Interaction of maternal environment and allelic differences in seed vigour genes determines seed performance in Brassica oleracea

Seed vigour is a key trait essential for the production of sustainable and profitable crops. The genetic basis of variation in seed vigour has recently been determined in Brassica oleracea, but the relative importance of the interaction with parental environment is unknown. We produced seeds under a range of maternal environments, including global warming scenarios. Lines were compared that had the same genetic background, but different alleles (for high and low vigour) at the quantitative trait loci responsible for determining seed vigour by altering abscisic acid (ABA) content and sensitivity. We found a consistent effect of beneficial alleles across production environments; however, environmental stress during production also had a large impact that enhanced the genetic difference in seed performance, measured as germination speed, resistance to controlled deterioration and induction of secondary dormancy. Environmental interaction with allelic differences in key genes that determine ABA content and sensitivity develops a continuity in performance from rapid germination through to failure to complete germination, and increasing depths of seed dormancy. The genetic–environmental interaction revealed provides a robust mechanism of bet‐hedging to minimize environmental risk during subsequent germination, and this could have facilitated the rapid change in seed behaviour (reduced dormancy and rapid germination) observed during crop domestication.     

Two closely linked tomato HKT coding genes are positional candidates for the major tomato QTL involved in Na+/K+ homeostasis

The location of major quantitative trait loci (QTL) contributing to stem and leaf [Na⁺] and [K⁺] was previously reported in chromosome 7 using two connected populations of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of tomato. HKT1;1 and HKT1;2, two tomato Na⁺‐selective class I‐HKT transporters, were found to be closely linked, where the maximum logarithm of odds (LOD) score for these QTLs located. When a chromosome 7 linkage map based on 278 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was used, the maximum LOD score position was only 35 kb from HKT1;1 and HKT1;2. Their expression patterns and phenotypic effects were further investigated in two near‐isogenic lines (NILs): 157‐14 (double homozygote for the cheesmaniae alleles) and 157‐17 (double homozygote for the lycopersicum alleles). The expression pattern for the HKT1;1 and HKT1;2 alleles was complex, possibly because of differences in their promoter sequences. High salinity had very little effect on root dry and fresh weight and consequently on the plant dry weight of NIL 157‐14 in comparison with 157‐17. A significant difference between NILs was also found for [K⁺] and the [Na⁺]/[K⁺] ratio in leaf and stem but not for [Na⁺] arising a disagreement with the corresponding RIL population. Their association with leaf [Na⁺] and salt tolerance in tomato is also discussed.     

The depth of Sooty Shearwater Ardenna grisea burrows varies with habitat and increases with competition for space

The Sooty Shearwater Ardenna grisea, an abundant but declining petrel, is one of many seabird species that construct breeding burrows, presumably because these confer protection from predators and the elements. Little is known about the causes of variation in Sooty Shearwater burrow architecture, which can differ markedly both within and between breeding sites. We hypothesize that burrow architecture varies in response to habitat type and competition for space. To address these hypotheses, we recorded Sooty Shearwater burrow dimensions on Kidney Island, the largest Sooty Shearwater colony in the Falkland Islands, South Atlantic, and modelled these as functions of burrow density (a proxy for competition) and habitat indices. Our models suggest that Sooty Shearwaters burrow further underground in response to competition for breeding space, and that soil underlying dense tussac grass Poa flabellata is more easily excavated than other substrates, indicating how vegetation restoration could aid the conservation of this species.     

Inhibition of the amino‐acid transporter LAT1 demonstrates anti‐neoplastic activity in medulloblastoma

Most cases of medulloblastoma (MB) occur in young children. While the overall survival rate can be relatively high, current treatments combining surgery, chemo‐ and radiotherapy are very destructive for patient development and quality of life. Moreover, aggressive forms and recurrences of MB cannot be controlled by classical therapies. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches yielding good efficacy and low toxicity for healthy tissues are required to improve patient outcome. Cancer cells sustain their proliferation by optimizing their nutrient uptake capacities. The L‐type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is an essential amino acid carrier overexpressed in aggressive human cancers that was described as a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of JPH203, a LAT1‐specific pharmacological inhibitor, on two independent MB cell lines belonging to subgroups 3 (HD‐MB03) and Shh (DAOY). We show that while displaying low toxicity towards normal cerebral cells, JPH203 disrupts AA homeostasis, mTORC1 activity, proliferation and survival in MB cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that a long‐term treatment with JPH203 does not lead to resistance in MB cells. Therefore, this study suggests that targeting LAT1 with JPH203 is a promising therapeutic approach for MB treatment.     

