Molecular selection in apple for resistance to scab caused by Venturia inaequalis

Large-scale marker-assisted selection requires highly reproducible, consistent and simple markers. The use of genetic markers is important in woody plant breeding in general, and in apple in particular, because of the high level of heterozygosity present in Malus species. We present here the transformation of two RAPD markers, which we found previously to be linked to the major scab resistance gene Vf, into more reliable and reproducible markers that can be applied directly to apple breeding. We give an example of how the use of such markers can speed up selection for the introduction of scab resistance genes into the same plant, reducing labour and avoiding time-consuming test crosses. We discuss the nature and relationship of the scab resistance gene Vf to the one present in Nova Easygro, thought to be Vr.     

Salt tolerance in Lycopersicon species. IV. Efficiency of marker-assisted selection for salt tolerance improvement

The usefulness of marker-assisted selection (MAS) to develop salt-tolerant breeding lines from a F₂ derived from L. esculentum x L. pimpinellifolium has been studied. Interval mapping methodology of quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was used to locate more precisely previously detected salt tolerance QTLs. A new QTL for total fruit weight under salinity (TW) near TG24 was detected. Most of the detected QTLs [3 for TW, 5 for fruit number, (FN) and 4 for fruit weight (FW)] had low R ² values, except the FW QTL in the TG180-TG48 interval, which explains 36.6% of the total variance. Dominant and overdominant effects were detected at the QTLs for TW, whereas gene effects at the QTLs for FJV and FW ranged from additive to partial dominance. Phenotypic selection of F₂ familes and marker-assisted selection of F₃ families were carried out. Yield under salinity decreased in the F₂ generation. F₃ means were similar to those of the F₁ as a consequence of phentoypic selection. The most important selection response for every trait was obtained from the F₃ to F₄ where MAS was applied. While F₃ variation was mainly due to the within-family component, in the F₄ the FN and FW between-family component was larger than the within-family one, indicating an efficient compartmentalization and fixation of QTLs into the F₄ families. Comparison of the yield of these families under control versus saline conditions showed that fruit weight is a key trait to success in tomato salt-tolerance improvement using wild Lycopersicon germplasm. The QTLs we have detected under salinity seem to be also working under control conditions, although the interaction family x treatment was significant for TW, thereby explaining the fact that the selected families responded differently to salinity.     

Genetics of seedling and adult plant resistance to net blotch (Pyrenophora teres f. teres) and spot blotch (Cochliobolus sativus) in barley

Net blotch (caused by Pyrenophora teres f. teres) and spot blotch (Cochliobolus sativus) are important foliar diseases of barley in the midwestern region of the USA. To determine the number and chromosomal location of Mendelian and quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling resistance to these diseases, a doubled haploid population (Steptoe/Morex) was evaluated to the pathogens at the seedling stage in the greenhouse and at the adult plant stage in the field. Alleles at two or three unlinked loci were found to confer resistance to the net blotch pathogen at the seedling stage depending on how progeny exhibiting an intermediate infection response were classified. This result was corroborated in the quantitative analysis of the raw infection response data as 2 major QTL were identified on chromosomes 4 and 6M. A third QTL was also identified on chromosome 6P. Seven QTL were identified for net blotch resistance at the adult plant stage and mapped to chromosomes 1P, 2P, 3P, 3M, 4, 6P, and 7P. The 7 QTL collectively accounted for 67.6% of the phenotypic variance under a multiple QTL model. Resistance to the spot blotch pathogen was conferred by a single gene at the seedling stage. This gene was mapped to the distal region of chromosome 1P on the basis of both qualitative and quantitative data analyses. Two QTL were identified for spot blotch resistance at the adult plant stage: the largest QTL effect mapped to chromosome 5P and the other mapped to chromosome 1P near the seedling resistance locus. Together, the 2 QTL explained 70.1% of the phenotypic variance under a multiple QTL model. On the basis of the chromosomal locations of resistance alleles detected in this study, it should be feasible to combine high levels of resistance to both P. teres f. teres and C. sativus in barley cultivars.     

