番茄SlGRAS4基因特征分析和耐热功能鉴定

GRAS转录因子是调控植物生长发育和非生物胁迫响应的重要转录因子之一,而目前还没有GRAS调控高温胁迫的研究。为了深入研究番茄SlGRAS4生物功能,以耐热番茄LA2093为试验材料,分析番茄SlGRAS4基因结构、启动子序列及进化关系,利用qRT-PCR检测SlGRAS4在不同胁迫和不同激素处理下的表达水平,利用VIGS验证SlGRAS4基因耐热功能。结果表明:(1)生物信息学分析显示,SlGRAS4蛋白长度为666 aa,分子量为75 737.72 Da,理论等电点为6.31,含有GRAS转录因子家族典型的结构域,主要集中在C末端的277～657 aa之间;在SlGRAS4启动子区域发现脱落酸(ABA)和水杨酸(SA)响应元件;SlGRAS4与烟草NtGRAS1蛋白亲缘关系最近,推测SlGRAS4可能与其同源基因具有相似的生物功能。(2)在高温、低温、盐和干旱胁迫处理12 h时番茄SlGRAS4基因表达量升至最高,分别增加到对照的8.86、4.86、55.38和7.63倍;在ABA和SA激素处理8 h时SlGRAS4基因的表达量达到峰值,分别达到对照的120.72和3.55倍,说明SlGRAS4可能参与了多种非生物胁迫响应和激素信号传导。(3)沉默SlGRAS4基因番茄植株(VSlGRAS4)在高温胁迫下较对照植株(Ve)更容易萎蔫,且F_v/F_m与SOD、POD活性显著降低,REL和H_2O_2含量显著升高,说明在高温胁迫下沉默SlGRAS4使番茄植株细胞膜氧化损伤加重,光合能力降低,活性氧(ROS)清除酶活性减弱。(4)qRT-PCR分析显示,VSlGRAS4植株中高温信号应答关键基因HsfA1b、ROS信号应答基因ZAT10和ZAT12以及ROS清除酶编码基因CuZnSOD、FeSOD、APX1、APX2、CAT的表达水平均显著低于Ve植株,表明SlGRAS4转录因子可以通过调控高温和ROS信号转导来影响番茄的耐热性。研究认为,高温、低温、干旱、盐、ABA和SA均可显著诱导番茄SlGRAS4基因的表达,沉默SlGRAS4基因番茄植株的耐热性显著降低,证明番茄SlGRAS4基因具有耐热功能,为进一步解析SlGRAS4参与番茄耐热调控的分子机制奠定基础。     

玉米ZmCIPK31基因原核表达及启动子序列分析

与钙传感器类钙调磷酸酶B蛋白(calcineurin B-like protein,CBL)互作的蛋白CIPK(CBL-interacting protein kinase)在植物特定的生长发育和应答胁迫过程中起重要作用。对前期研究得到的玉米ZmCIPK31基因构建原核表达重组载体,进行原核表达分析,转化重组质粒的大肠杆菌BL21菌株能够诱导出期望的目的蛋白。蛋白可溶性分析表明,它是可溶性的蛋白,通过淀粉树脂柱对其进行纯化,为下一步激酶活性分析提供了有活性的目的蛋白。同时,克隆了ZmCIPK31基因起始密码子ATG上游包括2189bp的启动子区段,顺式作用元件预测分析表明此区段不仅具有TATA-box和CAAT-box等启动子共有序列,还具有光应答、胁迫应答、发育相关、激素相关及其他功能未知的调控结构域。聚乙二醇(PEG)胁迫下,ZmCIPK31基因的诱导表达进一步表明其能够应答胁迫,且在地上部和根中的表达模式不同。     

