Basil interspecific hybridization and transcriptome study indicates altered developmental and metabolic gene expression

Background In order to understand the developmental modulation of transcriptome and associated gene expression in inter-genomic combinations, a systematic study was planned using two diverse yet closely related species of Ocimum, targeting their hybrid F1 and derived amphidiploid (colchiploid of F1 hybrid). The existing developmental alterations between F1 and amphidiploid through phenotypical and anatomical assessments were analyzed. Results Study of several genes and transcription factors putatively involved in the growth and developmental processes of plants clearly amalgamates the transcriptome data linking the phenotypic differences in F1 and amphidiploid. Additionally, differentially expressed genes of stomatal patterning and development revealed their involvement leading to higher density of stomata in F1 while larger size of stomata in the amphidiploid. Absence of 8,330 transcripts of interspecific hybrid F1 in its amphidiploid and exclusive presence of two detected transcripts in amphidiploid provides a set of genes to analyze the suppressed or activated functions between F1 and amphidiploid. Estimation of chlorophyll, lignin, flavonoid and phenylpropenes (eugenol and methyleugenol) content were correlated with the average FPKM and digital gene expression values in F1 and amphidiploid. Conclusion This is the first investigation which describes the genes and transcription factors influenced by interspecific hybridization leading to developmental changes and alleviation of intergenomic instability in amphidiploid.

Platelet serotonin modulates immune functions

SummaryThis short review addresses immune functions of platelet serotonin. Platelets transport serotonin at a high concentration in dense granules and release it upon activation. Besides haemostatic, vasotonic and developmental modulation, serotonin also influences a variety of immune functions (mediated by different serotonin receptors). First, platelet serotonergic effects are directed against invading pathogens via activation and proliferation of lymphocytes, modulation of cytokine release, and recruitment of neutrophils to sites of acute inflammation by induction of selectin expression on endothelial cells. Second, serotonin levels are elevated in autoimmune diseases, such as asthma or rheumatoid arthritis, and during tissue regeneration after ischemia of myocardium or brain. Specific antagonism of serotonin receptors appears to improve survival after myocardial infarction or sepsis and to attenuate asthmatic attacks in animal models. It will be of great clinical relevance if these findings can be translated into human applications. In conclusion, targeting immune modulatory effects of platelet serotonin may provide novel therapeutic options for common health problems.

Biological Systematics in the Evo-Devo era

Evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo) suggests a distinction between modular and systemic variation. In the case of modular change, the conservation of the overall structure helps recognizing affinities, while a single, fast evolving module is likely to produce a bonanza for the taxonomist, while systemic changes produce strongly deviating morphologies that cause problems in tracing homologies. Similarly, changes affecting the whole life cycle are more challenging than those limited to one stage. Developmental modularity is a precondition for heterochrony. Analyzing a matrix of morphological data for paedomorphic taxa requires special care. It is, however, possible to extract phylogenetic signal from heterochronic patterns. The taxonomist should pay attention to the intricacies of the genotype→phenotype map. When using genetic data to infer phylogeny, a comparison of gene sequences is just a first step. To bridge the gap between genes and morphology we should consider the spatial and temporal patterns of gene expression, and their regulation. Minor genetic change can have major phenotypic effects, sometimes suggesting saltational evolution. Evo-devo is also relevant in respect to speciation: changes in developmental schedules are often implicated in the divergence between sympatric morphs, and a developmental modulation of ‘temporal phenotypes’ appears to be responsible for many cases of speciation.