Expression Of Traits Research Articles

Construction of the porcine genome mobile element variations and investigation of its role in population diversity and gene expression

BackgroundMobile element variants (MEVs) have a significant and complex impact on genomic diversity and phenotypic traits. However, the quantity, distribution, and relationship with gene expression and complex traits of MEVs in the pig genome remain poorly understood.ResultsWe constructed the most comprehensive porcine MEV library based on high-depth whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from 747 pigs across 59 breeds worldwide. This database identified a total of 147,993 polymorphic MEVs, including 121,099 short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), 26,053 long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), 802 long terminal repeats (LTRs), and 39 other transposons, among which 54% are newly discovered. We found that MEVs are unevenly distributed across the genome and are strongly influenced by negative selection effects. Importantly, we identified 514, 530, and 584 candidate MEVs associated with population differentiation, domestication, and breed formation, respectively. For example, a significantly differentiated MEV is located in the ATRX intron between Asian and European pigs, whereas ATRX is also differentially expressed between Asian and European pigs in muscle tissue. In addition, we identified 4,169 expressed MEVs (eMEVs) significantly associated with gene expression and 6,914 splicing MEVs (sMEVs) associated with gene splicing based on RNA-seq data from 266 porcine liver tissues. These eMEVs and sMEVs explain 6.24% and 9.47%, respectively, of the observed cis-heritability and highlight the important role of MEVs in the regulation of gene expression. Finally, we provide a high-quality SNP–MEV reference haplotype panel to impute MEV genotypes from genome-wide SNPs. Notably, we identified a candidate MEV significantly associated with total teat number, demonstrating the functionality of this reference panel.ConclusionsThe present investigation demonstrated the importance of MEVs in pigs in terms of population diversity, gene expression and phenotypic traits, which may provide useful resources and theoretical support for pig genetics and breeding.

Identification of Circulating Proteins Associated With Blood Pressure.

Circulating proteins in blood are involved in various physiological processes, but their contributions to blood pressure regulation remain partially understood. In traditional observational studies, identifying circulating proteins causally associated with blood pressure is challenging because of potentially unmeasured confounding and possible reverse causality. Two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses were conducted to estimate the causal effects of 2270 circulating proteins (data sourced from 8 genome-wide association studies) on diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure. Colocalization analyses were then used to investigate whether the circulating proteins and blood pressure traits shared causal genetic variants. To further verify the findings, we subsequently performed Steiger filtering analyses, annotation of protein-altering variants, assessment of overlap between protein quantitative trait loci and expression quantitative trait loci, protein-protein interaction and functional enrichment analyses, and drug target evaluation. To provide more potential biomarkers, we further evaluated the epidemiological associations of 2923 circulating proteins with blood pressure and hypertension by cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses using individual data in the UK Biobank. Mendelian randomization and colocalization analyses identified 121 circulating proteins with putative causal effects on at least 1 blood pressure trait. Many of the identified proteins are enriched in the pathways relevant to blood pressure regulation, and a majority of these proteins are either known drug targets or druggable candidates. This study has uncovered numerous circulating proteins potentially causally associated with blood pressure, providing insights into the regulatory mechanisms of blood pressure and potential therapeutic targets to facilitate blood pressure management.

Nitrogen addition affects tree trait expression by altering endophytic microbe diversity

Nitrogen addition affects tree trait expression by altering endophytic microbe diversity

Using scales and multidimensional analysis techniques to assess the pressures of sociocultural norms regulating masculinity on the psychosocial well-being of college male students (based on a sample from NaUKMA)

