Differential tissue distribution, developmental programming, estrogen regulation and promoter characteristics of cyp19 genes in teleost fish

Teleost fish are characterized by exceptionally high levels of brain estrogen biosynthesis when compared to the brains of other vertebrates or to the ovaries of the same fish. Goldfish (Carassius auratus) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) have utility as complementary models for understanding the molecular basis and functional significance of exaggerated neural estrogen biosynthesis. Multiple cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom) cDNAs that derive from separate gene loci (cyp19a and cyp19b) are differentially expressed in brain (P450aromBA) and ovary (P450aromAB) and have a different developmental program (BA) and response to estrogen upregulation (B only). As measured by increased P450aromB mRNA, a functional estrogen response system is first detected 24–48 h post-fertilization (hpf), consistent with the onset of estrogen receptor (ER) expression (, β, and γ). The 5′-flanking region of the cyp19b gene has a TATA box, two estrogen response elements (EREs), an ERE half-site (ERE1/2), a nerve growth factor inducible-B protein (NGFI-B)/Nur77 responsive element (NBRE) binding site, and a sequence identical to the zebrafish GATA-2 gene neural specific enhancer. The cyp19a promoter region has TATA and CAAT boxes, a steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) binding site, and two aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/AhR nuclear translocator factor (ARNT) binding motifs. Both genes have multiple potential SRY/SOX binding sites (16 and 8 in cyp19b and cyp19a, respectively). Luciferase reporters have basal promoter activity in GH3 cells, but differences (ab) are opposite to fish pituitary (ba). When microinjected into fertilized zebrafish eggs, a cyp19b promoter-driven green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter (but not cyp19a) is expressed in neurons of 30–48 hpf embryos, most prominently in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their projections to optic tectum. Further studies are required to identify functionally relevant cis-elements and cellular factors, and to determine the regulatory role of estrogen in neurodevelopment.     

Phylogeny, expression and enzyme activity of zebrafish cyp19 (P450 aromatase) genes

The cyp19 encodes P450 aromatase, the enzyme catalyzing the conversion of estrogens from androgens. Estrogens affect the dimorphic, anatomical, functional and behavioral aspects of development of both males and females. In zebrafish, two cyp19 genes, cyp19a and cyp19b were found. They are expressed in ovary and brain, respectively. Expression of cyp19b can be detected by 11 days post-fertilization (dpf) by in situ hybridization in the olfactory bulbs, ventral telencephalic region and the hypothalamus of the brain in both male and female, where it is generally known to be affecting the reproductive function and sexual behavior. COS-1 clones permanently expressing the enzymes have been isolated. Both aromatase enzymes encoded by these two genes are functional in COS-1 cells and they can use androstenedione and testosterone equally efficiently. The presence of two functional cyp19 in zebrafish has its evolutionary and physiological importance.     

青狗尾草RNAi途径相关基因的全基因组鉴定和表达分析

RNAi途径是RdDM途径的衍生途径,其中的AGO、DCL和RDR蛋白在植物的生长发育和响应非生物/生物胁迫过程中发挥重要作用。为了研究RNAi途径的3种主要蛋白在青狗尾草中的序列及结构特征,利用比较基因组学方法,在青狗尾草中鉴定到13个AGO基因、7个DCL基因和4个RDR基因,并对其蛋白质亚细胞定位、系统发育关系、保守结构域进行预测。同时,利用转录组数据分析RNAi途径的3类相关基因在青狗尾草的16种不同生长时期、不同生长条件下的表达模式。蛋白质结构域分析发现,SvDCL3b和SvRDR3缺少重要的结构域。转录组分析发现,SvAGO1b、SvDCL1a和SvRDR1在各家族中表达量较高,可能在RNAi途径中发挥主要作用,且大多数青狗尾草和谷子的同源基因间的表达模式基本一致。综上,本研究为理解RNAi途径的3种主要基因在调控青狗尾草的表观遗传修饰中的功能和作用提供初步的理论依据,为青狗尾草和谷子之间驯化的分子机制提供 参考。     

Chick Barx2b, a marker for myogenic cells also expressed in branchial arches and neural structures

We have isolated a new chicken gene, cBarx2b, which is related to mBarx2 in sequence, although the expression patterns of the two genes are quite different from one another. The cBarx2b gene is expressed in craniofacial structures, regions of the neural tube, and muscle groups in the limb, neck and cloaca. Perturbation of anterior muscle pattern by application of Sonic Hedgehog protein results in a posteriorization of cBarx2b expression.     

