A molecular characterization of the charismatic Faroe house mouse

Faroe house mice are a ‘classic’ system of rapid and dramatic morphological divergence highlighted by J. S. Huxley during the development of the Modern Synthesis. In the present study, we characterize these charismatic mice using modern molecular techniques, examining specimens from all Faroe islands occupied by mice. The aims were to classify the mice within the modern house mouse taxonomy (i.e. as either Mus musculus domesticus or Mus musculus musculus) using four molecular markers and a morphological feature, and to examine the genetic diversity and possible routes of colonization using mitochondrial (mt) control region DNA sequences and microsatellite data (15 loci). Mice on the most remote islands were characterized as M. m. domesticus and exhibited exceptionally low genetic diversity, whereas those on better connected islands were more genetically diverse and had both M. m. musculus and M. m. domesticus genetic elements, including one population which was morphologically M. m. musculus‐like. The mtDNA data indicate that the majority of the mice had their origins in south‐western Norway (or possibly southern Denmark/northern Germany), and probably arrived with the Vikings, earlier than suggested by Huxley. The M. m. musculus genetic component appears to derive from recent mouse immigration from Denmark. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 102 , 471–482.     

Identification of structural DNA variations in human cell cultures after long-term passage

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was adapted for genomic identification of cell cultures and evaluation of DNA stability in cells of different origin at different culture passages. DNA stability was observed in cultures after no more than 5 passages. Adipose-derived stromal cells demonstrated increased DNA instability. RAPD fragments from different cell lines after different number of passages were cloned and sequenced. The chromosomal localization of these fragments was identified and single-nucleotide variations in RAPD fragments isolated from cell lines after 8–12 passages were revealed. Some of them had permanent localization, while most variations demonstrated random distribution and can be considered as de novo mutations.     

Fermentation RS3 derived from sago and rice starch with Clostridium butyricum BCC B2571 or Eubacterium rectale DSM 17629

Resistant starch type 3 (RS3) is retrograded starch which is not digested by human starch degrading enzyme, and will thus undergo bacterial degradation in the colon. The main fermentation products are the Short Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA): acetate, propionate and butyrate. SCFA has significant benefit impact on the metabolism of the host. The objectives of this research were to study the SCFA profile produced by colonic butyrate producing bacteria grown in medium containing RS3. RS3 was made from sago or rice starch treated with amylase, pullulanase and the combination of amylase and pullulanase. Fermentation study was performed by using Clostridium butyricum BCC B2571 or Eubacterium rectale DSM 17629, which has been identified as capable of degradation of starch residue and also regarded as beneficial bacteria. Experimental result revealed that enzyme hydrolysis of retrograded sago or rice starch was beneficial to RS formation. RS3 derived from sago contained higher RS (31-38%) than those derived from rice starch (21-26%). This study indicated that C. butyricum BCC B2571 produced acetate, propionate and butyrate at molar ratio of 1.8 : 1 : 1, when the medium was supplemented with RSSA at concentration 1%. In the medium containing similar substrate, E. rectale DSM 17629 produced acetate, propionate and butyrate at molar ratio of 1.7 : 1 : 1.2. High levels of acetate, propionate and butyrate at molar ratio of 1.8 : 1 : 1.1 was also produced by E. rectale DSM 17629 in medium supplemented with RSSP at concentration 1%. The results showed that both bacteria responded differently to the RS3 supplementation. Such result provided insight into the possibility of designing RS3 as prebiotic with featured regarding SCFA released in the human colon with potential health implication.     

The Distribution of Some Hydrolytic Enzymes in the Wheat Seed

A histochemical study of dry and germinated wheat embryos andseeds has been made to identify the sites of activity of 3'-and 5'-nucleotidases, phosphatases, lipase, and esterase. Theenzymes all showed the same distribution, with the coleorhizaas the most prominent site of activity in the dry embryo, especiallywhen compared with the adjacent roots with very low activity.Investigations of the whole seed after 24 h germination showeda very high activity in the aleurone cells and high activitiesin the scutellum and coleorhiza. The epithelium and provasculartissues of the scutellum showed moderate to low activity whilethe endosperm had little or none. Hydrolase activity also wasfound in the testa. The function of the coleorhiza. as firstfood reserve for the roots and its location at the most importantsite of water entry, is discussed.     

Genetic Analysis of Giardia from Hoofed Farm Animals Reveals Artiodactyl-Specific and Potentially Zoonotic Genotypes

ABSTRACT. Thirty one Giardia isolates, established from six species of hoofed livestock by axenic culture or growth in suckling mice, were compared genetically by analysis of DNA amplified from loci encoding variant surface proteins or the enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase and by allozyme analysis. The isolates were heterogeneous, but all showed affinity with genetic Assemblage A-one of two major assemblages defined previously by analysis of Giardia from humans. Three distinct genotypes were evident. Ten isolates (eight axenic and two established in suckling mice) from an alpaca, pig, horse, cattle and sheep were indistinguishable from human-derived G. intestinalis belonging to a previously designated genetic group (Group I). This genotype seems to have broad host specificity, including a zoonotic potential for humans. Five isolates (two axenic and three established in suckling mice) from an alpaca, a horse and sheep had close affinity with human-derived Group I and Group I1 G. inresrinalis genotypes. The other 16 isolates (comprising both axenic and suckling mouse-propagated cultures derived from cattle, sheep, alpaca, a goat and pigs in Australia and Europe) differed from all other Giardia with "duodenalis" morphology that have been examined by these methods and they segregated as a highly distinct sublineage (referred to herein as 'Novel livestock') within genetic Assemblage A. The predominance of 'Novel livestock' genotypes in the test panel and their apparent exclusive association with artiodactyl hosts indicates that they may be confined to this group of mammals. Assemblage B genotypes, which are prevalent in humans and some other animal species, were not detected.