大肠杆菌hfq和rne-710基因的双质粒无痕敲除技术

基因敲除技术是了解基因功能的重要技术手段。以大肠杆菌K-12 MG1655基因组hfq(309 bp)和rne-710(1056 bp)基因为模型,首先构建Δhfq∷Spe和Δrne-710∷Spe菌株,通过融合PCR方法分别构建缺失hfq(309 bp)和rne-710(1056 bp)的融合片段并连接至辅助质粒,缺失hfq和rne-710的片段经重组分别替换壮观霉素抗性盒,得到无痕敲除株Δhfq和Δrne-710。双质粒无痕敲除和融合PCR方法相结合为大片段基因缺失开辟了新的途径。     

维氏气单胞菌hfq基因敲除菌株的构建及鉴定

RNA分子伴侣蛋白Hfq是细菌中普遍存在的全局调控因子,对于细菌的生长增殖、毒性和逆境耐受等都有重要影响。维氏气单胞菌(Aeromonas veronii)是一种新型人—鱼共患条件致病菌,会在水产养殖中造成巨大危害。本研究从维氏气单胞菌基因组DNA中扩增hfq基因上、下游序列,连接到pRE112质粒中,构建敲除质粒pRE112-Δhfq,通过接合转移将敲除质粒从大肠杆菌感受态转入维氏气单胞菌后,基于同源重组原理,利用蔗糖压力筛选得到hfq基因敲除的维氏气单胞菌突变株C4-Δhfq。生长曲线分析表明,hfq基因敲除显著延缓维氏气单胞菌的生长速率,同时,回补hfq使细菌恢复生长。本研究获得的hfq基因敲除菌株,可为进一步研究维氏气单胞菌中Hfq调控因子的功能及其调控机制提供一定帮助。     

细菌中糖转运相关sRNA 的生理调控功能

当细菌面对较高浓度的葡萄糖时,随着葡萄糖摄入,常会导致菌体内部葡糖-6-磷酸的大量累积。在磷酸糖浓度达到一定阈值时,就会形成一种毒性胁迫从而抑制菌体的代谢与生长。许多细菌则会通过一种小RNA SgrS (sugar transport-related sRNA)的转录后调控作用,来解除这种糖胁迫抑制作用。SgrS在分子伴侣Hfq的协助下,与相应靶mRNA通过碱基互补配对方式结合,对ptsG mRNA和manXYZ mRNA进行负调控以减少糖类摄入,并对yigL mRNA进行正调控以增大糖类排出,从而提高细胞对糖胁迫的耐受性。与一般sRNA不同,SgrS作为一种双功能sRNA,除具有转录后调控功能外,还能够翻译出蛋白质SgrT。SgrS广泛存在于肠杆菌中,但不同菌属中SgrS的差异极大。本文主要对SgrS在细菌中的功能、分布及其差异进行综述。     

大肠杆菌ptsHIcrr操纵子的快速敲除及敲除菌生长性能测定

敲除大肠杆菌磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸-糖磷酸转移酶系统(简称PTS系统)ptsHIcrr操纵子,考察敲除菌株生长特性并将其与ptsG敲除菌进行比较。利用I-SceⅠ特异性切割和Red同源重组方法成功构建了大肠杆菌DH5α△ptsHIcrr敲除菌。在LB培养基中,DH5α△ptsHIcrr的生长行为与DH5α和DH5α△ptsG明显不同,其最高菌密度是DH5α和DH5α△ptsG的近2倍,而DH5α△ptsG生长行为与DH5α无明显差异。但在含1%葡萄糖的LB中,DH5α△ptsHIcrr和DH5α△ptsG均表现出生长优势,最高菌密度依次是DH5α的2.8和2倍;培养液中最终乙酸含量分别是DH5α的12.2%、47%。在M9修饰培养基中,DH5α△ptsHIcrr比生长速率(1/h)和比葡萄糖消耗速率[g/(g.h)]明显低于DH5α,并略低于DH5α△ptsG。结果说明,ptsHIcrr操纵子敲除菌改变了葡萄糖的代谢速率,并呈现与ptsG基因敲除菌不同的代谢特点。     

