Genome Sequencing of Ancient Plant Remains: Findings, Uses and Potential Applications for the Study and Improvement of Modern Crops

The advent of new sequencing technologies is revolutionizing the studies of ancient DNA (aDNA). In the last 30 years, DNA extracted from the ancient remains of several plant species has been explored in small-scale studies, contributing to understand the adaptation, and migration patterns of important crops. More recently, NGS technologies applied on aDNA have opened up new avenues of research, allowing investigation of the domestication process on the whole-genome scale. Genomic approaches based on genome-wide and targeted sequencing have been shown to provide important information on crop evolution and on the history of agriculture. Huge amounts of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data offer various solutions to overcome problems related to the origin of the material, such as degradation, fragmentation of polynucleotides, and external contamination. Recent advances made in several crop domestication studies have boosted interest in this research area. Remains of any nature are potential candidates for aDNA recovery and almost all the analyses that can be made on fresh DNA can also be performed on aDNA. The analysis performed on aDNA can shed light on many phylogenetic questions concerning evolution, domestication, and improvement of plant species. It is a powerful instrument to reconstruct patterns of crop adaptation and migration. Information gathered can also be used in many fields of modern agriculture such as classical breeding, genome editing, pest management, and product promotion. Whilst unlocking the hidden genome of ancient crops offers great potential, the onus is now on the research community to use such information to gain new insight into agriculture

Dissection of genetic and environmental factors involved in tomato organoleptic quality

Background: One of the main tomato breeding objectives is to improve fruit organoleptic quality. However, this task is made somewhat challenging by the complex nature of sensory traits and the lack of efficient selection criteria. Sensory quality depends on numerous factors, including fruit colour, texture, aroma, and composition in primary and secondary metabolites. It is also influenced by genotypic differences, the nutritional regime of plants, stage of ripening at harvest and environmental conditions. In this study, agronomic, biochemical and sensory characterization was performed on six Italian heirlooms grown in different environmental conditions.Result: We identified a number of links among traits contributing to fruit organoleptic quality and to the perception of sensory attributes. PCA analysis was used to highlight some biochemical, sensory and agronomic discriminating traits: this statistical test allowed us to identify which sensory attributes are more closely linked to environmental conditions and those, instead, linked to the genetic constitution of tomato. Sweetness, sourness, saltiness and tomato flavour are not only grouped in the same PCA factor, but also result in a clear discrimination of tomato ecotypes in the three different fields. The three different traditional varieties cluster on the basis of attributes like juiciness, granulosity, hardness and equatorial diameter, and are therefore more closely related to the genetic background of the cultivar.Conclusion: This finding suggests that a different method should be undertaken to improve sensory traits related to taste perception and texture. Our results might be used to ascertain in what direction to steer breeding in order to improve the flavour characteristics of tomato ecotypes

Large-scale gene gains and losses molded the NLR defense arsenal during the Cucurbita evolution

[EN] Main conclusion Genome-wide annotation reveals that the gene birth-death process of the Cucurbita R family is associated with a species-specific diversification of TNL and CNL protein classes. The Cucurbitaceae family includes nearly 1000 plant species known universally as cucurbits. Cucurbita genus includes many economically important worldwide crops vulnerable to more than 200 pathogens. Therefore, the identification of pathogen-recognition genes is of utmost importance for this genus. The major class of plant-resistance (R) genes encodes nucleotide-binding site and leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins, and is divided into three sub-classes namely, TIR-NB-LRR (TNL), CC-NB-LRR (CNL) and RPW8-NB-LRR (RNL). Although the characterization of the NLR gene family has been carried out in important Cucurbita species, this information is still linked to the availability of sequenced genomes. In this study, we analyzed 40 de novo transcriptomes and 5 genome assemblies, which were explored to investigate the Cucurbita expressed-NLR (eNLR) and NLR repertoires using an ad hoc gene annotation approach. Over 1850 NLR-encoding genes were identified, finely characterized and compared to 96 well-characterized plant R-genes. The maximum likelihood analyses revealed an unusual diversification of CNL/TNL genes and a strong RNL conservation. Indeed, several gene gain and loss events have shaped the Cucurbita NLR family. Finally, to provide a first validation step Cucurbita, eNLRs were explored by real-time PCR analysis. The NLR repertories of the 12 Cucurbita species presented in this paper will be useful to discover novel R-genes.Open access funding provided by Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II within the CRUI-CARE Agreement.Andolfo, G.; Sáez-Sánchez, C.; Cañizares Sales, J.; Picó Sirvent, MB.; Ercolano, MR. (2021). Large-scale gene gains and losses molded the NLR defense arsenal during the Cucurbita evolution. Planta. 254(4):1-14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-021-03717-xS114254

