Photosynthesis fuels crop growth and yield,yet the regulatory networks coordinating photosynthetic gene expression with carbon allocation remain incompletely understood.Here,we construct a gene regulatory network(GRN)...Photosynthesis fuels crop growth and yield,yet the regulatory networks coordinating photosynthetic gene expression with carbon allocation remain incompletely understood.Here,we construct a gene regulatory network(GRN)for rice photosynthesis by integrating time-resolved RNA-seq,ATAC-seq,and promoter cis-element analyses.We identify nine hub transcription factors(TFs),four of which(OsPIL13,OsbZIP72,OsCGA1,and OsGLK1)exhibit strong leaf-specific,light-inducible expression patterns.Overexpression of OsPIL13,OsbZIP72,or OsGLK1 using photosynthetic tissue-specific promoters significantly enhanced the light-saturated photosynthetic rate(Asat)across developmental stages,with OsPIL13 overexpression increasing Asat by up to 57%during grain filling.While several hub TFs boosted photosynthetic capacity,consistent improvements in biomass and grain yield under field conditions were rare.Notably,OsGLK1 overexpression confers stable yield gains across multiple growing seasons.Comparative transcriptomic analysis indicates that OsGLK1 also upregulates genes involved in brassinosteroid biosynthesis and sugar and lipid transporter genes,potentially linking photosynthetic output to growth and resource allocation.Collectively,our findings indicate that enhancing photosynthesis alone is insufficient to guarantee yield improvement;rather,the coordinated regulation of photosynthetic capacity and downstream carbon utilization is essential for sustainable productivity gains in rice.展开更多
Background Follicular development is a prerequisite for vertebrate reproduction,and it is precisely regulated by complex genomic conformations and regulatory elements.However,the dynamic changes in the interaction bet...Background Follicular development is a prerequisite for vertebrate reproduction,and it is precisely regulated by complex genomic conformations and regulatory elements.However,the dynamic changes in the interaction between the three-dimensional genome and regulatory elements of granulosa cells(GCs)during avian follicular development are still unclear.Here,we integrated RNA sequencing,ATAC sequencing,CUT&Tag,and Hi-C of GCs in 7stages of Pekin ducks(Anas platyrhynchos domestica)to construct a high-resolution three-dimensional cis-regulatory map of follicular development,revealing the chromatin dynamics basis of avian folliculogenesis.Results Our integrative analysis reveals that H3K27ac dynamics,rather than chromatin accessibility alone,are strongly associated with the stage-specific transcriptional increase of follicle selection and maturation.We identified enhancers and super-enhancers(SEs)that are significantly correlated with the expression of key follicular genes.Regarding 3D genome organization,we observed that topologically associating domains(TADs)remained largely stable,serving as a structural scaffold.However,stage-specific boundary changes coincided with the transcriptional alterations of key regulator genes.Furthermore,we inferred putative gene regulatory networks(GRNs)comprising 46core transcription factors(TFs)predicted to be closely linked to follicular development.Finally,comparative analysis highlighted both the conservation and species-specificity of these regulatory elements between birds and mammals.Conclusions Our study provides an integrative,multi-omics resource that offers novel insights into the epigenomic landscape of duck follicular development.The resulting dataset and regulatory map establish a valuable foundation for further mechanistic studies of folliculogenesis and for understanding regulatory divergence across species.展开更多
Cold exposure,a prototypical environmental stressor,activates the metabolic plasticity of adipose tissue(AT)by inducing extensive AT remodeling.This adaptive process not only enhances cold tolerance but also criticall...Cold exposure,a prototypical environmental stressor,activates the metabolic plasticity of adipose tissue(AT)by inducing extensive AT remodeling.This adaptive process not only enhances cold tolerance but also critically improves glucose and lipid(glucolipid)metabolic homeostasis through systemic metabolic reprogramming.This review synthesizes recent high-resolution sequencing studies to comprehensively examine three core dimensions of cold exposure-induced AT remodeling:tissue phenotype,cellular architecture,and metabolic function.In addition,it elucidates intercellular communication and inter-organ interactions within the multiscale regulatory networks that govern AT remodeling,thereby providing a theoretical framework for the development of intervention strategies for metabolic diseases based on mechanisms of cold-induced AT remodeling.展开更多
Objective:Breast cancer is a common tumor and has a high mortality rate.Gene regulatory networks(GRNs)can genetically facilitate targeted therapies for this disease.Impact Statement:This study proposes a new method to...Objective:Breast cancer is a common tumor and has a high mortality rate.Gene regulatory networks(GRNs)can genetically facilitate targeted therapies for this disease.Impact Statement:This study proposes a new method to infer GRNs.This new method combining genetic modules and convolutional neural networks is presented to infer GRNs from the RNA sequencing data of breast cancer.Introduction:GRNs play an essential role in many disease treatments.Previous studies showed that GRNs will accelerate tumor therapy.However,most of the existing network inference methods are based on large-scale gene collections,which ignore the characteristics of different tumors.Methods:In this work,weighted gene coexpression network analysis was deployed to screen key genes and gene modules.The gene regulatory associations in gene modules were then transformed into 2-dimensional histogram types.A convolutional neural network was chosen as the main framework to fit the gene regulatory types and infer the GRN.Results:The method integrates genetic data analysis and deep learning perspectives to screen key genes and predict GRNs among key genes.The key genes screened were validated by multiple methods,and the inferred gene regulatory associations were widely validated in real datasets.Conclusion:The method can be used as an auxiliary tool with the potential to predict key genes and the GRNs of key genes.It has the potential to facilitate the therapeutic process and targeted therapy for breast cancer.展开更多
Construction of gene regulatory networks(GRNs)is essential for elucidating the regulatory mechanisms underlying metabolic pathways,biological processes,and complex traits.In this study,we developed and evaluated machi...Construction of gene regulatory networks(GRNs)is essential for elucidating the regulatory mechanisms underlying metabolic pathways,biological processes,and complex traits.In this study,we developed and evaluated machine learning,deep learning,and hybrid approaches for constructing GRNs by integrating prior knowledge and large-scale transcriptomic data from Arabidopsis thaliana,poplar,and maize.Among these,hybrid models that combined convolutional neural networks and machine learning consistently outperformed traditional machine learning and statistical methods,achieving over 95%accuracy on the holdout test datasets.These models not only identified a greater number of known transcription factors regulating the lignin biosynthesis pathway but also demonstrated higher precision in ranking key master regulators such as MYB46 and MYB83,as well as many upstream regulators,including members of the VND,NST,and SND families,at the top of candidate lists.To address the challenge of limited training data in non-model species,we implemented transfer learning,enabling cross-species GRN inference by applying models trained on well-characterized and data-rich species to another species with limited data.This strategy enhanced model performance and demonstrated the feasibility of knowledge transfer across species.Overall,our findings underscore the effectiveness of hybrid and transfer learning approaches in GRN prediction,offering a scalable framework for elucidating regulatory mechanisms in both model and non-model plant systems.展开更多
