在玉米线粒体基因组内的叶绿体DNA序列

目前,研究家们发现除了在核基因中具有叶绿体DNA片段外,在许多种高等植物的线粒体基因组中也具有叶绿体DNA序列。采用限制性内切酶进行研究发现,在玉米线粒体基因组内至少存在三个重要的叶绿体DNA序列:(i)1,5-二磷酸核酮糖羧化酶的大亚     

酿酒酵母核小体定位理论模型的体外实验验证

核小体定位对真核生物基因表达调控发挥着重要作用。前期基于核小体核心及连接区域的k-mer频次分布偏好性,构建了位置权重矩阵算法,并在酿酒酵母基因组内较好地预测了核小体占据率。利用该理论模型,以1 bp碱基为步长、147 bp碱基为窗口,用该算法计算了酵母1号、3号、14号染色体上核小体形成能力强、中、弱各3条长度为147 bp的DNA序列,将这些片段克隆到重组质粒中,大量扩增回收9条标记biotin分子的目的序列。同时分别表达纯化了组蛋白H2A、H2B、H3和H4,复性后装配形成组蛋白八聚体结构。利用盐透析方法将9条DNA序列在体外组装形成核小体结构,经biotin标记检测后计算了反应过程的吉布斯自由能,对比了9条目的序列形成核小体的亲和力大小。研究发现,9条序列中有5条序列与理论预测完全符合,4条序列与理论预测不完全一致。实验结果与该算法预测的核小体定位结果基本一致,表明该理论模型能够有效预测酿酒酵母基因组核小体占据水平。     

蛹虫草线粒体DNA与细胞核DNA进化关系的比较

【目的】分析蛹虫草是否存在核内线粒体DNA片段,比较蛹虫草线粒体DNA与细胞核DNA的碱基变异程度及所反映的菌株间的系统发育关系。【方法】通过本地BLAST或LAST对蛹虫草线粒体基因组和核基因组进行序列相似性搜索;从10个已知线粒体基因组的蛹虫草菌株中分别扩增7个细胞核蛋白编码基因片段,并与其在14个线粒体蛋白编码基因上的碱基变异情况进行比较。【结果】蛹虫草核基因组中存在5处较短的核内线粒体DNA片段,总长只有278bp。蛹虫草核DNA的变异频率整体上高于线粒体DNA。核DNA和线粒体DNA所反映的蛹虫草菌株间的系统发育关系存在显著差异。【结论】蛹虫草线粒体DNA与核DNA间不存在长片段的基因交流,二者变异频率不同,所反映的蛹虫草菌株间的系统发育关系也有差异。本研究增加了对蛹虫草线粒体与细胞核DNA进化关系的认识。     

小麂线粒体基因组全序列的测定和分析

通过建立麂属动物小麂线粒体DNA文库、鸟枪法测序,获得了小麂线粒体基因组全序列并对其基因组成、蛋白质的编码序列、tRNA基因等结构作了详细分析,这也是国内有关哺乳动物线粒体基因组全序列的首次报道。与其他哺乳动物线粒体基因组全序列的比较研究发现：全长为16 354bp的小麂线粒体基因组同样编码13种蛋白质、2种rRNA和22种tRNA,除了用于调控线粒体DNA复制和转录的D-Loop区以外,小麂线粒体基因组各基因长度、位置与其他哺乳动物相似,其编码蛋白质区域和rRNA基因与其他哺乳动物具有很高的同源性。     

植物DNA条形码研究进展

DNA条形码(DNA barcoding)已成为近5年来国际上生物多样性研究的热点,即通过使用短的标准DNA片段,对物种进行快速、准确的识别和鉴定.该技术在动物研究中已得到广泛的应用,所采用的标准片段是线粒体COI基因中约650 bp长的一段.然而在植物中DNA条形码的研究进展相对缓慢,目前尚处于对所提议的各片段比较和评价阶段,还未获得一致的标准片段.由于植物中线粒体基因组进化速率较慢,因此条形码片段主要在叶绿体基因组上进行选择,被提议的编码基因片段主要有rpoB,rpoCI,matK,rbcL,UPA,非编码区片段有tmH-psbA,atpF-atpH,psbK-psbI,此外还有核基因ITS.已有的研究表明以上任何一个单片段都不足以区分所有植物物种,因而不同的研究组相继提出了不同的片段组合方案,目前被广泛讨论的组合主要有5种.本文综述了DNA条形码序列的优点、标准、工作流程、分析方法和存在的争议,重点论述了植物条形码研究中被提议的各序列片段和组合的研究现状.     

