Uterine extracellular matrix components are altered during defective decidualization in interleukin-11 receptor α deficient mice

Background

Implantation of the embryo and successful pregnancy are dependent on the differentiation of endometrial stromal cells into decidual cells. Female interleukin-11 receptor α (IL-11Rα) deficient mice are infertile due to disrupted decidualization, suggesting a critical role for IL-11 and its target genes in implantation. The molecular targets of IL-11 in the uterus are unknown, but it is likely that IL-11 signaling modifies the expression of other genes important in decidualization. This study aimed to identify genes regulated by IL-11 during decidualization in mouse uterus, and to examine their expression and localization as an indication of functional significance during early pregnancy.

Methods

Decidualization was artificially induced in pseudopregnant wild type (IL11Ra^+/+) and IL-11Rα deficient (IL11Ra^-/-) littermates by oil injection into the uterine lumen, and gene expression analyzed by NIA 15K cDNA microarray analysis at subsequent time points. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used as an alternative mRNA quantitation method and the expression and cellular localization of the protein products was examined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Among 15,247 DNA probes, 13 showed increased and 4 decreased expression in IL11Ra^-/- uterus at 48 h of decidualization. These included 4 genes encoding extracellular matrix proteins; collagen III α1, secreted acidic cysteine-rich glycoprotein (SPARC), biglycan and nidogen-1 (entactin). Immunohistochemistry confirmed increased collagen III and biglycan protein expression in IL11Ra^-/- uterus at this time. In both IL11Ra^-/- and wild type uterus, collagen III and biglycan were primarily localized to the outer connective tissue and smooth muscle cells of the myometrium, with diffuse staining in the cytoplasm of decidualized stromal cells.

Conclusion

These data suggest that IL-11 regulates changes in the uterine extracellular matrix that are necessary for decidualization.

     

Functional characterization and substrate specificity analysis of Δ6-desaturase from marine microalga <Emphasis Type="Italic">Isochrysis</Emphasis> sp.

Objectives

To express a Δ6-desaturase gene and produce gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid (SDA) in prokaryotic expression system (Escherichia coli), and analyze its substrate specificity in the omega-3 fatty acid biosynthetic pathway.

Results

Full-length ORF (1448 bp) of Δ6Des-Iso was isolated from Isochrysis sp. and characterized using multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic analysis, transmembrane domain, and protein tertiary structure. Δ6Des-Iso is a front-end desaturase consisting of three conserved histidine domains and a cytochrome b₅ domain. Δ6Des-Iso was cloned and expressed in E. coli with the production of GLA and SDA. Recombinant E. coli utilized 27 and 8% of exogenously supplied alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA) to produce 6.3% of SDA and 2.3% of GLA, respectively, suggesting that isolated Δ6Des-Iso is specific to the omega-3 pathway.

Conclusion

For the first time production of GLA and SDA in a prokaryotic system was achieved.

     

Deletion of <Emphasis Type="Italic">ldh</Emphasis>A and <Emphasis Type="Italic">ald</Emphasis>H genes in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Klebsiella</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">pneumoniae</Emphasis> to enhance 1,3-propanediol production

Objectives

To improve 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) production and reduce byproduct concentration during the fermentation of Klebsiella pneumonia.

Results

Klebsiella. pneumonia 2-1ΔldhA, K. pneumonia 2-1ΔaldH and K. pneumonia 2-1ΔldhAΔaldH mutant strains were obtained through deletion of the ldhA gene encoding lactate dehydrogenase required for lactate synthesis and the aldH gene encoding acetaldehyde dehydrogenase involved in the synthesis of ethanol. After fed-batch fermentation, the production of 1,3-PD from glycerol was enhanced and the concentrations of byproducts were reduced compared with the original strain K. pneumonia 2-1. The maximum yields of 1,3-PD were 85.7, 82.5 and 87.5 g/l in the respective mutant strains.

Conclusion

Deletion of either aldH or ldhA promoted 1,3-PD production in K. pneumonia.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Enterococcus faecalis</Emphasis> promotes osteoclast differentiation within an osteoblast/osteoclast co-culture system

Objective

To investigate the effects of heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 and P25RC clinical strain (derived from an obturated root canal with apical periodontitis) on osteoclast differentiation within an osteoblast/osteoclast co-culture system.

