The circadian conidiation rhythm inNeurospora crassa

The filamentous fungusNeurospora crassais one of the best organisms for analysing the molecular basis of the circadian rhythm observed in asexual spore formation, conidiation. Many clock mutants in which the circadian conidiation rhythm has different characteristics compared to those in the wild-type strain have been isolated since the early 1970s. With the cloning of one of these clock genes,frq, the molecular basis of the circadian clock inNeurosporahas become gradually clearer. Physiological and pharmacological studies have also contributed to our understanding of the physiological basis of the circadian clock inNeurospora. These studies strongly indicate that the circadian clock is based on or is closely related to a network of metabolic processes for cellular activities. Based on these studies, it may be possible to isolate new types of clock mutants which should contribute to a better understanding of the molecular basis of the circadian clock inNeurospora.     

Linking phylogenetics with population genetics to reconstruct the geographic origin of a species

Reconstructing ancestral geographic origins is critical for understanding the long-term evolution of a species. Bayesian methods have been proposed to test biogeographic hypotheses while accommodating uncertainty in phylogenetic reconstruction. However, the problem that certain taxa may have a disproportionate influence on conclusions has not been addressed. Here, we infer the geographic origin of Drosophila simulans using 2,014 bp of the period locus from 63 lines collected from 18 countries. We also analyze two previously published datasets, alcohol dehydrogenase related and NADH:ubiquinone reductase 75 kDa subunit precursor. Phylogenetic inferences of all three loci support Madagascar as the geographic origin of D. simulans. Our phylogenetic conclusions are robust to taxon resampling and to the potentially confounding effects of recombination. To test our phylogenetically derived hypothesis we develop a randomization test of the population genetics prediction that sequences from the geographic origin should contain more genetic polymorphism than those from derived populations. We find that the Madagascar population has elevated genetic polymorphism relative to non-Madagascar sequences. These data are corroborated by mitochondrial DNA sequence data.     

Evolution of a new chromosomal lineage in a laboratory population ofDrosophila through centric fission

Structural rearrangements of chromosomes have played a decisive role in the karyotypic evolution of species. It is also known that inversions, translocations, fusions, fissions, heterochromatin variations and other chromosomal changes occur as transient events in natural populations. Herein we report the occurrence of a rare event of centric fission of a metacentric chromosome in a laboratory population ofDrosophila, called Cytorace 1. This centric fission has been fixed in a sub-population of Cytorace 1, resulting in a new chromosomal lineage called Fissioncytorace-1.     

Drosophilarhythms: from brain to behavior

Theperiod(per) gene and thetimeless(tim) gene are essential components of the circadian clock inDrosophila melanogaster. Both gene products interact in interdependent feedback loops, producing a self-sustained cellular rhythmin situ. Several oscillating cells are combined to discrete pacemaker centers that control rhythmic behavior. This paper reviews the work on localizing the circadian pacemaker neurons controlling activity and eclosion, leading to questions about how these pacemaker cells are synchronized to the external light–dark cycle, and how they impose periodicity on behavior. The circadian system ofDrosophilais also compared with that of other arthropods.     

Degradation and Utilization of Xylans by the Rumen AnaerobePrevotella bryantii(formerlyP. ruminicolasubsp.brevis) B14

Freshly harvested whole cells from cultures ofP. bryantiiB₁4 grown with oat spelt xylan (OSX) as an energy source showed less than 25% of the enzyme activity against OSX, and less than 15% of the activity against birchwood xylan (BWX) and carboxymethylcellulose, that was detectable in sonicated cell preparations. This indicates that much of this hydrolytic activity is either periplasmic, membrane-associated or intracellular and may be concerned with the processing of transported oligosaccharides.P. bryantiiB₁4 cultures were able to utilise up to 45% and 51% of the total pentose present in OSX and BWX, respectively, after 24 h, but could utilize 84% of a water-soluble fraction of BWX. Analysis of the xylan left undegraded after incubation withP. bryantiishowed that while xylose and arabinose were removed to a similar extent, uronic acids were utilized to a greater extent than xylose. Predigestion of xylans with two cloned xylanases from the cellulolytic rumen anaerobeRuminococcus flavefaciensgave little increase in overall pentose utilization suggesting that externalP. bryantiixylanases are as effective as the clonedR. flavefaciensenzymes in releasing products that can be utilised byP. bryantiicells. The xylanase system ofP. bryantiiis able to efficiently utilise not only xylo-oligosaccharides but also larger water-soluble xylan fragments.     

