Cloning and expression analysis of the chitinase gene Ifu-chit2 from Isaria fumosorosea

Entomopathogenic fungi can produce a series of chitinases, some of which function synergistically with proteases and other hydrolytic enzymes to degrade the insect cuticle. In the present study, the chitinase gene Ifu-chit2 from Isaria fumosorosea was investigated. The Ifu-chit2 gene is 1,435-bp long, interrupted by three short introns, and encodes a predicted protein of 423 amino acids with a 22 residue signal peptide. The predicted Ifu-Chit2 protein is highly homologous to Beauveria bassiana chitinase Bbchit2 and belongs to the glycohydrolase family 18. Ifu-Chit2 was expressed in Escherichia coli to verify chitinase activity, and the recombinant enzyme exhibited activity with a colloidal chitin substrate. Furthermore, the expression profiles of Ifu-chit2 were analyzed at different induction times under in vivo conditions. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that Ifu-chit2 expression peaked at two days post-induction. The expression of chitinase Ifu-chit2 in vivo suggests that the chitinase may play a role in the early stage of pathogenesis.     

DsRed2 transient expression in Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes

Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes have been successfullygenetically modified only once, despite the efforts of several laboratories totransform and establish a stable strain. We have developed a transient geneexpression method, in Culex, that delivers plasmid DNA directlyto the mosquito haemolymph and additional tissues. We were able to expressDsRed2 fluorescent protein in adult Cx.quinquefasciatus mosquitoes by injecting plasmids directly intotheir thorax. The expression of DsRed2 in adult Cx.quinquefasciatus mosquitoes is an important stepping stone togenetic transformation and the potential use of new control strategies andgenetic interactions.     

Partial Resistance to Heterodera avenae in Wheat Lines with the 6M v Chromosome from Aegilops ventricosa

Lines of wheat with the 6M^v chromosome from Aegilops ventricosa display partial resistance to both pathotypes Hal2 and Ha41 of Heterodera avenae. With either pathotype, the effect of this alien chromosome on cyst production, size, and fecundity was expressed in resistance tests. Partial resistance of five 6M^v(6D) substitution lines varied according to the intrinsic cyst-forming capacity of the nematode pathotypes and the recipient germplasms. Such partial resistance can be utilized in wheat breeding lines for integrated management of the cereal cyst nematode.     

Characterization of Sialyl and Galactosyl Residues on the Body Wall of Different Plant Parasitic Nematodes

The plant parasitic nematodes Helicotylenchus multicinctus, Meloidogyne javanica, Tylenchulus semipenetrans, and Xiphinema index, differing in their host specificity and parasitic habits, were analyzed as to their cuticle surface sialyl, galaclosyl, and/or N-acetylgalactosaminyl residues. The procedure involved the selective oxidation of sialic acid and galactose/N-acetylgal-actosamine residues using periodate and galactose oxidase, respectively, to form reactive aldehyde groups. These functional groups were coupled directly with a new hydrazide-containing compound, the fluorescent reagent lissamine rhodamine-β-alanine hydrazide, or they were utilized to introduce DPN-groups to the nematode cuticle. The distribution of the DNP-tagged glycoconjugates was visualized by treating the nematodes with rabbit anti-DNP antibody and staining with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled goat antirabbit IgG. Sialo residues were observed along the entire outer body wall of the first three aforementioned nematodes, but there were some differences in reaction among the various life stages within the species. In X. index, sialo residues were sited in the tail and head areas, mainly on the lips, oral opening, amphid apertures and stylet. Galactose oxidase treatments revealed galactose on N-acytylgalactosamine residues on T. sentipenetrans and X. index, but there were no indications that their presence was dependent on the developmental stage. Trypsin, pronase, and neuraminidase pretreatment completely abolished the fluorescence in T. semipenetrans but did not alter the sialo residue binding reaction in H. multicinctus or M. javanica, indicating possible differences in the outer body wall saccharide structure and composition between these nematodes. The existence and nature of sugar residues on the cuticle surface of nematodes could contribute to an understanding of the specific recognition by phytophagous nematodes of their host, and perhaps also of the virus transmission mechanism in those nematodes which serve as vectors.     

