A novel double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mycovirus, designated Bipolaris maydis partitivirus 1 (BmPV1), was isolated from the plant pathogenic fungus Bipolaris maydis. The BmPV1 genome has two dsRNA segments. The larger segment (1,930 bp) has a single open reading frame (ORF) with a conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain. The smaller segment (1,790 bp) contains a single ORF encoding a putative coat protein. Homology searches and phylogenetic analysis indicated that BmPV1 is representative of a new species within the genus Alphapartitivirus.

Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) is a key enzyme in plant glycerol synthesis and metabolism, and plays an important role in plant resistance to abiotic stress. Here, we identified 6, 7, 14 and 14 GPDH genes derived from Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium raimondii, Gossypium barbadense and Gossypium hirsutum, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis assigned these genes into three classes, and most of the genes within the family were expanded by whole-genome duplication (WGD) and segmental duplications. Moreover, determination of the nonsynonymous substitution rate/synonymous substitution rate (Ka/Ks) ratio showed that the GPDH had an evolutionary preference for purifying selection. Transcriptome data revealed that GPDH genes were more active in the early stages of fiber development. Additionally, numerous stress-related cis-elements were identified in the potential promoter region. Then, a protein–protein-interaction (PPI) network of GPDH5 in G. hirsutum was constructed. In addition, we predicted 30 underlying miRNAs in G. hirsutum. Functional validation results indicated that silencing GhGPDH5 diminished drought tolerance in the upland cotton TM-1 line. In summary, this study provides a fundamental understanding of the GPDH gene family in cotton, GhGPDH5 exerts a positive effect during drought stress and is potentially involved in stomatal closure movements.

The first complete mitochondrial genome of the freshwater goby Rhinogobius davidi was determined by high-throughput sequencing. This genome was 16,627 bp in length and consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 2 non-coding control regions. Phylogenetic analysis based on the amino acid sequences of 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes from R. davidi and 23 relatives suggested that R. davidi had a close mitogenome relationship with Rhinogobius giurinus . This complete genome of R. davidi will provide basal molecular data for future studies on taxonomy, comparative genomics, and adaptive evolution in Rhinogobius .

Monocyte to macrophage differentiation factor 2 gene (Mmd2) encodes a member of the progestin and adipoQ receptor (PAQR) family, and plays a key role in growth and development. Our previous studies had found Mmd2 (Monocyte to macrophage differentiation factor 2) is a new candidate gene for growth traits in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). For the purpose of understanding the underlying mechanism of LvMmd2 affecting the growth of shrimp, we analyzed the gene structure, phylogeny, expression profiles and RNA interference of this gene in L. vannamei. We found the LvMmd2 gene sequence was highly conserved in transmembrane regions, it was widely expressed in different tissues, with the highest expression level in the eye stalk. Knockdown LvMmd2 could significantly promote body length and body weight gain, suggesting it is a growth suppressor. Through transcriptome analysis we identified 422 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the dsMmd2 group and control group, among which 337 genes were upregulated in the dsMmd2 group, including numerous muscle-related genes and protein synthesis genes. Further bioinformatics analysis showed that growth, metabolism, and immune-related signal pathway had changed significantly. The above results greatly increase our understanding on the conservative structure and function of LvMmd2 gene, and provide potential application prospects in genetics and breeding.

Cyprinid fish Barilius barila found in the Irrawaddy water system is a valuable fishery resource and has been listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. This study determined the complete mitochondrial genome of B. barila from Yunnan, China, for the first time. Circular molecule of B. barila mitogenome was sequenced to be 16,560 bp in length, with the typical gene structure of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and two noncoding areas (control region and the origin of L-strand replication). Overall nucleotides composition appeared to be 27.5% A, 24.8% T, 19.2% G, and 28.6% C, with a slight AT (52.3%) bias. The topology of the phylogenetic tree showed that B. barila was well grouped with Opsarius caudiocellatus, and clustered together with the genus Opsarius instead of Barilius, revealing that it was more reasonable for Barilius barila to belong to Opsarius rather than Barilius .