华中农业大学发表最新Cell论文

Core Insights - The article discusses the discovery of a new gene, SCREP, which originated through a multi-step process and significantly inhibits the synthesis of the key aromatic compound, eugenol, in roses [3][5][6] - This research provides new perspectives on the mechanisms of gene origin in plants and opens new avenues for synthetic biology in designing new genes and improving biological traits [3][9] Gene Origin Mechanism - The study reveals that the SCREP gene originated from a non-coding DNA sequence approximately 63 million years ago, evolving into a complete protein-coding gene framework over time [5][6] - The insertion of a miniature inverted-repeat transposable element (MITE) into the promoter region of SCREP enhanced its expression level, explaining the differences in floral scent among various rose species [5][6] Functional Role of SCREP - The SCREP gene acts as a "scent switch" in the rose family, with its presence leading to a significant reduction in eugenol content in strawberries and petunias when transferred [6][9] - The absence of the SCREP gene or the lack of MITE insertion in certain rose varieties correlates with a stronger release of eugenol, indicating that SCREP expression levels are crucial in shaping the diversity of floral scents in the rose genus [6][9] Implications for Synthetic Biology - The findings offer theoretical foundations for the targeted regulation of floral scent traits in roses and have significant potential applications in synthetic biology [9][11] - The research suggests a shift from traditional methods of genetic modification to creating new genes from scratch, allowing for precise improvements in plant traits [9][11]