Pathways for Nutrient Transport in the Pitchers of the Carnivorous Plant Nepenthes alata

Glands of the carnivorous pitcher plant Nepenthesalata are activein transport of materials into and out of the pitcher lumen,indicating dual functions in both secretion and absorption.This study examined the potential for open transport throughthese glands using the ultrastructural tracer lanthanum, whichis restricted to the apoplast, and the fluorescent symplastictracer, 6(5)carboxyfluorescein. Glandular uptake of lanthanumfrom the pitcher fluid occurred through the outer cell wallbetween irregularly spaced cutinized deposits, but was blockedfrom entering the underlying mesophyll cell walls by thick endodermal-likeregions. Similarly, lanthanum localization showed an open apoplasticpathway from the petiole to the endodermal regions in the glandbase. Thus, transport of materials into or out of the glandmust occur through the symplast. 6(5)Carboxyfluorescein showedthat these glands transport fluids directly from the pitcherfluid into vascular endings immediately beneath them via a symplasticroute. When applied to the petiolar vascular system, the fluorescenttracer freely entered immature pitchers, but was blocked fromentering the lumen of the mature pitcher by an endodermal zone.An ultrastructural survey showed infrequent pits with plasmodesmatalconnections to adjoining subepidermal cells. These results indicatethat the function of the gland is developmentally regulated.Prior to maturity, the primary function of the gland appearsto be secretion. However, at maturity, secretion is blockedby an endodermal layer, which limits the function of the glandto absorption. These studies support the theory that the glandsof Nepenthesalata are specialized for the bi-directional transportof materials.Copyright 1999 Annals of Botany Company Apoplastic transport, 6(5)carboxyfluorescein, carnivorous plants, digestive glands, endodermal layer,Nepenthesalata Blanco, lanthanum, pitcher plants.     

Termite Prey Specialization in the Pitcher Plant Nepenthes albomarginata--Evidence from Stable Isotope Analysis

Old World pitcher plants (Nepenthes spp., Nepenthaceae) trapand digest invertebrate prey to derive nutrients, primarilynitrogen (N). In the majority of lowland Nepenthes species studiedto date, ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) are numerically thedominant prey taxon. Nepenthes albomarginata is unusual in showingan apparent bias towards the capture of termites (Isoptera).We tested the hypothesis that N. albomarginata derives N fromtermite capture, by comparison of foliar stable N isotope abundance(     

Isolation of Viable Multicellular Glands from Tissue of the Carnivorous Plant,Nepenthes

Many plants possess specialized structures that are involved in the production and secretion of specific low molecular weight compounds and proteins. These structures are almost always localized on plant surfaces. Among them are nectaries or glandular trichomes. The secreted compounds are often employed in interactions with the biotic environment, for example as attractants for pollinators or deterrents against herbivores.Glands that are unique in several aspects can be found in carnivorous plants. In so-called pitcher plants of the genus Nepenthes, bifunctional glands inside the pitfall-trap on the one hand secrete the digestive fluid, including all enzymes necessary for prey digestion, and on the other hand take-up the released nutrients. Thus, these glands represent an ideal, specialized tissue predestinated to study the underlying molecular, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms of protein secretion and nutrient uptake in plants. Moreover, generally the biosynthesis of secondary compounds produced by many plants equipped with glandular structures could be investigated directly in glands.In order to work on such specialized structures, they need to be isolated efficiently, fast, metabolically active, and without contamination with other tissues. Therefore, a mechanical micropreparation technique was developed and applied for studies on Nepenthes digestion fluid. Here, a protocol is presented that was used to successfully prepare single bifunctional glands from Nepenthes traps, based on a mechanized microsampling platform. The glands could be isolated and directly used further for gene expression analysis by PCR techniques after preparation of RNA.     