大肠杆菌ptsG基因敲除及其缺陷株生长特性研究

在大肠杆菌磷酸转移酶系统中,葡萄糖主要由ptsG基因编码的酶ⅡCB^Glc转运入细胞。利用代谢工程技术构建ptsG基因缺陷株,有望降低葡萄糖的摄取速率,减少乙酸累积,促进菌体生长。运用PCR技术,扩增出两翼与ptsG基因上下游序列同源,中间为氯霉素抗性基因的DNA片段。经电转化,将外源DNA片段分别转入Escherichia coli DH5a、JM109中。在Red重组酶的作用下,外源DNA片段与染色体上同源区域重组,将基因ptsG敲除,构建ptsG基因缺陷株：DH5αP,JM109P。在LB培养基中,ptsG基因缺陷株的生长状况与亲株无明显差异。在含有葡萄糖的LB培养基中,DH5αP、JM109P的最高菌密度分别是对照菌株DH5α,JM109的3．47倍和4．25倍,ptsG基因缺陷株对葡萄糖的摄入量也明显高于对照菌株。重组蛋白肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)在DH5αP、JM109P中的表达量分别占全菌蛋白的24．3％、20．8％,A600分别为8．28、7．62,TNF在缺陷株中单位体积的表达量明显高于对照菌株。以上结果说明,大肠杆菌ptsG基因缺陷株具有良好的生长能力和表达外源蛋白的能力,在大肠杆菌高密度发酵研究方面具有良好的应用前景。     

大肠杆菌外膜蛋白ompW基因敲除菌的构建及其对两种抗生素的敏感性

探讨大肠杆菌ompW基因敲除后,硫酸新霉素和氨苄青霉素对敲除菌最低抑菌浓度(MIC)和生存率的影响,进而分析OmpW的功能.[方法]运用Red重组技术将大肠杆菌K12染色体上基因ompW敲除,构建缺陷株△ompW.然后分别测定硫酸新霉素和氨苄青霉素对正常菌和△ompW菌的最小抑菌浓度(MIC)及次抑菌浓度(1/2 MIC)下K12和△ompW菌的生存率.[结果]经PCR鉴定和通过提取膜蛋白进行western blot 分析表明,成功获得ompW敲除菌.抗生素分析表明,K12菌对硫酸新霉素的MIC为8.0 μg/mL,生存率为98.0％;△ompW菌对新霉素的MIC为1.7 μg/mL,而其生存率仅为39.0％.而k12对氨苄新霉素的MIC为16.0 μg/mL,△ompW为3.3 μg/mL;1/2 MIC下K12生存率为70.4％,而△ompW为30.3％.[结论]ompW基因缺陷株对两抗生素的敏感性大大增强,表明ompW在细菌抗性方面起着关键作用.     

大肠杆菌PTS系统改造及重组菌生长性能测定

利用Red重组系统对野生大肠杆菌Escherichia coli磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸-糖磷酸转移酶系统(Phosphoenolpyruvate:carbohydrate phosphotransferase system,PTS)进行修饰改造,敲除PTS系统中关键组分EⅡCBGlc的编码基因(ptsG),磷酸组氨酸搬运蛋白HPr的编码基因(ptsI),同时敲入来源于运动发酵单胞菌Zymomonas mobilis的葡萄糖易化体(Glucose facilitator)编码基因(glf),构建重组大肠杆菌,比较测定并系统评价了基因敲除和敲入对细胞的生长、葡萄糖代谢和乙酸积累的影响。敲除基因ptsG和ptsI造成大肠杆菌PTS系统部分功能缺失,细胞生长受到一定限制,敲入glf基因后,重组大肠杆菌能够利用Glf-Glk(葡萄糖易化体-葡萄糖激酶)途径,消耗ATP将葡萄糖进行磷酸化并转运进入细胞。通过该途径转运葡萄糖能够提高葡萄糖利用效率,降低副产物乙酸生成,同时能够使更多的碳代谢流进入后续相关合成途径,预期能够提高相关产物产量。     

