Experimental set up for the irradiation of biological samples and nuclear track detectors with UV C

Aim

In this work we present a methodology to produce an “imprint” of cells cultivated on a polycarbonate detector by exposure of the detector to UV C radiation.

Background

The distribution and concentration of ¹⁰B atoms in tissue samples coming from BNCT (Boron Neutron Capture Therapy) protocols can be determined through the quantification and analysis of the tracks forming its autoradiography image on a nuclear track detector. The location of boron atoms in the cell structure could be known more accurately by the simultaneous observation of the nuclear tracks and the sample image on the detector.

Materials and Methods

A UV C irradiator was constructed. The irradiance was measured along the lamp direction and at different distances. Melanoma cells were cultured on polycarbonate foils, incubated with borophenylalanine, irradiated with thermal neutrons and exposed to UV C radiation. The samples were chemically attacked with a KOH solution.

Results

A uniform irradiation field was established to expose the detector foils to UV C light. Cells could be seeded on the polycarbonate surface. Both imprints from cells and nuclear tracks were obtained after chemical etching.

Conclusions

It is possible to yield cellular imprints in polycarbonate. The nuclear tracks were mostly present inside the cells, indicating a preferential boron uptake.     

基于16S rDNA与Cytb序列的疏广蜡蝉属三个近似种的分子鉴定

本文通过PCR扩增首次获得了疏广蜡蝉属Euricania Melichar,1898 3个近似种:透明疏广蜡蝉E.clara Kato,1932、长刺疏广蜡蝉E.longa Xu,LiangJiang,2006和短刺疏广蜡蝉E.brevicula Xu,LiangJiang,2006的16S r DNA序列和Cytb序列;使用MEGA 6.0软件,分析了其序列组成及变异,计算了遗传距离,以宽广蜡蝉属Pochazia AmyotServille,1843的圆纹宽广蜡蝉P.guttifera Walker,1851和眼斑宽广蜡蝉P.discreta Melichar,1898为外群,利用邻接法(NJ)和最大简约法(MP)构建了系统发育树。结果显示:透明疏广蜡蝉、长刺疏广蜡蝉和短刺疏广蜡蝉的16S r DNA序列长度分别为414 bp,404 bp,435 bp,而Cytb基因序列长度分别为492 bp,468 bp,472 bp,三者的序列比对、碱基组成成分存在差异;2属5种广翅蜡蝉16S r DNA基因的种间遗传距离为0.008-0.098,属间遗传距离为0.122-0.197,而Cytb基因的种间遗传距离为0.038-0.055,属间遗传距离为0.181-0.188,表明16S r DNA和Cytb基因序列可作为DNA条形码候选基因片段,用于广翅蜡蝉近似属、种的分子鉴定。系统发育树的拓扑结构显示,3个近似种的亲缘关系基本一致,各自聚为一支,且置信值均达96%以上。本文亦结合了透明疏广蜡蝉、长刺疏广蜡蝉和短刺疏广蜡蝉形态学特征的差异对其进行了讨论和分析。     

Proteomic analysis of Rac1 signaling regulation by guanine nucleotide exchange factors

The small GTPase Rac1 is implicated in various cellular processes that are essential for normal cell function. Deregulation of Rac1 signaling has also been linked to a number of diseases, including cancer. The diversity of Rac1 functioning in cells is mainly attributed to its ability to bind to a multitude of downstream effectors following activation by Guanine nucleotide Exchange Factors (GEFs). Despite the identification of a large number of Rac1 binding partners, factors influencing downstream specificity are poorly defined, thus hindering the detailed understanding of both Rac1's normal and pathological functions. In a recent study, we demonstrated a role for 2 Rac-specific GEFs, Tiam1 and P-Rex1, in mediating Rac1 anti- versus pro-migratory effects, respectively. Importantly, via conducting a quantitative proteomic screen, we identified distinct changes in the Rac1 interactome following activation by either GEF, indicating that these opposing effects are mediated through GEF modulation of the Rac1 interactome. Here, we present the full list of identified Rac1 interactors together with functional annotation of the differentially regulated Rac1 binding partners. In light of this data, we also provide additional insights into known and novel signaling cascades that might account for the GEF-mediated Rac1-driven cellular effects.     

Hydroxylated chalcones with dual properties: Xanthine oxidase inhibitors and radical scavengers

In this study, we evaluated the abilities of a series of chalcones to inhibit the activity of the enzyme xanthine oxidase (XO) and to scavenge radicals. 20 mono- and polyhydroxylated chalcone derivatives were synthesized by Claisen–Schmidt condensation reactions and then tested for inhibitory potency against XO, a known generator of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In parallel, the ability of the synthesized chalcones to scavenge a stable radical was determined. Structure–activity relationship analysis in conjunction with molecular docking indicated that the most active XO inhibitors carried a minimum of three hydroxyl groups. Moreover, the most effective radical scavengers had two neighboring hydroxyl groups on at least one of the two phenyl rings. Since it has been proposed previously that XO inhibition and radical scavenging could be useful properties for reduction of ROS-levels in tissue, we determined the chalcones’ effects to rescue neurons subjected to ROS-induced stress created by the addition of β-amyloid peptide. Best protection was provided by chalcones that combined good inhibitory potency with high radical scavenging ability in a single molecule, an observation that points to a potential therapeutic value of this compound class.     

