The association study of DRD2, ACE and AGT gene polymorphisms and metamphetamine dependence

We investigated the association between metamphetamine dependence and TaqI A polymorphism of the dopamine receptor D2 gene (DRD2), I/D polymorphism in angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and M235T polymorphism of the angiotensinogen gene (AGT) in 93 unrelated metamphetamine-dependent subjects and 131 controls. Our results did not prove any association of TaqI A polymorphism of the DRD2 gene, I/D polymorphism of ACE gene, and M235T polymorphism of AGT gene with the metamphetamine dependence in Caucasians of Czech origin. However, a significant difference in allele I frequency between male and female control groups for the I/D ACE polymorphism (p<0.03) was found.     

The evolutionary history of the ‘alba’ polymorphism in the butterfly subfamily Coliadinae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

Polymorphisms are common in the natural world and have played an important role in our understanding of how selection maintains multiple phenotypes within extant populations. Studying the evolutionary history of polymorphisms has revealed important features of this widespread form of phenotypic diversity, including its role in speciation, niche breadth, and range size. In the present study, we examined the evolutionary history of a ubiquitous colour polymorphism in the sulphur butterflies (subfamily: Coliadinae) termed the ‘alba’ polymorphism. We investigated the origin and stability of the ‘alba’ polymorphism using ancestral state reconstruction analysis. Our results indicate that the ancestor of the Coliadinae was polymorphic and that this polymorphism has undergone repeated transitions to monomorphism. Repeated loss of polymorphism suggests that the ‘alba’ polymorphism may be relatively unstable over evolutionary time. These results provide a framework for future studies on the origin and maintenance of the ‘alba’ polymorphism and guide the direction of future hypotheses. We discuss these results in light of current understandings of how the ‘alba’ polymorphism is maintained in extant populations.     

Genetic loads and coadaptivity of chromosomal inversions I. Inversion polymorphism and genetic load on chromosome O in a Drosophila subobscura population from Petnica

Inversion polymorphism on chromosome O and polymorphism for the viability of determining genes have been studied in a natural population of Drosophila subobscura from Petnica (Serbia). The range of inversion polymorphism and the abundance of particular gene arrangements in the study population agree with a general pattern of inversion polymorphism of D. subobscura in Europe. The data obtained on the amount of genetic loads show that the D. subobscura population from Petnica displays a moderate degree of that polymorphism, compared to the other studied populations of these species. Therefore, the D. subobscura population from Petnica could be tentatively classified as an ecologically central population. Examination association of chromosomal, thus, inversion polymorphism with gene polymorphism, in the form of genetic loads show that differences exist in the mean viability among certain gene arrangements. The distribution of deleterious genes among chromosome O gene arrangements were non-random.     

DNA多态性及其在植物功能基因组学研究中的应用

DNA多态性是生物多样性的基础。本综述了DNA多态性的影响因素,并就DNA多态性应用于基因定位、基因克隆以及基因功能分析等领域进行了探讨,展示了DNA多态性在植物功能基因组学研究中的广阔应用前景。     

Geographic variation in animal colour polymorphisms and its role in speciation

Polymorphic species, in which multiple variants coexist within a population, are often used as model systems in evolutionary biology. Recent research has been dominated by the hypothesis that polymorphism can be a precursor to speciation. To date, the majority of research regarding polymorphism and speciation has focused on whether polymorphism is maintained within a population or whether morphs within populations may diverge to form separate species (sympatric speciation); however, the geographical context of speciation in polymorphic systems is likely to be both diverse and complex. In this review, we draw attention to the geographic variation in morph composition and frequencies that characterises many, if not most polymorphic species. Recent theoretical and empirical developments suggest that such variation in the number, type and frequency of morphs present among populations can increase the probability of speciation. Thus, the geographical context of a polymorphism requires a greater research focus. Here, we review the prevalence, causes and evolutionary consequences of geographic variation in polymorphism in colour‐polymorphic animal species. The prevalence and nature of geographic variation in polymorphism suggests that polymorphism may be a precursor to and facilitate speciation more commonly than appreciated previously. We argue that a better understanding of the processes generating geographic variation in polymorphism is vital to understanding how polymorphism can promote speciation.     

