Biology subjects

Yang, G.

Publications and source records attributed to Yang, G..

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

bioRxiv2022

Time-series monitoring of transgenic maize seedlings phenotyping exhibiting glyphosate tolerance

Developing herbicide resistant cultivars is one of the effective methods to solve the safety problem caused by the use of herbicide. In this study, hyperspectral image was used to develop more robust leaf chlorophyll content (LCC) prediction model based on different datasets to finally analyze the response of LCC to glyphosate-stress. Chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) was used to dynamically monitor the photosynthetic physiological response of transgenic glyphosate-resistant and wild glyphosate-sensitive maize seedlings, and applying chemometrics methods to extract time-series features to screen resistant cultivars. Both the proposed two transfer strategies achieved the best prediction of LCC with a coefficient of determination value of 0.84, and relative root mean square error of 4.03 for the prediction set. Based on the predicted LCC and ChlF data, we found the antioxidant system of glyphosate-sensitive plants is too fragile to protect themselves from the damage, while glyphosate-resistant plants could overcome it by activating more powerful antioxidant system. {varphi}E0, VJ, {psi}E0, and M0 could be used to indicate damage caused by glyphosate to differentiate resistant cultivars. This study provided a new methodology to monitor LCC to finally analyze glyphosate tolerance in a time-series manner, and verified the feasibility of ChlF in crop breeding. HighlightThis study proposed a new methodology to monitor leaf chlorophyll content to finally analyze glyphosate tolerance in vivo, and verified the feasibility of chlorophyll a fluorescence in crop breeding.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2022

Predicting plant-related and leaf-related parameters of winter wheat using vegetation index: Should phenological correction be applied across growth stages?

Most existing plant-related and leaf-related parameters models of winter wheat vary across growing seasons, but it is an open question whether a unified statistical model can be developed to predict plant-related and leaf-related parameters using VI across multiple growing seasons, or whether the phenological correction is necessary for each parameter across multiple growing seasons. To explore this question, we measured two plant-related parameters and four leaf-related parameters over five growth stages during the 2017-2021 growing seasons. A hierarchical linear model (HLM) automatically adapts the relationship between VIs and their corresponding parameter across growing seasons and assesses the contribution of phenological variables by applying a sensitivity analysis. The estimates of VI-plant-related parameters [aboveground dry biomass (AGB) and plant nitrogen concentration (PNC)] were scattered over a given growing season, unlike the relationship between VI-leaf-related parameters [leaf dry biomass (LGB), leaf nitrogen concentration (LNC), leaf area index (LAI) and soil and plant analysis development (SPAD)]. In contrast, the AGB, PNC, LGB, LNC, LAI, and SPAD HLM models are stable and can be popularized across growing seasons, with the determination coefficient R2 ranging from 0.84 to 0.86, 0.79 to 0.87, 0.70 to 0.71, 0.68 to 0.86, 0.75 to 0.81, and 0.68 to 0.70, respectively, and the root mean square error ranging from 0.13 to 0.50 t/ha, 0.01 to 0.07%, 0.01 to 0.03 t/ha, 0.02 to 0.03%, 0.02 to 0.07, and 0.47 to 0.69, respectively. The sensitivity index of the phenological information in the AGB and PNC models was 0.56-0.78 and 0.66-0.72, respectively, whereas that in the LGB, LNC, LAI, and SPAD models was 0.01-0.06, 0.01-0.10, 0.02-0.06, and 0.00-0.01, respectively. Although phenological effects have little effect on leaf-related indicators, HLM has a strong potential for application to other crops and regions.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2022

The effector protein CgNLP1 of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides from Hevea brasiliensis disrupts nuclear localization of necrosis-induced transcription factor HbMYB8-like to suppress plant defense signaling

O_LIColletotrichum gloeosporioides is the dominant causal agent of rubber tree anthracnose and leads to serious loss of natural rubber production. Fungi secrete numerous effectors to modulate host defense systems. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which fungal effectors regulate plant defense is of great importance for the development of novel strategies for disease control. C_LIO_LIHere, we identified an NLP effector gene, CgNLP1, which contributed to virulence of C. gloeosporioides to rubber tree. Transient expression of CgNLP1 in the leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana induced ethylene production in plants. Ectopic expression of CgNLP1 in Arabidopsis significantly enhanced the resistance to Botrytis cinerea and A. brassicicola. C_LIO_LICgNLP1 was shown to target a R2R3 type transcription factor HbMYB8-like in rubber tree, which localized on nucleus and induced necrosis in N. benthamiana. CgNLP1 disrupted nuclear accumulation of HbMYB8-like and suppressed necrosis induced by HbMYB8-like mediated SA signal pathway. C_LIO_LIThis work suggested a strategy whereby C. gloeosporioides exploited CgNLP1 effector to suppress host defense to facilitate infection by disrupting the subcellular compartment of a host defense regulator HbMYB8-like. C_LI