Influence of spectral wavelength and N:P ratio on the cell cycle of Synechococcus strain CSIRNIO1 isolated from the central Eastern Arabian Sea

The novel phycoerythrin-containing Synechococcus strain CSIRNIO1 belonging to phylogenetic clade II was isolated from the coastal Arabian Sea. Chromophore characteristics of this isolate revealed the presence of phycoerythrin I (PEI), which allows it to utilize green light efficiently. The DNA distribution data indicate a bimodal slow growth model synchronized with the light/dark cycle. The duration of the cell cycle was regulated by spectral wavelength and nutrient concentration. Nitrate and phosphate enrichment shortened G1 phase duration when cells were exposed to equal doses of photosynthetically usable radiation (PUR) of different spectral wavelengths. G2 phase duration was influenced by spectral quality and phosphate concentration. S phase duration was not affected by the spectral wavelength. However, a shorter doubling time corresponding to shortened G1 and S phases was observed under nitrate enrichment. Phosphate enrichment resulted in shortening of all three phases (G1, S and G2). More efficient utilization of green and red light than blue light regulated the duration of the cell cycle as well as the doubling time, suggesting spectral selectivity in this strain. The effects of spectral wavelengths under varying nutrient concentrations will determine the proliferation of Synechococcus and its adaptation to different environmental conditions.     

Development of ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine chemical probes for cell proliferation

A common method of evaluating cellular proliferation is to label DNA with chemical probes. 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) is a widely utilized chemical probe for labeling DNA, and upon incorporation, EdU treatment of cells is followed by a reaction with a small molecule fluorescent azide to allow detection. The limitations when using EdU include cytotoxicity and a reliance on nucleoside active transport mechanisms for entry into cells. Here we have developed six novel EdU pro-labels that consist of EdU modified with variable lipophilic acyl ester moieties. This pro-label:chemical probe relationship parallels the prodrug:drug relationship that is employed widely in medicinal chemistry. EdU and EdU pro-labels were evaluated for their labeling efficacy and cytotoxicity. Several EdU pro-label analogues incorporate into DNA at a similar level to EdU, suggesting that nucleoside transporters can be bypassed by the pro-labels. These EdU pro-labels also had reduced toxicity compared to EdU.     

类芒齿黄芪地下部分化学成分研究

为了解类芒齿黄芪( Astragalus camptodontoides)主要化学成分,从其地下部分甲醇提取物的乙酸乙酯部位分离出19个单体化合物,通过现代波谱分析及理化性质等手段分别鉴定为异补骨脂黄酮(1),4′-hydroxy-isolonchocarpin (2),5-去氧山豆根黄酮(3),shinflavanone (4),khonklonginols H (5),4′-O-methylpreglabridin (6),3′-hydroxy-4′-O-methylglabridin (7),4′-O-methylglabridin (8),8-prenyl-phaseollinisoflavan (9),xambioona (10),光甘草酚(11),粗毛甘草素H (12),methylnissolin (13),邻苯二甲酸异丁酯(14),邻苯二甲酸丁酯异丁酯(15),β-谷甾醇(16),胡萝卜苷(17),齐墩果酸(18),(2S,3S,4R,9E)-1,3,4-trihydroxy-2-[(2′R)-2′- hydr-oxytetraco-sanoylamino]-9-octadecene (19)。化合物1~19均为首次从该植物中获得,化合物1~7为首次从黄芪属(Astraga-lus)植物中分离得到。     

基于过氧化物同工酶分析月季种质资源的亲缘关系及杂种真实性

为了提高种质资源利用率,加速月季育种进程,对27份月季种质及3个杂交组合的8个杂交后代,采用过氧化物酶(POD)同工酶方法分析其亲缘关系并进行杂种真实性鉴定。结果表明:月季种质采用POD同工酶分析具有一定的可行性。酶谱分析中,在相对迁移率为0.264~0.858的位点处共获得7条酶带,其中共有酶带3条,特征酶带4条,表明不同月季种质间遗传多样性丰富,但又存在一定同源性。基于酶带特征进行聚类分析,在相似系数为0.57处,可将27份供试材料分为3个大组。合柱组与月季组材料聚在一个大组中,两个组在形态上的相似性再次得到确认。金樱子与硕苞蔷薇分别聚在两个不同的组中,表明二者之间的亲缘关系较远。供试的古老月季品种被聚在两个不同的大组中,与野生种聚成的一组呈平行关系,表明古老月季在起源上的差异较大,可利用其作为杂交亲本进行广泛杂交以选育具有丰富遗传多样性的杂交后代。根据有无父本特征酶带对杂种后代真实性进行鉴定,初步确定2个杂交组合的6个杂交后代中5个为真实杂种,1个为自交种。该研究结果为进一步开展月季遗传育种奠定了基础。