Susceptibility of Oncomelania hupensis formosana recombinants and hybrids with Oncomelania hupensis nosophora to infection with Schistosoma japonicum

Chiu J.-K., Ong S.-J., Yu J.-C., Kao C.-Y. and Iuima T. 1981. Susceptibility of Oncomelania hupensis formosana recombinants and hybrids with Oncomelania hupensis nosophora to infection with Schistosoma japonicum. International Journal for Parasitology11: 391–397. Three generations of Oncomelania hupensis formosana recombinants were produced by mating the Kaohsiung race with the Ilan and Changhua races of the snails. F₂ and F₃ recombinants were produced by back-crossing F₁ and F₂ with Kaohsiung O. h. formosana. Subsequently, susceptibility of recombinants to infection with the original strain of Schistosoma japonicum, Ilan or Changhua strain, was investigated. Results indicated that susceptibility of recombinants declined steadily generation by generation. Marked decline of infectivity was observed for Kaohsiung-Ilan recombinants as compared with Kaohsiung-Changhua recombinants. For example, the overall infection rate of Kaohsiung-Ilan F₁ recombinants was 7.3 % with a 51.4 % of control snails. The same figures for F₂ were 4.2 and 52.6%, and 1 and 40.3 % for F₃. On the other hand, the overall infection rate of Kaohsiung-Changhua F₁ recombinants was 21.9% with a 46.9% of control snails; and 11.9 and 50.3 % for F₂; and 7.6 and 33.2% for F₃. The F₃ hybrids of Oncomelania hupensis nosophora from Japan and O. h. formosana from Kaohsiung and Ilan were also produced, and susceptibility with the Japanese strain of S. japonicum was studied. A highly significant decline of susceptibility was observed among hybrids (4.4%) in contrast with control snails (85.6 %).Feasibility of applying O. h. formosana in biological control of S. japonicum was discussed. One must determine in the laboratory, prior to application, which race of O. h. formosana should be used depending on the Oncomelania snails of an endemic area. For S. japonicum prevalent in Yamanashi, Japan, the Ilan race of O. h. formosana was found to be better choice than the Kaohsiung race of the snails.     

The cucumovirus 2b gene drives selection of inter-viral recombinants affecting the crossover site, the acceptor RNA and the rate of selection

RNA–RNA recombination is an important pathway in virus evolution and has been described for many viruses. However, the factors driving recombination or promoting the selection of recombinants are still unclear. Here, we show that the small movement protein (2b) was able to promote selection of RNA 1/2–RNA 3 recombinants within a chimeric virus having RNAs 1 and 2 from cucumber mosaic virus, and RNA 3 from the related tomato aspermy virus, along with heterologous 2b genes. The source of the 2b also determined the selection of the acceptor RNA and the crossover site, as well as affecting the rate of selection of the recombinant RNAs. The nature of the RNA 3 also influenced the selection of the recombinant RNAs. A 163-nt tandem repeat in RNA 3 significantly affected the rate of selection of the recombinant RNA, while a single nucleotide within the repeat affected the crossover site. The recombination occurred in a non-random manner, involved no intermediates and probably was generated via a copy-choice mechanism during (+) strand RNA synthesis.     

Mesopelagic N2 Fixation Related to Organic Matter Composition in the Solomon and Bismarck Seas (Southwest Pacific)

Dinitrogen (N₂) fixation was investigated together with organic matter composition in the mesopelagic zone of the Bismarck (Transect 1) and Solomon (Transect 2) Seas (Southwest Pacific). Transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) and the presence of compounds sharing molecular formulae with saturated fatty acids and sugars, as well as dissolved organic matter (DOM) compounds containing nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) were higher on Transect 1 than on Transect 2, while oxygen concentrations showed an opposite pattern. N₂ fixation rates (up to ~1 nmol N L^-1 d^-1) were higher in Transect 1 than in Transect 2, and correlated positively with TEP, suggesting a dependence of diazotroph activity on organic matter. The scores of the multivariate ordination of DOM molecular formulae and their relative abundance correlated negatively with bacterial abundances and positively with N₂ fixation rates, suggesting an active bacterial exploitation of DOM and its use to sustain diazotrophic activity. Sequences of the nifH gene clustered with Alpha-, Beta-, Gamma- and Deltaproteobacteria, and included representatives from Clusters I, III and IV. A third of the clone library included sequences close to the potentially anaerobic Cluster III, suggesting that N₂ fixation was partially supported by presumably particle-attached diazotrophs. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) primer-probe sets were designed for three phylotypes and showed low abundances, with a phylotype within Cluster III at up to 10³ nifH gene copies L^-1. These results provide new insights into the ecology of non-cyanobacterial diazotrophs and suggest that organic matter sustains their activity in the mesopelagic ocean.     