The Asteraceae family,one of the largest angiosperm families,is rich in terpenoid secondary metabolites with significant medicinal value.Asteraceae plants have evolved a diverse array of terpenoid biosynthesis pathway...The Asteraceae family,one of the largest angiosperm families,is rich in terpenoid secondary metabolites with significant medicinal value.Asteraceae plants have evolved a diverse array of terpenoid biosynthesis pathways,reflecting their adaptive significance and complex regulatory mechanisms.However,the evolutionary patterns and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms governing these biosynthetic processes remain unclear.This study investigates the evolution and transcriptional regulation of terpenoid biosynthesis genes in Asteraceae.Comparative genomic analysis of 19 Asteraceae and six out-group species revealed that Asteraceae species diverged~74.03 million years ago and were distinctly divided into three subfamilies.A total of 1714 terpene synthase(TPS)genes were identified,predominantly in the TPS-a and TPS-b subfamilies.Caryophyllene-type sesquiterpene biosynthetic gene clusters(BGCs)were detected in 10 species,with their formation due to whole-genome duplication(WGD)and tandem duplication.By integrating weighted gene coexpression network analysis(WGCNA)and machine learning methods,key transcription factors regulating caryophyllene synthase(CPS)in Carthamus tinctorius were identified.A multilayered gene regulatory network was constructed to identify potential regulatory factors involved in TPS gene regulation under light stress.By exploring the evolutionary patterns and potential regulatory relationships involved in terpenoid biosynthesis in Asteraceae,this study provides important insights into TPS gene evolution.In addition,the findings also offer guidance for optimizing genetic engineering strategies in terpenoid-based drug development.展开更多
Primordial germ cells(PGCs)are the precursors of germline that are specified at the embryonic stage.Recent studies reveal that humans employ different mechanisms for PGC specification compared with model organisms suc...Primordial germ cells(PGCs)are the precursors of germline that are specified at the embryonic stage.Recent studies reveal that humans employ different mechanisms for PGC specification compared with model organisms such as mice.Moreover,the specific regulatory machinery remains largely unexplored,mainly due to the inaccessible nature of this complex biological process in humans.Here,we curate and integrate multi-omics data,including 581 RNA-seq,54 ATAC-seq,45 ChIP-seq,and 69 single-cell RNA-seq samples from different stages of human PGC development to recapitulate the precisely controlled and stepwise process,presenting an atlas in the human PGC database(hPGCdb).With these uniformly processed data and integrated analyses,we characterize the potential key transcription factors and regulatory networks governing human germ cell fate.We validate the important roles of some of the key factors in germ cell development by CRISPRi knockdown.We also identify the soma-germline interaction network and discover the involvement of SDC2 and LAMA4 for PGC development,as well as soma-derived NOTCH2 signaling for germ cell differentiation.Taken together,we have built a database for human PGCs(http://gffzz392dffb99feb4edfh956uoc5vxfnn6opo.ffgz.tsg.suse.edu.cn)and demonstrate that hPGCdb enables the identification of the missing pieces of mechanisms governing germline development,including both intrinsic and extrinsic regulatory programs.展开更多
Background:Many studies have examined the role of genes,proteins,andmicroribonucleic acids(miRNAs)in colorectal cancer(CRC).However,these studies did not establish the regulatory relationships among multi-omics,and on...Background:Many studies have examined the role of genes,proteins,andmicroribonucleic acids(miRNAs)in colorectal cancer(CRC).However,these studies did not establish the regulatory relationships among multi-omics,and only a few have investigated the key genes involved in the transition from colorectal adenoma to CRC.In this study,we established regulatory networks of target gene-miRNA-transcription factors(TFs)to elucidate the pathogenesis of CRC.Methods:Data from 70 patients with CRC were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database.Bioinformatics analyses were used to identify the hub genes involved in the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence.We conducted prognostic evaluations,analyzed gene co-expression patterns,assessed immune cell infiltration,and performed Mendelian randomization.A gene-miRNA-TF network was constructed and further analyzed.Results:Periostin(POSTN),thrombospondin 2(THBS2),collagen alpha-2 type I(COL1A2),and other molecules were found to interact and play key roles in the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence.The 3 genes-11 miRNAs-6 TFs regulatory network we constructed was involved in this process through various pathways and interactions with immune cells.Several molecules in this network affected the final prognosis of patients with CRC.THBS2 showed a causal genetic relationship with neutrophils(p=0.035,odds ratio=1.020[95% confidence interval=1.001-1.039]).Therefore,bleomycin and other drugs may potentially improve the prognosis of patients with CRC.Conclusions:The 3 genes-11 miRNAs-6 TFs regulatory network may provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of CRC.Additionally,some of these molecules may affect patient prognosis,serving as biomarkers or therapeutic targets.THBS2 may promote neutrophil infiltration into CRC tissues by increasing neutrophil levels in the blood.展开更多
Although many genes and biological processes involved in abiotic stress responses have been identified,how they are regulated remains largely unclear.Here,to study the regulatory mechanism of birch(Betula platyphylla)...Although many genes and biological processes involved in abiotic stress responses have been identified,how they are regulated remains largely unclear.Here,to study the regulatory mechanism of birch(Betula platyphylla)responding to drought induced by polyethylene glycol 6000(20%,w/v),a partial correlation coefficient-based algorithm for constructing a gene regulatory network(GRN)was proposed,and a three-layer hierarchical GRN was constructed,including 68 transcription factors and 252 structural genes.A total of 1448 predicted regulatory relationships are included,and most of them are novel.The reliability of the GRN was verified by chromatin immunoprecipitation(ChIP)-PCR and qRT-PCR based on transient transformation.About 55% of genes in the bottom layer of the GRN could confer drought tolerance.We selected two TFs,BpMADS11 and BpNAC090,fromthe top layer and characterized their function in drought tolerance.Overexpression of BpMADS11 and BpNAC090 reduces electrolyte leakage,reactive oxygen species(ROS)and malondialdehyde(MDA)contents,giving greater drought tolerance than wild-type birch.According to this GRN,the important biological processes involved in drought were identified,including‘signaling hormone pathways’,‘water transport’,‘regulation of stomatal movement’,and‘response to oxidative stress’.This work indicated that BpERF017,BpAGL61,and BpNAC090 are the key upstream regulators of birch drought tolerance.Our data clearly revealed that upstream regulators and transcription factor-DNA interaction regulate different biological processes to adapt to drought stress.展开更多