Norms are inherently social entities. The link between collectively shared social norms and individual well-being is an important juncture for social scientists as well as for applied social researchers. In this regard it is oftentimes contended that in a modern society the internalized norms of masculinity tend to form behavioral models that frequently contribute to young men’s forming an apathetic attitude toward their social responsibility, as well as to dissociation and indecision, and can worsen their emotional states and, eventually, lead to poorer well-being. The goals of the present research were two-fold and involved exploring the contents of the cultural norms of masculinity and evaluating their effect on mental well-being of young college males (based on a sample from National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (N = 215)). Grounded in the operationalization of Pearson & Marr conceptual framework, a formalized instrument was designed to measure the degree of consensuality of different norms of masculinity and to investigate their relationships with the mental well-being of the study participants. The study conducted in Kyiv in Spring 2024 collected self-reported cognitive data by means of an online form. The data analysis employed techniques of multidimensional analysis operating on multi-item scales. The findings show that a more pronounced expression of the normative traits that are marked as masculine serves as a predictor of higher mental well-being levels, more salient feeling of social belonging, more positive outlook on life and perceiving life events in a more constructive way. Granted that individual correspondence to sociocultural normativity in the domain of masculinity also positively affected psychological condition and the experience of social belonging of male participants, improving their well-being, it can be surmised that the destructive criticism of masculinity per se, radical reshaping of agreed-upon norms regulating masculinity and exposing the young men to the mixed signals of “what a man should be” can have harmful consequences for social adaptation and psychological well-being of male students. On the other hand, it is important to contextualize the criticism of masculinity within collectively meaningful axiological networks of a society and their contingencies. Specifically, congruence with socially desirable repertoires can confer a greater sense of responsibility, understanding one’s role in the group and developing one’s decision-making skills.

Cis- and trans-regulatory contributions to a hierarchy of factors influencing gene expression variation

Gene expression variation results from numerous sources including genetic, environmental, life stage, and even the environment experienced by previous generations. While the importance of each has been demonstrated in diverse organisms, their relative contributions remain understudied because few investigations have simultaneously determined each within a single experiment. Here we quantified genome-wide gene expression traits in Drosophila, quantified the contribution of multiple different sources of trait variation and determined the molecular mechanisms underlying observed variation. Our results show that there is a clear hierarchy in our data with genome and developmental stage contributing on average considerably more than current and finally previous generation environmental effects. We also determined the role of cis and trans-regulatory changes across different sources of trait variation, highlighting their importance in adaptation and environmental responses and showing unexpectedly that transgenerational effects herein were predominantly associated with changes in trans-regulation.

A functional microbiome catalogue crowdsourced from North American rivers.

Predicting elemental cycles and maintaining water quality under increasing anthropogenic influence requiresknowledge of the spatial drivers of river microbiomes. However, understanding of the core microbial processes governing river biogeochemistry is hindered by a lack of genome-resolved functional insights and sampling across multiple rivers. Here we used a community science effort to accelerate the sampling, sequencing and genome-resolved analyses of river microbiomes to create the Genome Resolved Open Watersheds database (GROWdb). GROWdb profiles the identity, distribution, function and expression of microbial genomes across river surface waters covering 90% of United States watersheds. Specifically, GROWdb encompasses microbial lineages from 27 phyla, including novel members from 10 families and 128 genera, and defines the core river microbiome at the genome level. GROWdb analyses coupled to extensive geospatial information reveals local and regional drivers of microbial community structuring, while also presenting foundational hypotheses about ecosystem function. Building on the previously conceived River Continuum Concept1, we layer on microbial functional trait expression, which suggests that the structure and function of river microbiomes is predictable. We make GROWdb available through various collaborative cyberinfrastructures2,3, so that it can be widely accessed across disciplines for watershed predictive modelling and microbiome-based management practices.

Marmosets as model systems for the study of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: Substantiation of physiological tau 3R and 4R isoform expression and phosphorylation.

Marmosets spontaneously develop pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) including amyloid beta plaques. However, tau expression in the marmoset brain has been understudied. Isoforms of tau were examined by western blot, mass spectrometry, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical staining. 3R and 4R tau isoforms are expressed in marmoset brains at both the transcript and protein levels across ages. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that tau peptides in marmoset corresponded to the 3R and 4R peptides in human brain, with 3R predominating at birth and an ≈40%:60% 3R:4R ratios in adolescents and adults; tau was distributed widely in neurons, with localization in the soma and synaptic regions. Phosphorylation residues were observed on Threonine (Thr) Thr181, Thr217, Thr231, Serine (Ser) Ser202/Thr205, and Ser396/Ser404. Our results confirm both 3R and 4R tau isoform expression and phosphorylation residues in the marmoset brain, and emphasize the significance of marmosets with natural expression of AD-related hallmarks as important translational models for AD. Highlights We report comprehensive characterization of tau isoform expression in marmoset brains across the lifespan. 3R and 4R tau isoforms are expressed in marmoset brains at both the transcript and protein levels across ages. These data emphasize the significance of marmosets with natural expression of primate-specific traits that are important for the study of Alzheimer's disease.