UL27.5 Is a Novel γ2 Gene Antisense to the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Gene Encoding Glycoprotein B

An antibody made against the herpes simplex virus 1 U_S5 gene predicted to encode glycoprotein J was found to react strongly with two proteins, one with an apparent M_r of 23,000 and mapping in the S component and one with a herpes simplex virus protein with an apparent M_r of 43,000. The antibody also reacted with herpes simplex virus type 2 proteins forming several bands with apparent M_rs ranging from 43,000 to 50,000. Mapping studies based on intertypic recombinants, analyses of deletion mutants, and ultimately, reaction of the antibody with a chimeric protein expressed by in-frame fusion of the glutathione S-transferase gene to an open reading frame antisense to the gene encoding glycoprotein B led to the definitive identification of the new open reading frame, designated U_L27.5. Sequence analyses indicate the conservation of a short amino acid sequence common to U_S5 and U_L27.5. The coding sequence of the herpes simplex virus U_L27.5 open reading frame is strongly homologous to the sequence encoding the carboxyl terminus of the herpes simplex virus 2 U_L27.5 sequence. However, both open reading frames could encode proteins predicted to be significantly larger than the mature U_L27.5 proteins accumulating in the infected cells, indicating that these are either processed posttranslationally or synthesized from alternate, nonmethionine-initiating codons. The U_L27.5 gene expression is blocked by phosphonoacetate, indicating that it is a γ₂ gene. The product accumulated predominantly in the cytoplasm. U_L27.5 is the third open reading frame found to map totally antisense to another gene and suggests that additional genes mapping antisense to known genes may exist.     

Aphotic N2 Fixation in the Eastern Tropical South Pacific Ocean

We examined rates of N₂ fixation from the surface to 2000 m depth in the Eastern Tropical South Pacific (ETSP) during El Niño (2010) and La Niña (2011). Replicated vertical profiles performed under oxygen-free conditions show that N₂ fixation takes place both in euphotic and aphotic waters, with rates reaching 155 to 509 µmol N m⁻² d⁻¹ in 2010 and 24±14 to 118±87 µmol N m⁻² d⁻¹ in 2011. In the aphotic layers, volumetric N₂ fixation rates were relatively low (<1.00 nmol N L⁻¹ d⁻¹), but when integrated over the whole aphotic layer, they accounted for 87–90% of total rates (euphotic+aphotic) for the two cruises. Phylogenetic studies performed in microcosms experiments confirm the presence of diazotrophs in the deep waters of the Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ), which were comprised of non-cyanobacterial diazotrophs affiliated with nifH clusters 1K (predominantly comprised of α-proteobacteria), 1G (predominantly comprised of γ-proteobacteria), and 3 (sulfate reducing genera of the δ-proteobacteria and Clostridium spp., Vibrio spp.). Organic and inorganic nutrient addition bioassays revealed that amino acids significantly stimulated N₂ fixation in the core of the OMZ at all stations tested and as did simple carbohydrates at stations located nearest the coast of Peru/Chile. The episodic supply of these substrates from upper layers are hypothesized to explain the observed variability of N₂ fixation in the ETSP.     

Fine mapping of qhir1 influencing in vivo haploid induction in maize

Production of haploids by the in vivo haploid induction method has now become routine for generating new inbred lines in maize. In previous studies, a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) (qhir1) located in bin 1.04 was detected, explaining up to 66 % of the genotypic variance for haploid induction rate (HIR). Our objectives were to (1) fine-map qhir1 and (2) identify closely linked markers useful for marker-assisted breeding of new inducers. For this purpose, we screened a mapping population of 14,375 F₂ plants produced from a cross between haploid inducer UH400 and non-inducer line 1680 to identify recombinants. Based on sequence information from the B73 reference genome, markers polymorphic between the two parents were developed to conduct fine mapping with these recombinants. A progeny test mapping strategy was applied to accurately determine the HIR of the 14 recombinants identified. Furthermore, F₃ progeny of recombinant F₂ plants were genotyped and in parallel evaluated for HIR. We corroborated earlier studies in that qhir1 has both a significantly positive effect on HIR but also a strong selective disadvantage, as indicated by significant segregation distortion. Altogether, we were able to narrow down the qhir1 locus to a 243 kb region flanked by markers X291 and X263.     