Wood quality is predominantly determined by the amount and the composition of secondary cell walls(SCWs).Consequently,unraveling the molecular regulatory mechanisms governing SCW formation is of paramount importance f...Wood quality is predominantly determined by the amount and the composition of secondary cell walls(SCWs).Consequently,unraveling the molecular regulatory mechanisms governing SCW formation is of paramount importance for genetic engineering aimed at enhancing wood properties.Although SCW formation is known to be governed by a hierarchical gene regulatory network(HGRN),our understanding of how a HGRN operates and regulates the formation of heterogeneous SCWs for plant development and adaption to ever-changing environment remains limited.In this review,we examined the HGRNs governing SCW formation and highlighted the significant key differences between herbaceous Arabidopsis and woody plant poplar.We clarified many confusions in existing literatures regarding the HGRNs and their orthologous gene names and functions.Additionally,we revealed many network motifs including feed-forward loops,feed-back loops,and negative and positive autoregulation in the HGRNs.We also conducted a thorough review of post-transcriptional and post-translational aspects,protein-protein interactions,and epigenetic modifications of the HGRNs.Furthermore,we summarized how the HGRNs respond to environmental factors and cues,influencing SCW biosynthesis through regulatory cascades,including many regulatory chains,wiring regulations,and network motifs.Finally,we highlighted the future research directions for gaining a further understanding of molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying SCW formation.展开更多
Based on a model of network encoding and dynamics called the artificial genome, we propose a segmental duplication and divergence model for evolving artificial regulatory networks. We find that this class of networks ...Based on a model of network encoding and dynamics called the artificial genome, we propose a segmental duplication and divergence model for evolving artificial regulatory networks. We find that this class of networks share structural properties with natural transcriptional regulatory networks. Specifically, these networks can display scale-free and small-world structures. We also find that these networks have a higher probability to operate in the ordered regimen, and a lower probability to operate in the chaotic regimen. That is, the dynamics of these networks is similar to that of natural networks. The results show that the structure and dynamics inherent in natural networks may be in part due to their method of generation rather than being exclusively shaped by subsequent evolution under natural selection.展开更多
Gene regulatory networks play pivotal roles in our understanding of biological processes/mechanisms at the molecular level.Many studies have developed sample-specific or cell-type-specific gene regulatory networks fro...Gene regulatory networks play pivotal roles in our understanding of biological processes/mechanisms at the molecular level.Many studies have developed sample-specific or cell-type-specific gene regulatory networks from single-cell transcriptomic data based on a large amount of cell samples.Here,we review the state-of-the-art computational algorithms and describe various applications of gene regulatory networks in biological studies.展开更多
During vertebrate embryonic development,neural crest-derived ectomesenchyme within the maxillary prominences undergoes precisely coordinated proliferation and differentiation to give rise to diverse craniofacial struc...During vertebrate embryonic development,neural crest-derived ectomesenchyme within the maxillary prominences undergoes precisely coordinated proliferation and differentiation to give rise to diverse craniofacial structures,such as tooth and palate.However,the transcriptional regulatory networks underpinning such an intricate process have not been fully elucidated.Here,we perform single-cell RNA-Seq to comprehensively characterize the transcriptional dynamics during mouse maxillary development from embryonic day(E)10.5eE14.5.Our single-cell transcriptome atlas of~28,000 cells uncovers mesenchymal cell populations representing distinct differentiating states and reveals their developmental trajectory,suggesting that the segregation of dental from the palatal mesenchyme occurs at E11.5.Moreover,we identify a series of key transcription factors(TFs)associated with mesenchymal fate transitions and deduce the gene regulatory networks directed by these TFs.Collectively,our study provides important resources and insights for achieving a systems-level understanding of craniofacial morphogenesis and abnormality.展开更多
Previous studies on Arabidopsis thaliana and other model plants have indicated that the development of a flower is controlled by a regulatory network composed of genes and the interactions among them. Studies on the e...Previous studies on Arabidopsis thaliana and other model plants have indicated that the development of a flower is controlled by a regulatory network composed of genes and the interactions among them. Studies on the evolution of this network will therefore help understand the genetic basis that underlies flower evolution. In this study, by reviewing the most recent published work, we added 31 genes into the previously proposed regulatory network for flower development. Thus, the number of genes reached 60. We then compared the composition, structure, and evolutionary rate of these genes between A. thaliana and one of its allies, A. lyrata. We found that two genes (FLC and MAF2) show 1 : 2 and 2 : 2 relationships between the two species, suggesting that they have experienced independent, post-speciation duplications. Of the remaining 58 genes, 35 (60.3%) have diverged in exon-intron structure and, consequently, code for proteins with different sequence features and functions. Molecular evolutionary analyses further revealed that, although most floral genes have evolved under strong purifying selection, some have evolved under relaxed or changed constraints, as evidenced by the elevation of nonsynonymous substitution rates and/or the presence of positively selected sites. Taken together, these results suggest that the regulatory network for flower development has evolved rather rapidly, with changes in the composition, structure, and functional constraint of genes, as well as the interactions among them, being the most important contributors.展开更多
In the post-genomic biology era,the reconstruction of gene regulatory networks from microarray gene expression data is very important to understand the underlying biological system,and it has been a challenging task i...In the post-genomic biology era,the reconstruction of gene regulatory networks from microarray gene expression data is very important to understand the underlying biological system,and it has been a challenging task in bioinformatics.The Bayesian network model has been used in reconstructing the gene regulatory network for its advantages,but how to determine the network structure and parameters is still important to be explored.This paper proposes a two-stage structure learning algorithm which integrates immune evolution algorithm to build a Bayesian network.The new algorithm is evaluated with the use of both simulated and yeast cell cycle data.The experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm can find many of the known real regulatory relationships from literature and predict the others unknown with high validity and accuracy.展开更多