sRNA (istR)在肠炎沙门氏菌抗活性氮氧中的作用分析

sRNA(Small non-coding RNA,sRNA)为新近发现的基因表达调控分子,转录后水平调控靶基因表达,在细菌毒力、应激及对外界环境感应方面起调控作用。沙门氏菌是一种重要的人畜共患病病原菌,可引起人类食物中毒、败血症及伤寒等。以肠炎型沙门氏菌为模型,研究sRNA(istR)在肠炎沙门氏菌抗活性氮氧中的作用,为沙门氏菌的防治提供新方向。参考已报道的沙门氏菌全基因组及istR序列,设计引物,PCR扩增istR突变用基因片段,运用Red同源重组系统对肠炎沙门氏菌(SE2472)的istR基因进行定点敲除,构建敲除菌株(SE2472△istR),比较野生株和敲除株对活性氮氧的敏感性;构建回复表达质粒pHDB3-istR,将其转入istR敲除株构建回复株SE2472△istR-comp,以回复表达istR,分析istR表达对沙门氏菌istR敲除株抵抗活性氮氧的回复作用。活性氮抑菌结果表明,SE2472在pH 5.0、NaNO2浓度为20 mmol/L的LB液体培养基中培养3 h,存活率为20.40%;培养6 h,存活率降至0.05%。同等培养条件下,SE2472△istR的存活率分别为0.70%和0,SE2472△istR-comp生长情况与SE2472类似,存活率分别为21.40%和0.08%。同时用H2O2分析istR在沙门氏菌抗活性氧中的作用,活性氧抑菌结果表明,SE2472和SE2472△istR两者对H2O2的抑菌作用无明显差异。综合上述结果,推测istR在沙门氏菌抗活性氮中起着调控作用,在抗活性氧作用中没有调控作用。     

单核细胞增生李斯特菌hfq基因缺失株的构建及其生物学特性

【目的】单核细胞增生李斯特菌(Listeria monocytogenes,Lm)为革兰氏阳性的短杆菌,营腐生和寄生生活,是重要的食源性人兽共患病原菌,对低温、酸碱和高渗透压等环境具有较强的抵抗力。Lm在各种环境中适应、生存并表现致病力,是与调控因子的网络调控密切相关,本文初步研究了细菌调控因子hfq的生物学特性。【方法】利用同源重组技术对血清型为1/2 a的EGDe菌株进行hfq基因的敲除,对获得的突变株EGDe△hfq进行生化鉴定及生物学特性研究。【结果】实验结果表明:在4℃低温环境下,缺失株生长显著减慢(P<0.05);在含7%Na Cl高渗BHI培养基及含4.5%乙醇的BHI培养基中生长受到抑制;缺失株形成生物被膜的能力显著下降(P<0.05);对Caco-2细胞系的侵袭能力下降;与野生型菌株相比,EGDe△hfq对BALB/c小鼠的感染能力减弱、半数致死剂量提高。【结论】由此表明,Hfq蛋白对细菌抗胁迫、生物被膜形成及细菌毒力具有重要的调控作用。此缺失株的构建为进一步研究Hfq的功能提供了材料,为研究其在Lm胁迫环境生存及疾病预防控制奠定了基础。     

