Molecular cytogenetics studies in Reichardia tingetana: Physical mapping of heterochromatin,telomere repeats,and 5S and 45S rDNA by 4′, 6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole and fluorescence in situ hybridization

Abstract Molecular cytogenetics studies of A‐T‐rich regions, telomeres, and 5S and 45S rDNA sites on the chromosomes of Reichardia tingetana Roth (2n= 16; diploid) were done using 4′, 6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The species were collected from three geographically isolated populations at Borg El Arab (salt marsh habitat), and Rashed and Shosha (sandy clay habitats) in Egypt. The three populations showed the chromosome number of all plants are diploid except for two tetraploid samples from Shosha. Plants from both Rashed and Shosha showed similarity in the distribution of six DAPI bands on six chromosomes, whereas those of Borg El Arab showed a distribution of 16 bands on 14 chromosomes. The FISH signals of the telomeres, and 5S and 45S rDNA, were at the telomeres of all chromosomes, two interstitial, and four terminal, respectively. The combination of DAPI and FISH showed colocalization of the DAPI bands with two 5S and two 45S rDNA loci. The increased number of DAPI bands in the cytotypes from the salt marsh habitat could indicate natural genetic adaptation through increasing the heterochromatin of A‐T‐rich regions.     

Extensive ribosomal DNA amplification during Andean common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) evolution

The extent of 5S and 45S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) variation was investigated in wild and domesticated common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) chosen to represent the known genetic diversity of the species. 5S and 45S rDNA probes were localized on mitotic chromosomes of 37 accessions by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The two 5S rDNA loci were largely conserved within the species, whereas a high variation in the number of 45S rDNA loci and changes in position of loci and number of repeats per locus were observed. Domesticated accessions from the Mesoamerican gene pool frequently had three 45S rDNA loci per haploid genome, and rarely four. Domesticated accessions from Andean gene pool, particularly from the race Peru, showed six, seven, eight or nine loci, but seven loci were found in all three races of this gene pool. Between three and eight loci were observed in accessions resulting from crosses between Andean and Mesoamerican genotypes. The presence of two to eight 45S rDNA loci in wild common beans from different geographic locations indicates that the 45S rDNA amplification observed in the Andean lineage took place before domestication. Our data suggest that ectopic recombination between terminal chromosomal regions might be the mechanism responsible for this variation.     

Homology‐dependent repair is involved in 45S rDNA loss in plant CAF‐1 mutants

Arabidopsis thaliana mutants in FAS1 and FAS2 subunits of chromatin assembly factor 1 (CAF1) show progressive loss of 45S rDNA copies and telomeres. We hypothesized that homology‐dependent DNA damage repair (HDR) may contribute to the loss of these repeats in fas mutants. To test this, we generated double mutants by crossing fas mutants with knock‐out mutants in RAD51B, one of the Rad51 paralogs of A. thaliana. Our results show that the absence of RAD51B decreases the rate of rDNA loss, confirming the implication of RAD51B‐dependent recombination in rDNA loss in the CAF1 mutants. Interestingly, this effect is not observed for telomeric repeat loss, which thus differs from that acting in rDNA loss. Involvement of DNA damage repair in rDNA dynamics in fas mutants is further supported by accumulation of double‐stranded breaks (measured as γ‐H2AX foci) in 45S rDNA. Occurrence of the foci is not specific for S‐phase, and is ATM‐independent. While the foci in fas mutants occur both in the transcribed (intranucleolar) and non‐transcribed (nucleoplasmic) fraction of rDNA, double fas rad51b mutants show a specific increase in the number of the intranucleolar foci. These results suggest that the repair of double‐stranded breaks present in the transcribed rDNA region is RAD51B dependent and that this contributes to rDNA repeat loss in fas mutants, presumably via the single‐stranded annealing recombination pathway. Our results also highlight the importance of proper chromatin assembly in the maintenance of genome stability.     

