Meta-Analysis of Flowering-Related Traits and Mining of Candidate Genes in Maize

Maize flowering is an important agronomic character, which is controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTL). Over the years, a large number of flowering-related QTL have been found in maize and exist in public databases. However, combining these data, re-analyzing and mining candidate loci and fine mapping of flowering-related traits to reduce confidence intervals has become a hot issue in maize. In this study, the QTL of 6 important agronomic traits of maize flowering were collected from 15 published articles, including flowering period (DA), Days to tasseling (DTT), Days to silking (DS), Days to pollen shedding (DTP), anthesis-silking interval (ASI) and the photosensitive (PS). Through meta-analysis, 622 QTL were integrated into 26 meta-QTLs (MQTL). Finally, the candidate genes related to maize flowering (Gene IDs: ZM00001D005791, ZM00001D019045, ZM00001D050697, ZM00001D011139) were identified by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and hierarchical cluster analysis of expression profile. Based on the results of this study, the genetic characteristics of maize flowering traits will be further analyzed, which is of great significance to guide the improvement of important agronomic characters and improve the efficiency of breeding.     

Dynamic QTL Analysis and Candidate Gene Mapping for Waterlogging Tolerance at Maize Seedling Stage

Soil waterlogging is one of the major abiotic stresses adversely affecting maize growth and yield. To identify dynamic expression of genes or quantitative trait loci (QTL), QTL associated with plant height, root length, root dry weight, shoot dry weight and total dry weight were identified via conditional analysis in a mixed linear model and inclusive composite interval mapping method at three respective periods under waterlogging and control conditions. A total of 13, 19 and 23 QTL were detected at stages 3D|0D (the period during 0–3 d of waterlogging), 6D|3D and 9D|6D, respectively. The effects of each QTL were moderate and distributed over nine chromosomes, singly explaining 4.14–18.88% of the phenotypic variation. Six QTL (ph6-1, rl1-2, sdw4-1, sdw7-1, tdw4-1 and tdw7-1) were identified at two consistent stages of seedling development, which could reflect a continuous expression of genes; the remaining QTL were detected at only one stage. Thus, expression of most QTL was influenced by the developmental status. In order to provide additional evidence regarding the role of corresponding genes in waterlogging tolerance, mapping of Expressed Sequence Tags markers and microRNAs were conducted. Seven candidate genes were observed to co-localize with the identified QTL on chromosomes 1, 4, 6, 7 and 9, and may be important candidate genes for waterlogging tolerance. These results are a good starting point for understanding the genetic basis for selectively expressing of QTL in different stress periods and the common genetic control mechanism of the co-localized traits.     

Re-Sequencing Data for Refining Candidate Genes and Polymorphisms in QTL Regions Affecting Adiposity in Chicken

In this study, we propose an approach aiming at fine-mapping adiposity QTL in chicken, integrating whole genome re-sequencing data. First, two QTL regions for adiposity were identified by performing a classical linkage analysis on 1362 offspring in 11 sire families obtained by crossing two meat-type chicken lines divergently selected for abdominal fat weight. Those regions, located on chromosome 7 and 19, contained a total of 77 and 84 genes, respectively. Then, SNPs and indels in these regions were identified by re-sequencing sires. Considering issues related to polymorphism annotations for regulatory regions, we focused on the 120 and 104 polymorphisms having an impact on protein sequence, and located in coding regions of 35 and 42 genes situated in the two QTL regions. Subsequently, a filter was applied on SNPs considering their potential impact on the protein function based on conservation criteria. For the two regions, we identified 42 and 34 functional polymorphisms carried by 18 and 24 genes, and likely to deeply impact protein, including 3 coding indels and 4 nonsense SNPs. Finally, using gene functional annotation, a short list of 17 and 4 polymorphisms in 6 and 4 functional genes has been defined. Even if we cannot exclude that the causal polymorphisms may be located in regulatory regions, this strategy gives a complete overview of the candidate polymorphisms in coding regions and prioritize them on conservation- and functional-based arguments.     