Experimental assessment of warming effects on the architecture and growth of the subalpine species Nothofagus pumilio

Abstract Global warming can pose a significant threat to forest tree species, particularly those inhabiting subalpine forests in temperate regions. Plasticity and adaptation are essential for the persistence of these forests. Nothofagus pumilio, the dominant tree species at the high-altitude limits of Patagonian temperate forests, is well adapted to cold conditions. To assess its potential responses to global warming, we established a genetic multi-environment field trial across three altitudes, 1200 (the current optimal for N. pumilio in North Patagonia), 800, and 400 m a.s.l., using plants from three provenances. Our hypothesis was that warmer conditions would reduce plant survival and promote the early expression of developmental attributes associated with advanced ontogenetic stages. After three growing seasons from trial planting, we measured survival, growth, and architectural traits. Plant survival and radial growth were lower at warmer, suboptimal sites. Warmer conditions induced the early expression of traits associated with advanced ontogenetic stages, particularly in two provenances, highlighting significant genotype-by-environment interactions. Additionally, plants at intermediate altitudes exhibited reduced height and a less hierarchical trunk structure, suggesting that juvenile growth and architecture in N. pumilio may be affected not only linearly with rising temperatures, but by interactions with stochastic factors, such as episodic frosts, which could operate on warming-induced effects decoupling plants from normal seasonality.

Ancestral origins of TYR and OCA2 gene mutations in oculocutaneous albinism from two admixed populations in Colombia.

Autosomal recessive conditions are often associated with homozygous mutations showing common ancestral origins and are frequently linked to consanguinity. However, an increasing number of compound heterozygotes are found in diverse, admixed populations. Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a recessive condition caused mainly by mutations in the TYR and OCA2 genes involved in skin pigmentation. We previously screened the TYR and OCA2 genes in Colombian OCA families, identifying both known and novel mutations. Affected family members were found to be either homozygous or compound heterozygous for these gene mutations. Compound heterozygosity, where two different recessive alleles inherited from each parent lead to the expression of an autosomal recessive trait, poses a challenge in genetic diagnosis. Estimating the ancestry of these disease-associated variants, in conjunction with understanding the colonization history of admixed populations, can enhance the precision of association mapping in genetic studies. The aim of this study was to determine the ancestral origins of TYR and OCA2 mutations for OCA patients from two populations located in the Andes region of Colombia-Altiplano Cundiboyacense and Marinilla-Santuario. Comparison of OCA patients, and their unaffected relatives, with global reference populations showed a pattern of European and Native American admixture, with little African ancestry, for these two populations. Mutation-bearing TYR and OCA2 haplotypes from Colombian OCA patients were compared against haplotypes from Spanish, Native American, and Sephardic Jewish reference populations to infer their ancestral origins. For 12 OCA1 patients from the Altiplano Cundiboyacense region, 21 out of 24 mutated TYR haplotypes show Spanish origins, two show Native American origins, and one shows a Sephardic Jewish origin. The two Native American TYR haplotypes, and the single Sephardic Jewish haplotype, are all found in compound heterozygote patients, paired with the predominant Spanish TYR haplotype G47D. OCA in these three patients is a result of genetic admixture that brought together disease-causing mutations with distinct ancestral origins. Both OCA2 patients from the Marinilla-Santuario region show homozygous OCA2 mutations with a Spanish origin. These findings underscore the complexity of the genetic architecture of Mendelian disease in admixed American populations, with both consanguinity and admixture contributing to the risk of autosomal recessive OCA in Colombia.