Correlation between the Chemical and Genetic Relationships among Thymus saturejoides Genotypes Cultured under in vitro and in vivo Environments

In this study, the in vitro and in vivo essential oil (EO) composition and genetic variability in six micropropagated genotypes of Thymus saturejoides Coss ., a Mediterranean medicinal and aromatic plant, were analyzed by GC/MS and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Yield and composition of the EO varied between genotypes. Cluster analysis based on RAPD data and EO grouped the six genotypes in three groups in both culture conditions, thus showing considerable intraspecific genetic and chemical variations. Applying the Mantel test, the result showed a significant correlation between the two proximity matrices RAPD and EO obtained from in vitro genotypes, whereas this correlation was not observed when using the EO obtained from the in vivo genotypes.     

Cytogenetic characterization of the sole Solea senegalensis (Teleostei: Pleuronectiformes: Soleidae): Ag-NOR, (GATA) n , (TTAGGG) n and ribosomal genes by one-color and two-color FISH

A cytogenetic analysis of the sole Solea senegalensis was carried out using silver staining for the nucleolus organizer region (Ag-NOR) identification, one-color FISH for chromosomal mapping of 45S and 5S ribosomal DNAs (rDNAs), (GATA) _n , and (TTAGGG) _n , and two-color FISH for co-localization of both rDNAs. The Ag-NORs and the 45S rDNA were mapped to a medium-sized submetacentric chromosomal pair. Hybridization with the 5S rDNA showed a major signal on the short arm of a medium-sized submetacentric chromosome pair and a minor signal on a centromeric site of a small acrocentric chromosome pair. Differences in the Ag-NOR and 45S and 5S rDNAs FISH signal sizes were observed between homologous chromosomes and among individuals. A two-color FISH co-localized 45S and 5S rDNAs to a medium-sized submetacentric chromosomal pair. The hybridization with the telomeric (TTAGGG) _n repeat displayed small signals at all chromosomal telomeres. Finally, the (GATA) _n probe produced dispersed and small hybridization signals on all chromosome spreads, showing its ubiquitous existence in the genome. These results were compared with those from other Pleuronectiformes and discussed in terms of karyotype evolution.     

Comparative molecular cytogenetic analysis of three <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leuciscus</Emphasis> species (Pisces,Cyprinidae) using chromosome banding and FISH with rDNA

A comparative molecular cytogenetic analysis was performed on three species of the genus Leuciscus viz. ide L. idus, chub L. cephalus and dace L. leuciscus distributed in Poland, using C-, Ag- and chromomycin A₃ (CMA₃)-stainings and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with 5.8S + 28S rDNA as a probe. Although the three species examined shared 2n = 50 chromosomes and the largest acrocentric chromosome pair in the complement, they were characterized with karyotypic differences in terms of the number of uni- and biarmed chromosomes and the localization of nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) revealed by Ag-staining and FISH. L. idus and L. cephalus showed the rDNA sites on the long arms of one submetacentric (SM) chromosome pair and on the short arms of one subtelocentric (ST) chromosome pair, respectively. These NORs were CMA₃-positive, GC-rich and C-positive heterochromatic sites in both species. Such chromosome banding features were also true for four NORs localizing on one of each SM and ST pair in L. leuciscus, but considerable numerical NOR polymorphism became apparent with Ag-staining and FISH due to a different combination of these NOR-bearing SMs and STs in this dace. The present results indicate that the molecular cytogenetic analysis applied herein may become useful to elucidate the karyotype evolution and phylogenetic relationships among the species in the genus Leuciscus and other related groups.     

Physical Mapping of rRNA Gene Loci and Inter-specific Relationships in Wild <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lilium</Emphasis> Distributed in Korea

Molecular cytogenetic analyses using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) were carried out to elucidate inter-specific relationships among wild Lilium species distributed in Korea. FISH revealed four to eight 45S rRNA gene loci, which are located on chromosomes 1–7, 10, and 11 among the different species. In contrast, the 5S rRNA gene locus was conserved on the long arm of chromosome 3, occasionally with two adjacent sites on the same chromosome arm in a few species. The 5S rDNA site was located adjacent to the 45S rDNA site in only three species, Lilium distichum, Lilium hansonii, and Lilium tsingtauense. GISH analysis using genomic DNA probes detected strong hybridization of genomes between diploid and triploid Lilium lancifolium species, demonstrating that triploid plants were derived from diploid L. lancifolium and not from Lilium maximowiczii. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS and NTS sequences supported the cytogenetic data as well as Comber’s classification of the genus Lilium.     

