Mutation detection using Surveyor nuclease

We have developed a simple and flexible mutation detection technology for the discovery and mapping of both known and unknown mutations. This technology is based on a new mismatch-specific DNA endonuclease from celery, Surveyor nuclease, which is a member of the CEL nuclease family of plant DNA endonucleases. Surveyor nuclease cleaves with high specificity at the 3' side of any mismatch site in both DNA strands, including all base substitutions and insertion/deletions up to at least 12 nucleotides. Surveyor nuclease technology involves four steps: (i) PCR to amplify target DNA from both mutant and wild-type reference DNA; (ii) hybridization to form heteroduplexes between mutant and wild-type reference DNA; (iii) treatment of annealed DNA with Surveyor nuclease to cleave heteroduplexes; and (iv) analysis of digested DNA products using the detection/separation platform of choice. The technology is highly sensitive, detecting rare mutants present at as low as 1 in 32 copies. Unlabeled Surveyor nuclease digestion products can be analyzed using conventional gel electrophoresis or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while end labeled digestion products are suitable for analysis by automated gel or capillary electrophoresis. The entire protocol can be performed in less than a day and is suitable for automated and high-throughput procedures.     

花粉管通道法转基因技术的细胞胚胎学机理探讨

本文从细胞胚胎学出发,从理论上对花粉管通道、花粉管通道法的转化机理进行了研究。认为,外源DNA进入胚囊的途径,即外源DNA沿着连接柱头与胚囊的花粉管外界面渗入胚囊;外源DNA转化的受体应为合子;外源DNA转化的时期应限定在精卵融合至合子分裂前这一段时期,此时合子细胞壁尚未封闭;外源DNA转化受体的机制可能是外源DNA与处于原生质体状态的合子的随机融合。强调在应用此方法时,应对植物雌蕊结构以及受精经历的时间有全面了解,并列出了一些重要植物授粉后受精过程各阶段的时间,对外源DNA导入部位和方法提出了建议,并分析了花粉管通道法转基因技术转化率较低的原因。     

环境DNA技术在地下生态学中的应用

地下生态过程是生态系统结构、功能和过程研究中最不确定的因素。由于技术和方法的限制,作为"黑箱"的地下生态系统已经成为限制生态学发展的瓶颈,也是未来生态学发展的主要方向。环境DNA技术,是指从土壤等环境样品中直接提取DNA片段,然后通过DNA测序技术来定性或定量化目标生物,以确定目标生物在生态系统中的分布及功能特征。环境DNA技术已成功用于地下生态过程的研究。目前,环境DNA技术在土壤微生物多样性及其功能方面的研究相对成熟,克服了土壤微生物研究中不能培养的问题,可以有效地分析土壤微生物的群落组成、多样性及空间分布,尤其是宏基因组学技术的发展,使得微生物生态功能方面的研究成为可能;而且,环境DNA技术已经在土壤动物生态学的研究中得到了初步应用,可快速分析土壤动物的多样性及其分布特征,更有效地鉴定出未知的或稀少的物种,鉴定土壤动物类群的幅度较宽;部分研究者通过提取分析土壤中DNA片段信息对生态系统植物多样性及植物分类进行了研究,其结果比传统的植物分类及物种多样性测定更精确,改变了以往对植物群落物种多样性模式的理解。同时,环境DNA技术克服传统根系研究方法中需要洗根、分根、只能测定单物种根系的局限,降低根系研究中细根区分的误差,并探索性地用于细根生物量的研究。主要综述了基于环境DNA技术的分子生物学方法在土壤微生物多样性及功能、土壤动物多样性、地下植物多样性及根系生态等地下生态过程研究中的应用进展。环境DNA技术对于以土壤微生物、土壤动物及地下植物根系为主体的地下生态学过程的研究具有革命性意义,并展现出良好的应用前景。可以预期,分子生物学技术与传统的生态学研究相结合将成为未来地下生态学研究的一个发展趋势。     

Cancer,Viruses, and Mass Migration: Paul Berg’s Venture into Eukaryotic Biology and the Advent of Recombinant DNA Research and Technology, 1967–1980

