Oligonucleotides and derivatives as gene-specific control agents

The current achievement of genome sequence projects of a dozen eukaryote organisms (including human genome) and the development of functional genomics are providing the basic knowledge required to utilize gene-specific reagents for both basic understanding of cell physiology and therapeutical development. The field of chemical genomics has the ambitious goal of designing molecules that could act selectively on every single gene or gene product in a cell and in vivo. The progress in oligonucleotide-based approaches will be the topic of this review, however, other nucleic acid- and SELEX-based approaches as well as high sequence-specific low molecular weight DNA-specific ligands will also be discussed.     

一株重寄生枝孢菌的基因组测序及重寄生机制分析

【背景】枝孢菌SYC63是一株具有重寄生作用和抗菌活性的潜在生防菌株,目前尚无研究报道该菌株的全基因组序列,因此限制了其开发与利用。对该菌株进行基因组测序与分析,将进一步了解其重寄生的分子机制,为其在生物防治上的应用奠定研究基础。【目的】解析枝孢菌SYC63基因组序列信息,初步探究该菌的重寄生作用机制。【方法】利用二代高通量测序平台对枝孢菌SYC63进行全基因组测序,运用相关软件对其测序数据进行基因组组装、基因功能注释、预测次级代谢产物合成基因簇并分析重寄生相关的碳水化合物酶类基因等。【结果】基因组组装后共得到17个contigs,总长度为31 912 211 bp,GC含量为52.80%,预测到12 327个编码基因。其中,4 029、949和6 595个基因分别能在KEGG、COG和GO数据库中被注释到,同时还预测到25个次级代谢产物合成基因簇。对重寄生机制相关的碳水化合物酶类进行分析并与重寄生菌株(拟盘多毛孢菌、木霉及盾壳霉)比较,发现该菌具有较多的糖苷水解酶和糖脂酶基因,而且细胞壁降解酶类基因经锈菌孢子壁处理后在转录组测序中显著上调表达,初步分析了该菌与重寄生木霉在分子水平上的...     

枯草芽孢杆菌N2-10的基因组测序和比较基因组分析

【背景】枯草芽孢杆菌N2-10是一株具有较强抑菌能力且能产纤维素酶等多种水解酶的革兰氏阳性菌,在发酵饲料中具有较大的应用潜力。【目的】通过获得枯草芽孢杆菌N2-10的全基因组序列信息,进一步解析菌株次级代谢产物合成基因信息,并通过比较基因组学分析菌株N2-10与模式菌株的差异性,为阐明N2-10抑菌和益生机制提供理论基础。【方法】通过二代Illumina NovaSeq联合三代PacBio Sequel测序平台,对菌株N2-10进行全基因组测序,将测序数据进行基因组组装、基因预测与功能注释,并利用比较基因组学分析N2-10与其他菌株的差异。【结果】菌株N2-10基因组大小为4 036 899 bp,GC含量为43.88%;共编码4 163个编码基因,所有编码基因总长度为3594369bp,编码区总长度占基因组总长度的89.04%;含有85个tRNA、10个5S rRNA、10个16S rRNA、10个23S rRNA,以及2个CRISPR-Cas、1个前噬菌体和6个基因岛;在GO (gene ontolog)、COG (clusters of orthologous groups of...     

一株花椒根腐病拮抗菌的分离鉴定及全基因组序列分析

【背景】花椒根腐病的防治一直是生产中难以解决的问题,优良生防菌的筛选是微生物菌剂研发的重要方向。【目的】解析花椒根腐病拮抗菌T-1的遗传信息,深入挖掘其拮抗基因簇资源,揭示该菌的拮抗机制。【方法】采用平板对峙法、形态观察、生理生化测定结合分子生物学等方法进行拮抗菌的分离鉴定,同时对菌株进行全基因组测序,并对其序列进行分析及比较基因组学分析。【结果】分离获得的菌株经鉴定为贝莱斯芽孢杆菌,编号T-1,该菌对花椒根腐病的抑制率可达72%,可使菌丝前端的生长严重受阻,抑菌谱检测和花椒根片的离体拮抗试验结果表明,拮抗菌T-1具有较广的抑菌活性且离体状态下对花椒根片具有一定的拮抗作用。其全基因组序列数据提交到NCBI的SRA数据库中获得登录号为SRX11086663,基因组总长为3 886 726 bp,GC含量为46.42%,全基因组中有4015个编码基因,占总基因组的89.74%,比较基因组学分析结果显示,菌株T-1与贝莱斯芽孢杆菌模式菌株FZB42相似性高,拮抗基因簇预测结果发现B. velezensis T-1基因组序列中有12个编码次级代谢产物基因合成簇,其中8个与已知功能基因簇高度相似...     

