Genes

11 pages, 1526 KiB

Open AccessReview

Research Progress in the Mechanisms of Resistance to Biotic Stress in Sweet Potato

by Yinghui Yang, Yanqi Chen, Yuxin Bo, Qingchang Liu and Hong Zhai

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2106; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112106 - 20 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1336

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is one of the most important food, feed, industrial raw materials, and new energy crops, and is widely cultivated around the world. China is the largest sweet potato producer in the world, and the sweet potato [...] Read more.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is one of the most important food, feed, industrial raw materials, and new energy crops, and is widely cultivated around the world. China is the largest sweet potato producer in the world, and the sweet potato industry plays an important role in China’s agriculture. During the growth of sweet potato, it is often affected by biotic stresses, such as fungi, nematodes, insects, viruses, and bacteria. These stressors are widespread worldwide and have severely restricted the production of sweet potato. In recent years, with the rapid development and maturity of biotechnology, an increasing number of stress-related genes have been introduced into sweet potato, which improves its quality and resistance of sweet potato. This paper summarizes the discovery of biological stress-related genes in sweet potato and the related mechanisms of stress resistance from the perspectives of genomics analysis, transcriptomics analysis, genetic engineering, and physiological and biochemical indicators. The mechanisms of stress resistance provide a reference for analyzing the molecular breeding of disease resistance mechanisms and biotic stress resistance in sweet potato. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sweet Potato Genetics and Genomics)

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12 pages, 1681 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Hub Genes and Target miRNAs Crucial for Milk Production in Holstein Friesian Dairy Cattle

by Zahra Roudbari, Morteza Mokhtari, Abdolvahab Ebrahimpour Gorji, Tomasz Sadkowski, Ayeh Sadat Sadr and Masoud Shirali

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2105; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112105 - 20 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1129

Abstract

Dairy milk production is a quantitative trait that is controlled by many biological and environmental factors. This study employs a network-driven systems approach and clustering algorithm to uncover deeper insights into its genetic associations. We analyzed the GSE33680 dataset from the GEO database [...] Read more.

Dairy milk production is a quantitative trait that is controlled by many biological and environmental factors. This study employs a network-driven systems approach and clustering algorithm to uncover deeper insights into its genetic associations. We analyzed the GSE33680 dataset from the GEO database to understand the biological importance of milk production through gene expression and modules. In this study, we employed CytoNCA and ClusterONE plugins within Cytoscape for network analysis. Moreover, miRWalk software was utilized to detect miRNAs, and DAVID was employed to identify gene ontology and pathways. The results revealed 140 up-regulated genes and 312 down-regulated genes. In addition, we have identified 91 influential genes and 47 miRNAs that are closely associated with milk production. Through our examination of the network connecting these genes, we have found significant involvement in important biological processes such as calcium ion transit across cell membranes, the BMP signaling pathway, and the regulation of MAPK cascade. The conclusive network analysis further reveals that GAPDH, KDR, CSF1, PYGM, RET, PPP2CA, GUSB, and PRKCA are closely linked to key pathways essential for governing milk production. Various mechanisms can control these genes, making them valuable for breeding programs aiming to enhance selection indexes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Genomics of Cattle)

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16 pages, 2551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction and Application of an F1-Derived Doubled-Haploid Population and High-Density Genetic Map for Ornamental Kale Breeding

by Ning Guo, Shuo Han, Mei Zong, Guixiang Wang, Mengmeng Duan and Fan Liu

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2104; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112104 - 20 Nov 2023

Viewed by 903

Abstract

Ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) is an attractive ornamental plant with a range of leaf colors and shapes. Breeding new varieties of ornamental kale has proven challenging due to its lengthy breeding cycle and the limited availability of genetic markers. [...] Read more.

Ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) is an attractive ornamental plant with a range of leaf colors and shapes. Breeding new varieties of ornamental kale has proven challenging due to its lengthy breeding cycle and the limited availability of genetic markers. In this study, a F₁DH ornamental kale population comprising 300 DH lines was constructed using microspore culture. A high-density genetic map was developed by conducting whole-genome sequencing on 150 individuals from the F₁DH population. The genetic map contained 1696 bin markers with 982,642 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning a total distance of 775.81 cM on all nine chromosomes with an average distance between markers of 0.46 cM. The ornamental kale genetic map contained substantially more SNP markers compared with published genetic maps for other B. oleracea crops. Furthermore, utilizing this high-density genetic map, we identified seven quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that significantly influence the leaf shape of ornamental kale. These findings are valuable for understanding the genetic basis of key agronomic traits in ornamental kale. The F₁DH progenies provide an excellent resource for germplasm innovation and breeding new varieties of ornamental kale. Additionally, the high-density genetic map provides crucial insights for gene mapping and unraveling the molecular mechanisms behind important agronomic traits in ornamental kale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable Genetic Breeding)

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17 pages, 2902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Characterization and Expression Analysis of YABBY Genes in Chenopodium quinoa

by Tingting Li, Mian Zhang, Mengyao Li, Xinxin Wang and Shuping Xing

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2103; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112103 - 19 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1148

Abstract

Plant-specific YABBY transcription factors play an important role in lateral organ development and abiotic stress responses. However, the functions of the YABBY genes in quinoa remain elusive. In this study, twelve YABBY (CqYAB) genes were identified in the quinoa genome, and [...] Read more.

Plant-specific YABBY transcription factors play an important role in lateral organ development and abiotic stress responses. However, the functions of the YABBY genes in quinoa remain elusive. In this study, twelve YABBY (CqYAB) genes were identified in the quinoa genome, and they were distributed on nine chromosomes. They were classified into FIL/YAB3, YAB2, YAB5, INO, and CRC clades. All CqYAB genes consist of six or seven exons, and their proteins contain both N-terminal C2C2 zinc finger motifs and C-terminal YABBY domains. Ninety-three cis-regulatory elements were revealed in CqYAB gene promoters, and they were divided into six groups, such as cis-elements involved in light response, hormone response, development, and stress response. Six CqYAB genes were significantly upregulated by salt stress, while one was downregulated. Nine CqYAB genes were upregulated under drought stress, whereas six CqYAB genes were downregulated under cadmium treatment. Tissue expression profiles showed that nine CqYAB genes were expressed in seedlings, leaves, and flowers, seven in seeds, and two specifically in flowers, but no CqYAB expression was detected in roots. Furthermore, CqYAB4 could rescue the ino mutant phenotype in Arabidopsis but not CqYAB10, a paralog of CqYAB4, indicative of functional conservation and divergence among these YABBY genes. Taken together, these results lay a foundation for further functional analysis of CqYAB genes in quinoa growth, development, and abiotic stress responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics and Genomics)

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15 pages, 2219 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inferring Causalities of Environmental and Genetic Factors for Differential Somatic Cell Count and Mastitis Pathogens in Dairy Cows Using Structural Equation Modelling

by Patricia Wagner, Kerstin Brügemann, Tong Yin, Petra Engel and Sven König

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2102; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112102 - 19 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 968

