Transcriptome analyses of leaf architecture in support a common genetic toolkit in the parallel evolution of unifacial leaves in monocots.

Planar structures dramatically increase the surface-area-to-volume ratio, which is critically important for multicellular organisms. In this study, we utilize naturally occurring phenotypic variation among three species (Asperagaceae) to investigate leaf margin expression patterns that are associated with mediolateral and adaxial/abaxial development. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between center and margin leaf tissues in two planar-leaf species and and compared these with expression patterns within the cylindrically leaved .

Regional patterning and regulation of melanin pigmentation in insects.

Insects display an immense diversity in melanin pigmentation, which is generated by the interplay between the regulatory genes (that provide general patterning information) and effector genes (that provide coloration of the pattern). However, recent studies encompassing several different orders (Hemiptera, Blattodea, Coleoptera, and Lepidoptera) have shown that knockdowns of melanin producing genes alone can generate distinct region-specific patterns. This review surveys the most recent studies to further document the regional patterning of effector genes, and highlights the new advances and their implications for future research.

A hemipteran insect reveals new genetic mechanisms and evolutionary insights into tracheal system development.

The diversity in the organization of the tracheal system is one of the drivers of insect evolutionary success; however, the genetic mechanisms responsible are yet to be elucidated. Here, we highlight the advantages of utilizing hemimetabolous insects, such as the milkweed bug , in which the final adult tracheal patterning can be directly inferred by examining its blueprint in embryos. By reporting the expression patterns, functions, and Hox gene regulation of ), (), and (), key genes involved in tracheal development, this study provides important insights.

Splay-density coupling in semiflexible main-chain nematic polymers with hairpins.

A main-chain nematic polymer melt/solution exhibits macroscopic orientational order of main polymer chains, i.e., a preferred (nematic) direction.