The human dynamin-related protein OPA1 is anchored to the mitochondrial inner membrane facing the inter-membrane space

We have examined the effect of transforming growth factor β₁ (TGF-β₁) and overexpression of the Smad4 gene on the phenotype of Car C, a ras mutated highly malignant spindle carcinoma cell line. TGF-β₁-treated Car C cells overexpressing Smad4 spread with a flattened morphology with membrane ruffles abundant in vinculin and show a reduction in their invasive abilities. TGF-β₁ treatment and overexpression of Smad4 also enhanced the production of PAI-1 measured by the activation of the p3TP-lux reporter gene containing a PAI-1-related promoter. This activation was abolished with a dominant-negative Smad4 construct. These results lead us to conclude that both TGF-β₁ and Smad4 overexpression reduce the invasive potential of Car C cells, probably via the Smad pathway.     

棉粕对盐碱胁迫下棉花生理及生长补偿效应

为探究棉粕对盐碱胁迫下棉花(Gossypium hirsutum)的抗盐碱机理, 通过田间试验, 研究添加不同棉粕用量对8 g·kg ^-1盐碱胁迫下棉花生理及生长的补偿效应。结果表明, 添加棉粕能够增加盐碱胁迫下棉花不同器官对K ⁺的吸收, 降低对Na ⁺的吸收, 维持盐碱胁迫下细胞内K ⁺和Na ⁺的平衡, 显著促进棉花生长, 提高叶片叶绿素含量和光合作用效率, 有效缓解盐碱胁迫对棉花的伤害。其中, 以添加6 000 kg·hm ^-2棉粕处理的效果最显著, 且盐胁迫下棉粕的改良效果较好。主成分分析结果表明, 盐碱胁迫下棉花生长生理的主要影响因子为叶片K ⁺/Na ⁺比值、根长、鲜重、干重和胞间CO₂浓度(C_i)。     

Screening of Vitamin D activity (VDA) of Solanum glaucophyllum leaves measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA)

The ingestion of Solanum glaucophyllum (SG) causes a calcinosis of cattle named Enteque Seco (ES). The toxic principle is the 1,25-(OH)₂D₃, mainly conjugated as glycoside. This study aims to validate a simple novel method of evaluation of the VDA of SG leaves. Aqueous extracts of SG were purified using C₁₈ minicolumns and assayed by RIA with an antibody raised in rabbits by injection of the acid—C22, 1-(OH)Vitamin D₃. Data were expresed as glycoside equivalent to 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ in ng/g of dry leaves. We compared this data with 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ levels measured, in the same samples, by liquid chromatography (HPLC) after enzyme cleavage. This procedure involved the incubation of SG leaves with rumen fluid, followed by C₁₈-OH solid phase extraction. The 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ fraction was run by HPLC and detection was achieved using a photodiode array detector. Data were expressed as micrograms of 1,25-(OH)₂D₃/g dry leaves. A significant regression of 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ levels (Y) as a function of glycoside RIA 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ equivalents (X) was found: Y = 12.02 + 0.35X [R = 0.81; P = 0,0002; N = 15], allowing us to conclude that this novel assay could be used to estimate the amount of this active principle contained in SG leaves.     

Regulation of the CYP27B1 5'-flanking region by transforming growth factor-beta in ROS 17/2.8 osteoblast-like cells

The biologically active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃), regulates osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. Production of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ is catalysed by the enzyme 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃-1-hydroxylase (CYP27B1). Though highly expressed in the kidney, the CYP27B1 gene is also expressed in non-renal tissues including bone. It is hypothesised that local production of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ by osteoblasts plays an autocrine or paracrine role. The aim of this study was to investigate what factors regulate expression of the CYP27B1 gene in osteoblast cells. ROS 17/2.8 osteoblast cells were transiently transfected with plasmid constructs containing the 5′-flanking sequence of the human CYP27B1 gene fused to a luciferase reporter gene. Cells were treated with either parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25(OH)₂D₃, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and luciferase activity was measured 24 h later. The results showed that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ did not alter expression of the reporter construct, however treatment with PTH, IGF-1 and TGF-β decreased expression by 18, 53 and 58% respectively. The repressive action of TGF-β was isolated to the region between −531 and −305 bp. These data suggest that expression of the 5′-flanking region for the CYP27B1 gene in osteoblast cells may be regulated differently to that previously described in kidney cells.     