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish and evaluate a structural equation model to infer causal relationships among environmental and genetic factors on udder health. For this purpose, 537 Holstein Friesian cows were genotyped, and milk samples were analyzed for novel traits [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to establish and evaluate a structural equation model to infer causal relationships among environmental and genetic factors on udder health. For this purpose, 537 Holstein Friesian cows were genotyped, and milk samples were analyzed for novel traits including differential somatic cell counts and specific mastitis pathogens. In the structural model, four latent variables (intramammary infection (IMI), production, time and genetics) were defined, which were explained using manifest measurable variables. The measurable variables included udder pathogens and somatic differential cell counts, milk composition, as well as significant SNP markers from previous genome-wide associations for major and minor pathogens. The housing system effect (i.e., compost-bedded pack barns versus cubicle barns) indicated a small influence on IMI with a path coefficient of −0.05. However, housing system significantly affected production (0.37), with ongoing causal effects on IMI (0.17). Thus, indirect associations between housing and udder health could be inferred via structural equation modeling. Furthermore, genotype by environment interactions on IMI can be represented, i.e., the detection of specific latent variables such as significant SNP markers only for specific housing systems. For the latent variable genetics, especially one SNP is of primary interest. This SNP is located in the EVA1A gene, which plays a fundamental role in the MAPK1 signaling pathway. Other identified genes (e.g., CTNNA3 and CHL1) support results from previous studies, and this gene also contributes to mechanisms of the MAPK1 signaling pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Genomics of Cattle)

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21 pages, 5007 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptomic Landscape of Circulating Extracellular Vesicles in Heart Transplant Ischemia–Reperfusion

by SeoJeong Joo, Kishor Dhaygude, Sofie Westerberg, Rainer Krebs, Maija Puhka, Emil Holmström, Simo Syrjälä, Antti I. Nykänen and Karl Lemström

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2101; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112101 - 18 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1460

Abstract

Ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) is an inevitable event during heart transplantation, which is known to exacerbate damage to the allograft. However, the precise mechanisms underlying IRI remain incompletely understood. Here, we profiled the whole transcriptome of plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) by RNA sequencing from [...] Read more.

Ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) is an inevitable event during heart transplantation, which is known to exacerbate damage to the allograft. However, the precise mechanisms underlying IRI remain incompletely understood. Here, we profiled the whole transcriptome of plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) by RNA sequencing from 41 heart transplant recipients immediately before and at 12 h after transplant reperfusion. We found that the expression of 1317 protein-coding genes in plasma EVs was changed at 12 h after reperfusion. Upregulated genes of plasma EVs were related to metabolism and immune activation, while downregulated genes were related to cell survival and extracellular matrix organization. In addition, we performed correlation analyses between EV transcriptome and intensity of graft IRI (i.e., cardiomyocyte injury), as well as EV transcriptome and primary graft dysfunction, as well as any biopsy-proven acute rejection after heart transplantation. We ultimately revealed that at 12 h after reperfusion, 4 plasma EV genes (ITPKA, DDIT4L, CD19, and CYP4A11) correlated with both cardiomyocyte injury and primary graft dysfunction, suggesting that EVs are sensitive indicators of reperfusion injury reflecting lipid metabolism-induced stress and imbalance in calcium homeostasis. In conclusion, we show that profiling plasma EV gene expression may enlighten the mechanisms of heart transplant IRI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics and Genomics)

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15 pages, 6495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Statistical Dissection of the Genetic Determinants of Phenotypic Heterogeneity in Genes with Multiple Associated Rare Diseases

by Tatyana E. Lazareva, Yury A. Barbitoff, Yulia A. Nasykhova, Nadezhda S. Pavlova, Polina M. Bogaychuk and Andrey S. Glotov

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2100; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112100 - 18 Nov 2023

Viewed by 971

Abstract

Phenotypicheterogeneity is a phenomenon in which distinct phenotypes can develop in individuals bearing pathogenic variants in the same gene. Genetic factors, gene interactions, and environmental factors are usually considered the key mechanisms of this phenomenon. Phenotypic heterogeneity may impact the prognosis of the [...] Read more.

Phenotypicheterogeneity is a phenomenon in which distinct phenotypes can develop in individuals bearing pathogenic variants in the same gene. Genetic factors, gene interactions, and environmental factors are usually considered the key mechanisms of this phenomenon. Phenotypic heterogeneity may impact the prognosis of the disease severity and symptoms. In our work, we used publicly available data on the association between genetic variants and Mendelian disease to investigate the genetic factors (such as the intragenic localization and type of a variant) driving the heterogeneity of gene–disease relationships. First, we showed that genes linked to multiple rare diseases (GMDs) are more constrained and tend to encode more transcripts with high levels of expression across tissues. Next, we assessed the role of variant localization and variant types in specifying the exact phenotype for GMD variants. We discovered that none of these factors is sufficient to explain the phenomenon of such heterogeneous gene–disease relationships. In total, we identified only 38 genes with a weak trend towards significant differences in variant localization and 30 genes with nominal significant differences in variant type for the two associated disorders. Remarkably, four of these genes showed significant differences in both tests. At the same time, our analysis suggests that variant localization and type are more important for genes linked to autosomal dominant disease. Taken together, our results emphasize the gene-level factors dissecting distinct Mendelian diseases linked to one common gene based on open-access genetic data and highlight the importance of exploring other factors that contributed to phenotypic heterogeneity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic and Molecular Basis of Inherited Disorders)

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15 pages, 6753 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Glycosyltransferase Family 1 (GT1) and Their Potential Roles in Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Maize

by Huangai Li, Yiping Li, Xiaofang Wang, Ziwei Jiao, Wei Zhang and Yan Long

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2099; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112099 - 18 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1121

Abstract

Glycosyltransferase family 1 (GT1) is a large group of proteins that play critical roles in secondary metabolite biosynthesis in plants. However, the GT1 family is not well studied in maize. In this study, 107 GT1 unigenes were identified in the maize reference genome [...] Read more.

Glycosyltransferase family 1 (GT1) is a large group of proteins that play critical roles in secondary metabolite biosynthesis in plants. However, the GT1 family is not well studied in maize. In this study, 107 GT1 unigenes were identified in the maize reference genome and classified into 16 groups according to their phylogenetic relationship. GT1s are unevenly distributed across all ten maize chromosomes, occurring as gene clusters in some chromosomes. Collinearity analysis revealed that gene duplication events, whole-genome or segmental duplication, and tandem duplication occurred at a similar frequency, indicating that both types of gene duplication play notable roles in the expansion of the GT1 gene family. Expression analysis showed GT1s expressing in all tissues with specific expression patterns of each GT1, suggesting that they might participate in multiple biological processes during the whole growth and development stages. Furthermore, 16 GT1s were identified to have similar expression patterns to those of anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), the critical enzyme in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Molecular docking was carried out to examine the affinity of GT1s with substrates in anthocyanin biosynthesis. This study provides valuable information on the GT1s of maize and will promote the development of research on their biological functions in the biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maize Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics)

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20 pages, 16197 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals CBF-Dependent and CBF-Independent Pathways under Low-Temperature Stress in Teak (Tectona grandis)

by Miaomiao Liu, Guang Yang, Wenlong Zhou, Xianbang Wang, Qiang Han, Jiange Wang and Guihua Huang

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2098; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112098 - 18 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1045

Abstract

Teak is a rare tropical tree with high economic value, and it is one of the world’s main afforestation trees. Low temperature is the main problem for introducing and planting this species in subtropical or temperate zones. Low-temperature acclimation can enhance the resistance [...] Read more.

