Identification and expression profiling of 10 novel spermatid expressed CYPT genes

To identify candidate genes for poor sperm morphology, we have screened for genes expressed during spermiogenesis. We identified 10 new members of the cysteine-rich perinuclear theca (CYPT) family showing that this family contains at least 15 members, which also includes the casein kinase II target genes. Based on similarity the CYPT sequences could be divided into two groups, Cypt1-10 and the novel members Cypt12-15. The 5'-end of the CYPT family is highly similar to exon1A and part of the first intron of Zfy2. Seven CYPT genes mapped to the X chromosome; six contained an intron and one was intron-less. One CYPT gene mapped to chromosome 3 and one mapped to chromosome 9 which were both intron-less. The upstream region of the CYPT family and Zfy2 genes is conserved. For some the conservation extended over a large region, however, only about 150 nucleotides is conserved among all CYPT members and Zfy2. Nevertheless, the short conserved promoter leads to essentially identical expression profiles for the CYPT family members and Zfy2, which was clearly different from the profile of Zfy1. Expression of the CYPT family and Zfy2 preceded the expression of other spermatid-specific genes such as the transition proteins and the protamines. In situ hybridization revealed a low expression in pachytene spermatocytes from stages IX-X followed by a strong upregulation in spermatids from stage VI with maximum expression in spermatids in stages VII-VIII. The CYPT family may function in the remodeling of the spermatid nucleus before condensation of the DNA.     

Identification and expression profiling of HSP20 genes in Neoporphyra haitanensis

Journal of Applied Phycology - Small heat-shock proteins (sHSPs/HSP20s) are closely related to algae and plant thermotolerance, but studies on HSP20 family in Neoporphyra haitanensis are scarce. In...     

家蚕醛氧化酶基因（BmAOXs）的鉴定与表达分析

醛氧化酶（aldehyde oxidases, AO, EC 1.2.3.1）是属于钼-黄素酶（molybdo-flavoenzymes, MFEs）家族的一类蛋白酶。为了探讨该酶在家蚕Bombyx mori中的功能, 本研究对家蚕醛氧化酶基因（BmAOXs）家族进行了鉴定和分析。以其他物种AO基因序列检索家蚕全基因组数据库, 获得了8个BmAOX候选基因, 均具有醛氧化酶保守的功能域。进化分析表明, BmAOX与其他昆虫AO聚为一簇。RT-PCR分析结果显示: BmAOX1, BmAOX2, BmAOX3, BmAOX5具有很强的组织特异性; 而BmAOX4, BmAOX6, BmAOX7, BmAOX8则在蛹和成虫的多个组织中均有表达, 提示它们在家蚕生理代谢活动中起重要作用。利用Native PAGE和活性染色方法, 对BmAOX编码的蛋白进行检测, 结果表明: 家蚕蛹中有5种有活性的醛氧化酶, 而成虫中有6种, 各组织中均有有活性的BmAOX, 只是种类和活性水平有所不同。本研究结果为深入探讨BmAOX家族的功能奠定了基础。     

