scholarly journals Natural variation in teosinte at the domestication locus teosinte branched1 (tb1)

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Vann ◽  
Thomas Kono ◽  
Tanja Pyha ̈j ̈arvi ◽  
Matthew B Hufford ◽  
Jeffrey Ross-Ibarra

Premise of the study: The teosinte branched1 (tb1) gene is a major QTL controlling branching differences between maize and its wild progenitor, teosinte. The insertion of a transposable element (Hopscotch) upstream of tb1 is known to enhance the gene's expression, causing reduced tillering in maize. Observations of the maize tb1 allele in teosinte and estimates of an insertion age of the Hopscotch that predates domestication led us to investigate its prevalence and potential role in teosinte. Methods: Prevalence of the Hopscotch element was assessed across an Americas-wide sample of 837 maize and teosinte individuals using a codominant PCR assay. Population genetic summaries were calculated for a subset of individuals from four teosinte populations in central Mexico. Phenotypic data were also collected using seed from a single teosinte population where Hopscotch was found segregating at high frequency. Key results: Genotyping results indicate the Hopscotch element is found in a number of teosinte populations and linkage disequilibrium near tb1 does not support recent introgression from maize. Population genetic signatures are consistent with selection on this locus revealing a potential ecological role for Hopscotch in teosinte, but a greenhouse experiment does not detect a strong association between tb1 and tillering in teosinte. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the role of Hopscotch differs between maize and teosinte. Future work should assess tb1 expression levels in teosinte with and without the Hopscotch and more comprehensively phenotype teosinte to assess the ecological significance of the Hopscotch insertion and, more broadly, the tb1 locus in teosinte.

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Vann ◽  
Thomas Kono ◽  
Tanja Pyhäjärvi ◽  
Matthew B. Hufford ◽  
Jeffrey Ross-Ibarra

The teosinte branched1 (tb1) gene is a major QTL controlling branching differences between maize and its wild progenitor, teosinte. The insertion of a transposable element (Hopscotch) upstream of tb1 is known to enhance the gene’s expression, causing reduced tillering in maize. Observations of the maize tb1 allele in teosinte and estimates of an insertion age of the Hopscotch that predates domestication led us to investigate its prevalence and potential role in teosinte. We assessed the prevalence of the Hopscotch element across an Americas-wide sample of 837 maize and teosinte individuals using a co-dominant PCR assay. Additionally, we calculated population genetic summaries using sequence data from a subset of individuals from four teosinte populations and collected phenotypic data using seed from a single teosinte population where Hopscotch was found segregating at high frequency. Genotyping results indicate the Hopscotch element is found in a number of teosinte populations and linkage disequilibrium near tb1 does not support recent introgression from maize. Population genetic signatures are consistent with selection on the tb1 locus revealing a potential ecological role, but a greenhouse experiment does not detect a strong association between the Hopscotch and tillering in teosinte. Our findings suggest the role of Hopscotch differs between maize and teosinte. Future work should assess tb1 expression levels in teosinte with and without the Hopscotch and more comprehensively phenotype teosinte to assess the ecological significance of the Hopscotch insertion and, more broadly, the tb1 locus in teosinte.


2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Vann ◽  
Thomas Kono ◽  
Tanja Pyhäjärvi ◽  
Matthew B. Hufford ◽  
Jeffrey Ross-Ibarra

