动物活体内细胞光操控的研究进展

动物活体环境下单细胞的光操控对于研究细胞的结构和功能,细胞与组织之间的相互作用,以及细胞病变机理、血栓形成机制和肿瘤细胞迁移等生物医学问题具有重要意义。2013年,光镊技术首次应用于活体动物内单细胞的捕获和操控,开辟了活体动物内光学操控新领域。本文就该领域涉及的活体操控技术及近来取得的重要研究进展进行概述,简要分析了实现深度组织内细胞操控所遇到的技术瓶颈并讨论了解决方案。     

克隆动物研究进展

本文介绍了上世界上中国条用细胞核移植技术克隆动物的研究历史。综述了细胞核移植的程序、方法和影响因素,包括受体卵母细胞的去核、供体细胞核的制备、核移植、激活、受体细胞与供体细胞的融合、重组胚的体内和体外培养以及胚胎移植产生克隆动物。对克隆动物研究和应用前景进行了讨论。近期的研究结果表明,多代克隆可产生在量遗传性相同的动物,不久的将来克隆技术在商业上的应用将成为现实。     

克隆动物研究进展

本文介绍了世界上和中国采用细胞核移植技术克隆动物的研究历史。综述了细胞核移植的程序、方法和影响因素,包括受体卵母细胞的去核、供体细胞核的制备、核移植、激活、受体细胞与供体细胞的融合、重组胚的体内和体外培养以及胚胎移植产生克隆动物。对克隆动物研究和应用前景进行了讨论。近期的研究结果表明,多代克隆可产生大量遗传性相同的动物,不久的将来克隆技术在商业上的应用将成为现实。     

动物关键模式识别受体及其抗病毒天然免疫作用研究进展

天然免疫系统是动物抵御病原入侵的第一道防线,在机体抗病毒感染过程中发挥重要作用,模式识别受体（pattern-recognition receptors,PRRs）是天然免疫系统的重要成分,动物机体的抗病毒免疫机制是由一系列PRRs对病原体的识别所启动的。近年来识别和感受病原体的一系列动物PRRs受到广泛关注,成为动物医学领域的研究热点,为揭示动物复杂的抗病毒天然免疫反应提供了新思路。该文简要介绍动物Toll样受体（Toll-like receptors,TLRs）和维甲酸诱导基因Ⅰ样受体（RIG-I like receptors,RLRs）的分子特征及其介导的抗病毒天然免疫作用研究进展。     

单细胞转录组测序技术在动物上的应用研究

细胞是机体最基本的结构组成及功能单位,细胞类型和功能由其整个转录表达谱决定,通过单细胞转录组测序可以获得单个细胞转录表达谱,由此以高精度分辨率鉴定细胞类型、细胞状态以及稀有类型细胞,从而可以在单细胞水平分析细胞动态变化及细胞间的关系,深入解析驱动细胞变化及细胞异常背后的分子细胞机制.随着单细胞测序技术稳定性和测序通量的...     

动物神经毒肽在受体研究中的应用

动物神经毒肽在受体研究中的应用王建华黄培堂黄翠芳（军事医学科学院生物工程研究所,北京１０００７１）关键词受体动物神经毒肽与受体有关的过程是生命调节过程中的重要环节,受体蛋白的研究鉴定,与具有特异作用和高亲和性结合能力的毒素密切相关。蛇毒、蝎毒、芋螺毒...     

RNA干扰在动物研究中的应用

RNA干扰(RNAi)是指具有同源性的双链RNA分子导入细胞后,使促进与之同源的mRNA发生特异性降解的现象。随着对RNAi分子机制研究深入,它将成为研究动物基因功能、蛋白质功能、基因治疗、基因药物的强有力的工具。     

动物的振动感受器

从单细胞生物到多细胞机体,从无脊椎动物到灵长类,都能对一定的机械刺激起反应。特别是对于振动的刺激,不同种类动物还具有一些高度分化的感觉器官,接受这类信息,将机械能转换为电能,再由传入神经纤维传输到中枢     