pathology↗

bioRxiv2021

Recent selection is a major force driving cancer evolution

Cancer is one of the most threatening diseases to humans. Understanding the evolution of cancer genes is helpful for therapy management. However, systematic investigation of the evolution of cancer driver genes is sparse. Using comparative genomic analysis, population genetics analysis and computational molecular evolutionary analysis, we detected the evolution of 568 cancer driver genes of 66 cancer types across the primate phylogeny (long timescale selection), and in modern human populations from the 1000 human genomics project (recent selection). We found that recent selection pressures, rather than long timescale selection, significantly affect the evolution of cancer driver genes in humans. Cancer driver genes related to morphological traits and local adaptation are under positive selection in different human populations. The African population showed the largest extent of divergence compared to other populations. It is worth noting that the corresponding cancer types of positively selected genes exhibited population-specific patterns, with the South Asian population possessing the least numbers of cancer types. This helps explain why the South Asian population usually has low cancer incidence rates. Population-specific patterns of cancer types whose driver genes are under positive selection also give clues to explain discrepancies of cancer incidence rates in different geographical populations, such as the high incidence rate of Wilms tumour in the African population and of Ewings sarcomas in the European population. Our findings are thus helpful for understanding cancer evolution and providing guidance for further precision medicine.

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Genomic variation in the tea leafhopper reveals the basis of adaptive evolution

The tea green leafhopper (TGL), Empoasca onukii, is of biological and economic interest. Despite numerous studies, the mechanisms underlying its adaptation and evolution remain enigmatic. Here, we used previously untapped genome and population genetics approaches to examine how this pest so rapidly has adapted to different environmental variables and thus has expanded geographically. We complete a chromosome-level assembly and annotation of the E. onukii genome, showing notable expansions of gene families associated with adaptation to chemoreception and detoxification. Genomic signals indicating balancing selection highlight metabolic pathways involved in adaptation to a wide range of tea varieties grown across ecologically diverse regions. Patterns of genetic variation among 54 E. onukii samples unveil the population structure and evolutionary history across different tea-growing regions in China. Our results demonstrate that the genomic change in key pathways, including those linked to metabolism, circadian rhythms and immune system function, may underlie the successful spread and adaptation of E. onukii. This work highlights the genetic and molecular bases underlying the evolutionary success of a species with broad economic impact, and provides insight into insect adaptation to host plants, which will ultimately facilitate more sustainable pest management.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2021

Effects of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances on soil structure and function

Soils are impacted at a global scale by several anthropogenic factors, including chemical pollutants. Among those, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of concern due to their high environmental persistence, and as they might affect soil health and functions. However, data on impacts of PFASs on soil structure and microbially-driven processes are currently lacking. This study explored the effects of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) at environmental-relevant nominal concentrations (1 ~ 1000 ng g-1) on soil functions, using a 6-week microcosm experiment. We measured soil respiration, litter decomposition, enzyme and microbial activities, soil aggregates, and bacterial abundance. PFAS (even at 1 ng g-1 for PFBS) significantly increased litter decomposition, associated with positive effects on bacterial abundance, and {beta}-glucosidase activities. This effect increased with PFAS concentrations. Soil respiration was significantly inhibited by PFAS in the 3rd week, while this effect was more variable in week 6. Water-stable aggregates were negatively affected by PFOS and PFOA, possibly related to microbial shifts. The general microbial activities and {beta}-D-cellobiosidase and phosphatase activities were barely affected by PFAS treatments. Our work highlights the potential effects of PFAS on soil health, and we argue that this substance class could be a factor of environmental change of potentially broad relevance in terrestrial ecosystem functioning. SynopsisPFAS are likely to affect soil health. Abstract Art O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=124 SRC="FIGDIR/small/465889v2_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (52K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@88c630org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@18b985corg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1bfdc81org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@125b09e_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

ecology↗

bioRxiv2021

Regulation of drought tolerance in Arabidopsis involves PLATZ4-mediated transcriptional suppression of PIP2;8

