Genetic diversity within a caste population of India as measured by Y-chromosome haplogroups and haplotypes: subcastes of the Golla of Andhra Pradesh

The extent of population subdivision based on 15 Y-chromosome polymorphisms was studied in seven subcastes of the Golla (Karnam, Pokanati, Erra, Doddi, Punugu, Puja, and Kurava), who inhabit the Chittoor district of southern Andhra Pradesh, India. These Golla subcastes are traditionally pastoralists, culturally homogeneous and endogamous. DNA samples from 146 Golla males were scored for seven unique event polymorphisms (UEPs) and eight microsatellites, permitting allocation of each into haplogroups and haplotypes, respectively. Genetic diversity (D) was high (range, 0.9048-0.9921), and most of the genetic variance (>91%) was explained by intrapopulation differences. Median-joining network analysis of microsatellite haplotypes demonstrated an absence of any structure according to subcaste affiliation. Superimposition of UEPs on this phylogeny, however, did create some distinct clusters, indicating congruence between haplotype and haplogroup phylogenies. Our results suggest many male ancestors for the Golla as well as for each of the subcastes. Genetic distances among the seven subcastes, based on autosomal markers (short tandem repeats and human leukocyte antigens) as well as those on the chromosome Y, indicate that the Kurava may not be a true subcaste of the Golla. Although this finding is based on a very small Kurava sample, it is in accordance with ethnohistorical accounts related by community elders. The Punugu was the first to hive off the main Golla group, and the most recently separated subcastes (Karnam, Erra, Doddi, and Pokanati) fissioned from the Puja. This phylogeny receives support from the analysis of autosomal microsatellites as well as HLA loci in the same samples. In particular, there is a significant correlation (r = 0.8569; P = 0.0097) between Y-chromosome- and autosomal STR-based distances.     

Differences in sNPF Receptor-Expressing Neurons in Brains of Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) Worker Subcastes: Indicators for Division of Labor and Nutritional Status?

In the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, the neuronal and molecular mechanisms related to worker division of labor are poorly understood. Workers from different subcastes (major, medium and minors) perform different tasks, which are loosely associated with their size. We hypothesized that the short neuropeptide F (sNPF) signaling system (NPY-like) could be involved in mechanisms of worker division of labor and sensing or responding to colony nutritional requirements. Thus, we investigated the expression of the short neuropeptide F receptor (sNPFR) in the brain and subesophageal ganglion (SEG) of workers from colonies with and without brood. Across worker subcastes a total of 9 clusters of immunoreactive sNPFR cells were localized in the brain and the subesophageal ganglion (SEG); some of these cells were similar to those observed previously in the queen. Worker brain sNPFR cell clusters were found in the protocerebrum near mushroom bodies, in the central complex and in the lateral horn. Other sNPFR immunoreactive cells were found at the edge of the antennal lobes. Across subcastes, we observed both a constant and a differential pattern of sNPFR clusters, with a higher number of sNPFR cells found in minor than in major workers. Those sNPFR cells detected in all worker subcastes appear to be involved in olfaction or SEG functions. The differential expression of clusters in subcastes suggests that sNPFR signaling is involved in regulating behaviors associated with specific subcastes and thus, division of labor. Some sNPFR cells appear to be involved in nutrient sensing and/or brood care, feeding behavior and locomotion. In colonies without brood, workers showed a lower cluster number, and an overall reduced sNPFR signal. Our results suggest the sNPF signaling system is a candidate for the neurobiological control of worker division of labor and sensing brood presence, perhaps correlating with protein requirements and availability.     