拟南芥AtMPK3启动子应答逆境信号的表达模式和必需区域分析

蛋白激酶AtMPK3参与MAPK级联途径, 在植物逆境信号转导中起重要作用. 为深入研究AtMPK3基因在转录水平上应答各种环境胁迫的分子机制, 本研究从拟南芥基因组中分离了AtMPK3基因转录起始位点上游1016 bp的启动子序列, 对其进行了生物信息学分析. 对该启动子进行了系列缺失突变, 并将完整启动子和缺失启动子片段与GUS报告基因融合, 转基因导入到拟南芥中. 携带AtMPK3启动子及其各种缺失突变体的转基因植株在干旱、高盐、低温、机械损伤等胁迫条件的GUS组织化学染色和荧光定量分析表明, AtMPK3启动子应答干旱、高盐、低温、机械损伤逆境信号的必需元件位于启动子序列中转录起始位点上游−188 ~ −62区域内, 揭示了AtMPK3启动子在不同环境胁迫条件下的表达模式的差异. 本研究结果有助于阐述AtMPK3基因在转录水平上应答不同胁迫信号分子机制.     

番茄转录辅激活子基因LeMBF1在非生物胁迫中的抗性分析

为了研究番茄转录辅激活子基因LeMBF1在非生物胁迫中的作用,以LeMBF1超表达转基因番茄和野生型番茄组培苗为材料,对其进行高温、机械损伤、低温、H2O2、干旱和ABA等非生物胁迫处理.半定量RT-PCR分析表明,LeMBF1在根、幼叶、成熟叶片、花和果实的不同时期均有表达,但在幼叶中表达量最高,成熟叶片和果实中表达量较低.高温处理后,下游防卫反应基因HSP90、Apx2、Zat、PR1在超表达番茄植株中的表达量明显高于野生型番茄植株,并且LeMBF1超表达番茄植株存活率较高.机械损伤可以明显的诱导LeMBF1基因表达;H2O2、干旱、低温、和ABA处理后,对下游防卫基因的表达量有不同程度的影响.以上结果表明LeMBF1基因参与了多种植物非生物胁迫防御反应,并对提高番茄的抗性有一定的作用.     

水稻锌指蛋白基因OsBBX6的克隆、表达及生物信息学分析

锌指蛋白作为植物体内一类重要的转录因子,对植物生长发育、基因调控以及响应外界环境变化方面发挥重要作用。Os BBX6基因属于水稻锌指蛋白B-Box基因家族成员,启动子元件分析发现其含有高温应答元件(HSE)、干旱应答元件(MBS)及非生物胁迫响应元件(TC-rich repeats)等逆境相关元件。组织特异性定量表达分析表明,Os BBX6在叶片中表达最高,根其次,茎和幼穗中表达最低。胁迫处理后的荧光定量PCR发现其受低温诱导上调,受高温、干旱、盐胁迫等抑制表达,表明其正向响应低温胁迫,负向响应高温、干旱、盐胁迫等。另外,本研究还克隆了OsBBX6基因,并对其进行了系统进化、蛋白跨膜、蛋白亚细胞定位及OsBBX6基因共表达等分析,为进一步研究其生物学功能奠定基础。     

水稻NHX1基因启动子和C末端的调控功能研究

为了解水稻Na+/H+逆向转运蛋白(OsNHX1)在植物应答非生物胁迫中的分子调控机制,采用RT-PCR方法克隆OsNHX1基因上游2 000bp的启动子序列,并通过基因枪轰击瞬时转化洋葱表皮细胞,检测不同非生物胁迫下启动子的活性和表达模式;同时,分别克隆全长和C末端缺失的OsNHX1基因,通过花序浸染法转化拟南芥,研究OsNHX1基因及其C末端的功能。结果显示:OsNHX1启动子受逆境胁迫诱导,在盐、干旱、脱落酸胁迫处理下GUS表达活性明显升高;过表达OsNHX1的转基因拟南芥中,种子萌发率、根长、丙二醛含量和相对含水量的测定结果均显示其胁迫耐受性得到改善,但过表达OsNHX1C末端缺失基因对转基因植株的胁迫耐受性无明显影响。研究表明,Na+/H+逆向转运蛋白有助于提高植物耐盐性,且其C末端区域对该转运蛋白活性的发挥具有关键作用。     

植物ERFs类转录因子在逆境胁迫中的作用

Ethylene responsive factors(ERFs)是植物中特有的一类重要的转录因子.ERFs转录因子含有一段高度保守的DNA结合区域,被称之为ERF区域.ERFs类转录因子可以直接与GCC-box等启动子结合,从而转录激活功能基因的表达,调节植株的抗性应答.它们参与植物的生长发育、代谢、生物胁迫和非生物胁迫相关的应答过程,并且在水杨酸和脱落酸和茉莉酸信号转导途径中发挥一定的作用,调控植物多个信号转导途径.现针对ERFs类转录因子在植物逆境胁迫中的研究进展进行讨论.     

