The profiles of red fluorescent proteins with antinucleopolyhedrovirus activity in races of the silkworm Bombyx mori

Partially purified red fluorescent proteins (RFPs) secured from the gut juice of 5th-instar multivoltine and bivoltine silkworm races were observed as several bands in electrophoretograms and chromatographic eluates. Interestingly, different races of silkworms had varying numbers of fluorescent protein bands: 11 in Pure Mysore (resistant), 11 in Nistari (resistant), 4 in CSR₂ (moderately susceptible) and 1 in NB₄D₂ (highly susceptible). Bioassay experiments indicated that the fluorescent bands had antinucleopolyhedrovirus (antiNPV) activity. The molar extinction coefficients and fluorescence quantum yields of all RFPs were estimated. The purified tetrapyrroles were characterized by UV–visible absorption and fluorescence spectral analyses. All tetrapyrrole moieties associated with RFPs were found to be different and characteristic of the fluorescent bands. The resulting qualitative and quantitative differences among the individual RFPs from various races of silkworm were related to the susceptibilities of the silkworms to the viral disease. Moreover, light was found to be essential for the synthesis of RFPs, and, therefore, the role of light in the synthesis of RFPs was evaluated. Thus, this work may elucidate the process of RFP synthesis in silkworm, which may be used as a biomarker to measure the degree of susceptibility of silkworm races to NPV. Therefore, the characteristic band pattern may be used as an indicator to define the relative resistance of a race towards the specific virus.     

PSEUDO-NITZSCHIA PUNGENS AND P. MULTISENES (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE): NUCLEAR RIBOSOMAL DNAS AND SPECIES DIFFERENCES1

The region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) operon containing the small subunit (SSU), internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), and a portion of the 5.8s rDNA gene was sequenced in one isolate each of Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries (Hasle) Hasle and Pseudo-nitzschia pungens (Grunow in Cleve & Möller) Hasle. The SSUs of these two species were highly similar, differing only in 14 point mutations and one insertion/deletion in 1774 bp. The ITS1 sequences were more variable, with 57 point mutations and three insertion/deletions in 257 bp. There were no differences in 44 bp of the 5.8S sequences. Restriction fragment patterns (RFPs) for the restriction endonucleases HaeIII, Hha1, and Rsa1 for 13 isolates of P. multiseries from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts of the United States and 16 isolates of P. pungens from the three coasts of the United States, in addition to Japan and China, were compared. There were differences between the RFPs of P. multiseries and P. pungens that corresponded to sites mapped by the DNA sequences, but no infraspecific variation in RFPs was observed for either species. The differences in RFPs correlate with morphological, immunological, and other rDNA differences and support the recognition of these taxa as separate species.     

唐鱼b-actin基因近端和远端启动子的鉴定及其启动活性分析

利用高保真PCR技术获得唐鱼(Tanichthys albonubes)长为1.3 kb的b-肌动蛋白(b-actin)近端启动调控序列(TA, 1.3 kb)。在此基础上采用基因组步移技术(Genome walker)获得5￠侧翼上游序列1.7 kb, 再根据所获的近端启动子序列和上游序列设计引物, 扩增获得全长为3.0 kb的唐鱼b-actin基因远端启动调控序列(TLA, 3.0 kb)。此1.3 kb和3.0 kb启动调控序列均包含3个转录活性元件: CAAT Box(-89~-85), CArG Box (-59~-49), TATA Box(-26~-20)。利用启动子分析软件TRANSFAC 6.0分析, 结果显示启动调控序列(-105~1261)中含有E-Box、NF-Y、Sp1等多个重要转录因子结合位点, 在远端启动调控序列(-1719~1261)中还含有更多的重要转录因子结合位点。将这两个序列分别定向克隆到红色荧光蛋白(Red fluorescent protein,RFP)表达载体中, 构建重组表达载体pTLA-DsRed和pTA-DsRed, 并分别注射到唐鱼受精卵中, 结果显示转pTLA-DsRed基因唐鱼的阳性率较转pTA-DsRed的高, 且所发出的红色荧光的强度也比后者的强。采用RT-PCR检测孵化后第15天的转基因唐鱼中RFP的mRNA, 结果显示转pTLA-DsRed基因唐鱼中RFP mRNA的表达量比转pTA-DsRed基因唐鱼高35.7%。结果表明两种长度的启动调控序列均能有效驱使外源基因在唐鱼体内表达, 且长度为3.0 kb的启动子序列具有更强的驱动活性。     

Reporter genes for real-time in vive monitoring of Ochrobactrum anthropi infection

