Nucleotide polymorphism at the alcohol dehydrogenase locus of pocket gophers, genus Geomys

Using the strictly neutral model as a null hypothesis, we tested for deviations from expected levels of nucleotide polymorphism at the alcohol dehydrogenase locus (Adh-1) within and among four species of pocket gophers (Geomys bursarius major, G. knoxjonesi, G. texensis llanensis, and G. attwateri). The complete protein-encoding region was examined, and 10 unique alleles, representing both electromorphic and cryptic alleles, were used to test hypotheses (e.g., the neutral model) concerning the maintenance of genetic variation. Nineteen variable sites were identified among the 10 alleles examined, including 9 segregating sites occurring in synonymous positions and 10 that were nonsynonymous. Several statistical methods, including those that test for within-species variation as well as those that examine variation within and among species, failed to reject the null hypothesis that variation (both within and between species of Geomys) at the Adh locus is consistent with the neutral theory. However, there was significant heterogeneity in the ratio of polymorphism to divergence across the gene, with polymorphisms clustered in the first half of the coding region and fixed differences clustered in the second half of the gene. Two alternative hypotheses are discussed as possible explanations for this heterogeneity: an old balanced polymorphism in the first half of the gene or a recent selective sweep in the second half of the gene.      

Noninvasive recovery and detection of possum Trichosurus vulpecula DNA from bitten bait interference devices (WaxTags)

The brushtail possum is a major agricultural and ecological pest in New Zealand. A novel noninvasive DNA sampling tool for detecting its presence (WaxTags, or WT) was tested. DNA was recovered from saliva left on WT, and two lengths (407 bp and 648 bp) of the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) barcoding region were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products were considered (+) when a DNA band was clearly visible by electrophoresis. Different factors that might affect PCR (+) were investigated with captive possums: (i) both extraction protocols of the QIAGEN DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit, (ii) effect of an overnight or longer delay of up to 3 weeks before DNA extraction on both COI amplicons, and (iii) effect of the individual, order and magnitude of the bite. Extraction protocols were not significantly different. The effect of the overnight delay was not significant, and amplification of the short amplicon was significantly higher (100%) than for the long fragment (48%). After a two or 3‐week delay, the short amplicon had 94% and 56% PCR (+), success rates, respectively. Individual, order and magnitude of a bite had no significant effect. The delay trial was repeated with WT from the wild, for which PCR (+) rate of the short amplicon was 63%, regardless of freshness. Four microsatellites were amplified from captive WT samples. We conclude that DNA from saliva traces can be recovered from WT, a potential new tool for noninvasive monitoring of possums and other wildlife.     

Does sediment resuspension have persistent effects on phytoplankton? Experimental studies in three shallow lakes

1. The persistence of effects of sediment resuspension on chlorophyll a , phytoplankton production and plant nutrients was examined by artificially resuspending sediment in enclosures in three shallow lakes and monitoring concentrations for 4–8 days. Realism was assessed by relating initial suspended solids concentrations to those observed during natural wind events.
2. Positive effects on the phytoplankton, persisting for at least 4–6 days were detected in eight of the nine experiments, and similar effects on nutrient concentrations were also common, although suspended solids had normally returned to control levels within 24 h
3. The phytoplankton during the periods of persistence was normally dominated by planktonic rather than benthic/meroplanktonic genera.
4. Several of the positive responses appeared to be associated with relief of nitrogen deficiency in the algae.
5. Persistent effects from previous resuspension events may cause baseline concentrations of phytoplankton and nutrients in shallow lakes to be overestimated and the effects of resuspension on phytoplankton and nutrients to be underestimated     

Mapping of the gene encoding the B56β subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PPP2R5B) to a 0.5-Mb region of chromosome 11q13 and its exclusion as a candidate gene for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)

The multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) locus has been previously localised to 11q13 by combined tumour deletion mapping and recombination studies, and a 0.5-Mb region, flanked by PYGM and D11S449, has been defined. In the course of constructing a contig, we have identified the location of the gene encoding the B56β subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), which is involved in cell signal transduction pathways and thus represents a candidate gene for MEN1. We have searched for mutations in the PP2A-B56β coding region, together with the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions in six MEN1 patients. DNA sequence abnormalities were not identified and thus the PP2A-B56β gene is excluded as the candidate gene for MEN1. However, our precise localisation of PP2A-B56β to this region of 11q13 may help in elucidating the basis for other disease genes mapping to this gene-rich region. Received: 17 April 1997 / Accepted: 22 April 1997