Project description:We study the changes occurring in the testes of Talpa occidentalis during the breeding cycle. The transcriptomic analysis of active, inactivating and regressed testis show that several molecular pathways that operate in Sertoli cells, involved in the control of spermatogenesis and BTB dynamics, are deregulated in the inactive gonad, and that the immuno privilege of the testes is lost during the non-breeding season.
Project description:We also study the changes occurring in the testes of Mediterranean pine mice living in the wastelands during the breeding cycle. The transcriptomic analysis of active and regressed testis show that several molecular pathways that operate in Sertoli cells, involved in the control of spermatogenesis and BTB dynamics, are deregulated in the inactive gonad, and that the immuno privilege of the testes is lost during the non-breeding season.
Project description:The length of internodes is critical in determining the height of the castor plant (Ricinus communis L.), and is closely associated with internode elongation. However, the exact mechanisms underlying internode elongation, particularly in the main stem of the castor plant, remain uncertain. To investigate further, we conducted a study using the dwarf castor variety 071113, comparing it with the homologous high-stalk Zhuansihao as a control. Our research included cytological observation, physiological measurement, transcriptome sequencing, and metabolic determination. By integrating these findings, we discovered that the dwarf 071113 undergoes earlier main stem lignification development and has a more active lignin synthesis pathway in internode intermediate development. The plant hormone IAA also plays a role in this process. Furthermore, potential enzymes and regulators have been identified, including the auxin influx carrier AUX1 LAX, auxin response protein IAA13, ARF3, auxin-responsive protein SAUR50, peroxidase, and EXPs that regulate cell cycle, cell wall synthesis, as well as growth and development, were also. Based on these findings, we developed a model for castor internode elongation and gained a better understanding of the dwarfing mechanism of the 071113 variety. Our work lays a theoretical foundation for the future breeding of dwarf castor varieties.
Project description:Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new group of noncoding and regulatory RNAs that are particularly abundant in the nervous system, although their physiological functions are underexplored. Here we report that the brain-enriched circular RNA Edis (Ect4-derived immune suppressor) plays an essential role in neuronal development in Drosophila, as its depletion causes defective axonal projection of mushroom body (MB) neurons in the brain, as well as impaired locomotor activity and shortened lifespan of adult flies. In addition, we show that the castor gene, which encodes a transcription factor involved in neurodevelopment, is upregulated in Edis knockdown neurons. Notably, castor overexpression phenocopies Edis knockdown, and reducing castor levels suppresses the neuronal developmental phenotypes in Edis-depleted neurons. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis reveals that the immune transcription factor Relish occupies two sites at the castor promoter, and that both sites are required for optimal castor gene activation induced by either immune challenge or Edis depletion. Lastly, Relish mutation rescues both the castor hyperactivation phenotype and neuronal defects in Edis knockdown animals. We conclude that the circular RNA Edis acts through Relish and castor to regulate neuronal development.
