Introduction of Trojan sex chromosomes to boost population growth

Conservation programs that deal with small or declining populations often aim at a rapid increase of population size to above-critical levels in order to avoid the negative effects of demographic stochasticity and genetic problems like inbreeding depression, fixation of deleterious alleles, or a general loss of genetic variability and hence of evolutionary potential. In some situations, population growth is determined by the number of females available for reproduction, and manipulation of family sex ratios towards more daughters has beneficial effects. If sex determination is predominantly genetic but environmentally reversible, as is the case in many amphibia, reptiles, and fish, Trojan sex chromosomes could be introduced into populations in order to change sex ratios towards more females. We analyse the possible consequences for the introduction of XX-males (XX individuals that have been changed to phenotypic males in a XY/XX sex determination system) and ZW males, WW males, or WW females (in a ZZ/ZW sex determination system). We find that the introduction of WW individuals can be most effective for an increase of population growth, especially if the induced sex change has little or no effect on viability.     

Crystal structure of an aerobic FMN-dependent azoreductase (AzoA) from Enterococcus faecalis

The initial critical step of reduction of the azo bond during the metabolism of azo dyes is catalyzed by a group of NAD(P)H dependant enzymes called azoreductases. Although several azoreductases have been identified from microorganisms and partially characterized, very little is known about the structural basis for substrate specificity and the nature of catalysis. Enterococcus faecalis azoreductase A (AzoA) is a highly active azoreductase with a broad spectrum of substrate specificity and is capable of degrading a wide variety of azo dyes. Here, we report the crystal structure of the AzoA from E. faecalis determined at 2.07 A resolution with bound FMN ligand. Phases were obtained by single wavelength anomalous scattering of selenomethionine labeled protein crystals. The asymmetric unit consisted of two dimers with one FMN molecule bound to each monomer. The AzoA monomer takes a typical NAD(P)-binding Rossmann fold with a highly conserved FMN binding pocket. A salt bridge between Arg18 and Asp184 restricts the size of the flavin binding pocket such that only FMN can bind. A putative NADH binding site could be identified and a plausible mechanism for substrate reduction is proposed. Expression studies revealed azoA gene to be expressed constitutively in E. faecalis.     

Differential distribution of the endoplasmic reticulum network in filamentous fungi

Filamentous fungi are composed of hyphal compartments divided by septa, which communicate via septal pores. Apical compartments can elongate to over 100 microm without septum formation and possess a polarized distribution of organelles. In Aspergillus, subapical compartments are arrested in interphase but can reinitiate mitosis and growth by branching. Recent reports using green fluorescent protein (GFP) technology have demonstrated the highly differentiated localization of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network in various regions of the hyphae: the gradient distribution from the apical region, the localization along the septum, differential distributions in adjacent compartments, and the dynamic morphological change during septum formation. In this review the spatial regulation of the ER network in multicellular filamentous fungi is discussed.     

Anthraquinones as defensive compounds in eggs of Galerucini leaf beetles: Biosynthesis by the beetles?

Eggs of leaf beetles of the tribe Galerucini, subfamily Galerucinae, contain polyketides that are unusual in insects: 1,8-dihydroxylated anthraquinones (chrysazin, chrysophanol) and anthrones (dithranol, chrysarobin) deterring predators. The host plants do not contain these compounds. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the beetles, but not bacterial or fungal microorganisms living as endosymbionts within the beetles, produce the anthraquinones. The tansy leaf beetle Galeruca tanaceti was used as Galerucini model organism. It was treated with antimicrobial substances to eradicate the microorganisms and inhibit the hypothesised endosymbiotic anthraquinone production. Despite treatment, female G. tanaceti laid eggs containing anthraquinones. Although broad spectrum antimicrobials were used, it cannot be excluded that the potential endosymbiotic microorganisms are resistant. Given that the hypothesised endosymbionts are transferred via the eggs from one generation to the next, bacterial or fungal DNA was expected to be present in the eggs. With the exception of Wolbachia pipientis, however, no further 16S rDNA from bacteria responsible for anthraquinone biosynthesis was detected in eggs of untreated beetles. Because Wolbachia were also found in closely related anthraquinone-free insects, we exclude these bacteria as producers of the defensive polyketides. Nor was any 18S rDNA from fungi with anthraquinone biosynthetic abilities detected. Our results indicate that anthraquinones and anthrones in eggs of Galerucini are produced by beetle enzymes and not by endosymbiotic microorganisms within the eggs.     