小黑杨转录因子PsnbHLH162基因在盐和低温胁迫下应答分析

为揭示小黑杨(Populus simonii×P. nigra)在面对非生物胁迫时,转录因子PsnbHLH162在植物体内发挥的作用,同时探究该基因在植物体内的信号转导过程,进而为未来获取优良的抗逆树种提供理论基础。以小黑杨为原材料,克隆获取PsnbHLH162基因,对目的基因和启动子进行生物信息学分析;之后用150 mmol·L^-1 NaCl、4℃低温分别对野生型小黑杨进行胁迫处理,利用荧光定量PCR,分析基因响应非生物胁迫的功能。结果显示：PsnbHLH162 cDNA基因片段长537 bp,基因N端内含1个高度保守的HLH结构域。该基因表达蛋白是不含跨膜区域的稳定的亲水性蛋白,其定位在细胞核内且没有转录激活活性。启动子区域内含多种ABA应答、生长素应答、光应答和circadian元件,证实此基因参加非生物胁迫应答。荧光定量PCR结果表明在盐胁迫下,与茎、叶组织相比,基因在根组织的表达量最高;在低温胁迫下,与叶、根组织相比,基因在茎组织的表达量最高。发现野生植株内,PsnbHLH162能被盐、低温诱导表达。     

白桦BpSPL2基因启动子的克隆及表达分析

SPL(SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like)是植物特有的转录因子,研究表明其在参与发育阶段转变、花和果实发育等方面起着重要作用。利用PCR技术从白桦基因组DNA中扩增获得BpSPL2基因上游1 960 bp启动子序列,使用PLACE和Plant CARE在线软件分析序列,发现BpSPL2基因启动子序列中含有与开花、非生物胁迫及激素响应等相关的顺式作用元件,暗示其在植物的生长发育和胁迫应答中起重要作用。进而构建了BpSPL2基因启动子驱动GUS报告基因的植物表达载体,并利用农杆菌介导将其瞬时转化至白桦和拟南芥,通过GUS组织化学染色检测BpSPL2基因启动子的组织表达特性,结果表明BpSPL2基因启动子具有启动子活性,能够驱动GUS基因在白桦和拟南芥中表达;而其表达活性在白桦的叶片、芽及根部中较强,在拟南芥的花药、雌蕊和叶片较强,为进一步研究白桦BpSPL2基因的表达调控及其功能分析提供参考。     

桑树磷脂酶MaPLA1-2D亚型4个基因的克隆与胁迫应答分析

磷脂酶(phospholipase)是一类在植物生长发育和胁迫应答中起重要调控作用的磷脂水解酶,也是一类重要的信号转导酶。而磷脂酶A1(PLA1)在植物应答生物胁迫和非生物胁迫中的功能研究鲜见报道。研究从桑树(Morus alba L.)中克隆了磷脂酶PLA1的1个亚型MaPLA1-2D基因,对其进行了序列分析、组织表达、胁迫诱导表达和蛋白亚细胞定位分析。结果表明,桑树PLA1-2D亚型基因包括4个成员,命名为MaPLA1-2D.1~MaPLA1-2D.4。4个基因在桑树根和叶中高水平表达,蛋白亚细胞定位在叶绿体。序列和进化分析表明MaPLA1-2D基因4个成员与拟南芥AtDAD1基因的保守结构域序列具有较高相似度且进化关系紧密。MaPLA1-2D基因4个成员的启动子含有多种胁迫应答顺式元件和激素响应元件;胁迫诱导表达模式分析表明MaPLA1-2D基因表达受干旱和脱落酸处理显著诱导。以上结果说明,MaPLA1-2D基因与拟南芥DAD同源,可能在桑树非生物胁迫应答中发挥重要功能。     