Diversification and Independent Evolution of Troponin C Genes in Insects

Troponin C (TpnC), the calcium-binding subunit of the troponin regulatory complex in the muscle thin filament, is encoded by multiple genes in insects. To understand how TpnC genes have evolved, we characterized the gene number and structure in a number of insect species. The TpnC gene complement is five genes in Drosophilidae as previously reported for D. melanogaster. Gene structures are almost identical in D. pseudoobscura, D. suboboscura, and D. virilis. Developmental patterns of expression are also conserved in Drosophila subobscura and D. virilis. Similar, but not completely equivalent, TpnC gene repertoires have been identified in the Anopheles gambiae and Apis mellifera genomes. Insect TpnC sequences can be divided into three groups, allowing a systematic classification of newly identified genes. The pattern of expression of the Apis mellifera genes essentially agrees with the pattern in Drosophilidae, providing further functional support to the classification. A model for the evolution of the TpnC genes is proposed including the most likely pathway of insect TpnC diversification. Our results suggest that the rapid increase in number and sequence specialization of the adult Type III isoforms can be correlated with the evolution of the holometabolous mode of development and the acquisition of asynchronous indirect flight muscle function in insects. This evolutionarily specialization has probably been achieved independently in different insect orders.Reviewing Editor: Dr. Rüdiger Cerff     

Common Mechanisms of Y Chromosome Evolution

Y chromosome evolution is characterized by the expansion of genetic inertness along the Y chromosome and changes in the chromosome structure, especially the tendency of becoming heterochromatic. It is generally assumed that the sex chromosome pair has developed from a pair of homologues. In an evolutionary process the proto-Y-chromosome, with a very short differential segment, develops in its final stage into a completely heterochromatic and to a great extends genetically eroded Y chromosome. The constraints evolving the Y chromosome have been the objects of speculation since the discovery of sex chromosomes. Several models have been suggested. We use the exceptional situation of the in Drosophila mirandato analyze the molecular process in progress involved in Y chromosome evolution. We suggest that the first steps in the switch from a euchromatic proto-Y-chromosome into a completely heterochromatic Y chromosome are driven by the accumulation of transposable elements, especially retrotransposons inserted along the evolving nonrecombining part of the Y chromosome. In this evolutionary process trapping and accumulation of retrotransposons on the proto-Y-chromosome should lead to conformational changes that are responsible for successive silencing of euchromatic genes, both intact or already mutated ones and eventually transform functionally euchromatic domains into genetically inert heterochromatin. Accumulation of further mutations, deletions, and duplications followed by the evolution and expansion of tandem repetitive sequence motifs of high copy number (satellite sequences) together with a few vital genes for male fertility will then represent the final state of the degenerated Y chromosome. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Frequency and effort of reproduction in female Vipera aspis from a southern population

The frequency of reproduction of the asp viper (Vipera aspis, Viperidae) was studied in a population living along the coasts of central Italy. An annual reproductive cycle seemed to be the rule during the 5-year study period. Annual reproduction, high average mass of reproductive females, and large size of neonates, compared with other northern or continental populations, are presumably due to the particularly suitable climatic conditions of the area, as in most coastal habitats of the Mediterranean region. Such a scenario should influence the extent of the feeding period, which allows females, within a few months after parturition, to regain their previous body condition and reproduce again the following year.     