厌氧甲烷氧化微生物物质代谢与能量代谢研究进展

甲烷既是一种温室气体,也是一种潜在的能源物质,其源与汇的平衡对地球化学循环及工程应用均有重要意义。厌氧甲烷氧化(anaerobic oxidation of methane,AOM)过程是深海、湿地和农田等自然生境中重要的甲烷汇,在缓解温室气体排放方面发挥了巨大作用。AOM微生物的中枢代谢机制及其能量转化途径则是介导厌氧甲烷氧化耦合其他物质还原的关键所在。因此,本文从电子受体多样性的视角,主要分析了硫酸盐型,硝酸盐/亚硝酸盐型,金属还原型厌氧甲烷氧化微生物的生理生化过程及环境分布,并对近些年发现的新型厌氧甲烷氧化进行了梳理;重点总结了厌氧甲烷氧化微生物细胞内电子传递路径以及胞外电子传递方式;根据厌氧甲烷氧化微生物环境分布及反应特征,就其生态学意义及在污染治理与能源回收方面的潜在应用价值进行了展望。本综述以期深化对厌氧甲烷氧化过程的微生物学认知,并为其潜在的工程应用方向提供新的思路。     

<i>Azospirillum brasilense</i> and <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> as Alternative for Decrease the Effect of Salinity Stress in Tomato (<i>Lycopersicon esculentum</i>) Growth

The salinity stress is one of the most relevant abiotic stresses that affects the agricultural production. The present study was performed to study the improvement of the salt tolerance of tomato plants which is known for their susceptibility to salt stress. The present study aimed to assess to what extent strain Azospirillum brasilense (N040) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae improve the salt tolerance to tomato plants treated with different salt concentration. The inoculant strain A. brasilense (N040) was previously adapted to survive up to 7% NaCl in the basal media. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of this inoculation on growth parameter such as: plant height, root length, fresh and dry weight, fruits fresh weight, chlorophyll content, proline and total soluble sugar in tomato plants under salt stress condition. The results revealed that co-inoculation of Azospirillum brasilense (N040) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae significantly increased the level of proline (8.63 mg/g FW) and total soluble sugar (120 mg/g FW) of leaves under salinity condition comparing to non-inoculated plants (2.3 mg/g FW and 70 mg/g FW, respectively). Plants co-inoculated with adapted strain of A. brasilense and S. cerevisiae showed the highest significant (p < 0.01) increase in fruit yield (1166.6 g/plant), plant high (115 cm) and roots length (52.6) compared whit un-inoculated control plants (42 g/pant, 43.3 cm and 29.6 cm, respectively). In contrast, Na⁺ ion content was significantly decreased in the leaves of salt stressed plants treated with the A. brasilense (N040) and S. cerevisiae. Finally, the results showed that dual benefits provided by both A. brasilense (N040) and S. cerevisiae can provide a major way to improve tomato yields in saline soils.     

基于银纳米棒的表面增强拉曼基底探究土霉素对植物乳杆菌的影响

【背景】土霉素属四环素类抗生素,在医疗制药和动物养殖行业应用广泛。抗生素的滥用与残留极易导致环境中的益生菌产生耐药,各类益生菌通过食物进入机体后,可将耐药基因转移给致病菌。目前的耐药菌株筛选方法耗时较长,最小抑菌浓度测定结果也可能存在偏差,而且无法在抗菌机理及耐药机制方面提供线索。【目的】采用表面增强拉曼光谱（surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy,SERS）技术探究土霉素与植物乳杆菌之间的相互作用,以期为微生物耐药菌株的快速筛选提供理论基础,并为研究抗菌机理及耐药机制提供思路及方法。【方法】组装银纳米棒与石英后得到一种具有良好、稳定的SERS增强效应的固相基底;在植物乳杆菌菌液中加入不同浓度土霉素后各自分别孵育30、60和90 min,利用组装好的固相基底对细菌细胞进行SERS信号测定,拉曼光谱的出峰位置和峰强度变化可以体现不同土霉素浓度及作用时间条件下植物乳杆菌细胞成分的差异,可进一步推断土霉素对植物乳杆菌生长的影响。【结果】0.5×MIC土霉素会造成SERS光谱强度的降低;1.0×MIC土霉素作用90 min后,SERS在1 612、1 630 c...     