Crystal structure, detonation performance, and thermal stability of a new polynitro cage compound: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15-nonanitro-2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15-nonaazaheptacyclo [5.5.1.13, 11. 15, 9] pentadecane

A new polynitro cage compound 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15-nonanitro-2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15-nonaazaheptcyclo [5.5.1.1(3,11).1(5,9)] pentadecane (NNNAHP) was designed in the present work. Its molecular structure was optimized at the B3LYP/6-31 G(d,p) level of density functional theory (DFT) and crystal structure was predicted using the Compass and Dreiding force fields and refined by DFT GGA-RPBE method. The obtained crystal structure of NNNAHP belongs to the P-1 space group and the lattice parameters are a = 9.99 ?, b = 10.78 ?, c = 9.99 ?, α = 90.01°, β = 120.01°, γ = 90.00°, and Z = 2, respectively. Based on the optimized crystal structure, the band gap, density of state, thermodynamic properties, infrared spectrum, strain energy, detonation characteristics, and thermal stability were predicted. Calculation results show that NNNAHP has detonation properties close to those of CL-20 and is a high energy density compound with moderate stability.     

Distribution of N,P, K,Ca, Mg,S, Zn,Fe, Mn and Cu in groundnut

Summary Concentration of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S in summer groundnut crop was higher than in kharif while Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu contents were higher in summer crop. Kernel's N, P and Zn; Leaflet's Ca and Mn; Stem's K and Fe; Root's S and Cu and Petiole's Mg contents were highest. Shell's N, P, K, Mg, S, Zn and Cu; Kernel's Ca, Fe and Mn contents were the least. N, P, K, S, Zn and Cu concentrations decreased linearly as the crop grew. Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn concentrations did not display any distinct pattern. Ca concentration was positively correlated with pod yield in both the seasons.     

Simultaneous measurement of the trace elements Al, As, B, Be, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Rb, Se, Sr, and Zn in human serum and their reference ranges by ICP-MS

The goal of this article was to establish reference ranges of the concentration of trace elements in human serum and to compare these results with those reported by other authors. We describe the sample preparation and measurement conditions that allow the rapid, precise, and accurate determination of Al, As, B, Be, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Rb, Se, Sr, and Zn in human serum samples (n=110) by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Accuracy and precision were determined by analyzing three reconstituted reference serum samples by comparison with other methods and by the standard addition procedure. The advantages of the ICP-MS method include short time of analysis of the elements mentioned, low detection limit, high precision, and high accuracy. Disadventages include a high risk of contamination due to the presence of some of the elements of interest in the environment, the relatively delicate sample handling, and the high cost of the equipment.     

Reference values for the concentrations of As,Cd, Co,Cr, Cu,Fe, I,Hg, Mn,Mo, Ni,Pb, Se,and Zn in selected human tissues and body fluids

This report attempts to formulate reference ranges of elemental concentrations for 15 trace elements in selected human tissues and body fluids. A set of samples consisting of whole blood, blood serum, urine, milk, liver, and hair were chosen and considered for 15 elements of biological significance: As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, F, Fe, I, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn. The results represent wholly or partially data received from 40 countries of the global regions of Africa, Asia, Europe, North, South, and Central America, Australia, and New Zealand. This survey, even if qualitative, has been useful in demonstrating certain trends of trace-element scenarios around the world. It is of course recognized that both diet and environment exert a strong influence on the distribution pattern of several elements, such as As, Cd, Mn, Pb, Se, and Zn. A limited comparison of the available information on soil status of different countries reflected some interesting associations for elements, such as Mn and Zn. Importantly, this study revealed that only a few countries were in a position to identify a reasonable amount of data on samples requested for this project. Regretably, for a number of countries, any dependable data for even such essential elements as Cu, Fe, and Zn were not available. In view of the nutritional importance of many elements, the time is ripe for concerted efforts by intergovernmental agencies to initiate investigations or commission task forces/projects to generate reliable reference data for selected global regions, which sadly lack data of any kind at present.     