Expression Profile of the REG Gene Family in Colorectal Carcinoma

Regenerating (REG) gene family belongs to the calcium-dependent lectin gene superfamily and encodes small multifunctional secretory proteins, which might be involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and carcinogenesis. To clarify REG expression profile in colorectal carcinoma (CRC), the authors examined the expression of REG Iα, Iβ, III, HIP/PAP, and REG IV by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarray. The expression of REG Iα, III, and HIP/PAP was more frequently observed in the CRCs than adjacent non-neoplastic mucosa (p < 0.001), whereas it was the converse for REG Iβ and IV (p < 0.001). The expression of REG Iα, Iβ, III, and HIP/PAP was negatively correlated with the depth of invasion of CRCs (p < 0.05). The REG Iβ and HIP/PAP were less expressed in CRCs with than without venous invasion (p < 0.05). The positive rates of REG Iα and HIP/PAP were significantly higher in CRCs without than with lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05). Mucinous carcinoma more frequently expressed REG IV protein than well- and moderately differentiated ones (p < 0.05). There was a positive relationship between REG Iα, Iβ, III, and HIP/PAP expression (p < 0.05). Survival analysis indicated the REG Iβ or HIP/PAP expression was positively linked to favorable prognosis of carcinoma patients (p < 0.05). This study indicated that aberrant REG expression might be closely linked to the pathogenesis, invasion, or lymph node metastasis of CRCs. REG Iβ and HIP/PAP could be considered reliable markers of favorable prognosis of CRC patients.     

Carnivorous syndrome in Asian pitcher plants of the genus Nepenthes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pitcher plants Nepenthes alata and N. mirabilis are carnivorous species with leaves composed of a photosynthetic part (lamina) and a pitcher trap. This characteristic permitted direct physiological and anatomical comparison between these two distinct parts of the leaves to determine those features involved in the 'carnivorous syndrome', which include low net photosynthetic assimilation rate (A(N)) and low photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE). METHODS: Photosynthetic rate (A(N)) and respiration rate (R(d)) were measured gasometrically, chlorophyll concentration was determined spectrophotometrically and nitrogen concentration was determined using a CHN elemental analyser in lamina and trap separately. Anatomy of N. alata was observed using light, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. A(N), foliar nitrogen and chlorophyll concentration were also compared with values for other carnivorous plant species (genera Sarracenia, Drosera) that combine both autotrophic and carnivorous functions into the same physical organ. KEY RESULTS: It was found that the A(N) in Nepenthes lamina was low and PNUE was only slightly higher or similar in comparison with other carnivorous plants. It was not observed that the pitcher had a higher R(d) than the lamina, but A(N) in the pitcher was significantly lower than in the lamina. Nepenthes possesses a cluster of characters that could result in reduced photosynthesis in the pitcher and be responsible for carnivorous function of the leaf: replacement of chlorophyll-containing cells with digestive glands, low chlorophyll and nitrogen concentration, compact mesophyll with a small portion of intercellular spaces, absence of palisade parenchyma and low stomatal density. CONCLUSION: Low photosynthetic capacity, nitrogen efficiency, chlorophyll and nitrogen concentration of Nepenthes pitchers was found, together with a set of features that characterized the carnivorous syndrome. Dual use of leaves for photosynthesis and nutrient gain can decrease photosynthetic efficiency in carnivorous plants in general.     

