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Abstract PremiseAs the sister clade to angiosperms, extant gymnosperms are crucial for reconstructing ancestral gene regulatory networks in seed plants. This highlights the need for model systems representing each of their distinct lineages. However, tools to quickly and effectively investigate gene function in gymnosperms are still limited due to the challenges of long life cycles and large genome sizes. Species within the xerophytic genusEphedra(Gnetales) have comparatively smaller genomes and shrubby growth habits with shorter life spans, making them better suited for greenhouse cultivation and laboratory experiments. MethodsWe implement virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) to manipulate gene expression inEphedra tweedieanaviaAgrobacterium‐mediated vacuum infiltration of tobacco rattle virus (TRV1 and TRV2) into seedlings. ResultsTreatment resulted in highly efficient gene silencing of theE. tweedieana PHYTOENE DESATURASE(PDS) orthologEtwPDS. The expected photobleaching phenotype was observed as early as two weeks, and lasted at least five months in stems, shoot tips, leaves, axillary meristems, and lateral branches of treated plants. DiscussionWe report on virus‐induced targeted gene silencing ofPDSin a Gnetales representative to further enable functional studies of the genetic mechanisms underpinning adaptations in gymnosperms, an important and underrepresented lineage of seed plants.
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This content will become publicly available on October 9, 2026
Genome annotation of Aspergillus melleus strain CBS 546.65
ABSTRACT The fungusAspergillus melleusis an important biosynthesis host for varied commercial applications. Gene annotation of a previously published genome produced 12,841 protein-coding genes and identified 102 biosynthetic gene clusters.
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- PAR ID:
- 10656442
- Editor(s):
- Pritchard, Leighton
- Publisher / Repository:
- American Society for Microbiology
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Microbiology Resource Announcements
- Volume:
- 14
- Issue:
- 10
- ISSN:
- 2576-098X
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- e00519-25
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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