Zeitschrift für Phylogenetik und Evolutionsbiologie

The Growth-Regulating Factor (GRF) family of transcription factors plays a crucial role in regulating plant growth and development. These transcription factors are involved in various processes, including leaf development, stem elongation, flowering, and response to environmental stimuli. Understanding the evolutionary patterns and expression profiles of GRF genes across different plant species can provide insights into their functional diversity and evolutionary conservation. In this report, we present a comparative analysis of GRF transcription factor genes in seven plant species, focusing on their evolution and expression patterns.

Juquitiba Virus (JUQV) is a hantavirus primarily found in South America, known to cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in humans. Understanding the phylogeographic relationships of JUQV is crucial for tracing its spread, evolution, and potential public health implications. Deep sequencing techniques have revolutionized our ability to unravel intricate genetic patterns and shed light on the dynamics of viral transmission. In this brief report, we delve into a study that utilized deep sequencing to uncover the phylogeographic relationships of JUQV in Paraguay.

Aedes aegypti, commonly known as the yellow fever mosquito, is a primary vector of several arboviruses, including dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. This mosquito species is of significant public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The Brazilian Amazon, with its unique ecological conditions, presents a critical area for studying the genetics of A. aegypti. Understanding the mitochondrial genome of A. aegypti from this region can provide insights into its population structure, evolutionary history, and potential for disease transmission.

The complex interactions between insects and their symbiotic bacteria are critical to understanding their biology and ecology. Arsenophonus sp., a genus of endosymbiotic bacteria, is known to form symbiotic relationships with various insect hosts, including the corn planthopper, Peregrinus maidis. This relationship potentially influences the planthopper's biology, particularly its ability to damage maize crops. This review explores the genome of Arsenophonus sp., its functions, and its potential contributions to the physiology, behavior, and ecological success of P. maidis.

The integrity of the genome is fundamental to the survival and proper functioning of all living organisms. DNA damage and the subsequent processes that maintain genome stability are crucial in determining how organisms adapt to their environments. This mini review explores the interplay between DNA damage, genome stability, and adaptation, examining whether these processes are driven by random chance or deterministic necessity.

Seed life, including development, dormancy, and germination, is a complex process regulated by intricate networks of genetic and environmental factors. Among the numerous gene families involved in these processes, the NAC (NAM, ATAF, and CUC) transcription factor family stands out due to its critical role in regulating various aspects of plant development and stress responses. This mini review focuses on recent discoveries concerning the NAC family's function in seed life, highlighting their regulatory mechanisms and potential applications in agriculture.