水稻抽穗期QTL定位及候选基因分析

水稻(Oryza sativa)抽穗期是决定产量和品质的重要性状,在育种、制种及引种驯化过程中发挥重要作用。将热研2号(O. sativa subsp. japonica cv.‘Nekken2’)和华占(O. sativa subsp. indica cv.‘HZ’)杂交获得F₁代,经连续多代自交得到120个重组自交系(RILs)群体。在常规水肥管理条件下,对120个RILs株系的抽穗时间进行统计分析。利用已构建好的高密度遗传图谱,对水稻抽穗期相关性状进行QTL定位分析,结果共检测到11个QTLs,分别位于第1、3、4、5、6、8和12号染色体上,其中1个LOD值高达5.75。通过分析QTLs区间内的候选基因,筛选出可能影响两亲本抽穗期的相关基因,并利用实时定量PCR进行基因表达量分析,发现LOC＿Os03g03070、LOC＿Os03g50310、LOC＿Os03g55389、LOC＿Os04g55510、LOC＿Os08g07740和LOC＿Os08g01670共6个基因在双亲间的表达量差异显著,其中LOC＿Os03g50310在Nekken2中的表达量比H...     

Harnessing Gene Expression Networks to Prioritize Candidate Epileptic Encephalopathy Genes

We apply a novel gene expression network analysis to a cohort of 182 recently reported candidate Epileptic Encephalopathy genes to identify those most likely to be true Epileptic Encephalopathy genes. These candidate genes were identified as having single variants of likely pathogenic significance discovered in a large-scale massively parallel sequencing study. Candidate Epileptic Encephalopathy genes were prioritized according to their co-expression with 29 known Epileptic Encephalopathy genes. We utilized developing brain and adult brain gene expression data from the Allen Human Brain Atlas (AHBA) and compared this to data from Celsius: a large, heterogeneous gene expression data warehouse. We show replicable prioritization results using these three independent gene expression resources, two of which are brain-specific, with small sample size, and the third derived from a heterogeneous collection of tissues with large sample size. Of the nineteen genes that we predicted with the highest likelihood to be true Epileptic Encephalopathy genes, two (GNAO1 and GRIN2B) have recently been independently reported and confirmed. We compare our results to those produced by an established in silico prioritization approach called Endeavour, and finally present gene expression networks for the known and candidate Epileptic Encephalopathy genes. This highlights sub-networks of gene expression, particularly in the network derived from the adult AHBA gene expression dataset. These networks give clues to the likely biological interactions between Epileptic Encephalopathy genes, potentially highlighting underlying mechanisms and avenues for therapeutic targets.     

结合基因表达数据和ChIP-chip数据的酵母转录调控模块的识别

活细胞依赖其众多的转录调控模块来实现复杂的生物功能,识别转录调控模块对深入理解细胞的功能及其转录机制有着重要的意义。本文结合酵母基因表达数据和ChIP-chip数据,提出了一种转录调控模块识别算法。该算法通过采用不同的P值阈值分别得到了核心集和粗糙集,然后对核心集和粗糙集进行判别,最后对基因进行扩展之后得到基因转录调控模块。将该算法运用到两个酵母基因表达数据中,得到了一些具有显著生物学意义的基因转录调控模块。与其它算法相比,该算法不仅可以识别含有较多基因的转录调控模块,而且可以识别一些其它算法不能识别的基因转录调控模块。识别得到的基因转录调控模块有着不同的生物学功能,并且有助于进一步理解酵母的转录调控机制。     

An Expression QTL of Closely Linked Candidate Genes Affects pH of Meat in Chickens