Teak is a rare tropical tree with high economic value, and it is one of the world’s main afforestation trees. Low temperature is the main problem for introducing and planting this species in subtropical or temperate zones. Low-temperature acclimation can enhance the resistance of teak to low-temperature stress, but the mechanism for this is still unclear. We studied the gene expression of two-year-old teak seedlings under a rapid temperature drop from 20 °C to 4 °C using RNA-seq and WGCNA analyses. The leaves in the upper part of the plants developed chlorosis 3 h after the quick transition, and the grades of chlorosis were increased after 9 h, with the addition of water stains and necrotic spots. Meanwhile, the SOD and proline contents in teak leaves increased with the prolonged cold stress time. We also identified 36,901 differentially expressed genes, among which 1055 were novel. Notably, CBF2 and CBF4 were significantly induced by low temperatures, while CBF1 and CBF3 were not. Furthermore, WGCNA successfully identified a total of fourteen modules, which consist of three modules associated with cold stress response genes, two modules linked to CBF2 and CBF4, and one module correlated with the CBF-independent pathway gene HY5. The transformation experiments showed that TgCBF2 and TgCBF4 improved cold resistance in Arabidopsis plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Genetic Diversity and Omics Research)

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18 pages, 653 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Landscape of Monogenic Parkinson’s Disease in Populations of Non-European Ancestry: A Narrative Review

by Christos Koros, Anastasia Bougea, Athina Maria Simitsi, Nikolaos Papagiannakis, Efthalia Angelopoulou, Ioanna Pachi, Roubina Antonelou, Maria Bozi, Maria Stamelou and Leonidas Stefanis

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2097; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112097 - 17 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1505

Abstract

Introduction: There has been a bias in the existing literature on Parkinson’s disease (PD) genetics as most studies involved patients of European ancestry, mostly in Europe and North America. Our target was to review published research data on the genetic profile of PD [...] Read more.

Introduction: There has been a bias in the existing literature on Parkinson’s disease (PD) genetics as most studies involved patients of European ancestry, mostly in Europe and North America. Our target was to review published research data on the genetic profile of PD patients of non-European or mixed ancestry. Methods: We reviewed articles published during the 2000–2023 period, focusing on the genetic status of PD patients of non-European origin (Indian, East and Central Asian, Latin American, sub-Saharan African and Pacific islands). Results: There were substantial differences regarding monogenic PD forms between patients of European and non-European ancestry. The G2019S Leucine Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) mutation was rather scarce in non-European populations. In contrast, East Asian patients carried different mutations like p.I2020T, which is common in Japan. Parkin (PRKN) variants had a global distribution, being common in early-onset PD in Indians, in East Asians, and in early-onset Mexicans. Furthermore, they were occasionally present in Black African PD patients. PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) and PD protein 7 (DJ-1) variants were described in Indian, East Asian and Pacific Islands populations. Glucocerebrosidase gene variants (GBA1), which represent an important predisposing factor for PD, were found in East and Southeast Asian and Indian populations. Different GBA1 variants have been reported in Black African populations and Latin Americans. Conclusions: Existing data reveal a pronounced heterogeneity in the genetic background of PD. A number of common variants in populations of European ancestry appeared to be absent or scarce in patients of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Large-scale studies that include genetic screening in African, Asian or Latin American populations are underway. The outcomes of such efforts will facilitate further clinical studies and will possibly contribute to the identification of either new pathogenic mutations in already described genes or novel PD-related genes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Genetics of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Neuromuscular Diseases)

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16 pages, 13071 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) Livers Reveals Response Mechanisms to High Temperatures

by Fan Zhou, Ming Qi, Jiapeng Li, Yuanfei Huang, Xiaoming Chen, Wei Liu, Gaohua Yao, Qinghui Meng, Tianlun Zheng, Zhanqi Wang and Xueyan Ding

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2096; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112096 - 17 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 890

Abstract

High temperatures are considered one of the most significant limitations to subtropical fishery production. Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) is an economically important freshwater species grown in subtropical areas, which are extremely sensitive to heat stress (HS). However, comprehensive transcriptomic data for [...] Read more.

High temperatures are considered one of the most significant limitations to subtropical fishery production. Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) is an economically important freshwater species grown in subtropical areas, which are extremely sensitive to heat stress (HS). However, comprehensive transcriptomic data for the livers of largemouth bass in response to HS are still lacking. In this study, a comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed to investigate the gene expression profiles of the livers of largemouth bass under HS treatment. As a result, 6114 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which included 2645 up-regulated and 3469 down-regulated genes, were identified in response to HS. Bioinformatics analyses demonstrated that the ‘ECM-receptor interaction’ pathway was one of the most dramatically changed pathways in response to HS, and eight DEGs assigned to this pathway were taken as hub genes. Furthermore, the expression of these eight hub genes was determined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR, and all of them showed a significant change at the transcriptional level, suggesting a crucial role of the ‘ECM-receptor interaction’ pathway in the response of largemouth bass to HS. These findings may improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of largemouth bass to HS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Genomics Applied to Aquatic Animal Science)

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15 pages, 782 KiB

Open AccessReview

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Genetic Diseases: Limits and Review of Current Literature

by Roberta Giuliano, Anna Maione, Angela Vallefuoco, Ugo Sorrentino and Daniela Zuccarello

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2095; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112095 - 17 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3344

Abstract

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has emerged as a revolutionary technique in the field of reproductive medicine, allowing for the selection and transfer of healthy embryos, thus reducing the risk of transmitting genetic diseases. However, despite remarkable advancements, the implementation of PGT faces a [...] Read more.

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has emerged as a revolutionary technique in the field of reproductive medicine, allowing for the selection and transfer of healthy embryos, thus reducing the risk of transmitting genetic diseases. However, despite remarkable advancements, the implementation of PGT faces a series of limitations and challenges that require careful consideration. This review aims to foster a comprehensive reflection on the constraints of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, encouraging a broader discussion about its utility and implications. The objective is to inform and guide medical professionals, patients, and society overall in the conscious and responsible adoption of this innovative technology, taking into account its potential benefits and the ethical and practical challenges that it presents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Human Genomics and Genetic Diseases 2023)

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12 pages, 2458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Whole-Exome Sequencing of a Cohort of 19 Families with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS): Candidate Pathways

by Laura Marie-Hardy, Thomas Courtin, Hugues Pascal-Moussellard, Serge Zakine and Alexis Brice

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2094; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112094 - 17 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1128

Abstract

A significant genetic involvement has been known for decades to exist in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), a spine deformity affecting 1–3% of the world population. However, though biomechanical and endocrinological theories have emerged, no clear pathophysiological explanation has been found. Data from the [...] Read more.