牡丹开花相关SWEET家族基因生物信息学与表达模式分析

为了揭示SWEET家族基因在牡丹开花过程中的作用,该研究以‘洛阳红’牡丹花瓣转录组数据库为基础,利用生物信息学方法对SWEET家族基因进行鉴定和分析。结果表明:(1)实验共得到10个具有完整开放阅读框的牡丹SWEET基因。(2)牡丹SWEET家族成员蛋白等电点、消光系数等差别不大,其中5个牡丹SWEET基因编码的蛋白为不稳定蛋白;亚细胞定位预测这10个牡丹SWEET基因编码的蛋白均定位在细胞膜;进化树分析显示,牡丹SWEET基因与拟南芥亲缘关系更近;结构分析表明,牡丹SWEET蛋白结构在进化过程中非常保守,这10个牡丹SWEET蛋白同时具有5个相同的Motif且均含2个MtN3 saliva结构域。(3)可溶性糖含量分析显示,从小风铃期到盛花期,牡丹花瓣中蔗糖含量不断降低,果糖和葡萄糖含量不断升高,均在盛花期达到峰值。(4)qRT-PCR分析显示,PsSWEET4盛花期表达量是小风铃期的34倍,PsSWEET8盛花期表达量是小风铃期的60倍。结合这2个基因表达与进化关系及可溶性糖变化值,初步推测PsSWEET4和PsSWEET8在开花过程中可能通过调控果糖、葡萄糖的转运而间接调控开花过程;该结果为进一步研究PsSWEET基因在牡丹生长发育过程中的功能奠定了基础。     

玉米KNOX基因家族鉴定及组织和逆境表达分析

为揭示玉米转录因子KNOX家族基因功能,采用生物信息学手段在玉米基因组水平鉴定KNOX家族成员,并对家族基因逆境和组织表达谱进行分析.结果 显示:(1)玉米基因组有22个ZmKNOX基因,根据其在染色体上的位置依次命名为ZmKNOX1-ZmKNOX22;编码蛋白质亚细胞定位预测发现,除ZmKNOX5、ZmKNOX11、...     

植物GH3基因家族研究进展

生长素在植物的整个生长发育过程中都具有重要的作用,其早期响应基因可归为3类:Aux/IAAs、GH3s、SAURs.通过功能基因组学的研究,特别是对相关突变体的分子遗传学与分子生物学的研究,使我们对这些基因家族的作用机理的理解更为深入.以下综述了植物GH3基因的结构、功能及表达调控模式,重点介绍了由GH3介导的生长素信号途径与其他信号转导途径之间的互作和GH3基因与植物逆境胁迫适应的关系.     

Gene Expression Profile Changes in Germinating Rice

Water absorption is a prerequisite for seed germination. During imbibition, water influx causes the resumption of many physiological and metabolic processes in growing seed. In order to obtain more complete knowledge about the mechanism of seed germination, two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis was applied to investigate the protein profile changes of rice seed during the first 48 h of imbibition. Thirty‐nine differentially expressed proteins were identified, including 19 down‐regulated and 20 up‐regulated proteins. Storage proteins and some seed development‐ and desiccation‐associated proteins were down regulated. The changed patterns of these proteins indicated extensive mobilization of seed reserves. By contrast, catabolism‐associated proteins were up regulated upon imbibition. Semi‐quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that most of the genes encoding the down‐ or up‐regulated proteins were also down or up regulated at mRNA level. The expression of these genes was largely consistent at mRNA and protein levels. In providing additional information concerning gene regulation in early plant life, this study will facilitate understanding of the molecular mechanisms of seed germination.     

黑色素瘤抗原编码基因家族新成员MAGE-D1的组织表达谱研究

MAGE D1是黑色素瘤抗原编码基因家族 (MAGE)中MAGE D亚家族的新成员 .为了研究该基因的性质及其可能功能 ,采用Northernblot和Dotblot杂交技术研究了其组织表达谱 .结果发现 ,该基因在多种肿瘤组织和正常组织中均广泛表达 .在所检测的 4 8种肿瘤组织中 ,经与对应正常组织进行比较发现 ,该基因在 13种肿瘤组织中的表达显著增高 ,而在 7种肿瘤组织中的表达则显著降低 .进一步分析提示该基因在多种胚胎组织中的表达高于成年组织 .由于MAGE A、 B、 C亚家族均具有在肿瘤组织 睾丸中特异表达的特点 ,而作为MAGE D亚家族成员的MAGE D1并非在肿瘤组织中特异表达 ,提示需要对MAGE基因家族进行深入的功能研究 .     