Results

Heat-killed E. faecalis significantly increased the proportion of multinucleated osteoclastic cells (MNCs) within the co-culture system. The IL-6 level was significantly increased upon exposure to heat-killed E. faecalis. Gene expression levels of NFATc1 and cathepsin K were significantly up-regulated compared to the untreated control. EphrinB2 and EphB4 expressions at both the mRNA and protein levels were also significantly upregulated compared to the untreated control.

Conclusions

Heat-killed E. faecalis can induce osteoclast differentiation within the osteoblast/osteoclast co-culture system in vitro, possibly through ephrinB2-EphB4 bidirectional signaling.

     

Iridoid and phenylethanoid/phenylpropanoid metabolite profiles of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scrophularia</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Verbascum</Emphasis> species used medicinally in North America

Introduction

Botanicals containing iridoid and phenylethanoid/phenylpropanoid glycosides are used worldwide for the treatment of inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions that are primary causes of human years lived with disability, such as arthritis and lower back pain.

Objectives

We report the analysis of candidate anti-inflammatory metabolites of several endemic Scrophularia species and Verbascum thapsus used medicinally by peoples of North America.

Methods

Leaves, stems, and roots were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was performed in MetaboAnalyst 3.0 after processing the datasets in Progenesis QI.

Results

Comparison of the datasets revealed significant and differential accumulation of iridoid and phenylethanoid/phenylpropanoid glycosides in the tissues of the endemic Scrophularia species and Verbascum thapsus.

Conclusions

Our investigation identified several species of pharmacological interest as good sources for harpagoside and other important anti-inflammatory metabolites.

     

Usefulness of selected laboratory markers in ulcerative colitis

Introduction

This study aimed to compare the accuracy of selected laboratory markers in assessing disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). The analysis included serum IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α, IFN-γ, hsCRP, peripheral regulatory T cells, as well as fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin.

Patients and methods

A group of 45 adults with UC was enrolled in the study. Disease activity was assessed using the Mayo endoscopic index, while for clinical activity scoring, the Clinical Activity Index (CAI) was used. Concentrations of markers investigated were estimated by means of flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays: the results were correlated with both indices.

Results

The study demonstrated that both fecal markers, i.e. calprotectin (r = 0.880, P<0.001) and lactoferrin (r = 0.799, P<0.001) correlated closely with the Mayo endoscopic score, and might be used to evaluate the severity of UC in the clinical setting. The correlation of these markers with CAI was also significant, with r = 0.831 for calprotectin (P<0.001) and r = 0.672 for lactoferrin (P<0.05). As for the other markers investigated, only IL-6 (r = 0.598, P<0.001), IL-17A (r = 0.587, P<0.005), and TNF-α (r = 0.701, P<0.001) correlated closely with the Mayo endoscopic index. The correlation of the markers with CAI was also significant, though weaker, with r = 0.525 for IL-6 (P<0.001), r = 0.587 for IL-17A (P<0.05), and r = 0.624 for TNF-α (P<0.001).

Discussion

Despite the fact, that UC is generally considered to be an IL-13-driven, Th2-like type of disease, markers of inflammation such as serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, TNF-α, fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin might be useful in assessing disease activity.

     

One pot simultaneous preparation of both enantiomer of β-amino alcohol and vicinal diol via cascade biocatalysis

Objectives

To investigate the efficiency of a new cascade biocatalysis system for the conversion of R, S-β-amino alcohols to enantiopure vicinal diol and β-amino alcohol.