PLATZ transcription factors play important roles in plant growth, development, and biotic and abiotic stress responses. However, how PLATZ regulates plant drought tolerance and ABA sensitivity remains largely unknown. Here, we show that PLATZ4 increases drought tolerance and ABA sensitivity in Arabidopsis thaliana by suppressing the expression of PIP2;8, DEG3, At1g33840 and At3g01345, while upregulating the expression of PR1, ABI3, ABI4 and ABI5. Moreover, PLATZ4 directly binds A/T-rich sequences within the PIP2;8 promoter but not ABI3, ABI4 and ABI5 promoters. Consistent with this, PIP2;8 acts epistatically to PLATZ4. Furthermore, the aquaporin activity of PIP2;8 was confirmed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and yeast cells in response to osmotic stress. Analysis of water loss of seedlings overexpressing PIP2;8 or lacking PIP2;8 function indicated that PIP2;8-mediated water flow is particularly active in response to drought stress in planta. Accordingly, stomatal closure was enhanced in pip2;8 mutants but reduced in PIP2;8-overexpressing plants. In platz4 mutant and PLATZ4-overexpressing plants, water loss and stomatal closure changed oppositely to those in pip2;8 mutants and PIP2;8-overexpressing plants, respectively. In addition, the interaction between PLATZ4 and AITR6 was confirmed by several assays, and the binding of PIP2;8 promoter by PLATZ4 was strengthened by an interaction with AITR6. Collectively, our findings reveal that PLATZ4 interacts with AITR6 to increase ABA sensitivity and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis by upregulating expression of PR1, ABI3, ABI4 and ABI5 while inhibiting the expression of PIP2;8 and associated genes. One sentence summaryPLATZ4 interacted with AITR6 to increase drought tolerance and ABA sensitivity in Arabidopsis thaliana by directly bind A/T-rich sequences within the plasma membrane aquaporin (PIP)2;8 promoter.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Structure insights of the human peroxisomal ABC transporter ALDP

Adrenoleukodystrophy protein (ALDP) is responsible for the transport of free very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) and corresponding CoA-esters across the peroxisomal membrane. ALDP belongs to the ATP-binding cassette sub-family D, which is also named as ABCD1. Dysfunction of ALDP leads to peroxisomal metabolic disorder exemplified by X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Hundreds of ALD-causing mutations are identified on ALDP. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of these mutations are restricted to clinical description due to limited structural information. Furthermore, ALDP plays a role in myelin maintenance, which is tightly associated with axon regeneration. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of human ALDP with nominal resolution of 3.4 [A] in nucleotide free state. The structure of ALDP exhibits a typical assembly of ABC transporters. The nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) displays a ligand free state. ALDP exhibits an inward-open conformation to the cytosol. A short helix is located at the peroxisomal side, which is different from other three members of ABCD transporters. The two transmembrane domains (TMDs) of ALDP form a cavity, in which two lipid-like densities can be recognized as the head group of an coenzyme-A ester of a lipid. This structure provides a framework for understanding the working mechanism of ALDP and classification of the disease-causing mutations.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2021

How To Extend The Capabilities Of A Commercial Two-Photon Microscope To Perform Super-Resolution Imaging, Wavelength Mixing And Label-Free Microscopy.

Multimodal microscopy combines multiple non-linear techniques that take advantage of different optical processes to generate contrast and increase the amount of information that can be obtained from biological samples. However, the most advanced optical architectures are typically custom-made and require complex alignment procedures, as well as daily maintenance by properly trained personnel for optimal performance. Here, we describe a hybrid system we constructed to overcome these disadvantages by modifying a commercial upright microscope. We show that our multimodal imaging platform can be used to seamlessly perform two-photon STED, wavelength mixing and label-free microscopy in both ex vivo and in vivo samples. The system is highly stable and endowed with remote alignment hardware that ensures simplified operability for non-expert users. This optical architecture is an important step forward towards a wider practical applicability of non-linear optics to bioimaging.

biophysics↗

bioRxiv2021

Genome-wide identification and characterization of DNA/RNA differences associated with Fusarium graminearum infection in wheat