肺炎克雷伯菌Hfq蛋白特性及对耐药的影响

Hfq(host factor for RNA phage QB replicase)蛋白是一个全局性调节因子,广泛参与细菌生长、趋化、毒力、耐药及应对外界选择压力等方面的调节,但在肺炎克雷伯菌(Klebsiella pneumoniae,KP)中的功能尚不清楚。本研究从临床病例中分离到59株KP,将其hfq基因与11例常见临床感染菌株hfq基因〔从美国国立生物技术信息中心(National Center for Biotechnology Information, NCBI)数据库下载〕进行了比较。所有hfq基因经EMBOSS Transeq翻译成氨基酸序列,用MAFFT软件进行多序列比对,并通过NCBI数据库中的保守结构域预测Hfq蛋白结构域。分别采用ESPript3.0、Phyre2分析Hfq蛋白的二、三级结构。59株KP中仅3株hfq基因的5个密码子位点存在差异,而其蛋白质氨基酸序列完全一致。KP与大肠埃希菌、阴沟肠杆菌、痢疾志贺菌之间,Hfq蛋白的氨基酸序列相似度较高,主要区别在C末端上;与金黄色葡萄球菌、产单核细胞李斯特菌相比,KP Hfq蛋白在N末端和C末端上差别较大;所有菌株C末端均呈酸性。三级结构预测提示68(66.67%)个氨基酸与模板序列一致, 较为保守的功能结构为54-VYKHAI-59序列。采用CRISPR/Cas9同源重组技术敲除KP的hfq基因,并对其进行药物敏感性测试,结果显示,基因敲除菌株对抗生素的耐药性较野生株有显著下降(P<0.05),差异有统计学意义,提示KP的Hfq蛋白氨基酸序列非常保守,可能参与了KP的耐药调节。     

Foreign exploration for Scirtothrips perseae Nakahara (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and associated natural enemies on avocado (Persea americana Miller)

Scirtothrips perseae Nakahara was discovered attacking avocados in California, USA, in 1996. Host plant surveys in California indicated that S. perseae has a highly restricted host range with larvae being found only on avocados, while adults were collected from 11 different plant species. As part of a management program for this pest, a “classical” biological control program was initiated and foreign exploration was conducted to delineate the home range of S. perseae, to survey for associated natural enemies and inventory other species of phytophagous thrips on avocados grown in Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad, and Brazil. Foreign exploration efforts indicate that S. perseae occurs on avocados grown at high altitudes (>1500 m) from Uruapan in Mexico south to areas around Guatemala City in Guatemala. In Costa Rica, S. perseae is replaced by an undescribed congener as the dominant phytophagous thrips on avocados grown at high altitudes (>1300 m). No species of Scirtothrips were found on avocados in the Dominican Republic, Trinidad, or Brazil. In total, 2136 phytophagous thrips were collected and identified, representing over 47 identified species from at least 19 genera. The significance of these species records is discussed. Of collected material 4% were potential thrips biological control agents. Natural enemies were dominated by six genera of predatory thrips (Aeolothrips, Aleurodothrips, Franklinothrips, Leptothrips, Scolothrips, and Karnyothrips). One genus each of parasitoid (Ceranisus) and predatory mite (Balaustium) were found. Based on the results of our sampling techniques, prospects for the importation of thrips natural enemies for use in a “classical” biological control program in California against S. perseae are not promising.     

Characterization of SSEA-1 glycolipids from the brain of a patient with fucosidosis

Neutral glycolipids from the brain of a patient with Fucosidosis were analyzed and two complex glycolipids containing five and eight sugars were isolated from the cortical grey matter. These two glycolipids reacted with antibodies recognizing the SSEA-1 [Le^x(X)] carbohydrate determinant. SSEA-1 glycolipids are normally expressed in human embryonic brain but are found in only small amounts in postnatal human brain. The accumulation of the two SSEA-1 glycolipids in Fucosidosis brain thus represents a defect which affects the normal developmentally regulated decrease in postnatal, expression of these glycolipids, and may be a contributing factor in the abnormal brain development associated with the disease. Chemical characterization of the two isolated glycolipids by gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric analyses has identified the two glycolipids as lacto-N-fucopentaosylceramide (III) and difucosyl-neolactonorhexaosylceramide.Abbreviations DCl direct chemical ionization - FAB tastatiom bombardment - GC gas chromatography - GSLs glycosphingolipids - MS mass spectrometry - SSEA-1 stage specific embryonic antigen-1 - TLC thin layer chromatographys     

1H and13C-NMR analysis of four pentasaccharides from urine of blood-group A and B,Leb adults. Confirmation of the structure of two new oligosaccharides: Fuc(α1–2)[GalNAc(α1–3)]Gal(β1–3)[Fuc(α1–4)]Glc and Fuc(α1–2)[Gal(α1–3)]Gal(β1–3)[Fuc(α1–4)]Glc

