Pub Date : 2024-08-14DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.07.007
Oskar Fields, Michael J Hammond, Xiao Xu, Ellis C O'Neill
Euglenids have long been studied due to their unique physiology and versatile metabolism, providing underpinnings for much of our understanding of photosynthesis and biochemistry, and a growing opportunity in biotechnology. Until recently there has been a lack of genetic studies due to their large and complex genomes, but recently new technologies have begun to unveil their genetic capabilities. Whilst much research has focused on the model organism Euglena gracilis, other members of the euglenids have now started to receive due attention. Currently only poor nuclear genome assemblies of E. gracilis and Rhabdomonas costata are available, but there are many more plastid genome sequences and an increasing number of transcriptomes. As more assemblies become available, there are great opportunities to understand the fundamental biology of these organisms and to exploit them for biotechnology.
长期以来,人们一直在研究藻类,因为它们具有独特的生理结构和多变的新陈代谢,为我们了解光合作用和生物化学提供了基础,也为生物技术提供了越来越多的机会。直到最近,由于其庞大而复杂的基因组,一直缺乏遗传研究,但最近的新技术已经开始揭示其遗传能力。虽然许多研究都集中在模式生物褐飞虱上,但褐飞虱的其他成员现在也开始受到应有的关注。目前,我们只能获得 E. gracilis 和 Rhabdomonas costata 较差的核基因组序列,但有更多的质粒基因组序列和越来越多的转录组。随着更多的基因组序列的出现,我们将有很大的机会了解这些生物的基本生物学特性,并将其用于生物技术研究。
{"title":"Advances in euglenoid genomics: unravelling the fascinating biology of a complex clade.","authors":"Oskar Fields, Michael J Hammond, Xiao Xu, Ellis C O'Neill","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2024.07.007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2024.07.007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Euglenids have long been studied due to their unique physiology and versatile metabolism, providing underpinnings for much of our understanding of photosynthesis and biochemistry, and a growing opportunity in biotechnology. Until recently there has been a lack of genetic studies due to their large and complex genomes, but recently new technologies have begun to unveil their genetic capabilities. Whilst much research has focused on the model organism Euglena gracilis, other members of the euglenids have now started to receive due attention. Currently only poor nuclear genome assemblies of E. gracilis and Rhabdomonas costata are available, but there are many more plastid genome sequences and an increasing number of transcriptomes. As more assemblies become available, there are great opportunities to understand the fundamental biology of these organisms and to exploit them for biotechnology.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141989529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-08-10DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.07.003
Guanghao Qi, Alexis Battle
Allele-specific expression (ASE) is a powerful signal that can be used to investigate multiple molecular mechanisms, such as cis-regulatory effects and imprinting. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) enables ASE characterization at the resolution of individual cells. In this review, we highlight the computational methods for processing and analyzing single-cell ASE data. We first describe a bioinformatics pipeline to obtain ASE counts from raw reads synthesized from previous literature. We then discuss statistical methods for detecting allelic imbalance and its variability across conditions using scRNA-seq data. In addition, we describe other methods that use single-cell ASE to address specific biological questions. Finally, we discuss future directions and emphasize the need for an integrated, optimized bioinformatics pipeline, and further development of statistical methods for different technologies.
等位基因特异性表达(ASE)是一种强大的信号,可用于研究多种分子机制,如顺式调控效应和印记。单细胞 RNA 测序(scRNA-seq)可以在单个细胞的分辨率上描述 ASE 的特征。在本综述中,我们将重点介绍处理和分析单细胞 ASE 数据的计算方法。我们首先介绍了一种生物信息学管道,它能从以前文献合成的原始读数中获得 ASE 计数。然后,我们讨论了利用 scRNA-seq 数据检测等位基因不平衡及其在不同条件下的变异性的统计方法。此外,我们还介绍了利用单细胞 ASE 解决特定生物学问题的其他方法。最后,我们讨论了未来的发展方向,并强调了集成优化生物信息学管道的必要性,以及进一步开发适用于不同技术的统计方法的必要性。
{"title":"Computational methods for allele-specific expression in single cells.","authors":"Guanghao Qi, Alexis Battle","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2024.07.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2024.07.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Allele-specific expression (ASE) is a powerful signal that can be used to investigate multiple molecular mechanisms, such as cis-regulatory effects and imprinting. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) enables ASE characterization at the resolution of individual cells. In this review, we highlight the computational methods for processing and analyzing single-cell ASE data. We first describe a bioinformatics pipeline to obtain ASE counts from raw reads synthesized from previous literature. We then discuss statistical methods for detecting allelic imbalance and its variability across conditions using scRNA-seq data. In addition, we describe other methods that use single-cell ASE to address specific biological questions. Finally, we discuss future directions and emphasize the need for an integrated, optimized bioinformatics pipeline, and further development of statistical methods for different technologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141914574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-08-07DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.07.001
Muhammad Amjad Farooq, Shang Gao, Muhammad Adeel Hassan, Zhangping Huang, Awais Rasheed, Sarah Hearne, Boddupalli Prasanna, Xinhai Li, Huihui Li
Harnessing cutting-edge technologies to enhance crop productivity is a pivotal goal in modern plant breeding. Artificial intelligence (AI) is renowned for its prowess in big data analysis and pattern recognition, and is revolutionizing numerous scientific domains including plant breeding. We explore the wider potential of AI tools in various facets of breeding, including data collection, unlocking genetic diversity within genebanks, and bridging the genotype-phenotype gap to facilitate crop breeding. This will enable the development of crop cultivars tailored to the projected future environments. Moreover, AI tools also hold promise for refining crop traits by improving the precision of gene-editing systems and predicting the potential effects of gene variants on plant phenotypes. Leveraging AI-enabled precision breeding can augment the efficiency of breeding programs and holds promise for optimizing cropping systems at the grassroots level. This entails identifying optimal inter-cropping and crop-rotation models to enhance agricultural sustainability and productivity in the field.