The metabolic origins of non-photorespiratory CO2 release during photosynthesis: a metabolic flux analysis

Respiration in the light (R_L) releases CO₂ in photosynthesizing leaves and is a phenomenon that occurs independently from photorespiration. Since R_L lowers net carbon fixation, understanding R_L could help improve plant carbon-use efficiency and models of crop photosynthesis. Although R_L was identified more than 75 years ago, its biochemical mechanisms remain unclear. To identify reactions contributing to R_L, we mapped metabolic fluxes in photosynthesizing source leaves of the oilseed crop and model plant camelina (Camelina sativa). We performed a flux analysis using isotopic labeling patterns of central metabolites during ¹³CO₂ labeling time course, gas exchange, and carbohydrate production rate experiments. To quantify the contributions of multiple potential CO₂ sources with statistical and biological confidence, we increased the number of metabolites measured and reduced biological and technical heterogeneity by using single mature source leaves and quickly quenching metabolism by directly injecting liquid N₂; we then compared the goodness-of-fit between these data and data from models with alternative metabolic network structures and constraints. Our analysis predicted that R_L releases 5.2 μmol CO₂ g⁻¹ FW h⁻¹ of CO₂, which is relatively consistent with a value of 9.3 μmol CO₂ g⁻¹ FW h⁻¹ measured by CO₂ gas exchange. The results indicated that ≤10% of R_L results from TCA cycle reactions, which are widely considered to dominate R_L. Further analysis of the results indicated that oxidation of glucose-6-phosphate to pentose phosphate via 6-phosphogluconate (the G6P/OPP shunt) can account for >93% of CO₂ released by R_L.     

Exposure to nitrogen does not eliminate N2 fixation in the feather moss Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt.

Background and aims

The feather moss Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt. is colonized by cyanobacteria, which fix substantial amounts of atmospheric nitrogen (N) in pristine and N-poor ecosystems. Cyanobacterial N₂ fixation is inhibited by N deposition. However, the threshold of N input that leads to the inhibition of N₂ fixation has not been adequately investigated. Further, the ability of N₂ fixation to recover in mosses from high N deposition areas has not been studied to date.

Methods

We conducted two laboratory studies in which we (1) applied a range of concentrations of N as NH₄NO₃ to mosses from low N-deposition areas, and (2) we deprived mosses from a high N-deposition area of N to test their ability to recover N₂ fixation.

Results

Higher addition rates (up to 10 kg N ha^?1) did not systematically inhibit N₂ fixation in P. schreberi. Conversely, upon weeks of N deprivation of mosses from a high N environment, N₂ fixation rates increased.

Conclusions

The threshold of total N deposition above which N₂ fixation in P. schreberi is inhibited is likely to be > 10 kg N ha^?1. Further, cyanobacteria are able to recover from high N inputs and are able to fix atmospheric N₂ after a period of N deprivation.     

Complexes of hybrid ligands. Synthesis of mixed-ligand,phosphino-alkoxide complexes of Pd2+: the crystal and molecular structure of the complex Ph2 PCH2C(CF3 )2OPdCl(PPh2Me)

