The aim of the present study was to develop a new cost effective PCR based CAPS marker set using advantages of high-throughput SNP genotyping. Initially, SNP survey was made using 20 diverse barley genotypes via 9k iSelect array genotyping that resulted in 6334 polymorphic SNP markers. Principle component analysis using this marker data showed fine differentiation of barley diverse gene pool. Till this end, we developed 200 SNP derived CAPS markers distributed across the genome covering around 991cM with an average marker density of 5.09cM. Further, we genotyped 68 CAPS markers in an F2 population (Cheri×ICB181160) segregating for seed color variation in barley. Genetic mapping of seed color revealed putative linkage of single nuclear gene on chromosome 1H. These findings showed the proof of concept for the development and utility of a newer cost effective genomic tool kit to analyze broader genetic resources of barley worldwide.

The aim of the present study was to dissect the genetic inheritance and interplay of root, shoot and heading attributes for a better understanding of these traits in crop production. For this, we utilized quantitative trait loci (QTL) and candidate gene analysis approach using a second filial (F2) population originated from a cross between spring cultivar Cheri and wild barley accession ICB181160. The F2 population comprising 182 plants was phenotyped for root dry weight (RDW), root volume (RV), root length (RL) and shoot dry weight (SDW), tiller number per plant (TIL) and days to heading (HEA). In parallel, this population was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers distributed across the whole genome. Marker by trait analysis revealed 16 QTL for root and shoot traits localized on chromosomes 1H, 3H, 4H, 5H and 7H. The strongest and a common QTL effect for root, shoot and heading traits was identified on chromosome 7H at the putative region of Vrn-H3 gene. Later, we have established PCR based gene specific marker HvVrnH3 revealing polymorphism for early heading Vrn-H3 allele in Cheri and late heading allele vrn-H3 in ICB181160. Genotyping of these alleles revealed a clear co-segregation of early heading Vrn-H3 allele with lower root and shoot attributes, while late heading vrn-H3 allele with more TIL and higher root biomass suggesting a primary insight on the function of Vrn-H3 gene beyond flowering. Genetic interactions of vernalization genes Vrn-H3 with Vrn-H2 and Vrn-H1 also suggested the major role of Vrn-H3 alleles in determining root and shoot trait variations in barley. We believe, these data provide an opportunity for further research to test a precise significance of early heading on yield components and root associated sustainability in crops like barley and wheat.

Sialic acids as the terminal caps of the cellular glycocalyx play an essential role in self-recognition and were shown to modulate complement processes via interaction between α2,3-linked sialic acids and complement factor H. Previously, it was suggested that low molecular weight α2,8-linked polysialic acid (polySia avDP20) interferes with complement activation, but the exact molecular mechanism is still unclear. Here, we show that soluble polySia avDP20 (molecular weight of ~ 6 kDa) reduced the binding of serum-derived alternative pathway complement activator properdin to the cell surface of lesioned Hepa-1c1c7 and PC-12 neuroblastoma cells. Furthermore, polySia avDP20 added to human serum blocked the alternative complement pathway triggered by plate-bound lipopolysaccharides. Interestingly, no inhibitory effect was observed with monosialic acid or oligosialic acid with a chain length of DP3 and DP5. In addition, polySia avDP20 directly bound properdin, but not complement factor H. These data show that soluble polySia avDP20 binds properdin and reduces the alternative complement pathway activity. Results strengthen the previously described concept of self-recognition of sialylation as check-point control of complement activation in innate immunity.

Aegilops tauschii, the progenitor of the wheat D genome, contains extensive diversity for biotic and abiotic resistance. Lr21 is a leaf rust resistance gene, which did not enter the initial gene flow from Ae. tauschii into hexaploid wheat due to restrictive hybridization events. Here, we used population genetics and high‐resolution comparative genomics to study evolutionary and functional divergence of Lr21 in diploid and hexaploid wheats. Population genetics identified the original Lr21, lr21‐1 and lr21‐2 alleles and their evolutionary history among Ae. tauschii accessions. Comparative genetics of Lr21 variants between Ae. tauschii and cultivated genotypes suggested at least two independent polyploidization events in bread wheat evolution. Further, a recent re‐birth of a unique Lr21‐tbk allele and its neofunctionalization was discovered in the hexaploid wheat cv. Tobak. Altogether, four independent alleles were investigated and validated for leaf rust resistance in diploid, synthetic hexaploid and cultivated wheat backgrounds. Besides seedling resistance, we uncover a new role of the Lr21 gene in conferring an adult plant field resistance. Seedling and adult plant resistance turned out to be correlated with developmentally dependent variation in Lr21 expression. Our results contribute to understand Lr21 evolution and its role in establishing a broad‐spectrum leaf rust resistance in wheat.