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous -22 nucleotide noncoding RNAs that regulate the expression of complementary messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Thousands of miRNA genes have been found in diverse species, and many of them a...MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous -22 nucleotide noncoding RNAs that regulate the expression of complementary messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Thousands of miRNA genes have been found in diverse species, and many of them are highly conserved. With the miRNA roles identified in nearly all aspects of biological processes, evidence is mounting that miRNAs could represent a new layer of regulatory network, and their regulatory effect might be much more pervasive than previously suspected. Here we focus on the posttranscriptional level gene regulation of miRNAs in animals and review how the miRNAs act to sustain and shape up the expression profiles of specific cell types; how the miRNAs integrate into the existing gene regulatory networks; and how the miRNAs influence the evolution of 3'UTR of mammalian mRNAs.展开更多
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs(circRNAs)are involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases through competing endogenous RNA(ceRNA)regulatory mechanisms.AIM To investigate a circRNA-related ceRNA regulatory network and a new ...BACKGROUND Circular RNAs(circRNAs)are involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases through competing endogenous RNA(ceRNA)regulatory mechanisms.AIM To investigate a circRNA-related ceRNA regulatory network and a new predictive model by circRNA to understand the diagnostic mechanism of circRNAs in ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS We obtained gene expression profiles of circRNAs,miRNAs,and mRNAs in UC from the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset.The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed based on circRNA-miRNA and miRNA-mRNA interactions.Functional enrichment analysis was performed to identify the biological mechanisms involved in circRNAs.We identified the most relevant differential circRNAs for diagnosing UC and constructed a new predictive nomogram,whose efficacy was tested with the C-index,receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC),and decision curve analysis(DCA).RESULTS A circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was obtained,containing 12 circRNAs,three miRNAs,and 38 mRNAs.Two optimal prognostic-related differentially expressed circRNAs,hsa_circ_0085323 and hsa_circ_0036906,were included to construct a predictive nomogram.The model showed good discrimination,with a C-index of 1(>0.9,high accuracy).ROC and DCA suggested that the nomogram had a beneficial diagnostic ability.CONCLUSION This novel predictive nomogram incorporating hsa_circ_0085323 and hsa_circ_0036906 can be conveniently used to predict the risk of UC.The circRNa-miRNA-mRNA network in UC could be more clinically significant.展开更多
Plants have an ability to flower under optimal seasonal conditions to ensure reproductive success.Photoperiod and temperature are two important season-dependent factors of plant flowering.The floral transition of plan...Plants have an ability to flower under optimal seasonal conditions to ensure reproductive success.Photoperiod and temperature are two important season-dependent factors of plant flowering.The floral transition of plants depends on accurate measurement of changes in photoperiod and temperature.Recent advances in molecular biology and genetics on Arabidopsis and rice reveals that the regulation of plant flowering by photoperiod and temperature are involved in a complicated gene network with different regulatory pathways,and new evidence and understanding were provided in the regulation of rice flowering.Here,we summarize and analyze different flowering regulatory pathways in detail in rice based on previous studies and our results,including short-day promotion,long-day suppression,long-day induction of flowering,night break,different light-quality and temperature regulation pathways.展开更多
De novo genes can evolve“from scratch”from noncoding sequences,acquiring novel functions in organisms and integrating into regulatory networks during evolution to drive innovations in important phenotypes and traits...De novo genes can evolve“from scratch”from noncoding sequences,acquiring novel functions in organisms and integrating into regulatory networks during evolution to drive innovations in important phenotypes and traits.However,identifying de novo genes is challenging,as it requires high-quality genomes from closely related species.According to the comparison with nine closely related Prunus genomes,we determined at least 178 de novo genes in P.persica“baifeng”.The distinct differences were observed between de novo and conserved genes in gene characteristics and expression patterns.Gene ontology enrichment analysis suggested that Type I de novo genes originated from sequences related to plastid modification functions,while Type II genes were inferred to have derived from sequences related to reproductive functions.Finally,transcriptome sequencing across different tissues and developmental stages suggested that de novo genes have been evolutionarily recruited into existing regulatory networks,playing important roles in plant growth and development,which was also supported by WGCNA analysis and quantitative trait loci data.This study lays the groundwork for future research on the origins and functions of genes in Prunus and related taxa.展开更多
Inferring gene regulatory networks from large-scale expression data is an important topic in both cellular systems and computational biology. The inference of regulators might be the core factor for understanding actu...Inferring gene regulatory networks from large-scale expression data is an important topic in both cellular systems and computational biology. The inference of regulators might be the core factor for understanding actual regulatory conditions in gene regulatory networks, especially when strong regulators do work significantly. In this paper, we propose a novel approach based on combining neuro-fu^zy network models with biological knowledge to infer strong regulators and interrelated fuzzy rules. The hybrid neuro-fuzzy architecture can not only infer the fuzzy rules, which are suitable for describing the regulatory conditions in regulatory nctworks+ but also explain the meaning of nodes and weight value in the neural network. It can get useful rules automatically without lhctitious judgments. At the same time, it does not add recursive layers to the model, and the model can also strengthen the relationships among genes and reduce calculation. We use the proposed approach to reconstruct a partial gene regulatory network of yeast, The results show that this approach can work effectively.展开更多
基金supported by the Yazhouwan Laboratory Grant(2024ZD0408003 to X.G.Z.),STI 2030 Major Project(2023ZD04072 to Q.S.)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB0630301 to X.G.Z.and XDB0630101 to M.J.L.).
