Repression by the TOPLESS corepressor requires association with the core mediator complex.

The plant corepressor TOPLESS (TPL) is recruited to a large number of loci that are selectively induced in response to developmental or environmental cues, yet the mechanisms by which it inhibits expression in the absence of these stimuli are poorly understood. Previously, we had used the N-terminus of TPL to enable repression of a synthetic auxin response circuit in (yeast). Here, we leveraged the yeast system to interrogate the relationship between TPL structure and function, specifically scanning for repression domains.

Accelerating structure-function mapping using the ViVa webtool to mine natural variation.

Thousands of sequenced genomes are now publicly available capturing a significant amount of natural variation within plant species; yet, much of these data remain inaccessible to researchers without significant bioinformatics experience. Here, we present a webtool called ViVa (Visualizing Variation) which aims to empower any researcher to take advantage of the amazing genetic resource collected in the 1001 Genomes Project (http://1001genomes.org).

Insights into the Evolution and Function of Auxin Signaling F-Box Proteins in Through Synthetic Analysis of Natural Variants.

The evolution of complex body plans in land plants has been paralleled by gene duplication and divergence within nuclear auxin-signaling networks. A deep mechanistic understanding of auxin signaling proteins therefore may allow rational engineering of novel plant architectures. Toward that end, we analyzed natural variation in the auxin receptor F-box family of wild accessions of the reference plant and used this information to populate a structure/function map.

Studies on survival and water balance of unfed adult Dermacentor marginatus and D. reticulatus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae).

The water content, the survival time at various relative humidities (r.h.) and the critical equilibrium activity of unfed adult Dermacentor marginatus and D.

Validity of species status of the parasitic mite Otodectes cynotis.

A combined molecular and phenotypic approach was used to determine whether ear mites of the genus Otodectes (Acari: Psoroptidae) belong to a single species. The second internal transcribed spacer (ITS 2) of the rDNA of 16 isolates from 11 cats, two dogs, one arctic fox and two ferrets originating from four different continents was characterized. In addition, mites from dog, cat and arctic fox were investigated morphologically.