Identification and Validation of Reliable Reference Genes for Gene Expression Studies in Koelreuteria paniculata.

RT-qPCR is considered a rapid and reliable technique for analyzing gene expression. This technique is commonly used to analyze the expression of various genes at diverse transcriptional levels in different samples. However, few studies have characterized ornamental Koelreuteria species for reliable reference genes. In this study, eight reference genes were evaluated as controls in RT-qPCR with SYBR green to quantify gene expression in different Koelreuteria paniculata samples. All selected reference genes showed a broad range of Ct values in all samples, which was supportive of their variable expression. Our results showed significant variation in the stable expression of K. paniculata genes. Sample data, analyzed using geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper, showed that phospholipase (PLA2) and ß-actin (ACT) were the most suitable and statistically reliable reference genes, whereas ribosomal protein L13 (RPL13) and elongation factor 1-α (EF1α) were less stable and unsuitable for use as internal controls. To compare gene expression levels, two or more reference genes should be used for data normalization. Thus, the stability and expression of both PLA2 and ACT were believed to provide better normalization and quantification of the transcript levels for gene expression studies in K. paniculata.

Identification and characterization of the CONSTANS-like gene family and its expression profiling under light treatment in Populus.

The CONSTANS-like (COL) genes play an important role in the photoperiodic flowering pathway. Poplar is a perennial woody plant with a long juvenile phase, but the molecular characterization of COL genes in Populus is limited. In this study, 14 COL genes were identified in the Populus genome. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the PtCOL proteins were divided into three subgroups, and the members of each subgroup had similar gene structure and motif composition. Chromosome distribution analysis showed that 14 PtCOL genes were distributed on 10 chromosomes. Multiple sequence alignment indicated that these proteins contained a highly conserved B-box1 and a conserved CCT domain, but the B-box2 structure was divided into three different types. Promoter analysis found that there were several light-responsive cis-elements in the PtCOL genes. Furthermore, tissue-specific expression showed that all nine PtCOL genes were widely expressed in various tissues and organs of Populus, and were preferentially expressed in the leaves. Additionally, the transcription level of PtCOL exhibited a diurnal oscillation pattern in different light conditions. This study not only provided comprehensive information for further analysis of the function of the PtCOL gene family, but also revealed the biological roles of PtCOL genes in the photoperiod-dependent flowering process of Populus.

Arsenic in a groundwater environment in Bangladesh: Occurrence and mobilization.

Groundwater with an excessive level of Arsenic (As) is a threat to human health. In Bangladesh, out of 64 districts, the groundwater of 50 and 59 districts contains As exceeding the Bangladesh (50 µg/L) and WHO (10 µg/L) standards for potable water. This review focuses on the occurrence, origin, plausible sources, and mobilization mechanisms of As in the groundwater of Bangladesh to better understand its environmental as well as public health consequences. High As concentrations mainly was mainly occur from the natural origin of the Himalayan orogenic tract. Consequently, sedimentary processes transport the As-loaded sediments from the orogenic tract to the marginal foreland of Bangladesh, and under the favorable biogeochemical circumstances, As is discharged from the sediment to the groundwater. Rock weathering, regular floods, volcanic movement, deposition of hydrochemical ore, and leaching of geological formations in the Himalayan range cause As occurrence in the groundwater of Bangladesh. Redox and desorption processes along with microbe-related reduction are the key geochemical processes for As enrichment. Under reducing conditions, both reductive dissolution of Fe-oxides and desorption of As are the root causes of As mobilization. A medium alkaline and reductive environment, resulting from biochemical reactions, is the major factor mobilizing As in groundwater. An elevated pH value along with decoupling of As and HCO3- plays a vital role in mobilizing As. The As mobilization process is related to the reductive solution of metal oxides as well as hydroxides that exists in sporadic sediments in Bangladesh. Other mechanisms, such as pyrite oxidation, redox cycling, and competitive ion exchange processes, are also postulated as probable mechanisms of As mobilization. The reductive dissolution of MnOOH adds dissolved As and redox-sensitive components such as SO42- and oxidized pyrite, which act as the major mechanisms to mobilize As. The reductive suspension of Mn(IV)-oxyhydroxides has also accelerated the As mobilization process in the groundwater of Bangladesh. Infiltration from the irrigation return flow and surface-wash water are also potential factors to remobilize As. Over-exploitation of groundwater and the competitive ion exchange process are also responsible for releasing As into the aquifers of Bangladesh.