一株稀有海洋真菌Stachybotrys longispora FG216的De Novo测序及基因组学分析

【背景】长孢葡萄穗霉菌(Stachybotrys longispora) FG216是一株稀有海洋真菌,其次生代谢产物FGFC1具有纤溶活性。进行S. longispora FG216的基因组序列分析,将充实和促进海洋微生物功能基因和次生代谢产物合成生物学的基础研究和应用研究。【目的】解析S. longispora FG216的基因组序列,分析基因组生物功能和同源相似性关系,分析次生代谢产物纤溶活性化合物FGFC1的相关基因。【方法】基于Illumina HiSeq高通量测序平台对S. longispora FG216菌株进行De Novo测序,使用SSPACE、Augustus等软件进行组装、编码基因预测、基因功能注释、物种共线性分析以及预测FGFC1次生代谢产物合成基因簇。【结果】S. longispora FG216的基因组测序总长度为45622830bp,共得到605个Scaffold,GC含量为51.31%,注释预测得到13329个编码基因和169个非编码RNA。基因组测序数据提交至国家微生物科学数据中心(编号为NMDC60016264),其中13 053、8 422、8 460、7 714和2 847个基因分别能够在NR、KEGG、KOG、GO和CAZy数据库匹配到注释信息。比较基因组学分析发现,Stachybotrys具有保守性,核心基因占基因家族总数目的71.44%,S. longispora FG216与S. chlorohalonata IBT 40285的相似性最高;同时,预测得到101个次生代谢产物合成基因簇,其中18个基因簇与已知的化合物相匹配。通过antiSMASH预测,Cluster57是编码合成FGFC1母核结构异吲哚啉酮的基因簇,与S.chlorohalonataIBT40285中的基因簇相似度为40%。【结论】海洋稀有真菌S.longisporaFG216的基因组信息已上传至国家微生物科学数据中心公开使用,为Stachybotrys种属的研究提供了重要的参考意义,同时发现了S. longispora FG216次生代谢产物纤溶活性化合物FGFC1母核部分编码基因是Cluster 57。     

Genomics and self-knowledge: implications for societal research and debate

Abstract

When the Human Genome Project (HGP) was launched, our genome was presented as our ‘blueprint’, a metaphor reflecting a genetic deterministic epistemology. Eventually, however, the HGP undermined rather than strengthened the understanding of genomes as blueprints and of genes as ultimate causal units. A symbolical turning point was the discovery that the human genome only contains～22,500 genes. Initially, this was seen as a narcissistic offence. Gradually, however, it strengthened the shift from traditional genetics and biotechnology (i.e., gene-oriented approaches) to genomics, i.e. genome-oriented or systems approaches, emphasizing complexity. The 20th century can be regarded as the century of biotechnology and of the gene. Its history demonstrated that the will to know (notably: to know ourselves) has never been a disinterested affair: it is driven by a will to improve (notably: to improve ourselves). In this article it is claimed that, as genomics takes us beyond a genetic deterministic understanding of life, this must have consequences for societal research and debate as well. Policies for self-improvement will increasingly rely on the use of complex interpretation. Therefore, the emphasis must shift from issues such as genetic manipulation and human enhancement to issues involved in governance of novel forms of information.     