Impact of Polyploidy on Crop Improvement and Plant Breeding Strategies: A Review

Polyploidy, the condition of possessing multiple sets of chromosomes, is a widespread phenomenon in plants that has had a profound impact on crop evolution and improvement. This review explores the role of polyploidy in plant breeding strategies, emphasizing its contributions to enhancing agronomic traits, overcoming genetic barriers, and expanding genetic diversity. Polyploid crops, such as wheat, cotton, and Brassica species, exhibit superior yield, increased biomass, and enhanced stress tolerance compared to their diploid counterparts. Polyploidy can arise naturally or be induced artificially, providing breeders with opportunities to create novel crop varieties through synthetic polyploidization. The complexity of polyploid genomes poses significant challenges, including fertility issues, meiotic instability, and difficulties in genome management. Advances in genomic and biotechnological tools, such as genomic selection and CRISPR-based genome editing, are beginning to address these obstacles, allowing for precise manipulation of polyploid genomes and improved breeding outcomes. Additionally, polyploidy plays a crucial role in overcoming reproductive barriers in interspecific hybrids, facilitating the transfer of desirable traits between species that would otherwise be genetically incompatible. The potential of polyploidy for developing climate-resilient crops is particularly noteworthy, as polyploid plants often exhibit greater tolerance to drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. This makes polyploid breeding a promising approach for addressing the challenges of climate change and ensuring food security. Future research should focus on understanding the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying polyploid genome stability and trait expression, as well as integrating advanced computational tools to predict and manipulate polyploid gene function. Emerging areas such as synthetic biology and multi-omics integration will further enhance our ability to engineer polyploid crops with complex trait architectures. Polyploidy remains a powerful and versatile tool for plant breeders, offering immense potential for crop improvement, genetic innovation, and the development of resilient agricultural systems. As the understanding and technological capabilities in polyploid breeding continue to advance, polyploid crops will play a central role in sustainable agricultural development and global food production.

Genetic Influence of the Brain on Muscle Structure: A Mendelian Randomization Study of Sarcopenia.

The association between brain and sarcopenia has not been clarified. We aim to investigate the causal association between brain structure, function, gene expression and sarcopenia-related traits. All participants were Europeans. GWAS data of Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDs) was from the UK Biobank. Gene expression in 13 brain regions was acquired from the GTEx Consortium. The sarcopenia-related traits, including appendicular lean mass (ALM), whole body lean mass (WBLM), grip strength and sarcopenia diagnosed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) or Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), were from the IEU website. The inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR Egger, weighted median, weighted mode and Wald ratio methods were used for a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis between brain structures and sarcopenia-related traits. The summary-data-based MR (SMR) was used to investigate brain genes causally influencing sarcopenia. We calculated the F-value, odds ratio with 95% CI and p-value. For the sensitivity analysis, the heterogeneity I2 statistic, Cochrane's Q test, Egger's intercept test, MR-PRESSO and the leave-one-out sensitivity test were used. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, protein-protein interaction (PPI), transcription factor interaction prediction and miRNA interaction prediction analysis were used to reveal potential signalling pathways and mechanisms. We included 3144 imaging phenotypes from 8428 participants in BIDs data. One hundred forty-one BIDs were identified to causally influence ALM, 160 BIDs showed significant causal effect on the WBLM, and 86 BIDs showed significant causal effect on grip strength. There were 48 or 32 BIDs causally associated with sarcopenia diagnosed by the EWGSOP or FNIH criteria respectively. After FDR correction, there were 35 BIDs showing causal effect on the ALM, 28 BIDs showing causal effect on the WBLM and 7 BIDs showing causal effect on grip strength (p < 0.05). Twelve to forty-eight genes in different brain regions showed causal effect on all the five sarcopenia-related traits. MMP24-AS1, HLA-DRB6, HLA-DQA2, DDX42, BAG6, NUSAP1, LINC00940, NME1-NME2 and AS3MT in the amygdala region showed detrimental effect on all the five sarcopenia-related traits, whereas HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1-AS1 and C6ORF3 showed protective effect (p < 0.05). The gene enrichment analysis indicated these screened genes was mainly enriched in immune-related signalling. We discovered the causal effect of BIDs and brain gene expression on sarcopenia. The positive genes were mainly enriched in immune-related signalling, suggesting an immune-based cross-organ regulation mechanism of brain-muscle axis.