Salicylic and jasmonic acid pathways are necessary for defence against Dickeya solani as revealed by a novel method for Blackleg disease screening of in vitro grown potato

Potato is major crop ensuring food security in Europe, and blackleg disease is increasingly causing losses in yield and during storage. Recently, one blackleg pathogen, Dickeya solani has been shown to be spreading in Northern Europe that causes aggressive disease development. Currently, identification of tolerant commercial potato varieties has been unsuccessful; this is confounded by the complicated etiology of the disease and a strong environmental influence on disease development. There is currently a lack of efficient testing systems. Here, we describe a system for quantification of blackleg symptoms on shoots of sterile in vitro potato plants, which saves time and space compared to greenhouse and existing field assays. We found no evidence for differences in infection between the described in vitro‐based screening method and existing greenhouse assays. This system facilitates efficient screening of blackleg disease response of potato plants independent of other microorganisms and variable environmental conditions. We therefore used the in vitro screening method to increase understanding of plant mechanisms involved in blackleg disease development by analysing disease response of hormone‐ related (salicylic and jasmonic acid) transgenic potato plants. We show that both jasmonic (JA) and salicylic (SA) acid pathways regulate tolerance to blackleg disease in potato, a result unlike previous findings in Arabidopsis defence response to necrotrophic bacteria. We confirm this by showing induction of a SA marker, pathogenesis‐related protein 1 (StPR1), and a JA marker, lipoxygenase (StLOX), in Dickeya solani infected in vitro potato plants. We also observed that tubers of transgenic potato plants were more susceptible to soft rot compared to wild type, suggesting a role for SA and JA pathways in general tolerance to Dickeya.     

sRNA‐FISH: versatile fluorescent in situ detection of small RNAs in plants

Localization of mRNA and small RNAs (sRNAs) is important for understanding their function. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) has been used extensively in animal systems to study the localization and expression of sRNAs. However, current methods for fluorescent in situ detection of sRNA in plant tissues are less developed. Here we report a protocol (sRNA‐FISH) for efficient fluorescent detection of sRNAs in plants. This protocol is suitable for application in diverse plant species and tissue types. The use of locked nucleic acid probes and antibodies conjugated with different fluorophores allows the detection of two sRNAs in the same sample. Using this method, we have successfully detected the co‐localization of miR2275 and a 24‐nucleotide phased small interfering RNA in maize anther tapetal and archesporial cells. We describe how to overcome the common problem of the wide range of autofluorescence in embedded plant tissue using linear spectral unmixing on a laser scanning confocal microscope. For highly autofluorescent samples, we show that multi‐photon fluorescence excitation microscopy can be used to separate the target sRNA‐FISH signal from background autofluorescence. In contrast to colorimetric in situ hybridization, sRNA‐FISH signals can be imaged using super‐resolution microscopy to examine the subcellular localization of sRNAs. We detected maize miR2275 by super‐resolution structured illumination microscopy and direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy. In this study, we describe how we overcame the challenges of adapting FISH for imaging in plant tissue and provide a step‐by‐step sRNA‐FISH protocol for studying sRNAs at the cellular and even subcellular level.     

Micropropagation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Uraria picta</Emphasis> through adventitious bud regeneration and antimicrobial activity of callus