Caste specialization in food storage in the dimorphic antColobopsis nipponicus (Wheeler)

Summary Food-storage abilities of both minor and major workers of the dimorphic antColobopsis nipponicus were examined to prove the hypothesis that major workers of this species have a trophic role in addition to a defensive one. Both worker subcastes accumulated water, that was supplied with water-soluble food, as well as fat, that probably originated from food given. However, the major workers accumulated much larger amounts of water and fat than did the minor workers. Difference in water accumulation increased as food supply increased. In spite of their difference in body weight, the residual amount of fat after starvation did not differ between the two subcastes. Although the amount of stored fat increased with colony size in both subcastes, the stored fat per dry weight of the major worker was significantly larger than that of the minor worker regardless of the colony size. When workers of a colony were starved, minor workers with a single major worker survived significantly longer than those without a major worker. In addition, about half the behavioral acts of major workers were regurgitation for minor workers. These results demonstrate that major workers ofC. nipponicus functioned as a trophic caste. On the basis of the results, quantitative relationships of storage abilities between the two worker subcastes are discussed.     

Identification of calmodulin-binding proteins in brain of worker honeybees

Calmodulin is a Ca(+2)-binding protein important in a variety of cell functions. The Ca(+2)/calmodulin complex interacts with and regulates various enzymes and target proteins, known as calmodulin-binding proteins (CaMBPs). In this study, we revealed a comparative identification of the CaMBPs composition in the worker honeybee (Apis mellifera) brain, considering two different honeybee behaviors in the colony. To this end, the CaMBPs of forager and nurse workers were purified by affinity chromatography, separated in 1D gel, digested and submitted to peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF). In the PMF analysis, 15 different proteins, considered behavior-specific proteins, were identified, one of them exclusively in forager workers and 10 in nurses. All the proteins were classified in terms of their function and cell localization, revealing a greater expression of metabolism-related CaMBPs in both worker subcastes. Protein sequences were then analyzed for the presence of the calmodulin-binding sites. Therefore, the honeybee brain CaMBPs profiles presented differences between worker subcastes. This is the first identification of calmodulin-binding proteins in the brain of A. mellifera upon nursing and foraging behaviors in the colony and this diversity of target proteins for Ca(+2)/CaM may be involved in terms of the function of these proteins in the nervous system.     

Influence of sociality on allometric growth and morphological differentiation in sponge-dwelling alpheid shrimp

Eusocial societies are defined by a reproductive division of labour between breeders and nonbreeders that is often accompanied by morphological differentiation. Some eusocial taxa are further characterized by a subdivision of tasks among nonbreeders, often resulting in morphological differentiation among different groups (subcastes) that specialize on different sets of tasks. We investigated the possibility of morphological castes in eusocial shrimp colonies ( Zuzalpheus , formerly part of Synalpheus ) by comparing growth allometry and body proportions of three eusocial shrimp species with three pair-forming species (species where reproductive females and males occur in equal sex ratios). Allometry of eusocial species differed in several respects from that of pair-forming species in both lineages. First, allometry of fighting claw size among individuals other than female breeders was steeper in eusocial than in pair-forming species. Second, breeding females in eusocial colonies had proportionally smaller weapons (fighting claws) than females in pair-forming species. Finally, claw allometry changed with increasing colony size in eusocial species; large colonies showed a diphasic allometry of fighting claw and finger size, indicating a distinctive group of large individuals possessing relatively larger weapons than other colony members. Shrimp are thus similar to other eusocial animals in the morphological differentiation between breeders and nonbreeders, and in the indication that some larger nonbreeders might contribute more to defence than others.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 94 , 527–540.     

Behaviour of worker subcastes in the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, in response to proteinaceous food

ABSTRACT. The effects of division of labour on response behaviour to food in the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, were examined to determine if caste members differ in amount of food taken, in rate of food transfer, or in internal distribution of food; and to see if food availability, time, or temporal subcaste pairing affect feeding behaviour. To measure differences in behaviour we fed radioiodinated albumin mixed with egg yolk to colonies containing larvae, queens, and (a) foragers and nurses, or (b) foragers and reserves, or (c) nurses and reserves. Samples were taken over a 72-h period and radioactivity in the head, thorax and abdomen of each worker was determined. There were significant differences between nurses, foragers and reserves in quantity of food consumed, rate of transfer, and internal distribution of radioactivity. These differences were related to their respective roles of foraging, food storage and transfer, and brood tending. The quantity of food taken per subcaste was dependent on the total amount of food in the colony, with transfer rates differing between subcastes as the quantity of food in the colony increased. The rate at which protein was transferred between subcastes was slower in the reserves than that in either foragers or nurses. Therefore, reserves may serve as a temporary store of protein for the colony.     

