Steroid derivatives

It was found in a study of the hydroxylating capacity of one of theFungi imperfecti, the genusBeauveria, some of the species of which are able to introduce the oxygen function into position 11α of various steroid compounds, that the enzyme activity ofBeauveria globulifera gives rise both to the corresponding 11α-hydroxy-derivative and to the 5β-saturated 11α-hydroxy-compound or a 5β-saturated 7β,11α-dihydroxy-compound. The isolation and the identification of the products of biotransformation of some steroids of the pregnane and androstane series byBeauveria globulifera is described.     

Flavonoids and phylogenetic reconstruction

Flavonoids have been used successfully for interpreting evolutionary relationships in many groups of angiosperms. These interpretations often have been presented in narrative fashion without specific indications of the kinds of relationships expressed. In this paper a method of phylogeny reconstruction with flavonoid data showing cladistic, patristic, and phenetic relationships is presented. Such a phylogram contains maximal information about flavonoid evolution. As an example, relationships in the North American species ofCoreopsis (Compositae), containing 46 species in 11 sections, are analyzed by this approach. A phylogeny of sections of the genus from previous morphological, chromosomal and hybridization data is compared with that from data on anthochlors (chalcones and aurones). Strong correspondence of these evolutionary interpretations gives support to the hypothesized evolutionary trends within the group.     

Cytogenetics of ticks (Acari: Ixodoidea)

Chromosomes and sex determination of 9 species of Haemaphysalis assigned to 4 subgenera are described. H. (tAlloceraea) kitaokai possesses an XX∶XO sex chromosome system with 18 autosomes plus XX in females; 18 plus X in males. H. (Kaiseriana) hystricis has 18 +XX and 18 + XY in females and males, respectively, in most specimens, but a supernumerary chromosome is present in some individuals. A supernumerary chromosome was also observed in 1 male H. (Aborphysalis) formosensis. These two species are the second and third species of ticks reported to have supernumerary chromosomes. H. formosensis, H. (Kaiseriana) bispinosa, H. (Haemaphysalis) campanulata, H. (H.) flava, H. (H.) megaspinosa, H. (H.) japonica, and H. (H.) pentalagi possess 20 autosomes plus 2 sex chromosomes in females and 20+1 sex chromosomes in males. Phylogenetic relationships within the genus Haemaphysalis are briefly discussed.     

Isolation and functional characterization of a novel gene coding for flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase from globe artichoke

Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus) is rich in flavonoids which contribute to its health-promoting properties. With the aim of understanding the genetic control of flavonoid accumulation in artichoke, we isolated an artichoke full-length cDNA sequence encoding flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H), a major enzyme of the flavonoid hydroxylation pattern. In silico studies confirmed that the deduced amino acid sequence of CcF3′H is highly similar to F3′Hs isolated from other Asteraceae. The Northern blot analysis demonstrated that CcF3′H was highly expressed in leaves and in specific parts of the heads. Its expression differed slightly among artichoke cultivars. The overexpression of CcF3′H in tobacco plants led to the accumulation of flavonoids and to an increase of flower colour intensity, thus identifying CcF3′H as promising candidate for genetic engineering. CcF3′H represents the first structural gene of the flavonoid biosynthesis isolated from C. cardunculus, and its characterization sheds light on the accumulation of flavonoids.     

Mzabimyces algeriensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a halophilic filamentous actinobacterium isolated from a Saharan soil,and proposal of Mzabimycetaceae fam. nov.

Three halophilic mycelium-forming actinobacteria, strains H195^T, H150 and H151, were isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Béni-isguen in the Mzab region (Ghardaïa, South of Algeria) and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterisation. These strains were observed to show an aerial mycelium differentiated into coccoid spore chains and fragmented substrate mycelium. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the highest sequence similarities were to Saccharopolyspora qijiaojingensis YIM 91168^T (92.02 % to H195^T). Phylogenetic analyses showed that the strains H195^T, H150 and H151 represent a distinct phylogenetic lineage. The cell-wall hydrolysate was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid, and the diagnostic whole-cell sugars were identified as arabinose and galactose. The major cellular fatty acids were identified as iso-C_15:0, iso-C_16:0, iso-C_17:0 and anteiso-C_17:0. The diagnostic phospholipid detected was phosphatidylcholine and MK-9 (H₄) was found to be the predominant menaquinone. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain H195^T was 68.2 mol%. On the basis of its phenotypic features and phylogenetic position, we propose that strain H195^T represents a novel genus and species, Mzabimyces algeriensis gen. nov., sp. nov., within a new family, Mzabimycetaceae fam. nov. The type strain of M. algeriensis is strain H195^T (=DSM 46680^T = MTCC 12101^T).     

