Homeolog expression analysis in an allotriploid non-model crop via integration of transcriptomics and proteomics

Open Access Journal; Published online: 22 Jan 2018The fate of doubled genes, from allopolyploid or autopolyploid origin, is controlled at multiple levels, resulting in the modern day cultivars. We studied the root growth of 3 different triploid banana cultivars under control and osmotic stress conditions. The root growth of the allopolyploid ABB cultivar was 42% higher under control and 61% higher under osmotic stress. By integrating transcriptomics and proteomics, we studied the gene expression of all 3 cultivars, resulting in 2,749 identified root proteins. 383 gene loci displayed genotype specific differential expression whereof 252 showed at least one Single Amino Acid Polymorphism (SAAP). In the ABB cultivar, allele expressions supposedly follow a 1/3 and 2/3 pattern for respectively the A and the B allele. Using transcriptome read alignment to assess the homeoallelic contribution we found that 63% of the allele specific genes deviated from this expectation. 32 gene loci even did not express the A allele. The identified ABB allele- specific proteins correlate well with the observed growth phenotype as they are enriched in energy related functions such as ATP metabolic processes, nicotinamide nucleotide metabolic processes, and glycolysis

Effect of paleopolyploidy and allopolyploidy on gene expression in banana

Open Access JournalBananas (Musa spp.) are an important crop worldwide. Most modern cultivars resulted from a complex polyploidization history that comprised three whole genome duplications (WGDs) shaping the haploid Musa genome, followed by inter- and intra-specific crosses between Musa acuminata and M. balbisiana (A and B genome, respectively). Unresolved hybridizations finally led to banana diversification into several autotriploid (AAA) and allotriploid cultivars (AAB and ABB). Using transcriptomic data, we investigated the impact of the genome structure on gene expression patterns in roots of 12 different triploid genotypes covering AAA, AAB and ABB subgenome constitutions

Establishing specialized health services for professional consultation in euthanasia: experiences in the Netherlands and Belgium

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg have adopted laws decriminalizing euthanasia under strict conditions of prudent practice. These laws stipulate, among other things, that the attending physician should consult an independent colleague to judge whether the substantive criteria of due care have been met. In this context initiatives were taken in the Netherlands and Belgium to establish specialized services providing such consultants: Support and Consultation for Euthanasia in the Netherlands (SCEN) and Life End Information Forum (LEIF) in Belgium. The aim of this study is to describe and compare these initiatives.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We studied and compared relevant documents concerning the Dutch and Belgian consultation service (e.g. articles of bye-laws, inventories of activities, training books, consultation protocols).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In both countries, the consultation services are delivered by trained physicians who can be consulted in cases of a request for euthanasia and who offer support and information to attending physicians. The context in which the two organisations were founded, as well as the way they are organised and regulated, is different in each country. By providing information on all end-of-life care matters, the Belgian LEIF seems to have a broader consultation role than the Dutch SCEN. SCEN on the other hand has a longer history, is more regulated and organised on a larger scale and receives more government funding than LEIF. The number of training hours for physicians is equal. However, SCEN-training puts more emphasis on the consultation report, whereas LEIF-training primarily emphasizes the ethical framework of end-of-life decisions.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In case of a request for euthanasia, in the Netherlands as well as in Belgium similar consultation services by independent qualified physicians have been developed. In countries where legalising physician-assisted death is being contemplated, the development of such a consultation provision could also be considered in order to safeguard the practice of euthanasia (as it can provide safeguards to adequate performance of euthanasia and assisted suicide).</p