Queen adoption in colonies of the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex subterraneus molestans (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Bioassays were conducted in both laboratory and the field to determine if monogynous colonies of Acromyrmex subterraneus molestans (Myrmicinae, Attini) adopt queens from other colonies of the same subspecies. The results suggest that the adoption of fertilized queens is a possible mechanism to explain the occurrence of colonies with multiple queens in this subspecies. Only minor workers were able to discriminate queens from other colonies and were aggressive toward them. Therefore, queen recognition differs among subcastes.     

Nurr-1基因转染促进脂肪干细胞的神经分化

目的:研究孤儿核受体相关基因1(Nurr-1)对脂肪干细胞(adipose tissue-derived stem cells,ADSC)向神经元方向分化的潜在作用。方法:流式细胞术与成骨、成脂诱导技术鉴定脂肪干细胞;Nurrr-1基因转染脂肪干细胞后,应用神经特异性标志物MAP-2,β-tubulin的免疫荧光染色评估其向神经方向分化的能力。结果:流式细胞术结果表明培养的细胞CD29,CD44表达90%以上,CD45,CD90表达均低于1.5%,经过诱导后,油红O、茜素红S染色均呈阳性,表明所培养的细胞为脂肪干细胞;慢病毒转染Nurr-1基因后,免疫荧光染色检测MAP-2,β-tubulin的免疫荧光强度显著增加;RT-PCR结果显示Nurr-1转染的脂肪干细胞的MAP-2、β-tubulin、NF200的表达量显著提高。结论:Nurr-1基因转染能促进脂肪干细胞向神经方向分化,为神经损伤和神经退行性病变的治疗提供了新途径。     

Agonistic Behavior of the Leaf-Cutting Ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa Elicited by Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is shown to evoke agonistic behavior among nestmates of the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa. Laboratory colonies were presented with caryophyllene on an acceptable bait. The behavioral responses observed included repellency, alarm, self-grooming, and arrestant behavior, followed by fighting. When caryophyllene was presented to the workers on inert filter paper fighting did not take place, but the other behaviors were observed. Individual workers smeared with caryophyllene produce an alarm response in nestmates. Caryophyllene produces the strongest reaction in workers that were within 2.5 cm of the source and a variation in sensitivity to caryophyllene appears to exist in different subcastes, with soldiers being the least sensitive. The behavior of the workers to caryophyllene was quantified from video recordings.     

Gene differentiation at the ABO locus in twenty castes and twenty-two tribes of Andhra Pradesh, India

Using gene frequency data for the ABO locus so far available, gene differentiation and gene identity between 20 castes and 22 tribes of Andhra Pradesh were determined. The interpopulation gene diversity is 1.4 and 1.6% of total genic variation in castes and tribes, respectively. Difficulties in interpreting genetic diversity using just one genetic system is discussed.     