枸杞SWEET基因家族的鉴定与糖含量关系分析

【目的】糖外排转运蛋白（sugars will eventually be exported transporters, SWEETs）在植物生长发育过程中发挥重要作用,为解析SWEETs基因在枸杞（Lycium barbarum L.）果实发育过程中对糖积累作用,进一步为揭示SWEET基因在枸杞果实发育过程中作用提供参考。【方法】研究基于枸杞基因组数据,采用生物信息学方法对枸杞SWEET基因（LbaSWEET）进行全基因组鉴定,并利用已发表的转录数据分析了LbaSWEETs在果实发育时期的基因表达情况。【结果】结果表明,枸杞SWEET基因家族共有37个成员,随机分布于10条染色体上,分别编码152~621个氨基酸,蛋白质分子量为16.87~69.97 kD,等电点为4.96~9.86。亚细胞定位预测位于叶绿体或质膜,大多数含有7个跨膜螺旋。系统进化分析发现,37个LbaSWEET蛋白可分为4个亚群,每个亚群的基因结构和保守基序组成相似。启动子元件分析发现,LbaSWEET基因启动子富含大量激素响应、逆境胁迫和生长发育响应元件。转录组数据和qRT-PCR分析表明,LbaSWEET9和LbaSWEET29基因表达量随着果实成熟呈现显著增加。相关性分析结果表明,LbaSWEET9和LbaSWEET29基因表达量与果糖含量呈显著正相关。【结论】研究推测LbaSWEET9和LbaSWEET29基因是果糖积累的关键基因。     

茶树脯氨酸转运蛋白基因鉴定及表达分析

脯氨酸转运蛋白在植物体内脯氨酸的分配及响应多种非生物逆境胁迫过程中发挥着重要作用。为明确茶树体内脯氨酸转运蛋白家族情况,该研究从全基因组水平鉴定获得茶树脯氨酸转运蛋白家族成员,进行了系统进化关系、蛋白结构、基因表达特异性等分析。结果表明:(1)茶树中有6个脯氨酸转运蛋白基因,长度为1 326～1 725 bp之间,编码氨基酸数目在441～574 aa之间,蛋白质分子质量在48.5～63.0 kD之间,等电点为8.51～9.41,大部分为碱性蛋白,其结构中含有大量的α-螺旋和自由卷曲,少量的延长链和β-转角结构。(2)亚细胞定位分析结果显示,茶树CsProT1、CsProT2、CsProT4、CsProT5和CsProT6蛋白定位于细胞膜,CsProT3蛋白则定位于高尔基体。(3)CsProTs蛋白中含9～11个典型的跨膜结构域,其三级结构与保守基序特征均与拟南芥高度相似,具有高度的保守性,不同成员间氨基酸序列相似性达40.14%。(4)基因表达特异性分析显示,CsProT1,CsProT2和CsProT3基因在各个组织部位的表达量均较高,CsProT4、CsProT5和CsProT6表达量均较低,且CsProT1基因的表达量最高;除CsProT5基因外,CsProTs蛋白家族的基因均受到NaCl、干旱及冷胁迫的诱导表达。(5)蛋白相互作用分析结果显示,CsProTs蛋白可与脯氨酸氧化酶ERD5,脯氨酸生物合成限速酶P5CS1、P5CS2和δ-吡咯啉-5-羧酸脱氢酶ALDH12A1等脯氨酸合成,转运及降解有关的蛋白相互作用,共同调控茶树体内脯氨酸的含量。研究认为,茶树6个CsProTs蛋白可共同参与茶树体内脯氨酸的转运平衡及对多种非生物逆境胁迫响应的过程。     

