Group 1 - The article highlights seven research papers published in the prestigious journal Cell during the week of September 1 to September 7, 2025, with four of them authored by Chinese scholars [3] - The first study discusses a newly discovered gene SCREP that drives the diversification of rose scent, revealing a multi-step process of its origin and its role in inhibiting the synthesis of the key aromatic compound eugenol [5][8] - The second study presents a breakthrough in the reprogramming of microspore fate, establishing a new technique for efficient in vivo haploid induction without stress treatment, highlighting the roles of the transcription factors BBM and BAR1 [10][12][13] Group 2 - The third study uncovers how cancer cells hijack iron-rich macrophages to promote bone metastasis and anemia, providing insights into potential therapies to mitigate these conditions [15][18] - The fourth study introduces a high-throughput, high-precision single-cell DNA and RNA multi-omics technology called wellDR-seq, which decodes the mechanisms of breast cancer progression by integrating single-cell genomes and transcriptomes [20][23]

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]

Core Viewpoint - The research conducted by a team from Huazhong Agricultural University reveals that a new functional gene can originate "from scratch," challenging the long-held belief that new genes arise from existing ones through errors in replication or fusion [1][3]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study published in the journal "Cell" details a multi-step process for the emergence of a new gene named SCREP, which significantly inhibits the synthesis of a key aromatic compound, eugenol, in roses [1][3]. - The SCREP gene's origin involved a non-coding DNA segment that appeared approximately 63 million years ago, which evolved into a complete protein-coding gene framework over 16 million years, aided by the insertion of a "jumping gene" known as MITE [3][4]. - Genetic sequencing and aroma component analysis of 38 rose species revealed that the SCREP gene is commonly found in more evolved or artificially selected rose varieties, indicating its role in shaping the aromatic characteristics of these plants [3]. Group 2: Implications and Applications - This discovery provides a theoretical basis for the targeted regulation of floral scent traits in roses and holds significant potential for synthetic biology applications [4]. - The research opens avenues for creating new genes from scratch, moving beyond traditional methods that rely on modifying existing genes to improve plant traits [4].