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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

The Terroir Concept Interpreted through Grape Berry Metabolomics and Transcriptomics
Published on: October 5, 2016
The grapes of incompatibility
1Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, 208 Mueller, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA.
Colonies of the tunicate Botryllus either fuse or fight upon contact, a decision controlled by the fusion/histocompatibility (FuHC) locus. This locus may function to prevent parasitic infections by the tunicate
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Colonies of the tunicate Botryllus exhibit two distinct social interactions: fusion or rejection.
- The outcome of these interactions is dictated by a single genetic locus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of the fusion/histocompatibility (FuHC) locus in Botryllus.
- To explore the role of the FuHC locus in mediating colony interactions and potential defense mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Cloning and characterization of the FuHC locus.
- Analysis of the genetic basis for colony fusion and rejection.
Main Results:
- The FuHC locus was successfully cloned and characterized.
- Evidence suggests the FuHC locus plays a critical role in determining fusion or rejection between tunicate colonies.
Conclusions:
- The FuHC locus is a key determinant of social compatibility in Botryllus.
- The FuHC locus may have evolved to protect against parasitism by conspecific stem cells.
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