Articles tagged with Plant Genomes
This special issue explores the formation, evolution, and maintenance of biological diversity across all branches of the tree of life. Researchers can submit papers on topics such as speciation, adaptive evolution, and eco-evolutionary feedbacks, with a focus on developing a unified evolutionary framework for understanding biodiversity.
A new study by University of Illinois scientists reveals critically low genetic variation in one of the country's primary breeding stocks for corn, specifically grain yield in intermediate-maturity hybrids. This finding poses a significant threat to maize breeders' ability to develop high-yielding hybrids under future climate challenges.
A recent study found that wild snapdragons use subtle shades to attract bees, with four paintbrush genes working together to create a gradient of yellow. The strength of natural selection on each gene was estimated using a hybrid zone where two varieties meet, revealing the intricate mechanisms behind molecular gradients.
Scientists have grown wheat containing super-sized starch granules, which could lead to healthier pasta and bread. The discovery has potential applications in various industries, including flour milling, paper making, and pharmaceuticals.
Scientists have identified the Yucatan Peninsula as the origin of modern cotton, tracing back its lineage to a diverse population native to Mexico. The study reveals that domestication led to a genetic bottleneck, narrowing the gene pool in successive generations.
Researchers identify glycosyltransferase genes that influence stevia's sweet compounds, leading to cleaner taste profiles. Cell-type-specific gene activity may be the reason for limited accumulation of desirable sweet molecules.
A new study has identified ~2.3 million conserved non-coding DNA sequences across 284 plant species, revealing deep principles of plant genome evolution. These ancient regulatory sequences can be maintained despite repeated genome duplications, opening the door to precise engineering of plant traits.
A new study has discovered over 2.3 million conserved non-coding sequences in plants, providing a comprehensive atlas of regulatory conservation across 284 species. These sequences date back to over 400 million years ago, shedding light on the evolution of plant genomes and gene families.
Researchers at Colorado State University have found a way to boost plant growth while maintaining its immune system through hormone treatment, showing promise for increasing food production. The approach involves genetically manipulating phytohormone interactions to restore cell division and increase disease resistance.
Researchers found that plants living in areas with human activity causing population crashes have reduced genetic diversity and higher inbreeding levels. Conservationists must consider a population's history-influenced genetics alongside its size and habitat in planning.
A new strain of yellow rust pathogen has broken down a key resistance gene, leaving over 50% of the UK's wheat acreage vulnerable. Researchers are racing against time to find new resistance genes and breed them into modern wheat varieties.
Researchers created a comprehensive atlas of active autonomous TIR transposons across 1,007 plant genomes, revealing a strikingly uneven distribution and lineage differentiation patterns. This study provides critical insights into transposon-host coevolution and delivers a rich resource for plant biotechnology.
Researchers used dosage-sensitive genes to detect whole-genome duplication events in ancient angiosperm evolution. Their findings suggest a single ancestral WGD event in seed plants, rather than two independent events, with no additional WGD occurring during angiosperm evolution.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory developed an AI-powered approach to identify redundant genes in plants. By analyzing evolutionary data and machine learning models, they predicted which genes to edit to modify specific traits, providing a new 'roadmap' for plant breeders.
Scientists at the Salk Institute have discovered a new mode of epigenetic targeting in plant cells, where specific DNA sequences guide DNA methylation patterns. This finding has major implications for understanding epigenetic regulation and could inform future strategies for epigenetic engineering.
The Faba Granja Asturiana genome provides a precise molecular basis for understanding its DNA structure, function, and variability. This genetic resource contributes to the construction of the common bean pangenome and enables the development of more productive, resistant varieties adapted to local needs.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers used genomic technology to decode the DNA of non-flowering seed plants, including gymnosperms, to identify genes involved in seed development. The study, published in Nature Communications, may aid scientists in improving crop production and conserving these ancient endangered seed plants.
Researchers sequenced the genome of over 3,400 cultivated eggplant varieties and identified key agronomic traits associated with genes. The study revealed over 3,000 associations between traits and genes, providing a foundation for breeding tailor-made eggplant varieties adapted to local conditions.
Researchers have mapped the full genetic diversity of oat lines to understand their capacity for adaptation and resilience. The study provides a comprehensive overview of the pan-genome, including a directory of gene activity across different tissues and lines.
Scientists from Salk and UC San Diego have discovered a new hybrid seagrass that demonstrates low-light tolerance, offering a promising solution for coastal restoration efforts. The hybrid combines the shallow-water Zostera marina with its deeper-water cousin Zostera pacifica, inheriting the latter's low-light toolkit.