Uraria picta is extensively used in the Asian traditional systems of medicine. Overexploitation of the species for preparation of the drug Dashmula has led to the plant becoming rare and endemic. In the present investigation, an efficient micropropagation protocol has developed from leaf-derived callus of U. picta. Among the various concentrations of cytokinins (6-benzyladenine—BA; kinetin—Kin; and thidiazuron—TDZ) used, a significantly higher number of shoots per culture (58.8 ± 0.8) was observed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with 4.44 μM BA. The shoot regeneration frequency was sustained upon transfer to the same fresh medium at 4-wk intervals over a period of 2 yr. The medium containing various concentrations of auxins (α-napthalene acetic acid (NAA) or indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)) showed callus interspersed root formation; however, MS basal medium containing 3% sucrose revealed direct root induction from in vitro raised shoots. The acclimatized in vitro grown plants showed almost 98% survival upon transfer to soil in earthen pots and grown ex vitro. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis of 25 arbitrarily selected regenerants and mother plants revealed 100% uniformity and true-to-type nature of the regenerants. Methanolic extracts of callus showed strong antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria as compared to leaf and root extracts of in vitro raised plants and wild plants, suggesting the presence of higher concentrations of active chemical constituents (isoflavanoids) in callus cultures of U. picta.     

The potential of antagonistic moroccan Streptomyces isolates for the biological control of damping‐off disease of pea (Pisum sativum L.) caused by Aphanomyces euteiches

Three hundred and fifty‐nine isolates of actinobacteria collected from different Moroccan soils were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against the oomycete pathogen Aphanomyces euteiches, the causal agent of damping‐off of pea and other legumes. Eighty‐seven isolates (24%) had an inhibitory in vitro effect against A. euteiches. Fourteen bioactive isolates with the greatest inhibitory effect against A. euteiches and no inhibitory effect on plant beneficial rhizobia were tested for their ability to protect pea seeds and seedlings against the damping‐off disease using culture supernatants or spore suspensions as treatments. The two most protective isolates, OB21 and BA15, significantly reduced, compared to untreated control plants, damping‐off by 33% and 47%, respectively. The two bioactive isolates were classified as species of the genus Streptomyces based on 16S rDNA analysis and morphological and chemical characteristics.     

Localization of 5S and 25S rRNA genes on Somatic and meiotic chromosomes in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Capsicum</Emphasis> species of chili pepper

The loci of the 5S and 45S rRNA genes were localized on chromosomes in five species of Capsicum, namely, an-nuum, chacoense, frutescens, baccatum, and chinense by FISH. The 5S rDNA was localized to the distal region of one chromosome in all species observed. The number of 45S rDNA loci varied among species; one in annuum, two in chacoense, frutescens, and chinense, and four in baccatum, with the exceptions that ‘CM334’ of annuum had three loci and ‘tabasco’ of frutescens had one locus. ‘CM334’-derived BAC clones, 384B09 and 365P05, were screened with 5S rDNA as a probe, and BACs 278M03 and 262A23 were screened with 25S rDNA as a probe. Both ends of these BAC clones were sequenced. FISH with these BAC probes on pachytenes from ‘CM334’ plant showed one 5S rDNA locus and three 45S rDNA loci, consistent with the patterns on the somatic chromosomes. The 5S rDNA probe was also applied on extended DNA fibers to reveal that its coverage measured as long as 0.439 Mb in the pepper genome. FISH techniques applied on somatic and meiotic chromosomes and fibers have been established for chili to provide valuable information about the copy number variation of 45S rDNA and the actual physical size of the 5S rDNA in chili.     

Preconditioning influences mesenchymal stem cell properties in vitro and in vivo

Various diseases and toxic factors easily impair cellular and organic functions in mammals. Organ transplantation is used to rescue organ function, but is limited by scarce resources. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐based therapy carries promising potential in regenerative medicine because of the self‐renewal and multilineage potency of MSCs; however, MSCs may lose biological functions after isolation and cultivation for a long time in vitro. Moreover, after they are injected in vivo and migrate into the damaged tissues or organs, they encounter a harsh environment coupled with death signals due to the inadequate tensegrity structure between the cells and matrix. Preconditioning, genetic modification and optimization of MSC culture conditions are key strategies to improve MSC functions in vitro and in vivo, and all of these procedures will contribute to improving MSC transplantation efficacy in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Preconditioning with various physical, chemical and biological factors is possible to preserve the stemness of MSCs for further application in studies and clinical tests. In this review, we mainly focus on preconditioning and the corresponding mechanisms for improving MSC activities in vitro and in vivo; we provide a glimpse into the promotion of MSC‐based cell therapy development for regenerative medicine. As a promising consequence, MSC transplantation can be applied for the treatment of some terminal diseases and can prolong the survival time of patients in the near future.     