The existing literature on the development of recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering tends to focus on Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer’s recombinant DNA cloning technology and its commercialization starting in the mid-1970s. Historians of science, however, have pointedly noted that experimental procedures for making recombinant DNA molecules were initially developed by Stanford biochemist Paul Berg and his colleagues, Peter Lobban and A. Dale Kaiser in the early 1970s. This paper, recognizing the uneasy disjuncture between scientific authorship and legal invention in the history of recombinant DNA technology, investigates the development of recombinant DNA technology in its full scientific context. I do so by focusing on Stanford biochemist Berg’s research on the genetic regulation of higher organisms. As I hope to demonstrate, Berg’s new venture reflected a mass migration of biomedical researchers as they shifted from studying prokaryotic organisms like bacteria to studying eukaryotic organisms like mammalian and human cells. It was out of this boundary crossing from prokaryotic to eukaryotic systems through virus model systems that recombinant DNA technology and other significant new research techniques and agendas emerged. Indeed, in their attempt to reconstitute ‹life’ as a research technology, Stanford biochemists’ recombinant DNA research recast genes as a sequence that could be rewritten thorough biochemical operations. The last part of this paper shifts focus from recombinant DNA technology’s academic origins to its transformation into a genetic engineering technology by examining the wide range of experimental hybridizations which occurred as techniques and knowledge circulated between Stanford biochemists and the Bay Area’s experimentalists. Situating their interchange in a dense research network based at Stanford’s biochemistry department, this paper helps to revise the canonized history of genetic engineering’s origins that emerged during the patenting of Cohen–Boyer’s recombinant DNA cloning procedures.     

Rapid Catch and Signal (RCS) Technology Platform: Multiplexed Three-Color, 30 s Microwave-Accelerated Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence DNA Assays

We present an innovative “Rapid Catch and Signal” (DNA-RCS) technology for the simultaneous highly selective detection of multiple specific DNA sequences in solution. The DNA-RCS technology combines advantages of microwave-accelerated DNA hybridization (Rapid Catch) with the metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) technology (Signal), to enable specific DNA’s to be detected at high sensitivity within seconds. Fluorescent DNA labels, which play the role of molecular sensor probes, show a strong response upon DNA hybridization, due to fluorophore coupling with nanoparticle plasmons at a short (10–30 nm) distance from the surface. We have also shown that the fluorophore sensor probes demonstrate high photostability due to close proximity to a SiF surface, which significantly increases the total stability and reliability of the assay. Applications of the DNA-RCS technology in the life sciences, its advantages and benefits as compared to other DNA detection schemes, such as PCR, are subsequently discussed.     

环境DNA技术在鱼类生态学中的应用研究进展

全球渔业衰退是21世纪人类面临的重要挑战之一。为了有效地遏制鱼类资源的衰退,精确的鱼类生态调查是其首要任务。传统的鱼类监测以渔获物采集与形态学鉴定为主,往往耗时耗力且效果不佳,已无法满足现阶段大尺度上的精确调查。环境DNA （eDNA）技术作为一种近年来新兴的鱼类生态调查方法,其与传统方法相比具有灵敏度高、经济高效、采样受限小且对生态系统无干扰的优势,目前其已被广泛地应用于鱼类物种监测、多样性调查、生物量评估以及繁殖活动监测等方面的研究。然而,eDNA技术在鱼类生态学研究的具体应用中暴露出的一些问题将会影响其监测结果的精确性,诸如操作流程的不规范、基因数据库的不完善以及eDNA在环境中生态学过程的不明确等。鉴于上述原因,首先对eDNA技术的发展历程、分析流程以及eDNA技术在鱼类生态学研究领域中的研究进展进行了综述,而后着重分析了eDNA技术的发展当前所面临的困难与挑战,并提出了相应的解决方案,最后对eDNA技术未来在鱼类生态学研究领域中的发展趋势做出了展望。通过本研究,以期能够为eDNA技术在鱼类生态学领域中的准确应用提供理论基础。     