RNA editing (DNA/RNA differences) as a post-transcriptional modification approach to enrich genetic information, plays the crucial role in regulating diverse biological processes in eukaryotes. Although it has been extensively studied in plant chloroplast and mitochondria genome, RNA editing in plant nuclear genome, especially those associated with Fusarium head blight (FHB), is not well studied at present. Here, we investigated the DNA/RNA differences associated with FHB through a novel method by comparing the RNA-seq data from Fusarium-infected and control samples from 4 wheat genotypes. A total of 187 DNA/RNA differences were identified in 36 wheat genes, representing the first landscape of the FHB-responsive RNA editome in wheat. Furthermore, all of these 36 edited genes were located in the FHB related co-expression gene modules, which may involve in regulating FHB response. Finally, the effects of DNA/RNA differences were systematically investigated to show that they could cause the change of RNA structure and protein structure in edited genes. In particular, the G to C editing (chr3A_487854715) in TraesCS3A02G263900, which is the orthology of OsRACK1, resulted that it was targeted by tae-miR9664-3p to control its expression in different genotype through different editing efficiency, suggesting RNA editing could mediate miRNA to participate in the regulation network of FHB tolerance. This study reported the first wheat DNA/RNA differences associated with FHB, which not only contribute to better understand the molecular basis underlying FHB tolerance, but also shed light on improving FHB tolerance through epigenetic method in wheat and beyond.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Intranasal administration of a monoclonal neutralizing antibody protects mice against SARS-CoV-2 infection

Despite recent availability of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), there is an urgent need for specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs. Monoclonal neutralizing antibodies are an important drug class in the global fight against the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic due to their ability to convey immediate protection and their potential to be used as both, prophylactic and therapeutic drugs. Clinically used neutralizing antibodies against respiratory viruses are currently injected intravenously, which can lead to suboptimal pulmonary bioavailability and thus to a lower effectiveness. Here we describe DZIF-10c, a fully human monoclonal neutralizing antibody that binds the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. DZIF-10c displays an exceptionally high neutralizing potency against SARS-CoV-2 and retains activity against the variants of concern B.1.1.7 and B.1.351. Importantly, not only systemic but also intranasal application of DZIF-10c abolished presence of infectious particles in the lungs of SARS-CoV-2 infected mice and mitigated lung pathology. Along with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, these results highlight DZIF-10c as a novel human SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody with high in vitro and in vivo antiviral potency. The successful intranasal application of DZIF-10c paves the way for clinical trials investigating topical delivery of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Significance StatementMonoclonal neutralizing antibodies are important in the global fight against the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic due to their ability to convey immediate protection. However, their intravenous application might lead to suboptimal bioavailability in the lung. We here precisely characterize a new monoclonal neutralizing antibody (DZIF-10c) that binds to the receptor binding domain of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. DZIF-10c neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 with exceptionally high potency and maintains activity against circulating variants of concern. The antibody has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile and protects mice from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Importantly, we show that intranasal administration of DZIF-10c generates protective efficacy. These results not only identify DZIF-10c as a novel highly potent neutralizing antibody, but further pave the way for a topical application of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2021

5-methylcytosine modification by Plasmodium NSUN2 stabilizes mRNA and mediates the development of gametocytes

5-methylcytosine (m5C) is an important epitranscriptomic modification involved in mRNA stability and translation efficiency in various biological processes. However, it remains unclear if m5C modification contributes to the dynamic regulation of the transcriptome during the developmental cycles of Plasmodium parasites. Here, we characterize the landscape of m5C mRNA modifications at single nucleotide resolution in the asexual replication stages and gametocyte sexual stages of rodent (P. yoelii) and human (P. falciparum) malaria parasites. While different representations of m5C-modified mRNAs are associated with the different stages, the abundance of the m5C marker is strikingly enhanced in the transcriptomes of gametocytes. Our results show that m5C modifications confer stability to the Plasmodium transcripts and that a Plasmodium ortholog of NSUN2 is a major mRNA m5C methyltransferase in malaria parasites. Upon knock-out of P. yoelii nsun2 (pynsun2), marked reductions of m5C modification were observed in a panel of gametocytogenesis-associated transcripts. These reductions correlated with impaired gametocyte production in rodent and human malaria parasites. Restoration of the nsun2 gene in the knock-out parasites rescued the gametocyte production phenotype as well as m5C modification of the gametocytogenesis-associated transcripts. Together with the mRNA m5C profiles for two species of Plasmodium, our findings demonstrate a major role for NSUN2-mediated m5C modifications in mRNA transcript stability and sexual differentiation in malaria parasites. SignificanceModifications of RNA including methylations of cytosine (m5C) and adenosine (m6A) have important roles in RNA metabolism, cellular responses to stress, and biological processes of differentiation and development. Here, we report on the profiles of m5C mRNA modifications in malaria parasites that infect rodents (Plasmodium yoelii) and humans (Plasmodium falciparum). These parasites have genes that encode homologs of human and plant NSUN2 methyltransferases (m5C "writers"). We show that one of these homologs, termed PyNSUN2, stabilizes mRNA transcripts in P. yoelii and mediates m5C-associated development of the parasite sexual stages (gametocytes). Further research on m5C and other epitranscriptomic modifications may yield new insights into molecular pathways of gametocyte development and mosquito infectivity that can be exploited to interrupt malaria transmission.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2021

