Next-generation Sequencing of MHC Class Ⅰ Genes Reveals Trans-species Polymorphism in Eutropis multifasciata and Other Species of Scincidae

The genes of the major histocompatibility complex(MHC) encode cell surface proteins that are essential for adaptive immunity. MHC genes show the most prominent genetic diversity in vertebrates,reflecting the adaptation of populations to their evolving environment, population survival and reproduction. In the present study, we used nextgeneration sequencing(NGS) to study the loci polymorphism of exon 3 of the MHC class Ⅰ genes in an ovoviviparous skink, the many-lined sun skink,Eutropis multifasciata and five other species of Scincidae, to quantify genetic variation. In addition,we genotyped the same MHC class Ⅰ genes of E.multifasciata using clone sequencing, to directly compare the effectiveness of both analytical techniques for MHC genotyping. NGS detected 20MHC class Ⅰ alleles in E. multifasciata, and 2 to 15 alleles in the other five Scincidae species. However,clone sequencing detected only 15 of those MHC class Ⅰ alleles in E. multifasciata. In addition, transspecies polymorphism of MHC class Ⅰ genes was studied by constructing a phylogenetic tree using the gene sequences obtained by NGS. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that MHC class I alleles were shared among different species of Scincidae with trans-species polymorphism, and did not exhibit specific genealogical inheritance. These results have important implications for understanding polymorphism interspecies diversity in the MHC genes of Scincidae, and the evolution of the MHC more broadly.

Understanding the roles of Ti on the structure and electrochemical performances of Li2Ru1-xTixO3 cathode materials for Li-ion batteries

The lattice doping has been widely used to improve the electrochemical performances of Li-rich cathode materials but the roles of the introduced foreign atoms are still not very clear.Herein,a series of Li2Ru1-xTixO3 solid solutions have been synthesized and the roles of Ti doping on the structural and electrochemical properties of Li2RuO3 have been comprehensively investigated.The Rietveld refinement exhibits that the interlayer spacing gradually shortens with increasing Ti content.This shrinkage is favorable to the layered structure stability but increases the lithium diffusion barrier.Galvanostatic measurements show that Li2Ru0.8Ti0.2O3 possesses the best cyclability with 196.9 and 196.1 m Ah g-1for charge and discharge capacity retaining after 90 cycles,respectively.Cyclic voltammetry scanning indicates that Ti dopant promotes the formation of more peroxo-or superoxo-like species but reduces the initial coulumbic efficiency.Results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy display that Ti doping reduces the charge transfer impedance,which facilitates the lithium-ion diffusion across the electrolyteelectrode interface and improves the electronic conductivity.Li2Ru0.8Ti0.2O3exhibits the best electrochemical performance owing to the balance among all the factors discussed above.This study also offers some new insights into optimizing the electrochemical performances of Li-rich cathode materials through the lattice doping.