沙葱萤叶甲钙结合蛋白基因的鉴定及表达谱分析

【目的】沙葱萤叶甲Galeruca daurica是一种近年来在内蒙古草原上猖獗成灾的新害虫。本研究旨在克隆沙葱萤叶甲钙结合蛋白(calcium-binding protein, CaBP)基因,分析其在沙葱萤叶甲成虫不同发育阶段及不同温度下的表达谱,为进一步探究其在沙葱萤叶甲生长发育及滞育过程中的作用奠定基础。【方法】根据沙葱萤叶甲转录组和蛋白质组数据,筛选CaBP基因序列信息,应用RT-PCR技术克隆获得CaBP基因的开放阅读框(ORF)全长序列,并对其进行生物信息学分析;通过qPCR检测其在沙葱萤叶甲成虫不同日龄(羽化后3, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60, 90和110 d)及3日龄成虫在不同温度(0, 5, 10,15, 20, 25, 30和35℃)下处理1 h后的表达水平。【结果】克隆得到4条具有完整ORF的沙葱萤叶甲CaBP基因cDNA序列,分别命名为GdCaM, GdCAPSL, GdTnCl和GdCRT(GenBank登录号: MN695412-695415),ORF全长分别为480, 648, 516和1 209 bp,分别编码149, 215, 171和402个氨基酸;只有GdCRT拥有信号肽。同源序列比对和系统发育分析表明,GdCaM, GdCAPSL, GdTnCl和GdCRT分别与玉米根萤叶甲Diabroticavirgifera virgifera的CaM, CAPSL, TnCl及马铃薯甲虫Leptinotarsa decemlineata CRT的氨基酸序列一致性最高,分别为100.0%, 74.0%, 88.2%和92.5%。qPCR结果表明,4个CaBP基因在沙葱萤叶甲不同日龄成虫中均差异表达,且表达模式不同。GdCaM在成虫滞育前(羽化后3 d)表达量较高,进入滞育后(羽化后7 d)表达量降低,在滞育期间(羽化后7-60 d)表达量变化较小,而解除滞育后(羽化后90 d)表达量进一步下调。GdCAPSL在滞育初期(羽化后10 d)维持在最低水平,进入滞育中后期(羽化后40和60 d)开始回升,滞育解除后又突然下调至最低水平,而羽化后110 d急剧上升至最高水平。GdTnCl在滞育初期(羽化后15-20 d)高表达,进入滞育中后期(羽化后30-60 d)急剧下降至最低水平,滞育解除后再次上调,但羽化后110 d突然下调至最低水平。GdCRT在进入滞育后表达量开始逐渐下调,在滞育维持期间(羽化后15-60 d)维持在低水平,滞育解除后又开始上升。温度对3日龄成虫中除GdCRT外的其他3个CaBP基因的表达有显著影响。温度低于20℃时,GdCaM的表达量随温度的降低而升高,但0℃时突然下降;温度高于20℃时,GdCaM的表达量随着温度的升高而上升。GdCAPSL的表达量随着温度的升高而呈现上升的趋势,25℃时达到最高,然后下降。GdTnCl随着温度的升高,表达量呈现下降的趋势。【结论】钙结合蛋白可能在沙葱萤叶甲成虫生长发育及夏滞育调控过程中发挥着重要作用。     

Identification of novel epigenetically modified genes in human melanoma via promoter methylation gene profiling

The inactivation of tumor-related genes through the aberrant methylation of promoter CpG islands is thought to contribute to tumor initiation and progression. We therefore investigated promoter methylation events involved in cutaneous melanoma by screening 30 genes of interest for evidence of promoter hypermethylation, examining 20 melanoma cell lines and 40 freshly procured melanoma samples. Utilizing quantitative methylation-specific PCR, we identified five genes (SOCS1, SOCS2, RAR-beta 2, TNFSF10C, and TNFSF10D) with hypermethylation frequencies ranging from 50% to 80% in melanoma cell lines as well as freshly procured tissue samples. Eighteen genes (LOX, RASSF1A, WFDC1, TM, APC, TFPI2, TNFSF10A, CDKN2A, MGMT, TIMP3, ASC, TPM1, IRF8, CIITA-PIV, CDH1, SYK, HOXB13, and DAPK1) were methylated at lower frequencies (2-30%). Two genes (CDKN1B and PTEN), previously reported as methylated in melanoma, and five other genes (RECK, IRF7, PAWR, TNFSF10B, and Rb) were not methylated in the samples screened here. Daughter melanoma cell lines showed identical methylation patterns when compared with original samples from which they were derived, as did synchronous metastatic lesions from the same patient. We identified four genes (TNFSF10C, TNFSF10D, LOX, and TPM1) that have never before been identified as hypermethylated in melanoma, with an overall methylation frequency of 60, 80, 50, and 10%, respectively, hypothesizing that these genes may play an important role in melanoma progression.     

