Researchers in China uncover the genetic and epigenetic basis of a unique super-early flowering phenomenon in soybean transformants, where the very phenotype is active in hemizygotes and silenced in homozygotes.

Seeking to develop soybean varieties adapted to diverse climates and growing seasons, researchers are exploring precise controlling of the flowering time. Now, scientists report that a super-early flowering phenotype driven by the key gene GmFT2a is expressed in hemizygous soybeans and becomes epigenetically silenced in homozygotes. This hemizygote-dependent dominance is caused by a two distinct rounds of DNA methylation triggered by different small RNAs (siRNAs). This finding opens new possibilities for designing flexible and reversible systems for manipulating target traits in future breeding program.

Understanding how genes influence complex behaviors remains one of biology’s most fascinating challenges. Now, however, in a recent study, researchers from Japan compiled a comprehensive dataset documenting the behaviors of over 30,000 fruit flies across 105 genetically distinct strains. This valuable resource captures individual and group behaviors under various conditions, providing unparalleled insights into the genetic foundations of behavior that could ultimately enable a better understanding of human health conditions and ecology.