摘要Photosynthesis fuels crop growth and yield,yet the regulatory networks coordinating photosynthetic gene expression with carbon allocation remain incompletely understood.Here,we construct a gene regulatory network(GRN)for rice photosynthesis by integrating time-resolved RNA-seq,ATAC-seq,and promoter cis-element analyses.We identify nine hub transcription factors(TFs),four of which(OsPIL13,OsbZIP72,OsCGA1,and OsGLK1)exhibit strong leaf-specific,light-inducible expression patterns.Overexpression of OsPIL13,OsbZIP72,or OsGLK1 using photosynthetic tissue-specific promoters significantly enhanced the light-saturated photosynthetic rate(Asat)across developmental stages,with OsPIL13 overexpression increasing Asat by up to 57%during grain filling.While several hub TFs boosted photosynthetic capacity,consistent improvements in biomass and grain yield under field conditions were rare.Notably,OsGLK1 overexpression confers stable yield gains across multiple growing seasons.Comparative transcriptomic analysis indicates that OsGLK1 also upregulates genes involved in brassinosteroid biosynthesis and sugar and lipid transporter genes,potentially linking photosynthetic output to growth and resource allocation.Collectively,our findings indicate that enhancing photosynthesis alone is insufficient to guarantee yield improvement;rather,the coordinated regulation of photosynthetic capacity and downstream carbon utilization is essential for sustainable productivity gains in rice.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China 2024YFF1000900,2023YFD1300300,and 2022YFF1000100National Natural Science Foundation of China 32302730+2 种基金China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA CARS-42the Chinese Universities Scientific Fund(2024TC170)the Beijing Joint Research Program for Germplasm Innovation and New Variety Breeding(G20220628007)。
摘要Background Follicular development is a prerequisite for vertebrate reproduction,and it is precisely regulated by complex genomic conformations and regulatory elements.However,the dynamic changes in the interaction between the three-dimensional genome and regulatory elements of granulosa cells(GCs)during avian follicular development are still unclear.Here,we integrated RNA sequencing,ATAC sequencing,CUT&Tag,and Hi-C of GCs in 7stages of Pekin ducks(Anas platyrhynchos domestica)to construct a high-resolution three-dimensional cis-regulatory map of follicular development,revealing the chromatin dynamics basis of avian folliculogenesis.Results Our integrative analysis reveals that H3K27ac dynamics,rather than chromatin accessibility alone,are strongly associated with the stage-specific transcriptional increase of follicle selection and maturation.We identified enhancers and super-enhancers(SEs)that are significantly correlated with the expression of key follicular genes.Regarding 3D genome organization,we observed that topologically associating domains(TADs)remained largely stable,serving as a structural scaffold.However,stage-specific boundary changes coincided with the transcriptional alterations of key regulator genes.Furthermore,we inferred putative gene regulatory networks(GRNs)comprising 46core transcription factors(TFs)predicted to be closely linked to follicular development.Finally,comparative analysis highlighted both the conservation and species-specificity of these regulatory elements between birds and mammals.Conclusions Our study provides an integrative,multi-omics resource that offers novel insights into the epigenomic landscape of duck follicular development.The resulting dataset and regulatory map establish a valuable foundation for further mechanistic studies of folliculogenesis and for understanding regulatory divergence across species.
摘要Cold exposure,a prototypical environmental stressor,activates the metabolic plasticity of adipose tissue(AT)by inducing extensive AT remodeling.This adaptive process not only enhances cold tolerance but also critically improves glucose and lipid(glucolipid)metabolic homeostasis through systemic metabolic reprogramming.This review synthesizes recent high-resolution sequencing studies to comprehensively examine three core dimensions of cold exposure-induced AT remodeling:tissue phenotype,cellular architecture,and metabolic function.In addition,it elucidates intercellular communication and inter-organ interactions within the multiscale regulatory networks that govern AT remodeling,thereby providing a theoretical framework for the development of intervention strategies for metabolic diseases based on mechanisms of cold-induced AT remodeling.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(62366048)Major Project of Gansu Province Joint Research Fund(23JRRA1537).
摘要Objective:Breast cancer is a common tumor and has a high mortality rate.Gene regulatory networks(GRNs)can genetically facilitate targeted therapies for this disease.Impact Statement:This study proposes a new method to infer GRNs.This new method combining genetic modules and convolutional neural networks is presented to infer GRNs from the RNA sequencing data of breast cancer.Introduction:GRNs play an essential role in many disease treatments.Previous studies showed that GRNs will accelerate tumor therapy.However,most of the existing network inference methods are based on large-scale gene collections,which ignore the characteristics of different tumors.Methods:In this work,weighted gene coexpression network analysis was deployed to screen key genes and gene modules.The gene regulatory associations in gene modules were then transformed into 2-dimensional histogram types.A convolutional neural network was chosen as the main framework to fit the gene regulatory types and infer the GRN.Results:The method integrates genetic data analysis and deep learning perspectives to screen key genes and predict GRNs among key genes.The key genes screened were validated by multiple methods,and the inferred gene regulatory associations were widely validated in real datasets.Conclusion:The method can be used as an auxiliary tool with the potential to predict key genes and the GRNs of key genes.It has the potential to facilitate the therapeutic process and targeted therapy for breast cancer.
基金the McIntire Stennis,NIFA,USDA,the Michigan Sequencing Academic Partnership for Public Health Innovation and Response(MI-SAP-558 PHIRE)from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services(MDHHS)the NSF Plant Genome Program[1703007]support from a Department of Energy funded project(DE-SC0023011).