Genome-wide analysis of histone modifiers in tomato: gaining an insight into their developmental roles

BACKGROUND: Histone post-translational modifications (HPTMs) including acetylation and methylation have been recognized as playing a crucial role in epigenetic regulation of plant growth and development. Although Solanum lycopersicum is a dicot model plant as well as an important crop, systematic analysis and expression profiling of histone modifier genes (HMs) in tomato are sketchy. RESULTS: Based on recently released tomato whole-genome sequences, we identified in silico 32 histone acetyltransferases (HATs), 15 histone deacetylases (HDACs), 52 histone methytransferases (HMTs) and 26 histone demethylases (HDMs), and compared them with those detected in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), maize (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa) orthologs. Comprehensive analysis of the protein domain architecture and phylogeny revealed the presence of non-canonical motifs and new domain combinations, thereby suggesting for HATs the existence of a new family in plants. Due to species-specific diversification during evolutionary history tomato has fewer HMs than Arabidopsis. The transcription profiles of HMs within tomato organs revealed a broad functional role for some HMs and a more specific activity for others, suggesting key HM regulators in tomato development. Finally, we explored S. pennellii introgression lines (ILs) and integrated the map position of HMs, their expression profiles and the phenotype of ILs. We thereby proved that the strategy was useful to identify HM candidates involved in carotenoid biosynthesis in tomato fruits. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we reveal the structure, phylogeny and spatial expression of members belonging to the classical families of HMs in tomato. We provide a framework for gene discovery and functional investigation of HMs in other Solanaceae species

Use of network analysis to capture key traits affecting tomato organoleptic quality

The long-term objective of tomato breeders is to identify metabolites that contribute to defining the target flavour and to design strategies to enhance it. This paper reports the results of network analysis, based on metabolic phenotypic and sensory data, to highlight important relationships among such traits. This tool allowed a reduction in data set complexity, building a network consisting of 35 nodes and 74 links corresponding to the 74 significant (positive or negative) correlations among the variables studied. A number of links among traits contributing to fruit organoleptic quality and to the perception of sensory attributes were identified. Modular partitioning of the characteristics involved in fruit organoleptic perception captured the essential fruit parameters that regulate interactions among different class traits. The main feature of the network was the presence of three nodes interconnected among themselves (dry matter, pH, and °Brix) and with other traits, and nodes with widely different linkage degrees. Identification of strong associations between some metabolic and sensory traits, such as citric acid with tomato smell, glycine with tomato smell, and granulosity with dry matter, suggests a basis for more targeted investigations in the future

Inheritance analysis and identification of SNP markers associated with ZYMV resistance in Cucurbita pepo

[EN] Cucurbit crops are economically important worldwide. One of the most serious threats to cucurbit production is Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV). Several resistant accessions were identified in Cucurbita moschata and their resistance was introgressed into Cucurbita pepo. However, the mode of inheritance of ZYMV resistance in C. pepo presents a great challenge to attempts at introgressing resistance into elite germplasm. The main goal of this work was to analyze the inheritance of ZYMV resistance and to identify markers associated with genes conferring resistance. An Illumina GoldenGate assay allowed us to assess polymorphism among nine squash genotypes and to discover six polymorphic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between two near-isogenic lines, "True French" (susceptible to ZYMV) and Accession 381e (resistant to ZYMV). Two F-2 and three BC1 populations obtained from crossing the ZYMV-resistant Accession 381e with two susceptible ones, the zucchini True French and the cocozelle "San Pasquale," were assayed for ZYMV resistance. Molecular analysis revealed an approximately 90% association between SNP1 and resistance, which was confirmed using High Resolution Melt (HRM) and a CAPS marker. Co-segregation up to 72% in populations segregating for resistance was observed for two other SNP markers that could be potentially linked to genes involved in resistance expression. A functional prediction of proteins involved in the resistance response was performed on genome scaffolds containing the three SNPs of interest. Indeed, 16 full-length pathogen recognition genes (PRGs) were identified around the three SNP markers. In particular, we discovered that two nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) protein-encoding genes were located near the SNP1 marker. 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Modulation of Tomato Response to Rhizoctonia solani by Trichoderma harzianum and Its Secondary Metabolite Harzianic Acid

