Controlling mRNA and protein levels with genetic tools is essential for interrogating gene function. Here, we present a novel tool to modulate mRNA cleavage in zebrafish using a self-cleaving ribozyme. This brightfield image displays 36 hours post-fertilization zebrafish embryos, with wild-type pigmentation on top and pigmentation disrupted by the knockin of the T3H48 self-cleaving ribozyme at the slc45a2/alb locus below. The pigmentation phenotype recapitulates that observed in alb mutant animals. See Juan et al. Download February’s cover page.
Image Credit: Thomas Juan and Didier Y.R. Stainier
Research Articles
Memory-like states created by the first ethanol experience are encoded into the Drosophila mushroom body learning and memory circuitry in an ethanol-specific manner
PLOS Genetics: published February 3, 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011582
D-stem mutation in an essential tRNA increases translation speed at the cost of fidelity
PLOS Genetics: published February 4, 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011569
Aneuploidy of specific chromosomes is beneficial to cells lacking spindle checkpoint protein Bub3
PLOS Genetics: published February 4, 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011576
Plant-specific cochaperone SSR1 affects root elongation by modulating the mitochondrial iron-sulfur cluster assembly machinery
PLOS Genetics: published February 5, 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011597
Towards a unifying phylogenomic framework for tailed phages
PLOS Genetics: published February 5, 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011595
Shaker/Kv1 potassium channel SHK-1 protects against pathogen infection and oxidative stress in C. elegans
PLOS Genetics: published February 6, 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011554
The transmembrane protein Syndecan is required for stem cell survival and maintenance of their nuclear properties
PLOS Genetics: published February 6, 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011586
Encounter rates and engagement times limit the transmission of conjugative plasmids
PLOS Genetics: published February 7, 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011560
Novel risk loci encompassing genes influencing STAT3, GPCR, and oxidative stress signaling are associated with co-morbid GERD and COPD
PLOS Genetics: published February 7, 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011531
A recombinase-activated ribozyme to knock down endogenous gene expression in zebrafish
PLOS Genetics: published February 7, 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011594
Ethylene signals through an ethylene receptor to modulate biofilm formation and root colonization in a beneficial plant-associated bacterium
PLOS Genetics: published February 7, 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011587
Transcriptomic analysis of iPSC-derived endothelium reveals adaptations to high altitude hypoxia in energy metabolism and inflammation
PLOS Genetics: published February 10, 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011570
The recombination landscape of introgression in yeast
PLOS Genetics: published February 12, 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011585
Two transmembrane transcriptional regulators coordinate to activate chitin-induced natural transformation in Vibrio cholerae
PLOS Genetics: published February 18, 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011606
Functional constraints of wtf killer meiotic drivers
PLOS Genetics: published February 18, 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011534
Exploring adaptation routes to cold temperatures in the Saccharomyces genus
PLOS Genetics: published February 19, 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011199
Editorial Note
Editorial Note: PHYTOCHROME C regulation of photoperiodic flowering via PHOTOPERIOD1 is mediated by EARLY FLOWERING 3 in Brachypodium distachyon
PLOS Genetics: published February 27, 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011592