摘要Construction of gene regulatory networks(GRNs)is essential for elucidating the regulatory mechanisms underlying metabolic pathways,biological processes,and complex traits.In this study,we developed and evaluated machine learning,deep learning,and hybrid approaches for constructing GRNs by integrating prior knowledge and large-scale transcriptomic data from Arabidopsis thaliana,poplar,and maize.Among these,hybrid models that combined convolutional neural networks and machine learning consistently outperformed traditional machine learning and statistical methods,achieving over 95%accuracy on the holdout test datasets.These models not only identified a greater number of known transcription factors regulating the lignin biosynthesis pathway but also demonstrated higher precision in ranking key master regulators such as MYB46 and MYB83,as well as many upstream regulators,including members of the VND,NST,and SND families,at the top of candidate lists.To address the challenge of limited training data in non-model species,we implemented transfer learning,enabling cross-species GRN inference by applying models trained on well-characterized and data-rich species to another species with limited data.This strategy enhanced model performance and demonstrated the feasibility of knowledge transfer across species.Overall,our findings underscore the effectiveness of hybrid and transfer learning approaches in GRN prediction,offering a scalable framework for elucidating regulatory mechanisms in both model and non-model plant systems.
基金supported by Innovation Team and Talents Cultivation Program of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No:ZYYCXTD-D-202209)State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources(SKLTCM202311).
摘要The Asteraceae family,one of the largest angiosperm families,is rich in terpenoid secondary metabolites with significant medicinal value.Asteraceae plants have evolved a diverse array of terpenoid biosynthesis pathways,reflecting their adaptive significance and complex regulatory mechanisms.However,the evolutionary patterns and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms governing these biosynthetic processes remain unclear.This study investigates the evolution and transcriptional regulation of terpenoid biosynthesis genes in Asteraceae.Comparative genomic analysis of 19 Asteraceae and six out-group species revealed that Asteraceae species diverged~74.03 million years ago and were distinctly divided into three subfamilies.A total of 1714 terpene synthase(TPS)genes were identified,predominantly in the TPS-a and TPS-b subfamilies.Caryophyllene-type sesquiterpene biosynthetic gene clusters(BGCs)were detected in 10 species,with their formation due to whole-genome duplication(WGD)and tandem duplication.By integrating weighted gene coexpression network analysis(WGCNA)and machine learning methods,key transcription factors regulating caryophyllene synthase(CPS)in Carthamus tinctorius were identified.A multilayered gene regulatory network was constructed to identify potential regulatory factors involved in TPS gene regulation under light stress.By exploring the evolutionary patterns and potential regulatory relationships involved in terpenoid biosynthesis in Asteraceae,this study provides important insights into TPS gene evolution.In addition,the findings also offer guidance for optimizing genetic engineering strategies in terpenoid-based drug development.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China awarded to D.C.(32270835)Zhejiang Natural Science Foundation awarded to D.C.(Z22C129553)Dr.Li Dak Sum&Yip Yio Chin Development Fund for Regenerative Medicine,Zhejiang University,awarded to D.C.
摘要Primordial germ cells(PGCs)are the precursors of germline that are specified at the embryonic stage.Recent studies reveal that humans employ different mechanisms for PGC specification compared with model organisms such as mice.Moreover,the specific regulatory machinery remains largely unexplored,mainly due to the inaccessible nature of this complex biological process in humans.Here,we curate and integrate multi-omics data,including 581 RNA-seq,54 ATAC-seq,45 ChIP-seq,and 69 single-cell RNA-seq samples from different stages of human PGC development to recapitulate the precisely controlled and stepwise process,presenting an atlas in the human PGC database(hPGCdb).With these uniformly processed data and integrated analyses,we characterize the potential key transcription factors and regulatory networks governing human germ cell fate.We validate the important roles of some of the key factors in germ cell development by CRISPRi knockdown.We also identify the soma-germline interaction network and discover the involvement of SDC2 and LAMA4 for PGC development,as well as soma-derived NOTCH2 signaling for germ cell differentiation.Taken together,we have built a database for human PGCs(http://gffzz392dffb99feb4edfh956uoc5vxfnn6opo.ffgz.tsg.suse.edu.cn)and demonstrate that hPGCdb enables the identification of the missing pieces of mechanisms governing germline development,including both intrinsic and extrinsic regulatory programs.
摘要Background:Many studies have examined the role of genes,proteins,andmicroribonucleic acids(miRNAs)in colorectal cancer(CRC).However,these studies did not establish the regulatory relationships among multi-omics,and only a few have investigated the key genes involved in the transition from colorectal adenoma to CRC.In this study,we established regulatory networks of target gene-miRNA-transcription factors(TFs)to elucidate the pathogenesis of CRC.Methods:Data from 70 patients with CRC were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database.Bioinformatics analyses were used to identify the hub genes involved in the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence.We conducted prognostic evaluations,analyzed gene co-expression patterns,assessed immune cell infiltration,and performed Mendelian randomization.A gene-miRNA-TF network was constructed and further analyzed.Results:Periostin(POSTN),thrombospondin 2(THBS2),collagen alpha-2 type I(COL1A2),and other molecules were found to interact and play key roles in the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence.The 3 genes-11 miRNAs-6 TFs regulatory network we constructed was involved in this process through various pathways and interactions with immune cells.Several molecules in this network affected the final prognosis of patients with CRC.THBS2 showed a causal genetic relationship with neutrophils(p=0.035,odds ratio=1.020[95% confidence interval=1.001-1.039]).Therefore,bleomycin and other drugs may potentially improve the prognosis of patients with CRC.Conclusions:The 3 genes-11 miRNAs-6 TFs regulatory network may provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of CRC.Additionally,some of these molecules may affect patient prognosis,serving as biomarkers or therapeutic targets.THBS2 may promote neutrophil infiltration into CRC tissues by increasing neutrophil levels in the blood.
基金supported by the National Nonprofit Institute Research Grant of the Chinese Academy of Forestry(grant number CAFYBB2019ZY003)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31971684)the Heilongjiang Touyan Innovation Team Program(Tree Genetics and Breeding Innovation Team).
