马氏珠母贝(Pinctada fucata martensii)PmHEXL基因的分子特征与表达分析

几丁质作为有机框架主要成分参与贝壳的形成。β-N-乙酰-己糖胺酶(Beta-hexosaminidase/Beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase, HEX)属于糖苷水解酶家族20,在几丁质水解过程发挥重要作用。为了探究Pm HEXL在马氏珠母贝贝壳形成中的作用,本研究利用RACE技术克隆获得Pm HEXL基因c DNA全长序列并检测其在不同组织的表达模式。研究显示,Pm HEXL基因序列全长2 760 bp,其中5'UTR为167 bp,3'UTR为268 bp,开放阅读框(ORF)为2 325 bp,编码774个氨基酸;预测其相对分子量为89.59 kD,理论等电点为5.93;SMART软件分析PmHEXL蛋白质序列,发现它具有典型的GH20、GH20b结构域和CHB-HEX结构域;多序列比对结果显示Pm HEXL与其它物种的HEX具有较高的保守性;qPCR表达分析显示Pm HEXL在外套膜套膜区表达量最高,边缘区次之。综上所述,Pm HEXL可能参与马氏珠母贝贝壳的形成过程。     

GhL1L1 affects cell fate specification by regulating GhPIN1‐mediated auxin distribution

Auxin is as an efficient initiator and regulator of cell fate during somatic embryogenesis (SE), but the molecular mechanisms and regulating networks of this process are not well understood. In this report, we analysed SE process induced by Leafy cotyledon1‐like 1 (GhL1L1), a NF‐YB subfamily gene specifically expressed in embryonic tissues in cotton. We also identified the target gene of GhL1L1, and its role in auxin distribution and cell fate specification during embryonic development was analysed. Overexpression of GhL1L1 accelerated embryonic cell formation, associated with an increased concentration of IAA in embryogenic calluses (ECs) and in the shoot apical meristem, corresponding to altered expression of the auxin transport gene GhPIN1. By contrast, GhL1L1‐deficient explants showed retarded embryonic cell formation, and the concentration of IAA was decreased in GhL1L1‐deficient ECs. Disruption of auxin distribution accelerated the specification of embryonic cell fate together with regulation of GhPIN1. Furthermore, we showed that PHOSPHATASE 2AA2 (GhPP2AA2) was activated by GhL1L1 through targeting the G‐box of its promoter, hence regulating the activity of GhPIN1 protein. Our results indicate that GhL1L1 functions as a key regulator in auxin distribution to regulate cell fate specification in cotton and contribute to the understanding of the complex process of SE in plant species.     

Long‐term repopulation of aged bone marrow stem cells using young Sca‐1 cells promotes aged heart rejuvenation

Reduced quantity and quality of stem cells in aged individuals hinders cardiac repair and regeneration after injury. We used young bone marrow (BM) stem cell antigen 1 (Sca‐1) cells to reconstitute aged BM and rejuvenate the aged heart, and examined the underlying molecular mechanisms. BM Sca‐1⁺ or Sca‐1^? cells from young (2–3 months) or aged (18–19 months) GFP transgenic mice were transplanted into lethally irradiated aged mice to generate 4 groups of chimeras: young Sca‐1⁺, young Sca‐1^?, old Sca‐1⁺, and old Sca‐1^?. Four months later, expression of rejuvenation‐related genes (Bmi1, Cbx8, PNUTS, Sirt1, Sirt2, Sirt6) and proteins (CDK2, CDK4) was increased along with telomerase activity and telomerase‐related protein (DNA‐PKcs, TRF‐2) expression, whereas expression of senescence‐related genes (p16^INK4a, P19^ARF, p27^Kip1) and proteins (p16^INK4a, p27^Kip1) was decreased in Sca‐1⁺ chimeric hearts, especially in the young group. Host cardiac endothelial cells (GFP^?CD31⁺) but not cardiomyocytes were the primary cell type rejuvenated by young Sca‐1⁺ cells as shown by improved proliferation, migration, and tubular formation abilities. C‐X‐C chemokine CXCL12 was the factor most highly expressed in homed donor BM (GFP⁺) cells isolated from young Sca‐1⁺ chimeric hearts. Protein expression of Cxcr4, phospho‐Akt, and phospho‐FoxO3a in endothelial cells derived from the aged chimeric heart was increased, especially in the young Sca‐1⁺ group. Reconstitution of aged BM with young Sca‐1⁺ cells resulted in effective homing of functional stem cells in the aged heart. These young, regenerative stem cells promoted aged heart rejuvenation through activation of the Cxcl12/Cxcr4 pathway of cardiac endothelial cells.     

