Biology subjects

Dowling, C.

Publications and source records attributed to Dowling, C..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

An ancient X chromosomal region harbours three genes potentially controlling sex determination in Cannabis sativa

O_LISex determination mechanisms in dioecious plants remain poorly understood yet offer an excellent model system to study genetic changes underlying morphological evolution. C_LIO_LIWe investigated the genetic basis of sex determination in Cannabis sativa, combining QTL mapping in a segregating population, comparative transcriptomics between monoecious and dioecious cultivars, and a genomic analysis of X-Y chromosome divergence. C_LIO_LIQTL mapping identified Monoecy1, a locus on the X chromosome putatively controlling the monoecy-dioecy trait. This locus resides in the most ancient and diverged region of the sex chromosomes and contains three genes within 60,000 bp (CsREM16, lncREM16, and CsKAN4) with distinct sex-specific and monoecy-specific expression patterns. C_LIO_LIMonoecy1 harbours genes for male-female as well as monoecious-dioecious sex determination. We propose that the combinatorial interaction of CSREM16, lncREM16 and CsKAN4 provides a unifying genetic framework for understanding male-female and monoecious-dioecious sex determination in Cannabis sativa. C_LI

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2020

Activity-Dependent Modulation of Synapse-Regulating Genes in Astrocytes

Astrocytes regulate the formation and function of neuronal synapses via multiple signals, however, what controls regional and temporal expression of these signals during development is unknown. We determined the expression profile of astrocyte synapse-regulating genes in the developing mouse visual cortex, identifying astrocyte signals that show differential temporal and layer-enriched expression. These patterns are not intrinsic to astrocytes, but regulated by visually-evoked neuronal activity, as they are absent in mice lacking glutamate release from thalamocortical terminals. Consequently, synapses remain immature. Expression of synapse-regulating genes and synaptic development are also altered when astrocyte signaling is blunted by diminishing calcium release from astrocyte stores. Single nucleus RNA sequencing identified groups of astrocytic genes regulated by neuronal and astrocyte activity, and a cassette of genes that show layer-specific enrichment. Thus, the development of cortical circuits requires coordinated signaling between astrocytes and neurons, identifying astrocytes as a target to manipulate in neurodevelopmental disorders.

neuroscience↗