A significant genetic involvement has been known for decades to exist in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), a spine deformity affecting 1–3% of the world population. However, though biomechanical and endocrinological theories have emerged, no clear pathophysiological explanation has been found. Data from the whole-exome sequencing performed on 113 individuals in 19 multi-generational families with AIS have been filtered and analyzed via interaction pathways and functional category analysis (Varaft, Bingo and Panther). The subsequent list of 2566 variants has been compared to the variants already described in the literature, with an 18% match rate. The familial analysis in two families reveals mutations in the BICD2 gene, supporting the involvement of the muscular system in AIS etiology. The cellular component analysis revealed significant enrichment in myosin-related and neuronal activity-related categories. All together, these results reinforce the suspected role of the neuronal and muscular systems, highlighting the calmodulin pathway and suggesting a role of DNA-binding activities in AIS physiopathology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Bone-Related Diseases: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapy Development)

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0 pages, 4803 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Global Frequency Analyses of Canine Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration–Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Collie Eye Anomaly Using Commercial Genetic Testing Data

by Jessica A. Clark, Heidi Anderson, Jonas Donner, Susan Pearce-Kelling and Kari J. Ekenstedt

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2093; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112093 - 17 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1889

Abstract

Hundreds of genetic variants associated with canine traits and disorders have been identified, with commercial tests offered. However, the geographic distributions and changes in allele and genotype frequencies over prolonged, continuous periods of time are lacking. This study utilized a large set of [...] Read more.

Hundreds of genetic variants associated with canine traits and disorders have been identified, with commercial tests offered. However, the geographic distributions and changes in allele and genotype frequencies over prolonged, continuous periods of time are lacking. This study utilized a large set of genotypes from dogs tested for the progressive rod-cone degeneration–progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA) G>A missense PRCD variant (n = 86,667) and the collie eye anomaly (CEA)-associated NHEJ1 deletion (n = 33,834) provided by the commercial genetic testing company (Optigen/Wisdom Panel, Mars Petcare Science & Diagnostics). These data were analyzed using the chi-square goodness-of-fit test, time-trend graphical analysis, and regression modeling in order to evaluate how test results changed over time. The results span fifteen years, representing 82 countries and 67 breeds/breed mixes. Both diseases exhibited significant differences in genotype frequencies (p = 2.7 × 10⁻¹⁵² for prcd-PRA and 0.023 for CEA) with opposing graphical trends. Regression modeling showed time progression to significantly affect the odds of a dog being homozygous or heterozygous for either disease, as do variables including breed and breed popularity. This study shows that genetic testing informed breeding decisions to produce fewer affected dogs. However, the presence of dogs homozygous for the disease variant, especially for prcd-PRA, was still observed fourteen years after test availability, potentially due to crosses of unknown carriers. This suggests that genetic testing of dog populations should continue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Companion Animal Genetics and Genomics)

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16 pages, 5201 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Identification of Mitochondrial Pseudogenes (NUMTs) in the Human Telomere-to-Telomere Reference Genome

by Yichen Tao, Chengpeng He, Deng Lin, Zhenglong Gu and Weilin Pu

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2092; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112092 - 17 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1209

Abstract

Practices related to mitochondrial research have long been hindered by the presence of mitochondrial pseudogenes within the nuclear genome (NUMTs). Even though partially assembled human reference genomes like hg38 have included NUMTs compilation, the exhaustive NUMTs within the only complete reference genome (T2T-CHR13) [...] Read more.

Practices related to mitochondrial research have long been hindered by the presence of mitochondrial pseudogenes within the nuclear genome (NUMTs). Even though partially assembled human reference genomes like hg38 have included NUMTs compilation, the exhaustive NUMTs within the only complete reference genome (T2T-CHR13) remain unknown. Here, we comprehensively identified the fixed NUMTs within the reference genome using human pan-mitogenome (HPMT) from GeneBank. The inclusion of HPMT serves the purpose of establishing an authentic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutational spectrum for the identification of NUMTs, distinguishing it from the polymorphic variations found in NUMTs. Using HPMT, we identified approximately 10% of additional NUMTs in three human reference genomes under stricter thresholds. And we also observed an approximate 6% increase in NUMTs in T2T-CHR13 compared to hg38, including NUMTs on the short arms of chromosomes 13, 14, and 15 that were not assembled previously. Furthermore, alignments based on 20-mer from mtDNA suggested the presence of more mtDNA-like short segments within the nuclear genome, which should be avoided for short amplicon or cell free mtDNA detection. Finally, through the assay of transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) on cell lines before and after mtDNA elimination, we concluded that NUMTs have a minimal impact on bulk ATAC-seq, even though 16% of sequencing data originated from mtDNA Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics and Genomics)

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21 pages, 1984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

NGS Custom Panel Implementation in Patients with Non-Syndromic Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Clinical Routine of a Tertiary Hospital

by Ana Karen Sandoval-Talamantes, Jair Antonio Tenorio-Castaño, Fernando Santos-Simarro, Carmen Adán, María Fernández-Elvira, Laura García-Fernández, Yolanda Muñoz, Pablo Lapunzina and Julián Nevado

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2091; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112091 - 17 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1097

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a set of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficiencies in communication, social interaction, and repetitive and restrictive behaviors. The discovery of genetic involvement in the etiology of ASD has made this condition a strong candidate for genome-based diagnostic tests. [...] Read more.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a set of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficiencies in communication, social interaction, and repetitive and restrictive behaviors. The discovery of genetic involvement in the etiology of ASD has made this condition a strong candidate for genome-based diagnostic tests. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is useful for the detection of variants in the sequence of different genes in ASD patients. Herein, we present the implementation of a personalized NGS panel for autism (AutismSeq) for patients with essential ASD over a prospective period of four years in the clinical routine of a tertiary hospital. The cohort is composed of 48 individuals, older than 3 years, who met the DSM-5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) diagnostic criteria for ASD. The NGS customized panel (AutismSeq) turned out to be a tool with good diagnostic efficacy in routine clinical care, where we detected 12 “pathogenic” (including pathogenic, likely pathogenic, and VUS (variant of uncertain significance) possibly pathogenic variations) in 11 individuals, and 11 VUS in 10 individuals, which had previously been negative for chromosomal microarray analysis and other previous genetic studies, such as karyotype, fragile-X, or MLPA/FISH (Multiplex Ligation dependent Probe Amplification/Fluorescence in situ hybridization) analysis. Our results demonstrate the high genetic and clinical heterogeneity of individuals with ASD and the current difficulty of molecular diagnosis. Our study also shows that an NGS-customized panel might be useful for diagnosing patients with essential/primary autism and that it is cost-effective for most genetic laboratories. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Identifying the Molecular Basis of Rare Genetic Diseases)

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14 pages, 2564 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Expansion of House Mouse Major Urinary Protein Genes Likely Did Not Facilitate Commensalism with Humans

by Miloš Macholán, Kristina Daniszová and Zuzana Hiadlovská

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2090; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112090 - 17 Nov 2023

Viewed by 833

Abstract

Mouse wild-derived strains (WDSs) combine the advantages of classical laboratory stocks and wild animals, and thus appear to be promising tools for diverse biomedical and evolutionary studies. We employed 18 WDSs representing three non-synanthropic species (Mus spretus, Mus spicilegus, and [...] Read more.