白桦BpPIN3基因启动子序列及应答特性分析

PIN蛋白家族作为植物中重要的生长素外排载体家族,在植物生长和发育过程中表现出广泛的生理效应。为了进一步了解BpPIN3的功能,探究其在白桦（Betula platyphylla）发育过程中及其对不同激素信号和非生物胁迫的响应,采用生物信息学方法分析白桦BpPIN3启动子序列。以1年生和2年生白桦无性系苗木的根、茎、叶和顶芽为材料进行组织部位表达模式分析。以白桦幼苗为材料,用100 μmol·L^-1生长素（IAA）、100 μmol·L^-1赤霉素（GA₃）、200 μmol·L^-1脱落酸（ABA）和长光照条件下分别进行激素诱导和光胁迫处理,并取激素处理后0、2、4、8、16、24、48 h以及光胁迫后0、1、3、6,12、24、48、72 h时的白桦叶片和根提取RNA,利用qRT-PCR技术分析BpPIN3基因的表达情况。结果显示：BpPIN3启动子序列包含赤霉素、脱落酸、茉莉酸甲酯等不同类型的生长素响应元件,以及多个与逆境相关的顺式调控元件。BpPIN3在不同生长年份白桦的多个组织部位都有表达,尤其在叶片中表达量较高,并且所有组织部位中BpPIN3第二年的表达量均高于第一年。BpPIN3基因在不同处理条件下,不同部位间的相对表达量的变化存在一定差异,IAA及GA能够诱导白桦叶片组织细胞中的BpPIN3上调表达;而在ABA处理下除16、48 h外,BpPIN3基因表现出与IAA处理下相反的表达模式。在根组织中,IAA、GA₃及ABA均能诱导BpPIN3的表达。在叶片组织中,遮光胁迫诱导了BpPIN3基因的表达;在根组织中,随着处理时间的推移,12 h开始BpPIN3基因的相对表达量均显著高于对照（0 h）。根据试验结果,推测BpPIN3基因在白桦生长发育过程,以及IAA、GA₃和ABA信号转导途径和植物光响应过程中发挥重要调控作用。     

陆地棉GST基因家族全基因组分析

谷胱甘肽转移酶(glutathione-S-transferase, GST)是一种普遍存在的具有多功能的超家族蛋白,在植物初次生代谢、逆境胁迫、胞间信号传递等方面具有重要作用;同时,作为配体其在植物激素代谢以及物质转运方面也发挥作用。为了解析陆地棉(Gossypium hirsutum L.) GST基因家族的信息,本研究对该基因家族成员的种类、进化关系、物理定位、基因结构和保守基序以及表达模式进行了分析。结果显示,在陆地棉全基因组中共含有70个GST基因,进化树和基因结构分析将该家族分为U族、F族、T族、Z族、EF1Bγ族和TCHQD族。基因定位分析发现,除了AD/At2、AD/At4、AD/At5、AD/Dt5、AD/Dt10号染色体上没有GST基因外,其他染色体上都有GST基因,并且在AD/At9、AD/Dt7、AD/Dt12、AD/Dt13这4条染色体上出现基因簇。对F族(Phi类) 9个GST基因进行荧光定量分析,结果表明,除GhGSTF1可能为假基因外,GhGSTF2~9等8个基因在陆地棉根、茎、叶以及各个发育时期的纤维中均有表达;结合生物信息学分析,推测GhGSTF8可能参与原花青素/花青素的转运和积累;GhGSTF4、GhGSTF6和GhGSTF9可能在调节陆地棉的生长和胁迫反应中起作用,而GhGSTF2、GhGSTF3、GhGSTF5和GhGSTF7的功能还有待进一步研究。本研究为陆地棉GST基因家族的分子进化及功能研究提供了理论依据。     

Simultaneous genomic overexpression of seven glycolytic enzymes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Fusions of the glycolytic genes TPI1, PGK1, ENO1, PYK1, PDC1, and ADH1 with the lacZ reporter gene of Escherichia coli and a lacZ fusion construct of a 390-bp fragment from the promoter of the HXT7 gene were assayed for β-galactosidase activity. The glycolytic promoters were induced after addition of glucose to ethanol-grown cells, whereas the HXT7 promoter fragment showed a constitutive β-galactosidase expression on both carbon sources. The genes coding for the seven enzymes of lower glycolysis Tdh, Pgk, Gpm, Eno, Pyk, Pdc, and Adh were simultaneously put under the control of the same strong promoter, a truncated HXT7 promoter that is constitutively active on ethanol as well as on glucose medium. Genomic expression of the glycolytic genes under the control of this promoter, resulted in an at least 2-fold overexpression. The gene MSG5 was isolated, coding for a protein phosphatase normally involved in cell cycle regulation, as a factor that possibly influences the expression of the HXT7 gene. However, overexpression of MSG5 had no effect on the expression of the HXT7/lacZ fusion, whereas a deletion of this gene resulted in a decreased expression of β-galactosidase.     

