Variation in rare earth element (REE), aluminium (Al) and silicon (Si) accumulation among populations of the hyperaccumulator Dicranopteris linearis in southern China

Plant and Soil - Dicranopteris linearis is a rare earth element (REE), aluminium (Al) and silicon (Si) hyperaccumulator plant which occurs in southern China. To date, there have been no studies on...     

基于AFLP分析的伯乐树(Bretschneidera sinensis)谱系地理学研究

伯乐树（Bretschneidera sinensis Hemsl.）是主要分布于中国的濒危物种。采用AFLP分子标记对分布于中国11个省的24个伯乐树居群192个个体进行谱系地理学研究。结果显示,伯乐树有相对较高的遗传多样性水平,基因多样性指数（He）和Shannon指数（Ⅰ）分别为0.2728和0.4070。伯乐树居群间的遗传分化远大于居群内遗传分化,遗传分化系数G_ST=0.7138,基因流N_m=0.2005。通过聚类分析、STRUCTURE分析和BAPS分析发现,24个伯乐树居群可形成4大地理居群组和进化谱系;云贵高原东部地区居群遗传多样性较高,可能是伯乐树在中国的扩散中心和冰期避难所,伯乐树在冰期后由此向外进行居群扩散;南岭地区各居群遗传多样性水平普遍高于其他地区,与邻近地区各居群的亲缘关系较近,可能为伯乐树演化历史上的另一个冰期避难所。     

Curcusone D,a novel ubiquitin–proteasome pathway inhibitor via ROS-induced DUB inhibition,is synergistic with bortezomib against multiple myeloma cell growth

Background

Ubiquitin–proteasome pathway (UPP) plays a very important role in the degradation of proteins. Finding novel UPP inhibitors is a promising strategy for treating multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods

Ub-YFP reporter assays were used as cellular UPP models. MM cell growth, apoptosis and overall death were evaluated with the MTS assay, Annexin V/PI dual-staining flow cytometry, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and PI uptake, respectively. The mechanism of UPP inhibition was analyzed by western blotting for ubiquitin, in vitro and cellular proteasomal and deubiquitinases (DUBs) activity assays. Cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured with H₂DCFDA.

Results

Curcusone D, identified as a novel UPP inhibitor, causes cell growth inhibition and apoptosis in MM cells. Curcusone D induced the accumulation of poly-ubiquitin-conjugated proteins but could not inhibit proteasomal activity in vitro or in cells. Interestingly, the mono-ubiquitin level and the total cellular DUB activity were significantly downregulated following curcusone D treatment. Furthermore, curcusone D could induce ROS, which were closely correlated with DUB inhibition that could be nearly completely reversed by NAC. Finally, curcusone D and the proteasomal inhibitor bortezomib showed a strong synergistic effect against MM cells.

Conclusions

Curcusone D is novel UPP inhibitor that acts via the ROS-induced inhibition of DUBs to produce strong growth inhibition and apoptosis of MM cells and synergize with bortezomib.

General significance

The anti-MM molecular mechanism study of curcusone D will promote combination therapies with different UPP inhibitors against MM and further support the concept of oxidative stress regulating the activity of DUBs.     

过表达水稻OsAQP增强转基因拟南芥耐盐性

水稻OsAQP是实验室前期从cDNA文库中筛选的功能未知的水通道蛋白质编码基因。本文采用DNA重组技术构建其植物过表达载体,并对拟南芥进行了遗传转化,筛选获得转基因拟南芥。采用50、100、125和150 mmol/L梯度盐胁迫处理,结果显示,转基因拟南芥的发芽率、根长以及鲜重分别比对照至少高17%、40.8%和14.29%,且差异达到显著水平（P<0.05）。在正常条件下,转基因植株叶片中抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)活性显著高于WT;经300 mmol/L NaCl处理,转基因拟南芥叶片中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)、APX酶活性均升高,与处理前相比分别提高7.37倍、30.87倍和1.77倍,且与WT的酶活性差异达到显著水平（P<0.05）;丙二醛(MDA)含量也在处理后上升,但在转基因植株中的含量低于WT,分别是WT的0.74倍、0.68倍和0.62倍,差异同样达到显著水平（P<0.05）。本研究提示,OsAQP过表达不仅能够促进拟南芥种子萌发和根系生长,而且在盐胁迫下通过提高拟南芥内源抗氧化酶活性、降低膜脂过氧化程度,增强了转基因植株对一定程度盐胁迫的耐受性。     