Researchers have identified genes with organ-preferential expression in sorghum stems, revealing distinct temporal functional signatures and potential candidates for genetic engineering applications. These findings offer valuable insights into improving sorghum stem biomass and composition for bioenergy and biopolymer production.
Joseph Ecker, a Salk Institute professor, has received the Barbara McClintock Prize for his groundbreaking work in plant genetics and genomics. His research explores the epigenome, revealing critical details about plant immunity, drought recovery, and modern photosynthesis.
Researchers developed a new method to improve the accuracy of gene mapping in complex organisms, unlocking secrets of the septoria leaf blotch fungus. The breakthrough could lead to improved control strategies for wheat yield losses across Europe.
Researchers found that conifer resin contains a mix of ancient and recent diterpenes, which may aid in combating bark beetles. The team's genetic analysis revealed that some diterpenes originated 300 million years ago, while others developed more recently and independently in different tree species.
Researchers discovered that plants rapidly activate a coordinated immune response during drought recovery, prioritizing immunity over growth. This finding highlights the importance of studying the post-drought period and points to new strategies for engineering crops that can rebound more effectively after environmental stress.
Researchers create first genetic atlas to span entire Arabidopsis life cycle, capturing gene expression patterns of 400,000 cells in multiple developmental stages. The atlas provides comprehensive insights into plant biology, enabling future studies on different cell types and developmental stages.
A University of Missouri-led study has uncovered how poplar trees can naturally adjust a key part of their wood chemistry based on changes in their environment, supporting improved bioenergy production. The discovery sheds light on the role of lignin and its potential to create better biofuels and sustainable products.
Researchers at OIST found that only cyanobacteria Trichormus azollae are true symbionts of Azolla ferns, with their genomes showing extreme decay and loss of genes. The study sheds light on the genomic impacts of symbiosis and its potential applications in food security.
Researchers at Salk Institute used CRISPR-Cas9 to delete large duplicated regions in Arabidopsis thaliana genomes, revealing minimal off-target effects. The study shows that it's possible to obtain viable plants with streamlined, minimal plant genomes, challenging assumptions about essential DNA blocks.
Researchers developed a strategy to predict multiple traits at once based on the whole genome, increasing predictive ability by 2-10 times. This method, called multi-trait genomic selection (MT-GS), combines genetic markers with known trait links for more accurate predictions, making it a promising tool for efficient and cost-effective...
A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has identified a protein, Shikimate kinase-like 1 (SKL1), that enables land plants to convert light into energy through photosynthesis. This discovery holds promise for improved herbicides and increased efficiency of photosynthesis in food crops.
Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered how specific sections of corn DNA control vital traits like plant architecture and pest resistance. The findings provide new insights for scientists to use innovative technologies to enhance corn crops.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Spearhead Bio a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I grant to develop improved corn varieties. The company's breakthrough platform, TAHITI, enables precise and seamless gene insertion into crops.
Researchers have charted how plant metabolism responds to genetic changes that increase oil production, finding simultaneous increases in both oil and protein content. The study's findings will provide scientists with clues for optimizing biofuel production in plants such as camelina and pennycress.
Researchers found that a single synonymous mutation in a gene drives cucumber elongation by altering RNA structure and function. This breakthrough has significant implications for crop breeding programs and may lead to the development of precision-crop improvement techniques.
Researchers developed Variant-aware Cas-OFFinder, a web-based tool that improves CRISPR accuracy by identifying off-target effects across genetic variations. The tool offers a significant step forward in personalized genome editing by incorporating genetic diversity directly into off-target predictions.
A recent study has revealed that the diploidization process in plants can be both episodic and gradual, depending on the type of mutation. The researchers used population genomics to uncover a nuanced picture of this process, including gene fractionation, transposable element accumulation, and homoeologous expression bias.
Researchers discovered how dogroses use larger centromeres to ensure unpaired chromosomes are passed on via the egg cell, enabling a unique reproductive system. This study provides new insights into plant genetics and could lead to more robust crops.
Researchers identified two novel genetic mechanisms governing disease resistance in wheat, involving pairs of nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat immune receptors. The discoveries offer new insights into plant immunity and provide crucial gene resources for breeding resistant wheat varieties.
Chinese researchers developed a groundbreaking 3D genome mapping technology that reveals how the 3D organization of plant genomes influences gene expression, especially in photosynthesis. The innovation provides a precise tool for understanding long-range chromatin interactions and their role in regulating biological processes.
