Maternal X chromosome expression in mouse chorionic ectoderm

An electrophoretic variant of the X-linked enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK-1) has been used to study regulation of X chromosome expression in the diploid derivatives of the trophectoderm at 8–8.5 days post coitum in the mouse. These derivatives included the chorionic ectoderm and the polar trophoblast. The biochemical analysis suggests that only the maternally derived X chromosome (X^m) is expressed in the diploid trophectoderm derivatives. Cell selection and maternal tissue contamination were ruled out as possible causes of the observed X^m expression. From these and other results, we conclude that all derivatives of the trophectoderm, along with the primitive endoderm, express only X^m, whereas derivatives of the primitive ectoderm show random X chromosome expression.     

X染色体的剂量补偿机制

剂量补偿机制(Dosage compensation mechanism)是雌性和雄性X染色体表达平衡的关键,保证两性间由X染色体编码的蛋白质或其他酶类物质在数量上达到平衡。不同生物的剂量补偿机制各不相同,迄今研究表明剂量补偿机制主要有以下3种模式:通过雄性的单个X染色体表达加倍;通过雌性的一条X染色体失活;通过雌性的两个X染色体的表达减半来达到平衡。对剂量补偿的研究有助于揭示X连锁基因的调控机理、性染色体的进化和分化过程,以及解释性染色体畸变的机理,因此,文章将对这种重要的调控机制研究现状及进展进行简要论述。     

Trophectoderm-specific expression of the X-linked Bex1/Rex3 gene in preimplantation stage mouse embryos

The Bex1/Rex3 gene was recently identified as an X-linked gene that is differentially expressed between parthenogenetic and normal fertilized, preimplantation stage mouse embryos. The Bex1/Rex3 gene appears to be expressed preferentially from the maternal X chromosome in blastocysts, but from either X chromosome in later stage embryonic tissues and adult tissues. To investigate whether differential expression of the Bex1/Rex3 gene between normal and parthenogenetic blastocyst stage embryos reflects genomic imprinting at the Bex1/Rex3 locus itself, or instead is the result of preferential inactivation of the paternal X chromosome or differences in timing of cellular differentiation, we examined in detail the expression pattern of the Bex1/Rex3 mRNA in normal preimplantation stage embryos, and compared its expression between androgenetic, gynogenetic, and normal fertilized embryos. Expression data reveal that the Bex1/Rex3 gene is initially transcribed at the 2-cell stage, transiently induced at the 8-cell stage, and then increases in expression again at the blastocyst stage. Very little expression is observed in isolated inner cell masses, indicating selective expression in the trophectoderm. Comparisons of Bex1/Rex3 mRNA expression between male and female androgenetic and control embryos and gynogenetic embros failed to reveal any significant difference in expression between the different classes of embryos at the 8-cell stage, or the expanding blastocyst stage (121 hr post-hCG). At the late blastocyst stage (141 hr post-hCG), expression was significantly lower in XY control embryos as compared with XX controls. Bex1/Rex3 mRNA expression did not differ between XX and XY androgenones at the blastocyst stage or between gynogenones and XX control embryos. Thus, the Bex1/Rex3 gene does not appear to be regulated directly by genomic imprinting during the preimplantation period, just as it is not regulated by imprinting at later stages. Apparent differences in gene expression may arise through the effects of trophectoderm-specific expression coupled with differences in timing of trophectoderm differentiation between the different classes of embryos and effects of preferential paternal X chromosome inactivation (XCI).     

Natural variation of the Y chromosome suppresses sex ratio distortion and modulates testis-specific gene expression in Drosophila simulans

X-linked sex-ratio distorters that disrupt spermatogenesis can cause a deficiency in functional Y-bearing sperm and a female-biased sex ratio. Y-linked modifiers that restore a normal sex ratio might be abundant and favored when a X-linked distorter is present. Here we investigated natural variation of Y-linked suppressors of sex-ratio in the Winters systems and the ability of these chromosomes to modulate gene expression in Drosophila simulans. Seventy-eight Y chromosomes of worldwide origin were assayed for their resistance to the X-linked sex-ratio distorter gene Dox. Y chromosome diversity caused males to sire ∼63% to ∼98% female progeny. Genome-wide gene expression analysis revealed hundreds of genes differentially expressed between isogenic males with sensitive (high sex ratio) and resistant (low sex ratio) Y chromosomes from the same population. Although the expression of about 75% of all testis-specific genes remained unchanged across Y chromosomes, a subset of post-meiotic genes was upregulated by resistant Y chromosomes. Conversely, a set of accessory gland-specific genes and mitochondrial genes were downregulated in males with resistant Y chromosomes. The D. simulans Y chromosome also modulated gene expression in XXY females in which the Y-linked protein-coding genes are not transcribed. The data suggest that the Y chromosome might exert its regulatory functions through epigenetic mechanisms that do not require the expression of protein-coding genes. The gene network that modulates sex ratio distortion by the Y chromosome is poorly understood, other than that it might include interactions with mitochondria and enriched for genes expressed in post-meiotic stages of spermatogenesis.     