马铃薯块茎组织特异性启动子的克隆及序列分析

利用PCR技术从马铃薯陇薯3号基因组DNA中扩增出长度约为1.0 kb的DNA片段,经与T载体连接,测序表明,克隆到的DNA片段大小为969 bp,该序列与GenBank中已公布的patatin启动子序列同源性为97.94％;采用植物顺式调控元件数据库PLACE和PlantCare进行序列分析,结果表明,该片段含有启动子的保守序列TATA-box和CAAT-box,且在CAAT-box上游有8 bp的增强子.此外,还具有马铃薯块茎蛋白patatin基因启动子保守调控序列的蔗糖效应元件(SURE)4个及马铃薯储藏物特异结合调控patatin蛋白表达位点(B-box)2个,而这些特异序列可能是基因特异表达所必须的.     

一种简便、快捷的胰蛋白酶抑制剂基因的分离与克隆方法

从 3个豇豆品种幼嫩叶片中分离出核基因组 DNA,参照已知的几种 Bowman-Birk型胰蛋白酶抑制剂基因序列 ,设计合成了 2 7bp,且含有 Bam H I位点的寡核苷酸引物 ,分别以 3种豇豆核基因组 DNA为模板 ,PCR扩增 ,均得到长度约为 3 40 bp的 DNA片段。产物 DNA片段经 DNA序列分析 ,结果表明三者的碱基序列相同 ,与报道的胰蛋白酶抑制剂基因相比 ,同源性为 1 0 0 %和 99.7%。     

黄瓜线粒体类质粒pC1,pC4在品种间的分布及同源性研究

在黄瓜（津研四号）线粒体中存在4种线粒体类质粒（pCl,pC2,pC3,pC4),对14个黄瓜品种的线粒体类质分布情况进行了研究,发现在津春二号,津春五号,津新密刺,津绿四号和津研四吃5个品种中存在线粒体类质粒,其余9个品种无线粒体类质粒,类质粒的存在有一定随机性,不同品种中的同一种类质粒间具有同源性,pC4类质粒不仅与自身的核DNA同源,也与其他品种的核基因组有同源性,pC4同源序列在黄瓜核基因组中为多拷贝的,拷贝之间是不连续的,在丝瓜和西葫芦的核基因组中也有pC4的同源序列,因此,推测pC4可能在葫芦科分化的早期就已存在并整合于核中,某些品种缺乏类质粒是由于在进化过程中发生的类质粒的丢失。     

柞蚕核多角体病毒核多角体基因的定位和克隆

通过Southern转印杂交证明,柞蚕核多角体病毒(Antheraea pernyi nuclear polyhedrosis virus,ApNPV)核多角体基因位于该病毒基因组DNA Bam HⅠ D和E片段上,我们巳将这两个片段分别克隆到pAT153质粒中,并用末端杂交法确定了ApNPV核多角体基因的方向,对含有这一基因的片段进行了限制性内切酶图谱分析,进而对这一基因部分编码区进行了核苷酸序列分析,在用ApNPV这一段序列(222bp)与其他昆虫核多角体病毒AcNPV(AutograPha californica NPV,苜蓿丫纹夜蛾NPV);BmNPV(Bombyx mory NPV,家蚕NPV);OpNPV(Orqyia Pseudotsugata NPV,黄杉毒蛾NPV)核多角体基因相应区段相比较分析中,发现它们之间的同源核苷酸序列比率分别为77.5％、84％和80％。     

