Chun Liu

TL;DR: A draft sequence for the genome of the domesticated silkworm (Bombyx mori), covering 90.9% of all known silkworm genes is reported, which exceeds the estimated gene count for Drosophila melanogaster.

TL;DR: It is found that the domesticated silkworms are clearly genetically differentiated from the wild ones, but they have maintained large levels of genetic variability, suggesting a short domestication event involving a large number of individuals.

TL;DR: The gene families encoding receptors for bitter or toxic substances and detoxification enzymes, such as cytochrome P450, carboxylesterase and glutathione-S-transferase were massively expanded in this polyphagous species, enabling its extraordinary ability to detect and detoxify many plant secondary compounds.

TL;DR: It is demonstrated that (i) TALENs can be used in silkworm and (ii) heritable large chromosomal deletions can be induced by two pairs of TALens in whole organisms.

TL;DR: Results suggest that the core promoters required for gene transcription and the cis-regulatory elements for NF-kappaB/Rel and GATA transcription factors play an important role in regulating the transcription of these defense genes.