植物内生链霉菌Streptomyces sp. SAT1的基因组测序和比较基因组分析

【背景】一直以来,链霉菌都是活性物质的主要生产者,近年来随着抗生素滥用引起的环境和微生物抗药性问题越发严重,挖掘高效生物防治因子和新型抗生素成为了解决以上问题的重要手段。【目的】通过获得植物内生链霉菌SAT1全基因组序列和次级代谢基因簇信息,利用比较基因组学和泛基因组学分析SAT1菌株的特殊性以及与其他链霉菌的共性,为阐明SAT1抑菌和内生机制提供理论基础,为揭示链霉菌的生态功能提供可靠数据。【方法】通过三代测序平台PacBio Sequel完成SAT1基因组测序,利用生物信息学技术进行注释和功能基因分类;分别利用RAxML和PGAP软件进行系统发育树的构建和泛基因组分析;次级代谢基因簇的预测和分析通过antiSMASH网站完成。【结果】获得SAT1菌株的全基因组完成图,该菌线性染色体长度约7.47 Mb,包含有4个质粒,GC含量近73%,共预测到7 550个蛋白编码基因,含有37个次级代谢基因簇,分属29个类型,其中默诺霉素基因簇与加纳链霉菌具有较高相似性。42株代表链霉菌中,单个菌株次级代谢基因簇数量为20-55个,主要类型为PKS类、Terpene类和Nrps类,而且含有大量杂合基因簇,各个菌株中特有基因数目较为庞大。【结论】链霉菌SAT1菌株在基因组特点以及次级代谢基因簇的数量和类型上与其余41株链霉菌具有一定的共性,其中潮霉素B基因簇和默诺霉素基因簇合成的相关物质可能与SAT1抑菌活性密切相关。42株链霉菌中次级代谢基因簇数量的多少与基因组大小成正相关,同时大量杂合基因簇以及庞大的特有基因数目的存在说明链霉菌在长期进化过程中存在了很高程度的水平基因转移现象,可能具有重要的生态功能。     

Exploring Complex Ornamental Genomes: The Rose as a Model Plant

Despite its high economic importance, little is known about rose genetics, genome structure, and the function of rose genes. Reasons for this lack of information are polyploidy in most cultivars, simple breeding strategies, high turnover rates for cultivars, and little public funding. Molecular and biotechnological tools developed during the genomics era now provide the means to fill this gap. This will be facilitated by a number of model traits as e.g., a small genome, a large genetic diversity including diploid genotypes, a comparatively short generation time and protocols for genetic engineering. A deeper understanding of genetic processes and the structure of the rose genome will serve several purposes: Applications to the breeding process including marker-assisted selection and direct manipulation of relevant traits via genetic engineering will lead to improved cultivars with new combinations of characters. In basic research, unique characters, e.g., the biosynthesis and emission of particular secondary metabolites will provide new information not available in model species. Furthermore comparative genomics will link information about the rose genome to ongoing projects on other rosaceous crops and will add to our knowledge about genome evolution and speciation. This review is intended as a presentation and is the compilation of the current knowledge on rose genetics and genomics, including functional genomics and genetic engineering. Furthermore, it is intended to show ways how knowledge on rose genetics and genomics can be linked to other species in the Rosaceae in order to utilize this information across genera.     

Resources and transgenesis techniques for functional genomics in Xenopus

Recent developments in genomic resources and high‐throughput transgenesis techniques have allowed Xenopus to ‘metamorphose’ from a classic model for embryology to a leading‐edge experimental system for functional genomics. This process has incorporated the fast‐breeding diploid frog, Xenopus tropicalis, as a new model‐system for vertebrate genomics and genetics. Sequencing of the X. tropicalis genome is nearly complete, and its comparison with mammalian sequences offers a reliable guide for the genome‐wide prediction of cis‐regulatory elements. Unique cDNA sets have been generated for both X. tropicalis and X. laevis, which have facilitated non‐redundant, systematic gene expression screening and comprehensive gene expression analysis. A variety of transgenesis techniques are available for both X. laevis and X. tropicalis, and the appropriate procedure may be chosen depending on the purpose for which it is required. Effective use of these resources and techniques will help to reveal the overall picture of the complex wiring of gene regulatory networks that control vertebrate development.     

Exploring valid reference genes for gene expression studies in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brachypodium distachyon</Emphasis>by real-time PCR

Background  

The wild grass species Brachypodium distachyon (Brachypodium hereafter) is emerging as a new model system for grass crop genomics research and biofuel grass biology. A draft nuclear genome sequence is expected to be publicly available in the near future; an explosion of gene expression studies will undoubtedly follow. Therefore, stable reference genes are necessary to normalize the gene expression data.     