PD-L1基因敲除小鼠构建及初步表型验证

目的 程序性死亡配体-1(PD-L1)是免疫调节途径的重要因子,是抗肿瘤免疫疗法中重要的靶标之一。利用CRISPR/Cas9技术成功构建PD-L1基因敲除小鼠模型,并初步分析其表型。方法 构建Cas9和sgRNA载体,并转录获得RNA,通过显微注射方式将RNA注射到C57BL/6小鼠受精卵中,经过鉴定获得F₀代阳性小鼠。F₀代小鼠与野生型C57BL/6小鼠交配获得F₁代杂合子小鼠,再通过F₁代小鼠自交获得F₂代纯合子小鼠品系。随后通过Real-Time PCR和流式实验分别检测PD-L1基因在mRNA和蛋白质水平上的表达情况。结果 Real-Time PCR和流式实验检测结果显示与野生型C57小鼠相比,PD-L1纯合子小鼠的PD-L1 mRNA相对表达水平和细胞上的蛋白质表达均有显著性下降,仅测定到本底的信号,证实已成功构建PD-L1基因敲除小鼠品系,为PD-L1体内基因功能研究提供了新的小鼠模型。     

The Presence of Lipids But Absence of Tannins in Elodea Idioblasts

The presence of tannins in the idioblasts of Elodea densa is conclusively disproved. Ten reagents for histochemical detection of tannin (K₂Cr₂O₇, K₃Fe(CN)₆, FeCl₃, (NH₄)₂MO₄, Nessler's reagent, Fehling's reagent, methylene blue, gelatin, iodine-KI and lead acetate) gave negative tests in Elodea idioblasts. Two reagents (1% aqueous caffeine and a saturated solution of Ca(OH)₂) gave apparently positive reactions that could be explained by the presence of lipids. Positive tests for lipids were obtained by direct microscopic examination of the removal of lipid materials from freeze-dried leaves, using a 1:1 ether-alcohol mixture. The lipid material was not removed when acetone was substituted for ether-alcohol. A lipoprotein complex was demonstrated by using Serra's method for masked lipids.     

The propensity of alkoxide and aryloxide derivatives of tungsten carbonyls to aggregate in solution. Synthesis and X-ray structures of dinuclear, trinuclear and tetranuclear complexes derived from the MeOW(CO)5 anion

The complex [Et₄N][W(CO)₅OMe] (1) has been prepared from the reaction of the photochemically generated W(CO)₅THF adduct and [Et₄N][OH] in methanol. Complex 1 was shown to undergo rapid CO dissociation in THF to quantitatively provide the dimeric dianion, [W(CO)₄OMe]₂²⁻. The resulting THF insoluble salt [Et₄N]₂[W(CO)₄OMe]₂ (2) has been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography, with the doubly bridging methoxide ligands being in an anti configuration. Complex 2 was found to subsequently react with excess methoxide ligand in a THF slurry to afford the face-sharing octahedron complex [Et₄N]₃[W₂(CO)₆(OMe)₃] (3) which contains three doubly bridging methoxide groups. In the absence of excess methoxide ligand complex 2 cleanly yields the tetrameric complex [Et₄N]₄[W(CO)₃OMe]₄ (4) which has been structurally characterized as a cubane-like arrangement with triply bridging μ³-methoxide groups and W(CO)₃ units. Although complex 3 was not characterized in the solid state, the closely related glycolate derivative [Et₄N]₃[W₂(CO)₆(OCH₂CH₂OH)₃] (5) was synthesized and its structure determined by X-ray crystallography. The trianions of complex 5 are linked in the crystal lattice by strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Crystal data for 2: space group P2₁/n, a = 7.696(2), b = 22.019(4), c = 9.714(2) Å, β = 92.22(3)°, Z = 4, R = 6.43%. Crystal data for 4: space group Fddd, a = 12.433(9), b = 24.01(2), c = 39.29(3) Å, Z = 8, R = 8.13%. Crystal data for 5: space group P2₁2₁2₁, a = 11.43(2), b = 12.91(1), c = 29.85(6) Å, Z = 8, R = 8.29%. Finally, the rate of CO ligand dissociation in the closely related aryloxide derivatives [Et₄N][W(CO)₅OR] (R = C₆H₅ and 3,5-F₂C₆H₃) were measured to be 2.15 × 10⁻² and 1.31 × 10⁻³ s⁻¹, respectively, in THF solution at 5°C. Hence, the value of the rate constant of 2.15 × 10⁻² s⁻¹ establishes a lower limit for the first-order rate constant for CO loss in the W(CO)₅OMe⁻ anion, since the methoxide ligand is a better π-donating group than phenoxide.     