摘要Although many genes and biological processes involved in abiotic stress responses have been identified,how they are regulated remains largely unclear.Here,to study the regulatory mechanism of birch(Betula platyphylla)responding to drought induced by polyethylene glycol 6000(20%,w/v),a partial correlation coefficient-based algorithm for constructing a gene regulatory network(GRN)was proposed,and a three-layer hierarchical GRN was constructed,including 68 transcription factors and 252 structural genes.A total of 1448 predicted regulatory relationships are included,and most of them are novel.The reliability of the GRN was verified by chromatin immunoprecipitation(ChIP)-PCR and qRT-PCR based on transient transformation.About 55% of genes in the bottom layer of the GRN could confer drought tolerance.We selected two TFs,BpMADS11 and BpNAC090,fromthe top layer and characterized their function in drought tolerance.Overexpression of BpMADS11 and BpNAC090 reduces electrolyte leakage,reactive oxygen species(ROS)and malondialdehyde(MDA)contents,giving greater drought tolerance than wild-type birch.According to this GRN,the important biological processes involved in drought were identified,including‘signaling hormone pathways’,‘water transport’,‘regulation of stomatal movement’,and‘response to oxidative stress’.This work indicated that BpERF017,BpAGL61,and BpNAC090 are the key upstream regulators of birch drought tolerance.Our data clearly revealed that upstream regulators and transcription factor-DNA interaction regulate different biological processes to adapt to drought stress.
基金supported by the scientific research start funds of Heilongjiang University.
摘要Wood quality is predominantly determined by the amount and the composition of secondary cell walls(SCWs).Consequently,unraveling the molecular regulatory mechanisms governing SCW formation is of paramount importance for genetic engineering aimed at enhancing wood properties.Although SCW formation is known to be governed by a hierarchical gene regulatory network(HGRN),our understanding of how a HGRN operates and regulates the formation of heterogeneous SCWs for plant development and adaption to ever-changing environment remains limited.In this review,we examined the HGRNs governing SCW formation and highlighted the significant key differences between herbaceous Arabidopsis and woody plant poplar.We clarified many confusions in existing literatures regarding the HGRNs and their orthologous gene names and functions.Additionally,we revealed many network motifs including feed-forward loops,feed-back loops,and negative and positive autoregulation in the HGRNs.We also conducted a thorough review of post-transcriptional and post-translational aspects,protein-protein interactions,and epigenetic modifications of the HGRNs.Furthermore,we summarized how the HGRNs respond to environmental factors and cues,influencing SCW biosynthesis through regulatory cascades,including many regulatory chains,wiring regulations,and network motifs.Finally,we highlighted the future research directions for gaining a further understanding of molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying SCW formation.
摘要Based on a model of network encoding and dynamics called the artificial genome, we propose a segmental duplication and divergence model for evolving artificial regulatory networks. We find that this class of networks share structural properties with natural transcriptional regulatory networks. Specifically, these networks can display scale-free and small-world structures. We also find that these networks have a higher probability to operate in the ordered regimen, and a lower probability to operate in the chaotic regimen. That is, the dynamics of these networks is similar to that of natural networks. The results show that the structure and dynamics inherent in natural networks may be in part due to their method of generation rather than being exclusively shaped by subsequent evolution under natural selection.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFA0505500)Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB38040400)+1 种基金National Science Foundation of China(31771476 and 31930022)Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project(2017SHZDZX01)。
摘要Gene regulatory networks play pivotal roles in our understanding of biological processes/mechanisms at the molecular level.Many studies have developed sample-specific or cell-type-specific gene regulatory networks from single-cell transcriptomic data based on a large amount of cell samples.Here,we review the state-of-the-art computational algorithms and describe various applications of gene regulatory networks in biological studies.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82071096 to X.W,31970585,32170544,and 31801056 to Q.B.)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFC1001800 to X.W.,2018YFC1004703 to Q.B),the Fundamental research program funding of Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine(JYZZ179 to J.S.)+1 种基金the Innovative research team of high-level local universities in Shanghai(SHSMU-ZLCX20211700)the SHIPM-pi fund No.JY201803 from Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine,Ninth People’s Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.
摘要During vertebrate embryonic development,neural crest-derived ectomesenchyme within the maxillary prominences undergoes precisely coordinated proliferation and differentiation to give rise to diverse craniofacial structures,such as tooth and palate.However,the transcriptional regulatory networks underpinning such an intricate process have not been fully elucidated.Here,we perform single-cell RNA-Seq to comprehensively characterize the transcriptional dynamics during mouse maxillary development from embryonic day(E)10.5eE14.5.Our single-cell transcriptome atlas of~28,000 cells uncovers mesenchymal cell populations representing distinct differentiating states and reveals their developmental trajectory,suggesting that the segregation of dental from the palatal mesenchyme occurs at E11.5.Moreover,we identify a series of key transcription factors(TFs)associated with mesenchymal fate transitions and deduce the gene regulatory networks directed by these TFs.Collectively,our study provides important resources and insights for achieving a systems-level understanding of craniofacial morphogenesis and abnormality.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.30970210)the Chinese Academy of Sciences Knowledge Innovation Program(KSCX2-YW-R-135)
摘要Previous studies on Arabidopsis thaliana and other model plants have indicated that the development of a flower is controlled by a regulatory network composed of genes and the interactions among them. Studies on the evolution of this network will therefore help understand the genetic basis that underlies flower evolution. In this study, by reviewing the most recent published work, we added 31 genes into the previously proposed regulatory network for flower development. Thus, the number of genes reached 60. We then compared the composition, structure, and evolutionary rate of these genes between A. thaliana and one of its allies, A. lyrata. We found that two genes (FLC and MAF2) show 1 : 2 and 2 : 2 relationships between the two species, suggesting that they have experienced independent, post-speciation duplications. Of the remaining 58 genes, 35 (60.3%) have diverged in exon-intron structure and, consequently, code for proteins with different sequence features and functions. Molecular evolutionary analyses further revealed that, although most floral genes have evolved under strong purifying selection, some have evolved under relaxed or changed constraints, as evidenced by the elevation of nonsynonymous substitution rates and/or the presence of positively selected sites. Taken together, these results suggest that the regulatory network for flower development has evolved rather rapidly, with changes in the composition, structure, and functional constraint of genes, as well as the interactions among them, being the most important contributors.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.60433020,60175024 and 60773095)European Commission under grant No.TH/Asia Link/010(111084)the Key Science-Technology Project of the National Education Ministry of China(Grant No.02090),and the Key Laboratory of Symbol Computation and Knowledge Engineering of Ministry of Education,Jilin University,P.R.China
摘要In the post-genomic biology era,the reconstruction of gene regulatory networks from microarray gene expression data is very important to understand the underlying biological system,and it has been a challenging task in bioinformatics.The Bayesian network model has been used in reconstructing the gene regulatory network for its advantages,but how to determine the network structure and parameters is still important to be explored.This paper proposes a two-stage structure learning algorithm which integrates immune evolution algorithm to build a Bayesian network.The new algorithm is evaluated with the use of both simulated and yeast cell cycle data.The experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm can find many of the known real regulatory relationships from literature and predict the others unknown with high validity and accuracy.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program) (No. 2006CB701506 and 2007CB815705)the Chinese Academy of Sciences (No. KSCX1-YW-R-34)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30525028, 30630013 and 30871343)the Natural Science Foundation of Yunnan Province of China.
