Histone H4K8hib modification promotes gene expression and regulates rice immunity.

This study uncovers the role of H4K8hib as an active epigenetic mark in rice that positively correlates with gene expression and enhances immune responses. Furthermore, HDA705 was identified as the key enzyme regulating H4K8hib. Mutation of HDA705 led to hyper-H4K8hib, which in turn activated the expression of defense-related genes and enhanced rice resistance to pathogens.

Significant Changes in Bacterial Communities Associated with Corals Ingestion by Crown-of-Thorns Starfish: An Important Factor Affecting the Coral's Health.

Coral ingestion by crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) is an important cause of coral reef degradation, although the impacts of COTS feeding on coral-associated microbial communities are not well understood. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the coral tissue-weight, Symbiodiniaceae density (SD), bacterial community composition, and the predicted functions of bacterial genes associated with corals in healthy portions and feeding scars, following COTS feeding. Coral tissue-weight loss rate in the feeding scars was 71.