Mouse wild-derived strains (WDSs) combine the advantages of classical laboratory stocks and wild animals, and thus appear to be promising tools for diverse biomedical and evolutionary studies. We employed 18 WDSs representing three non-synanthropic species (Mus spretus, Mus spicilegus, and M. macedonicus) and three house mouse subspecies (Mus musculus musculus, M. m. domesticus, M. m. castaneus), which are all important human commensals to explore whether the number of major urinary protein (MUP) genes and their final protein levels in urine are correlated with the level of commensalism. Contrary to expectations, the MUP copy number (CN) and protein excretion in the strains derived from M. m. castaneus, which is supposed to be the strongest commensal, were not significantly different from the non-commensal species. Regardless of an overall tendency for higher MUP amounts in taxa with a higher CN, there was no significant correlation at the strain level. Our study thus suggests that expansion of the Mup cluster, which appeared before the house mouse diversification, is unlikely to facilitate commensalism with humans in three house mouse subspecies. Finally, we found considerable variation among con(sub)specific WDSs, warning against generalisations of results based on a few strains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in ‘Animal Genetics and Genomics’)

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12 pages, 2505 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interspecific Comparison of Orthologous Short Interspersed Elements Loci Using Whole-Genome Data

by Sergei Kosushkin, Vitaly Korchagin, Andrey Vergun and Alexey Ryskov

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2089; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112089 - 17 Nov 2023

Viewed by 765

Abstract

The polymorphism of SINE-containing loci reflects the evolutionary processes that occurred both during the period before the divergence of the taxa and after it. Orthologous loci containing SINE in two or more genomes indicate the relatedness of the taxa, while different copies may [...] Read more.

The polymorphism of SINE-containing loci reflects the evolutionary processes that occurred both during the period before the divergence of the taxa and after it. Orthologous loci containing SINE in two or more genomes indicate the relatedness of the taxa, while different copies may have a specific set of mutations and degree of difference. Polymorphic insertion can be interpreted with a high degree of confidence as a shared derived character in the phylogenetic reconstruction of the history of the taxon. The computational comparison of the entire set of SINE-containing loci between genomes is a challenging task, and we propose to consider it in detail using the genomes of representatives of squamate reptiles (lizards) as an example. Our approach allows us to extract copies of SINE from the genomes, find pairwise orthologous loci by using flanking genomic sequences, and analyze the resulting sets of loci for the presence or absence of SINE, the degree of similarity of the flanks, and the similarity of the SINE themselves. The workflow we propose allows us to efficiently extract and analyze orthologous SINE loci for the downstream analysis, as shown in our comparison of species- and genus-level taxa in lacertid lizards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Population and Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics)

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14 pages, 3345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

FOS Inhibits the Differentiation of Intramuscular Adipocytes in Goats

by Tingting Hu, Zhibin Li, Chengsi Gong, Yan Xiong, Shiyu Sun, Jiani Xing, Yanyan Li, Ruiwen Li, Youli Wang, Yong Wang and Yaqiu Lin

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2088; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112088 - 17 Nov 2023

Viewed by 856

Abstract

Goat intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition is precisely regulated by many key genes as well as transcription factors. Nevertheless, the potential of the regulators of goat IMF deposition remains undefined. In this work, we reported that the transcription factor FOS is expressed at a [...] Read more.

Goat intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition is precisely regulated by many key genes as well as transcription factors. Nevertheless, the potential of the regulators of goat IMF deposition remains undefined. In this work, we reported that the transcription factor FOS is expressed at a low level at the early differentiation stage and at a high level in late differentiation. The overexpression of FOS inhibited intramuscular adipocyte lipid accumulation and significantly downregulated the expressions of PPARγ, C/EBPβ, C/EBPα, AP2, SREBP1, FASN, ACC, HSL, and ATGL. Consistently, the knockdown of FOS, facilitated by two distinct siRNAs, significantly promoted intramuscular adipocyte lipid accumulation. Moreover, our analysis revealed multiple potential binding sites for FOS on the promoters of PPARγ, C/EBPβ, and C/EBPα. The expression changes in PPARγ, C/EBPβ, and C/EBPα during intramuscular adipogenesis were opposite to that of FOS. In summary, FOS inhibits intramuscular lipogenesis in goats and potentially negatively regulates the expressions of PPARγ, C/EBPβ, and C/EBPα genes. Our research will provide valuable data for the underlying molecular mechanism of the FOS regulation network of intramuscular lipogenesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Genomics of Sheep and Goat)

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11 pages, 1741 KiB

Open AccessArticle

β-Aminobutyric Acid and Powdery Mildew Infection Enhanced the Activation of Defense-Related Genes and Salicylic Acid in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

by Ja-Yoon Kim and Hee-Wan Kang

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2087; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112087 - 17 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1064

Abstract

Powdery mildew disease, caused by Sphaerotheca fusca, is a major disease affecting cucumbers cultivated in greenhouses. This study was conducted to find defense genes induced by β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) and powdery mildew in cucumber. Disease severities of 25% and 5% were exhibited [...] Read more.

Powdery mildew disease, caused by Sphaerotheca fusca, is a major disease affecting cucumbers cultivated in greenhouses. This study was conducted to find defense genes induced by β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) and powdery mildew in cucumber. Disease severities of 25% and 5% were exhibited by the 2000 and 5000 mg/L BABA-treated cucumber, respectively. BABA did not affect the spore germination of the powdery mildew pathogen, showing that BABA is not an antifungal agent against the pathogen. In quantitative real-time PCR analysis, BABA-treated cucumber upregulated the transcriptional levels of the defense genes CsPAL, CsPR3, CsPR1, CsLOX1, CsLOX23, Cs LecRK6.1, CsWRKY20, and Cupi4 in cucumber to maximum levels at 48 h, whereas CsLecRK6.1 reached maximum expression after 24 h, and further, salicylic acid (SA) levels were significantly increased in BABA-treated cucumber plants. In addition, the cucumber infected with powdery mildew underwent a 1.6- to 47.3-fold enhancement in the defense genes PAL, PR3, PR1, Lox1, Lox 23, LecRK6.1, WRKY20, and Cupi4 compared to heathy cucumber. These results suggest that the BABA-induced defense response is associated with SA signaling pathway-dependent systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in cucumber, which is involved in plant resistance mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Research and Plant Breeding 2.0)

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13 pages, 1292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unveiling the Genetic Basis Underlying Rice Anther Culturability via Segregation Distortion Analysis in Doubled Haploid Population

by Bin Sun, Xiaorui Ding, Junhua Ye, Yuting Dai, Can Cheng, Jihua Zhou, Fuan Niu, Rongjian Tu, Qiyan Hu, Kaizhen Xie, Yue Qiu, Hongyu Li, Zhizun Feng, Chenbing Shao, Liming Cao, Anpeng Zhang and Huangwei Chu

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2086; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112086 - 17 Nov 2023

Viewed by 968

Abstract

Anther culture (AC) is a valuable technique in rice breeding. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying anther culturability remain elusive, which has hindered its widespread adoption in rice breeding programs. During AC, microspores carrying favorable alleles for AC are selectively regenerated, leading to segregation [...] Read more.