Results

An efficient cascade biocatalysis was achieved by combination of a transaminase, a carbonyl reductase and a cofactor regeneration system. An ee value of > 99% for 2-amino-2-phenylethanol and 1-phenyl-1, 2-ethanediol were simultaneously obtained with 50% conversion from R, S-2-amino-2-phenylethanol. The generality of the cascade biocatalysis was further demonstrated with the whole-cell approaches to convert 10–60 mM R, S-β-amino alcohol to (R)- and (S)-diol and (R)- and (S)-β-amino alcohol in 90–99% ee with 50–52% conversion. Preparative biotransformation was demonstrated at a 50 ml scale with mixed recombinant cells to give both (R)- and (S)-2-amino-2-phenylethanol and (R)- and (S)-1-phenyl-1, 2-ethanediol in > 99% ee and 40–42% isolated yield from racemic 2-amino-2-phenylethanol.

Conclusions

This cascade biocatalysis system provides a new practical method for the simultaneous synthesis of optically pure vicinal diol and an β-amino alcohol.

     

Monoterpene biotransformation by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Colletotrichum</Emphasis> species

Objective

To investigate the biocatalytic potential of Colletotrichum acutatum and Colletotrichum nymphaeae for monoterpene biotransformation.

Results

C. acutatum and C. nymphaeae used limonene, α-pinene, β-pinene, farnesene, citronellol, linalool, geraniol, perillyl alcohol, and carveol as sole carbon and energy sources. Both species biotransformed limonene and linalool, accumulating limonene-1,2-diol and linalool oxides, respectively. α-Pinene was only biotransformed by C. nymphaeae producing campholenic aldehyde, pinanone and verbenone. The biotransformation of limonene by C. nymphaeae yielded 3.34–4.01 g limonene-1,2-diol l^?1, depending on the substrate (R-(+)-limonene, S-(?)-limonene or citrus terpene (an agro-industrial by-product). This is among the highest concentrations already reported for this product.

Conclusions

This is the first report on the biotransformation of these terpenes by Colletotrichum spp. and the biotransformation of limonene to limonene-1,2-diol possibly involves enzymes similar to those found in Grosmannia clavigera.

     

The effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy on the serum levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in HIV infected subjects

Background

Cytokines play an important role in controlling the homeostasis of the immune system and infection with Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) leads to deregulated production of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This study was designed to determine the effects of HIV and Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) on the levels of pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines in HIV infected subjects.

Method

A total of 50 HIV infected and 50 HIV seronegative control participants were recruited for the study. The HIV infected subjects were recruited before commencement of antiretroviral therapy and were followed up for 12?months. Blood samples were collected at 3 different points: before initiation of therapy, 6?months into therapy and 12?months into therapy. Serum cytokines were analyzed using ELISA method while CD4+ T cells and viral load counts were measured using standard laboratory methods.

Result

The results showed that pro-inflammatory cytokines: Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokines Interleukin-4 (IL-4), Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were significantly elevated in HIV infected subjects before commencement of therapy compared to 6?months and 12?months into therapy (P?<?0.01) and compared to control participants (P?<?0.01). TNF-α, TGF-beta remained significantly elevated even after 12?months of therapy compared to control participants (P?<?0.01), while IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 showed no significant difference compared to control participants after 12?months of therapy (P?>?0.05). INF-γ was significantly reduced before commencement of therapy and after 12?months of therapy compared to control participants (P?<?0.05) respectively.

Conclusion

TNF-α and TGF-β remained significantly elevated even after 12?months of therapy, while IFN-γ remained significantly reduced after 12?months of therapy. Regulating these cytokines which were unresponsive to therapy could serve as a potential measure of therapy for HIV infected subjects. The positive effect of 12?months therapy on IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 levels can be used to monitor disease prognosis during therapy especially in resource poor setting where regular viral load monitoring is unavailable.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlamydomonas fla</Emphasis> mutants reveal a link between deflagellation and intraflagellar transport

Background

Cilia and flagella are often lost in anticipation of mitosis or in response to stress. There are two ways that a cell can lose its flagella: resorption or deflagellation. Deflagellation involves active severing of the axoneme at the base of the flagellum; this process is defective in Chlamydomonas fa mutants. In contrast, resorption has been thought to occur as a consequence of constitutive disassembly at the tip in the absence of continued assembly, which requires intraflagellar transport (IFT). Chlamydomonas fla mutants are unable to build and maintain flagella due to defects in IFT.