种子植物抗细胞凋亡DAD基因的演化

抗细胞凋亡基因(DAD)是一个高度保守的细胞凋亡抑制基因,在植物生长发育中承担重要功能。为全面了解DAD基因在种子植物中的分布和演化规律,该文利用31种植物的全基因组数据,通过生物信息学手段,深入探讨和分析了不同植物类群中DAD基因的拷贝数目、基因结构和染色体定位,并综合另外7种裸子植物的转录组数据探讨了其在种子植物中的演化趋势。结果表明,DAD基因属于低拷贝基因,在不同种子植物中只具有1–3个拷贝;不同DAD基因编码的氨基酸长度在108–170 aa之间变动。同线性和系统发育分析进一步表明,种子植物DAD基因的演化具有明显的谱系特异性。随机复制和染色体大片段复制及其随后的基因丢失可能是其维持低拷贝的重要方式。     

抗草丁膦和抗草甘膦转基因油菜的抗性基因向野芥菜的流动

通过人工去雄授粉和田间隔行种植试验,研究了抗草丁膦和抗草甘膦转基因油菜(Brassica napus)中的bar基因和EPSPS基因向野芥菜(B. juncea var. gracilis)流动的可能性。结果表明在人工授粉的情况下,以野芥菜为母本,分别以两种转基因油菜为父本,亲和性指数都很高,达13以上,与野芥菜自交或开放授粉条件下的亲和性指数没有明显差异,说明两种转基因油菜和野芥菜的亲和性较好。经两次除草剂筛选,人工杂交获得的所有F₁对相应的除草剂都表现出了明显的抗性,且经PCR检测扩增出了各自的特异性条带,说明人工杂交获得的所有F₁都携带了相应的抗性基因。F₁的适合度研究表明,两种F₁种子萌发率和母本都没有明显差异,营养生长明显好于母本。但花粉活力和结实率明显下降,携带抗草丁膦基因F₁的花粉活力和每角果粒数分别是32.4%和0.59粒,携带抗草甘膦基因F₁的花粉活力和每角果粒数分别是35.1%和0.58粒。经两次除草剂筛选和PCR检测,表明野芥菜和抗草丁膦油菜或与抗草甘膦油菜田间隔行种植分别能产生0.02%和0.014%的携带抗性基因的F₁杂种。以上结果表明抗除草剂转基因油菜的抗性基因具有向野芥菜流动的可能性,且bar和EPSPS基因向野芥菜流动的可能性类似,但对其可能引起的环境后果需要做进一步地深入研究。     

Diplatinum(III) complexes with bridging 1-methylcytosinate ligands and variable axial ligands, including guanine nucleobases

A series of diplatinum(III) complexes derived from cis-(NH₃)₂Pt^II and the model nucleobase 1-methylcytosine (1-MeC) has been prepared and X-ray structurally characterized, all of which contain two anionic base ligands (1-MeC⁻) in a head–tail (ht) arrangement: ht-cis-[(ONO₂)(NH₃)₂Pt(1-MeC⁻-N3,N4)₂Pt(NH₃)₂(ONO₂)](NO₃)₂·HNO₃·3H₂O (2b), ht-cis-[(NO₂) (NH₃)₂ Pt(1-MeC⁻-N3,N4)₂Pt(NH₃)₂(OH₂)](ClO₄)₃·3.5H₂O (3), ht-cis-[(OH₂)(NH₃)₂Pt(1-MeC⁻-N3,N4)₂Pt(NH₃)₂(OH₂)](ClO₄)₄·H₂O (4b), and ht-cis-[(9-EtGH-N7)(NH₃)₂Pt(1-MeC⁻-N3,N4)₂Pt (NH₃)₂(9-EtGH-N7)](NO₃)₄·9H₂O (7b) (9-EtGH=9-ethylguanine). Several other compounds, differing in the nature of the axial ligands, have been isolated and or observed in solution by ¹H and ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR spectroscopy. The chemistry of these diplatinum(III) compounds is dominated by facile substitution reactions of the axial ligands. Of particular interest in this context is the ready reaction of 2b or 3 with guanine nucleobases. Since similar compounds are not obtained with any of the other common nucleobases, 2b and 3 can be considered guanine-specific chemical probes.