A high-quality apple genome assembly reveals the association of a retrotransposon and red fruit colourLi-Yi Zhang, Jiang Hu, Xiaolei Han et al.|Nature Communications|2019 Abstract A complete and accurate genome sequence provides a fundamental tool for functional genomics and DNA-informed breeding. Here, we assemble a high-quality genome (contig N50 of 6.99 Mb) of the apple anther-derived homozygous line HFTH1, including 22 telomere sequences, using a combination of PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing, chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) sequencing, and optical mapping. In comparison to the Golden Delicious reference genome, we identify 18,047 deletions, 12,101 insertions and 14 large inversions. We reveal that these extensive genomic variations are largely attributable to activity of transposable elements. Interestingly, we find that a long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposon insertion upstream of MdMYB1 , a core transcriptional activator of anthocyanin biosynthesis, is associated with red-skinned phenotype. This finding provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying red fruit coloration, and highlights the utility of this high-quality genome assembly in deciphering agriculturally important trait in apple.
Hsa_Circrna_103636: Potential Novel Diagnostic and Therapeutic Biomarker in Major Depressive DisorderXuelian Cui, Wei Niu, Lingming Kong et al.|Biomarkers in Medicine|2016 AIM: This study aimed to determine whether circular RNA (circRNA) molecules in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) could be used as novel non-invasive biomarkers for major depressive disorder (MDD). MATERIALS & METHODS: Differentially expressed circRNAs were screened using an Arraystar Human CircRNA Array (which includes 13,617 human circRNAs) and qRT-PCR. Thirty MDD patients were randomly selected to retest the circRNA levels after 4-week and 8-week antidepressant regimens. RESULTS: Four differentially expressed circRNAs were identified between MDD patients and controls, and only down-regulated hsa_circRNA_103636 was significantly altered after the 8-week treatment in MDD patients. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that altered expression of hsa_circRNA_103636 in PBMCs is a potential novel biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of MDD.