The major pentasaccharides Fuc(1-2)[GalNAc(1-3)]Gal(1-4)[Fuc(1-3)]Glc and Fuc(1-2) [Gal(1-3)]Gal(1-4)[Fuc(1-3)]Glc, which are normally present in the urine of bloodgroup A Le^b and B Le^b healthy subjects, were each found to be contaminated by a minor component when analysed by¹H-NMR. The determination of these structures, Fuc(1-2) [GalNAc(1-3)]Gal(1-3)[Fuc(1-4)]Glc and Fuc(1-2) [Gal(1-3)]Gal(1-3)[Fuc(1-4)]Glc, was based on the results of methylation analysis and¹H/¹³C-NMR spectroscopy.Abbreviations HPLC high performance liquid chromatography - GLC gas liquid chromatography - NMR nuclear magnetic resonance - COSY correlation spectroscopy - Gal d-galactopyranose - GalNAc 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-d-galactopyranose - Glc d-glucopyranose - Fuc l-fucopyranose - LNDFH I lacto-N-difucohexaose I (Le^b determinant     

Structural Peculiarities of Na+,K+-ATPase Isozymes from the Calf Brain

Functionally active preparations of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase isozymes from calf brain that contain catalytic subunits of three types (1, 2, and 3) were obtained using two approaches: a selective removal of contaminating proteins by the Jorgensen method and a selective solubilization of the enzyme with subsequent reconstitution of their membrane structure by the Esmann method. The ouabain inhibition constants were determined for the isozymes. The real isozyme composition of the Na⁺ pump from the grey matter containing glial cells and the brain stem containing neurons was determined. The plasma membranes of glial cells were shown to contain mainly Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase of the 11 type and minor amounts of isozymes of the 22(1) and the 31(2) type. The axolemma contains 21 and 31 isozymes. A carbohydrate analysis indicated that 11 enzyme preparations from the brain grey matter substantially differ from the renal enzymes of the same composition in the glycosylation of the 1 isoform. An enhanced sensitivity of the 3 catalytic subunit of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase from neurons to endogenous proteolysis was found. A point of specific proteolysis in the amino acid sequence PNDNR⁴⁹² Y⁴⁹³ was localized (residue numbering is that of the human 3 subunit). This sequence corresponds to one of the regions of the greatest variability in 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-subunits, but at the same time, it is characteristic of the 3 isoforms of various species. The presence of the 3 isoform of tubulin (cytoskeletal protein) was found for the first time in the high-molecular-mass Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase 31 isozyme complex isolated from the axolemma of brain stem neurons, and its binding to the 3 catalytic subunit was shown.     

Phylogeny of cardinalfishes (Teleostei: Gobiiformes: Apogonidae) and the evolution of visceral bioluminescence

The cardinalfishes (Apogonidae) are a diverse clade of small, mostly reef-dwelling fishes, for which a variety of morphological data have not yielded a consistent phylogeny. We use DNA sequence to hypothesize phylogenetic relationships within Apogonidae and among apogonids and other acanthomorph families, to examine patterns of evolution including the distribution of a visceral bioluminescence system. In conformance with previous studies, Apogonidae is placed in a clade with Pempheridae, Kurtidae, Leiognathidae, and Gobioidei. The apogonid genus Pseudamia is recovered outside the remainder of the family, not as sister to the superficially similar genus Gymnapogon. Species sampled from the Caribbean and Western Atlantic (Phaeoptyx, Astrapogon, and some Apogon species) form a clade, as do the larger-bodied Glossamia and Cheilodipterus. Incidence of visceral bioluminescence is found scattered throughout the phylogeny, independently for each group in which it is present. Examination of the fine structure of the visceral bioluminescence system through histology shows that light organs exhibit a range of morphologies, with some composed of complex masses of tubules (Siphamia, Pempheris, Parapriacanthus) and others lacking tubules but containing chambers formed by folds of the visceral epithelium (Acropoma, Archamia, Jaydia, and Rhabdamia). Light organs in Siphamia, Acropoma, Pempheris and Parapriacanthus are distinct from but connected to the gut; those in Archamia, Jaydia, and Rhabdamia are simply portions of the intestinal tract, and are little differentiated from the surrounding tissues. The presence or absence of symbiotic luminescent bacteria does not correlate with light organ structure; the tubular light organs of Siphamia and chambered tubes of Acropoma house bacteria, those in Pempheridae and the other Apogonidae do not.     