昆虫体色多型的分子调控机制

体色多型普遍存在于各昆虫类群,体色多型不仅是生物多样性的体现,而且多样的着色模式对于昆虫本身具有重要的生物学意义.研究体色多型对探讨昆虫遗传多态性、适应机制及生物进化等具有重要的意义.本文主要从昆虫体色多型的分子调控机制进行综述,以期为今后探讨昆虫多态性、适应机制及生物进化提供参考.     

A nonlinear method for estimating nucleotide polymorphism from restriction maps

Restriction mapping is used to estimate nucleotide sequence polymorphism when the regions to be studied are too long or too numerous to be sequenced. Restriction mapping is less costly than DNA sequencing, but it does not allow direct measurement of underlying nucleotide polymorphism. It is therefore useful to be able to estimate underlying nucleotide polymorphism from observations of polymorphism in restriction maps, as this offers some of the resolution afforded by DNA sequencing at a reduced cost. Previous estimators of underlying nucleotide polymorphism have assumed that each restriction-enzyme- binding site contains, at most, a single polymorphic nucleotide position (the low-polymorphism-frequency assumption), and this assumption has placed an upper limit on the level of polymorphism that can be resolved by these estimators. The present study documents an estimator which allows relaxation of this assumption. The new estimator more accurately estimates underlying nucleotide polymorphism when the polymorphism level is high enough to falsify the low-polymorphism- frequency assumption. The new estimator therefore yields good results for data sets that are too divergent for analysis by present methods.      

新生儿PON2基因多态性与早产的关系

探讨新生儿对氧磷酶2基因多态性（PON2148,PON2311）对早产的影响。采用横断面调查方法,使用统一的调查表,由安庆市各县医院对入院分娩孕妇及其单胎、活产、早产和对照新生儿进行调查,共得到有效样本194个母亲-新生儿对。单因素分析结果显示：PON2 Ala148Ala纯合子基因型与Gly148Gly纯合子基因型 / Ala148Gly杂合子基因型比较致早产的危险性升高且有显著意义;同样,PON2 Ser311Ser纯合子基因型致早产的危险性升高且有显著意义。进一步分析PON2148位点多态性和PON2311位点多态性是否存在交互作用,结果显示：这两个位点多态性之间无明显交互作用。对氧磷酶2基因PON2148位点多态性和PON2311位点多态性与新生儿早产相关,但PON2148位点多态性和PON2311位点多态性之间对早产的影响无明显交互作用。 Association of PON2 Gene Polymorphisms in Neonates with Preterm LIANG Hong-ye1,WU Bai-yang1,CHEN Da-fang1,YANG Fan2,HU Hai-yan2,CHEN Li1,XU Xi-ping1. 1.Department of Biology & Genetics,Peking University Health Science Center,Beijing 100083,China; 2.Anqing Branch of Institute for Biomedicine,Anhui Medical University,Anqing 246000,China Abstract:The objective is to investigate whether gene polymorphisms in the PON2 gene (PON2148 and PON2311) of neonates are associated with preterm. Using standard questionnaires,194 singleton live born mother-neonate pairs (include preterm cases and term controls) were investigated by the trained field workers with cross-sectional survey at the hospitals in Anqing,Anhui Province,China. Epidemiological and clinical data and blood samples were obtained from 194 mother-neonate pairs. Among neonates,PON2 Ala148Ala homozygote is significantly associated with preterm,compared with Gly148Gly homozygote / Ala148Gly heterozygote before and after adjustment confounders and the same was true for PON2 Ser311Ser homozygote. However,when PON2148 polymorphism and PON2311 polymorphism were considered jointly,no significant gene interaction between PON2148 polymorphism and PON2311 polymorphism in relation to preterm was observed. We draw a conclusion from this research that both PON2148 polymorphism and PON2311 polymorphism in neonates are significantly associated with preterm respectively. But the gene interactions between PON2148 polymorphism and PON2311 polymorphism in neonates are not significantly associated with preterm. Key words：paraoxonase 2 gene (PON2 gene);gene polymorphism;preterm;genotype     