食线虫真菌洛斯里被毛孢线粒体基因组的再分析

【目的】鉴定洛斯里被毛孢OWVT-1菌株的线粒体基因组,验证公布的USA-87-5菌株线粒体基因组中的错误,对洛斯里被毛孢正确的线粒体基因组序列进行注释并开展不同被毛孢物种间的比较线粒体基因组学分析。【方法】借助DNA高通量测序数据并通过必要的Sanger测序组装OWVT-1的线粒体基因组。通过PCR验证OWVT-1与公布的USA-87-5线粒体基因组序列差异的真实性。利用多种生物信息方法分析和注释洛斯里被毛孢的线粒体基因组。【结果】公布的洛斯里被毛孢USA-87-5菌株的线粒体基因组存在几处序列错误,包括3处长片段的插入缺失和多处短片段的插入缺失。实际上,洛斯里被毛孢USA-87-5与OWVT-1菌株的线粒体基因组序列完全相同。该菌的线粒体基因组全长62949 bp,在7个基因中共插入13个内含子,部分内含子和基因间区显现出序列退化的特征。洛斯里被毛孢、明尼苏达被毛孢、线虫被毛孢的线粒体基因组具有较强的共线性关系。除一些独立的ORF外,核心蛋白编码基因、rRNA基因和tRNA基因的排列顺序非常保守。基因间区的长短是影响3种被毛孢线粒体基因组大小最主要的因素。【结论】公布的洛斯里被毛孢USA-87-5菌株线粒体基因组中存在序列错误。本文新报道了OWVT-1菌株的线粒体基因组,并进行注释和比较线粒体基因组学分析。     

Few mitochondrial DNA sequences are inserted into the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) nuclear genome: evolutionary analyses and informativity in the domestic lineage

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) insertions have been detected in the nuclear genome of many eukaryotes. These sequences are pseudogenes originated by horizontal transfer of mtDNA fragments into the nuclear genome, producing nuclear DNA sequences of mitochondrial origin (numt). In this study we determined the frequency and distribution of mtDNA‐originated pseudogenes in the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) nuclear genome. The turkey reference genome (Turkey_2.01) was aligned with the reference linearized mtDNA sequence using last . A total of 32 numt sequences (corresponding to 18 numt regions derived by unique insertional events) were identified in the turkey nuclear genome (size ranging from 66 to 1415 bp; identity against the modern turkey mtDNA corresponding region ranging from 62% to 100%). Numts were distributed in nine chromosomes and in one scaffold. They derived from parts of 10 mtDNA protein‐coding genes, ribosomal genes, the control region and 10 tRNA genes. Seven numt regions reported in the turkey genome were identified in orthologues positions in the Gallus gallus genome and therefore were present in the ancestral genome that in the Cretaceous originated the lineages of the modern crown Galliformes. Five recently integrated turkey numts were validated by PCR in 168 turkeys of six different domestic populations. None of the analysed numts were polymorphic (i.e. absence of the inserted sequence, as reported in numts of recent integration in other species), suggesting that the reticulate speciation model is not useful for explaining the origin of the domesticated turkey lineage.     

Highly conserved D-loop-like nuclear mitochondrial sequences (Numts) in tiger (Panthera tigris)

Using oligonucleotide primers designed to match hypervariable segments I (HVS-1) ofPanthera tigris mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), we amplified two different PCR products (500 bp and 287 bp) in the tiger (Panthera tigris), but got only one PCR product (287 bp) in the leopard (Panthera pardus). Sequence analyses indicated that the sequence of 287 bp was a D-loop-like nuclear mitochondrial sequence (Numts), indicating a nuclear transfer that occurred approximately 4.8–17 million years ago in the tiger and 4.6–16 million years ago in the leopard. Although the mtDNA D-loop sequence has a rapid rate of evolution, the 287-bp Numts are highly conserved; they are nearly identical in tiger subspecies and only 1.742% different between tiger and leopard. Thus, such sequences represent molecular ‘fossils’ that can shed light on evolution of the mitochondrial genome and may be the most appropriate outgroup for phylogenetic analysis. This is also proved by comparing the phylogenetic trees reconstructed using the D-loop sequence of snow leopard and the 287-bp Numts as outgroup.     

Estimates of linkage disequilibrium and effective population size in rainbow trout

Background

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is widely used in population genetic and phylogenetic studies in animals. However, such studies can generate misleading results if the species concerned contain nuclear copies of mtDNA (Numts) as these may amplify in addition to, or even instead of, the authentic target mtDNA. The aim of this study was to determine if Numts are present in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, to characterise any Numts detected, and to assess the utility of using mtDNA for population genetics studies in this species.

