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The WRKY family of transcription factors plays important roles in plant growth and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Ammopiptanthus nanus, the only evergreen broadleaf shrub endemic to the desert and semi-desert regions of northwestern China, is highly tolerant to various stresses. However, a systematic study of WRKY proteins in A. nanus has not been reported. In the present study, we identified 63 WRKY genes in the A. nanus genome. Based on the conserved WRKY domains, zinc finger structures, and phylogenetic relationships in their encoded proteins, we classified these genes into four groups (group I–IV) and several subgroups (subgroup IIa–IIe). Conserved motif analysis showed that all motifs except those within the WRKY domains had a subfamily-specific distribution. Expression analysis revealed that the AnWRKY genes had distinct expression patterns, with some being more responsive to herbivory and drought stresses than others. Based on the results of our current study, we speculate that AnWRKY40 and AnWRKY48 are positive regulators of the plant's response to drought and herbivory stresses, respectively. Our results indicate that AnWRKY genes contribute to the ability of A. nanus plants to withstand harsh, dry conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Songliao Basin is the most productive petroliferous lacustrine basin in NE China, and numerous large gas fields with large proven reserves occur in its deep formations. However, considerable challenges remain: (1) the origins and genetic types of the natural gases are controversial; (2) the gas-source correlations are poorly studied; and (3) the migration distance is vague. In this study, these problems are addressed by the study of the gas compositions, light hydrocarbons, and stable hydrogen and carbon isotopes. The gases are predominantly of organic and thermogenic origins. The Huoshiling (J3h) and Shahezi (K1sh) gases are mainly mixtures of coal-derived and oil-associated gases and the mixed-sources of primary kerogen degradation and secondary oil cracking, while the Yingcheng (K1yc) gases are mainly coal-derived gases and predominantly derived from primary kerogen degradation. The gases in different sags are derived from the source rocks developed in the same sags where the gases accumulated, characterized by the proximal-source accumulation. Vertically, the gases in the J3h and K1sh are predominantly sourced by the proximal J3h and K1sh mudstones, while the gases in the K1yc are mainly derived from either the J3h or the K1sh source rocks, suggesting the gas migration with short distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]