Despite the increasing interest in Ochrobactrum anthropi as an emerging nosocomial pathogen resistant to most commonly used antimicrobials, relatively little is known about the pathogenesis and factors contributing to its virulence. Also, many aspects of interaction between Ochrobactrum spp. and their hosts remain unclear. The ability to monitor O. anthropi infection in the host will facilitate our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms and will lead to better choices of antimicrobial or additional therapeutic strategies. We have demonstrated the ability to stably express three reporter genes (green fluorescence protein GFP, red fluorescence protein RFP and luciferase Lux) and track the infection in a J774A.1 murine macrophage cell line as well as in the BALB/c mouse. Our results suggest that these reporter genes should improve genetic studies in O. anthropi , particularly those aimed at understanding pathogenesis, virulence factors and host interaction.     

减毒鼠伤寒沙门菌体内定位分析…

分析减毒鼠伤寒沙门菌口服感染后在小鼠体内定位的情况.将构建的红色荧光蛋白(RFP)原核质粒pYA33-DsRed,以电穿孔法转化减毒鼠伤寒沙门菌X4550,重组菌命名为X4550(33-DsRed).重组菌分别感染巨噬细胞RAW264.7和骨髓源树突状细胞(BMDC),并用流式细胞术检测红色荧光细胞荧光强度.此外,以不同剂量重组菌口服免疫BALB/c小鼠,并于免疫后1d、2d、3d、5d、7d取小鼠脾、肝、肠系膜淋巴结(MLN)、派伊尔氏结(PP)、腹股沟淋巴结(ILN)细胞,检测各组织器官中的红色荧光阳性细胞百分率.重组菌对RAW264.7细胞和BMDC均具有良好的侵袭力.口服小鼠后,第1d,仅在MLN及PP中检测到RFP阳性细胞,其中PP中阳性细胞达到1.4%;第2 d,在ILN中达到0.4%;第3 d,各个组织器官中RFP阳性细胞均有上升趋势,此时在脾、肝中也检测到RFP阳性细胞.第5 d,RFP阳性细胞均减少,第7 d则未检测到任何RFP阳性细胞.减毒鼠伤寒沙门菌具有良好的侵袭力,其黏膜移行方式以及对免疫组织器官靶向定位性,在优化黏膜疫苗以及提高疫苗免疫效力等方面都具有重要作用.     

Susceptibility of Transgenic and Wildtype Zebra Danios, Danio rerio, to Predation

The effects to ecosystems by genetically modified organisms are still unknown, yet a transgenic version (the red glofish or red fluorescent protein (RFP) transgenic zebra danio) of the zebra danio, Danio rerio, a common aquarium fish, has become the first transgenic pet sold in the USA. It has been hypothesized that RFP zebra danios will not persist in nature because they will be preferentially preyed upon due to their red coloration; however, the bright coloration of wildtype zebra danios may indicate they are aposematic since they are not preyed upon immediately by predators in their native range. These hypotheses were addressed via nine predation experiments with largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, as predator and combinations of mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, wildtype zebra danios, and RFP zebra danios as prey. Neither wildtype nor RFP transgenic zebra danios are aposematic since both varieties were readily consumed by largemouth bass in laboratory trials. Both varieties were preyed upon in approximately equal proportion (1.4 to 1.0) so the bright, apparently conspicuous coloration of the transgenic zebra danios did not increase their susceptibility to predation. In these laboratory trials, largemouth bass did not preferentially prey upon a native fish, the mosquitofish, relative to wildtype zebra danios (1.2 to 1.0). Based on the results of these experiments, wildtype zebra danios and RFP transgenic zebra danios are likely to be preyed upon in a similar fashion as native forage fish.     

Imaging the interaction of αv integrin-GFP in osteosarcoma cells with RFP-expressing host stromal cells and tumor-scaffold collagen in the primary and metastatic tumor microenvironment

Human osteosarcoma 143B cells were previously stably transfected with an α_v integrin green flourescent protein (GFP) vector. 143B cells expressing α_v integrin-GFP were transplanted orthotopically in the tibia of transgenic nude mice ubiquitously expressing red fluorescent protein (RFP). The primary tumors acquired RFP-expressing stroma and were passaged orthotopically in the tibia in noncolored nude mice, which maintained the RFP stroma. The interaction of α_v integrin-GFP expression in 143B cells with RFP-expressing host stromal cells was observed by confocal microscopy using the Olympus FV1000. Collagen fibers were imaged simultaneously in reflectance mode. The RFP-expressing stroma included cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) which persisted even 3 weeks after passage to nontransgenic nude mice. CAFs expressing RFP were aligned between collagen fibers and cancer cells expressing α_v integrin-GFP. Six weeks after transplantation, pulmonary metastases expressing α_v integrin-GFP could be identified. TAMs expressing RFP accompanied metastasized osteosarcoma cells expressing α_v integrin-GFP in the lung. The current study demonstrates the importance of α_v integrin interaction with stromal elements in osteosarcoma.     