Colour polymorphism in birds: causes and functions

We studied polymorphism in all species of birds that are presently known to show intraspecific variation in plumage colour. At least three main mechanisms have been put forward to explain the maintenance of polymorphism: apostatic, disruptive and sexual selection. All of them make partly different predictions. Our aims were to investigate evolutionary causes and adaptive functions of colour polymorphism by taking into account a number of ecological and morphological features of polymorphic species. Overall, we found 334 species showing colour polymorphism, which is 3.5% of all bird species. The occurrence of colour polymorphism was very high in Strigiformes, Ciconiiformes, Cuculiformes and Galliformes. Phylogenetically corrected analysis using independent contrasts revealed that colour polymorphism was maximally expressed in species showing a daily activity rhythm extended to day/night, living in both open and closed habitats. All these findings support the hypothesis that colour polymorphism probably evolved under selective pressures linked to bird detectability as affected by variable light conditions during activity period. Thus, we conclude that selective agents may be prey, predators and competitors, and that colour polymorphism in birds may be maintained by disruptive selection.     

Frequency-dependent predation and maintenance of prey polymorphism

In positive frequency-dependent predation, predation risk of an individual prey correlates positively with the frequency of that prey type. In a number of small-scale experiments individual predators have shown frequency-dependent behaviour, often leading to the conclusion that a population of such predators could maintain prey polymorphism. Using simulations, I studied the dynamics of frequency-dependent predation and prey polymorphism. The model suggests that persistence of prey polymorphism decreases with increasing number of predators that show frequency-dependent behaviour, questioning conclusions about polymorphism based on experiments with few predators. In addition, prey population size, prey crypsis, difference in crypsis between prey morphs and the way the behaviour was adjusted affected the persistence of polymorphism. Under some circumstances prey population remained polymorphic for a shorter time under frequency-dependent than under frequency-independent predation. This suggests that although positive frequency-dependent predator behaviour may maintain prey polymorphism, it is not a sufficient condition for persistent prey polymorphism.     

Spatial variation in egg polymorphism among cuckoo hosts across 4 continents

Although egg color polymorphism has evolved as an effective defensive adaptation to brood parasitism, spatial variations in egg color polymorphism remain poorly characterized. Here, we investigated egg polymorphism in 647 host species (68 families and 231 genera) parasitized by 41 species of Old Word cuckoos (1 family and 11 genera) across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia. The diversity of parasitic cuckoos differs among continents, reflecting the continent-specific intensities of parasitic selection pressure on hosts. Therefore, host egg polymorphism is expected to evolve more frequently on continents with higher cuckoo diversity. We identified egg polymorphism in 24.1% of all host species and 47.6% of all host families. The common cuckoo Cuculus canorus utilized 184 hosts (28.4% of all host species). Hosts of the common cuckoo and of Chrysococcyx species were more likely to have polymorphic eggs than hosts parasitized by other cuckoos. Both the number of host species and the host families targeted by the cuckoo species were positively correlated with the frequency of host egg polymorphism. Most host species and most hosts exhibiting egg color polymorphism were located in Asia and Africa. Host egg polymorphism was observed less frequently in Australia and Europe. Our results also suggested that egg polymorphism tends to occur more frequently in hosts that are utilized by several cuckoo species or by generalist cuckoo species. We suggest that selection pressure on hosts from a given continent increases proportionally to the number of cuckoo species, and that this selection pressure may, in turn, favor the evolution of host egg polymorphism.     

Inverse correlation of population similarity and introduction date for invasive ascidians

The genomes of many marine invertebrates, including the purple sea urchin and the solitary ascidians Ciona intestinalis and Ciona savignyi, show exceptionally high levels of heterozygosity, implying that these populations are highly polymorphic. Analysis of the C. savignyi genome found little evidence to support an elevated mutation rate, but rather points to a large population size contributing to the polymorphism level. In the present study, the relative genetic polymorphism levels in sampled populations of ten different ascidian species were determined using a similarity index generated by AFLP analysis. The goal was to determine the range of polymorphism within the populations of different species, and to uncover factors that may contribute to the high level of polymorphism. We observe that, surprisingly, the levels of polymorphism within these species show a negative correlation with the reported age of invasive populations, and that closely related species show substantially different levels of genetic polymorphism. These findings show exceptions to the assumptions that invasive species start with a low level of genetic polymorphism that increases over time and that closely related species have similar levels of genetic polymorphism.     

