Isolation of AccGalectin1 from Apis cerana cerana and its functions in development and adverse stress response

The galectins are a family of lectins that play important roles in development, immunity, and the regulation of cellular responses. Much research has focused on the functions of galectins in mammals, though less in insects. Here, we identified the AccGalectin1 gene in Apis cerana cerana for the first time and explored its functions. The open reading frame of AccGalectin1 is 1449 base pairs and encodes a 482-amino-acid protein. AccGalectin1 expression was high during the transition between developmental stages and was high in the head, thorax, and epidermis compared with its levels in other tissues. In addition, the expression of AccGalectin1 was induced by several adverse stresses, including both abiotic and biotic stresses. A disk diffusion assay of recombinant AccGalectin1 protein revealed possible roles in protecting cells from oxidative stress. Furthermore, the expression levels of multiple oxidative genes (AccCAT, AccTpx1, AccTrx2, etc) were increased after AccGalectin1 was knocked down in Apis cerana cerana using RNA interference. We also observed that the malondialdehyde content in the AccGalectin1-silenced bees was higher than that in the control bees, while the antioxidant enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase were lower. Considering these results, we suggest that AccGalectin1 may be indispensable for protecting honeybees from biotic and abiotic damage by participating in the oxidative resistance response and the immune response. These results may provide insight into the precise functions of galectins in mammals and other insects.     

中华蜜蜂气味受体AcerOr2的体外表达特性研究

本研究旨在对中华蜜蜂Apis cerana cerana气味受体基因AcerOr2体外表达特性进行分析验证。本研究利用qRT-PCR和Western blotting检测体外RNA干扰（RNAi）的效果,并通过钙离子成像检测该受体在RNAi前后对气味配体的结合特性。结果显示：体外AcerOr2的最佳干扰浓度为5 μg的dsAcerOr2,其能有效抑制目的基因在Sf9细胞中mRNA和蛋白的表达,且AcerOr2本身缺乏对植物气味物质的敏感性,只对其激动剂VUAA1敏感,RNAi后其对VUAA1敏感也有所降低。AcerOr2体外表达特性的验证,可以为进一步研究AcerOr2在嗅觉过程中的功能机制提供基础。     

A role for protein phosphatase-2A in p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated regulation of the c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase pathway in human neutrophils

Human neutrophil accumulation in inflammatory foci is essential for the effective control of microbial infections. Although exposure of neutrophils to cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), generated at sites of inflammation, leads to activation of MAPK pathways, mechanisms responsible for the fine regulation of specific MAPK modules remain unknown. We have previously demonstrated activation of a TNFalpha-mediated JNK pathway module, leading to apoptosis in adherent human neutrophils (Avdi, N. J., Nick, J. A., Whitlock, B. B., Billstrom, M. A., Henson, P. M., Johnson, G. L., and Worthen, G. S. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 2189-2199). Herein, evidence is presented linking regulation of the JNK pathway to p38 MAPK and the Ser/Thr protein phosphatase-2A (PP2A). Inhibition of p38 MAPK by SB 203580 and M 39 resulted in significant augmentation of TNFalpha-induced JNK and MKK4 (but not MKK7 or MEKK1) activation, whereas prior exposure to a p38-activating agent (platelet-activating factor) diminished the TNFalpha-induced JNK response. TNFalpha-induced apoptosis was also greatly enhanced upon p38 inhibition. Studies with a reconstituted cell-free system indicated the absence of a direct inhibitory effect of p38 MAPK on the JNK module. Neutrophil exposure to the Ser/Thr phosphatase inhibitors okadaic acid and calyculin A induced JNK activation. Increased phosphatase activity following TNFalpha stimulation was shown to be PP2A-associated and p38-dependent. Furthermore, PP2A-induced dephosphorylation of MKK4 resulted in its inactivation. Thus, in neutrophils, p38 MAPK, through a PP2A-mediated mechanism, regulates the JNK pathway, thus determining the extent and nature of subsequent responses such as apoptosis.     

Involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1 in thrombus formation

The involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase-1 (JNK1) has never been investigated in hemostasis and thrombosis. Using two JNK inhibitors (SP600125 and 6o), we have demonstrated that JNK1 is involved in collagen-induced platelet aggregation dependent on ADP. In these conditions, JNK1 activation requires the coordinated signaling pathways of collagen receptors (alpha2beta1 and glycoprotein (GP)VI) and ADP. In contrast, JNK1 is not required for platelet adhesion on a collagen matrix in static or blood flow conditions (300-1500 s(-1)) involving collagen receptors (alpha2beta1 and GPVI). Importantly, at 1500 s(-1), JNK1 acts on thrombus formation on a collagen matrix dependent on GPIb-von Willebrand factor (vWF) interaction but not ADP receptor activation. This is confirmed by the involvement of JNK1 in shear-induced platelet aggregation at 4000 s(-1). We also provide evidence during rolling and adhesion of platelets to vWF that platelet GPIb-vWF interaction triggers alphaIIbbeta3 activation in a JNK1-dependent manner. This was confirmed with a Glanzmann thrombastenic patient lacking alphaIIbbeta3. Finally, in vivo, JNK1 is involved in arterial but not in venular thrombosis in mice. Overall, our in vitro studies define a new role of JNK1 in thrombus formation in flowing blood that is relevant to thrombus development in vivo.     

中华蜜蜂HSC70-4基因表达特性的研究

组成型热休克蛋白70-4(heat shock protein 70 cognate 4,HSC70-4)是HSP70家族的重要成员,对蛋白质的正确折叠与转运有着重要意义。本研究以中华蜜蜂转录组数据中获得的HSC70-4基因序列为基础,通过对中华蜜蜂不同发育阶段、不同组织以及不同低温胁迫下的HSC70-4 m RNA表达量进行测定,以期为揭示该基因在中华蜜蜂生长发育和耐寒抗冻过程中的生理功能提供理论依据。结果显示,中华蜜蜂HSC70-4基因包含1923 bp的开放阅读框,编码641个氨基酸,蛋白分子量为70.4 k Da。中华蜜蜂HSC70-4氨基酸序列中包含3个HSP70家族的标签序列,其N端含有HSC70家族的GGXP四肽结构标志,C端包含EEVD结构。与膜翅目其它昆虫的氨基酸序列一致性在94%以上,具有较高的保守性。中华蜜蜂HSC70-4在成虫期的表达量显著高于幼虫期和蛹期(P0.01),从幼虫期至10日龄成虫期呈逐渐上升趋势,但在15日龄至30日龄间呈现波动起伏。HSC70-4在中华蜜蜂不同组织中的表达存在显著差异(P0.01),且在胸部高度表达,在足中中度表达,在其余组织中低度表达。中华蜜蜂HSC70-4的表达受低温胁迫的诱导,在低温胁迫2 h时其表达量最低,4 h时表达量最高。本研究结果表明中华蜜蜂HSC70-4在中华蜜蜂的生长发育过程中应对低温胁迫时发挥生理功能。     

中华蜜蜂ZFP37基因的生物信息学分析及高温下表达特性的研究

锌指蛋白(Zinc finger proteins, ZFPs)是一类在真核生物体内广泛分布的蛋白质。锌指蛋白作为一类转录因子,它能够调控基因的表达和细胞的分化,最近的研究显示其在动植物抗逆方面也发挥着重要作用。本研究对中华蜜蜂Apis cerana cerana ZFP37的蛋白结构进行了预测分析,并通过qRT-PCR分析了中华蜜蜂在遭受高温胁迫时ZFP37的表达情况,进一步了解锌指蛋白在中华蜜蜂应对热胁迫过程中的作用。结果显示,中华蜜蜂ZFP37可编码123个氨基酸,蛋白分子量为13.7 kDa,无跨膜结构。氨基酸同源序列比对结果表明,中华蜜蜂ZFP37序列与蜜蜂科昆虫的相似性最高,与其他膜翅目昆虫的相似性存在差异。基因的表达模式显示,ZFP37在高温下表达升高,此外,胁迫时间的增加也可导致ZFP37表达的升高。这些结果表明ZFP37对于中华蜜蜂应对热应激有重要的生物学意义。     

Role of the MAPK/cJun NH2-terminal kinase signaling pathway in starvation-induced autophagy

Autophagy is required for cellular homeostasis and can determine cell viability in response to stress. It is established that MTOR is a master regulator of starvation-induced macroautophagy/autophagy, but recent studies have also implicated an essential role for the MAPK8/cJun NH₂-terminal kinase 1 signal transduction pathway. We found that MAPK8/JNK1 and MAPK9/JNK2 were not required for autophagy caused by starvation or MTOR inhibition in murine fibroblasts and epithelial cells. These data demonstrate that MAPK8/9 has no required role in starvation-induced autophagy. We conclude that the role of MAPK8/9 in autophagy may be context-dependent and more complex than previously considered.

