The FANCC-FANCE-FANCF complex is evolutionarily conserved and regulates meiotic recombination.

At meiosis, programmed meiotic DNA double-strand breaks are repaired via homologous recombination, resulting in crossovers (COs). From a large excess of DNA double-strand breaks that are formed, only a small proportion gets converted into COs because of active mechanisms that restrict CO formation. The Fanconi anemia (FA) complex proteins AtFANCM, MHF1 and MHF2 were previously identified in a genetic screen as anti-CO factors that function during meiosis in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Unequal contribution of two paralogous CENH3 variants in cowpea centromere function.

In most diploids the centromere-specific histone H3 (CENH3), the assembly site of active centromeres, is encoded by a single copy gene. Persistance of two CENH3 paralogs in diploids species raises the possibility of subfunctionalization. Here we analysed both CENH3 genes of the  diploid dryland crop cowpea.

A detached leaf assay for testing transient gene expression and gene editing in cowpea ( [L.] Walp.).

Background: The legume cowpea ( L.) is extensively grown in sub-Saharan Africa. Cowpea, like many legumes has proved recalcitrant to plant transformation.

A Tomato Tocopherol-Binding Protein Sheds Light on Intracellular α-Tocopherol Metabolism in Plants.

Tocopherols are non-polar compounds synthesized in the plastids, which function as major antioxidants of the plant cells and are essential in the human diet. Both the intermediates and final products of the tocopherol biosynthetic pathway must cross plastid membranes to reach their sites of action. So far, no protein with tocopherol binding activity has been reported in plants.

New observations on gametogenic development and reproductive experimental tools to support seed yield improvement in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp].

Cowpea reproductive tools. Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.