Genetic diversity and structure of Pinus dabeshanensis revealed by expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers

Assessing patterns of genetic variation in rare endangered species is critical for developing both in situ and ex situ conservation strategies. Pinus dabeshanensis Cheng et Law is an endangered species endemic to the Dabieshan Mountains of eastern China. To obtain fundamental information of genetic diversity, population history, effective population size, and gene flow in this species, we explored patterns of genetic variation of natural populations, in addition to an ex situ conserved population, using expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeats (EST-SSR) markers. Our results revealed moderate levels of genetic diversity (e.g., H_E = 0.458 vs. H_E = 0.423) and a low level of genetic differentiation (F_ST = 0.028) among natural and conserved populations relative to other conifers. Both contemporary and historical migration rates among populations were high. Bayesian coalescent-based analyses suggested that 3 populations underwent reductions in population size ca. 10,000 yr ago, and that two populations may have experienced recent genetic bottlenecks under the TPM. Bayesian clustering revealed that individuals from the ex situ population were largely assigned to the ‘red’ cluster. Additionally, our results identified private alleles in the natural populations but not in the ex situ population, suggesting that the ex situ conserved population insufficiently represents the genetic diversity present in the species. Past decline in population size is likely to be due to Holocene climate change. Based on the genetic information obtained for P. dabeshanensis, we propose some suggestions for the conservation and efficient management of this endangered species.     

灭钉螺微生物的选育及抑螺效果观察

【目的】筛选出一种高效、持久、安全及价廉的灭螺微生物,对其进行鉴定并观察其抑螺功效。【方法】从钉螺孳生的土壤中筛选出4株灭螺活性较强的菌株(B8、B27、B36、B59),显微镜观察菌株形态和革兰氏染色均为G+杆菌。不同分离胶浓度的SDS-PAGE分析其灭螺活性成分;优势菌株经16s rRNA扩增后,PCR产物测序,序列比对,构建系统发育树鉴定其种属。【结果】灭螺结果表明,各试验组中发酵上清液各菌株间灭螺效果差异有统计学意义(χ2=21.286,P=0.002);细菌发酵液各菌株间差异也有统计学意义(χ2=17.298,P=0.008);菌体悬液各菌株间差异无统计学意义(χ2=7.579,P=0.271);此外,B59菌株的灭螺效果优于其它菌株,尤其是其发酵上清液浸泡48 h和72 h钉螺死亡率高达73.3%和96.7%。SDS-PAGE发现在B59细菌上清液中无蛋白带出现,推测其灭螺活性物质可能是其他成分;分子系统发育分析结果显示B59菌株位于Bacillus cereus (CP001746)分支上,一致性达100%。【结论】B59菌株的发酵上清液灭螺效果最好,其灭螺活性物质可能不是蛋白质,B59菌株被鉴定为Bacillus cereus。     

硝酸盐型厌氧铁氧化菌的种类、分布和特性

硝酸盐型厌氧铁氧化(NAFO)是指微生物在厌氧条件下利用硝酸盐或亚硝酸盐作为电子受体,将低价铁(二价铁或零价铁)氧化为高价铁(三价铁)的过程。具有NAFO代谢能力的微生物称为硝酸盐型厌氧铁氧化菌(NAFOM)。NAFO是微生物领域的重大发现,也是环境领域开发新型脱氮技术和地学领域研究铁、氮循环的理论依据。整理文献报道的NAFOM资料,分析NAFOM系统发育性状,探讨典型NAFOM的生态分布及其营养、代谢特性,以期为NAFOM菌种资源的开发、地球铁素和氮素循环的研究、NAFO过程的优化提供借鉴。