Distinct Brain Mechanisms for Conflict Adaptation Within and Across Conflict Types

Cognitive conflict, like other cognitive processes, shows the characteristic of adaptation, i.e., conflict effects are attenuated when immediately following a conflicting event, a phenomenon known as the conflict adaptation effect (CAE). One important aspect of CAE is its sensitivity to the intertrial coherence of conflict type, i.e., behavioral CAE occurs only if consecutive trials are of the same conflict type. Although reliably observed behaviorally, the neural mechanisms underlying such a phenomenon remains elusive. With a paradigm combining the classic Simon task and Stroop task, this fMRI study examined neural correlates of conflict adaptation both within and across conflict types. The results revealed that when the conflict type repeated (but not when it alternated), the CAE-like neural activations were observed in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, inferior frontal gyrus, superior parietal lobe, etc. (i.e., regions within typical task-positive networks). In contrast, when the conflict type alternated (but not when it repeated), we found CAE-like neural deactivations in a range of regions including bilateral superior and medial frontal gyri, bilateral angular cortex, bilateral temporal cortices, etc. (i.e., regions within the typical task-negative network). Moreover, this CAE-like neural deactivation predicts behavior performance. Network analyses suggested that these regions (for CAE-like neural activities within and across conflict type[s] respectively) can be clustered into two antagonistic networks. This evidence suggests that our adaptation to cognitive conflicts within a conflict type and across different types may rely on these two distinct neural mechanisms.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2021

Genome of the giant panda roundworm illuminates its host shift and parasitic adaptation

Baylisascaris schroederi, a bamboo-feeding giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)-specific roundworm (ascaridoid) parasite, is the causative agent of baylisascariasis, which represents a leading reason for the mortality of wild giant panda populations and therefore poses a significant threat to giant panda conservation. Here we present a 293-Mb chromosome-level genome assembly of B. schroederi to inform its biology, including host adaptations. Comparative genomics revealed an evolutionary trajectory accompanied by host-shift events in ascaridoid parasite lineages after host separations, suggesting their potential transmissions and fast adaptations to hosts. Genomic and anatomical lines of evidence, including expansion and positive selection of genes related to cuticle and basal metabolisms, indicates that B. schroederi undergoes specific adaptations to survive in the sharp-edged bamboo enriched gut of giant panda by structurally increasing its cuticle thickness and efficiently utilizing host nutrients during gut parasitism. Also, we characterized the secretome and predicted potential drug and vaccine targets for new interventions. Overall, this genome resource provides new insights into the host adaptation of B. schroederi to giant panda as well as the host-shift events in ascaridoid parasite lineages. These findings also add to our knowledge on the unique biology of the giant panda roundworm and aid the development of much-needed novel strategies for the control of baylisascariasis and thus the protection of giant panda populations.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2021

The Expression of Angiopoietin-1 and -2 in the Osteogenesis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study are to clarify whether rat bone marrow derived Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) express Ang1 and Ang2 and their expression in the process of osteogenesis in vitro. Material and MethodsMSCs were cultured from rat tibia bone marrow cells and the hemopoietic stem cells were deplete by consistently replacement of the culture medium. The MSCs were induced osteogenesis with mineralization conditional medium and Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining were performed to assess the expression of Ang1 and Ang2. ResultsThe method used to expand rat MSCs in vitro was applicable, and the cell morphology is spindle-like shape that is consistent with the privous reports. The immunohistochemical staining results showed that both Ang1 and Ang2 were expressed by rat MSCs. Both Ang1 and Ang2 were up-regulated in the process of osteogenesis of rat MSCs. ConclusionRat MSCs express both Ang1 and Ang2 which might play critical roles in the osteogenesis in vitro.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Intrinsic cardiac adrenergic cell contributes to septic cardiomyopathy