The draft genome sequence of the nematode <Emphasis Type="Italic">Caenorhabditis briggsae</Emphasis>, a companion to <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. elegans</Emphasis>

The publication of the draft genome sequence of Caenorhabditis briggsae improves the annotation of the genome of its close relative Caenorhabditis elegans and will facilitate comparative genomics and the study of the evolutionary changes during development.     

Establishing gene function by mutagenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana

The nuclear genome of Arabidopsis thaliana was sequenced to near completion a few years ago, and ahead lies the challenge of understanding its meaning and discerning its potential. How many genes are there? What are they? What do they do? Computer algorithms combined with genome array technologies have proven efficient in addressing the first two questions as shown in a recent report ( Yamada et al., 2003 ). However, assessing the function of every gene in every cell will require years of careful analyses of the phenotypes caused by mutations in each gene. Current progress in generating large numbers of molecular markers and near‐saturation insertion mutant collections has immensely facilitated functional genomics studies in Arabidopsis. In this review, we focus on how gene function can be revealed through the analysis of mutants by either forward or reverse genetics. These mutants generally fall into two distinct classes. The first class typically includes point mutations or small deletions derived from chemical or fast neutron mutagenesis whereas the second class includes insertions of transferred‐DNA or transposon elements. We describe the current methods that are used to identify the gene corresponding to these mutations, which can then be used as a probe to further dissect its function.     

Chromosome‐level genome assembly of an important pine defoliator,Dendrolimus punctatus (Lepidoptera; Lasiocampidae)

Dendrolimus spp. are important destructive pests of conifer forests, and Dendrolimus punctatus Walker (Lepidoptera; Lasiocampidae) is the most widely distributed Dendrolimus species. During periodic outbreaks, this species is said to make “fire without smoke” because large areas of pine forest can be quickly and heavily damaged. Yet, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that underlie the unique ecological characteristics of this forest insect. Here, we combined Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) RSII single‐molecule long reads and high‐throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi‐C) genomics‐linked reads to produce a high‐quality, chromosome‐level reference genome for D. punctatus. The final assembly was 614 Mb with contig and scaffold N50 values of 1.39 and 22.15 Mb, respectively, and 96.96% of the contigs anchored onto 30 chromosomes. Based on the prediction, this genome contained 17,593 protein‐coding genes and 56.16% repetitive sequences. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that D. punctatus diverged from the common ancestor of Hyphantria cunea, Spodoptera litura and Thaumetopoea pityocampa ~ 108.91 million years ago. Many gene families that were expanded in the D. punctatus genome were significantly enriched for the xenobiotic biodegradation system, especially the cytochrome P450 gene family. This high‐quality, chromosome‐level reference genome will be a valuable resource for understanding mechanisms of D. punctatus outbreak and host resistance adaption. Because this is the first Lasiocampidae insect genome to be sequenced, it also will serve as a reference for further comparative genomics.     

Current status and future possibilities of molecular genetics techniques in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica napus</Emphasis>

As PCR methods have improved over the last 15 years, there has been an upsurge in the number of new DNA marker tools, which has allowed the generation of high-density molecular maps for all the key Brassica crop types. Biotechnology and molecular plant breeding have emerged as a significant tool for molecular understanding that led to a significant crop improvement in the Brassica napus species. Brassica napus possess a very complicated polyploidy-based genomics. The quantitative trait locus (QTL) is not sufficient to develop effective markers for trait introgression. In the coming years, the molecular marker techniques will be more effective to determine the whole genome impairing desired traits. Available genetic markers using the single-nucleotide sequence (SNP) technique and high-throughput sequencing are effective in determining the maps and genome polymorphisms amongst candidate genes and allele interactions. High-throughput sequencing and gene mapping techniques are involved in discovering new alleles and gene pairs, serving as a bridge between the gene map and genome evaluation. The decreasing cost for DNA sequencing will help in discovering full genome sequences with less resources and time. This review describes (1) the current use of integrated approaches, such as molecular marker technologies, to determine genome arrangements and interspecific outcomes combined with cost-effective genomes to increase the efficiency in prognostic breeding efforts. (2) It also focused on functional genomics, proteomics and field-based breeding practices to achieve insight into the genetics underlying both simple and complex traits in canola.     