Growth requirements of blue-green algae under blue light conditions

1. Growth requirements of blue-green algae containing only the c-phycocyanin + chlorophyll a pigment system have been studied under blue light (380–540 nm) which approximates light conditions existing in subsurface waters in nature.
2. While a few species were capable of very slow photosynthetic growth on minimal medium with NO₃ ^- as nitrogen source, most species were dependent on organic compounds for comparable growth under this condition. Some organisms did quite well with only Casamino Acids as a supplement, others did well with only glucose. One species, Agmenellum quadruplicatum strain PR-6, grew only when glucose and Casamino Acids were supplied simultaneously.
3. Inhibitory effects of blue light on CO₂ fixation and nitrogen metabolism are noted as possible explanations of these responses.

     

Five subspecies of the Dorogostaiskia parasitica complex (Dybowsky) (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Acanthogammaridae), epibionts of sponges in Lake Baikal

Based on morphological and molecular characters, the gammaroid amphipod Dorogostaiskia parasitica, living as an epibiont on sponges in Lake Baikal, Siberia, is here split into five parapatrically or allopatrically distributed subspecies: D. p. parasitica (Dybowsky, Horae Societatis Entomologicae Rossicae 10(Beiheft):1–218, 1874), D. p. kamaltynovi subsp. nov., D. p. hanajevi subsp. nov., D. p. ushkaniensis subsp. nov., and D. p. stenocephala subsp. nov. Diagnostic differences are described in the shape of dorsal keels, shape of head, length of antenna 1, number of segments of accessory flagellum, shape and armature of coxal plates, relative lengths of pereopod segments, and body coloration. Each subspecies is characterized by a distinct mitochondrial lineage, differing from others by 5–11% in the sequence of the COI gene, while they do not differ in nuclear 28S rRNA gene sequence. The question of taxonomic ranks for members of intralacustrine species complexes is considered and an argument is presented for a use of the subspecies rank for parapatrically distributed population segments that are distinguished by multiple independent geographically congruent character differences. This usage sorts out a pattern of systematic diversity lower than one based on documented reproductive isolation (e.g., sympatry) of full species but stronger than that based on single-gene genealogies alone.     

Vibrio madracius sp. nov. Isolated from Madracis decactis (Scleractinia) in St Peter & St Paul Archipelago,Mid-Atlantic Ridge,Brazil

Three novel isolates (A-354^T, A-328, and A-384) were retrieved from apparently healthy scleractinian Madracis decactis in the remote St Peter & St Paul Archipelago, Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Brazil. The novel isolates formed a distinct lineage based on the phylogenetic reconstruction using the 16S rRNA and pyrH gene sequences. They fell into the Mediterranei clade and their closest phylogenetic neighbour was V. mediterranei species, sharing upto 98.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Genomic analysis including in silico DDH, MLSA, AAI and genomic signature distinguished A-354^T from V. mediterranei LMG 19703 (=AK1) with values of 33.3, 94.2, 92 %, and 11.3, respectively. Phenotypically, the novel isolates can be differentiated from V. mediterranei based on the four following features. They do not grow at 8 % NaCl; use d-gluconic acid but not l-galactonic acid lactone as carbon source; and do not have the fatty acid C_18:0. Differentiation from both the other Mediterranei clade species (V. maritimus and V. variabilis) is supported by fifteen features. The novel species show lysine decarboxylase and tryptophan deaminase, but not gelatinase and arginine dihydrolase activity; produce acetoin; use α-d-lactose, N-acetyl-d-galactosamine, myo-Inositol, d-gluconic acid, and β-hydroxy-d,l-butyric acid; and present the fatty acids C_14:0 iso, C_15:0 anteiso, C_16:0 iso, C_17:0 anteiso, and C_17:1x8c . Whole-cell protein profiles, based on MALDI-TOF, showed that the isolates are not clonal and also distinguished them from the closes phylogenetic neighbors. The name Vibrio madracius sp. nov. is proposed to encompass these novel isolates. The G+C content of the type strain A-354^T (=LMG 28124^T=CBAS 482^T) is 44.5 mol%.     