高等植物己糖激酶基因研究进展

己糖激酶(HXK)具有催化己糖磷酸化的作用,是植物体呼吸代谢过程中的关键酶之一。近十几年的研究发现,HXK在植物的糖感知和糖信号转导过程中扮演重要的角色。目前GenBank已登录28种高等植物的HXK同源基因,其在不同物种中均以多基因家族形式存在。HXK基因家族多数成员包括9个外显子,编码492-522个氨基酸。HXK亚细胞定位研究发现,植物HXK家族成员主要分布于线粒体,少数成员存在于细胞质、叶绿体和质体基质中。植物HXK基因家族大部分成员在不同器官或组织中均有表达,但是拟南芥(Arabidopsis thaliana)AtHKL3和水稻(Oryza sativa)OsHXK10仅在花中表达。高等植物部分HXK不仅影响植物生长发育,还调控植物激素信号转导以及调节植物花青素合成途径中相关基因表达。应用MEGA 4.0软件对18个物种HXK基因氨基酸序列构建系统进化树,HXK基因序列聚为7小支,聚类关系能反映不同基因结构和功能的差异。     

Gene Expression Profile Following Stable Expression of the Cellular Prion Protein

1. The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is expressed widely in neural and nonneural tissues at the highest level in neurons in the central nervous system (CNS).2. Recent studies indicated that transgenic mice with the cytoplasmic accumulation of PrPC exhibited extensive neurodegeneration in the cerebellum, although the underlying mechanism remains unknown. To identify the genes whose expression is controlled by overexpression of PrPC in human cells, we have established a stable PrPC-expressing HEK293 cell line designated P1 by the site-specific recombination technique.3. Microarray analysis identified 33 genes expressed differentially between P1 and the parent PrPC-non-expressing cell line among 12,814 genes examined. They included 18 genes involved in neuronal and glial functions, 5 related to production of extracellular matrix proteins, and 2 located in the complement cascade.4. Northern blot analysis verified marked upregulation in P1 of the brain-specific protein phosphatase 2A beta subunit (PPP2R2B), a causative gene of spinocerebellar ataxia 12, and the cerebellar degeneration-related autoantigen (CDR34) gene associated with development of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration.5. These results indicate that accumulation of PrPC in the cell caused aberrant regulation of a battery of the genes important for specific neuronal function. This represents a possible mechanism underlying PrPC-mediated selective neurodegeneration.     

基因表达谱芯片在肿瘤基因组学中的应用

表达谱芯片 ,是指将几千个基因特异的探针或其ｃＤＮＡ片段固定在一块基因芯片上 ,对来源于不同个体 (正常人与患者 )、不同组织、不同细胞周期、不同发育阶段、不同病变、不同刺激 (包括不同诱导、不同治疗手段 )下的细胞内的ｍＲＮＡ或逆转录产物ｃＤＮＡ进行检测从而大规模对这些基因表达的个体特异性、组织特异性、发育特异性、分化阶段特异性、病变特异性、刺激特异性进行综合的分析和判断。基因表达谱芯片研究基因在不同组织或细胞、不同发育阶段中基因表达的改变 ,通过基因表达的改变进而阐明基因的功能。1 .杂交信号检测原理用不同…     

植物GH3基因家族的生物信息学分析

植物生长素在植物的生长发育过程中至关重要,GH3基因家族是植物生长素早期应答的成员。本研究采用比较基因组学的方法,利用已经分离的拟南芥GH3(Gretchen Hagen3)蛋白为检索序列,在全基因组水平上搜索拟南芥、水稻、葡萄、白杨和苜蓿的GH3基因的同源序列。最终确定了59个GH3候选基因,其中拟南芥19个,水稻14个,葡萄9个,白杨14个,苜蓿3个。对同源序列作进一步的多序列联配、MEME、ESTs和系统发生表达分析,结果表明:GH3基因家族的基本特征在单双子叶植物分离之前就已经形成;GH3结构域在蛋白质间较保守,可以分为3个亚家族,其中个别蛋白发生了基序丢失;59个同源蛋白中的40个成员找到了ESTs的证据,且表达部位多样,不同成员之间的表达部位存在差异。该研究结果将为植物的GH3基因家族的研究提供参考。