Biomedical subjects

Fei Ma

Publications and source records attributed to Fei Ma.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Comparative analysis of histological and transcriptomic characteristics in caudal muscles of nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus), siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis), and their hybrids.

Crocodylus niloticus and Crocodylus siamensis are high-value aquaculture species. C. niloticus is large-bodied but less abundant, while C. siamensis grows fast but is small-sized. Their hybrids combine parental advantages, yet relevant research is scarce. This study compared the histological and transcriptomic characteristics of the caudal muscle across the three taxa. HE staining indicated that C. niloticus had significantly larger myofiber diameters (p < 0.05); C. siamensis had the smallest, and the myofiber density of hybrids was much closer to that of C. siamensis. Masson's trichrome staining indicated that C. niloticus had the thickest collagen fibers (p < 0.05), C. siamensis the thinnest, and hybrids exhibited highly similar histological traits to C. siamensis. C. niloticus had higher LDH and SDH activities in caudal muscles, whereas the hybrid crocodile indicated the highest CK activity. Transcriptomic analysis identified numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were enriched in growth, muscle metabolism, and energy allocation pathways via GO/KEGG annotations. PPI analysis screened 24 hub genes related to energy metabolism. This study systematically reveals caudal muscle differences, providing insights into growth-related molecular mechanisms and theoretical support for crocodile artificial breeding.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

OsIDD6, an INDETERMINATE DOMAIN containing transcription factor in rice, plays an essential role in reproductive development.

INDETERMINATE DOMAIN containing proteins (IDD) are plant-specific transcriptional factors with a diverse range of roles in plants. Among the 15 IDD genes in rice, a staple food crop for the world, only about half have been functionally characterized. To elucidate the function of the remaining members, we created loss-of-function mutants using the CRISPR genome editing technique. Although no mutant exhibited obvious growth phenotypes, the Osidd6 mutant was completely sterile. By genetic crossing, we showed that both the male and female gametophytes were defective in the mutant. Histochemical staining and thin sectioning revealed that microspore development was compromised, likely due to a delay in tapetum degeneration. We also showed that meiosis was impaired in the mutant, resulting in defective megaspore development. Through a series of experiments, including transcriptome analysis, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), in situ hybridization, β-glucuronidase (GUS) staining with promoter-GUS transgenic plants, yeast one-hybrid method, a dual-visible reporter assay, and transcriptional activity assay, we demonstrated that OsIDD6 is expressed in all cell types in the male and female reproductive organs and that the OsIDD6 protein directly regulates genes potentially having a role in meiosis and tapetum development. Since reproductive development is directly related to crop yield, OsIDD6 could be an important target for genetic manipulation in rice breeding.

Oryza↗