Anther culture (AC) is a valuable technique in rice breeding. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying anther culturability remain elusive, which has hindered its widespread adoption in rice breeding programs. During AC, microspores carrying favorable alleles for AC are selectively regenerated, leading to segregation distortion (SD) of chromosomal regions linked to these alleles in the doubled haploid (DH) population. Using the AC method, a DH population was generated from the japonica hybrid rice Shenyou 26. A genetic map consisting of 470 SNPs was constructed using this DH population, and SD analysis was performed at both the single- and two-locus levels to dissect the genetic basis underlying anther culturability. Five segregation distortion loci (SDLs) potentially linked to anther culturability were identified. Among these, SDL5 exhibited an overrepresentation of alleles from the female parent, while SDL1.1, SDL1.2, SDL2, and SDL7 displayed an overrepresentation of alleles from the male parent. Furthermore, six pairs of epistatic interactions (EPIs) that influenced two-locus SDs in the DH population were discovered. A cluster of genetic loci, associated with EPI-1, EPI-3, EPI-4, and EPI-5, overlapped with SDL1.1, indicating that the SDL1.1 locus may play a role in regulating anther culturability via both additive and epistatic mechanisms. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic control of anther culturability in rice and lay the foundation for future research focused on identifying the causal genes associated with anther culturability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Genomics of Rice)

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10 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Donor Cell Acute Myeloid Leukemia after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Chronic Granulomatous Disease: A Case Report and Literature Review

by Giovanni Micheloni, Annalisa Frattini, Marta Donini, Stefano Dusi, Anna Leszl, Annamaria Di Meglio, Martina Pigazzi, Antonio Musio, Marco Zecca, Tommaso Mina, Marco Rabusin, Pamela Roccia, Paolo Bernasconi, Irene Dambruoso, Antonella Minelli, Giuseppe Montalbano, Francesco Acquati, Giovanni Porta, Roberto Valli and Francesco Pasquali

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2085; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112085 - 16 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1106

Abstract

The patient reported here underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) due to chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) caused by biallelic mutations of the NCF1 gene. Two years later, he developed AML, which was unexpected and was recognized via sex-mismatched chromosomes as deriving from the [...] Read more.

The patient reported here underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) due to chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) caused by biallelic mutations of the NCF1 gene. Two years later, he developed AML, which was unexpected and was recognized via sex-mismatched chromosomes as deriving from the donor cells; the patient was male, and the donor was his sister. Donor cell leukemia (DCL) is very rare, and it had never been reported in patients with CGD after HSCT. In the subsequent ten years, the AML relapsed three times and the patient underwent chemotherapy and three further HSCTs; donors were the same sister from the first HSCT, an unrelated donor, and his mother. The patient died during the third relapse. The DCL was characterized since onset by an acquired translocation between chromosomes 9 and 11, with a molecular rearrangement between the MLL and MLLT3 genes—a quite frequent cause of AML. In all of the relapses, the malignant clone had XX sex chromosomes and this rearrangement, thus indicating that it was always the original clone derived from the transplanted sister’s cells. It exhibited the ability to remain quiescent in the BM during repeated chemotherapy courses, remission periods and HSCT. The leukemic clone then acquired different additional anomalies during the ten years of follow-up, with cytogenetic results characterized both by anomalies frequent in AML and by different, non-recurrent changes. This type of cytogenetic course is uncommon in AML. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Basis of Leukemia)

8 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of a Single Nucleotide Variant in TERT with Airway Disease in Japanese Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

by Takashi Higuchi, Shomi Oka, Hiroshi Furukawa, Kota Shimada, Shinichiro Tsunoda, Satoshi Ito, Akira Okamoto, Misuzu Fujimori, Tadashi Nakamura, Masao Katayama, Koichiro Saisho, Satoshi Shinohara, Toshihiro Matsui, Kiyoshi Migita, Shouhei Nagaoka and Shigeto Tohma

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2084; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112084 - 16 Nov 2023

Viewed by 771

Abstract

Interstitial lung disease and airway disease (AD) are often complicated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and have a poor prognosis. Several studies reported genetic associations with interstitial lung disease in RA. However, few genetic studies have examined the susceptibility to AD in RA patients. [...] Read more.

Interstitial lung disease and airway disease (AD) are often complicated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and have a poor prognosis. Several studies reported genetic associations with interstitial lung disease in RA. However, few genetic studies have examined the susceptibility to AD in RA patients. Here, we investigated whether single nucleotide variants susceptible to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis might be associated with interstitial lung disease or AD in Japanese RA patients. Genotyping of rs2736100 [C/A] in TERT and rs1278769 [G/A] in ATP11A was conducted in 98 RA patients with usual interstitial pneumonia, 120 with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), 227 with AD, and 422 without chronic lung disease using TaqMan assays. An association with AD in RA was found for rs2736100 (p = 0.0043, Pc = 0.0129, odds ratio [OR] 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.77). ATP11A rs1278769 was significantly associated with NSIP in older RA patients (>65 years, p = 0.0010, OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.35–3.40). This study first reported an association of rs2736100 with AD in RA patients and ATP11A rs1278769 with NSIP in older RA patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Human Genomics and Genetic Diseases)

15 pages, 2273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selective Sweeps in Cattle Genomes in Response to the Influence of Urbanization and Environmental Contamination

by Silpa Mullakkalparambil Velayudhan, Shahin Alam, Tong Yin, Kerstin Brügemann, Andreas Buerkert, Veerasamy Sejian, Raghavendra Bhatta, Eva Schlecht and Sven König

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2083; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112083 - 15 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1195

Abstract

A genomic study was conducted to identify the effects of urbanization and environmental contaminants with heavy metals on selection footprints in dairy cattle populations reared in the megacity of Bengaluru, South India. Dairy cattle reared along the rural–urban interface of Bengaluru with/without access [...] Read more.