Relations of the Al,B, Ba,Br, Ca,Cl, Cu,Fe, K,Li, Mg,Mn, Na,P, S,Si, Sr,and Zn mass fractions to morphometric parameters in pediatric and nonhyperplastic young adult prostate glands

The variation with age of the 18 trace element mass fractions and some histological characteristics of intact prostate glands of 50 subjects aged 0–30 years was investigated by instrumental neutron activation analysis, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, and a quantitative morphometric analysis. Mean values ± standard error of the mean (M ± SΕΜ) for the mass fractions (in milligrams per kilogram wet tissue) of these trace elements in pre-puberty were: Al 28.5 ± 9.0, B 0.40 ± 0.11, Ba 1.48 ± 0.44, Br 10.5 ± 1.5, Ca 241 ± 30, Cl 3,203 ± 278, Cu 3.51 ± 0.89, Fe 33.7 ± 4.1, K 2,364 ± 145, Li 0.020 ± 0.004, Mg 153 ± 23, Mn 0.46 ± 0.06, Na 2,286 ± 130, P 1,391 ± 100, S 1,698 ± 132, Si 62 ± 11, Sr 0.38 ± 0.08, and Zn 27.6 ± 2.3. During puberty and postpuberty, when there is a significant increase in circulating androgens, the mean values were: Al 7.2 ± 1.4, B 0.21 ± 0.05, Ba 0.25 ± 0.06, Br 5.8 ± 1.0, Ca 433 ± 81, Cl 2,314 ± 201, Cu 1.77 ± 0.13, Fe 20.9 ± 1.6, K 2,585 ± 118, Li 0.0088 ± 0.0014, Mg 232 ± 27, Mn 0.34 ± 0.04, Na 1,875 ± 107, P 1,403 ± 98, S 1,673 ± 73, Si 22.2 ± 3.1, Sr 0.22 ± 0.03, and Zn 93.3 ± 8.9. Mean values (M ± SΕΜ) of percent volumes (%) of the stroma, epithelium and lumen in the prostate before puberty were 73.4 ± 2.6, 20.4 ± 1.7, and 4.45 ± 0.94, respectively, versus 46.5 ± 2.5, 38.5 ± 1.9, and 14.9 ± 1.2 during puberty and postpuberty. This work’s results confirm that the Zn mass fraction in prostate tissue is an androgen-dependent parameter. For the first time it has been demonstrated that the glandular lumen is a main pool of Ca, Mg, and Zn accumulation and that the stroma is a main pool of Al, B, Ba, Br, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, and Si accumulation in the normal human prostate, for the age range 0–30 years. It was concluded that the Ca, Mg, and Zn binds tightly within the prostatic fluid, because the volume of glandular lumen reflects the volume of prostatic fluid.     

The Effect of Age and Gender on Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, P, S, Sr, V, and Zn Contents in Rib Bone of Healthy Humans

The effect of age and gender on major, minor, and trace element contents in the intact rib bone of 80 relatively healthy 15–55-year-old women and men was investigated. Contents or upper limit of contents of 16 chemical elements in the rib bone were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Mean values (M?±?SΕΜ) for the mass fraction of Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Na, P, S, Sr, and Zn (milligram per kilogram of dry bone) were as follows: 2.54?±?0.16, 171,400?±?4,050, 1.35?±?0.22, 140?±?11, 1,874?±?71, 0.049?±?0.011, 2,139?±?38, 5,378?±?88, 75,140?±?1,660, 1,881?±?51, 291?±?20, and 92.8?±?1.5, respectively. The upper limits of contents of Al, B, Mn, and V were <7.20, <0.65, <0.36, and <0.03, respectively. Statistically significant tendency for the Ca, Mg, and P content to decrease with age was found in the human rib bone, regardless of gender. The mass fraction of Fe in the male rib bone increases with age. It was shown that higher Ca, Mg, Na, P, and Sr mass fractions as well as lower Fe content were typical of female ribs as compared to those in male ribs.     