The hybrid, bidentate, diarylphosphino-alkoxide ligand PPh₂CH₂C(CF₃)₂O⁻, L¹, gives the Pd²⁺ bis- complex Pd(L¹)₂, from which the chloride-bridged dinuclear complex [(L¹)Pd(μ-Cl)₂Pd(L¹)] is made by reaction with PdCl₂(PhCN)₂. Cleavage of the dinuclear complex with monodentate ligands L² then gives Pd(L¹)Cl(L²) (L² =PPh₃, PPh₂Me, PPhMe₂, PMe₃, SMe₂, or pyridine); NMR data show that PR₃ is cis to the phosphine site in L¹ in these complexes, but SMe₂ or pyridine are probably trans.A complete crystal and molecular structural determination has been made for cis-Pd(L¹)Cl(PPh₂Me). Crystals are monoclinic, space group P2₁/c, a = 10.821(1), b = 14.600(1), c = 18.674(2) Å, β = 101.25(1)°, V = 2893 ų, Z = 4. Least-squares refinement on F of 361 variables using 3977 observations converged at a conventional agreement factor R = 0.025. The complex is square-planar, with the two phosphines cis; the 5-membered chelate ring is in a dissymmetric envelope conformation. The PdP bonds differ in length, with that to the unidentate phosphine, 2.259(1) Å, being significantly longer than that to the phosphine on the chelating ligand, 2.231(1) Å.     

Synthesis and characterization of uranyl(VI) and thorium(IV) complexes with phosphine oxides. The crystal structure of UO2(NO3)2(NO2-C6H4Ph2PO)2

Uranyl(VI) and thorium(IV) complexes of the type UO₂(NO₃)₂(L¹)₂, UO₂(NO₃)₂(L²)₂, UO₂(CH₃COO)₂L¹, UO₂(CH₃COO)₂L², Th(NO₃)₄(L¹)₂ and Th(NO₃)₄(L²)₂ (L¹ = (2-nitro)phenyl-bis-phenyl phosphine oxide, L² = triferrocenylphosphine oxide) are reported, together with their physico-chemical properties.The crystal structure of UO₂(NO₃)₂(L¹)₂ is also reported. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P2₁/n with a = 17.78(1), b = 13.88(1), c = 17.37(1) Å, β = 114.8(1)° for Z = 4. The uranium atom is 8-coordinated, the uranyl(VI) group being equatorially surrounded by an irregular hexagon of six oxygen atoms from two trans neutral ligands and two nitrato groups.     

Dithiocarbazate complexes with the [M(PPh3)] (M═Pd or Pt) moiety: Synthesis, characterization and anti-Tripanosoma cruzi activity

New neutral Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes of the type [M(L)(PPh₃)] (M═Pd or Pt) were prepared in crystalline form in high-yield synthesis with the S-benzyldithiocarbazates and S-4-nitrobenzyldithiocarbazates derivatives from 2-hydroxyacetophenone, H₂L^1a and H₂L^1b, and benzoylacetone, H₂L^2a and H₂L^2b. The new complexes [Pt(L^1a)(PPh₃)] (1), [Pd(L^1a)(PPh₃)] (2), [Pt(L^1b)(PPh₃)] (3), [Pd(L^1b)(PPh₃)] (4), [Pt(L^2a)(PPh₃)] (5), [Pd(L^2a)(PPh₃)] (6), [Pt(L^2b)(PPh₃)] (7) and [Pd(L^2b)(PPh₃)] (8) were characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, UV-visible, IR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), NMR (¹H and ³¹P) and by X-ray diffraction studies. The studies showed that differently from what was observed for the H₂L^1a and H₂L^1b ligands, H₂L^2a and H₂L^2b assume cyclic forms as 5-hydroxypyrazolinic. Upon coordination, H₂L^2a and H₂L^2b suffer ring-opening reaction, coordinating in the same manner as H₂L^1a and H₂L^1b, deprotonated and in O,N,S-tridentate mode to the (MPPh₃)²⁺ moiety. All complexes show a quite similar planar fourfold environment around the M(II) center. Furthermore, these complexes exhibited biological activity on extra and intracellular forms of Trypanosoma cruzi in a time- and concentration-dependent manner with IC₅₀ values ranging from 7.8 to 18.7 μM, while the ligand H₂L^2a presented a trypanocidal activity on trypomastigote form better than the standard drug benznidazole.     

Evolutionary conservation of the human 7 S RNA sequences

The cloning and characterization of the cytoplasmic 7 S RNAs of HeLa cells has provided pure probes to study the organization of the corresponding genomic DNA sequences. Such analysis has shown that the 7 S L and K RNAs are derived from families of middle repetitive DNA (Ullu & Melli, 1982; Ullu et al., 1982). In this work we analyze the evolutionary conservation of these sequences in the RNA and DNA of distantly related species. Hybridization of the 7 S recombinants to the RNA of rodents, birds, amphibians and echinoderms suggests high conservation of these sequences throughout evolution. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNAs from the same species shows the presence of families of repeated sequences homologous to the 7 S recombinants and Alu DNAs in the genomes of the same species. We were unable to hybridize the 7 S probes to the RNAs of Drosophila melanogaster or Dictyostelium discoideum, although sequence(s) homologous to the 7 S L probe were found in the genome of D. discoideum and to both 7 S L and K probes in the genome of D. melanogaster.     