琼脂糖和聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳技术检测小麦基因组DNA RAPD扩增产物的方法学比较

通过20%(wv)的琼脂糖凝胶和5%(wv)的聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳对小麦白粉病抗、感特性品种基因组DNA的RAPD检测结果表明:5%聚丙烯酰胺凝胶对线性DNA分子(01～20kb)和长度相差100bp以下的DNA分子的分离较20%的琼脂糖凝胶电泳效果好。因此,我们研究出了一项利用聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳检测小麦白粉病抗、感特性的新技术,在工作中建立了一种适合于检测小麦基因组DNA结构差异的电泳方法。该方法主要包括:(1)丙烯酰胺和亚甲基双丙烯酰胺的新配比;(2)分离DNA片段的最佳凝胶浓度;(3)电泳条件;(4)脱色、漂洗、银染、显色过程。实验发现,该技术对于小麦白粉病抗、感特性检测中的小片段和长度相差100bp以下的线性DNAPCR扩增结果的分辨效果较好。应用该技术在抗感品种间已经发现了DNA水平上的差异。     

生物分子相互作用分析技术应用实例（四）——实时监测分子生物学过程

利用BIA技术来观察DNA之间的任何相互反应.包括：DNA的延长、连接和退火等.无需任何标记并可测定相互作用的动态参数.     

Diversity arrays: a solid state technology for sequence information independent genotyping

Here we present the successful application of the microarray technology platform to the analysis of DNA polymorphisms. Using the rice genome as a model, we demonstrate the potential of a high-throughput genome analysis method called Diversity Array Technology, DArT‘. In the format presented here the technology is assaying for the presence (or amount) of a specific DNA fragment in a representation derived from the total genomic DNA of an organism or a population of organisms. Two different approaches are presented: the first involves contrasting two representations on a single array while the second involves contrasting a representation with a reference DNA fragment common to all elements of the array. The Diversity Panels created using this method allow genetic fingerprinting of any organism or group of organisms belonging to the gene pool from which the panel was developed. Diversity Arrays enable rapid and economical application of a highly parallel, solid-state genotyping technology to any genome or complex genomic mixtures.     

Recombinant DNA in Medicine

Studies in bacteria and bacterial viruses have led to methods to manipulate and recombine DNA in unique and reproducible ways and to amplify these recombined molecules millions of times. Once properly identified, the recombinant DNA molecules can be used in various ways useful in medicine and human biology. There are many applications for recombinant DNA technology. Cloned complementary DNA has been used to produce various human proteins in microorganisms. Insulin and growth hormone have been extensively and successfully tested in humans and insulin has been licensed for sale. Mass production of bacterial and viral antigens with recombinant DNA technology is likely to provide safe and effective vaccines for some disorders for which there is no prevention. The cloned probes for the human α- and β-globin loci, for specific disease genes, such as the Z allele of α-antitrypsin, and for random genomic sequences are proving useful for prenatally diagnosing human genetic disorders and preventing their clinical consequences.     

Cloning and expression of a new bacteriophage (SHPh) DNA ligase isolated from sewage

During the last 50 years, major advances in molecular biology and biotechnology have been attributed to the discovery of enzymes that allow molecular cloning of important genes. One of these enzymes that has been widely acknowledged for its role in the development of biotechnology is the T4 DNA ligase. This enzyme joins the break in the DNA backbone structure by creating a phosphodiester bond between 5′ PO₄ and 3′ OH ends, in an ATP dependent multi-step reaction, thus allowing the ligation of related and foreign DNA sequences. Due to its role in modern DNA recombinant technology, there is a high demand on DNA ligase to allow the ligation of target DNA inserts into a chosen vector as part of DNA cloning technology. To closely look at ligase sequence diversity, a bacteriophage that infects DH5α (commercial lab strain of Escherichia coli) was isolated from sewage system in Hebron, Palestine. The DNA ligase gene of this phage was cloned and its sequence was compared to the NCBI database. The new bacteriophage ligase, named (South Hebron Phage, SHPh) DNA ligase, shows homology to T even bacteriophage DNA ligases posted in the NCBI database with 35 nucleotide differences, an indication of existed diversity among T even DNA ligation enzymes that can be used as markers in phage classification.     