High CO2 detrimentally affects tissue regeneration of Red Sea corals

Ocean acidification (OA) from rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) is threatening the future of coral reef ecosystems. Mounting experimental evidence suggests that OA negatively impacts fundamental life functions of scleractinian corals, including growth and sexual reproduction. Although regeneration is regarded as a chief life function in scleractinian corals and essential to maintain the colony’s integrity, the effect of OA on regeneration processes has not yet been investigated. To evaluate the effects of OA on regeneration, the common Indo-Pacific corals Porites sp., Favia favus, Acropora eurystoma, and Stylophora pistillata were inflicted with lesions (314–350 mm², depending on species) and incubated in different pCO₂: (1) ambient seawater (400 µatm, pH 8.1), (2) intermediate (1,800 µatm, pH 7.6), and (3) high (4,000 µatm, pH 7.3) for extended periods of time (60–120 d). While all coral species after 60 d had significantly higher tissue regeneration in ambient conditions as compared to the intermediate and high treatments, reduction in regeneration rate was more pronounced in the slow-growing massive Porites sp. and F. favus than the relatively fast-growing, branching S. pistillata and A. eurystoma. This coincided with reduced tissue biomass of Porites sp., F. favus, and A. eurystoma in higher pCO₂, but not in S. pistillata. Porites sp., F. favus, and S. pistillata also experienced a decrease in Symbiodinium density in higher pCO₂, while in A. eurystoma there was no change. We hypothesize that a lowered regenerative capacity under elevated pCO₂ may be related to resource trade-offs, energy cost of acid/base regulation, and/or decrease in total energy budget. This is the first study to demonstrate that elevated pCO₂ could have a compounding influence on coral regeneration following injury, potentially affecting the capacity of reef corals to recover following physical disturbance.     

Molecular evidence to reconcile taxonomic instability in mahseer species (Pisces: Cyprinidae) of India

The mahseers are an important group of fishes endemic to Asia with most species considered threatened. Conservation plans to save declining wild populations are hindered by unstable taxonomy, and detailed systematic review could form a solid platform for future management and conservation. D-loop and cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) mtDNA sequences were examined in nine mahseer species of Tor, Neolissochilus, and Naziritor. Pseudogenes amplified in a portion of the species limited the utility of the D-loop region. ABGD analysis, NJ, ML, and MP methods and genetic distance (TrN?+?I?+?G) using COI data revealed concordant species delimiting patterns. The three genera were monophyletic, separated as distinct clades (TrN?+?I?+?G 0.064 to 0.106), and Naziritor was flagged as a separate genus, distinct from Puntius (TrN?+?I?+?G 0.196). Out of seven nominal species known for Tor cogeners from India, only five were recovered with mtDNA data (TrN?+?I?+?G 0.000 to 0.037) and two species could not be distinguished with the molecular data set employed. Tor mosal, synonymized as Tor putitora, was rediscovered as a distinct species (TrN?+?I?+?G 0.031) based on its type locality. Tor mussulah was confirmed as a separate species (TrN?+?I?+?G 0.019 to 0.026). Two valid species, Tor macrolepis and T. mosal mahanadicus, were not distinct from T. putitora (TrN?+?I?+?G 0.00). The high divergence with mtDNA data failed to validate T. mosal mahanadicus as a subspecies of T. mosal (TrN?+?I?+?G 0.031). Morphological outliers discovered within the distribution range of Tor tor (TrN?+?I?+?G 0.022 to 0.025) shared the same lineage with T. putitora (TrN?+?I?+?G 0.002 to 0.005), indicating a new extended distribution of the Himalayan mahseer T. putitora in the rivers of the Indian central plateau. The findings indicate the need for integrating molecular and morphological tools for taxonomic revision of the Tor and Naziritor genera, so that taxa are precisely defined for accurate in situ and ex situ conservation decisions.     

Population genetics of Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera,Tephritidae) in different hosts: Genetic differentiation and heterozygosity

An allozymic survey of 11 populations of Anastrepha fraterculus Wied. (Diptera, Tephritidae) in 8 different hosts from the same orchard revealed very small levels of genetic distance (D = 0.002±0.001) between hosts. The data thus provide no evidence for host-dependent genetic differentiation. Low values of heterozygosity were observed (H = 0.050±0.28) and 6 loci out of 11 were monomorphic. Biological attributes of the species, such as its polyphagic regime, multivoltine pattern of reproduction, and seasonal changes in population size, are discussed in an attempt to explain the low variability.     

