Expansins play important roles in root growth and development, but investigation of the expansin gene family has not yet been reported in Ipomoea trifida, and little is known regarding storage root (SR) development. In this work, we identified a total of 37 expansins (ItrEXPs) in our previously reported SR-forming I. trifida strain Y22 genome, which included 23 ItrEXPAs, 4 ItrEXPBs, 2 ItrEXLAs and 8 ItrEXLBs. The phylogenetic relationship, genome localization, subcellular localization, gene and protein structure, promoter cis-regulating elements, and protein interaction network were systematically analyzed to reveal the possible roles of ItrEXPs in the SR development of I. trifida. The gene expression profiling in Y22 SR development revealed that ItrEXPAs and ItrEXLBs were down-regulated, and ItrEXPBs were up-regulated while ItrEXLAs were not obviously changed during the critical period of SR expansion, and might be beneficial to SR development. Combining the tissue-specific expression in young SR transverse sections of Y22 and sweetpotato tissue, we deduced that ItrEXLB05, ItrEXLB07 and ItrEXLB08 might be the key genes for initial SR formation and enlargement, and ItrEXLA02 might be the key gene for root growth and development. This work provides new insights into the functions of the expansin gene family members in I. trifida, especially for EXLA and EXLB subfamilies genes in SR development.

Ficus is a significant genus within the Moraceae family, primarily native to tropical and subtropical regions. It plays a crucial role in the study of co-evolution and genetics in the fig–fig wasp symbiosis. Advancements in sequencing technology have facilitated whole-genome sequencing of several Ficus species, accumulating vast amounts of genomic and transcriptomic data available in public databases. To streamline data integration, display, and analysis, we developed the Ficus Genome Database (FGD), a consolidated platform for the genomic data of five Ficus species, and self-assembled transcriptome data for 24 fig ostiolar bracts. The FGD is currently home to a diverse array of data, encompassing genome and gene sequences, annotations of genes, transcriptome analyses, biochemical pathways, non-coding RNA, and findings from comparative genomic studies, such as collinear blocks across different Ficus genome assemblies. To enhance translational and practical research concerning Ficus, FGD provides an extensive suite of accessible query interfaces, analytical instruments, and visualization options. These include the NCBI BLAST sequence search tool and the JBrowse/GBrowse genome browser. FGD also offers several distinct tools, including a genome Synteny Viewer, expression heatmap display, gene family identification, Gene Ontology terms enrichment, and pathway enrichment analysis.

The apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1819), a freshwater snail listed as a pernicious invasive alien species by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), has caused serious agricultural and ecological harm worldwide. This species has inflicted significant agricultural and ecological damage on a global scale. Under conditions of extreme environmental stress, the apple snail enters a state of dormancy and remains in this dormant phase until environmental conditions become favorable again, which serves as a crucial survival strategy. In our study, we subjected apple snails to 30 days of air-exposure stress followed by rehydration to reactivate them. Our objective was to elucidate the underlying mechanisms associated with drought tolerance, dormancy, and subsequent arousal based on transcriptomic analyses. The results indicated that the groups subjected to 5-, 15- and 30-day air-exposure stress treatments (DRY05, DRY15 and DRY30) exhibited a general down-regulation of metabolism-related pathways. These pathways included starch and sucrose metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism and glycosaminoglycan degradation, compared with the control (CK). In addition, the weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) identified two critical pathways: toll-like receptor signaling pathway and adherens junction. The down-regulation of these pathways indicated a decrease in immune levels during dormancy in apple snails. This may further lead to the inhibition of apoptosis and a reduction in energy expenditure, thereby sustaining vital activities. The up-regulation of intercellular adhesion and immune-related pathways upon reawakening (RCY01) further substantiates the presence of this tolerance mechanism during dormancy in the apple snail. This study provides a reference for understanding the tolerance of apple snails to extreme environments, and provides a basic theory for apple snail biocontrol research.

Background:The genus Artocarpus includes about 70 species, such as the economically important jackfruit and breadfruit, which serve as vital sources of food, timber, and medicine in the tropics. However, systematic research and genetic improvement have been restricted by the scarcity and fragmentation of available genomic data. Methods: Here, we developed the Artocarpus Genome Database (ArGD), a publicly accessible, comprehensive research platform dedicated to this genus. ArGD centrally integrates high-quality genomic sequences from seven Artocarpus genomes, along with related transcriptomic data and detailed functional annotations. Results: Beyond basic data retrieval, ArGD features a suite of advanced visualization and analysis modules, including BLAST, JBrowse, expression heatmaps, volcano plots, synteny viewers, ArtocarpusCYC metabolic interface, and Gene Ontology (GO)/KEGG enrichment analyses. Additionally, ArGD provides online identification tools for gene families related to fruit aroma and secondary metabolism. Conclusions: Overall, ArGD serves as a valuable resource for functional genomics and comparative studies in Artocarpus, facilitating future research and data-driven studies of genetic improvement.

The modification of the male right tentacle (MRT) into a copulatory organ in Cipangopaludina chinensis represents a prominent sexual dimorphism, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying its development remain poorly understood. This study observed the distinctive histological morphology of MRT, and then explored its potential genetic regulatory networks through transcriptomic analysis. Comparative transcriptome analysis across tentacles of different sexes and sides identified numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Notably, the homeobox gene Pitx2, a central regulator of left-right asymmetric development in animals, was significantly upregulated in the MRT. Transcription factors involved in sexual development (e.g., Dmrta2, Sox10), genes related to hormone synthesis (Daf9, Cyp2j4), and the pro-apoptotic gene Bax were also specifically upregulated, while the apoptosis inhibitor gene Iap1 was downregulated. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) further identified key modules highly correlated with the MRT phenotype, which were enriched for biological processes such as hormone response, cell morphogenesis, and apoptosis-related pathways. Our results suggest that the sexually dimorphic development of the tentacle in C. chinensis likely involves the coordinated action of a Pitx2-mediated left-right asymmetry pathway, sex-determination signals, and a local hormone-induced apoptotic remodeling program, revealing a complex regulatory mechanism underlying its morphological specialization.

Laevichaulis alte is a slug in the order Systellommatophora that evolved from aquatic ancestors and now faces strong challenges from desiccation, respiration on land, and novel pathogens. Its mucus is essential for water retention, locomotion, and defense. To link terrestrial adaptation with mucus biosynthesis, we generated a gap‐free genome assembly of L. alte using PacBio HiFi reads, Oxford Nanopore ultra‐long reads, and Hi‐C data. The genome shows low heterozygosity and holocentromeric chromosomes. Functional metabolomics revealed marked metabolic shifts between L. alte and the closely related aquatic species Peronia verruculata . In L. alte , differential metabolites were enriched in lipid metabolism, immune regulation, and stress response pathways, consistent with life in a dry and microbe‐rich terrestrial environment. Comparative genomics and transcriptomics identified candidate genes linked to mucus secretion and physiological adaptation, including VEGF , ASGR2 , and COL6A6 . Further analyses highlighted the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene family as a key regulator connecting angiogenesis, tissue remodeling, and mucus production pathways in L. alte . Together, this gap‐free genome and multi‐omics dataset establish a molecular framework that links genomic innovation, mucus biology, and terrestrial adaptation in Systellommatophora, and they offer a basis for understanding ecological niche specialization in land molluscs.