Genome-wide association study reveals marker-trait associations for major agronomic traits in proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.).

MAIN CONCLUSION: The pilot-scale genome-wide association study in the US proso millet identified twenty marker-trait associations for five morpho-agronomic traits identifying genomic regions for future studies (e.g. molecular breeding and map-based cloning). Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is an ancient grain recognized for its excellent water-use efficiency and short growing season. It is an indispensable part of the winter wheat-based dryland cropping system in the High Plains of the USA. Its grains are endowed with high nutritional and health-promoting properties, making it increasingly popular in the global market for healthy grains. There is a dearth of genomic resources in proso millet for developing molecular tools to complement conventional breeding for developing high-yielding varieties. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) is a widely used method to dissect the genetics of complex traits. In this pilot study of the first-ever GWAS in the US proso millet, 71 globally diverse genotypes of 109 the US proso millet core collection were evaluated for five major morpho-agronomic traits at two locations in western Nebraska, and GWAS was conducted to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with these traits. Analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference among the genotypes, and all five traits were also found to be highly correlated with each other. Sequence reads from genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) were used to identify 11,147 high-quality bi-allelic SNPs. Population structure analysis with those SNPs showed stratification within the core collection. The GWAS identified twenty marker-trait associations (MTAs) for the five traits. Twenty-nine putative candidate genes associated with the five traits were also identified. These genomic regions can be used to develop genetic markers for marker-assisted selection in proso millet breeding.

The genome of broomcorn millet.

Broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is the most water-efficient cereal and one of the earliest domesticated plants. Here we report its high-quality, chromosome-scale genome assembly using a combination of short-read sequencing, single-molecule real-time sequencing, Hi-C, and a high-density genetic map. Phylogenetic analyses reveal two sets of homologous chromosomes that may have merged ~5.6 million years ago, both of which exhibit strong synteny with other grass species. Broomcorn millet contains 55,930 protein-coding genes and 339 microRNA genes. We find Paniceae-specific expansion in several subfamilies of the BTB (broad complex/tramtrack/bric-a-brac) subunit of ubiquitin E3 ligases, suggesting enhanced regulation of protein dynamics may have contributed to the evolution of broomcorn millet. In addition, we identify the coexistence of all three C4 subtypes of carbon fixation candidate genes. The genome sequence is a valuable resource for breeders and will provide the foundation for studying the exceptional stress tolerance as well as C4 biology.

Epidermoid Cyst of the Sole - A Case Report.

Epidermoid cysts are common benign subcutaneous lesion also termed as epidermal cysts. Epidermoid cyst are commonly seen in hairy regions of body like scalp, face and scrotum, can be single or multiple, but rarely can occur in glabrous skin of palm and sole. They are known to result from progressive cystic ectasia of the infundibular portion of hair follicle but the pathogenesis in palmo-plantar epidermoid cyst differs that is traumatic sequestration of epidermal elements into dermis. Here, we report a case of 30-year-old female presented with complaints of swelling in her left sole. On examination a palpable firm swelling was noted just below the 2nd web space left foot plantar region, on X-ray foot no osseous lesion or foreign body was detected. Swelling was excised and sent for histopathological examination which confirmed it as epidermoid cyst.

Synthesis and anticancer evaluation of 3-substituted quinolin-4-ones and 2,3-dihydroquinolin-4-ones.

A series of 3-aryl-5,7-dimethoxyquinolin-4-ones 8 and 3-aryl-5,7-dimethoxy-2,3-dihydroquinolin-4-ones 13 were synthesized in good yields. Demethylation under a range of conditions afforded the corresponding 5-hydroxy and 5,7-dihydroxy derivatives. Biological evaluation against a range of cancer cells lines showed that the quinolin-4-one scaffold was more cytotoxic than the reduced 2,3-dihydroquinolin-4-one scaffold. The most active monohydroxy compound 15f demonstrated 85.9-99% reduction in cell viability against the cell lines tested.