沙冬青属植物叶绿体基因组对比和系统发育分析

该研究以沙冬青和矮沙冬青叶绿体基因组为研究对象,比较分析其基因组结构和系统发育关系。结果显示: (1)沙冬青和矮沙冬青的叶绿体基因组具有典型的四段式结构,全长为153 935 bp和154 140 bp,其中大单拷贝区(LSC)分别为83 891 bp和84 126 bp,小单拷贝区(SSC)分别为18 022 bp和18 014 bp,以及长度各自为26 011 bp和26 000 bp的成对反向重复区(IRs);沙冬青和矮沙冬青均注释130个基因,包括85个蛋白编码基因(PCGs),37个转运RNA(tRNA)以及8个核糖体RNA(rRNA)。(2)沙冬青和矮沙冬青的叶绿体基因组中分别检测出26和15个回文重复序列,39和50个串联重复序列,23和34个散在重复序列。同时都鉴定出96个SSRs位点,包括74和73个单核苷酸重复,5和6个二核苷酸重复,以及各有17个复合SSR位点;边界分析显示两者IR区相似,但仍有一定差异。(3)通过近邻结合法(NJ)对沙冬青和矮沙冬青在内的17种蝶形花亚科以及2种云实亚科植物的叶绿体基因组构建的系统发育树显示,沙冬青和矮沙冬青以较高的支持率聚为一个独立分枝。该研究结果为沙冬青属的种间鉴别、SSR分子标记开发、保育工作、种群动态以及进一步研究坡塔里族的演化过程奠定了理论基础。     

一株东方醋酸杆菌分离与其促进果蝇生长发育

【目的】分离与鉴定黑腹果蝇体内醋酸杆菌,并研究其对宿主生长发育的促进作用。【方法】利用醋酸杆菌选择性培养基分离果蝇肠道醋酸杆菌;通过革兰氏染色和16S rRNA基因比对鉴定菌种;肠道定植实验验证共生关系;发育历期和生长速率实验检测其促进果蝇生长作用;免疫荧光染色技术检测肠道细胞增殖;RT-PCR法检测促生长的分子标志物和相关的信号通路。【结果】菌株为东方醋酸杆菌(Acetobacter orientalis),可以持续地定植在果蝇肠道及其培养基中,并且明显促进果蝇的生长。东方醋酸杆菌通过胰岛素信号通路增加肠分裂细胞的数量和促进蜕皮激素的分泌。【结论】东方醋酸杆菌是果蝇的一种共生菌,对果蝇肠道结构和机体发育具有重要的作用。     

周氏啮小蜂(海南种群)对椰子织蛾的寄生功能反应

【目的】周氏啮小蜂(海南种群)是寄生椰子织蛾蛹期的本土天敌。研究周氏啮小蜂(海南种群)对椰子织蛾的功能反应,能为该蜂室内扩繁和室外控害利用提供基础。【方法】在室内观察周氏啮小蜂(海南种群)寄生行为基础上,研究了营养(10%蜂蜜)、寄主蛹(初、中、晚)期对周氏啮小蜂(海南种群)寄生功能反应的影响。【结果】镜下观察1头周氏啮小蜂(海南种群)可寄生多头椰子织蛾蛹,寄生量随寄主密度的增大而增加,但当寄主密度达到一定程度后,其增长率随寄主密度的增大逐渐减缓,属于HollingⅡ功能反应。在无营养条件下,周氏啮小蜂(海南种群)对椰子织蛾初、中、晚期蛹的理论最大寄生量分别为1.5、1.4、1.2头·d~(-1);在10%蜂蜜饲喂条件下,周氏啮小蜂(海南种群)对椰子织蛾初、中、晚期蛹的理论最大寄生量分别为1.8、1.7、1.3头·d~(-1)。【结论】HollingⅡ型拟合结果表明,椰子织蛾初期蛹是周氏啮小蜂(海南种群)寄生的最佳时期,补充营养能够提高椰子织蛾的寄生力。     

耐辐射奇球菌pprM基因增强大肠杆菌氧化抗性的研究

目的:探讨耐辐射奇球菌ppr M基因对大肠杆菌氧化抗性的影响。方法:氯化钙法转化分别构建含pGEX-6p-1-pprM质粒的大肠杆菌DH5α。测定不同浓度过氧化氢对含pGEX-6p-1-pprM、pGEX-6p-1和野生型大肠杆菌DH5α活性的影响以及菌体内SOD/GSH/CAT水平的变化。结果:与空质粒组和野生型组相比,含pprM的大肠杆菌在同浓度过氧化性情况下,其抑菌圈明显缩小,差异有统计学意义。与空质粒组和野生型组相比,含pprM的大肠杆菌体内CAT活力、SOD活性明显提高,但GSH量并没有明显提高。结论:pprM基因能够提高大肠杆菌抗氧化能力,其机制可能与pprM基因增强细菌体内抗氧化酶的活性有关。     