Characterization of a Nonparasitic Isolate of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus isolate MPSy-1av was subcultured from pathotype MPSy-1. MPSy-1av is nonparasitic and does not establish in Pinus sylvestris, P. strobus, P. nigra, or P. taeda. This isolate produces ethanol as an end product of carbohydrate metabolism, whereas its parent pathotype, MPSy-1, does not. Alcohol dehydrogenase activity was easily detectable in homogenates of MPSy-1av but barely detectable in some homogenates of MPSy-1. Genomic differences were seen between MPSy-1 and M PSy-1av by restriction endonuclease analysis of total nematode DNA, and hybridization of DNA fragments to the alcohol dehydrogenase gene from Drosophila.     

Detection of vanC1 gene transcription in vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus faecalis

Here we report the presence and expression levels of the vanC ₁ and vanC _2/3 genes in vancomycin-susceptible strains of Enterococcus faecalis. The vanC ₁ and vanC _2/3 genes were located in the plasmid DNA and on the chromosome, respectively. Specific mRNA of the vanC ₁ gene was detected in one of these strains. Additionally, analysis of the vanC gene sequences showed that these genes are related to the vanC genes of Enterococcus gallinarum and Enterococcus casseliflavus. The presence of vanC genes is useful for the identification of E. gallinarum and E. casseliflavus. Moreover, this is the first report of vanC mRNA in E. faecalis.     

Characterization of 10 MADS-box genes from Pyrus pyrifolia and their differential expression during fruit development and ripening

We cloned 10 Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) MIKC-type II MADS-box genes, and analyzed their expression during fruit development and ripening. PpMADS2-1 was APETALA (AP)1-like; PpMADS3-1 was FRUITFULL (FUL)/SQUAMOSA (SQUA)-like; PpMADS4-1 was AGAMOUS-like (AGL)6; PpMADS5-1 and PpMADS8-1 were SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS (SOC)-like; PpMADS9-1, PpMADS12-1, PpMADS14-1 and PpMADS16-1 were SEPALLATA (SEP)-like; while PpMADS15-1 was AGL/SHATTERPROOF (SHP)-like. Phylogenetic analysis showed their grouping into five major clades (and 10 sub-clades) that was consistent with their diverse functional types. Expression analysis in flower tissue revealed their distinct putative homeotic functional classes: A-class (PpMADS2-1, PpMADS3-1, PpMADS4-1, and PpMADS14-1), C-class (PpMADS15-1), E-class (PpMADS9-1, PpMADS12-1, and PpMADS16-1) and E (F)-class (PpMADS5-1 and PpMADS8-1). Differential gene expression was observed in different fruit tissues (skin, cortex and core) as well as in the cortex during the course of fruit development and ripening. Collectively, our results suggest their involvement in the diverse aspects of plant development including flower development and the course of fruit development and ripening.     

Resistance to Meloidogyne spp. in Allohexaploid Wheat Derived from Triticum turgidum and Aegilops squarrosa

Expression of resistance to Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica from Aegilops squarrosa was studied in a synthetic allohexaploid produced from Triticum turgidum var. durum cv. Produra and Ae. squarrosa G 3489. The reproductive rate of different races of M. incognita and M. javanica, expressed in eggs per gram of fresh root, was low (P < 0.05) on the synthetic allohexaploid and the resistant parent, Ae. squarrosa G 3489, compared with different bread and durum wheat cultivars. Reproduction of race 2 and race 3 of M. incognita and an isolate of M. javanica was studied on the synthetic allohexaploid and seven cultivars of T. aestivum: Anza, Coker 747, Coker 68-15, Delta Queen, Double Crop, McNair 1813, and Southern Bell. The latter six cultivars are grown in the southeastern United States and reportedly were resistant to M. incognita. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were detected in nematode reproduction on the seven bread wheat cultivars. Reproduction of M. incognita race 3 and M. javanica was highest on Anza. Reproductive rates on the six southeastern United States bread wheat cultivars varied both within and among nematode isolates. The lowest reproductive rates of the three root-knot isolates were detected in the synthetic allohexaploid.     