Intra‐ and inter‐specific variability in the temporal trends of butterfly phenology in the Northern Alps

Abstract Large‐scale declines in insect abundances and richness due to climate and land‐use change have been well documented during the past years. These changes are accompanied by shifts in insect phenology towards earlier appearance in spring and prolonged activity periods in late summer and autumn. The magnitude of these responses to climate change might be masked by intra‐ and inter‐specific variability in phenology and trait expression. Here, we used a large data set of museum records of butterflies from the northern Austrian Alps (380 m to &gt;3000 m asl) and ask to which degree does intra‐ and inter‐specific variability in spring and autumn activity and in the numbers of generations affect the temporal trends in phenology during the last 30 years? For the 17 most abundant species, we found phenological variability to strongly differ among species, local habitats and study years. Ubiquitous mobile species were significantly more variable than habitat specialist and sedentary species. Intra‐specific variability was highest in ubiquitous habitat generalist species and increased during the study period. As consequence, seasonal appearance and composition of local butterfly communities are now less predictable than decades ago. It remains unclear whether this trend causes a rewiring of pollinator food webs.

Single-cell eQTL mapping in yeast reveals a tradeoff between growth and reproduction.

Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) provide a key bridge between noncoding DNA sequence variants and organismal traits. The effects of eQTLs can differ among tissues, cell types, and cellular states, but these differences are obscured by gene expression measurements in bulk populations. We developed a one-pot approach to map eQTLs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and applied it to over 100,000 single cells from three crosses. We used scRNA-seq data to genotype each cell, measure gene expression, and classify the cells by cell-cycle stage. We mapped thousands of local and distant eQTLs and identified interactions between eQTL effects and cell-cycle stages. We took advantage of single-cell expression information to identify hundreds of genes with allele-specific effects on expression noise. We used cell-cycle stage classification to map 20 loci that influence cell-cycle progression. One of these loci influenced the expression of genes involved in the mating response. We showed that the effects of this locus arise from a common variant (W82R) in the gene GPA1 , which encodes a signaling protein that negatively regulates the mating pathway. The 82R allele increases mating efficiency at the cost of slower cell-cycle progression and is associated with a higher rate of outcrossing in nature. Our results provide a more granular picture of the effects of genetic variants on gene expression and downstream traits.

In-utero exposure to real-life environmental chemicals disrupts gene expression within the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis of prepubertal and adult rams

Environmental chemicals (ECs) have been associated with a broad range of disorders and diseases. Daily exposure to various ECs in the environment, or real-life exposure, has raised significant public health concerns. Utilizing the biosolids-treated pasture (BTP) sheep model, this study demonstrates that in-utero exposure to a real-life EC mixture disrupts hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis gene expression and reproductive traits in prepubertal (8-week-old, 8w) and adult (11-month-old) male sheep. Ewes were maintained on either BTP or pastures fertilized with inorganic fertilizer [control (C)] from approximately one month prior to insemination until around parturition. Thereafter, all animals were kept under control conditions. Effects on reproductive parameters including testosterone concentrations and the expression of key genes in the HPG axis were evaluated in eight-week-old and adult male offspring from both C and biosolids-exposed (B) groups. Results showed that, at 8w, relative to C (n = 11), B males (n = 11) had lower body weight, and altered testicular expression of HSD3B1, LHR and HSD17B3, BMP4, ABP, P27kip and CELF1. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified two 8w B subgroups, based on hypothalamic expression of GnRH, ESR1, and AR, and pituitary expression of KISSR. The two subgroups also exhibited different serum testosterone concentrations. The largest biosolids effects were observed in the hypothalamus of adult rams with NKB, ESR1, KISS1, AR, DLK1 and GNRH1 mRNA expression differing between B (n = 10) and C (n = 11) rams. Testicular steroidogenic enzymes CYP11A1 and HSD3B1 mRNA expression also differed between exposure groups. PCA identified two adult B subgroups, with BS1 (n = 6) displaying hypothalamic effects and BS2 (n = 4) both hypothalamic and testicular effects. The subgroups also differed in circulating testosterone concentrations. These findings demonstrate that exposure to a real-life EC mixture may predispose some males to infertility, by disrupting key functional HPG markers before puberty with consequent downstream effects on steroid hormones and spermatogenesis.

