Whole-genome resequencing of 240 Gossypium barbadense accessions reveals genetic variation and genes associated with fiber strength and lint percentage.

Genetic variation in a G. barbadense population was revealed using resquencing. GWAS on G.

Genetic basis of heterosis for yield and yield components explored by QTL mapping across four genetic populations in upland cotton.

Background: Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping provides a powerful tool to unravel the genetic bases of cotton yield and its components, as well as their heterosis. In the present study, the genetic basis underlying inbreeding depression and heterosis for yield and yield components of upland cotton was investigated in recombinant inbred line (RIL), immortalized F (IF), and two backcross (BCF) populations based on a high-density SNP linkage map across four environments.

Results: Significant inbreeding depression of fruit branches per plant (FB), boll numbers per plant (BN), seed cotton yield (SY), and lint yield (LY) in RIL population and high levels of heterosis for SY, LY, and boll weight (BW) in IF and two BCF populations were observed.

QTL Mapping and Heterosis Analysis for Fiber Quality Traits Across Multiple Genetic Populations and Environments in Upland Cotton.

An "immortalized F" (IF) population and two reciprocal backcross (HSBCF and MARBCF) populations were constructed to investigate the genetic bases of fiber quality traits in upland cotton across four different environments. A relatively high level of heterosis for micronaire (MIC) in IF population as well as fiber length (FL) and MIC in MARBCF population was observed. A total of 167 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected in the three related experimental populations and their corresponding midparental heterosis (MPH) datasets using the composite interval mapping (CIM) approach.

New medium used in the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells to retinal cells is comparable to fetal human eye tissue.

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have the potential to differentiate along the retinal lineage. However, most induction systems are dependent on multiple small molecular compounds such as Dkk-1, Lefty-A, and retinoic acid. In the present study, we efficiently differentiated hPSCs into retinal cells using a retinal differentiation medium (RDM) without the use of small molecular compounds.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K, an RNA-binding protein, is required for optic axon regeneration in Xenopus laevis.

Axotomized optic axons of Xenopus laevis, in contrast to those of mammals, retain their ability to regenerate throughout life. To better understand the molecular basis for this successful regeneration, we focused on the role of an RNA-binding protein, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) K, because it is required for axonogenesis during development and because several of its RNA targets are under strong post-transcriptional control during regeneration. At 11 d after optic nerve crush, hnRNP K underwent significant translocation into the nucleus of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), indicating that the protein became activated during regeneration.