Abbreviations: AKT: thymoma viral proto-oncogene;ALB: albumin; ATG4: autophagy related 4; BCL2: B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2; BECN1: beclin 1, autophagy related; BNIP3: BCL2/adenovirus E1B interacting protein 3; CQ: chloroquine diphosphate; DMEM: Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium; EDTA: ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; EBSS: Earle’s balanced salt solution; FBS: fetal bovine serum; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; GFP: green fluorescent protein; HRAS: Harvey rat sarcoma virus oncogene; IgG: Immunoglobulin G; MAPK3/ERK1: mitogen-activated protein kinase 3; MAPK8/JNK1: mitogen-activated protein kinase 8; MAPK9/JNK2: mitogen-activated protein kinase 9; MAPK10/JNK3: mitogen-activated protein kinase 10; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; MEFs: mouse embryonic fibroblasts; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; RPS6KB1/p70: ribosomal protein S6 kinase, polypeptide 1; PPARA: peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha; SEM: standard error of the mean; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TORC1: target of rapamycin complex 1; TORC2: target of rapamycin complex 2; TRP53: transforming related protein 53; TUBA: tubulin alpha; UV: ultraviolet; WT: wild-type     

Paclitaxel-resistant human ovarian cancer cells undergo c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase-mediated apoptosis in response to noscapine

We have previously discovered the opium alkaloid noscapine as a microtubule interacting agent that binds to tubulin, alters the dynamics of microtubule assembly, and arrests mammalian cells at mitosis (Ye, K., Ke, Y., Keshava, N., Shanks, J., Kapp, J. A., Tekmal, R. R., Petros, J., and Joshi, H. C. (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 95, 1601-1606; Ye, K., Zhou, J., Landen, J. W., Bradbury, E. M., and Joshi, H. C. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 46697-46700; Zhou, J., Panda, D., Landen, J. W., Wilson, L., and Joshi, H. C. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 17200-17208). Here we show that noscapine does not compete with paclitaxel for tubulin binding and can efficiently inhibit the proliferation of both paclitaxel-sensitive and paclitaxel-resistant human ovarian carcinoma cells (i.e. the parental cell line 1A9 and two derivative cell lines, 1A9PTX10 and 1A9PTX22, which harbor beta-tubulin mutations that impair paclitaxel-tubulin interaction (Giannakakou, P., Sackett, D. L., Kang, Y. K., Zhan, Z., Buters, J. T., Fojo, T., and Poruchynsky, M. S. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 17118-17125). Strikingly, these cells undergo apoptotic death upon noscapine treatment, accompanied by activation of the c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinases (JNK). Furthermore, inhibition of JNK activity by treatment with antisense oligonucleotide or transfection with dominant-negative JNK blocks noscapine-induced apoptosis. These findings thus indicate a great potential for noscapine in the treatment of paclitaxel-resistant human cancers. In addition, our results suggest that the JNK pathway plays an essential role in microtubule inhibitor-induced apoptosis.     

中华蜜蜂重要生物学特性相关功能基因研究进展

中华蜜蜂Apis cerana cerana Fabricisus是一种重要的经济动物,具有嗅觉敏锐,抗寒耐热,抗螨及采集能力强等特点.目前人们采用分子生物学的方法,对中华蜜蜂的基因组成、基因表达调控及基因功能分析等方面开展研究,揭示其特征行为的分子机理已成为该领域的研究热点之一.近年来,中华蜜蜂重要生物学特征功能相关基因(即蜂王浆蛋白相关基因、化学通讯相关蛋白基因和抗逆相关基因)在基因克隆、表达特性及功能研究等方面取得了重大进展.本文重点对此进行综述.     