Subcaste‐specific evolution of head size in the ant genus Pheidole

An organism's morphology is constrained by its evolutionary history and the need to meet a variety of potentially competing functions. The ant genus Pheidole is the most species‐rich ant genus and almost every species has a dimorphic worker caste (a few are trimorphic). This separation of workers into two developmentally distinct subcastes (smaller minors and larger majors with distinctively large heads) may partially release individuals from functional constraints on morphology, making Pheidole an ideal genus for addressing questions on the evolution of morphology in relation to ecological specialization. Major workers can perform a variety of tasks, although they are usually specialized for defence, as well as food retrieval and processing. Pheidole species vary in their diet, although many species gather seeds. The major workers mill the seeds using large jaws powered by mandible closer muscles that occupy a large proportion of the head cavity. In the present study, we examined the relationship between seed‐harvesting and morphology in Pheidole, hypothesizing that majors of seed‐harvesting species would have larger heads relative to non‐seed‐harvesters to accommodate the powerful mandibular muscles needed to mill seeds. By taking a phylogenetically controlled comparative approach, we found that majors of seed‐associated Pheidole did not have larger heads (width and length) than majors of non‐seed‐harvesting species. However, the head length of minors (and to a lesser extent head width) was smaller in seed‐harvesters. Additionally, we found the difference in head size between majors and minors was greater in seed‐harvesting species. These morphological differences in diet, however, were not related to changes in the rate of evolution in either seed‐harvesting or non‐seed‐harvesting lineages. These findings suggest that the morphologies of worker subcastes can evolve independently of each other, allowing colonies with polymorphic workers to specialize on new resources or tasks in ways not possible in monomorphic species.     

滇东南硬叶兜兰核心种质区群体遗传结构

本研究选取国内主要种质采集区-滇东南石灰岩地区7个不同干扰居群为研究对象,旨在对其居群内和居群间遗传变异进行比较研究,以期对其保护措施的提出提供理论依据。通过利用SRAP标记对167个体的遗传多样性和遗传结构研究,结果表明：10对SRAP引物共扩增出288个位点,多态位点比率（PPB）达81.25%,香侬指数（I）为0.3709,在种水平上的具有较高遗传多样性;而居群水平上的多态位点比率仅为47.92%, 香侬指数为0.2348, 居群间平均Nei’s遗传距离为0.1268。经分子遗传变异方差分析（AMOVA）表明,有66.27%的遗传变异来源于居群内,居群间变异占总变异33.73%,此结果与遗传分化系数（Gst=0.3568）结果吻合,居群间基因流（Nm）为0.902, 不同地区间硬叶兜兰居群存在较高的遗传分化; 7个居群的UPGMA聚类在遗传相似性系数达0.863,聚为两支;经Mantel检测（r =0.298, P＞0.05）,表明居群间遗传距离与地理距离无显著相关性。居群当前较高的遗传分化与其交配系统有关,其次,外在因素：人为采集、生境破坏和片断化造成居群内遗传多样性的丧失,加剧居群间的遗传分化,再次,遗传漂变也是另一重要影响因素;此外,适应性进化亦可能加剧了居群间的遗传分化,而基因流对遗传分化的影响不大。     

High Genetic Differentiation of Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. yunnanensis (Elaeagnaceae), a Plant Endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

RAPD markers were used to detect genetic diversity and population genetic differentiation of Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. yunnanensis, a sea buckthorn endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. The genetic parameters of percentage of polymorphic bands (92.86%), Nei’s gene diversity (h, 0.255), and Shannon’s index (I, 0.397) indicated high genetic diversity in this subspecies. The subpopulation differentiation suggested that 45.9% of genetic variation was among populations. High genetic differentiation among populations was also detected using AMOVA (47.02%). The main factors responsible for high genetic differentiation are probably related to natural geographic barriers among populations, gene drift, and limited gene flow caused by restricted pollen flow and seed flow. A Mantel test indicated that geographic distances were significantly correlated with genetic distances. The UPGMA phenogram based on Nei’s unbiased genetic distances and the result of three-dimensional model plots performed by principal coordinate analysis also supported the correlation. Altitude, however, did not have any clear effect on genetic differentiation.     