不同来源植物乳杆菌基因组结构和功能差异的比较研究

[目的] 本试验研究不同来源植物乳杆菌（Lactobacillus plantarum）基因特点以及在不同环境下其基因多样性,探究2株L.plantarum A8和P9在肠道生境及植物表面适应性的异同,为优良菌株的开发提供理论基础。[方法] 本研究对从动物肠道和植物表面分离获得的L.plantarum A8和L.plantarum P9的基因组进行分析,利用第二代测序技术（NextGeneration Sequencing,NGS）,基于Illumina NovaSeq测序平台,同时利用第三代单分子测序技术,基于PacBio Sequel测序平台,对L.plantarum A8和L.plantarum P9进行测序。采用Carbohydrate-active enzymes（CAZy）、Koyto encyclopedia of genes and genomes（KEGG）和Clusters of orthologous genes（COG）数据库对基因组进行功能注释;采用CGView软件绘制菌株的基因组环形图谱。应用比较基因组学与已经公开发表的其他L.plantarum基因组进行比较分析。[结果] 由研究可知L.plantarum A8和L.plantarum P9基因组大小存在差异,通过构建系统发育树发现2株菌与其他来源的L.plantarum分在同一分支,并且L.plantarum P9与母乳来源的L.plantarum WLPL04菌株距离最近,而L.plantarum A8与L.paraplantarum DSM10667距离最近。通过基因家族分析可知,2株菌共有基因为2643个,其中包括一些抗应激蛋白如热休克蛋白、冷休克蛋白。L.plantarum A8和P9独特基因分别为321和336个,L.plantarum A8中独特基因主要参与DNA复制、ABC转运系统（ABC transfer system）、PTS系统（phosphotransferase system）、磺酸盐转运系统、氨基酸生物合成等代谢通路;L.plantarum P9的独特基因以参与碳水化合物的运输和代谢基因居多,例如rpiA基因、lacZ基因、FruA基因等。[结论] 通过比较基因组学方法解析L.plantarum的基因组信息,发现动物肠道来源的L.plantarum具有较好的氨基酸转运能力,植物表面附着的L.plantarum菌株具有较好碳水化合物利用能力,从而为益生菌的开发与利用提供理论依据。     

Beyond the genome: Reconstituting the new genetics

The mapping and sequencing of the human genome has been the 'Holy Grail' of the new genetics, and its publication marks a turning point in the development of modern biotechnology. However, the question remains: what has been the impact of this discovery on how biotechnology develops in science, and in society at large? Using concepts developed in the social studies of science and technology, the paper begins by rehearsing the historical development of the Human Genome Project (HGP), and suggests that its translation into genomics has been achieved through a process of 'black-boxing' to ensure stabilization. It continues by exploring the extent to which the move to genomics is part of a paradigm shift in biotechnology resulting from the conceptual and organizational changes that have occurred following the completion of HGP. The discussion then focuses on whether genomics can be seen as part of the development of socially robust knowledge in late modernity. The paper suggests that there is strong evidence that a transformation is indeed taking place. It concludes by sketching a social scientific agenda for investigating the reconstitution of the new genetics in a post-genomic era using a 'situated' analytic approach based on an understanding of techno-scientific change as both emergent and contingent.     

Sugarcane improvement: how far can we go?

In recent years, efforts to improve sugarcane have focused on the development of biotechnology for this crop. It has become clear that sugarcane lacks tools for the biotechnological route of improvement and that the initial efforts in sequencing ESTs had limited impact for breeding. Until recently, the models used by breeders in statistical genetics approaches have been developed for diploid organisms, which are not ideal for a polyploid genome such as that of sugarcane. Breeding programs are dealing with decreasing yield gains. The contribution of multiple alleles to complex traits such as yield is a basic question underlining the breeding efforts that could only be addressed by the development of specific tools for this grass. However, functional genomics has progressed and gene expression profiling is leading to the definition of gene networks. The sequencing of the sugarcane genome, which is underway, will greatly contribute to numerous aspects of research on grasses. We expect that both the transgenic and the marker-assisted route for sugarcane improvement will contribute to increased sugar, stress tolerance, and higher yield and that the industry for years to come will be able to rely on sugarcane as the most productive energy crop.