Population genetic structure in the endemic cyprinid fish Microphysogobio alticorpus in Taiwan: Evidence for a new phylogeographical area

The Formosa Bank is a significant zoogeographical barrier for the freshwater fish in Southern Taiwan. Here, we present population genetic structure analyses on Microphysogobio alticorpus populations in Taiwan, and biogeographic pattern to infer the relationship between historic dispersal geological dynamics. A total of 24 haplotypes were genotyped for mitochondrial CR + cyt b region in 134 specimens collected from 9 populations. Relatively high levels of haplotype diversity (h = 0.896) and low levels of nucleotide diversity (π = 0.005) were detected in M. alticorpus. Two major phylogenetic haplotype groups, Clade N1+N2 and S, were revealed and estimated to diverge about 0.121 myr (million years) ago. Haplotype network and population genetic analyses indicated significant genetic structure (F_ST = 0.876), largely concordant with the geographical location of the populations. According to SAMOVA analysis, M. alticorpus populations were divided into five units that can be explained by episodes of dispersal and population expansion followed by population fragmentation and restricted gene flow. The results of the topological pattern and network suggested that the Kaoping River was the first habitat colonized by the ancestor of M. alticorpus, before the northward dispersal.     

The still uncertain identity of the channel-forming unit(s) of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore

Mitochondria from different organisms can undergo a sudden process of inner membrane unselective leakiness to molecules known as the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). This process has been studied for nearly four decades and several proteins have been claimed to constitute, or at least regulate the usually inactive pore responsible for this transition. However, no protein candidate proposed as the actual pore-forming unit has passed rigorous gain- or loss-of-function genetic tests. Here we review evidence for -and against- putative channel-forming components of the MPT pore. We conclude that the structure of the MPT pore still remains largely undefined and suggest that future studies should follow established technical considerations to unambiguously consolidate the channel forming constituent(s) of the MPT pore.     

MITOCHONDRIA: Are mitochondria accessory to metastasis?

Since the nineteenth century the importance of mitochondria in cellular physiology has been growing steadily. Not only the organelle harbors the main systems for ATP generation, but also buffers the redox potential in the cytosol and is one of the protagonists of the intrinsic pathway for apoptosis. In tumor cells, mitochondria went from being dysfunctional compartments to playing a supportive or perhaps even a triggering part in metastasis. This “Organelle In Focus” article discusses the classical metabolic events that occur in mitochondria and why these pathways could be essential for the onset of the malignant phenotype. Finally, we propose that the oxidative metabolism of tumor cells in conjunction with the inactivation of anoikis may have been coopted through a non-adaptive evolutionary process.     

Reproduction and baeocyte formation in two species of Dermocarpella (Cyanophyceae)

The reproductive stages of Dermocarpella gardneri and D. stellata, which have been reported only once, are described. Formation of baeocytes occurs by cellular divisions that are parallel to the substratum, followed by a series of anticlinal radial divisions. In some cases in D. gardneri, the superior cell, resulting from the first division parallel to the substratum, is liberated prior to radial divisions, and these probably represent the ‘macrogonidia’ originally described by Lemmermann for D. hemisphaerica. The baeocytes are released through a circular apical pore, which develops after the formation of a papilla that eventually dissolves to form a pore.     

Immunoregulatory effect of mesenchymal stem cell via mitochondria signaling pathways in allergic asthma

Asthma is a complicated lung disease, which has increased morbidity and mortality rates in worldwide. There is an overlap between asthma pathophysiology and mitochondrial dysfunction and MSCs may have regulatory effect on mitochondrial dysfunction and treats asthma. Therefore, immune-modulatory effect of MSCs and mitochondrial signaling pathways in asthma was studied.After culturing of MSCs and producing asthma animal model, the mice were treated with MSCs via IV via IT. BALf's eosinophil Counting, The levels of IL-4, −5, −13, −25, –33, INF-γ, Cys-LT, LTB4, LTC4, mitochondria genes expression of COX-1, COX-2, ND1, Nrf2, Cytb were measured and lung histopathological study were done.BALf's eosinophils, the levels of IL-4, −5, −13, −25, –33, LTB4, LTC4, Cys-LT, the mitochondria genes expression (COX-1, COX-2, Cytb and ND-1), perivascular and peribronchial inflammation, mucus hyper-production and hyperplasia of the goblet cell in pathological study were significantly decreased in MSCs-treated asthma mice and reverse trend was found about Nrf-2 gene expression, IFN-γ level and ratio of the INF-γ/IL-4.MSC therapy can control inflammation, immune-inflammatory factors in asthma and mitochondrial related genes, and prevent asthma immune-pathology.     

Mitochondrial Function Dependent Proliferation Assay for the Diagnosis of Mitochondrial Disorders in Human Fibroblasts

A media has been developed which enables the assessment of mitochondrial function in fibroblasts by measuring proliferation as an end point.