Biological control of three floating water weeds,<Emphasis Type="Italic">Eichhornia crassipes,Pistia stratiotes</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salviniamolesta</Emphasis> in the Republic of Congo

Since 1999, four specific weevils (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) were released in the Republic of Congo against three exotic floating water weeds: Neochetina eichhorniae Warner and N. bruchi Hustache against water hyacinth, Neohydronomus affinis Hustache against water lettuce, and Cyrtobagous salviniae Calder and Sands against water fern. Recoveries of exotic weevils were made from all 24 release sites except one, and all four species have established and spread (up to 800 km for water hyacinth weevils). Within a few years of releases, control of water fern and water lettuce was such that fishing and navigation could be resumed, while reductions of water hyacinth populations were only beginning.     

A molecular phylogeny of Hebeloma species from Europe

In order to widen the scope of existing phylogenies of the ectomycorrhizal agaric genus Hebeloma a total of 53 new rDNA ITS sequences from that genus was generated, augmented by sequences retrieved from GenBank, and analysed using Bayesian, strict consensus and neighbour joining methods. The lignicolous Hebelomina neerlandica, Gymnopilus penetrans, and two species of Galerina served as outgroup taxa. Anamika indica, as well as representatives of the genera Hymenogaster and Naucoria, were included to test the monophyly of Hebeloma, which is confirmed by the results. Hebeloma, Naucoria, Hymenogaster and Anamika indica cluster in a strongly supported monophyletic hebelomatoid clade. All trees largely reflect the current infrageneric classification within Hebeloma, and divide the genus into mostly well-supported monophyletic groups surrounding H. crustuliniforme, H. velutipes, H. sacchariolens, H. sinapizans, and H. radicosum, with H. sarcophyllum being shown at an independent position; however this is not well supported. The section Indusiata divides with strong support into three groups, the position of the pleurocystidiate Hebeloma cistophilum suggests the possible existence of a third subsection within sect. Indusiata. Subsection Sacchariolentia is raised to the rank of section.     

The evolution of the Hox cluster: insights from outgroups

Two burgeoning research trends are helping to reconstruct the evolution of the Hox cluster with greater detail and clarity. First, Hox genes are being studied in a broader phylogenetic sampling of taxa: the past year has witnessed important new data from teleost fishes, onychophorans, myriapods, polychaetes, glossiphoniid leeches, ribbon worms, and sea anemones. Second, commonly accepted notions of animal relationships are being challenged by alternative phylogenetic hypotheses that are causing us to rethink the evolutionary relationships of important metazoan lineages, especially arthropods, annelids, nematodes, and platyhelminthes.     

N-andO-glycosylation of glycoprotein C synthesized by Herpes simplex virus type 1-infected ricin resistant cells

The progeny of Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) grown in ricin-resistant 14 cells (Ric^R14) lackingN-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I was released in the extracellular medium at a very low rate. By using a monoclonal antibody immobilized on Sepharose we purified from HSV-1-infected Ric^R14 cells a viral glycoprotein (gC), which carries bothN-andO-linked oligosaccharides. Glycopeptides obtained from [³H]mannoselabeled gC by Pronase digestion were entirely susceptible to endo--N-acetylglucosaminidase H, and the major oligosaccharide released was Man₄GlcNAc. The accumulation of this high-mannose species was related to the enzymic defect of the host cells and to the long retention of the viral glycoprotein within the cells. The extent ofO-glycosylation evaluated in [¹⁴C]glucosamine-labeled gC from Ric^R14 cells as compared to that of gC from wild type cells did not appear to be significantly modified.Abbreviations Con A concanavalin A - BHK cells baby hamster kidney cells - HSV Herpes simplex virus