Morphological Comparison and Taxonomic Utility of Copulatory Structures of Selected Nematode Species

Spicules of 9 Meloidogyne, 2 Heterodera, 3 Globodera, and 12 other plant-parasitic, insect-parasitic, and free-living nematodes were excised and examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Gubernacula of some of the species were also excised, and their structure was determined. The two spicules of all species examined were symmetrically identical in morphology. The spicule typically consisted of three parts: head, shaft, and blade with dorsal and ventral vela. The spicular nerve entered through the cytoplasmic core opening on the lateral outer surface of the spicule head and generally communicated with the exterior through one or two pores at the spicule tip. Spicules of Xiphinema sp. and Aporcelaimellus sp. were not composed of three typical parts, were less sclerotized, and lacked a cytoplasmic core opening and distal pores. Spicules of Aphelenchoides spp. had heads expanded into apex and rostrum and had very arcuate blades with thick dorsal and ventral edges (limbs). Gubernaculum shapes were stable within a species, but differed among species examined. The accessory structures of Hoplolaimus galeatus consisted of a tongue-shaped gubernaculum with two titillae at its distal end and a plate-like capitulum terminating distally in two flat, wing-like structures. A comparison of spicules of several species of Meloidogyne by SEM and light microscopy revealed no striking morphological differences.     

Distinct population structure for co-occurring Anopheles goeldii and Anopheles triannulatus in Amazonian Brazil

To evaluate whether environmental heterogeneity contributes to the genetic heterogeneity in Anopheles triannulatus, larval habitat characteristics across the Brazilian states of Roraima and Pará and genetic sequences were examined. A comparison with Anopheles goeldii was utilised to determine whether high genetic diversity was unique to An. triannulatus. Student t test and analysis of variance found no differences in habitat characteristics between the species. Analysis of population structure of An. triannulatus and An. goeldii revealed distinct demographic histories in a largely overlapping geographic range. Cytochrome oxidase I sequence parsimony networks found geographic clustering for both species; however nuclear marker networks depicted An. triannulatus with a more complex history of fragmentation, secondary contact and recent divergence. Evidence of Pleistocene expansions suggests both species are more likely to be genetically structured by geographic and ecological barriers than demography. We hypothesise that niche partitioning is a driving force for diversity, particularly in An. triannulatus.     

Nematode Control Related to Fusarium Wilt in Soybean and Root Rot and Zinc Deficiency in Corn

Nematode and disease problems of irrigated, double-cropped soybean and corn, and zinc deficiency of corn were investigated. Ethylene dibromide, phenamiphos, and aldicarb were equally effective for controlling nematodes and increasing yields of corn planted minimum-till and soybean planted in a moldboard plow prepared seedbed. The residual effects on yields of nematicides applied to the preceeding crop occurred during 3 years for soybean and 1 year for corn. Fusarium wilt symptoms of soybean that developed during 2 years of the study were less severe in all nematicide-treated plots than in control plots. Typical zinc deficiency symptoms on 30-day-old corn plants were observed during 1 year of the study in certain plots. Symptoms were not evident on plants grown on plots treated with ethylene dibromide, and only occasional plants had symptoms on plots treated with phenamiphos and aldicarb. The amount of yield response directly related to nematode control could not be determined because of the apparent interaction of nematodes on the expression of Fusarium wilt of soybean. Our study strongly indicates that the expression of Fusarium wilt of soybean and zinc deficiency in corn are influenced by nematodes and that nematicides will reduce their severity.     