2015年中国动物遗传学研究领域若干重要进展

2015年中国科学家在动物遗传学领域的研究成果斐然。据不完全统计,2015年围绕线虫(Caenorhabditis elegans)、果蝇(Drosophila melanogaster)、斑马鱼(Danio rerio)、爪蛙(Xenopus)和小鼠(Mus musculus)等5个模式动物发表的论文中涉及中国的论文数约占总论文数的1/5,众多具有原创性的研究成果在国际高影响力的期刊上发表。例如：首次鉴定出潜在的磁受体MagR,为磁感应遗传与分子机制的研究带来了重大突破;揭示了褐飞虱(Nilaparvata lugens)翅多型性的遗传基础;首次证明在果蝇基因组中存在腺嘌呤的N⁶-甲基化;揭示了哺乳动物树突棘修剪与成熟的新的分子机制;发现CRTC2介导的信号通路调控肝脏脂代谢;发现神经递质多巴胺能够调节炎症反应;发现Gasdermin蛋白家族具有诱导细胞焦亡的功能;发现小清蛋白阳性的兴奋性视觉通路能够触发小鼠的恐惧反应等。2015年中国科学家在TALEN和CRISPR/Cas基因组靶向编辑技术领域同样做出了重要贡献。据不完全统计,其中涉及中国的论文占比多于1/5,覆盖了从线虫到灵长类的多种动物、多种基因组修饰方法,并且在世界上首次成功编辑了人类早期胚胎。中国在基因组序列测定与分析研究领域一如既往地保持世界领先,2015年中国科学家在动物基因组方面绘制了家鹅(Anser cygnoides)、壁虎(Gekko japonicus)、草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellus)和大黄鱼(Larimichthys crocea)的基因组序列图谱,完成了69头中国地方猪(Sus scrofa)的基因组重测序,分别分析了这些动物所独有的生理病理特征以及环境适应能力的遗传基础。本文首次尝试对以中国本土科研团队为主的动物遗传学领域若干重要科研进展进行年度回顾,并选取若干重点论文进行简要介绍,以彰显中国科学家在动物遗传学领域的科研实力和重要贡献。     

促卵泡成熟激素受体与卵巢癌发生发展的关系研究进展

近年来促性腺激素及其受体与卵巢癌的关系研究受到人们的广泛关注,目前已在基础性研究和流行病学调查方面取得了巨大的进展.在体内和体外模型中都已证实,作为促性腺激素成分之一的促卵泡成熟激素通过其受体对卵巢上皮细胞的细胞增殖、凋亡、细胞粘附、侵袭和转移等生物学功能发挥了重要影响.这些研究证明了促卵泡成熟激素受体和卵巢癌的发生发展密切相关,它不但增强卵巢肿瘤细胞的增殖活性,还激活多种信号通路,促进肿瘤细胞的侵袭和转移能力;促卵泡成熟激素受体的脱敏化可能是卵巢癌发生的重要分子机制;从基因水平上,其多态性还与卵巢癌的易感性密切相关;由于它介导上皮性卵巢癌的多种恶性生物功能,因此,它是一个潜在的抗卵巢癌治疗的重要靶标.虽然如此,但是卵巢癌的发生是一个相当复杂的过程,促卵泡成熟激素及其受体在卵巢癌发病中的作用机制还不清楚.     

Hormonal imprinting: phylogeny, ontogeny, diseases and possible role in present-day human evolution

Hormonal (chemical) imprinting which was first observed (and named) by us in the seventies of the last century, is a general biological phenomenon which takes place when the developing receptor meets its target hormone for the first time. Under the effect of imprinting, receptors mature and reach their maximal binding capacity. It also influences the cells' hormone production and different functions depending on receptors and hormones. Hormonal imprinting is present already at the unicellular level causing the development of specific receptors and helping the easier recognition of useful or harmful surrounding molecules. The phenomenon is an important factor in the survival of the species, as the effect of imprinting is transmitted to the progeny cell generations. At the same time it possibly helps the selection of molecules which are suitable for acting as hormones in higher ranked animals. In mammals, hormonal imprinting takes place perinatally and determines the function of receptor-signal-transduction systems as well as hormone production for life. However, there are other critical imprinting periods for continuously developing cells. Excess of the target hormones or presence of foreign molecules which are able to bind to the receptors, provoke faulty imprinting in the critical periods with life-long morphological, biochemical, functional or behavioural consequences. As many receptor-bound foreign molecules are used as medical treatments and many such molecules are present around us and inside us as environmental pollutants, they--causing faulty imprinting--are able to predispose the (human) organism to cardiovascular, endocrine, metabolic and cancerous diseases. It seems likely that this effect is connected with disturbance of DNA methylation process in the critical periods of life. There are some signs of the transgenerational effect of faulty imprinting and this could be manifested in the evolution of humans by an epigenetic route.     