Balancing sex chromosome expression and satisfying the sexes

Equalizing sex chromosome expression between the sexes when they have largely differing gene content appears to be necessary, and across species, is accomplished in a variety of ways. Even in birds, where the process is less than complete, a mechanism to reduce the difference in gene dose between the sexes exists. In early development, while the dosage difference is unregulated and still in flux, it is frequently exploited by sex determination mechanisms. The Drosophila female sex determination process is one clear example, determining the sexes based on X chromosome dose. Recent data show that in Drosophila, the female sex not only reads this gene balance difference, but at the same time usurps the moment. Taking advantage of the transient default state of male dosage compensation, the sex determination master-switch Sex-lethal which resides on the X, has its expression levels enhanced before it works to correct the gene imbalance. Intriguingly, key developmental genes which could create developmental havoc if their levels were unbalanced show more exquisite regulation, suggesting nature distinguishes them and ensures their expression is kept in the desirable range.     

Balancing sex chromosome expression and satisfying the sexes

One of the key aspects of functional nervous systems is the restriction of particular neural subtypes to specific regions, which permits the establishment of differential segment-specific neuromuscular networks. Although Hox genes play a major role in shaping the anterior-posterior body axis during animal development, our understanding of how they act in individual cells to determine particular traits at precise developmental stages is rudimentary. We have used the abdominal leucokinergic neurons (ABLKs) to address this issue. These neurons are generated during both embryonic and postembryonic neurogenesis by the same progenitor neuroblast, and are designated embryonic and postembryonic ABLKs, respectively. We report that the genes of the Bithorax-Complex, Ultrabithorax (Ubx) and abdominal-A (abd-A) are redundantly required to specify the embryonic ABLKs. Moreover, the segment-specific pattern of the postembryonic ABLKs, which are restricted to the most anterior abdominal segments, is controlled by the absence of Abdominal-B (Abd-B), which we found was able to repress the expression of the neuropeptide leucokinin. We discuss this and other examples of how Hox genes generate diversity within the central nervous system of Drosophila.     

HBV－NC1株X基因在真核细胞中表达，基因调控与致癌作用的初探

报道了ＨＢＶ－ＮＣ１株的Ｘ基因进入真核细胞表达载体ｐＸＴ１质粒的ＴＫ启动子之后,转染细胞及表达Ｘ基因成功。即发现包装病毒感染ＮＩＨ／３Ｔ３细胞后有Ｘ基因表达,用斑点杂交又证明此Ｘ基因已整合到细胞的基因组中,当与有ｐＭＳＨ报告基因的质粒共同感染真核细胞后确有激活转录调控现象出现。应用反义的ＸＲＮＡ表达载体感染肝癌细胞发现有接触抑制作用出现。     

人X染色体含有一个黑色素瘤抗原基因亚家族

肿瘤相关基因的研究是肿瘤基因形成学说的核心内容。肿瘤相关基因家族的研究则是其中的重点和难点,从4－6月孕龄人胎肝cDNA文库中克隆到一个黑色素瘤抗原基因亚家族,称为MAGE－D亚家族,其成员包括3个直系同源体（人MAGE－D1、大鼠SNERG－1和小鼠DLXIN－1）和2个旁系同源体（人MAGE－D和人KIAA1114）。该家族的3个人类成员均定位于染色体Xp11.21-p11.23,同时具有独特的基因组结构。分子进化树分析表明,该家族与已知MAGE－A、－B和－C3个亚家族之间具有明显的进化上分歧。该亚家族的发现为研究肿瘤相关基因新功能提供了重要线索。     

Detecting evolutionary rate heterogeneity among mangroves and their close terrestrial relatives

Mangroves form the dominant intertidal ecosystems and differ morphologically and physiologically from their close terrestrial relatives. We investigate the molecular evolutionary pattern of the typical mangrove family, i.e. Rhizophoraceae, and rate heterogeneity for the plastid matK and rbcL genes in different species of the family, as revealed by phylogenetic analyses and relative‐rate tests. Our study documents evolutionary rate heterogeneity in the Rhizophoraceae for the two genes: the mangrove genus Bruguiera has relatively slow substitution rates compared to the terrestrial genus Carallia at both synonymous and non‐synonymous sites in the matK sequences, and the synonymous and non‐synonymous substitution matrices are correlated. However, the rbcL non‐synonymous sites exhibit a high degree of rate heterogeneity among mangroves and related terrestrial groups, and uncoupling of rates with the synonymous sites. Selection is probably an important influence on the rate variation, suggesting further investigation for better understanding of various forces contributing to the rate heterogeneity and molecular adaptation in mangroves.     