中华蜜蜂化学感受蛋白AcerCSP3的配基结合功能分析

为研究中华蜜蜂Apis cerana cerana化学感受蛋白AcerCSP3在化学感受系统中的生理功能, 本实验通过对AcerCSP3进行原核表达、分离纯化后, 利用荧光法研究了体外重组AcerCSP3与1-NPN以及候选化学配基的结合特征。Scatchard方程显示AcerCSP3与1-NPN的解离常数K_D为8.29 μmol/L, 结合位点数约等于1。在候选配基竞争1-NPN与AcerCSP3结合的实验中, 5种配基均能在200 μmol/L浓度下使1-NPN的相对荧光强度下降至50%以下, 其中β-紫罗兰酮甚至能使1-NPN的相对荧光强度下降至10%左右, 表明候选配基均与AcerCSP3有较强的结合能力, 而3, 4-二甲基苯甲醛与中蜂AcerCSP3的结合能力最强, K_D达到18.77 μmol/L。本研究所用化学配基均为植物花与叶片的挥发性的次生代谢产物, 表明AcerCSP3可能作为中蜂化学感受系统的一部分, 在其搜寻某些植物花粉蜜源时作为气味分子运载体发挥一定的作用。     

中华蜜蜂性信息素结合蛋白ASP1的原核表达及配基结合特性分析

【目的】研究中华蜜蜂Apis cerana cerana信息素结合蛋白ASP1与蜜蜂信息素及某些植物挥发物分子的结合功能。【方法】构建中蜂ASP1的原核表达载体, 对其进行重组蛋白的诱导表达和分离纯化, 并得到具有生化活性的中蜂ASP1重组蛋白, 最后以1-NPN作为荧光报告探针, 通过荧光竞争结合实验研究中蜂重组ASP1蛋白与蜜蜂信息素及其他气味分子的结合功能。【结果】在22种潜在信息气味物质中, 有7种与中蜂ASP1有较强的结合能力, 能将1-NPN的相对荧光强度降至50%以下。其中发现蜂王信息素两种成分对 羟基苯甲酸甲酯和香草醇的竞争能力最强, 可分别引起1-NPN相对荧光值下降99.31%和95.50%, 解离常数K_D分别为13.39和98.44 μmol/L; 而与除蜂王信息素外的其他信息素如幼虫信息素和工蜂信息素等分子均不结合。此外中蜂ASP1对于水杨酸甲酯、 苯乙醛、 3, 4-二甲基苯甲醛4-烯丙基藜芦醚和β-紫罗兰酮等5种植物挥发物质能产生强度不一的结合。【结论】中蜂信息素结合蛋白ASP1对蜂王信息素具有非常强的特异性, 同时也能结合某些植物挥发性气味分子, 暗示中蜂ASP1是一种以蜂王信息素识别为主要功能、 植物挥发物识别为次要功能的多功能信息素结合蛋白。     

中华蜜蜂信息素结合蛋白OBP10的基因克隆、原核表达和配基结合特性分析

【目的】气味结合蛋白在中华蜜蜂Apis cerana cerana嗅觉系统中起到重要作用,本实验拟研究中华蜜蜂一个新的信息素结合蛋白OBP10及其与蜜蜂信息素以及蜜源开花植物挥发物的结合特性。【方法】本实验通过RT-PCR扩增获得OBP10基因全长(Gen Bank登录号:KP717060.1),以p ET-30a构建原核表达载体,并以Ni2+琼脂糖柱进行重组蛋白表达和分离纯化,在N-苯基-1-萘胺(N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine,1-NPN)作为荧光报告子下利用荧光光谱法体外研究重组Acer OBP10与多种候选化学配基的结合特征。【结果】经多序列联配分析,发现Acer OBP10的多个同源基因均为信息素结合蛋白(pheromone binding proteins,PBPs)。配基结合特性分析显示,Acer OBP10对14种候选配基中的蜂王信息素成分对羟基苯甲酸甲酯(HOB)竞争力最大,相对荧光可降至6.06%,解离常数11.04μmol/L;进一步表明Acer OBP10属于一个新的中蜂PBPs。此外,Acer OBP10也能和包括工蜂信息素(香叶醇和橙花醇)、报警信息素(2-庚酮和乙酸异戊酯)等蜜蜂信息素以及蜜源开花植物挥发物之一的β-紫罗兰酮结合,表明Acer OBP10可能是一种以信息素结合为主的多功能结合蛋白。【结论】Acer OBP10是中蜂一个新的信息素结合蛋白,与此前我们鉴定的蜂王信息素结合蛋白Acer ASP1相比,Acer OBP10对蜜蜂信息素的结合谱更为广泛,这些结果将对进一步研究中华蜜蜂信息素识别和传递提供理论基础,对于深入了解中华蜜蜂嗅觉影响生理功能的行为机制具有重要意义。     