Genetical genomics has been suggested as a powerful approach to study the genotype–phenotype gap. However, the relatively low power of these experiments (usually related to the high cost) has hindered fulfillment of its promise, especially for loci (QTL) of moderate effects.One strategy with which to overcome the issue is to use a targeted approach. It has two clear advantages: (i) it reduces the problem to a simple comparison between different genotypic groups at the QTL and (ii) it is a good starting point from which to investigate downstream effects of the QTL. In this study, from 698 F2 birds used for QTL mapping, gene expression profiles of 24 birds with divergent homozygous QTL genotypes were investigated. The targeted QTL was on chromosome 1 and affected initial pH of breast muscle. The biological mechanisms controlling this trait can be similar to those affecting malignant hyperthermia or muscle fatigue in humans. The gene expression study identified 10 strong local signals that were markedly more significant compared to any genes on the rest of the genome. The differentially expressed genes all mapped to a region <1 Mb, suggesting a remarkable reduction of the QTL interval. These results, combined with analysis of downstream effect of the QTL using gene network analysis, suggest that the QTL is controlling pH by governing oxidative stress. The results were reproducible with use of as few as four microarrays on pooled samples (with lower significance level). The results demonstrate that this cost-effective approach is promising for characterization of QTL.     

基因表达谱芯片的数据挖掘

随着基因芯片技术的迅速发展,表达谱芯片分析及aCGH等方法已被广泛应用于生命科学各个研究领域,由此产生的数据也呈指数级增长。如何从海量数据中获取有生物学意义的结果成为摆在生物学工作者面前的难题。对表达谱芯片数据挖掘方法进行了综述。介绍了基本分析思路,当前重点分析方向,如GO分析、pathway与调控网络分析、聚类分析等计算法则和相关几款易用的分析软件。并介绍了几种科学自由计算软件在表达谱生物信息学分析中的应用。藉此为从事芯片分析的研究人员提供参考。     

Candidate Luminal B Breast Cancer Genes Identified by Genome,Gene Expression and DNA Methylation Profiling

Breast cancers (BCs) of the luminal B subtype are estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), highly proliferative, resistant to standard therapies and have a poor prognosis. To better understand this subtype we compared DNA copy number aberrations (CNAs), DNA promoter methylation, gene expression profiles, and somatic mutations in nine selected genes, in 32 luminal B tumors with those observed in 156 BCs of the other molecular subtypes. Frequent CNAs included 8p11-p12 and 11q13.1-q13.2 amplifications, 7q11.22-q34, 8q21.12-q24.23, 12p12.3-p13.1, 12q13.11-q24.11, 14q21.1-q23.1, 17q11.1-q25.1, 20q11.23-q13.33 gains and 6q14.1-q24.2, 9p21.3-p24,3, 9q21.2, 18p11.31-p11.32 losses. A total of 237 and 101 luminal B-specific candidate oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) presented a deregulated expression in relation with their CNAs, including 11 genes previously reported associated with endocrine resistance. Interestingly, 88% of the potential TSGs are located within chromosome arm 6q, and seven candidate oncogenes are potential therapeutic targets. A total of 100 candidate oncogenes were validated in a public series of 5,765 BCs and the overexpression of 67 of these was associated with poor survival in luminal tumors. Twenty-four genes presented a deregulated expression in relation with a high DNA methylation level. FOXO3, PIK3CA and TP53 were the most frequent mutated genes among the nine tested. In a meta-analysis of next-generation sequencing data in 875 BCs, KCNB2 mutations were associated with luminal B cases while candidate TSGs MDN1 (6q15) and UTRN (6q24), were mutated in this subtype. In conclusion, we have reported luminal B candidate genes that may play a role in the development and/or hormone resistance of this aggressive subtype.     

氮高效玉米主要性状的遗传分析

采用两个氮高效玉米杂交组合的P1、P2、F1、F2、B1、B2世代,随机区组试验设计,对氮高效玉米主要性状的遗传力进行了研究。研究结果表明,不同氮水平下氮高效玉米各性状的遗传力是不同的。低氮处理中,广义遗传力介于0.78～0.46之间,狭义遗传力介于0.68～0.23之间;高氮处理中,广义遗传力介于0.76～0.49之间,狭义遗传力介于0.67～0.25之间。低氮条件下,氮高效玉米主要性状中抽丝期穗位叶叶绿素含量、氮效率、穗重和穗位叶叶面积,高氮条件下,抽丝期生物量、穗重、抽丝期穗位叶叶绿素含量和成熟期生物量等性状的遗传力较高,可分别在低氮、高氮条件下,对其进行早代选择。     

Effects of Controlled-Release Fertiliser on Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Summer Maize

