Genetic and epigenetic reprogramming in response to internal and external cues by induced transposon mobilization in Moso bamboo

Summary Long terminal repeat retroelements (LTR-REs) have profound effects on DNA methylation and gene regulation. Despite the vast abundance of LTR-REs in the genome of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), an industrial crop in underdeveloped countries, their precise implication of the LTR-RE mobility in stress response and development remains unknown. We investigated the RNA and DNA products of LTR-REs in Moso bamboo under various developmental stages and stressful conditions. Surprisingly, our analyses identified thousands of active LTR-REs, particularly those located near genes involved in stress response and developmental regulation. These genes adjacent to active LTR-REs exhibited an increased expression under stress and are associated with reduced DNA methylation that is likely affected by the induced LTR-REs. Moreover, the analyses of simultaneous mapping of insertions and DNA methylation showed that the LTR-REs effectively alter the epigenetic status of the genomic regions where they inserted, and concomitantly their transcriptional competence which might impact the stress resilience and growth of the host. Our work unveils the unusually strong LTR-RE mobility in Moso bamboo and its close association with (epi)genetic changes, which supports the co-evolution of the parasitic DNAs and host genome in attaining stress tolerance and developmental robustness

Epigenetic modifications in obesity‐associated diseases

Abstract The global prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic levels, significantly elevating the susceptibility to various cardiometabolic conditions and certain types of cancer. In addition to causing metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance (IR), elevated blood glucose and lipids, and ectopic fat deposition, obesity can also damage pancreatic islet cells, endothelial cells, and cardiomyocytes through chronic inflammation, and even promote the development of a microenvironment conducive to cancer initiation. Improper dietary habits and lack of physical exercise are important behavioral factors that increase the risk of obesity, which can affect gene expression through epigenetic modifications. Epigenetic alterations can occur in early stage of obesity, some of which are reversible, while others persist over time and lead to obesity‐related complications. Therefore, the dynamic adjustability of epigenetic modifications can be leveraged to reverse the development of obesity‐associated diseases through behavioral interventions, drugs, and bariatric surgery. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the impact of epigenetic regulation on the initiation and development of obesity‐associated cancers, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, establishing a theoretical basis for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions

Coincidence-Site-Lattice Twist Boundaries in Bicrystalline α‑Fe₂O₃ Nanoblades

Bicrystals are usually artificially designed to correlate the coincidence-site-lattice (CSL) configurations with the grain boundary property. Here, we report on CSL twist boundaries in bicrystalline α-Fe₂O₃ nanoblades, possessing only three distinct Σ values of 7, 13, and 19. The existence of CSL boundaries with various Σ values in the two-dimensional (2D) α-Fe₂O₃ nanoblades provides a good opportunity to investigate the effects of different grain boundaries on their physical properties. It is shown that the electrical resistivity of individual nanoblade decreases with increasing Σ values of the CSL boundaries. Such 2D nanoblades may have practical appeal because their 2D geometries facilitate integration into devices with realistic pathways to manufacturing

Diameter Dependence of Planar Defects in InP Nanowires

In this work, extensive characterization and complementary theoretical analysis have been carried out on Au-catalyzed InP nanowires in order to understand the planar defect formation as a function of nanowire diameter. From the detailed transmission electron microscopic measurements, the density of stacking faults and twin defects are found to monotonically decrease as the nanowire diameter is decreased to 10 nm, and the chemical analysis clearly indicates the drastic impact of In catalytic supersaturation in Au nanoparticles on the minimized planar defect formation in miniaturized nanowires. Specifically, during the chemical vapor deposition of InP nanowires, a significant amount of planar defects is created when the catalyst seed sizes are increased with the lower degree of In supersaturation as dictated by the Gibbs-Thomson effect, and an insufficient In diffusion (or Au-rich enhancement) would lead to a reduced and non-uniform In precipitation at the NW growing interface. The results presented here provide an insight into the fabrication of &quot;bottom-up&quot; InP NWs with minimized defect concentration which are suitable for various device applications.</p