Beyond change: Personality‐environment alignment at work

AbstractWe critically evaluate Dupré and Wille's (2024) proposal for using assessments for organizational personality development through the lens of empirical evidence on adult personality change. We present an overview of research on personality stability and malleability throughout adulthood examining rank‐order stability, mean‐level changes, and the impact of life events and interventions. Empirical evidence reveals that while personality exhibits some plasticity in young adulthood, significant changes become increasingly rare beyond age 30. For older employees, personality remains highly stable, making age an important consideration in workforce development. Life experiences and intentional interventions have been shown to prompt modest personality changes, with emotional stability being the most malleable trait. We quantify these changes, noting shifts of up to two‐thirds of a standard deviation in emotional stability through targeted interventions, with more limited effects on other Big Five traits. We also provide insights for organizational assessment practices, including the need for tailored personality (re‐)assessment intervals and age‐based norm composition for better utilization of personality information. With Cybernetic Trait Complexes Theory, we introduce a framework for aligning personality traits with situational cues in work environments. This approach emphasizes trait activation rather than personality modification, allowing organizations to harness employees' strengths by strategically designing environments that naturally encourage beneficial trait expression. This shifts the focus from personality change to strategic activation of beneficial traits through environmental design. We describe how organizations can leverage employees' existing personality trait complexes while fostering incremental behavioral adaptations, offering a pragmatic alternative to traditional employee development approaches. By aligning individuals with environments that activate their traits, organizations can enhance both personal and organizational outcomes, contributing to broader societal benefits as well.

Age-Related Plasticity Integration in Male Cicadas Tettigetta isshikii: Are Adult Cicadas Capital Breeders?

Labile traits, such as behavioural, physiological traits or body mass, vary within an individual either over time or across environments. Such changes within an individual can be linked across traits, forming within-individual trait correlations. These correlations are particularly expected when ageing causes changes in the expression of multiple traits. Moreover, the direction of these correlations depends on mechanisms that explain age-related changes in each trait, such as physiological deterioration or changes in future fitness expectations. Therefore, assessing within-individual trait correlations offers insights into trait-specific ageing patterns, their integration and age-related reproductive strategies. Here, we tracked individual male cicadas (Tettigetta isshikii) in their natural habitat, repeatedly assessing their plant use (narrow-leafed vs. large-leafed plants), calling activity and body mass. The results revealed that male cicadas lost mass, increased calling activity and a preference for narrow-leafed plants as they aged. This integration of age-related plasticity led to negative within-individual correlations between body mass and behaviours. Considering that adult cicadas consume nutritionally poor xylem sap, the negative within-individual correlations between body mass and risk-taking behaviour suggest that T. isshikii males follow a capital breeding strategy rather than an income breeding strategy. As adult cicadas may use up the energy stored during the nymph stage, an age-related increase in energetically demanding calling activity could cause an age-related decrease in body mass. The terminal investment hypothesis could also explain the age-related increase in calling activity and the preference for narrow-leafed plants. Therefore, we emphasise the importance of individual-level tracking studies in the wild to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the life-history strategies and behavioural ecology of a study animal.

