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vinay Shukla, Jian-Pu Han, Fabienne Cleard, Linnka Lefebvre-Legendre, Kay Gully, Paulina Flis, Alice Berhin, Tonni G. Andersen, David E. Salt, Christiane Nawrath, Marie Barberon
Summary: Suberin, a hydrophobic biopolymer, forms protective barriers in roots against stress. In endodermal cells, suberin deposition is regulated by a set of MYB transcription factors, controlled by developmental and environmental signals, impacting nutrient homeostasis.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Ping Zhang, Yuanyuan Wang, Dechang Sheng, Shuai Zhang, Shuangcheng Gu, Ye Yan, Fucheng Zhao, Pu Wang, Shoubing Huang
Summary: The study reveals that optimizing root crown architecture and increasing root surface area, volume, and dry matter can reduce lodging incidents and enhance nitrogen absorption in maize.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2023)