Results

fla10 cells, which are defective in kinesin-II, the anterograde IFT motor, resorb their flagella at the restrictive temperature (33°C), as previously reported. We find that in standard media containing ~300 microM calcium, fla10 cells lose flagella by deflagellation at 33°C. This temperature-induced deflagellation of a fla mutant is not predicted by the IFT-based model for flagellar length control. Other fla mutants behave similarly, losing their flagella by deflagellation instead of resorption, if adequate calcium is available. These data suggest a new model whereby flagellar resorption involves active disassembly at the base of the flagellum via a mechanism with components in common with the severing machinery of deflagellation. As predicted by this model, we discovered that deflagellation stimuli induce resorption if deflagellation is blocked either by mutation in a FA gene or by lack of calcium. Further support for this model comes from our discovery that fla10-fa double mutants resorb their flagella more slowly than fla10 mutants.

Conclusions

Deflagellation of the fla10 mutant at the restrictive temperature is indicative of an active disassembly signal, which can manifest as either resorption or deflagellation. We propose that when IFT is halted by either an inactivating mutation or a cellular signal, active flagellar disassembly is initiated. This active disassembly is distinct from the constitutive disassembly which plays a role in flagellar length control.

     

Seroprevalence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Borrelia burgdorferi</Emphasis> sensu lato and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anaplasma phagocytophilum</Emphasis> in Danish horses

Background

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum are able to infect horses. However, the extend to which Danish horses are infected and seroconvert due to these two bacteria is unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato and A. phagocytophilum in Danish horses.

Methods

A total of 390 blood samples collected from all major regions of Denmark and with a geographical distribution corresponding to the density of the Danish horse population were analyzed. All samples were examined for the presence of antibodies against B. burgdorferi sensu lato and A. phagocytophilum by the use of the SNAP^®4DX ^® ELISA test.

Results

Overall, 29.0% of the horses were seropositive for B. burgdorferi sensu lato whereas 22.3% were seropositive for A. phagocytophilum.

Conclusions

Antibodies against B burgdorferi sensu lato and A. phagocytophilum are commonly found among Danish horses thus showing that Danish horses are frequently infected by these organisms.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sorting nexin 24</Emphasis> genetic variation associates with coronary artery aneurysm severity in Kawasaki disease patients

Background

The sorting nexin (SNX) family is involved in endocytosis and protein trafficking and plays multiple roles in various diseases. The role of SNX proteins in Kawasaki disease (KD) is not known. We attempted to test whether genetic SNX variation associates with the risk of coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) formation in KD.

Methods and results

Chi-square tests were used to identify SNX24 genetic variants associated with KD susceptibility and CAA formation in KD; models were adjusted for fever duration and time of first administration of intravenous immunoglobulin. We obtained clinical characteristics and genotypes from KD patients (76 with CAA and 186 without CAA) in a population-based retrospective KD cohort study (n?=?262). Clinical and genetic factors were associated with CAA formation in KD. In addition, endothelial cell inflammation was evaluated. Significant correlation was observed between KD with CAA complications and the rs28891 single-nucleotide polymorphism in SNX24. Patients with CC?+?CT genotypes had lesser CAA complications. In lipopolysaccharide-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells, siRNA knockdown of SNX24 significantly decreased gene expression of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1 beta, IL-6, and IL-8.

Conclusions

Polymorphisms in SNX24 may be used as genetic markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of CAA formation in KD.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Candida guilliermondii</Emphasis> as a potential biocatalyst for the production of long-chain α,ω-dicarboxylic acids

Objectives

To explore Candida guilliermondii for the production of long-chain dicarboxylic acids (DCA), we performed metabolic pathway engineering aiming to prevent DCA consumption during β-oxidation, but also to increase its production via the ω-oxidation pathway.

Results

We identified the major β- and ω-oxidation pathway genes in C. guilliermondii and performed first steps in the strain improvement. A double pox disruption mutant was created that slowed growth with oleic acid but showed accelerated DCA degradation. Increase in DCA production was achieved by homologous overexpression of a plasmid borne cytochrome P450 monooxygenase gene.

Conclusion

C. guilliermondii is a promising biocatalyst for DCA production but further insight into its fatty acid metabolism is necessary.