Diverse evolutionary pathways shaped 5S rDNA of species of tribe Anemoneae (Ranunculaceae) and reveal phylogenetic signal

Anemone sensu lato (including Pulsatilla and Hepatica), tribe Anemoneae (Ranunculaceae), is arranged into two subgenera, Anemone and Anemonidium, with basic chromosome numbers x = 8 and x = 7, respectively. We elucidated the level of divergence of 5S rDNA unit arrays between the subgenera, determined intra‐individual and interspecific sequence variation and tested 5S rDNA phylogenetic signal in revealing the origin of polyploid species. High intra‐individual nucleotide diversity and the presence of 5S rDNA unit array length variants and pseudogenes indicate that weak homogenization forces have shaped 5S rDNA in the investigated species. Our results show that 5S rDNA evolved through two major changes: diversification of 5S rDNA into two lineages, one with long (subgenus Anemone) and one with short 5S rDNA unit arrays (subgenus Anemonidium); and subsequent contraction and expansion of 5S rDNA unit arrays. Phylogenetic analysis based on 5S rDNA supports the hypothesis that A. parviflora could be a parental species and donor of the subgenome D to the allopolyploids A. multifida (BBDD) and A. baldensis (AABBDD). In A. baldensis interlocus exchange possibly occurred, followed by subsequent replacement of the 5S rDNA from subgenome D with those from subgenome B. Here we present evidence that both models, concerted and birth‐and‐death evolution, were probably involved in the evolution of the 5S rDNA multigene family in subgenera Anemone and Anemonidium.     

Application of Soil‐borne Actinomycetes for Biological Control against Fusarium Wilt of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) caused by Fusarium solani fsp pisi

Black root rot, caused by Fusarium solani f.sp. pisi, is a devastating soil‐borne disease in chickpea in Iran with no effective control measures. With the aim of finding applicable biocontrol agents to alleviate the malady, isolates of Actinomycetes isolated from soil and their antagonistic effect against F. solani f.sp. pisi were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. More than 100 Actinomycetes isolates were screened for their antifungal activities against the pathogen. The most active isolates were evaluated in greenhouse for their biocontrol performance. Based on the results of dual cultures in screening evaluations, the size of inhibition zone of fungal growth, and the most effective antagonist isolates (S3, S12 and S40) were selected for further studies. Identity of active isolates was determined, in this regard, 16S rDNA of isolates were amplified using universal bacterial primers FD1 and RP2. The PCR products were purified and sequenced. Sequence analysis of 16S rDNA was then performed using NCBI BLAST method. Comparison of the near full length 16S rRNA sequence of isolates to GenBank sequences demonstrated that isolates S3 and S12 were most similar to Streptomyces antibioticus, while isolate S40 was most similar to Streptomyces peruviensis. Biocontrol studies of these isolates in control of the disease in greenhouse significantly decreased the disease severity. Actinomycetes isolate S12 demonstrated the greatest effect in reducing disease than the other two. Results of this research are at preliminary stage for developing biocontrol agents. These data can be utilized as a platform for future studies with the aim of commercializing these biocontrol products and hoping to step towards sustainable agriculture.     

FISH分析栽培高粱×拟高粱、甜高粱×拟高粱的染色体行为

采用荧光原位杂交技术对45S rDNA在栽培高粱×拟高粱、甜高粱×拟高粱F1的有丝分裂和减数分裂染色体进行定位研究。在有丝分裂中期染色体上2个杂种分别检测到2个杂交信号, 在减数分裂粗线期、终变期、中期Ⅰ染色体上45S rDNA位于一个二价体上, 说明这两个杂种携带45S rDNA的染色体为同源染色体。根据45S rDNA位点随细胞减数分裂过程的位置变化, 表明这两个杂种染色体配对行为正常, 平均构型为2n=2x=20(10Ⅱ), 证明45S rDNA可作为染色体的一个识别指标间接地观察细胞减数分裂过程染色体的变化行为。     

Cytogenetic features of rRNA genes across land plants: analysis of the Plant rDNA database