Creation of aromatic maize by CRISPR/Cas

Aroma is an important quality parameter for breeding in rice (Oryza sativa). For example, the aromatic rice varieties basmati and jasmine rice, with a popcorn-like scent, are popular worldwide and routinely command a price premium. 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) is a key flavor compound among over 200 volatiles identified in fragrant rice. A naturally fragrant germplasm exists in multiple plant species besides rice, which all exhibit lower activity of BETAINE ALDEHYDE DEHYDROGENASE 2 (BADH2). However, no equivalent aromatic germplasm has been described in maize (Zea mays). Here, we characterized the two maize BADH2 homologs, ZmBADH2a and ZmBADH2b. We generated zmbadh2a and zmbadh2b single mutants and the zmbadh2a-zmbadh2b double mutant by CRISPR/Cas in four inbred lines. A popcorn-like scent was only noticeable in seeds from the double mutant, but not from either single mutant or in wild type. In agreement, we only detected 2AP in fresh kernels and dried mature seeds from the double mutant, which accumulated between 0.028 and 0.723 mg/kg 2AP. These results suggest that ZmBADH2a and ZmBADH2b redundantly participate in 2AP biosynthesis in maize, and represent the creation of the world's first aromatic maize by simultaneous genome editing of the two BADH2 genes.     

Semaphorin3a inhibits ureteric bud branching morphogenesis

Class 3 semaphorins are guidance proteins involved in axon pathfinding, vascular patterning and lung branching morphogenesis in the developing mouse embryo. Semaphorin3a (Sema3a) is expressed in renal epithelia throughout kidney development, including podocytes and ureteric bud cells. However, the role of Sema3a in ureteric bud branching is unknown. Here we demonstrate that Sema3a plays a role in patterning the ureteric bud tree in both metanephric organ cultures and Sema3a mutant mice. In vitro ureteric bud injection with Sema3a antisense morpholino resulted in increased branching, whereas recombinant SEMA3A inhibited ureteric bud branching and decreased the number of developing glomeruli. Additional studies revealed that SEMA3A effects on ureteric bud branching involve downregulation of glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) signaling, competition with vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and decreased activity of Akt survival pathways. Deletion of Sema3a in mice is associated with increased ureteric bud branching, confirming its inhibitory role in vivo. Collectively, these data suggest that Sema3a is an endogenous antagonist of ureteric bud branching and hence, plays a role in patterning the renal collecting system as a negative regulator.     

Regioselective acylation of several polyhydroxylated natural compounds by Candida antarctica lipase B

Regioselective acylation of four polyhydroxylated natural compounds, deacetyl asperulosidic acid (1), asperulosidic acid (2), puerarin (3) and resveratrol (4) by Candida antarctica Lipase B in the presence of various acyl donors (vinyl acetate, vinyl decanoate or vinyl cinnamoate) was studied. Compounds 1, 2 and 4 were regioselectively acetylated with vinyl acetate to afford products, 3'-O-acetyl-10-O-deacetylasperulosidic acid (1a), 3',6'-O-diacetyl-10-O-deacetylasperulosidic acid (1b), 3'-O-acetylasperulosidic acid (2a), 3',6'-O-diacetylasperulosidic acid (2b), 4'-O-acetylresveratrol (4a), respectively, with yields of 22 to 50%, while reactions with vinyl decanoate and vinyl cinnamoate were slow with lower yields. Compound 3 was readily acylated with all three acyl donors and quantitatively converted to products 6'-O-acetylpuerarin (3a), 6'-O-decanoylpuerarin (3b), 6'-O-cinnamoylpuerarin (3c), respectively. The structures of these acylated products were determined by spectroscopic methods (MS and NMR).     