The teosinte branched1 (tb1) gene is a major QTL controlling branching differences between maize and its wild progenitor, teosinte. The insertion of a transposable element (Hopscotch) upstream of tb1 is known to enhance the gene’s expression, causing reduced tillering in maize. Observations of the maize tb1 allele in teosinte and estimates of an insertion age of the Hopscotch that predates domestication led us to investigate its prevalence and potential role in teosinte. We assessed the prevalence of the Hopscotch element across an Americas-wide sample of 837 maize and teosinte individuals using a co-dominant PCR assay. Additionally, we calculated population genetic summaries using sequence data from a subset of individuals from four teosinte populations and collected phenotypic data using seed from a single teosinte population where Hopscotch was found segregating at high frequency. Genotyping results indicate the Hopscotch element is found in a number of teosinte populations and linkage disequilibrium near tb1 does not support recent introgression from maize. Population genetic signatures are consistent with selection on the tb1 locus revealing a potential ecological role, but a greenhouse experiment does not detect a strong association between the Hopscotch and tillering in teosinte. Our findings suggest the role of Hopscotch differs between maize and teosinte. Future work should assess tb1 expression levels in teosinte with and without the Hopscotch and more comprehensively phenotype teosinte to assess the ecological significance of the Hopscotch insertion and, more broadly, the tb1 locus in teosinte.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sepideh Mehrpour Layeghi ◽  
Maedeh Arabpour ◽  
Rezvan Esmaeili ◽  
Mohammad Mehdi Naghizadeh ◽  
Javad Tavakkoly Bazzaz ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Luminal subtype is the most common subgroup of breast cancer (BC), accounting for more than 70% of this cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of RNAs which play critical roles in diverse cellular processes. It is proved that dysregulation of them can contribute to the development of various cancers, including BC. LINC00961 was reported to be downregulated in several cancers, however, its expression level in BC remains largely unknown. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible role of LINC00961 in luminal A and B subtypes of BC. Methods To obtain novel lncRNAs associated with different cancers and differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) between BC tumor and normal tissues, Lnc2Cancer and GDC databases were used, respectively. After performing literature review, the expression level of the selected lncRNA (LINC00961) was evaluated in 79 luminal A and B BC specimens and adjacent non-cancerous tissues by Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). LINC00961 expression was also evaluated in two luminal A BC cell lines, compared to a normal breast cell line. The comparison of the differences between tumor and adjacent non-tumor samples was performed by paired sample t-test. Moreover, correlation analysis between LINC00961 expression and clinicopathological features was performed using the chi-square, fisher exact, and independent t-test. In order to investigate the possible roles of LINC00961 in luminal A and B BC, different bioinformatics analyses such as functional annotation of the LINC00961 co-expressed genes and protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks construction were also performed. Results LINC00961 was selected as a significant DElncRNA which had not been studied in BC. According to q-RT PCR assay, LINC00961 was downregulated in luminal BC tissues and cell lines. Its expression was correlated with smoking status and the age of menarche in luminal BC patients. Also, the results of the bioinformatics analysis were consistent with the data obtained from q-RT PCR assay. The final results indicated that LINC00961 might be involved in multiple cancer-associated pathways such as chemokine, Ras and PI3K–Akt signaling pathways, GPCR ligand binding, and signal transduction in luminal subtypes of BC. CDH5, GNG11, GNG8, SELL, S1PR1, CCL19, FYN, ACAN, CD3E, ACVRL1, CAV1, and PPARGC1A were identified as the top hub genes of the PPI networks across luminal subgroup. Conclusion Our findings suggested that LINC00961 was significantly downregulated in luminal A and B subtypes of BC. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis provided a basis for better identification of the potential role of LINC00961 in luminal subtype of BC.


1966 ◽  
Vol 1 (10) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilbur Marks

A mobile breakwater concept based upon a perforated front wall and solid back wall is presented. The principles of energy dissipation by the system is discussed as well as the potential role of such a device within the framework of practical application. Model test results, comparing the perforated breakwater's response to waves with that of a caisson-type breakwater, are discussed. It is shown that the perforated breakwater experiences less force on the structure when it is fixed to the bottom and less force on the mooring lines when afloat than the caisson-type. However, the perforated breakwater is not more effective in reducing waves, for the conditions tested. Visual observations show that scouring is prevalent when the caisson-type is fixed to the bottom; there is no evidence of scouring with the perforated breakwater. Recommendations are made for future work.


2002 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 89-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Cuchel ◽  
Daniel J. Rader

Lipids and lipoproteins, as well as factors involved in hemostasis and thrombosis, play a central role in the pathogenesis of cardio- and cerebrovascular disease. In recent years it has become clear that a strong association exists between coagulation factors and plasma lipoproteins. Anionic phospholipids are necessary for the optimal activity of both pro- and anticoagulant enzymatic complexes. Cell membranes have traditionally been considered to provide the essential lipid-containing surfaces. However, in light of recent studies, plasma lipoproteins are also believed to provide appropriate surfaces to support coagulation. While triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and oxidized low-density lipoproteins are associated with a procoagulant profile, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) may have an anticoagulant effect. This paper reviews scientific data on the potential role of HDL as modulator of thrombotic processes.