中华蜜蜂信息素结合蛋白ASP1 cDNA的克隆及时空表达

信息素结合蛋白（pheromone binding proteins, PBPs）在昆虫信息素的识别、传递和处理过程中具有重要作用。本研究首次克隆了中华蜜蜂Apis cerana cerana的一个PBP基因Ac-ASP1（GenBank序列号为DQ449670）,其预测蛋白具有典型的气味结合蛋白（OBPs）标志（即成熟肽含有6个保守的半胱氨酸）。利用real-time PCR技术对Ac-ASP1在中蜂不同组织和发育历期的时空表达谱进行了鉴定。绝对定量结果显示Ac-ASP1高丰度地表达于工蜂触角（2.07×10⁶ 拷贝数/μg）,而在其他组织（如头、胸、腹、翅及足）中呈低丰度表达（10²拷贝数/μg）; 相对定量结果显示Ac-ASP1在各发育历期如幼虫、蛹以及成虫发育早期（1～6日龄）均有大量表达,而在21日龄前后具有另外一个高丰度表达时期。这些结果可为明确Ac-ASP1在中蜂蜂王信息素信号识别传递过程中的作用提供参考。     

中华蜜蜂细胞色素CYP9E2基因克隆及其表达分析

【目的】克隆中华蜜蜂Apis cerana cerana细胞色素CYP9E2基因的完整编码区序列,分析CYP9E2基因在工蜂体内的表达特征,为研究该基因的生物学功能提供理论基础。【方法】以解剖获得的中华蜜蜂采集蜂中肠组织为材料,提取总RNA。利用RT-PCR技术克隆中华蜜蜂CYP9E2基因的编码区。采用多种生物信息学软件分析该基因的核苷酸和氨基酸序列,利用荧光定量PCR技术(quantitative real-time PCR)分析其在中华蜜蜂工蜂成虫期不同阶段(初生蜂、哺育蜂、守卫蜂以及采集蜂)头部和中肠组织中的相对表达量及在饲喂氟氯苯菊酯后工蜂中肠组织中的表达变化。【结果】克隆获得中华蜜蜂CYP9E2基因(命名为Ac CYP9E2)mRNA序列,长度为1 600 bp(Gen Bank登录号:KX394629),编码区长1 494 bp,编码497个氨基酸,其蛋白质分子量为57.026k D,等电点为8.32。系统发育树显示,中华蜜蜂Ac CYP9E2与西方蜜蜂Apis mellifera、小蜜蜂Apis florea CYP9E2基因聚成一支。对中华蜜蜂工蜂成虫期不同阶段头部和中肠组织Ac CYP9E2相对表达量测定发现,该基因在中华蜜蜂工蜂成虫期不同阶段的表达量存在一定差异,其中,采集蜂头部和中肠组织中Ac CYP9E2相对表达量均显著高于初生蜂、哺育蜂以及守卫蜂(P0.05),而且4个阶段工蜂中肠组织中的Ac CYP9E2相对表达量均显著高于其头部(P0.05)。饲喂氟氯苯菊酯后,工蜂中肠组织中Ac CYP9E2的相对表达量显著高于对照组(P0.05)。【结论】推测Ac CYP9E2可能参与了中华蜜蜂机体外源物质的代谢与解毒过程。     

东方蜜蜂气味受体基因Or1和Or2的克隆与序列分析

本研究采用自行设计的引物对东方蜜蜂Apis cerana Fabricius气味受体(odorant receptors)Or1、Or2的部分基因组序列(GenBank登录号为:JN544932,JN544931)进行了克隆、测序和分析,以探寻传统气味受体(AcOr1)和非典型气味受体(AcOr2)基因在近缘种昆虫间的进化差异。试验所得的东方蜜蜂气味受体基因Or1、Or2的序列长度分别为1247bp和1138bp,各包含4个和2个内含子,编码区序列长度分别为682、686 bp。经序列比对发现,两气味受体DNA序列在东、西方蜜蜂及熊蜂间差异较大,最低相似性仅为56%(AcOr1—BtOr82a-like),差异的主要来源为内含子长度及其碱基的变异,而编码区氨基酸序列相似性较高,均达85%以上;从整体分析来看,在膜翅目昆虫中,非典型气味受体AcOr2较传统气味受体AcOr1是相对保守的气味受体基因。