A novel snoRNA (U73) is encoded within the introns of the human and mouse ribosomal protein S3a genes

The mouse ribosomal protein S3a-encoding gene (mRPS3a) was cloned and sequenced in this study. mRPS3a shares identical exon/intron structure with its human counterpart. Both genes are split to six exons and exhibit remarkable conservation of the promoter region (68.8% identity in the 250 bp upstream of cap site) and coding region (the proteins differ in two amino acids). mRPS3a displays many features common to other r-protein genes, including the CpG-island at 5′-end of the gene, cap site within an oligopyrimidine tract and no consensus TATA or CAAT boxes. However, mRPS3a represents a rare subclass of r-protein genes that possess a long coding sequence in the first exon. Comparison of human and mouse S3a genes revealed sequence fragments with striking similarity within introns 3 and 4. Here we demonstrate that these sequences encode for a novel small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) designated U73. U73 contains C, D and D′ boxes and a 12-nucleotide antisense complementarity to the 28S ribosomal RNA. These features place U73 into the family of intron-encoded antisense snoRNAs that guide site-specific 2′-O-ribose methylation of pre-rRNA. We propose that U73 is involved in methylation of the G1739 residue of the human 28S rRNA. In addition, we present the mapping of human ribosomal protein S3a gene (hRPS3a) and internally nested U73 gene to the human chromosome 4q31.2–3.     

MTNR1a和MTNR1b基因在繁殖期与非繁殖期雄性高原鼢鼠HPG轴上的表达

高原鼢鼠 (Eospalax baileyi) 终年营地下生活,感光受洞道限制,但褪黑素 (Melatonin) 分泌水平仍存有季节差异,为探明褪黑素对高原鼢鼠季节性繁殖的调控作用,研究利用q?PCR技术检测雄性高原鼢鼠繁殖期 (5月) 和非繁殖期 (9月) 下丘脑、垂体及睾丸中褪黑素受体1a (Melatonin receptor 1a, MTNR1a) 和褪黑素受体1b (Melatonin receptor 1b, MTNR1b) 基因mRNA的相对表达量,通过免疫组织化学技术对MTNR1a和MTNR1b在睾丸中定位,并采用Image Pro Plus软件进行免疫组化阳性评价。结果发现,高原鼢鼠繁殖期下丘脑和垂体中MTNR1a基因的相对表达量显著高于非繁殖期的相对表达量 (P < 0.05),MTNR1b基因的相对表达量在不同时期无显著差异 (P > 0.05),但非繁殖期睾丸中MTNR1a和MTNR1b基因的相对表达量均显著高于繁殖期 (P < 0.01);繁殖期除长形精子外的所有类型细胞以及非繁殖期的间质细胞、支持细胞和精原细胞中均观察到MTNR1a的阳性信号,繁殖期除精原细胞和长形精子细胞外的所有类型细胞,以及非繁殖期间质细胞和支持细胞中均观察到MTNR1b的阳性信号,且非繁殖期MTNR1a和MTNR1b的平均光密度值均显著高于繁殖期 (P < 0.01)。MTNR1a和MTNR1b基因在雄性高原鼢鼠HPG轴上的表达模式,提示了褪黑素在其季节性繁殖调控中的潜在作用。     

干扰NSUN2通过调控细胞周期蛋白表达抑制黑素瘤细胞增殖

为探讨太阳结构域家族蛋白酶2(NOP2/Sun RNA methyltransferase 2, Nsun2)RNA甲基化酶在黑素瘤细胞中的生物学功能,本研究以小鼠黑素瘤B16细胞为对象,构建靶向干扰Nsun2基因的shRNA慢病毒干扰载体,包装病毒后感染B16细胞。与对照组相比,干扰组细胞中Nsun2的敲低效率达到80%。EdU染色结果表明,干扰Nsun2显著抑制B16细胞DNA合成能力。转录物组测序技术系统分析干扰组与对照组细胞基因表达水平,共筛选获得1 062个差异表达基因(DEGs),其中678个表达上调,384个表达下调。DEGs主要富集在染色体、着丝粒区、蛋白质结合等GO条目。KEGG分析表明,DEGs显著富集在细胞周期、DNA复制、细胞衰老等通路。荧光定量PCR和转录物组测序结果均发现,Cdk2、Ccna2、Cdc25b等促进细胞分裂的相关基因显著下调,而Gadd45g和Gadd45a等阻滞细胞增殖的基因显著上调。本研究表明,NSUN2通过调控细胞周期和DNA复制等生物学过程,影响黑素瘤细胞增殖,为黑素瘤发生和发展的分子机制研究提供参考。     