Xist-mediated chromatin changes that establish silencing of an entire X chromosome in mammals

X chromosome inactivation (XCI) ensures an equal gene dosage between the sexes in placental mammals. Xist, a modular multi-domain X-encoded long non-coding RNA coats the X chromosome in cis during XCI. Xist recruits chromatin remodelers and repressor complexes ensuring silencing of the inactive X (Xi). Here, we review the recent work focused on the role of Xist functional repeats and interacting RNA-binding factors in the establishment of the silent state. Xist orchestrates recruitment of remodelers and repressors that first facilitate removal of the active chromatin landscape and subsequently direct the transition into a repressive heterochromatic environment. Some of these factors affect silencing on a chromosome-wide scale, while others display gene-specific silencing defects. The temporal order of recruitment shows each silencing step is party dependent on one another. After the Xi is established, many of the factors are dispensable, and a different repertoire of proteins ensure the silenced Xi is maintained and propagated.     

A further study of a possible locus for schizophrenia on the X chromosome

Several studies suggest that the X chromosome may contain a gene for schizophrenia. In the present study, we recruited 142 male schizophrenic patients and their biological mothers from all parts of the United Kingdom to detect a genetic association for the SYP/CACNA1F locus in the Xp11 region and the FACL4 locus in the Xq22.3-Xq23 region. The haplotype-based haplotype relative risk (HHRR) analysis showed allelic association for rs2071316 (chi2=6.85, P=0.009) and rs5905724 (chi2=5.3, P=0.021) at the CACNA1F locus, but not for rs5943414 and rs1324805 at the FACL4 locus and rs3817678 at the SYP locus. The haplotype analysis showed a weak association for the rs3817678-rs2071316-rs5905724 haplotypes (chi2=12.19, df=4, P=0.016) but did not show such an association for the rs5943414-rs1324805 haplotypes (chi2=3.96, df=2, P=0.138). Because the linkage disequilibrium signal was detected only at the CACNA1F locus, this gene should perhaps be considered as being a candidate for schizophrenia although further work is needed to draw firm conclusions.     

与泛肽途径可能相关的新基因UBAP1的克隆和表达分析

在先前确定了鼻咽癌9p21-22区域的一个最小共同缺失区内的基础上,为了筛选和克隆鼻咽癌相关的修选抑瘤基因,应用EST介导的定位候选克隆策略,用RT－PCR及Northern杂交检测了22个表达序列标签(expressed sequence tag,EST）在鼻咽癌细胞株HNE－1和原代培养的正常鼻咽上皮细胞中的表达水平,发现其中一个EST w56112在鼻咽癌细胞株HNE－1中的表达显著下调,RNA印迹显示其代表一转录本为2.7kb的基因。进一步运用cDNA测序和RACE方法克隆了该EST代表的基因全长cDNA,Genbank登录呈AF222043,同时结合生物信息学方法克了该基因在小鼠中的同源基因,Genbank登录AF275549。该基因cDNA全长2.7kb,编码由502个氨基酸组成的、分子质量为55kD的蛋白质。数据库分析显示该基因编码的蛋白质羧基段含有两个重要的泛肽相关结构域（UBA domain）,属于泛肽相关蛋白家族的一个新成员,因此征得国际人类基因组命名委员会同意,将其命名为UBAP1基因。运用Northern杂交和 RT-PCR方法检测发现UBAP1基因在所检测的人和小鼠的组织中广泛表达。采用RT－PCR和直接测序的方法,未能发现UBAP1基因编码区在鼻咽癌细胞株HNE－1和10例鼻咽癌活检标本中存在突变。UBAP1基因作为一个泛肽相关蛋白家族的新成员,有可能参与泛肽信号途径;结合其在9p的定位信息及在鼻咽癌中的表达下调。有等对UBAP1基因进行为精细的突变分析,以进一步研究其表达下调参与鼻咽癌发生发展的可能机制。     

基因芯片技术与基因表达谱研究

基因芯片技术是近年来出现的分子生物学与微电子技术相结合的最新DNA分析检测技术,该技术将成为信息科学与生命科学之间的联系纽带,为后基因组时代基因功能的分析提供一种最重要的技术手段,目前基因芯片技术已在基因表达谱等研究中得到广泛应用。     

棉铃虫核多角体病毒进化保守性基因iap2基因表达载体的构建及表达

分析棉铃虫核多角体病毒基因组 ,结合GenBank中已知的序列 ,发现iap2基因位于其基因组的BamHⅠ F片段上 ,回收此片段作为模板 ,设计引物 ,通过PCR扩增得到了抗细胞凋亡基因iap2的DNA片段。将扩增产物克隆到pGEM T载体上 ,再进一步将插入片段酶切并连接到表达载体pET 2 8a上 ,构建了重组质粒pET iap2。DNA序列分析结果表明 ,克隆得到的DNA序列与所发表序列完全相同。含重组质粒pET iap2的大肠杆菌BL2 1 (DE3)表达了抗细胞凋亡蛋白IAP2。