Results

BLAST searches revealed large numbers of Numts in the Ae. aegypti nuclear genome on 146 supercontigs. Although the majority are short (80% < 300 bp), some Numts are almost full length mtDNA copies. These long Numts are not due to misassembly of the nuclear genome sequence as the Numt-nuclear genome junctions could be recovered by amplification and sequencing. Numt evolution appears to be a complex process in Ae. aegypti with ongoing genomic integration, fragmentation and mutation and the secondary movement of Numts within the nuclear genome. The PCR amplification of the putative mtDNA nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) gene from 166 Southeast Asian Ae. aegypti mosquitoes generated a network with two highly divergent lineages (clade 1 and clade 2). Approximately 15% of the ND4 sequences were a composite of those from each clade indicating Numt amplification in addition to, or instead of, mtDNA. Clade 1 was shown to be composed at least partially of Numts by the removal of clade 1-specific bases from composite sequences following enrichment of the mtDNA. It is possible that all the clade 1 sequences in the network were Numts since the clade 2 sequences correspond to the known mitochondrial genome sequence and since all the individuals that produced clade 1 sequences were also found to contain clade 2 mtDNA-like sequences using clade 2-specific primers. However, either or both sets of clade sequences could have Numts since the BLAST searches revealed two long Numts that match clade 2 and one long Numt that matches clade 1. The substantial numbers of mutations in cloned ND4 PCR products also suggest there are both recently-derived clade 1 and clade 2 Numt sequences.

Conclusion

We conclude that Numts are prevalent in Ae. aegypti and that it is difficult to distinguish mtDNA sequences due to the presence of recently formed Numts. Given this, future population genetic or phylogenetic studies in Ae. aegypti should use nuclear, rather than mtDNA, markers.     

Mitochondrial DNA insertions in the nuclear horse genome

The insertion of mitochondrial DNA in the nuclear genome generates numts, nuclear sequences of mitochondrial origin. In the horse reference genome, we identified 82 numts and showed that the entire horse mitochondrial DNA is represented as numts without gross bias. Numts were inserted in the horse nuclear genome at random sites and were probably generated during the repair of DNA double-strand breaks. We then analysed 12 numt loci in 20 unrelated horses and found that null alleles, lacking the mitochondrial DNA insertion, were present at six of these loci. At some loci, the null allele is prevalent in the sample analysed, suggesting that, in the horse population, the number of numt loci may be higher than 82 present in the reference genome. Contrary to humans, the insertion polymorphism of numts is extremely frequent in the horse population, supporting the hypothesis that the genome of this species is in a rapidly evolving state.     

Incorporation of mitochondrial fragments in the nuclear genome (Numts) of the longhorned beetle Monochamus galloprovincialis (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)

A mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) study, based on 43 European populations (33 of them sampled in France) of Monochamus galloprovincialis , vector of the pinewood nematode, and 14 populations of its sister species Monochamus sutor was realized. Sequencing of 792 bp of the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and 521 bp of the COII genes revealed numerous ambiguities on multiple nucleotide sites for half of M. galloprovincialis specimens studied (44.8%). Hypotheses of heteroplasmy and pseudogenes ( Numts ) were examined. The mtDNA isolation by alkaline lysis and cloning (for three successfully used individuals) both support the hypothesis that the ambiguous sequences amplified were not of mtDNA nature and validate the presence of Numts in the nuclear genome of M. galloprovincialis . Multiple copies of mtDNA-like sequences were found paralogous to COI, tRNA leucin and COII regions. Phenetic analysis placed different recently diverged mtDNA-like sequences as a close relative of mtDNA sequences, and grouped 10 closely related mtDNA-like sequences as a more basal clade, closer to ancestral states and to M. sutor . This result supports that this nuclear family of pseudogenes arose independently of the other events and may represent mitochondrial haplotypes sampled from M. galloprovincialis ancestral populations. This is the first time that Numts are proved for a longhorned beetle, whereas no Numts were found within its sister species M. sutor. The incorporation mechanism of Numts in unknown for M. galloprovincialis , however, excess of ambiguous sites corresponding to synonymous mutations placed on third codon position as well as the absence of Numts in M. sutor , conducted to the hypothesis of a recent transfer of these Numts in the nuclear genome of M. galloprovincialis .     