Nitrogen (N) is a nutrient element necessary for plant growth and development. However, excessive inputs of N will lead to inefficient use and large N losses to the environment, which can adversely affect air and water quality, biodiversity and human health. To examine the effects of controlled-release fertilisers (CRF) on yield, we measured ammonia volatilisation, N use efficiency (NUE) and photosynthetic rate after anthesis in summer maize hybrid cultivar Zhengdan958. Maize was grown using common compound fertiliser (CCF), the same amount of resin-coated controlled release fertiliser (CRFIII), the same amount of sulphur-coated controlled release fertiliser (SCFIII) as CCF, 75% CRF (CRFII) and SCF (SCFII), 50% CRF (CRFI) and SCF (SCFI), and no fertiliser. We found that treatments CRFIII, SCFIII, CRFII and SCFII produced grain yields that were 13.15%, 14.15%, 9.69% and 10.04% higher than CCF. There were no significant differences in grain yield among CRFI, SCFI and CCF. We also found that the ammonia volatilisation rates of CRF were significantly lower than those of CCF. The CRF treatments reduced the emission of ammonia by 51.34% to 91.34% compared to CCF. In addition, after treatment with CRF, maize exhibited a higher net photosynthetic rate than CCF after anthesis. Agronomic NUE and apparent N recovery were higher in the CRF treatment than in the CCF treatment. The N uptake and physiological NUE of the four yield-enhanced CRF treatments were higher than those of CCF. These results suggest that the increase in NUE in the CRF treatments was generally attributable to the higher photosynthetic rate and lower ammonia volatilisation compared to CCF-treated maize.     

综合ChIP-chip数据、基因敲除数据和表达谱数据重构基因调控网络

揭示生物体内在的调控机制是生物信息学的一项重要研究内容．各种高通量生物数据的涌现,为从基因组的尺度上重构基因调控网络提供了可能．由于单数据源仅能提供关于调控关系的片面信息且存在噪声,因此整合多种生物学数据的方法有望得到可靠性较高的调控网络．提出了一种综合ChIP-chip数据、knock out (敲除)数据和各种条件下的表达谱数据来推断调控关系的新方法．ChIP-chip数据和knock out 数据能分别提供转录因子和目标基因对关系的直接物理结合和功能关系的证据,这两类数据的整合有望获得较高的识别准确率．但这两类数据的重合性通常较低,基于共调控的基因通常具有较高的表达相似性这一假设,在一定程度上降低了这两类数据重合性较低所带来的影响．算法所识别的大部分调控关系都被YEASTRACT,高质量ChIP-chip数据和文献所验证,从而证明了该方法在调控关系的预测上具有较高的准确性．与其他方法的比较,也表明了该方法具有较高的预测性能．     

异源表达芸薹生链格孢谷氨酸脱氢酶基因AbGDH提高水稻氮素利用率的研究（英文）

氮元素是植物生长发育所必需的重要元素之一。高等植物中的NADP(H)型谷氨酸脱氢酶(glutamate dehydrogenase, GDH)对NH4~+亲和力较低,因此植物主要通过谷氨酰胺合成酶(GS)/谷氨酸合酶(GOGAT)途径吸收NH4~+。真菌等低等生物中的GDH对NH4~+亲和力较高,所以它们在对NH4~+的利用途径中起着重要作用。本研究克隆了来自芸薹生链格孢(Alternaria brassicicola)的谷氨酸脱氢酶基因(AbGDH),并在水稻(Oryza sativa L. cv. Kitaake)中成功表达。体外酶活性分析表明, AbGDH对NH4~+、α-酮戊二酸和谷氨酸的K_m值分别为2.144±0.141 mmol/L、2.690±0.233 mmol/L和96.772±0.542 mmol/L。体内酶活性测定显示,与野生型相比,过表达AbGDH的水稻有更高的NH4~+亲和力和氨同化能力。此外,水培实验表明,与对照植物相比,转基因幼苗在低氮条件下植物高度和干重显著增加。这些结果说明,在水稻中异源表达AbGDH能促进α-酮戊二酸转化为谷氨酸,并在低氮条件下促进水稻的氨同化,从而提高氮素利用效率。