玫瑰种群生物学研究进展

玫瑰(Rosa rugosa Thunb.)原产于我国东部沿海、日本、朝鲜半岛和俄罗斯远东地区,18世纪作为园艺种引入欧洲后逃逸并入侵至北海和波罗的海周边多个国家以及北美沙质海岸,而中国野生种群却在过去30年间持续萎缩,成为珍稀濒危物种。从玫瑰种群生物学角度,通过文献比较和综合,在阐明玫瑰生态学特性和野生分布变化的基础上,全面论述了玫瑰种群在我国的生境退化、种群动态、种子繁殖、遗传多样性、濒危机理、保育方面的成果和悬疑问题;并结合欧洲入侵种群分布范围和敏感生境、对本地群落和物种的影响、种子繁殖、遗传变异、种群扩张和模拟预测、管理和控制方面的研究进展,分析了濒危种群和入侵种群数量动态、群落组成、幼苗更新、遗传变异、管理策略方面的差异及其影响因素;进而提出未来的玫瑰研究可从濒危种群和入侵种群的比较研究、种群和灌丛的动态监测、适合度相关性状的变异及其遗传基础、基于种群生物学的保育或控制4个方面为切入点,集中探索玫瑰种群濒危和入侵动态的规律、遗传基础和主要驱动力,为玫瑰保育和管理提供理论依据,为相似物种的适应和进化机制研究提供例证。     

Elimination of EVE protein by CALI in the short germ band insect Tribolium suggests a conserved pair-rule function for even skipped

The question of the degree of evolutionary conservation of the pair-rule patterning mechanism known from Drosophila is still contentious. We have employed chromophore-assisted laser inactivation (CALI) to inactivate the function of the pair-rule gene even skipped (eve) in the short germ embryo of the flour beetle Tribolium. We show that it is possible to generate pair-rule type phenocopies with defects in alternating segments. Interestingly, we find the defects in odd numbered segments and not in even numbered ones as in Drosophila. However, this apparent discrepancy can be explained if one takes into account that the primary action of eve is at the level of parasegments and that different cuticular markers are used for defining the segment borders in the two species. In this light, we find that eve appears to be required for the formation of the anterior borders of the same odd numbered parasegments in both species. We conclude that the primary function of eve as a pair rule gene is conserved between the two species.     

Dental variation ofProconsulfrom the Tinderet region, Kenya

The morphology of mandibular molars of the twoProconsulspecies,Proconsul majorandProconsul africanus, from the Tinderet region, Kenya was analyzed. While the molar size variability within the TinderetP. majorwas slightly greater than those of local African ape subspecies, the shape variability was comparable. Because the twoProconsulspecies show some differences in cusp areal proportions,P. majoris not just a largerP. africanusin molar morphology. Napak specimens are generally similar to the TinderetP. major.     

臭柏叶绿体基因组结构与系统进化分析

以臭柏为研究材料,利用高通量测序技术对臭柏的叶绿体基因组进行测序,分析了臭柏叶绿体基因组结构特征及系统进化关系。结果表明:(1)臭柏叶绿体基因组由大单拷贝区、小单拷贝区和2个反向重复区构成,但反向重复区只有261bp;基因组全长157 739bp,包含119个基因,即82个蛋白编码基因、4个rRNA基因和33个tRNA基因,其中trnI-CAU和trnQ-UUG基因有2个拷贝,其他基因均为单拷贝,且多拷贝基因中仅trnQ-UUG位于反向重复区。(2)生物信息学分析表明,臭柏叶绿体基因组共有42 579个密码子,其中编码亮氨酸Leu的数量最多,相对同义密码子使用度最高的为AGA/UUA;在臭柏叶绿体基因组中共预测到47个SSR位点,单核苷酸、二核苷酸和三核苷酸数目分别为38、1和3个;臭柏与其他刺柏属植物相比较,其基因组大小、基因组成及GC含量相近。(3)采用RAxML软件最大似然法对杨柳科、松科、蔷薇科和柏科等共31种植物构建的系统进化树表明,臭柏与刺柏属内Juniperus bermudiana亲缘关系相对较近,整个刺柏属植物分支为单系类群。该研究丰富了臭柏的遗传信息,为臭柏种质资源评价和保育、分子育种、SSR分子标记的开发、遗传多样性和群体谱系地理研究等奠定了理论基础,同时也为构建柏科植物的系统进化提供了支持。     