{"title":"Artificial intelligence in plant breeding.","authors":"Muhammad Amjad Farooq, Shang Gao, Muhammad Adeel Hassan, Zhangping Huang, Awais Rasheed, Sarah Hearne, Boddupalli Prasanna, Xinhai Li, Huihui Li","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2024.07.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2024.07.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Harnessing cutting-edge technologies to enhance crop productivity is a pivotal goal in modern plant breeding. Artificial intelligence (AI) is renowned for its prowess in big data analysis and pattern recognition, and is revolutionizing numerous scientific domains including plant breeding. We explore the wider potential of AI tools in various facets of breeding, including data collection, unlocking genetic diversity within genebanks, and bridging the genotype-phenotype gap to facilitate crop breeding. This will enable the development of crop cultivars tailored to the projected future environments. Moreover, AI tools also hold promise for refining crop traits by improving the precision of gene-editing systems and predicting the potential effects of gene variants on plant phenotypes. Leveraging AI-enabled precision breeding can augment the efficiency of breeding programs and holds promise for optimizing cropping systems at the grassroots level. This entails identifying optimal inter-cropping and crop-rotation models to enhance agricultural sustainability and productivity in the field.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141908320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-08-05DOI: 10.1016/s0168-9525(24)00156-2
No Abstract
无摘要
{"title":"Advisory Board and Contents","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/s0168-9525(24)00156-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/s0168-9525(24)00156-2","url":null,"abstract":"No Abstract","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":11.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141942640","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-08-05DOI: 10.1016/s0168-9525(24)00159-8
No Abstract
无摘要
{"title":"Subscription and Copyright Information","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/s0168-9525(24)00159-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/s0168-9525(24)00159-8","url":null,"abstract":"No Abstract","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":11.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141942629","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-08-01Epub Date: 2024-05-11DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.04.008
Ting Qi, Liyang Song, Yazhou Guo, Chang Chen, Jian Yang
Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified numerous genetic loci associated with human traits and diseases. However, pinpointing the causal genes remains a challenge, which impedes the translation of GWAS findings into biological insights and medical applications. In this review, we provide an in-depth overview of the methods and technologies used for prioritizing genes from GWAS loci, including gene-based association tests, integrative analysis of GWAS and molecular quantitative trait loci (xQTL) data, linking GWAS variants to target genes through enhancer-gene connection maps, and network-based prioritization. We also outline strategies for generating context-dependent xQTL data and their applications in gene prioritization. We further highlight the potential of gene prioritization in drug repurposing. Lastly, we discuss future challenges and opportunities in this field.
{"title":"From genetic associations to genes: methods, applications, and challenges.","authors":"Ting Qi, Liyang Song, Yazhou Guo, Chang Chen, Jian Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2024.04.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tig.2024.04.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified numerous genetic loci associated with human traits and diseases. However, pinpointing the causal genes remains a challenge, which impedes the translation of GWAS findings into biological insights and medical applications. In this review, we provide an in-depth overview of the methods and technologies used for prioritizing genes from GWAS loci, including gene-based association tests, integrative analysis of GWAS and molecular quantitative trait loci (xQTL) data, linking GWAS variants to target genes through enhancer-gene connection maps, and network-based prioritization. We also outline strategies for generating context-dependent xQTL data and their applications in gene prioritization. We further highlight the potential of gene prioritization in drug repurposing. Lastly, we discuss future challenges and opportunities in this field.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140908983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-08-01Epub Date: 2024-06-15DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.06.001
Daniel F Hughes
Speciation is familiar in radiations, but personality is not. In a recent article, Sommer-Trembo et al. linked exploratory behavior in African cichlids to a SNP in the promoter of a gene, the homolog of which is associated with human personality disorders, offering clues about the first fish of this radiation, with implications for vertebrate evolution.
