研究发现，一个名为MKK3的基因通过"拷贝数+激酶活性"双轮驱动，塑造了大麦在全球不同气候 区的休眠节律。论文通讯作者、丹麦嘉士伯研究实验室谷物育种与性状开发研究中心主任克里斯托夫· 多克特博士介绍，大麦种质基因组中控制种子休眠性状基因MKK3（丝裂原活化蛋白激酶激酶3）双重 调控大麦种子休眠时间，即MKK3存在1至15个不等的串联重复拷贝，同时携带T260、Q165等关键氨基 酸变体。当基因拷贝数越多，表达量越大，种子休眠性越弱；当氨基酸变异控制的激酶活性越强，种子 休眠性越弱。二者协同作用，可实现对MKK3总体活性的精细调控，进而决定作物种子的休眠特性。 结合研究发现的新机制，研究团队系统解析了全球1000余份大麦种子MKK3的时空演化格局，发现 气候和农业需求是人类选择MKK3类型的指挥棒。东亚季风区偏爱"低活性模式"MKK3，休眠期长，可 避开收获季节湿热气候导致的穗发芽问题；北欧啤酒大麦即便在潮湿亚极地地区，古维京人仍选择并稳 定了"弱休眠性模式"种子，只为麦芽快速均匀萌发，并赋予啤酒卓越的酿造品质，再通过提前收获、烟 熏干燥等农艺技术规避穗发芽风险；而在青藏高原，裸大麦（青稞）选择了全球"最高活性 ...

Core Insights - The origin of the potato is complex, resulting from a hybridization event between an ancient ancestor of tomatoes and a potato-like plant, leading to the creation of a new species and the development of tubers [1][2] Group 1: Genetic Findings - The potato genome is a "mixed miracle," with approximately 40% of its genes derived from the tomato ancestor and 60% from the potato-like plant [1] - Key genes controlling tuber formation, such as the "master switch" gene SP6A from the tomato and the IT1 gene regulating stolon growth from the potato-like plant, were identified [2] Group 2: Evolutionary Implications - The potato's emergence supports the "punctuated equilibrium" theory of evolution, which suggests that evolution occurs in long periods of stability interrupted by short, rapid changes [2] - The initial potatoes, equipped with tubers, thrived during a period of environmental upheaval in the Andes, allowing them to adapt and occupy various ecological niches [2] Group 3: Future Applications - The research is being translated into breeding practices through the "Excellent Potato Project," aiming to shift from asexual reproduction relying on tubers to sexual reproduction using seeds, which could reduce planting costs and disease risks [3] - A new breeding pathway is proposed, utilizing tomatoes as a genetic platform to introduce key tuber-forming genes, potentially leading to crops that produce both potatoes underground and tomatoes above ground [3]

Core Insights - The origin of the potato is complex, resulting from a hybridization event between an ancient ancestor of the tomato and a potato-like plant, leading to the creation of a new species with tubers [1][2] Group 1: Genetic Findings - The potato genome consists of approximately 40% genes from the tomato ancestor and 60% from the potato-like plant, indicating a significant genetic contribution from both parent species [1] - Key genes controlling tuber formation, such as the SP6A gene from the tomato and the IT1 gene from the potato-like plant, were identified, forming a new regulatory network that enabled the development of tubers [2] Group 2: Evolutionary Implications - The potato's emergence supports the "punctuated equilibrium" theory of evolution, which suggests that evolution occurs in long periods of stability interrupted by short, rapid changes [2] - The initial potatoes, equipped with tubers, thrived during a period of environmental upheaval in the Andes, allowing them to adapt and occupy various ecological niches [2] Group 3: Future Applications - The research is being translated into breeding practices through the "优薯计划," aiming to shift from asexual reproduction relying on tubers to sexual reproduction using seeds, which could lower planting costs and disease risks [3] - A new breeding pathway is proposed, utilizing tomatoes as a genetic platform to introduce tuber-forming genes, potentially leading to crops that produce both potatoes underground and tomatoes above ground [3] - The complexity of tuber formation requires further exploration of regulatory factors to achieve precise potato breeding designs [3]