RFP-mediated ubiquitination of PTEN modulates its effect on AKT activation

The PTEN tumor suppressor is a lipid phosphatase that has a central role in regulating the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signal transduction cascade. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which the PTEN activity is regulated in cells needs further elucidation. Although previous studies have shown that ubiquitination of PTEN can modulate its stability and subcellular localization, the role of ubiquitination in the most critical aspect of PTEN function, its phosphatase activity, has not been fully addressed. Here, we identify a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase of PTEN, Ret finger protein (RFP), that is able to promote atypical polyubiquitinations of PTEN. These ubiquitinations do not lead to PTEN instability or relocalization, but rather significantly inhibit PTEN phosphatase activity and therefore modulate its ability to regulate the PI3K signal transduction cascade. Indeed, RFP overexpression relieves PTEN-mediated inhibitory effects on AKT activation; in contrast, RNAi-mediated knockdown of endogenous RFP enhances the ability of PTEN to suppress AKT activation. Moreover, RFP-mediated ubiquitination of PTEN inhibits PTEN-dependent activation of TRAIL expression and also suppresses its ability to induce apoptosis. Our findings demonstrate a crucial role of RFP-mediated ubiquitination in controlling PTEN activity.     

RFP134对UMR106细胞膜脂流动性的影响(英文)

癌细胞具有与正常细胞不同的膜脂流动性,导致细胞对生长因子和癌基因产物反应敏感;引起细胞增殖失控。本实验室从植物中发现一种二萜类活性物质──RFP134,在细胞周期和信号传递等多方面表现出有抑制癌细胞增殖,促进细胞分化的作用。本文以大鼠成骨肉瘤细胞（UMR106）和正常大鼠成骨细胞为模型,研究其对癌细胞膜脂流动性的影响。细胞系UMR106由美国麻省总医院内分泌室赠送。成骨细胞由本实验室分离培养。以不同浓度（20、40、60、80、100μM／L）的RFP134,在同一时间处理细胞,或以最适浓度（50μM／L）在不同时间作用于细胞。DPH为荧光标记物,测得的荧光偏振值和微粘度值为膜膜流动性指标。结果显示,无论在恒定的时间、以不同浓度的RFP134作用于UMR106细胞（Fig.1B）,或以恒定的浓度、在不同时间处理UMR106细胞（Fig．1D）,结果均表现为显著降低膜脂流动性。前者,RFP134作用于细胞时,细胞荧光偏振值与微粘度值逐步升高,其变化呈量效关系;而后者,呈时效关系。但在最适浓度与最佳作用时间,荧光偏振值和微粘度值达饱和状态。在同样条件下,RFP134对正常成骨细胞的膜脂流动性影响极小。即：荧光偏振值和微粘度值均在正常范围内保持恒定（Fig．1A;Fig．1C）。RFP134降低癌细胞的膜脂流动性     

Ubiquitous expression of mRFP1 in transgenic mice

Fluorescent proteins provide a powerful means to track gene expression and cellular behaviors in the study of model organisms such as mice. Among the new generation of fluorescent protein markers, the monomeric red fluorescent protein mRFP1 is particularly attractive because of its rapid maturation and minimal interference with GFP and GFP-derived markers. Here we evaluate the utility of mRFP1 as a marker in transgenic mice. We show that high level and ubiquitous expression of mRFP1 does not affect mouse development, general physiology, or reproduction. mRFP1 expression can be readily detected with unaided eyes under daylight in transgenic mice on the albino background. The intensity of mRFP1 signals can be used to distinguish homozygous and heterozygous transgenic mice. Together, these features make mRFP1 an attractive marker for broad applications in transgenic research.     