Nucleotide Polymorphism in the Adh1 Locus of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum Glaucum) (Poaceae)

We investigated nucleotide polymorphism in the Adh1 locus of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) (Poaceae) by determining the DNA sequence of 20 alleles from 10 individuals. The individuals were sampled from throughout pearl millet's indigenous range and represent both wild and cultivated accessions. Our results indicated that there is little nucleotide polymorphism in the Adh1 locus. Estimates of per site nucleotide polymorphism did not differ significantly between cultivated and wild millet accessions. We compared nucleotide polymorphism in pearl millet Adh1 with nucleotide polymorphism in maize (Zea mays) Adh1 and conclude that the maize Adh1 sample is more polymorphic. Increased polymorphism in maize Adh1 may be attributable, in part, to faster substitution rates in the maize lineage. Analysis suggests that substitution rates in the maize Adh1 lineage are ~1.7 times faster than substitution rates in the millet Adh1 lineage.     

Partial protection from cyclical selection generates a high level of polymorphism at multiple non‐neutral sites

Temporally varying selection is known to maintain genetic polymorphism under certain restricted conditions. However, if part of a population can escape from selective pressure, a condition called the “storage effect” is produced, which greatly promotes balanced polymorphism. We investigate whether seasonally fluctuating selection can maintain polymorphism at multiple loci, if cyclically fluctuating selection is not acting on a subpopulation called a “refuge.” A phenotype with a seasonally oscillating optimum is determined by alleles at multiple sites, across which the effects of mutations on phenotype are distributed randomly. This model resulted in long‐term polymorphism at multiple sites, during which allele frequencies oscillate heavily, greatly increasing the level of nonneutral polymorphism. The level of polymorphism at linked neutral sites was either higher or lower than expected for unlinked neutral loci. Overall, these results suggest that for a protein‐coding sequence, the nonsynonymous‐to‐synonymous ratio of polymorphism may exceed one. In addition, under randomly perturbed environmental oscillation, different sets of sites may take turns harboring long‐term polymorphism, thus making trans‐species polymorphism (which has been predicted as a classical signature of balancing selection) less likely.     

The prevalence of CD33 and MS4A6A variant in Chinese Han population with Alzheimer's disease

CD33 and MS4A6A genes play potential key roles in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). One recent genome-wide association study has revealed that the rs3865444 polymorphism in the CD33 gene and rs610932 polymorphism in the MS4A6A gene are associated with susceptibility to AD in Caucasians. To evaluate the relationship between the polymorphism of the CD33, MS4A6A gene and AD in the ethnic Chinese Han, we conducted a case-control study (n = 383, age > 54) to determine the prevalence of single-nucleotide polymorphism of two genes in patients with AD in Chinese population of Mainland, and clarified whether these polymorphisms are risk factors for AD. The prevalence of the allele (T) in the rs3865444 polymorphism of the CD33 gene and allele (C) in rs610932 polymorphism of the MS4A6A gene was significantly different in AD patients and control subjects (P < 0.001, respectively), and the results were not influenced by age, gender, or APOE status. Our data revealed the allele (T) of the rs3865444 polymorphism of the CD33 gene and the allele (C) of the rs610932 polymorphism of the MS4A6A gene may contribute to AD risk in the Chinese Han population.     

Polymorphism and interpopulation variability of the karyotype in the Caspian bighead goby Neogobius gorlap (Gobiidae, Perciformes)

Chromosome polymorphism has been for the first time found in the Caspian bighead goby Neogobius gorlap. Eleven karyomorphs have been found in four populations under consideration. The number of chromosomes varied from 43 to 46, the number of chromosome arms is 46. Interpopulation variabilities in the mode of polymorphism, possible chromosome mutations leading to the polymorphism, and possible sources of the polymorphism in different populations have been discussed.     