Microwave‐assisted solid‐phase peptide synthesis of neurosecretory protein GL composed of 80 amino acid residues

We recently identified a novel cDNA encoding a small secretory protein of 80 amino acid residues, termed neurosecretory protein GL (NPGL), from the chicken hypothalamus. Homologs of NPGL have been reported to be present in mammals, such as human and rat. NPGL is amidated at its C‐terminus, contains an intramolecular disulfide bond, and is hydrophobic in nature. In this study, we have optimized the synthesis of the entire 80‐amino acid peptide sequence of rat NPGL by microwave‐assisted solid‐phase peptide synthesis. NPGL was obtained with a 10% yield when the coupling reactions were performed using 1‐[Bis(dimethylamino)methylene]‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazolo[4,5‐b]pyridinium‐3‐oxid hexafluorophosphate (HATU) at 50 °C for 5 min, and Fmoc deprotections were performed using 40% piperidine containing 0.1 M HOBt. Furthermore, the disulfide bond of NPGL was formed with 20% yield with the use of glutathione‐containing redox buffer and 50% acetonitrile. Copyright © 2015 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Life cycles,phenology and genetic structure of endangered Megacrania tsudai Shiraki (Phasmatodea: Phasmatidae): Male individuals from a geographic parthenogenesis species

Megacrania tsudai, a peripherally distributed member of Megacrania, requires conservation in Taiwan; it has limited distribution in Taiwan and its eastern offshore islands. It feeds on screw pines (Pandanus odoratissimus) in nature and has demonstrated a specific defensive mechanism involving actinidine secretion from the prothoracic gland. However, details of its distribution area, life cycle and developmental phenology remain largely unknown. In this study, a field survey and review of published works revealed M. tsudai distribution in coastal zones and along river shores near estuaries. At room temperature, the egg period was 128 days. The development of the first to sixth instars required 17, 26, 27, 26, 34 and 43 days, respectively, on average; and a generation cycle required approximately 204 days. The phenology of the mesonotal granules was recorded. Moreover, genetic analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI), 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) and the nuclear ribosomal spacer indicated the occurrence of genetic drift. Therefore, the rearing procedures proposed in this study for the primary and last instars of M. tsudai can facilitate its conservation. Megacrania tsudai was previously recorded as parthenogenetic; however, two male individuals were fostered unexpectedly. The male body length was 91 mm, which is shorter than the female length (120 mm). During mating, the male climbs onto the female's back and protrudes its genitalia downward. Geographical parthenogenesis is likely the reproductive strategy among peripheral M. tsudai; however, the rarely found M. tsudai male could be an intermediate link of reproductive strategy in the transition from tychoparthenogenesis to parthenogenesis.     

TiLIA: a software package for image analysis of firefly flash patterns

As flash signaling patterns of fireflies are species specific, signal‐pattern analysis is important for understanding this system of communication. Here, we present time‐lapse image analysis (TiLIA), a free open‐source software package for signal and flight pattern analyses of fireflies that uses video‐recorded image data. TiLIA enables flight path tracing of individual fireflies and provides frame‐by‐frame coordinates and light intensity data. As an example of TiLIA capabilities, we demonstrate flash pattern analysis of the fireflies Luciola cruciata and L. lateralis during courtship behavior.     

Species diversity of the genus Osmundea (Ceramiales,Rhodophyta) in the Macaronesian region

Species diversity within the genus Osmundea in the Macaronesian region was explored by conducting a comprehensive sampling in the Azores, the Canary, and the Madeira archipelagos. Toward identification, all specimens were first observed alive to verify the absence of corps en cerise, a diagnostic character for the genus and morphometric data were measured (thallus length and width, first‐order branches length and width, branchlets length and width, cortical cell length and width in surface view, cortical cell length and width in transverse section). Specimens were sequenced for COI‐5P (39 specimens) and three species delimitation methods (Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent, Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery method, and Poisson Tree Processes) were used to assess the threshold between infra‐ and interspecific relationships. Subsequently, one or several sequences of plastid‐encoded large subunit of RuBisCO (21 specimens) per delimited species were generated to assess the phylogenetic relationships among Macaronesian Osmundea. Moreover, for each delineated species, vegetative and reproductive anatomy was thoroughly documented and, when possible, specimens were either assigned to existing taxa or described as novel species. This integrative approach has provided data for (i) the presence of O. oederi, O. pinnatifida, and O. truncata in Macaronesia; (ii) the proposal of two novel species, O. prudhommevanreinei sp. nov. and O. silvae sp. nov.; and (iii) evidence of an additional species referred as “Osmundea sp.1,” which is a sister taxon of O. hybrida.