Direct and transgenerational effect of benzpyrene treatment at adolescent age on the uterine estrogen receptor and thymic glucocorticoid receptor of the adult rat

Hormonal imprinting develops perinatally at the first encounter between the maturing receptor and the target hormone, helping the normal accomplishment of receptor maturation. In the presence of hormone excess or foreign molecules able to bind to the maturing receptor, faulty imprinting takes place, which disturbs the normal receptor function for life. Earlier experiments demonstrated that the effect of faulty perinatal benzpyrene imprinting of the steroid hormone receptors is transmitted to the progeny generations. In certain organs which are maturing later (such as the uterus) imprinting can be executed at adolescence. In the present experiments pubertal benzpyrene imprinting caused a durable decrease in female's estrogen receptor density. The transgenerational effect of this type of imprinting was also studied. The pubertal imprinting of the parents was transgenerationally transmitted to the offspring generation in which--without further treatment--the density (Bmax) of the uterine estrogen receptors was significantly higher than that in the controls. There were measurable effects neither in the affinity (Kd) of uterine estrogen receptors nor in the Kd and Bmax of the male thymus glucocorticoid receptors. The experiments call attention to the profound and comprehensive imprinting effect of the environmental pollutant benzpyrene.     

Effect of tamoxifen treatment at adolescent age on the sexual behaviour and steroid hormone receptor binding of adult female rats

Hormonal imprinting takes place perinatally, at the first encounter between the target hormone and its developing receptor. However, there is a secondary critical period of imprinting at puberty. In these periods molecules similar to the hormones (members of the same hormone family, antagonists, certain environmental pollutants, etc.) can cause faulty imprinting with lifelong consequences. In the present experiments 5+2 days of tamoxifen treatment (120 microg/day) at adolescent age dramatically (from approx. 40% to 10%) reduced the sexual activity (Meyerson index and lordosis quotient) of female rats, soon after the finishment of the treatment and between four to six weeks after treatment. Similar results were observed in animals neonatally treated with allylestrenol and tamoxifen treated at puberty. Thymic glucocorticoid receptor and uterine estrogen receptor binding capacity were not influenced.     

Influence of interference with the cyclic AMP-adenylcyclase-phosphodiesterase system on TSH-induced hormonal imprinting in the Tetrahymena

Primary interaction of TSH with the unicellular Tetrahymena accounted for an increase in TSH binding capacity on reexposure, i.e. for a regular hormonal imprinting. TSH in itself did not give rise to a faulty imprinting (for insulin). Combination of TSH with dibutyryl cAMP reduced the intensity of imprinting, whereas theophylline or lithium ions not only reduced the efficacy of normal imprinting, but also gave rise to faulty imprinting (for insulin instead of TSH).     

Impact of single neonatal serotonin treatment (hormonal imprinting) on the brain serotonin content and sexual behavior of adult rats

Hormonal imprinting takes place perinatally at the first encounter between the developing receptor and its target hormone. As a consequence of imprinting the receptor accomplishes its maturation and reaches the binding capacity characteristic to the adult age. In the excess of target hormone or presence of molecules similar to the target hormone, which are able to bind to the unmatured receptors, faulty imprinting develops with life-long consequences. At present, serotonin was given to neonatal rats and their sexual activity, brain serotonin level and steroid receptor's binding capacity was measured in adult age. Brain serotonin level was significantly reduced in male's striatum and parallel with this, male's sexual activity significantly increased. In other regions of the male brain (prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, hippocampus) there was a statistically non-significant tendency for a decrease in serotonin level. No significant differences were detected in female brain values, and there was only slight change in female's sexual activity. There was also no change in the binding capacity of thymic glucocorticoid and uterine estrogen receptors. The experiments call attention to the possibility of perinatal imprinting by a neurotransmitter causing changes in brain neurotransmitter level for life, which is manifested in altered sexual activity.     

