Phyllostachys edulis argonaute genes function in the shoot architecture.

Argonaute (AGO) proteins are the core components of the RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISC) in the cytoplasm and nucleus, and are necessary for the development of plant shoot meristem, which gives rise to the above-ground plant body. In this study, we identified 23 Phyllostachys edulis AGO genes (PhAGOs) that were distributed unequally on the 14 unmapped scaffolds. Gene collinearity and phylogeny analysis showed that the innovation of PhAGO genes was mainly due to dispersed duplication and whole-genome duplication, which resulted in the enlarged PhAGO family.

Overexpression of genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis increases lipid content in the NaHCO-tolerant sp. JB6.

Fatty acid (FA) contents can be altered in Chlorella JB6 in the presence of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO). Overexpression of the FA synthesis genes inhibited the growth of JB6 cells and decreased their resistance to NaHCO, but these transgenic JB6 strains could grow in a medium containing as high as 300 mM NaHCO. In JB6, ectopic expression of the FA synthesis genes increased the synthesis of very long-chain saturated FA (> 20C).

RNA-Binding Protein MAC5A Is Required for Gibberellin-Regulated Stamen Development.

The development of floral organs is coordinated by an elaborate network of homeotic genes, and gibberellin (GA) signaling is involved in floral organ development; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In the present study, we found that MOS4-ASSOCIATED COMPLEX 5A (MAC5A), which is a protein containing an RNA-binding motif, was involved in the development of sepals, petals, and stamens; either the loss or gain of function resulted in stamen malformation and a reduced seed set. The exogenous application of GA considerably exacerbated the defects in null mutants, including fewer stamens and male sterility.