Potential Compounds for Oral Cancer Treatment: Resveratrol,Nimbolide, Lovastatin,Bortezomib, Vorinostat,Berberine, Pterostilbene,Deguelin, Andrographolide,and Colchicine

Oral cancer is one of the main causes of cancer-related deaths in South-Asian countries. There are very limited treatment options available for oral cancer. Research endeavors focused on discovery and development of novel therapies for oral cancer, is necessary to control the ever rising oral cancer related mortalities. We mined the large pool of compounds from the publicly available compound databases, to identify potential therapeutic compounds for oral cancer. Over 84 million compounds were screened for the possible anti-cancer activity by custom build SVM classifier. The molecular targets of the predicted anti-cancer compounds were mined from reliable sources like experimental bioassays studies associated with the compound, and from protein-compound interaction databases. Therapeutic compounds from DrugBank, and a list of natural anti-cancer compounds derived from literature mining of published studies, were used for building partial least squares regression model. The regression model thus built, was used for the estimation of oral cancer specific weights based on the molecular targets. These weights were used to compute scores for screening the predicted anti-cancer compounds for their potential to treat oral cancer. The list of potential compounds was annotated with corresponding physicochemical properties, cancer specific bioactivity evidences, and literature evidences. In all, 288 compounds with the potential to treat oral cancer were identified in the current study. The majority of the compounds in this list are natural products, which are well-tolerated and have minimal side-effects compared to the synthetic counterparts. Some of the potential therapeutic compounds identified in the current study are resveratrol, nimbolide, lovastatin, bortezomib, vorinostat, berberine, pterostilbene, deguelin, andrographolide, and colchicine.     

New Coleoptera records from New Brunswick, Canada: Stenotrachelidae, Oedemeridae, Meloidae, Myceteridae, Boridae, Pythidae, Pyrochroidae, Anthicidae, and Aderidae

We report 19 new species records for the faunal list of Coleoptera in New Brunswick, Canada, six of which are new records for the Maritime provinces, and one of which is new Canadian record. We also provide the first recent records for five additional species in New Brunswick. One new species of Stenotrachelidae, Cephaloon ungulare LeConte, is added to the New Brunswick faunal list. Additional records are provided for Cephaloon lepturides Newman, as well the first recent record of Nematoplus collaris LeConte. Two species of Oedemeridae, Asclera puncticollis (Say) and Asclera ruficollis (Say), are newly reported for New Brunswick, and additional locality and bionomic data are provided for Calopus angustus LeConte and Ditylus caeruleus (Randall). The records of Ditylus caerulus are the first recent records for the province. Three species of Meloidae, Epicauta pestifera Werner, Lytta sayi LeConte, and Meloe augustcollis Say are reported the first time for New Brunswick; Epicauta pestifera is newly recorded in Canada. Lacconotus punctatus LeConte and the family Mycteridaeis newly recorded for New Brunswick. The first recent records of Borus unicolor Say (Boridae) are reported from the province. One new species of Pythidae, Pytho siedlitzi Blair, and the first recent records of Pytho niger Kirby are added to the faunal list of New Brunswick. Three species of Pyrochroidae are newly reported for the province, including Pedilus canaliculatus (LeConte) and Pedilus elegans (Hentz), which are new for the Maritime provinces. Five species of Anthicidae and the first recent record of Anthicus cervinus LaFerté-Sénectére are newly reported for New Brunswick. Anthicus melancholicus LaFerté-Sénectère, Sapintus pubescens (LaFerté-Sénectère), Notoxus bifasciatus (LeConte), and Stereopalpus rufipes Casey are new to the Maritime provinces faunal list. Ambyderus granularis (LeConte) is removed from the faunal list of the province. Three species of Aderidae, Vanonus huronicus Casey, Zonantes fasciatus (Melsheimer), and Zonantes pallidusWerner, are newly recorded for New Brunswick; Zonantes fasciatus and Vanonus huronicus are new for the Maritime provinces' faunal list. Collection data, bionomic data, and distribution maps are presented for all these species.