     

Asymmetric reduction of ketopantolactone using a strictly (<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>)-stereoselective carbonyl reductase through efficient NADPH regeneration and the substrate constant-feeding strategy

Objectives

To characterize a recombinant carbonyl reductase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SceCPR1) and explore its use in asymmetric synthesis of (R)-pantolactone [(R)-PL].

Results

The NADPH-dependent SceCPR1 exhibited strict (R)-enantioselectivity and high activity in the asymmetric reduction of ketopantolactone (KPL) to (R)-PL. Escherichia coli, coexpressing SceCPR1 and glucose dehydrogenase from Exiguobacterium sibiricum (EsGDH), was constructed to fulfill efficient NADPH regeneration. During the whole-cell catalyzed asymmetric reduction of KPL, the spontaneous hydrolysis of KPL significantly affected the yield of (R)-PL, which was effectively alleviated by the employment of the substrate constant-feeding strategy. The established whole-cell bioreduction for 6 h afforded 458 mM (R)-PL with the enantiomeric excess value of >99.9% and the yield of 91.6%.

Conclusions

Escherichia coli coexpressing SceCPR1 and EsGDH efficiently catalyzed the asymmetric synthesis of (R)-PL through the substrate constant-feeding strategy.

     

Dual stimuli-responsive Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> graft poly(acrylic acid)-<Emphasis Type="Italic">block</Emphasis>-poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl ferrocenecarboxylate) copolymer micromicelles: surface RAFT synthesis,self-assembly and drug release applications

Background

Stimuli-responsive polymer materials are a new kind of intelligent materials based on the concept of bionics, which exhibits more significant changes in physicochemical properties upon triggered by tiny environment stimuli, hence providing a good carrier platform for antitumor drug delivery.

Results

Dual stimuli-responsive Fe₃O₄ graft poly(acrylic acid)-block-poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl ferrocenecarboxylate) block copolymers (Fe₃O₄-g-PAA-b-PMAEFC) were engineered and synthesized through a two-step sequential reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization route. The characterization was performed by FTIR, ¹H NMR, SEC, XRD and TGA techniques. The self-assembly behavior in aqueous solution upon triggered by pH, magnetic and redox stimuli was investigated via zeta potentials, vibration sample magnetometer, cyclic voltammetry, fluorescent spectrometry, dynamic light scattering, XPS, TEM and SEM measurements. The experimental results indicated that the Fe₃O₄-g-PAA-b-PMAEFC copolymer materials could spontaneously assemble into hybrid magnetic copolymer micromicelles with core–shell structure, and exhibited superparamagnetism, redox and pH stimuli-responsive features. The hybrid copolymer micromicelles were stable and nontoxic, and could entrap hydrophobic anticancer drug, which was in turn swiftly and effectively delivered from the drug-loaded micromicelles at special microenvironments such as acidic pH and high reactive oxygen species.

Conclusion

This class of stimuli-responsive copolymer materials is expected to find wide applications in medical science and biology, etc., especially in drug delivery system.

     

Mapping and validation of a new QTL for adult-plant resistance to powdery mildew in Chinese elite bread wheat line Zhou8425B

Key message

Four QTLs for adult-plant resistance to powdery mildew were mapped in the Zhou8425B/Chinese Spring population, and a new QTL on chromosome 3B was validated in 103 wheat cultivars derived from Zhou8425B.

Abstract

Zhou8425B is an elite wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) line widely used as a parent in Chinese wheat breeding programs. Identification of genes for adult-plant resistance (APR) to powdery mildew in Zhou8425B is of high importance for continued controlling the disease. In the current study, the high-density Illumina iSelect 90K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for APR to powdery mildew in 244 recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross Zhou8425B/Chinese Spring. Inclusive composite interval mapping identified QTL on chromosomes 1B, 3B, 4B, and 7D, designated as QPm.caas-1BL.1, QPm.caas-3BS, QPm.caas-4BL.2, and QPm.caas-7DS, respectively. Resistance alleles at the QPm.caas-1BL.1, QPm.caas-3BS, and QPm.caas-4BL.2 loci were contributed by Zhou8425B, whereas that at QPm.caas-7DS was from Chinese Spring. QPm.caas-3BS, likely to be a new APR gene for powdery mildew resistance, was detected in all four environments. One SNP marker closely linked to QPm.caas-3BS was transferred into a semi-thermal asymmetric reverse PCR (STARP) marker and tested on 103 commercial wheat cultivars derived from Zhou8425B. Cultivars with the resistance allele at the QPm.caas-3BS locus had averaged maximum disease severity reduced by 5.3%. This STARP marker can be used for marker-assisted selection in improvement of the level of powdery mildew resistance in wheat breeding.