Theobroma cacao L.: a genetic linkage map and quantitative trait loci analysis

A genetic linkage map of Theobroma cacao (cocoa) has been constructed from 131 backcross trees derived from a cross between a single tree of the variety Catongo and an F1 tree from the cross of Catongo by Pound 12. The map comprises 138 markers: 104 RAPD loci, 32 RFLP loci and two morphologic loci. Ten linkage groups were found which cover 1068 centimorgans (cM). Only six (4%) molecular-marker loci show a significant deviation from the expected 11 segregation ratio.The average distance between two adjacent markers is 8.3 cM. The final genome-size estimates based on two-point linkage data ranged from 1078 to 1112 cM for the cocoa genome. This backcross progeny segregates for two apparently single gene loci controlling (1) anthocyanidin synthesis (Anth) in seeds, leaves and flowers and (2) self-compatibility (Autoc). The Anth locus was found to be 25 cM from Autoc and two molecular markers co-segregate with Anth. The genetic linkage map was used to localize QTLs for early flowering, trunk diameter, jorquette height and ovule number in the BC₁ generation using both single-point ANOVA and interval mapping. A minimum number of 2–4 QTLs (P<0.01) involved in the genetic expression of the traits studied was detected. Coincident map locations of a QTL for jorquette height and trunk diameter suggests the possibility of pleiotropic effects in cocoa for these traits. The combined estimated effects of the different mapped QTLs explained between 11.2% and 25.8% of the phenotypic variance observed in the BC₁ population.     

Use of the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model in QTL mapping for adaptation in barley

The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model has emerged as a powerful analytical tool for genotype x environment studies. The objective of the present study was to assess its value in quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. This was done through the analysis of a large two-way table of genotype-by-environment data of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grain yields, where the genotypes constituted a genetic population suitable for mapping studies. Grain yield data of 150 doubled haploid lines derived from the Steptoe x Morex cross, and the two parental lines, were taken by the North American Barley Genome Mapping Project (NABGMP) at 16 environments throughout the barley production areas of the USA and Canada. Four regions of the genome were responsible for most of the differential genotypic expression across environments. They accounted for approximately 50% of the genotypic main effect and 30% of the genotype x environment interaction (GE) sums of squares. The magnitude and sign of AMMI scores for genotypes and sites facilitate inferences about specific interactions. The parallel use of classification (cluster analysis of environments) and ordination (principal component analysis of GE matrix) techniques allowed most of the variation present in the genotype x environment matrix to be summarized in just a few dimensions, specifically four QTLs showing differential adaptation to four clusters of environments. Thus, AMMI genotypic scores, when the genotypes constituted a population suitable for QTL mapping, could provide an adequate way of resolving the magnitude and nature of QTL x environment interactions.Ignacio Romagosa was on sabbatical leave from the University of Lleida and the Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries, Lleida, Spain, when this study was conducted     

Comparison of RAPD and RFLP markers for mapping F2 generations in maize (Zea mays L.)

The F₂ generations from two maize crosses were used to compare the ability of RAPD and RFLP marker systems to create a genetic linkage map. Both RFLPs and RAPDs were shown to provide Mendelian-type markers. Most of the RFLPs (80%) could be placed with a good level of certainty (LOD>4) on the genetic linkage map. However, because of their dominant nature, only between 37% and 59% of the RAPDs could be placed with such a LOD score. The use of combined data from RFLPs and RAPDs increases the level of information provided by RAPDs and allows the creation of a combined RFLP/RAPD genetic linkage map. Thus, the RAPD technique was found to be a powerful method to provide improved probes coverage on a previously created RFLP map and to locate markers linked to chromosomal regions of interest.     

