Transcriptional regulation of miR528-PPO module by miR156 targeted SPLs orchestrates chilling response in banana.

Banana is sensitive to cold stress and often suffers from chilling injury with browning peel and failure to normal ripening. We have previously reported that banana chilling injury is accompanied by a reduction of miR528 accumulation, alleviating the degradation of its target gene MaPPO and raising ROS levels that cause peel browning. Here, we further revealed that the miR528-MaPPO cold-responsive module was regulated by miR156-targeted SPL transcription factors, and the miR156c-MaSPL4 module was also responsive to cold stress in banana.

An intron-split microRNA mediates cleavage of the mRNA encoded by low phosphate root in Solanaceae.

A microRNA with a non-canonical precursor structure harbours an intron in between its miRNA-5p and miRNA-3p relevant for its biogenesis, is conserved across Solanaceae, and targets the mRNA of low phosphate root. Hundreds of miRNAs have been identified in plants and great advances have been accomplished in the understanding of plant miRNA biogenesis, mechanisms and functions. Still, many miRNAs, particularly those with less conventional features, remain to be discovered.

Molecular Basis of Eusocial Complexity: The Case of Worker Reproductivity in Bees.

In eusocial insects, the molecular basis of worker reproductivity, including how it changes with eusocial complexity, remains relatively poorly understood. To address this, we used mRNA-seq to isolate genes differentially expressed between ovary-active and ovary-inactive workers in the intermediately eusocial bumblebee Bombus terrestris. By comparisons with data from the advanced eusocial honeybee Apis mellifera, which shows reduced worker reproductivity, we characterized gene expression differences associated with change in worker reproductivity as a function of eusocial complexity.

Assessment of genetically modified maize DP910521 (application GMFF-2021-2473).

Genetically modified (GM) maize DP910521 was developed to confer resistance against certain lepidopteran insect pests as well as tolerance to glufosinate herbicide; these properties were achieved by introducing the expression cassettes. The molecular characterisation data and bioinformatic analyses did not identify issues requiring food/feed safety assessment. None of the identified differences in the agronomic/phenotypic and compositional characteristics tested between maize DP910521 and its conventional counterpart needs further assessment except for the levels of iron in grain, which do not raise safety and nutritional concerns.

Assessment of genetically modified maize MON 95275 (application GMFF-2022-5890).

Genetically modified maize MON 95275 was developed to confer protection to certain coleopteran species. These properties were achieved by introducing the , and expression cassettes. The molecular characterisation data and bioinformatic analyses reveal similarity to known toxins, which was further assessed.