Phototoxic effects of fluorescent protein KillerRed on tumor cells in mice

KillerRed is known to be a unique red fluorescent protein displaying strong phototoxic properties. Its effectiveness has been shown previously for killing bacterial and cancer cells in vitro. Here, we investigated the photototoxicity of the protein on tumor xenografts in mice. HeLa Kyoto cell line stably expressing KillerRed in mitochondria and in fusion with histone H2B was used. Irradiation of the tumors with 593 nm laser led to photobleaching of KillerRed indicating photosensitization reaction and caused significant destruction of the cells and activation of apoptosis. The portion of the dystrophically changed cells increased from 9.9% to 63.7%, and the cells with apoptosis hallmarks from 6.3% to 14%. The results of this study suggest KillerRed as a potential genetically encoded photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy of cancer. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Ubiquitous expression of the monomeric red fluorescent protein mcherry in transgenic mice

The use of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) to label specific cell types and track gene expression in animal models, such as mice, has evolved to become an essential tool in biological research. Transgenic animals expressing genes of interest linked to GFP, either as a fusion protein or transcribed from an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) are widely used. Enhanced GFP (eGFP) is the most common form of GFP used for such applications. However, a red fluorescent protein (RFP) would be highly desirable for use in dual‐labeling applications with GFP derived fluorescent proteins, and for deep in vivo imaging of tissues. Recently, a new generation of monomeric (m)RFPs, such as monomeric (m)Cherry, has been developed that are potentially useful experimentally. mCherry exhibits brighter fluorescence, matures more rapidly, has a higher tolerance for N‐terminal fusion proteins, and is more photostable compared with its predecessor mRFP1. mRFP1 itself was the first true monomer derived from its ancestor DsRed, an obligate tetramer in vivo. Here, we report the successful generation of a transgenic mouse line expressing mCherry as a fluorescent marker, driven by the ubiquitin‐C promoter. mCherry is expressed in almost all tissues analyzed including pre‐ and post‐implantation stage embryos, and white blood cells. No expression was detected in erythrocytes and thrombocytes. Importantly, we did not encounter any changes in normal development, general physiology, or reproduction. mCherry is spectrally and genetically distinct from eGFP and, therefore, serves as an excellent red fluorescent marker alone or in combination with eGFP for labelling transgenic animals. genesis 48:723–729, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

兔Oct4启动子驱动RFP基因表达载体的构建及验证

转录因子OCT4在维持和调控胚胎干细胞的多能性中发挥着重要的作用。Oct4基因启动子驱动标志蛋白的表达对研究胚胎干细胞多能性和建立iPs细胞有重要意义。由于GFP在慢病毒转染过程中常用作转染标记,计划构建兔Oct4基因启动子（rOct4）驱动红色荧光蛋白表达的载体,这将有利于兔ES细胞和iPS细胞制备的研究。通过PCR方法扩增rOct4,构建了rOct4驱动RFP基因的表达载体rOct4-RFP。经转染小鼠ES细胞验证正确后,将rOct4-RFP质粒转染兔成纤维细胞系获得rOct4-RFP成纤维细胞系。经过酶切和测序验证,证明rOct4-RFP构建成功,而且能够在小鼠Es细胞系E14中表达细胞红色荧光蛋白,并受细胞分化状态的调控。通过脂质体介导的基因转移、抗性筛选和PCR鉴定建立了rOct4-RFP转基因成纤维细胞系。     

BALB/c小鼠I-Ad αβ链RFP融合双顺反子表达载体的构建及其在COS-7中的表达

构建了在β链C端融合红色荧光蛋白(RFP)标签的BALB/c小鼠I-Adαβ链真核双顺反子表达载体pRed-IRES-I-Ad,使用LipofectAMINE2000转染COS-7细胞,用激光共聚焦显微镜观察外源蛋白在细胞中的表达与定位.I-Adαβ分子在COS-7细胞中能够以较高的效率表达,并且在COS细胞中能形成聚集状态.与通常的真核翻译帽子结构起始相比,IRES启动真核翻译系统的效率低于前者;与空质粒对比,IRES介导的真核翻译起始,RFP的表达量较低.     

Generation of a recloned transgenic cat expressing red fluorescence protein

Somatic cells from a first-generation red fluorescence protein transgenic cat (first RFP TG cat) were used to produce a recloned RFP transgenic cat (Re-RFP TG cat) (Felis catus) that systemically expressed RFP. A total of 281 RFP cloned embryos were transferred into 13 surrogate mothers (mean = 21 ± 7.7 embryos/recipient). One surrogate cat was diagnosed pregnant (7.7%) and delivered one live kitten. The presence of the RFP gene in the mRNA and genomic DNA of the Re-RFP TG cat was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction analyses, and red fluorescence was detected in its internal organs and placental tissue samples. Analysis of nine feline-specific microsatellite loci confirmed that the Re-RFP TG cat was genetically identical to the donor cat. To test whether results such as normality of offspring and a low cloning success were due to epigenetic modifications, global methylation of placenta from the two first cloned RFP TG cats (77.08% and 82.29%) and the Re-RFP TG cat (76.38%) were compared by bisulfite mutagenesis sequencing analysis. In conclusion, although cloning efficiency was low, we demonstrated the successful use of a cloned first RFP TG cat as a donor cat to produce a Re-RFP TG cat. These results may facilitate future developments in biomedical models for human therapeutic applications.     

