Researchers Detail New Data in Life Sciences on Domesticated Species Development

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Hiroshima University in Japan have made a significant discovery in the field of life sciences, shedding light on the development of domesticated species. The team conducted a meta-analysis of publicly available transcriptome data from domesticated rice, tomato, and soybean, as well as their wild relatives. Their findings suggest that domestication influences changes in crop traits, providing insights into how domestication affects gene expression.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers identified 18 genes related to osmotic, drought, and wound stress tolerance in wild relatives, which were upregulated in domesticated species.
  • In domesticated species, upregulated expression was observed in genes related to auxin and those involved in the efflux of heavy metals and harmful substances.
  • The study found that 36 genes in domesticated species were included in the top 5% of DW scores, indicating significant changes in gene expression.
  • The researchers proposed a new cultivation method called "de novo domestication," which combines genetic diversity from wild relatives and genome editing technologies for rapid breeding.
  • The study's findings may contribute to the development of new crop varieties that can grow in harsh natural environments.
  • The researchers used publicly available transcriptome data from 21, 36, and 56 pairs of wild and domesticated species for rice, tomato, and soybean, respectively.

Statistics:

  • 18 genes related to osmotic, drought, and wound stress tolerance were upregulated in wild relatives.
  • 36 genes in domesticated species were included in the top 5% of DW scores, indicating significant changes in gene expression.
  • The researchers analyzed 21 pairs of wild and domesticated species for rice, 36 pairs for tomato, and 56 pairs for soybean.
  • The study's findings may contribute to the development of new crop varieties that can grow in harsh natural environments.

Sources:

  • Life, "Meta-Analysis of Wild Relatives and Domesticated Species of Rice, Tomato, and Soybean Using Publicly Available Transcriptome Data," 2025, 15(7):1088, doi: 10.3390/life15071088
  • NewsRx, "Research from Hiroshima University Has Provided New Study Findings on Life Sciences (Meta-Analysis of Wild Relatives and Domesticated Species of Rice, Tomato, and Soybean Using Publicly Available Transcriptome Data)," 13 August 2025, p. 1355.