Aza-induced cardiomyocyte differentiation of P19 EC-cells by epigenetic co-regulation and ERK signaling

Stem cells in cell based therapy for cardiac injury is being potentially considered. However, genetic regulatory networks involved in cardiac differentiation are not clearly understood. Among stem cell differentiation models, mouse P19 embryonic carcinoma (EC) cells, are employed for studying (epi)genetic regulation of cardiomyocyte differentiation. Here, we comprehensively assessed cardiogenic differentiation potential of 5-azacytidine (Aza) on P19 EC-cells, associated gene expression profiles and the changes in DNA methylation, histone acetylation and activated-ERK signaling status during differentiation. Initial exposure of Aza to cultured EC-cells leads to an efficient (55%) differentiation to cardiomyocyte-rich embryoid bodies with a threefold (16.8%) increase in the cTnI⁺ cardiomyocytes. Expression levels of cardiac-specific gene markers i.e., Isl-1, BMP-2, GATA-4, and α-MHC were up-regulated following Aza induction, accompanied by differential changes in their methylation status particularly that of BMP-2 and α-MHC. Additionally, increases in the levels of acetylated-H3 and pERK were observed during Aza-induced cardiac differentiation. These studies demonstrate that Aza is a potent cardiac inducer when treated during the initial phase of differentiation of mouse P19 EC-cells and its effect is brought about epigenetically and co-ordinatedly by hypo-methylation and histone acetylation-mediated hyper-expression of cardiogenesis-associated genes and involving activation of ERK signaling.     

蒙古牛BMPR-IB基因部分cDNA的克隆和序列分析

BMPR-IB基因主要在哺乳动物卵巢中表达,对卵泡的发育和分化起重要作用。该研究从影响卵巢生长发育和调控的BMPR-IB基因出发,以牛卵巢的RNA为模板,按照不同物种BMPR-IB基因的相似性设计特异引物,运用RT-PCR技术扩增并获得了特异片段,该片段经PCR、酶切和测序验证,证实所克隆序列为牛BMPR-IB序列,包含有953bp组成的部分cDNA序列,同源性分析结果表明,牛BMPR-IB基因序列与绵羊、山羊、人、猪、小鼠的BMPR-IB基因分别为98%、97%、92%、93%、88%的同源性。这为克隆其他物种的BMPR-IB基因提供了依据,同时牛骨形态发生蛋白的测序为更好地理解牛的生殖机理提供帮助。     

High-efficiency gene transfer into cultured embryonic motoneurons using recombinant lentiviruses

Primary neurons are a common tool for investigating gene function for survival and morphological and functional differentiation. Gene transfer techniques play an important role in this context. However, the efficacy of conventional gene transfer techniques, in particular for primary motoneurons is low so that it is not possible to distinguish whether the observed effects are representative for all neurons or only for the small subpopulation that expresses the transfected cDNA. In order to develop techniques that allow high gene transfer rates, we have optimized lentiviral-based gene transfer for cultured motoneurons by using a replication-defective viral vector system. These techniques result in transduction efficacies higher than 50%, as judged by EGFP expression under the control of SFFV or CMV promoters. Under the same conditions, survival and morphology of the cultured motoneurons was not altered, at least not when virus titers did not exceed a multiplicity of infection of 100. Under the same cell culture conditions, electroporation resulted in less than 5% transfected motoneurons and reduced survival. Therefore we consider this lentivirus-based gene transfer protocol as a suitable tool to study the effects of gene transfer on motoneuron survival, differentiation and function.     

PTEN基因和P53基因在子宫内膜癌中的表达及意义

目的：探讨PTEN基因和P53基因在子宫内膜癌中的表达及临床意义,为子宫内膜癌的治疗提供参考依据。方法：用免疫组化法检测50例子宫内膜癌患者PTEN基因缺失和P53基因突变情况,并分析两者与子宫内膜癌不同病理变化的相关性。结果：PTEN缺失24例,缺失率48.00%,进一步研究显示PTEN缺失与细胞分化程度和肌层浸润情况密切相关（P〈0.05）,P53突变32例,缺失率64.00%,并进一步研究显示P53突变与FIGO分期,细胞分化程度和肌层浸润情况密切相关（P〈0.05）。结论：PTEN基因缺失和P53基因突变与子宫内膜癌发生和发展密切相关,以PTEN基因和P53基因为靶点的生物治疗在进展期内膜癌中的治疗价值值得进一步深入研究。