Synthesis and antidiabetic activity of 5,7-dihydroxyflavonoids and analogs

In a study to evaluate the structural elements essential for the antidiabetic activity of flavonoids, we synthesized two series of flavonoids, 5,7-dihydroxyflavanones and 5,7-dihydroxyflavones. In a screening for potential antidiabetic activity, most of the flavonoids showed a remarkable in vitro activity, and compounds 1f, 2d, and 3c were significantly more effective than the positive control, metformin. The biological activity was mainly affected by structural modification at the ring B moiety of the flavonoid skeleton. The results suggest that 5,7-dihydroxyflavonoids can be considered as promising candidates in the development of new antidiabetic lead compounds.     

饲料蛋氨酸水平对异育银鲫幼鱼生长性能影响的研究

研究通过8周的生长实验, 研究饲料中不同蛋氨酸水平对异育银鲫(Carassius auratus gibelio)幼鱼生长性能、体成分、氨基酸沉积率的影响。实验以鱼粉、豌豆浓缩蛋白、喷雾干燥血球粉为蛋白源, 设计低蛋氨酸(0.57%)实用基础饲料, 并在此基础上分别添加0、0.08%、0.16%、0.24%、0.32%、0.40%的DL-蛋氨酸配成蛋氨酸含量分别为0.57%、0.64%、0.74%、0.81%、0.88%、0.95%(干物质基础, 实测值)的6种等氮等能(粗蛋白质: 37.22%, 总能: 17.61 MJ/kg)的配合饲料。选取初始体重为2.60 g的异育银鲫幼鱼为实验对象, 每个处理3个重复, 每个重复50尾鱼, 养殖系统为室内循环水养殖系统, 每天表观饱食投喂4次。结果显示在饲料中补充DL-蛋氨酸会显著提高异育银鲫幼鱼的特定生长率和蛋白质沉积率(P0.05), 表明异育银鲫可有效利用外源DL-蛋氨酸。各处理组实验鱼肥满度、肝体比、脏体比差异不显著(P0.05), 不同蛋氨酸水平对全鱼水分、粗脂肪、能量没有产生显著影响(P0.05), 补充DL-蛋氨酸显著提高鱼体的粗蛋白质含量, 灰分含量显著降低(P0.05)。随着饲料中蛋氨酸水平的提高, 全鱼蛋氨酸沉积率显著降低, 之后再升高(P 0.05)。补充DL-蛋氨酸可以有效促进其他必需氨基酸在鱼体内的沉积。在饲料中胱氨酸水平为0.42%时, 通过折线模型回归分析, 以蛋氨酸沉积率得到的异育银鲫幼鱼蛋氨酸需求量为占饲料干物质的0.89%, 即占饲料蛋白的2.17%。       

狭叶金星蕨的快速繁殖

The rapid propagation system of Huperzia serrata(Thunb.) Trev. associated fern (Parathelypteris angustifrons(Miq.) Ching) was established by culturing its prothallium. MS+1.0 mg·L^-1 NAA was the most suitable medium for prothallium proliferation. After 60 days of growing in this medium, the fresh weight of prothallium weighed twice heavier compared with one in the control medium (MS without hormone). MS without plant hormone was the optimal medium for inducing sporophyte. The shortest induction time was 22 days and the induction rate was 15%. 6-BA and TDZ showed inhibitory effect on the formation of the sporophyte. The best medium for root induction of sporophyte was MS+1.0 mg·L^-1 IAA. Within 60 days, the medium induced a mean root length of 1.72 cm and 13 roots per explant. Sporophyte grew best in water moss by which the survival rate of transplantation reached 100%.     