Precision genome engineering in lactic acid bacteria

Innovative new genome engineering technologies for manipulating chromosomes have appeared in the last decade. One of these technologies, recombination mediated genetic engineering (recombineering) allows for precision DNA engineering of chromosomes and plasmids in Escherichia coli. Single-stranded DNA recombineering (SSDR) allows for the generation of subtle mutations without the need for selection and without leaving behind any foreign DNA. In this review we discuss the application of SSDR technology in lactic acid bacteria, with an emphasis on key factors that were critical to move this technology from E. coli into Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactococcus lactis. We also provide a blueprint for how to proceed if one is attempting to establish SSDR technology in a lactic acid bacterium. The emergence of CRISPR-Cas technology in genome engineering and its potential application to enhancing SSDR in lactic acid bacteria is discussed. The ability to perform precision genome engineering in medically and industrially important lactic acid bacteria will allow for the genetic improvement of strains without compromising safety.     

Plant transformation technology

Plant transformation has its roots in the research on Agrobacterium that was being undertaken in the early 1980s. The last two decades have seen significant developments in plant transformation technology, such that a large number of transgenic crop plants have now been released for commercial production. Advances in the technology have been due to development of a range of Agrobacterium-mediated and direct DNA delivery techniques, along with appropriate tissue culture techniques for regenerating whole plants from plant cells or tissues in a large number of species. In addition, parallel developments in molecular biology have greatly extended the range of investigations to which plant transformation technology can be applied. Research in plant transformation is concentrating now not so much on the introduction of DNA into plant cells, but rather more on the problems associated with stable integration and reliable expression of the DNA once it has been integrated.     

DNA测序技术的专利计量研究

DNA测序技术是现代生命科学研究的重要技术之一。本文对Derwent数据库中收录的,与DNA测序技术领域相关的专利申请数据进行了研究,分别从专利申请量及年度变化、生命周期、专利权人和专利发明人、专利的国际专利分类及德温特分类号等角度深入分析了DNA测序技术专利的整体产出情况、重点技术领域和主要申请机构的专利战略布局情况。通过研究发现DNA测序技术近年来发展迅速,但是主要推动者是经济发达国家。     

Improving baculovirus recombination

Recombinant baculoviruses have established themselves as a favoured technology for the high-level expression of recombinant proteins. The construction of recombinant viruses, however, is a time consuming step that restricts consideration of the technology for high throughput developments. Here we use a targeted gene knockout technology to inactivate an essential viral gene that lies adjacent to the locus used for recombination. Viral DNA prepared from the knockout fails to initiate an infection unless rescued by recombination with a baculovirus transfer vector. Modified viral DNA allows 100% recombinant virus formation, obviates the need for further virus purification and offers an efficient means of mass parallel recombinant formation.     

菌物DNA条形码技术原理与操作

DNA条形码技术是通过对1个较短目的基因的DNA序列进行分析从而进行物种鉴定的方法,它通过对1个或多个相关基因进行大范围的扫描,进而鉴定未知物种或者发现新种。当传统的分类学受到阻碍时,这种技术可以发挥其优势。相对于其他生物,菌物的生活史独特而复杂,这就使得对其进行的形态学鉴定要受到菌物自身生长发育时期的限制。国内外科学家对寻找适合于大多数菌物的标准DNA条码进行过探索,但还没有找到满足全部特征的基因片段。文中对DNA条形码技术的概念、原理依据、操作步骤和优缺点方面进行了介绍,并对DNA条形码技术在我国菌物研究方面的应用前景进行了展望。     