Monoclonal antibodies to coagulation factor IX define a high-frequency polymorphism by immunoassays.

Monoclonal antibodies have been used to demonstrate a polymorphism of human plasma coagulation factor IX antigen in double antibody solid-phase immunoradiometric assays. This polymorphism is detected in an assay where a monoclonal antibody (A-1) adsorbed to microtiter wells is used to bind factor IX from diluted plasma samples. Plasma samples with the factor IX polymorphism have less than 0.2 U/ml of apparent antigen when tested with the A-1 antibody, while assays with other monoclonal antibodies and assays with goat antisera to factor IX show normal amounts of factor IX antigen. Factor IX coagulant activity was normal in samples from donors with the polymorphism. The thin-layer polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing pattern of factor IX purified from a donor with the factor IX polymorphism (IXp) was identical to that obtained with factor IX prepared from a donor who did not have the polymorphism (IXn). Purified radiolabeled factor IX prepared from a donor with the polymorphism showed a Ka for the A-1 antibody that was threefold less than that measured for IXn. The gene frequency of IXp in male blood donors is 0.25. This polymorphism may be useful as a marker for the X chromosome in genetic studies on plasma samples. Further studies are necessary to determine the explanation for decreased reaction of IXp with the A-1 monoclonal antibody.     

Spatiotemporal environmental heterogeneity and the maintenance of the tailspot polymorphism in the variable platyfish (Xiphophorus variatus)

Genetic variation is critical for adaptive evolution. Despite its importance, there is still limited evidence in support of some prominent theoretical models explaining the maintenance of genetic polymorphism within populations. We examined 84 populations of Xiphophorus variatus, a livebearing fish with a genetic polymorphism associated with physiological performance, to test: (1) whether niche differentiation explains broad‐scale maintenance of polymorphism, (2) whether polymorphism is maintained among populations by local adaptation and migration, or (3) whether heterogeneity in explicit environmental variables could be linked to levels of polymorphism within populations. We found no evidence of climatic niche differentiation that could generate or maintain broad geographic variation in polymorphism. Subsequently, hierarchical partitioning of genetic richness and partial mantel tests revealed that 76% of the observed genetic richness was partitioned within populations with no effect of geographic distance on polymorphism. These results strongly suggest a lack of migration‐selection balance in the maintenance of polymorphism, and model selection confirmed a significant relationship between environmental heterogeneity and genetic richness within populations. Few studies have demonstrated such effects at this scale, and additional studies in other taxa should examine the generality of gene‐by‐environment interactions across populations to better understand the dynamics and scale of balancing selection.     

Developmental polymorphism: a major factor for understanding sublethal effects of Bacillus thuringiensis

Developmental polymorphism in Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) was induced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) in the laboratory. The B.t. formulation concentration induced a quadratic response on the incidence of developmental polymorphism. A double application of Bacillus thuringiensis at fourth and fifth instar respectively resulted in a higher occurrence of developmental polymorphism than a single application at fifth instar. Smaller larval weight prior to B.t. exposure resulted in higher incidence of developmental polymorphism. However, larvae exhibiting developmental polymorphism exhibited larger pupae and an extended larval period. Thus, developmental polymorphism and Bacillus thuringiensis ingestion together prolonged the development time but induced opposite effects on pupal weight. These findings suggest that the calculation of sublethal effects on pupal weight and development time that include developmental polymorphism as an uncontrolled source of variation could lead to an inadequate understanding of insect response in any stress-induced experiments.     

Frequent polymorphism in exon 15 of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene

In the course of a study of tumor suppressor gene mutation in hepatoblastoma, a frequent neutral polymorphism was identified at codon 1493 in exon 15 of the gene causing adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). As the polymorphism introduces a new BsaJ1 site, DNA amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be rapidly screened for this polymorphism. This polymorphism can be used in cosegregation studies for presymptomatic diagnosis of APC and family studies.