The role of plasma membrane intrinsic protein aquaporins in water transport through roots: diurnal and drought stress responses reveal different strategies between isohydric and anisohydric cultivars of grapevine

We report physiological and anatomical characteristics of water transport across roots grown in soil of two cultivars of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) differing in response to water stress (Grenache, isohydric; Chardonnay, anisohydric). Both cultivars have similar root hydraulic conductances (L_o; normalized to root dry weight) that change diurnally. There is a positive correlation between L_o and transpiration. Under water stress, both cultivars have reduced minimum daily L_o (predawn) attributed to the development of apoplastic barriers. Water-stressed and well-watered Chardonnay had the same diurnal change in amplitude of L_o, while water-stressed Grenache showed a reduction in daily amplitude compared with well-watered plants. Hydraulic conductivity of root cortex cells (L_pcell) doubles in Chardonnay but remains unchanged in Grenache. Of the two most highly expressed plasma membrane intrinsic protein (PIP) aquaporins in roots (VvPIP1;1 and VvPIP2;2), only VvPIP2;2 functions as a water channel in Xenopus laevis oocytes. VvPIP1;1 interacts with VvPIP2;2 to induce 3-fold higher water permeability. These two aquaporins are colocated in the root from in situ hybridization and immunolocalization of VvPIP1 and VvPIP2 subfamily members. They occur in root tip, exodermis, root cortex (detected up to 30 mm), and stele. VvPIP2;2 mRNA does not change diurnally or with water stress, in contrast to VvPIP1;1, in which expression reflects the differences in L_o and L_pcell between cultivars in their responses to water stress and rewatering. VvPIP1;1 may regulate water transport across roots such that transpirational demand is matched by root water transport capacity. This occurs on a diurnal basis and in response to water stress that corresponds to the difference in drought tolerance between the cultivars.     

Cortical anchorages and cell type segregations of maternal postplasmic/PEM RNAs in ascidians

Ascidian postplasmic/PEM RNAs constitute a large class of cortical maternal RNAs which include developmental determinants (macho-1 and pem-1). We have analyzed the localization, cortical anchorage and cell type segregation of postplasmic/PEM RNAs in Ciona intestinalis and Phallusia mammillata using very high-resolution fluorescent in situ hybridization. We also compared RNAs extracted from whole oocytes and from isolated cortices using microarrays and localized RNAs possessing clusters of xCACx motifs in their 3′UTRs.Based on these combined approaches we conclude that: (1) the vast majority of the 39 postplasmic/PEM RNAs (including vasa) are localized in the egg cortex. (2) Many postplasmic/PEM RNAs 3′UTR are enriched in xCACx motifs, allowing us to identify 2 novel postplasmic/PEM RNAs (PSD and MnK). (3) Postplasmic/PEM RNAs anchored to cortical Endoplasmic Reticulum (cER) and those associated with granules have different cell destinations.We propose that there are 2 distinct categories of postplasmic/PEM RNAs on the basis of their cortical anchorages and cell destinations: (1) macho-1-like postplasmic/PEM RNAs anchored to cER which segregate into somatic B8.11 cells. (2) vasa-like postplasmic/PEM RNAs associated with granules which in addition to B8.11 cells segregate into B8.12 germ cells.     