Carbon Quantum Dots–Modified Interfacial Interactions and Ion Conductivity for Enhanced High Current Density Performance in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Significant progress has achieved for developing lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries with high specific capacities and excellent cyclic stability. However, some critical issues emerge when attempts are made to raise the areal sulfur loading and increase the operation current density to meet the standards for various industrial applications. In this work, polyethylenimine‐functionalized carbon dots (PEI‐CDots) are designed and prepared for enhancing performance of the Li–S batteries with high sulfur loadings and operation under high current density situations. Strong chemical binding effects towards polysulfides and fast ion transport property are achieved in the PEI‐CDots‐modified cathodes. At a high current density of 8 mA cm^?2, the PEI‐CDots‐modified Li–S battery delivers a reversible areal capacity of 3.3 mAh cm^?2 with only 0.07% capacity decay per cycle over 400 cycles at 6.6 mg sulfur loading. Detailed analysis, involving electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and density functional theory calculations, is done for the elucidation of the underlying enhancement mechanism by the PEI‐CDots. The strongly localized sulfur species and the promoted Li⁺ ion conductivity at the cathode–electrolyte interface are revealed to enable high‐performance Li–S batteries with high sulfur loading and large operational current.     

Resorptions of 10 mineral elements in leaves of desert shrubs and their contrasting responses to aridity

Aims We aim to investigate variations in the resorption efficiencies of 10 mineral nutrients [i.e. nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu)] in leaves of desert shrubs and to explore effects of aridity on resorption efficiency of these nutrients.     

Genetic divergence of Platycerus hongwonpyoi (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) in South Korea

We examined the genetic divergence of Platycerus hongwonpyoi Imura & Choe, 1989 in South Korea using the nuclear wingless (Wg) gene, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. We found no variation in Wg or ITS. Based on COI, P. hongwonpyoi was split into four well defined and one weakly supported clades, which were inferred to have diverged 2.11–1.33 Ma. The Platycerus hongwonpyoi population size seems to have decreased during the past several tens of thousands of years. The divergence times of major clades of P. hongwonpyoi were comparable with those involved in the speciation of certain Japanese species. Frequent overlapping of different clades at the same sites suggests the occurrence of secondary gene flow following differentiation in South Korea. In conclusion, the genus Platycerus underwent strikingly different divergence patterns in South Korea compared with Japan according to the disparate topographies of these two geographical areas.     

Molecular characteristics of microbially mediated transformations of Synechococcus-derived dissolved organic matter as revealed by incubation experiments

