Profiling of N6-methyladenosine dynamics indicates regulation of oyster development by m6A-RNA epitranscriptomes

The N6-methylation of RNA adenosines (m6A) is an important regulator of gene expression with critical implications in vertebrate and insect development. However, the developmental significance of epitranscriptomes in lophotrochozoan organisms remains unknown. Using MeRIP-seq, we generated transcriptome-wide m6A-RNA methylomes covering the whole development of the oyster from oocytes to juveniles. Oyster RNA classes display specific m6A signatures, with mRNAs and lncRNAs exhibiting distinct profiles and being highly methylated compared to transposon transcripts. Epitranscriptomes are dynamic and correspond to chronological steps of development (cleavage, gastrulation, organogenesis and metamorphosis), with a minimal mRNA and lncRNA methylation at the morula stage followed by a global increase. mRNA m6A levels are correlated to transcript levels and shifts in methyladenine profiles correspond to expression kinetics. Differentially methylated transcripts cluster according to embryo-larval stages and bear the corresponding developmental functions (cell division, signal transduction, morphogenesis and cell differentiation). The m6A level of transposon transcripts is also regulated and peaks during the gastrulation. We demonstrate that m6A-RNA methylomes are dynamic and associated to gene expression regulation during oyster development. The putative epitranscriptome implication in the cleavage, maternal-to-zygotic transition and cell differentiation in a lophotrochozoan model brings new insights into the control and evolution of developmental processes.

Truncation of IFT80 causes early embryonic loss in cattle

Recessive alleles represent a substantial risk in populations that have undergone significant bottleneck events. Analyzing millions of genotypes and hundreds of sequenced bulls, we identified one pernicious recessive variant that achieved 1.66% frequency in the US Holstein population and confirmed loss of embryonic development via CRISPR-Cas9 editing. In the process, we identified the developmental significance of two protein domains of the IFT80 gene in the embryonic development of cattle.

How Does Ethnic Identity Relate to Adjustment for Minoritized Students? A Two-Site Comparison of Large Public Universities

Research suggests that achieved ethnic identity has positive implications for the adjustment of Adolescents of Color. However, researchers know very little about whether (or how) the impact of achieved ethnic identity extends into college years. To explore this, our study examined the effects of ethnic identity on both social and academic adjustment of Students of Color at two large public research universities with distinct enrollment characteristics. Using multiple group analyses, we tested and confirmed the developmental significance of Phinney’s conceptualization of achieved ethnic identity. In both university contexts, achieved ethnic identity related to academic adjustment for Students of Color. We found no differences in regression paths between the two institutional contexts, supporting the assertion that achieved ethnic identity plays a prominent role in student success for minoritized students across college contexts. Our study extends Phinney’s theory of ethnic identity development to the study of college adjustment.

“My Teacher Doesn’t Like Me”: Perceptions of Teacher Discrimination and School Discipline among African-American and Caribbean Black Adolescent Girls

This study examined the impact of perceived teacher discrimination on the school discipline of African-American and Caribbean Black adolescent girls. The findings are drawn from a nationally representative sample of (n = 410) African-American and (n = 193) Caribbean Black adolescent girls age 13 to 17 (Mage = 15). Results indicate that perceiving discrimination from teachers was associated with higher school discipline (e.g., suspension, expulsion, and spending time in a jail, detention center) for African-American girls. For Caribbean Black girls, higher household income and school bonding was associated with lower school discipline. Older Caribbean Black girls were also more likely to receive higher school discipline. However, perceiving discrimination from teachers was not associated with school discipline for Caribbean Black girls. The developmental significance and implications for future research are discussed.

Foreign trade of agricultural products between Serbia and the European Union: Problems and perspectives

The aim of this paper is to analyse trade relations between Serbia and the European Union, from the perspective of trade in agricultural products. An overview of the changes in the economic structure of Serbia, which resulted from the transition to a system of market economy and in which agriculture gained greater developmental significance than it had in the previous period, represents the starting point of the analysis. The trade of agricultural products between Serbia and the EU countries has been on an upward trend since the beginning of the century, and Serbia has achieved a positive balance in that trade. However, the structure of Serbian export points to a problem of low export competitiveness. This problem could be overcome by acting gradually on various segments of production, trade and promotion of agricultural products, which the authors of the paper define in the form of a proposal. Trade in agricultural products between Serbia and the EU is part of their overall economic relations and contributes to the process of Serbia's integration into the EU, so positive trends related to this aspect of their relations can be expected in the future.