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Biology subjects

Yeh, C.-M.

Publications and source records attributed to Yeh, C.-M..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

The demographic history, genomic variation, and transcontinental genotype-phenotype-environment map of mungbean

The breeding of mungbean, a crucial Asian legume, has been hampered by the lack of genomic resources. The International Mungbean Improvement Network (IMIN) aims to ensure global access to diverse germplasms and genomic resources. Using 780 worldwide wild and cultivated accessions, we report this species most comprehensive (pan)genomic variation, demographic history, and genotype-phenotype-environment map. Despite archaeological evidence of the earliest cultivation in South Asia, present-day wild populations only possess relict traces of shared polymorphisms with cultivars. We showed that parallel losses of black seed coats in two Vigna species were caused by the same mutational mechanism in the same gene. In large-scale cross-continent field trials, we found accessions from distant environments from the trial sites have lower performance, especially in high-heritability and high-yield sites, suggesting future breeding priority in benign conditions on accessions from similar environments. Our comprehensive genomic and trial resources facilitate future breeding success of this essential crop.

evolutionary biology↗

Ancestral duplicated DL/CRC orthologs display function on orchid reproductive organ innovation

The orchid flower is renowned for complexity of flower organ morphogenesis and has attracted great interest from scientists. The YABBY genes encode plant-specific transcription factors with important roles in vegetative and reproductive development in seed plants. DROOPING LEAF/CRABS CLAW (DL/CRC) orthologs are involved in reproductive organ development (especially carpels) of angiosperms. Orchid gynostemium (the fused organ of the androecium and gynoecium) and ovule development are unique developmental processes. Understanding the DL/CRC-like genes controlling the developmental program of the gynostemium and ovule could provide accessible information for reproductive organ molecular regulation in orchids. Two DL/CRC-like genes, named PeDL1 and PeDL2, were cloned from Phalaenopsis equestris. The orchid DL/CRC forms a monophyletic clade with two subclades including AshDL, PeDL1 and DcaDL1 in subclade I, and PeDL2 and DcaDL2 in subclade II. The temporal and spatial expression analysis indicated PeDL genes are specifically expressed in the gynostemium and at the early stages of ovule development. Both PeDLs could partially complement an Arabidopsis crc-1 mutant. Transient overexpression of PeDL1 in Phalaenopsis orchids caused abnormal development of ovule and stigmatic cavity of gynostemium. PeDL1, instead of PeDL2, could form a heterodimer with PeCIN8. Paralogue retention and subsequent divergence of the gene sequence of PeDL1 and PeDL2 in P. equestris might result in the differentiation of function and protein behaviors. These results reveal the important roles of PeDLs involved in orchid gynostemium and ovule development and provide new insights for further understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying orchid reproductive organ development.

developmental biology↗

Blue Light Negatively Regulates Tolerance to Phosphate Deficiency in Arabidopsis

Plants have evolved mechanisms to improve utilization efficiency or acquisition of inorganic phosphate (Pi) in response to Pi deficiency, such as altering root architecture, secreting acid phosphatases, and activating the expression of genes related to Pi uptake and recycling. Although many genes responsive to Pi starvation have been identified, transcription factors that affect tolerance to Pi deficiency have not been well characterized. We show here that defect in the ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) transcription factor gene results in tolerance to Pi deficiency in Arabidopsis. The primary root length of hy5 was only slightly inhibited under Pi deficient condition and its fresh weight was significantly higher than that of wild type. The Pi deficiency-tolerant phenotype of hy5 was similarly observed when grown on the medium without Pi. In addition, a double mutant, hy5slr1, without lateral roots also showed tolerance to phosphate deficiency, indicating that the tolerance of hy5 does not result from increase of external Pi uptake and may be related to internal Pi utilization or recycling. Moreover, we found that blue light negatively regulates tolerance to Pi-deficiency and that hy5 exhibits tolerance to Pi deficiency due to blockage of blue-light responses. Collectively, this study points out light quality may play an important role in the regulation of internal Pi recycling and utilization efficiency. Also, it may contribute to reducing Pi fertilizer requirements in plants through a proper illumination.

plant biology↗