双电极绑定技术记录在体大鼠海马CA1区长时程增强

目的:探讨双电极绑定条件下记录大鼠在体海马CA1区长时程增强的可行性。方法:雄性Wistar大鼠乌拉坦麻醉;脑立体定位仪上埋置脑室导管;安装自制的刺激/记录绑定电极;引导基础性场兴奋性突触后电位(fEP-SP);强直刺激诱导长时程增强(LTP)。结果:绑定后的刺激和记录电极能可靠地引起海马CA1区fEPSP,fEPSP的出现率几乎100%;基础性fEPSP记录可保持长时间稳定;高频刺激成功诱导出LTP并维持达3h以上,诱导率约67%;双脉冲易化记录稳定、可靠;脑室注射β淀粉样蛋白(Aβ)对LTP显示出明显的压抑作用。结论:采用双电极绑定技术进行在体海马LTP记录简便易行、节省资源、引导fEPSP和诱导LTP的成功率较高,有望成为一项重要的研究学习和记忆机制的电生理辅助手段。     

利用CRISPR/Cas9技术编辑水稻ROP基因OsRac5

OsRac5基因属于水稻小G蛋白ROP家族。该基因参与了水稻的育性调节,但是OsRac5在水稻生长发育中的作用尚不清楚。为鉴定该基因的功能,本文采用CRISPR/Cas9基因组编辑技术,构建了该基因的双靶标载体Cas9-OsRac5,并对水稻进行了遗传转化。对转基因水稻的筛选和分子鉴定显示,在T1代获得了10个纯合突变株系。序列分析显示,在OsRac5编辑水稻中,该基因编码区发生了碱基缺失或/和插入,导致预期产生的不同类型OsRac5截短蛋白均丧失小G蛋白的保守结构域。对抽穗期OsRac5编辑水稻的表型进行统计学分析,结果显示,OsRac5编辑水稻与对照在剑叶角度以及剑叶净光合速率上存在极显著差异,其中OsRac5编辑水稻剑叶角度增大67%,剑叶净光合速率减小32.7%。本研究结果提示,OsRac5基因通过调控剑叶角度,影响水稻光合效率,与水稻生长发育密切相关。     

A New Orchid Genus,Danxiaorchis, and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Tribe Calypsoeae

Background

Orchids have numerous species, and their speciation rates are presumed to be exceptionally high, suggesting that orchids are continuously and actively evolving. The wide diversity of orchids has attracted the interest of evolutionary biologists. In this study, a new orchid was discovered on Danxia Mountain in Guangdong, China. However, the phylogenetic clarification of this new orchid requires further molecular, morphological, and phytogeographic analyses.

Methodology/Principal Findings

A new orchid possesses a labellum with a large Y-shaped callus and two sacs at the base, and cylindrical, fleshy seeds, which make it distinct from all known orchid genera. Phylogenetic methods were applied to a matrix of morphological and molecular characters based on the fragments of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer, chloroplast matK, and rbcL genes of Orchidaceae (74 genera) and Calypsoeae (13 genera). The strict consensus Bayesian inference phylogram strongly supports the division of the Calypsoeae alliance (not including Dactylostalix and Ephippianthus) into seven clades with 11 genera. The sequence data of each species and the morphological characters of each genus were combined into a single dataset. The inferred Bayesian phylogram supports the division of the 13 genera of Calypsoeae into four clades with 13 subclades (genera). Based on the results of our phylogenetic analyses, Calypsoeae, under which the new orchid is classified, represents an independent lineage in the Epidendroideae subfamily.

Conclusions

Analyses of the combined datasets using Bayesian methods revealed strong evidence that Calypsoeae is a monophyletic tribe consisting of eight well-supported clades with 13 subclades (genera), which are all in agreement with the phytogeography of Calypsoeae. The Danxia orchid represents an independent lineage under the tribe Calypsoeae of the subfamily Epidendroideae. This lineage should be treated as a new genus, which we have named Danxiaorchis, that is parallel to Yoania. Both genera are placed under the subtribe Yoaniinae.