In this study, we investigated the microbially mediated transformation of labile Synechococcus-derived DOM to RDOM using a 60-day experimental incubation system. Three phases of TOC degradation activity (I, II and III) were observed following the addition of Synechococcus-derived DOM. The phases were characterized by organic carbon consumption rates of 8.77, 1.26 and 0.16 μmol L⁻¹ day⁻¹, respectively. Excitation emission matrix analysis revealed the presence of three FDOM components including tyrosine-like, fulvic acid-like, and humic-like molecules. The three components also exhibited differing biological availabilities that could be considered as labile DOM (LDOM), semi-labile DOM (SLDOM) and RDOM, respectively. DOM molecular composition was also evaluated using FT-ICR MS. Based on differing biological turnover rates and normalized intensity values, a total of 1704 formulas were identified as candidate LDOM, SLDOM and RDOM molecules. Microbial transformation of LDOM to RDOM tended to proceed from high to low molecular weight, as well as from molecules with high to low double bond equivalent (DBE) values. Relatively higher aromaticity was observed in the formulas of RDOM molecules relative to those of LDOM molecules. FDOM components provide valuable proxy information to investigate variation in the bioavailability of DOM. These results suggest that coordinating fluorescence spectroscopy and FT-ICR MS of DOM, as conducted here, is an effective strategy to identify and characterize LDOM, SLDOM and RDOM molecules in incubation experiments emulating natural systems. The results described here provide greater insight into the metabolism of phytoplankton photosynthate by heterotrophic bacteria in marine environments.     

Efficient and green aqueous−solid system for transphosphatidylation to produce phosphatidylhydroxybutyrate: Potential drugs for central nervous system's diseases

The synthesis of nonnatural phospholipid, phosphatidylhydroxybutyrate (PB), was firstly introduced by phospholipase D (PLD)-mediated transphosphatidylation of phosphatidylcholine (PC) with sodium γ-hydroxybutyrate (NaGHB) in the aqueous–solid system. Nanoscale silicon dioxide (NSD) was employed as a carrier to provide an “artificial interphase” between PC and PLD. Special attention has been paid to the effect of the PC coverage on the surface area of hybrids of NSD-PC, the PC loading and the yield of PB. Results indicated that the highest PC loading of 98.3% and the highest PB yield of 97.3% were achieved. In addition, the free PLD in the aqueous–solid system showed the greater stability and pH tolerance than that in the traditional liquid–liquid system. The operational stability of free PLD solution was investigated. The yield of PB remained 70.7% after being used for five batches. The authors provide a new idea for drug design and the potential source of PB for medical experiments. PB is a potential drug and may have the excellent performance in the treatment of central nervous system's diseases. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2726, 2019     

Integrative taxonomy recognized a new cryptic species within Stipa grandis from Loess Plateau of China

Stipa shanxiensis, a cryptic species within Stipa grandis that originated from central and western China, is described based on morphological, genomic, and ecological data from field and common garden experiments. Stipa shanxiensis morphologically resembles S. grandis, although phylogenetically it is closely related to the less morphologically similar Stipa baicalensis and Stipa krylovii. Of the eight significant morphological differences between S. shanxiensis and S. grandis, the two, cauline ligules longer than 2 cm with a filiform apex, and hairs shorter than 0.2 mm on the adaxial surface of the cauline uppermost leaves can be used to distinguish the species. Results from a common garden experiment verified that the two diagnostic characteristics were relatively stable and less morphologically plastic in response to environmental variation. Furthermore, a significant ecological divergence was found between S. shanxiensis and S. grandis, such that the former preferred warmer and more humid climates, and their predicted distribution was generally separated. Taken together, our results highlight that the integrative taxonomic approach was valuable for recognizing a new cryptic species in Stipa. In particular, we find that common garden experiments involving the effects of growth stage and characteristic position helped to morphologically diagnose cryptic species. These findings may also facilitate our understandings of ecological adaption and phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental change.     

Two New Sesquiterpenoid Glucosides from the Aerial Parts of Saussurea involucrate

Two new sesqulterpenoid glucosides, namely α-hydroxycostic acid 6-β-D-glucopyranoside （compound 1） and 11 βH-11,13-dlhydrodehydrocostuslactone 8α-O-（6＇-acetyl）-β-D-glucopyranoside （compound 2）, along with 11 known sesqulterpenoids （compounds 3-13） were isolated from the aerial parts of Saussurea involucrate （Kar. et Kir.） Sch.- BIp. The structures of the new sesquiterpenoid glucosides were established by one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry analysis.