原始小球藻AP2转录因子的生物信息学分析

为了揭示原始小球藻AP2基因家族编码蛋白的理化特性、分子功能和遗传进化特征,该文对原始小球藻AP2基因家族的蛋白成员进行了详细的生物信息学预测和分析,并利用PrtoParam、Pfam 3.20、Protscale等在线工具分析了原始小球藻AP2家族所包含的8个蛋白成员。结果表明:该家族成员含有的氨基酸数为247(XP_011395646.1)到715(XP_011401904.1),理论等电点最大为9.39(XP_011396011.1)、最小为5.81(XP_011398158.1); 家族中各个成员所含有的保守结构域的位置和数量都各不相同; 所有蛋白成员均无信号肽,均不包含跨膜螺旋,不具有跨膜区域; 蛋白成员中最大亲水性值为-3.222(XP_011398158.1),最大疏水性值为2.333(XP_011401904.1),且所有成员的平均亲疏水性值均小于0; 成员中有多个磷酸化位点值远超标准值0.5,最大磷酸化位点值为0.998; 该基因家族的蛋白成员二级结构的组分含量从大到小排序均为无规则卷曲>α-螺旋>延伸链>β-转角,推测α-螺旋和无规则卷曲是其二级结构的主要方式,延伸链和β-转角则分散在所有蛋白成员的氨基酸链中; 所有成员的三级结构分析中均能观察到α-螺旋、β-折叠、β-转角以及N端和C端; 系统进化分析结果表明,在其余15个物种中,与原始小球藻亲缘关系最远的是金牛介球菌(Ostreococcus tauri),亲缘关系最接近的是小球藻(Chlorella variabilis NC64A)和螺旋孢子虫(Helicosporidium),较接近的是苦参3号(Picochlorum sp. SENEW3)。该研究较系统地分析了原始小球藻AP2蛋白家族的理化特性、保守基序及系统进化关系,为进一步研究原始小球藻AP2转录因子功能和互作关系提供一定参考依据。     

金针菇几丁质合成酶基因家族鉴定及其表达分析

【背景】几丁质是真菌细胞壁的重要成分,由几丁质合成酶（chitin synthase,CS）催化合成。几丁质合成酶编码基因在大型食用真菌金针菇中的数量及表达规律尚不明确。【目的】探究几丁质合成酶基因在金针菇中存在的数量及其在子实体不同发育时期的表达规律,为其在大型真菌子实体生长发育过程中的功能研究提供基础。【方法】基于已有的金针菇菌株L11基因组数据,结合NCBI其他真菌CS序列鉴定金针菇中几丁质合成酶编码基因的数量,并对其进行生物信息学分析。进一步根据金针菇F19转录组数据以及实时荧光定量PCR （RT-qPCR）技术分析金针菇CS基因家族的表达规律。【结果】在金针菇单核体菌株L11的基因组中鉴定到9个几丁质合成酶基因,系统发育分析表明它们在子实体发育过程中的表达模式可分为4类（皮尔森相关系数=0.85）。【结论】金针菇CS基因家族表达模式在金针菇不同生长发育时期均存在差异,可能参与了子实体发育不同时期和组织的形态建成。     

北美鹅掌楸CPP转录因子家族LtTCX2基因的克隆与分析

CPP(cystein-richpolycomb-likeproteinor Tesmin/TOS1-like)家族属于成员数目较少的一类转录因子基因家族,含有保守的富含Cystein的CRC结构域,在植物发育进程中,主要参与花发育、细胞分裂、分子进化等。为了探索CPP转录因子家族在北美鹅掌楸花发育中的作用,该文以北美鹅掌楸(Liriodendron tulipifera)为材料,采用RACE技术克隆出1个CPP-like家族基因,命名为LtTCX2,全长2 866 bp。通过NCBI网站在线分析,ORF长2 424 bp,编码了807个氨基酸,含2个保守的TSO1-like CXC结构域,分子量为88 699.25 Da,理论等电点为5.83,不稳定系数为62.38,疏水性平均值为-0.619,预测为亲水性蛋白、非跨膜蛋白、核蛋白,不含信号肽及切割位点。氨基酸比对及系统进化分析结果显示,LtTCX2与其他物种的CPP家族TCX蛋白具有较高的同源性,与亚洲莲(Nelumbo nucifera)的NnTCX2、胡杨(Populus euphratica)的PeTCX2进化关系最近。荧光定量PCR结果显示,LtTCX2基因在叶片中表达量最高,在萼片、花瓣中几乎不表达,表达量由高至低如下:叶片、花芽、雌蕊、雄蕊、茎、根、花瓣、萼片。以上结果说明,LtTCX2属于较古老、保守的一类基因,可为从分子生物学层面研究鹅掌楸属植物系统进化提供一定的理论依据。