植物DNA条形码研究领域文献计量学及可视化分析

为全面了解植物DNA条形码研究领域的发展和最新动态,探讨中国DNA条形码发展的状态和前景,该文利用Web of Science数据库对该研究领域进行文献计量学统计,并对引用频次、研究热点和研究前沿进行了可视化分析。结果表明:(1)中国、美国、加拿大学者在该领域文献贡献率最大,中国研究机构发文量领先,但美国、加拿大科研机构论文质量较高,影响力较大。(2) 2009年是该领域研究的高峰期,该研究领域的前沿和研究热点主要集中在物种的识别和生物多样性应用、DNA条形码候选序列筛选和鉴定技术的规范化。(3)中国学者在植物DNA条形码领域研究具有领军作用和很高的影响力,国家提倡中药产业的发展也推动了我国DNA条形码蓬勃发展,但论文的质量和影响力与美国、英国、加拿大等发达国家研究还有一定差距,应加大与发达国家科研机构合作,提高研究能力,DNA条形码技术在植物的鉴定、分类和生物多样性的保护起到非常重要的作用。这表明建立一个更全面、通用的全球植物DNA条码库以及开发新的标记并采用新的测序技术是植物DNA条形码研究的未来前景。     

Studies on DNA-related enzymes to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying genetic information processing and their application in genetic engineering

ABSTRACT

Recombinant DNA technology, in which artificially “cut and pasted” DNA in vitro is introduced into living cells, contributed extensively to the rapid development of molecular biology over the past 5 decades since the latter half of the 20^th century. Although the original technology required special experiences and skills, the development of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has greatly eased in vitro genetic manipulation for various experimental methods. The current development of a simple genome-editing technique using CRISPR-Cas9 gave great impetus to molecular biology. Genome editing is a major technique for elucidating the functions of many unknown genes. Genetic manipulation technologies rely on enzymes that act on DNA. It involves artificially synthesizing, cleaving, and ligating DNA strands by making good use of DNA-related enzymes present in organisms to maintain their life activities. In this review, I focus on key enzymes involved in the development of genetic manipulation technologies.     

Reexamination of the effect of endotoxin on cell proliferation and transfection efficiency

Plasmid DNA purified from bacterial cells can be contaminated with endotoxin to different extents, depending on the purification method. Earlier reports indicate that endotoxin can decrease transfection efficiency in many eukaryotic cell lines; however, the amount of endotoxin required for inhibition is unclear. We determined endotoxin effects in several cell lines and observed that endotoxin levels greater than or equal to 10,000 endotoxin units (EU) were needed to significantly affect cell proliferation and viability; levels greater than 2000 EU/mu g DNA were required to significantly inhibit transfection for all but one (Huh-7) of the cell lines tested. These endotoxin levels are significantly higher than endotoxin contamination in plasmid DNA purified by anion exchange, CsCl2 gradient and endotoxin-free purification technology, but not as high as a crude alkaline lysis preparatory method. Plasmid DNA prepared using anion exchange technology was comparable to endotoxin-free technology in terms of transfection efficiency. Even Huh-7 cells, which are markedly more sensitive to endotoxins, have comparable transfection efficiencies using plasmid DNA purified by either of these two methods. We conclude that for those cell lines commonly used for transfection studies, endotoxin-free, quality DNA is not necessary because significantly higher levels of bacterial endotoxins are required to inhibit either cell proliferation or transfection.     

从文献情报分析看iFlora 的发展趋势

在网络化、信息化逐渐改变人们学习、认知和生活的背景下,本文检索并分析了与iFlora研究相关的DNA条形码、生物多样性信息库、基因测序技术、移动鉴定设备等研究论文和情报,取得下列结果：（1） 植物DNA条形码的研究对象以及研究领域在不断延伸和扩展,但寻找高分辨率的DNA条码和组合片段仍是研究热点,相关的植物分类学、系统发育与演化、生态学、植物多样性等研究也在快速发展;（2） 生物多样性信息数据库建设爆发式增长,为iFlora的知识积累和扩展奠定了基础;（3） 第三代DNA测序技术的发展,快速测序设备的小型化将成为可能;（4） 物种认知和识别的初级移动设备已经出现;（5） 信息技术与植物科学等研究的结合,促进跨领域的研究合作和产品开发。本文讨论了iFlora研究计划,表明其是未来植物多样性研究的发展趋势。