In response to DNA damage, two general but fundamental processes occur in the cell: (1) a DNA lesion is recognized and repaired, and (2) concomitantly, the cell halts the cell cycle to provide a window of opportunity for repair to occur. An essential factor for a proper DNA-damage response is the heterotrimeric protein complex Replication Protein A (RPA). Of particular interest is hyperphosphorylation of the 32-kDa subunit, called RPA2, on its serine/threonine-rich amino (N) terminus following DNA damage in human cells.

Hessian fly is one of the most destructive insect pests in wheat. It causes stunted growth due to galls in wheat seedlings. In a study conducted by a group of researchers from 26 different institutions, they were able to sequence the genome of Hessian fly. This provides a little hint on gall formations in wheat. By examining how the Hessian fly attacks and regain its resistance to the wheat's defense system, they were able to reveal that the Hessian fly genome houses a large number of genes - more than 1000 genes coding for effector proteins, making it the largest gene family discovered in an insect genome

The gene-for-gene concept has historically been applied to describe a specific resistance interaction wherein single genes from the host and the pathogen dictate the outcome. These interactions have been observed across the plant kingdom and all known plant microbial pathogens. In recent years, this concept has been extended to susceptibility phenotypes in the context of transcription activator-like (TAL) effectors that target SWEET sugar transporters.

Maize has a long history of genetic and genomic tool development and is considered one of the most accessible higher plant systems. With a fully sequenced genome, a suite of cytogenetic tools, methods for both forward and reverse genetics, and characterized phenotype markers, maize is amenable to studying questions beyond plant biology. Major discoveries in the areas of transposons, imprinting, and chromosome biology came from work in maize.

The insufficient supply of photosynthates source of grains is considered to be one of the causes of chalkiness, a key factor in determining rice quality. In China, Zhaoqing University's Yonghai Liu studied the enzyme L-galactono-1, 4-lactone dehydrogenase (L-GalLDH, EC1.3.2.3), the catalyst for the final step in the synthesis of ascorbic acid (Asc) and its effect on grain chalkiness.

Heterotic groups are of fundamental importance in hybrid crop breeding. This study investigated hybrid yield, yield heterosis and combining ability within and among groups based on genetic distance derived from single-nucleotide polymorphism markers. The main objectives of the study were to (1) evaluate the magnitude of yield heterosis among marker-based groups,

Asian soybean rust (ASR), caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrihizi Syd. & P. Syd., is a serious disease in major soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production countries worldwide and causes yield losses up to 75 %. Defining the exact chromosomal position of ASR resistance genes is critical for improving the effectiveness of marker-assisted selection (MAS) for resistance and for cloning these genes.

We studied the resident (16S rDNA) and the active (16S rRNA) members of soil archaeal and bacterial communities during rice plant development by sampling three growth stages (vegetative, reproductive and maturity) under field conditions. Additionally, the microbial community was investigated in two non-flooded fields (unplanted, cultivated with upland maize) in order to monitor the reaction of the microbial communities to non-flooded, dry conditions.

The majority of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Upon UPEC infection, exfoliation of host bladder epithelial (urothelial) cells leads to sloughing of bacteria-laden cells into the urine for expulsion. However, it can also facilitate bacterial dissemination into deeper tissues. Thus, the balance and timing of exfoliation are important in determining disease outcomes. Here, we investigate host–pathogen dynamics in human urothelial cells in vitro and in murine model of acute cystitis

The multicellular green alga Volvox carteri is an attractive model to study aspects of multicellularity. However, analyses of these aspects require many molecular tools for genetic engineering and so far, there is only a limited number available for Volvox. In this study, Arvin Hallmann of the University of Bielefield in Germany discovered two new tools for Volvox. First, he discovered that the promoter of the V. carteri nitrate reductase gene (nitA) is a powerful switch for transgene expression. Strong expression can be triggered by changing the nitrogen source from ammonium to nitrate.