Long-Term Expression of Fos-Related Antigen and Transient Expression of ΔFosB Associated with Seizures in the Rat Hippocampus and Striatum

Abstract: Systemic administration of kainic acid (KA), an analogue of glutamic acid, causes limbic seizures and pathophysiological changes in adult rats that are very similar to human temporal lobe epilepsy. One of the earliest changes in gene expression after treatment with KA is the induction of immediate-early genes. The fos and jun families are frequently studied immediate-early genes that are induced by KA. Several groups, including ours, have recently reported that a 35-kDa Fos-related antigen (FRA) is induced for a protracted time by various stimuli. It has been suggested that this FRA is ΔFosB, which has a molecular mass of ∼35 kDa. The present study characterizes the long-term expression of FRA and ΔFosB after systemic treatment with KA. Immunocytochemistry and western blot analysis using an antibody that cross-reacts with all known FRAs showed that a 35-kDa FRA was induced at high levels in both the hippocampus and striatum for up to 1 month by KA. A semi-quantitative PCR analysis showed that ΔFosB was induced by KA, but its expression lasted for only 6 h. This result was also verified by northern blot analysis. These results suggested that the 35-kDa FRA with long-term elevated levels seen with western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry is a new species of the FRA and not ΔFosB. The long-term expression of FRA in both the hippocampus and striatum may be associated with the pathophysiological changes after KA administration.     

Genetic Analysis of Invasive Aedes albopictus Populations in Los Angeles County,California and Its Potential Public Health Impact

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is an anthropophilic aggressive daytime-biting nuisance and an efficient vector of certain arboviruses and filarial nematodes. Over the last 30 years, this species has spread rapidly through human travel and commerce from its native tropical forests of Asia to every continent except Antarctica. In 2011, a population of Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) was discovered in Los Angeles (LA) County, California. To determine the probable origin of this invasive species, the genetic structure of the population was compared against 11 populations from the United States and abroad, as well as preserved specimens from a 2001 introduction into California using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (CO1) gene. A total of 66 haplotypes were detected among samples and were divided into three main groups. Aedes albopictus collected in 2001 and 2011 from LA County were genetically related and similar to those from Asia but distinct from those collected in the eastern and southeastern United States. In view of the high genetic similarities between the 2001 and 2011 LA samples, it is possible that the 2011 population represents in part the descendants of the 2001 introduction. There remains an imperative need for improved surveillance and control strategies for this species.     

Multi‐functional ion‐sensor based on a photochromic diarylethene with a 1H‐imidazo [4,5‐f][1,10] phenanthroline unit

A new asymmetrical diarylethene containing a 1H‐imidazo [4,5‐f][1,10] phenanthroline unit was synthesized. The compound showed typical photochromism and functioned as a notable fluorescence switch upon alternating irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) and visible light. Its closed‐ring isomer could be used as a selective ‘naked‐eye’ colorimetric sensor for Cu²⁺, accompanied by a notable color change from blue to colorless. Furthermore, the compound was found to be selective towards Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Sr²⁺ with significant fluorescence changes. On the basis of this characteristic, a logic circuit was constructed by utilizing both light and chemical stimuli as inputs and fluorescence intensity at 487 nm as output. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Highly Efficient Genome Modifications Mediated by CRISPR/Cas9 in Drosophila

We report that Cas9/gRNA mediates efficient genetic modifications in Drosophila. Through targeting seven loci, we achieved a germline efficiency of up to 100%. Genes in both heterochromatin and euchromatin can be modified efficiently. Thus the Cas9/gRNA system is an attractive tool for rapid disruption of essentially any gene in Drosophila.