Effect of endorphin exposure at weaning on the endorphin and serotonin content of white blood cells and mast cells in adult rat

Hormonal imprinting takes place perinatally at the first encounter between the developing receptor and its target hormone, resulting in the accomplishment of normal receptor development. In the presence of an excess of target hormone or the absence of it, or an excess of related molecules which can be bound by the receptor, faulty imprinting develops with life-long consequences. In previous experiments neonatal endorphin exposure caused a decrease in endorphin and serotonin content of peritoneal mast cells of adult animals. In the present experiment 25-day-old (weaned) female rats received 2 microg endorphin, and the endorphin as well as serotonin content of adult mast cells and white blood cells was studied by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Peritoneal lymphocytes and blood monocytes contained significantly (p<0.01) less endorphin and peritoneal mast cells less serotonin (p<0.07, i.e. of questionable significance) than the untreated control. The results bring attention to the possibility of durable imprinting of differentiating cells later in life and to the durable (possibly life-long) effect of an endorphin excess (perhaps caused by injury) manifested in the change of endorphin and serotonin content of immune cells.     

Fundamental taboos of biology

This paper formulates some taboos relating to living systems and cognition of these systems: in nature, there exist no two identical living complex multicellular organisms; there is no way to create an exact copy of a multicellular organism; there is no way to obtain two identical clones of a unicellular organism if they contain a sufficiently large number of cells; based on comparing present-day organisms, it is impossible to restore the structure of the first living cell and the processes that have led to its emergence; it is impossible to create a living cell from its separate simple constituents; the mechanisms determining cell vitality are essentially incognizable.     

Endorphin excess at weaning durably influences sexual activity, uterine estrogen receptor's binding capacity and brain serotonin level of female rats.

Perinatally, the first encounter between the maturing receptor and its target hormone results in hormonal imprinting, which adjusts the binding capacity of the receptor for life. In the presence of an excess of the target hormone or foreign molecules than can be bound by the receptor, faulty imprinting carries life-long consequences. In cytogenic organs, imprinting could also be provoked in other periods of life (late imprinting). Imprinting also durably influences the production of the imprinter and related hormones. In the present study, single beta-endorphin doses was given to three-week old female rats at 3 microg/animal, and the serotonin in five brain regions (frontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus, hypothalamus and brain stem) and uterine estrogen receptor content were determined, thymic glucocorticoid receptor binding capacity was measured, and sexual behavior was tested at five months of age. Brain serotonin levels highly significantly decreased, while sexual activity (Meyerson index and lordosis quotient) increased. At the same time, uterine estrogen receptor affinity decreased. There was no change in receptor binding capacity in the thymus. We will go on to discuss interrelations between the results. The experiments demonstrate that a non-perinatal treatment with a molecule acting at receptor level (late imprinting) can also lastingly influence various indexes in non-cytogenic organs. The results call attention to the possible long-lasting influence of an endorphin surge (caused, for example, by pain) on brain serotonin content and sexual behavior.     

Effect of single neonatal treatment with the soy bean phytosteroid,genistein on the sexual behavior of adult rats

Hormonal imprinting develops during the perinatal critical period, when the target hormone meets the yet unmatured receptor. As a consequence of imprinting the receptor accomplishes its maturation reaching the binding capacity characteristic to adults. In this period in the presence of foreign molecules similar to the target hormone faulty imprinting may occur with life-long consequences. Soy bean contains phytosteroids which can mimic estrogen effects. In the present experiments single genistein (20 microg) or combined genistein + benzpyrene (20 microg) treatments were done neonatally and the sexual behavior of male and female adult animals was studied. Genistein significantly increased the lordosis quotient of females, which was compensated by neonatal benzpyrene treatment. Genistein also enhanced the sexual activity of males, and this was significantly not reduced by parallel benzpyrene treatment. The results show that neonatal genistein exposure can imprint sexual activity for life and the presence of a second imprinter can modify genistein's behavioral effect.