Genomic insights into adaptive evolution of the species-rich cosmopolitan plant genus Rhododendron.

The species-rich cosmopolitan genus Rhododendron offers a good system for exploring the genomic mechanisms underlying adaptation to diverse habitats. Here, we report high-quality chromosomal-level genome assemblies of nine species, representing all five subgenera, different altitudinal distributions, and all flower color types of this genus. Further comprehensive genomic analyses indicate diverse adaptive strategies employed by Rhododendron, particularly adaptation to alpine and subalpine habitats by expansion/contraction of gene families involved in pathogen defense and oxidative phosphorylation, genomic convergent evolution, and gene copy-number variation.

Diploid species phylogeny and evolutionary reticulation indicate early radiation of Ephedra in the Tethys coast.

Reconstructing a robust species phylogeny and disentangling the evolutionary and biogeographic history of the gymnosperm genus Ephedra, which has a large genome and rich polyploids, remain a big challenge. Here we reconstructed a transcriptome-based phylogeny of 19 diploid Ephedra species, and explored evolutionary reticulations in this genus represented by 50 diploid and polyploid species, using four low-copy nuclear and nine plastid genes. The diploid species phylogeny indicates that the Mediterranean species diverged first, and the remaining species split into three clades, including the American species (Clade A), E.

Gapless genome assembly of azalea and multi-omics investigation into divergence between two species with distinct flower color.

The genus (Ericaceae), with more than 1000 species highly diverse in flower color, is providing distinct ornamental values and a model system for flower color studies. Here, we investigated the divergence between two parental species with different flower color widely used for azalea breeding. Gapless genome assembly was generated for the yellow-flowered azalea, .

Chromosome-level genome assembly of a parent species of widely cultivated azaleas.

Azaleas (Ericaceae) comprise one of the most diverse ornamental plants, renowned for their cultural and economic importance. We present a chromosome-scale genome assembly for Rhododendron simsii, the primary ancestor of azalea cultivars. Genome analyses unveil the remnants of an ancient whole-genome duplication preceding the radiation of most Ericaceae, likely contributing to the genomic architecture of flowering time.

The study of transcriptome sequencing for flower coloration in different anthesis stages of alpine ornamental herb (Meconopsis 'Lingholm').

Meconopsis (Papaveraceae) is an interesting alpine herb, mainly distributed in the mountainous area of southwest China and high altitude zone in Tibetan-Himalaya. Different Meconopsis species showed a flower color alteration in different anthesis stages, Meconopsis 'Lingholm' is one of the localized species whose petal color changes from purple to blue during the flowering process. In general, the blue color flower is a rare kind, and usually hard to cultivate artificially.

Resolving interspecific relationships within evolutionarily young lineages using RNA-seq data: An example from Pedicularis section Cyathophora (Orobanchaceae).

Phylogenomics has shown great potential in resolving evolutionary relationships at different taxonomical levels. However, it remains controversial whether all orthologous genes under different selective pressures can be concatenated for phylogenomic reconstruction. Here we used sect.

Floral nectary, nectar production dynamics, and floral reproductive isolation among closely related species of Pedicularis.

Floral nectar is thought to be one of the most important rewards that attract pollinators in Pedicularis; however, few studies have examined variation of nectary structure and/or nectar secretion in the genus, particularly among closely related species. Here we investigated nectary morphology, nectar quality, and nectar production dynamics in flowers of Pedicularis section Cyathophora. We found a conical floral nectary at the base of the ovary in species of the rex-thamnophila clade.

Molecular phylogeny of Asian Meconopsis based on nuclear ribosomal and chloroplast DNA sequence data.

The taxonomy and phylogeny of Asian Meconopsis (Himalayan blue poppy) remain largely unresolved. We used the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) and the chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) trnL-F region for phylogenetic reconstruction of Meconopsis and its close relatives Papaver, Roemeria, and Stylomecon. We identified five main clades, which were well-supported in the gene trees reconstructed with the nrDNA ITS and cpDNA trnL-F sequences.

Phylogeographic evidence for a link of species divergence of Ephedra in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and adjacent regions to the Miocene Asian aridification.

The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) has become one of the hotspots for phylogeographical studies due to its high species diversity. However, most previous studies have focused on the effects of the Quaternary glaciations on phylogeographical structures and the locations of glacial refugia, and little is known about the effects of the aridization of interior Asia on plant population structure and speciation. Here the chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) trnT-trnF and trnS-trnfM sequences were used to investigate the differentiation and phylogeographical history of 14 Ephedra species from the QTP and northern China, based on a sampling of 107 populations.

Great genetic differentiation among populations of Meconopsis integrifolia and its implication for plant speciation in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

The complex tectonic events and climatic oscillations in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), the largest and highest plateau in the world, are thought to have had great effects on the evolutionary history of the native plants. Of great interest is to investigate plant population genetic divergence in the QTP and its correlation with the geologic and climatic changes. We conducted a range-wide phylogeographical analysis of M.

Phylogenetic relationships and generic delimitation of Eurasian Aster (Asteraceae: Astereae) inferred from ITS, ETS and trnL-F sequence data.