The online resource http://www.plantrdnadatabase.com/ stores information on the number, chromosomal locations and structure of the 5S and 18S‐5.8S‐26S (35S) ribosomal DNAs (rDNA) in plants. This resource was exploited to study relationships between rDNA locus number, distribution, the occurrence of linked (L‐type) and separated (S‐type) 5S and 35S rDNA units, chromosome number, genome size and ploidy level. The analyses presented summarise current knowledge on rDNA locus numbers and distribution in plants. We analysed 2949 karyotypes, from 1791 species and 86 plant families, and performed ancestral character state reconstructions. The ancestral karyotype (2n = 16) has two terminal 35S sites and two interstitial 5S sites, while the median (2n = 24) presents four terminal 35S sites and three interstitial 5S sites. Whilst 86.57% of karyotypes show S‐type organisation (ancestral condition), the L‐type arrangement has arisen independently several times during plant evolution. A non‐terminal position of 35S rDNA was found in about 25% of single‐locus karyotypes, suggesting that terminal locations are not essential for functionality and expression. Single‐locus karyotypes are very common, even in polyploids. In this regard, polyploidy is followed by subsequent locus loss. This results in a decrease in locus number per monoploid genome, forming part of the diploidisation process returning polyploids to a diploid‐like state over time.     

Epistylis portoalegrensis n. sp. (Ciliophora,Peritrichia): A New Freshwater Ciliate Species from Southern Brazil

The peritrich ciliate Epistylis portoalegrensis n. sp. was found in two bodies of freshwater located in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. Morphological features were investigated using live and protargol‐stained specimens. The zooids presented a vase to cylindrical shape narrowed at the scopula, and a mean size of 131 × 37 μm in vivo. A C‐shaped macronucleus lay in the middle of the cell close to a single contractile vacuole. The oral infraciliature was typical for the genus, with all infundibular polykineties composed by three distinct rows of kinetosomes. Colonies are often nonbranched with no lateral stalk, carrying several zooids stemming from a single point. Specimens from the two sampling sites showed identical arrangement of the infraciliature, similar morphometry, identical 18S rDNA sequences, and a single nucleotide difference across the more variable ITS regions. Molecular phylogenetic analyses placed E. portoalegrensis in a well‐supported clade containing other Epistylis species, within the order Vorticellida.     

Compartmentalisation of [FeFe]‐hydrogenase maturation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Molecular hydrogen (H₂) can be produced in green microalgae by [FeFe]‐hydrogenases as a direct product of photosynthesis. The Chlamydomonas reinhardtii hydrogenase HYDA1 contains a catalytic site comprising a classic [4Fe4S] cluster linked to a unique 2Fe sub‐cluster. From in vitro studies it appears that the [4Fe4S] cluster is incorporated first by the housekeeping FeS cluster assembly machinery, followed by the 2Fe sub‐cluster, whose biosynthesis requires the specific maturases HYDEF and HYDG. To investigate the maturation process in vivo, we expressed HYDA1 from the C. reinhardtii chloroplast and nuclear genomes (with and without a chloroplast transit peptide) in a hydrogenase‐deficient mutant strain, and examined the cellular enzymatic hydrogenase activity, as well as in vivo H₂ production. The transformants expressing HYDA1 from the chloroplast genome displayed levels of H₂ production comparable to the wild type, as did the transformants expressing full‐length HYDA1 from the nuclear genome. In contrast, cells equipped with cytoplasm‐targeted HYDA1 produced inactive enzyme, which could only be activated in vitro after reconstitution of the [4Fe4S] cluster. This indicates that the HYDA1 FeS cluster can only be built by the chloroplastic FeS cluster assembly machinery. Further, the expression of a bacterial hydrogenase gene, CPI, from the C. reinhardtii chloroplast genome resulted in H₂‐producing strains, demonstrating that a hydrogenase with a very different structure can fulfil the role of HYDA1 in vivo and that overexpression of foreign hydrogenases in C. reinhardtii is possible. All chloroplast transformants were stable and no toxic effects were seen from HYDA1 or CPI expression.