Occurring independently of cardiac sympathetic nervous system, the intrinsic cardiac adrenergic (ICA) cells have been identified as an important regulator in both of developing and adult cardiac physiological and pathological processes. However, its role in septic cardiomyopathy remains unknown. Herein, we report that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) dose- and time-dependently increased norepinephrine (NE) release from ICA cells, which aggravates myocardial TNF- production and dysfunction. Inhibition of NE synthesis in ICA cells alleviated LPS-elicited cardiac dysfunction as well as TNF- production in Langendorff perfusing hearts. Mechanistically, ICA cell expressed Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), activated by LPS, to increase the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, a key enzyme responsible for NE biosynthesis, via AP-1 binding to its promoter. Surprisingly, LPS-TLR4 signaling triggered no TNF- production in ICA cells due to the elevated Nfkbia and Tnfaip6 expression. In LPS-treated co-culture of ICA cells and cardiomyocytes, the raised NE from ICA cells activated cardiomyocyte {beta}1-adrenergic receptor ({beta}1-AR), driving Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) to increase the activities of NF-{kappa}B and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, which were mimicked by dobutamine. Our findings reveal a cell type-specific TLR4 function triggering NE synthesis, but not TNF- production in inflammatory pathogenesis, and identify ICA cell-derived NE as a paracrine signal in the cross talk among different cardiac cells to enhance myocardial injury during LPS challenge, suggesting that targeting ICA cell-derived NE may be a potential therapeutic strategy for septic cardiomyopathy.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2021

Landscape composition mediates suppression of major pests by natural enemies in conventional cruciferous vegetables

BackgroundConservation biological control provides an environment-friendly approach to improve the efficacy of natural enemies. Although numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of semi-natural habitats in promoting biological control in organic or unsprayed agroecosystems, few studies were conducted in conventional agricultural fields. In this study, we investigated the effects of landscape composition on the major pests of cruciferous vegetables and on the assemblages of their natural enemies in southeastern China. ResultsHabitat diversity, particularly increasing grassland proportion in the landscape, had a positive impact in controlling both small-sized pests (aphids, leaf miners, thrips and flea beetles) and Plutella xylostella. This increasing proportion also promoted greater abundance and diversity of canopy-dwelling predators, more forests supported a higher diversity of airborne enemies (parasitoids and canopy-dwelling predators) as well as a higher abundance of ground-dwelling predators. A general increase in habitat diversity was beneficial to parasitoids and ground-dwelling predators. Additionally, the proportion of forest, grassland, and non-cruciferous vegetable area, as well as habitat diversity, affected the compositions of natural enemy communities. Moreover, inconsistent effects of non-cruciferous and grassland habitats were found between sampling regions for small-sized pests and canopy-dwelling predators. Moreover, the scale at which pests and natural enemies abundance and richness responded most to landscape composition varied with their feeding range and dispersal ability. ConclusionOur study provides evidence that increasing the amount of semi-natural habitats and habitat diversity can result in lower pest and higher natural enemy abundance in conventional cruciferous agroecosystems. Regional conditions and spatial scales also should be considered in designing the agricultural landscape mosaic.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2021

SiCEP3, a C-terminally encoded peptides from Setaria italica, promotes ABA import and signaling pathway

C-terminally encoded peptides (CEPs) are small peptides, typically post-translationally modified, and highly conserved in many species. CEPs are known to play roles in inhibition of plant growth and regulation of development, but the mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we searched for CEP peptides in foxtail millet (Setaria italica). The 14 peptides we identified are divided into two subfamilies. The transcripts of most SiCEPs were more abundant in roots than in other tissues. SiCEP3, SiCEP4, and SiCEP5 were also expressed at high levels in panicles. Moreover, expression of all SiCEPs was induced by biotic stress and phytohormones. SiCEP3 overexpression and application of biosynthetic SiCEP3 both inhibited the growth of seedlings. In the presence of ABA, growth inhibition and ABA content of seedlings increased with the concentration of SiCEP3. Transcripts encoding two ABA transporters and one ABA receptor were induced by SiCEP3, ABA, and the two in combination. Further analysis revealed that SiCEP3 promoted ABA transport via NRT1.2 and ABCG40. In addition, SiCEP3, ABA, or the combination inhibited the kinase activities of CEP receptors CEPR1/2. Taken together, our results indicated that the CEP-CEPR module mediates ABA signaling by regulating ABCG40, NRT1.2, and PYL4 in planta. HighlightSiCEP3, a C-terminally encoded peptide, can promote ABA import and signaling pathway by inhibiting the kinase activity of its receptors under abiotic stress in Setaria italica.

cell biology↗