2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Doris Fay ◽  
Alexandra Kamps

Work characteristics and the emergence of a sustainable workforce: Do job design principles matter? Work characteristics and the emergence of a sustainable workforce: Do job design principles matter? Doris Fay & Alexandra Kamps, Gedrag & Organisatie, Volume 19, June 2006, nr. 2, pp. 184. Today's organisations require a workforce with high levels of adaptability and flexibility, that is, a sustainable workforce. Drawing on the notion of socialization through work, this study looks at the potential role of job design for building a sustainable workforce. Drawing on data from 335 individuals from the new German countries, we tested whether levels of desirable attitudes and behaviours are associated with the application of Tayloristic design principles. Perceptions of work characteristics (job control, complexity, task completeness, prescription of one-best-way of doing the job) were used to create groups of work places that differed in degree of Taylorism. Comparison of jobs with high versus low levels of Taylorism showed that individuals with Tayloristic jobs had lower work-related self-efficacy, lower personal initiative, innovativity and readiness to change, and higher levels of control rejection and depression than individuals in less Tayloristic jobs. Implications for changing job demands and future work are discussed.


Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frances L. Byrne ◽  
Amy R. Martin ◽  
Melidya Kosasih ◽  
Beth T. Caruana ◽  
Rhonda Farrell

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide and its incidence is increasing. Epidemiological evidence shows a strong association between endometrial cancer and obesity, and multiple mechanisms linking obesity and cancer progression have been described. However, it remains unclear which factors are the main drivers of endometrial cancer development. Hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus are common co-morbidities of obesity, and there is evidence that hyperglycemia is a risk factor for endometrial cancer independent of obesity. This review aims to explore the association between hyperglycemia and endometrial cancer, and discuss the evidence supporting a role for increased glucose metabolism in endometrial cancer and how this phenotype may contribute to endometrial cancer growth and progression. Finally, the potential role of blood glucose lowering strategies, including drugs and bariatric surgery, for the treatment of this malignancy will be discussed.


Zygote ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 111-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alana Azevedo Borges ◽  
Alexsandra Fernandes Pereira

SummaryIntraspecific and interspecific cloning via somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) is a biotechnique with great possibilities for wild mammals because it allows the maintenance of biodiversity by recovering species, nuclear reprogramming for the production of pluripotency-induced cells, and studies related to embryonic development. Nevertheless, many areas in cloning, especially those associated with wild mammals, are still in question because of the difficulty in obtaining cytoplasmic donor cells (or cytoplasts). Conversely, donor cell nuclei (or karyoplasts) are widely obtained from the skin of living or post-mortem individuals and often maintained in somatic cell banks. Moreover, the creation of karyoplast–cytoplast complexes by fusion followed by activation and embryo development is one of the most difficult steps that requires further clarification to avoid genetic failures. Although difficult, cloning different species, such as wild carnivores and ungulates, can be successful via iSCNT with embryo development and the birth of offspring. Thus, novel research in the area that contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and knowledge of the physiology of species continues. The present review presents the failures and successes that occurred with the application of the technique in wild mammals, with the goal of helping future work on cloning via iSCNT.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 1393-1404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Brand

Abstract The Popeye domain-containing gene family encodes a novel class of cAMP effector proteins in striated muscle tissue. In this short review, we first introduce the protein family and discuss their structure and function with an emphasis on their role in cyclic AMP signalling. Another focus of this review is the recently discovered role of POPDC genes as striated muscle disease genes, which have been associated with cardiac arrhythmia and muscular dystrophy. The pathological phenotypes observed in patients will be compared with phenotypes present in null and knockin mutations in zebrafish and mouse. A number of protein–protein interaction partners have been discovered and the potential role of POPDC proteins to control the subcellular localization and function of these interacting proteins will be discussed. Finally, we outline several areas, where research is urgently needed.


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