Researchers created the most comprehensive genetic atlas of cannabis, revealing unprecedented diversity and untapped opportunity in this foundational agricultural species. The study sets the stage for transformative advances in cannabis-based agriculture, medicine, and industry.
A new study reveals that DNA methylation mediates the transgenerational inheritance of acquired cold tolerance in rice, supporting Lamarck's theory. Researchers developed a novel breeding strategy to develop stress-resilient crops, offering a promising avenue to tackle agricultural challenges posed by global climate change.
A research team has pinpointed the genetic location behind thorns in blackberries, enabling plant breeders to accelerate the creation of thornless varieties. The study used genome-wide association studies and genotyping to identify a specific region of DNA associated with the prickly trait.
A recent study found that human activities negatively impact plant diversity over vast distances, with natural habitats containing only a fraction of potential species in heavily impacted regions. The DarkDivNet network analyzed 5,500 locations across the globe, revealing alarming effects on biodiversity.
New York University researchers developed a novel process using machine learning to reveal groups of genes governing nitrogen use efficiency in plants like corn. The study aims to help farmers improve crop yields and minimize fertilizer costs.
A new study from the University of Florida assembles the genome of a blackberry, which could lead to significant improvements in breeding techniques for farmers and consumers alike. The research uncovers the secrets behind key traits like growing blackberry plants with no thorns and enhancing the production of anthocyanin production.
Researchers discovered temperature influences plant cell fate by regulating epigenetic marks. Low ambient temperatures can rescue developmental defects by compensating for PRC2 loss, highlighting the importance of H3K27me3 in maintaining cellular identity.
The Hong Kong Bauhinia Genome Project has completed a decade-long effort to sequence the DNA of Hong Kong's floral emblem, revealing 28 complete chromosomes and solving the species' parentage. The project's T2T genome assembly provides insights into genetic mechanisms underlying its vibrant blooms and ecological adaptability.
Researchers have mapped the diversity of a globally important pea collection, revealing secrets behind Mendel's famous traits and uncovering agriculturally useful genetic diversity. The new set of gene bank and genomic resources could revolutionize pea breeding and research.
A new project by Cornell University researchers explores how genetically identical grapevines adapt to temperature, humidity, and soil differences in three states. The study aims to uncover the most adaptable varieties to aid grape growers in coping with erratic climate conditions.
Researchers use a new pipeline to make genetically engineered plants with improved oil production, reducing labor and time in the process. The FAST-PB platform integrates automation and single-cell lipidomics to accelerate plant transformation.
Researchers discovered that certain marine diatom species can thrive on a diet of seaweed and decaying plant matter due to the acquisition of a bacterial gene. This adaptation allowed them to break down alginate, a carbon polymer in seaweed cell walls, enabling the diatoms to survive without photosynthesis.
Scientists have developed genome sequences for five duckweed species, revealing genes behind the plant's unique traits and versatility. The research holds promise for commercial applications, including carbon capture technology and biofuel production.
A team from the University of Illinois found that traditional breeding methods are unlikely to improve soybean light-harvesting efficiency. Gene editing is likely needed to unlock soybean potential. The researchers gathered detailed measurements throughout an entire growing season to understand photoprotection relaxation in soybeans.
An international team of scientists has unveiled the first chromosome-scale genome of a wild barley species, identifying critical genetic adaptations that enable efficient nutrient intake under alkaline stress. The study developed a new hexaploid crop, Tritordeum, which exhibits significant yield improvements in harsh conditions.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered genes that control fruit size in tomatoes and eggplants, opening up opportunities for new varieties and improved agriculture. The study could lead to the development of larger, more nutritious fruits, and has significant potential for global food security.
Scientists at CSHL and global collaborators have sequenced complete genomes for the Solanum genus, including tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. The study reveals the importance of understanding paralog genes in predicting genome editing outcomes.
Researchers describe the complex genome of the highly valued white oak (Quercus alba), providing insights into fundamental questions about plant evolution and tree breeding. The study sheds light on the evolutionary history of oaks, including the extent of genetic diversity and population differentiation.
Researchers mapped yerba mate's genome, discovering an ancestor that duplicated its genome 50 million years ago. This event led to the evolution of caffeine biosynthesis in yerba mate and coffee through convergent pathways. The study provides opportunities for creating plant varieties with new characteristics.
Hainan Island's unique floristic division is a result of its southeast movement since the Oligocene. The island's phylogenetic patterns support an anti-clockwise rotation during this movement, influenced by land bridge connections with China mainland after the Middle Miocene.