A genomic study was conducted to identify the effects of urbanization and environmental contaminants with heavy metals on selection footprints in dairy cattle populations reared in the megacity of Bengaluru, South India. Dairy cattle reared along the rural–urban interface of Bengaluru with/without access to roughage from public lakeshores were selected. The genotyped animals were subjected to the cross-population–extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) methodology to infer selection sweeps caused by urbanization (rural, mixed, and urban) and environmental contamination with cadmium and lead. We postulated that social-ecological challenges contribute to mechanisms of natural selection. A number of selection sweeps were identified when comparing the genomes of cattle located in rural, mixed, or urban regions. The largest effects were identified on BTA21, displaying pronounced peaks for selection sweeps for all three urbanization levels (urban_vs_rural, urban_vs_mixed and rural_vs_mixed). Selection sweeps are located in chromosomal segments in close proximity to the genes lrand rab interactor 3 (RIN3), solute carrier family 24 member 4 (SLC24A4), tetraspanin 3 (TSPAN3), and proline-serine-threonine phosphatase interacting protein 1 (PSTPIP1). Functional enrichment analyses of the selection sweeps for all three comparisons revealed a number of gene ontology (GO) and KEGG terms, which were associated with reproduction, metabolism, and cell signaling-related functional mechanisms. Likewise, a number of the chromosomal segments under selection were observed when creating cattle groups according to cadmium and lead contaminations. Stronger and more intense positive selection sweeps were observed for the cadmium contaminated group, i.e., signals of selection on BTA 16 and BTA19 in close proximity to genes regulating the somatotropic axis (growth factor receptor bound protein 2 (GRB2) and cell ion exchange (chloride voltage-gated channel 6 (CLCN6)). A few novel, so far uncharacterized genes, mostly with effects on immune physiology, were identified. The lead contaminated group revealed sweeps which were annotated with genes involved in carcass traits (TNNC2, SLC12A5, and GABRA4), milk yield (HTR1D, SLCO3A1, TEK, and OPCML), reproduction (GABRA4), hypoxia/stress response (OPRD1 and KDR), cell adhesion (PCDHGC3), inflammatory response (ADORA2A), and immune defense mechanism (ALCAM). Thus, the findings from this study provide a deeper insight into the genomic regions under selection under the effects of urbanization and environmental contamination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Genomics of Cattle)

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13 pages, 602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Expression of Circadian Clock Genes in the Bovine Neuroendocrine Adrenal System

by Audrey L. Earnhardt-San, Emilie C. Baker, David G. Riley, Noushin Ghaffari, Charles R. Long, Rodolfo C. Cardoso, Ronald D. Randel and Thomas H. Welsh, Jr.

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2082; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112082 - 15 Nov 2023

Viewed by 911

Abstract

Knowledge of circadian rhythm clock gene expression outside the suprachiasmatic nucleus is increasing. The purpose of this study was to determine whether expression of circadian clock genes differed within or among the bovine stress axis tissues (e.g., amygdala, hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal cortex, and [...] Read more.

Knowledge of circadian rhythm clock gene expression outside the suprachiasmatic nucleus is increasing. The purpose of this study was to determine whether expression of circadian clock genes differed within or among the bovine stress axis tissues (e.g., amygdala, hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal cortex, and adrenal medulla). Tissues were obtained at an abattoir from eight mature nonpregnant Brahman cows that had been maintained in the same pasture and nutritional conditions. Sample tissues were stored in RNase-free sterile cryovials at −80 °C until the total RNA was extracted, quantified, assessed, and sequenced (NovaSeq 6000 system; paired-end 150 bp cycles). The trimmed reads were then mapped to a Bos taurus (B. taurus) reference genome (Umd3.1). Further analysis used the edgeR package. Raw gene count tables were read into RStudio, and low-expression genes were filtered out using the criteria of three minimum reads per gene in at least five samples. Normalization factors were then calculated using the trimmed mean of M values method to produce normalized gene counts within each sample tissue. The normalized gene counts important for a circadian rhythm were analyzed within and between each tissue of the stress axis using the GLM and CORR procedures of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS). The relative expression profiles of circadian clock genes differed (p < 0.01) within each tissue, with neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (NPAS2) having greater expression in the amygdala (p < 0.01) and period circadian regulator (PER1) having greater expression in all other tissues (p < 0.01). The expression among tissues also differed (p < 0.01) for individual circadian clock genes, with circadian locomotor output cycles protein kaput (CLOCK) expression being greater within the adrenal tissues and nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (NR1D1) expression being greater within the other tissues (p < 0.01). Overall, the results indicate that within each tissue, the various circadian clock genes were differentially expressed, in addition to being differentially expressed among the stress tissues of mature Brahman cows. Future use of these findings may assist in improving livestock husbandry and welfare by understanding interactions of the environment, stress responsiveness, and peripheral circadian rhythms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bovine Functional Genomics and Epigenetics)

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19 pages, 4891 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of High-Yielding Upland Cotton Genotypes with Reduced Regrowth after Defoliation Using a Combination of Molecular and Conventional Approaches

by Salman Naveed, Johnson Toyinbo, Hrishikesh Ingole, Prasanna Valavanur Shekar, Michael Jones, B. Todd Campbell and Sachin Rustgi

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2081; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112081 - 15 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1994

Abstract

Cotton is an economically important crop. However, the yield gain in cotton has stagnated over the years, probably due to its narrow genetic base. The introgression of beneficial variations through conventional and molecular approaches has helped broaden its genetic base to some extent. [...] Read more.

Cotton is an economically important crop. However, the yield gain in cotton has stagnated over the years, probably due to its narrow genetic base. The introgression of beneficial variations through conventional and molecular approaches has helped broaden its genetic base to some extent. The growth habit of cotton is one of the crucial factors that determine crop maturation time, yield, and management. This study used 44 diverse upland cotton genotypes to develop high-yielding cotton germplasm with reduced regrowth after defoliation and early maturity by altering its growth habit from perennial to somewhat annual. We selected eight top-scoring genotypes based on the gene expression analysis of five floral induction and meristem identity genes (FT, SOC1, LFY, FUL, and AP1) and used them to make a total of 587 genetic crosses in 30 different combinations of these genotypes. High-performance progeny lines were selected based on the phenotypic data on plant height, flower and boll numbers per plant, boll opening date, floral clustering, and regrowth after defoliation as surrogates of annual growth habit, collected over four years (2019 to 2022). Of the selected lines, 8×5-B3, 8×5-B4, 9×5-C1, 8×9-E2, 8×9-E3, and 39×5-H1 showed early maturity, and 20×37-K1, 20×37-K2, and 20×37-D1 showed clustered flowering, reduced regrowth, high quality of fiber, and high lint yield. In 2022, 15 advanced lines (F₈/F₇) from seven cross combinations were selected and sent for an increase to a Costa Rica winter nursery to be used in advanced testing and for release as germplasm lines. In addition to these breeding lines, we developed molecular resources to breed for reduced regrowth after defoliation and improved yield by converting eight expression-trait-associated SNP markers we identified earlier into a user-friendly allele-specific PCR-based assay and tested them on eight parental genotypes and an F₂ population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cotton Genes, Genetics, and Genomics)

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15 pages, 1933 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Interactions in Various Environmental Conditions in Caenorhabditis elegans

by Katarzyna Toch, Mateusz Buczek and Marta K. Labocha

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2080; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112080 - 15 Nov 2023

Viewed by 807

Abstract

Although it is well known that epistasis plays an important role in many evolutionary processes (e.g., speciation, evolution of sex), our knowledge on the frequency and prevalent sign of epistatic interactions is mainly limited to unicellular organisms or cell cultures of multicellular organisms. [...] Read more.