Biotransformation of podophyllotoxin by Hordeum vulgare cell suspension cultures

Hordeum vulgare cell suspension cultures were used to modify podophyllotoxin (1) One major product (1a) and one minor product (1b) were detected in both the culture medium and cells. To optimize the yield of compound 1a, we showed that: (1) the optimal concentration of added podophyllotoxin (1) was 33 mg L^-1; higher concentrations caused cell toxicity; (2) the stage of the cell cycle (lag/log/stationary) at which podophyllotoxin was added only marginally affected the yield of compound 1a; the optimal addition time was after lag phase, in which the yield of compound 1a reached ca. 76%, and (3) biotransformation of podophyllotoxin (1) was relatively slow; podophyllotoxin fed at 4 days after subculture resulted in yields of compound 1a of ca. 56, 64 and 76% after an additional 3, 6 and 10 days of incubation, respectively. Product 1a was purified and identified as isopicropodophyllone (1a) based on MS and NMR data.     

Cellular localization of gangliosides in the developing mouse cerebellum: analysis using the weaver mutant

Abstract: The distribution of gangliosides was studied in the weaver ( wv/wv ) mutant mouse, where the vast majority of postmitotic granule cell neurons die prior to their differentiation. The wv mutation also shows a dosage effect, as granule cell migration is slowed or retarded in the + /wv heterozygotes. By correlating changes in ganglioside composition with the well-documented histological events that occur during cerebellar development in the normal (+/+), heterozygous ( +/wv ), and weaver ( wv/ wv ) mutant mice, information was obtained on the cellular localization and function of gangliosides. Ganglioside G_M1 may be enriched in granule cell growth cones and play an important role in neurite outgrowth. A striking accumulation of G_M1, which may result from altered metabolism, occurred in the adult wvlwv mice. G_D3 was heavily concentrated in undifferentiated granule cells, but was rapidly displaced by the more complex gangliosides during differentiation. G_D1a became enriched in granule cells during formation of synaptic and dendritic membranes, whereas G_T1a appeared enriched in Purkinje cell synaptic spines. A possible fucose-containing ganglioside was quantitated only in the wvlwv mice. Ganglioside G_T1b became enriched in granule cells during synaptogenesis, whereas G_Q1b became enriched in these cells after synaptogenesis. The concentrations of G_T1b and especially G_Q1b increased continuously with age. Our results provide further evidence for a differential cellular enrichment of gangliosides in the mouse cerebellum and also suggest that certain gangliosides may be differentially distributed within the membranes of these cells at various stages of development.     

蜜环菌糖苷水解酶家族基因在菌索与菌丝间的差异表达分析

蜜环菌是一种兼性腐生和寄生的真菌,通过降解伴栽基质并为药用植物(天麻)或菌物(猪苓)提供营养物质,而糖苷水解酶是这一过程的主要酶类.本研究从蜜环菌Armillaria mellea 541菌株转录数据库中共获得糖苷水解酶家族基因170个,分布于39个亚家族.进一步分析发现,这些家族基因编码的糖苷水解酶家族蛋白(glyc...     

The intron-containing ribosomal protein-encoding genes L5, L7a and L37a are unlinked in chicken

Chicken ribosomal protein (rp)-encoding genes are currently being studied at the nucleotide level and three independent recombinant phages have been isolated from chicken genomic libraries using cloned cDNA probes. Each of these was shown to include an intron-containing rp gene of chicken (L5, L7a, L37a). In this study the chromosomal location of these three intron-containing rp from the large subunit of the chicken ribosome was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization. L7a mapped to a microchromosome, whereas L5 and L37a mapped to macrochromosomes 8 and 7, respectively. The results demonstrate that these functionally related genes are widely dispersed in the genome. Furthermore, as in the case of many other evolutionarily advanced eukaryotes, there is no apparent linkage of rp and rRNA genes.