物种繁衍在辐射中很常见,但人格却不常见。在最近的一篇文章中,Sommer-Trembo 等人将非洲慈鲷的探索行为与一个基因启动子中的 SNP 联系起来,该基因的同源物与人类的人格障碍有关,从而提供了有关这种辐射的第一种鱼类的线索,并对脊椎动物的进化产生了影响。
{"title":"A personality SNP? Behavioral genetics in African cichlids.","authors":"Daniel F Hughes","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2024.06.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tig.2024.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Speciation is familiar in radiations, but personality is not. In a recent article, Sommer-Trembo et al. linked exploratory behavior in African cichlids to a SNP in the promoter of a gene, the homolog of which is associated with human personality disorders, offering clues about the first fish of this radiation, with implications for vertebrate evolution.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141332493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-08-01Epub Date: 2024-07-15DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.05.003
Sou Tomimoto, Akiko Satake
A new study by Schmitt et al. revealed that somatic mutations in tropical trees are passed on to their offspring. Furthermore, the study noted that the majority of inherited mutations were present at low allelic frequencies within the tree.
{"title":"Tropical trees inherit low-frequency somatic mutations.","authors":"Sou Tomimoto, Akiko Satake","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2024.05.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tig.2024.05.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A new study by Schmitt et al. revealed that somatic mutations in tropical trees are passed on to their offspring. Furthermore, the study noted that the majority of inherited mutations were present at low allelic frequencies within the tree.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141629270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-08-01Epub Date: 2024-05-08DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.04.003
Johan A den Boon, Masaki Nishikiori, Hong Zhan, Paul Ahlquist
Positive-strand RNA [(+)RNA] viruses include pandemic SARS-CoV-2, tumor-inducing hepatitis C virus, debilitating chikungunya virus (CHIKV), lethal encephalitis viruses, and many other major pathogens. (+)RNA viruses replicate their RNA genomes in virus-induced replication organelles (ROs) that also evolve new viral species and variants by recombination and mutation and are crucial virus control targets. Recent cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) reveals that viral RNA replication proteins form striking ringed 'crowns' at RO vesicle junctions with the cytosol. These crowns direct RO vesicle formation, viral (-)RNA and (+)RNA synthesis and capping, innate immune escape, and transfer of progeny (+)RNA genomes into translation and encapsidation. Ongoing studies are illuminating crown assembly, sequential functions, host factor interactions, etc., with significant implications for control and beneficial uses of viruses.
{"title":"Positive-strand RNA virus genome replication organelles: structure, assembly, control.","authors":"Johan A den Boon, Masaki Nishikiori, Hong Zhan, Paul Ahlquist","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2024.04.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tig.2024.04.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Positive-strand RNA [(+)RNA] viruses include pandemic SARS-CoV-2, tumor-inducing hepatitis C virus, debilitating chikungunya virus (CHIKV), lethal encephalitis viruses, and many other major pathogens. (+)RNA viruses replicate their RNA genomes in virus-induced replication organelles (ROs) that also evolve new viral species and variants by recombination and mutation and are crucial virus control targets. Recent cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) reveals that viral RNA replication proteins form striking ringed 'crowns' at RO vesicle junctions with the cytosol. These crowns direct RO vesicle formation, viral (-)RNA and (+)RNA synthesis and capping, innate immune escape, and transfer of progeny (+)RNA genomes into translation and encapsidation. Ongoing studies are illuminating crown assembly, sequential functions, host factor interactions, etc., with significant implications for control and beneficial uses of viruses.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140900085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-08-01Epub Date: 2024-05-22DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.04.012
Anupam K Mondal, Mohita Gaur, Jayshree Advani, Anand Swaroop
Intimate links between epigenome modifications and metabolites allude to a crucial role of cellular metabolism in transcriptional regulation. Retina, being a highly metabolic tissue, adapts by integrating inputs from genetic, epigenetic, and extracellular signals. Precise global epigenomic signatures guide development and homeostasis of the intricate retinal structure and function. Epigenomic and metabolic realignment are hallmarks of aging and highlight a link of the epigenome-metabolism nexus with aging-associated multifactorial traits affecting the retina, including age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. Here, we focus on emerging principles of epigenomic and metabolic control of retinal gene regulation, with emphasis on their contribution to human disease. In addition, we discuss potential mitigation strategies involving lifestyle changes that target the epigenome-metabolome relationship for maintaining retinal function.
{"title":"Epigenome-metabolism nexus in the retina: implications for aging and disease.","authors":"Anupam K Mondal, Mohita Gaur, Jayshree Advani, Anand Swaroop","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2024.04.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tig.2024.04.012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Intimate links between epigenome modifications and metabolites allude to a crucial role of cellular metabolism in transcriptional regulation. Retina, being a highly metabolic tissue, adapts by integrating inputs from genetic, epigenetic, and extracellular signals. Precise global epigenomic signatures guide development and homeostasis of the intricate retinal structure and function. Epigenomic and metabolic realignment are hallmarks of aging and highlight a link of the epigenome-metabolism nexus with aging-associated multifactorial traits affecting the retina, including age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. Here, we focus on emerging principles of epigenomic and metabolic control of retinal gene regulation, with emphasis on their contribution to human disease. In addition, we discuss potential mitigation strategies involving lifestyle changes that target the epigenome-metabolome relationship for maintaining retinal function.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11303112/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141088491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}