Structure and chromosomal distribution of human mitochondrial pseudogenes

Nuclear mitochondrial pseudogenes (Numts) have been found in the genome of many eukaryote species, including humans. Using a BLAST approach, we found 1105 DNA sequences homologous to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the August 2001 Goldenpath human genome database. We assembled these sequences manually into 286 pseudogenes on the basis of single insertion events and constructed a chromosomal map of these Numts. Some pseudogenes appeared highly modified, containing inversions, deletions, duplications, and displaced sequences. In the case of four randomly selected Numts, we used PCR tests on cells lacking mtDNA to ensure that our technique was free from genome-sequencing artifacts. Furthermore, phylogenetic investigation suggested that one Numt, apparently inserted into the nuclear genome 25-30 million years ago, had been duplicated at least 10 times in various chromosomes during the course of evolution. Thus, these pseudogenes should be very useful in the study of ancient mtDNA and nuclear genome evolution.     

Mitochondrial COII Introgression into the Nuclear Genome of Gorilla gorilla

Numts are nonfunctional mitochondrial sequences that have translocated into nuclear DNA, where they evolve independently from the original mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence. Numts can be unintentionally amplified in addition to authentic mtDNA, complicating both the analysis and interpretation of mtDNA-based studies. Amplification of numts creates particular issues for studies on the noncoding, hypervariable 1 mtDNA region of gorillas. We provide data on putative numt sequences of the coding mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII). Via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cloning, we obtained COII sequences for gorilla, orangutan, and human high-quality DNA and also from a gorilla fecal DNA sample. Both gorilla and orangutan samples yielded putative numt sequences. Phylogenetically more anciently transferred numts were amplified with a greater incidence from the gorilla fecal DNA sample than from the high-quality gorilla sample. Data on phylogenetically more recently transferred numts are equivocal. We further demonstrate the need for additional investigations into the use of mtDNA markers for noninvasively collected samples from gorillas and other primates.     

Mitochondrial pseudogenes: evolution's misplaced witnesses

Nuclear copies of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have contaminated PCR-based mitochondrial studies of over 64 different animal species. Since the last review of these nuclear mitochondrial pseudogenes (Numts) in animals, Numts have been found in 53 of the species studied. The recent evidence suggests that Numts are not equally abundant in all species, for example they are more common in plants than in animals, and also more numerous in humans than in Drosophila. Methods for avoiding Numts have now been tested, and several recent studies demonstrate the potential utility of Numt DNA sequences in evolutionary studies. As relics of ancient mtDNA, these pseudogenes can be used to infer ancestral states or root mitochondrial phylogenies. Where they are numerous and selectively unconstrained, Numts are ideal for the study of spontaneous mutation in nuclear genomes.     

Multiple maternal origins of native modern and ancient horse populations in China

To obtain more knowledge of the origin and genetic diversity of domestic horses in China, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop sequence diversity from nine horse breeds in China in conjunction with ancient DNA data and evidence from archaeological and historical records. A 247-bp mitochondrial D-loop sequence from 182 modern samples revealed a total of 70 haplotypes with a high level of genetic diversity. Seven major mtDNA haplogroups (A–G) and 16 clusters were identified for the 182 Chinese modern horses. In the present study, nine 247-bp mitochondrial D-loop sequences of ancient remains of Bronze Age horse from the Chifeng region of Inner Mongolia in China ( c. 4000–2000a bp ) were used to explore the origin and diversity of Chinese modern horses and the phylogenetic relationship between ancient and modern horses. The nine ancient horses carried seven haplotypes with rich genetic diversity, which were clustered together with modern individuals among haplogroups A, E and F. Modern domestic horse and ancient horse data support the multiple origins of domestic horses in China. This study supports the argument that multiple successful events of horse domestication, including separate introductions of wild mares into the domestic herds, may have occurred in antiquity, and that China cannot be excluded from these events. Indeed, the association of Far Eastern mtDNA types to haplogroup F was highly significant using Fisher's exact test of independence ( P  = 0.00002), lending support for Chinese domestication of this haplogroup. High diversity and all seven mtDNA haplogroups (A–G) with 16 clusters also suggest that further work is necessary to shed more light on horse domestication in China.