Identification of QTLs affecting traits of agronomic importance in a recombinant inbred population derived from a subspecific rice cross

To detect QTLs controlling traits of agronomic importance in rice, two elite homozygous lines 9024 and LH422, which represent the indica and japonica subspecies of rice (Oryza sativa), were crossed. Subsequently a modified single-seed-descent procedure was employed to produce 194 recombinant inbred lines (F₈). The 194 lines were genotyped at 141 RFLP marker loci and evaluated in a field trial for 13 quantitative traits including grain yield. Transgressive segregants were observed for all traits examined. The number of significant QTLs (LOD 2.0) detected affecting each trait ranged from one to six. The percentage of phenotypic variance explained by each QTL ranged from 5.1% to 73.7%. For those traits for which two or more QTLs were detected, increases in the traits were conditioned by indica alleles at some QTLs Japonica alleles at others. No significant evidence was found for epistasis between markers associated with QTLs and all the other markers. Pleitropic effects of single QTLs on different traits are suggested by the observation of clustering of QTLs. No QTL for traits was found to map to the vicinity of major gene loci governing the same traits qualitatively. Evidence for putative orthologous QTLs across rice, maize, oat, and barley is discussed.     

Ultra-fastChara myosin: A test case for the swinging lever arm model for force production by myosin

Recent breakthroughs and technological improvements are rapidly generating evidence supporting the “swinging lever arm model” for force production by myosin. Unlike previous models, this model posits that the globular domain of the myosin motor binds to actin with a constant orientation during force generation. Movement of the neck domain of the motor is hypothesized to occur relative to the globular domain much like a lever arm. This intramolecular conformational change drives the movement of the bound actin. The swinging lever arm model is supported by or consistent with a large number of experimental data obtained with skeletal muscle or slime mold myosins, all of which move actin filaments at rates between 1 and 10 μm/sin vitro. Recently myosin was purified, fromChara internodal cells.In vitro the purifiedChara myosin moves actin filaments at rates one order of magnitude faster than the “fast” skeletal muscle myosin. While this ultra fast movement is not necessarily inconsistent with the swinging lever arm model, one or more specific facets of the motor must be altered in theChara motor in order to accommodate such rapid movement. These characteristics are experimentally testable, thus the ultra fast movement byChara myosin represents a powerful and compelling test of the swinging lever arm model.     

促葡萄糖转运蛋白基因家族的分子进化研究

葡萄糖转运蛋白是一个在结构上相似功能上不同的多基因家族（ＧＬＵＴ１－ＧＬＵＴ５）。由于这一组蛋白和体内的葡萄糖利用有关,因此被认为是糖尿病胰岛素抵抗（抗性）的一个候选基因。本文比较了不同种生物这一基因家族的氨基酸和核苷酸顺序;推测了亲水性和疏水性分布;计算了蛋白质和核苷酸的进化距离,并在此基础上构建了分子进化树。研究表明：这一基因家族具有高度的同源性、极为相似的亲水性和疏水性分布以及结构的对称性。提示这一基因家族起源于一个共同的祖先并可能通过基因的重复而形成。这一进化机制可能有利于氨基酸结构的稳定及抵抗突变的作用。由于邻元法构建的进化树其分支长度存在差异,提示在这一基因家族的进化过程中,各分支上的进化速率并不相同。蛋白质进化距离和核苷酸进化距离所构建进化树的差异提示了在基因组中可能存在隐匿替换。两种方法构建的进化树都提示了ＧＬＵＴ１、３、４在结构和功能上要更为保守。     

流行性出血热患者皮肤组织内病毒抗原及免疫复合物检测与意义

应用常规病理、免疫病理及超微病理技术,对３３例流行性出血热（ＥＨＦ）患者皮肤活检标本的病理变化及病毒抗原、免疫复合物进行观察,同时与血清病毒抗原、抗体及循环免疫复合物检出情况进行比较。在２３例ＥＨＦ患者皮肤微血管内皮细胞中检出病毒抗原,部分组织中可同时检出免疫球蛋白及Ｃ３,少数组织仅能检出病毒抗原或免疫球蛋白。配对血清小也可检出ＥＨＦ病毒抗原、抗体及循环免疫复合物。组织及血清免疫复合物形成与血清补体Ｃ３水平下降有关,组织内肥大细胞脱颗粒与血清ＩｇＥ水平升高相关,提示多种变态反应参与了流行性出血热的发病机制。