Biomedical subjects

Qingdong Zeng

Publications and source records attributed to Qingdong Zeng.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Integrated Genomics and Transcriptomics Reveal Stable Resistance Loci and Candidate Genes for Powdery Mildew in Wheat.

Powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), poses a substantial threat to global wheat production. Enhancing resistance through molecular breeding necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its genetic and molecular underpinnings. This study leveraged a 2-year phenotypic evaluation of 283 diverse wheat accessions combined with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to pinpoint stable quantitative trait loci for powdery mildew resistance. We identified 52 robust resistance loci across the wheat genome, including seven novel loci consistently detected across four environments. Comparative transcriptome profiling of resistant and susceptible wheat lines revealed 95 differentially expressed genes, predominantly enriched in defense response, signal transduction, and transcription regulation pathways. By integrating the GWAS and transcriptomic data, we precisely identified three compelling candidate genes (TaPIP5K, TaPKG, and TaORR6) on chromosome 2A, which are implicated in cell wall reinforcement, jasmonic acid signaling, and reactive oxygen species scavenging, respectively. Further validation using expression analysis corroborated their pivotal roles in resistance. Our findings provide a rich repository of validated genetic markers, promising candidate genes, and superior resistant germplasms, offering critical resources to accelerate targeted molecular breeding efforts for durable powdery mildew resistance in wheat.

Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici↗

PubMed2026

Climate and soil shape Daqu wheat quality and seed microbiome via rhizosphere taxa and microbial assembly.

The grain quality and seed microbiome of Daqu wheat are fundamental determinants of Daqu fermentation performance; however, the mechanisms by which cultivation environments influence these traits via rhizosphere microbial communities remain unclear. Bacterial and fungal communities across the bulk soil-rhizosphere-seed continuum of three wheat cultivars grown in four ecoregions were characterized using absolute quantitative amplicon sequencing. The rhizosphere microbiome was treated as a central intermediary, while the response variables were seed microbial diversity and grain-quality traits, including starch content, protein content, and grain hardness. Twelve physicochemical properties of soil and 11 climatic factors were integrated into a multidimensional association framework. Environmental conditions exerted stronger influences on both seed quality traits and microbial diversity than cultivar identity. Distinct regional signatures were also evident in rhizosphere microbiomes, with environmental gradients explaining community variation more effectively than geographic distance. Bacterial communities exhibited greater sensitivity to environmental fluctuations than fungi. Mantel analyses identified available nitrogen, precipitation, and atmospheric pressure as significant drivers of core rhizosphere taxa (P < 0.05). iCAMP revealed that stochastic processes predominantly governed rhizosphere bacterial assembly, whereas stochastic and deterministic mechanisms jointly shaped fungal assembly. Partial least squares path modeling further uncovered a rhizosphere-mediated environment-seed cascade, wherein sunlight intensity and duration, atmospheric pressure, and soil nitrogen directly or indirectly affected seed wet gluten content, grain hardness, and seed microbial diversity through their influences on rhizosphere microbiota. Rhizosphere bacterial diversity was negatively associated with seed bacterial diversity (path coefficient = -0.118, P < 0.05), indicating that rhizosphere communities may shape seed endophytic bacterial assemblages via environmental filtering and competitive interactions. Collectively, these findings elucidate how environments shape the quality and seed microbiomes of Daqu wheat, providing scientific guidance for optimal site selection and the standardized production of high-quality brewing wheat for industrial Baijiu.

Triticum↗

PubMed2025

TaLAC129 is a negative regulator of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis but enhanced the growth and yield of bread wheat.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis enhances nutrient acquisition and stress resilience in plants, yet the genetic mechanisms regulating this interaction in wheat remain poorly understood. This study explores the variation in AM colonization rates across a diverse set of wheat varieties and aims to identify key genes that regulate the wheat-AM symbiosis. Understanding these molecular mechanisms is crucial for improving nutrient uptake efficiency and stress resistance in wheat breeding programs. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 291 wheat varieties and integrated transcriptomic data to identify TaLAC129, a laccase (LAC)-encoding gene, as a critical negative regulator of AM colonization in wheat roots. Overexpression of TaLAC129 significantly increased root LAC activity and lignin content, concurrently suppressing AM colonization. While this suppression reduced nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) uptake in stems, leaves, and glumes, it markedly enhanced nutrient utilization efficiency (NUE) in grains. Furthermore, TaLAC129 overexpression improved agronomic traits, including grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight, and overall yield. Our findings reveal the dual role of TaLAC129 in balancing AM symbiosis and nutrient allocation, offering a novel genetic target for breeding wheat varieties with improved yield and nutrient efficiency. This study provides critical insights into the molecular coordination between symbiotic trade-offs and agricultural productivity in cereal crops.

Triticum↗