The mediating role of emotional regulation and emotional expression in the relationship between autistic traits and empathy in Saudi students

The aim was to investigate the mediating role of emotional regulation and emotional expression in the relationship between autistic traits and empathy in Saudi students. Participants were undergraduate students at Umm Al-Qura University. A total of 398 questionnaires were sent out, and 260 valid questionnaires were received. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were conducted on the variables hypothesized in the study; on this basis, the structural process model modeling method was used to examine the impact of autistic trait empathy after controlling for factors unrelated to age and gender. This study investigated the relationship between empathy, emotional expression, cognitive reappraisal, and autistic traits in Saudi students. A statistical analysis to test the posited hypotheses was undertaken using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 26. Key descriptive statistics were undertaken using the software, making it possible to study the distributions of successive measured variables. The results found that autistic traits can directly and negatively predict empathy, and also through negative emotional expression and cognitive reappraisal can indirectly predict empathy, and can even predict empathy through the chain mediation of negative emotional expression and positive emotional expression to cognitive reappraisal. However, autistic traits did not predict empathy through positive emotional expression.

Female ornamentation in European serins is related to age but not to male mate choice and social competition

Sexual selection theory has provided explanation for the evolution and function of elaborate male traits, yet less effective in explaining female trait expression. Consequently, there remains a significant gap in our understanding of how female ornamentation is maintained and what factors drive its evolution. The European serin (Serinus serinus) displays a dichromatic carotenoid-based plumage, with a yellow patch on the breast in both males and females, although with females displaying less conspicuous colouration. While yellow colouration in male serins serves a dual function in social contexts, both sexual and nonsexual, the potential signal role of this colouration in females remains unknown. This study investigates the relationship between female traits, measures of fitness and the potential sexual and social function of female plumage colouration. To achieve this, we conducted a male mate choice experiment and a social competition experiment for access to limited food, similar to those previously employed with male serins. We found a relation between yellow plumage colouration and age classes, with older females displaying more colourful plumage. The mate choice experiment did not reveal a male sexual preference based on carotenoid-based plumage colouration in females. Furthermore, while females established steep hierarchies within groups, dominance over food was not associated with plumage colour. These findings suggest that in the European serin, female plumage may be subject to direct natural selection for less conspicuous colours or may result from genetic correlation of a male-selected trait.

CRISPR–Cas9-mediated promoter editing of FERONIA-Like receptor 13 increases plant growth and disease resistance in rice

Receptor kinases play a pivotal role in detecting environmental signals, and consequently, gene pleiotropy is frequently observed within this family. However, the trade-off in trait expression resulting from gene pleiotropy poses a constraint on the utilization of such genes in agricultural breeding. In this study, we identified the receptor kinase gene FERONIA-Like Receptor 13 (FLR13) as a pleiotropic gene influencing plant height, tillering, grain yield, and disease resistance. Using promoter editing, we generated novel alleles (FLR13T5T6-1, FLR13T5T6-2) that confer resistance to rice blast and increase per-plant yield. The knockout of the T5T6 segment alleviates the inhibitory effects of two transcription factors, OsGBP1 and OsWRKY53, on FLR13 expression. In summary, our study presents a promising avenue for enhancing the pivotal attributes of receptor-like kinases through a promoter-editing strategy.

Structural variation reshapes population gene expression and trait variation in 2,105 Brassica napus accessions

Although individual genomic structural variants (SVs) are known to influence gene expression and trait variation, the extent and scale of SV impact across a species remain unknown. In the present study, we constructed a reference library of 334,461 SVs from genome assemblies of 16 representative morphotypes of neopolyploid Brassica napus accessions and detected 258,865 SVs in 2,105 resequenced genomes. Coupling with 5 tissue population transcriptomes, we uncovered 285,976 SV-expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) that associate with altered expression of 73,580 genes. We developed a pipeline for the high-throughput joint analyses of SV-genome-wide association studies (SV-GWASs) and transcriptome-wide association studies of phenomic data, eQTLs and eQTL-GWAS colocalization, and identified 726 SV–gene expression–trait variation associations, some of which were verified by transgenics. The pervasive SV impact on how SV reshapes trait variation was demonstrated with the glucosinolate biosynthesis and transport pathway. The study highlighting the impact of genome-wide and species-scale SVs provides a powerful methodological strategy and valuable resources for studying evolution, gene discovery and breeding.