A novel biomimetic olfactory-based biosensor for single olfactory sensory neuron monitoring

This paper presents a novel biomimetic olfactory biosensor for the study of olfactory transduction mechanisms on the basis of light addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS), in which rat olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) are used as sensing elements. Rat OSNs are cultured on the surface of LAPS chip. To validate the origin of the electrical signals recorded by LAPS, the inhibitory effect of MDL12330A to the olfactory signals of OSNs is tested, which is the specific inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase. The enhancive effect of LY294002 to the responses of OSNs is also investigated, which is the specific inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). The results show that this hybrid biosensor can record the responses of OSNs to odours efficiently in a non-invasive way for a long term, and the responses can be inhibited by MDL12330A and enhanced by LY294002. All these results demonstrate that this hybrid biosensor can be used to monitor electrophysiology of OSNs in a non-invasive way and suggest it could be a promising tool for the study of olfactory transduction mechanisms.     

沙葱萤叶甲表皮蛋白基因的鉴定及表达谱分析

【目的】表皮蛋白是昆虫体壁的主要组成部分,在昆虫生长发育中起着重要的作用。本研究旨在鉴定沙葱萤叶甲Galeruca daurica表皮蛋白基因,分析其表达模式,以期为进一步研究其在沙葱萤叶甲生长发育中的作用提供必要的基础。【方法】根据本实验室组装的沙葱萤叶甲转录组测序数据,应用生物信息学方法鉴定表皮蛋白基因全长开放阅读框(ORF);采用RT-qPCR技术测定鉴定的8个表皮蛋白基因在沙葱萤叶甲不同发育阶段和3龄幼虫不同组织(头部、体壁、消化道和脂肪体)中的表达谱。【结果】基于转录组数据鉴定到8条沙葱萤叶甲表皮蛋白基因的开放阅读框(ORF)全长序列,命名为GdauCP1-8(GenBank登录号: MN629000-MN629007),ORF长417~810 bp,编码138~269个氨基酸,预测分子量为15~28 kD,等电点pI为4.45~8.62;具有16~20个氨基酸的信号肽;GdauCP1具有典型的跨膜结构,其余7个GdauCP蛋白无跨膜结构。同源序列比对和系统发育分析表明,GdauCP3与马铃薯甲虫Leptinotarsa decemlineata CP的氨基酸序列一致性最高,为60.00%;其余的GdauCPs与玉米根萤叶甲Diabrotica virgifera virgifera CP的氨基酸序列一致性最高,为58.52%~80.00%。GdauCP1-4属于RR-2亚家族,GdauCP5-7属于RR-1亚家族,GdauCP8的亚家族归属未确定。RT-qPCR分析表明,8个GdauCP基因在沙葱萤叶甲不同发育阶段及3龄幼虫不同组织内均有表达,且表达量存在显著差异。GdauCP2, GdauCP4, GdauCP5和GdauCP6在1龄幼虫期高表达,GdauCP3, GdauCP7和GdauCP8在蛹期高表达,GdauCP1在3龄第3天幼虫期高表达;除GdauCP2在成虫中表达水平较高外,其他GdauCP基因在成虫中的表达水平均很低。GdauCP1在头部和体壁中高表达,GdauCP2和GdauCP8在脂肪体中高表达,GdauCP3, GdauCP4, GdauCP6和GdauCP7在消化道中高表达,而GdauCP5在体壁中高表达。【结论】8个GdauCP基因在沙葱萤叶甲不同发育阶段和组织间差异表达,且表达模式不同,意味着不同GdauCP可能具有不同的功能。     

GABAB receptor expression and function in olfactory receptor neuron axon growth

Neurotransmitters have been implicated in regulating growth cone motility and guidance in the developing nervous system. Anatomical and electrophysiological studies show the presence of functional GABAB receptors on adult olfactory receptor neuron (ORN) nerve terminals. Using antisera against the GABAB R1a/b receptor isoforms we show that developing mouse olfactory receptor neurons express GABAB receptors from embryonic day 14 through to adulthood. GABAB receptors are present on axon growth cones from both dissociated ORNs and olfactory epithelial explants. Neurons in the olfactory bulb begin to express glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), the synthetic enzyme for GABA, from E16 through to adulthood. When dissociated ORNs were cultured in the presence of the GABAB receptor agonists, baclofen or SKF97541, neurite outgrowth was significantly reduced. Concurrent treatment of the neurons with baclofen and the GABAB receptor antagonist CGP54626 prevented the inhibitory effects of baclofen on ORN neurite outgrowth. These results show that growing ORN axons express GABAB receptors and are sensitive to the effects of GABAB receptor activation. Thus, ORNs in vivo may detect GABA release from juxtaglomerular cells as they enter the glomerular layer and use this as a signal to limit their outgrowth and find synaptic targets in regeneration and development.     