摘要MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous -22 nucleotide noncoding RNAs that regulate the expression of complementary messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Thousands of miRNA genes have been found in diverse species, and many of them are highly conserved. With the miRNA roles identified in nearly all aspects of biological processes, evidence is mounting that miRNAs could represent a new layer of regulatory network, and their regulatory effect might be much more pervasive than previously suspected. Here we focus on the posttranscriptional level gene regulation of miRNAs in animals and review how the miRNAs act to sustain and shape up the expression profiles of specific cell types; how the miRNAs integrate into the existing gene regulatory networks; and how the miRNAs influence the evolution of 3'UTR of mammalian mRNAs.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81774093,No.81904009,No.81974546 and No.82174182Key R&D Project of Hubei Province,No.2020BCB001.
摘要BACKGROUND Circular RNAs(circRNAs)are involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases through competing endogenous RNA(ceRNA)regulatory mechanisms.AIM To investigate a circRNA-related ceRNA regulatory network and a new predictive model by circRNA to understand the diagnostic mechanism of circRNAs in ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS We obtained gene expression profiles of circRNAs,miRNAs,and mRNAs in UC from the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset.The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed based on circRNA-miRNA and miRNA-mRNA interactions.Functional enrichment analysis was performed to identify the biological mechanisms involved in circRNAs.We identified the most relevant differential circRNAs for diagnosing UC and constructed a new predictive nomogram,whose efficacy was tested with the C-index,receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC),and decision curve analysis(DCA).RESULTS A circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was obtained,containing 12 circRNAs,three miRNAs,and 38 mRNAs.Two optimal prognostic-related differentially expressed circRNAs,hsa_circ_0085323 and hsa_circ_0036906,were included to construct a predictive nomogram.The model showed good discrimination,with a C-index of 1(>0.9,high accuracy).ROC and DCA suggested that the nomogram had a beneficial diagnostic ability.CONCLUSION This novel predictive nomogram incorporating hsa_circ_0085323 and hsa_circ_0036906 can be conveniently used to predict the risk of UC.The circRNa-miRNA-mRNA network in UC could be more clinically significant.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.31171515 and 30871328)the Tianjin Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.11JCZDJC17900)+1 种基金the Program of Tianjin Municipal Education Commission,China(Grant No.20090609)the Knowledge Innovation Program of Tianjin Normal University,China(Grant No.52X09039)
摘要Plants have an ability to flower under optimal seasonal conditions to ensure reproductive success.Photoperiod and temperature are two important season-dependent factors of plant flowering.The floral transition of plants depends on accurate measurement of changes in photoperiod and temperature.Recent advances in molecular biology and genetics on Arabidopsis and rice reveals that the regulation of plant flowering by photoperiod and temperature are involved in a complicated gene network with different regulatory pathways,and new evidence and understanding were provided in the regulation of rice flowering.Here,we summarize and analyze different flowering regulatory pathways in detail in rice based on previous studies and our results,including short-day promotion,long-day suppression,long-day induction of flowering,night break,different light-quality and temperature regulation pathways.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.U23A20206 and Grant No.32201602)the Natural Science Fund of Hubei Province(Grant No.2023AFB1036 and Grant No.2022CFB932)+3 种基金the Beijing Life Science Academy Project(Grant No.2023200CC0270)the Key Special Project of Intergovernmental International Cooperation of the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2023YFE0125100)the Knowledge Innovation Program of Wuhan Basic Research(Grant No.2022020801010167)the China Agriculture Research System(Grant No.CARS-30).
摘要De novo genes can evolve“from scratch”from noncoding sequences,acquiring novel functions in organisms and integrating into regulatory networks during evolution to drive innovations in important phenotypes and traits.However,identifying de novo genes is challenging,as it requires high-quality genomes from closely related species.According to the comparison with nine closely related Prunus genomes,we determined at least 178 de novo genes in P.persica“baifeng”.The distinct differences were observed between de novo and conserved genes in gene characteristics and expression patterns.Gene ontology enrichment analysis suggested that Type I de novo genes originated from sequences related to plastid modification functions,while Type II genes were inferred to have derived from sequences related to reproductive functions.Finally,transcriptome sequencing across different tissues and developmental stages suggested that de novo genes have been evolutionarily recruited into existing regulatory networks,playing important roles in plant growth and development,which was also supported by WGCNA analysis and quantitative trait loci data.This study lays the groundwork for future research on the origins and functions of genes in Prunus and related taxa.
基金Acknowledgement This paper is supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 60973092 and No. 60873146), the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (Grant No.2009 AA02Z307), the "211 Project" of Jilin University, the Key Laboratory for Symbol Computation and Knowledge Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), and the Key Laboratory for New Technology of Biological Recognition of Jilin Province (No. 20082209).
摘要Inferring gene regulatory networks from large-scale expression data is an important topic in both cellular systems and computational biology. The inference of regulators might be the core factor for understanding actual regulatory conditions in gene regulatory networks, especially when strong regulators do work significantly. In this paper, we propose a novel approach based on combining neuro-fu^zy network models with biological knowledge to infer strong regulators and interrelated fuzzy rules. The hybrid neuro-fuzzy architecture can not only infer the fuzzy rules, which are suitable for describing the regulatory conditions in regulatory nctworks+ but also explain the meaning of nodes and weight value in the neural network. It can get useful rules automatically without lhctitious judgments. At the same time, it does not add recursive layers to the model, and the model can also strengthen the relationships among genes and reduce calculation. We use the proposed approach to reconstruct a partial gene regulatory network of yeast, The results show that this approach can work effectively.