Although it is well known that epistasis plays an important role in many evolutionary processes (e.g., speciation, evolution of sex), our knowledge on the frequency and prevalent sign of epistatic interactions is mainly limited to unicellular organisms or cell cultures of multicellular organisms. This is even more pronounced in regard to how the environment can influence genetic interactions. To broaden our knowledge in that respect we studied gene–gene interactions in a whole multicellular organism, Caenorhabditis elegans. We screened over one thousand gene interactions, each one in standard laboratory conditions, and under three different stressors: heat shock, oxidative stress, and genotoxic stress. Depending on the condition, between 7% and 22% of gene pairs showed significant genetic interactions and an overall sign of epistasis changed depending on the condition. Sign epistasis was quite common, but reciprocal sign epistasis was extremally rare. One interaction was common to all conditions, whereas 78% of interactions were specific to only one environment. Although epistatic interactions are quite common, their impact on evolutionary processes will strongly depend on environmental factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Genetics and Genomics)

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10 pages, 2982 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

SNP Array Screening and Long Range PCR-Based Targeted Next Generation Sequencing for Autosomal Recessive Disease with Consanguinity: Insight from a Case of Xeroderma Pigmentosum Group C

by Fumie Nomura, Akira Shimizu, Sumihito Togi, Hiroki Ura and Yo Niida

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2079; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112079 - 15 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 901

Abstract

Advances in genetic technologies have made genetic testing more accessible than ever before. However, depending on national, regional, legal, and health insurance circumstances, testing procedures may still need to be streamlined in real-world clinical practice. In cases of autosomal recessive disease with consanguinity, [...] Read more.

Advances in genetic technologies have made genetic testing more accessible than ever before. However, depending on national, regional, legal, and health insurance circumstances, testing procedures may still need to be streamlined in real-world clinical practice. In cases of autosomal recessive disease with consanguinity, the mutation locus is necessarily isodisomy because both alleles originate from a common ancestral chromosome. Based on this premise, we implemented integrated genetic diagnostic methods using SNP array screening and long range PCR-based targeted NGS in a Japanese patient with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) under the limitation of the national health insurance system. SNP array results showed isodisomy only in XPC and ERCC4 loci. NGS, with a minimal set of long-range PCR primers, detected a homozygous frameshift mutation in XPC; NM_004628.5:c.218_219insT p.(Lys73AsnfsTer9), confirmed by Sanger sequencing, leading to a rapid diagnosis of XP group C. This shortcut strategy is applicable to all autosomal recessive diseases caused by consanguineous marriages, especially in scenarios with a moderate number of genes to test, a common occurrence in clinical genetic practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Genetic Diagnosis)

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14 pages, 12931 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ectopic Expression of MADS-Box Transcription Factor VvAGL12 from Grape Promotes Early Flowering, Plant Growth, and Production by Regulating Cell-Wall Architecture in Arabidopsis

by Tingting Mao, Xueting Wang, Hongsheng Gao, Zijian Gong, Ruichao Liu, Ning Jiang, Yaru Zhang, Hongxia Zhang, Xiaotong Guo and Chunyan Yu

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2078; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112078 - 15 Nov 2023

Viewed by 841

Abstract

The MADS-box family, a substantial group of plant transcription factors, crucially regulates plant growth and development. Although the functions of AGL12-like subgroups have been elucidated in Arabidopsis, rice, and walnut, their roles in grapes remain unexplored. In this study, we isolated VvAGL12 [...] Read more.

The MADS-box family, a substantial group of plant transcription factors, crucially regulates plant growth and development. Although the functions of AGL12-like subgroups have been elucidated in Arabidopsis, rice, and walnut, their roles in grapes remain unexplored. In this study, we isolated VvAGL12, a member of the grape MADS-box group, and investigated its impact on plant growth and biomass production. VvAGL12 was found to localize in the nucleus and exhibit expression in both vegetative and reproductive organs. We introduced VvAGL12 into Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Columbia-0 and an agl12 mutant. The resulting phenotypes in the agl12 mutant, complementary line, and overexpressed line underscored VvAGL12’s ability to promote early flowering, augment plant growth, and enhance production. This was evident from the improved fresh weight, root length, plant height, and seed production, as well as the reduced flowering time. Subsequent transcriptome analysis revealed significant alterations in the expression of genes associated with cell-wall modification and flowering in the transgenic plants. In summary, the findings highlight VvAGL12′s pivotal role in the regulation of flowering timing, overall plant growth, and development. This study offers valuable insights, serving as a reference for understanding the influence of the VvAGL12 gene in other plant species and addressing yield-related challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics and Genomics)

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14 pages, 3333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification and Preliminary Functional Analysis of BAM (β-Amylase) Gene Family in Upland Cotton

by Yanlong Yang, Fenglei Sun, Penglong Wang, Mayila Yusuyin, Wumaierjiang Kuerban, Chengxia Lai, Chunping Li, Jun Ma and Fei Xiao

Genes 2023, 14(11), 2077; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112077 - 14 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1024

Abstract

The β-amylase (BAM) gene family encodes important enzymes that catalyze the conversion of starch to maltose in various biological processes of plants and play essential roles in regulating the growth and development of multiple plants. So far, BAMs have been extensively [...] Read more.

The β-amylase (BAM) gene family encodes important enzymes that catalyze the conversion of starch to maltose in various biological processes of plants and play essential roles in regulating the growth and development of multiple plants. So far, BAMs have been extensively studied in Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana). However, the characteristics of the BAM gene family in the crucial economic crop, cotton, have not been reported. In this study, 27 GhBAM genes in the genome of Gossypium hirsutum L (G. hirsutum) were identified by genome-wide identification, and they were divided into three groups according to sequence similarity and phylogenetic relationship. The gene structure, chromosome distribution, and collinearity of all GhBAM genes identified in the genome of G. hirsutum were analyzed. Further sequence alignment of the core domain of glucosyl hydrolase showed that all GhBAM family genes had the glycosyl hydrolase family 14 domain. We identified the BAM gene GhBAM7 and preliminarily investigated its function by transcriptional sequencing analysis, qRT-PCR, and subcellular localization. These results suggested that the GhBAM7 gene may influence fiber strength during fiber development. This systematic analysis provides new insight into the transcriptional characteristics of BAM genes in G. hirsutum. It may lay the foundation for further study of the function of these genes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics and Genomics)

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