Onset of odorant receptor gene expression during olfactory sensory neuron regeneration

Individual olfactory sensory neurons are thought to express only one odorant receptor gene from a repertoire of hundreds to thousands of genes. How do these sensory neurons choose just one specific odorant receptor to express during their differentiation? As an initial attempt toward understanding the process of odorant receptor gene regulation, we studied when odorant receptor expression is activated during sensory neuron regeneration. We find that receptor gene expression is activated in postmitotic neurons and can occur in the absence of the olfactory bulb. These results suggest that receptor expression is restricted to the terminal stages of olfactory neuron differentiation, and sensory neurons do not simply inherit the odorant receptor that is already expressed in mitotic precursor cells. Our results also support a model in which odorant receptor gene expression occurs independent of the olfactory bulb.     

The divergent orphan nuclear receptor ODR-7 regulates olfactory neuron gene expression via multiple mechanisms in Caenorhabditis elegans

Nuclear receptors regulate numerous critical biological processes. The C. elegans genome is predicted to encode approximately 270 nuclear receptors of which >250 are unique to nematodes. ODR-7 is the only member of this large divergent family whose functions have been defined genetically. ODR-7 is expressed in the AWA olfactory neurons and specifies AWA sensory identity by promoting the expression of AWA-specific signaling genes and repressing the expression of an AWC-specific olfactory receptor gene. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of action of a divergent nuclear receptor, we have identified residues and domains required for different aspects of ODR-7 function in vivo. ODR-7 utilizes an unexpected diversity of mechanisms to regulate the expression of different sets of target genes. Moreover, these mechanisms are distinct in normal and heterologous cellular contexts. The odr-7 ortholog in the closely related nematode C. briggsae can fully substitute for all ODR-7-mediated functions, indicating conservation of function across 25-120 million years of divergence.     

Identification and expression profiling of Spodoptera litura OR18, a gene with a potential role in olfactory recognition

The full‐length cDNA of the gene SlituOR18, encoding a candidate olfactory receptor in the antennae of the tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera Noctuidae), was identified through homology cloning strategies using RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) and PCR (polymerase chain reaction). The protein of SlituOR18 shared >80% sequence identity and the same seven transmembrane domains with other olfactory receptor 18 (OR18) proteins sequenced from noctuid moths. SlituOR18 also had a similar structure to SlituORco, encoding the olfactory co‐receptor in S. litura. The sequence between transmembrane segments IV and V was longer than other sequences between transmembrane segments, and the N‐terminus was intracytoplasmic. Analysis by qRT‐PCR showed SlituOR18 was predominantly expressed in adult moths and there was higher expression in female antennae than in male antennae. Weak expression of SlituOR18 was observed in eggs and no expression was observed in the antennae of fourth instars and 5‐day‐old pupae. In situ hybridization experiments revealed that expression of these receptor types was clearly restricted to the bases of trichodea‐type olfactory sensilla (sensillum trichodeum), that are known to contain neurons sensitive to food odor or pheromones. Our data demonstrated that both SlituORco and SlituOR18 showed diurnal changes in their relative expression level. Expression of SlituOR18 varied among geographic populations of S. litura that had been trapped in the field using synthetic pheromone lures. The mRNA expression level of SlituOR18 was similar among S. litura populations from Sichuan, Guangxi, and Hunan, and higher than in populations from Shanghai and Ningbo. We suggest that OR18 could play a critical role in olfaction in noctuid moths and is a potential target for novel pest management strategies in the future.