     

A SNP in the 5′ flanking region of the myostatin-1b gene is associated with harvest traits in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Background

Myostatin (MSTN) belongs to the transforming growth factor-β superfamily and is a potent negative regulator of skeletal muscle development and growth in mammals. Most teleost fish possess two MSTN paralogues. However, as a consequence of a recent whole genome-duplication event, salmonids have four: MSTN-1 (?1a and -1b) and MSTN-2 (?2a and -2b). Evidence suggests that teleost MSTN plays a role in the regulation of muscle growth. In the current study, the MSTN-1b gene was re-sequenced and screened for SNP markers in a commercial population of Atlantic salmon. After genotyping 4,800 progeny for the discovered SNPs, we investigated their association with eight harvest traits - four body-weight traits, two ratios of weight traits, flesh colour and fat percentage - using a mixed model association analysis.

Results

Three novel SNPs were discovered in the MSTN-1b gene of Atlantic salmon. One of the SNPs, located within the 5′ flanking region (g.1086C?>?T), had a significant association with harvest traits (p?<?0.05), specifically for: Harvest Weight (kg), Gutted Weight (kg), Deheaded Weight (kg) and Fillet Weight (kg). The haplotype-based association analysis was consistent with this result because the two haplotypes that showed a significant association with body-weight traits, hap4 and hap5 (p?<?0.05 and p?<?0.01, respectively), differ by a single substitution at the g.1086C?>?T locus. The alleles at g.1086C?>?T act in an additive manner and explain a small percentage of the genetic variation of these phenotypes.

Conclusions

The association analysis revealed that g.1086C?>?T had a significant association with all body-weight traits under study. Although the SNP explains a small percentage of the variance, our results indicate that a variation in the 5′ flanking region of the myostatin gene is associated with the genetic regulation of growth in Atlantic salmon.

     

Low molecular weight glutenin subunit gene composition at <Emphasis Type="Italic">Glu</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">D3</Emphasis> loci of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aegilops tauschii</Emphasis> and common wheat and a further view of wheat evolution

Key message

A comprehensive comparison of LMW-GS genes between Ae. tauschii and its progeny common wheat.

Abstract

Low molecular weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GSs) are determinant of wheat flour processing quality. However, the LMW-GS gene composition in Aegilops tauschii, the wheat D genome progenitor, has not been comprehensively elucidated and the impact of allohexaploidization on the Glu-D3 locus remains elusive. In this work, using the LMW-GS gene molecular marker system and the full-length gene-cloning method, LMW-GS genes at the Glu-D3 loci of 218 Ae. tauschii and 173 common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were characterized. Each Ae. tauschii contained 11 LMW-GS genes, and the whole collection was divided into 25 haplotypes (AeH01–AeH25). The Glu-D3 locus in common wheat lacked the LMW-GS genes D3-417, D3-507 and D3-552, but shared eight genes of identical open reading frame (ORF) sequences when compared to that of Ae. tauschii. Therefore, the allohexaploidization induces deletions, but exerts no influence on LMW-GS gene coding sequences at the Glu-D3 locus. 92.17% Ae. tauschii had 7-9 LMW-GSs, more than the six subunits in common wheat. The haplotypes AeH16, AeH20 and AeH23 of Ae. tauschii ssp. strangulate distributed in southeastern Caspian Iran were the main putative D genome donor of common wheat. These results facilitate the utilization of the Ae. tauschii glutenin gene resources and the understanding of wheat evolution.