Signalling molecules and blast pathogen attack activates rice OsPR1a and OsPR1b genes: A model illustrating components participating during defence/stress response

Recently the rice (Oryza sativa L.) OsPR1a and OsPR1b genes were primarily characterized against jasmonic acid, ethylene and protein phosphatase 2A inhibitors. The dicot PR1 are recognized as reliable marker genes in defence/stress responses, and we also propose OsPR1 as marker genes in rice, a model monocot crop genus. Therefore, to gain further insight into the expression/regulation of OsPR1 genes, we characterized their activation against signalling molecules such as salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and the blast pathogen Magnaporthe grisea. Here, we report that SA and H₂O₂ strongly induced the mRNA level of both OsPR1 genes, whereas ABA was found to be moderately effective. These inductions were specific in nature and required a de novo synthesized protein factor. A potential interaction amongst the signalling molecules in modulating the expression of OsPR1 genes was observed. Moreover, a specific induction of OsPR1 expression in an incompatible versus compatible host-pathogen interaction was also found. Finally, based on our present and previous results, a model of OsPR1 expression/regulation has been proposed, which reveals their essential role in defence/stress responses in rice and use as potent gene markers.     

Female choice in Drosophila: evidence from Hawaii and implications for evolutionary biology

Details of female choice of mate in Drosophila silvestris of Hawaii strikingly parallels epigamic behavioral systems in many other animals and may be common in other species of Drosophilidae. Females respond selectively to male circling, wing displays, songs and tactile stimulation with foreleg cilia, a quantitative character that is highly variable in some populations. I hypothesize that the female can exert choice based on these cues from individual males that differ genetically by quantitative trait loci. Laboratory tests show that one third of courting males are repeatedly rejected in favor of a minority of alpha males. This result imposes non-random mating at the local population level. Past multiple-choice lab tests, widely used to measure isolation between pairs of populations or species of Drosophila may be flawed, since random mating has been assumed in the interpretation of results. Pre-mating sexual selection is clearly a powerful intrapopulation force in population biology. This view creates difficulties for discerning any proposed simultaneous interpopulation selective events in the presence of strong female choice. The long-held theory assuming that there is significant selection for pre-mating isolation between groups is questionable.     

云南中华按蚊的遗传变异和种群结构

为了掌握云南省各地中华按蚊种群间的遗传变异和种群结构特征,测序并分析了采自云南9个样本点5个种群组的89头中华按蚊的线粒体COII基因。结果表明这些中华按蚊种群的COII基因序列平均单倍型多样性指数和核苷酸多样性指数分别为h=0.933,π=0.00406,共有51个变异位点,占分析的739个碱基总数的6.9%;定义了39个单倍型,有2个频率最高的单倍型H1和H9,分别占个体序列数的20.2%和12.4%;系统发育分析表明单倍型与地理位置没有明显的对应关系,单倍型网络图显示大部分单倍型分布没有明显的亲缘地理格局,主要以单倍型H1、H9、H4、H33和H2为中心呈星状分布,但元江和元阳构成的种群组(YU)单倍型存在明显地域分布特征;AMOVA结果表明种群组间遗传变异为12.58%,达到显著水平(P=0.04888),地理种群组间具有明显种群遗传结构。不同地区两两种群组间的Fst值和Nm值显示大部分种群组间存在基因交流,没有形成明显的遗传分化,但YU种群组和其他种群组间缺乏明显的基因交流,这主要是因为哀牢山的阻隔,使云南东西部形成两种不同的气候,产生了明显的遗传分化;歧点分布图显示为明显单峰分布,中性检测结果均为显著负值,说明云南省的中华按蚊种群在近期经历过复杂的种群扩张事件。掌握中华按蚊遗传多样性及分化特征,对中华按蚊及疟疾控制具有重要的作用。