Two orthogonal differentiation gradients locally coordinate fruit morphogenesis.

Morphogenesis requires the coordination of cellular behaviors along developmental axes. In plants, gradients of growth and differentiation are typically established along a single longitudinal primordium axis to control global organ shape. Yet, it remains unclear how these gradients are locally adjusted to regulate the formation of complex organs that consist of diverse tissue types. Here we combine quantitative live imaging at cellular resolution with genetics, and chemical treatments to understand the formation of Arabidopsis thaliana female reproductive organ (gynoecium). We show that, contrary to other aerial organs, gynoecium shape is determined by two orthogonal, time-shifted differentiation gradients. An early mediolateral gradient controls valve morphogenesis while a late, longitudinal gradient regulates style differentiation. Local, tissue-dependent action of these gradients serves to fine-tune the common developmental program governing organ morphogenesis to ensure the specialized function of the gynoecium.

PAM-Flexible Genome Editing with an Engineered Chimeric Cas9.

CRISPR enzymes require a defined protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) flanking a guide RNA-programmed target site, limiting their sequence accessibility for robust genome editing applications. In this study, we recombine the PAM-interacting domain of SpRY, a broad-targeting Cas9 possessing an NRN > NYN PAM preference, with the N-terminus of Sc++, a Cas9 with simultaneously broad, efficient, and accurate NNG editing capabilities, to generate a chimeric enzyme with highly flexible PAM preference: SpRYc. We demonstrate that SpRYc leverages properties of both enzymes to specifically edit diverse NNN PAMs and disease-related loci for potential therapeutic applications. In total, the unique approaches to generate SpRYc, coupled with its robust flexibility, highlight the power of integrative protein design for Cas9 engineering and motivate downstream editing applications that require precise genomic positioning.

PAM-flexible genome editing with an engineered chimeric Cas9.

CRISPR enzymes require a defined protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) flanking a guide RNA-programmed target site, limiting their sequence accessibility for robust genome editing applications. In this study, we recombine the PAM-interacting domain of SpRY, a broad-targeting Cas9 possessing an NRN > NYN (R = A or G, Y = C or T) PAM preference, with the N-terminus of Sc + +, a Cas9 with simultaneously broad, efficient, and accurate NNG editing capabilities, to generate a chimeric enzyme with highly flexible PAM preference: SpRYc. We demonstrate that SpRYc leverages properties of both enzymes to specifically edit diverse PAMs and disease-related loci for potential therapeutic applications. In total, the approaches to generate SpRYc, coupled with its robust flexibility, highlight the power of integrative protein design for Cas9 engineering and motivate downstream editing applications that require precise genomic positioning.

Androgenetic alopecia in women and men: Italian guidelines adapted from European Dermatology Forum/European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology guidelines.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of alopecia, affecting up to 80% of men and 50% of women in the course of their life. AGA is caused by a progressive reduction in the diameter, length and pigmentation of the hair, resulting from the effects of the testosterone metabolite dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on androgen-sensitive hair follicles. Clinical presentation is different in men and women. Trichoscopy is used routinely in patients with androgenetic alopecia, for diagnosis and differential diagnosis with other diseases, allowing staging of severity and monitoring the progress of the disease and the response to treatment. Medical treatment of AGA includes topical minoxidil, antiandrogen agents, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and many other options. This guideline for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia has been developed by an Italian group of experts taking into account the Italian pharmacological governance. The article is adapted from the original of the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) in collaboration with the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV). It summarizes evidence-based and expert-based recommendations (S3 level).