REV3L,a Promising Target in Regulating the Chemosensitivity of Cervical Cancer Cells

REV3L, the catalytic subunit of DNA Polymerase ζ (Polζ), plays a significant role in the DNA damage tolerance mechanism of translesion synthesis (TLS). The role of REV3L in chemosensitivity of cervical cancer needs exploration. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of the Polζ protein in paraffin-embedded tissues using immunohistochemistry and found that the expression of Polζ in cervical cancer tissues was higher than that in normal tissues. We then established some cervical cancer cell lines with REV3L suppression or overexpression. Depletion of REV3L suppresses cell proliferation and colony formation of cervical cancer cells through G₁ arrest, and REV3L promotes cell proliferation and colony formation of cervical cancer cells by promoting G₁ phase to S phase transition. The suppression of REV3L expression enhanced the sensitivity of cervical cancer cells to cisplatin, and the overexpression of REV3L conferred resistance to cisplatin as evidenced by the alteration of apoptosis rates, and significantly expression level changes of anti-apoptotic proteins B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1 (Mcl-1) and B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xl) and proapoptotic Bcl-2-associated x protein (Bax). Our data suggest that REV3L plays an important role in regulating cervical cancer cellular response to cisplatin, and thus targeting REV3L may be a promising way to alter chemosensitivity in cervical cancer patients.     

Mapability of Very Close Markers of Bacteriophage λ

Recombinant frequency was compared with nucleotide distance in crosses involving markers in either the P_RM or the cy region of phage λ. For each pair of markers, we performed reciprocal four-factor crosses of the following types: (I) A⁺m₁ ⁺m₂^-B^- x A^-m₁ ^-m₂⁺B⁺; and (II) A⁺m₁ ^-m₂⁺B^- x A^-m₁ ⁺m₂^-B⁺. In crosses of type I, the frequency of A⁺m₁ ⁺m₂⁺B⁺ recombinants among total (selected) A⁺B⁺ progeny was directly proportional to nucleotide distance between m₁ and m₂ in the range from 3 to 160 nucleotides. When less than three nucleotides separated m₁ and m₂, the measured yields of m₁⁺m₂⁺ recombinants were significantly depressed.

We also found that the frequency of A⁺m₁ ⁺m₂⁺B⁺ recombinants among total A⁺B⁺ progeny was significantly lower (about 10-fold on the average) in crosses of type II than in the corresponding crosses of type I. Since mismatch correction should yield A⁺m₁ ⁺m₂⁺B⁺ recombinants with approximately equal frequencies in type I and II crosses, we suggest: (1) that most m₁⁺m₂⁺ recombinants produced in type I crosses must arise from the formation of heteroduplex structures with a discontinuity (in the source of genetic information) between sites m₁ and m₂, and (2) that mismatch correction is not a major pathway for production of recombinants for close markers in normal λ infection.

     

Glycerate-3-phosphate, produced by CO2 fixation in the Calvin cycle, is critical for the synthesis of the D1 protein of photosystem II

We demonstrated recently that, in intact cells of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, interruption of CO₂ fixation via the Calvin cycle inhibits the synthesis of proteins in photosystem II (PSII), in particular, synthesis of the D1 protein, during the repair of PSII after photodamage. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism responsible for this phenomenon using intact chloroplasts isolated from spinach leaves. When CO₂ fixation was inhibited by exogenous glycolaldehyde, which inhibits the phosphoribulokinase that synthesizes ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate, the synthesis de novo of the D1 protein was inhibited. However, when glycerate-3-phosphate (3-PGA), which is a product of CO₂ fixation in the Calvin cycle, was supplied exogenously, the inhibitory effect of glycolaldehyde was abolished. A reduced supply of CO₂ also suppressed the synthesis of the D1 protein, and this inhibitory effect was also abolished by exogenous 3-PGA. These findings suggest that the supply of 3-PGA, generated by CO₂ fixation, is important for the synthesis of the D1 Protein. It is likely that 3-PGA accepts electrons from NADPH and decreases the level of reactive oxygen species, which inhibit the synthesis of proteins, such as the D1 protein.     

Synthesis, structure and Mössbauer characterization of polymeric iron(II) complexes with bidentate thiourea ligands

Complexes of FeCl₂ with the known bis(3-methyl-2-thione-imidazolyl)methane (L¹) and the new bis(3-tert-butyl-2-thione-imidazolyl)methane (L²) are reported. For both [L¹FeCl₂]_n (3) and [L²FeCl₂]_n (4) X-ray crystallography reveals that 1D-polymeric chain structures are present in the solid state, with the two mercaptoimidazolyl units of L¹ and L² coordinating to different metal ions. Complexes 3 and 4 are further characterized by Mössbauer spectroscopy and SQUID magnetometry. NMR spectroscopy suggests that the complexes largely dissociate in polar solvents. X-ray structures of L² and its precursor bis(imidazolium) salt are also reported.