Thalassobius aquaeponti sp. nov., an alphaproteobacterium isolated from seawater

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped or ovoid bacterial strain, GJSW-22^T, which was isolated from seawater at Geoje island in South Korea, was characterized taxonomically. Strain GJSW-22^T was observed to grow optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. In the neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain GJSW-22^T grouped with the type strains of Thalassobius species, forming a stable cluster with the type strain of Thalassobius aestuarii (bootstrap value of 83.2 %). Strain GJSW-22^T exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity value (98.0 %) to the type strain of T. aestuarii. It exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 95.6–96.1 % to the type strains of the other Thalassobius species. Strain GJSW-22^T was found to contain Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C_18:1 ω7c and 11-methyl C_18:1 ω7c as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids of strain GJSW-22^T were identified as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G + C content of strain GJSW-22^T is 60.3 mol % and its mean DNA–DNA relatedness value with the type strain of T. aestuarii was 23 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic data, confirmed that strain GJSW-22^T is distinct from other Thalassobius species. On the basis of the data presented, strain GJSW-22^T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Thalassobius, for which the name Thalassobius aquaeponti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GJSW-22^T (=KCTC 42115^T = NBRC 110378^T).     

Chemical composition and immunological properties of glycoproteins of Sporothrix species

Glycoproteins of 11Sporothrix species were purified from their respective culture filtrates by use of DEAE-Sephadex A-50 and QAE-Sephadex A-25 column chromatography and investigated for their chemical and immunological properties. On the basis of sugar composition, the glycoproteins of the 11Sporothrix species could be divided into two groups, i.e., rhamnose containing (i.e., Rha⁺), and non rhamnose containing (i.e., Rha^?) groups. The species in the former group wereS. curviconia, S. inflata, S. schenckii andS. schenckii var. luriei, and those in the latter group wereS. cyanescens, S. foliorum, S. fungorum, S. ghanensis, S. imectorum, S. luteoalba andS. ramosissima. The glycoproteins of four of the (Rha⁺) species were relatively similar in elution patterns of DEAE-Sephadex A-50 chromatograms, sugar and amino acid compositions, serological reactivity with rabbit andS. schenckii serum and rabbit antiKlebsiella pneumoniae K47 serum, and cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity. In the case of the (Rha^?) species, the glycoproteins of five species cross-reacted with rabbit antiS. schenckii serum and all, but theS. cyanescens, glycoprotein were reactive to some degree in skin tests in sporotrichotic patients. These results strongly suggest that the chemical and immunological properties of these glycoproteins correspond with the morphological observations amongSporothrix species.     

Are “universal” DNA primers really universal?

“Universal” DNA primers LCO 1490 and HCO 2198 were originally designed from three coding and six anticoding strands by comparing highly conserved regions of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes across 15 taxa. These primers have been successful in amplifying a 710-bp fragment of highly conserved regions of the COI gene for more than 80 invertebrate species from 11 phyla. In the present study, 130,843 variations were reviewed in the primer region of mitochondrial molecular markers by comparing 725 COI sequences from the kingdom Animalia. It was found that, for 177 invertebrate species, the forward primer (LCO 1490) showed only four conserved regions, compared to 12 in the original study. For ascidians, fungi and vertebrates, it showed approximately 50 % conserved regions, dropping to one conserved region for echinoderms. However, the reverse primer (HCO 2198) was highly conserved across 725 COI primer sequences. A similar pattern was observed in amino acid distributions. There was a significant difference in the means of base pair differences from the level of family, genus and species for LCO 1490 [analysis of variance (ANOVA), F _6,188?=?8.193, P?ANOVA, F _6,77?=?2.538, P?相似文献   

Gibberellic-acid-regulated expression of α-amylase and six other genes in wheat aleurone layers

The effect of gibberellic acid (GA₃) on gene expression in wheat aleurone cells has been characterised. In-vitro translation of polyadenylated RNA indicated that α-amylase and other messenger-RNA (mRNA) species increase in relative concentration in GA₃-treated tissue. At least one mRNA species declines in relative level in response to GA₃. There is also a GA₃-dependent, four-fold increase in the level of polyadenylated RNA. This effect is largely the result of increased levels of many mRNA species which are also present in untreated tissue. Seven GA₃-induced polyadenylated RNA species including the Amyl α-amylase gene product have been cloned as complementary DNA in the plasmid pBR322. These cloned DNAs have been used as hybridisation probes to show that the GA₃-induced increase in α-amylase mRNA is more prolonged than the accumulation of the other GA₃-regulated mRNA species. A polyadenylated-RNA sequence showing reduced concentration in GA₃-treated tissue has also been cloned.     

Genetic polymorphism of C3 in Papio and Macaca species

C3 phenotypes were examined in species of Papio and Macaca. Baboons (P. cynocephalus) showed extensive polymorphism, with estimated gene frequencies of 0.815, 0.174, and 0.011 for C3*S, C3*F, and C3*F ₁ alleles, respectively. Clear segregation patterns showing codominant inheritance were evident in family studies. Such extensive polymorphism was not observed in M. nemestrina or M. fascicularis. The S gene is the most common allele in all the species studied. The F gene is relatively common in baboons.