Changes in the expression of COI1, TIR1, and ERF1 genes and respective MiRNAs in Fusarium basal Rot-Stressed onion.

Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cepae (FOC), as basal rot fungus, is the most detrimental pathogen causing a serious threat to onion productivity in the world. In this study, we first determined FOC tolerance in seven Iranian onion cultivars, two known international onions (Texas Early Grano and Sweet Yellow Spanish), and an Allium species related to the onion (Allium asarence) based on the infection severity. Then, a transcriptional screen was performed by comparing the transcript levels of some pathogen-responsive genes (ERF1, COI1, and TIR1) and their predicted miRNAs in the sensitive (Ghermeze Azarshahr Cv.) and the resistant (A. asarence) onions to determine key genes and their miRNAs involved in the defense responses of onions to FOC. From our results, a difference was found in the COI1 and ERF1 expression 48 h after inoculation with FOC as compared to the respective 24 and 72 h. It can be explained by either special mechanisms involved in raising energy consumption efficiency or the interactive effects of other genes in the jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ET) signaling pathways. Moreover, expression analysis of the pathogen-responsive genes and their targeting miRNAs identified the miR-5629, which targets the COI1 gene as a likely key factor in conferring resistance in the FOC-resistant onion, i.e., A. asarence. However, exploring the function of the miRNA/target pair is highly recommended to deeply understand the effect of the miRNA/target pair-associated pathway in the control of A. asarense-FOC interaction.

Expression pattern of ABCDE model genes in floral organs of bolting garlic clone.

A correct understanding of the ABCDE model genes expression, especially genes involved in the development of the reproductive floral organs, in bolting and fertile garlic clones improves the process of its fertilization and breeding programs. Therefore, Real-Time PCR was employed to evaluate the temporal and spatial expression patterns of some floral organ identity genes in the inflorescence and different floret organs in the two stages of green and purple florets of bolting garlic clone. Relative expression of the studied genes, except AsSTK, in the mature inflorescence increased significantly during the early stages of initiation and differentiation of floral organs. Relative expression of the AsAP1 in the tepal and carpel, and AsAP2 in the tepal, stamen and carpel increased significantly. The highest relative expression levels of the AsAP1 and AsAP2 were found in the tepal of green florets and in the carpel of purple florets, respectively. AsAP3 and AsPI expression increased significantly in the stamen and carpel, and the highest relative expression of these two genes were observed in the green floret tepal. Relative expression of the AsAG increased significantly only in the reproductive floral organs and decreased significantly both in the carpel and stamen at floret maturity. The AsSEP1, 3 were expressed in all floral organs, but the AsSTK was only expressed in the carpel and its relative expression increased significantly at floret maturity. Finally, since considerable expression levels of the above genes were observed in the floral organs, these genes seem to be influential in the formation of floral organs in bolting garlic.

A new mutation in exon 2 of the bone morphogenetic protein 15 gene is associated with increase in prolificacy of Mehraban and Lori sheep.

Some mutations in bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) gene have been known to be associated with prolificacy in various breeds of sheep. Polymorphism of BMP15 gene exon 2 was studied in 100 Mehraban and 100 Lori ewes, using PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing methods. A new point mutation (G → A) was found at position 57 of the amplified 312-b fragment of BMP15 gene exon 2. The frequencies of the AG and GG genotypes were 69.4 and 30.6 % in Mehraban and 44.7 and 55.3 % in Lori ewes, respectively. No individual carrying the AA genotype was found in the studied population. The allelic frequencies for A and G alleles were 34.7 and 65.3 % in Mehraban and 22.4 and 77.6 % in Lori ewes, respectively. Average litter size in the AG genotype (1.56) was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than the GG ewes (1.08). The results of the present study indicated the potential of the observed SNP in exon 2 of BMP15 for further exploitation in marker-assisted selection to improve reproduction efficiency of Mehraban and Lori sheep.