柘叶饲养对家蚕消化液中抗核多角体病毒（BmNPV）相关蛋白活性的影响

为探讨柘叶Cudrania tricuspidata饲养家蚕Bombyx mori易感染核多角体病毒（BmNPV）的机制, 本实验比较研究了分别以柘叶和桑叶Morus alba饲养家蚕后其消化液中抗病毒蛋白活性的差异。结果表明: 家蚕经柘叶饲养后消化液中红色荧光蛋白（red fluorescent protein, RFP）的强度无明显变化, 但柘叶饲养蚕消化液中脂肪酶、 胰蛋白酶的活性显著低于桑叶饲养蚕, 柘叶饲养蚕消化液中脂肪酶和胰蛋白酶的活性分别为1 421.71±202.60 U/L和19.67±8.17 U/mL, 桑叶饲养蚕脂肪酶和胰蛋白酶的活性分别为1 976.03±139.92 U/L和199.18±181.71 U/mL。这些结果说明, 消化液中脂肪酶和胰蛋白酶的活性水平低与柘叶饲养蚕易感染核型多角体病毒（BmNPV）可能相关。     

Improved tree-ring visualization using autofluorescence

The great diversity of wood anatomical features found in trees worldwide results in a broad variety of growth-ring boundary types that are not always easy to recognize, especially in tropical woods. However, the presence of clearly visible limits between tree rings is essential for any tree-ring studies. Here, we propose the use of autofluorescence of wood in order to enhance tree-ring visualization. The multispectral light emitted from the fluorescence stereomicroscope can be filtered in specific wavelengths to improve the visualization of wood anatomical features. To evaluate the effectiveness of this technique, we compared visualization under natural light, GFP (green fluorescent protein) filter, RFP (red fluorescent protein) filter and UV filter. We tested this technique with a set of 38 tree species with different types of growth-ring boundaries. Although results are species-specific, fluorescence has been shown to improve the visualization of growth-ring boundaries by enhancing the contrast among cell types. It may highlight fibrous zones (e.g. Cavanillesia arborea, Aspidosperma polyneuron), different porosity patterns (e.g. Myracrodruon urundeuva), secretory canals (e.g. Copaifera langsdorffii), and parenchyma bands (e.g. Tipuana tipu). Fluorescence allows the visualization of growth-ring boundaries in species that were previously described as having indistinct growth rings under natural light. For species with clear tree-ring boundaries such as Cedrela fissilis and Hymenaea courbaril, this approach aids the identification of false rings. In addition to the visualization of growth-ring boundaries, autofluorescence may be useful for other qualitative and quantitative analyses of wood anatomy, such as wood identification and automated measurements of anatomical features. Scientists struggling with tree-ring counting and cross-dating due to difficult tree-ring visualization may find fluorescence useful. It may also aid to identify new species suitable for tree-ring studies.     

Red light imaging for programmed cell death visualization and quantification in plant–pathogen interactions

Studies on plant–pathogen interactions often involve monitoring disease symptoms or responses of the host plant to pathogen-derived immunogenic patterns, either visually or by staining the plant tissue. Both these methods have limitations with respect to resolution, reproducibility, and the ability to quantify the results. In this study we show that red light detection by the red fluorescent protein (RFP) channel of a multipurpose fluorescence imaging system that is probably available in many laboratories can be used to visualize plant tissue undergoing cell death. Red light emission is the result of chlorophyll fluorescence on thylakoid membrane disassembly during the development of a programmed cell death process. The activation of programmed cell death can occur during either a hypersensitive response to a biotrophic pathogen or an apoptotic cell death triggered by a necrotrophic pathogen. Quantifying the intensity of the red light signal enables the magnitude of programmed cell death to be evaluated and provides a readout of the plant immune response in a faster, safer, and nondestructive manner when compared to previously developed chemical staining methodologies. This application can be implemented to screen for differences in symptom severity in plant–pathogen interactions, and to visualize and quantify in a more sensitive and objective manner the intensity of the plant response on perception of a given immunological pattern. We illustrate the utility and versatility of the method using diverse immunogenic patterns and pathogens.