The present study investigated the transcriptomic and metabolomic changes elicited in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Micro-Tom) following treatments with the biocontrol agent Trichoderma harzianum strain M10 or its purified secondary metabolite harzianic acid (HA), in the presence or the absence of the soil-borne pathogen Rhizoctonia solani. Transcriptomic analysis allowed the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that play a pivotal role in resistance to biotic stress. Overall, the results support the ability of T. harzianum M10 to activate defense responses in infected tomato plants. An induction of hormone-mediated signaling was observed, as shown by the up-regulation of genes involved in the ethylene and jasmonate (ET/JA) and salicylic acid (SA)-mediated signaling pathways. Further, the protective action of T. harzianum on the host was revealed by the over-expression of genes able to detoxify cells from reactive oxygen species (ROS). On the other hand, HA treatment also stimulated tomato response to the pathogen by inducing the expression of several genes involved in defense response (including protease inhibitors, resistance proteins like CC-NBS-LRR) and hormone interplay. The accumulation of steroidal glycoalkaloids in the plant after treatments with either T. harzianum or HA, as determined by metabolomic analysis, confirmed the complexity of the plant response to beneficial microbes, demonstrating that these microorganisms are also capable of activating the chemical defenses

Spitzer Observations of the Lambda Orionis cluster. II. Disks around solar-type and low mass stars

We present IRAC/MIPS Spitzer Space Telescope observations of the solar type and the low mass stellar population of the young (~5 Myr) Lambda Orionis cluster. Combining optical and 2MASS photometry, we identify 436 stars as probable members of the cluster. Given the distance (450 pc) and the age of the cluster, our sample ranges in mass from 2 solar mass to objects below the substellar limit. With the addition of the Spitzer mid-infrared data, we have identified 49 stars bearing disks in the stellar cluster. Using spectral energy distribution (SED) slopes, we place objects in several classes: non-excess stars (diskless), stars with optically thick disks, stars with ``evolved disks''( with smaller excesses than optically thick disk systems), and ``transitional disks'' candidates (in which the inner disk is partially or fully cleared). The disk fraction depends on the stellar mass, ranging from ~6% for K type stars (Rc-J<2) to ~27% for stars with spectral type M5 or later (Rc-J>4). We confirm the dependence of disk fraction on stellar mass in this age range found in other studies. Regarding clustering levels, the overall fraction of disks in the Lambda Orionis cluster is similar to those reported in other stellar groups with ages normally quoted as ~5 Myr.Comment: 37 pages, 11 Figures and 3 Tables, Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journa

Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) Phase 4 (2018) : Change management in allergic rhinitis and asthma multimorbidity using mobile technology

Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) has evolved from a guideline by using the best approach to integrated care pathways using mobile technology in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma multimorbidity. The proposed next phase of ARIA is change management, with the aim of providing an active and healthy life to patients with rhinitis and to those with asthma multimorbidity across the lifecycle irrespective of their sex or socioeconomic status to reduce health and social inequities incurred by the disease. ARIA has followed the 8-step model of Kotter to assess and implement the effect of rhinitis on asthma multimorbidity and to propose multimorbid guidelines. A second change management strategy is proposed by ARIA Phase 4 to increase self-medication and shared decision making in rhinitis and asthma multimorbidity. An innovation of ARIA has been the development and validation of information technology evidence-based tools (Mobile Airways Sentinel Network [MASK]) that can inform patient decisions on the basis of a self-care plan proposed by the health care professional.Peer reviewe

Adherence to treatment in allergic rhinitis using mobile technology. The MASK Study

Background: Mobile technology may help to better understand the adherence to treatment. MASK-rhinitis (Mobile Airways Sentinel NetworK for allergic rhinitis) is a patient-centred ICT system. A mobile phone app (the Allergy Diary) central to MASK is available in 22 countries. Objectives: To assess the adherence to treatment in allergic rhinitis patients using the Allergy Diary App. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out on all users who filled in the Allergy Diary from 1 January 2016 to 1 August 2017. Secondary adherence was assessed by using the modified Medication Possession Ratio (MPR) and the Proportion of days covered (PDC) approach. Results: A total of 12143 users were registered. A total of 6949 users reported at least one VAS data recording. Among them, 1887 users reported >= 7 VAS data. About 1195 subjects were included in the analysis of adherence. One hundred and thirty-six (11.28%) users were adherent (MPR >= 70% and PDC = 70% and PDC = 1.50) and 176 (14.60%) were switchers. On the other hand, 832 (69.05%) users were non-adherent to medications (MPR Conclusion and clinical relevance: Adherence to treatment is low. The relative efficacy of continuous vs on-demand treatment for allergic rhinitis symptoms is still a matter of debate. This study shows an approach for measuring retrospective adherence based on a mobile app. This also represents a novel approach for analysing medication-taking behaviour in a real-world setting.Peer reviewe