Background And Aims: The classification and phylogeny of Eurasian (EA) Aster (Asterinae, Astereae, Asteraceae) remain poorly resolved. Some taxonomists adopt a broad definition of EA Aster, whereas others favour a narrow generic concept. The present study aims to delimit EA Aster sensu stricto (s.

Comparative characterization of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth and dental pulp stem cells.

Objective: This study focused on the characterization of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) in comparison with dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) to certify SHED as a key element in tissue engineering.

Methods: In the present study, SHED and DPSCs were assayed for their cell surface antigens and proliferation by measuring the cell cycles, growth rates, Ki67-positive efficiencies, and colony-forming units (CFUs). The evaluation of multi-differentiation was performed using alizarin red and oil red O and real-time PCR in vitro.

Extensive population expansion of Pedicularis longiflora (Orobanchaceae) on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and its correlation with the Quaternary climate change.

The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) is thought to be more strongly affected by the Quaternary glaciations than most other regions of the same latitude. It would be of great interest to investigate the population genetic structure of organisms distributed on the platform and its correlation with the Quaternary climatic oscillations. Here we used the chloroplast (cp)DNA trnT-trnF sequence to study genetic variation and phylogeography of Pedicularis longiflora, an alpine herb with extensive distribution on the QTP.

[Effects and molecular mechanism of nicotine on odontoblasts].

Objective: To observe the effects of nicotine on the proliferation of odontoblasts and explore the possible mechanism.

Methods: Odontoblasts MDPC-23 were cultured, inoculated and divided into two groups randomly. With no stimuli added for the control group, the experimental group was stimulated by 100 microg/mL nicotine.

Inhibition of RANK/RANKL signal transduction pathway: a promising approach for osteoporosis treatment.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease causing impaired bone strength. It is characterized by increased osteoclast formation or enhanced bone resorption, leading to an increased risk of fragility fractures. Its prevalence increases with age.

Identification of a novel missense mutation of MSX1 gene in Chinese family with autosomal-dominant oligodontia.

Objectives: Oligodontia is defined as the congenital absence of 6 or more permanent teeth excluding the third molar. The occurrence of non-syndromic still remains poorly understood, but in recent years some cases have been reported where mutations or polymorphisms of PAX9 and MSX1 had been associated with non-syndromic oligodontia. The objective of the present work was to study the phenotype and genotype of three generations of a Han Chinese family affected by non-syndromic autosomal-dominant oligodontia.

Could calcitonin be a useful therapeutic agent for trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) has been recognized as one of the most common neurovascular syndromes caused by the vascular contact of the trigeminal nerve in its root entry zone (REZ) with a branch of the superior or anterior inferior cerebellar arteries, leading to a demyelinization of trigeminal sensory fibers within either the nerve root or, less commonly, the brainstem. There is a lack of certainty regarding the aetiology and pathophysiology of TN, therefore the treatment of trigeminal neuropathic pain disorders continues to be a major therapeutic challenge. The identification of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of these disorders is important.

[Regulation of osteopontin expression in odontoblasts by upstream stimulatory factor 1].

Objective: To investigate the regulation effects of upstream stimulatory factor 1 (USF1) on osteopontin expression in odontoblasts.

Methods: Odontoblast MDPC-23 was cultured and stably transfected with PCMV-USF1 or A-USF plasmids. Total RNA was extracted and osteopontin expression examined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.

[Expression, subcellular localization and nuclear translocation of transcription factor up stream stimulatory factor-1 in odontoblasts].

Objective: To examine the expression and subcellular localization of transcription factor USF1 in odontoblasts and investigate whether nuclear translocation occurs under stimuli.

Methods: Odontoblasts MDPC-23 were cultured on coverslips and divided into 2 groups. Group 1 received no stimuli, and group 2 was stimulated by nicotine with various concentrations respectively for 1h.

Calcitonin may be a useful therapeutic agent for osteoclastogenesis syndromes involving premature eruption of the tooth.

Tooth eruption is a complex and tightly regulated process that involves cells of the tooth organ and the surrounding alveolus. Recent researches have shown that tooth eruption depends on the presence of osteoclasts to create an eruption pathway through the alveolar bone. The most important physiologic role likely being at the eruptive site, in the formation of osteoclasts through signaling via the RANKL/OPG pathway.

[Neural engineering and neural prostheses].

The motivation of the brain-computer interface (BCI) research and its potential applications are introduced in this paper. Some of the problems in BCI-based medical device developments are also discussed.

[Application of digital signal processing to the analysis of biomolecular sequences].

A preliminary introduction is given to the application of digital signal processing to the analysis of biomolecular sequences. How to transform a character string into a numerical sequence is discussed from the time domain and the frequency domain.

[In situ hybridization analysis of USF1 mRNA expression in odontoblasts].

Objective: To detect and verify USF1 mRNA expression in odontoblasts.

Methods: T-USF1 clone prepared previously was used as template and the desired USF1 cDNA segment was amplified by PCR with specific primers. The segment was labeled with digoxin as a probe and in situ hybridization was performed on the mounting of odontoblasts.